Nowhere to Run

by Saxon Andrew

  The Conference Leader was surprised at the statement, “How do we know you’ll keep your promise?”

  “We’ll send it in writing to the Negotiators.”

  Everyone was shocked at that statement. The Negotiators were an independent group of beings that were used to solve issues between civilizations. No one would violate an agreement made with them. Violators would be attacked by all the other civilizations. “How long would this agreement be in effect for?”

  “Twenty years.”

  The Pental Ruler smiled. Now many of the civilizations that had not taken part in the invasion would join to avoid being attacked by the Green and Greys. We will accept your offer and commend you for your consideration. When will you send this agreement over to the Negotiator?”

  “It has already been delivered.”

  The Pental bowed and said, “We may now move forward with our plans.” The rush of civilizations to join the invasion was immediate and overwhelming.

  • • •

  Two invisible scanners recorded the meeting. One sent the information to the Galactic Union and the other sent the information to a distant galaxy.

  • • •

  The small green ship appeared at the former border of the Green Civilization. It hung in space and flickered at an incredible rate. The three Green Ships that appeared were immediately joined by six huge Grey Warships. The Ship Controller on the Green Ship saw that it was one of the ships from the invaded galaxy. This time it had its force field activated. Why had it done that? He nodded to his officer and lifted his communicator, “Is there a reason for your return?”

  “I have a recording I’d like to play for you.”

  “Go ahead.”

  The Ship Controller saw the Conference and heard the Sovereign’s Son promise not to attack anyone taking part in the coming invasion. He was stunned at the revelation. The Grey Ship’s Commander was also shocked. They heard over their frequencies, “It appears that as a result of your offer, more than a thousand more civilizations have decided to join the coming invasion against us. They would not have done so but for your offer.”

  The Controller said under his breath, “Damn politicians.” He pressed his communicator, “You are here to tell us something.”

  “We are. You are no longer exempt from our reprisals. Even though you are not taking part in the invasion, you have deliberately endangered us with your actions. We don’t break our agreements and we felt we should let you know that our former promise has been voided by this treachery. Please inform your leaders.”

  The Grey Commander shook his head. They’re polite even to their enemies.

  The Ship Controller said, “You must have known that I will be forced to fire on you as a result of this.”

  “We do.”

  “Please understand that this is not something I like doing.”

  “We are also not happy with this situation.”

  The Ship Controller shook his shoulders and said, “Fire on them.”

  A brilliant beam shot out and hit the small ship dead center. It glanced away and the Controller was shocked. “Fire all weapons.” The Green and Grey Ships opened fire with their entire inventory of blasters. The area surrounding the small ship looked like space had erupted into flames. After a minute, the ships stopped firing. The small ship remained flickering in space and they heard, “We will not destroy your ships. Not because we can’t, but because if we did you wouldn’t be able to take our message to your leaders. Our disappointment in you cannot be expressed in words.” The small ship disappeared.

  The Grey Commander said, “This is not good.”

  The Ship Controller shook his shoulders, “No, it isn’t. We better hope our galaxy doesn’t win the next invasion.”

  The Grey Commander remembered their promise to come and attack the planets of the ones that invaded. He now wished his civilization had not joined the Green Ships. They were the ones that broke the trust.

  • • •

  Drey said, “Doc, that was a good job.”

  “I didn’t do anything but turn it on.”

  “Let’s see if anything comes out of this.”

  Dee shook her head, “They are now frozen. They are incapable of abrogating their agreement and they know we can kill their ships. They will do nothing but wait in fear.”

  Drey shook his head, “Part of this is our fault.”

  “Why?”

  “We promised not to attack if they didn’t invade us. They weren’t asked to work against the invasion.”

  Dee stared at Drey and lowered her chin, “You’re right; they only did what came natural to them.”

  “Maybe we can negotiate with them if we survive the next invasion.”

  “Drey, I just hope we do. Attacking anyone else is not what keeps me up at night.”

  Drey nodded and energized the jump field. The Skinner Field dissipated and Doc disappeared from normal space.

  • • •

  The Sovereign looked at his son, “It appears we have made an error.”

  “The Greys are not happy with what we did. They say we have endangered them in our maneuvering to remove our enemies.”

  “They’re right.”

  “That ship withstood the beams of our most powerful ships. If it can withstand those beams and fire that beam that destroyed the planet, none of us are safe. We have caused a more powerful enemy than anyone here in our galaxy to target us. I told you this was not the right thing to do.”

  “And I should have listened. Do you see anything we can do?”

  “Hope the coming invasion fails completely.”

  “Why would I hope for that?”

  “They said their surviving ships would come to destroy worlds. If they win, they’ll possibly stay in their galaxy.”

  The Sovereign stared at his son and said, “I am resigning and you will take my place.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  “The Greys know you were against this. It’s the only way to salvage our new alliance. It must be done.”

  The son shook his shoulders, “This is not something I want to do.”

  The Sovereign smiled, “It’s not a question of want; it’s what you must do.”

  The son stared at his father and after a moment nodded.

  • • •

  Moe saw the giant ship appear on one of the advanced scanners and dispatched the closest ship to confront it. Rizzo and Jennie arrived at the former main planet of the Kilper and saw the huge vessel hanging in space forty thousand miles out from the still burning planet. The orbiting platforms had been sent messages to hold their positions in orbit. Rizzo looked at the green ship and shook his head. Jennie looked up and said, “Their force field is down and their blaster ports are covered.”

  “Is that ship one of the ships that was in the invasion?”

  “No, Sir. That ship type doesn’t appear in the database.”

  Rizzo stared at the ship for a moment and said, “Contact fleet and tell them what we’ve found.”

  Sixty more Union Warships arrived but Rizzo ordered them to hold their fire and move no closer. He heard a voice on his speaker, “By what authority are you issuing these orders?”

  “I am fleet Admiral Rizzo and you better watch your mouth. You should know that the first ship on a scene directs any actions. State your name sailor!”

  “Captain Johanson, Sir. I apologize for my stupidity.”

  Rizzo smiled and said, “At least you recognize it.”

  Jennie looked at her panel and said, “The Prince and Admiral Montgomery are coming.” Rizzo tilted his head and looked back as his panel. This must be something serious. “Jennie, back away from them and hold position four hundred miles out.”

  “Aye, Sir.”

  • • •

  “Drey, a green ship has appeared at one of the Kilper Main Planets.”

  “Send me the coordinates.”

  Dee looked up, “Moe just sent them.”

  “Well get us there!�
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  Dee smiled, “You control the jump drive.”

  Drey shook his head, “Oh yeah, I forgot.”

  • • •

  E and Drey arrived within two seconds of each other and they immediately saw that the ship was from the Green Civilization. Ian looked at Violet, “Activate their frequency.” Violet nodded and Ian said, “Is there a reason you’ve violated our space.”

  “You sound remarkably like us; but to answer your question, there is.”

  Dee recognized the voice, “You’re the Sovereign’s son.”

  “I am but he is no longer our Sovereign.”

  Ian looked at Violet and said, “He isn’t?”

  “No, I am now.”

  Ian and Drey knew that the bravery being shown by the new Sovereign was remarkable. Ian said, “You’ve placed yourself in a dangerous situation coming here unescorted.”

  “If I had come with a hundred thousand warships, what would you have done?”

  Drey said, “We would promptly remove them.”

  “That’s how we saw it. This was the best way to try and communicate with you.”

  Ian stared at the ship and after a moment said, “We really don’t have anything to discuss.”

  “I know you feel betrayed. I counseled my Father that he was making a mistake to try and use you to remove old enemies. He refused to listen. I was forced to follow his orders and as a result, we have caused you harm. He has abdicated his throne and I have taken his place. I want to make an offer and see if we can’t repair some of the damage.”

  “Offer away.”

  “We can’t stop the invasion and I’m not certain we could have persuaded the others not to come even if we told them you were not an aggressive species. Coming from me, they wouldn’t have believed it. There is too much suspicion in my galaxy and they would think I was deceiving them for ulterior motives.”

  Drey said, “Imagine.”

  Ian ignored Drey’s response, “Even so, you increased the numbers attacking us.”

  “You’re right. We see in hindsight that it was a mistake and most of our military detest what we did. They feel, rightly, that we betrayed you. They came up with a suggestion to try and minimize the damage.”

  Ian looked at Drey on his display and saw he was curious. “What can you do?”

  “We’re going to release ninety percent of our ships to go out into our galaxy and fly through all the civilizations taking part in the invasion. The Grey Ships are also joining us in this effort.”

  Dee said, “Isn’t that a violation of your agreements concerning borders?”

  “There is a fine line in what we’re attempting. Since we have a nonaggression agreement, we can’t be viewed as an enemy. Since we can’t be viewed as an enemy, we will not technically be violating their domains.”

  Drey started chuckling. Ian said, “What do you find amusing?”

  “Ian, how many ships would you send away if you had enemy ships flying around your territory?”

  Ian tilted his head, “Not very many.”

  The Sovereign said, “And neither will they. We will continue this effort up to the moment of the launch of the invasion and then we’ll go back to our borders. I think this will reduce the number coming back to what it would have been had we not made the mistake.”

  “Aren’t you taking a risk?”

  “We are but those that challenge our behavior will have to take it to the negotiators and we’ll delay making any agreements as long as possible. I hope it will allow you to strengthen your forces.”

  Dee said, “The fact of your presence will delay them as well. All the participating civilizations will have to reconsider how many ships they’re going to send. That means many of the ships that have arrived will be recalled and it will throw their organization back to square one.”

  Ian thought about the offer and the bravery of the new ruler. “We will not seek retribution against your civilizations.”

  The Sovereign said, “We are sorry for what we did. We have tried to tell the leaders of the invasion that we know you are not aggressive but they refuse to listen.”

  Ian said, “We don’t want you to endanger your people. Do what you can but don’t risk your subjects.”

  The Sovereign paused and said, “We will be open to a treaty of mutual defense after this is over. You have just proven to me that you can be trusted. I hope you can trust us in the future.”

  Ian watched the huge ship disappear and Drey said, “Who would of thought it?”

  Ian shook his head, “Don’t give them too much credit, Drey. They were unable to touch our ship with their strongest beams. Fear made this happen.”

  Dee said, “Maybe, but this being was being honest. He really didn’t want to betray us.”

  “But he did.”

  “Ian, I think I’m rubbing off on you. You’re the one that’s supposed to keep me in check. Am I going to have to return the favor?”

  Ian looked at Violet and said, “You just might have to do that.”

  Ian pressed his communicator, “Admiral Rizzo.”

  “Yes Sir.”

  “Take your fleet to Azele and have their force fields modified.”

  “Yes Sir.” Rizzo watched the two ships disappear and he turned to Jennie, “Modify our force fields?”

  “I’ve heard rumors that the new one is impenetrable.”

  “Get out of here.”

  “It’s just rumor.”

  “Well let’s go separate fact from fiction.”

  “The coordinates for Azele are on your panel, Sir.”

  “Jennie, how long are you going to stay angry at me?”

  “Until you learn to remember the important things in life.”

  Rizzo sighed. This was the last anniversary he would ever forget.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Harmony was born and the Kilper Admiral was right; she was beautiful. Her skin was a light bronze color and her face was slightly wider than her mother’s. Argel held her and Cole could only stare at the two most important people in his life. “She was late arriving.”

  “She waited for us to solve the force field issue.”

  “I love you so much, Argel.”

  Argel leaned forward and kissed Cole and then handed him his daughter. For the moment, there was nothing else for Cole but sheer happiness.

  • • •

  The Kilper Admiral sat in a conference room on Euclid with the two couples. Ian said, “Admiral, I’m not really certain where the invasion is going to attack.”

  “We need to know how to place our ships.”

  Dee said, “The Main Planets are still their targets.” Everyone turned and looked at her, “Most of them weren’t really damaged in the invaders first attempt and most of the invaders weren’t able to do much other than escape. They did not scout anywhere else.”

  The Admiral leaned back and said, “They aren’t coming in the same way.”

  Dee smiled, “You’re right.”

  Drey said, “Then how are they moving in?”

  Dee looked at the Admiral, “Do you want to tell them?” The Admiral was startled by the question and he stared at Dee. “You’re like me; you can see things.”

  “How do you know about that?”

  “I can sense it and don’t act like you don’t see it in me as well.”

  The Admiral shook his head and said, “They will attack a thousand planets at a time.” Dee smiled and nodded.

  Ian said, “Why just a thousand?”

  “Because to attack fewer would have their ships getting in the way of each other; only so many ships can fight in the space around a planet without total confusion.”

  Ian stared at the Admiral and looked at Drey, “Do you have any suggestions?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do. What’s stopping us from jumping every platform we have to those planets and allow them to get up close and personal with their ships?”

  Ian started chuckling and saw the Admiral was also amused. “I guess
we just need to determine which particular planets they’re going to hit.”

  Drey leaned back in his chair, “That should be easy enough. Just look for the traffic cop directing traffic.”

  Ian said, “Moe, may I assume you can send the appropriate coordinates to the platforms once their destinations are determined?”

  “You may.”

  The Admiral said, “Who’s Moe?”

  Violet said, “The Master of Everything.”

  The Admiral stared at her and Moe said, “She’s exaggerating. I only master those in this universe.”

  The Admiral looked at Ian. Ian said, “He’s the computer in the Obelisk.”

  “And he has a sense of humor?”

  “Who’s being humorous?”

  Violet looked at the Admiral and said, “Humor him.”

  The Admiral didn’t know what to think.

  • • •

  The Admiral was finally brought in on who Moe was and he left to make plans for the Kilper Fleets. Dee said, “I think we had him going for a minute.”

  Moe said, “I have a disturbing development, I think.”

  The four looked at each other and Drey said, “What would disturb you?”

  “When the meeting ended in M87, one of our advanced scanners sent me the data on what happened.”

  “What’s disturbing about that, Moe?”

  “Another transmission happened at the same moment and it wasn’t sent to us. It was also sent in a language that none of the Civilizations we’ve scanned in M87 use.”

  Dee quickly said, “Did the scanner get a line on the transmission?”

  “Yes, it was sent out in open space.”

  Violet said, “Toward our galaxy?”

  “No.”

  Dee closed her eyes and said, “Have any other transmissions like that one been detected?”

  “No.”

  Ian, Violet, and Drey stared at Dee. Her eyes remained closed and she said, “Was our scanner capable of seeing the source of that transmission?”

  “No, it didn’t and when it moved to the area where it was sent, our scanner went off line. I sent another one and it was unable to find anything and it was not damaged.”