Ladies and gentlemen," said Symantia. "What you see before you is the Sentinel communication unit for the Human race. The very top portion was the Sentinel Key we referred to earlier. Placement of the key onto the base unit activated the device and set the Amalgamated citizenship process in motion."
After giving everyone an opportunity to examine and touch the pyramid, if they wanted to, she said, "If you'll follow me, please."
She led them over to an opening leading into to a short corridor that angled slightly deeper into the moon before taking a right angle and ending in another shielded portal. MacPherson noted immediately after negotiating the portal that the chamber beyond had also increased in volume.
"This is the Teaching and Learning console," said Symantia, indicating the triangular block in the center of the space surrounded by what looked like three computer interfaces. "The Representatives and Guardians first interfaced with the artificial intelligence of the Sentinel AI at these three stations. Any of you who wish to have a similar experience will be welcome to return to this chamber and interact with the console when we finish with our business. If you'll follow me, we can meet two of the Human Representatives and their Guardians."
The group exited the Teaching and Learning chamber through another short corridor leading downwards before taking a right angle and opening out into a much larger chamber. Here they were greeted by several humans, who were unfamiliar to most of them. After all of the dignitaries had filed in and spread out, Symantia announced, "I regret I must leave you now as I have urgent business elsewhere. I will be returning within a week or so. In the meantime, Dr. Mobutu will be taking my place as guide. I salute you all." Before anyone could protest, she left the chamber through yet another portal.
Arnold got up onto one of the several tables in the, once again, reconfigured chamber. "I would like to thank you all for coming," he said. "One of the reasons we invited you here was to introduce you to two of the people who were selected by the Sentinel AI to be your Representatives to the Grand Amalgamation. We will also be introducing two who were appointed Guardians of the Galactic Sentinel. With your permission, I will introduce the Representatives first."
He indicated a tall, statuesque blond woman. "This is Gertrude Tvedt from the Sol System." The tall, lanky, blue-eyed Representative, standing a short distance behind Arnold's table, gave a short bow. "The other Representative you'll be meeting today is myself, Dr. Arnold Mobutu from the African enclave of Nova Boston, and until recently, an archeologist working with Dr. Harold MacPherson."
"Why didn't you introduce yourself earlier?" asked one of the delegates.
"My apologies. We judged it was best to make sure all of you understood the challenges our race is facing first. We also wanted to introduce the Representatives here inside Deimos, near the Sentinal Key. While we're about it, I will now introduce two of the three Guardians."
The group was surprised again to discover one of the Guardians had been among their number from the beginning as well. "This is Ensign Ariane MacPherson of the Federation Navy. She is from Nova York." Ariane also took a short bow. "Finally, this is Lieutenant Zachary Lynton, a Federation marine who hails from Haven." Zack also took a short bow.
Arnold continued, "There is another Representative and another Guardian but they're currently on a special assignment, and we have determined they will be much more effective if their identities are not revealed at this time."
He paused for a moment, as though carefully considering what he would say next, "I have not prepared a lengthy speech or anything of that sort. We ourselves have only been aware of the challenges lying ahead for our race for perhaps a month. We pledge to fulfill our duties to the best of our abilities."
Arnold gave the assemblage a moment for his last statement to sink in before continuing, "We will be required to show significant progress within a year's time on two important fronts. One of these is the cessation of hostilities among ourselves."
Seeing the doubtful looks on the faces of some of the delegates and outright hostile looks on some of the others, he continued, "We are not expected to immediately solve all of the issues having us at odds with each other, merely to lay down arms and make substantial progress in getting to the root causes."
Here he paused again before continuing. "Our second task is to form a partnership with the Hordea, the alien race who are our closest neighbor. Yesterday, most of you were introduced to a member of an intelligent, non-human, space-faring species. I do not wish to shock any of you unnecessarily, so I'll inform you right now you are about to meet beings from yet another alien race. Gertrude, Ariane and Zack made first contact with them just two weeks ago and have spent much of that time interacting and getting acquainted with them. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to our Hordean friends."
Emerging through the same portal Symantia had used to exit the chamber, came three strange-looking beings. At first glance, most of the humans got the impression they were looking at mobile trees of some kind.
The Representatives, the Guardians, their advisors and the Hordea did their best over the next two hours to answer a barrage of questions, during which they outlined some of their plans and asked for advice or permission on others. The Hordea were, understandably, the center of attention and could barely keep up with questions from the fascinated delegates, most of whom crowded around them for a better look. As expected, the gentle, intelligent beings made an overwhelmingly favorable impression.
The session ended, and the delegates were encouraged to remain in the common room to continue having discussions or to leave the chamber and explore the facility for another hour. Some of them spent their time in the Sentinel chamber, examining the enigmatic construct. Others took advantage of the opportunity to interface with the Teaching and Learning console, coming away with a much better idea of what was going on.
Finally, it was time to board the shuttle again and return to Nova York. Those who had been conversing with the Hordea were reluctant to break contact, but were assured there would many more opportunities to meet with them in the near future. The Hordea, for their part, assured the Humans they were every bit as eager to participate in future interactions.
As the group was filing out, Senator Dawson left a quiet consultation between himself and President Yoshida. The President left to join the others while Dawson approached Arnold and Gertrude.
"The President would like me to be a part of your team," said the senator. "He thinks, and I agree with him, it would be wise to include someone familiar with our government to explain things and negotiate if necessary. Unless you have some major objection, I will be joining you as the Federation Ambassador to the Hordea."
"You would be most welcome, Senator," said Arnold, without a moment's hesitation.
"Excellent," said Gertrude. "We've been hoping to get some diplomats involved with the process." She and Arnold led Dawson across the room to meet Zack, who was in the middle of a conversation with Ariane and her father. Zack turned to acknowledge the distraction.
"Zack?" said Arnold, "This is Senator Dawson. I'm not sure you've actually met face to face."
"It's a pleasure, Senator," said Zack, his expression guarded.
"I confess I know something of your record, Lieutenant," said Dawson. "It was my son who was responsible for your demotion in rank back on New Slovenia."
Zack thought carefully for a moment before responding, "I, um…am not allowed to discuss that, sir."
"Please have no fear, son. In light of your exemplary performance during the Deimos expedition, I have persuaded him to drop the matter. Besides, from the reports I read, it didn't look like you'd done anything wrong."
"You have my sincere thanks, Senator."
"President Yoshida has asked Senator Dawson to be our Ambassador to the Hordea," said Gertrude. "He'll be accompanying us on our first visit to one of their planets."
It only took a moment for Zack to decide Dawson's inclusion was probably a good idea.
"I can be ready whenever you need me."
"We'll be taking my ship," said Zack.
"Ah yes, Capri. It was on your ship I was exposed to this Amalgamation...affair and was introduced to Symantia. I'm told that she is a most capable ship."
"We think she'll be perfect for the job," said Zack. "She's definitely not a warship, but she can take care of herself. She's also pretty well appointed."
"I could tell that, during my brief visit last week. She sounds like a good choice. If you'll excuse me, I need to get on the shuttle back to Nova York. It seems I have some preparations to make. I thank you for your vote of confidence."
"No problem, sir," said Zack. "We'll see you soon."
"Before you go, Senator Dawson," said Arnold, "there is another matter of some importance."
"What can I do for you?"
"The things we have accomplished so far wouldn't have been possible without the contributions made by a sizeable number of Soviet citizens."
"If that's so, why is it that, except for Dr. Dostoyevski, I don't see any other Soviets?"
"There is a very compelling reason, Senator."
"And that would be...?"
"The Custodians have already made significant inroads within the Soviet system, sir. Something has to be done about it, and we concluded it would be best if those people were not identified as yet. That way they can operate within the Soviet sphere without attracting too much attention."
"Sounds like a wise choice. Why are you telling me this?"
"Do you know anyone within the Soviet government who can be trusted?"
Dawson thought for a moment and said, "Grigory Davydkin, that man over across the room would be a good place to start."
"Could we prevail upon you for an introduction?"
"My pleasure," said Dawson.
The delegates were still leisurely filing out, and quite a number of them still remained in the chamber. Dawson crossed the room and spoke softly to a big, bear-like man who excused himself from a discussion with Olga Dostoyevski and another of the Soviet delegates. During the short conversation between the two men, both of them looked over at the waiting group of Representatives and Guardians. The big Russian nodded his head and followed the senator over to meet them"
Though the Russian delegate knew who all of them were, and vice-versa, Senator Dawson went through the formality of performing introductions anyway.
"It is pleasure to meet all of you," said Davydkin, his formidable presence tempered by an engaging and jovial manner. "What can poor Soviet farm boy do for you?"
Arnold didn't beat around the bush, "We need your help, Comrade Davydkin."
Arnold and the others took several minutes to outline the problem, during which Davydkin's expression became more and more concerned. The team still chose not to identify the remaining Representative and Guardian. At the end of the briefing Dawson asked, "Can we count on your involvement, Grigory?"
"I shall need to make some discrete inquiries," said Davydkin. "If what you say is true, I will be completely at your disposal."
The Soviet and the senator made their way out of the chamber and headed for the shuttle.
Arnold looked at Zack and shrugged. "We knew there would have to be some diplomats. You have to be careful what you ask for, I guess. To be truthful, I think we could have done a lot worse, those two look like pretty good choices. They're well respected by their constituents as well as other members of the two governments. That, and Dawson supported our mission from the outset."
"I get that," said Zack, "but it's beginning to look like this is going to be a long and difficult process."
"I'd switch places with you in minute," said Arnold. "You and Gertrude get to go traipsing off through the Quadrant with the Hordea, while Ariane and I stay back here and deal with a horde of politicians. I'd much rather go off on another adventure and leave all of the inevitable wrangling behind."
"I don't think Gertrude or I could do your job," said Zack. "One or the other of us would probably strangle someone within the first couple minutes." He took a glance at Gertrude and added, "And don't forget she's totin' that big Viking knife."
"Although I might fit right in with a bunch of backstabbing politicians," said Gertrude, her attractive features contorted in a look of feigned menace. "Give them a taste of their own medicine."
The group laughed at her posturing.
"I don't think any of us would switch with Won, Sergei and the other Soviets," said Ariane. "They'll have to be looking over their shoulder full time."
"Given that perspective," said Arnold, "I guess we don't really have that much to complain about."
Epilogue
Secretary of the Federation Navy offices, Nova York, November 2, 2676.
"Thank you for the information, Mister President. I'll begin taking action immediately." Admiral William F. Tingey (ret.) current SECNAV for the United Federation of Planets, sighed before folding his tablet, getting up from his desk and heading across the room to his private elevator. He placed his palm on the security panel, and the doors scissored open. He entered the elevator and, after a few seconds, the doors closed. He again used his palm print to access a hidden menu and touched the interface taking the elevator down to subterranean level three. After perhaps ten seconds, the elevator cab eased to a stop, and the doors again scissored open. Tingey took a deep breath, stepped into the corridor outside and headed to the right.
The long, narrow corridor, equipped with soft overhead lighting, was featureless except for a row of stout closed doors evenly spaced down either side. Tingey went past three sets of doors before he stopped and touched a panel on the wall outside the fourth door on the left.
"Secretary Tingey," said a raspy voice. "Do come in. I've been waiting for you."
The door scissored open and the Secretary entered the dimly-lit room.
"I have come to give my report, Mr. Ambassador."
***
Unoccupied Star system 107874, November 3, 2676.
Custodian Quadrant Commandant Thorn faces his sub commanders from a raised podium that places him a good two meters above the throng. Through them, scattered throughout the Forth Quadrant of the Milky Way Galaxy, he has command of more than ten thousand warriors. The highest concentration of them, about eight thousand, are here with him on the training planet in the otherwise unoccupied 107874 star system, but he has several thousand agents placed strategically within every government in the Quadrant. Their latest conquest, the race called "Humans," were easily deceived and very quick to turn on one another. Both of these characteristics made a successful conquest all that more assured. In place of "Custodians," a label universally despised among his people, he addresses his underlings with the preferable and far more accurate name his race uses for itself.
"Fellow Overlords," he rasps, "the time for us to put our plan in motion is nearly upon us. The Humans are about to meet with the Hordea in an effort to form an alliance. We cannot allow this to happen. These Hordeans, for all their innocuous appearance, will be extremely useful to the Overlord collective. Their knowledge and expertise in biochemistry is without equal throughout the entire galaxy. Humans, on the other hand, are little more than a nuisance.
"Though our attempt to disrupt the first contact between the two races failed, we must strive even harder to insure neither will be absorbed by the Grand Amalgamation with all of its insidious and insufferable rules. Humans will not be nearly as useful to us as Hordea because they are physically weak. Fortunately for them, they have very clever hands and will make excellent farmers, factory workers and road builders once we show them the value of obedience. Are there any questions?"
"When do we begin our takeover, Exalted One?"
"The Humans are, as we speak, about to announce our existence to all of their people. Because of this, we need to move now. We will begin our takeover of Humanity immediately, starting w
ith the planet 'New Belgrade,' and move on to the other Soviet worlds from there. We start there because the Soviet people are more accustomed to authority and therefore easier to subdue than those of the United Federation of Planets. We have recruited some of the more enlightened Humans to work with us, both in the Soviet sphere and in the Federation. With a hundred Overlord breeders on this planet hatching new warriors with each passing day, and dozens of our best drill instructors training them, we should soon have the numbers required to take control of the entire Human race!"
The Custodian version of a cheer went up at these last words.
"It has also come to our attention the humans have reached the stage in the citizen process where they have retrieved an Archeon artifact of unknown purpose. Another of our tasks is to confiscate or destroy this artifact. Gather up your gear, fellow Overlords, we are heading for the Soviet sphere to take control of planet New Belgrade!"
Another cheer goes up, this one even more enthusiastic than the last. Quadrant Commandant Thorn is pleased. His lieutenants are well-trained, dedicated, and will be ruthless and efficient in their takeover of the planet. If he and his forces can accomplish the task as easily as he expects them to, the conquest of the rest of the Human planets will go smoothly.
It is here in the Human sphere the overthrow of the loathed Grand Amalgamation of Civilized planets, which had held the Overlords in check for five millennia, is about to begin!
The End.
Other books by this author
Please visit your favorite ebook retailer to discover other books by Phillip Nolte:
The Junkyard Dogs Series
The Scrapyard Incident (Book 1)
The Veritian Derelict (Book 2)
The Santana Nexus (Book 3)
Junkyard Dogs Omnibus Edition (Books 1-3)
The Archeon Codex: Guardians of the Galactic Sentinel Book 2 Page 37