Carinae Sector: 01 - Traders' Scourge - Part 2 - Maveen Offer

by David Buck

  ‘Steve, they are research probes, they have a reputation for being non violent. I will inform them of your concerns and ask for their assistance. They are an independent race in their own right even if they are our passengers. The Maveen had the better abilities to drive of the US fleet with minimal casualties.’

  Steve was content with the reply, and the assembled gathering quickly began working on the broadcast message that they would provide to the world. All agreed that it would have to be simple at first, with general details only and with further details to follow. By unspoken agreement the Voorde were not being discussed, though Steve knew he would later speak with the prime minister this evening about them and the Maveen.

  ***

  Garendestat looked over the bridge before quietly walking to his seated father. Captain Narindestat looked at his son next to him and they spoke discretely in Trader for a few minutes. Garendestat then caught Emeria’s eye and they moved to the side of the bridge to talk again before he discretely left the bridge. Steve was talking with his team members and did not see the Trader leave, and he looked around for him before the captain spoke again.

  ‘Steve, Garendestat has had tasks assigned to him at this stage, and he will return later. We should consider getting our message to your world and your leaders.’

  Within moments Steve stood alongside the impressive seated form of the Trader captain. He wanted the Trader to appear less intimidating by being seated. A communications line was set to several television channels and Steve began to speak.

  ‘My name is Steve Greene and I am a former Australian naval commander. My private ship happened to be at the Abrolhos Islands when the Trader ship landed here after their initial underwater landing off the Australian coast. Firstly, I will be making a further detailed report to senior government officials later in the day. Now with regards to the Traders, their ship has been damaged elsewhere and the crew will use this quiet location to repair and refuel their ship before returning to space. To my right is Captain Narindestat, who is the captain of the main ship and leader of the Traders.’

  Narindestat gave Steve a small nod of thank you and began to speak in his quiet deep voice.

  ‘Greetings to the people of Earth and know we mean you no ill will. We are a people of the stars known as Traders and it is the literal translation of our species name. We are a free and independent race that is peaceful and law abiding. The Barus are a galactic race in thrall to a powerful alien race in the centre of the galaxy. They are a decent and honourable race, and know that any repeated attempts to attack them are both unwise and unwarranted. Even as a vassal race, the Barus can be troubled by terrorists and I now understand that your own race has had this problem as well.’

  The captain paused and looked at Steve by his side, and then the other human team members further to other side, before he resumed again.

  ‘Please know that I have a personal debt of gratitude to Steve Greene for saving the life of my son Garendestat. We are building on this beginning to a mutual understanding and peaceful resolution to our ship’s temporary presence on your planet. Also I must convey my deep regrets for the losses of your young warriors last week. We did all we could to avoid this conflict and we used minimal force to ensure our flight from the scene.’

  The captain looked quietly across at the humans and now Steve took the opportunity to speak.

  ‘We first came aboard yesterday and it is apparent that while they can still look after themselves, the Traders have been adversely affected by our atmosphere and biology. Several of them remain in their sick bay and are slowly improving. However they need to protect themselves when working outside and also have a cultural aversion to being filmed that we have recently overcome. They have shown us their initial attempts at repairs and refuelling of the main ship, and it is apparent that mankind could benefit greatly from their technical knowledge.’

  Captain Narindestat now spoke again after giving Steve another nod.

  ‘The Barus ship overhead seeks to coerce us into surrendering to them; whereupon we would be removed from your planet. However we would be executed once in imperial custody as we have violated strict galactic edicts. We Traders look as the edicts as a guide only, we treat them as of lesser importance over responsibility and independence. Note that according to galactic law the Barus are within their rights to demand our surrender. However this interpretation is clouded as your planet is still classed as independent and a haven world as well. The added presence of Maveen probes, another independent race, also complicates the situation greatly, as they rely on us to leave your planet for the safety of deep space.’

  The Trader captain paused to think and this time did not look at the humans on the bridge before continuing.

  ‘Now the other issue that humanity has to resolve with the galactic hierarchy is your new role in the greater galaxy. I recommend for your own safety that you adhere to any and all galactic edicts that are issued for your attention. Note that I am an independent advisor in this situation, and I have possibly told your something that could be to my own detriment. So be it, as I will not see your race possibly destroyed by a simple misunderstanding. We will speak again later and hopefully I can help you again before I attempt to flee your world.’

  Steve looked downcast as he understood the import of the last part of the captain’s message to humanity. He then also repeated his earlier statement that he would contact Australian authorities later in the day before concluding the broadcast. As a wave of relief passed through both races on the bridge, Steve turned to Captain Narindestat after several moments and offered a question.

  ‘Captain, you are a professional at this and I appreciate your efforts in reaching out to humanity. So know how do you think the Barus in orbit will react to our broadcast?’

  ***

  Ian Ridge held the cordless phone as he again paced around his office. After speaking with Steve Green this evening he would be flying to Perth to be closer to what was happening. At the moment he was in a five way phone conference with the leaders of the USA, England, Russia and China. The prime minister was well aware that other world leaders had sought to add input into the pressing problem of the Trader landing. But he knew that if he had these leaders in agreement the rest should be straightforward. James Whiting, the US president was speaking again and the other world leaders thoughtfully took in his words.

  ‘We recognise our errors in attacking both groups of aliens; however we must now make a choice in how we deal with this situation. We can either help the Traders to flee as we are not actually a galactic race at the present time, or we can help hand them over to the unknown but suspect actions of the Barus. I do not favour handing them over to the Barus. We can also state that we will not back down on the rights of our people to peacefully obtain technology that may assist us in light of the recent alien visits.’

  Ian paused and listened as another leader replied, before he then spoke again.

  ‘Also note the Barus have placed themselves above any direct involvement with humanity. As a matter of principle we should both decline any suggestions they have and advise them to leave.’

  The leaders of China and Russia still wanted to tempt both the Barus and the Traders to surrender their ships. But the other leaders pointed out again that military action had not worked when pitted against the greater technology of the alien races, leaving only negotiation. The UK prime minister now made his views known.

  ‘I recommend that we go with Ian’s initiative, we can have additional scientists on the island within two days. Now we need to state the leadership and the parameters of the scientist’s involvement. I think we need to obtain appropriate technology my preference is for the power technology, and then the shields and finally the large beam weapons. We should not squander this opportunity to progress our technology and the information should be freely shared amongst all nations.’

  Ian Ridge listened in agreement, though the US President gave a protest that he half expected.

/>   ‘Well we do not want the technology to disrupt the economy too much, though I understand that every thing has already changed due to the arrival of the aliens.’

  Ian had no problem voicing his own opinion as he started with the US president’s concern.

  ‘Well James, so be it if everyone has access to the power generational technology. Hopefully we can keep the shields, and especially the weapons, under tighter control due to their nature. Now getting back to the scientists in the research mission, we will impress upon them the value of defensive knowledge primarily, plus anything we can use to add solutions to our existing problems. As for leadership, I propose that Steve Greene be named science mission leader, and that he be supported by Douglas Stoneham. There is a military component to this mission I feel that Steve best handles that requirement and the new relationship between his team and the Traders will help with this decision as well.’

  The Australian prime minister soon had agreement from the other leaders, and they continued their conversation to cover the types of scientists that should be involved in the science mission. Ian was already looking forward to the conversation he would have with Steve later in the evening.

  ***

  Chapter 10

  Samantha and Rebecca watched the end of the first video broadcast and then went over to talk to Emeria. They had decided that the specific medical questions would best be answered by the Trader medical officer. Emeria raised an eyebrow at their approach and ventured a comment.

  ‘The broadcast went well from what I could see, but how your leaders react is another matter. We will not have the other broadcast, this time involving the Barus ship, until we are ready to proceed. Now I understand that you have some medical information you are seeking given the Captain’s earlier comments.’

  Emeria then led the two team members out of the bridge and towards the medical sick bay three decks down. Samantha now voiced a comment as she looked around in awe.

  ‘I still cannot get over the scale of your main ship, and to think it is a star ship that can leave here is fascinating as well.’

  Emeria quietly smiled as she replied.

  ‘We spend most of our lives on these ships in deep space, so they must be our homes as well. We could not live the life we chose if we were restricted to smaller ships.’

  After several more minutes they walked into the sick back, and Emeria quietly took them around to see a few of Traders laid up and recovering from various illnesses.

  ‘Now your Malazin treatment advice was most useful and helped us deal with the red spot illness in a satisfactory manner. The chemical is similar to a product we use for our laundry surprisingly enough, and diluted applications of that chemical on the red spot sites has had similar positive outcomes.’

  Samantha acknowledged the compliment, and then ventured her first question.

  ‘Now Emeria, are the immune systems recovering for the infected crew members?’

  Emeria replied after glancing at a sick Trader nearby.

  ‘Well the immune systems appear to be now fully recovered. But surely that must be a contradiction in terms, because the glimmer tattoos do not even look like regenerating. Yet we do not suffer the terminal illnesses associated with the usual losses of these tattoos.’

  Rebecca now took a turn to ask a detailed question of her won to the Trader medical officer.

  ‘Now given that the only our team knows of your tattoo losses. Let us surmise that if they still appeared to be present, and then would their presence, and the fact that you are all physically well get around the risk of Barus involvement?’

  Emeria looked at the two humans before she replied, and she was obviously intrigued by Rebecca’s statement.

  ‘We would need our full medical facilities at one of main star bases to allow the renewal of our tattoos under strict medical intervention. So what are you implying with your earlier surmise and question?’

  Rebecca smiled and pulled off her back pack.

  ‘We human females have a social product we use called ‘make up’ and it could help you in your situation.’

  Within minutes Rebecca had applied gold and silver markings over the scars of Emeria’s glimmer tattoo, and she commented as the renewed tattoo took shape.

  ‘Now we only have enough for a few Traders to renew their face and neck markings, and I suggest we only perform this action on the bridge crew. All other crew should remain out of camera view and not be seen during the transmission to the Barus.’

  Emeria took positively to the efforts of Rebecca and she stated her appreciation.

  ‘We have gold and silver paint I can process for a more permanent finish, but for now this idea of yours has considerable merit.’

  Samantha had been looking at the sick Traders again and now spoke as she was keen to address a real concern.

  ‘With the captain’s earlier comment he mentioned that he was not sure what factor on our world killed the Voorde infestation. Now we have our own tissue sampling technology on the Aurora Discovery and I would like to take inert samples off the island to see if we can isolate this factor. We possibly could either find another way to help your crew or even gain another bargaining tool. I also can take blood samples from some of your healthier crew to establish pathology benchmarks against the samples.’

  With Emeria rapidly convinced of the merits of this approach, several vials of Trader and Voorde tissue samples were supplied, and stored in a sealed container that Samantha could keep cool in her backpack. Emeria now looked at the time as displayed on the sick bay wall, and quickly led both Samantha and Rebecca back to the bridge, as the second media broadcast could not be far way.

  As she led the humans back, she spotted Garendestat and Halbindestat, the chief engineer, as they walked out of a side corridor further ahead. Garendestat caught her eye, and she gave him a warm smile in return. But Garendestat gave a start, and then he puffed out his chest and stalked off with a bemused Halbindestat following in confusion. Emeria was at a bit of a loss about his reaction for a moment, but then she remembered that her glimmer tattoo appeared to be back and working. She felt a warm wave of certainty emotionally engulf her, as she continued to lead the two humans back to the bridge.

  ***

  Garendestat was with the chief engineer as they headed back down to first the main hold, and then outside to the two crippled sneak ships. He had been startled when he saw the new tattoos on Emeria and he had tried to hide his feelings as he strode away stiff backed. Garendestat knew he had to stay focussed, especially after reviewing the technical information that he had requested from a junior engineer. The information had been specific about sunlight levels and the pollution on the human planet, and an ever vigilant Maveen probe had also taken a copy of the report.

  Captain Narindestat had been brief, but concise in what he wanted done for the damaged ships once repairs were found to be impossible. His father had also wanted several items in the main hold either moved to the large door at the hold entrance, or moved to a smaller side hold and locked down. Additionally he wanted all the items in the hold covered, including the items he just moved, and especially the large and dormant Maveen ship.

  Garendestat knew that the captain was worried about video footage from the humans finding a way to back to the Barus ship, which must be monitoring human television channels for all they are worth. At the back of his mind he was also concerned about his feelings toward Emeria, as she seemed both to take more joy in his company and in needling him in turn. The lieutenant looked down the side of the prone Maveen ship crammed into the main hold.

  Apparently it was the same strength in combat as a sneak ship though it was a third smaller in every dimension. The Maveen ships were reputed to be very fast and have powerful drive engines as well. As a matter of interest he took out his view finder to do the calculations as to how much power it would have to be able to perform at the stated level. He gave out a slow tense breath as he realised that the Maveen ship drives were at least as strong as
sneak ship drives. He also noted the standard docking array down the base of the probe hull that now secured the Maveen ship to the floor of the hold.

  Now with the seeds of an idea in his mind, Garendestat focussed on the job in hand, and within minutes his team had placed several large equipment covers over the still form of the larger Maveen ship.

  Soon afterwards his team filed out of the main hold to empty the holds of the two damaged sneak ships. As Garendestat worked, he promised himself that once they had successfully left the planet he would have a decent conversation with his intended bride.

  ***

  Steve saw Emeria lead Samantha and Rebecca back onto the bridge. He then looked in surprise at the mysterious reappearance of Emeria’s tattoos. But Samantha gave him a quick hug and spoke to reassure him about their achievements as she held onto him.

  ‘Steve, we covered several issues in the sick back and I am taking back safe blood and tissue samples to our own ship for further testing. Also we have an idea about the loss of glimmer tattoos and at least a temporary solution to fool the Barus.’

  Steve listened with interest and pride to his wife’s explanation. Dan was now joined by Rebecca and they shared similar information between themselves. Emeria looked over at the two human females, and thought that their relationship with their respective mates seemed to be uncomplicated by Trader standards. She then helped the two human females begin to take their blood samples by reassuring her crew mates on the sides of the bridge.

  Captain Narindestat looked up and gave Emeria a long cool look. She crossed to him and he immediately saw the gist of her short explanation on her tattoo reappearing.

  ‘This will help in our next video session when we speak with the Barus commander. Now I want you to stand the other side of me and just cover the specifics of the non glimmer illnesses only if asked. If they are aware that we are recovering from these illnesses then they will assume only what they see. Namely two Traders and a human talking to them and both the Traders have healthy glimmer tattoos.’