by Kip Hartzell
“Councilors, Councilors,” the Chief Councilor bellowed, “The Special Inquiry is in session. Agent Athain, please come forward.”
Jonah was already startled, but the in-formalness made him even more nervous. Jonah moved to a podium in the middle of the room and waited to be addressed.
“Agent Athain, thank you for your patience, and thank you for saving us all.”
“I was not alone in that endeavor, Chief Councilor.”
“Your retrieval of data and testimony was very thorough. We are still processing it all, but the Council considers your opinion important in this matter. Our response to this attack has to have an answer. We want to know what you think, do we retaliate by force, or do we open diplomatic channels, which do we use in order to keep this from happening again?”
Jonah felt all eyes on him. “Sir, I have spent a lot of time among the NEOs, they are arrogant, reckless, and dangerous. That is how a rogue faction was able to exploit their science, but they are us, and we are them. We have been fighting for well over two hundred years, to no avail. I think diplomatic relations should be restored.”
“I disagree,” Captain Augustus said, as he stood up.
“Your opinion, Captain, has been noted. You are out of order.”
“I must remind the Council how serious this attack on our home world was. A few more seconds, or a slight miscalculation, and we would all be dead. Our society destroyed. This threat cannot be allowed to continue. Even now, reports are coming in from outlying colonies, several have been infected. Quarantine, and extermination procedures are in effect. Several NEO colonies are being eliminated as we speak.” Augustus received a lot of approval nods and murmurs of acceptance. Jonah could tell the Council was concerned about the Captain’s rise to power during this crisis. The military had not had a say in Council business in hundreds of years. He felt the political atmosphere changing.
“Captain Augustus, we realize the threat, and are seriously considering your proposal for a military buildup. That course of action will take decades to come to fruition.”
“If given the approval, I will put an end to this rebellion. A task force of five thousand is on its way to Talis to arrest the perpetrators, and if necessary, destroy the facility.”
“At what cost?” Jonah butted in, “How many more lives? I’ve been around the average citizenry, they are good people, who just believe differently. You cannot hold back technology, it has to be tempered with wisdom and patience. I lost good friends, NEO friends, who gave their lives to save OEG people. I can’t accept that the only way to repay them is to annihilate their friends and family.”
“Chief Councilor.”
“That is enough, Captain, you are out of line, sit down.” Augustus did so reluctantly. “It is because of your NEO friend’s sacrifice that I have decided to pursue both options. Agent Athain, you have proved yourself capable, as in all good deeds, rewards could be considered punishment. I’m promoting you to Ambassador to the New Enlightenment Group, effective immediately. All power and authority will be updated, now. Your first task is to take the surviving NEOs home, and establish relations. Work in conjunction with the task force. Perhaps we can stop some bloodshed. Any questions?”
Jonah was too stunned to speak, and was led to a Council seat near the military delegation.
“Now, Captain Augustus, I am giving approval for the military buildup. This is considered classified information. If Ambassador Athain is successful, then we will suspend the buildup, but if he is unsuccessful, we will end this conflict by force.”
Augustus looked pleased with himself, as he looked over at Jonah.
“Now, is there any more business?”
“Yes, Chief Councilor,” a very thin Terrahnian diplomat said.
“Proceed, before I jump from this orbital station.”
“Oh, uh, yes, well, for further research, we had several scientific satellites orbiting Solest. When Icarus exploded, there was some anomalies irradiating from our sun.”
“I thought we knew all we needed to know about Solest?”
“A brief pulse from the explosion, although, minute, caused a spike in activity. One could suspect our sun is weakening. We request support be awarded a bureau to investigate.”
“I will consider your proposal. This session is adjourned.”
Jonah stood on the observation deck in his new Ambassadorial uniform, a high collar, light gray tunic, with gold embroidered trim, slacks and shoes to match. He stared at Terrah through the ultra-clear ten foot by ten-foot window. He put the back of his knuckle against the window, just to reassure himself it was really there.
The blue green planet turned slowly to reveal the occasional puffy white clouds hanging suspended between heaven and earth. It had been almost a week since the Icarus incident. He had spoken to his family by vid-comm every day, but that was not the same as being there. The inquiries still lingered, and as accommodating as Atlantis was, he still wanted to go home.
“Do you miss your family?” a child’s voice came from behind him.
He turned to see the Vice Chief Councilor, and Rizz-Anna standing there stoically. He smiled at the sight of the two, who were perfectly dressed with both their hands behind their backs, and standing straight. “Yes, yes, I do, very much. I’ve been away a long time. I hope my son, John, remembers me, other than someone on the vid-comm.”
The Vice Councilor stepped forward, his light gray outfit had tiny awards hanging from the left breast pocket. They lightly jingled when he moved, held out his hands and steepled them together. “I wanted to personally thank you for saving my daughter. We are forever in your debt.”
Jonah returned the gesture. “It was the effort of a lot of people, but I will say, you’re welcome, for all of them.” Jonah released his hands, and knelt down. He shook the little girl’s hand, and said, “In the end, it was she, and her name, that saved us all. Thank you for being honest with me. You are very brave, and mature for your age.”
The little blonde haired girl smiled modestly, and shook his hand.
“Come, Rizz, your mother awaits, and you have already missed some school.”
Jonah let go and stood up as she negotiated. “Aw, the trauma I’ve experienced should garner me a few days off, right, Father?” She looked sad.
“We will discuss this on our way, now come.”
Jonah smiled as they made their way to the door. “She will make a great Chief Councilor, some day.”
“She may already be Chief Councilor, goodbye Honored Jonah-Athain, and good luck.”
“Goodbye, Jonah,” Rizz-Anna said, to her father’s surprise at the familiarity.
Jonah smiled and nodded, and then turned back toward the window, feeling better about the sacrifices.
Ambassador Athain walked through the detention center. There were some two hundred survivors considered NEO sympathizers. The neutral, and OEG sympathizers had been released days ago, all eyes followed him as he searched. His searching didn’t take long.
“Agent Athain,” Ari-A said, storming up to him, “are we prisoners of war, or are we considered spies? Why are we being detained like this? We want representation, and access to communication to our home worlds.”
“Understood,” was all he said. This infuriated her even more. “I see why Asa loved you so much.” She calmed down immediately, as the crowd of angry women and children moved in closer. “I have been promoted to Ambassador to the New Enlightenment Order, and because of your former husband’s sacrifice, the Chief Councilor has granted all of your visitation status for as long as you are here.”
“What good is that going to do us if we have no transportation, or credits.”
Jonah reached into his tunic pocket, and pulled out a data chip. “A ship will be leaving for NEO space, from bay thirty-four, tomorrow at the seventeenth hour. It will take all of you home. In the meantime, you are free to go.” He looked back at the door, which was standing open with no guards.
There was stunning silence. �
�Oh, Ari-A, here is my budget allotment. It is good at all the merchant stores here on Atlantis. There should be enough to feed, and re-clothe everyone here, maybe even enough for souvenirs. You are in charge of it. Have fun.” He handed it to her, and walked away.
She stood there with her mouth open, while being rushed by a lot of happy people.
Jonah stood on the hangar deck as the survivors were loaded into a large shuttle to be taken to their home worlds.
Ari-A, with Aether in tow, approached Jonah. “Jonah, Aether and I don’t have an identity pass to board the NEO shuttle.”
“Of course, you don’t, follow me.” They walked for a long way as Ari-A talked.
“We appreciate what you’ve done for us.”
“It’s really not much in comparison.”
“I have spoken to most of the survivors, and almost all are willing to testify on the OEG’s behalf at the upcoming summit.”
“I appreciate that, although it may not help with a battle group behind me.” Jonah stopped at a very large blast wall, near a row of control buttons.
“Jonah, we must get to the shuttle. It will leave without us.”
“You two are not leaving on that shuttle.” He pushed a button, and the massive blast wall sank into the floor. It slowly revealed Asa’s shuttle.
Aether, and his mother, just stood there, confused.
“It has been repaired and certified. Aether, I am certain your father would have wanted you to have it.” Aether’s eyes lit up. Jonah took a data card out of his pocket. “But, since, even by NEO standards, you’re not old enough to fly, your mother has control of it.” He handed her the registration card.
She took it. “I do not know what to say, but thank you.”
“There is also an account number on that card. Asa was saving for you two. The NEO Science Council finally gave up what they owed him, with only the minimum amount of persuasion.”
Aether didn’t smile. He turned and boarded the ship.
“I’m sorry. He is still angry about his father’s death.”
“It’s alright, maybe in time he will forgive me. Especially if I’m successful in bringing peace to our people.”
She reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “Good luck, and if I can help in any way, call.”
A pale tall dark haired woman in a NEO jumpsuit, stood in the hatchway of the shuttle.
“Good luck to you both. The NEO pilot I found, will take you two to wherever you want. Except, maybe you should avoid Talis for a little while. Goodbye Ari-A.”
“Goodbye, Jonah,” she said to his back as he moved away.
They had been traveling for a week, slow, but efforts by the survivors, made peace talks a reality as he managed to slow the fleet even more, so he could negotiate for the arrest of any associated people involved with the outbreak. He tried to explain to the Council about Chief Science Councilor Abatea, but they would not listen. They OEG wanted retribution at all costs.
Jonah-Athain was in the middle of negotiations, when the Commander of the task force became impatient, and ordered a surrender of all involved with the outbreak. Jonah was ordered off-planet, as the NEO’s deployed six large ships and hundreds of small drones. They moved toward the OEG fleet slowly, but deliberately. Their maneuvering took the shape of a large dish pointed at the fleet. The OEG fleet did not back down at such a pathetic show of force. The standoff lasted for hours, while Jonah spoke with the Fleet Commander.
“Commander Allereon,” Jonah said, to the man’s image on the large forward screen of his diplomatic ship, “what is the meaning of this?”
“I’ve been given orders to apprehend the perpetrators, and that is what I’m going to do. You had your time.”
“Commander, negotiations take time. I was making progress, and now your aggressive action has threatened all my work.”
“Someone has to be accountable for the loss of life, and near annihilation of our race. Let me show you how to negotiate.” He looked away from the screen. “Helm, ahead one-quarter.”
The Commander kept the channel open as an unseen subordinate began to explain, “Sir, I’m getting a power surge from the planet. It’s directed at the NEO fleet. It doesn’t make sense.”
Soon, a wave of heat-like ripples expelled from Talis, and raced to the grid of NEO ships. The waves began to engulf the dish formation of ships and drones. They brightened with a white glow that expanded by the minute.
Jonah was reading the scans as he heard the open channel of Commander Allereon. “NEO fleet, move aside, or I will consider your hostile and I will open fire. Do you understand.”
“OEG fleet,” came a voice through the open channel, “do not come any closer or your aggressive act will be met with force.”
This is spiraling out of control, Jonah thought, he tried to open a channel to the NEO Ambassador. Her face soon appeared on a screen. Her older features did not reveal her intentions, just sharp blue eyes, and her gray hair may have once been blonde. “Ambassador, help me stop this.”
“I’m sorry, Ambassador, but it is out of my hands. The Military Council has taken jurisdiction.” She leaned in closer to the screen. “If I were you, I would get them to back off. Good luck, Ambassador.” The connection was severed.
Jonah tried to communicate with Commander Allereon. The comm was still open, but he ignored Jonah’s requests. Finally, he answered. “Yes, Ambassador.”
“Commander, I have reason to believe this is a trap. I recommend you retreat until you can ascertain the function of the energy field.”
“Nice try, Ambassador, but my science team thinks the energy field is to low frequency to penetrate our shields. So-”
Jonah saw the extremely bright glow on his view screen of the OEG ship, as a burst of multi-spectrum light flashed toward the OEG fleet. The bright flash seemed to go right through the fleet as if just shining a light on them. Jonah was about to breathe a sigh of relief, when he looked at his open channel to the fleet command ship. He saw the Commander, and everyone in view, simply fall to the deck. He yelled into the comm for anyone to answer, but got nothing.
“Sensor officer, are they alright?”
She looked confused as she manipulated the controls. “Ambassador...I am not reading any life on any of the OEG ships.” Her voice was shaky, “They are all dead, Sir.”
Jonah was shocked into inaction, as he tried to digest the ramifications of this action. He finally stepped down to the lower level of the bridge and barked, “Helm, one-hundred-eighty degrees, as fast as you can. Get us back to OEG space.”
The ship spun around, as the engines blasted it away from Talis. Only a minute went by and no pursuit. Then the Comm Officer spoke up, “Sir, we are being hailed by the NEO Ambassador.”
Jonah took a few moments to compose himself, and then pressed a button at the station he was standing next to. The Ambassador’s face appeared distraught and shaken. Her voice cracked as she spoke, “Ambassador, this was not supposed to happen. The weapon was not designed to kill, it was only supposed to act as a type of Taser to the brain. It was only supposed to make them unconscious for an hour. We don’t know what went wrong. We are sorry.”
“So, this was why you would not negotiate in good faith. You wanted to test your new toy, well I can’t accept your apology. The families of those five thousand people will not accept your apology.”
“Ambassador, please try to convince them it was an accident. Will you please try?”
Jonah believed her, but there was nothing he could do, but await the retaliation. Maybe then he could try negotiations again, if he lived that long. “Alright, Ambassador, I’ll try, but I suggest you prepare for all-out war.”
“Thank you, Ambassador. Try, is all we ask.”
The 3-D movie winked out, being replaced the sterile atmosphere of the laboratory. Jay blinked a couple of times and sat up. John was there next to him. “Wow, that was intense. What happened after the NEO attack?”
John took a deep breath, and sat on the ta
ble next to Jay. “Some of it you’ve already been told, but my Grandfather did try to explain, and bring peace, but to no avail. The populous was too appalled and enraged over the slaughter. The war was moved up to top priority. This was a time when the Enlightenment Wars were at their zenith. Horrific battles ensued, but, as in times past, neither side made any headway as the disagreements and mistrust fueled the flames of hatred. War flashed back and forth for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the OEG fleet continued its massive buildup to end the rebellion. The NEO continued unabated with development and experimentation at an uncontrolled pace.
Ambassador Athain continued his quest for peace far into his life, taking my father with him every chance he could. My father, John-Athain grew up watching his father try, and fail, to bring Terrahnians together. He never stopped trying, but those are for later stories, and other adventures so documented in a real book.” John waved a hand and a large ghostly screen appeared in front of them both. The image blinked to a Spartan-like room, where a dark complexion of a bald man sat with a book. Drof-Avion, put the synthetic book down, and leaned back in his chair. Jay could see Drof wave his hand over his computer screen. “Yes, John, what’s happening?”
“Hello, Drof, we need to talk.” John focused on the book. “I see your reading that book again. You should have it memorized by now.”
“I do. I just like the feel of it. Something real and physical. Not that damn dream world the stasis matrix puts out.”
“It seems the book may contain something that might help us. Can you explain it to my Grandson?”
“Like when you were a child?”
John smiled at the memories. “Yes, you don’t seem to be surprised by what I just told you.”
“Why should I. I read the reports.” He looked at Jay. “Jay, this book was passed down from my Grandfather, Aether-Avion, to my father, Ali-Avion, and then to me. Jonah-Athain had written most of it from data transmissions, and his own memories. Jonah had given it to his son, John, who added to it, and during Aether’s first year as Chief Councilor, was given the book. Not many things had been in actual print at this time, because almost all information was in the digital archives, but Jonah wanted something physical, that would last through time.
