by Don Foxe
“Did they exterminate the Phisoran?” Stacey asked, shivering.
“No,” Coop answered. “The Mischene had control over their Zenge messengers. They still destroyed half the population. The other half work in labor camps, producing materials for the Mischene battle-machine. Their fleet transported some to the Zenge system, as food, and subjects for genetic experiments. There are several bands of underground fighters. The Mischene use the resistance groups to train Zenge in counter-insurgency tactics.”
Stacey gagged, and fought throwing up. Sarah held her, both girls sobbing.
“I’m sorry you have to learn about this,” Coop said. “I’m sorry you need to hear the atrocities committed by the Mischene, but we cannot allow supremacist, and fanatics to exist in shadows. Everyone must see them for what they are, or fail to understand how far you must go in response.”
“What is the response?” Silla asked.
“You cannot reason with true fanatics. Religious, racial, or some hybrid of the two,” Elie said. “You cannot allow yourself to believe for a second they have an ounce of regard for others. They demand respect. It is their currency, and their drug. It is hoarded jealously. At no time will they honestly reciprocate. If you bargain with a fanatic, as soon as they come to an agreement, a ‘message’ from their ‘god’ allows them to break their bond. Or they never intended to honor an agreement with an unworthy group. A fanatic will kill you simply because they think you intend to dishonor them, or their beliefs.”
“What do you do?” Silla asked again.
“You eradicate them,” Anton said. “You cannot leave a spark, or it will rekindle into another wildfire.”
“But eliminating them is genocide, too.” Stacey said. Sick and scared, but remaining engaged in the discussion. Trying to learn.
“It isn’t every person, Stacey,” Coop said. “Fanatics, on average, represent a meager number, but they frighten the majority into either accepting or tolerating them. They also attract members who seek the security and acceptance of the group, but never truly believe in the cause. When Anton says eradicate the fanatics, he specifically means those who lead, and those indoctrinated to the point they refuse to accept reason over emotion. Even with the Zenge, if you take away the influence of the Mischene, I bet most would eventually return to their previous existence. They’ve been force-fed a belief system. Perhaps their nature is warlike, and it makes it easier to abide what they do, but they are basically a tool used by Mischene overlords."
“We face a war,” Anton said. “It’s the worst kind of war because you have one side with no consideration for collateral damage. If innocents die to advance their agenda, so be it. If innocents die because they use them as shields, so be it. If innocents die because they have been lied to, and thrown into battle as fodder, so be it. On the other side you have fighters who truly do not want innocents harmed.”
“How do you win such a war?” Silla asked. “Doesn’t negotiating a peace present a better path? We know the Mischene are behind the invasions. We can confront them. We can form an alliance, and force them to remain within the Aster system.”
“If they agree to negotiations, it is to provide them with more time to refine their plans,” Gregory tells them. “They will come to the table, say the correct words, and immediately begin seeking ways to destroy the alliance. You will have terrorists attacking your home worlds, targeting civilians. They will assault you through proxies, and claim to know nothing about them. A thousand branches will spring from the same tree, and each branch, a switch used to hurt you. Meanwhile, the tree pretends to have no control over its own limbs. Terrorists, and fanatics can be fought, but if you allow politics to protect those who find, and fund the extremists, you will fight forever. A life spent at war is nearly as bad as a life spent subjugated.”
“And what of the others within the Aster system?” Storm asked. “If we allow the Mischene to maintain control, those species and races will face horrible circumstances.”
“While you negotiate, The Zenge will continue to multiply and grow stronger,” Sky added.
“When they attacked Pagora, they took the first step to realizing their goal. The Mischene plan to conquer as many of the trading alliance worlds as possible,” Coop told them.
“They cannot be beaten,” Sarah said with tears. “If everything you have said is true, they cannot be stopped.”
“They have been beaten, twice,” Coop reminded the young Fellen. “We stopped them from taking the Star Gazer. We stopped them from taking Rys, and kept them from stealing crystals.”
“We kicked them in the teeth on Fell,” Sparks reminded his sister. “One tiny Earth ship, with humans and Fellens, sailed through an armada, fought off thousands of Zenge, freed thousands of Fellen, and brought our family back here.” He playfully rubbed Sarah’s head when he finished.
“They made two acutely stupid strategic mistakes,” Gregory said. “They have the majority of their assets in the Aster and Zenge systems. We know where the head of the snake is located. We will find where they train their armies.”
“The second stupid mistake?” Stacey asked.
“They brought Earth into the fight, and Earth is the home of the Space Rangers, and when Rangers get pissed . . .”
“We kick ass,” Elie completed the line, and she playfully rubbed Sarah’s head.
CHAPTER 34
Yauni joined the last group to shuttle up to the 109. He promised his parents to return after collecting his family and the other Lisza Kaugh on Earth.
Cooper visited the medical ward after boarding his ship. Captain Canedee remained restrained in the med bed, with a Marine stationed outside the door to his room.
“Captain Cooper,” the Mischene officer said with haughty tone and a sneer. “I must protest my treatment, and my confinement. I am an officer and a citizen of Aster Farum 3. I demand release. I further demand transportation back to my system.”
“Your system is under siege by the Zenge,” Coop reminded him as he stood over the man. “Or did you forget?”
“I did not forget. I wish to rejoin my brothers in the fight against the Zenge. You can drop me at the edge of the system. I will find a way home,” Canedee insisted.
Cooper pushed a serving cart over. He placed his field tablet on the cart, and tapped an icon. A video of the Mischene’s ‘report’ to his superiors, his rants about Mischene superiority, and the history of the Mischene ascendancy played.
“This is preposterous,” the Captain spit. “I was obviously drugged. This information is unacceptable by any court, in any system. This is illegal, and a violation on my person.”
Coop calmly replied, “What the Mischene are doing is immoral. Take a few minutes, and think about something, Captain.”
“Think about what?” he demanded.
“If I play this video on open channels, and broadcast it where we know the Mischene will eventually see it, what will the reaction of your leaders look like? After you think on the consequences, I’ll be back. If you still want to be dropped off where a Mischene ship can take you back to Aster Farum 3, I’ll be happy to do so. I don’t think your people will be concerned the information was obtained under questionable circumstances.”
Coop picked up his tablet, returned the tray carrier, and left the room.
He trekked across the 109, and entered his cabin. Sky and Storm waited inside. Coop tossed the tablet on the table, and sat on the sofa alongside Sky.
“I’m sorry I had to break up your family,” he said to both, “especially since you had little time together.” Then to Storm, he said, “I’m also sorry there was no time to look for your family on Fell.”
“Plenty of time for family, after we defeat the Mischene, and remove the Zenge,” Sky said. “Until then, we do our jobs.”
“I found out my father is alive, and with the resistance,” Storm said. “Until then, I thought he was gone. When we free Fell, I will find my family. They are strong. I have hope.”
“Okay,�
�� Coop said. “You two know the players in the galaxy, which I do not. When other worlds find out about the Mischene movement, what reactions can we expect?”
“Some will welcome an alliance against the Mischene,” Sky said. “Few worlds have the weapons, or a military able to stand against the Mischene. An alliance offering protection would appear attractive. But Earth is not ready to offer ships, or weapons to defend or protect a number of systems.”
“No, we’re not,” Coop admitted. “The crystals we received will power new ships, but we need to complete construction of those ships. Building them will take time.”
“Why?” Storm asked.
“Because it takes time to turn raw materials into finished products. Time needed to haul materials to a shipyard, and more time for construction crews to put everything together to make a ship,” Coop answered.
“No, silly,” Storm replied. “Why build all of the ships you need? Mischene take and use ships from other systems. Why don’t we request ships from allies? Refit them with better technology, and add weapons.”
Sky joined in with, “That makes much more sense. You can provide the schematics, and the base components for planet-based defensive weapons, like the tachyon cannon. The people of the planet can build the finished product. In order to join the alliance, they provide spaceships for retrofitting. If they have the technology to use wormhole travel, then they also have the engineers and technicians who can do most of the work converting merchant ships into fighters.”
“That’s a plan,” Coop agreed. “We’ll present it to the UE council as soon as we get back.”
“Will Earth agree to provide space-fold engines?” Storm asked.
“I doubt it,” Coop replied. “Earth is apparently the only world with space-fold. It gives us a major tactical advantage. Once the secret is shared, you take a chance the wrong group will eventually gain possession. Maybe one day we will share everything we know, but it isn’t going to happen unless our lives depend on it.”
“Fellen believed the same about the technology we developed,” Sky said. “Now, when our planet’s existence is threatened, we will gladly share what we know with you.”
“Will any systems join the Mischene willingly?” Coop asked.
“Some would rather accept a despot than face extinction,” Sky said. “I do not know if you can say worlds will willingly join the Mischene, but a number will accept their rule. Some from fear, and some from greed. Others might even agree with the Mischene goals to cull the galaxy of impure species, up to the moment the Mischene turn on them.”
“Some will ignore the talk, warnings, and reports,” Storm added. “They will try to stay separated, or remain neutral. The Ventierran, Tasha and Tista’s species, are notorious for their neutrality. They will prefer to talk with the Mischene, and offer to broker non-aggression pacts.”
“Even after what they have seen and heard?” Coop asked.
“Perhaps not Tasha and Tista specifically, but I would not rule them out,” Storm answered. “When your entire history is one dedicated to settling disputes honorably, and preventing wars, small or large, it is difficult to believe you cannot impact a desperate situation for the good.”
“That only works when both sides see a benefit in peaceful settlement,” Coop said from experience. “When one side sees negotiations as a tactic to further their agenda, or hide their long-term goals, it makes any settlement hollow. Like Elie said, if a group demands universal respect, and the right to exist as it sees fit, while refusing to respect others, or the rights of others to believe differently, you end up with settlements which look good on paper, but stand for nothing.”
“A few systems will stand against the Mischene,” Sky said. “I know of a half-dozen with ships, weapons, and planetary defenses on a level at least as good as Rys’, before the tachyon cannons were introduced. There are a couple of systems we have limited contact with, but are not part of the trade alliances. They operate under martial law, and maintain advanced military capabilities.”
Sky continued. “Until now, the Trading Alliance considered these non-allied systems as the greatest threat to peace in the galaxy.”
“Would they align with the Mischene?” Coop asked.
“No,” Sky said assuredly. “These systems are fiercely independent. If not for the need to trade to improve their technology, they would avoid any external contact. As is, you must have prior clearance, or a damn good reason to gate into their space.”
Coop felt the air tingle, before he heard his name, “Captain Cooper.”
“Yes, Kennedy.”
“We have separated from the platform and are prepared for space-fold to the system rim,” the AI reported.
“Inform the pilot to proceed at best speed,” Coop replied.
“It has been an interesting few days,” the awfully tired human told his companions. “A few days in space-fold may provide only a short vacation, but one I am looking forward to.”
CHAPTER 35
Amos Soren, elected leader of Aster Farum 3, and Supreme Governor General of the entire Aster system, sat aboard his recently completed Super Battlecruiser in orbit over Zenge Prime. General Tomas, the military leader currently assigned the task of training and deployment of the Zenge armies, sat in a comfortable chair in front of the Governor’s grand, ornately carved wooden desk.
In case anyone visiting might have a doubt as to who the cabin-office belonged, a huge portrait of Soren adorned the wall, directly behind the man himself. Flowing white hair in the wind, as he looked serenely to the future, somewhere off to his right.
“General, I have questions,” he said. “First, regarding my son.”
“The Prophet rules the Zenge with strength, and compassion,” the General said earnestly. “He has pulled the savages out of the filth, and instructed them as to their role in the universe, as decreed by the Creator. He commands the Mischene as an able and just leader. All who serve him respect, and admire him, your Honor.”
“Pactorshit, Tomas,” the leader of all Mischene flatly replied. “You are here to act as my eyes and ears, not solely command the troops, or oversee the development of the Zenge. I do not need a sycophant. Atticus is my son, but I am not blind to his faults. If you cannot tell me everything I need to know, then perhaps you remained on station too long.”
General Tomas, a lifelong military man, took a deep breath before jumping off the deep end. “Atticus Soren is insane, Governor. When I took this post ten years ago, my predecessor warned me, but I had to see it for myself. He has lost sight of the fact his position as Prophet was created by you, and not the Creator. Every day he convinces himself he not only represents the Eternal Being, but is becoming a god himself.”
“How does this affect our ultimate goals?” Soren asked.
“He leaves military matters to the military,” Tomas replied. “It is more his personal habits, and the interactions between him, the Mischene clerics he directs, and the Zenge. I suppose the more he believes himself the supreme prophet, the more convincing he is among the fanatics. Several Mischene, and not only clerics, fell under his spell. I fear the majority of the military people permanently stationed in the Zenge system consider him a god, or at least a representative of one. That may not bode well for us in the home system, or as we expand.”
“When we expand, Tahbita Law will go with us, but expansion does not necessarily mean the Prophet goes,” Soren said. “How is discipline among the Zenge, and among our people?”
“All Zenge are collared with translators, and shock nodes. We boosted power. We can actually kill a Zenge soldier if needed,” the General informed him. “It has been necessary only a couple of hundred times. Even then, more as a demonstration of our ability to do so. Almost every Zenge born in the last generation accepts the Prophet, and the teachings of the Tahbita, as the law governing their actions. Older Zenge are sometimes difficult. We still have to deal with bloodlust when training gets too heated, or, as you know, when we invade a planet. We all
ow the extremely radicalized fanatics to eat a few of the captive, or those they kill in battle, and we are able to maintain discipline.”
“And our people,” Soren prompted.
“We had to isolate the female Mischene, placing them in more administrative, or support positions, and apart from the male soldiers. More than a few disappeared,” the General said with obvious disgust for the situation.
“But I have sent thousands of women from the Aster system, and females from worlds we conquered,” the elder statesman protested. “Can’t your men take out their carnal needs on these, and leave Mischene women alone?”
“The Prophet controls the distribution of whores,” Tomas replied. “He and his clerics sample quite a few. The women are distributed to officers first. When they tire of them, they are given to the Mischene troopers, guards, and civilian staff. They are allowed to keep them for a set period of time, and then turned over to Zenge officers.”
“Are you telling me the Zenge are raping humanoids?” Soren asked angrily.
“No, sir. Atticus makes a great show of giving the battered women as treats to his favored Zenge officers. They eat them, sir.”
“He allows this?” Amos Soren asked.
“He started it,” the General tells him. “At first the Zenge would literally tear into the female. Now they have evolved to roasting them first. They prefer to cook their meat while it lives.”
“This is why my son is always putting in requests for more women,” Soren said, with a shake of the head. “How do your people react to this reward system?”
“A few of the men, mainly officers, tried to shield the females. The Prophet had them executed.”
The general, who believed in order, authority, and obeying his superiors as his people obeyed him, did not fully believe in Tahbita doctrine. Wise enough, however, to never mention his lack of faith. He did report the execution of his officers with undisguised contempt.