by Tim Blagge
-Chapter 3-
The question and answer session went off smoothly. Joanna asked the most questions. She was curious about the governmental organizations’ control over the people or lack of control as it turned out.
“As I understand Earth,” Chancellor ‘B’ explained. “Your leaders regularly create laws to address small problems narrow in scope. They fail to consider the long term ramifications to the public as a whole and too many times end up doing more harm than good. Since we have begun our mission on Earth, I have taken a keen interest in your history and realized it is quite similar to the Velador of several hundred years ago.”
“Much of our planet at the time was democratic, but in our politicians’ zeal to cultivate loyalty among their constituents, supported laws that ended up being self serving rather than helpful to society as a whole. We like Earth, ended up with tens of thousands of questionable laws that did nothing but shackle our progress.”
Not being a political person, the conversation began to get a little dull so I jumped in and changed the subject. “How do you control space-time and travel across thousands of light years in just a few minutes?” I asked.
“Bill, that is something you will have to figure out for yourself,” Chancellor ‘B’ answered. “One of our Guidelines is to not accelerate any other planet’s technical progress. Earth needs to evolve like Velador did – on you own terms. After you incorporate anti-gravity into your everyday life, your scientists will turn their research toward controlling space-time to accomplish long range travel. In our experience, it takes one to two hundred years to transition from anti-gravity to time-space manipulation.”
“It appears that like Veladorians, you people have varied interests.” Chancellor ‘B’ commented. “May I suggest Joanna meet with Assistant Chancellor Kralnotet. He also has an interest and knowledge in politics and political structures. Bill, why don’t you meet separately with Assistant Chancellor Blagnowidly who is our resident techno wizard who can enlighten you on the general scope of our technology.”
“Is there a way to shorten your names?” I asked. “For us they are long and cumbersome and I’m trying to memorize them but I’m failing.”
Another man who was an assistant to Chancellor ‘B’ stepped up and answered “We anticipated your request when we designed your translation device. Simply say the name you want to change followed by the word ‘bok’ followed by the name you prefer to call the person. For instance my name is Assistant Chancellor Hoklerponmaz and I am the coordinator of worldwide mining and production resources.”
Jerry, who had been quiet up to this point, entered the conversation. “I get it. I say Assistant Chancellor Hoklerponmaz ‘bok’ Digger and you hear your full name when I say Digger, correct?”
“That is how it works,” Digger answered.
“And it’s changed inside my friends devices too?” Jerry asked.
“True, if they are within audible range,” answered Digger.
“Okay” Jerry went on. “Chancellor Blofmoklirum ‘bok’ Chancellor ‘B’. Assistant Chancellor Kralnotet ‘bok’ Clinton. Assistant Chancellor Blagnowidly ‘bok’ Einstein”
As Pops and I were entertained at Jerry’s choice of names, Chancellor Blofmoklirum, now Chancellor ‘B’ mentioned that there were two additional Assistant Chancellors that we hadn’t met. He motioned to an assistant to have the two people come into the room. We were told they were the only two permanent members of the Council Directorate. The first was Assistant Chancellor Holtimorkum and it was explained that he was the Minister of Planetary Defense and Space Exploration.
“Assistant Chancellor Holtimorkum ‘bok’ Rambo.” Jerry said.
Then Chancellor ‘B’ continued. “Assistant Chancellor Prilactrontis is the Ultimate Judge on our Planetary Supreme Court.”
Assistant Chancellor Prilactrontis appeared to be the only woman on the World Council. Below the neck she had a cute figure that was apparent through the monochromatic gun metal gray pantsuit she was wearing. Without the belt she wore to pull her clothing tighter to her waist, her outfit would be appropriate for a local auto mechanic. Still trying to understand what constitutes an attractive Veladorian, I figured she was one of the ugly ones.
Jerry then interrupted again. “Assistant Chancellor Prilactrontis ‘bok’ Solomon. Gruslimock ‘bok’ Stella” Jerry was the only one who wrote down the names of the Veladorians when they were introduced to us so we were happy to allow him the privilege of naming them.
“Rolf what’s your name in your language?” Jerry asked.
“Rolf,” was Rolf’s answer. “In the State where I was born, short names are preferred.”
“Chancellor ‘B’,” Stella interrupted again. “May we meet privately with you and discuss our return to Earth. I’d like to include Rolf, Jerry, Bill and Rambo if it’s OK. Pops, Grandma, Joanna and Brenda can go to their residence and relax.”
I suspected Stella’s suggestion was really a desire to get more information on the threat to Velador. Discussions on our trip home would be the subject for a later time.
Chancellor ‘B’ motioned to his assistant to escort Pops group out, said farewell for now to the citizens of Velador and ordered the cameras, wherever they were, shut down.
“How grave is this threat from Cromwell?” Stella asked
“I didn’t believe they were serious a month ago but considering the armament on their ship, it looks like they are very serious.” Chancellor ‘B’ answered.
“What is your plan to defend Velador?” Stella asked.
“Right now we have no plan.” Chancellor ‘B’ continued. “As you know we haven’t experienced a threat of any kind either internally or externally in almost two hundred and fifty years. We determined that since we were the first planet in the quadrant to discover long range space travel, no other world could be a threat to us. We have obviously miscalculated.”
“I know about your wave gun,” Jerry commented. “Tell me about the other offensive and defensive weapons you people possess.”
“Jerry, I am sorry and a little embarrassed to tell you that, except for laser cannons on some of our aircraft, we don’t have any anymore. During our hundred year civil war, nuclear weapons were used and decimated large parts of our beautiful planet and killed millions of our people. When the war died down, we eliminated and outlawed all remaining weapons of mass destruction.”
“So to recap and correct me if I am wrong,” Jerry began. “You are being threatened by a power who is demanding you give them what they want; in this case, raw materials and possibly more. This race of people has the ability to annihilate you and you have no way to defend yourself!”
“Unfortunately true,” Rambo admitted. “But what else could they possibly want besides raw materials?”
“Your planet sir,” Jerry said and paused, “Your planet!”
-Chapter 4-
The six of us were served what I suspected was lunch. It looked like a cross between a sandwich and a burrito but the outer wrap was a rippled blue and orange with a green colored sauce.
“Quite colorful,” I said, as I pushed my plate away.
“Be adventurous Bill,” Stella smiled and added. “This dish was the thing Rolf and I longed for when we were on Earth and couldn’t get it. Its main ingredient is from a large beetle indigenous to Velador and it’s considered a delicacy here. Don’t be a coward Bill; at least taste it.”
When I looked at Jerry he was already half way through his portion.
“Tell me what it tastes like Jerry. If you say chicken, I might give it a try,” I said.
With his mouth full Jerry looked at me and mumbled the word “chicken.”
I was pretty sure that chicken was the last thing this ghastly looking food tasted like but I was hungry so I cut a small piece, closed my eyes and put it in my mouth. As I started to carefully chew, the unique flavors began to come through. I cut a larger bite, put it in my mouth and smiled.
“You were right Jerry. It tastes
like chicken but certainly not the clucking ones we have back home. In fact I can’t relate it to anything I’ve ever tasted.”
“And it’s healthy, natural and helps Veladorians keep their weight down,” Stella commented.
“Note to self, next business model,” Jerry said out loud as he finished his food. “We take some of the beetles home in a jar along with a copy of the book, How to raise non-indigenous beetles for fun and profit. We’ll get rich and stay thin all at the same time.”
Then Chancellor ‘B’ who had left temporarily, reentered the room and looked even more concerned than when he left.
“We are getting reports that the Cromwell craft that flew over us was not the only one. There were at least twelve. One flew over each of the States that comprise Velador. All of our reporting stations have confirmed the existence of several neutron bombs on each vessel.”
Damn, I thought; just my luck, out of the frying pan and into the fire! I wonder how much a one-way ticket to Earth costs?
“Stella, to change to subject, when does the next shuttle to Earth leave?” I asked.
“That would be a question for Chancellor ‘B’ and Rambo. Rambo is the Minister Planetary Defense and Space Exploration Department and reports to Chancellor ‘B’ “He is the person who coordinates voyages to other planets.” Stella answered.
“Bill, I’m sorry I can’t answer that question just yet.” Chancellor ‘B’ confessed. “You see we have a shortage of space vessels right now because we haven’t built any new ones in over fifty years. The cost of building and maintaining a larger fleet is something our people have chosen not to invest in recently.”
“Most of us thought we only needed a few to take our volunteers to the planets that were on the verge of discovering anti-gravity technology like Earth.” Chancellor ‘B’ continued. “Until we have had time to analyze our current threat, I have decided to keep the few ships we do have close to home.”
Chancellor ‘B’ shook his head, shifted positions in his chair and began to discuss an opinion he had just formulated. The revelation appeared hard for him to communicate because it was counter anything he ever expected to say.
“We must plan a strategic response to this grave threat.” Chancellor ‘B’ said slowly. “While I was in the other room, I talked to some of my advisors. With their input, I have made a decision.”
“I would like to include all of you including Bill and Jerry in the planning and mobilization of the defense of our beloved world. Bill, you and Jerry have grown up in the violent society of Earth. Stella and Rolf were trained in your aggressive ways and have lived among you for several years. While the citizens of Velador have become more serene and philosophical, you people are better equipped to understand and respond to the unforeseen difficulties that may arise in life. It’s a skill the Veladorians have lost.”
Then Stella stood up and with a fire that I had seen many times before, took over the meeting. “First, I agree with Chancellor ‘B’ that we must organize a strategic response and we must start that here and now! Chancellor ‘B’, get the Chief Executive Officers of the twelve States here by tomorrow. We need their support and cooperation if we are to have any chance of success.” Stella said.
Chancellor ‘B’ nodded to his assistant who left the room to organize the meeting.
“Let’s review what we know so far.” Stella began. “Which materials do the Cromwells need?”
Defense Minister Rambo answered. “The material they need is fissionable material like uranium. It is the basis for the fusion reactors that power the electrical grid on our planet as well as theirs. It also is a requirement to power their ships and for the weapons they were carrying. When our explorers ran into the Cromwell’s forty years ago, we thought then that it was those kinds of materials they were mining.”
“Is that what Cromwell wanted when they attempted to trade with us?” Stella asked.
“Yes,” he answered.
“And I believe that Velador has lots of fissionable material; is that correct?” Stella continued her questioning.
“Yes, we have many centuries available at the rate we are using it,” answered Rambo.
Before Stella could continue building her scenario, Jerry jumped into the discussion.
“It’s obvious the Cromwells are tying to intimidate you! Just put your disassembled nukes back together, load up the ships you do have and fly to Cromwell. Tell them if they don’t back off they’re dead,” Jerry declared.
Chancellor ‘B’ explained that doing that could set off a war between two worlds where neither would survive. “I know our people would not approve of that approach,” he added. “And Jerry, don’t forget, we dismantled all our nuclear devices after our hundred years war and used the fuel for power. So putting them back together would not be possible. Even if we wanted to demonstrate a show of force, we don’t have any weapons to do it with.”
“Do the Cromwells know that you are basically defenseless?” asked Jerry.
“If they don’t, they suspect it,” answered Chancellor ‘B’. “During the Cromwell flyovers, in addition to their weapons, we determined that their sensors are not as sophisticated as ours. They would be able to determine if our space crafts were armed but not if we were storing weapons underground in protected bunkers or lockers.”
“Rolf, you’ve been quiet over there, what’s your take on the situation.” Jerry questioned.
“Unless we can build comparable or superior weapons quickly to show the Cromwells that any provocative actions will be dealt with in kind, our entire planet is in serious jeopardy.” Rolf answered.
“Our people won’t stand for the building of nuclear weapons again,” added Rambo with a concerned and fearful tone, “and it would violate one of our cultural Guidelines. Just so you understand Jerry and Bill, our Guidelines are never, ever to be violated.”
“Considering the alternative, you might want to reconsider that particular Guideline,” I advised. “On Earth we call it ‘mutually assured destruction’. It’s far from a perfect plan, but it has kept the lid on the use of nukes on our planet for over sixty years and counting. It’s obvious to me that unless you arm yourselves now, you’ll all become lackeys for the Cromwells sooner rather than later. With all due respect, it looks like two hundred years of a perfect world has made Velador soft.”
“Bill, unfortunately I think you are right,” Chancellor ‘B’ said with a growing resolve. “Now it’s time to change that. Where do we begin?”
“Okay,” Stella started. “First let’s bring all the Assistant Chancellors back in the room to make sure they are with us on our plan.”
Assistant Chancellor Einstein and Assistant Chancellor Clinton were called in and took a seat. Chancellor ‘B’ explained the seriousness of the situation to them.
Rambo jumped in and commented. “When we decided to curtail our nuclear device production, we mothballed that equipment. That machinery is over two centuries old so getting it productive again could be difficult. It is currently stored in an underground warehouse in the State of Moklinductofor, and most of our fissionable materials are mined in the States of Binocktosuflen and Graklerbaltos.”
Jerry in the background said “Moklinductofor ‘bok’ Kentucky. Binocktosuflen ‘bok’ Florida, Graklerbaltos ‘bok’ Ohio.
“Where is the factory where we can manufacture more space vehicles?” Stella asked.
“Wandorfflaxmit,” he answered. “That factory is in disrepair and it is slated for demolition within six months. A new one is supposed to be built about three years from now.”
Wandorfflaxmit ‘bok’ California,” Jerry said.
“Here’s the plan” Stella announced, “and unless someone has a better one, we must start immediately!”
“Chancellor ‘B’,” Stella began again. “It’s imperative that you continue engaging the Cromwells. Tell them anything you can think of to delay any hostilities. Hint you will sell or give them the materials they seek. Be unavailable, be sick, be o
n vacation or any other action whenever they try to contact you. You’ve got to buy us as much time as possible.”
“Rolf,” Stella continued. “Somehow without it being noticed outside of Velador, you have to raise an Army of young men and women to engage the enemy if needed. That will include new pilots and crews to fly the new space vessels we will produce. Jerry you will assist Rolf in the administration and training of our new armies. With the approval of the World Council, tomorrow you will be promoted to the rank of General in our newly formed Colonial forces with all the management, logistic and training responsibilities required by the job.”
“Bill, you will assist me in the coordination of our defense effort. I’m not sure what you will do specifically yet but unless I miss my guess, you will come up with solutions to problems that none of us have considered.”
“Pops will head up our space vehicle plant.” Stella announced. “He has the basic technical skills and worked in the aerospace industry on Earth. Even though the propulsion systems are certainly different, much of the vessel production and assembly is similar. And he did build the Flying Wallenda so he is somewhat familiar with that technology. We’ll put him on the ITD machine to help get him up to speed.”
“What’s an ITD machine?” I asked.
“It’s an ‘Intelligence Transfer Device’ and transfers information from a database into memory centers in the brain.” Einstein answered. “It’s how Rolf, Stella and other operatives learned the languages and cultures of Earth. We haven’t tried it on a human, but our research indicates it will work.”
“After I’ve had time to think about it a little longer, I’ll have some work for Joanna, Brenda and Grandma.” Stella added. “The fact that all of you are so well known here will be a benefit to our planet’s mobilization.”