by Karl Morgan
A tone sounded on his control panel and he pressed a flashing button. The image of Lord Wendo Balak appeared on the screen in front of him. “Lord Balak, any news for my planet? The battle is to begin any minute and I fear we are already lost.”
“I am so sorry, Patak,” Wendo replied. “I have spent hours begging your neighbors to help defend Paranon Nar, but each is more concerned about defending their own space. What are you going to do now?”
“I don’t know,” he answered. “If I stay the course, many brave soldiers will die very soon. However, if I surrender, God knows what the Bandabar have in mind for us. Either way, our Hive technology will be taken.”
“Let us hope and pray the Bandabar do not know what to do with it,” Wendo replied. “I am not in your shoes today, old friend, but I stand with your decision. Just do what’s right for you and your people.”
“Pray for us, Wendo. Paranon Nar out,” Patak said as he closed the contact. He rose slowly and walked over to a credenza and removed a bottle of brandy and a glass. He poured a short drink and swallowed it. He looked around the office he had occupied for the last eight years. It had been an honor to lead this Nar planet. Paranon had been singled out many times in the Nar Society for their educational system and military prowess. Now that would all be lost. He walked back to his desk and sat heavily. He pressed a button and the face of Admiral Bonol Imbal appeared on the screen.
“Yes, Mr. President,” Bonol said. “Please make it quick sir. We are closing in on the enemy now.”
“Order the fleet to stand down, Bonol,” Patak said. “I would rather surrender to the Bandabar than watch you all die. The battle can never be won. I will contact their commander now.”
“Aye-aye, Mr. President,” the admiral replied with a confused look on his face. “But sir, are you certain this is the right course? We are soldiers and are prepared to do our best.”
“Bonol, the Society is dead. Let us live to fight another day. Out,” he said as he clicked off the screen.
A button flashed red and he touched it. The face of the Bandabar commander appeared before him. His head was much like a crow, with a long curved beak and jet black feathers combed neatly in place. “President Gerfaz, I am Admiral Veek Alar of the Bandabar Fold. Am I to understand that you are surrendering to me?”
“Yes, Admiral, that is correct,” Patak sighed. “I have ordered the fleet to stand down. You have to know we could never defeat your much stronger force. Also, due to internal problems in the Society, there is little chance others will come to our aid. Living under Bandabar rule is preferable to death.”
Veek smiled. “Well, I gratefully accept your surrender, Mr. President. Please have your ships accompany us back into orbit. Once we arrive, I will shuttle to your planet where we can discuss terms for the surrender, sir.”
“Of course, Admiral,” Patak said. “I only ask that the Fold respects the civil liberties of our people. We have traded in peace for generations and I hope we can count on remaining active partners.”
“We agree completely, on one condition,” Veek replied. “As you may have guessed our primary interest is your Hive. We have heard many unbelievable things about this technology and believe it is time it was shared with superior races like the Bandabar.”
“Admiral, while it is true we have guarded this technology with all of our might for a very long time, I hardly feel like I can refuse you now. After all, you could kill us all and take what you want if I did.”
Veek laughed. “I suppose that is true, Mr. President, however, we are a peace-loving society. We have dozens of alien planets in our sphere of influence. As long as your planet complies with our laws, I believe Paranon Nar can be an active member of the Fold. My fleet will arrive in orbit in two hours. Then my team will shuttle down. Your local time stamp is 1100 if I am not mistaken.”
“Yes, that is correct,” Patak agreed.
“Then let us plan to meet in your office at 1400 hours. I must tell you this day has turned out much better than I had anticipated. We had intelligence that your planet would be most vulnerable today and that must have been true. Still, we were prepared for several days of combat when many on both sides would die horribly. Our own President suggested you might destroy your own Hive before we could take it. Why the change of heart?” Veek asked.
Patak laughed. “Congratulations on your excellent intelligence, Admiral. Clearly your people are not aware of the problems within the Society. As you can tell by the events of this morning, I can no longer count on Society support and defense. Even the Nar Council cannot provide any aid. We are now a single planet relying on our own defenses, which could never stand before the Fold. If this transition can be peaceful, and Paranon can count on Bandabar for defense, I will be greatly relieved.”
“Mr. President, I will see you at 1400 hours. My men and I will pray for you and your people. Your actions have saved many lives and we now owe those lives to you. Out,” the valakar replied.
Patak stood and refilled his glass and walked over to the window. The park around the Presidential mansion was surrounded by tall evergreen trees. He watched as small groups of birds flew among the branches. He took a sip of brandy and swirled it around in his mouth before swallowing. He wondered if his decision to choose surrender and peace would turn out well for his planet. Perhaps the Bandabar admiral was telling the truth. There was little intelligence from the Fold. Their society was much smaller than the Society of Humanity, but little else was known. Perhaps some of the Hive agents could provide more details, but then he realized the top secret agents had been relocated weeks ago. He thought for a moment about destroying the Hive. There was still time to protect humanity’s greatest secret. He might be regarded as a hero in the Society if he acted now. Of course, that would likely condemn him to death. Why would he want to be a hero to the Society anyway? They had done nothing to protect his planet and people. Perhaps it was time for the Hive secrets to be known. Humanity had done nothing to advance the universe with it after all. It was a weapon and espionage device. If the Bandabar are truly peaceful, perhaps they can make better use of it. He decided he had done enough worrying and decision making for today. He drained the glass and left the office to take a walk in the woods.
Chapter 37
“Patak Gerfaz is a damned coward!” Passor Valka shouted. “He knows the top directive from the High Council is to secure Hive technology. How could he surrender to those damned birds so easily?” It had been two days since Alana Albright had appeared in the Brotherhood meeting room, and one hour since the first reports of the surrender of Paranon Nar started to reverberate around the Society. He strode around the room seething with anger. His trusted commanders, Armand Coos and Febo Loo sat quietly, not wanting to bring his wrath onto them as well. “Well, speak up! What are we going to do about this?”
Armand cleared his throat and squeaked, “Passor, this was bound to happen at some point. With planetary Hives near the frontier and the Society in shambles, our neighbors were going to come after our secrets. It was only a matter of time, Supreme Leader.”
Passor stared incredulously at his longtime friend. After a moment, his expression softened and he even smiled. “I know that Armand. I had just hoped we would have relocated to Ulagong before this kind of tragedy occurred. Let the Bandabar play with their Hive. I doubt they will be able to figure it out for decades.”
A look of desperation crossed Febo Loo’s face. “Supreme Leader, one billion agents were still on the planet when it was attacked, including a Chief Engineer. If they help the Bandabar, they could utilize the Hive almost immediately.” He cowered as Passor turned his glare onto him.
“Then we are lost,” Passor sighed as he sat down across from the other two. “I just don’t understand how this could happen so quickly. It doesn’t make sense. How could the Bandabar know there was a Hive on that planet? There are dozens of others, but they chose that one.”
“There must be human spies in the Fold,” Febo replied. �
�Perhaps even another Hive working for them.”
“I hardly imagine a Hive would turn on humanity for those bird-brains,” Passor scoffed. “Spies are another issue. I wasn’t aware there were any human planets in the Fold. Do either of you have information on that?”
“No, Supreme Leader,” Febo answered. “But remember we have traded peacefully with the Fold for a long time. It’s possible they turned some of our people or even had trading offices on the planets.”
“I have another theory, Supreme Leader,” Armand interjected. “Now that he is dead and you have taken his place, I can tell you I was skeptical about some of the actions of your predecessor.”
“Do you know something I don’t?” Passor asked.
“I don’t know what you know, but Fola did arrange transportation for several alien ships into our galaxy,” Armand began. “He said it was in the interest of mutual trust and friendship. As he was Supreme Leader, I never questioned him.”
“Are you suggesting any of them may have tipped off the Bandabar?” Passor asked. “That seems very hard to believe.”
“I don’t know, but it is a possibility. I recall a Hive transported several valakar warships into our galaxy a couple of weeks ago. I was told they were here to investigate and initiate diplomatic contacts with other valakar cultures. Apparently, our former leader planned to relocate most valakars back to Ulagong at some point in the future. It was his opinion this galaxy should be led by humans and Ulagong led by valakars,” Armand said.
“Yes, I have heard that story too, at least about moving the valakars away from here,” Passor acknowledged. “But how would those valakars know the location of a Hive in this galaxy?”
“I don’t know sir,” Armand replied. “Something had to tip off the Bandabar and I would prefer to believe it was other valakar rather than a human. Perhaps that’s just wishful thinking.”
“Passor, are we still going to leave the home galaxy?” Febo asked. “With the aggression of the Fold, perhaps we should help build a force to push them back first. Society defenses are very weak right now. If someone doesn’t act, they could overrun the entire Society.”
“I have begun to wonder the same thing, Febo,” Passor sighed. “The proper course always seemed so clear to Fola. But I am not him. He firmly believed the Society would be able to keep most planets while only a few frontier worlds were lost. As you noted, the aggression of the Bandabar is far more than he anticipated. While I doubt they could take over the entire Society, they are already doing significant damage. Someone has to stand up and say ‘Enough!’ I don’t think Wendo or Antar have the strength anymore.”
“But the people hate us even more, Supreme Leader,” Armand argued. “They won’t listen to us. I think Fola was right about that.”
“They don’t hate us, Armand. They hate the Brotherhood,” Passor replied.
“I don’t understand the difference, sir. We are the Brotherhood,” Armand said.
“Not anymore!” Passor shouted. “The Brotherhood was gravely wounded at the Grand Conclave. It died by the same weapon that killed Fola Untor. Now it is time to step out of the shadows and into our rightful place as the leaders of the Society of Humanity.”
“How exactly do we do that, Supreme Leader?” Armand asked. “We’re not really in any position to lead right now.”
Passor laughed. “No one else is leading either, Armand. As enemies attack our frontiers, more planets will be at risk like Paranon Nar. They will look for someone to help them. We will be there. When others see us fighting the good fight, they will join us. They will begin to see the error of their civil strife and focus on our true enemies. When the battle is done, they will owe their safety to us. They will beg us to provide defense and support, and we will happily agree.”
“What about Fola’s orders for revenge?” Febo asked.
“Forget it. Fola is dead and those orders died with him,” Passor said. He was feeling like the President of the High Council again. “The humans in the Ulagong Galaxy are heavily outnumbered by valakar and maklan planets. Let them fight their own wars. If they are losing, perhaps we will bring them back here to their home. If they survive, we will reach out at the appropriate time for peace and trade.”
“Supreme Leader, everyone knows we are Brotherhood agents,” Febo argued. “How will they believe us now?”
“I am no longer Supreme Leader, gentlemen. I am now Admiral of the Free Society for Peace. They will believe us when we help them by fighting off their enemies. Then they will join forces with us because we are the only voice for peace and security in the Society. Then even Wendo and Antar will have to join with us. While I doubt the old Society will ever rise again, the new one with much greater regional autonomy will survive, and we will lead it,” Passor concluded.
“Admiral, what about the alliance in the Ulagong Galaxy?” Febo asked. “If we abandon them now, they will not be able to overcome the Hives of the Free Society.”
“Screw them!” Passor shouted. “Fola wanted to destroy the Free Society as his ultimate revenge for the Grand Conclave. I could care less. Dave Brewster and Fa-a-Di did cost me my job as President, but that was as much my fault. Let them have Ulagong. Fola’s alliance will likely fail anyway from what I was told. The maklans and valakar are natural enemies. And if valakar agents came here and tipped off the Bandabar, then I hope the humans and maklans wipe them out.”
“I’m afraid the valakar might join forces in the two galaxies now that they have a Hive, Passor,” Armand said. “That makes them a significant risk.”
“All the more reason for us to destroy the Hive on Paranon Nar,” Passor grinned. “Patak failed us, but that’s okay. He was facing extermination by the Bandabar. We are going to stop their aggression though. Those birds will rue the day they broke our treaties and invaded. Now, Generals Coos and Loo, I need you to start working on coordinating our people. We need as many ships and troops as possible to start our initiative. Every day we wait, the Bandabar are closer to having an operational Hive. While Patak was a coward, I believe the Hive agents will delay them as long as they can. If we can strike before then, the war may already be won.”
The two men stood up. “Passor, we’ll get right on it. What are your plans?” Febo asked.
“I think I’ll go see my friend Rainor and give him the good news,” Passor laughed. “I think I deserve a nice night on the town. Good luck, my brothers.”
Chapter 38
President Gerfaz gathered the High Council of Paranon Nar for the official surrender of the planet to the Bandabar Fold. They sat quietly in the Council Chamber waiting for the valakar to arrive. Each would look around at their friends and smile but none dared to speak a word. The situation was too terrible to discuss. Patak had turned his chair away from the group and was looking out at the bright blue sky, wondering if he would see another morning.
The doors were opened and a line of Bandabar walked in. They were tall, roughly seven feet in height on average. They wore dark red battle armor and silver helmets. Each had two blasters attached to their belts. Their exposed wings and heads were covered with black feathers that were sleeked back and shiny. They had an extra pair of limbs that served as arms and hands. The people of Paranon Nar had seen Bandabar many times. The frontier was only a couple light-years away and trade had always been brisk and friendly. Patak remembered the face of Admiral Veek Alar who sat directly across from him. He smiled meekly at his conqueror. As the last of the Bandabar were sitting, another valakar entered the room. Patak had never seen anything like him. He was much taller than the Bandabar with bright yellow feathers. He carried himself regally as though he felt better than the rest. He looked around the room and glared at each human. Then he sat next to the Admiral and smiled.
“President Gerfaz, I presume?” the admiral began.
“Yes, Admiral,” Patak replied. “I welcome you and your fleet to Paranon Nar. I also officially surrender the planet to the Bandabar Fold.”
“Thank you for
that, sir,” Veek answered. “As I told you earlier, you can expect our normal relationship to resume. The only change is that you are now part of the Fold.” The yellow bird leaned over and whispered in Veek’s ear-hole. “Ah yes, I forgot, Majesty. Patak, let me introduce you to Emperor Lok Zul of the Donnaki Empire.”
Patak rose and bowed to the Donnaki. “Welcome to our planet, sir. Pardon me but I have not heard of the Donnaki. Perhaps we humans have a different name for you.”
Lok Zul laughed. “No need to apologize. My planets are not in this galaxy. I believe you call my home galaxy Ulagong.”
“That’s amazing!” Patak said. “Welcome sir. So you come from the same galaxy as Dave Brewster and Fa-a-Di?”
“So I am told,” Lok scowled. “I have only heard their names from other humans and their sphere of influence in my galaxy is far from my space. My dear friend Fola Untor seemed to have a low impression of them.”
“Untor! Emperor, please be cautious with that man,” urged Patak. “He is the leader of a sinister group called the Brotherhood. They spy on us and haunt our every move. Do not trust them. They will turn on you if it suits their best interests.”
Lok laughed again and looked at Veek, saying, “You know, I like this man. He thinks like I do.” He turned back to face the president. “Now you know why we are here today, Gerfaz. Untor made many promises to me and others in our galaxy. He told us about the Hive weapon and how it would be turned on us as the Free Society in our galaxy grew and conquered others. I never believed him.”