by Tim Blagge
Assistant Chancellor Digger broke in and announced the mining of the material had been increased but that the refinement process was operating at capacity. “Until we increase our refining capacity, it will be the bottleneck operation.”
“Brenda and Joanna, you are both doing an exemplary job and I want you to continue your work for now. Stella added. “Does anyone else have anything to add?”
“I do,” I said.
“Bill, what’s on your mind?” Stella asked.
“First,” I began. “Since it’s been a month since we’ve heard from the Cromwells, I suspect they are either low on fuel or are stocking up so they can carry out a full invasion.”
“Second, Pops and I were talking and he had an idea and I fully agree. We need to electronically camouflage our factories to avoid the Cromwells taking them out. Pops, can your engineers do that?”
“I’ll go back and find out Bill.” Pops answered.
There were no other reports so the meeting broke up, Rolf, Stella, Jerry and I went into the office that Chancellor ‘B’ had assigned to Stella.
“First question,” I began. “And maybe it’s my earthly paranoia, but there are no bugs here and we’re not being recorded for the world to see, are we?”
“No Bill,” Stella answered with an understanding smile.
“I am not sure why I feel this way, but my sense is that we need to protect ourselves against spies. If one of the Assistant Chancellors or CEO’s were in cahoots with the Cromwells, our plan crumbles.”
“Second, with three plants producing the critical elements of our defense, just three well placed nukes would seal our doom. Now that I think of it, even one would interrupt the supply chain and accomplish the same thing. So electronically cloaking those facilities is imperative” I explained.
“Third, we need to set up secret redundant manufacturing plants in several States to minimize the enemy’s ability to take us out with one shot. If you can keep this part of the plan away from the Council, we will know that no leaks can occur. Rolf, you will have to confide in the CEO’s of the States where the factories are placed and get their assistance. Hopefully you know the ones you can trust.”
“I also think we should plan a reconnaissance mission to Cromwell to see what we can find out,” I continued. “I’d sent two ships. One ship will do the information gathering and one to back up the first ship. We tell the council about the first ship but not the second. If the first ship encounters unexpected trouble, we’ll know we have a spy. As I understand it, a few of your vessels have sensor evading technology. Those are the ships to use.
“Rolf,” Stella commented and asked. “Who are the most trustworthy CEO’s? We need three to oversee the retrofitting of factories to increase our arms manufacturing capability. I want you to visit them individually to insure their cooperation and silence. Offer some of Jerry’s new ground forces to help with the transition if the CEO’s need assistance. See if you can borrow Pops or some of his best engineers to oversee the new installations but don’t jeopardize the production schedule in our current facilities.”
“I have an announcement,” I said as I decided to change the subject. “Even Jerry is hearing this for the first time. Brenda has asked me to marry her and I have accepted.”
“I must have missed it because I didn’t see the engagement ring on your finger girly man.” Jerry said and laughed.
Rolf and Stella and eventually Jerry offered their congratulations.
“I hope that’s OK with you Stella, you know I still care for you,” I said.
“Bill, I never told you this before but Rolf and I are not brother and sister,” Stella remarked.
“I figured that when Rolf said he was from a State where short names were preferred and everybody else called you Gruslimock. So what is your relationship?” I asked.
“Rolf and I met when we were fourteen and both in Alien Training School. We fell in love and committed ourselves to each other four years later. It’s similar to marriage on Earth with the exception that our mission always supersedes our personal commitment. When we determined that a sexual relationship was necessary to gain your trust, there was never a question as to the path we would take.” Stella explained.
“Wow,’ I responded. “This takes the term ‘uncomfortable feeling’ to a new level,” I said as I squirmed in my chair.
“Bill,” Rolf commented, “we always knew there was danger inherent in all missions to other worlds. We had prepared ourselves for any contingency and as we are learning, the bond of trust we developed with you may end up saving our own planet. As I see it, we are getting the better end of the deal.”
“So Bill, when are you getting married?” Jerry asked. “I was thinking maybe we could make it a double wedding.”
“Gee, Jerry,” I responded. “You never told me you were dating a Veladorian girl. And marriage too; this is a little unexpected dude; the first intergalactic hook-up!”
That comment brought a smile to both Rolf and Stella’s face but Jerry remained focused.
“I guess I deserved that after calling you girly man. Do you think Joanna would be up for it?” Jerry asked.
“That’s up to my sister. She’s definitely her own person, Jerry. But however it goes, I couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law.” I added.
“Now let’s not go and get all dopey my friends, we’ve got a world to save.” Stella said.
-Chapter 8-
A week later, the event we were dreading happened. A single Cromwell vessel was tracked moving toward Velador. Several Veladorian aircraft armed only with laser shock weapons were dispatched to escort the alien vessel in. Sensors indicated it was unarmed. The message received indicated that there were three emissaries from Cromwell and they requested a meeting with Chancellor ‘B’.
The ship landed near the Capitol Building and three Cromwells emerged. Stella and I were watching on a large monitor because we decided we didn’t want to be seen by the Cromwells. If they saw us with our Earthlike appearance, they might determine that there is yet another planet available for the taking. We determined that it was important to avoid that possibility.
I had seen just about every science fiction movie ever made and the Cromwells looked like none of them. Their general shape was humanoid. Their average height was about five feet six. Proportionally, their legs were shorter than ours but their arms were longer.
Their faces, like the Veladorians was not dramatically different by description but hugely different by appearance. Their eyes were positioned closer together than people from Earth forcing their nose down. With no nose bridge extending up between their eyes, its final shape was like a miniature potato complete with bumps and warts. The mouth was the strangest part of their face. It was very small and more round than ours. I had no idea if they could smile or how long it took them to eat. The overall facial look reminded me of an odd jack-o-lantern at Halloween; one created by a first time carver of pumpkins.
I wanted to be more understanding of this new species but I decided to demonize them in my mind because above all; they were my new enemy.
As Stella and I watched, the three Cromwells were escorted in, seated and introduced. The Cromwell with the superior position was a female I thought. Her name was translated as General Boiknest. I was able to understand the conversation because Stella had connected an ear interpreter that translated the Cromwell language into Veladorian to a speaker system and my ear device translated the Veladorian translation into English.
“Chancellor ‘B’ as you know, we have asked you to supply us with fissionable material to power our planet and space craft and as I was told you refused. Is this correct?” Boiknest asked.
“As I explained to your first emissary that is a decision that can be made only by the CEO’s of the twelve States that comprise Velador.” Chancellor ‘B’ answered.
“You have had over a month to contact them and get their answer. What has been decided?” Boiknest demanded to know.
�
��Your request is being debated by the legislatures in each of the States. I told them I needed a decision within sixty days which is thirty days from now,” Chancellor ‘B’ explained.
“You are lying Chancellor ‘B’. We have irrefutable evidence that you are rearming yourself,” said Boiknest getting louder with every statement.
“I don’t know where you got that information, General Boiknest,” Chancellor ‘B’ said. ”Our defense capabilities are adequate. I certainly hope you are not here to threaten us or begin hostilities. We are seriously considering your request but here on Velador, our citizens are the ultimate decision makers. It takes time to inform our people and get an election organized.”
“You are stalling Chancellor ‘B’. I was told you would do this.” Boiknest shouted while pointing her finger at Chancellor ‘B’.
“I will give you two weeks to give me your final decision. When I return, I strongly suggest you comply with our request or suffer serious consequences. Consequences I am certain you want to avoid. Chancellor ‘B’, we are not a force to be taken lightly so consider your options carefully.”
Boiknest stood up and stormed out with her two associates close behind. The three people returned to their ship and within a few minutes were airborne followed closely by four Veladorian vessels.
Chancellor ‘B’ stood up to address the CEO’s who had been watching from their States while the events unfolded.
“Now you have it my friends,” Chancellor ‘B’ announced. “The threat is real and it’s imminent. Let us reconvene tomorrow and discuss our strategy.”
Stella turned to me after the meeting was over and said, “You were right Bill, we have a traitor in our midst. I didn’t think it was possible but that has to be it.”
“Stella, I have a question. If Einstein was right and nothing can travel faster than light, how does your traitor get information to the Cromwells?” I asked.
“I assume the same way we got the information on our mission on Earth back to Velador. We had a ship in Earth space receiving our story and at least once a day the ship would jump to Velador space and relay the information to our editing station here.” Stella answered.
“So the Cromwell’s must have a ship that enters your space, gets the intel and jumps back,” I surmised. “Is there any way to track these kinds of transmissions or the incursion of an alien vessel into your space?” I asked. “And when does our reconnaissance mission to Cromwell commence.”
“We are waiting for our new space crafts. Pops factory just completed the first three and testing is going on now. At his suggestion, these vessels have more powerful anti-gravity thrusters giving them better maneuverability in close combat. They also have our latest scanner evading technology so the Cromwells will have difficulty discovering our ships until we are near enough to be in visual contact.” Stella answered.
“We need to name Pop’s new ships,” I smiled and offered. “I propose calling them, ‘Big Bertha’.”
“Why Big Bertha?” Stella asked.
“I’m not sure,” I answered. “I just always liked that name. And they are more powerful than our older ships so the name sort of fits.”
Stella looked a little confused at my moronic comment, nodded her agreement and said. “On your other question, I’ll speak with Chancellor Einstein.” “He should be able to determine if any unusual transmissions have been sent recently.”
“So Bill, how are your wedding preparations coming along,” Stella asked.
“That’s a question for Brenda but I think Chancellor ‘B’ is going to make it a huge world-wide event.” I explained “He told me the conflict with the Cromwells has greatly increased the stress levels on Velador so he thought a little distraction might be a good if only temporary release for the people. The only thing I’m missing is a ring. Do you have a line on a cheap jeweler, Stella?”
“I might be able to help you there Bill,” Stella answered.
“Jerry told me this morning that he was going to propose to Joanna today so a double wedding is a real possibility.” I said. “The ceremony is scheduled for next week. I do have one question however. Since I don’t have any local currency, I’m not sure how I pay for everything.”
“Bill, since you are helping with our planetary defense, I’m sure the people of Velador would have no problem footing the bill. I know that our production company will be happy to pay for the wedding, travel and honeymoon costs for all of you too. I know they’ll be the one broadcasting the ceremony worldwide and will make a lot more money doing that than the cost of the wedding.”
“Stella, tell me a little about your employer.”
“My employer’s name could be loosely translated as Mind Force Productions.” Stella answered. “Because of your story both here and on Earth, our company has become one of the largest businesses on our home planet. On Velador, it is simply referred to as Mindcon.”
-Chapter 9-
The next day’s video meeting with the CEO’s, Chancellor ‘B’, Stella and I began on schedule. No one else on the Council was allowed to participate because of the probability of a leak.
When I looked around The Large Room, I realized this was not a video conference like we have on Earth. I first noticed a small device about the size if a checker was placed in each of the chairs where the CEO’s normally sat. When the conference began, a hologram like figure appeared to be sitting in each chair. But these holograms were more than that. From a distance it appeared that each person, in the flesh, was sitting in their seat and communicating just like I’d seen in the earlier meeting.
Stella told me the signal sent back and forth to each of the States was encoded to a level that made intercepting it virtually impossible. Chancellor ‘B’ outlined the reconnaissance mission to Cromwell with one new aircraft which had just passed Pops’ rigorous testing procedure. They were not told of the back-up vessel. The possibility of a breach in security was discussed and the CEO’s were told that the identity of the person initiating the transmission would become known within the day. Stella had suggested the comment in an attempt to smoke out the responsible party.
Then one of the CEO’s commented, “Ladies and gentlemen, this thought just came to mind. It appears that our defense effort has a long way to go and the Cromwell’s will be back here in less than a month. Why don’t we prepare a small amount of fissionable material and offer it to them. We can tell them that a decision from the World Council was just reached and that as we ramp up the mining, they will get more. We tell them to come back in a month for the next load. It may buy us the time we need.”
“That is true, and we have discussed that option but it is our opinion that it may trigger a Cromwell response we can’t predict”. Chancellor ‘B’ answered. “They might offer to send their people to speed up the mining. A large alien force on Velador is something we must avoid. Our plan for the next meeting is to tell the Cromwells that we have increased production and to send their freighter to Velador in sixty days time for the first pick up. We’ll see how the respond to that.”
“The bottom line is that this is a fluid situation and we have to keep our options open,” Chancellor ‘B; added. “If we get any more information we will contact you and I am requesting the CEO’s do the same. Our next official meeting is scheduled in three days.”
Shortly after the electronic conference concluded, Rolf came into the room where Stella and I were watching the meeting.
“We now have three new and improved ships that just came off the assembly line. Our plan is to send one ship with our most experienced pilot to Cromwell to do the information gathering. It will attempt to sort through their communications and see if we can get information on their real intentions. I will be on the second ship and hang back near the jump zone. Any information the first ship gets will be relayed to my ship. The third new ship will remain on our side of the jump zone and monitor any communications from Velador. We have permanently stationed one of our older aircraft near the jump zone so any message
s sent from now on should be intercepted. I found out from Chancellor Einstein that tracing old communications from Velador to outer space was impossible.”
“When do you begin your mission Rolf?” I asked.
“Tomorrow,” Rolf answered. “I’ll be gone about three days.”
“Rolf, I’ve got a surprise for Bill so I’ll see you at home later.” Stella said as Rolf was leaving.
I know my eyes lit up a little when I heard Stella’s comment and she noticed.
“No Bill, not that kind of surprise. Have you forgotten you’re engaged?” She laughed. “Let’s leave and get a transporter. I’ve got something for you.”
The transporter, which I referred to as a floating taxi, took us about a mile down a street to what appeared to be an old retail area with small quaint shops that looked strikingly similar to Earths architecture in the mid twentieth century.
“Bill, this is referred to as Old Town Prossfell. There is a woman here who creates jewelry like the Veladorians used to wear. It is an old, almost lost art here because most Veladorians believe jewelry is just meaningless ornamentation.”
We entered the store and were greeted by an older woman who wore what I assumed were clothes from a bygone era. Her dress fit tight around her waist. The skirt had a hem with a ruffle attached that flowed up and down reaching from mid thigh to mid calf several times as it completed the circle around her body. The upper part of the dress hugged her ample bosom and was tied around her neck. There was a large open back on the dress showing skin all the way down to her lower back. The dress was refreshingly colorful and flowing in contrast to the drab uniform looking attire worn by most of the other people here.