“That is if you can get the Golkos and the Seer’koh not to disperse their fleets,” Halston cautioned. “I’ve no argument about the concept, mind you, but I’m concerned that the Alliance won’t just sit back and cooperate.”
“They won’t have any choice, Admiral,” Alexander told him.
Halston should his head adamantly, “I am sorry sir, I cannot agree.”
“I appreciate your candor Admiral, but let me pose the question to you another way.” Alexander told him, and then he settled back into his chair with that irritating all-knowing look, which was true. He could have told Halston exactly what he was going to say in response to his questions, and what was worse Halston knew it as well. The Admiral, however, had no choice but to play his part, as did the rest of Alexander’s audience. “Admiral you are the Alliance commander and suddenly I pop out of superluminal with six hundred ships to your twenty-five hundred. What do you think?”
“Either you’re a fool or you’ve got something up your sleeve,” the Admiral told him. “My first response, knowing Terran aggression and audacity would most likely be to withdraw my main force and probe with limited sorties.”
“You cannot do that Admiral,” Nazeera told him. “You are the main strength of a tenuous Alliance. If the Quotterim or the Syraptose hear of your withdrawing from a Terran fleet one fourth your size, which Alexander’s propaganda and Chem confirmation will ensure, you’ve lost your allies and the war. You cannot make any other move but that of confident aggression. Faced with the Terran advance you simply have no choice but to take the risk.”
“Very well,” Halston grudgingly admitted, “but I do not attack blindly. I am suspicious of the fireships, even if I don’t know their true purpose, and I attack them at long range; cautiously until I draw them out.”
“What are your scanners going to tell you about the fireships, prior to your ever coming into range, Admiral,” Alexander asked.
Halston would have squirmed if he could. He was being taken to school and he didn’t like it, but he was also a professional. He answered as honestly as he could. “This is a new one for me, but let me guess. I’d see ships roughly two to three times the size of my battleship, large power generation, low mass.”
“Actually two to three times the mass of a standard battleship, Admiral Halston but you wouldn’t know that. It’s one of Hashimoto’s modifications,” Augesburcke said. “He figured on the low mass in the scans causing warning flags so we filled the tankers with water after we sent them aloft. Now they register an appropriately large mass on the scanners with a rather noticeably advantageous after effect. When the ship blows the matter-anti-matter explosion would normally vaporize the vessel. The disintegration of the projector creates a shock wave in front of it, which originates at the rear of the ship. This shock wave precedes the matter-anti-matter blast which is not channeled through the projector, hitting the water in the fireship’s tanks and causing the hydrogen to fuse into helium.”
“You create a fusion reaction in front of the shock wave, like a projected fusion bomb,” Halston nodded. “That will get their attention.”
“Like a great many fusion bombs,” Alexander chortled. “Really this has to be one of my favorite Hashimoto ideas; somewhat twisted, but very efficient.”
“Grim,” Halston conceded, “and what’s worse as a commander making logical assumptions I would have no warning. I will therefore assume that I see a core of large warships, with heavy energy readings, and high mass. I would assume it’s a new series of ultra-heavy battleships; i.e. dreadnoughts, to revive the old term. I deal with them logically considering my greater numbers and necessity of attack—I envelope. I bring as many guns to bear on them as I can and so create greater firepower through a greater number of guns.”
“Which is exactly what I want them to do,” Alexander told him.
“I stand corrected, Overlord, and I withdraw all of my objections,” Halston said humbly.
“Thank you for your input and your patience, Admiral Halston. Are we agreed then?” Alexander asked. When he’d received nods from each of them he reiterated his stratagem. “Gentlemen they are shaken, but one attack with one vessel will not alter their resolve. Therefore, they are still there, and they are still waiting for us. We shall give them what they want in a form they will not only recognize, but they will relish!”
CHAPTER 10
The Pro Consul of the Alliance, former Kempec Ambassador Kvel Mavek rubbed her temples in obvious distress. Her expression was oddly Terran, and the two Kempec Mystics and the three Hrang Ambassadors had no difficulty in reading her thoughts. When she finally glanced up from underneath her finely drawn brows her glittering eyes betrayed a mix of tragedy and repugnance. The silky voice of the normally passive and introspective Kempec tempered as she informed her visitors, “This is the third meeting I’ve had this morning. The first was with the political Heads of State of each of the Alliance member states. The second was with the military commanders of our Alliance forces. Now I get to meet with the chief architects of our espionage effort—splendid, simply splendid. If I never hear the name Alexander again I will not be disappointed. I don’t believe I can tell you, the master spies of the Alliance, anything politically or even militarily which you do not already know. Actually, I was hoping to learn something from you. You are, after all, gatherers of information and interpreters of data. I have spent the entire morning trying to sort through a mass of conflicting reports, conflicting emotions and nonsensical assurances. Can you shed some light on these mysteries?”
“What is it about Alexander and the Terrans that you wish to know, Madame Pro Consul?” She-Rok, the Hrang Master asked politely.
“I don’t wish to know anything about Alexander, I want you to explain the Alliance to me!” she replied emphatically. Kvel Mavek then held up her hands to silence the Hrang response, and calmed herself. The attendees waited patiently for the harried Kempec to regroup, which she did quickly. When she explained her position, her manner was controlled, with only a hint of exasperation. “I have just spoken with Grand Admiral Koor, the Supreme Commander of Alliance forces. She reports that the Alliance offensive against the Terran Empire will be ready to proceed on our newly arranged schedule, five decurns from now. My ambassadors from each of the member nations of the Alliance have assured me this very morning of their support. Yet I hear strange rumblings within space. Though Grand Admiral Koor said nothing of it, and took care to avoid directly answering my probing, I have heard through my own channels that the Terrans are aware of the Golkos-Seer’koh presence on the Terran frontier. I am no military commander, and though I have the greatest confidence in the Grand Admiral I cannot help but be disturbed by this news. Then there are the Syraptose, our nervous and isolated friends upon the other side of Terran space. They have been the least enthusiastic of the Alliance military arms all along, and at the moment that enthusiasm seems to be descending into some form of mild paranoia. They claim to have lost an entire squadron in the central regions of their own space. No explanation, no distress calls, no wreckage, but they are gone nonetheless. The Syraptose military liaison assures me they will do their duty to the Alliance, but there is an element of defeat already in his eyes. This denial and paranoia cannot be a good omen on the eve of a great offensive. The stratagem seems sound enough, to a layman, but who knows in the face of a general like Alexander? Then there are our worthy Hrang spies, and your request of assistance from the Kempec Mystics. What strange twist of this drama will you cause? Indeed, I like nothing about your request. I like nothing about the military situation. I like nothing about the political situation. All in all I like nothing about this confrontation whatsoever!”
The two races which listened to the Pro Consul’s lamentation contrasted sharply. The Kempec were Golkoid, bipedal, and mammalian; their varying tones of dusky silver to charcoal flesh accented their glittering, almost luminescent eyes. The Kempec were obviously uncomfortable with their situation, both galactically and in this
particular gathering. They were a peaceful race, though they could not claim this high moral position to any other reason but the small size of their empire, only some two dozen star systems and their precarious position between the warlike Chem and their bellicose cousins the Golkos. That the Kempec served as a buffer between these two adversarial empires made their natural tendency towards neutrality and reason an understandable preoccupation.
The Hrang Masters, while no more enamored with the steady downfall of Galactic affairs since the rise of Alexander of Terra than their allies the Kempec, had an added resolve. The Hrang’s possessed the chameleon like ability to transform their flesh tones and texture. When this talent was amplified by the liberal use of artificial implants the Hrang’s were able to mimic most of the terranoid races of the galaxy. So incredible was this ability that the Hrang’s were able to impersonate specific individuals; a skill invaluable in espionage. The Hrang used their unique capabilities for the Galactic Alliance which formed in response to the rise of Alexander and the Terran Empire. They replaced several thousand Terrans in the process, and for a time, one of their operatives even held the seat as the President of the Terran Federation. This amazing coup did not last long, however. Alexander swept the Terran Empire clean of the Hrang replacements and dispelled all doubt as to Terran intentions in the galaxy when he took the seat of the Presidency and the title as Overlord of the Terran Empire. His first act in response to the Alliance was to demand the unconditional return of all Terrans replaced by Hrang spies. It was a demand damningly fair minded of the Terran conqueror, as he asked for nothing else, not even a statement of non-aggression, but it was patently impossible. The Golkos, a ruthlessly practical race, executed the Terran prisoners without consultation. Now the one bargaining chip which could avert an interstellar war of epic proportions was no longer on the table.
She-Rok served in Roma as long as Mavek; he placed his hand on the desk of the Pro Consul in an awkward attempt to ease the concern of his colleague. Though the Hrang were unaccustomed to active roles in Galactic events this particular situation warranted enormous risk. He reminded the Alliance Pro Consul that the execution of the Terran captives, while regrettable, was not without Terran cause. For two kicellia the known galaxy lived with the “Legend of Alexander.” Alexander the Great dreamt that one day his descendants would continue his conquests in the endless realms of glory that were the cosmos. Now Alexander’s people had come. In an incredibly short space of time they boiled out of their solar system to subjugate the very Scythian Empire that threatened to use them as mercenaries against the galaxy. A warlord rose and took the very name of Alexander, striking a peace with the warlike Chem and marrying their Elder to cement the bond. This left the remaining cultures of the galaxy cowering under the imminent threat of invasion, forcing the formation of a Galactic Alliance against Terra. All this the Hrang reiterated to the Alliance Pro Consul, adding, “From our firsthand knowledge of Alexander we see this demand as nothing but a ruse to stir up support for his expansionist policies. After all, what true value can such a small number of beings possess? Alexander values territory and conquest, not individuals. We have not attacked Terran territory, and while it is true that we supplanted people in power we actually did Alexander a service in removing a potential adversary. Remember that our own operative masqueraded as President Sadat.
“We used the opportunity to make serious inroads into the Terran Senate in a push for a peaceful policy, but that was political in nature. I cannot see Alexander having anything more than a residual irritation for such acts. This demand of Alexander’s, seemingly so noble in its face value, is nothing more than an attempt to reverse those losses in the Senate.”
“Alexander is Overlord of the Terran Empire, Ambassador,” the Pro Consul replied heatedly. “He is not the Grand Master of the Hrang, the Chosen of the Seer’koh, or Servitor of the August Body of Golkos. His reactions pertaining to these events cannot be gauged by the theoretical reactions of the ancient cultures. Yet if you insist on drawing analogies do it with the Chem. Alexander won their trust, their admiration and their Elder in marriage. That in itself is unique feats in the history of the galaxy, as the Chem give their adoration grudgingly. The Chem would not, for instance, give a second thought to their citizen’s fate if slain in fair combat.”
Kvel Mavec’s smooth features turned grim and her brows contracted over the steely pupil-less eyes. “Imagine if we invaded Chem space or had the poor judgment to execute a Chem citizen—imagine that. We’d have a Chem Armada on our doorstep.” She paused and locked eyes with each of the Hrang and Kempec in the room. Then she shook her head and her shoulders slumped. “This is how I see Alexander’s reaction, and it is remarkably consistent with his behavior thus far. We have all been privy to Alexander’s actions in recent history. He’s made no attempt to hide them. Excepting the grave threat his conquest presents, Alexander has acted honorably and fairly. Look at his terms for the Scythian’s who were guilty of kicellia of medical experimentation on Terrans: he took their empire it is true, but he left them their Homeworlds inviolate, and allowed their people to keep the majority of their holdings in the systems now in the Terran Empire. He has even granted them citizenship in the Terran Federation.
“The Scythian ambassador to the Alliance is now formally asking us to concede to the Terran demands and come to a dialogue with Alexander. We have an opportunity here, even with the Golkos crime. We can plead our case in fear of the “Legend of Alexander,” and pay for the lives we’ve taken as the price of galactic peace. That is the way out of this. The only way, I fear. I do not see the military option as being viable, rather I think it plays directly into Alexander’s hands. Unfortunately, it may be too late. The voice of Kempec is small, and the fleets of the Alliance, almost four thousand ships, are poised to attack the Terran frontier on three fronts in less than half a decand.”
“I will admit that Alexander is cunning, Madame Pro Consul,” the Hrang told her slyly, if the term could describe his narrowed eyes and wringing hands. “However, it is just that which makes him more dangerous than the blatant warlord. Alexander uses the intrigue and fear of the Galactic cultures as a weapon. Remember how he managed to have himself captured and “tested” by the Chem on Pantrixnia? There, before the Galactics, Alexander showcased for us the prowess of Terrans, not with a champion, but with himself. He had himself rescued covertly so that he himself could face down the mighty Chem Armada sent to destroy Terra. Afterwards he coyly played with our operative in the Presidency, allowing us to believe that we were privy to an incomprehensible coup in espionage. All the while he merely delayed us and gauged our intentions; while he orchestrated a Chem rebellion that destroyed them as an immediate military force and removed the Chem as a threat to him. Now he plays upon us again.
“What are we to do, Ambassador? It is impossible to ascertain Alexander’s thoughts with any certainty whatsoever. Terrans are a confusing people, and Alexander has risen to power by using that confusion as a shield. Legends, supported by Scythian evidence, make Terran’s out to be violent in the extreme with a lust for glory and power. What have we seen, Ambassador, that would lend us to disbelieve these basic tenets of Terrans?”
The Pro Consul scowled, but nodded her head. Somberly she said, “I must unfortunately agree with you there. While Alexander’s actions and words have been overt and honorable they can be seen in an entirely different and frightening light. That in itself is a problem, however. Alexander’s exploits have been very public. I don’t think that there is a more recognizable figure today in the known galaxy. What’s more the populace of many of our civilizations is somewhat enamored with him. He is a powerful and charismatic leader, and none of his actions can be construed in a bad light without the benefit of much skepticism. There is, I’m afraid, no more support for a war against Alexander in the populace than there is for capitulation to him.”
“That is true, and his marriage to Nazeera of Chem has solidified that reputation,” She-Rok ag
reed, adding, “Alexander is no longer seen as a Terran, but as a Galactic. It is an important distinction in the mind of the populace, and a testament to his brilliance.” The Hrang sighed before continuing. When he did his voice hissed in unaccustomed gravity. “None of this changes the basic situation, however. It is still Alexander’s goal to conquer the known universe and subjugate every empire under his own. That is what Terran history tells us, and that is what Alexander’s personal history tells us. We have all seen the Scythian tapes of this Terran’s past life experiences, Madame Pro Consul, and I think I am safe in saying that nothing in this man’s past would lead us to any other conclusion. Your own voice of reason would be the desirous method of solving this problem, even with the Golkos murder; but Alexander’s character and his aspiration to be Overlord of all he surveys prevents that strategy from being plausible.”
“Very well, I accept your argument, but it still remains that we now battle not only Alexander, but our own populist opinion as well.”
“That will shortly change, though not without great sacrifice on the part of the Hrang,” the Ambassador told her. In response to the Kempec’s quizzical expression the Ambassador continued, “Alexander has in his possession over two thousand Hrang spies. If he follows Terran tradition he will execute those spies. When he does we will simply claim our own act as one of retribution.”
Alexander Galaxus: The Complete Alexander Galaxus Trilogy Page 62