MILDRATAWA

by Nigel Clayton

  Niras’ team was more successful. The ellats were landed onto a body of water. Once they had swam to shore they dried themselves in front of a fire and then walked the short journey to the township they saw glimmering on the horizon in the night sky.

  By midnight they had reached an old building that was surrounded by ten-foot statues of gods and goddesses. “It is a preaching place, Zaei. I’ve seen pictures on such things. We’ll be safe here; for a while.”

  They entered through the side door that had been opened by a ferrish – a Vuddene Priest – and given food. They told their story, and as far as Niras could make out, the story was accepted as the truth.

  “There is one of your domed forests not far from here. Maybe tomorrow, after you’ve all checked in with the authorities, you’d like to go and see them. It’s quite a secluded spot.”

  “That’s a fine idea.” ‘We may be discovered as imposters by a real earthman.’ “We appreciate the trouble you have gone to in filling our bellies with food and don’t really wish to impose any further, but— well, we have nowhere to stay tonight and wandered if you could provide us with a room or some other means of shelter?”

  “By all means. You Humans have been so put out by your ordeal. It would be a pleasure.” He got up to depart. “There are some bunks in the back, through that door. Make yourself at home and I’ll see you tomorrow morning for breakfast.’

  With that said, the ferrish was gone.

  The authorities the following day believed their story, the ferrish had also put in a good word. There were already a lot of humans on the planet, so the authorities had become somewhat lax in their approach to screening new arrivals. All nine Vertons were soon employed in a factory manufacturing computer parts for space frigates. They refrained from visiting the domed forests for the fear of being recognised as Vertons, unaware that those of the domed forest were Verton themselves. They all pleaded revenge but would contain themselves to the simple life that now surrounded them until an opportunity for unity with other Vertons could be achieved. This they knew could be a long way off.

  PLANET VERTON.

  THE PALACE.

  Troops from Alza Ningh stood shoulder to shoulder along the entirety of the assembly hall walls in the palace on Verton. The ceiling was set high above, sculptured with the most historical events of the Vertons medieval past, a less violent history to the way in which Vetty caused all derangement over the days since the collapse of the sphere, or his previous wars throughout the Milky Way.

  A table ten metres in length, and two in width, sat elongated, facing towards the far entrance of the auditorium, representatives of the Mildratawa seated on the far side and watching the doorway with engrossed feelings of scepticism ever growing against the Vertons, a burden of heavy weight within each. Bahan Tumick from Glaucuna sat in the central position with Muutampai and Queen Druad Asti to either side of him. Other members included Decara Simbati of Zirclon, Heron Duwa of Erulstina, Maldi Somcari of Irshstup, Ozrammoz Abachazdom of Alza Ningh and Doctor Alkoyster of Mistachept. Doug McIlwraith was the only representative from Earth, but he sat to the rear of this table. He was present to pass on the recordings of the armistice to the skeleton government of Earth, to outline all that was about to occur – at its time of evacuation.

  The room was static, only the slightest sound arising from the turning pages being heard. They remained silent, sifting through the document of treaty, which everyone had resting on the table to his and her front, occasionally taking a mouthful of water from the glasses, looking up periodically towards the door, expecting the Empress of Verton to enter at any given moment.

  Doug unfolded his legs as Empress Dimala entered slowly with two aids close behind, each holding up the train that flowed behind her. The white dress had been made years ago, for a wedding that never eventuated. Now it was worn for a different purpose; the signing of the treaty papers, the significance of the white referring to a new beginning, wedlock into the boundaries of the unknown and peace. She hated herself for displaying herself as such. She didn’t want to be humiliated by signing a scrap of treaty paper, but wanted to be left alone, to drown in her own demise, to run what was left of her planet, and in a manner that she believed was fitting. At least Vetty wasn’t here to hold her at bay by bringing threats to air. The legions were loyal to him, not her. She could also sense that this day was to arrive as it had, but expected it long before any atrocity, or hostilities, were forced upon other planets of the galaxy.

  Muriphure Vetty had let his guard down for the last time, and what a quick defeat it was.

  This was now the 17th day since the assault upon the sphere.

  The Empress knew differently though. She knew that there were some legions out there (although significantly inferior to those of Vetty’s) that were still loyal to her, this she was adamant on. There would be another day, surely, when Verton could be made a profitable planet and fitting enough in character to be held as part of the Galaxy’s community.

  Two guards beside her stood to allow her enough room to seat herself. She placed herself down graciously, not forgetting who she was or what she stood for. Everyone stared now, except the Alza Ningh guards who flooded the walls.

  Nameplates sat to the front of each representative for the benefit of the Verton Empress. Bahan Tumick spoke: “As you can see, Empress Dimala, all those I spoke of are present, for this most admonitory of all occasions, which I am warranted to say; should have been implemented many years ago; ten to be exact. I take that you have read the outlines of the treaty in your personal chambers?”

  “I have.”

  “Please continue.”

  “You suggest—”

  “Please, Empress. I don’t wish to seem rude by my interruption, but there is something we should get straight, right from the start. These are not suggestions, but explicit directions as to the manner in which all things are to be maintained. So long as you understand that.”

  “I understand full well. If I may proceed.”

  “By all means.”

  “You order, that I am to maintain no forces of any description for a period of time undisclosed in your documents. Why is this?”

  “You will refrain from holding any type of army for the remainder of time. Never again will you, or your heirs, be permitted to control an armed force, be it one Verton or a million.”

  “And what if hostilities are taken out against my people in the future?”

  “You have written your own path. Your reliance will be placed purely on the members of the Mildratawa. I see no reason why hostilities should befall you in any case. Why? Do you have suspicions?”

  “I have no suspicions at this time, but the future can hold many problems.”

  “You will refrain from holding, any force, of any description.” He looked around at the other members of the Mildratawa. “Does anyone here have anything to add?”

  Queen Asti looked into Dimala’s eyes. “Would it please the Empress to know that of all of the planets in the Mildratawa, I would have some of the strongest reasons, and evidence, to pursue hostilities against the planet Verton. You will not however, hear or see anything of my forces, nor I again. As you should be aware, I’m too bound by the treaty. There is a clause that prevents any of my planet representatives from entering your space boundaries. If we do so then we will meet with the full force of the Mildratawa. Does that quench your fears?”

  “I saw the clause. I hope that it’s obliged, as it should be. But I speak of unfounded planet systems and galaxies which have also discovered space travel, and whom will stumble across us all within time; or should I dream to say an even more advanced civilisation than ours combined, which may have gone unnoticed. What if I were to be ravaged by such a species?”

  “The Irshstuptian robots will monitor your entire system. You need not fret yourself over such perils,” Maldi Somcari said.

  “Yes, the robots. Does this mean that my people will be branded with a curfew in likeness of your planet?�
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  “They arrive in two days, and yes, you will. You’ll be given all detail on their orders and duties when they arrive.”

  A break in conversation brought Bahan Tumick back to his authority. “Do you have anything else for us?”

  “I would like to know why my people on the earth moon cannot be extradited to the prison camps on Verton? Surely if the robots are monitoring the surface, all should be in order.”

  “We challenged this subject many times over and came upon the same conclusions each time. It is quite simply too many Legion Millennium, in the same place, and at the same time.”

  “What of their families? Will they never be able to see their families again?”

  “No, they will not.”

  “And what of the moneys for the containment of the prisoners. Where do you suggest I get the funding for that?”

  “You have your diamonds and pearls. These can be exported by any number of the visitors that you receive. We also know that such a resource will someday run out. In such a case where hardship can be proved, then funding will be sought elsewhere.”

  “Ah; that’s right. You possess the right to enter my planet at any time you wish. I nearly forgot. Our privacy had already been denied by other sanctions that you’ve set, why is there a need for tours? You treat us as though we were animals locked in a cage?”

  “Security must be maintained at all times,” Bahan said. “You will be given little breathing space, for the first few months in any case. Is there anything else which you wish to discuss?”

  “It would seem pointless. Your stringent rules don’t seem to be flexible in any way.”

  “Then shall we proceed with the signing of the documents?”

  She remained silent as she picked up a pen and placed her signature down. Papers were passed around until all had completed with the final agreement.

  Bahan Tumick had one more question. “We do have one other thing that we would like cleared up.”

  “And that it?”

  “Where is Warlord Vetty? If you harbour him then I suggest you tell us.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Do you want me to drink some yantus milk?”

  “No. That’s not necessary. But one last thing. If you wish to maintain the little life that you do have on your planet, I suggest very strongly that you don’t try anything rash. Do yourself and everyone else a favour. If you come across Vetty, let us know. This document is nothing compared to what we are permitted to do. We bid you good day.”

  Queen Dimala picked herself up from the chair and departed the congregation. The documents were sealed and placed into a briefcase for the journey to Glaucuna; a written authority to literally extinguish the Vertons from existence if they ever waged war again.

  The meeting came to an end and all left the hall in its inherent silence.

  PLANET NEGABBA.

  CAPITAL CITY.

  The small detector was removed from the room as Binumana knelt down beside the man in the chair and commenced to undo his ties. “I’m sorry, John, but we had some Vertons here before who had killed a small boy. But as the detector has confirmed, you are indeed a human of Earth.”

  “Those Verton scum set fire to me.” El Pasadora continued to cry out his lie, and tears ran the length of his scarred for life facial features. He clutched his face with open palms as the cordage was loosened, hiding his hideous head that was in resemblance to nothing ever seen before; nothing was uglier.

  “Come now, John.” Binumana stroke his bubbled head, the scarred for life tissue of his scalp. “Those Vertons have met their fate for the murder of the child. I only wish we could have done more to teach them the wonders of pain.”

  El Pasadora cleared his tears away, laughing silently to himself. The Inpuloids had fallen sweetly for his masquerade. He was promptly lead from the room and received a work permit, migration papers, and an open treatment card that gave him free use of all of the planet’s doctors, pharmacies, and rehabilitation that he could handle. This was to supposedly ease his pain, mentally and physically – until such a time that he could take care of himself.

  He pushed the doors to the building open and walked down the steps to the pathway. He peered down at the address he’d been give and smiled. ‘Idiots.’

  QUADRANT SEVEN.

  NEGABBAN’S MOON.

  The six explorers re-entered the Ziggurat and climbed from their spacesuits. They reported to Pasnadinko their findings. “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely certain, sir; no mistake.”

  “How far beneath the surface?”

  “A good month’s worth of digging – if we started straight away.”

  The report was read again. The list was very potent indeed. Actinium, Uranium 235, Plutonium, and a confinement of Lawrencium – which had somehow been nurtured without being artificially produced from Californium. “This can’t be right.”

  “Every radioactive substance known to man; and more.”

  “And more?”

  “Sir. You remember the list of substances we gave you for the production of a nuclear weapon, which had, what we believe, the capacity to produce the same type of body count and greater, but without the incendiary effect. That is, no mushrooming cloud of vapour or explosion, just a sweeping of devastation and radiation that had the ability to destroy all life, though maintain all structures intact. Telephone wires and all electrical goods circuitries would be maintained; just the flesh of any living thing being mutated and brought to death over a ten-minute period. An explosive bomb that when detonated did not cause an explosion.”

  “You believe we have what we need right here?”

  “We have most, sir. Some will have to be mined from Earth, and Basbi triad. There’s something else though.”

  “And that it?”

  “Our seismograph picked up some movement on the far side of the surface. No telling if we are going to receive the same on this side, or when.”

  “A quake?”

  “Unknown at this stage, sir, but we believe so.”

  PLANET EARTH.

  PLANET SURFACE.

  It had been a quiet six months since the signing of the treaty and sightings of the Legion Millennium were reported on from all corners of the galaxy. All of those captured were tried, with most being sentenced, delivered to a variety of jails within the quadrants to which they were caught, many paying the ultimate, by being confined to solitary, this being a small price – in most cases – for their ravages throughout the galaxy. If the sentence was passed by the legal systems of planets Zirclon or Erulstina then death usually followed within eight years, for the microorganism Bacillus Leprae was widely present. In their dungeons of stone a terrible leprosy was inflicted to all parts of the body; in particular to anyone in solitary who couldn’t maintain a good sense of hygiene. Little attempt was made to eradicate this disease, for it had its place in society – a means by which to rid the planet of its dregs in crime.

  Those who were convicted of war crimes were normally executed in a civilised manner, unless the sentence of death came from Negabba or Equatia; so a smart Verton, dependent on where he was captured, would willingly admit to war crimes; regardless of whether they committed them or not.

  Many had escaped the clutches of the Mildratawa and still existed in small pockets throughout the galaxy. Some acts of terrorism were reported on but only small portions of these resistance fighters were ever captured. With every passing day, these criminals grew wiser and wiser, to all concepts of theft, rape, and mayhem.

  The evacuation of Earth had been as successful as it could possibly be. Most planets accepted the humans in one way or another and life for them began to improve as time passed by.

  Doug had moved his family to Equatia where no rules existed on the amount of babies a woman could bring into society. He himself was happy but not content. He still concerned himself with Brother Anthony and his self-imposed exile from all forms of life. It was arou
nd this time that he had decided to travel to the monastery to try and finally convince the monk into returning to Equatia with him.

  The journey took more than three hours, as the small ship he was in control of was only capable of a slow parsec when out of bounds of any QEM-gate. Spacelab Nine was still in orbit around the earth, as were its counterparts. Its monitoring of the planet was a step of security towards looters and space pirates. It was also conducting a scientific evaluation of the depleted ozone, as well as monitoring Global Warming and Global Dimming. From the deep pores of space it was also possible to maintain a steady surveillance and study on many of the creatures of the planet as well as deep x-ray of the earth’s crust and ridges of rock far below the surface of the ocean. Via this means, the construction of an accurate inventory as to all of the planet’s resources was possible.

  As Doug approached Spacelab Nine he quickly fingered his keyboard and transmitted his security code, one with the highest priority. This gave immediate permission to enter the earth’s atmosphere.

  “Good day to you, Mr McIlwraith. This is Charles Ray here. May I inquire as to your destination?”

  “Well; Charles. It has been a long time. I hope all is well with the task at hand and that things haven’t been too slow around here for you.” Doug peered out of the view port as the two passed each other. “I see Miss Shannon is hard at work on the outside.”

  “It’s Mrs Ray now; and yes. The space junk around here seemed to increase ten-fold with the evacuation.”

  “That doesn’t sound good, and congratulations.”

  “Thank you. Your destination, sir, before we lose contact?”

  “Ah, yes. I’m going to see a friend, in Tibet.” The distance between the two vessels commenced to increase and a flickering of red indicated the first signs of the approaching atmosphere. It commenced as an orange glow off of the fording plates. A little static rose over the speakers; interference had seemed to treble since the cargo of death was unleashed from Nicaragua: The last act of defiance. The planet Earth was dying very quickly.