The argument was not lost on the admiral who gave the commander a smile of acknowledgment and decided it was time to move the conversation forward, “It doesn’t matter now, though. Does it? We are in a war and there is no arguing we need the Vrene, and the Rool, if we are going to survive. There’s not even an argument about how much we have benefitted from building Vrene starships for the last three hundred years.”
Nodding in agreement, the commander replied, “We could not have hoped to build more capable ships than we have.”
“True,” he agreed, “But, there are a lot of improvements to be made. They’ve already adopted a number of changes due to the after-action reports of the battle for Rheas to ship designs and operations. Refits started happening before we left Earth.”
“Really?” said the commander, surprised, “I was wondering about that. There are a few things I was thinking could be upgraded.”
“You’ll appreciate some of the changes. The biggest one is all combat ships are to be upgraded to the Exploration Service fleet’s sensor suites. Your ships have a big advantage in detection ability that may be the difference in the UEAF winning battles. They’re also going to redesign the engines and hull materials to incorporate the stealth characteristics of your ships. After analyzing the battle it was decided passive detection and stealth are to be priorities in any future designs.”
“I was hoping they would start a crash program for upgrading ships. I remember studying the wars of the 20th Century and the ability to rapidly adapt was critical to the success of those armies,” said the commander, concerned about not having a technological edge in the battles to come.
“You know it doesn’t matter what their motives were in the past or how much they helped us.” He paused and looked at the commander, “They’re the only friend we have. We have to be grateful to have them.”
Commander Kree gave a nod of agreement as she watched the alien ships moving around in the solar system; humans could not call any one of them friends.
Chapter 16: Seventh Consortium, Ponterella System
The ambassador’s ship docked at the portal for diplomatic ships located at the top of the space station rather than one of the thousands of docking points around the ten-mile circumference of the belly of the station. Exiting the ship, the ambassador and the two human officers stepped on a domed platform and met with another Rool who was waiting.
“Greetings Ambassador Dek,” the Rool said in perfect English, giving a quick half-bow before turning to the humans, “And, to our Human guests,” he said, giving them a small nod. “I am Representative Conti. This way, please.”
Moving the group across the platform, the representative approached a bank of what could only be thought of as elevators, even though they appeared to be floating decks. The various aliens on the station stepped on and off of the platform, which promptly dropped out of view just before a new platform appeared with a new load of beings. Nothing appeared to be holding the platforms in place or providing lift, and there were no safety railing or walls around the lifts.
Stepping across the threshold of the floating deck, Commander Kree looked down to see it seamlessly fit up against the platform. Once the group was in place, the lift dropped in no different of a manner than if it were dropped off the top of a building with the exception there was no sound of rushing air or feeling of movement. The admiral and commander, both startled, expected their stomachs to drop out on them like they were suddenly in free fall, except the feeling never materialized. It only took them a moment to look at each other and simultaneously mouth different questions to each other, “Inertia dampeners?” said one, and “Artificial gravity?” said the other. They dropped for several seconds before coming to a near instant stop.
Following Representative Conti, the group walked down a seemingly endless passage a small spaceship could have navigated until coming to a single, unmarked door among a sea of unmarked doors, all of which appeared to be made of some naturally finished, exotic alien wood. Entering as the doors slid open the representative waved the group in, “We will be staying here until the hearing,” he said, “This suite is shared by Rool who serve a number of different races, so be cautious in your conversations around others that you see here.”
Frowning, the admiral started to question why when Ambassador Dek spoke up, “The Rool have contracts with a number of different species, many with competing interests. And, although no Rool would directly divulge information gathered in this neutral location, any knowledge they gained would influence their own actions and the advice they give. It is a compromise we must abide by to meet our fiduciary duties to our clients.”
“So you serve many masters,” the admiral said, “how are we to know the Rool are serving our interests first?”
The question sounded like an accusation and it was not lost on Representative Conti. He was clearly offended and, bristling, took a step toward the admiral.
Ambassador Dek stepped between the two. Facing the admiral, he said, “Admiral, Humanity would not be well served if we enter this hearing with only the commander as a witness.” There was ice in his voice. Looking down on the human, he continued, “It appears you have become overly comfortable in your relationship with me. Representative Conti is a Vrene Representative and, since you have never before met, should be addressed with even more deference than you provide to me. That is if you value your continued well-being. I should add you will soon meet Ambassador Cent who will be the Human Representative in our engagement to manage the Rheas.” Adding as an afterthought, the ambassador cautioned, “It would be in your interest to not offend him, either.”
It was only a few minutes before the new ambassador to Humanity arrived. Without wasting any time, Ambassador Cent gave a similar warning, “I am to be your agent, as Ambassador Dek is the Vrene’s agent. However, I would caution you that the manner in which you just addressed Ambassador Dek and Representative Conti will be taken as an offense.”
Staring at the admiral for several seconds, Ambassador Dek finally broke eye contact once the admiral showed sufficient understanding he could easily be killed for a transgression with the Rool.
“Admiral, you forget yourself. Perhaps it is because I did not maintain a proper rapport with you from our first meeting. Forgive me; I must have been distracted by the discovery of the Rheas and what it means to the future of Humanity,” Ambassador Dek offered in reconciliation.
The admiral offered his own apology without actually withdrawing the question, “Thank you, Ambassador. The apology is mine. I used a poor choice of words to ask my question.”
Ambassador Cent saw his peers seemed to be satisfied with the admiral’s offered apology and thought it best to be the one to continue the conversation, “To address your concern, Admiral, any Rool assigned to a client becomes their agent. They owe full fiduciary responsibilities to their employers to the exclusion of all other clients of the Rool. That is why Ambassador Dek’s and Representative Conti’s only responsibility to Humans is through the Vrene and according to their desires as to how Humans are to be treated. Beyond the interests of the Vrene, they owe no duty to Humans. Now, as I am assigned to Humans and in your employ, I have a duty to advance Humanity’s interests.” Turning and looking to Ambassador Dek, Ambassador Cent continued, “As your representative, I have a fiduciary duty to Humanity and will work with you in many ways Ambassador Dek cannot.”
“Do you wish me to leave, Ambassador?” asked Ambassador Dek and Representative Conti, in unison.
“Representative Conti, thank you for your assistance,” the Human’s new ambassador, answered, “Ambassador Dek, I do not believe it will be necessary for you to leave. Admiral, Commander, you need to understand that if the Vrene were to tell Ambassador Dek to regress Humanity, he would do it without hesitation. If you offend Ambassador Dek in a manner that a Vrene would also be offended, he is at liberty to mete out any punishment he desires. It is expected by both the Vrene and the Rool to maintain a level of discipline. If
the Vrene found it in their interests for Humanity to lose the war with the Chzek, then Ambassador Dek would see to it you lost the war with the Chzek. Is that clear to you now?”
“It is very clear. Thank you, Ambassador,” Commander Kree replied for the admiral, who was still staring at Ambassador Dek.
“Good. Now, what I said sounds quite ominous. However, as your agent, I must also inform you that the intentions of the Vrene are for Humans to thrive and win any wars to defend your space. It is in their best interest for you to do so because your defense also defends a significant sector of their frontier. You are a buffer for them; one that needs to be strong in order to protect their interests.”
“And, what if it looks like we are becoming too strong?” asked the admiral, not taking his eyes off Ambassador Dek. The revelations of Ambassador Cent, although theorized by humans, had never before been told to them directly by their alien “protectors.”
Ambassador Cent smiled at the admiral and looked to Ambassador Dek when he replied, “With your current technological capabilities? In a few thousand years that may be a conversation I have with your descendants. With your current conduct? The Vrene are your ally and are protecting you far more than you are protecting them. Try not to piss them off. That is the best first advice I have given any species.” He smiled as he finished, “If you will excuse me, I must confirm the time of the hearing. We would not want to be late.”
It was not long before Ambassador Cent returned, “The hearing has been delayed due to a last-minute amendment to the Chzek’s complaint. They are now accusing humans of attacking the Rheas in both the most recent raid and the one ten years ago.” He immediately raised his hand to the protests both humans started to express, “It is an obvious maneuver we expected and are prepared to defend against.”
“How do you defend against stuff that is made up?” Commander Kree asked, “We have nothing to present that could show we were not there.”
“That is incorrect. Has Ambassador Dek briefed you on how hearings are conducted by the Consortium?”
“Just that each side presents their evidence and it is reviewed without testimony unless one of the judges has a question, which is rare,” the admiral replied.
“There is more than that. Fortunately, we have time to discuss the proceedings now that there’s been a delay,” Ambassador Cent waived the two towards an elaborately engraved, glass door. “Let’s move to a more private location,” he said.
Entering a small room with four padded chairs covered with a bright red and black patterned natural hide, the two humans were offered to take a seat. Commander Kree, frowned at the exotic chair coverings, “Is it common to use animal hides for furniture coverings?” she asked. “It seems a little barbaric for races as advanced as there are here.”
“Actually, yes. The beauty of nature is largely incomparable to manufactured products. However, what you see here is the product of a growing vat, not a farm. Animal products are genetically modified to be grown with only a rudimentary nervous system similar to Human’s parasympathetic nervous system. Most advanced races use some form of genetically altered biomass as a food supply and other products for efficiency, and also for ‘humanitarian’ reasons,” responded the ambassador.
Neither of the two space officers had more than a college semester’s worth of knowledge of human anatomy; it was not a prerequisite for commanding a ship at their respective space academies. It was enough, however, for Commander Kree’s environmentalist roots; instilled in her by her parents during their many camping trips when she was growing up. The admiral was less concerned as his fondness for steaks and a good pair of leather boots took precedence over his concern for the wellbeing of some alien cow.
Ambassador Dek was amused at the commander’s question as it fit exactly the profile he was given on her morality, “Not to worry, commander,” he assured her, “No animals were harmed in the creation of these chairs,” His amusement in his voice was plain to see,
“Now, back to more important matters,” said Ambassador Cent, cutting off the retort on the commander’s lips. “The Chzek have accused humans of attacking the Rheas. It is obvious they intend to present their raid from that time as being conducted by humans. You can expect they will have provided recordings of the aftermath of their attack that have been edited, or even fabricated.”
“How do we defend against that?” the admiral asked.
“Our defense of the new charges was submitted with our original evidence.”
They continued to stare at the ambassador, asking without words how he would know to provide a defense for such an accusation.
Seeing their looks, the ambassador shifted his explanation, “Now would be a good time to go into a little more detail as to how a Consortium hearing is conducted.” Shifting in his seat to get comfortable, the ambassador gestured to them they should do the same, “We have several hours before the hearing. Make yourselves comfortable.”
The ambassador, looking at the two who were, like the rest of humanity, in far over their heads at this point in their membership in the galactic community, smiled and took a moment to enjoy working with a young race that was reliant on him for their safety. Unlike his last assignment, representing the Gnafshe, an advanced race where he spent most of his time as a glorified personal assistant and recording device, humans could learn a lot from the Rool. He looked at the two humans and felt gratitude his superiors had honored his request for reassignment after only sixty-eight years assigned to the Gnafshe.
Smiling, Ambassador Cent explained the workings of a Consortium hearing, “All evidence must be submitted within a certain time limit prior to the hearing. No further evidence, other than the occasional question asked by one of the judicators, will be accepted. They do this to encourage all parties to submit full and complete records and not hold back any information since that is the only opportunity you will have and you are not permitted to see the evidence given by the other side. Does this make sense to you?”
Commander Kree answered first, “So they make a complaint against us and we don’t know what the evidence is prior to the hearing?”
“That’s correct. We only see the actual complaint, which is the only matter the Consortium will rule on for the complainant. They can submit anything they want with the complaint and we are given the opportunity to submit all the evidence we want to defend ourselves. Neither side sees the evidence provided by the other side prior to the hearing. This was a rule adopted long ago to encourage full disclosure by the parties. If you hold anything back you risk not having everything you need to defend yourself. One loophole is that a complaint can be amended or added to right up until the time of the hearing so long as the nature of the change is within the context of the original complaint. Which is another way the Consortium pushes the parties to provide as much information as they can,” he explained. “We provided complete records in anticipation of the Chzek expanding their complaint outside of what you would expect to be prepared to defend. They have used this tactic in the past, so we were ready.”
Understanding the ambassador’s explanation, but still not sure how they would be able to defend themselves, the two officers looked at each other before the admiral asked, “What evidence are we providing?”
“Everything. We provided the complete documentation on the Rheas gathered by the Cousteau during the battle and its time in their system along with other materials we believed to be beneficial.” Looking to the commander, he continued, “Your investigation of the Rheas was thorough, Commander. I am impressed with all that you were able to collect about the Rheas and also in your analyses. Please give my regards to your crew when we return.”
“Umm, thank you Ambassador, but,” frowning at the ambassador with an obvious, but not completely formulated question on her face, the commander asked, “Did you give them everything on the Rheas?”
“As I said yes.”
“Did you also give them full recordings of all the rest of the ship’s data? Sens
or readings? Logs? Everything?”
“Yes.”
The two humans looked at each other in horror in the realization the ambassador had largely given the Consortium a massive amount of data on human military capabilities. They were at war with an unknown enemy and the ambassador provided them an intimate look at human military technology.
Deducing their concern, the ambassador gave an explanation, “The Chzek will not have access to the information provided, if that is what is concerning you. Prior to the hearing, the evidence provided by both sides is analyzed and evaluated. The evaluator is an AI named ‘Spectra’ that will be the only one seeing the evidence. Whatever the final findings are will be shown at the hearings. The actual evidence is not seen by anyone other than Spectra and, upon special request, by the representatives of the senior races conducting the hearing. None of them are going to compromise their integrity over a conflict between Level 2 species.”
“So everything is reliant on this Spectra’s analysis?” the commander asked, leaving alone the ambassador’s implication of the value of Level 2 species.
“To a large degree, yes. However, the final ruling belongs to the adjudicators conducting the hearing. They may have questions. Or, they may go against Spectra’s findings, but that rarely happens. Generally, they simply approve its findings and recommendations.”
Chapter 17: Black Rock Three, Waypoint System
Walking into the briefing room, Admiral Bilford scanned the two hundred men and women who bounced out of their seats when his presence was announced. All of them were intently staring back at him; waiting for him to send them out into the frontier to search for the Chzek-kin Homeworld. The room was full of captains and their executive officers from the Exploration Service ships assigned to this region, most in the last six months. They represented more than four times the number of ships he was in command of only a year ago.
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