by J. K. Mabrey
The transmission ended, and Zavik turned to his newly commissioned crew. “We know what we need to do. It will be dangerous, as we’ve already discovered. But what we’re trying, what we’re going to do, will stop a conflict that need not take place. Earth and the Council have no reason to fight. These events have been manipulated by Red Moon to plunge the galaxy into a war. We must stop this. We will stop this.”
“What’s first?” Brax asked.
“We should head to Paladon,” Alberan said.
“Why there?”
“The Blue Blazes’ main operation is based there. If we’re trying to take down Red Moon, we should start with their biggest competitor.”
Penitent
“We cannot let this treachery stand!” Bamino shouted over the other councilors. “The humans have attacked my convoy.”
“They did not take any lives, correct?” Conchu asked, trying to calm the irate councilor.
“That is not the point. They disobeyed Council law and have launched an offensive against my people. If the Council does not act, I can assure you that we will.”
“There will be no need for that, Bamino," Paquiko said. The Council will punish Earth, in an appropriate way. What say you, Racklera?”
“I don’t think we should attack Earth with any military offensive," Racklera said. Realizing he was in the minority on this issue, he tried to clarify. "They are struggling, and our recent actions and policies have driven them to this course of action. They are going to do what they must to survive and provide for their people, as we all would. We shouldn’t be so shocked or outraged when they do something this desperate.”
“Just because they are desperate does not mean they can ignore our laws,” Bamino said.
“I agree with Bamino,” Iney said. “This is just another example of how they mean to enforce their control. If the Council sides against them, they just do what they want anyway. They have no respect for us or our laws. If this is left to stand without swift retribution, they will continue to ignore the Council’s laws.”
"There is no evidence that humans want to usurp control of the Galaxy," Conchu said. "That is merely a delusional rumor."
“I am not so convinced as you, Conchu,” Paquiko said. “However, it would appear we are at a lack of consensus on a proper course of action. Pushing for military action without such consensus is a very heavy decision to make. We must remember that our loyalties should hold to those who have been our allies throughout the ages. We cannot turn our backs on our Rovun brothers.”
“Humans are resourceful, Paquiko,” Conchu said. “Despite all they’ve been through, their combat resources are plentiful. They have other colonies that are surviving quite well, and their fleet is one of the largest in the galaxy.”
“Conchu is right,” Bamino said. “If we are not swift and overwhelming in our strike this could become a prolonged conflict. We need to take control of Earth and secure their fleet.”
“Are we really going to assault Earth?” Racklera asked. “A dying planet? And how long do you suggest we occupy this planet?”
“If they cannot be trusted, then we should occupy indefinitely," Bamino said as saliva dripped from his snarled lips.
“That is outrageous, my people would never settle for that,” Conchu said.
“That is not an outcome anyone wants, I can assure you,” Paquiko said. “Perhaps we should only have a presence in their space until they can reach self-sustainment. There's no need for a ground invasion.”
“A presence, not an occupying force?” Conchu asked.
“Yes,” Paquiko said.
“Perhaps we should all take some time to consider what actions we really want to take,” Racklera said. “This is a line of conversation that I fear will lead us into a war we never saw coming.”
“I agree with Racklera," Paquiko said. "This is not a decision we will make tonight." Seeing Bamino begin to argue, he added, "Stow your outrage, Rovun. You can wait until tomorrow for the Council to come to an answer.”
“Very well,” Bamino conceded, “but it'd better be a good one.”
The Council meeting ended and the councilors all went their separate ways. Not another word was spoken among the members. Paquiko headed for his office, hoping to talk with Varin who had just recently arrived back to Cedona. He had sent an urgent message to his chief of staff to see him as soon as possible. Varin knew better than to make Paquiko wait when he requested his presence. He entered the office and greeted Paquiko. “Good day, Councilor. What is so urgent a matter?”
“Varin, my friend,” he greeted him, “the Council is in the midst of determining what course of action to take on Earth for their assault on the Rovun supply line.”
“Yes," Varin said hanging his head in disappointment. "Another tragic example of the humans’ complete lack of regard for Council laws. To think a race would be so insolent to disregard your command, and risk the lives of innocents.”
“I understand your feelings on this, but I fear it is not as simple as that, Varin. Half the Council wants to send a message through force, and ultimately, some form of occupation. The other half thinks we should just warn them against disobeying any further rulings and help them achieve self-sustainment, so as to stop any such further attempts.”
“That is outrageous,” Varin cried, his attitude turning sharply cold. “We should reward Earth for attacking the Rovuns? And after you already warned them for attacking Theros. What kind of message would that send, Councilor?”
“I agree it is an unacceptable response to this situation.”
“Curious that it was even a position taken,” Varin said harshly. “It would seem like some would try to portray the Council as weak. Let me guess, the Iriquios would side with being lenient to Earth?”
“Yes, Conchu was against any military action,” Paquiko said.
“And, the Farlin as well?”
“Yes," Paquiko again admitted.
“One could surmise. The Farlins have always been more sympathetic to the Human plight than most.”
“Don’t forget, Varin," Paquiko said softly, "that their home planet went through a similar catastrophe, wiping out much of their population as well.”
“Yes, but theirs was not self-caused," he said with more than a hint of distaste.
“They weren’t calling for no action," Paquiko reasoned, "they’re just worried that we could be dragged into a long conflict that would do more harm than good to the Galactic Community.”
“The humans are weak,” he spat. “Any assault by us would remind them of that, and they would surrender immediately. This is a ruse to give ever more power to Earth. How could we ever consider granting such a race Council privileges?”
“Once they are self-sustained, Conchu believes they will have no reason to continue this aggressive stance.”
“Until we come up with another rule they disagree with, then what?” Varin asked.
Paquiko pondered the stance taken by his chief of staff. Believing the advice was reasonable and without bias, he said, “You make a good point, Varin. I’m inclined to agree that anything short of a swift assault, even if just to demonstrate our superiority, would open up the whole Community to questioning the Council's authority. I cannot allow that.”
“My point exactly, sir. Again, I will reiterate my belief that there are those out there that would prefer if the Council was relegated to figurehead status.”
“With no real authority in the Galaxy?” Paquiko asked.
“Or taken further, and not exist at all," he said quietly.
“That’s impossible, who would control the Galactic affairs?”
“Not the Chokmnd," Varin said shrewdly, "that is for sure.”
“You really still believe this is all a play for removing the Chokmnd from power?” Paquiko asked.
“Our authority and power in the Galaxy have been dwindling for centuries. Now these other races want to admit anyone who can do basic mathematics, and just happens to stumble upon our creations.”
“Some would call it progress, Varin. We no longer discriminate and treat inferior the races who evolved slower than others.”
“If we do not move to secure ourselves now, we will be ousted as the main power in the Galaxy,” his voice began rising again.
“Now it sounds like you are suggesting we end the Council’s reign,” Paquiko said.
“At least it would be under our terms,” Varin responded.
“This has never been about securing more power."
"Of course it's about more power!" Varin shouted. "Unless you strive to gain more power, what you have will eventually be taken by someone else. It is the way of the universe. Humans are a prime example of this directive. They strive by conquering and desire constantly for more power. We should not be so blinded to believe the Council races are so pure. They know and fear our superiority. Given the opportunity, they will destroy us."
"That is nonsense, Varin. We have built a lasting alliance with this Council. We have had relative peace for many millennia, and I won't let that collapse under my rule."
"I hope you are successful, sir,” Varin said. “A power struggle would open the door to many possibilities that are not advantageous for the Chokmnd. A strong Council could suppress these possible revolts. I fear that if the Council does not agree to an assault on Earth, then they will have lost all power in the Galaxy. The Council would become a farce in the Galaxy. It would be powerless. We need to ensure that isn’t the case or focus our efforts on ourselves once again.”
Paquiko sat back in his chair and studied the face of his chief of staff, trying to discern any hidden information. “I don’t know how much of your theory I can convince myself to believe, Varin, but I do agree that we need to be strong against Earth. This cannot fester into more systems questioning our authority. It also must not divulge into a prolonged conflict. I would prefer there be no deaths, but I know that is nearly impossible in this case. I think I will propose that we send an envoy to Earth to peacefully negotiate an occupation of their space and control of their portals.”
Varin suppressed a smile, and asked, “No land control, sir?”
“No, that will make the proposal easier to accept for the other councilors. The Council will be in charge of all traffic through Earth’s system, and their fleet will need to be decommissioned until their motives can be ascertained and trust can be restored.”
“And when Earth refuses your terms?” he asked casually.
Paquiko sighed. “We will ready an occupying force available immediately to pass through the portals. Pray they accept our original terms, or we will have war.”
“And what of the Earth ambassador?” Varin asked. “What shall we do with her?”
“Let her recover from that assassination attempt. So shameful,” he said as he shook his head. “She can continue her post as ambassador. We have not cut diplomatic ties with Earth yet.”
“As you wish.”
Pact
The Rinada passed through the portal to Paladon. A large orange planet filled the cockpit with the glow of a blazing sun. The giant sun was so close to the planet it scorched the barren surface. Paladon was an industrial system whose economic viability relied on the production of large deposits of naturally occurring plutonium. It was a planet used only for its natural resources, having no indigenous life forms to speak of. The planet was sparsely populated on the surface due to the large amounts of radiation given off by the near sun. To accommodate life the planet was surrounded by dozens of space platforms. Zavik questioned where they should make port.
“Key up platform PTU-43," Alberan said. "That is the main outpost for the Blue Blazes.”
“Do they just publish this information freely?” asked Brax.
“No," he commented back unamused. "The Blue Blazes at one time were threatening the Iriquios colony on Jerithro. Through our operation, we discovered the headquarters they had established at Paladon.”
“And they didn’t move their operations after that?” Zavik asked.
“We brokered a truce, ensuring that we wouldn’t pursue any further actions against them. They felt it was unnecessary to relocate their base.” Noticing the skeptic look on Brax's face, he added, "We're very skilled negotiators."
“What is it you said you do?” Brax asked.
“I am an agent of the Iriquios government,” Alberan said. “That is all you need to know.”
“Are they going to be happy to see us?” Zavik asked.
“They aren’t happy to see anyone,” he replied. “But, since I was the agent who almost killed their leader, they will especially not be happy to see me.”
“You know,” Dani said, “just for once, I would like to do something the easy way.”
“It would probably make life longer,” Brax said.
Dani keyed the comm for PTU-43. “PTU-43, this is the freighter Rinada, requesting permission to dock at your location.”
A scrambled voice responded. “Freighter Rinada, what is your business here?” The response was cold and unfriendly, something they’d grown accustomed to. Dani suddenly got the feeling that a laser was focused on the Rinada.
“This is Alberan Gant, I need to speak to Marcelus Bragavick…it is urgent.”
The line was silent for an uncomfortably long time, then the respondent said, “You can land at the level three dock," pausing to add, "if you think it’s a good idea.”
They offered no response. “Was that a warning?” Zavik asked.
“They’re not going to shoot us down, are they?” Dani asked.
“No, of course not," Alberan said. "…I hope not.”
“Let’s just land, and hope they’ll have something to help us catch Varin, and that they’re willing to give it up,” Zavik said.
The Rinada docked at the station. As soon as the group had left the ship they were met by armed guards and pushed down the hallway. “Search them all. Bragavick doesn’t want any surprises,” one of the guards, a Rovun, said as the group was being manhandled.
“We weren’t going to bring any weapons with us,” Zavik said.
“Did someone tell you to talk!” the guard shouted, shoving a gun in Zavik’s face. “I didn’t think so. Now move!”
The group was led down the hallway to a rather small office occupied by Bragavick. A massive Rovun sat at a near perfectly clean desk and gazed at the four intruders into his space. His expression conveyed anger, but when he spoke it was with an uncanny softness, especially for a Rovun. “Welcome to Paladon," the soft voice said as he glanced around the room, taking it all in, "well, kind of Paladon. This station is easier to operate out of for us. Let’s see, whom do we have here. Major, did you search them thoroughly?”
“Of course, sir,” the guard responded enthusiastically.
“A little too thoroughly, if you ask me,” Dani said.
“Keep complaining lady, and I’ll do a strip search,” the guard said.
“Over your dead body,” Zavik said as he turned around. The guard shoved his gun into Zavik's face once more.
“Gentlemen, gentlemen, please, calm down,” Bragavick said. “Major, you and your crew can leave us alone now.”
“Yes, sir,” he said as he stared down Zavik, and moved his crew out of the office. His face was contorted with anger, and he gave a threatening nod to Zavik as he closed the door.
Behind Bragavick was a large window. The window was heavily tinted because the light from Paladon did not flood the room. Across from his desk sat two chairs and a small bench next to the door.
“Please, sit, everyone,” Bragavick said. “I am Marcelus Bragavick, as you know. You are Alberan Gant," he said motioning to Gant. "I remember you well. You other three, I don’t believe I know.”
“My name is Zavik Khan, this is Dani Epson, and Brax Miro,” Zavik said, identifying each of his crew.
“Zavik Khan…that name, it sounds faintly familiar. What is it you do Mr. Khan?”
Zavik hesitated, then said, “I’m in the shipping
business.”
“Ah, a smuggler, then." Bragavick gave a quick shake of his head. "I don’t believe we’ve ever had business. No, that’s not where you’re familiar from. How long have you been smuggling?”
“That’s not important,” he said defiantly.
“Please indulge me, Mr. Khan,” he said almost pleading to discover where he had heard Zavik’s name before. “You came here for a reason. You need something. I don’t need anything from you, so answer the questions, and we'll see if this works out in your favor.”
He considered the request and said, “About five years."
“And before that?”
“I was in the United Earth Forces.”
“A military man, very good,” he gazed at his ceiling and said, “Left to be a smuggler, huh? Left not by choice, otherwise, you would have taken a more respectable job.”
“Ok," Zavik said, not wanting to confirm his suspicions.
"Ah, now I think I remember," he said with a faint laugh. "You were discharged for acts of bravery deemed unworthy to the human race. Is that correct?”
“Something along those lines," Zavik said.
“And now you’re here, with this man,” he pointed at Alberan and his voice turned cold, “who should know better than to come back here. Why? Under what circumstances, could you have possibly thought it was a good idea to come here?”
“We need help," Zavik said.
“Of course you do,” he said rolling his eyes. “Everyone in this galaxy needs help, in one form or another. You had better have something good, or I may not like that the Iriquios brought a human spy to our outpost here, it may force me to break our truce.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Alberan said hastily. “We agreed to end out conflict years ago, and since then we have not interfered with your operations. This is vitally important to Earth, the Iriquios, and possibly even to you.”
“Well, you have managed to peak my interests," he waved his hand across his desk, inviting them to explain the situation.
“We need information on the leader of Red Moon,” Zavik said.
