by T. R. Harris
“Just a damn minute!” Sherri said. “We don’t know anything about her, Riyad. It’s a little late to bring another person into the gang.”
“We’re not a gang, Sherri,” Riyad countered. “She’s cool. We can trust her.”
“Trust me with what? What are the three of you up to? Does Ambassador Yellen know?”
“See what I mean? She’s going to rush out and tell Yellen everything.”
“What everything?”
“It’s private,” Sherri barked at the younger woman.
Sensing the dynamic between Sherri and Riyad, Ophelia visibly bristled. “I know you and Riyad were involved before, but he said it was over. Now I see he was right, that you obviously don’t feel the same.”
“Get a clue, lady, this has nothing to do with me and Riyad—”
“Will the two of you knock it off?” Adam ordered. “This is some bullshit. We have a bunch of hungry aliens sizing us up for barbeque spits and all the two of you can do is squabble over a man.” Adam looked over at Riyad and then did a double-take. There was a glint in his eyes, a thin smile escaping his lips.
Damn, he’s enjoying the hell out of this!
Adam turned to Ophelia. “If you’re going to stay, you have to promise to keep everything you hear a secret, even from Yellen. We’re working on something to save all our lives and we can’t let anyone else know about it. If it blows up, these aliens are going to lop off our heads and feast on our brains.”
Ophelia’s jaw dropped open as she stared at Panur, fear evident in her dark eyes.
“No, not that alien,” Adam said. “The bigger ones.”
“We’re wasting time,” Sherri said. She looked at Panur. “Why did you come here in the first place?”
The alien regarded all the Humans for a moment before answering, the amused smile still on his thin face. “I came for another purpose, yet the interaction between Humans is quite entertaining. I have studied countless strains in my years, yet I have to say I’ve not found one so governed by emotions as you. Even in the face of grave danger you will let other, more personal concerns override the situation.”
“Grave danger? What’s going on, Panur?” Adam asked.
“Oh, it is just that a vessel has been detected approaching the planet. It is rather large and round and like nothing we have experienced so far. It nears without hesitation, so I assume this to be the Klin strain you mentioned.”
“The Klin!” Ophelia exclaimed.
Riyad quickly put his arm around her and placed an extended finger to his lips. Her mouth snapped shut and she remained silent.
“That didn’t take long,” Adam said.
“The point was made to parade you before the hidden cameras. Your Klin must have been watching.”
“Okay, Panur, this is your game. What’s the next move?”
“I have made it so that Vosmin will seek to entertain both strains.”
“How’s that going to get us free?” Sherri asked. “That was a major point of our negotiations with you.”
“All is working according to plan, Sherri Valentine. Be patient.” And then the alien laughed. “I’m sorry. I must remember I am speaking with Humans. You do not practice patience very well.”
Then as abruptly he appeared, the mutant was gone.
Adam walked up to the huge forward viewport and looked out at the towering three-antennae array only a few miles away.
Riyad stepped up next to him and followed his gaze. “What are you thinking, my friend?”
“I’m thinking we need to slam the door shut.”
“Panur could build another.”
“Only if we let him.”
“So could the Klin.”
Adam looked at Riyad and frowned.
“Yes, I know. Only if we let them.”
Chapter 15
The Klin arrived in a smaller version of a colony ship, a spherical vessel carrying a complement of ninety, including crew and passengers.
In most cases, the Klin never traveled with so many of their scarce population aboard one ship, not unless it was a Colony ship with a population of over twenty-five thousand. However, since the tragedy at the Dysion Void four years before, only four such space stations survived. When counting the dozen or so small land-based enclaves, the Klin race was down to a mere one-hundred and sixty-four thousand individuals.
Even though an aggressive repopulation move was afoot, the Klin were barely keeping up with age attrition. Exposing themselves once again to the wrath of the Juireans and the Humans, it was a terrible gamble the leaders were taking. Even if the trans-dimensional aliens could be enlisted as allies, the Klin still had an uphill battle to keep from becoming a statistic—just one more extinct species along the timeline of the galaxy.
Molison Jons and Rius Olinous had joined the delegation sent to meet the aliens, even though the Pleabaen had personally raised his objections. The intellect of the Senior Scientist was a precious commodity for their dwindling population. In the past, the race could count on their population producing a constant supply of superior thinkers. Yet with their numbers so low, these individuals were becoming scarce. The last thing the race needed was to expose these rare individuals to even more risk.
But with the possibility of the Humans having deluded the aliens into believing that they had built the array, including the actual inventor as part of the delegation became the deciding factor.
For his part, Molison wasn’t nervous. He felt he would find kindred spirits within a race capable of such an achievement as travel between dimensions. Yes, he was conflicted with the reports received so far. These aliens certainly appeared to be less civilized than expected, at least with regard to their treatment of other intelligent species. Maybe they had their reasons. Maybe not. It was Molison’s job to find out which.
The ship entered the star system the Klin had designed as TD-1—for Trans-Dimensional-One—and had been immediately picked up by an escort of the much smaller black ships. Molison knew that his questions and concerns would soon be answered, and as a scientist that was an exciting prospect. Knowledge was the goal he sought. Whether that knowledge brought pain or joy was immaterial. It would be what it was, and Molison would accept it.
Even as the young Rius Olinous was in a state of near panic over what they might learn.
“Please, Master, remain aboard until the tone of the aliens can be assessed,” she pleaded. “With the canceling beams installed, you should be safe. Once the threat is determined, then you can decide on further action.”
“Seeing from the reports that the aliens have vastly more ships in the system than initially estimated, I believe even with the neutralizer beam, if these creatures want us dead, we will be dead, whether I stay aboard the transit ship or not. We must not appear weak and afraid, Rius.”
“Still I plead, Master Jons.”
He reached out a tender hand and stroked her hair. There had been a discussion between them regarding the status of their relationship, and an accommodation had been reached. If they survived the encounter with the aliens, they would indeed consummate the bonding. Klin attitudes towards sex were changing rapidly, now encouraged by the government. A union would be welcome news within their circle of influence. Yet they would wait. Even Klin had emotions, and it would not serve to be committed to one another when one might not survive the mission. The logic was impeccable. And so it was agreed.
Molison—with Rius at his side—soon boarded a shuttle for the planet’s surface. He had spent many a month here supervising the building of the array, so he felt comfortable with the surroundings, although it seemed the aliens had built a small community at the base of the low-lying hill, a community currently housing a fair number of savage Humans.
The scientist was one of a growing cadre of Klin who had never met a Human. Even though he had been alive at the time the race was building a force made up of Second Generation Humans—the 2G’s they were called—he had been engaged in other projects at the time and not involved in that a
spect of the Klin overall plan. The 2G’s had been tasked with securing the cooperation of the bulk of the Human population in the Klin’s four-thousand-year-long struggle against the Juireans. The stories Molison had heard at the time, plus the data he’d studied, showed that the gambit had not borne out. The Humans had surprised everyone by rising to the top of the galaxy’s ruling class, a position the Klin felt was reserved for them.
The resulting years of death, destruction and pain had left the once proud Klin race a shadow of their former selves. Their name was still known, though the mythical quality of their reputation was long gone. Now they were just another desperate race engaged in a struggle for survival—and significance.
The initial delegation sent to meet the aliens was only nine individuals. Upon landing they were escorted across the dusty surface to a large white tent set off to itself about three hundred yards from the main grouping of structures.
Tables had been set up in the tent, along with computer banks and recording devices. There were also a fair number of black-armored guards, each with their ominous sword-like weapons dangling from leather sheathes. A huge creature, wearing black armor and helmet with a clear faceplate, approached the Klin delegation. Next to him was a much smaller being, wearing a simple white smock and blue pants. He had Prime features, with extremely smooth, pale skin, which made it hard to discern his age.
“I am Noslead Vosmin Yon, leader of the Sol-Kor expedition within your universe,” the alien in the black armor greeted. He neither bowed nor extended an arm. “I welcome the Klin to our camp. Who speaks for you?”
“I do. I am Senior Fellow Dinis Zimfelous of the Lead Council of the Klin.” The aging Klin representative looked around the interior of the tent and noticed a large delegation of Humans seated at a table to his left. “I respectfully request a meeting in private, Noslead Vosmin Yon. As the builders of the trans-dimension portal, we feel the presence of the Humans unnecessary and counterproductive. I am sure by now they have informed you as to the animosity that exists between our two species.”
“I have been briefed, Senior Fellow, yet I must insist that for this initial meeting the Humans remain. We are new to your universe, so a basis of understanding must be established first. I will entertain the input from both your strains—your…species—before further protocols are announced. Please sit where indicated.”
The alien abruptly turned away and took a place at the center table, facing out at the two flanking arms of the horseshoe shape. The smaller alien remained near the Klin for a moment, staring up at them with bright eyes and a faint smile, before he turned away and took a seat three down from Vosmin Yon.
Molison and Rius followed the visibly perturbed Senior Fellow to the assigned table. He sat next to Dinis and stared across the setup to the table of silent Humans. At the center of their table sat an aging female with an abundance of wrinkles invading her face. To either side of her were another twelve Humans, mostly younger males. Two wore military uniforms, the rest civilian outfits. At the end of the table were seated four other Humans, two males and two females. At least one of the males in this small group looked vaguely familiar. Molison searched his memory for a reference, yet it did not come, at least not until Dinis spoke up.
“Noslead Vosmin Yon, I must protest the presence of the Human Adam Cain at these proceedings. He is a notorious outlaw to the Klin, having been directly or indirectly implicated in the deaths of two of our Pleabaens, our supreme leaders. I find it very disturbing that he would have found his way to make contact with your expedition.”
“You will refer to me as Noslead, or Noslead Vosmin. Yon is not necessary.” The alien then took a moment to observe the smiling Human. “I was not aware of Adam Cain’s history with the Klin. I, too, find it strange that this particular Human would be among the few with which contact has been made.” With that statement, Vosmin turned his attention to the smaller, pale alien seated down the table to his right. No words passed between the two aliens before Vosmin spoke again.
“I will not allow any more protests at this point. Later, accommodations may be made, yet for now the Sol-Kor are in command of this meeting. As I just stated, we are known as the Sol-Kor. We have come to your universe from one beyond, having visited many prior to this. We seek the builders of the portal, as is our practice upon entering a new dimension.”
“That would be the Klin, Noslead Vosmin, contrary to what the Humans may have told you.”
Vosmin looked confused. “Do not interrupt unless I address you. And for clarification, the Humans have not made any such claim as being the builders of the portal.”
Dinis Zimfelous opened his mouth to make a further comment, yet Molison stopped him with a grasp of his arm, and the hard stare by Vosmin at the Senior Fellow made Molison believe he had done right.
“Good. Now to continue…the Sol-Kor have noticed a strange dynamic occurring in this universe, one involving the cooperation among many divergent strains, even as now we find there is conflict where none had originally been observed. This is good, since I have been informed I should seek out a partner from among these strains. This is not the way of the Sol-Kor. However, your universe appears unique, so initially I will heed this advice.”
Molison exchanged a glance with Dinis, who displayed renewed confidence in his expression. This is what the Klin had hoped for when they’d built the array.
Vosmin was continuing: “Traditionally, we would not consider such a relationship with the builder of the portal.”
Molison saw Dinis tense up visibly.
“As builders as well, we have found that when two strains of equal ability interact, conflicts arise. Both strains seek to dominate the other. Therefore we have sought out inferior strains to assist us, creatures who better recognize the superiority of the Sol-Kor.”
“If I may speak, Noslead Vosmin,” the wrinkled Human female spoke up.
“No you may not, not yet. I will conclude my presentation and then allow each of you the opportunity to present yours.”
When no more protests were raised, Vosmin continued: “We seek certain commodities from your universe, the nature of which I have been advised not to reveal at this time. Once a partner—you call them allies—is selected, then the full nature of our demands will become known. I must, however, stress that for the party not selected, the consequences will not be pleasant. That is why it is best that each party provide their best case for why they should be selected, and not the other. Again, I must stress that the accommodation being made this day is highly unusual for the Sol-Kor. This is not our way, yet I have been told it would best to moderate our position, at least for the time being. Now, since the Klin have made the claim of being the builders of the array and the Humans have not, I will entertain the position of the Humans first. You may now speak, Ambassador Unis Yellen.”
Molison looked across the way to the Human. She appeared stunned, looking to the others at her table for guidance. No one came to her rescue. Finally she turned her attention to Vosmin.
“I am at a loss as to how to react to what you just said, Noslead Vosmin. My race is known for our ability to negotiate and compromise with most races, yet this doesn’t sound like a negotiation. This sounds more like a threat, an ultimatum. Either we agree to be subservient to the Sol-Kor, or else you will choose the Klin and…apparently…then consider Humanity your enemy. Is my assessment correct, Noslead?”
Vosmin stared at the female for a long moment before responding. “I would say you have a good understanding of the situation. Do you wish to add more?”
“Yes I do! The Sol-Kor are strangers to our universe. As such I believe they should come with a more—how should I say it—a more demure presence. Since your arrival you have attacked several starships belonging to a variety of species, killing hundreds, and in our case, taking others prisoner. Oh, don’t think you have us fooled, Vosmin. I know we are still here against our will, and now that the Klin have showed up, I have a pretty good idea why.”
&nbs
p; When the Human remained silent for a moment, Vosmin spoke up. “What is your reasoning, Ambassador?”
“It is to pit both the Humans and the Klin against each other in a sort of bidding war to see which race will survive and which will not. I have to warn you, Noslead Vosmin, the Sol-Kor have only superficially experienced the Human race. You have no idea what we’re capable of. We have defeated the best this galaxy has thrown against us, including devastating attacks on our homeworld by both the Juireans and the Klin.” The Human glared at Senior Fellow Dinis. “And as far as Adam Cain having a seat at this table, he is included as one of our greatest heroes, him and his team. He is personally responsible for saving the Human race on at least two occasions against the likes of you, Senior Fellow whatsyourname.” She took a deep breath before turning back to Vosmin and continuing: “So as far as the Human race bowing to your supposed superiority, shove it, Vosmin Yon. This may mean the deaths of every one of us here, but that will only serve to anger the rest of us. And ask the damn Klin over there what happens when the Humans get pissed.”
The alien Vosmin seemed completely unmoved by the Human’s tirade. “It is my understanding the Humans are not making an argument for partnership with the Sol-Kor.”
Molison knew this strengthened the Klin’s position immensely. Nevertheless, he was also compelled to personally rebel against some of the assertions of the Sol-Kor. Yet the Klin would plan while only pretending to accommodate the demands of the Sol-Kor. Whatever situation the Klin found themselves in as a result of working with—or under—the Sol-Kor would only be temporary. On that account, the Klin were more pragmatic than the Human race. Once again, the beings from Earth had let their emotions govern their thinking. Now Molison waited patiently for Senior Fellow Dinis Zimfelous to make his case, knowing full well that he would say what he had to in order to convince the Sol-Kor to spare his race.
“Noslead Vosmin, I am terribly sorry you had to witness such an angry, savage and uncivilized outburst as that made by Ambassador Yellen. You will find no such emotional traits present in the Klin. We are an advanced, thoughtful, and more civilized race. We are also wise enough to acknowledge our place in the universe—any universe. The Sol-Kor truly are a great and superior race. And even though the Klin have provided this galaxy with the bulk of its scientific progress for the past several thousand years, we do bow to the obvious superior intellect of the Sol-Kor, masters of technology unsurpassed.”