by Doug Farren
"We are generating a hyperdimensional field which has isolated the Chroniech from the Alliance. Do not fear for our safety. We have chosen a location near the center of the Chroniech empire for our new home. The worldship is safely cloaked and therefor hidden from detection. Even if we are found the defense systems aboard the worldship are quite capable of protecting it from any possible attack.”
"The council agreed that this course of action was the best for all concerned. They felt that the continued presence of the Kyrra among the various cultures of the Alliance would have resulted in increased competition between yourselves in attempting to obtain a technological advantage over each other through the acquisition of our technology.”
"Many of our people were uncomfortable with the decision to establish relations with a group of cultures so different from our own. The actions which we have taken have served both our peoples. The Alliance is free from the Chroniech and my people are once again isolated, however we also now have a purpose which is to protect the Alliance and, if possible, attempt to guide the Chroniech toward becoming a different society.”
"We shall maintain the hyperdimensional field for as long as required. It is our belief that the Chroniech will either learn how to cooperate with other species and thus eventually mature into a society which can, at some time in the far future, be re-joined with the rest of the galaxy or, they will turn upon each other in mutual destruction. Either way, when the time is right, the hyperdimensional field will be dropped and we shall initiate contact with the Alliance once again.”
"I wish to personally convey my thanks to Captain Ken Stricklen and the entire crew of the Komodo Dragon for their willingness to help me and my fellow Kyrra return to our people. Do not worry about me my friend, I have found a purpose for my life. I am the new head of the alien species information and cultural research organization.”
"This message is being transmitted from an automated capsule. The message will repeat on multiple frequencies until an Alliance ship locates it. The concept of an alliance between your varied species shows us that your inherent aggressiveness can be controlled and that your cultures have a long future ahead of you. The Kyrra look forward to re-establishing a relationship with you in the future. Until then we wish you luck."
Trel'mara's image once again froze. After a moment, the image of Admiral Singth reappeared. "We have dispatched a ship to retrieve the message capsule. There is no reason for you to continue with your mission captain. Return to Almaranus. I am declaring the Chroniech threat to be ended and all Alliance military units are to stand down. See you back at base. Almaranus sector command out."
Ken suddenly felt very empty. "Set course for Almaranus," he said as he stood up. "Let me know when we arrive." Ken then silently walked off the bridge and headed for Tasha's stateroom.
* * * * *
This is how life was meant to be enjoyed, thought Ken as he stretched out on the deck of his twelve meter sailboat. The pleasure craft was drifting aimlessly, the only sound being the gentle slap of the waves as they caressed the side of the ship. Ken was watching a spectacular sunset and enjoying every minute of it. The sun hung suspended in the evening sky looking like a gigantic reddish-orange ball sitting on top of the water's surface. As he watched, it slowly sank below the horizon.
The stars began to peek through the darkening sky. As Ken tried to make out the constellations, Tasha came up from behind and kissed him on the forehead. "Dinner's ready."
Sitting up and returning his wife's kiss Stricklen replied, "Sorry, I didn't realize it was getting so late. I was just looking at the stars."
Tasha looked him in the eyes and said, "You're not regretting your decision to retire are you?"
Taking one last look at the darkening sky, Stricklen embraced his wife and replied, "Not on your life. Let's eat."
Contents
1 - Rescue Mission
2 - Mystery
3 - The Science Team
4 - Peacekeeper
5 - Chroniech
6 - The First Battle
7 - Kyrra
8 - Early Kyrra History
9 - Change of Course
10 - Arrival at Shaular
11 - The Hess
12 - Assistance From the Dragon
13 - Loss of Unity
14 - The Agreement
15 - Tholtaran Advance
16 - Upgrades
17 - The Battle of Shaular
18 - The Journey Begins
19 - Balky Stardrive
20 - The Search
21 - Kyrra
22 - Kyrra History
23 - Decision
24 - Getting hitched
25 - The Battle of Almaranus
26 - Retirement
