by Karl Morgan
“Hi, Dave,” Charlie smiled. “I’ve asked Jon Lake to join us.” He set the tray down on the conference table and sat down. Jon Lake, captain of the Nightsky, entered and sat as well. “Thanks for joining us, Jon.”
“My pleasure,” Jon said as he took a coffee and pastry. “What’s going on?”
“I was wondering the same thing,” Dave replied. He took a croissant and sat at the head of the table. “It must be important to warrant croissants.”
“It is. I had a call from Aria a few minutes ago. As you know, they are holding the first meeting of the leaders of the Free Society on Earth now. Today, by unanimous acclamation, Mencius was elected President,” Charlie explained.
“That is big news,” Dave replied. “He was definitely the perfect choice. His role on Earth and working with the Galliceans and maklans has been very successful. I can still hear him making his speech to the High Council on Earth Prime. He had them mesmerized.”
“I thought you did a pretty good job with them too, Dave,” Charlie laughed. “I think you personally brought down the Brotherhood and the High Council.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I’m pretty sure the High Council is still there,” Dave replied. “And as long as the Society holds together, the threat of the Brotherhood or others like them will be real.” A tone sounded on his panel and he pressed a button and said, “Yes, Lia, what’s up?”
“Admiral, I have President Mencius for you,” she said. “I told him you were with Jon and Charlie and he wants to speak to all three of you. Shall I put him through?”
“Of course, and thanks Lia,” Dave said. A dimly lit office filled the view screen. Mencius of Kalidus was sitting on an overstuffed chair holding a full glass of whisky in his hand. High Commissioner Darak Daniels was sitting on the chair next to him and appeared to be asleep. “Mr. President, it is an honor to take your call.”
“Thank you, Dave. It’s good to see you three again. It’s been some time since we jumped back from Earth Prime,” Mencius replied. “Pardon me if I’m a bit tipsy, but we have been celebrating for hours now. As you can see, Darak has enjoyed himself too much. Our dear friend, Fa-a-Di provided us with many bottles of Gallicean whisky and I agree with you it is too strong.” He took a sip and grimaced. “Very good, but too strong.”
“I wish I could be with you, Mr. President,” Charlie said. “It is early morning here and we’re only allowed coffee. I think you are having the better time.”
Mencius laughed and spilled half of his whisky onto his lap. “Damn, I’m making a mess of myself today. Hopefully, later in your day, you can share a drink and think of me trying to sleep this off. But I called for other reasons. Perhaps I should have waited until I’m sober, but this is just too important.”
“Please tell us, Mencius,” Dave said.
“Dave, mine was not the only selection today,” Mencius began. “As you can imagine, there is much infrastructure to be built to support our Free Society. Hopefully, we have learned the lessons of Earth Prime and will not allow ourselves to become too drunk with power. Ours will be a more difficult road than theirs though. They were able to include only human worlds. Even though they developed their own internal animosities, they did not have to overcome species differences like we will.”
“I thought we would give more power to the regional governments, like Greater Gallia and the Kalidean Federation,” Dave said. “That way the central government would remain small and non-intrusive.”
“We discussed that as well,” Mencius replied. “But I kept thinking about the Lagamar system and especially the Nan. They were kept down and ignored by the larger groups in the Society of Humanity. I know most civilizations have known the Kalideans to be fair and peaceful, but that may not always be the case. Most of the Beings in our Free Society are either Kalidean or Gallicean. When we thought about this, we realized our union could only work if the integration of our species was more complete. All of our societies have been through aggressive periods and we have many blood stains on all of our hands.”
“I hope we’re not over-thinking this, Mencius,” Jon interrupted. “None of us can control what will happen generations from now. Wasn’t the goal of our Free Society mutual protection against enemies like the Paxran and Donnaki?”
“You’re right, Jon,” Mencius smiled. “However, the example of the Society is burned into my mind. We need to follow a different path. We’ve already set a separate course by including the Galliceans, Palians, maklans and others. But even the recent conflict with the Predaxians tells us it may not be enough.”
“What is your plan?” Dave asked. “What did the High Council come up with?”
“First, our constitution will require us to select a president from a different species at every election. While a president can hold office for two five-year terms, they cannot be consecutive,” Mencius explained. “There will also be two chambers in the legislature. The representatives in one will be based on population. The other will be based on species, with equal participation for all. I know it’s not perfect, but it gives us a chance at avoiding some of the mistakes of the Society.”
“That seems fair to me,” Charlie responded. “What about the humans of the Kalidean Federation versus the humans of Earth?”
“Great question, Charlie,” Mencius responded. “To be equitable to Earth and her colonies, they will be treated as a separate race, as will the various maklan species. That may change over time as we learn to live and work together. But none of this is why I called you, Dave. I’m sorry I’ve been rambling around, but the drinks and late hours are taking their toll on an old man.”
“Please don’t worry about that, Mencius,” Dave said. “I’ve spent many evenings with Fa-a-Di and his brother-in-law, drinking his whisky. If you’d prefer to call us later, that would be fine.”
“No chance, Dave,” Mencius laughed. “This is one of the perks of being President. I get to give others new titles as well.” Darak opened his eyes and sat up, seeming confused and disoriented. “Ah, Darak, I’m glad you are awake now. I was just about to give Dave the good news.”
“I’m sorry I dozed off, Mencius,” he yawned. “It’s been a long day. Hello, Dave, Charlie and Jon. It’s good to see you all. Mencius, please continue.”
“The threats Jon mentioned are very real. There are rumors a Maklakar battle station is approaching our space. The Hive on Atar Pa continues to see Paxran and Donnaki espionage activity in the frontiers. We need to find more civilizations to join us. We need to construct more Hives to improve our defenses. Unfortunately, Hive 1008 has been permanently stationed in the Andromeda Galaxy. We were very fortunate to have two Chief Engineers sent to help us. We all believe we need to step up our exploration of this side of the galaxy. Dave, we unanimously selected you to do that.”
“Okay, thank you, I guess. But I don’t understand how that is different from what I am already doing,” Dave replied.
“Think big, my friend,” Mencius smiled. “We are pooling all the resources of our Free Society to enlarge your fleet. We are adding two Gallicean colony ships and three cruisers to be led by Admiral De-o-Nu. Predax has offered five cruisers and is currently converting two transports into colony ships. Discussions have begun with the Palians as well, although they seem preoccupied with Nom-Kat-Un.”
“Wow!” Dave said. “That’s really amazing, but what about my destiny to found a thousand worlds? I thought that was my focus.”
“It still is, Dave,” Darak replied. “But the goal is bigger now. We still hope you start a thousand human colonies, but there potentially could be many more for the other species. It always seemed unlikely that a single explorer could accomplish so much. However, when we consider the new larger fleet and other species coming to your aid, it seems much more attainable. What do you think?”
“I’ll do my best,” Dave said. “I guess I’m overwhelmed. Where do I begin?”
“We asked Fa-a-Di to present you with your new title and fleet o
n Gallia,” Mencius said. “He told us you have promised a number of times to fly with him on his home world. I think this is his way of insuring you meet that obligation. Your ship should head there immediately. You can jump from Golden Dawn to Gallia directly. That should only be a day away from your current location.”
“We’ll lay in a course and leave for Golden Dawn in an hour,” Jon said. “The two Kalidean research ships here can support the ground activity.” He stood and left the room to join his bridge crew.
“Dave and Charlie, there is something else,” Mencius said. “There is something wrong with Fa-a-Di. Ever since we returned from Andromeda, he has been distant and moody. Perhaps you can talk to him. Field Marshall Je-e-Bo has seen the same thing, but Fa-a-Di says he is fine. Thanks. Earth out.” The screen went blank.
Chapter 2
Gallia was an immense gas giant. As Nightsky exited the portal, the space over the planet was filled with moons and star ports. The swirling bands of gas moved much more slowly than on Jupiter. The industrialization of Gallia had calmed the atmosphere over the millennia, but it remained very beautiful. A small, red Dar-Fa spun deep in the southern hemisphere.
The face of a Gallicean filled half the view screen. “Nightsky, this is Gallia Central Command. I am Captain Wu-no-Ba and I have been assigned to be your main contact point during your stay. Welcome to Gallia.”
“Thank you Captain,” Jon said. “I am Jon Lake, captain of the Nightsky. It is my pleasure to bring Admiral Dave Brewster to your planet. We both send our kind regards for your hospitality.”
“Thank you, Jon,” Wu-no-Ba smiled. “Lord General Fa-a-Di has requested that you and Commodore Watson join Dave for a fly over of our planet. I will join the group and have the honor of carrying you, sir. That trip will end in the Grand Courtyard of Gallia where the ceremonies are to take place.”
“Very good, Wu-no-Ba,” Jon replied. “Just let us know when to be ready.”
“It is late evening here in the capital. Local time in No-Ja is 1900 hours. Please get some rest and I will contact you tomorrow at 1100 hours local. Please synchronize to our time coordinates. Gallia out.” The image of the Gallicean disappeared.
Dave was sitting on a couch in his quarters and talking to Darlene over the com-link. “So, how are Bill and Cybil?” he asked.
“They are doing great, honey,” she replied. “They both passed their exams with flying colors and are ready for the next term. Cybil is on top of the world. She and Rob Watson spend most of their time together whether in class or studying or dating. I think that’s hard on Billy though. He hasn’t seen or heard from Loni Arrak since we jumped back.”
“When I talked to Mencius yesterday, he said that two Chief Engineers had been sent from Andromeda. I hope she was one of them,” Dave replied. “We always knew this would be a difficult relationship given the problems with interracial marriages in the Society.”
“I know, sweetheart,” Darlene said. “I guess we’ll have to wait and see. If Loni isn’t one of the engineers sent here, I guess we know the outcome.”
“I’m pretty sure she is one of them,” Dave replied. “Ever since I spent time in the stone temple on Nan, my sense of what’s going on is very sharp. It’s almost like I can sense she is on Tak-Makla right now. Isn’t that weird?”
“I’ve felt the same thing, Dave,” she said. “Now you’re going to think I’m a crazy, jealous wife, but I keep seeing you and that young girl Bea in my mind. I can see her sitting with you on a couch with her hand on your knee. It’s crazy, I know. It feels like you two are spiritually linked or something.”
Dave started laughing. “Wow! That’s almost exactly right!”
“This is no laughing matter, lover boy,” Darlene frowned. “Are you telling me all of that happened?”
“It’s not what it seems, sweetheart,” Dave said. “I promised Bea I wouldn’t tell anyone. It could be very dangerous to the flow of time, but I can’t sit here and watch you struggle with those images in your mind.”
“Is this some kind of confession, Dave?” she asked. “I don’t think I like where this is headed.”
“It’s not what you think, Darlene,” he replied. “And don’t tell me you never noticed how much she looks like you. Even Charlie recognized that. I think her resemblance to you is what caught my eye in the first place.”
“This doesn’t seem to be getting any better, Dave,” Darlene scowled.
He laughed again. “Okay, but you can never tell anyone what I’m telling you now. Bea’s life and my sanity are at risk here. Please say you promise.”
“I promise, Admiral Brewster, but spit it out,” Darlene said.
“Darlene, Bea is our granddaughter,” he said. He could see tears welling up in her eyes and rolling down her cheeks. “Don’t cry sweetheart. This is good news. Bea is Rob and Cybil Watson’s first child, to be born on May 31, 3195.”
“Is this really true, Dave?” Darlene whispered. “Our little girl is going to have a baby.”
“Three actually,” Dave smiled. “When I traveled back to the twenty-first to help Charlie convince his kids to jump forward, I found out that Bea was not from our time. She had been sent by a future High Commissioner to make certain that Rob and Matt made the jump. She was ordered to divulge her identity if necessary to make it happen. She came to my room in Charlie’s house to tell me because she was afraid something bad would happen if her secret was revealed.”
“That’s horrible, Dave,” Darlene replied as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. “Think of the pressure that would put on Cybil and Rob’s relationship. You must get married or Bea is dead. That poor girl.”
“Fortunately, we got the job done and Bea kept her secret, until now,” Dave said. “Now we both have to keep this secret to ourselves. If anyone else found out, it would be disastrous for her. Rob and Matt are already here, so the DNA project is safe. The only risk now is whether Bea is born or not. That’s why we both need to keep this safe.”
“And that’s why you have the spiritual connection too,” Darlene surmised. “She’s your granddaughter, so you’re connected. That’s so wonderful and I’m so sorry I doubted you.”
“There’s a bit more to that part,” Dave smiled. “The night before the Grand Conclave on Earth Prime, my string of light flew out of my body into space without the help of a Hive. I was floating along in Universal Power when another string smashed into me and we fused for a moment. It was Bea. She told me she was happy and that Rob and Cybil’s relationship looked promising. I told her I was hoping to hold baby Bea soon. Before I could say anymore, the Elders of Nan took me away.”
“You are a lucky man, Dave Brewster,” Darlene smiled. “I would love to see her and touch her like you have.” A tone sounded at her door. “Dave, I’m expecting Mencius and Darak to discuss the treaties and I think they’re at the door.”
“Okay, I know that duty calls. But let me tell you one thing. Tonight, when you are lying in bed, close your eyes and think of Bea, Rob and Cybil with all the love in your heart,” Dave said. “You have been on Nan as well. Perhaps she will come looking for you too. I love you, sweetheart. Nightsky out.”
A tone sounded on the control panel and he pushed the flashing button. The face of Fa-a-Di stared back. “Brother Dave, welcome to my home world,” he said.
“Brother, I am thrilled to fly over Gallia with you tomorrow,” Dave replied.
“I’m sorry, Dave, but I have had to cancel that trip,” Fa-a-Di said. “I have been very melancholy since my return from Andromeda and I don’t think I would be good company.”
“Whatever is wrong, brother?” Dave asked. “Are you still worried about the Boley and Zula?”
“Yes, but that isn’t the problem, Dave. After seeing the possibilities of the Hive on Nan, I know the Society will stay far away from Lagamar 7,” Fa-a-Di said. “Exposing the horrors of the Society reminded me of too many blemishes on the souls of Galliceans. We too have done horrid things in the past. Every day I feel
we are only inches away from doing the same things again.”
“All of our societies were born from the blood of innocents, Fa-a-Di,” Dave replied. “The humans from Earth were especially violent through much of our history. We cannot carry the blame for those who lived generations ago. We have learned from those mistakes and must do what we can not to repeat them.”
“I used to feel the same way, brother,” the Gallicean said. “After seeing the Society, I am beginning to think repeating the past is inevitable. I have told you before that Galliceans are not like humans. Our people crave order and discipline. It is a difficult transition to being free and peaceful. Some say it is in our blood to be conquerors.”
“None of us can know what the future holds,” Dave replied. “All we can do is our best to maintain the peace and love and care for our friends and families. Future generations will do what they do. We can provide a strong culture and a rich history for them, but that is all. I wish you could join me in Universal Power, brother. A few moments there and all doubt would be erased.”
“That would be wonderful, Dave,” Fa-a-Di sighed. “I am beginning to wonder if Galliceans will ever experience that. It seems little progress is being made in that area. Perhaps we have no souls.”
“You and I both know better than that, Fa-a-Di,” Dave smiled. “You are one of the greatest men I have ever known. Your honesty and sincerity are only outweighed by your courage and compassion. That is a rare combination in this galaxy or any other.”
“Thank you for the kind words, brother, but frankly, I don’t feel any of those things right now,” the general said. “No-o-Ka suggested I stop drinking to see if that improved my mood. That’s only made things worse. Unfortunately, my wife has hidden all of my whisky.”
Dave laughed. “Brother, I am going to try something tonight I learned from Elder Odo Pak of Nan. Do you remember when Odo and Obu appeared before the High Council on Earth Prime?”
“How could I ever forget that?” Fa-a-Di smiled. “It was incredible. I still wonder how it was done.”