by John Walker
“You as well,” Clea replied. She shook his hand. “I don’t believe our families have ever crossed paths.”
Kale shook his head. “I don’t either but we have such large extended relations, it’s hard to know, right?”
“True…” Clea considered him for a moment. “I have so many questions but I feel like I’d be rude to just dive in.”
“I think we’re going to have time later. Are you going to visit our ships?”
Clea nodded emphatically. “Most definitely. I can’t wait.”
“I’m sure you at least have one question which you must know the answer to now.” Kale tilted his head.
“Well…” Clea cleared her throat. “I am wondering how you became an Anthar so quickly.”
Kales expression melted into one of seriousness, he looked away. “Battlefield promotion for the Anthar part…but Sun-Anthar, I earned properly. War has a way of elevating positions quickly. We have chances to shine we might not otherwise experience during peace time. As a result, I’ve proven myself many times, up to and including this assignment.”
“It seems like a waste of talent then,” Clea replied, “to send you and Mei’Gora here? Why not put you back on the lines?”
“I think our crew deserved a break,” Kale said. “They went through plenty in our last engagement. Plus, I got the opportunity to be the official Anthar of my ship. A simple task felt like just the thing to get acclimated with the crew.”
“Do you want to talk about the fight that got you promoted?”
Kale considered the question and shook his head. “Another time, perhaps. Over a drink.”
“Fair enough.” Others poured into the room around them and Clea shook his hand again. “It was very nice to meet you, Kale. I look forward to a more extensive conversation later.”
“To you as well, Vinthari.”
Gray approached from behind. “Who was that?”
“The Anthar of one of the two ships,” Clea explained. “Very young for the job but seemingly quite capable.”
“Yeah? I’m not great at guessing age with you folks but I agree, he sure seems youthful to be a captain.”
“They can’t all be old men like you,” Clea teased.
“Hey, stow that old thing. I’m in my prime.” Gray escorted her to their seats. “So here we go. Time to find out what all the fuss is about.”
“And hope we’re all here to end it.” Clea took a deep breath and directed her attention to the council. Anthar Mei’Gora and Kale stepped up to a podium at the center of the room. The older of the two had jet black hair and striking purple eyes. His lean body filled out his dress uniform well, proving he remained in fantastic shape.
The council entered shortly after, taking up their positions in the crescent moon of their table. They weren’t big on ceremony thankfully and sat quickly before the Chief of Military Operations, Daniel Burke, addressed those present. He was in his sixties with gray hair and a hard face won from years of military service. Clea only met him once before and thought him wise if a bit cynical.
“Greetings,” Daniel spoke with a voice far more robust and powerful than his aged visage would lead one to believe. His command authority remained firmly in place. “We have come together in this emergency meeting to address the arrival of the alliance representatives. It is our hope you have come to engage in a free exchange of ideas. Our information for yours.”
Anthar Mei’Gora replied, “Thank you, Chief Burke. We appreciate you allowing us this audience on such short notice. We received Vinthari An’Tufal’s message concerning your discovery of a weapon to be used against the enemy. We also understand it has seen a successful test. We wish to learn more about this and discuss what can be done for the refugees from the Xan-Wei star system.”
“The people of the Tam’Dral are currently residing in their own vessel,” Daniel said. “They’ve been medically checked but we’re taking extra precautions so we don’t exchange any diseases either side cannot face. As far as Protocol Seven, we will freely grant you access to the information. We would, however, appreciate a few things in return.”
“What are your terms?” Mei’Gora tilted his head up, a sign Clea knew meant he did not appreciate the way Daniel spoke to him. She briefed the Earth council on how to speak to her people. She had no idea why they didn’t listen. Instead of mentioning their own demands, they should’ve allowed the Kielans to offer.
We’re generous people. Look at what we’ve already given you for nothing?
“We are currently building a second vessel, another defender for our solar system but lack the resources to complete the task. Can you assist?”
“Yes.” Mei’Gora nodded once. “What else?”
“We need to know how you plan to use the Protocol Seven and what we can do to implement your plans into our own defensive matrices. This technology has proven very powerful and if we’re not admitted fully into the alliance, we may well not have any choice but to start weathering frequent assaults on our own.”
“My government has extended me the authority to invite your culture to join our alliance,” Mei’Gora said. Gray put his hand on Clea’s forearm and squeezed it. “Conditionally.”
“Oh?” Daniel tilted his head. “Do explain.”
“After an initial assessment to determine the viability of using Protocol Seven at all, we will be taking it to a secret facility on the outskirts of our space, a place where we can replicate and perfect this weapon. If you truly wish to join the alliance, it’s time we see what you can do. We ask that you send the Behemoth with our ship, escort your technology and see for yourself what our advanced technology can do.”
The other council members began speaking all at once and Daniel hushed them. “I’m sure you realize we cannot do that. We would be relinquishing our only defense just to escort technology.”
“My second, Anthar Ru’Xin will be taking Protocol Seven to our planet. My ship will remain behind to assist you with the construction of your own vessel and we’ll also address your refugee situation. I trust you’ve done your research on me and know I will be more than capable of keeping this system safe from another breach.”
Gray looked at Clea with wide eyes. She shrugged. This surprised her but it meant good things. For one, the alliance was offering admission into their ranks. Free exchange of ideas and trade was close now. One last hoop, a simple mission to a weapon’s facility. Those were some of the safest places in alliance space.
Totally hidden and off the grid, the enemy never found one before. They’d be there and back before they knew it. The value went far beyond just seeing another part of space. It meant a collusion of ideas culminating in the prolonged safety of Earth and the eventual destruction of their mutual enemy.
Clea hoped the humans were smart enough to agree.
“Give us a moment to deliberate.” Daniel turned to Gray. “Captain Atwell, will you please join us?”
Gray glanced at Clea, “wish me luck”. He stepped away, leaving her to sit stiff and nervous. Depending on how the council voted, she, and the Behemoth, would leave Earth space. It had been years since she’d done so. Her heart raced even as she maintained a placid expression. Even a milk run sounded exciting to her, anything to get out and about, to see other systems.
This opportunity for motion seemed too good to pass up. She hoped the council saw it the same way.
***
Gray approached the gathered assembly who whispered in hushed voices. He folded his arms over his chest and waited for them to address him. On the surface, it sounded like they agreed the Behemoth needed to go with the Kielans. He wondered what was left for them to debate.
“Hold on,” Daniel lifted his hand. “What do you think, Gray? You’ve been spending a lot of time with the alien. Do you believe them?”
Clea devoted years of her life to helping humanity and the top brass still considered her the alien. He gritted his teeth for a moment to avoid saying something, then cleared his throat. “Yes, I tru
st them completely. Clea has proven to be nothing short of a miracle worker and she’s put our safety before her own many times, hell…she put our culture before her own by coming here. They’re the good guys, sir.”
Daniel nodded. “And do you feel your crew is up to the task?”
“If the facility is as secluded as they say, of course. It’ll be a cakewalk.” Gray frowned. “But my experience tells me nothing is as easy as someone makes it sound. Even so, if we encounter resistance with one of their own ships, then we can take the opposition. These guys have a lot more experience fighting the opponents than we do. I’d love some pointers.”
Another council member spoke up, a new one Gray hadn’t met yet. Her gray hair was bound up in a tight bun and her craggy face spoke of a hard life. “We’ll leverage their technical expertise to finish our own vessel and if they truly want to take the Tam’Dral’s woes off our plate, I’d let them.”
“Anyone against this?” Daniel asked the others. Marshall Jameson spoke up.
“Yes, I have a big problem with sending our defending ship, the one we control off to some…other solar system for six weeks! God knows how far it is or how long they’ll be gone.” Jameson shook his head. “This isn’t something we want to do.”
“How’re we going to finish the other ship then?” Marquel stepped in. “They’ve helped us before and I sincerely doubt they’d come back here to make demands or not follow through on promises. Hell, they’re the reason we’re still alive. It seems pretty disingenuous if we snub them now.”
Jameson waved his hand. “They dropped off a single alien and some tech specs. The rest we handled ourselves. They’ve practically done nothing for us at all.”
“You can’t argue that their assistance was instrumental in getting the Behemoth combat ready again,” Gray said. “Their pulse technology alone made a huge difference.”
“You’re rather sympathetic for a mysterious race, Captain.” Jameson scowled. “You don’t know what they’re capable of. When you’re gone, they may decide we’re a valuable resource, our planet could be strip mined or perhaps something might come up, an emergency pulling them away. We’d be defenseless.”
“Don’t make this about Gray,” Daniel said. “We gave him command of the Behemoth because he’s got an open mind, we’re not going to give him a hard time about it now.”
“Besides, you’re being a fatalist,” Marquel added. “We’ve never once received a hint that the alliance would treat us in such a way. They’ve been nothing but generous. Why would they suddenly, out of the blue, decide to betray us like that?”
Elizabeth cleared her throat, finally contributing to the conversation, “ultimately, we have to weigh the pros and cons here. On the positive side, we gain the tech we need and help with the Tam’Dral. Those folks are in pretty serious need and let’s be honest, we’re not in a position to do it. Also, admittance into the alliance will work to our advantage.”
“And the cons?” Daniel asked.
“We have to trust them.” Elizabeth shrugged. “And I can honestly see why Jameson has a hard time with that. We’ve seen good will, yes but this is something else. Why not send them alone with the technology? Give it to their ships and we’ll wait here for them to come back with whatever they discover.”
“Our technicians might be instrumental in helping to unlock it’s full potential,” Gray said.
“Come now!” Jameson scowled. “They built pulse drives for God’s sake. I’m sure they will be more than capable of uncovering whatever can be found about this Protocol Seven.”
“I don’t know,” Daniel said. “I’m with Gray for a different reason. I want in on that technology. I want to know we have the advantage immediately. If they don’t choose to come back with what they learn…”
“Then we’ll simply research it on our own,” Jameson replied.
“That hasn’t worked so well for our current situation,” Elizabeth added. “We are stuck on our second vessel. Our ships have scoured our own system. If I might offer another pro to this discussion, trade would be a very good thing.”
“Do you have an opinion one way or another?” Jameson asked. “You’re waffling.”
“You sound prejudiced to me, Jameson,” Marquel added. “Is that what I’m hearing?”
“How dare you!”
Daniel waved his hand. “Enough of that. We’re on the same side here!”
Gray spoke up, “you all make excellent points but I’m going to add one more. Those two ships out there are highly advanced, even more so than our own. They may not be able to take as much punishment but they’ve got technology far beyond anything we’ve seen. Two of their ships saved us years ago and now, we have the chance to partner with them…not be subservient. They’re asking for a partnership, not indentured servitude.”
“I agree.” Marquel nodded.
“Taking a stance from the financial side,” Elizabeth said, “I believe we should agree to help. Send the Behemoth on this run and we will leverage the remaining ship to our advantage. Open trade can begin and as a full member of the alliance, humanity will prosper.”
“I’m strongly against this,” Jameson said. “The risks are too great, the situation dangerous and all around, this feels wrong. Mark my words, if you go against me on this, we’re going to feel it.”
“You’re a coward,” Marquel muttered. “And that type of talk is precisely why humanity remains in the shadows. That isolationist mentality from World War Two and the same prejudice to go along with it.”
“Again, that’s enough.” Daniel sighed. “Anyone else have an opinion?”
They remained silent.
“Alright, and you’re sure you’re on board, Gray?”
Gray nodded. “Absolutely, sir. We can do this.”
“Very well,” Daniel said, “Please return to your seat.”
Gray joined Clea again as the council stepped back up to their table. None of them sat. Daniel spoke into the microphone. “Anthar Mei’Gora, I have some questions, precautionary if you don’t mind.”
Mei’Gora nodded. “Please ask.”
“What assurance do we have that your ship will stay until the Behemoth returns? You’ll be our only defense and we’re worried about the lack of Earth oversight.”
“Other than my word, I’m not sure what would assure you. I’ve said it and mean it. Your liaison can explain what it means to us when we make a vow but I’m not sure how you’d believe her if you don’t believe me. Suffice to say, we are here to protect you and begin a partnership.”
Jameson stirred in his seat.
“Perhaps if you showed us the treaty to join the alliance, we could take that as an act of good faith,” Daniel replied. “Even though we won’t be signing until the mission completes.”
“As you wish.” Mei’Gora motioned and his aid approached with a data pad. He handed it to Daniel who clicked it on and read through whatever displayed on the screen. Once he finished, he gave it to Elizabeth. The entire council spent a moment with it, all agreeing except for Jameson who remained stubborn.
“This appears to be in order, Anthar Mei’Gora. We will accept your generous offer. The Behemoth will accompany your ship to the facility. Yours may remain and assist us with our own preparations and any assistance you can provide the Tam’Dral will be appreciated.”
Mei’Gora bowed his head. “Thank you, Chief Burke. We look forward to collaborating now and in the future. Arrangements will need to be made, provisioning for a hyperspace voyage and an extended stay at our research facility.”
“Very good.” Daniel nodded once and turned to the others. “This meeting’s adjourned. Section heads, please prepare meetings with your people and the Kielans. These preparations are going to require coordination. Let’s not delay because our schedules are already full.” He motioned at Gray. “Captain Atwell will prepare the Behemoth for departure. Let’s get to work people. We’ve got a lot to do and I don’t want it taking longer than it has to.”
&n
bsp; Chapter 3
Preparations for departure took five days. Gray met with Mei’Gora for several hours during that time and really had the opportunity to quiz him about engagements near their core worlds. The fighting out there turned out to be far more intense than he ever realized. The enemy lost plenty of ships but they always seemed to have more.
They discussed tactics and theoretical methods to end the war. Gray asked about the enemy’s manufacturing capabilities but Mei’Gora knew little. Even when they made initial contact with that culture, they did not ascertain their technological levels. Only when their ideologies crossed violently did the enemy tip their hand.
The Behemoth’s database was updated to include newer silhouettes of ships and their technical data. They also received a vast library of star maps, systems well beyond their solar system spanning thousands of light years away. The tech teams were beside themselves and Olly updated all of his apps to account for the new data.
Provisioning took the longest. Supplies came aboard for two days straight and hangar crews started getting surly. Luckily, they’d have two full days of shore leave to relax before they departed. Food wasn’t the only thing they received but spare parts and additional fighters to pad their ranks.
Gray put in a request to prepare for war and the council didn’t hesitate to agree, much to his surprise. They gave him whatever he needed to be successful, even if the promise involved a relatively short trip.
Adam expressed his own excitement about getting out of there. He believed there’d be a conflict out there. “This is not a simple delivery mission,” he claimed. “I feel it.”
“I hope your feeling is wrong but if it’s not, we’ll be ready.”
A quick crew survey showed they were torn over the journey. Some expressed excitement, others reservation and a rare few flat out thought the trip was a bad idea. Gray planned to address them all before they left for shore leave, to put some minds at ease and bolster the confidence of those already on board.
