Shroud of Doom

by William Manchee

  Chapter 31

  Tarizon Repopulation Project

   

  When negotiations resumed Mohammed Baba from the CIA was included in the U.S. Delegation as the person assigned to head up the project should an agreement be reached. Mo, as he preferred to be called, was thrilled with the unique assignment and determined to work out something mutually acceptable. Rammel, Mo, General Stout, and his aide, Lt. Wentworth sat across the table representing Tarizon. Mo took charge of the meeting.

  “Alright, the President has considered your requests and is pleased to advise you that the United States will assist Tarizon in this time of need. However, it will not be possible to allow 20 million refugees to settle permanently on U.S. soil. The logistics of such a mass immigration is simply not possible for too many reasons to go into at this time. Suffice it say, this is what we will be willing to do assuming we can get assurances that the project will at all times be kept top secret.

  “With those assurances, the United States will allow the temporary acceptance of up to one million human guests from Tarizon to be spread out over twenty metropolitan areas at our discretion. No more than 100,000 guest will be admitted each month until the maximum number of permitted guests has been reached.

  “This project will be jointly administered by the CIA and a local administrative arm of the Tarizon government who will be jointly responsible for keeping it top secret. All expenses incurred by these two agencies will be paid by Tarizon. To protect the secret nature of the project, the Tarizon government will provide medical clinics for its citizens so that no guests will ever be treated by U.S. doctors or at U.S. hospitals. Guests workers will at all times adhere to federal, state and local laws. The CIA will maintain a staff of attorneys, accountants, and other professionals to handle interactions between U.S. authorities and guest workers. All guest workers will file tax returns and pay taxes on earnings in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code..

  “The purpose of the Tarizon Repopulation Project as it will be known, is to allow at least one generation of strong, healthy, normal citizens to be conceived and nourished on Earth so that they can be returned to help stabilize the dwindling population on Tarizon. All children of citizens of Tarizon will return to Tarizon upon reaching age five, however, no mothers who are U.S. citizens will be allowed to accompanying her children to Tarizon.

  “In exchange for allowing guests workers on U.S. soil Tarizon will provide the technology promised on a schedule to be mutually agreed upon by the parties, but to be delivered in full within five years.

  “Now, with that on the table, are there any questions?” Mo asked.

  Commander Brunns stood up. “Yes, I have not a question but a concern. Although we are appreciate of your offer of assistance, by allowing only one million citizens to come to Earth you are sentencing to death millions of Tarizonians. We must be allowed to bring as many of our citizens as we can safely transport.”

  Mo sighed. “Yes, we understand the grave situation you face at home, but even bringing a million of your people to Earth is an unprecedented undertaking that will require a monumental effort on the part of the United States to accomplish, particularly since it must be kept secret.

  “Let me assure you that if this matter were made public there would be little likelihood that any of your citizens would be allowed to come to Earth. We are taking a big risk in allowing your people to come to Earth as legally a treaty must be ratified by the Senate and if funding is necessary a bill must be passed by Congress. If our secret ever comes out all of us involved could lose our jobs and be criminally prosecuted.”

  Rammel stood up. “Yes, I know you are taking a great risk and even though we would like to bring more people here, we will be content with what you offer, however, the technology we offered was based on the allowance of 20 million guests. Therefore, the technology offered will have to be reduced.”

  Mo shook his head. “No, our offer is conditioned on receiving the full technology package. Like I said everyone involved in this project is taking a great risk. If this blows up in our faces it could cost the President his reelection. This is only going to get done if we get the entire technology package that Lt. Sincini presented to us.”

  Commander Brunns stood up angrily but Rammel put his hand on his shoulder. “I’ll take care of this Commander. Take a seat.”

  Brunns started to protest but after a stern look from the Ambassador he relaxed and sat down.

  “I can understand your disappointment now that you have seen the wonders of our technology, but you cannot expect to get it all if we only get 1/20th of what we asked for. But, in the spirit of compromise I can offer you everything in the package except our FTL technology which wouldn’t have any practical value to you for many years anyway.”

  Mo considered this for a moment and then shrugged. “Okay, I’ll discuss it with the President. Perhaps this will be acceptable.”

  “Good,” Rammel said. “Now the biggest obstacle that I see remaining is the idea that this project can be kept secret. I don’t know how you plan to do that.”

  Mo took a deep breath. “Yes. This won’t be easy but it is an absolute necessity. An idea that we think might work is to claim that these guest workers are from other countries on Earth. There are always countries in turmoil who have refugees needing political asylum or nations at war who have citizens who have been displaced. We believe we can use these situations as cover for the Tarizon Repopulation Project.”

  “I see. Yes, that sounds like a good plan We can possibly help you on that score with our memory guns.”

  “Memory guns?” Mo asked.

  “Yes, we have developed a way to erase short term memory—a day, a few hours, or a few minutes depending on the situation. You simply point the gun at a person’s eyes and a layer of his memory is destroyed taking the memories stored there with them. The duration of the beam determines the amount of the memory lost. So, if for some reason the project were to be discovered, if you got to the person quickly enough you could erase his memory back to the point where he learned of its existence.”

  “Yes, that could be useful,” Mo agreed.

  “In fact, that is how we could land our shuttles without fear of detection. We simple mount a memory beam on the ship and flash it periodically so that anyone who sees our ship will have their memory of it erased.”

  Mo nodded. “Yes, that’s perfect. That will go a long way to solving our secrecy issues.”

  The meeting went on for hours but it was clear the parties had reached a tentative agreement. When the negotiations broke up Commander Kulchz took Lt. Wentworth aside.

  “Lieutenant, I just wanted to say I’m looking forward to working with the U.S. military on this project.”

  “Yes, as am I,” Lt. Wentworth said.

  “I don’t know how it is on Earth, but on Tarizon the politicians know very little about the practical needs of the military.”

  Wentworth laughed. “Yes, the situation is the same on Earth. Politicians are short sighted and focusing more on their reelection than what’s good for the people.”

  “Exactly,” Kulchz continued. “They don’t understand that they would have nothing if the military wasn’t there to guarantee that the people obeyed their policies.”

  “Yes, we are definitely under appreciated.”

  “Particularly when it comes to getting paid, right.”

  Wentworth laughed. “Boy, ain’t that the truth.”

  “So, Lieutenant. Just to show you our appreciation for what you are doing for the people of Tarizon, I have a gift for you.”

  “A gift?” Wentworth repeated.

  “Yes,” Kulchz said reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small cloth bag. He studied it a moment and then handed it to Lt. Wentworth.

  Wentworth took the bag, opened it gingerly and then gasped, “Are these diamonds?”

  “Yes. Fine diamonds as perfect as you will find anywhere.”

  Wentworth couldn’t keep his eyes off th
e diamonds. “How many are there?”

  “Twenty-five assorted diamonds ranging from two to five carats.”

  “And these are a gift to the delegation?”

  “No. No. Not the delegation. This is just between you and me.”

  Wentworth grimaced. “What will you be expecting in return?”

  “Nothing. This is just a gesture of friendship. We are both military men and I want you to be as enthusiastic about this project as I am.”

  Wentworth laughed. “Wow! Okay, then. Thank you.”

  “Of course, I am hopeful that Commander Brunns and I will be able to stay on Earth and help you administer the project. Neither of us has any desire to return to Tarizon.”

  Wentworth raised his eyebrows. “Well, I don’t know if I can help you out on that score, but if I see a way I will certainly try.”

  “Good, because we both enjoy giving gifts to our friends. And we have a lots to give.”

   

   

  1When the four new nanomite projects were completed several phases later the swarms were divided again and sixteen new, more ambitious, projects were started including the Hall of the Interpreters in Shisk. The Hall of the Interpreters was to be the beginning of Tarizon’s rebirth. Situated on a hill it would be visible from almost anywhere in the dome and become a beacon of hope for Tarizon’s future. Much to Central Authorities’ delight, before long, nanomite buildings were springing up all over Tarizon and Baldrige had become a hero for harnessing this wonderful new force for the good of Tarizon.

  Despite these early successes there still was one nagging problem. Artis and Threebeard were still the only two humans who could talk to the nanomites. Threebeard had tried to get the Seafolken to help Artis in this endeavor but every Seafolken he contacted refused to work for Central Authority since it had made no effort to end slavery on Tarizon and there were still thousands of Seafolken enslaved all over the world.

  When Threebeard failed to find someone to assist Artis, Baldrige starting spreading the word about his need for someone with very strong telepathic abilities to assist him. When Videl Lai heard about the problem he called Baldrige and suggested Rupra Bruda.

  “Yes. Young Bruda has a remarkably strong gift as does his mate.”

  “Isn’t he rather busy as your party chairman. I doubt he’d want to drop everything to come work with me.”

  “That’s true but this is very important for the future of Tarizon. If the Nanomites can actually build these structures as well as you say, then we ought to take advantage of their cheap labor.”

  “Yes, indeed,” Baldrige agreed. “Will you inquire into weather Chairman Bruda can help us out?”

  “Yes, right away. I’ll call him now.”

  “Thank you,” Baldrige said and the line went dead.

  Videl punched in Bruda’s number and waited.

  “Bruda here.”

  “Rupra. This is Videl. How are you?”

  “Fine.”

  “Listen, my friend. I know you are aware of the construction work being done by the Nanomites.”

  “Yes. I visited the Science Lab and saw them at work.”

  “Well, apparently Central Authority is in need of nanomite handlers. You know, people with strong telepathic abilities who can communicate with them at each construction site. So far only Artis and Threebeard have been able to communicate with them.”

  “Is that right? I didn’t know that.”

  “Yes, so I thought of you. Your abilities are about as strong as anyone I know and this would be a good opportunity to get the upper hand in this project.”

  “Yes. You’re absolutely right. It would be good if we controlled all of that free labor,” Bruda agreed.

  “Exactly.”

  “Apparently the Nanomites need only a few chemicals to keep them happy.”

  “Right They can’t be very smart. . . . So, can you and your mate go up there and see if you can communicate with them. If so, I’ll suggest to Baldrige that you two establish a training school for handlers. That way we can make sure we get our people in control of the swarms.”

  “Not a problem. We can wrap up what we’re doing in a day or two and then go straight there.”

  “Excellent. I’ll let Baldrige know you are coming.”

  Five days later Rupra Bruda and Essyria arrived at the science lab ready to get started. Unfortunately, Baldrige had failed to let Artis know they were coming and she was aghast when he told her they were there to learn how to communicate with the Nanomites. She kept her distress to herself but excused herself to consult with Threebeard.

  “Brother. I need your counsel immediately.”

  “What is it?” Threebeard replied, concerned with Artis’ tone.

  She opened her mind to his so he could understand the dilemma. He groaned in despair.

  “Oh, God and Sandee. Now what are we going to do? I fear the Nanomites will be in deep trouble if Bruda and his thugs get control over them.”

  “What should I do?”

  “Warn the Nanomites and resign immediately. Perhaps Mr. Bruda won’t be able to make contact without your help.”

  “I hope that is the case.”

  “You cannot assist Bruda in any way. Try to make the Nanomites understand the perilous position they will be in if Rupra Bruda gets control of them.”

  “I will, brother. Thank you for your counsel.”

  When Artis returned she called Baldrige aside and explained to him that she could not work with Rupra Bruda and his mate, as she believed he was involved in the plot to kill her brother.

  “But he has been cleared of those charges,” Baldrige argued.

  “Yes, but he hates mutants and we know he has killed at least two rhutz for no reason.”

  “He claims the first one was an accident and he denies being involved in Misty’s death.”

  “I don’t care what he told you. Neither were by accident, believe me. They were both premeditated murder.”

  “So, you are refusing to assist them?”

  “Yes, I am. And if they join our team then I must resign.”

  Baldrige frowned and shook his head slowly. “Alright, give me a few kyloons to consult with Central Authority.”

  Artis nodded and left Baldrige’s office. She went straight to the warehouse to confer with the Nanomites who had stayed behind. When was inside she closed her eyes and concentrated.

  “Swarmmasters”

  “Yes, Artis,” the Speaker said. “How can we help you?”

  “Something has happened that we did not anticipate.”

  “What? Tell us.”

  “Central Authority had brought in a man, Rupra Bruda, who they want to assist me in communicating with you. Since you have been divided we need more than one human to be able to communicate with you.”

  “Yes. That makes sense.”

  “It does, but this man is no friend to the Nanomites. He is evil and will not respect your wishes nor your rights. I have refused to work with him.”

  “That is good, then. What is the problem?”

  “The problem is that Central Authority may still allow him to be a speaker for Central Authority. If this happens I fear for your safety and well being.”

  “This is unfortunate news. We were very happy with the growth of our hives and the success of the project.”

  “I know. It is very distressful to me and Threebeard too. We don’t know what to do.”

  “Stand firm. We will support you. If the humans want us to continue building on Tarizon, they will send this Rupra Bruda away. If not, we will stop building.”

  “Good. Thank you. I’ll let you know how it turns out.”

  Artis left feeling a little better, but when she got back she could tell by the solemn look on Baldrige’s face that she was in trouble.

  “Central Authority insists you work with Rupra Bruda and his mate.”

  Artis shook her head in despair. “No. I won’t. I guess I have no choice but to resign. And, for your in
formation, the Nanomites have advised me they will not work with Bruda and his mate and will stop building if I resign.”

  “Well, we’ll see about that,” Baldrige said signaling to two security guards stationed near the door. They came over immediately and stood behind Artis.

  “These men will be showing you out.”

  Artis glared at Baldrige. “You’re just going to throw away all we have accomplished?”

  “No, we will have to proceed without you. I’m sorry. That’s Central Authority’s decision.”

  Artis shook her head. “Well, good luck with that,” she said and stormed off.

   

   

  When Artis was gone Rupra Bruda and Essyria walked over to where Baldrige was standing. “Don’t worry. We’ll handle the Nanomites.”

  “How? Apparently Artis has already conferred with them and they are refusing to work with you.”

  “Maybe that’s the case with the swarms here, but the other swarms don’t know what is happening. The nanomites can’t communicate over long distances like the rhutz. As long as we don’t let these swarms anywhere near the other ones we will be okay.”

  “But with personnel going back and forth between construction sites it’s likely the news will eventually get to the other swarms,” Baldrige warned.

  Bruda sighed. “Well, if that’s true we have but one choice.”

  “What’s that?” Baldrige asked.

  “We must terminate them.”

  Baldrige grimaced, not grasping Bruda’s words.”

  “Terminate them?”

  “Yes, all the nanomites at the Science Lab must die. Every last one of them so they can’t alert the others to our intentions.”

   

   

  Aerial Muri and Rammel got out of the elevator and stumbled toward their suite. Their two bodyguards watched them with some amusement as they tried to unlock the door. When they finally managed to get it unlocked Rammel nodded to the men and closed the door.

  Inside Aerial pulled her dress over her head and kicked off her high heels. Rammel took off his coat, stumbled to the sofa and collapsed. Aerial came over, took off his shoes, and began to loosen his belt. He looked up at her longingly.

  “You want to sneak upstairs and take a swim,” Aerial asked. “The pool is closed, so we’ll have it all to ourselves.”

  “A swim?” Rammel questioned.

  “Yes, I long for the water. I’m a mermaid for the sake of Sandee. At least that’s what they call girls like me on Earth. Mermaids.”

  “Well, that is tempting.” Rammel replied. “But what if we are seen?

  “Your security team will keep away any intruders, won’t they?”

  “Yes, I suppose so.”

  “Then, come on. Let’s go. I’ll brief you on what Kulchz is up to while we swim, so if anybody asks what you were doing you can say you were working.”

  They both laughed.

  After they stripped and put on bathrobes, they took the elevator up to the rooftop swimming pool. As expected the pool was deserted. Aerial dropped her robe and walked slowly into the pool giving Rammel an eyeful. His mouth fell slightly open as she began to transform before him.

  “Don’t gawk from out there. Come on in and take a closer look. You may never get an opportunity like this again.”

  Rammel reluctantly took off his bathrobe and dove into the pool. When he came up next to Aerial she was smiling broadly.

  “So, are you glad you came?”

  He nodded taking in her stunning breasts and the small set of gills beneath them. “Yeah, this will definitely be a memorable night. Although, I can imagine what my staff will think of me when they get wind of this.”

  “Don’t worry. You’ll go up a notch in the eyes of the men and the woman will just think you’re a typical male.”

  “Perhaps, but I should set a higher standard.”

  “Well, some day you can explain yourself and then they will understand.”

  “Right. So, what is Kulchz up to?”

  “He and Commander Brunns are buying off every American officer they meet with diamonds and gold. They say they are just gifts of gratitude with no strings attached but that’s obviously not the case.”

  “Really? I wonder what they hope to gain by it."

  "They don't want to go back to Tarizon and they are hoping their new military buddies will help convince you to let them stay."

  "What do you think I should do about it?”

  "Don't ask me. I'm just a spy. You're the politician."

  "Right."

  “Perhaps you should tell Mo so he will know what he's up against..”

  “Yes, but what will he think of us if we cannot even control our own delegation.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about that. He will appreciate your trust in him and it will help build a strong bond between you.”

  “You may be right. I will discuss it with the others and see what they think I should do.”

  “Good. And now I am going to swim a hundred laps if you don’t mind.”

  “Go right ahead,” Rammel said as he edged over to the side of the pool to give her room.

  She glided away and began swimming laps. Her strokes were strong and graceful and she moved in the water with remarkable speed. Rammel was mesmerized watching such a beautiful creature swimming so effortlessly back and forth like the pendulum of a clock. When she was done she came over to him smiling.

  “What are you so happy about?” he asked.

  “I feel so good in the water. It’s been a long time. Before we go, do you want me to make your day?”

  He laughed tentatively. “What do you mean, make my day?”

  “Have you ever felt the sting of the tortiac?”

  Rammel blushed. “No, of course not.”

  “Well, mine isn’t as strong as a full blood’s, but have no doubt it will still be the most pleasant feeling you have ever experienced. It would be my honor to give you that pleasure.”

  Rammel swallowed hard. “Thank you, but as pleasurable as that would be, I couldn’t justify allowing it.”

  Aerial frowned. “You sure? Nobody would know.”

  “You and I would know and once I’d experienced such pleasure I’d want more. Then our facade would crumble into reality. I must stay focused on the mission.”

  Aerial nodded. “You’re right, of course.”

  She turned and strolled out of the pool giving the Ambassador one last magnificent look and then put on her robe. Her webbed hands and feet quickly resumed a normal human form. When they got back to the suite. The door was ajar.

  “Hmm. It looks like Kulchz and Lt. Brunns have been here,” Aerial said.

  “Yes. It’s a good thing you told me they were coming. I put everything important in the hotel safe.”

  “But you left them something to find, didn’t you? I don’t want them to think I warned you they were coming.”

  ‘Yes, I left a few classified documents that they should find interesting.”

  "A little misinformation, perhaps?"

  "Why of course."

  “Good. . . . Now you better go report the burglary to the authorities to keep up the charade.”

  “Right . . . Sergeant! Someone has been in my suite!”

  The two guards rushed over and shook their heads when they saw the room in shambles.