by S A Pavli
We exited Hyperspace and again I contacted the SES on our reserved band. Manera was out of camera view. It was a different operator this time, a youthful junior officer who scanned his computer with a frown.
“You are three days late Captain,” he announced. “Did you have a problem?”
“Just a small one,” I replied laconically. “Some trouble with giant hostile alien robots. Nothing we couldn’t handle.”
“Very amusing Captain. The Admiral has left a message that you are to be put through to him as soon as you arrive. Please hold on.” It took a few minutes for the screen to change and show the admiral’s face. He was in a large room and I could see operators sitting at computer terminals behind him. I recognised the SES operations centre at Cape Canaveral.
“Captain. How was your trip?”
“Productive Admiral. There was one very Earth like planet in the system with a good climate and ecology. Very suitable for settlement.” This was actually a significant coupe since Earth type planets were few and far between in the Galaxy.
“Excellent news Captain. I trust you have the full ecological data?”
“We have a good amount Admiral. But we were not able to complete our mission.” He frowned.
“But you are three days late. What happened?”
“We were interrupted. There is someone I’d like you to meet.” I turned and nodded to Manera and she came and stood next to me. “Admiral Crozier, meet Manera. Manera meet Admiral Crozier.” The shock on his face was palpable. He jumped up, gaped at the screen, and then looked around him, obviously concerned that one of the operators would see the image on the screen.
“A pleasure to meet you Admiral,” said Manera.
“Good God Constantine! How did she get onto your starship? No, don‘t tell me. Get your arse here now and don‘t talk to anyone.”
“Wait a minute Admiral,” I shouted and leant forward. “Don’t think you can keep this quiet. Manera will be seen by dozens of SES staff by the time we disembark.” He leaned back and looked at me blankly.
“So that scoundrel Constantine smuggles a woman onto his starship and gets a dishonourable discharge from the service. It would not surprise anyone.”
“Smuggles a woman onto his starship? Are you serious admiral? No one will believe that? And anyway, the media will be clamouring to know who the woman is.”
“We can find a woman,” he said. He gave me a knowing look. His eyes went to Manera and his expression softened. “Get yourself to the SES station and we can talk. I will be there to meet you.” He nodded and the screen went blank. I leaned back in my chair and looked at Manera and she met my eyes.
“It’s what you expected,” she said. “Look, let’s try to get the Admiral on our side. It’s what the SES is for after all. Exploration and discovery. They cannot turn their backs on the most important discovery in Human history.”
“No, but they can try to delay it for as long as possible,” I said.
The trip to Earth would take a couple of days and I still had to prepare my report on the planet we had explored. It was a tedious diversion but I did my best with it. Manera entertained herself from my library and we got together for frequent breaks from my monotonous task.
As we came into orbit and the Cyclops orbital station appeared as a tiny speck in the distance, we were contacted by the controllers who would guide the Lisa Jane into her berth. I made sure that Manera was seen by them and their reaction was comical. The supervisor was called and he gaped at us, disbelief written across his face. It was my friend George Albert, head of the Project Office, he who had wondered how us Space scouts could spend so much time on our own.
“Captain, I know it gets lonely out there, but taking a woman weeth you?” He seemed at a loss for words, and I heard laughing coming from the background. “Ow did you smuggle ‘er on board?”
“Hello George. I didn’t smuggle her on board. As you know, that is impossible, and video records will prove that.” He looked perplexed.
“Where did you pick ‘er up?”
“Well, actually, she picked me up to be precise. In her starship.” He continued to look at me with a blank expression. “George, she is not human. She is an alien.” “That is ridiculous Paul. Of course she is Human.”
“Alfred, please be good enough to explain to George who this lady is.”
“She is a member of an alien species who call themselves the Hianja. They have an interstellar Federation of seventy three planets.”
“Thank you Alfred. Seventy three planets. Did you get that George?” George shook his head, still not believing.
“But what is she doing with you?” he asked.
“It is a long story George, and one that our leaders may want to suppress. This is so you and all my friends know.”
“Paul Constantine comes back with a beautiful alien female. I don’t think anyone will have trouble believing that,” he said. There were guffaws of laughter from the background and I groaned in frustration. My reputation was going to be my undoing!
“George, meet me when I get off and I will give you something,” I said.
“The address of ‘er friend perhaps?” he said to more laughter. George was beginning to warm up now and showing an unexpected vein of humour.
“Just meet me okay?”
“Okay Paul. Switch ship to automatic and prepare to disembark.” I turned to Manera.
“Cut off a lock of your hair. I’m going to give it to George and tell him to do a DNA analysis.”
“Worth a try,” she said.
The ship to ship tender arrived and we boarded. It was always a spectacular view, leaving the starship to float across to the huge space station with the vast ball of Earth beneath us and the black starry skies around us. It was one of those situations where the works of man seem to complement nature. The artificial and the natural in a beautiful and graceful ballet. The music from the ancient film 2001 A Space Odyssey came to mind as the perfect musical accompaniment.
Manera had dressed in a handsome outfit, richly ornaments, that was at the same time practical for a weightless environment. Her hair was pulled back and up with an odd contraption, a sort of fine gold lace mesh that held her hair in place and created golden threads interwoven with her dark lustrous locks. I thought she looked exotically beautiful.
We exited the small tender into the station airlock and found a reception committee waiting for us. The Admiral was there, but so was George, my chief engineer friend Bob Jacobs and the Captain of the Cyclops, another veteran American astronaut Jane Saunders-Smith. All of them, stared wide eyed at Manera. George turned to the Admiral.
“Admiral, tell me this is just Captain Constantine up to no good again.”
“I’m afraid not George. This is for real,” said the Admiral.
“Sacre blue!” muttered the Frenchman. “C’est incroyable.”
“Miss Manera, welcome to Earth.” The Admiral stepped forward and held out his hand. Manera reached forward for a handshake and the old bugger took it and leaning forward elegantly kissed her hand. “It is my honour and privilege to welcome you and offer you the hospitality of our beautiful planet.” Honestly, I almost wanted to cry I was so emotional.
“Thank you Admiral for your kind words,” said Manera with her musical voice and oddly accented pronunciation.
“Mon Dieu, you speak English?” said George with surprise.
“My friends Paul and Alfred taught me,” said Manera. Bob Jacobs gave me a speculative look before stepping forward to shake hands with Manera.
“A pleasure ma’am. I’m Bob Jacobs, chief engineer for this station. Can I ask, why do you look so human?”
“That is a mystery for me also,” she replied. Saunders-Smith stepped forward to introduce herself and shake hands.
“Captain Saunders-Smith, in charge of this station.” The tall slender blonde gave Manera a searching look and shook her head as if puzzled. “It makes no sense. Parallel evolution to this extent.”
“I agree,” said Manera. “Parallel evolution does not explain it. Neither does any other scientific theory that we currently know about. As I said, it is a mystery which I am sure will stimulate much new scientific research.” Sanders-Smith smiled and nodded.
“Oh yes. The scientists will have a field day with this.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, I do not have to say that what has happened here is, for the time being, restricted information,” said the Admiral. “You are all senior officers of the SES and I expect full compliance from you.” He gave us all an authoritative stare. Surprisingly that was not well received by either Bob or George.
“Excuse me Admiral. This is the most important thing to ’appen to the ’uman species. And we must keep quiet? Please explain why?” George’s accent had become stronger with his agitation and I could see he was visibly upset.
“I’m with George on this,” said Bob firmly.
“The announcement must be made in a controlled fashion. I do not want it to be spread by rumours,” said the Admiral.
“The authorities have known about this since my last trip,” I said. “They do not want to release it.” George and Bob looked at each other. The Admiral scowled.
“Anyone who talks will be arrested. We can arrange for medical reports to say they have had breakdowns, or any other condition. You get my drift?”
“Why would we want to cover this up Admiral?” asked Bob. “This is the reason for the existence of the SES surely? Or at least one of them.”
“There are security considerations that I cannot reveal,” said the Admiral. “You must take my word for this.”
“The usual cop out by politicians,” said Bob with a disgusted expression.
“That may be the case,” said the Admiral. “But let me tell you that I will personally make sure that Manera is looked after and given every consideration. And allowed to return to her people whenever she wishes. You have my word.” Bob and George nodded doubtfully, clearly unhappy but having no choice. “Paul, Manera, please follow me. There is a shuttle waiting.”
“Well, thanks for your support George.” I reached out to shake George’s hand and palmed him the small plastic bag containing Manera’s lock of hair. He kept a straight face.
“Sure Paul, see you soon. Buy you and Manera a glass or two of good French wine.”
“You are on mate.” I shook hands with Bob also who gave me a muttered “Luck buddy,” and we followed the Admiral and Captain Saunders-Smith. I knew I had allies in Bob and George, but would they put their jobs on the line by bucking authority?
Chapter 33
The trip down from orbit was a nervous one for Manera. Used as she was to the smooth and peaceful re-entry provided by Hianja AG craft, she found the thunderous, noisy and vibrating Earth to Orbit shuttle disconcerting. It was a similar ship to the Epsilon, but three times the size with a passenger compartment with twenty seats and a large cargo section. It was the most advanced shuttle we had and a very impressive piece of engineering with the latest high power fusion rocket engines. But re-entry from an 18000 mph high orbit was still edge of the seat stuff. It provided me with an excuse to hold her hand and whisper comforting words in her ear, displaying my ‘square jawed’ confidence in Earth technology!
We were taken to the same military establishment where I had met the Admiral before, the Florida national Guard, RRU base, but this time we were taken to a separate block where we were shown to an apartment. Sparsely furnished, military style, with a 3D TV unit but no comm facilities. The military officers escorting us politely asked for my personal comm unit. We were isolated and imprisoned. But at least, we were still together.
“I hope we will not be keeping you here for long,” said the Admiral. “Manera, are you able to eat Earth food?”
“Yes Admiral, I can try anything.”
“Tell them to bring lots of variety,” I suggested. He nodded.
“We are waiting for the arrival of some important people who wish to speak with you both. Please be patient for now. When they arrive tomorrow Captain, I would like you to go through your experiences over the last few weeks in detail for them.“ He turned to leave. “Now, If there is anything you need, just ask the officers, using this intercom here. Now I will leave you to rest. Food will be brought up to you soon.” The Admiral gave us a tight smile, and left.
“Go through our experiences over the last few weeks,” I repeated.
“If we can show them that the Peacekeepers are no longer a threat, that may change their minds,” said Manera.
“Well, in the meantime, let’s enjoy this luxurious accommodation,” I said, glancing around the drab room.
“Mmm,” she said doubtfully. “This is not what you promised me. The trip of a lifetime you said. Luxurious hotel by the sea. The best accommodation.” She sat on the bed and bounced up and down experimentally. The springs groaned and the bed frame creaked and we both laughed. Manera’s capacity for finding humour in every situation was what made us so alike.
“Do you think there is a bar?” I asked. A thorough search revealed a bathroom and toilet but no bar. I decided to be a bit cheeky. I thumbed the intercom and a male voice enquired what we wanted.
“Please inform your officer in charge that we require a bottle of chilled champagne and two glasses immediately. And a very good wine to go with our meal.”
“Er, I’m not sure we have alcohol on the premises sir,” came the reply.
“Well send out for some. I’m sure Florida is well equipped in that department.”
“Yes sir. I will find out sir.” I grinned at Manera and she smiled back.
We both showered and were relaxing in front of the TV when the champagne arrived. It had taken an hour to arrive so clearly they did have to send out for it. But it was a good one and a couple of glasses of that cheered us up. We watched 3D, alternating between news and entertainment channels. Manera was fascinated, the scientist in her noting, comparing and asking questions.
Dinner arrived with a very good bottle of Californian Merlot. There was a good variety of food, from fish, red meat, vegetables and salad and Manera was able to find something to her taste. She had her tablets with her to compensate for the missing Hianja vitamins. We went to bed in the rickety contraption that passed for a bed, and slept badly. I often awoke, only to find Manera was also awake. But the night passed and morning came. We showered and dressed, Manera again wearing the same outfit and doing her hair in the same style. A very generous breakfast was delivered with again a variety of food.
Fortunately, it was not long before we were let out of our confinement. After breakfast the Admiral arrived with a couple of guards. I felt offended that he should feel the need for military escorts, but perhaps it was a case of old habits die hard.
“The people who want to talk to you have arrived,” he said. They must have flown overnight I guessed. “Please follow me.” I was intrigued. Who were these people who took it upon themselves to make arbitrary decisions affecting the whole of Humanity? We were led across the quadrangle to a low building, all white stone and tall ornate windows. It looked very old, but the interior was bright and modern. We passed through a reception area and entered a spacious conference room, well fitted out with computers, screens and comms equipment. There was a raised dais at one end and a few rows of comfortable chairs facing it. The room was already occupied and as we walked in the individuals stood up and turned to us.
I paused to take them in, and a feeling of disbelief washed over me. I immediately recognised the Secretary General of the United Nations, the President of the USA and his Secretary of State, and the head of the SES Juan Cortez, Major General James Cameron, military attache to the SES and a selection of other male and female political and military officials. The Admiral made the introductions and they all stepped forward to shake our hands. I confess I felt out of place in this weighty company, but this was an event of historical importance so I did my best to appear sober and responsible.
“Ladies a
nd Gentlemen,” began the Admiral, who appeared to have elected himself master of ceremonies. “Please be seated. You are all familiar with the situation since Captain Constantine’s first contact with the Hianja Federation. I have asked the Captain to describe his experiences over the last few weeks, with help from our guest Manera and his ship’s AI Alfred. Captain, the floor is yours.” He pointed to the dais and seated himself with the others. I suddenly felt very exposed and vulnerable. Why has this been dumped on me? I asked myself dolefully. I turned to Manera and she gave me an encouraging smile. She walked onto the platform and sat next to the lectern, and waved me over. I grinned at her confidence and joined her on the dais. I was about to address the President of the USA and the Secretary General of the UN. What would mother think? I collected my thoughts, and started speaking.
It was, in the end, an all day session. We broke for morning coffee, then for lunch. We reconvened in the afternoon, broke for afternoon coffee and the meeting went on until the evening. My audience stopped my continuously, asking questions which were sometimes answered by me, or Manera or Alfred. Throughout my talk, Alfred provided background video. My audience were totally engrossed, and at times stunned. The video of the Peacekeeper ships and their awesome base with its asteroid defences brought shocked and admiring comments from the military in particular.
Manera, mine and Sundance’s attack on the robots besieging Cora’s base had been filmed on my helmet camera and provided dramatic footage. I saw some of the military exchanging glances and as the day progressed their demeanour became significantly more respectful. I didn’t care about being a hero. As long as I was not seen as someone who had sold out the human race .
We came to an end with our return to Hian and my message to the Guardian Council. Manera described the support for contact from Krusniet and others and explained that the Hianja were loath to impose themselves on Humanity. They had issued the invitation, it was up to us to respond.