The lead frowned. "The AIs report to us and the portal ships are under our control. When the work here is done, those ships will be dismantled and the gates returned. That has been our agreement all along, nothing has changed."
I gestured toward the charred fields around us. "The AIs turned on you just hours ago. How can you so easily trust that they won't do the same again later at their convenience?"
The lead stepped forward, placing her angry face just millimeters from mine. "It's time you left, Mr. Beutcher. This Council is done with your intrusions. I suggest you leave now before I give you the beating of your life."
I exhaled a deep hot breath into her face before turning away. I could feel the hatred burning on my back as I walked. The Council would not be receiving my counsel so long as Getta was injured and unable to attend. I made my way to the transport that carried her, only to be forced to wait in a hallway as the medical teams worked on her injury. An hour later the transport was swept to Jorus where the injured would be cared for in a newly constructed hospital the AIs had been hard at work building.
I opened a comm to the colonel. "I'm on Jorus, Colonel. My wife is in recovery. She took a heavy laser hit to her abdomen. Looks as though nothing major was hit, though her recovery will take several months."
The colonel asked, "What about your children?"
I said, "I lost a, and two daughters have severe injuries."
The colonel sighed, "War is a hard thing, Mr. Beutcher. I'm sorry for your loss. I've never had children of my own, but I have lost hundreds of sons over the years. Each one tears a small piece of your heart out."
I nodded. "Thank you for your compassion, Colonel. It's something my people seem to lack. I myself am torn on whether to celebrate his life or mourn his death. I grew up being taught to do the first."
The colonel said, "That's what we do in the Marines, Mr. Beutcher. As a group we celebrate their lives, their accomplishments or even just who they were. Any mourning is done on the individual level and in private. We found it helped us deal with the constant loss of comrades during that endless Milgari war. I myself cried for two days straight, in private, when it was over.
"The latest report from your Talisans says the victory over the Grotus is nearly complete. I have to say, it's a savage thing to exterminate a race. I can see the reasoning behind it in this case, but I still find it a harsh resolution."
I took a deep breath. "We were given no other choice, Colonel. I mean, using the portal ships, we could have resettled them on a world in another galaxy. Just set them up there and let them be, never again in our lifetimes to be threatened by them. There was just one problem with that. Eventually, they would find their way back here, or our future generations would find our way there, only postponing the inevitable battle that took place today."
The colonel frowned, "There is also the alternative of changing one's mind. That may be a difficult thing, but it does only require the willpower to do so."
I nodded. "That solution also requires time, Colonel. Something neither species was interested in investing. It makes me fear for the long term viability of our culture as a supposed peace-loving people. There will be those coming to dominance who revel in our new power. They will have the desire to expand our assets and our influence. I fear this victory may only be the beginning of us returning to our militaristic roots."
The colonel laughed. "Seems to be a common trait among most successful sentient species. The Grunta certainly aren't the first to exhibit a penchant for war. And I'm certain they won't be the last."
Chapter 16
* * *
Over the next three months the AIs were quiet. Their ships had been removed from the AMP galaxies and their efforts seemed geared toward building up Jorus and the surrounding worlds of the Yallux. Including a military presence.
I had spoken with Getta on numerous occasions. Her injuries were healing nicely. The Council, as expected, had banned me from coming to Jorus. Getta asked me to give it time as she was working to soften the Council's opinions, a difficult task given the fact that the Grunta were now home... and thriving.
Any threat from the Grotus, whether real or the thing of legends, was now only another chapter of Grunta history, a history that now had record of a beginning on Jorus. The worlds of Mayanis and Modus would be the first of the expansion colonies under the new Jorun Empire. Announced pregnancies among our people were skyrocketing. A fledgling, but powerful, empire was beginning to take hold.
The colonel was busy; his efforts to establish a central government for all the galaxies of the AMP had been a difficult undertaking. All former colonies had agreed to rejoin except those in Andromeda. They insisted on a new alliance all their own with no ties to the rest other than through diplomacy. No galaxy was dependent on trade from another.
The portal gates between the other five galaxies and Andromeda were opened, but heavily guarded, with only diplomatic travelers allowed through. We suspected an AI influence was taking hold as the only portal gate into the Yallux, the gate at Jorus, had been connected to Bariuns IV, the new capital of the Andromeda Alliance.
We had restored our QE comms to each other. In addition, Quan's bots were busy with attempted repairs to the Ares. The portal gate was intact, but the generators that powered it were gone and difficult to replace.
Frig had continued his work at shrinking Quan's circuits. The active memories and archives now took up only a single deck. Our portal gate to Earth was still inoperable. Using the devices the AIs had been using to steal it, we were able to incorporate the gate into a ship with an active skin. The gate was now well hidden, awaiting a time when we would be able to make use of it.
A comm opened from the colonel. "Beutcher, as if we didn't have enough problems with cooperation, the governors in the Sawblade have been in secret discussions with the Andromeda Alliance. I'm concerned that we may have already lost them."
I said, "Would a show of force be persuasive? Can we send ships there?"
The colonel shook his head. "I think that option has already passed us by. We need to take our case to the people and we need to convince them that following the AMP from Alpha Prime is in their best interest. That's a hard sell at the moment, when all of the governors are being nationalistic about their own galaxies. Agreements with Andromeda would be made with a free galaxy, as opposed to having to have acceptance from Alpha. Nationalism can be a powerful motivator."
I said, "If the Sawblade goes, what's to keep the others from following?"
The colonel replied, "Not much. The collapse of the AMP and the corruption it exposed has many of the peoples skittish about trying to rebuild the AMP. I can't blame them for their concerns. I'm having enough difficulty with colonies right here in the Triangulum. Those who were heavily wronged by Mr. Salton and the New Alliance want reparations from the colonies that benefited from his rule. Having him as a figurehead may have been a mistake."
I sighed, "All we can do is move forward, Colonel. What's done is done. Maybe it's best to let the AMP be completely voluntary."
The colonel grimaced. "We give up what little control we have now and we may never get it back. I tell you, Mr. Beutcher, it's a lot easier fighting a war to get a colony to join than it is with trying to convince them verbally. There is so much still in disarray in this government that I'm afraid we don't have a very convincing argument to offer. What we need is a rallying point . . . and frankly, at this stage, we don't have one. The AIs are behaving themselves, and every governor is contemplating requesting their assistance to get their economies rolling again."
I thought for a moment. "We have AIs. They are controlled by Quan. Maybe we ramp up their numbers and loan them out to the colonies. We could have him build a billion bots over the coming months and then loan them out to a hundred colonies at a time at ten million bots per colony. I can't say it's a favorite idea of mine, but we need something to show we care and we are working to make things better for everyone."
The colonel fr
owned. "I can't say I care for that idea, either. At the moment, no one, including the AIs, know that we have Quan and the bots."
Garrett stepped in. "That may not be true, Colonel. The AIs had both Mr. Jefferson and me. Whatever we knew, they know. And if we show up with bots of our own, who's going to trust us? They'll be asking why we waited so long to offer them up. And besides, even with as much assistance as Quan has given us, I can't say I like the thought of him being in charge of a billion bots."
Joni added, "I'm with Garrett on this, we need a better solution."
Quan said, "Mr. Rourke, I am sorry that I have yet to gain your trust. However, I can assure you that my circuits are loyal to the AMP and to her continued existence."
Garrett threw his hands up. "Hey, I'm just saying that I'm not comfortable with giving AIs power and control. I welcome the help you have given, but I will always be a skeptic."
Quan replied, "Noted."
The colonel said, "Maybe it would be a good idea to start with a colony we are familiar with. What repairs could Dallex make use of? If we show our success there, other colonies will fall in line to be next. We would at least benefit from the appearance of something being done. We make a media presentation of it and then ship that out to all the colonies in the news feeds. That may take the legs out from under the efforts of the AIs."
Go added, "And we could put out a few hit pieces on the AIs and their strategy. Make people nervous, and they won't even consider that as an alternative. The governors will mostly go the way their people are leaning."
The colonel shook his head. "That won't work. If you demagogue the AIs and then bring in your own, you have already set a negative tone for opinions on AIs. It will only make our work more difficult."
Garrett said, "We'll need a media campaign that makes the Grunta AIs look bad. Harden has experience with sending out those types of messages. Maybe we tap him to run that campaign and place someone else as the figurehead. Maybe we put Knog in front of a camera?"
I replied, "I would not do well in that position. Besides, you can't bash the Grunta AIs and then put a Grunta on camera as your spokesman. It just wouldn't work."
The colonel said, "I do have an idea of who we could put there. Bartel Helgris. The colonies are unaware of either of us. He is well spoken and an overall likable person."
Frig replied, "And what about you, Colonel? Perhaps you would be best suited for this role. You have the experience of being in command, and those who have worked for you and with you have always been loyal, speaking only your praise."
The colonel pointed to his broad, muscular face. "You want to put this mug on the feeds? Are you looking to scare all the children?"
Frig replied, "Perhaps a little intimidation would do them good."
The colonel half smiled. "The wise face of a two thousand year old grandfather is a much better option. A face that can be trusted."
Joni said, "Looks like all three of you are eager to step up. Maybe a trio with a Human, a Grunta, and a Gambit is in order."
Quan said, "Perhaps a computer-generated spokesman would do well. I could create such a spokesman for each species, incorporating the best features of those species. If a species prefers a firm chin and yellow eyes, that will be who we present. I can craft a message if required that will be spoken in their native accent. Give me a few parameters and I can have this done within the hour."
I sighed.
Go asked, "What's wrong?"
I said, "This is precisely what the AIs did to lure in the Ares. A CGI image of me was used to deliver that message over the general comm."
The colonel raised his hand. "I say we pass this off to Quan. I like the idea of a spokesman for every species. Nothing like hearing it from your own people."
Joni nodded. "Even better, how about a male and female spokesman paired together to deliver the message we want?"
Quan said, "That is an excellent suggestion, Joni Rourke."
A message was crafted and given to Quan for conversion. Forty-two minutes later, the initial pair of CGI spokespersons was ready for a test. A handsome and visually aesthetic pair of Igari newscasters graced the holo-display on the bridge wall.
"Good evening citizens. We bring you good news about the return of the Alliance. Laws, taxes, fees and policies are being reverted to those of the AMP from two hundred twenty-seven years ago, considered the golden age of the AMP. Through the central command of the Council of Governance, management of inter-colony trade and diplomatic disputes will be settled in a peaceful and yet binding manner. Colony governors will once again have the authority to set policy at the local level. All such offices will be elected offices with terms limited to two, three-year standard terms. A brighter future is coming for us all! Be a part of the new AMP! Be a winning citizen!"
Garrett remarked, "Kind of cheesy, but it should sell well. I would put that in front of Harden and then temper any suggested changes he might have. I believe a communication-to-the-masses campaign through the media will be the most effective way to go. Say something enough times, with reason, and people will start to believe it."
The colonel said, "I like it. I'll take it to Harden myself. Quan, please sweep me to Alpha Prime."
Two hours later, the first Igari broadcasts went live. The feedback was almost immediate. Within a day, the broadcast was shown on every video feed and had been seen by 85 percent of the adult Igari population, and likely discussed among the rest. Positive support began to flow in.
The colonel said, "Brilliant move with the individual species, Quan. And Joni, including both genders in those broadcasts, highly effective. Let's roll this show out to every species, including those in the Sawblade; they have yet to vote on leaving the AMP."
Quan added, "Colonel, we still control the video feeds in Andromeda. I can broadcast the message there as well."
The colonel held up a hand. "No, they have already made their decision. Let this spread there naturally. If we try to force it, those that don't want to be part of the AMP will use it against us. If it initially comes from the people, it will add validity to the message. See to it that it's made available, with representatives of each of the species there. Let the people do our work for us."
Over the following week a number of messages were delivered by the new AMP species spokespersons. The feedback received told of the effectiveness of the campaign. The negative stories on the news feeds were replaced with positive stories about improving conditions, most of which were partial truths, but all widely accepted and cheered.
Over the next several months, as the colonel continued his restoration of the AMP, I focused my energies on the Omega sector. Bots controlled by Quan were utilized to restore the Talisan world to its former glory. Manufacturing prowess was centered around the automated miners with hundreds of new mines opened on uninhabited planets and moons. Mined ores were pouring into Dallex and markets were being developed and served. Preorders for product had the Dallex officials scrambling to meet new demands.
Over that time I had made two journeys to Malybay. It was as close as I was allowed to Jorus. Getta was doing well and was granted the time off to see me, although begrudgingly so. The AIs had so far lived up to their promises, with dozens of cities planned for future population growth. Eight out of ten Grunta females of child bearing age were pregnant. Jorus was a happy place and a population explosion was only in the early stages. I was to be a grandfather to multiple broods in four months' time. While tensions had eased, I would likely not be granted access to visit with my grandchildren for the foreseeable future. Vengeful Grunta emotions ran deep.
As expected, the AIs had spread to the other worlds in Yallux. With construction going on everywhere, the citizens of the Jorus Empire were busy and content.
A single ship factory of immense proportions was under construction at Jorus. At night, with only minor magnification, light from the structures being assembled could be seen from the surface of Malybay. After performing a distant scan I was shocked by its s
ize. Its first product, an agricultural freighter, was only weeks away from completion. I began to question my fear of the AIs.
Upon return to the space around Effica, I sat down with Joni, Garrett, and Go for a status update.
Jack walked into the room we occupied; a strong steel bar supporting his neck.
I stood. "Wow, you're up and moving."
Jack attempted to nod but his head didn't move. "Doc says I have another month in this contraption. I should have 70 percent mobility when it comes off."
Go replied as he swung his own head around, "Wow. I can't imagine."
Jack laughed. "Hey, it beats being dead. Now catch me up on what's happening."
I said, "I have scans of the ship factory at Jorus, but they're at a distance. The first ship coming out of there is a freighter."
Joni suggested, "If we really want to know what's going on out there, let me go drop a tag. With a scan we'll know exactly what they're doing."
I shook my head. "We can't risk it. If they find this ship we are finished."
Garrett replied, "So, we setup an additional tag on a moon in the Delta sector and patch a scan through there. They can search that moon all they want and they won't find us."
Joni added, "And while I'm at it, I think Jorus needs a few tags as well as the Tamarin and Kergan worlds. We could have everything set up and operational in a few hours. No sense sitting in the dark when we don't need to."
Go nodded. "We could limit scans to passive until we thought there was a big enough need to risk discovery."
Frig appeared on a holo-wall feed. "I believe this to be an excellent idea. Knowledge is key to any successful strategy. If we are to make plans to counter threats, we should first know what those threats might be. I suggest we undertake this immediately."
I raised my hands in surrender. "Fine. My hesitance is only that this can be construed as an act of war. If we do this, we have to do it with extreme caution. As far as the AIs know right now, we might have moved to a new galaxy. None of us, except me with Getta, have been seen in public. I'd like to keep it that way."
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