“Thank you, Ambassador,” replied the admiral, pulling up the file from the communications center database. The orders began to scroll up on his personal view screen. Ambassador Dek remained silent, giving the admiral time to go over the orders and gain an understanding.
“We’ve hired the Rool to manage our relationship with the Rheas?” he asked the ambassador.
“Yes, Admiral. It was a wise decision by your government, as was the addition to our standard agreement for our assistance in developing your diplomatic corps. They are to be apprenticed to the Rool Ambassador representing human interests in the Rheas System.”
“I can’t say I wasn’t wondering how they were going to manage the Rheas, but I did not foresee an opportunity to engage the Rool. Are the terms you have agreed to do this the same as the terms you agreed to serve as the Vrene representative to humans?” the admiral asked, not expecting “yes” to be part of the answer.
“I am not at liberty to tell you the terms of our agreement with the Vrene. Know that your agreement is similar in many ways, excepting the compensation. I assure you it is an appropriate disparity as our relationship with the Vrene is quite complex and long standing.”
Not wanting to offend the alien, the admiral replied, “I’m not insinuating anything is inappropriate. I am sure whatever amount agreed upon will be worth the cost. If my recollection of the history of earth’s first contact with the Vrene serves me right, they had us building ship hulls and installing modules from the very beginning and we are still building ships today. What do you anticipate we will require of the Rheas?”
Ambassador Dek answered, “The new ambassador has advised the UEG to task the Rheas with fulfilling the quota humanity is currently providing to the Vrene. Once they are up and running, it will free up a significant amount of your own shipbuilding capacity which can then be used to expand your warship production and begin construction of a fleet of trade ships.”
“Trade ships? Are we going to be allowed to begin trade?” asked Admiral Nelson, hoping for the opportunity.
“You were never prohibited from engaging in trade,” the ambassador corrected, “You just were not provided the location of the trade hubs. The nearest trade hub humans can conduct trade in is forty-eight light years from earth. Your exploration ships are still twenty to thirty years away from discovering the location in that sector of space. Now, in light of humans becoming a protector species, and because of the threat of the Chzek-kin, the Vrene have determined it appropriate to make known the location of the nearest usable trade hubs to Earth as well as the location of suitable trading partners appropriate for you,” answered the Rool.
“So, are we now going to have access to new technologies?”
Giving a short laugh, the ambassador replied, “Humans will be able to trade for whatever technology or goods that another species is willing to trade. Some of your technology will be in demand, so some exchange of technology should be expected. Keep in mind, however, humans will only be trading with other Level 2 species. As a rule, Level 3 species rarely transfer technologies to lower level species. Unless you are their protectorate, they have no incentive to trade with you at all. That is with the exception of certain cultural and biological material trading that does take place. You must also keep in mind there are no regulating bodies for trade and interactions between species. I believe your species has a term for this, ‘Caveat emptor.’ ”
“Let the buyer beware,” the admiral translated the Latin phrase.
“Indeed. Your trade ships will also need escorts to ensure their safety. Piracy is not uncommon between Level 2 species.”
“What about Level 3 species? Do they engage in piracy,” asked the admiral. The idea of fighting against another race like the Rool was unsettling.
“Not with each other. And not with lower level species under the protection of another advanced species. Not unless they want a major war,” said the ambassador. “You will learn survival in the galactic community is very much based on who you know.”
The admiral didn’t like what he was hearing as it made it clear humanity could not expect to gain freedom from their “protectors,” the Vrene, without becoming a conquest of other, more advanced, races. “We have a lot to learn, it would seem.”
“Yes, Admiral. Very much so. You will have an opportunity to learn more than most as we have been summoned to the Seventh Consortium’s capital system that governs the Orion Arm of the galaxy. We are to testify before the Elder Races about what has happened here as the Chzek have filed a formal complaint on behalf of their protectorate.”
Admiral Nelson was struck dumb until he finally asked, “What could happen to us?”
The admiral’s reaction elicited a laugh from the ambassador, “Admiral, I have been impressed with your ability to adapt to the changes of the last months. Yet, here you are, shocked and speechless by a simple summons. I assure you, this is not unexpected. There are two matters to resolve. The Rool have filed a claim upon the Rheas System on behalf of humans. The filing was made when we were still at Black Rock Three Base. And, the Chzek have filed a counterclaim and a complaint on behalf of the Chzek-kin. We are required to appear and testify before the Elders who are adjudicating the complaint.”
Admiral Nelson, still stunned, asked, “When do we go?”
“As soon as your relief arrives and after a brief visit to Earth.”
Ambassador Dek issued orders to the few human diplomats who traveled with Third Fleet to begin converting the Rheas economy to meet their obligation to Earth. The Rheas, upon hearing of the changes required, became furious at the damage it would cause to their economy and immediately began to resist implementation. The complaints, however, quickly dried up when the ambassador paid a visit to the most vocal opponents to the changes. There was no more argument after several district governors were executed within moments of the Rool ambassador arriving in their capital cities. As was customary, Ambassador Dek did exchange greetings before conducting the executions. Stunned by the killing, the guards of the first governor began to draw their weapons but immediately changed their minds when a cloud of seemingly thousands of large “bugs” came pouring out of the ambassador’s shuttle and hovered several feet above the group. The other opponents to meet an untimely end were confused just before they died as to how the Rool was able to find them in hiding so easily. No further complaints were made by the governor’s replacements and open resistance rapidly declined.
It was another nine weeks before First Fleet arrived, under the command of Admiral Ben Tomkin. In similar fashion to Third Fleet’s deployment, First Fleet sent several pairs of smaller frigates and destroyers into outer system orbits. Unlike Third Fleet, they deployed missile platforms with their own passive sensor suites. A mobile base ship arrived with the fleet; equipped to provide an Earth standard atmosphere for command personnel and, after a short transition period, Third Fleet and the Cousteau were relieved and returned to Earth.
Chapter 14: United Earth Government, Earth
Standing in front of the UE Government committee chambers, Admiral Nelson was more nervous than he was during the battle with the Chzek-kin and it was pissing him off. These sorry bastards are going to railroad me for starting an interstellar war, he thought. Damn CYA politician cowards, they’re all the same. An hour had passed as the admiral stood outside the chambers, pacing. As ordered, he was waiting until summoned by the committee and they were letting him stew in his anger.
Standing next to the admiral was Commander Kree; also ordered to report an hour early. Commander Kree, besides giving testimony, was looking forward to an awards ceremony in the coming week. She and her crew were to receive the first award of its kind, the Medal of the Stars with Gold Clusters for being the first humans ever to discover an alien civilization. In the admiral’s opinion, it was an award she and her crew had earned several times over for their discovery and their role in the defense of the Rheas System deserved another medal on top of it.
Enterin
g the main hall outside the chambers and approaching the two officers, Ambassador Dek, along with his two human “adjutants,” smiled at them as he approached. “Admiral Nelson, Commander Kree, what an unexpected surprise. It is good to see you both again,” the ambassador greeted before continuing, “Why are you standing out here?” He turned the two officers toward the double doors and said, “I believe the hearing has started. Come, let us enter together.”
Admiral Nelson and Commander Kree look to each other with raised eyebrows. “Yes, Ambassador,” replied the admiral, not to take advantage of the offer, but to follow the UEG directive the Rool are to be obeyed in any matter just short of committing murder. “Please, after you.”
“No. No, Admiral. After you, I insist. The heroes of Earth’s space fleets must be the first to enter and receive the accolades they deserve.” Stepping between the two officers, the ambassador put his arms on their shoulders as he guided them through the double doors and into the committee chamber. Two UEG marines in their Class A uniforms and equipped with standard issue M-119 rifles stood guard at the doors.
The senior guard stepped forward to stop the progress of the officers, but the ambassador preempted him by saying, “Your assistance will not be necessary Corporal Twon. We do not need an honor guard for this occasion.”
The corporal stopped, mouth open as he looked up at the towering blue alien. His eyebrows furrowed in indecision before allowing the entourage to pass without comment. Interfering with the actions of any Vrene, or their representatives, the Rool was known to end poorly for the offending human in nearly every case and the corporal chose not to test the accuracy of common knowledge. The last time it happened, a colonel committed the offense and came close to being executed by Ambassador Dek. He was only saved by a quick-thinking lieutenant who pulled the colonel out of arm’s reach. The court martial of the colonel took about a day.
Entering the chamber, the three interrupted a heated discussion between the senators on the committee. The new Committee Chairman, Russian Senator, Piotr Vasnetsov, grabbed his gavel and beat the meeting to order, although everyone had already stopped to look at the new arrivals.
“Ambassador Dek, your presence is unexpected,” said the Chairman, with a light Russian accent, “How may we be of assistance?”
“Piotr Vasnetsov, I see you have moved up in the committee,” commented the ambassador, noting the removal of Chairman Watkins from the position.
“Thank you, Ambassador. Do you wish to address the Body?” The Russian was leery of the Rool as all foreign delegates were. It was the Rool who backed the authority of the Americans in control of the UEG government since they were awarded control shortly after the arrival of the aliens. The competition between the leading countries of the early 21st Century was fairly decided, however, and the Americans earned the right to lead the UEG.
“At this time I am only here to observe.”
Taken aback by the ambassador’s intent, the chairman was shocked as the ambassador had not attended one since before most of the committee members were born. “Ahh, very well, Ambassador. Welcome,” he croaked as murmuring broke out among the other members of the committee.
Turning his attention to the other two new arrivals, the chairman was instantly annoyed, “Admiral Nelson, Commander Kree, I believe you are not scheduled….”
Ambassador Dek cleared his throat in a very human-like manner, cutting off the chairman.
Taking the hint, the chairman skipped ahead to the fact-finding hearing scheduled for Admiral Nelson. “Yes, well. Since you are already here we can begin the disciplinary hearing,” the chairman said, giving away the hearing’s intent. Clearing his throat after the slip and looking to a uniformed member of the staff, he continued, “Bailiff, please swear in the witnesses.”
Admiral Nelson, unsurprised by the swearing in, clamped down on his anger and raised his right hand. Commander Kree was shocked by the swearing in, having no notification of the nature of her presence at the hearing other than it was to give testimony as part of a debriefing with the committee.
“Please have a seat,” instructed the chairman. “Before we begin, would either of you like to make an opening statement?”
Both witnesses responded in the negative.
“Very well. This body has read both of your reports as well as the reports provided by each of the captains of the surviving ships in Third Fleet. Additionally, all transmissions, sensor logs, and ship’s logs have been reviewed in detail. Based on these, we have several questions we would like to ask so that we may understand the reasons for the unprovoked attack that took place between the Chzek Empire and UEG armed forces.”
Looking to his left, the chairman said, “Senator Win Zedong of China will begin the questioning. Senator Zedong.”
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, fellow members,” began the Senator, “Commander Kree, I would like to start with you. However, before I begin, I would congratulate you on your discovery. I have no doubt your name will be prominently placed in the history books for a thousand years.”
“Thank you, Senator,” Commander Kree responded, still confused.
“Commander Kree, please describe to me what happened from the point your ship initially detected the Chzek Empire’s delegation as it made its approach to the Rheas Homeworld.”
“I’m sorry, Senator. What exactly are you referring to when you say, ‘delegation?’ ” asked the commander.
“I mean the Chzek delegation that was approaching the Rheas Homeworld prior to Third Fleet making its attack.”
“There was no delegation, Senator. It was a Chzek war fleet, or rather, the Chzek-kin fleet was comprised of warships, not diplomatic vessels.”
“I believe that is yet to be determined, commander. How was the delegation of ships detected?”
“The ships were initially detected using the transit method by a sentry drone that transmitted the contact to the Cousteau. We then passed the feed directly to the Atlanta.”
“What exactly is the ‘transit method,’ Commander?”
“The transit method is a way to detect distant objects in space by measuring the drop in a star’s light intensity that occurs when the object passes in the foreground,” she explained. “It is the most effective means we have to detect other ships at ranges greater than a hundred thousand miles.”
“I see,” the senator replied, not understanding at all. “The ‘Atlanta’ being the name of the Third Fleet’s flagship?” asked the senator, clearly annoyed at hearing the American name of the ship.”
“Yes, Senator.”
“And does the ‘transit method’ of detection allow for the identification of the types of ships that are detected?”
“No, Senator. Not at extreme range.”
“Then your claim the Chzek ships were ‘warships’ is actually unsupported. You had no way of knowing class of ships that were detected. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“They were clearly identified later by the two hundred plus missiles they fired at us, Senator. We were also able to identify the Chzek-kin ships as hostile in their intentions by the manner in which they deployed their ships. They entered the system at a high sub-light velocity suitable only to combat vessels making an attack on the system.”
“Can you support that claim, commander? Do you have personal knowledge of how the Chzek normally enter a system? Could it be the Chzek enter a solar system at a high initial velocity in order to cross the heliosphere sooner? Wouldn’t it make sense for them to do that to reduce exposure of their ships to cosmic radiation?”
“No, Senator.”
“Why not? Are you familiar with Chzek practices regarding entering a system? What speeds they travel, for instance? Their methods of deceleration?”
“No, Senator.”
“Then how are you able to say they were military ships making an attack on the system?”
“Because they fired more than two hundred nuclear missiles at us, destroying the Oklahoma. That’s how,” replied Commander Kree
, her voice rising. She was clearly offended by the questioning and was developing a strong dislike for Senator Zedong.
“Yes, a tragedy. But, those missiles were not detected until well after Admiral Nelson determined, without any evidence, the Chzek ships were hostile and also after the admiral ordered Third Fleet to fire hundreds of our own missiles first. Didn’t Third Fleet, in fact, fire first, commander?”
“No, Senator, we did not fire first.”
“Didn’t we, though? Is this another claim you can’t support, Commander? We’re looking for facts here, not speculation. Admiral Nelson ordered Third Fleet’s ships to fire hundreds of missiles some twelve hours before he knew of any hostile intentions by the Chzek ships. Who is to say they did not detect Third Fleet’s hostile acts and were forced to return fire? An interstellar war has been started, Commander. A war that could threaten the survival of humanity.”
Not giving up her defense of Third Fleet’s actions, the commander replied, “Senator, the Chzek-kin ships had no way of knowing we fired those missiles from that range at the time they would have had to have fired their own missiles.”
“How could you possibly know that, commander? Didn’t they make a course change not long after Third Fleet fired its missiles?”
Becoming flustered, the commander continued to try to maintain her calm, “They made a course correction only after the Atlanta, Oklahoma, and Ambassador Dek’s ship moved behind Rheas’ largest moon.”
“There is no reason for the Chzek ships to alter course just because another ship transits behind a moon, is there? Isn’t it more likely they changed course upon detecting the missiles that were fired at them?”
“No, Senator.”
“Bah, you have no proof of that! It is quite obvious the Chzek were forced into defending themselves.”
The back and forth between Senator Zedong and Commander Kree went on for the entire ten minutes of time allotted to the senator. The next senator, Senator Petit, of France, took up where the senator from China left off, this time focusing his questioning on Admiral Nelson. The questioning of the admiral was even more hostile than that of the commander. Eight of the members, including the new chairman, outright accused Admiral Nelson of starting an interstellar war. Only five of the eight senators from the United States had praise for the admiral, but even they were having difficulty justifying the admiral’s decision to fire on the Chzek-kin warships when he did, except in their willingness to take the judgment of the admiral at his word.
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