Shroud of Doom

by William Manchee

  Chapter 28

  Grave Measures

   

  Although the volcanoes had been quiet for two cycles, the situation on Tarizon worsened each day as the thick layers of ash encircling the globe refused to dissipate. Although the scientific community had non-stop debates on how to deal with the situation, it became apparent the world’s climate was too vast a beast to tame. If Tarizon’s ecosystem could ever be restored it wouldn’t by act of man but by the grace of God. With this realization the ash encircling Tarizon became to many a shroud of doom, a hopeless condition that might never be fixed. Because of this many believed the only option left was to evacuate Tarizon and transport its population to Earth, the closest planet in the universe where human life was known to exist.

  When the matter came up for debate, Assemblyman Basset Als took the podium to state his views on the subject. “Although the situation on Tarizon is desperate, evacuation is not an option for the vast majority of our population. It is not logistically possible to transport a billion people to Earth. The experts say the best case scenario would be twenty percent would make it off the planet and it’s anyone’s guess how many would actually make it to Earth.

  “But even if they did, how do you think the authorities on Earth would take to the sudden arrival of 20 million refugees? Well, that’s not hard to imagine. They’d likely blow our shuttles out of the sky before we even landed. And if we sent an advance party to arrange for them to accept us, what is the likelihood of the authorities on Earth agreeing to such an invasion of refugees?”

  Als paused for a moment to let his words sink in. It was a ridiculous proposal placed on the docket by the radical Purists but, unfortunately, it had some support so he had to take the proposal seriously. “Put yourself in the place of the Americans or the Chinese. They are not like us. They are an unenlightened people. They don’t even know we exist. They will fear us because they don’t know us. They will be suspicious and careful. It would take many cycles to gain the trust necessary to even begin talks about them accepting our refugees.

  “So, let’s not waste any more time on options that are not realistic. We have to accept our situation and deal with it. Thank you.”

  Als sat down and Assemblyman Presidius Tash stood. “Mr. Chairman, fellow assemblymen, and citizens of Tarizon. Assemblyman Als says we should be realistic. Well I couldn’t agree more. But the reality is Tarizon is finished.” The crowd stirred at the statement. The chairman asked for order. “I know we all love our planet and it’s hard to accept the fact that it may soon be uninhabitable, but what centuries of war couldn’t do God and mother nature have accomplished in but one cycle. Thirteen volcanic eruptions, 22,003 tremors, 111 tidal waves, and 4,110 wild fires have plunged Tarizon into darkness and chaos. There is no way we can survive this and the only realistic thing to do is start planning the planet’s evacuation.

  “Now, nobody said evacuation would be easy, but we are talking about the survival of our people. We cannot allow our civilization to die. We have accomplished too much to sit back and accept our perceived destiny. We are better than that. So, I say to all of you, we must get all of the existing 1,900 or so shuttles ready to transport as many people off Tarizon as is possible. When the shuttles reach Earth they can orbit the planet until arrangements are made for them to land. And if the authorities on Earth won’t welcome us with open arms then we we’ll find a suitable place to land and stake a claim.

  Many assemblyman stood up screaming their outrage while others clapped in enthusiastic support. Tash continued. “Assemblyman Als said only 20 million of our citizens could be successfully evacuated to Earth. I think his estimate is a little conservative, but let’s just say he’s right. Unfortunately, I’m afraid we’ll be hard pressed to find even 20 million citizens physically able to make the trip to Earth and that number will be dropping dramatically each day we delay in getting off this God forsaken planet!”

  The assembly broke out again in urgent conversation. Tash patiently waited for the room to quiet. “So, I urge each of you to vote in favor of the resolution pending before this assembly to immediately begin development of an evacuation plan to insure that our civilization is not lost. Thank you.”

  The debate continued until the Chairman adjourned the session for lunch. Assemblyman Als went back to his office where Councilor Garciah, Thom Tomel and several others were waiting. They all went into a small conference room where food and drink were available to them while they talked.

  “Assemblyman Tash is such an idiot,” Thom said. “There is no way an evacuation to Earth will work.”

  “Yes, but a lot of assemblyman agree we have no other choice,” Rammel noted.

  “That’s right, so we have to come up with a compromise. It would be a mistake to devote all our resources to an evacuation. The citizens left behind would pay dearly for such an eventuality,” Basset said.

  “Yes, it would be a disaster for the Mutants, the Rhutz and the Nanomites. That’s for sure,” Rammel agreed.

  “I’m afraid, however, if it went to a vote right now, we might lose,” Basset said.

  They all were quiet a moment as they filled their plates with food and found something to drink. Basset took a seat at the end of the table, grabbed a tablet and began writing something. After a moment he looked up. “What if we proposed to immediately send an envoy to Earth to see if they would accept our refugees. We could offer them gold, diamonds and other items they cherish as compensation.”

  “I don’t think money would be enough,” Rammel said. “I think you have to give them something so valuable that once they hear about it, they’d have to have it.”

  “Like what?” Thom asked.

  “Like technology. The Americans, in particular, are very competitive and if we offered them technology that would make them superior to all other nations on Earth, how could they turn that down.”

  “Yes,” Basset agree. “We should offer them superiority and power. That is something much more valuable than money.”

  “So, how would it work?” Thom asked.

  “Our emissary would make the journey to Earth, negotiate a treaty and then return to Tarizon. By the time he arrived back home the refugees would be ready to leave immediately.”

  “But the Purists won’t want to wait?” Thom said.

  “Of course they won’t, but fortunately most of the assembly will understand our plan is much more feasible and realistic. They will go for it I think, rather than a plan proposed in fear and panic.”

  “Who would the emissary be?” Thom asked.

  “Well, it has to be one who is articulate, persuasive and someone everyone trusts.”

  “I agree, but they will want to hear a name,” Thom persisted. “If we don’t offer a name the Purists will come up with someone we don’t like.”

  Basset nodded. “I was going to suggest Councilor Garciah.”

  Rammel stiffened. “You want me to go to Earth?”

  “Yes,” Basset replied. “You’re the obvious choice. You’re a councilor, your impartiality and integrity is impeccable, you are articulate and, most importantly, you speak English.”

  Thom’s mouth dropped open. “What? You speak English?”

  “Rammel sighed. “I’ve studied it, although I’m not sure how much of it I remember. It was a dream of my father to go to Earth back when that option was being considered.”

  “You can brush up on it.”

  “I suppose.”

  “So, will you do it? If anyone can pull it off, I trust it will be you.”

  “I will but my mate will be quite distraught when she learns of it.”

  “Take her with you?”

  He laughed. “I’m not sure she would like to be put to sleep for a cycle.”

  Basset shrugged. “From what I have been told it is like going to bed on Tarizon and waking up the next morning on Earth. Only the thought of it is troublesome. In reality it is nothing.”

  “Hmm. I don’t know.”

 
“Tell her she won’t age for two cycles. When she gets back she’ll be younger than all her friends.”

  “That’s right. You don’t age when you travel FTL.”

  Basset nodded. “So, you’ll do it?”

  Rammel shrugged. “Why not?”

  Basset smiled and looked down at his notes. After a moment he looked up. “Okay, when the debate comes to an end I’ll make a motion to amend the evacuation resolution on the table and we’ll see what happens.”

  When the group broke up Basset got on his communicator to start lining up support for his amendment. In the meantime Thom called Threebeard and Colonel Zitor to advise them of the latest developments and Rammel called his mate to give her the startling news. When the general assembly reconvened the debate went on until late in the afternoon until the last assemblyman who had wanted to speak on the matter took his seat.

  Assemblyman Als stood up. “Mr. Chairman. I wish to propose an amendment to the resolution before the assembly.”

  The chairman nodded,” The chair recognizes Assemblyman Basset Als.”

  “Mr. Chairman. I move to amend the Emergency Evacuation Act by adding a stipulation that before any evacuation takes place that an envoy be sent to negotiate a suitable treaty with the government of the United States for the peaceful acceptance of refugees to there. Further, I propose that the United States be offered valuable technology as consideration for the treaty, such that they would be given superiority over other nations on Earth. Finally, I would propose that the envoy be Councilor Rammel Garciah since he is uniquely qualified for the appointment as he has already learned the English language which is spoken by the Americans.”

  Basset sat down and another delegate immediately rose. “I second the motion.”

  There was a moment of silence as the assemblymen digested the motion. Then excited conversation broke out for several moments until the chairman quieted the assembly and asked for debate. Assemblyman Tash rose. “Mr. Chairman. I’d like to be heard on this amendment.”

  “Very well, the chair recognizes Assemblyman Tash.”

  “Mr. Chairman. Assemblyman. We don’t like Mr. Als amendment but we know there are others who feel the same way, so we would not oppose it if while these negotiations were going on with the Americans that a fleet of combat warships were constructed to force the nations on Earth to accept our citizens should they decline to enter into a treaty voluntarily. Therefore I move to amend Mr. Als amendment by stipulating that Deep Space Authority immediately begin construction of a fleet of at least seven battle cruisers, 2500 fighters and 50 support ships at the DSA Space Port on Clarion to be completed and ready for combat in two cycles so they will be ready to accompany the evacuation shuttles to Earth.”

  Another delegate stood up and seconded the motion. The chairman took a moment to discuss the situation with an aide and then replied. “Very well, there is an amendment to Mr. Als amendment to Mr. Tash’s motion. Is there any debate?”

  Many assemblymen spoke up wanting to discuss the amendments before the general assembly. While the debate went on Assemblyman Als went back to his office to confer with Thom, Rammel and his staff.

  “So, it appears our move has been anticipated?” Basset said sighing deeply.

  “Yes, indeed,” Thom replied.

  “We played right into their hands. They knew their plan for an immediate evacuation wasn’t feasible, so they used it as a diversion from their real plan to build an intergalactic fleet,” Basset mused.

  “So, what do we do?” Rammel asked. “It makes sense to bring along a military force to Earth in case we cannot negotiate a treaty. We can’t leave 20 million citizens orbiting around Earth forever.”

  “Yes, I’m afraid your right,” Basset said. “We have to agree to the fleet or it will make us appear to be unreasonable and reckless. I fear, however, the Purist’s intent is not to protect the citizens of Tarizon, but to gain the might to enslave them.”

  “So, what should we do to prevent that?” Thom asked.

  “If it is built, we’ll have to make sure the Purists don’t get control of it.”

  A few loons later Basset was back on the floor of the assembly. When the last assemblyman sat down, Basset rose. “Mr. Chairman, I believe the amendment proposed by Mr. Tash, is reasonable, although I don’t know where we will find the resources to build this intergalactic fleet. But that issue can be dealt with later, I move to call the question.”

  Another assemblyman stood up. “I second the motion.”

  The chairman nodded. “Very well, please cast your vote on the amendment to the amendment to the original motion. Specifically, if an envoy is sent to Earth to negotiate a treaty to accept our citizens and the evacuation is postponed for 2-3 cycles, that, in the meantime we authorize the construction of an intergalactic fleet as specified earlier by Mr. Tash.”

  Lights began flashing on the vote tabulation board and after just a moment it was clear the amendment had passed. “Alright, the second motion has passed. Please cast your ballot on the first amendment, as amended, to the original motion to immediately begin the evacuation of the citizens of Tarizon to Earth utilizing our existing fleet of Earth Shuttles.”

  The voting board lit up again and the amendment passed 423-377 with 23 abstaining. “Alright, the amendment carries. Now cast your vote on the original motion as amended. To summarize, the vote is on Mr. Tash’s motion which now provides that Central Authority well immediately send Councilor Rammel Garciah to lead a delegation of diplomats and appropriate staff to Earth to negotiate a treaty for the settlement of citizens of Tarizon on Earth. Further, that in the two to three cycle period that it takes to travel to Earth, negotiate the treaty, and return to Tarizon that Central Authority shall commence preparation for the evacuation of 20 million citizens and construct an intergalactic fleet consisting of 7 battle cruisers, 2500 fighters and 50 support vessels for the purpose of accompanying the evacuation shuttles to Earth.”

  The voting board lit up again and Basset held his breath. The Loyalist would vote against the measure as it was generally felt that an evacuation to Earth was a futile enterprise and Tarizon could not afford to divert needed resources to the building of a fleet of war ships that wasn’t really needed. Nor did the Loyalist have any desire to force the people of Earth to accept 20 million refugees, if they did not consent. It ran contrary to their belief in the rule of law and the protection of the rights of all life-forms.

  The tally reached 337-321 quickly and then the board was quiet. The chairman looked up patiently and waited another loon. Then he said, “Alright, you have one more loon to cast your vote before I close the voting.”

  The board lit up again and reset at 382-393. Basset felt a surge of hope but it was quickly dashed when the board reset again at 404-401. “You have one-half loon to place your vote,” the chairman noted.

  The total switched again to 407-405. There was a collective groan amongst the Loyalist assemblymen. Everyone knew 412 vote would be a majority. “Ten tiks,” the chairman advised.

  There were eleven votes yet to be cast. Basset looked around to see if he could tell who hadn’t voted yet but saw nothing telling in the faces of his colleagues. Finally, the total reset one last time. “Alright, the voting is now closed. Mr. Secretary do we have a final count.” The tally changed one last time to 413-408 with 2 abstentions. “The motion carries.”

  There was cheering and general excitement amongst the delegates who favored the resolution. Basset shook his head in dismay, turned and went back to his office. Councilor Garciah was waiting for him in his office.

  “Well, councilor. I guess you better start packing. You’re going to Earth.”

  Rammel groaned. “Skutz. That’s all I need is to be asleep for two years.”

  “I know. What a waste of time and resources.”

  “Do you have any idea how to approach the Americans?”

  “No. Not really. The hardest obstacle will be getting an audience with someone in the government. If we
mention we’re from another planet they’ll throw us all in a mental institution.”

  “Do you think you will have any problem landing?”

  “No. Since they have the mistaken belief that they are the only sentient life-form in the universe, they have no defenses against an enemy who would come from above.”

  “Well, you better go break the news to your mate.”

  “Yes. I can’t wait to see her face when I tell her.”

   

   

  Threebeard was in his office at the TGA base in Mapi going over his budget projections for the next cycle when he was told he had a call from Colonel Zitor. He picked up his communicator and accepted the call.

  “Colonel. How are you?”

  “Annoyed,” Colonel Zitor replied. “I’ve just been ordered by my superiors to produce you for another assignment.”

  “Another assignment? What are you talking about? I thought it was arranged that I could stay here and organize the Mutant Army.”

  “That was my plan but apparently your services have been requested by a Berne Baldrige. Do you know him?”

  Threebeard sighed. “Right. He asked me to see if I could make contact with the Nanomites. I’d almost forgotten about him.”

  “You did establish contact, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, but most of the Nanomites were killed by the volcanos and the tremors.”

  “Well, Baldrige and Central Authority want you to try to get the Nanomites to help on some construction projects.”

  “That’s ridiculous. There are only a few Nanomites still living.”

  “That may be, but I have my orders. You are to report to the TGA Science Laboratory at Fasoon tomorrow at 11:00 kyloons.”

  “Did they say how long this assignment will take?”

  “I asked them that and their answer was evasive. It all depends on how long it takes to make contact with the Nanomites and then to enlist their help.”

  “Alright. I’ll start packing, but I’m reluctant to put the Nanomites in contact with Central Authority. I’m not sure it would be in their best interest.”

  “Well, we don’t even know if the Nanomites are capable of doing what Central Authority wants them to do. Anyway, they can’t force them to cooperate if they don’t want to.”

  Threebeard disconnected and went to his second in command, Lt. Stixx Leode. He told him he’d have to take over while Threebeard was on assignment in Fasoon. Lt. Leode assured him they could get along without him for a while and not to worry about it.

  Reluctantly Threebeard reported the science lab the next morning. It was an imposing facility covering some 120,000 sq. ft. and a hub of activity. A long line of PTV’s and trucks were lined up to enter through the TGA security gate at the main entrance. A copter port sat just north of the facility where they landed. An escort was waiting for Threebeard when he disembarked and he took him to Baldrige’s office.

  Baldrige stood up, came around his desk and extended his hand. “Lt. Nocteris, it’s so good to finally meet you.”

  Threebeard shook his hand and nodded. “Yes, this was an unexpected pleasure.”

  “Have a seat,” Baldrige said pointing to a wooden chair in front of his desk. “Sorry to drag you away from whatever you were doing, but when I told my superiors that you had successfully communicated with the Nanomites, they insisted I follow through with you to see if the Nanomites could help us with the current building crisis.”

  “Building crisis?”

  “Yes, as you can imagine there has been an extensive damage to buildings throughout Tarizon. It is estimated forty percent of all the structures on Tarizon were severely damaged or destroyed. If this isn’t enough 80 percent of construction related laborers are unfit to work. Of course, that doesn’t make much difference since construction materials are almost impossible to find right now.”

  Threebeard took a deep breath. “I’m aware of the problem, but I don’t see how the Nanomites can help.”

  “Well, you and I both know they are capable of constructing some pretty elaborate structures and they do it with materials that are apparently close at hand.”

  “That’s true and the city we studied in the Ural Desert was remarkably strong and durable. It withstood the lava flow of Mt. Alabash, but was lost when a tremor opened up a huge sink hole that swallowed the city.”

  “That’s what I heard, but I understand some of the Nanomites survived.”

  “Yes. There are some swarms back at the Mighty Jolly in Liehn.”

  “Good. I’d like you to bring them here so we can make contact and determine if we can be of mutual assistance.”

  “Mutual?”

  “Well, I’m sure they don’t want their life-form to become extinct.”

  “No. Survival is their strongest instinct. They will do anything to survive.”

  “Well, perhaps if we help them they would be willing to help us. It’s at least an idea that should be explored.”

  “But how could so few Nanomites help when the building crisis on Tarizon is so widespread?”

  “Well, I have studied the Nanomites for a long time and one of the most astonishing facts about them is that given the right conditions they can reproduce remarkably fast. I have seen them increase their number tenfold in just a few phases.”

  “Really? That is impressive. Unfortunately, the eruptions began just as we made contact with them so I’m afraid I don’t know that much about them. Artis, my sister, is the one who has spent time with them and knows them the best. If they do agree to come I’d like to bring her along. It may be that she will be of more help to you than I could be. If that is the case, I’d like to get back to Mapi as I’m needed there desperately.”

  “That’s fine. If Artis can assist us with what we need, perhaps I can convince my superiors to let you go. We’ll just have to see what happens. In the meantime, how long will it take you to bring the Nanomite City here?”

  Threebeard shrugged. “Probable three or four days. We have to be very careful how we transport them since these are the last ones on Tarizon that we know about.”

  “Alright. Go get them and take whatever precautions you deem appropriate to insure their safe arrival. I’ll be anxiously awaiting your return.”

  Threebeard nodded and stood up. “Alright, if I can get transport to Liehn I would appreciate it.”

  “Not a problem. The copter you came in is at your disposal as long as you need it.

  Threebeard left the building and went straight to the copter port. As promised his jet copter was waiting. The flight took several kyloons but he still managed to make it home before sunset. Artis was shocked when he strolled through the front door of the Mighty Jolly.

  “What are you doing here? I thought you went to Fasoon?”

  “Yes. That’s where I just came from. I thought I’d surprise you.

  They embraced.

  “It’s so good to see you. What’s going on?”

  “It’s seems Central Authority has suddenly become interested in the Nanomites. They are looking for ways to start rebuilding all the structures that were damaged or destroyed by the tremors. Unfortunately the construction industry has totally collapsed so they are desperate to find ways to get things moving again.”

  “How do they expect a few swarms of nanomites to help?”

  “I’m afraid Baldrige has misled them. He’s speculated that they can multiply geometrically and that they will be able to start constructing useful buildings in no time.”

  “Well, that’s ridiculous. We’ve barely started communicating with them.”

  “They are desperate. What can I tell you.”

  “So, why are you here. To get the nanomites?”

  “Yes, and to talk you into joining the project.”

  “You want me to go to Fasoon?”

  “Yes. I need to get back to Mapi to continue building the mutant army. This distraction is coming at a bad time. If you come and can do what they wanted me to do, then they will let me ge
t back to what I was doing.”

  “But I don’t think what they want is possible.”

  “It probably isn’t, but I guess it won’t hurt to try. If it turns out not to be feasible or if the Nanomites don’t want to do it, then you can come home.”

  “Right. But if they want to keep the Nanomites? I don’t want to lose the opportunity to forge a strong relationship with them.”

  “I know. I don’t like this anymore than you do, but I’ve got my orders. I can’t disobey them.”

  Artis sighed deeply. “Okay. I guess I have no choice.”

  “Thank you. Let’s talk to the Nanomites and see if they are even willing to give this a try. Perhaps we can leave some of them here in case the project fails. Then when you come back you can continue with your work.”

  “Okay. That’s a good idea.”

  Late that night, after the Nanomite Exhibit was closed, Artis and Threebeard went to them and established a link. It was an easy thing for Artis to do now since she had been talking with them almost every day. Often she’d dream about them and realize she had been communicating with them subconsciously during the night. It was a strange but wonderful feeling.

  “Swarmmaster. I have good news. Threebeard has returned from Mapi.”

  “Indeed that is good news,” the Speaker thought. “We very much enjoyed our last communication. What brings you home?”

  “As happened to your Nanomite City many of the buildings throughout Tarizon have been severely damaged or collapsed. This is causing great turmoil and upheaval for the human population.”

  “That is understandable. How is reconstruction coming?”

  “It’s not. That’s the problem. Our construction workers are too sick to work, we have a shortage of materials and most of our roads and bridges cannot be traveled on. The situation is desperate.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Our government, which we call Central Authority has an idea they wanted me to discuss with you.”

  “Really? What idea?”

   “They have seen what wondrous buildings you have built out in your desert homelands and they wonder if they might hire you to construct buildings for them.”

  “We build cities because they are necessary to protect our swarms,” the Speaker thought. “Our primary objective in life is survival. We must devote all our efforts to that. Why would we want to build structures for humans? We have no desire for your gold or credits.”

  “So, would it be fair to say a growing population would be one of your primary goals?” Threebeard asked.

  “Yes. That is of paramount importance. The more nanomite swarms there are the more our survival is guaranteed.”

  “Well, I think what Central Authority would offer you if you could build for them would be a safe environment where your swarms could grow, not only in the desert but in every city in Tarizon. Your population could multiply to levels well beyond anything you have ever imagined.”

  “Your idea is worth considering,” the Speaker admitted. “I would have to consult with the others, but if your government could provide us what we need to flourish then we might be willing to try to build the structures you desire. We don’t know if what you ask is possible, but we would be willing to try if it benefitted both humans and Nanomites.”

  “Good. Consider this idea and if you are willing to go forward I will need to transport some of your swarms to the human science lab at Fasoon where we can start working on the project.”

  “Very well. Gives us a day to consider this idea and come back to us.”

  “We will,” Threebeard said. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”

  After Threebeard and Artis had left the swarmmasters began their deliberations. We can’t trust the humans...With unlimited bacuum our numbers will grow quickly...But we will become their slaves...They could withhold bacuum and then what would we do?...The humans are evil...Why should we help them, they are our enemy....We could live on all corners of the planet...Central Authority can’t be trusted....We will die and our life-form will become extinct if we don’t cooperate...It would be better to be dead than to be someone’s slave...We must live...If we are alive there is always hope...Artis and Threebeard will protect us.