by M. D. Neu
A bank of windows on the back wall showed a view of the internal command center. A large workstation loomed nearby, as did chairs and the conference table that could hold all the generals comfortably for any type of meeting. In this large space, the colors were drab.
I’m not a soldier. I could never work in a place like this. There needs to be plants or color. Something.
“Madam Speaker.” Gahumed offered a curt bow as she stood from her desk. She was a big woman, born for the military, with broad shoulders and a tall frame. Mirtoff was always impressed with how the general managed to keep her brown hair in such snug braids and an even tighter bun.
“General Gahumed. You run a remarkable ship. You should be proud.”
“I’m honored to have such a post within our government.” She tapped her workstation. “Dála, please, bring in two chilled cups of tuma.” She turned to Mirtoff. “You enjoy tuma, correct?”
“Of course.”
Gahumed pointed to the conference table. “Please, come. Let us sit.”
Taking a seat at the table, Mirtoff waited for Gahumed to join her. “I assume you’re here to talk about my suggested plan for dealing with these humans?” Gahumed almost hissed out the word ‘humans.’
“I am.” Mirtoff pulled out her datapad and loaded the information, then swiped it over to the largest of the monitors on the wall. The image started with the Earth rotating. Once it hit the area of the planet she wanted, she zoomed in on a small island continent. The image moved in closer to a smaller island mass off the island continent’s coast. “Your proposal to occupy the area known to the humans as New Zealand is dangerous.”
“I don’t agree.” Gahumed rested her hands on the table. “I picked that area with defense in mind. It’s remote. The land mass is small enough, and we can easily control the surrounding space. They have a limited population of four point six million that can be relocated to Uztralia—”
“I believe they call it Australia,” Mirtoff interrupted.
“Regardless, they share a similar language and background. I don’t see an issue.” Gahumed brought up demographic information of her own. “New Zealand can be made to become sustainable for our needs and allow us business options with the humans.”
“A forced relocation won’t work.” Mirtoff’s ears started to swell and warm up.
Relax. Don’t let this plan anger you.
Mirtoff took a breath. “How will that help us build a positive enough relationship with them so we can conduct trade?”
“We could offer them helium-3 for the territory,” Gahumed countered.
“And what if the Australians don’t want four point six million new humans?”
“Why not?” Gahumed smirked. “They have the land mass, and from the reports, the two territories have good relations.”
“The issue, as I understand it, is none of Earth’s governments are willing to give up their territory to us—”
“Madam Speaker,” Gahumed interrupted, “they are a barbaric species that fight among themselves for land all the time.”
“And how would we be any different?”
“It’s not the same thing,” Gahumed said.
It’s exactly the same thing. You don’t want to see it. You’re a hypocrite.
“We can’t trust them.” Gahumed swiped her hands over her datapad. “They won’t work with us in peace and certainly we can’t trust them to be truthful with their motives. Despite what you and the vice speaker may think. We can easily go there and use our military to take over the area. Then we move the humans and make reparations.” She picked up her datapad. “Denes and my staff have run the scenario based on the information we’ve gathered. The losses were negligible.” She swiped the data up to the monitor.
“Yes, General Gahumed, I’m sure the work of your son is admirable and perfect.” She rubbed the tips of her ears. “Just like him—”
“Are you mocking the abilities of my son? He is a fine male with a brilliant military mind. He is the type of male that every Nentraee of his gender should strive to be.” Her full lips pulled into a stiff line, and her ears started turning an angry shade of blue.
“Of course, General Gahumed, he’s the perfect male. Unlike all others. We are all aware of this fact.” Mirtoff forced her gaze not to move from the general’s. How poor Denes lived with the pressure for perfection was impressive.
It’s possible, on that fact alone, he may actually be perfect.
“I don’t appreciate your tone, and as a full member of the Speaker’s House, I would expect better.” Gahumed didn’t bother to hide the tips of her ears.
This isn’t going well.
“My apologies.” Mirtoff offered a stiff bow. “You want to go to war with the humans for territory? That is not the way of J’Veesa.”
“Don’t assume to understand J’Veesa’s will. Your people don’t have the relationship with J’Veesa that mine do.” Gahumed’s ears flared.
Mirtoff kept quiet.
Your people. My people. What is the difference? J’Veesa sees us equally.
Gahumed swiped information to the largest monitor. Battle statistics filled the screen. “I don’t consider it a war, more of a forced relocation. We’ll be fine.”
“And if they decide to involve other countries?” Mirtoff rested her datapad on the table. “Then what? It’ll be the Clan Wars all over again. Haven’t—” She stopped and her chin dropped to her chest.
We’ve been through that once on our world. How can we force that on another?
“It’ll be nothing like the Clan Wars.” Gahumed sat taller in the seat. “Once, these humans see our military might, they won’t challenge us. They would lose even if they used their strongest military deterrents. It would be nothing like the slaughter that your clan caused back then.”
Mirtoff’s eyes shot up. “The Za’entra? They were fighting back your clan because they had no choice. Your clan and the Martween and U’Zraee clans were slaughtering them. It was only because of their numbers that they were able to endure. How can you say—”
“I speak the truth.” Gahumed slammed her hands on the table, causing it to shake. “You and your clan have always blamed us for that war. We never started it—”
The soft chirp of the door interrupted them. They both turned as Dála entered, holding a tray with two cups on it. She quietly placed a cup in front of each of them and left the room.
“I’m sorry, General Gahumed.” Mirtoff stood, the tips of her ears on fire. “I appreciate your proposal. However, I came to inform you that your suggested plan for New Zealand has been rejected. We will not risk war with the humans to gain territory.” She glanced at the tuma and then back to Gahumed. “I appreciate the offer of the cup of tuma. However, I’m afraid I can’t stay.”
“This is a mistake, Mirtoff.” Gahumed stood. “You’ll see when they resist the arm of peace that you and others in the Speaker’s House extend to them. My idea is the only one that can guarantee the safety of our people.”
“No, General. I would sooner leave this planet than go in and slaughter them.” Mirtoff headed out of the office, her hands in tight fists.
There is a peaceful solution. I need to find it and keep the military generals from forcing us into an armed confrontation. I won’t be the first speaker general to go to war with an alien race.
Eight: Hints of Things to Come
TODD FROWNED. HE wasn’t pleased by Jerry’s teasing.
“I can’t believe you freaked out at the store like that.” Jerry shook his head. “I mean, I’m glad you’re all right and made it home. But, honey, you can be such a…” He paused. “Well, a drama queen. You get yourself so worked up. I’m surprised they didn’t call 911.” He put the last of the ice in the freezer.
“That’s what you’re focusing on?” Todd crossed his arms.
Jerry faced Todd. “I love you. I do. And I accept you for your quirks just like you accept me, but Todd, it’s going to be fine. Nothing is going to happen. Brad
probably misunderstood, or it’s stress.”
“What about what Steve said? What about the military trucks heading up to Mount Hamilton? Not one group of trucks but two? Jerry, this is real. Something big is going on.”
Jerry was silent for longer than what Todd hoped for. He finally spoke, but his voice was gentle. “Fine, but there’s nothing we can do. I mean, it’s out of our control. We’ve done what we can.” Jerry unpacked the last of the grocery bags putting the bananas away. “We still don’t have all the facts, and I’m still not buying the whole alien story. Sorry.”
“Unbelievable.” Todd slumped.
“Oh, now stop. I’m not picking on you. You overreact all the time.” He wrapped his arms around Todd and kissed his cheek. “I love you so much, but I’d hate to depend on you in an emergency,” he admitted with a light-hearted smile. “I could see you fall to pieces. Needing to be rescued by a big, strong fireman. He’d have to throw that big, sexy ass of yours over his shoulder, carrying you to safety. All the while, you’d be kicking and screaming.”
Todd didn’t respond. He continued frowning.
“What? Don’t glare at me; it’s true. This is why we’re together. We complement each other. You’re the sensitive one and I’m the pain-in-the-ass realist. Plus, you like firemen. Who doesn’t?”
“Whatever.” Todd pushed Jerry off, taking a few steps away and stopping with his hands on his hips.
Jerry pointed to Todd.
“Oh, shut up.” Todd lowered his hands. He decided it was best to change the subject before he got angry, “So, what did your folks say?”
Jerry jumped up on the counter, holding out his arms.
If you think I’m gonna come over there and lean against you, you can forget it.
“I didn’t tell them, because I didn’t need to. Mom and my aunt spent the whole day shopping. I figured they’d be fine, assuming this is even real.”
Todd kept his mouth shut.
“I mean, can you imagine their reaction?” Jerry said. “They’d think I went nuts. Anyway, it was best for them not to know.” His mouth formed a gentle smile. “Sweetie, they have everything they need; it’ll be fine. My mom is always prepared with her canning and huge Costco-sized bags of flour and all that. Plus, my aunt has her ‘Mormon bunker’ filled with everything they could possibly need for a year.”
Sadly, Jerry was right; telling them would be a nightmare no one needed. Todd hated when Jerry was right. It wasn’t natural. It was that stupid practical realistic side that he both loved and hated at the same time.
“Did you at least make sure your aunt and uncle would be around on Monday?” Todd rested against the opposite counter.
Jerry hopped down from where he was sitting. He put his hands around Todd’s waist. “Yes, dear. They’re going to be around. In fact, it’s kinda funny, because the cousin’s lunch was canceled.” Jerry paused. “Anyway, the four of them are still planning on lunch together and watching some new video that my cousin put together.”
Todd embraced him and met his gaze.
“They’ll be together all day. Does that make you happy?”
Todd felt Jerry’s breath on his face. “Yes, yes it does.”
Jerry gave him a kiss.
“Well, we’ve gotten our to-dos complete.” Todd released Jerry. Why don’t I go finish with the stuff in the yard—”
“I just put the tools away,” Todd interrupted, his voice dragging.
“Oh boohoo.”
Todd had to force himself not to smile.
He’s trying to get me to focus on other things so I don’t freak out again.
Heading to the back door, he stopped and then slipped on his shoes. Jerry added, “That’ll give you a chance to figure out what you’re going to cook to go along with the tamales.” He raised his eyebrows. “Unless that’s all we’re planning on eating tonight.”
“Fine. I’ll figure something out.” He rubbed the back of his neck as the patio door closed.
DINNER WAS QUIET. Todd had expanded on the Mexican theme and made tacos to go with the tamales. He dropped his napkin onto the plate. “All right, those tamales were good.” He patted his belly. “We should’ve tried them sooner.”
“Well, now we know, and your tacos were the perfect complement.” Jerry stretched a bit before he got up and collected the plates. “Come on, let’s get this put away and cleaned up.”
They were busy with cleanup, not paying attention to the television, until they recognized what sounded like a special bulletin. Getting into the living room, they fell silent watching the TV. Reporters jockeyed for attention from the press secretary in the White House briefing room.
“If they’re going to make an announcement, isn’t it usual for the press secretary to tell us what the topic is?” one of the reporters questioned, her voice raised so she could be understood. “Particularly one called without advance notice.”
“The president informed me about the address an hour ago,” Press Secretary Frank Chen said to a visibly annoyed member of the press. “The president will address the nation and Congress tomorrow night at eight eastern time.”
Jumping on the end of his sentence, a female reporter shouted, “Does this have to do with the troop movements in Europe and Asia?”
“Yes, President Zachary will be addressing the troop rotations and provide an update on military movements,” Chen answered. “Next question, please.”
Todd turned to Jerry who was focused on the television. He would have thought he was a statue if it wasn’t for his breathing.
“What about FEMA?” A female reporter yelled at the press secretary to get his attention. “FEMA has been reported outside of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Los Angeles International, and Chicago O’Hare. They report they are conducting practice disaster emergency responses, but reports say they look like they are staging for something.”
Chen’s face brightened with a smile. “FEMA conducts regular joint exercises with city and state officials all the time. Those are the three busiest airports in the country. It only makes sense for FEMA to practice disaster response with them on occasion to ensure we are prepared. Next question.”
“Will the president—” A male reporter leaped out of his seat to be heard over the other reporters shouting for attention. “—address the reports of the UN peacekeepers going in and sealing the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory on the Canary Islands? We’ve been told that the White House made the request. Is that true?”
“I have no information on that,” Chen answered sharply. He nodded to an aide, “Last question.” He pointed to another reporter.
The older reporter stood. “We’ve heard reports that President Zachary has been meeting privately with several leaders in Europe. He’s also met with the Japanese Prime Minister, the Prime Minister of Australia, and the Chinese Premier. Is he going to be announcing a shift in our strategy toward China?”
“As you know, the president meets with world leaders on a regular basis—”
“All in the last week?” the older reporter interrupted.
“As I said, the president meets with world leaders on a regular basis. He is not announcing any shifts in policy toward our friends in China. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have nothing more to share.” With that, Mr. Chen left the podium and headed off stage.
Jerry bit his lower lip and Todd shifted back and forth on his feet.
The camera returned to Tonya Smith. “For those of you joining us, late-breaking news from the White House. President Zachary has announced that he will be addressing the nation tomorrow night at eight eastern. As we get more details, we’ll bring them to you. Now back to The Lineup with Kimberly Guilfoyle.”
Jerry crossed his arms. “Huh. Your brother might not be crazy or lying.” Jerry’s face was pale, and his eyes were wide. “I’m not sure what’s happening, but I’m glad we got stuff for the house.” He reached for Todd’s hand as they continued watching the TV.
Nine: Dan’s Arriv
al
TODD STARED OUT the open front window, allowing the breeze to brush over his face. The room was quiet except for the occasional car driving by and the neighbors across the street in their front yard playing with their dog.
After the announcement, Todd and Jerry had searched for additional information online, but found none. They turned the TV and laptop off.
What was the point?
They already had more information than the media, or most other people for that matter. Absentmindedly, Todd got up, forcing Bianca to leap from his lap, where she had been snoozing comfortably, and headed to the toilet.
The house phone rang and Jerry answered.
Todd listened from the bathroom. “Hello.” Jerry sounded vacant, unlike his usual, chipper self.
“Oh, hi, Brad. How’re you?”
There was a pause.
“Yes, we caught the broadcast.”
Another pause.
“Yep, we took care of that… No, he’s in the bathroom…”
Todd turned the corner and headed back into the living room. Jerry shifted the phone in his hand. “We’re set. What about you? Do you really think everything will be all right? I talked to my folks already, but should I call them again?” He mouthed Brad with his palm against the headset.
Todd returned to his spot on the sofa.
“All right… Yes, we’re fine… Of course, I don’t think you’re lying. Well, not anymore. I mean we still have to find out what the president has to say, but…” Jerry didn’t finish his thought. “Did you want to talk to your brother?”
Todd sat up and reached out his hand.
“Really? Yes, he washed his hands… I heard the sink…” Jerry rolled his eyes. “Okay, that sounds good. Tell everyone there we said hello. Be safe…all right?” Jerry shook his head at Todd. “Okay… So, call us if you need anything. Bye.” “Your brother’s interesting.” Jerry raked his hand through his hair. “I’m not sure which he was happier about—that we got everything done, or that I no longer considered him crazy. Oh, and he sent us both friend requests and wanted to make sure we respond.”