State Leader Sten was back in his office listening to his staff scream at each other again. “I guess the more things change, the louder they get,” he thought while gazing out his window at a wintry city. “The cold season always puts everyone on edge,” He then sighed, “Well, let’s see if we can make some sense out of this rabble.” He sounded the tone on his desk and watched as everyone slowly became quiet until there was not a sound in the room. After a pause for everyone to become uncomfortable he said, “Headman Dgzh. What is the latest news on the Human/Cainth conflict?”
“It appears, State Leader, that the Humans have totally destroyed the Cainth Empire’s war fleet. We have received a request from the head Clan Leader for assistance in safeguarding their worlds.”
“He should have thought about that before he executed those colonists and invaded five weeks early. They deserve what happened to them. We might send an occupation fleet after we handle the problem with the Humans. Is there any word from the Humans about recent events?”
“Yes, they respectfully ask why they were attacked so brutally when they had built all the structures for the occupying forces you requested and surrendered immediately.”
“That is a valid question however; we are still the power here. They have no right to question our actions, only to follow our directives. Where do we stand now on a new occupation?”
Headman Dgzh looked very uncomfortable but replied, “They have said that there is a high level of distrust now towards the Alliance of Worlds especially when an invasion fleet was sent to destroy their planet. The Cainth have unfortunately told them that was the plan from the start.”
“It wasn’t the plan! It was their plan not ours!” He yelled at the assembled group.
“Yes State Leader, but can you really blame them after what happened when they followed our orders? They have also been shown what happened to the Grendap by the Cainth invasion fleet to let them know what was coming.”
“I should destroy the Cainth Empire for their stupid behavior. Their membership is the only thing that prevents me.”
“The Humans have done a pretty good job of that on their own, State Leader.”
“How did they do that, Headman? I understand that they only had 350 ships total to face 2000 of ours.”
“According to the Cainth Military Leader, they were surprised and out of formation. He also informs us that more than half the Earth fleet was destroyed in the conflict. He further estimates that they only have less than 140 ships remaining after their attack on the Cainth Home World.”
Sten looked at the leader of his staff and said, “Does that make any sense to you? We outnumbered them seven to one and thru surprise they destroyed our fleet. I watched the video until it was interrupted and our fleet was destroying their ships faster than I could count then they destroy 1,800 warships. Something isn’t right. What do you think our response should be?”
“State Leader we are divided on what we should do. The majority of us think we have treated these Humans poorly and they should just be left alone.”
“And the others think?”
“Eighteen hundred ships is not something we can overlook especially when thirty other members of the Alliance provided ships that were also destroyed. The Cainth and Glod lost the most but every other member that contributed to the fleet lost warships.”
“I’m inclined to think like the minority,” and he held up his hand as Dgzh started to protest. “These Humans are not members of the Alliance and they destroyed 2,000 of our best ships. Do you really suggest we should leave them alone to build more ships unsupervised? I think we need to take a close look at one of their ships and control their actions.”
Headman Dgzh thought for a moment and said, “Put that way, I think you make an excellent point. They have never shown any aggressive patterns and only defended themselves, however they obviously defend themselves quite well for a non-aggressive race.” He looked around the room and saw everyone thinking about Sten’s observation. “Does this change anyone’s view? He asked the assembly. “Does anyone think we should ignore the humans?”
One staff member is the rear of the assembly said, “I do. Following one wrong with another is never good policy. This might also be a cake we shouldn’t eat; the price may be too high.”
State leader Sten said, “Possibly you are right but we are going to examine the ingredients of this particular recipe. Headman, contact the Humans and tell them that a new occupation fleet will be arriving in six weeks and to be prepared for its arrival.”
“How many ships are you sending this time, State Leader?”
“Four thousand should do it. Notify the Glod representative that they will command this occupation. The Glod make the Cainth look absolutely tame and they should handle this easily enough.” Headman Dgzh thought this feels like deja vu’ all over again.
LT. Kelly looked up from his console and said, “Mr. Gardner, the Director is on a channel requesting to speak with you and Mrs. Gardner.”
“Admiral, Will you and Captain Mikado join us and have the call sent to the briefing room, Mr. Kelly.”
“Yes sir.”
The briefing room was located next to the bridge and was used to discuss issues not for general crew information. They entered and closed the door and then Admiral Kosiev pressed a button and said, “Madam Director, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are here with me. They have requested my presence if that meets your approval.”
“Good, I’m glad you’re there, Admiral, you need to hear this too. We have just received a message from State Leader Sten of the Alliance of Worlds notifying us that we will be occupied in six weeks. We are to prepare for the occupation forces as before and that the Glod Union will be commanding the fleet. When I asked how many quarters need to be prepared he responded that enough for 3,000 ships.”
Tag looked at Danielle, “Then you can expect between four and six thousand ships. The Alliance treats everything as a nail; if one hammer won’t do it, two will. Terl has told them that we are down to 140 ships. It looks like they don’t buy that analysis.”
“I think they do,” Danielle said. Tag gave her a look and she went on, “They want to impress not only us but every other member of the Alliance who holds the real power. He probably thinks it can be done with half of what he’s sending, but after losing 2,000 ships, he’s making sure everyone knows one battle does not win a war and here’s what happens if they lose. All of our surviving ships will be totally destroyed and our planet invaded.”
Tag and Kosiev looked at her and then Kosiev said, “Madam Director, I think Mrs. Gardner is probably right. Have you thought about what our response should be?”
“I wish I knew more about these Glod. Are they a peaceful race? What’s their history?”
Tag thought a moment and said, “Misty, I’ll contact Terl and Admiral Dorg and see what they know. They have been allies with the Glod and perhaps they can shed some light on what to expect. I’ll contact you within an hour and we can look at our response at that time. Would you like the Cainth to listen in?”
“Yes. I think that would be a good idea.”
“They’re going to do what!” Terl said.
“You know it was going to happen,” Admiral Dorg said. “You can’t win a battle and not face a bigger and stronger force. That’s the Alliance’s way of maintaining control over all of its members.”
“Tag, we are allies of the Glod Union, but they are warriors first and civilized second,” Terl said. “They will be absolutely oppressive in ways that would make our occupation of your colony look tame by comparison. They just can’t help it; the weak are nothing to them. They seek combat where ever they can find it.”
“Then it looks like we have to resist,” Kosiev said.
Admiral Dorg said, “Let me contact a Glod Ambassador I know and discuss the possibility of them not participating in the occupation.”
Terl looked at Dorg, “Do you think he’ll listen to you now?”
“How could he not after our crushing defeat here in our home system? Give me a drag and I’ll see what I can achieve. I’ll contact you immediately after our contact.”
Danielle said, “I’ll call the Director and tell her our call may be delayed. Terl, you and Admiral Dorg have been invited by our Director to participate in our planning session. Would you like to take part?
“Absolutely, would you want to include the other Clan Leaders?”
“If we have too many, we may not get anything done,” Tag said as Danielle elbowed him in the ribs.
“Clan Leader,” Danielle said, “we would welcome their participation, would they take part in the discussions?”
“No, their task is to observe and counsel me. I think it would give them a rare opportunity to know our clan brothers better.”
Tag said, “I apologize, we would certainly like to have them participate.” Then he rubbed his ribs and mouthed to Danielle, “I’m Sorry.”
Admiral Dorg said, “Alright. Everyone be on call. I’ll contact the Ambassador now,” and he broke the connection.
Admiral Dorg and Ambassador Tgon-Gee were looking at each other on their respective communication monitors. Dorg asked, “Is this a secure channel?”
Tgon-Gee reached forward and flipped a lever, “It is now. You want something; what is it this time?”
“I’ve been told that your race has been chosen to lead the next invasion of the Humans. Is there any truth to that?”
“Yes we have as a matter of fact. They destroyed 360 of the ships we loaned to the previous invasion fleet and we owe these Humans a blood debt.” Dorg didn’t say anything; he just stared at the Ambassador. Tgon-Gee said, “You know something, don’t you?”
“Ambassador, you have been a valued ally that has always been helpful to my government. I find that I must trust you if I’m to share this information with you,” then Dorg was silent.
“What is it?”
“Have you heard what the Humans did to our home fleet?”
“I’ve heard they wiped it out.”
“They did, Ambassador, which members of the Alliance are the strongest militarily?”
“We are and the Hargons and you were, before the conflict, one of the three strongest in the Alliance.”
“Why do you think it is that the Alliance leadership has chosen two of the strongest members to attack these Humans; especially two that aren’t on the Safety Prime Council? Why have the Hargons not been asked to lead?”
“Because we are the strongest,” Tgon-Gee said.
“Could it possibly be that with the two strongest weakened, it makes the Alliance Leaders stronger. I have reason to believe we were set up in the previous battle and now the Alliance has refused to send us protection after the Humans destroyed our fleets. Does that sound like they appreciate what we did or the sacrifices we endured. I think they were afraid of us and wanted to see our power removed. Do you ever get the impression that the Alliance is afraid of your race?”
Tgon-Gee sat and thought about how many times he had heard from the Alliance how powerful his ships were. Then Dorg said, “They probably told you that the Humans only have a few ships remaining.”
Tgon-Gee leaned into the screen, “That’s exactly what they said. What do you know? Do they have more? Are we being set up like you?”
“Ambassador, in all of our past dealings, have I ever been wrong in my opinions?”
“No. You’ve been quite accurate on most things.”
“Then consider this. No one knows how many ships the humans have. What happens when you arrive to occupy the Humans world and you’re confronted with a thousand of those ships that destroyed my fleet?”
“Do they have that many?”
“I honestly don’t know, but have they agreed to the occupation?”
“Not yet.”
“If they were afraid, wouldn’t they quickly agree?”
Tgon-Gee was thinking of the consequences of facing that many nightmare ships and it didn’t matter if he had 10,000 ships. He had seen the Glod survivors recording of what those small ships could do. “How could we avoid this now that the Alliance has chosen us?”
“Perhaps you can tell them that your race has to complete the religious burial of every member of the destroyed ships. Dream up some ancient ceremony that you practice in your warrior religion. Tell them that so many were killed that it is going to take half a cycle before you can participate but that after that time you’ll be ready to take your vengeance on the Humans. Then you can see what the Alliance was planning for you. I might be wrong and they eradicate the Humans. But what if I’m right? You’ve seen what they can do. I’m telling you as an ally; avoid these Humans at all costs.”
“I’ll discuss this with our leader. I think he’ll see the wisdom of your words. Do you want us to send some ships to protect your home world?”
“That’s a great idea. You could also use that as a reason for not being able to go right now. Tell them half your fleet is tied up protecting another member that was refused help from the Alliance Leaders. You really only need send ten or twenty; they won’t know how many are here or out in the colonies.”
Tgon-Gee laughed, “You are the sneaky one, Admiral. I think we will do as you say.”
“You have no idea,” Dorg thought, “Please; I trust you will keep this to yourself. The Alliance will not appreciate our trying to help you against their desires.”
“You can count on it.”
Terl stood up from where he had been sitting out of the monitors view and said, “Admiral, I think he underestimates just how sneaky you are.”
“You think.”
“Do you think he’ll be able to persuade their leadership?”
“Clan Leader, he is their leader. He’s the crown prince and the government is his toy. He played at being an ambassador so he could learn about our race. He’ll do whatever pleases him.”
“How do you know this?”
“When I first met him at an Alliance function several years ago, he was introduced as an ambassador but not to where he served. I enjoyed his company and promised to keep in touch and when I returned, I looked up all the news footage to see if I could find where he was assigned. I found nothing but I did see an old news holo of the royal family and there was a young boy that was the crown prince that had a mark just below his left ear. He looked like the ambassador and next time I saw him I noticed the same mark.”
Terl was genuinely surprised. “Admiral, I have questioned your ability in the past. Now that you have removed those ghosts that were haunting you, I see someone that possesses remarkable skills.”
“Clan Leader, all my ghosts are not gone. The Human ones scream at me every night. I just pray I can repay them before I die.”
“You’ve gone a long way in doing that today. Let’s contact the Humans.”
The video conference was a large one. The Humans had the Director, the Command Staff, and the SFT on Earth and Tag, Danielle, Kosiev, and Captain Mikado with the fleet. The Cainth had Terl, Dorg, and the fourteen other clan leaders on their end.
The Director called the meeting to order and introduced everyone. After Terl introduced all the Clan leaders, he made a suggestion. “Director, may I suggest that this meeting be directed by the Human known as Danielle Gardner? She has shown a remarkable skill at understanding our differences and we might avoid any misunderstandings.”
Misty Nicole nodded, “I think that is an excellent idea. Lead us on, Danielle.”
Danielle stood up, “I’m truly honored and humbled by your confidence. Let’s start with Admiral Dorg. What were you able to find out from the Glod?”
Admiral Dorg remained seated and leaned back in his chair, “I’ve just received news from my contact that the Glod will be unable to lead the fleet due to ongoing burial rites that will take half a cycle to perform. They are also going to send ten ships to insure the safety of our home world.”
Even his Clan Leaders were impressed by this information. Misty said, “Thank you for your help, Admiral. It’s good to know they won’t be involved.”
“You’re welcome, Madam Director, is that the right way to say it? However, I feel somewhat guilty deceiving a race that has been faithful and honest with us over the years.”
Danielle said, “Perhaps the Clan Assembly could use another member? You don’t lose your freedom to join the Clans; you gain partners in surviving what the universe might throw at you.”
Terl looked at the Clan Leaders and could tell they were intrigued by this suggestion. He looked at Admiral Dorg with a look that said we’ll talk about this later.
“Have we received any confirmation from the Alliance,” Danielle asked?”
Misty said, “I was notified today that the occupation would be six weeks from next week. So it looks like something has changed.”
Danielle looked at Kosiev and asked, “How is the updating of the Cainth Navy progressing?”
Kosiev stood up and looked at the screen with their Cainth allies and said, “Quite frankly, I was reluctant and suspicious of giving you our technology. I guess the old soldier in me didn’t want to trust a former enemy. Now I see that in order for our bonds to work, they have to be based on trust.” Tag noticed some guilty expressions on the Cainth Clan Leaders as they listened to the Admiral. “Three hundred of your ships are in our ship building facilities having their coat of power cells and armor applied as well as bracing of their hull. They have already had their old weapon platforms removed. The computer systems that control them have been delivered and are currently being installed. All three hundred will be completed within 5 weeks and an additional 300 will start the process. It’s much easier to convert an existing ship that has a strong enough hull than too completely build a new one. I must say that after we removed all the old weapon systems, those dreadnaughts could carry ten destroyers in their landing bays. Those ships are huge and will most likely be the most dangerous ships in existence. They also require only 350 crew members to fight the ship instead of the 1,200 that had to be used in the old design. Admiral Dorg, I’m jealous of your firepower but you won’t maneuver as quickly as your smaller brethren. You will, however, be twice as fast as anything the Alliance currently has in their arsenal.”
Admiral Dorg smiled, “Admiral, I look forward to learning from you. You have taught me some hard, costly lessons in the past. I hope to work hard to be as good a commander as you.”
Admiral Kosiev smiled and nodded his approval at Dorg. Danielle then said, “I’m going to open the floor for general discussion and the first question is; what are we going to do about this occupation?”
Tag stood up, “We have no choice but to resist and fight if necessary.”
“Why, Tag?” Misty asked and Terl nodded at her question. “With all due respect, can’t we count on better treatment this time?”
“Possibly,” Tag answered. “However, once they see the fortifications we’re placed in orbit, how are we going to withhold Coronado Technology from them?”
Misty looked like she had bit into a lemon. “I forgot about those.”
“What fortifications,” Terl asked?
Tag said, “Send a satellite view for them to see on their screen, Colonel Salerio, please.” On the screens a picture appeared of the Earth with what looked like eight small moons revolving around it. “What you see here are eight asteroids we moved from our outer system and placed in orbit. They divide the planet into eight segments that overlap. Their surfaces have been covered and armored with power cells that are each nine feet square. Keep in mind that the ones on our battleships are only eighteen inches square. Their power is on a completely different order of magnitude than anything we have ever done. Each is powered by 100 black hole reactors and they still have to use the sun to complete their charge. They are being brought on line as we speak and once in operation they will cover the planet with a screen that makes our battleships screen seem puny in comparison. They are the reason we must resist and fight.”
Admiral Dorg said under his breath to Terl, “I’ve got to have some of those!”
Tag said, “Right now you are a member of the Alliance and thus you probably won’t be attacked. If these show up around your planet, then the cat is out of the bag and they’ll know you’re an enemy.”
Dorg said, “What is a cat?” and all the humans laughed. “I don’t care if they know. Will they be able to penetrate those screens?”
“We don’t think so. We’ve fired over 1000 needles into a 6 inch area on a prototype and it didn’t penetrate but an inch. The screen is 4 feet thick at 1/100 power; at full charge it will be 100 feet thick.”
The room was silent. “What if you have to keep it on over extended time?” Dorg asked. “Will it block out your suns energy?”
“No. The power cells screen allow low power radiation to flow thru. The days will be slightly less bright. Only high Energy Beams or solid objects will be stopped. The fortifications are a different story. They will absorb every bit of energy that hits them. I sincerely believe that we need the Alliance to attack them to fully charge the screens. The other great thing about the system is that all their screens overlap. If the Alliance should fire every primary beam on every ship in the Alliance’s inventory at one of those forts; it would be spread out over the entire screen and be shared by all of those forts.”
Terl said, “Are you saying your home world will be safe from attack?”
“I firmly believe so unless they have something in their arsenal I don’t know about but if we allow them to occupy our planet they will have all of our technology. I suspect that’s why they’re coming back.” He looked at Danielle and she nodded for him to keep going. “Can’t you see? The Alliance is driven by paranoia. Fear of the Alfont; fear of any race becoming stronger than another; fear of anything they don’t control, these are what drive the Alliance. They stifle development and growth. Don’t think I don’t understand that absolute power corrupts absolutely and we have learned that lesson thru bloody nuclear wars. One need look no further that our new friends here at the table with us to see we do not desire to rule other races. We only desire to mutually learn and grow from our contacts. Now is the time to face this danger and let history decide who’s right. I know if we give them our technology, no one will ever be safe again.”
Silence ruled the room. Misty said, “Danielle, do you agree with him?”
“Yes, I do. Now is the moment to control our destiny.”
“SFT, do you agree?”
“We have chosen our speakers and they are the wisest voice. Listen to them.”
Terl said, “I don’t care about our Alliance membership. We have 1,400 ships that will be modernized and can help defend your world. We would appreciate your forts but we will not stand by and watch a clan be attacked without helping.”
Danielle looked at Tag who nodded. She then looked at Misty who also nodded. “Clan Leader Terl, we have already begun hollowing out eight new asteroids for placement around your world. We were going to hold them here until they were completed. We have placed star drives on them to move them to your home world. You may take possession at the time of your choosing; they will be completed in another six weeks. Your help is greatly appreciated Clan Leader but you should know that we have more ships than just the 200 you’ve seen.”
Terl looked at Dorg and said and in a flat voice, “How many more?”
Danielle looked at the Command staff and said, “Correct me if I’m wrong, but about 7,250 more”
Colonel Salerio said, “7437 as of yesterday.”
Every Cainth in the meeting looked like they had been sucker punched. Dorg’s mouth fell open.
“So you see Clan Leader, we also would not allow you to be attacked after our agreements. We have 1,500 ships hidden in the outer system of your home world and 500 for each of your colonies in the event the Alliance launched a fleet against you.”
Terl and Dorg were struck dumb. They looked at the other Clan Leaders and they too were numb. “Why did you only use 350 against us? We never really had a chance against you did we?” Dorg asked.
“Because we have to keep the Alliance in the dark about our strength until we even the odds. They have more than 50,000 warships available for an all out attack. We hope to lower the odds before we reveal our numbers.”
Admiral Dorg took a deep breath, then smiled and said, “Admiral Kosiev, you’re going to have all the fun. May I respectfully request that I be present at the next battle?”
“Certainly if it is approved by our leaders,” Kosiev said.
Terl said, “Be there. We have a long way to catch up. Would it be possible for our ship commanders to also be observers?”
“Clan Leader, we will still use very limited numbers against the forces we face. Your commanders will be in danger as you know, we lost 150 ships.”
“Yes, but the ones that survive will be seasoned which will save more lives in the long run. I also think it will help bring our clans into a fuller understanding of what Clan Brotherhood means in our culture.”
Tag and Danielle looked at Misty and she said’ “Transport your officers here quickly. They’ll be assigned a ship that corresponds to their command in you navy as much as we possibly can. I don’t think we have anything that will correspond to those dreadnaughts of yours, but they will see firsthand what their weapons are capable of doing.”
Tag stood up and said, “So we are agreed that we will resist. We are also agreed that our Clan Brothers will share the battle with us. Finally, as soon as the asteroids are available they will be transported to the Clans Home world and put into operation. Is there any opposition to these decisions? All in favor please stand.” Everyone in all three locations stood and shouted their agreement.
“This meeting is adjourned,” Danielle announced.
Tag looked at Danielle, “How did I do, honey?”
“You were fabulous.”
Later after the conference in Clan Assembly Hall, Terl looked at Dorg and said, “We nearly lost it all when we took on these Humans. We were just lucky to have not been destroyed. Seven thousand ships! It’s like attacking a grneck with a small stick. We should have been eaten alive. We were so incredibly stupid. We came so close to being totally wiped out.”
Dorg said, “Haven’t you been listening. They never kill out of aggression, anger, or vengeance. The same can’t be said for those huge carnivorous grnecks. This is a lesson that we also need to make part of our culture. We’ve been made fearful by the Alliance when we should have embraced new races. We were so proud of being warriors that we attacked anything we touched to demonstrate our toughness instead of using our strength to protect those that needed it. Clan Leader, for the first time in thousands of years we are truly free and we have them to thank for it.” Terl nodded and smiled. Then Dorg said, “There remains one issue to take care of, Clan Leader.”
“What’s that?”
“The self-destruct mechanisms on our ships have to be changed to allow our crews to escape. The prisoners that have come back from their incarceration with the Humans are raising almighty Torg about it and I think they are right.”
“See that it’s done, Admiral. We learn. We grow.”