by TJ Viola
“You have my attention, Zard. Once again, the student is ready to learn from the master.”
“Come with me, Muglar. You will be pleased.”
Zard had a private entrance to the secured military facility, through a secret passageway that contained a high-speed levitation sled.
“Muglar, I know you’re busy so I will get right to business. First, I will demonstrate three technical advances, and then introduce you to your new spacecraft, The Exterminator.”
They entered the laboratory where three demonstration cells were set up for review. The first was a firing range, and it was obvious from his agitation that Muglar was excited about trying a new weapon. All the scientists were gathered to watch him use the new device, while Muglar waited impatiently for the weapon to be brought to him. Zard laughed.
“Zard!” he thundered. “What is so humorous? Bring out the new weapon.”
“It’s in front of you, my friend,” Zard said with the patience of an old teacher.
“What, this little thing?”
Muglar picked up a small, shiny metallic device, which was made to fit his hand—rectangular in shape, approximately five-eighths of an inch thick, with three colored buttons on top. As Muglar picked up the device and held it closer for inspection, Zard grabbed his hand.
“Careful! Be very careful! It is extremely deadly. Aim and push the last button.”
Muglar took aim at the center of a large, thick metal plate positioned 100 feet away, and when he pushed the red button, a bright flash emanated from the device and vaporized the plate. Muglar gave Zard a questioning look.
“It is a miniature Gaser!”
The next station looked even less impressive than the first. It contained a metal rod and sheer, lightweight-looking body tights.
“Muglar, pick up the rod and bend it as far as you can.”
“Now you are jesting with me. This looks like Triagmite. I doubt if anyone could bend this.”
“Humor me.”
Muglar tried with all his concentration and strength and caused a slight bow in the rod.
“Very impressive, very impressive indeed; not many Ammagans could do that. Now, I would like you to put this garment on next to your skin.”
“This is not something for a warrior to wear.”
Zard activated an opaque shield that protected the station.
“Put it on and you will be more than a warrior.”
After a few moments, Muglar emerged with a broad grin on his face, his arms raised and his fists clenched, looking like a wild beast ready to take on any adversary.
“What is this I feel? My body is on fire with energy. I feel like I’m about to erupt out of my own skin.”
“It will take a few minutes for your body to adjust. What you are experiencing is science pushing back on time, as I promised. We used a new material sent back from your conquest of Sorac, in the Nebular Galaxy. You may remember that you personally brought it to my attention due to its unusual strength. You were right—pound for pound it is much stronger than Triagmite. While testing the material, quite by accident, we discovered it became highly radioactive when exposed to uranium. While working with this material, we also discovered that by weaving it into certain patterns, the radiation density could be varied from low to extremely high concentrations. By locating these high-density points of concentration directly over your life-sustaining energy axis, the garment revitalizes every cell in your body.”
“How long will these sensations last?”
“The garment and your body are self-sustaining. The uranium loss being emitted from your body revitalizes the garment, which in turn reconcentrates the radiation back into your energy centers.” Zard smiled.
Muglar now understood the reason for the Triagmite rod; he picked up the rod and bent it with ease. He became animated and grabbed Zard by the shoulders, grinning down at him with a look of total admiration.
“Zard, do you know what this means? Our quest is over! With this miraculous material, our energy problems are solved. We need to demonstrate these results to Vorlov as quickly as possible. When can I have enough suits to outfit my entire command?”
Zard lowered his head and his body became limp in Muglar’s grip.
“Unfortunately, my friend, we only had enough material for three garments.”
“We must get more and start mass production immediately!”
“Muglar,” Zard said, looking into the Commander’s excited face, “you need to understand, all life on Sorac was destroyed. It was a small native insect that produced the fine threads for this material, which the populace of Sorac harvested and processed into continuous strands.”
Muglar finally understood the reason for Zard’s despair.
“Who else knows about this wondrous material?”
“My team, the two of us, and Vorlov. We have the only three garments.”
“It is ironic, Zard. I have devoted my life to finding a way to sustain our civilization, and in the methods we have chosen to accomplish this task, I have destroyed what we so desperately seek. I will use this in my speech before the Council. It is an unfortunate example of why Ammag needs to change its tactics.”
As they moved to the next and final station, it was difficult for Muglar to concentrate. “I’m curious to see your third innovation; however, I can’t imagine anything surpassing the last.”
“I guess that depends on your perspective. I agree the garment is miraculous; however, it is of very little use since we’re unable to reproduce the material. On the other hand, here we have a suit of armor we can produce for all your troops.”
“Ah! A battle suit. What is new?”
“Try it on, Commander.”
“This is too light.”
“Don’t be fooled by its weight, Muglar. It is made of a new alloy composed of Triagmite and Aluminum, which we have been mining from the planet Earth. It combines the strength of Triagmite and the lightness of Aluminum.”
“What is this device on my right sleeve?”
“It activates a miniature Gaser, woven into the suit. When you push the button, the Gaser extends into your hand.”
“Also impressive, my friend, but I will not have my men armed with such a weapon at all times. They love to fight and within a week, I wouldn’t have anyone to command.”
“Do not worry, you have ultimate control. The key pad on your right arm also activates the Gasers for each of your commanders, who, in turn, can similarly control their troops’ Gasers. You, of course, can be selective as the need arises.”
“Once again, you have thought of everything. Regrettably, I must leave now to address the War Council. I will be back tomorrow to inspect the new spacecraft, and I can only wonder what new marvels await me.”
*****
Muglar easily pushed open the massive chamber doors and entered the Exalted Leader’s council room, where the heads of state and members from various councils debated new policies and procedures.
As the doors flew open, all heads turned in his direction, and an eerie silence fell over the chamber. All that could be heard was the sound of metal boots reverberating throughout the hall, echoing off the highly finished and decorated marble surfaces, sounding the approach of a thousand warriors. When Muglar was halfway down the chamber aisle, Vorlov rose from his throne and started to beat his metal breastplate with his Triagmite-gloved fist, a gesture reserved for greeting only the Exalted Leader himself. He was bestowing an unprecedented honor on Muglar. Instantly, the entire audience stood and erupted into similar praise as Muglar completed his walk to address the War Council.
Vorlov was the first to speak.
“Muglar, you have been welcomed before this distinguished body as none other before you. We are grateful for your courage and leadership. Council members, Commander Muglar has informed me through a private communiqué that he will present a new proposal for achieving our stated objectives, and I assured him we would, after careful debate, provide a swift response. Commander Mug
lar, we await your proposal!”
Muglar bowed to Vorlov and slowly turned to address the audience. Once again, the gathering roared its approval.
“Exalted Leader, Council members, and distinguished heads of state, on behalf of myself and my troops, I thank you for the honor you have bestowed upon us. I have had the privilege of addressing this distinguished body many times in the past. Each time, I have given you detailed accounts of our numerous victories and the wondrous technologies we have been able to glean from the ashes of the conquered.
“Since the invasion of Earth in 2060, we have become feared by the entire Universe. Many have gathered to find ways to halt our advance, but no civilization has been able to limit our expansion and our quest for survival. Often, I have received your praise, but it’s not deserved, because I haven’t achieved the primary objective you set forth. That objective was not universal dominance. The name Ammag was not intended to send fear through the vital organs of others. Our mission was to find a way to sustain life on Ammag. We are seeking life, not death, yet in our quests, all we bring to others is death and extinction.
“I can tell you now, we have found life. We have found a solution, but through death, it is lost to us forever. I stand before you wearing a garment that is life-sustaining. It is made of a material that absorbs my body’s radiation loss and redirects it back to my energy axis, causing total rejuvenation, eliminating any further need for additional radiation.”
Upon hearing these words, the simultaneous intake of air from each member of the audience was audible.
“In the process of obtaining this wondrous material, we unknowingly made the life-form that produced it extinct. By our war methods, we have potentially destroyed our only chance for long-term survival.
“My proposal is that we change our tactics and seek cooperation, leveraging the scientific capabilities of others to find a solution for our survival. Only if we are confronted with resistance or defiance should we force our will on others and take what we desire. We are about to enter the Gaturus Solar System. I would propose that we meet with the leaders of each planet and explain our demands. If they cooperate, we will leave in peace, knowing that their best scientific minds are working for our benefit. However, we will make it clear that if we find any hint of betrayal, they shall suffer dire consequences.”
After Commander Muglar completed his speech, Vorlov responded on behalf of the War Council.
“Commander, over the years you have demonstrated great courage, but more importantly, you have demonstrated your ability for strategic thinking and precise execution, and all of Ammag is grateful to you. We will consider your proposal carefully. Please meet me in two days for our response.”
Commander Muglar gave the customary salute of respect and left the chamber as he came, with the echo of his confidence reverberating with each step.
*****
Muglar woke early, eager to inspect his new spacecraft and to greet the members of his crew, who had been receiving training on its operations. As he awoke, he immediately noticed that his new radiation garment was gone, causing him great distress since he had worn it to bed. Upon closer inspection, he realized that patches of the material were still visible; his skin was absorbing the garment, yet he felt no ill effects. In fact, he felt younger and more energized than he had on the previous day.
As he entered Zard’s chamber, he shouted with agitation, “Zard, why didn’t you tell me this would happen?”
“What is it, Muglar? Why are you so angry?”
“Look at my skin, and see what your garment is doing!”
“This is truly amazing. The radioactive symbiotic relationship between the fine fibers and your skin is causing your body to absorb the fabric as part of your natural life support system. Fascinating. Let me know if you have any negative side effects.”
Muglar was about to lose control. “Don’t you know if there are any negative effects? Didn’t this happen to you?”
Zard had never seen Muglar so upset. “I never wore the garment for more than a few hours. To have an old mind in a young body was not what I desired.”
“What about Vorlov?”
“He has not mentioned this to me, but as you can see, he is in excellent health. Come, let’s not worry about what we cannot control. Enjoy the fruits of your labors and inspect your new craft.”
Muglar was still not satisfied, but he had known Zard for many years and his advice was always sound, and besides, he felt magnificent. They once again took the levitation sled to a top-secret location. After a tense fifteen-minute ride, they exited the sled onto a platform overlooking a huge complex, which was teeming with activity. The spacecraft before Muglar was unlike any he had ever encountered; the sheer size was breathtaking.
“Zard,” he exclaimed, “I could fit my entire fleet into this craft!”
“Commander, this is your new fleet. Let me explain some of its features.”
It was evident that Zard was proud of the unique design and capabilities of this new spacecraft. He had spent many years turning a mere concept into the reality that was now before them.
“As you can see, the craft resembles a wheel with twelve spokes. In the center of the wheel is a hub-like command and control. Between every pair of spokes two conventional spacecraft are docked, each containing a hundred fighter crafts. In other words, you have under your command twenty-four spacecrafts, twenty-four hundred fighter crafts, and one mother craft.”
“What about maneuverability, firepower, and defensive capabilities?”
“There are twelve independent thrusters,” continued Zard in a proud tone, “in the outermost circumference between every two ribs. These thrusters can be computer or manually controlled and enable instant maneuverability in any direction. In emergency situations, each thruster can be complemented by those of the respective spacecrafts.”
Before Muglar could ask more probing questions about the craft’s maneuverability, Zard moved on to firepower.
“Firepower consists of two high-power Gasers and one collector in the command-and-control center and twelve additional high-power Gasers on the mother craft circumference above each spoke. In addition, each individual spacecraft has its own Gaser. Of course, all twenty-four hundred fighter crafts have their own array of weapons—all connected to the control center.”
Muglar squeezed in a question before Zard moved on to defenses. “What is a collector?”
“It is the ultimate weapon. At full power it can instantly vaporize any planet, so use it wisely, Commander. The collector simultaneously engages all Gasers and focuses this energy into a single beam of destruction. The more spacecrafts attached to the mother craft at the time of firing, the greater the power.
“With this much firepower, you shouldn’t need defenses,” Zard continued. “However, if you ever find them necessary, they should prove to be more than adequate. You have two primary defensive capabilities besides those already mentioned, since your maneuverability and firepower are both defensive in nature. The first is a high-energy deflector shield that surrounds the entire mother craft, and the second is an electromagnetic wave generator capable of disrupting most energy fields.
“I expect you would like to know about the spacecraft’s vulnerabilities; there are a few. The deflector shield has two vulnerabilities. One occurs when a Gaser is fired, since for a finite period a hole is generated in the energy shield. The second is due to the energy required to maintain the shield during heavy enemy fire. If your energy reserves are exceeded, this will also cause a rift in the shield. However, since the Gaser turrets are computer controlled and have the ability to automatically lock onto incoming projectiles, you should never find yourself with low reserves.
“If you ever decide to use the electromagnetic wave generator, you first need to deactivate your deflector shield. So, use it judiciously.”
“Zard, you seem to have thought of everything, but I’m surprised it doesn’t have a cloaking device to make it invisible,” Muglar sai
d jokingly.
“We are working on such a device for the next generation.”
*****
Zeiss was having a planning meeting with his team when they were interrupted by Mylo, the biosphere’s master android.
“Sir, we just intercepted an emergency communication from the Gaturus Galaxy. The Ammagans have a new battle craft capable of annihilating an entire planet and have insisted upon the immediate surrender of every inhabited planet in Gaturus. Their demands are to have access to all military technologies, as well as technical assistance from the top scientists in the galaxy to help develop new life-sustaining sources of energy for the Ammagan civilization. In return for these concessions, they will maintain peaceful relations with Gaturus, unless the terms are violated.”
“Has Gaturus responded to the Ammagans?”
“A federation of leaders is scheduled to meet next week to formulate a response; however, the general consensus is they have little choice but to comply.”
“Thank you, Mylo, for this vital information. Please continue monitoring all communications, and keep me informed of any significant developments.”
Zeiss abruptly ended the meeting, indicating that he needed to think about this new development and its implications to their mission. It was evident to Zeiss that the Ammagans were changing their tactics from all-out warfare to peaceful domination. Clearly any planet that didn’t agree to their terms would be summarily eliminated.
He reasoned that any immediate threat to Grillion was certainly minimized by this new approach, since they didn’t possess any unique military capabilities and only developed technology for enhancing their quality of life. As far as helping the Ammagans to find a new life-sustaining energy source, the Grillions would certainly help even without the threat of military action. The dilemma Zeiss faced was whether or not to continue his project, since the original reason might no longer be valid. By continuing, he was putting his planet at risk, but on the other hand, according to an old Earth saying, absolute power corrupts absolutely. He reasoned, therefore, the probability was high the Ammagans would slowly gain control and ultimately enslave the entire Universe.