by PP Corcoran
Patricia’s face drained of blood. "Mr. President. Do you really think it would come to that? Human against human?"
Thomas shrugged his shoulders in reply. "Times have changed, Patricia. I have to look out for the best interests of my people now and the rhetoric these Earth First people are spouting quite honestly scares me. Right now, Janus relies on Admiral Lewis and Second Fleet for protection. Janus doesn't have a substantial space navy of its own. A few destroyers and frigates belonging to the Coast Guard, yes, but nothing to match the firepower of a battleship or even a modern cruiser. I'm coming under increasing pressure to increase the Coast Guard’s funding to allow it to build more capable ships..." Thomas made eye contact with Patricia and she could see the anguish in them.
"The funding is set to be approved. We expected to take more responsibility for our own defense sooner or later, so all we are doing is bringing those plans forward. A good many sailors and marines who are leaving the service have laid down roots here. They have families here now and a number of them have asked to stay and the government is inclined to let them. We find we are in need of their particular skill sets now more than ever. The first battleship of the Janus Space Navy is set to begin construction by the end of next month. Tell Rebecca I'm sorry, but I have to think of Janus first now."
The two friends sat in silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts as the future path of the human race came to its first fork in the road. Differing directions that would not easily be reconciled.
#
The secretary softly closed the door behind Patricia and as if on cue, a side door leading to the president’s Chief of Staff’s office opened to admit two civilians and a single uniformed officer. If anyone had seen the three enter the room, they might have found it odd that the officer wore the uniform of a Terran Defense Force admiral.
Thomas remained in his seat as he gestured for the others to sit. Doing so Thomas’ Chief of Staff wasted no time in asking the question whose answer they all wanted to know.
"So, what was her reaction, Mr. President?"
Thomas hesitated before answering Chin Lee's question, still wondering if they were doing the right thing. Independent or not, Janus still retained deep cultural and economic ties with Earth and those were not going to simply dematerialize overnight. However, thought of the effect the Earth First movement’s plans to split from the Commonwealth and its pursuit of isolationist policies could have for Janus, and any other colony established by Earth in the future, was something Thomas was not willing to risk. Janus was his home and he had to think of its people first.
"As well as we expected her to, Chin. It will be a blow to President Coston and will only serve to give Grant and his campaign ammunition to use against Kris Madkin, but it can't be helped. The time for Janus to stand on her own two feet has come. Talking of which, Rayner, how long before we are able to reveal the illustrious new Janus Space Navy to the world?"
The larger-than-life National Security Adviser seemed to fill the entire chair he was sitting in and, as always, a bead of sweat trickled down his forehead. "The Articles of Independence gifted the independent government virtually the entire planetary defense grid, including the surveillance and weapons platforms in orbit. The TDF retain control of Second Fleet, but only so far as the actual ships themselves. All support facilities are similarly gifted to Janus, so the only thing we lack..."
"Are ships," finished Thomas wearily, "And of course the personnel to crew them."
"We already have the Coast Guard cutters, Mr. President and they are fully crewed by Janus citizens," interjected Chin in an attempt to raise the president’s spirits.
Thomas turned his head to look at the sole uniformed man in the room. "A mere drop in the ocean compared to the firepower you have at your disposal, Admiral Lewis."
Admiral Robert Lewis, CO Second Fleet, TDF sat looking unperturbed as the politicians in the room slowly sank into despair. "Mr. President, the combined firepower of the entire Coast Guard is less than one of my cruisers. However, I do think you are underestimating your lack of available trained personnel."
Chin Lee cocked a dubious eyebrow at the admiral. "My numbers come directly from the Department of Defense, Admiral and I would like to hope they know how many people they have working for them."
The chuckle that escaped Lewis caught the others in the room by surprise. "You may have a point there, Mr. Lee, but have they talked to the Department of Immigration lately? The Earth First movement is not only scaring the politicians. There are rumblings within the fleet. A lot of officers and crew are not happy with their views and a large percentage of those sailors are due to complete their tours of duty in the near future, and the prospect of going back to an Earth run along Earth First lines is not filling them with end-of-tour joyfulness. Many are looking for an alternative and Janus is the obvious choice. If you were to offer some sort of package to help them relocate their families, I can pretty much guarantee the majority would take it. You still wouldn't have the trained personnel to crew anything the size of Second Fleet, but you would have enough to crew probably one BatFor, maybe more, and of greater significance, it would provide a core of experienced officers and ratings to build on."
Chin Lee sat forward, enlivened by Lewis' suggestion. "This could work Mr. President. We have been looking into how we should screen immigration now that Earth’s government can't tell us who we can and who we can't take. It would not be unheard of for a nation to award points to an applicant based on the needs of the country. We can easily place military personnel in the highest point bracket and I'm sure a few words from yourself in the ears of the Treasury Secretary could free up the needed cash to fund a relocation package, which we can then deduct from the wages of those serving over a span of a tour of duty."
Thomas looked to Rayner, who gave an approving nod. "Well, that’s settled then. It only leaves us with the question of who we can get to run our shiny new toy. By your presence here today, Admiral, I take it you have considered my proposal and find it agreeable?"
"Your assumption would be correct, Mr. President. I have spoken to my wife and she and I are in agreement. Janus is the place we would both like to retire to when the time comes for that, so perhaps we should do something to ensure it is still here when that day is upon us." Reaching into his pocket, Lewis withdrew two pieces of paper and handed them to Thomas. "Mr. President, before attending this meeting I dispatched my letter of resignation to the Secretary of the Navy. My wife will do the same later today. Please accept both my wife’s and my own application for Janus citizenship."
Thomas leapt to his feet and took Lewis' hand, pumping it enthusiastically. "Welcome to Janus Fleet, Admiral Lewis." Thomas gave his National Security Adviser a sideways look. "And I believe Rayner here is looking for someone to head up... What is it you are calling it, Rayner?"
"The Office of Naval Intelligence, Mr. President."
"Ah yes, so it is. Although I don't think we can guarantee adjoining offices, Admiral." Thomas chuckled at his own joke.
"Believe me, Mr. President, I would rather be in a different star system than have to have an office next door to my wife. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that."
All four men laughed as another step in separating Janus from Earth was taken.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Project Bright Star
TANIL - PLANET IV
STAR SYSTEM 84137 - 320 LIGHT YEARS FROM EARTH
The being that had come to be known throughout the Commonwealth as simply one of the Others stared blankly at the diminutive Garundan who sat on the opposite side of the metal table. Bolov wasn't fooled by the Other’s near comatose expression. He knew firsthand that, without the steel shackles securing the Other’s wrists and feet to the table and floor, the seemingly unresponsive Other would be over the table in a second, attempting to murder Bolov with his bare hands.
The last time Bolov attempted to interrogate a member of this race, no such restraints were in place.
It was only Bolov's extensive experience in interrogating pathological murderers, a hangover from his previous job as a consultant psychiatrist for the Capital Police, that allowed him to see the warning signs. As it was, he barely avoided the fingernails trying to scratch his eyes out before vise-like fingers wrapped around his throat, squeezing with all their might as they tried to throttle the very life from him. His vision filled with black spots as his brain was starved of life-giving oxygen and the strength fled his muscles as he tried vainly to fend off his attacker. Then the interrogation room door burst open and guards with stun batons raised rushed to his aid and that was Bolov's last memory of the incident. He eventually regained consciousness in the compound’s medical center, his throat was wrapped in cool, pain-relieving healing gel. It took three days for the gel to do its work and allow Bolov to speak without pain again.
Hence the Other before him sat securely attached to the metal table and chair welded to the floor with additional fixture points for the Other’s leg restraints.
With a final glance at the PAD in front of him, Bolov began.
"Ak-an. I am Doctor Bolov and it is my greatest hope that you might be willing to aid me in my understanding of your people." If Ak-an was at all surprised Bolov knew his name, then outwardly he showed no reaction, he simply continued to stare off into space seemingly unaware of the doctor’s very presence. However, Bolov knew Ak-an's semi-comatose state was an act. The Garundan knew that Ak-an was fully aware of his surroundings.
"I wish to learn of the Ehita..."
With a speed that gave Bolov no time to react, Ak-an lunged forward, his teeth bared and eyes wide, coming to a stop only centimeters from the doctor as the sturdy chains reached their limit, Ak-an's muscles quivered as he struggled against them. "Only the Chosen People may speak of the Ehita! You are not worthy, heretic, and on the day of the Creator’s return you will feel his wrath while the Chosen People follow him to Aseena."
Recovering quickly, Bolov raised a hand to signal to the guards watching on the holo pickups that he did not require their intervention. It appears speaking of the Ehita gets a bit of a violent reaction, thought Bolov, maybe I should change tactics, "If we cannot speak on this subject, then perhaps you would be so kind as to tell me of the Creator and perhaps give me a greater understanding of his work."
At the mention of the Creator, Ak-an closed his eyes and dipped his head and his whole body seemed to relax, slowly he lowered himself back into his seat. For a few moments, Ak-an's lips moved without a sound coming from them before his eyes opened and his head once more rose. "In the end, the Creator will be victorious over the heretics and you will all perish in his name." Ak-an tried to raise his hands to the small amber jewel at the base of his skull but the restraints would not allow him. "Blessed be the Creator." Returning his arms to his sides, he took a breath. "I see no harm in telling you of the Creator."
"Thank you, Ak-an," said Bolov in his most conciliatory tone. This was the furthest he had gotten with any of the prisoners. By this time in interviews, the subject had been stunned by the guards and returned to the general population. Time to tread carefully. "Perhaps you could tell me how the Creator first came to your people?"
Ak-an's lips twisted as he tried to control his anger. "The Creator did not come to my people, heretic, he made us as he made all things... even you." A glob of spittle issued from the side of Ak-an’s mouth, as if he was tasting something which wanted to make him wretch.
Bolov took a moment to process what Ak-an had just said. "But Ak-an, we are of different worlds, which are separated by light years."
"Distance is of no significance to the Creator. The Creator breathed life into the universe and then visited Balach and the other worlds and blessed them with the gift of intelligence before returning to Aseena to sleep and wait until the fruit of his labors had grown and matured enough so that, one day, he could welcome them into Aseena and share its bountiful and never-ending beauty with him. But while he slept, the poison of heresy seeped into the minds of his creations. When the Creator awoke, he saw how the poison warped his creations and only on Balach did he find a small group, the Chosen People, who were still free of the poison. The Creator sent his angels to save the Chosen People in his mercy and to remind us of what awaited us, he transported the Chosen People to Aseena to stand before him."
"The Chosen People have met with the Creator?"
"Yes, heretic, we have. The Creator stood before us as we looked in awe upon the never-ending lush fields of Aseena, bathed in the faint red light of its star and it was there he proved to those who may still doubt his power that he was the Creator and master of all things."
Bolov was totally captivated by the story. "And how did he do this?"
A smile creased Ak-an's lips, the smile a parent would give a child who could not possibly understand what they were saying. "He extinguished the star and told the Chosen People we must follow the Ehita until the poison of heresy was cleansed from the universe. Only then would he allow the star to shine again and welcome us back into Aseena."
This information was gold dust. Never before had anyone gotten one of the Others to speak so freely about their origins. I really hope the recorders are working. "Please continue, Ak-an."
"The Creator led us to Durav, the planet from which we were to conduct the Ehita. He gave us the Coltus so that we may communicate with him and seek his guidance in the way of the Ehita. Finally, he blessed us with the symbol of the Chosen People, the Gift Stone. When the original Chosen People arrived on Durav, they found the Creator had already marked them as his people. It was the Coltus that instructed us in the use of the Gift Stones."
"The small gem at the back of your necks. This is the mark of the Creator?"
"Yes, Doctor. Every pregnant female visits the Atistes, the house of the Creator, where the Gift Stone is passed over them. Any child of the Chosen People who is born and does not bear the mark of the Creator, we know to be the spawn of evil poisoned by heresy and sent to lead the Chosen People away from the path of the Ehita and the Creator."
As Ak-an stopped speaking the silence in the room stretched on until Bolov asked the question he knew he had to, even though he dreaded the answer. "But Ak-an, there are no Gift Stones here on Tanil. What will happen to any child born without the mark of the Creator?"
Ak-an leaned forward again until the restraints held him in place and an evil, predatory smile spread across his face. "They, like you heretic, will die at the hands of the Chosen People."
Words failed Bolov as he stared back at the smiling Ak-an in utter horror. The regime within the camps was reasonably lax, the Garundans had thought it better if the Others were allowed to associate freely, live as family units. It was the Garundans hope that by allowing them to do so the Others would recognize that their captors actually bear them no ill will. But this, the deep loathing for all that was not of the Creator up to and including the murder of innocent new born children. Bolov knew what he must do. All new born children would have to be removed from their mothers for their own protection.
#
CARSON CITY - EARTH – SOL SYSTEM
The top floor office of Admiral Aleksandr Vadis, head of the Naval Intelligence Service, gave a commanding view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A truly breathtaking sight, but right now he and the other two occupants of his spacious office had eyes only for the three meter-wide holo cube currently filled with the interview of the Other called Ak-an.
The interview came to its conclusion a second time. It had been watched in its entirety twice without a single utterance from the group. The aging admiral rose out of his chair at the head of the small wooden conference table he retained for his more intimate meetings and padded across the deep-pile carpet to the small liquor cabinet, which some unseen aide had thoughtfully furbished with his favorite whiskey. He poured one for himself and his two guests without asking their permission. Making his way back to table, he placed a full glass down in front of each before retaking his se
at.
He allowed himself an appreciative sniff before taking a sip with closed eyes, allowing the alcohol to slowly warm his throat and chest. With his eyes still closed, he addressed his guests. "Thoughts?"
Elizabeth Wilson raised her glass and indicated for the portly man opposite her to start the discussion. Brigadier General Earl Statham was one of many retired officers who had been subjected to recall under the Emergency Powers Act by the then-Admiral Olaf Helsett before his move to Secretary of Defense.
Statham had run Admiral Jing's intelligence shop in First Fleet, before Jing’s promotion to the Combined Joint Chiefs of Staff, and more recently Vadis had quietly moved Statham to head up the secretive Department of Special Projects. Not even Wilson was entirely sure what this particular department did, but she gathered its fingers were in an awful lot of pies and the aforementioned Brigadier Statham appeared to have a lot of pull. She was not at all surprised to see him at this classified meeting.
"I think this is yet another piece of the puzzle Aleksandr, and one which may at last give us a starting point."
Elizabeth tried to hide her surprise at a mere one-star brigadier calling a three-star admiral by his first name. Elizabeth, as a Rear Admiral (lower half), had a star of her own, but even though she knew and had worked closely with Vadis for nearly a decade, she didn’t dare call him by his given name without his permission and definitely not in the company of strangers. Even more surprising was the lack of reaction from Vadis, not even a raised eyebrow at what she saw as a major breach of etiquette.
