The room was suddenly very quiet. Everyone looked at each other in shock at what Rachael had proposed.
“It might buy us the extra time we need to bring Earth up to Imperial standards in technology and to prepare it to take on the Druins,” added Andrew. “From what I know of Earth programmers and hackers, they could very easily design a virus to take over the Druin interdiction system.”
“Can Earth design software to protect our own computer systems?” asked one of the Imperials in the audience.
Andrew nodded. “I’m sure they can.”
Captain Masters stood and spoke. “This could be a turning point for us. Imagine our ships protected by Earth firewalls? We could send viruses to Druin ships, commanding their systems to shut down. They would be helpless before our fleets.”
“That may be so,” said Admiral Bract, as he considered the possibilities. “But, at some point in time, they will develop their own viruses and use them against us.”
“We can have a group of special programmers on guard against that,” suggested Rachael. “We can constantly update our firewalls to protect us from the Druins and the rest of the Confederation.”
This caused more heated discussions to break out in the Council chamber.
Lena called the meeting back to order. “I believe this is something we need to seriously consider. If we can’t stop Earth from developing its own FTL drive then we are faced with a Druin attack sometime in the next ten years. We all know we’re not yet prepared for that. I suggest we put together a team to study the practicality of what Rachael has suggested.”
More discussions were had, with everyone eventually agreeing to form a team to look into the feasibility of Rachael’s proposal. Admiral Bract would lead the team, along with several other Council members and a few Imperial computer programmers.
-
For the next several hours, different Imperials asked questions about Earth and particularly at what stage much of its technology was at compared to the Empire. Andrew and Rachael answered to the best of their ability. Some of the questions and answers were very detailed.
When the meeting finally wound down, Rachael asked one final question. “Will we be allowed to go home?”
Lena leaned back in her chair and placed her hands on the conference table. “I don’t know. If we decide to implement your virus idea, someone must return to Earth and will probably speak to some of the Earth governments. We would also want the Imperials on Earth to become involved. If we do that, there is a chance all of you could return to Earth.”
Admiral Bract nodded. “It would make good sense and strategy, particularly if we gain control of the interdiction system. We could come out more in the open and help prepare Earth for the future conflict. There is a tremendous amount we could accomplish in the next seventy to one hundred years by working together.”
Rachael immediately felt relieved. Just maybe she would get to go home after all.
-
Early the next morning Captain Masters took Andrew and Rachael on a tour of Pallas.
“How many people are currently awake?” asked Rachael. She had noticed a lot of Imperials around.
“Nearly twelve thousand,” answered Captain Masters. “Our population has really grown over the last one thousand years. As time passed, more and more people were staying awake and having children. We have nearly 120,000 in cryosleep.”
They walked down a long corridor and then through a heavily guarded hatch. Inside was a large observation room that overlooked a massive spacedock.
“We’ve been building dreadnoughts and support craft ever since we came to Pallas.”
Andrew and Rachael stepped to the large glass windows. Rachael gasped at what was revealed. Dozens of large spaceships were in their docks. “Are those ships in stasis?”
Captain Masters nodded. “Yes, when a ship is finished, we run it though all its tests. Once it passes, we place a stasis field around it. We have hundreds of dreadnoughts and battlecruisers ready to deploy, once the proper crews have been trained.”
“How many crews do you have if the Druins suddenly showed up?” asked Andrew.
Captain Masters let out a deep sigh. “Not as many as I would like. We have some trained crews from the original Imperials who came here, and others we have trained over the years, but who have no actual experience in war. In an emergency we could activate about a dozen dreadnoughts and sixty battlecruisers.”
Andrew’s eyes widened. “How many ships do you have here inside Pallas?”
“We have a larger fleet here now than what the Empire did when it fell. We’re covertly mining several nearby asteroids for raw materials, particularly heavy metals. We’ve done everything we can to hide our mining operations from the Druins. We use very primitive cargo ships so the Druin interdiction system will not detect them, and even if they did, they would only consider them to be harmless.”
Rachael stared at the spacecraft in awe. Even the smallest was larger than what the Endeavor had been. “Have you heard anything about whether we’ll be allowed to go home?”
Captain Masters shook his head. “No, we may have to wake up a few of our more esteemed scientists and computer people to discuss your virus proposal. At a minimum you’ll be here for a couple weeks.”
“Any chance I can contact my people?” asked Andrew. “I promise you they won’t reveal to anyone where I’m at.” Andrew wanted his parents to know he was still alive.
“I’ll ask,” said Captain Masters. “I can’t promise anything, but, if the Council agrees to Rachael’s request, it will be necessary for you to contact your people and to make some arrangements.”
They continued the tour, with Captain Masters taking them to one of the large hydroponic farms. Once again they were in a large observation room, staring out at long rows of tanks filled with growing vegetables. The room was full of vegetation that nearly reached to the ceiling twenty feet above.
“We try to make use of every available space,” Masters informed them.
“Do you grow enough food for all your people?” asked Rachael. “What would happen if you had to awaken more people from cryosleep?”
“We’re currently growing a surplus, and all the extra goes into our food reserve. Over the years we’ve stockpiled a pretty large supply of reserve food if it were needed. I prefer the fresh vegetables myself.”
“You said there were some large open areas.”
Masters nodded. “Yes, there are several. I’ll take the two of you to the nearest.”
-
It took a while, as they took several long turbolift rides down to the lower levels. It didn’t surprise Andrew that the open areas would be the deepest beneath Pallas. Finally the turbolift they were in came to a stop, and they stepped out. They went down a short corridor and then through a hatch. Andrew stopped and stared around in amazement. In front of him were trees, flowers, grass, and even a small flowing stream. He could hear the low hum of insects and even a few bird cries. Looking up he saw a series of bright lights in the ceiling far above. It was obvious they simulated sunlight.
“We tried to make this like home,” explained Captain Masters, as he looked around with a trace of sadness in his eyes. “Golan Four was a garden world without pollution and a controlled population.”
“How did you build all this?” asked Rachael as she tried to take it all in.
“The seeds and plants we brought with us,” explained Captain Masters. “Same for the trees. Even the small fish in the stream were bred from some brought here one millennium ago. We have four of these small habitats inside Pallas.”
Looking around, Andrew saw numerous people sitting on benches or just strolling along the paths that wound through the trees and near the stream.
A strange look came across Captain Masters’ face. “I’m being summoned back to the Council chambers to answer some questions. I’ll have Ensign Allert come to finish the tour and to return you to your quarters.”
Andrew noted the small co
mmunication device in the captain’s right ear. “We’ll just enjoy the view until she gets here.”
Captain Masters left through the hatch, leaving them standing in the habitat.
-
“Let’s sit down,” suggested Rachael, pointing to a bench close by that was empty.
Going to the bench, they sat down and gazed around.
“I can’t imagine living underground all my life,” said Rachael, as she examined some flowers near the bench. They were of a species she had never seen before. “It must be hard.”
Andrew nodded. “At least they have some areas to go to, such as this, and I’m sure they have other recreational facilities as well.”
Rachael watched a couple with two small children who were kicking a ball back and forth. “They seem so normal.”
Andrew laughed. “They’re not aliens. They’re just as Human as you or me.”
Rachael blushed slightly. “I didn’t mean it that way. I mean, here we are, halfway across the Solar System, and two children are playing ball, just as they would on Earth.”
The two sat talking for nearly an hour before Ensign Allert came hurrying through the hatch. “I’m sorry it took so long,” she said, nearly out of breath. “I was working out in one of the gyms.”
“It’s all right,” said Rachael, smiling. “We were just sitting here, admiring the view and talking.”
“If you’re ready, I’m supposed to take you to one of the construction docks to see how we build our warships.”
-
Standing, they followed Brenda out of the habitat. Andrew was curious as to how the ships he had seen earlier were built. He suspected it was far different than how they were built on Earth.
-
Later Andrew was back in his quarters, preparing to go out for their evening meal. Ensign Allert would come by and get everyone shortly. Andrew fastened a button on his sleeve when a knock came on his door. Going to it, he opened it, expecting to see Ensign Allert. Instead Kala stood there. She wore a nice blouse and a colorful skirt.
“One thing about how they dress here is that everyone seems to prefer bright colors,” she said, grinning. She stepped inside Andrew’s quarters and sat down on the couch. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Rachael the last few days.”
Andrew sat down next to Kala. “Most of it’s been on Imperial business. We both were questioned by the Imperial Council, and Captain Masters took us on a tour of Pallas.”
Kala’s eyes widened. “It’s amazing what they’ve built here. I know much of it was done with automation and robots, but it’s still astounding. I wonder what their homeworlds were like?”
“Similar to Earth but much more advanced. Pollution was a thing of the distant past, and most worlds had stringent population controls. It was one of the reasons the Empire was expanding so fast.”
Kala moved a little closer to Andrew, with her leg touching his. “Do you have feelings for Rachael?”
Andrew wasn’t sure where this was going. “I enjoy her company, if that’s what you mean.”
Kala crossed her legs, and Andrew saw her skirt riding up pretty high. “Maybe I should come by later?”
Before Andrew could reply, another knock was heard at his door. “That must be Ensign Allert,” said Andrew, relieved at hearing the knock.
A disappointed look spread across Kala’s face. “We’ll talk more later.”
Standing, the two went to the door, where Brenda waited. She already had the other two women with her. “Are we ready?” she said, grinning. “I have a special meal planned for tonight.”
“Sure,” answered Andrew, stepping out into the corridor, followed by Kala. Andrew saw the cold look Rachael gave Kala. He wondered what mess he was getting himself into with these two women.
-
After a surprisingly good meal, they all returned to their quarters. Andrew lay on his bed, watching the Pallas news, trying to learn more about what went on daily in the massive Imperial base. He heard his door open and hesitant footsteps coming toward the bedroom. He wasn’t surprised when Kala came in and stood beside his bed.
“I’ve decided to take matters into my own hand—or should I say, body.” She reached up and unfastened the buttons on her blouse, letting it slide off her shoulders and to the floor. She wore nothing beneath it. Kala then slid the zipper down on her skirt and stepped out of it, standing completely nude in front of Andrew. “Well? Do I put my clothes back on, or should I join you in bed?”
Andrew laughed. “I think we both know the answer to that.” Andrew stood and took Kala into his arms, feeling the softness of her body meld to his. He kissed her deeply. Moments later they were on the bed in a heated embrace, oblivious to their surroundings.
-
Rachael stood outside the door to Andrew’s quarters. She had seen Kala go in. Rachael was half tempted to go in to interrupt whatever Kala had planned. With a deep sigh, Rachael turned around and headed back toward her quarters. Some time soon she and Andrew needed to have a long talk.
Chapter Eleven
Deep in the heart of the former Human Empire, unrest steadily grew. The Druins had clamped down on free speech and were even limiting what could be taught in the local schools. The leaders of three of the Imperial worlds were meeting in secret to discuss their options.
“We can’t continue like this,” proclaimed Governor Rastell of Bratol Three. “They take many of our young people every year and are making more and more demands.”
“On Lydol Four they’re demanding a major share of our heavy metals,” said Governor Swen. “They’ll cripple our economy.” Lydol four had the largest of the secret bases established long ago.
“It’s the same on my world,” said Governor Alliton. “I’ve heard rumors they’ll double the number of young people they’ll take this year.”
“We can’t go on like this,” said Rastell. “We must do something. We’re an Empire.”
“A forgotten empire,” replied Swen, shaking his head. “All references to the Human Empire have been erased from our history books. No mention of the Empire can even be made in our schools. All that our children know of the former Empire is what is handed down by word of mouth from their parents.”
“We have a small fleet we’ve built in secret,” said Alliton. “We also have some defensive platforms we can place in orbit. We could decree our independence from the Confederation and request we be listed as free worlds.”
“They won’t agree,” replied Rastell, his eyes narrowing. “The only worlds they allow to be free are very primitive with limited space travel.”
“What if we agree to only allow space travel between our three star systems?”
Alliton shook her head. “I don’t know. We must do something. The people are close to revolting as it is.”
Governor Swen made a suggestion. “What if we combine our three fleets and all our orbital defenses and put them around just one world? Perhaps the Druins will agree to our demands rather than risk an armed confrontation.”
Governor Alliton looked doubtful. “The last world to try that was nearly destroyed.”
“That was centuries ago,” pointed out Swen. “And they didn’t have any heavily armed ships or a defensive system. I suggest we let one world negotiate for the others. That way we risk only one planet, if something goes wrong.”
“And billions of people,” said Governor Alliton. “This could be extremely dangerous.”
“It may be, but we have to do something,” said Governor Swen. “If all three systems go into open revolt, we would be risking so much more. At least this way, with only one planet stepping up, if the Druins do attack, the other two systems can come with aid to rebuild, if necessary.”
“Then we’re in agreement,” said Governor Alliton. “The only question is, which system defies the Druins?”
“Mine,” said Governor Swen. “My people seem to be the most worked up, so they should applaud my actions here. Plus we have the smallest population and will
be the easiest to defend, as we have no major colonies on any of our moons, except a few mining operations.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. “When do you want to proclaim your independence?” asked Governor Rastell.
“In one week,” replied Governor Swen. “That will give us time to get our fleets in position, as well as the defensive grid.”
“This is a huge risk,” said Alliton, “but I agree we are out of options.”
Governor Swen leaned back in his chair and let out a deep sigh. “Let’s hope we’re not making a huge mistake, but the Druins have driven us to this point.”
“We’re in this together,” said Governor Alliton. “If the Druins attack your world, we’ll furnish all the assistance we can to aid in the recovery.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” said Governor Rastell. “This will be dangerous. Let’s just hope it works.”
-
On Pallas several days had passed, and Andrew had been called back to meet with the Council. As Brenda led him through the complex to the Council chambers, Andrew couldn’t help but wonder about the last few days. He knew he had gotten carried away with Kala, but what was a guy to do when a beautiful willing woman stood nude next to his bed? He didn’t regret going to bed with Kala, but he had noticed that Rachael had been keeping her distance.
Reaching the Council chambers, Andrew went in, noting the full Council was present and the viewing stands were full as well.
“Welcome, Mr. Wilcox,” greeted Lena Prest. “Have a seat, and we’ll get this meeting underway.”
Andrew sat down in the lone empty chair and turned his attention toward Lena.
“After much debate and after speaking with several of our scientists who are well versed in computers, we have decided to accept Rachael’s idea of putting a virus in the Druin interdiction system to take it over. In order to make this happen, we will allow the following to occur. First, you will be allowed to contact your people and inform them you are still alive. You may not tell them exactly where you are. You may also tell them who the other survivors of the Endeavor are. What we need for you to do is set up a meeting with your Imperial leaders, as well as some of Earth’s government officials on the space station near Earth’s Moon. We will return you and your three crewmates to Earth on the Destiny, which Captain Masters will command. Several of our Council members will go, as well as a few of our scientists to explain what our needs are. We are also recommending that a general revelation of our base not be made at this time.”
The Forgotten Empire: Banishment: Book One Page 14