The Solarian Celebration: Book 3 of the Alliance Conflict

by Jeff Sims

  The huge space station, named Anvabliaklis - or Anvil in Alliance basic - is the center of commerce in the system. Nearly all of the commercial shipping is located here; including the system’s mercantile, ship repair, and storage facilities. The local government is also situated here.

  The beings that live here have a reputation for being practical, sensible, and hard working. Nearly everyone works in either mining or shipping or in a function that supports shipping or mining. They are generally described as being relatively near dirt.

  At the moment though, no one was working. All eyes were tuned to a communication pad or monitor. The Alliance Senate had just announced its 1st ever press conference in the Conron system and no one wanted to miss it.

  There were precious few reporters and news crews stationed in the Conron system. However, every single one of them was assembled in preparation for the impromptu conference.

  Frank was peeved because he couldn’t think of a reason to speak in front of the cameras. Since Figur had been forced to deliver the news of the fleet’s capture, he was allowed to give the news of their escape. Oh well, Frank thought, it was entirely possible that this conference would make Figur a target for an assassination attempt.

  Figur waved for everyone’s attention and began the conference. He said, “Gentle beings of the Alliance, last week I reported that an Alliance naval fleet had been peacefully investigating the illegal presence of a Hiriculan space station when it was attacked and unjustly forced to surrender.”

  He continued, “I have an update. Our navy launched a daring rescue attempt. The attempt was hugely successful as we were able to rescue the captured crew members and repossess all of the undamaged naval ships. The Hiriculan navy was given yet another humiliating defeat.”

  Figur slowed his rate of speaking and lowered his voice. “The battle had a terrible cost. Roughly 150 Advranki and over 200 Hiriculans were killed. Let us pause for a moment in silent thought for the families of all beings that lost a loved one during those two battles.”

  Figur paused for a moment of silence. He continued the speech, his voice reaching a crescendo, “Beings, it is my hope that this battle showed Hiricula the terrible, terrible cost of warfare. I hope that communication and diplomacy will again be the norm and that this was the last battle we will ever fight.”

  Figur made another slight pause for effect and finished, “However, let me assure you that the Alliance will fight if required. We have soundly defeated them and will continue to do so in the future.”

  The crowd cheered and applauded for several long minutes. Frank was impressed. It was a great speech and Figur had marvelously delivered it. Frank had helped Figur write the speech shortly after the meeting with Admiral Solear. He had insisted that Figur include the phrases ‘humiliating defeat’ and ‘soundly defeated’.

  Frank was certain that the words would provoke a Hiriculan reaction. This finally gave Frank the motive that he so desperately needed.

  They decided not to mention the 157 Netos that died in the battle. The speech just sounded better without their inclusion. They also neglected to mention the 6 humans that had died. However, in this case the reason for their exclusion were purposeful.

  The cheering died down and Figur asked for questions. This time he actually selected a reporter and waved for everyone else to be silent.

  Reporter: “Can you give us the details of the battle or show us the simulation?”

  Figur; “Not yet. It is still classified. Please recall that the families of the deceased have not yet been notified. When the notification is completed and the navy has performed a thorough review of the battle, more details will be released.”

  Frank noted that Figur said ‘more details will be released’ versus ‘the actual footage will be released’. Frank had personally coached Figur on that response. He doubted that they would ever release the simulation from that battle.

  A different reporter yelled, “How many Hiriculan ships were destroyed in the battle?”

  Figur responded, “There were only two Hiriculan ships in the system when the rescue occurred. Both were destroyed. The remainder of the Hiriculan fleet wasn’t in the system at the time of the rescue.”

  Figur continued, “It was an amazing twist of luck actually that…”

  Frank realized that Figur’s joy for talking was about to overcome the strict script the Senate had authorized for the conference. Frank interrupted by gently leading Figur away from the podium. However, he now realized that he was standing in front of the microphone.

  Frank said, “Again, that is all of the information that we can share about the battle at this time. However, please join me in welcoming our troops back. It is certainly heartwarming to see them return.”

  Frank paused for a moment and waited for the claps and cheers to die down. He continued, “However, there is another subject that we would like to discuss. Senator Korno…”

  Frank stepped away from the podium and was replaced by the Senator Korno.

  Korno said, “Beings, I have an update on another subject. As most of you recall, last year the senate voted to have a small team visit Earth and reevaluate the Humans. It was the 60th anniversary of the last visit and 10 years past our typical evaluation period.”

  Korno: “As I am sure most of you already know, the team’s summary was similar to the last 5 audits. The Humans as a species are simply too violent for civilized society. However, the team noted that some progress has been made during the intervening 6 decades.”

  He waited for the laughs to stop and continued, “Believe it not, individual humans are now somewhat able to control their violent natures enough to interact with us. Again, progress has been extremely slow, but there has been progress.”

  Korno waited for the oohs and aahs to die down. The news had the desired effect. The crowd no longer cared about the battle. They wanted to hear more about humans.

  Korno continued, “The team decided to invite a few of the least violent humans to return with them. They have been kept in a securely guarded, tightly controlled area. Several of our top naval officers have been patiently trying to assimilate them into gentile life.”

  One reporter shouted, “What are the results?”

  It was impolite for a reporter to interrupt during a speech, but Korno forgave him. The reporters in this system were relatively inexperienced and the news was tremendous. Korno replied, “Well, it appears that we have started the question and answer session. The results are mixed at best.”

  Korno looked at the reporters. They were literally bouncing up and down on their feet. He realized that every single reporter wanted to shout another question, but none dared after that admonishment. Korno said, “Next question please.”

  One reporter shouted, “Can you expand on the mixed results comment?”

  Korno said, “Well, on the plus side they have been able to learn Alliance basic to some degree of success; though their accent is atrocious. Further good news, they haven’t killed any…” Korno almost said anyone. He saved himself just in time and continued, “Alliance citizens.”

  Another reporter shouted, “If that is the plus, what is the minus?”

  Korno replied, “They have demonstrated little technical or social skill.”

  Yet another asked, “Do you have both males and females? If so, are there any differences?”

  Korno said, “Yes and no.” He waved off any further questions and said, “Please, everyone be silent for a moment. I have a very special guest to introduce to you.” Korno waved to the curtain behind him.

  Becky Matthews looked over at Admiral Solear and whispered, “Do I have to go out there?”

  Solear replied, “Just remember your diversity training. When someone smiles at you, you do not… what was it that you said you were going to do to the instructor?”

  Becky: “I said that if he doesn’t stop grinning at me I would slap that smile off his smug little face.” She swung her hand through the air in demonstration.


  “Yes, I recall now.” Solear stated. “Don’t do that. Just try to act as dignified as possible and answer a few questions. Again, if someone gives you a compliment, you…”

  Becky gave a huge sigh and responded, “Give one in return.”

  Solear” “Not…”

  Becky: “Threaten to slap him.”

  Solear reflected upon the first session of the humans’ diversity training. It had not gone well. Apparently humans have an inability to smile and give one another compliments without becoming suspicious of their motives. Hopefully, the next session will be better. Well, once they find a replacement instructor.

  Becky walked to the center of the stage and stood at the podium next to Senator Korno. Solear stood on her other side. She still wasn’t sure why she had to address the media. Well, she was clear why they had to introduce humans to the media; she just wasn’t clear why it had to be her.

  That wasn’t entirely true either. This was her punishment for failing to take diversity training as seriously as she should have.

  The room had been loud and boisterous. However, the moment she reached the podium it became completely silent. One could hear a communication pad drawing device drop.

  Becky stood 13 cm (5”) taller than Senator Korno. She leaned down to speak into the microphone and said, “Hello.”

  The entire area broke into a cacophony of sound and motion. Some beings were moving forward, others were retreating. Everyone was pointing at her. Becky felt like she was a zoo animal and she supposed in many ways she was.

  One bold reporter asked, “Is it true that Humans kill and eat all of the other races?”

  Becky replied, “Not all of them.” She smiled as brightly as she could. It was terribly insincere, but she doubted anyone would notice.

  The initial sound and motion stopped the second she gave that answer. Now the gallery was eerily silent again. The reporter really didn’t know what answer to expect, but he certainly wasn’t expecting that one.

  Another asked, “Could you clarify your last remark? Perhaps it didn’t translate properly.”

  Becky responded, “We do not eat other races now. The Alliance scientists made it clear that it is bad for our digestion.” They were going to pay for parading her around like an animal.

  After another pause for the audience to calm down, another reporter asked, “Are you surprised that you look so similar to the Solarians?”

  Becky replied, “Everyone looks like an alien to me.”

  The first, bold reporter waited for the chuckles to die down a little and asked, “How do you feel about being stranded here?”

  Becky yelled, “What?”

  A hush ripped through the gallery. The reporter said, “There was a mining accident and the hyperspace lane from Conron to Earth was corrupted. The Navy is searching for a new path, but in all likelihood you will not be able to return to Earth in your lifetime.”

  Becky just stood there in stunned silence for a moment, processing the information and trying not to tear up. Eventually, she recovered and said, “It appears that my colleagues neglected to mention that to me.”

  “Well, how does it make you feel?”

  Becky: “I feel like I want to find the person responsible, put my hands around their neck, and strangle them.” Becky couldn’t help herself. She put her hands out in front of her and simulated strangling someone.”

  A female Advranki standing near the back of the room gasped and fell down. A medical team rushed to her and carted her out of the room.

  Becky turned to Admiral Solear and whispered, “Who was that?”

  Solear was surprised that he actually knew her. He replied, “That being is Banolie, the president of the mining company that accidently blew up the moon. Therefore, she is the singular person that is ultimately responsible for corrupting the hyperspace lane.”

  Senator Korno gently eased himself back in front of the microphone and said, “Beings, please be considerate. The Humans are still adjusting to life here.”

  The crowd was rumbling. Korno knew that they needed an answer so he said, “If a new route to Earth hasn’t been found when their evaluation period ends, the Humans will be relocated to Solaria.”

  Another reporter asked, “Are they similar enough to cross-breed?”

  Korno didn’t like where the conference was headed. He responded, “No. They are not. Are there any other questions that don’t deal with anatomy?”

  Reporter: “Senator Korno, where are they going to stay?”

  Korno responded, “For now, they will be …housed on the Sunflower. The Sunflower was badly damaged during the rescue mission and will soon be retired from the active ship roster.”

  Korno had almost said the word stationed instead of housed. He hoped that no one noticed the slight pause in his answer.

  Reporter: “Becky, how did you feel when you learned that there was intelligent life in the galaxy?”

  Becky thought back. She was excited about starting the new job and didn’t sleep well the night before. She wound up skipping breakfast that morning. Then, they got on the Sunflower and chaos erupted minutes after.

  Becky replied, “I was hungry.”

  This response sent the gallery into a tizzy.

  Becky quickly realized her mistake and said, “I didn’t mean that. I was thrilled when we found out that other races exist. The past few months have been very exciting.”

  Becky answered a couple more questions and Korno ended the press conference.

  ………………….

  Crista sat down next to Victor in the control room and turned on the overhead monitor. She said, “The Humans are waking up. Do you think we should go to the main hold and say something to them?”

  “Like what?” Victor replied. He continued, “I know that we are never going back to Earth, but I still don’t want to reveal our covers.”

  “Good point,” she replied. “I guess you don’t know what you don’t know.”

  Victor looked over at her and said, “Hmm… What is it that I don’t know?”

  Crista replied, “I don’t know.”

  She studied the monitor for a few minutes. Most of the humans were now up and walking around the hold. One found the bathroom and shouted to another. Still a third was feeling along the walls. A fourth entered the completely empty sleeping area.

  Crista composed her thoughts for a moment and activated the monitor in the main hold. She verified that a few of the humans had gathered near it and said, “Computer, modify my voice slightly and replay the following message on the monitor. Voice only.”

  …Ready. Waiting for message…

  Crista said, “Hello, and welcome. You are on a space ship and we are currently traveling through hyperspace. Our destination is Conron. I am sure that you many of have heard of it from the Victory Games’ simulations. Further, I know that you have many questions.”

  She paused for a breath and continued, “However, the main answers are: all of the alien races are real, the Alliance is real, the conflict with the Hiriculans is real, you are really on a space ship, and yes, you have been recruited to join the Alliance.”

  Another breath. “You will be traveling on this ship for 11 days. Upon our arrival in Conron, you will be united with other Humans that have also joined the Alliance.” She was extremely proud of herself that she managed to say the word joined without stumbling.

  She continued, “Engineers, you will find that the simulation has now been unlocked. You can now see detailed plans of hyper drives and power generators. I suggest that each of you use the next few days productively.”

  Another breath. “Further, escape from the hold you are standing in is futile, so please do not try. Everything you need to survive is in the back of the truck. Please unload it and organize yourselves. This will be our last communication until we arrive in Conron.”

  She paused for just a moment and added, “Oh, by the way, there weren’t enough of the same-size beds at the store for everyone. I apologize in adv
ance for any inconvenience this may cause.”

  Crista said, “Computer, end recording and send message.”

  …Message sent…

  She turned to Victor and said, “I thought that went well.”

  Victor looked up at the monitor that was showing the live feed from the main hold. Some of the humans were still feeling along the edges of the walls, but most were starting to unload the truck. Victor replied, “You know, it really did.”

  “I know,” Crista said. “I can’t believe our good fortune.”

  Victor replied, “Yes, things are finally going our way.”

  ………………….

  Amy Weisman grabbed two aspirin and a glass of water. She thought better of it and grabbed a third. She downed each aspirin with a sip and water. She reached for a 4th aspirin, but decided against it. For now anyway.

  She turned to her lead engineer and said, “So, to summarize, 16 people just disappeared from their desks and we have no clue why or where they are?”

  He said, “They are gone. No trace. Their cars are still parked in the parking lot. Their computers are still on. One even has a half cup of coffee sitting on his desk.”

  Amy said, “What do we know?”

  He replied, “I checked with their coworkers. Each seemed excited about something. Also, several of them mentioned that they were scheduled in an important, drop-in meeting at 8:30 am. However, there is no record of it. Three of them did have a meeting scheduled at that time, but they were standing meetings. Further, the 3 in question skipped those particular meetings.

  Amy: “What else do we know?”

  He replied, “As far as I can tell, none of them were particularly close friends with anyone else in the group.”

  Amy said, “There has to be some common thread. Investigate further; tell me everything; even if it seems irrelevant.”

  He replied, “Well, I don’t know if it is relevant, but one of the missing 16 is John Appleby.”

  Amy interrupted him and said, “I don’t know him, but that name sounds familiar. Why?”