by P P Corcoran
“There she is.” Half whispered Denise. Nicholas searched the holo cube until his eyes came to rest on the silvery bulk of the Savior for the first time. Nicholas had traveled the length and breadth of the Commonwealth and beyond in his time as a topflight diplomat. Up until this moment the most impressive thing he had seen was the home port of Clan Orlak in System 90159 with its huge space station that dwarfed Earths own Fortress Command. The Savior was a mere minnow in comparison however, it was not the size of the ship that was so impressive, nor was it the promised technology that made Nicholas stare in wonder at the Saiph ship. No, it was the faith that the Elders had in their own capabilities to bring forth not only a new world but a fresh start for the entire Saiph race from a single ship. Not since the days of the now defunct generation ships which had been proposed as the only viable method of getting humanity to the stars prior to the discovery of the gravity drive had Nicholas been witness to a more audacious plan. Nicholas felt his eagerness to see the wonders contained within the Savior tempered by a feeling of sadness that Commander Okal and his crew had traveled so far, slept for so long only to emerge in a universe at war with the Elders ancient enemy once more.
“Status of the Boxer?” Denise question had not been meant for Nicholas however, it did have the effect of bringing him back to the present.
Cutlass’ Executive Officer checked his read out before answering. “The transport is directly astern at a distance of 1,000 kilometers, Captain.” That innocuous transport thought Denise was crammed to the gunnels with some of the best engineers and scientists the Commonwealth had to offer all desperate to get their hands-on whatever goodies the Saiph and the Alonans had on offer. Dependent, of course, on the Ambassador and his party ironing out the finer details of what was already being called the Waypoint Agreement. I wonder if the Supreme Leader realized that his destruction of Alona had driven implacable enemies into each other’s arms and may have sealed his own downfall in the process?
“We are receiving mooring instructions from the Alonans, Captain.” Called out the Comms Officer.
“Very well.” Turning her chair to face Nicholas, Denise was surprised to see the look of wonder on his face instead of his normal mischievous features that she was sure he reserved for when he was plotting his next childlike act that he knew would get under her skin. “Ambassador?” Denise said gently.
Nicholas’ head jerked around so quickly Denise expected to see his eyes spin in their sockets and the mental image that generated caused her to laugh softly. A laugh which threatened to become more raucous as the expression on Nicholas’ face resembled that of a child caught with its hand in the cookie jar. Regaining her self-control and clearing her throat to stifle her burgeoning laughter Denise paused while Nicholas once more became the professional politician.
“Yes, Captain.”
“It looks like we will not be docking so your party will have to use the shuttles. A bit of an inconvenience though not insurmountable.”
Nicholas leisurely released his seat harness and stood, stretching like a cat as he did so. “Time to get to work.” Turning on his heel he headed for the bridge doors tapping away on his PAD as he did so.
“Good luck.” Denise said to his retreating back.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY
IS MY FRIEND
SYSTEM 90159 | TURAK SPACE
In the months that had passed since his father was declared War Chief and he himself had been elevated to the position as Clan Lord of Clan Orlak, it seemed to Yue that he had not had a single night that he had had a full night’s sleep. The constant beeping which penetrated his drowsy brain signaled that this night would be no different from any other of late. Wearily reaching out from beneath the silk covers, Yue tapped the accept key and the voice of his Uncle Kal burst from the concealed speaker.
“My Lord. I beg your forgiveness for disturbing you at such a late hour however, I have urgent news.”
Everything these days seemed to urgent news thought Yue. “And what is this news, uncle.” Asked Yue without lifting his head from the soft pillow or opening his eyes for to do so would mean that he had accepted that he would have to acknowledge that he was awake and this was nothing but a bad dream designed to ruin his much needed rest.
“A courier ship has arrived from Home.” Kal said, the excitement in his voice barely contained.
Yue’s sleep deprived brain was struggling to understand why Kal was so excited about a single courier ship. “Could this not wait until the morning?”
“The courier brings a passenger who requests an immediate audience with you My Lord.” Explained Kal.
Yue let out a muffled grunt. “And who is this person who seeks an audience with a Clan Lord in the middle of the night?”
“War Chief Vek.”
At the sound of his father’s name Yue sat bolt upright in bed, eyes springing open. “Why did you not say so in the first place uncle?”
From the speaker came the sound of laughter. “I shall remember to do so in the future My Lord.”
“Perhaps I should find myself a new adviser and dispense with your services?” Yue joked terminating the call before his uncle could answer while simultaneously flinging off the bed clothes and heading for what he hoped would be a rejuvenating sonic shower.
✽✽✽
Clan Lord Yue sat upon the high backed, jewel encrusted chair raised two steps above the rooms floor level so any person addressing the Clan Lord of Clan Orlak would be forced to crane their necks and look up reminding them that the Clan Lord was a person of the utmost importance and deserving of their respect. As if that image needed to be reinforced Yue was dressed from the neck down in figure hugging armor similarly bejeweled while a Boka sword crafted by the best blacksmiths in all of Turak space rested in its scabbard by Yue’s side. Around the outer walls of the opulent room stood his personal guard, imposing in their distinctive scarlet colored body armor, impassive faces hidden behind their helmets which only gave an observer a view of their intense red eyes. Everything in this room was designed to intimidate a visitor. This night however, this visitor was not to be intimidated.
As the doors retreated silently into their concealed recesses Vek, War Chief of the Turak, stepped through and approached the raised seat in the rooms center. In complete contradiction to the lavishness of his surroundings Vek was dressed in simple gray tunic and pants. His only adornment was the multicolored sash worn around his waist. Behind Vek walked a similarly gray clad individual although this time it was powered battle armor that was colored gray and a Boka hung at its waist. The Guardian had become Vek’s constant companion since his assumption as the role of War Chief. The Guardians presence a reminder, if any was needed, that Vek now held authority over all Turak and no individual be they a humble farmer through to the mightiest Clan Lord dare disobey him without facing the wrath of the Guardians.
Yue stepped down from his chair to greet his father formally as tradition dictated. “I welcome you in the name of Clan Orlak,” Yue dropped his chin to his chest, eyes downcast, “Clan Orlak stand with you War Chief ready to lay down our lives if you so command.”
“You do your clan and all Turak proud Clan Lord Yue.” Vek responded completing the ancient rite before stepping in close to his son hands reaching out to grasp him strongly. “I see Kal has been teaching you well my son.”
“My uncle seems to have made it his life’s work to school me in the ways of politics and polite etiquette while I would much rather be practicing my Boka skills.”
Vek let out a short chuckle. “Listen to your uncle my son. In all the years he served as my closest adviser his words never steered me wrong.”
“I shall father. You have my word.”
Vek patted his son’s arm before releasing him.
“I am eager to hear what has brought you home father. Do you have news of our enemy?”
“All in good time, all in good time. Perhaps I could impose on you for some breakfast b
efore we get down to business?”
“Ah, Uncle Kal thought you might be hungry and is having breakfast prepared as we speak.”
Vek’s head fell back as he let out a full belly laugh. “A word of advice my son - keep that man close and you will never go hungry.”
Yue joined in his father’s laughter as they made their way to the dining room.
✽✽✽
Kal regarded his brother over the goblet of steaming grukk. The conversation over breakfast had been lighthearted and Vek had taken great enjoyment ribbing his son about his courting of Clan Lady Waynal. Vek’s choice of her father, Clan Lord Mynut of the Hurak, as his First had effectively side lined Mynut and any objections that he may have had to the pair’s courtship. The act of selecting Mynut as his First may have seemed like a shrewd political move to the other gathered Clan Lords but deep down Kal knew it Vek had done it to clear the way for his son’s happiness.
As the dishes were cleared away the conversation turned to more complex matters. “Brother, I once again need your counsel.” Said Vek.
“And you shall have it.” Answered Kal.
Vek hesitated before speaking, his eyes narrowing, his brothers body language set off a multitude of alarms in Kal’s head.
“We know the Saiph once more leave their fetid stench across the stars.”
“That we do.” Agreed Kal who glanced across at Yue who chose to keep his own counsel while the two brothers spoke.
“And, although they have attacked us in what the Humans refer to as the Selene System we have seen no other signs of their activity apart from in the space controlled by the Commonwealth or the Alonan Empire.”
“An empire which no longer exists if our reports are to be believed.” Pointed out Kal.
“Its demise is yet another example of why we must act at the earliest opportunity to remove this threat to all Turak. It is obvious to me that the Saiph chose to eradicate the Alonans first because they identified them as the weakest of all the alien races.”
Kal nodded sagely. “Agreed.”
“Their next target is therefore either going to be us or the Commonwealth.”
Kal placed his goblet down as he considered his answer for a moment. “Your logic is sound brother and, if I may? I shall take it a step further.”
Vek waved his own goblet acquiescing to Kal’s request.
“As you indicated our only contact with the Saiph was in the Selene System whereas the Commonwealth has had multiple encounters with the Saiph. In fact, they fought and won a war with the Others who we now know were acting at the behest of the Saiph. Therefore, it seems only logical to expect the next move by the Saiph to be against the Commonwealth.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Said Vek. “The quandary I find myself in is this: Do I allow the Commonwealth to stand against the Saiph alone allowing them to winnow each other’s fleets down to a level where we can step in and defeat the Saiph with minimal losses or, do I seek a temporary alliance with the Commonwealth where our forces fight alongside theirs to defeat our common enemy?”
Kal sipped at his grukk while he composed his thoughts eventually returning the now empty goblet to the table. “I would ask you this brother. We have seen the power of the Saiph ships. A single squadron of their cruisers managed with ease to destroy a much larger force of our own clans’ ships. Our reports of the attack on Alona state that there were hundreds of Saiph warships involved in that action. Who is to say that every day we do not fight them they are not growing stronger?” Kal’s forehead creased in a frown as his hand played with the empty goblet. “The Commonwealth warships are roughly equivalent to our own. One on one they will lose out to the Saiph every time. Only by massing our forces do we realistically stand a chance of defeating the Saiph. If we wait for the Commonwealth to be defeated, which is a very likely outcome, then we may have missed our opportunity.”
Vek sat back to consider his brothers words only to catch sight of Yue’s face. The younger Turak look deep in thought. “Do you have a something you wish to add Yue?”
Yue looked surprised by his father’s asking of his opinion. For years he has sat quietly listening to his father and Kal discuss everything from strategy and tactics to the vagaries of various flavors of grukk. Steeling himself he spoke. “I was thinking of a phrase that the Humans have which aptly describes the problem at hand and, perhaps, provides a solution.”
Both older Turak regarded the younger Yue with skeptical eyes. “I’m listening.”
“I have been studying human history to try and get a better grasp of their thought processes.”
“A wise thing to do for we will have many interactions with them in the future now our own borders butt up against theirs.” Kal intoned.
Yue nodded toward his uncle in thanks. “Human history is littered with conflict. Yet throughout there appears to have been one constant. The ability to form alliances, even with a group or nation that you have recently fought with, to face a stronger foe. The phrase goes something like this ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’.”
Vek and Kal considered this for a moment before both broke into wide smiles. “Perhaps,” said Kal, “I should be the pupil and he the teacher.”
Vek rolled out of the chair clapping his hands together. “It is decided then,” he said as he turned to face his son, “your War Chief has a request of you Clan Lord Yue.”
Yue shot to his feet so fast his head went giddy. “If I can fulfill it then it is yours War Chief.”
“You shall be my emissary to the Commonwealth. Make my enemy my friend.”
Yue held his chin high and there was a gleam in his eye as he answered. “Clan Orlak would be honored War Chief.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
FOUND YOU
TDF TYCHO BRAHE | INTERSTELLAR SPACE | 1136 LIGHT-YEARS FROM EARTH
Terrance Wilson struggled to keep his eyes open as yet another data file was pushed from the main frame across to his own terminal. Beside him Ensign Burkett was happily munching on what had to be his one hundredth bar of candy today. The energy of youth he quietly joked before realizing that Burkett was probably on five or less years younger than he was.
Terrance started at a voice close by his ear. “Terrance, go get some sleep before you leave drool all over the screen.” Said Doctor Sylvia Sarkisian like a mother speaking to her overly tired child and right now Terrance felt exactly like that sleepy toddler.
Slipping off the stool he had been perched on Terrance stretched like a cat trying to ease the burgeoning cramps in his shoulders and neck. It had been all hands on deck following the third successful deployment of the DSDG. The improved system had been its own worst enemy as it scoured the quadrant of space around Durav in its search for the red star that Terrance, and the navy’s Department of Special Projects, was certain was Assena, fabled home of the Creator aka the Supreme Leader. Before setting off in search of his elusive quarry Terrance had no idea that of the estimated 100 billion stars in the Milky Way some 80 percent, nearly 60 billion, were classified as red dwarfs. If Terrance had actually taken the time to calculate the odds against him finding Assena he would maybe have paused for thought. Unfortunately, as Maggie repeatedly told him, he opened his mouth before thinking and that trait had ended up in him being stood in the forward cargo bay of Tycho Brahe at god knows what hour in the morning - or was it afternoon by now - manually sifting through the thousands of likely candidates that the state of the art super computer built especially for this mission had spat out as fitting the parameters that Sarkisian had set.
“Yeah, perhaps I will.” Terrance managed through a yawn. “A couple of hours rack time will recharge the batteries and I’ll be raring to go again.”
“By the looks of you, you better make that a couple of days.” Joked Sarkisian.
Terrance yawned again and headed for the bay door. He had only made it a couple of steps when a loud, whooping exclamation from Burkett halted him in his tracks.
“Holy crap! I think I’ve found it.
” Burkett spun around in on his stool a large idiotic grin spread across his face. “I’ve really found it!” Without further ado Sarkisian pushed him aside and read the data for herself mumbling as she did. Terrance lent over her shoulder to read the same data but she pushed him away mumbling something about mass, luminosity and surface temperature. Without lifting her eyes from the data, she waved a hand at a nearby terminal.
“Terrance, bring that other terminal over here.” The way she said it the words came out more like an order than a polite request. Terrance jumped to obey placing the requested terminal beside her. Without a word of thanks Sarkisian began typing furiously. After a few corrections she stood back drumming her fingers impatiently on the work top. When the terminal beeped softly to indicate it had finished the task, she had set it Sarkisian pored over the results tapping a few additional queries as she went. Minutes went by as Terrance stood there beside a smiling Burkett. Eventually Sarkisian took a step back her head moving back and forth from each terminal for a few moments longer before she let out a non-committal hmm. “Ensign, drag your terminal over here and display field 1-8-charlie, please.”
Positioning herself so she could see all three displays at the same time Sarkisian hopped from one foot to another head in constant motion as she compared individual lines of information against each other from differing displays. Satisfied, Sarkisian went from one terminal to another in turn highlighting the same line of data.
“Ok, Terrance be my Devil’s Advocate here will you.”
Terrance stepped forward so he could read the line of data Sarkisian had highlighted on each terminal. Each line conformed to the one on the corresponding terminal with two exceptions. “The luminosity and the location are different all the other characteristics are identical.”
Sarkisian moved around him and tapped a command into each terminal in turn. “And now?”