by Karl Morgan
Dave rolled over and opened his eyes to find the elder and Lini sitting on his bed. It had seemed just seconds ago that he and Lini had been flying over Lubna. He yawned and sat up slowly. “How can I help, Elder?”
“Three vessels are now in orbit of Fistnan. They have tried to communicate with us, but we do not understand their language. One of the ships is led by people like you. Another is full of creatures similar to the Fa-u-Bay of our legends. The last is a massive planetoid full of terrifying spider-like creatures. My people are terrified. What should I do?” the elder asked.
Dave took his com-link, pressed it into his ear and tapped the connection. “Admiral Brewster to the ships in orbit. Please state your intentions.”
“We’re here for you Dave!” shouted Jon Lake.
“Did you forget our call last night Dave?” De-o-Nu asked. “The Kong-Fa, Nightsky and Maklakar vessel Mondor are in orbit. There are also fifty Paxran ships on their way and twenty more led by Fa-a-Di. The Paxran claim this is a religious and scientific visit only.”
“Really?” Dave asked. “I never took them for the religious type. What do we do now?”
“I’m on the Mondor now and due to meet with their leader, Ambassador Ont Valoo shortly. I have to convince them not to run or attack the Paxran, which will be a tall order. Somehow we have to hold all of this together until Fa-a-Di’s fleet can get here.”
“Where’s Darlene?” he asked.
“She’s with Fa-a-Di. He has already told her you are safe. They should arrive in five hours or so,” De-o-Nu said.
“Brother, perhaps there is another way to deal with this,” Dave suggested. “Let’s get all of the leaders together here for a discussion. The Paxran, Predaxians and Maklakar are dying to get Hive technology, but they don’t really know what it is. Let me show them. Once they understand, perhaps they can all join the Free Society with us.”
“I’m not sure about the Predaxian agents, Dave,” De-o-Nu said. “What’s to keep them from trying to take over Fistnan with their mind control?”
“I don’t think that can work here,” Dave replied. “I don’t think the Hive will allow it.”
“How can you be sure?” De-o-Nu countered. “It’s a big risk to me for a small group of renegade agents.”
“Perhaps, but there is something else,” Dave answered. “I think a war will begin today. I’m not sure how I know it, but the thought is suddenly in my mind. Let it hope it is not here.”
“Dave, it sounds like too much coffee or too little whisky to me!” De-o-Nu laughed. “I’ll contact everyone involved to arrange our little conference. Should we arrive at your coordinates?”
“Yes, this is the home of the senior elder of this planet, who is here with me now. The Nan are concerned about all the star ships arriving. Also they cannot understand what anyone is saying since they only speak the ancient Nan tongue. If everyone is on Fistnan, that problem will disappear,” Dave replied. “But you might see how many com-links Jon can spare for the people here. Who knows what ships will arrive next time?”
“Okay, Dave, I’ll make the arrangements and contact you when it is set up. Don’t forget our key objective is to delay any offensive action by the Paxran until Fa-a-Di arrives,” De-o-Nu said.
“I understand, and believe me; I hope I am wrong about a new war beginning today. Fistnan out,” Dave said as he closed the connection. “There is no need to worry just yet, Elder. The ships in orbit are my friends. The other ships do not appear to be aggressive.”
“Yes, I know,” Fodo replied. “Lini was translating everything that was said. You were correct about a new war beginning very soon. I don’t believe it will be here, but you and I are just seers, we don’t know the future. Come, let us have breakfast together.”
“Dave and I will join you in a moment, Elder,” Lini replied. “I just need to talk to Dave in private for a moment.”
“Of course, I understand my dear,” Fodo said as he rose and walked to the door. He turned and smiled at them and closed the door after him.
“I guess this is it, Dave Brewster,” she smiled. “In a few hours, we’ll be on our way back home. I just wanted to thank you for everything.” She leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the lips. “And thank you for last night when we flew over Lubna for the last time. I can’t believe it’s really over.” She eyes began to tear.
“Lini, don’t worry,” he said. “We’ll always be together, it’s just the circumstances are more complicated in a galaxy full of our friends. Solander was a sweet dream that I will never forget.”
“You’d better not!” she laughed. “Right now, I wish Fola would appear again and try to attack you. I’d rip the heart out of his chest with my bare hands. Then Solander never would have happened and I wouldn’t have to live with those thoughts.”
“I know what you mean, Lini,” he said as he caressed her cheek. “On one hand, I wish that would happen too for the sake of your heart. But deep inside, I would hate that. Those are wonderful memories for me. I loved our time together, when we thought we’d grow old and die on that red moon.”
“I feel the same way, Dave,” she smiled. “I just don’t know what to do next. Maybe I should go home and live in my tree and think about it for a while. Or should I go to the academy to learn more about modern technology? That will clear some of my mind, for sure.”
Dave put his hands on her knees and looked in her eyes. “Lini, I have a very good friend named Lauren London. Her motto is ‘while there is life, there is hope.’ I think that’s a good thing to remember. The future is for us to make. Whatever happened a minute ago, or three hundred thousand years ago is the past. I hope we can be friends for the rest of our lives. I want to see you travel the stars and fulfill your dreams too.”
“Thanks Dave,” she replied. “I’ll see you at breakfast.” She kissed him on the cheek and walked out of the room.
Chapter 58
Shortly after breakfast, a large group arrived at the home of Elder Paranaxis Incatum Fodo. It included the Maklakar Ont Valoo and Vard Kalak, Altamar Zendo of Predax, De-o-Nu and Ka-a-Fa, Jake Benomafolays and Mitch Nolobitamore, Jon Lake and Lia Lawson and Abala Konole and Raza Intepam of Paxran. The large tent had been set up again to accommodate the size of the Galliceans. Tables were set up in a U configuration to enable a lively discussion. Dave and Lini sat on either side of the Elder who said a prayer to begin the meeting.
“Welcome to my humble residence, friends,” Fodo began. “I must say this is a monumental day for Fistnan. Alien ships have not orbited this world for over three hundred thousand years, when Dave and Lini first arrived. Dave has been instrumental in calming my people as we are not accustomed to species from other planets.”
Ont Valoo was squirming in his chair. “Elder, it is all well and good for you to be calm, but the sight of the Paxran is very upsetting to us.”
“Dave has also related the story of the past between your peoples,” Fodo replied. “We must learn to let the past go. We live in the present only. Those memories must be put to rest someday.”
“No, that’s okay,” Raza said. “The Maklakar have every reason to resent us. My ancestors were terrible barbarians. The stories of the Maklakar destruction are taught to this very day as a horror that must not be forgotten.” He turned to look at Ont in the face. “I do not expect you to forgive Paxran, but you must realize none of us were alive then. I swear on my life we only want peace now.”
“I wish I could believe you, Reverend,” Ont responded. “But here you are with fifty warships, hoping to take the Hive weapon for yourself. Do you deny that?”
“I think we are all here for that same reason, sir,” Abala countered. “You must be honest with yourselves. That is why you are here too.”
“What in heaven are you talking about?” Fodo asked. “The Hive is no weapon.”
“Liar!” Altamar shouted. “A similar weapon was used to destroy one of our planets!”
“Your planet?” De-o-Nu scoffed. “Tha
t planet was a prison world in Palian territory. You enslaved the Palians for many years.”
“Do you deny the planet was destroyed?” Altamar asked.
“Dave, can you explain this to me?” Fodo asked. “It is very troubling to think a Hive would be used as a weapon. Who did that?”
“Elder, it was not a natural Hive like this planet,” Dave began. “Humans like me and the tekkans, who are a maklan species like most of the visitors today, have the technology to construct a Hive using billions of minds to explore the Source. While the planet Localus was dismantled, no lives were lost. The tekkans decided the only way to stop a war was to remove the planet at the center of the conflict. If anything, billions of lives were saved by that action.”
“The weakness of our mortal shells can lead us to do terrible things,” Fodo replied. “I am happy no lives were lost in that action, although it seems risky to me. Less-advanced creatures could potentially destroy a planet full of life, like Fistnan here. If this technology extends to other species, who is to stop that?”
“You and me, for starters,” Dave said. The others at the table laughed.
“That seems pretty optimistic, even for you Dave,” De-o-Nu laughed.
Dave put his hand on Fodo’s shoulder. “Elder, you have to understand a natural Hive like this moon can never be corrupted. This planet is a creation of God. All of the creatures here are Guardians of the Hive and its power. The Nan and Zula will never allow others to use it as a weapon. Let us not forget the Bolofaz who guard this system and time itself. They will not stand by either.”
“Bolofas!” Raza shouted. “How do you know the name of our sacred text and guardians? Did this Hive weapon tell you about that too?”
Dave smiled. “Reverend, I’m not surprised by the coincidence, but I am speaking of the creatures that inhabit the planet we now orbit. Lini and I have flown with them several times. They saved my life and made it possible for Lini and me to be here today. Perhaps we can see them later today when we all travel to the stone temple.” Dave stood and walked behind Lini and put his hands on her shoulders. “This young woman comes from a second natural Hive planet in Greater Gallia. And there are other such planets like these to be found. That is one of my great missions in this life. Believe me, there is enough power for good to stop any such corruption. But to make absolutely certain, it is critical we put our differences behind us. Sitting here at this meeting, we have maklans from No-Makla, Paxran, Predax and Oti-Makla. All of you have the same past. All of your ancestors started on Ai-Makla as brothers and sisters. It is time to put the past behind you. Other than the Elder and Lini here, all of our societies have distant pasts painted with the blood of our wars. Even today, most of us woke fearing a major battle would begin here. But we have the opportunity to choose peace instead.”
“That’s all very well and good for you, Admiral,” Abala spat. “You already have Hives and plasma bomb weapons. If you chose, you could invade us yourselves and destroy us as we destroyed the Maklakar. Frankly, I’m surprised you haven’t done that already.”
“The Free Society has no such ambitions,” De-o-Nu said. “We have come together for trade and common defense. Hives are currently being constructed on Gallicean planets. The tekkans have updated the technology so most life forms can enter Universal Power. We offer you the same thing, if you join with us.”
“We will not accept rule by humans or Galliceans!” Abala shouted.
“Neither will we!” Ont joined in. “We also refuse to cede any technology to the Paxran. They would use our own weapons on us so they could finish the job they started long ago.”
The group began shouting and waving their fists at each other. Lini and Fodo held their heads in their hands. Dave shouted for calm, but there was too much anger and frustration to hear him. Several attendees had their hands on their blasters as if ready to start shooting. Suddenly, a bright flash of light filled the area between the tables. Everyone became very quiet and shielded their faces from the brightness. Gradually, four blobs of light coalesced from the glare. Slowly they condensed until they formed into Odo Pak, Obu Neela, Zee Gongaleg and a Gallicean Marine. The group at the tables sat stunned by the sudden appearance.
“Good day my friends,” Odo said. “We are here with you today to help our friend, Dave Brewster. We sensed his need for support. You must all put your bickering behind you now if you wish to have a future.”
“Marine, state your name,” Ka-a-Fa demanded. “What are you doing here?”
“He’s no Marine,” Dave laughed. “That’s Fa-u-Bay.”
“Thanks for remembering me Dave,” the Gallicean said.
“It’s only been a few days for me,” Dave replied.
“What? That’s not possible,” De-o-Nu argued.
“Well, I am here, De-o-Nu,” Fa-u-Bay said. “How do you explain any of us being here? I think it’s not as impossible as you imagine.”
“What is the meaning of all this?” Abala asked. “Our meeting is becoming a circus.”
“This is no circus,” Zee replied. “Dave is right. We maklans have been separated too long. We need to work together to explore Universal Power for trade and to protect us from our enemies. That is why the Free Society was created. Now there is a chance we can fulfill our destiny and join together again.”
“Zee, I am so sorry for the attack on Tak-Makla,” Ont sighed. “You must know I was against it.”
“It is in the past Lord Valoo,” Zee replied. “If we can have peace, it will have been worth our sacrifice.”
“I’m afraid it is over for us in the Collective,” Raza said. “With the Donnaki on one side and the Free Society on the other, we have no chance for survival, especially if we do not have a Hive.”
“Choose peace then, Reverend,” Obu said as he approached the Paxran and took his hands. “But you are correct that your people face huge challenges.”
“Is that a threat?” Abala countered.
“Of course not, General,” Obu laughed. “Time is very short though. The Donnaki have amassed a huge fleet to invade your space. They have also fixed the critical error in their plasma bomb devices. I doubt your fleet can stand against them.”
“But the fleet of the Free Society can,” Dave asserted. “If the Maklakar join as well, we will have their battle stations to stand with us. The Donnaki cannot beat us all.”
“Dave, the future is unknown. Perhaps they can be pushed back, but not without the loss of many ships and soldiers. Planets may be burned to ashes or obliterated by their plasma bombs. It will be a war of galactic scale, which will alter the future for millennia,” Odo continued. “And I fear it cannot be stopped now.”
“So the Collective is doomed,” Raza sighed. “Perhaps this is God’s retribution for the crimes of our past. Maybe that is our destiny.”
“The future is not yet written, Raza,” Odo replied. “While it may be brutal, even this war will end. We cannot give up so easily.”
“Then the war might not happen if you do not know the future,” Raza argued.
“I’m sorry, but the war has already begun,” Odo said. “Just minutes before we arrived here, a large Donnaki fleet entered Paxran territory. The planet Tak-u-Baka is already in flames. Twenty ships were destroyed and thousands of lives lost already.”
“It will take weeks to get back to our space,” Abala winced. “We have fifty war ships that cannot help since we are here on this wild goose chase. I truly have failed my people.”
“Not all hope is lost yet, Abala,” Obu smiled. “If you join with us, we can use our Hives to move all the ships here, plus many from the Free Society and hopefully from the Maklakar to the battle.”
“But every minute we wait, more casualties will occur. If we wait too long, hope will truly be lost,” Zee commented.
“But I am just a soldier and my friend here is a priest. We cannot speak for our Dear Leader,” Abala said.
“I think you’re wrong, Abala,” Raza smiled. “We were told to come he
re to investigate the Hive. We were also told to make peace with the Free Society, even if only to get access to Hive technology. If we do this, we will fulfill the Dear Leader’s request and save our worlds.”
Chapter 59
“Tak-u-Baka is ours, Emperor,” General Bok Kann said. He was sitting across the table from Lok Zul, the Donnaki leader. “The planet is burning and we have thousands of prisoners of war.”
Lok looked out the port in the ready room of his flagship. Dozens of star cruisers surrounded his ship for protection. He smiled and turned to the general. “That’s very good news, Bok. How much damage did we incur?”
“Three ships were destroyed and two need significant repairs. The current estimate is two thousand dead and five thousand more wounded, sir,” he replied. “It seems quite reasonable for such a heavily-armed planet.”
“When will we arrive at Panzak?” the emperor asked.
“Approximately three hours, sir,” Bok answered. “The defenses are quite weak there, so we should have no problems.”
“That’s great. It is a lovely planet and I don’t want it destroyed like Tak-u-Baka. I’d like to keep it as a vacation spot for me,” Lok smiled.
“Of course, Emperor,” the other replied. “Consider it done. I’ll pass along the orders.”
As the general headed for the door, Lok said, “Just a minute, Bok. What do we know about other planets in this region? Are there any more defensive planets nearby?”
“Two sir. Zigla is two light-years away. It is very similar to Tak-u-Baka in capabilities. Our sources tell us five cruisers orbit there. Gleet is four light-years in the opposite direction. It is a small planet with two cruisers providing defense,” Bok replied. “Why do you ask?”
“I originally planned this excursion as a direct strike on Paxran, but since they are proving no match for this fleet, I am thinking we should really degrade their resources on our borders. Once these are Donnaki planets, we won’t need them anymore. Right now, they could become hiding places for rebels. Do you think we could manage that safely?” Lok asked.