“A typical career politician,” Alexander noted. “Their ideals, such as they are, will be sacrificed in order to advance or maintain their position. I am unfortunately quite familiar with the concept.”
“There is something to remember about Mavek, Alexander,” Nazeera cautioned him. “She is a Kempec, and they are not an aggressive people. Her personal history highlights certain Kempec qualities. She avoids confrontation, and under all circumstances prefers a diplomatic solution. She would like to find a diplomatic solution to the Terran-Alliance problem, and therefore may well be at odds with the Golkos and Seer’koh. Her dilemma is finding a solution acceptable to her masters and avoiding a war. The Kempec have no military to offer the Alliance, but Mavek fears that the retribution of Alexander will weigh as heavily on her people and her planet as it does on the aggressors the Golkos. I am quite certain that she has been in a constant state of turmoil throughout this crisis.”
“She has the interests of Kempec to balance with her responsibilities to the Alliance, and one interest is likely incompatible with the other,” Alexander observed. “Beyond is Terra, who the Kempec would just as soon deal with through diplomatic channels. The Golkos-Seer’koh want no other solution than the destruction of Terra. It is an interesting situation for any politician, but she can’t have any choice. What guarantee would she ever gain from Alexander that the aggressive cultures of the Alliance would trust? At the same time she may see that their military option is not so concrete as the Golkos would have her believe.”
“There is another factor, and that is the Mystics,” Nazeera told him, explaining, “The Mystics are a small faction in the Kempec race devoted to a philosophical “oneness” with the Universe. I do not completely believe the idea, but it is said that the Mystics can foresee the future timelines of the Universe. The Kempec believe this, and there is a more accepted opinion of the Mystics in the cultures outside of Chem. I am not confident that the Mystics have prescience, but if the Alliance believes in them they may certainly use their foresight. This may give Mavek a greater confidence in certain channels of diplomacy or aggression.”
“Belief in prediction is often a crutch for those without the strength of conviction,” Alexander told her. He clasped his hands behind his back, thinking silently for a moment. Eventually he looked up with finality.
“Very well. I think it is time for the next act of this great play, and that means it is time for you to leave, my dear. I wanted to avoid this moment, but the galaxy won’t wait. No doubt they’re trying to find out whether I’m alive or not. I need to go talk to Pro Consul Mavek. It’s about time I appear on the galactic net again anyway.”
Nazeera’s melancholy smile dampened the gravity of Alexander’s mood, but she ran her sharp nails through his hair with a feline laugh.
“Pah! You try and steel all the glory for yourself!” They spent a long warm moment locked in a private embrace, but finally the Elder of Chem extricated herself.
“You may escort me to my shuttle, Alexander. It is time for me to go. I too have an empire to run.”
“As you wish, Elder.”
#
Augesburcke headed to the conference room with Doctor Koto, “I really don’t have any idea what to say to her, but I guess that doesn’t really matter does it? I’ve no real message to convey, and I don’t particularly want to convey any.”
Koto nodded, “That may be your best method Admiral. Keep the conversation as shallow as possible. If she’s anything like a Terran her suspicion will do the rest.”
“Well I suppose you shall learn something from this, whatever the outcome,” Augesburcke grumbled. Then he took a deep breath and punched the communications key, which was flashing redly at him. The placid countenance of Kvel Mavek, Pro Consul of the Alliance, came onto the conference room’s main viewer. Admiral Augesburcke cocked his head at the woman, introduced himself and asked in as indignant a manner as possible, “This is Admiral Augesburcke, Commander in Chief of the Terran Armed Forces. I understand you are the Pro Consul for the Alliance. Is there anything I can do for you?”
The Kempec seemed surprised, and she said, “It was my understanding that I would be speaking directly to Alexander, Overlord of Terra. Will communication with him be possible?”
“At his leisure,” Admiral Augesburcke told her shortly.
“My message is quite important, I assure you Admiral,” the Pro Consul told him calmly, reminding him, “it is, after all, Galactic custom, as well as courtesy, for one head of state to address another and not relay such an important communication through an underling. Possibly this custom is new to Alexander. I will be willing to employ the patience necessary for you to inform your Overlord of my communications.”
“That is quite understanding of you, Madame Pro Consul,” Augesburcke said with equal patience. “However, I must point out, tradition aside, that Alexander and the Terran Empire does not consider the Alliance to be a political state. Are we incorrect in our assumption that the Alliance is merely a military partnership whose sole purpose is the destruction of the Terran Empire? If so you can hardly call yourself a head of state. Now, if you would wish to speak to Alexander as the political representative, head of state if you will, of Kempec I am certain he will be interested.”
“Your assessment of the Alliance is simplistic in its assumptions,” Mavek replied, adding, “indeed, Admiral Augesburcke I had no idea Terrans were so fascinated with semantics.”
“We simply desire clarity, Pro Consul Mavek,” Augesburcke told her, clasping his large hands diplomatically before him. “You see, Pro Consul Mavek, you present me with a dilemma. Alexander’s time is not his own. Although he is rumored to be a military man Alexander has political responsibilities as well. In the Terran Empire and throughout the Federation Alexander’s political decisions overshadow his military desires. I am a military commander responsible to my civilian governors, and that means Alexander. I wonder, with all due respect Pro Consul Mavek, whether the same can be said for your Alliance? Certainly if you have firm control over your adventurous military there may be some merit in a parley with the Overlord of the Terran Empire. If you do not, however, it seems to me this call is a waste of time. Perhaps if you were to illuminate me on the subject of your proposed discussion I can bring it to Alexander’s attention. Unfortunately, present circumstances prevent Alexander from speaking to you at this particular moment. I assure you, however, that if you wish to give me your message I will see that it is taken care of appropriately. If you wish a clarification on Alexander’s policies I can also be of service. I understand the semantics of our two cultures may be subtly different. If this is a source of doubt or difficulty for you I have the station required to clarify our position.”
The Kempec smiled mysteriously, though there was a nervousness in it, and she did not seem to be as irritated as the Admiral’s run around should make her. “Alexander’s demands have been quite simple, and not subject to misunderstanding on the part of the Alliance. I will, however, be willing to wait upon Alexander’s leisure, if that is the only manner in which I may speak with him directly.”
At this insistence Augesburcke was the study of a very uncomfortable military officer trying to hide something, which of course he was not, and from the Pro Consul’s growing smugness he appeared to be successful.
“Perhaps, as I wait for Alexander, you may be of help, Admiral Augesburcke,” Mavek observed.
“Of course, Madame Pro Consul, how may I help?”
“After our unfortunate encounter with Terran forces on the Golkos-Terran frontier we are understandably concerned with Terran military motives,” the Pro Consul said. “We of the civilized galaxy have been at peace for well over ten thousand of your years. I have empathy for Terrans, Admiral. You are new to the galactic community, and your experiences with the Scythians and to some extent the Chem have not served to show us in our best light. Let me assure you that we of the Alliance, who represent the rest of the civilized galaxy, have nothing
but the most peaceful intentions concerning Terra.”
“That is heartwarming to hear, Madame Pro Consul,” Augesburcke smiled, “but may I ask then why you have somewhere around four thousand warships poised for invasion of Terran space?”
“Four thousand ships, Admiral, I think that is somewhat of an exaggeration,” the Pro Consul smiled in return. “You are an unknown race to us, and you have the reputation, deserved or not, for being somewhat aggressive. Certainly your attack on our joint Golkos-Seer’koh maneuvers cannot be seen in a benevolent light. The Alliance has a right to protect our interests, which is the sole purpose of any military presence we may have in the frontiers. We are, however, patient, and are willing to accept your unwarranted incursion as a case of over exuberance.”
“That is an interesting offer,” Augesburcke admitted, “but the Terran Empire has some understandable concern over the size and positioning of Alliance forces. Might I suggest a starting point for a relief of these tensions? Alexander ceded captured territories to the Chem as a gesture of good will. The Alliance could make a similar gesture of friendship, and a sincere welcome to the Terrans from the Galactic community, by returning to us the two thousand one hundred and thirty-one Terrans kidnapped by the Alliance.”
Mavek squirmed with obvious discomfort. “Unfortunately we have experienced some difficulties in locating these people, Admiral. I expect this difficulty is administrative in nature, nothing else. Perhaps, however, it would spur our organizations on to a more thorough search if the Terrans would begin the process by returning our Hrang citizens. We do, after all, know where they are. It would be a simple transfer of custody, and do much to relieve tensions.”
“Your Hrang spies are in custody for clear and criminal violations of intergalactic laws, Pro Consul Mavek; your own laws, may I add.” Augesburcke told her sternly, adding, “Let me assure you, however, that Terrans are not uncivilized. Your citizens will be treated with the same civility and due process as are our own Terran citizens in Alliance custody; although, and I stress this distinction, our Terrans in your custody have violated no laws and have been no threat whatsoever to the Alliance.”
“It is an unfortunate circumstance, Admiral,” Mavek told him. “Considering the gravity of our galactic situation, however, I might suggest that this particular issue is not of great enough importance to divert our attentions from larger issues.”
“I assure you, Madame Pro Consul, that it is of prime importance to Terra, and Alexander,” Augesburcke told her emphatically.
“You have that luxury of opinion for now, Admiral,” Mavek replied evenly. “Much depends on just how stable your government remains in facing a galaxy that is willing to welcome you into its community, but will be adamant and stern in the face of any recalcitrance.”
Augesburcke bit back a pregnant reply, but finally the expected amber light finally glowed on the his panel. Augesburcke’s momentary anger turned to anticipation. He smiled with renewed energy for the Pro Consul, telling her, “You are about to witness the stability and resolve of the Terran government, Madame Pro Consul. Alexander, Overlord of the Terran Empire, has agreed to a personal parley. Sorry to have kept you waiting,” he said, and he transferred the Alliance Pro Consul to Alexander’s channel before she could answer. Augesburcke slumped in his chair, exhausted, and told Koto, “I feel as if I just finished a bloody oral report at the Academy!”
#
“Good evening, Madame Pro Consul, I hope I have not kept you waiting.” Alexander told her evenly. “It is not my normal custom to personally answer hails I do not initiate, or do not coordinate for. Yet, as you are currently massing your fleets on my borders I decided this occasion warranted an exception. I hope my appearance was not unexpected?”
“Unexpected, why should it be unexpected Alexander,” the Kempec asked, caught somewhat off guard.
“Come now, Madame Pro Consul, I am too busy for such childish games, and unlike my most capable Admiral, or yourself, I do not possess an infinite amount of patience.” Alexander told her coldly. He kept his hands clasped before him, and did not betray any undue sign of emotion, considering the displeasure inherent in his words. “Allow me to ask you a question, Madame Pro Consul, which may therefore lend some credence to this conversation. I cannot think of why you have called me personally but to ease my concern over the two thousand one hundred and thirty-one individuals who were “replaced” during your espionage campaign. I assume you have found the individuals in question, that they are alive and well, and currently enroute to Terran space?”
The Pro Consul drew herself up stiffly, saying in a distant and non-committal voice, “Unfortunately, bureaucracies being what they are, I have not been able to ascertain the exact whereabouts of the Terrans in question. However, I have no indications that would tell me that they were other than alive and well. Their discovery is simply an administrative matter, no more.”
“That is unfortunate,” Alexander replied, “for as I said I am not a patient man; nor am I Overlord of a patient people. I have just the thing, however, which might solve both of our dilemmas. I understand bureaucracies. They need a fire lit under them to accomplish anything. I shall supply you with that kindling. I give you three Terran days from this transmission to find my people and deliver them. If you are unable or unwilling to comply I shall formally declare war on the Alliance, and find them myself.”
The Alliance Pro Consul jerked upright, and stammered, “Am I to understand,”
Alexander cut her off, saying, “The last thing I desire is to be unclear in this matter. Let us have no misunderstandings. I do not desire Alliance territory. I do not desire war. I want my people. If you do not have the ability to produce them, Madame Pro Consul, I will do it myself. Let me warn you, however, my people had better be safe and well cared for. There had better not be any further treachery in this; I take a dim view on such cowardly acts. I will be recompensed for every life lost; every single one of them!”
“You dare to make such demands of the Alliance!” the Pro Consul was beside herself in manufactured fury.
“Spare me the melodrama,” Alexander cut in. “You have my demands, which are fair in the extreme considering your actions. If you cannot meet these demands then you have my ultimatum.”
“Your vile threats of barbarism will not coy the Alliance, Alexander of Terra!”
“Barbarism, very well I will live with that epithet if you can give me back my people. Where are they?” Alexander expression grew increasingly severe.
“As I told you, we have not found them as of yet,” the Pro Consul told him.
“You have my ultimatum,” Alexander told her. “Three Terran days. Fail and the Alliance pays for its incompetence and crimes with Galactic war on a scale not seen in this age! Yet that is not all. Remember, Madame Pro Consul, the price for each one of my people’s lives is in blood. If it comes down to it I shall come to the Golkos, the Seer’koh, and yes even the Kempec Homeworlds and myself exact the toll. Pay me how you will: with my people’s lives or your own. It is your choice.” Alexander then cut the transmission abruptly.
#
Doctor Koto settled back uncomfortably into his chair after watching Alexander’s exchange with Pro Consul Mavek, and said, “You see, like yourself, I am still learning about Alexander. I am so far behind his reasoning that I am of very little use to him. I am trying to discover the boundaries of his persona, so that in the future I can recognize the warning signs. Alexander is a unique individual, Admiral, and you won’t find his likeness in the textbooks. To make matters doubly difficult for me the amount of stress he is under is usually reserved for megalomaniacs. They deal with it by hiding in their own personal psychosis and shaping all input to fit neatly in their little world. Alexander, however, shows no signs of dealing with anything but reality. That can be dangerous when things get complicated. If I am to be of any use to him, or Terra, I’d better know what makes him tick.”
“What sort of warning signs are you looking
for, doctor? What I mean to say, is what sort of situation are you trying to avoid?” Augesburcke asked. “Command is a lonely place, doctor, but Alexander is in a unique position. What are we looking for? What do you fear?”
“I’m not all that concerned with this situation, Admiral,” Koto told him. “As Alexander has intuitively realized the Galactic psyche makes war inevitable. I see no way to avoid it. In the present circumstance it is not Alexander’s ambition which drives us into war but the psychosis of the Galactics. History is full of well intentioned despots, Admiral. It is a point which Alexander has himself brought up, and it is extraordinarily healthy for him to realize the dangers of his position himself. I am trying to be an outside observer into those dangers, and those possibilities. That, I think is important at the moment, and I’ll tell you why. Although Alexander has been quite masterful at gaining us a galactic empire with only a handful of casualties, that particular bit of fortune is soon to change. Alexander knows that. He is leading us into a war on a galactic scale, and I firmly believe that he will be quite capable of giving the required orders. My study has a twofold purpose. First, it is quite healthy for the psyche to be questioned from someone other than yourself; it reaffirms the debate he’s been having within himself, and re-establishes the plurality of the decision making process. Second, I wanted to see for myself just how Alexander handles such a situation. It may help me in the future to distinguish between an Alexander who is rationally doing what is necessary, and an Alexander who has lost control of the situation.”
“What type of situation are you thinking about?” Augesburcke asked.
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