by T. R. Harris
With unbridled enthusiasm, the pair spent the rest of the afternoon testing a dozen different angles, from directly on, to fractions of degrees off, to over five degrees out, to see at what point the two beams merged to annihilate one another. What they found was that it didn’t have to be precise. The aim could be off by as much as one-point-five degrees and still work.
Once the tolerances were determined, the researchers began developing defensive scenarios employing their discovery. The best solution was an automated system activated by detection of the first pulse beam. Since the weapon affected only biologics, the systems aboard would remain functional and able to send out a cancelling beam automatically. In studies, the pair found that even an attack from a completely opposite direction could be countered with programming that would aim the counter-beam at the attacker even if it meant turning the ship by computer control. With the crew incapacitated—and possibly under the subliminal suggestion of the aliens—this would have to be accomplished automatically and without possibility of override by the crew. Once recovered, the crew could then engage more conventional defensive and offensive weapons.
The Pleabaen of the Klin would welcome this breakthrough, yet Molison had the decorum to wait until morning to request an audience. He would bring Rius with him to share in the discovery. He’d already had his moments of glory, and by allowing the female her chance in the spotlight, it may also provide him with the more personal reward the aging Klin had been without for many years.
As he fell asleep that night in his laboratory, with Rius on the next couch over, he smiled. At his age, the anticipated episode with the young female might kill him. Yet the smile remained even into his slumber, as Molison Jons couldn’t imagine a better way to go.
189
The summons had come while the mainship was still four hours out from the array. Panur made the Humans promise they would stay in the laboratory, shackled as they had arrived if anyone came to investigate, yet with a key to escape. A quick welding job was needed to repair the wrist cuffs of Cain and Tarazi, yet on a cursory inspection they would pass.
Noslead Vosmin was in a foul mood when Panur entered his chamber.
“What have you learned from the Humans? You’ve had ample time. Are they edible or not?”
“I haven’t proceeded to that point yet.”
“Why not?”
“I would prefer to gain all the information I can while their heads are still attached to their shoulders. I find it easier that way to carry on a conversation.”
“I have been detecting a rebellious tone in you recently, Panur. And don’t blame it on some imagined phase shift between dimensions. I have researched this and there is no such thing.”
“And who is telling you this, my Lead? I must bow to the superior intelligence of your source, someone who understands trans-dimensional physics better than I. I’m sure such references are easily found in every databank.”
“You demonstrate my belief even now.”
“Forgive me if I’m being testy. Perhaps I’m frustrated with constantly being questioned about my opinion and expertise. If there is anyone else aboard this ship who has invented a trans-dimensional portal, or a pulse beam, or a jump drive, please bring them forth. I have served your Queen for over five thousand years, and yet still you question my loyalty. I have opened up entire universes to the gullets of the Sol-Kor and allowed you the means of harvesting entire worlds without the need for bloody wars, as had been your practice before I came along. This entire episode has been a learning exercise, Vosmin, and I will be sure to pass along to your Queen what I have learned.”
The veiled threat had its affect. “It is my turn to ask forgiveness, scientist; however, I, too, am under pressure. The Queen is much too busy to bother herself with the management of expeditions such as ours. That responsibility has passed to others, and they are making multiple demands upon me.”
“What demands?”
“They wish to know in more detail about the loss of the mainship. They also demand to know who built the array and whether or not they are a threat to enter our dimension? They are concerned about the number of advanced strains so close to the portal, and apparently working in concert rather than in competition. They fear a united galaxy could become a threat. And lastly, since a sample of the stock from the large ship was sent to Kor for analysis, they are demanding that I locate the food source as soon as possible so a reaper fleet can be sent. It appears that rather than receiving a bonus for our actions, finding such a rich stock is causing frustration and anxiety among my Leads.”
“That is all very interesting, Vosmin. It is still no excuse to treat me as harshly as you have.”
“You are correct, and I acknowledge your close relationship with the Queen. With all my other concerns, the prospect of a negative report from you to my Creator is probably the most troubling.”
“Then be nice to me.”
“Nice?” The Noslead seemed honestly confused. “I will be respectful from now on. I will be more tolerant of your own, often caustic manner. But I will not be nice. I would not know how to be nice.”
“I will then settle for respectful and tolerant. And in return, I will try to be more understanding of the pressures associated with command. This is called negotiating.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Of course you don’t, and that’s understandable. Now, was questioning me about the Humans the only reason you called me here?”
“No, it is not, and that is just one more demonstration of your perceptive nature.”
“That, Noslead Vosmin, is being nice.”
The Sol-Kor was stunned into silence for a moment before responding. “I therefore…apologize?” There was doubt in his voice.
Panur just shook his head. “Why was I called in?”
“Eighteen more mainships have recently come through the portal making it possible for us to survey more territory. In the process we have found several monitoring devices in and around the array and the stellar system.”
“As would be expected. The builders wouldn’t construct the array and then simply disappear. They would want to know when and what comes through. They are being prudent by observing us first before revealing themselves.”
“So you believe they will come forward?”
“Undoubtedly.”
“Will they be expecting an accommodation, a partnership of some kind between portal builders?”
“You have seen and commented on the strange interaction between strains in this universe. Why would this builder-strain be any different?”
“Yet the Sol-Kor do not interact, we do not partner.”
“My advice, my Lead: do not show this at first. If we have indeed been observed then the builders have witnessed our attacks on vessels within the region. They may see this as indiscriminate and consider themselves to be just as susceptible. We have been in this universe for three of their standard months, as far as I have been able to determine. That should have been time enough for them to show. My only hope is that the damage has not already been done.”
“You should have brought your concerns to me sooner, Panur. I may have scaled down our hunting expeditions, at least until the builders were known.”
“As it so happens, my study of the Humans may have provided me with some insight into this very topic.”
“You know who the builder is?” Vosmin nearly jumped out of his seat.
“The Humans have a suspicion, and it appears logical.”
“Who is it?”
“The name would have no meaning to you, but the Humans call them Klin. It is a strain of creatures, not an individual.”
“Where can they be found?”
“Even the Humans do not know.”
“How can you trust them? They could know yet be harboring the secret to protect them.”
“It is my understanding that the Humans and Klin are enemies.”
“Then they may fear an alliance between us and the…the Kli
n.”
“You just mentioned that the Sol-Kor do not enter into alliances.”
“The Humans don’t know that, scientist.”
“They have come to suspect as much.”
Vosmin was silent for a long moment as his eyes darted to and fro, trying to solve the riddle Panur had placed before him. When the solution became too much for him, he looked back to Panur.
“What would you suggest?”
“Since the Humans and the Klin are enemies, I think it best we court them both simultaneously.”
“Court them, I don’t understand.”
“Have each attempt to curry your favor in exchange for the alliance you will not honor. In this way the Klin will reveal themselves and the Humans will seek to become your friend.”
“But we do not want to be friends—as you call it—with either strain.”
“Listen to what I say, Vosmin. You only pretend to be their friend. Gather information, consolidate your resources, and then strike when the time is best. As it is, your most recent actions have only served to alienate both strains.”
“You want me to be friends with the Humans first?”
“They are aboard, nearly sixty of them.”
“Do I release them?”
“Possibly. But first provide pleasant accommodations and then receive their leaders. Explain how the incarceration has all been a terrible mistake and misunderstanding. From what little I’ve learned of this strain, they will seek an accommodation with you, a negotiation for terms suitable to both parties.”
“We want them for food, Panur.”
“That, my Lead, is the last thing you should mention in the negotiations.”
“No shit, we’re free?” Adam couldn’t believe what the pale alien just said. He’d left the laboratory only twenty minutes before and now here he was saying all the Humans would be released and provided with the best accommodations the Sol-Kor had to offer, even as discussions got underway for a better relationship between the two species.
“You really are a damn genius, aren’t you?” Sherri complimented, herself as shocked as Adam.
“I thought they wanted to eat us?” Riyad said.
“Oh, they still do, however, first they wish to get to know you better.” This poured a pail of cold water on the conversation.
“Bullshit,” Riyad said.
“Bovine excrement, again? Oh, I recall now! An unbelievable statement. I will have to research the origins of the saying since the literal translation and the context appear to be at such odds.”
“I agree with Riyad,” Adam said. “Since when do the diners want to become more intimate with the cows before digging into their steaks? Did we make a mistake in trusting you, Panur?”
“I am in the process of the providing the terms of your negotiation. How I go about it may seem cryptic at times, yet in the end you will see the logic in my actions. Please remember, I am not an ordinary intellect.”
“Or so you keep telling us,” Sherri threw in.
Panur smiled. “I respect your healthy skepticism, yet please enjoy the moment, and use it to gain your own knowledge. Vosmin will be studying you. Return the favor in kind. Now come with me, I wish to introduce you to the leader of the expedition.”
190
The executive chamber of Pleabaen Kreasu Simblim was crowded the next morning when Molison Jons was granted an audience with the leader of the Klin race. As he and his diminutive assistant Rius entered, the scientist naturally assumed they were all there to hear the good news of his breakthrough with the mysterious blue beam. When very few acknowledged his presence, he knew something else had precipitated the rather chaotic meeting.
Colinous Gemlin was the Coordinator of Scientific Inquiry for the Klin, a long-time personal friend of Molison and a respected colleague. He greeted him by the door and then pulled him and Rius aside for a briefing.
“The surveillance cameras at the Trans-Dimensional Array have recorded some very disturbing events. The Pleabaen was informed last night and has been dealing with the situation ever since.”
“What happened?” Molison asked.
“A small flotilla of alien starships arrived on the planet, approximately six in total is our best estimate. Yet they also brought with them a Human spaceship.”
“This was to be expected,” said Rius. She had known the Coordinator her entire life and felt a comfort when in his presence.
“What has been unexpected is the aliens are now playing host to a large delegation of live Humans, going so far as to erect temporary accommodations on the planet near the array.”
“The Humans are still alive?”
“Indeed they are, and the two species appear to be quite cordial to one another.”
“That runs against all the known data regarding the trans-dimensional travelers. As we have observed, they have shown no deference to any race they’ve encounter.”
“They have now, and that has the Pleabaen very concerned. As you know, a delegation was being prepared to make contact with the aliens. The news of your breakthrough with the beam had allowed the timetable to be finalized. They were scheduled to leave today.”
“And they will not?”
“Until we know more of the relationship between the aliens and the Humans the meeting has been postponed.”
Molison shook his head. “That may be a mistake. If the Humans are allowed more time to formalize an agreement with the aliens, we may have trouble convincing them of the alternative scenario we are offering them.”
“As I said, the situation was just revealed, so events are in flux. If you have a valid argument for continuing with the revelation, then you should present it to the Pleabaen.”
“Will I be allowed?”
Colinous smiled. “Be allowed? You are the great Molison Jons. If it were not for you there would be no trans-dimensional portal and no meeting taking place here in the Pleabaen’s chambers. Please step forward. I will provide you authority.”
The room quieted as Colinous spoke to the Pleabaen, who then smiled and extended a hand to his Senior Scientist. “Come forward Molison Jons. Your input in this matter is welcome; indeed it is sought.”
“I thank you, my Pleabaen.” Rius remained at his side as he stepped into the limelight. The twenty or so other Klin in the room made room for the pair, each polite and respectful. “I had originally come here to present the news that I and my assistant, Rius Olinous, have found an effective manner of neutralizing the alien pulse beam. The method for doing so is very simple and can be fitted to ships of the delegation in very short order. This will allow us safe passage to and from the confab.”
“As you have heard, the meeting has been postponed indefinitely until the threat posed by the alien-Human interaction has been fully determined,” said Pleabaen Kreasu Simblor.
“I have been so informed, yet I wish to offer an alternative opinion.” When no one spoke in opposition, Molison continued. “As we have learned in the recordings aboard the Juirean starship, the trans-dimensional visitors have been seeking the builder of the array. I fear that they may now believe Humans to be builders. It is the only logical explanation for the unusual treatment the Earth creatures are receiving.”
“Why would the aliens believe this?” asked one of the other Klin in the room.
Molison smiled dryly. “The Humans can be skilled deceivers when given the opportunity. Also, we do not know the level of awareness the aliens have to such deceit.”
“Yet the ruse cannot stand.”
“No, it cannot. Eventually the truth will become known, yet by then the Humans may have gained an adequate foothold in the situation to withstand any negative reaction from the visitors.”
“You suggest we continue with revealing ourselves and prove to the aliens that it was indeed the Klin who built the device and not the Humans?” said the leader of the Klin.
“It is important that we establish our hierarchy within the galaxy. The visitors are advanced enough to have built an array
themselves. They must respect a race who can do the same. That has been the basis for the plan from the beginning. Races of equal ability joining together to vanquish enemies here, in this dimension, while we provide whatever assistance we can for our new partners in theirs.”
“Yet we do not know what the needs are of the dimensional travelers?” another Klin pointed out. “We may not be able to provide anything they seek.”
“That is why a meeting must be held; more knowledge of these aliens must be secured. So far all we know has come from remote observations. We must have first-hand knowledge. Yet the one assumption logic provides is that the aliens are here. They have built a portal and then elected to travel through our matching doorway. They have come for some purpose; why else build the array? Therefore, within our universe there is something the aliens desire. We must find what that is and then provide it.”
“So far all they have done is kill…until now,” said Colinous. “They have abandoned helpless starships which have aboard them all of the most-advanced technology this galaxy has to offer. Only living creatures have been taken. Until this time, we assumed the dead were to be used for food. Now that they have spared the Humans—indeed, they are even gone beyond indifference to providing welcoming comfort to our enemy—the prior assumption is proving less valid. And I do not believe it is merely because they do not have a taste for Humans; the Juireans and Humans are too similar biologically for that to be true. There is something else at play here. Your belief in the subterfuge of the Humans may be true.”
“The Humans may have provided the travelers with a falsehood to spare their lives,” another Klin added. “In which case the accommodation with the aliens would only be short-lived.”
“Yet we are all painfully aware of the abilities of the Humans,” Molison said. “If they are allowed an advantage—if even temporary and slight—they could use it to foil our plans, as they have done too many times in the past.”
“So it is your recommendation that we counter whatever gambit the Humans have going by proceeding with our original plan?” said Pleabaen Simblor. “With the Humans at the site, this will reveal to them our continued existence in the galaxy. We have been successful in concealing our presence since the incident at the Dysion Void. This will change the entire dynamic with the galaxy, not only with regard to the Humans, but the Juireans as well. If negotiations with the dimensional aliens fail, we will surely be in a very precarious position. Is there any further input before a decision is rendered?”