As they disembarked the ship, Daniel was forced to cover his eyes to block out the overbearing red light cast by the nearby setting sun. His eyes adapted quickly, however, and he was able to make out three Arcadians wearing diplomatic dress standing a short distance away. The Arcadians stood erect as humans did, but stood on three spindly legs, arranged triangularly underneath their rounded torsos. Their slender frames were characterized by soft curves and lack of any visible musculature. Looking closely, the Admiral could barely make out their tiny facial features at this distance. In the background, two unimposing groups of soldiers stood at attention and flanked a golden path that led from the landing platform to the Capitol Building. The Arcadians had invited them to land at the private landing field at the Capitol, and apparently, they were intent on giving them lavish treatment. It was not often, the Admiral surmised, that a ship of the Apocalypse's stature visited Arcadia. Actually, since there were no other ships of the Apocalypse's stature, it was, technically, the first time. Obviously, the Arcadians had no idea of the true importance of the ship or its mission, but when they saw the resplendent vessel and when they learned of Daniel Atgard’s title of Admiral, it apparently qualified as momentous news to them.
“It certainly is impressive, Admiral,” remarked Dex as he stepped from the ship and onto the landing platform, the lighter gravity of Arcadia Prime causing him to bounce just slightly with each step. Daniel turned and studied the imposing Capitol Building admiringly as it loomed in the distance, the monumental stone walls of the huge alien ziggurat robust and formidable but clearly aged. The tall peak of the edifice jutted into the hazy, blue-orange sky, ending just below the lowest groups of flattened pink clouds. The Admiral sniffed the air, apparently rich in oxygen, which hinted of the scent of warm cinnamon.
Shifting his attention to their immediate surroundings, Dex looked cautiously at the assembled Arcadians. “Do you know who these three are?”
“The one in the center is one of their three Vice-Chancellors, Margiam don Huntley nee,” he replied. “The one on the left is their Ambassador to Earth. I don’t recognize the other one.” Daniel stopped speaking as they approached the three Arcadians.
“Welcome, Admiral Daniel Atgard,” announced the Vice-Chancellor, in good, if not perfect English, his three unlidded eyes staring curiously at the Admiral. “I greet you in the name of Arcadia.”
“Thank you, Vice Chancellor Margiam don Huntley nee. I gratefully accept your invitation.” Bowing slightly, the Admiral waited as the Ambassador translated his words to the Vice-Chancellor. Apparently the two sentences he had spoken were about all he knew of English.
“[I must admit I am indeed surprised by your arrival,]” said the Vice-Chancellor as the Ambassador translated his words into English. “[If we had notice of your visit, we would have been able to prepare better accommodations for you and your crew.]” The Vice-Chancellor looked toward the ship, apparently to see if more than just Dex and the Admiral would be coming. “[How many guests will we be honored with, Admiral?]”
“Just the two of us,” said the Admiral. “We have just come to see if you might be able to provide us with some information.” He waited as the Ambassador translated.
“[Of course. You come to find out about the aliens that destroyed your ship,]” the Vice-Chancellor said bluntly. “[We will gladly make any information we have available to you. But for now, come, please. We have prepared food and services. Follow me.]” The Vice-Chancellor bowed and indicated the golden path. Nodding, the Admiral and Dex followed the three Arcadians toward the gates of the ancient Capitol Building.
• • •
Once inside, Dex and the Admiral were led to a lavish banquet hall. A large triangular table adorned the center of the room, and was covered by ornate table settings and serving trays. Also on the table, and scattered throughout the room, were small incandescent balls of light that were ensconced in elegant silver receptacles. A larger glowing ball was located on a tall, elaborate stand in the cut-out center of the triangular table and was veiled by a sheer, translucent sheet that kept the room at a comfortably dim illumination. Sheets of the same glimmering fabric hung high on the towering walls, framing great, brightly-colored tapestries that also glistened in the soft light. All in all, Daniel thought, it was one of the more beautiful settings he had seen in his travels, rivaling or surpassing those of many more “advanced” civilizations.
Dex and the Admiral were directed to seats in the center of one of the stone table’s sides. The Vice Chancellor and his small entourage seated themselves at the center of another side. Already seated at the remaining side was the Arcadian Grand Chancellor and two other important-looking Arcadians. Dex and Daniel sat on the stone benches that surrounded the table, which at this distance Daniel could see was ornately engraved, though he had little knowledge of the engravings’ significance.
Sitting on a slightly elevated platform, the Grand Chancellor spoke through his interpreter. “[Admiral Daniel Atgard, I am Grand Chancellor Hungis don Mercilius ree. Welcome to Arcadia. We have prepared for you a traditional meal, after which we shall hold a ceremony in respect to your departed brethren. You are welcome to remain as our guests for as long as you please.]”
“I thank you, Grand Chancellor,” said the Admiral, bowing slightly. “But we do not intend to burden you for long. We have come in search of any information you might have regarding the species that attacked us.” The interpreter dutifully translated his words.
“[Of course,]” replied the Chancellor. “[First, we will eat. Afterwards, we will help you in any way we can.]”
“Your help is appreciated, Grand Chancellor. As is your hospitality.” Daniel bowed his head slightly and turned as servants began bringing in steaming plates of food and setting them down at the table. He and Dex both received identically-prepared plates of an aromatic mix of meats and vegetables. One of the Arcadians seated near the Chancellor, apparently a religious leader, spoke some brief words in Arcadian, after which he took a ceremonial first bite and the remainder of the assembled Arcadians began to dine. Even with his impressive knowledge of xenobiology, Daniel was at a loss to name what was on his plate, but he found to his satisfaction that it tasted excellent, flavorful and surprisingly filling.
After the meals were finished and the table was cleared, the religious leader and the other Arcadian seated near him rose and walked over to a small dais at one end of the room. The ceremony began with a short speech by the religious leader, only a few words of which Daniel understood. Afterwards, several of the glowing balls were produced and dropped one at a time into a translucent cauldron of clear liquid. Upon touching the liquid, the light from the balls was extinguished, and, though Daniel understood little of what was being said during the ceremony, he could readily understand the significance. Though Daniel knew the Arcadians to be highly religious people, he was still moved and somewhat surprised by the ceremony. After all, very few species Daniel knew of would show such genuine concern and sorrow for the loss of foreigners. Though not easily impressed, Daniel was forced to admit that the hospitality and compassion of the Arcadians was almost overwhelming.
• • •
After the ceremony, Daniel and Dex were escorted into luxurious living quarters, with the Ambassador explaining that it was quite late, by local time, but that any questions they had would be answered in the morning. The Chancellor had also approached them and presented them with a finely-crafted figure modeled from the same glowing substance for which Arcadia was famous. Daniel studied the figure, a replica of the Indomitable, as Dex paced around the perimeter of the room, which was decorated by several of the ubiquitous glowing balls.
“The room looks clean, Admiral,” Dex reported, scanning the readouts of the nanocomputer on his wrist. “My instruments don’t detect any listening devices, traps, or secret openings. You can go to sleep, sir. I’ll keep watch.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary, Dex. The Arcadians have no intentions of harming us
.”
“I don’t think so, either, sir, but as a precaution …”
Smiling, the Admiral said, “If they had wanted to harm us, they could have done it a hundred different ways by now. Now, relax. I only brought you along because I knew you would have insisted anyway.”
“Of course I would have. You’re my friend, and you’re getting way too old to take care of yourself,” Dex joked. Turning more serious, he added, “And if there’s anyone that can stop the Gens Laniorum, it’s you. So I intend to make sure that nothing happens to you.”
Though he was fairly certain the peaceful Arcadians had no hostile intentions, he was also relieved to know that Dex was watching out for him. After all, his skills as a Marine Commando had not been lost, and Daniel knew that Dex’s hand-to-hand, small arms, and close combat skills were unsurpassed. Apparently, Dex felt his loyalty to the Admiral extended beyond his duties as Tactical Officer, and he considered himself Daniel’s personal bodyguard, whether in space or on the ground. Unfortunately, Daniel thought uneasily, neither Dex nor anyone else could protect him from the sleek silver ship that had killed his son.
• • •
Daniel arose in the morning to find that Dex had not slept, but instead had remained seated in a chair facing the only entrance to the room. “Have you been up all night, Dex?” he asked, rubbing his eyes.
“Yes, sir. There was no incident. The Arcadians have two guards stationed at each end of the hall.”
“Well, I suppose we had better see what it is that they know. I hope it’s useful; we have already spent too long here. The Gens Laniorum could come back any day.”
The Admiral dressed quickly, and as he came back into the room, Dex looked at him soberly. “Sir, I’ve been thinking about something all night.”
“What’s that, Dex?” asked the Admiral. Daniel gave great weight to Lieutenant Rutcliffe’s advice, and apparently he had some to offer.
“Sir, it’s just that, while we’re here in this palace, the aliens might be on their way back to Earth. Why are we looking for them? Shouldn’t we stay to defend Earth and let them find us?”
“I understand your feelings, Dex, but the reason we left Earth was not so that we would not be there when they got back.”
“Of course not, Admiral,” he replied quickly. “I would never imply—”
“I know, Dex; I know. But the reason we left Earth was that if they came back and we had no new information on them, we would suffer the same fate as the Indomitable.”
“But, sir,” he protested, “the Indomitable wasn’t able to bring the Omega Cannon to bear. Or any other weapons for that matter. I mean, did you see the size of that thing? It was smaller than the Apocalypse.”
“Exactly, Dex,” replied the Admiral. “Just as the Apocalypse, being the more advanced vessel, is much smaller than the Indomitable.”
“I see your point, sir,” Dex agreed. “But exactly what kind of information are you looking for? I mean, even if the Arcadians have heard of them or know of them, how much could they really know? What could they really tell us about that ship?”
“I realize the Arcadians have not stumbled upon a set of blueprints to the aliens’ vessel,” the Admiral admitted. “But there are many other areas in which knowledge of the aliens and their culture could prove invaluable.”
“Of course knowing one’s enemy and his tactics and history are important, but I don’t see what we can do against that weapon.”
“Neither do I, Dex. And that’s why we’re here.”
• • •
They followed the Ambassador down a long and lavish hallway that was topped with a high, arched ceiling and adorned on both sides by framed paintings of stately Arcadians. At the end of the earth-colored hallway, flanked by two guards, was a set of tall, wooden double doors that towered some eight meters high. Opening the door, the Ambassador turned to Daniel and Dex. “Admiral, I’m afraid the Lieutenant will have to remain outside. You see, you are about to be presented with some very—shall we say—sensitive information. The fewer people who are told, the better.”
Dex eyed the Ambassador suspiciously. “It’s okay,” said the Admiral, turning to Dex. “I’ll go in alone.”
Though clearly unhappy, Dex obliged, scowling as he waited outside the thick doors. The Ambassador bowed and indicated the entrance, and Admiral Atgard entered the majestic throne room. He was surprised to see that the Ambassador remained outside, closing the doors after Daniel walked through. Looking around the spacious room, his attention was diverted from the elaborate surroundings by an enormous shimmering throne against the far wall. Stepping toward it, the Admiral saw the room’s sole occupant, the Grand Chancellor, dwarfed by the massive chair in which he sat. As Daniel approached the throne, which was beset by many brilliant glowing globes, the Chancellor indicated an ornate chair opposite him and the Admiral sat down to face him. Settling into the chair, the Admiral studied the aged, learned face of the Arcadian leader.
“I apologize for the secrecy of our meeting,” began the Chancellor, “but, you understand, this conversation must remain between you and I. What I am about to tell you is not known to outsiders, and is not normally revealed.” Daniel leaned forward inquisitively as the sepulchral voice went on. “However, your situation—our situation—warrants that you have this information.”
It took a moment for the Admiral to realize with surprise that the Chancellor was speaking perfect English.
“I am afraid,” the Chancellor continued, “that a grave danger faces you, and I can not in good conscience withhold any information from you that may be of help, no matter what the cost.”
Daniel looked at the Chancellor respectfully. Apparently, divulging this information would come at great cost to the Arcadians. He could clearly sense the hesitation with which the Chancellor was revealing it, but admired his integrity for doing so. Tough choices were the onus of great leaders, and doing that which was right was seldom easy.
“You must understand, Admiral,” the Chancellor continued, “we Arcadians are not exactly as we seem. We are seen by the galaxy as an unadvanced, simple people. And this is, while not wholly wrong, also not wholly accurate. We have, of course, not dissuaded people of that opinion, but we Arcadians have actually been around a very long time; the building you now reside in was built many years before Earthlings began painting on cavern walls. Arcadian society and technology developed before humans, before your dinosaurs, indeed, before any other species in this sector. You see, Admiral,” the Chancellor paused to let his words sink in. “We were here when last the Lucani Ibron came.”
The Admiral stared at the Chancellor intently. Had these simple Arcadians defeated the Gens Laniorum many years ago? Was there some way they could help now?
“Lucani Ibron,” continued the Chancellor after a hiatus, “means ‘The Ancient Arbiters’ in our language. They came once before, to Arcadia, many, many years ago. Well before the Earthlings’ ascension in this sector.”
“Why did they come?” asked the Admiral, afraid that he knew the answer all too well. “What did they do?”
“They came then for the same reason they come now, Admiral,” he said, peering at him intensely. “They came because we, too, had once taken it upon ourselves to build a doomsday weapon such as your Omega Cannon. They came to destroy it. And then, as now, they succeeded.”
Daniel studied the Chancellor’s face, looking into the three dark eyes that peered back at him. “Chancellor, if I may ask, why do you reveal this information to me now? Apparently you have endeavored to keep secret the truth about your race, for whatever your reasons.” The Admiral considered that perhaps the Arcadians enjoyed the peaceful, unperturbed life they were now afforded, or perhaps they reformed their society after the Lucani Ibron came and hid their old ways from even their own citizens to prevent history from repeating itself. Perhaps there were also many other reasons the Arcadians had guarded this information so closely.
“Plus, of course,” Daniel continued,
considering the repercussions of the Chancellor’s actions, “the Lucani Ibron may find out about your aid. And surely your peaceful race does not approve of the Omega Cannon nor of the Korgian Annihilation. So I ask you, Chancellor: why do you help us?”
The Chancellor leaned forward in his massive throne and gazed at Daniel intently. “I have studied you, Admiral. I know what type of man you are; I know of what you are made. I tell you because I believe that, in your hands, the Omega Cannon can be a source of peace, and not of death.”
Daniel contemplated his words. In your hands …
“You see, Admiral,” the Chancellor continued, “we simple Arcadians know much more than outsiders realize. We know about your ship and its terrible capabilities. But I have thought very hard on this matter, and I can not sit by and allow the genocide of the human race.”
The Admiral sat back in his chair and folded his hands together, pressing them against his pursed lips as he contemplated what he had just learned, purging his mind of all his previous thoughts of these “unadvanced” Arcadians. Evidently, they knew far more than anyone realized.
“If I may ask, Chancellor,” the Admiral ventured, “what happened when the Lucani Ibron came to Arcadia?”
“As I said, Admiral, it was many centuries ago. We too, had begun exploring the stars and had battled with some of the races we had encountered. Our military scientists came up with a weapon so powerful, it was dubbed the Ultimate Nullifier. This weapon, however, was ground-based, but it had the ability to collapse a star several systems away. Some time after its development, but before it was ever used, a ship like the one you saw suddenly arrived over Arcadia. Without warning, it destroyed our weapon and half the continent on which it was situated. Afterwards, it simply disappeared, and the Lucani Ibron had never returned.”
“Not until two days ago,” added the Admiral.
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