by J W Murison
‘The Emperor has been trying to sell us this trade agreement for months now. To do so his propaganda machine has been working overtime. We know all about you from the battle reports submitted by our ambassador. There are documentaries depicting the whole story. It has been quite fascinating to watch. Did you not also rescue your people from that Black Planet?’
‘Yes, that is correct.’
‘Forgive me, but the documentaries depict you as a military man.’
‘Well that much isn’t true.’ Something was mulling over in Steven’s mind. ‘I thought the Emperor could just please himself about these trade agreements?’
The Modloch sat back chewing his cud while thinking over an answer. ‘Technically that is true. However a wise ruler should always have the backing of his people and his politicians. We have a governing body that is responsible for running the empire on a daily basis. The Emperor is our guiding light. Of course every one of our planets has its own governing body that has to answer to the main government and the Emperor. To deny the Emperor is usually fatal, if you try and push forward a policy he objects to. However such a thing is very rare.’
Steven was aware of much of this, however he hadn’t realised that the Emperor really needed the backing of his own politicians. ‘Are you a politician?’
‘No thank goodness. I am an academic. I teach celestial navigation at the Emperor’s Royal Academy here in the city.
Steven sat up, ‘Wow! Do you have any published papers or books I can purchase?’
The Modloch’s muzzle wrinkled in a manner that Steven recognized as a grin. ‘I teach hands-on navigation, the old fashioned way of doing things with a slide rule and a pen.’
Steven nodded, ‘I have a stellar cartography room on my ship and had one built back in my academy. It is a C.E.T.i. 110083.’
Now it was the Modloch’s turn to sit back and take notice of the man beside him. ‘Yes, that is the standard primitive unit that I teach on. It is a dying art I will admit, but if one wishes to be a navigator on any of the Royal ships then you must complete the course.’
‘I discovered the unit on an old freighter and had it duplicated. I am making all of my students learn on it.’
‘Your students?’ It was an inquiry.
‘Yes, over the past few years I have opened a number of educational institutions back on my home world, and a space academy not far from my base on the Moon. Since the emergency we have turned it into a military style academy. Students are under no obligation to join the Earth Defence Corps afterwards of course. However, at this moment, if you wish to cross the great barrier, it is the only way.’
‘Fascinating. Do you use the unit?’
‘Every chance I get. My ship had some papers on it and I taught myself how to use it. I translated those papers into an academic course that all our navigators must take and have had a unit built into all of our ships. As yet only the first of those capable of using it have begun to reach the fleet. Some proper instruction from an expert would be invaluable. If I could purchase any of your books or papers, I would be grateful.’
The Modloch was scowling now, ‘May I ask some personal questions?’
Steven shrugged, ‘Why not? Isn’t that what this whole evening is about?’
‘You have built academies, have a say on your world’s ship building. Are you sitting at the right table?’
Steven sighed, ‘I have built schools, academies, universities, hospitals, teaching hospitals, hotels, shopping malls, houses, space freighters and whole battle fleets. You name it, I have probably built it. I presume you would like an explanation?’
The Modloch was struck speechless for a moment. ‘You are under no obligation to explain anything to me Captain. I am, however, insanely curious.’
Steven laughed and launched into as short an explanation as he could. During that time the next course was set down in front of them. By the time they had finished the course Steven had finished his explanation.
The Modloch Professor sat quietly for a long time and Steven was beginning to believe he had lost him. The Professor eventually put his large fork down into his huge bowl and dabbed his muzzle with his napkin. ‘If what you tell is the truth then you are most definitely sitting at the wrong table. You should be up there with the industrialists.’
‘I am not an industrialist, though I do hire out ships and space in my malls. The money from those enterprises pays the staff in many of my projects but not all. The World’s Resource Unit has now taken over the running of the Earth Defence Force and the Academy. Individual countries pay for the members of their armed forces. In fact it is all a bit of a mess. Everything is so new. Being first into outer space from my planet gave me the opportunity to gather large quantities of precious metals and gemstones, much of which I converted into cash. The yearly interest from those accounts keeps everything else running pretty smoothly.’
‘How did you build all those things in such a short period of time?’
‘Builder technology. If it weren’t for that the Human race would now be extinct.’
The Modloch Professor sat back, ‘Ah yes, I see. Still, it must have cost a lot for the materials to build a whole fleet.’
Steven shook his head, ‘In real terms it cost us nothing. Earth was full of something we call rubbish dumps. Advanced reclamation and processing of the type you have is unknown on Earth. We simply reclaimed vast amounts of materials from rubbish dumps then converted the materials into whatever form we needed them in, feeding it all into the automated dock yards we had built. The huge landfill sites have been a sore in the side of every government on Earth since they were first conceived. They were only too happy to allow us to do whatever we wished with them as long as it got rid of their problem.’
‘Astounding, simply astounding. I do know what you are talking about of course. Once upon a time we had the same problem. Then advanced reclamation became a reality. There were many companies that got rich in discovering those old sites and reclaiming the materials within them. I understand completely where you are coming from. Are you still building ships?’
‘Yes of course. We now have a fleet that protects our home world and the solar system.’
‘You are still not charging your government for the privilege of building these ships?’
‘No. As long as I am getting the materials for free, I see absolutely no reason to charge them. After all, the survival of my whole race depended on it, and still does.’
A waiter took away their plates, and the President captured Steven’s attention for ten minutes. When he turned back the Professor began talking again.
‘Captain Gordon. I have little doubt that what you have told me is true. From a life time of being a teacher, I have come to recognise if someone isn’t being quite truthful – even those not of my own species. Please forgive me if I am being a little forthright.’
‘You have nothing to apologise for. I understand how hard it is to believe. I have trouble believing it myself. The Human race has thrust itself into the future with a gusto I could never have envisioned a few years ago. We were a divided race. Many countries fighting each other. Now we are one race in a densely populated galaxy, fighting for our right to simply exist.’
‘I was very sceptical about sitting at a table with a meat-eater, but I have to say that you have changed that view quite dramatically. A person of your integrity is very hard to come by in this universe. To do so much for no reward or gain is extremely rare. I would like to invite you to the academy at your own convenience.’
Steven was delighted, ‘I would love to come and visit sir. Would it be possible to take my partner and maybe sit in on a couple of lessons?’
‘Nothing would give me greater pleasure Captain.’
The waiters came back and disturbed them once more. They put a mushroom which floated in a brown liquid in a sealed glass in front of the Modloch Professor. When they were finished the Emperor made a small speech welcoming Humans to his Empire, cracked open the glass
and downed the contents. His people followed suit. There was a communal gasp of delight.
The Professor finished shuddering, ‘Oh that was exquisite. You did not partake?’
‘I recognise the mushroom sir. It is from Earth and is highly poisonous to our species.’
‘How did you know we would like it?’
‘Nothing to do with me sir. It was your ambassador while he was on Earth. I have no idea how he discovered the mushroom.’
‘Did you know all of the food tonight was supplied by the Emperor from his own garden? All of the grasses come from your planet. I have to say it is the best banquet I have ever attended. How has it been for you?’
‘As banquets go, this is only the second I have ever attended. This one is by far the best in terms of splendour. In the terms of food, however, it comes a very bad second.’
The Professor howled with what Steven could only presume was laughter.
‘That was well put. If however the Emperor had produced meat at this banquet, it would have caused insult to all.’
‘I understand, but we don’t just eat meat. There are many different types of grasses or grass type species on our planet. From a few of them we make a thing called bread which is a staple in all of mankind’s diet. We discovered during our long journey here that the ambassador gained a liking for some types of bread, mostly wheat, rye and corn. We don’t kill all of our animals. From many we collect milk which we turn into other products such as butter and cheese. Something else our ambassador took a liking to. He couldn’t eat too much of it however as it gave him bad gas.’
The Professor laughed, ‘Your people get more intriguing every moment Captain. This evening has become an unexpected pleasure.’
CHAPTER 6
Charlie found himself laughing; the Modloch in front of him too barked a laugh.
‘Well if it isn’t the freak himself.’
‘Well well, Mr Ambassador.’
‘You can stow that Ambassador shit Charlie, just call me Chief.’
Charlie nodded, ‘You got your old job back then.’
‘With a bloody great pay rise as well. It’s good to see no one’s assassinated you yet.’
‘I heard they were considering throwing you out an air lock.’
The Chief Engineer of the city ship sighed, ‘It was bloody close. Lucky for me, by the time they had finished arguing about it, my condition had improved.’
‘Space plague huh? I thought they would have done you in for sure.’
‘It was so damn close it still makes me shudder to think about it. The law states that they should have cooked me, but I knew far too much for them not to try to heal me.’
‘You mean you kept that big gob of yours shut?’
‘Damn right I did.’
They both laughed, ‘Still, the Emperor kept his word and made me Chief Engineer of the city ship. Just so you know, I have never mentioned your special talent.’
‘You have my thanks for that Chief. I can control it at will now, so it is permanently switched off.’
‘Good to hear it.’ The Chief looked around, ‘Why the hell are you here?’
Charlie looked mystified, ‘I have no idea. We must be the two lowest ranked bodies here.’
‘I would say we are.’
‘You should have seen the faces of the Modloch officers sat around me when they realised what my rank really was. You would have thought I had shit in their hay.’
The Chief laughed, ‘Doesn’t surprise me none. Most of those here are nobles from noble families and that includes the military. I think the Emperor is trying to prove something.’
Charlie became serious for a moment, ‘You look like shit by the way. Was it bad?’
The smile slipped from the Chief’s face, ‘Never felt anything like it before. For a while I was praying to die.’
Charlie nodded, ‘Aye, I know that feeling well enough.’
The Chief looked round. The food was finished and the tables and chairs had been cleared away. Now the guests mingled with each other. They could see Steven surrounded by academics; he seemed happy enough.
‘Who else is here from the crew?’
‘Tapper is here somewhere. He was sitting with the toffs nearer the top of the hall somewhere.’
‘What are toffs? That didn’t translate.’
‘A term used for those of noble birth.’
‘Ah, I get it. Who else?’
‘Lady Jane.’
‘The white witch herself huh? I hope I don’t bump into her.’
‘No much chance of that. She is with the royal party. Her sister is married to our King, so she is well out of our reach.’
‘Good, I saw the pretty Mya up there as well.’
‘Aye she is here. I think that’s about it.’
‘So why the hell are you here and not some of your officers?’
Charlie shrugged, ‘I have no idea.’
‘Want to grab a drink and get out of this shithole?’
‘I could do with a fag.’
The Chief grunted, ‘Still smoking that disgusting weed. Well you had better not do it in here. You will set off the fire alarms.’ The Chief delved into his robes and pulled out a silver flask. ‘Shall we inspect the Emperor’s gardens?’
Charlie laughed, ‘Let me guess: Star Water.’
‘I promised I would give you a taste, didn’t I?’
‘You sure did.’
Charlie followed the Chief to a strange wonderland. He had never seen any of the plants before; they gave off a strange, heavy scent in the moonlight. With two moons, a full and a half moon, they could almost see the colours.
‘Do you have your tester?’ Asked the Modloch.
Charlie produced a small box and the Chief poured a drop into it. A green light came on. ‘Good to go. Fit for Human consumption. Told you, didn’t I?’
Charlie laughed, ‘You sure did.’ The Chief offered the first drink and Charlie took a sip. It was an unfamiliar taste but not unpleasant. Then came the kick. ‘Oh aye Chief. That isn’t bad at all.’
‘It doesn’t have the punch of that malt whisky you Scots are so fond of, but it still has a kick.’
Charlie lit up, ‘Aye, I would say as my first taste of alien alcohol, it isn’t bad at all.’
Charlie had just finished his cigarette when Steven’s voice sounded in his head. Charlie put the stub of the dead cigarette into his sporran. ‘Steven wants me. It seems like Tapper is on the hunt. I’ve told him we are out here in the garden.’ Charlie waited a few seconds for Steven to answer. ‘I have to meet Tapper at the side entrance we came out of.’
The Chief grunted, ‘Maybe we will find out what you are here for.’
Tapper met them just as they reached the entrance, ‘Hello Chief, good to see you again. Sergeant, the King wishes for you to attend his presence.’
‘What for sir?’
‘No idea.’
The Chief found himself drawn onwards as Tapper engaged him in conversation. The three of them arrived at the line in the hall that no one could advance beyond without royal consent. All three were ushered forward, the Chief almost panicking when he suddenly found himself in the presence of his own Emperor. He was just wondering how the hell he had got there when he was spotted. The smile that played around the Emperor’s muzzle wasn’t pleasant.
‘Ah! My Chief Engineer. Where have you been hiding? Are you recovered from your illness and ready to resume duties?’
The Chief almost choked, ‘Yes sire.’
‘About time too.’ His eyes swivelled towards Charlie’s. ‘So, you are what passes for a soldier in the Human world?’
Charlie had turned on all of his senses and clearly heard the King think, ‘Give the bugger what for Charlie.’
Charlie smiled, and looked one of the Emperor’s guards up and down. The guard shone like a new pin, and wore a decorative sword at his side. ‘Is that what passes for a soldier in your Empire sir?’
‘He is one of the elite. A soldier beyon
d compare.’
Charlie could sense curiosity in the Emperor.
‘Really?’ Charlie sniffed, ‘We have those too. I, however, am a common soldier. How about a little test of strength sir? Just a small one.’
The Emperor suddenly felt a rush of excitement. ‘What do you have in mind soldier?’
‘Let’s say I place my hand on his sword and try to prevent him from drawing it.’
The Emperor burst out laughing, ‘You jest?’
‘Not today sir.’
The Emperor gestured to the guard, ‘Gord. Come here. Did you hear what he said?’
‘Yes sire.’
‘What do you think of his chances Gord?’
‘I think the oxygen rich air is affecting his mind sire. I have no objections to this test of strength.’
The Emperor looked to the King, ‘Have you any objections?’
‘None at all.’
‘Gord, if you will.’ The Emperor commanded.
The guard presented himself and Charlie placed his hand over the hand guard and locked his fingers onto the scabbard. Charlie nodded and the guard tried to draw his weapon. The smirk on his faced soon vanished.
The Emperor frowned, ‘What’s wrong Gord, draw your weapon.’
‘I am trying sire.’
‘Try harder damn it.’
The guard used both hands, one on the scabbard. Still he couldn’t move it. He gave a great bellow as he tried one last herculean effort. The sword didn’t budge and Charlie’s expression didn’t change. He felt fear leap between the Modloch like a flame.
‘Enough.’ He suggested.
‘Enough.’ The Emperor confirmed. Their fear levels dropped as Charlie let go and stepped back. ‘That was quite an impressive display of strength soldier.’
‘There is one thing you have to take into consideration about the Human race sir.’
‘What is that?’
‘When you get fed up of listening to our fat politicians, get sick of listening to their endless whining and decide it would be far easier just to squash them and declare war on the Human race, remember it isn’t men like them that you will be fighting. It is men like me.’
