Solbidyum Wars Saga 9: At What Price

by Dale Musser

  Marranalis ignored my last comment, because he knew too well that nothing he could say would appease the guilt I felt for the multitude of deaths that had occurred because of the solbidyum, because of the war, and because of me. “I keep forgetting; the life expectancies for humans were less than a hundred years on your world,” he said.

  “It won’t be any different for me here. A’Lappe tells me that at the rate I’m aging now, even with the treatments for the synthetic nerve rejection, I probably only have another twenty years left.”

  “Isn’t there anything that can be done about that? Can’t A’Lappe just clone you a new body and transplant your brain into it? I mean, he seems to be able to do just about everything else,” said Marranalis with a thinly disguised angst in his voice.

  “I asked him once, half-jokingly, I guess. Anyway, he doesn’t think so. He says it’s never been done successfully. The connections between the brain and the rest of the central nervous system are just too complicated and matching them all up would be an insurmountable task. At the very best, I would still come out of the procedure crippled and severely impaired. I wouldn’t want to go on living that way just for the sake of prolonging my years. I just need to make the best use of my time until then.”

  “You know, sir, people are starting to notice that you're aging more rapidly than others in the Federation.”

  “Really? What are they saying?”

  “Well, the most obvious thing they notice is the change in your hair. Your hair used to be red and now it’s completely white, much sooner than such a change would occur with any other humanoid in the Federation and, as it seems, any other Earth human that was rescued from the Mars and Lunar outcamps. A lot of people are attributing it to the sustained stress you’re under as leader of the military. But sir, they’re noticing other things as well.”

  “Like?”

  “Well, sir, you’re starting to get wrinkles and bags around your eyes for one.”

  “Is that all?” I asked.

  “Well, I notice mental differences when your treatments from A’Lappe start to wear off, of course, but I don’t think anyone else does. At least, I’ve never heard anyone comment on it.”

  “That’s good. The last thing I need is for word to get back to the Senate that anyone suspects I suffer from some sort of infirmity.”

  “At this point I don’t think it would matter. They’re entirely dependent on you now and you would need to be brain dead before they would let you go.”

  I almost started laughing, but we were interrupted by the beeping of my comlink. I sighed and answered, “Tibby here.”

  “Sir,” the voice of Corporeal Neider addressed me. “There’s a message for you from First Citizen Kalana asking that I remind you of your dinner engagement with her late this afternoon at TEZU LAGONG. She wishes for you to return to your estate so that the two of you may travel to the club together.”

  I smiled and replied, “Thank you Corporeal, please inform Kalana that I will be there shortly.”

  I turned to Marranalis and said, “Well, Admiral, I will leave you to take care of the matters we discussed. Let us hope that this Krossden individual has some information we can use to bring an end to this war.”

  It had been over twenty years since Kala and I had dined at TEZU LAGONG. On that occasion an ambush had been laid out for us and we had escaped. I hoped that this time events would play out differently. We had received word that Celpar, the maître d’ of TEZU LAGONG, was about to retire and that it was his greatest wish that Kala and I would visit the club so that he might introduce us to his successor and say goodbye. The TEZU LAGONG Dinner Club was considered to be one of the finest, if not the best, restaurant night clubs in the Federation. It was next to impossible to get reservations there and only the most famous and influential people were granted admission. For his final day at TEZU LAGONG Celpar invited his favorite patrons to dine there one last time under his stewardship for a farewell celebration at the expense of the club.

  I was concerned about our attendance at the event. Just as it was the first time, TEZU LAGONG was the ideal place for a Brotherhood attack. Hence, I ordered our military branches to set up extra security in the vicinity. The FSO and FOI also increased their security and surveillance operations in the area; but as far as we could determine, the Brotherhood was showing no interest in the event. Perhaps the Brotherhood didn’t see it as a viable target, as the large number of high-profile attendees warranted an impressive escalation in security measures, including a dedicated Cantolla Gate for passage between the Central Gate Station and a gate just outside the elaborately designed TEZU LAGONG entrance. Heavy security surrounded the gate, but there was sufficient room for a crowd of gawkers to gather as the celebrities and public figures arrived and made their way into the exclusive club. It reminded me of the award ceremony red carpet events back on Earth, where throngs of onlookers and reporters would squeeze themselves shoulder to shoulder and as close as possible to the front where they could get the best view their favorite stars.

  An event like this could not be passed up by the media and, just like on Earth, they were provided with special passes that allowed them to interview guests as they arrived. Many of the lesser dignitaries would be ignored, while the more popular figures would prompt some of the more determined reporters to nearly climb over each other in their efforts to gain the first interview.

  Kala and I had to transfer from our estate to the Central Gate Hub where the dedicated gate led to the club. The size of our staff and the number of people coming and going at all hours warranted a private gate to the station, which had been installed at the estate house soon after the development of the Cantolla Gate technology. Even now, very few individuals had such personal gates or could afford the maintenance of one. Kala and I were lucky in that regard. We were immediately met by the CGH personnel who escorted us to the dedicated portal to TEZU LAGONG. I was dressed in full formal military attire while Kala wore a stunning white designer dress of a dignitary style that was encrusted with jewels collected from locations throughout the galaxy. I had no idea what the cost of the dress was, but I’m sure it could have funded the operation of an entire planet for at least a year.

  No sooner had we stepped through the gate and arrived at the forecourt of TEZU LAGONG than a mixture of cheering and booing began to buzz around us. Some individuals waved signs that read Our Hero, while others signs displayed Mass Murderer, Worse than Ming. The public’s opinion of me had been like this since the battle at Glomar Rosa. While most of the Federation understood that I had taken the only action possible to save the Federation, many believed I had not and nothing was going to change their minds. Kala and I both smiled and waved as our security team tried to usher us into the more protected area just inside the main door.

  “Rear Admiral Tibby, there have been relatively few attacks by the Brotherhood the past two years. With the current increases in the size of the Federation’s military forces, do you foresee that you will be able to defeat the Brotherhood entirely anytime soon?” asked one reporter as she attempted to stretch her head above the shoulders of the guards and force her way past the last of the reporters standing between her and me.

  “The Brotherhood was hurt nearly as badly as we were at Glomar Rosa. However, like us, I’m sure they’ve been rebuilding their military. In the past few months we’ve received reports of more frequent sightings of Brotherhood ships and there have been recent attacks on some of our outer worlds. Indications are that they may be planning a new offensive. I would like to tell you victory is close by, but the truth is more likely that we are about to see more escalation of conflicts in the future,” I said as I tried to move with the guards past the reporter.

  “What about your new ship, the GLOMAR ROSA? We hear that an entire world could potentially be destroyed solely by the weaponry of this ship, and that it’s indestructible. Won’t that give us the advantage over the Brotherhood?”

  “Only where we can use it; but it’s
just one ship and it can’t be everywhere for every battle,” I replied as troopers began to flank the doorway and make a clear path for Kala and me.

  “One last question, Admiral. Is the Federation planning to build more ships like the GLOMAR ROSA?”

  “I’m sorry; that information is classified,” I replied as troopers finally put an end to the interview and cleared the way for and Kala and I to slip through the entrance and into the foyer.

  “Ah, First Citizens Rear Admiral Tibby and Kalana. It is so wonderful to see you again!” Celpar’s voice rang out from the beautiful reception desk, which tonight was covered with flowers. “I am greatly honored that you have joined me for this, my final evening, serving here at the TEZU LAGONG. I have a special treat for you tonight. Please, allow me to escort you to your table.

  Seeing Celpar reminded me of just how long it had been since Kala and I had dined here the first time. Celpar had changed. On our first visit he had a full head of hair and now he was completely bald. I suspected that some hair still grew along the sides of his head, but he probably shaved it off for aesthetic purposes. Celpar was trim and fit, no doubt the result of the Federation’s superior healthcare system. It was very seldom that I encountered anyone with obesity or other physical maladies within the Federation territories, as such conditions were easily controlled.

  Of course, as First Citizens, Kala and I were seated at the most prominent and exquisite table in the restaurant. As we took our seats and gazed around the dining room, it was clear that the place was already close to eighty percent occupied. The room had grown silent as we entered and took our seats. Once situated at our table, our servers began to bring refreshments and the buzz of conversation slowly rose to its former level, but I could see around the room that most of the eyes remained on us.

  “I feel like fish in a small bowl with all these people staring at us,” I said in a voice so quiet that only Kala could hear me. “Did we draw this much attention the first time we were here?”

  “About the same, I think,” Kala answered, but at least this time I don’t see anyone staring at us with a venomous look.”

  I glanced casually around the room again and realized that Kala was right. Tonight the onlookers seemed more curious than anything. “I just hope that our departure isn’t as dramatic as it was after our first visit. We’re running a big risk here tonight. This event was highly publicized and it would be a great opportunity for Ming to strike at me.”

  “Do you really think he would try it? Your security is heavy tonight and neither the FSO nor the FOI has seen any indication that Ming has planned an attack tonight.

  “Maybe so, but I’ll feel much better once this event is over and we’re safely back at the estate or aboard the NEW ORLEANS. By the way, who’ll be checking our food tonight – you or one of our troopers?”

  “I will, said Kala as she discreetly drew a small handheld device from her purse. It’s the latest model. I had A’Lappe test it earlier today. We can dine well and enjoy ourselves, assuming our food is safe.”

  “That’s a relief. As I recall, the food here is fantastic. I would hate to have to avoid any of it for fear of being poisoned.”

  Somewhere a musician began to play soft music when Celpar returned with the sommelier who carried a bottle of wine.

  “First Citizens, I hope you do not mind that I have selected a wine for you. This is the last bottle of Layonian Wine in existence. I remember how much you enjoyed it during your first visit and I have been saving this bottle in hopes that you would return one day. Of course, if you should prefer some other vintage, I am certain that we can accommodate you.”

  “Thank you, Celpar, we are deeply honored that you have saved this bottle for us all these years. We will be pleased to share it one last time, especially on this honored occasion. Will you drink a glass with Kala and I in honor of your retirement?”

  A shocked looked passed over Celpar’s face and I feared I had broken some protocol and offended him. I glanced at Kala for some reassurance. She only smiled, while Celpar regained his composure.

  “First Citizen,” he began with an unsteady voice. “In all my years serving here at TEZU LAGONG, no one I have attended has ever asked me to share a glass of wine with them.”

  “Well, you were never retiring before,” I said with a smile. “I think this occasion demands it.”

  Celpar paused for only a moment and then replied with a slight bow, “Since you put it that way, I would be deeply honored to share a glass of wine with you.”

  I expected Celpar to take a seat with us. Instead, he remained standing by the table for all to see, while one of the waiters brought him a crystal glass.

  “Would you do the honors?” I asked, indicating for him to taste the wine.

  He gave me a glance and then proudly lifted the glass of wine to his nose and closed his eyes briefly as he inhaled the bouquet. A slight smile form around the edges of his lips before he gradually took a sip and swirled the liquid in his mouth. His expression almost began to radiate with ecstasy as he inhaled gently, still holding the wine in his mouth. Then he swallowed and let out a sigh… “Exquisite. I will treasure this moment the rest of my life,” he said as he nodded in approval to the sommelier, who then poured the wine for Kala and me. While Celpar’s glass was being poured, Kala made an inconspicuous pass over the glasses with the poison testing device. When she lifted her glass, I took her cue to mean the wine was safe, so I too lifted my glass in a toast to Celpar’s health and happy retirement.

  “Do you know, First Citizens, that I have only once before in my life tasted this wine, and then it was only a small sip? This will be the first time I have ever actually savored a glass of it.” He lifted his glass to the light so he could appreciate the deep amber color.

  By the time we finished our first glass, we had enjoyed a brief but pleasant conversation about family, a new art exhibit not far from the dinner club, which he likely knew we would not be able to visit, and the splendid dress that Kala selected for his retirement celebration. Celpar then formally introduced his successor, who left immediately after so that Celpar could continue his conversation with Kala and me. I was silently grateful for Celpar’s gracious avoidance of topics related to the war and political discord; but a lifetime dedicated to serving others with sophistication and respect made his genuine kindness a virtual reflex. I wished that others would take a lesson from his good manners.

  “I’m sorry to hear that this is your first and only glass of this vintage, Celpar, considering it’s the last bottle and after today no one will ever taste it again.”

  “True, First Citizen, but then only a select few have ever have had the opportunity at all, and now I can say that I am one of them. I thank you for holding me in such esteem on this evening. It is the greatest gift I could have imagined,” he said as he spent an especially long moment savoring the last sip in his glass. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must be attending to my other guests. Thank you again for this beautiful moment,” he said almost reverently as he bowed and backed away from the table.

  “The crowd seems to be friendlier than the last time we were here,” I said to Kala as I beckoned to the sommelier.

  “I noticed that,” replied Kala. “However, don’t forget there are those outside who are not so enamored with you.”

  I sighed. “Yes. I’m afraid it will be this way from now on. There are people who lost loved ones at Glomar Rosa who will invariably hold me responsible for it.”

  “Tib, you did what had to be done. The greater portion of the citizens know that.”

  “Yes, but it doesn’t make it any easier for those who don’t understand it,” I said. “Oh, I have something I need to ask you. Do you know anything about the Tombosemites?”

  “Tombosemites? No, not really. I know they’re strange creatures with an obsession about medicine and surgery and that’s about all. Why do you ask?”

  “I need to travel to their planet to meet with a patient they’re treating.
Apparently, this patient was severely injured by Ming and left for dead, but he survived and made it to Tombosem, where he’ll be recovering for quite some time. He wishes to talk to me and won’t speak with anyone else. I was hoping you might be able to tell me something about the planet and its customs before I go.”

  “I’m sorry, Tib. I can’t help you, but I’m sure the Federation will be able to provide you with an attaché who can.”

  Kala glanced about the room, “You know, Tib, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen this many celebrities in one place. Over there is Nyjock, one of the most renowned actors in the Federation, and with him is Aldeen, an incredibly popular singer. Oh look, Tib, there is Rebadat Tonclin and Chanina is with him! She must be thrilled by the experience. I’ll bet Celpar will have one of the finest Nibarian dishes prepared for them.”

  “You know, Kala, it isn’t fair,” I said. “We’re here because we’re famous and people place us up on pedestals as heroes; but the real heroes aren’t here being honored; people like Jenira, A’Lappe, and Cantolla; people like Padaran and the Ruwallie Rasson fighters. They’re the real heroes, but no one celebrates their accomplishments and victories.”

  “You’re right, Tibby, and I think we should do something about it.”

  “What do you have in mind?” I asked.

  “Well, first of all, we could have a huge banquet in their honor. You told me once that some sorts of awards were presented to heroes on your home world of old Earth that were worn on their uniforms. Well, maybe you could do the same for those who serve you here. Give them special recognition for their bravery and outstanding service to the Federation. You’re the leader of the military now. I certainly think you could implement such a thing without involving the Senate.”

  “An interesting thought. I’ll need to give it some consideration, but I think it’s a good idea,” I replied as I took another sip of my wine. “It’s a shame this is the last of this vintage. It’s truly the best wine I’ve ever tasted.”