Verron_Birth of a Nation

by Douglas Varnell

  They brought in General Zarman who came up with a delivery system using some of the missiles designed to carry thermal explosives. They also were designed to explode at higher altitude in order to spread their destructive zone. It took two more days for everything to be prepared and the 20 missiles loaded onto the recovery ship, by then Paul, Hunter, the rest of the Dragon Guard, Tlase, and Desiree were speaking fluent Tecalna, thanks to Yadvega and her teaching methods. Poor Tala was constantly trying to be nice to the Cat People, as she had begun to call them, hoping they would forgive her for what she had done. The medical officer had grown to like the little human and told her that none of the crew blamed her. She was justified in doing what she did since their commander did fire first. The others confirmed this to her and she was beginning to feel a little better, but continued to have some bad dreams about killing a man. The rest of the Guard tried to comfort her, but it was finally her father Marcus and her grandfather Kary, who got her to accept what other children her age experience regularly. They told her about Afghanistan and Iraq, where children her age are often victims of war and that either of them would have done the same thing in her situation and had in fact done the same thing while fighting terrorists in those countries. Kary explained to her that if she hadn’t done what she did, then more than Chase could have been shot. The fact that he was alright was irrelevant. If he hadn’t had on that force-field he would be dead too.

  It was time to return the crew and ship to Tecalna. Paul was not going to go unprepared to their planet like he had Klelta. His crew included himself, Hunter and the rest of the Dragon Guard, General Zarman, Colonel Hall, Tlase, Desiree, Yadvega, and 24 heavily armed Marines in full body armor. At the last moment Marcus and Kary decided they would go too, to protect the Guard. They had both gotten body armor and weapons from the secret armory and were the envy of the Marines who thought they had the most advanced equipment available. Paul didn’t want to say anything, but he truly believed that if it came down to a fight, it would be the Dragon Guard protecting the soldiers, not the other way around. It looked like he was going off to invade the country instead of save it, but Paul was not going to take any chances. Lucy had accessed the flight computer on what she called an archaic space craft and located the nearby star system that held Tecalna. Paul and General Zarman decided that since the planet was so close, instead of forming a gateway, they would simply use the warp drive and make the 3 light year trip in about eight hours. When this was explained to the crew of the Tecalna expedition they seemed amazed and almost disheartened. What they had planned for years and represented the height of their technology had taken them 10 years to cover a 3 light year distance. They felt humiliated that it was going to be done in 8 hours. Paul didn’t have the heart to tell them they could already be there. When they entered the Tecalna star system Paul couldn’t help but notice how small their sun was and how their planet was no bigger than one of Verron’s moons. He couldn’t imagine 3 billion people living on such a small planet. He and the others would soon find out that there weren’t 3 billion Tecalna living on the planet. Over 1 billion had died from the parasite during the 10 years they had been gone.

  As they approached the planet several things were evident. They were at least as technically advanced as Earth. Their small planet was swarming with satellites and some of them looked very sophisticated. The planet had four prominent continents, but was only about 1/3 water mass. When the ship was close enough to establish radio contact with the ground, Ix, the communications officer, began to search the available frequencies in order to reach their version of NASA Houston. When they did finally get a response, there were a lot of questions about the validity of the transmission, since a signal from their last known location would take three years to reach them and the speed of the responses from the Tecalna communications officer were instantaneous. As the communications officer tried to explain that they were now in Tecalna orbit and requesting permission to land at their Space Center, it raised even more doubt from the ground, since there was no possible way they could be back at Tecalna so soon; they weren’t expected for another 10 years. It seemed bureaucratic inefficiency was not restricted to large Earth governments. Paul had heard enough and decided to let them know who was out in their orbit awaiting landing instructions. He took over the communication and began, “Tecalna Operations, this is Verron rescue and recovery vehicle 346 with your crew and ship recovered from the orbit and surface of Verron, requesting permission to land at the destination of your choice, but I have no intentions of orbiting your planet forever while you make a decision. If I’m not cleared in 20 minutes, I will return to Verron with your crew and ship and let you come get them.” There was a moment of silence and a voice came back over the com link, “May I please speak to the senior Tecalna officer?” Medical Officer Noiya got on the link and identified himself and soon the question was asked, “Who are these people?” Noiya gave them a very condensed version of their destroyed lander, them being rescued from the explosion and the King of Verron offering to transport them home. Then he added, “We have a cure for the parasite that is killing our people.” A questioning voice came back, “Parasite?” Finally the medical officer replied, “It was impossible for us to detect with our capabilities. They found and cured my crew and have a cure for our entire planet. I’m directing them to Gynar field.” He looked at Paul as he whispered 30 minutes ... “Landing in 30 minutes.”

  The navigational officer from the Tecalna crew directed Paul to the coordinates of the field and they entered their atmosphere. As they reduced their altitude Hunter pointed out some small fighter aircraft attempting to escort the Recovery Ship. The tiny little specks were left behind and they soon covered the 9000 miles to the field. Paul approached to within a 10,000 foot altitude and slowly hovered straight down until he was 1000 feet above the ground. He then opened the recovery doors and used the tractor beam to lower the alien ship to the surface. After closing the doors, he hovered a few yards to the left and touched-down. It looked as if the entire Tecalna military had arrived on the scene. Paul decided to have Yadvega accompany the entire crew to their home planet’s surface since she had actually been there centuries before. He doubted anyone was still alive who knew her, but she had an incredible memory and could probably name drop people of importance that she met. He did not want to agitate the locals by stepping off the ship with his Marines.

  After Yadvega and the Medical Officer had talked with the awaiting Tecalna leaders, Yadvega signaled for Paul to join them. He soon was by her side accompanied by Tlase and Desiree Verron. Once again there were explanations in greater detail about what had happened on Verron and how the doctors had found a cure for the parasite. The two doctors with the ground greeting committee wanted more details and Tlase had by now learned enough of their language to explain what they had found and how they could destroy the thing that was killing so many. Then it dawned on the Tecalna crew that only a few of the people who greeted them were actually in charge of the program when they launched on their mission. As a frustrated Medical Officer tried to explain the situation, he finally stated, “I need to speak with the people in command, I thought they would be here to receive us.” The explanation he received in response left him utterly despondent. “We are the ones in command. Since you departed over one third of our population has died. We are all that’s left of the original space center staff. Our entire planet is in a state of anarchy. Most of our leaders have died and are constantly being replaced with those who have no idea what to do. Our military has all but disbanded. We can barely keep up with incinerating the dead and there is no longer any medical help for the ill. Our orphanages are so full, that they no longer accept children. The parentless children are left on the street to fend for themselves. Most die there.”

  Paul took over the conversation at that point, saying, “Then you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by allowing us to help you and get rid of this plague that is destroying your world. Who is in command of your p
lanet, or at least trying to lead your people right now?” It was explained to Paul that they had invoked a military law. No one was actually governing the country, the military was mostly keeping down the rioting and steeling, and cleaning up the bodies left on the street each morning. Paul’s stomach was feeling nauseous. This place sounded like the Plaque of 1665, an entire population being wiped-out, except this was not contagious from one person to another and it could be cured. Paul thought a moment and decided that it would be easier to ask for forgiveness than to get permission from a government in a state of collapse. He informed, not asked, the officials of exactly what he planned to do. All he asked from them was to broadcast that everyone who is capable of going outside, do so, and those who can’t, open their windows and doors. Announce that there is about to be a light show in celebration of the cure found for the disease. Paul didn’t wait for them to debate the offer and end up negotiating forever; he did an about-face and returned to the ship with Yadvega, Tlase and Desiree. He immediately had General Zarman prepare the 20 missiles loaded with the Parasite Bombs and charted a route given to him earlier by the Tecalna navigational officer that covered a route to the 20 largest population centers on the planet. He knew he may have to do more at a later date, but this would take care of 80% of the population.

  General Zarman took the ship to 100,000 feet and began his circle of their small planet as he launched the missiles that exploded over each population center at an altitude of 50,000 feet. The light show was brilliant and the planets prevailing winds and jet-stream carried the parasite killing formula, allowing it to spread for thousands of square miles. Not certain of what kind of reaction they would get from the citizens on the ground, Paul decided to sit in the planets orbit for three days while the formula had a chance to achieve the desired effect. It didn’t take that long. By the middle of day two the Medical Officer from their Exploration Mission hailed Paul on the radio. He reported, “Only 500 people have died in the past 32 hours and those who have been sick are beginning to feel better. Would you allow us to thank you in person? A cheer was heard throughout the ship, 99 even did his dance. General Zarman prepared to reenter Tecalna’s atmosphere.

  The reception they received this time was considerably different than the reception a couple of days earlier. There were some of the same people present this time as before but there was also a new group of everyday citizens and the closest thing they had to politicians and they were joined by a large group of doctors and scientists who had been looking for a cure to treat their dying nation. As soon as Tlase and Desiree were acknowledged for what they had done and the Medical Officer, who had been a part of the original trials, had spoken to the crowd, there was a tremendous cheer and Tlase and Dr. Desiree Verron were now the official heroes of Tecalna. They were even given medals and a plaque neither of them could read. While the medical and scientific community pulled his two people aside to seek more information, Paul was introduced to the people as King Verron and the man who had made this all possible and had rescued the stranded crew to return them home with a cure. Paul took the opportunity to introduce the Dragon Guard, using their official titles of Prince, Princess and Duke, as well as General Zarman, Colonel Hall, his brother and his nephew. He then allowed the Marines to gather on the ground behind him. It was obvious no one on this planet had ever seen such a terrifying group of soldiers. They were even more obvious since they didn’t bother to have more than a small color guard present this time as they greeted the strangers. The people from Verron were welcomed with open arms and they actually had to form a security detail to keep the mob from smothering them with attention. As the crowds began to die down, Paul invited the leaders aboard his ship for a meeting away from the over enthused crowds. There was a conference room large enough to accommodate the remaining leadership of Tecalna.

  Once on board and the tour of the ship was completed, they gathered for a formal briefing from Tlase and Desiree. As they explained the cure and the parasite, Desiree had a thought she had not yet discussed with Tlase, but suddenly seemed essential to bring to the forefront, asking “Has anything happened on Tecalna in the 20 years that was catastrophic, something that may have affected your eco-system or your environment. I believe something triggered the release or creation of these parasites. You never had a problem with them over your 3000 years of recorded history, according to Doctor Noiya, so we now must identify where they come from and make certain the source of the parasite is eradicated and not just the symptoms. They all looked puzzled by the question and finally an older member of the group replied, “We had massive earthquakes about 60 years ago. There were large sections of the continents that fell into the oceans. Could that have done it? We even had cracks in the middle of three of our continents large enough to create large lakes where there were none before.” Tlase looked at Desiree in admiration for thinking of such a thing. Xhondar had been stable for 1000s of years. She had almost forgotten about drastic environmental shifts like Earth often experienced. Desiree thought a moment and added, “We think we need to take a close look at everything that could have been affected by that level of devastation; your atmosphere, your water, your soil composition, even any animals you may consume that could have been exposed to the parasite. I’m sure you’ve looked at those things, but not with our instruments. You have most likely overlooked the parasite simply because you couldn’t see it. We will take as many samples as possible back with us to Verron for analysis and hopefully find out where it came from.” Tlase added, “I think it would be a good idea for a few of your scientists to assist us.” That got a wave of smiles from the scientific community.

  Paul had picked-up on the economic problems the nation was dealing with and decided to get involved, saying, “It has been reported to us that your industry has ground to a halt from so many people being sick and dying and that your food supply is in desperate need of being built back up. If your people eat the same foods we produce on Verron I will do my best to help you replenish your food supply. Hopefully we can help you find ways to improve your own. The military leaders asked, “Would it be possible to assist us in keeping the peace and restoring order to our cities? So many of our military and law enforcement have died, we are in no position to even intimidate our criminals. Some of your men on our streets would give them considerable thought before they committed a crime.” Paul turned to General Zarman and Colonel Hall and without another word from Paul, General Z answered, “Just for the short term, you will have to build your forces back up and handle it yourself. Should six months give you a good start to begin with? We’ll see how you’re doing at the end of it. We will also offer training for your men, if you need our help.” Paul immediately thought, “Last week we offered to help Klelta and this week we’re involved with Tecalna, this King thing isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.” Instead he said, “We need strong allies. Hopefully we will one day be able to be of mutual benefit to each other.”

  After the meetings and pleasantries were exchanged, the Dragon Guard approached Medical Officer Noiya and began to ask him questions about his family and the family of the man who had been killed on Verron. His face grew sad as he answered, “I have no family that survived. Only one of our crew did. Commander Joz, the fool who lost his life on your planet, has a daughter who was born right after we left on our mission. She is orphaned now along with millions of others.” Tala blurted out, “Can I meet her? I really feel like I should apologize for what I did to her father.” Officer Noiya couldn’t believe this little girl’s directness and her sincerity in her request, he answered, “I’ll try to arrange it if you feel you must.” Tala looked despondent as she replied, “I must.” The rest of the Guard tried to comfort her and her father Marcus was determined to help her accept the fact that the little girl may not even be found in a situation where millions of children are orphaned. Officer Noiya agreed with Marcus’ assessment of the situation and hoped he would be able to comfort this determined child.

  It was two days later
when Officer Noiya arrived at the Recovery Ship escorting a young girl not much taller than Tala. She was only a few months older than Tala and had never met a human before. Tala and the rest of the crew from Verron were a little surprised that the children on this planet wore no clothes, they after-all had fur to keep them warm and to cover them, and it seemed to be only the adults who wore clothes as a status symbol. The skinny little cat-girl had fur so short it was no more than fuzz, it had a blond and reddish-brown calico pattern to it and her extremely thick but short red hair was more like a lion’s mane, with a narrow band of it running down her back, stopping just above her waist. Everyone couldn’t help but noticed her bright golden eyes. She was in fact cuter than any kitten any of them had ever seen and walked with a grace and poise of a ballet dancer. Officer Noiya introduced her as Calanyo Joz to Tala and decided it would be best to leave the two of them alone to talk. He had already informed her who Tala was so she wasn’t surprised by the direction the conversation went. Tala had been studying the Tecalna dialect and Calanyo looked shocked that this human could speak it so well, as she began, “You want to go to my room? I could show you around the ship if you like.” Calanyo spoke so softly Tala could hardly hear her when she answered a soft, “If you want.” Tala had already explored the ship pretty thoroughly and took Calanyo all through the ship showing her virtually everything, ending in the control room where they both sat in the pilot seats and Tala showed her what the controls were for. Calanyo finally spoke when she said, “I want to fly spaceships like my daddy did. Do you want to fly spaceships?” Tala, just being honest and not an ounce of bragging in the statement answered, “Me and the rest of the Dragon Guard fly them all the time. We’re really lucky to be related to King Verron, other kids don’t get to do stuff like that, at least not yet.” Being a typical 10 year-old girl who just heard something to ridiculous to be true, her first response was, “You’re lying. Kids can’t fly spaceships.” Of course Tala was not going to be called a liar by anyone, especially when she really didn’t even know how to lie, she immediately told Calanyo, “I’m not either lying, I even have a pink spaceship of my very own.” An unconvinced Calanyo looked at her and said what any 10 year-old would say, “Prove it.”