The President turned to CIA director Collins. “Holy smokes, Fred, they shrunk them!”
Collins just gaped at the holotheater image.
“But, despite that,” Kolta Bruna continued, “the resistance soldiers here are still full of fight.”
She leaned down to inspect a paramilitary Cosmic Christian Crusader uniform that was lying in a heap on the ground. “Give me a hand here Fotius,” she mumbled. “I need to find one of the little buggers.”
A tall blonde-haired alien—apparently her soundman—stepped into the picture and started helping her search the uniform.
“Be careful,” she urged her companion. “It’s important that no one step on him until we are done with the interview.”
Suddenly she smiled in satisfaction. “Ah, there he is!” She gently pulled aside the uniform to reveal a tiny naked figure on the ground.
The President stared in amazement. The man was less than half an inch tall. Kolta Bruna leaned down to the man, and as she did so the camera zoomed in.
“We need a real tight shot here,” she urged her unseen cameraman. “Do you have it? Great. OK, Fotius. Bring in a nanophone and up the gain to max. This little guy is going to need some help to beheard.”
Fotius’ hand came into frame holding the end of a toothpick-sized device near the miniature man.
“Sir,” said the reporter, “I’m Kolta Bruna, with the Galactic News Service. Would you care to identify yourself for our interstellar holovision audience?”
The man replied in a tiny highpitched voice. “I am Corporal John Wayne Atkins de Peru, of the 44th Battalion of the Cosmic Christian Crusaders.”
Kolta Bruna leaned in closer to allow maximum magnification of her subject, while keeping her head and magnificent hair fully in-frame as well. “That would be the famous ‘Fighting 44th,’ would it not?”
“Yeah, you got that right, babe,” the man squeaked.
“I am honored to make your acquaintance,” Kolta Bruna said. “Sir, what is your view of the military situation, now that the Weegees have delivered the full weight of their attack?”
“Is that the best they can do?” Atkins chirped. “Bring them on! We’ll show them what war is reallylike.”
At this point a small lizard ran into the picture and started to munch the soldier between its tiny jaws.
“Help!” the little man cried.
“I’m sorry,” Kolta Bruna said. “But as a reporter I can’t interfere. It would be a violation of journalistic ethics. But do you have any final words for our interstellar audience?”
“Yes,” Atkins screamed. “Death to the Minervans! Death to Minaphera! Death to the Western Galactic Empire!”
Kolta Bruna stood up and smiled for the camera. “So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. True to their heroic Inca roots, the Peruvian freedom fighters have absorbed the full shock of the attack of the Western Galactic Imperial Navy, and are prepared to fight on until total victory is achieved. The question is, ‘What happens now?’ Our GNS survey shows that more than an hour after the Weegee assault, over 80 percent of the Peruvian Earthlings are still alive. At this rate, it could take days before they are all consumed by the local minifauna. So, has the much-vaunted Western Galactic Imperial Navy finally embroiled itself in a hopeless quagmire? Do the much-abused taxpayers of the WGE have the patience to endure the massive financial burdens of such a long war in pursuit of their ruler’s continuing blind support of Minervan oppression? Will the cultured peoples of the galaxy, aware of the grave risk that Weegee mili
The Holy Land 159 tary action poses to irreplaceable Inca artifacts, allow this war to continue?”
“From embattled Peru, this is Kolta Bruna reporting for the GNS.”
The broadcast ended, the President switched off the holotheater. “So Fred, what’s your assessment?”
“Peru is finished,” Collins pronounced.
The Reverend Meade objected. “Are you sure? Our men down there are true Christians. They are not of the weak-faithed sort that gives up easily.”
“Perhaps not,” Collins said. “But it is the assessment of the Agency that in their current condition they are unlikely to prevail against the Western Galactic Empire.”
“Then we’ll need to set up another operation somewhere else,” the Reverend said. “Immediately. We can’t afford to let up our pressure on the pagans for even an instant.”
“OK, where?” the President said.
“It would save a lot of time if we could conduct the training for our crusaders right here in theUSA,” Meade observed.“That way we wouldn’t have to relocate all of our volunteers overseas.”
“No,” Collins objected. “It can’t be inside the United States. Yousaw what they did toPeru.”
“That’s right,” said Defense Secretary Ripley, in uncharacteristic agreement with the CIA Director.
“Oh, you of little faith,” Meade said.
The President looked back and forth between his key advisors. Ripley and Collins knew more about strategy than Meade, but the Reverend controlled a critical political constituency. On the other hand, the President did not relish the idea of being eaten by a lizard. He decided to propose a middle course.“How about Mexico?It’s close enough for fast set up, but foreign enough to keep us safe if the Weegees should get nastyagain.”
Meade looked thoughtful. “I suppose that Mexico would be accept- able.”
“Perhaps,” Collins said. “But how do we get the Mexicans to accept the risk? They’re not as stu...I mean brave, as the Peruvians, you know.” Treasury Secretary Chase, who was just then in the process of hand- ing out the Cabinet’s weekly bonus checks, held up a brown envelope marked “Alfonso.” “We could discuss possible adjustments in our foreign assistance. Positive,” she dangled the envelope a little higher, “or nega-
tive.” She pressed the envelope down on the table with her thumb and smiled.
“That’ll work,” the President said.
Even the skeptical Collins had to agree the President was probably correct. “Most likely.”
Jack Ripley was more affirmative. “No doubt about it.” But then he paused, as if wanting to say more.
The President noticed. “Something eating you, Jack?”
“Yes, Mr. President. What do you make of this report from Lisa White claiming that the Weegee fleet engaged in a heavy battle in space right before they attacked Peru? Do you think it is possible they were attacked by their enemies, the Eastern Galactics?”
“No,” Collins interjected without hesitation. “We’ve already looked into that. The Eegees have joined the punitive expedition, and in fact their propaganda ministry is criticizing the Weegees for not dealing with us more harshly. They are repeating the Weegee claim of an engagement with the Peruvianfleet.”
“Which we all know to be purehokum,” the President chuckled.“The Peruvians didn’t even have a kite, let alone a fleet. No, the Weegees are just trying to make themselves sound brave by telling a fish story.”
“Indeed, that is the evaluation of the agency as well,” Collins said. “However we are concerned about the fact that Lisa White is playing these lies back to us.”
The President raised a crafty eyebrow.“You think she may have gone over to the enemy,Fred?”
“There does not appear to be an alternative explanation.”
The President was decisive.“Verywell, have her killed as soon as she returns. There can be no forgiving anyone who betrays Christ to aid the cause of the pagan infidels. See to it, Phil. And take care of her husband and children as well. We really have to discourage this sort ofthing.”
Attorney General Phil Brasher nodded his assent. “Sure thing, boss. Can I mobilize the faithful to help hunt down their friends, too? We might uncover other coconspirators.”
The President thought briefly. Lisa White and her husband both came from prominent political families. An exemplary mass execution of those who might consider themselves above the law could prove very useful in reinfor
cing the loyalty of others. “Yeah, Phil. Roll emup.”
Brasher smiled his wolfish smile. “I’ll get right on it, Mr. President.
Chapter 21
Hamilton eyed the assemblage with awe.
Resplendent in the their dress uniforms, thousands of Weegee Navy officers and Chaplains filled the flagship’s magnificent grand ballroom. Made festive by the news of victory, all chattered together happily, as triumphant music emanated from the towering iridescent crystal pillars that surrounded the grand ballroom plaza. Scattered among the bemedalled hosts in blue uniforms and gowns, Hamilton noted a few in green, red and brown, which he surmised indicated the presence of the Weegees’ Northern, Central, and Eastern allies in the expeditionary fleet.
Suddenly the music stopped and the crowd grew silent. Then a tall woman in a long blue robe with a glowing set of iridescent jewels emerged onto the podium platform. Hamilton thought there was something familiar about her. Then he realized that she was the same woman who had been talking with Aurora at the other end of the table during the dinner party held on the evening before the battle. Only then she had seemed like an ordinary Navy chaplain. Now it was clear she was someone very important.
“Who is that?” he whispered to Aurora.
“It’s Fleet Chaplain Kalia,” Aurora answered in hushed tones. “With Pallacina dead, she is Acting High Priestess.”
Kalia spoke.“Ladies and Gentlemen, Chaplains and Officers, Friends and Allies; Please face the sacred podium for the entrance of Her Divine Majesty to Be, the Princess Minaphera the245th.”
A fanfare of trumpets sounded, and the Princess strode onto the podium. As beautiful as the Goddesses she claimed to represent, Minaphera wore a crown and triangular pendant of glowing blue jewels, but seemed to outshine them herself. Swiftly but with infinite grace, she mounted the pedestal that was located in the center of the podium.
The entire hall resounded as all present chanted in unison. “For Reason, Love, and Justice; Everywhere and Forever!”
The Princess smiled radiantly. Then she began to speak. “Loyal sub- jects, we are gathered here this evening on a moment of victory. Once again, the Triune Goddess has chosen to reward our virtue by blessing our arms. As we have for ages past, let us therefore give our thanks with the singing of the ImperialHymn.”
Kalia stepped forward and began to sing. Her voice was beautiful, operatic in fact, but she sang with an emotional and spiritual intensity that went far beyond the level of the mere professional. Her lyrics told the story of an embattled people who, against desperate odds, had triumphed over evil and, with divine help, emerged from obscurity to spread goodness to a benighted universe.
But while the words were strange, Hamilton felt there was something familiar about the melody.He whispered to Aurora. “Aurora, I think I knew this tune.It’s...”
She hushed him.“Good, then you can join in on the chorus. Everyone is supposed to. Here itcomes.”
With thousands of voices now joined in song, the hall resounded to the stirring chorus.
“Rule, Minaphera!
Minaphera rules in space.
With Reason, Love, and Justice everyplace.”
That settles it, Hamilton thought, he definitely knew the tune. It couldn’t possibly be coincidence. He tried to get Aurora’s attention, but she was too moved by the song to pay him any heed.
Another chorus resounded, slightly different from the first.
“Rule, Minaphera!
Minaphera rules in space.
WithReason, Love and Justice from her grace.”
Then a little while later, the final chorus.
“Rule, Minaphera!
Minaphera rules in space.
Let Reason, Love and Justice bless our race.”
By this time, there was hardly a dry eye in the place, as all present sang their hearts out in patriotic fervor. Then the song ended, and the hall erupted in wild and sustained cheers.
Aurora turned to him. “Hamilton, your thoughts are ridiculous. There’s no way that the Weegee Imperial Hymn could have been written by an Earthling.”
“But its the same tune as one of the most famous patriotic songs of an important Earthling nation.”
Aurora held one hand over her eyes and put the other on his. “Wait, don’t think it! Let me guess. I guess that the nation in question is the same one that your poet, Shakespeare I think it was, the one you claim was an Earthling, belonged to.” She took her hands from their eyes and faced him with a grin. “So, am I right? Hah! I knew it.”
“Yes, but on our world it is called ‘Rule Britannia.’”
“Who is Britannia?”
“She is the Goddess of Britain.”
Aurora did a double take. “Isn’t Britain a Christian country?”
“Yes, it is.”
Aurora shook her head. “Hamilton, you are being so silly. This is obviously a case of cultural insemination. Even you should be able to see it. Human poetry. Weegee music. Awareness of the feminine nature of the divine. These all represent cultural achievements far beyond Earthling levels.”
“But...”
“Hush now, the Princess is about to speak again.”
The Princess raised her head high, displaying the elegant curve of her neck as she looked from left to right around the grand hall.
“Loyal subjects. The battle fought and won by this fleet two days ago was an epic of courage, daring and skill that will live forever in the annals of our Empire. Numerous women and men of every rank and station displayed valor worthy of commendation.
“Accordingly, over 40,000 medals are being struck, to be delivered over the next few days to those who earned them by their supervising Chaplains. However, there were two officers whose bravery and devotion in the hour of peril shone forth with a light that will illuminate all future ages, and to these I wish to present theEmpire’s thanks with its highest commendation, the Imperial Medal ofValor.”
Kalia reached down and opened a box, from which she removed and held up to view two glowing blue triangular medallions, each with multicolored stars speckling bursts of brightness from its corners and with a holographic portrait of the Empress shining from within its center. As she stood, holding them proudly before the awestruck multitude, triumphant music rang from every pillar in the ballroom
The Princess called out. “Admiral Phillipus, step forth and stand before me.”
There was a parting in the crowd and the oldAdmiral walked out and then up the steps to the podium. The man’s features were still sunken from his encounter with disease, but there was some energy in his step. Apparently his recovery had advanced significantly since the day of the battle. Still, as he took his position on the podium directly in front of the Princess’s pedestal, there was a nervousness about him, as if he was overwhelmed by the moment.
“Admiral Phillipus,” the Princess said, smiling down with benevolent eyes on the old warrior. “You have served our monarchy long and true. From the days of the Southern Conflicts, when mygrandmother’s grand- mother was Empress, through the period of the so-called Small Struggles, and then through the climactic battles of the Great Central War, during which the future of galactic civilization itself hung in the balance, you have always been an exemplar of courage, honor, and devotion to duty. In you we see the epitome of the finest traditions of our Navy. Our evil enemies had hoped to eliminate you from our roster through their cowardly biopath assassination attempt. But your mighty spirit was stronger than any disease they could concoct, and you rose from what they hoped would be your deathbed to lead us to victory. There are no words that can adequately express the gratitude we owe you, but on behalf of the Empress Minaphera the 243rd and her three quintillion subjects, it gives me the greatest of pleasures to honor you with our highest distinction. Admiral Phillipus, for service above and beyond the call of total devotion, I award you the Imperial Medal ofValor.”
Placing the ribbon holding the medal around the old man’s neck, the Princess leaned down and kis
sed the Admiral on top of his head. Then she said, “Turn Admiral Phillipus, and accept the thanks of your country- men.”
The Admiral turned to face the crowd, which burst into sustained raucous applause. Then with tears showing in his eyes, he bowed left, right and center, and strode off the podium.
Then the Princess said, “Lieutenant Danatus, please step forward.”
At the sound of this name, Auroras gasped, and then turned to Hamilton openmouthed in joyful amazement. “Danatus! Danatus is get- ting the IMV!”
As Hamilton and Aurora strained to see above the crowd, the young officer leapt up the steps to the podium. His quickness of motion seemed to be an attempt to display boyish confidence. If so, it didn’t work, for at the sight of the Princess close up he stumbled, and fell to his knees before her. A titter of laughter ran through the crowd.
The Princess however, looked down on the befuddled young man with an affectionate smile. “Rise, Lieutenant Danatus,” she said. “You do not need to kneel before me today.”
Awkwardly, Danatus struggled to his feet. Hamilton noticed that the lieutenant’s burns, so evident on the day of battle, had been mostly cured, leaving him with just enough of his scars to appear dashing.
“Lieutenant Danatus,” the Princess intoned. “You are the son of the famed Captain Denetius, whose daring exploits at the helm of the Battlecruiser Warhawk were our enemies’ terror during the Great Central War. How proud your father must be of you today. How proud we all are. For in you we see that the great fighting traditions of our Navy are not just memories of our past, but realities of our present. One generation of warriors has given birth to another. The baton has been passed and, through your deeds, we see that the hands that have received it are worthy. In the heat of battle, when all about you were smoking ruins, you risked near-certain death to stand by your guns. Without your heroic stand, young sir, there would have been no victory. The 200 billion victims of the planet assassins would still be unavenged, and their murderers would at this very moment be making more plans to kill again. As throughout our history, it was courage that saved the day, and on thisday, that courage was your courage. So, Lieutenant Danatus, we love and honor you. We love and honor you for what you did, what your are, and what yourepresent.”
The Holy Land: Fanatical Earthling planet assassins are spreading chaos through the galaxy. Is there any nice way to stop them? Page 20