The small alien nodded. “That was me. You are Mr. Hardy? The leader of this band of Humans?”
“Might be. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that you, and this ship, are now property of the Rebel Confederacy.”
Johnny laughed. “Wait, I thought we were the Rift?”
Mace shook his head. “Couldn’t remember that, and it doesn’t matter.”
Mace turned back to face the admiral. “You are Dellus, one of the founder species of the Galactic Union. Who is it you answer to and how do you make contact with them?”
The admiral replied, “This ship can generate a wormhole for communication purposes at any time. All that you are doing and saying is being fed through to our high council.”
Mace said, “Well, are they interested in hearing our demands?”
Gar replied, “Oh very, Mr. Hardy. In fact, you and your ship are the very reason I was sent through. My mission here was to either eliminate you or to make contact with you.”
“What purpose would you have for making contact?”
The admiral stopped, removing his helmet and exposing his wide, bat-like ears. His nose appeared as if a pig snout had been pushed up into the center of his face.
The admiral said, “I do so hate wearing that. Most uncomfortable and undignified.”
“First rats, now bats,” said Jasper. “It’s a full-on rodent invasion. I’d like to change my title from DSO to exterminator.”
Mace shook his head. “You’ve made contact, Admiral. Now, tell us why we shouldn’t shove you out of an airlock?”
The admiral’s ears stood up, giving him a sinister look. The scowl on his face and the bleating sound he emitted had the bridge deck cleared in under a minute. The blast doors closed behind them, sealing off the deck.
The admiral waved the group forward. “Please, come here so we do not have to yell at one another.”
Jasper said, “You go talk to your bat friend. I’ll have a look around.”
Mace stood in front of the admiral. His high perched seat had the two adversaries at eye level.
The admiral placed his hands on either armrest. “I was sent here by the Union to do away with you, Mr. Hardy. However, I was also sent here by my people, the Dellus, to see if we could come to an understanding.”
Mace lowered his AR15. “What kind of understanding?”
The admiral pressed several buttons on the arm of his chair. A holo-image appeared beside him. “This is of course the Milky Way galaxy. We call it the Bishop’s Fold. But that’s of little consequence to you. The galaxy we both live in has a hundred billion stars. Of those stars, 70 percent are believed to have orbiting planets. Of those 70 percent, 6 percent are believed to inhabit the ‘habitable zone,’ as you call it. We estimate nearly 1 percent of those to be capable of supporting life in one form or another. Are you getting an image of what I’m speaking of, Mr. Hardy?”
Mace replied, “Not yet, no.”
The admiral brought his hands together, touching fingertip to fingertip. “That means there are somewhere in the neighborhood of forty million worlds that may be inhabited, Mr. Hardy. Forty million. A mind boggling number. Of course, the majority of those are not inhabited by sentient species like you and I. We believe that number to be less than 1 percent. Our estimate, given what we’ve encountered thus far in our very limited explorations, leaves the possibility of hundreds of thousands of sentient species out there. A number that is both exhilarating and terrifying.”
Mace asked, “I thought the Union had explored something like a third of the galaxy?”
The admiral waved his hand. “The actual number is closer to 2.5 percent, Mr. Hardy. The number you cite is a number given to the lower species as a way of helping to keep them in line. You see, even with our superior ships, and all of our rules, we find it increasingly difficult to maintain control. A new species is discovered every few of your months. While most are not to our level of intellect, each new species has the potential to change the delicate balance of power we maintain.
“Mr. Hardy, the founders of the Union are sometimes at odds with one another. A series of worlds or resource discoveries by one founder may tip the scales heavily in their favor. The rest of us must be constantly vigilant if we wish to remain as equals.”
Mace said, “So were you worried about the Mawga gaining power somehow? Is that why you showed up?”
The admiral laughed. “Goodness no, Mr. Hardy. The Mawga work for us. We discovered their hut-covered world a millennium ago. Their glorious past has all been carefully crafted and written by my people. Virtually all of their discoveries—electricity, flight, even space flight—have all come from seedings by the Dellus. The information was placed into their scientific communities, allowing a series of accelerated discoveries to happen, whose progression would be viewed as fast but normal.”
Mace crossed his arms. “Are you trying to tell me all our great scientific achievements were planted by your people? Somehow I’m not buying that.”
The admiral shook his head. “On the contrary, Mr. Hardy. You see, we only learned of your species, through the discovery of your world by the Kaachi, four of your years ago. The Kaachi are another of our species. The only seeding done in this instance was of your discovery of dark matter. It was a discovery that your own scientists would have made within the century. From there, your advancements would have accelerated, allowing you to travel the stars on your own.”
“And was it you that bombarded us with electromagnetic waves? Nearly killing us all off?”
Hatuk Gar returned an angry stare. “No. We believe that abomination to have been conducted by the Zinka or the Quelli, two of the other founders who obviously saw your discovery as a threat. As I said, Mr. Hardy, it is a constant struggle to maintain equilibrium in the Union.”
Jane asked, “OK, why are you telling us all this?”
The admiral replied, “I am telling you this because the Union has now gotten involved. They have had direct talks with your king. Arrangements are being put in place now to elevate the status of your species to a full-fledged member.
“And not just a lower tier member such as the Mawga or Kaachi, an elite member, with a fast track to tier two, reporting directly to all members of the founding seven. If that were to happen, your species would be divided among the founders like so many trophies. Your citizens would be armed and sent out to do battle with the Karthians.”
Johnny held up a hand. “The Karthians? Are you saying your all powerful Galactic Union has enemies?”
The admiral nodded. “Four at this time. These are powerful enemies. Enemies that would enslave or kill us all.”
Jasper said, “Kind of like the Union is doing now? I still say we space the lot of them. And keep doing it until there aren’t any more.”
The admiral replied, “That is precisely why the founders fear you Humans. Even with all of our advantages, a handful of you have managed to capture one of our warships. Your drive, your inventiveness, the spirit of never-say-die, that is why I am speaking to you today.
“The Galactic Union wishes to make you subjects of the Union. We… wish to make you equals to ourselves. A Dellus-Human alliance would be powerful. It would be an alliance that would tip the balance of power heavily in our favor. All of our technologies would be yours.
“You would be welcomed everywhere as our equals. The Mawga and the Kaachi, and a half dozen other species, would be there for your use. And if the Union were to dissolve, the seventy species that make it up could all be brought under our control.”
Jenny said, “Sounds like you’ve got some big plans, Admiral. Why would we ever trust that anything you say is true? How do we know you’re not making a similar deal with Stark?”
The admiral nodded. “Fair questions. The level of trust required for you to believe my statements will only come through time, and only from your belief in our actions.”
Mace said, “And what actions would you take to begin this alliance? And why us? Why n
ot Stark?”
The admiral sighed. “Your Mr. Stark, as I said, has already begun negotiations with the Union. We believe those negotiations will move slowly, giving us time to build an alliance with you, an alliance geared toward taking back the Earth. As an initial gesture, I’ve been given the authority to turn this warship over to you. I’m giving you the keys, so to speak.”
Jasper said, “We already have the keys. You’re trying to make a deal after we’ve already gotten aboard to kick your ass.”
The admiral smiled. “Consider getting aboard a test of your abilities and the strength of your resolve. You were willing to risk flying headlong into a warship that is far more powerful that anything you have. Here, let me show you something.”
A new image showed on the holo-display. “These are fighter craft. This ship has a contingent of eighty such craft. At any time during your advance I could have launched a half dozen such craft, thwarting your aggression and putting an end to all of your lives. With the press of a button I could call ten of these warships into battle with your Kaachi vessel. While I must admit your transducers offer a formidable defense, it is a defense that would eventually fail. Especially given the fact that you have no weapons of your own to counter with.”
Jasper said, “And what if we just outrun you like last time?”
The admiral nodded. “Your speed is impressive. But this ship has something far superior. We have a wormhole generator.”
Johnny said, “I thought the wormholes were expensive. Is that a fallacy?”
“The wormhole generator is indeed a costly mechanism. It requires a resource that is quite rare, and therefore quite expensive, a heavy material with an atomic weight equivalent of three hundred ten. One hundred twenty-six protons and one hundred eighty-four neutrons. It was a material thought not to exist for many centuries. However, it seems certain types of supernova explosions have provided us with a minute amount of this element.
“Extreme magnetics are used to create a tiny fracture in the space time continuum. The gatrellium, along with dark matter, is used in a fission reaction to generate the gravitational fields needed to force that fracture open. That opening is forced open far enough for a ship to pass through. During that process, the gatrellium is consumed.
“To date, there have only been four modest sources of this material discovered. All of the gatrellium is mined and divided equally among the seven founders. We happen to control one of the mines, and through such, have been able to acquire a small amount illicitly, shall we say.
“That extra is used for off-the-books operations such as this. You see, you are the only ones who know we are here.”
Jane said, “There are two Mawga cargo ships out there. We aren’t the only ones who know.”
The admiral shook his head. “The cargo ships were brought here under automated control. And in fact they are part of my offering here today. They are full of fuel refiners and nutrient bars, enough to keep a much larger contingent than your own in good health for several years. And I am willing to give them to you here today, regardless of your decision. If you would like, I could send them out to your ship as we speak.”
Mace held up a hand. “Just keep them where they are for the time being. For all we know you have them rigged to blow, or at a minimum bugged.”
The admiral smiled. “Your suspicion is refreshing, Mr. Hardy. I can’t tell you how many of the species we now govern would have immediately ordered those vessels out to meet their own. Your judgment is one more reason why, in my report, I will recommend you for a full alliance with the Dellus.”
“You’ve given us a lot to think about, Admiral. We’d like some time to talk it over.”
The admiral nodded. “Certainly, although I would recommend that we move from this area. It is occasionally scouted by the Mawga. And while they report directly to us, the spies that reside among them do not. Would you have anywhere you might suggest we go?”
“How about the northern pole of Mars? We’ll put this ship right down on the surface.”
The admiral replied, “I’m afraid this vessel does not have the ability to land, Mr. Hardy. It can dock, or be docked with; however, its construction is not made for landing. I’m afraid the lower decks would collapse.”
Mace thought for a moment. “OK. Can it hover a hundred meters off the ground?”
The admiral nodded. “It can. However, our descent through the atmosphere will have to be slow. Our transducers will shield against all plasma weapons, but not as well against the friction heat of an atmosphere. As I thought I indicated, it is built for interstellar travel. Our shuttles and fighters can easily make the transition to an atmosphere. A ship this size will have difficulty.”
Mace said, “OK, well, if it takes us an hour to put her down, then so be it. That just means you won’t be running anywhere in a hurry.”
The admiral typed into his armrest. “One hundred meters above the northern pole of Mars. Before I move, please notify your ship of our plans.”
Mace opened a comm. “Mr. Crawford, just to let you know, we’re all here and we’re all OK. We’re also making a move. I’m passing you the coordinates now. Follow us there, take a different route if it makes you feel comfortable. And maintain your distance once you get there.”
Jordan replied, “Roger that, Mr. Hardy. The north pole of Mars. We’ll see you there.”
Mace gestured toward the Dellus commander. “Make it happen, Admiral.”
Chapter 25
*
Jasper let out a grunt and gave his best scowl. “Thought I was gonna get some good action here today.”
Johnny shook his head. “You killed one of them. He ain’t coming back.”
“They killed billions. They ain’t coming back either.”
Mace put his hand on Jasper’s shoulder. “This fight is anything but over, Mr. Collins. I get the feeling that it’s just starting. All this could easily lead to wars between these founders, as well as war between us and Stark.
“And that doesn’t take into account the other species who are warring with the Union. We don’t know if they’re better or worse than what we’re dealing with here. If fighting’s what you want, I think you’ll eventually have more than your share.”
Jasper spat on the deck. “If you haven’t noticed, I ain’t getting any younger. I don’t have a lot of years left to put into a galactic war. If I’m gonna fight for all mankind, it needs to happen sooner rather than later. There won’t be any memorials erected for Jasper Collins if he’s dead before all this starts.”
Johnny laughed. “Memorials? Getting a little ahead of yourself there aren’t you, old man?”
Jasper replied, “I’m just saying. I was expecting to grow old sitting in my rocker at the cave until my days on the Earth were done. They took that from me and it ain’t coming back. And, well, I ain’t dead yet, so I’d like to let them know what I think.”
Johnny shook his head. “You sat on that porch in your rocker and from what I saw you were already dead. Hands so crumpled up you could hardly carry anything, and the rest of your joints so swollen you could hardly walk.”
Jasper frowned. “Maybe. But I always had a fresh set of faces coming up on the porch to talk to me. I had family, including my nephews that cared about me.”
Johnny howled. “Nephews that cared? Are we talking about the same ones you punched out?”
Jasper scowled. “We had our differences. Don’t mean they didn’t care.”
Jane sighed. “How many times are the two of you going to have the same argument?”
Jasper politely smiled as he replied, “As many times as it takes for it to be settled, thank you.”
Jenny asked Mace, “So what are we doing?”
Mace replied, “We’re going to Mars. From there we’re taking a shuttle back to the Rogers, where we take some time to discuss all this. Can’t say I was expecting anything like what we’ve just been told.”
Jenny tilted her head. “I don’t know, sounds like
just another power play to me. The Dellus fear they’re losing control of the Humans and this is their way of hedging their bets. If Stark goes Union, they get a piece of that, and maybe they keep us as an ace up their sleeve. If Stark rejects the Union, they have us in their pocket and they’ll see to it that we take back control of Earth. Seems pretty straightforward to me.”
Mace nodded. “That may very well be the case. What it also tells me, though, is the Dellus can’t be trusted. If they’re willing to make a deal with us behind the Union’s back, they won’t have any issue with making deals against us later.”
Jenny smiled. “One thing history has always taught us: you may not be able to pick your wars, but you can pick your battles.”
Mace laughed, “That what they taught you are war college?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. That’s exactly what they taught.”
As the Dellus ship approached the northern hemisphere of Mars, Mace turned to face the admiral. “Mr. Gar, what’s the name of this ship?”
The admiral replied, “In your language it would sound something like Petunia.”
Mace chuckled. “Great. First the Lousy and now the Petunia. Admiral, what’s the significance of that name? Where’d it come from?”
“It’s named after the president’s war dog. It was champion in the pits four years running.”
“The pits? That doesn’t sound very pet friendly.”
“The house of Dellus has been breeding and fighting war dogs for almost two thousand years, Mr. Hardy. No other dog has ever won more than twice. It is a fitting name for a warship.”
Mace gestured toward the exit. “I think we’d like to go back to the Rogers for some discussions on all you’ve just told us. Would you have a shuttle available to ferry us to our ship?”
The admiral nodded. “Of course, Mr. Hardy. The Petunia is your ship now. Whatever you ask is my command. If you would prefer you could leave some of your people behind to keep a weapon trained on me.”
Mace raised a hand. “Don’t think that will be necessary, Admiral. Your actions here just now tell me that you’ll be waiting here for our reply.”
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