by Karl Morgan
Fa-a-Di bent over to Dave and said, “This whisky isn’t bad, brother, what do you think?”
“Pretty tame stuff by our standards, brother,” Dave smiled.
Fa-a-Di and De-o-Nu broke out laughing. “Now you are becoming a Gallicean warrior, Dave Brewster. I’m proud of you,” Fa-a-Di said.
“I want you both to know that I argued for hours with Darlene about my daggers,” Dave said. “She told me I either left them behind or I couldn’t come. Can you imagine that?”
“I know, Dave,” Fa-a-Di replied. “My brother-in-law had a fit when we were told not to bring any weapons.”
“Can you blame me, General?” De-o-Nu said. “I feel naked without them.”
“We are naked without them,” Fa-a-Di replied. “But we are ambassadors now, not soldiers. Let’s just enjoy dinner. President Prebow has promised us more whisky after dinner. Let us hope it is better than this.”
The dinner was wonderful with new foods unlike any from the Ulagong Galaxy had ever seen. Much of the meal was seafood, but the textures and flavors were more like beef and veal than fish. The greens were spicy and reminded Dave of the Gallicean style greens harvested on Jupiter. Several different wines were served, all of which were full bodied and rich. As the plates were being cleared, De-o-Nu pulled a large flask of Gallicean whisky from his uniform and set it on the table.
“Ah, dessert has arrived,” Fa-a-Di laughed as he opened the bottle and poured for the group. “I hope you have more of this, brother-in-law, or we won’t have enough to get drunk!”
“Don’t worry, General,” De-o-Nu replied, “I have two more bottles hidden in this suit. It helps to be big!”
Rainor approached and put his hand on Dave’s shoulder, saying, “I saw that bottle and had to come right over. What are you drinking?”
“This is the best Gallicean whisky, Mr. President,” Fa-a-Di smiled. “Please give me your glass.” Fa-a-Di filled the glass and handed it back. “Be careful, it’s pretty potent stuff. Dave can hardly stomach it.”
A broad smile crossed Rainor’s face as he swirled the whisky around in his mouth. “This is fantastic. I have a few rare Ela whiskies which we can try after the speeches. Don’t worry. I have arranged accommodations for everyone after the party. No drunk shuttle flying allowed! May I have some more, please?”
De-o-Nu pulled another full bottle out of his suit. “Please, Mr. President, take this one and share it with your other guests,” he said. “I will have our ship send you a case later. We always carry a lot, especially when my brother-in-law is along for the ride.”
“You are too gracious, Ambassador,” Rainor replied. “I appreciate the formality in this setting, but when we retire to my den for drinks, please call me Rainor.” He smiled and returned to his seat, where he offered small amounts to those around him.
“Jake, come over here,” De-o-Nu said as he pulled another bottle from his suit. “I know you maklans don’t like much of what was served, but take this for your friends.”
Jake fluttered over and was flickering between pink and blue. “Thank you so much, brother,” he said as he took the bottle. “The food was pretty much inedible for us, however the wine was great.” He looked at himself changing colors. “I think it’s affecting me though.” He flew back to the other maklans and opened the bottle. They each extended a narrow tendril into the bottle and drank.
“Great!” Fa-a-Di shouted. “Now we’re out of whisky!”
De-o-Nu pulled out a fourth bottle and laughed. “I would never disappoint the High Commissioner of Greater Gallia!”
After a few short speeches by various ministers, Antar Arrak and Wendo Balak took the podium. Once the applause quieted, Wendo began, “Thank you for the wonderful welcome. I’m sure Antar agrees with me that it is great to be back in the home galaxy. Neither of us has been here since we left the High Council a hundred years ago. Back then, we could never agree. Unfortunately due to our stubbornness, we allowed the Council to remain deadlocked on the future direction of the Society as a whole. Nothing much has changed since then. We are sorry.”
“But today is a new day,” Antar began. “As I worked my farm and tended my garden later, I began to understand this deadlock would ultimately cause the collapse of the Society. Hundreds of planets have declared independence since we left the Council. I was horrified to find the last group of such planets was brutally put down by the military. We are all human and we cannot allow ourselves to descend into civil war.”
“There is another way,” Wendo took over. “For too long, two small words have been taboo, but now must be said. It is time for the Free Society.” The crowd erupted into concerned murmurs. “Don’t fear those words. They are just two small words that have no power to hurt anyone. We are here to petition the High Council to establish a Free Society in the Ulagong Galaxy as a pilot. If it is successful, as I know it will be, it may well become the model for this galaxy as well.”
“But there is more, dear citizens,” Antar said. “This will not be a Free Society limited to the fifty-one human species. All sentient Beings will be able to join. Tonight, we are joined by three such species: the Galliceans and two maklan species.” Wild cheering filled the area again. “And there are others too. All of the peace-loving societies of the Ulagong Galaxy will be able to join. It is time for our human-only racism to end.” The audience became very quiet.
“These are difficult words to hear, I know,” Wendo said. “But we already have strong relations with dozens of other species in this galaxy. Think of the power we would have together if our enemies attack. Think of what we can learn from each other if we have a true partnership. This is the way of the future. Would Dave Brewster, Fa-a-Di, Zee Gongaleg and Jake Benomafolays please join us?” The four crossed the floor to the podium. “High Consul Zee Gongaleg of Tak-Makla has taught me much over the last few days. These four individuals come from very different worlds. Zee and Jake are both maklans, but their sub-species are very different. They have overcome their differences and now are the best of friends. Admiral Dave Brewster, please say a few words about this amazing friendship.” Applause rang out again as the four took over the podium.
“Thank you, Antar and Wendo,” Dave began. “I honestly had no idea I would be asked to speak, but if I know anything, I know what it means to have brothers and sisters. I was born more than eleven centuries ago on Earth 47.” He pointed to Charlie Watson. “Charlie, please stand up. This man, my closest friend, was recruited to get me and my family to jump to this time and help mankind rekindle the spirit of adventure and discovery. Fate smiled on us, and I am here today with my beloved wife, Ambassador Darlene Brewster.” The audience applauded. “The first thing Darlene did in this time was to negotiate a treaty with the Galliceans to share planets. The Galliceans are a native species in my galaxy, and they live on gas giant planets that are totally useless to humans like me. Likewise, they have terrestrial planets in their systems they cannot inhabit. In order to build our relationship with the Galliceans, it made sense to offer them our gas giants in exchange for their terrestrial planets. With that one agreement and a flight over a gas giant in the Earth 47 system, strapped to the chest of High Commissioner Fa-a-Di, the greatest general in the history of Greater Gallia, we have become brothers.” More applause sounded as the Galliceans stepped forward and hugged Dave. “Shortly thereafter, I needed help to apprehend a pirate ship in our space. I asked for their help, but they did not send a ship to help us. They sent thirty ships!” The audience cheered and clapped. “That led me to a forgotten human colony planet where I found Jacomofledes Benomafolays, a maklan from No-Makla, another gas giant in the Earth 47 system. The partnership among the Galliceans, maklans and humans then stopped both the senseless slaughter of innocents on No-Makla, but also an enemy invasion of Greater Gallia. Together, all of us followed a trail that led us to Tak-Makla, and Zee Gongaleg. Zee introduced all of us to the technology of a Hive. The Hive on that planet was instrumental in our victory in the Second Predax
ian War. That war could have caused billions of deaths and unknown destruction. None of us could have accomplished any of that alone. Alone, our galaxy would be a very dangerous place. Together, we did it all. Now, we are here to petition to form a Free Society in my galaxy. Everything Antar and Wendo have said is true. We can form true multi-species societies because they benefit us all. I can no longer imagine my old life in the past. To think I could have lived my whole life never knowing any of these great people is sad. These have been the best years of my life. Let us try this experiment. When you see it working, you will know you can do it too. Thanks for listening. After the speeches are over, all of us will be happy to meet you personally. Even though they don’t have their harnesses, I’m sure my Gallicean brothers would love to fly some of you around. Also, Jake and the maklans from No-Makla can fly some around as well. May God bless us all.”
The entire crowd jumped to their feet applauding and cheering. Fa-a-Di and De-o-Nu extended their wings while the maklans flew around the crowd. Wendo walked up to Dave and said in his ear, “Antar and I are not needed here Dave. If you keep selling the Free Society like that, we can go back to our gardens. Thank you so much.” He grabbed Dave’s hand and thrust their arms into the air. Antar took the other arm and did the same.
Chapter 32
The Nightsky, Manila and Kong-Fa left Narta Ela at 0900 on course to Bantar Zu, which was ten hours away at top speed. Bantar Zu was the hub of the Zu culture and housed the Zu High Council that set standards for all Zu planets. Antar and Zina Arrak were born and lived there until his retirement from the High Council.
Dave Brewster sat at a corner table in the coffee shop closest to the bridge, savoring his first cappuccino of the day and nursing a hangover from the whisky the night before. After the celebration, he and others joined Rainor in his study for more whisky. While he could not remember completely, Dave thought they must have tasted more than a dozen varieties from different Ela planets. By the time the party ended, everyone was desperate for sleep. Dave could see Narta Ela quickly shrinking from view as Nightsky accelerated. He hoped there would be less whisky on Bantar Zu.
“Excuse us, Admiral, may we join you?” Wendo Balak said. Dave turned to see Wendo and Serena standing by his table. “I would like to discuss a change of itinerary.”
“Please sit down,” Dave said, motioning to two empty chairs.
“You sit Grandfather,” Serena said. “I’ll go get us some coffee.” She turned and went to the counter.
“Lord Balak, I don’t understand. You want to change the itinerary you gave us yesterday?” Dave asked.
“Dave, please call me Wendo,” the old man smiled. “I have a small confession. The itinerary Antar and I wrote was more for the High Council than us. You don’t know any of these planets, but the ones on the list are the cream of the crop of Society worlds. If we stick with that schedule, you’ll have four more nights of giant celebrations in big, chic cities populated by happy people. While you would not doubt be impressed by each one, none of them will help you understand why I brought you and your friends here.”
Serena returned and set a cup of black coffee in front of Wendo. “Here you go, Grandfather.” She sat next to him.
“I thought we were here to petition for a Free Society in my galaxy,” Dave said. “Isn’t that it?”
“Of course, son,” Wendo replied. “But did you ever wonder why planets declare independence from the Society? If all the worlds are like Narta Ela, why would anyone want out?” Wendo sipped his coffee. “This is wonderful coffee, Dave. You must share the source of your beans with us later. Let me ask another question. Did you ever wonder why I named my idea the Free Society?”
“I thought it meant each smaller group of planets had the freedom to set their own course and choose their destiny,” Dave replied.
“That is only partially true, Dave,” Wendo said. “You’ve heard how there are fifty classes of terrestrial planets and fifty human species that have developed over time to live on them, right? Perhaps you jumped to the conclusion that all fifty are equal and have the same wonderful planets like Narta Ela or Bantar Zu. Unfortunately, that is a false assumption.”
“So, some of the races are subordinate to the others. Is that what you are saying, Wendo?” Dave asked.
“That is correct Dave,” Wendo replied. “But I don’t want you to believe it because I said it. You and your friends need to see it for yourself. That is why we need to change course for the Lagamar system. It is actually closer than Bantar Zu.”
“What planet are we going to see there, Wendo?” Dave asked. “What species lives there?”
“I chose Lagamar because there are three human worlds there, one for each of the most downtrodden races in the Society,” Wendo stated. “Normally, you would have to travel long distances to see any one of these races, but in this case they share a system. There is also a gas giant in that system of interest. I need the Galliceans to visit there and make a report for you. I think they are going to be shocked at what they find.” Wendo finished his coffee. “Serena, could you please get me another cup?” She smiled, took the cup and returned to the counter. Wendo placed his hand on Dave’s knee and leaned close to him. “Dave, the Lagamar system will show you everything you want to know about the Society. You’ll learn why it is failing, why the races don’t get along, and especially why the High Council has been fighting both Antar and me on how to move forward. Unfortunately, you will also learn some terrible things about humanity.” Serena rejoined them.
“Okay, how do we get to Lagamar?” Dave asked.
“I have the course and coordinates, Dave,” Serena said. “If I can go to the bridge, I will provide them what they need. Which planet should we visit first, Grandfather?”
“Lagamar Opa, I think,” Wendo said.
Dave touched his com-link to activate it. “Jon, I’m sending Serena Vanatee to the bridge now. We’re changing course to Lagamar Opa, and she has the course.”
“Aye-aye, Admiral,” Jon replied. “Why the change, Dave?”
“We’ll discuss that later, Jon. Don’t worry, it’s for the best. Also, please advise Kong-Fa and Manila of the change. I’m sure Mencius will be pleased to finally see another Opa planet. Brewster out,” he said as he closed the connection. “Okay, Serena, you can go to the bridge now. Jon’s expecting you.” Serena left the room. “Wendo, you mentioned that the High Council was fighting both you and Antar. I thought it was an ongoing argument between the two options.”
Wendo chuckled softly. “That’s what we thought too, Dave. Ultimately, we were pawns. As long as the people thought we were working on a plan, there was peace and relative tranquility. The news was constantly filled with the arguments in both directions. Everyone was thrilled that progress was on the horizon. When Antar and I finally gave up and left, the balloon burst. Suddenly, all hope was lost. Antar and I had to flee the home galaxy to save our lives. The hopes and dreams of trillions of people had been crushed by our inability to succeed. Looking back on it now, there never could have been a choice. The High Council would not accept that.”
“I don’t understand,” Dave said. “You were on the Council. There were only two options being discussed. If one was selected, wouldn’t that be it?”
“Let me explain, Dave,” Wendo began. “If we broke the Society by races, there would be fifty or fifty-one new societies. If we broke into regions, there would be fifty or so new societies. Either way you get the same result, basically. Who stood to lose if either choice was made?”
“The High Council would lose,” Dave answered. “They would lose power and control over fifty thousand planets.”
“You see, Dave, it’s simple really,” Wendo said. “Earth Prime would no longer be needed. All of those billions of bureaucrats would be out of work. Many would return to their new society and lead there, but leading a thousand planets doesn’t pay as well as running the whole Society.”
“It’s always about power, isn’t it, Wendo?”
Dave asked.
“That has always been the case,” Wendo sighed. “Dave, the Lagamar system will open your eyes. You have been on Aranar Zu and Atar Pa in your galaxy, and they are nice places, but not like Narta Ela. Those planets are more humble and people lead simple lives in comparison. So Narta Ela is on one extreme. Lagamar is the opposite. You said your friend Mencius would be pleased to see another Opa world. Don’t count on it. Did you ever wonder why Consul Arnar, Consul Jeebo, and General Zilma risked their careers to get you and the Arraks?”
“I thought you wanted us to support the Free Society,” Dave replied.
“That’s true, but going to such extremes is unusual, wouldn’t you say?” Wendo asked. “The Society is crumbling around us even now. I was prepared to stay retired on Atar Pa, sulking over my lost opportunity, but Arnar and Jeebo convinced me that we had to act now and do whatever was necessary to repair things before the entire Society falls into civil war. Antar and I had held the imagination of trillions of people with our ideas to help the poorest races and give autonomy to regions. We failed all of them when we gave up. We were desperate to get the Arraks on our side again. And when we found you and the other humans from Earth 47, we knew that would be the opportunity of a millennium. Here is our chance to elevate all humans to the same level. Here is our chance to let regions succeed because Earth 47 has proven that smaller regions can thrive. But let’s leave it at that for now, Dave. I don’t want my words to change your opinions. I will let the Lagamar system do that for me.”