by Karl Morgan
“My dear friend Arrin, it is so good to see you again,” said General Fa-a-Di, sitting before him with a wry smile crossing his beak. “How are you today?”
“General, it is good to see you as well,” Arrin began, “but I have had better days than this, Friend.”
“Whatever do you mean Arrin,” he asked.
“Fa-a-Di, I think you know exactly what I mean,” Arrin responded, looking for a reaction on the Gallicean’s face.
Fa-a-Di rose from his seat and began pacing about his office. “Friend, officially I can only say that I do not know what you could mean.” Fa-a-Di walked over to a cabinet and withdrew a glass and a decanter of Gallicean whisky and poured until the glass overflowed. He sat at the table and took a long drink. “Arrin, we have known each other for a hundred years or more, right?”
“That’s right, Fa-a-Di. When we met, I was new out of the military academy. As I remember it now, our peoples held joint war games in Kalidean space. That was the one and only time I tasted Gallicean whisky. It is pretty intense and nasty stuff, General.”
Fa-a-Di laughed heartily, drained his glass and refilled it. “Arrin, I can tell you that Gallia has changed a great deal since the discovery of the Neptunians. For thousands of years, we have hoped and dreamed of finding another intelligent species on a gas planet. When we had almost given up, Dave and Darlene presented us with four planets. Now, only a week or so after discovering the Neptunians, all of Gallia has gone insane with fear.”
“Fear, that’s odd. I would have thought they would be happy to find them after looking for so long,” Arrin replied. “It’s the fulfillment of a very old dream.”
“That’s what I said, Friend,” Fa-a-Di bellowed. “But believe me, here on Gallia, happiness is hard to find these days. I’ve been High Commissioner for ten years now, so I suppose it is my fault in some ways. Perhaps if we would have kept it a secret until we were better able to break the news to the common man, it might have been better.”
“I doubt that, Friend,” Arrin said. “Like on Earth, news travels very fast, and there is little the government or military can do to slow it down.”
Fa-a-Di nodded, “True enough, Friend. But let me get to the reason I called. As you may know, my second term as High Commissioner is ending soon. I have decided to retire from both my military and governmental posts when it does.”
Arrin looked shocked. He had greatly enjoyed his time working with the general. He had also been a very positive influence on the relationship between Gallia and Earth. “But General, you are still a young man. I think that Gallia needs your wisdom and leadership now more than ever.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Arrin, but as I said, things in Greater Gallia are not running as well as you might think,” he began. “I don’t believe the hysteria about the Neptunians was a random occurrence. There are elements in our society that want major change. We have learned so much from you humans and the Kalideans about a society based on freedom and learning, but that is a major change that not all Galliceans can accept. Many here crave the order and structure we used to impose on our people. Of course, what that really means is there are some Galliceans who want power over others. The situation on Neptune is a minor issue that is now being twisted by some to instill fear and hatred in the populace. When people are angry and afraid, they look to leaders who promise to take care of the problems. But the cost is usually very high. I do not wish to be part of that.”
“Friend, I don’t know what to say,” Arrin responded. “What will you do after your resignation?”
Fa-a-Di smiled again, saying, “I have recommended to the High Council and they have agreed that I be appointed permanent governor of Jupiter. It’s a small, out of the way colony and the new leadership will be able to do what they want on Gallia and the other planets without my interference. They have also agreed to promote my brother-in-law De-o-Nu to Fleet Admiral of the Gallicean Star Fleet. It’s good for him, and they can keep an eye on me through him.”
Arrin nodded. “Well, friend,” he said, “if you think that’s acceptable, I certainly wish you the best.”
Fa-a-Di laughed again, draining his glass. “Thank you my dear friend,” he started, “and I would love the opportunity to show you Jupiter like I did our mutual friend Dave Brewster.” Arrin smiled. “Before I switch off Arrin, let me tell you one more thing,” Fa-a-Di said in a near whisper, “I told the Council that if they take any military action against the humans that I will personally come after them with my own fleet. They know I have fifty ships or more that are fiercely loyal to me. Those crews would fly into the nearest star if I asked them to. You have my word on that, Friend. Gallia out.” Fa-a-Di smiled again, and the screen went blank.
Chapter 22
For some reason, space jumps upset Dave Brewster much more than temporal jumps. After jumping on board the Ticonderoga, he felt miserable. He went to his ready room as quickly as possible and sat down heavily. The door slid open and Lia stepped in. She put a cup of cappuccino and a chocolate croissant in front of him. Dave considered the food, but thought he’d better wait until his stomach finished its jump. “Dave,” she began, “Charlie and Cadiz are here to give you their report.”
“Thanks, Lia, please send them in,” he replied, still astounded by her blue eyes. He had forgotten he was going to ask Charlie about her “Hi, Dad” comment. He made a mental note not to forget again. Dave gingerly sipped the coffee, but pushed the pastry to the center of the table. When the two men entered, he stood feebly and shook their hands, grateful to sit again.
“Dave, those space jumps are still killing you, aren’t they,” Charlie said.
“Yes, and it’s good to see you again too, Charlie,” he replied. “Okay, Cadiz, I received the orders to move Defiant and Reliant back to Earth today. Are you and your crews getting ready?”
“Yes, Admiral,” Cadiz replied. “We will be ready to leave within ten hours. By the way Dave, do you know why we are going there? It seems rather odd.”
“Well, I have my own opinions,” Dave responded, “but no facts. We’ll just follow orders and see what happens. You two can go ahead with your report.”
Cadiz was correct when he had told Arrin that the news was bad. After the exodus, New Dawn was left with a population of fifty thousand. The Reliant was able to find about forty population centers with a total population of fifteen thousand. Life expectancy had decayed to roughly eighty years, and living standards were terrible. Food shortages and disease outbreaks were commonplace events. Unlike Far Sky, the terraforming of New Dawn was never completed. As time went by, more and more land reverted to its natural barren state. Water supplies were drying up, and the people were forced to move frequently to find fresh water. The largest settlement was New Dublin near a vast fresh water lake of the same name. The lake was shrinking by five percent per year. The city of five thousand had been built on the shores of the lake, which was now twenty miles away from town. None of the original settlers were still living. Most survivors were third or fourth generation Dawners.
When landing parties first attempted to contact the settlers, they were attacked. A number of crew members were seriously injured. The settlers had created firearms from the materials on the planet. Any of the original weapons sent with them had fallen into disrepair. Cadiz had requested that the recently launched colony ship California bring supplies for the settlers. When it arrived, landing parties, heavily armed with stun rifles, took shuttles of food, water and medicines to the planet. That process was now ongoing, while the Reliant returned to Far Sky to bring the report and crew members who needed better hospital facilities. Thankfully, all the injured were expected to fully recover.
Dave sat through the presentation, and now had his head in his hands. “Wow,” he said, “I thought that Far Sky was a nightmare. This is unbelievable to me. How do we fix this mess without getting anyone hurt or killed? I don’t think a fleet of Gallicean cruisers will do the trick this time! I doubt those people even k
now Gallia or Earth exists!”
Charlie looked about sheepishly, saying, “Well, Dave, I had one idea. Cadiz didn’t agree with it though.”
“Okay, Charlie,” Dave replied. “Let’s hear it.”
“We sort of borrowed the Mayor of New Dublin,” he said, with his eyes cast downward.
“And his wife,” Cadiz chimed in. “She’s the head of the police department.”
“Huh,” was all that Dave Brewster could say. He sat quietly, took a bit of the croissant, and said, “Okay, let’s talk to them then.” He touched the control panel, saying “Lia, please show our other guests in.”
Drew and Corrine Baker were led in by two armed security guards. The Dawners wore shackles to keep them under control. The guards led them to the table and helped them sit down. It was obvious to Dave that the water shortage was acute on New Dawn, because the Bakers were filthy. Their aroma filled the room. They looked around the room, never having been on a space ship before. Dave noticed they both eyed his croissant. Dave touched the button on the panel, and said, “Lia, please get some food for our guests. Lots of pastries and water, please.” She returned almost immediately and placed the food and drink on the table. She poured large glasses of water for Drew and Corrine and then left the room.
“Guards,” Dave said, “please release their hands so they can drink.” The guards frowned their disapproval but followed orders. Drew and Corrine looked curiously at the offering. Dave sensed their concern and poured himself a glass and grabbed a pastry. He drank and took a bite, chomping happily. Less afraid, they drank the water and stuffed their faces with the food.
Dave let them eat and drink for a while in peace. When they seemed more relaxed, he opened, “Drew and Corrine, I’m Dave Brewster. You are now on the Earth colony ship, Ticonderoga in orbit over the Far Sky colony. You have already met my friends, Charlie and Cadiz.”
“You can measure a man by the quality of his friends, Dave Brewster,” Drew said. “I don’t know if I could call a kidnapper my friend.”
“We have criminal penalties for what you and your henchmen have done, buddy,” Corrine chimed in. “If we were on New Dawn, you’d all be in a lot of trouble.”
“Believe me, folks, we are in a lot of trouble here too,” Dave said. “We don’t look kindly on kidnappers either.” He frowned at Charlie. “For the moment, let’s assume that it was done for the right reasons, and not jump to conclusions before we can have an adult conversation about why we are all here today.” He turned to the guards, saying, “Please release their shackles and wait for us outside.”
Cadiz said, “Admiral, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Let me worry about that, Captain,” he replied. Your guards can watch the screen from Lia’s office. If anything odd happens, they have my permission to stun everyone in this room, okay?” Cadiz nodded, and the guards complied and left the room.
“Thanks Admiral,” Drew said, “can you please take us home now?”
Dave touched another button on his panel. “Aye-aye Admiral,” said the voice of Jonas Jalecki, Captain of the Ticonderoga.
“Captain, please chart and lay in a course to New Dawn,” Dave said. “One quarter speed please. I’d like to get our guests home by tomorrow.”
“Aye-aye, course laid in,” Jonas said. “We will need two hours to get all the crew on board and in position, Dave.”
“Okay, make it so, Jonas. Brewster out,” he finished, pushing the contact. He turned his attention to Cadiz. “Captain, I know you and the Reliant need to leave for Earth today, so you are excused. Please give my regards to Arrin when you see him.” Cadiz left the room. Charlie sat next to Dave. “Drew and Corrine,” Dave began, “As you heard, we will be leaving for New Dawn soon, and you have my personal guarantee you will be returned to New Dublin tomorrow morning. You should know that the Ticonderoga is a state-of-the-art colony ship with ten thousand crew members. If you try to escape or do anything else silly, it won’t go well. Also, I think this will give Charlie and me the time to tell you why we are here, and why you are here with us, okay?”
“It seems we have no choice, Admiral,” Drew said. He took another mouthful of pastry and chewed it ravenously. “It’s not a bad place, and the food is good. Tell us what you want us to know.”
Dave and Charlie told them everything, from meeting each other in a coffee house in the twenty-first century to the repopulation of Far Sky and the current situation on New Dawn. Dave told them about flying through the Jovian skies with Galliceans and the great works of Mencius the Kalidean in kick-starting humanity into the stars. He repeatedly apologized for the problems on Far Sky and New Dawn, even though he was not from that time. The day progressed and they could tell when the ship left orbit around Far Sky and went into deep space. The viewports were open so they could see their progress. The cruiser Courage flew half a mile off their port side. Lia brought lunch into the ready room as the day progressed. She was clearly disturbed by the aroma of the guests, but said nothing. When Dave and Charlie finally were exhausted, Dave said, “Well, what do you think?”
“Quite a tale, Dave,” Drew said at last. “If I wasn’t here on this ship now, I’d think you were crazy. Maybe I’m crazy. New Dawn is all I’ve ever known. But I heard rumors of space travel and that we came from another planet all my life. My grandmother said she came from a place called Earth when she was a small girl. We’ve got piles of old equipment that doesn’t work anymore. We have no idea what they were supposed to do, but there are buildings full of the stuff. You have to wonder where that came from. My wife, Corrine here, has a great grandfather who is still alive and claims to be from Earth, right honey?”
Charlie looked shocked. “We didn’t think anyone from those days was still around,” he replied.
Corrine held hands with her husband. She smiled and opened, “Most folks in New Dublin think he’s just a crazy old man. He claims to be three hundred and ten years old. Imagine that! He says a lot of things, but who knows what’s true or not.”
“I’d love to meet him Corrine,” Dave replied. “Do you think you can set that up for me?”
“If you are a man of your word, and let us go, I’ll ask him to meet you,” she said. “He’s always saying how he wants to see Earth again. Do you think you could do that, Dave?”
“Yes, I can, Corrine,” he replied. “In fact, we need to decide what to do with your colony as a whole. Maybe everyone should move back there for a while.” Drew and Corrine looked upset. “It’s an option, that’s all. The Dawners need to decide for themselves what they want to do. Right now, things are bad down there, and the one thing I won’t do is drop you guys off and forget about New Dawn. You are people just like us. We put you there and then abandoned you on a half-built planet. Things are only going to get worse until the whole planet reverts to its barren, dead state. I won’t let that happen, even if that is what you want us to do. I hope that’s clear.”
“Dave, honey,” Corrine said, “New Dawn is in bad shape. We can’t fix it alone, we all know that. If you help us and let us build a decent home for our children and theirs, we will support you.” She turned to Charlie, saying “Charlie, darling, I forgive you for kidnapping us.” They all laughed.
Dave pressed a button on his panel, and said “Lia, please come in with the guards.” They entered immediately.
Dave addressed the guards, “Men, Drew and Corrine are now our guests. They have agreed to respect our ship, so no weapons or shackles will be needed. Please escort them to our best guest quarters and explain how everything works. Make sure they have towels and a change of clothes.” He turned to Drew and Corrine. “Please enjoy our hospitality. Rest and get cleaned up, and in two hours, Lia will come to your suite and take you on a tour of the ship. Feel free to look around, talk to anyone and ask questions about anything that comes to mind. Please ask about what Charlie and I have told you today, so you can hear it from them too. Remember we are from the twenty-first century, so we are not experts in this
century, but they are. At 1800 hours, you will join Charlie and me at dinner. We will be having a welcoming feast for you both. I hope you like to drink and be merry!” Everyone hugged and left except Charlie and Dave.
Charlie smiled, widely saying, “I think that went very well, Dave.”
“Pretty strong words for a kidnapper,” Dave smiled. “I really hope we can turn this colony around Charlie. If we can do that, I’m beginning to think we just might found a thousand worlds.”
“Two down, nine hundred and ninety-eight to go old friend,” Charlie laughed as they left the room.
Chapter 23
Commodore Ka-a-Fa sat in the command chair of the Gallicean cruiser Dar-Fa. His ship was leading the fleet headed for Neptune in the Earth system. The fleet was one week out of Gallia and traveling at top speed. Ka-a-Fa knew his mission well. He had been personally briefed by the military High Command. He thought it was unfortunate that the great general, Fa-a-Di was not aware of the goals of the mission. The General had been a bureaucrat too long. Being High Commissioner for the Greater Gallia sphere of planets was a heavy burden for anyone, but it was not the burden of battle or leading an army. It was the burden of endless meetings and glad-handing planetary councils. It was a sorry fate for such a great military man.
Communications officer Ne-o-Ka interrupted Ka-a-Fa’s train of thought. “Commodore, I have an incoming signal for you from the Chiefs of Staff,” Ne-o-Ka said.