Greener Green I: Where Does the Circle Begin

by Peter Sowatskey

  “I take back everything I ever thought about you being an amateur. You bring out in me an angry desire to defend my planet. That is so silly I should have my head examined, some more. You stir up a lot which I considered settled. If the question of advanced study abroad was presented in the right fashion by the right person, it would fly. Then you'd have your assurance. We may have that right person on board.”

  “Bernice?” I asked

  “Exactly.”

  I pointed out, “We're not going to get much out of her after you kill her husband, no matter what the reason. You’re going to have to put that on hold. Make a list of the worst bastards in the government and send them along with the students, diplomatic mission.

  He laughed, “You’re going to enjoy your career in the Rangers ever so much.”

  “No rush for that. Do we have a deal?”

  “Why not?”

  “Make a list. I’ll talk to Walter. I think he’ll go along, especially if Betty and Paula have a heart to heart with Bernice.”

  Erlo drank the last of his coffee and stood to go. He paused and said, “Might as well stir some more. You might want to meet me here,1200, with Gina. She wants to know about Harmoniums, or at least she thinks she does.”

  “We’ll be here.”

  I watched him walk off toward the pool and wasn’t sure what I had wrought. I didn’t think mulling it over would help. I needed to talk to Paula or Betty.

  The waitress came over to me and handed me a note, ‘try the tomato patch’.

  I thought, ‘Why is it never simple'?

  By the time I got to the corner of the tomato patch that the workers sent me to the both of them were testing fruit from one plant after another. I stopped the cart and Paula said, “Let’s walk.”

  Betty asked, “Hasn’t the drive cleared the cobwebs away some?”

  “Absolutely. I forgot why I wanted to talk to you two.”

  “Well, let’s see.” Betty said, “It wasn’t about sex, so what does that leave?”

  “Oh I know what he wants Betty.” Paula said, “He wants us intercede with Bernice, to tell her to sell some of her relatives into slavery.”

  “You two make me crazier than I was. But seriously, can you think of any alternative?”

  “Neither of us can. We just brought you out here to give you a break, and yes Gina will be there at 1200, relax.”

  So I relaxed. I ate tomatoes. I joked with both of them. I thought about sex with both of them. What had Thelma done to me? Bless her. They finally followed me back in their cart and we parted company at the parking area. They were on their way to see Bernice.

  When I approached the Café I saw that Gina and Erlo had already started lunch, so I stopped at the window for a beef wrap and a bottle of water and then approached the table saying, “Sorry I’m late, had a date with a tomato.”

  Neither of them widened their eyes so I figured I was forgiven. We chewed at our food like we were harried office workers with limited lunch hours. I didn’t try to figure that out. When we were done Erlo gathered the paper coverings and tidily deposited them in a can. He sat down and sipped on his water bottle.

  Finally he asked, “Are you sure you want to know about Harmoniums Gina? The knowledge can lead to unforeseen ends.”

  “XO, do I have your permission to speak freely?”

  “Yes, he’s cleared.”

  “The fact is that I owe Thelma. But if I didn’t I would still want to know. Let me tell you what happened. We were attacked in 1885. We responded to that attack in 1585. All Earth times. We destroyed the enemy totally in 1585. The enemy was still there in 1885. Why?”

  Erlo digested what she had given. It gave him discomfort from the expression on his face. “To answer your question simply ‘you didn’t set up a harmonic vibration’. Probably that’s good. Because if you don’t know how to fight a time war it can get out of hand, drastically out of hand. I suppose Thelma has taught you the one road set in stone theory, which is correct as far as the Mass Energy Space Time universe is concerned. As imbedded an enemy as the ANNU KI are, they aren’t going to be driven forth with a few attacks. If you ground your planet down to small rocks you would find them clinging to the smallest rock. Simply because you didn’t persuade them to let go. Persuasion starts not at the mass-energy-space-time (mest) level but rather at the beingness level. That’s above the thinking level, for your information.”

  “Are you saying there’s nothing that can be done?”

  “You’re not listening if you gathered that. I said you have to develop a bigger beingness than the enemy, and then they will go away.”

  Gina knew she wasn’t grasping and she looked at me for help.

  I took a stab at it, “Maybe he’s saying something like ‘a thousand slashes, each deeper?’”

  Gina said, “I’m not a swords person, but I get the idea.”

  Erlo cautioned, “Not so quickly, your problem is muddled by their lust, no, necessity, for gold, and your desire to end up with a reclaimable planet at worst. Also to be sure not to set up self reinforcing harmonics because you could start to erode mest. And then you’ll be searching for a new universe, because this one will fall apart. Do you vaguely see what you’re attempting to do?”

  Gina’s eyes were a bit unfocused, but she managed, “Yes, I do. Will you be coming back to Earth with us?”

  “No, but I will set up a Com Line directly from you to me. That I will do. Also I will ask Tilda to research the ANNU KI in all our operational data bases and the special ones I have access to. I’m going back to my pool. Here’s the list XO, not negotiable. Maybe I’ll see you two at the dance tonight.”

  Erlo laid down several folded sheets of paper before he left.

  “Why am I the last person to know things?” I asked Gina. She just threw up her hands.

  “Sorry, you’re not my social secretary, I’ll ask her. As far as Erlo is concerned I expect we’ll have to take what he didn’t say at face value. I suggest you tailor your report to Thelma, copy me please, along the lines of what we can do to break the ANNU KI’s grip one finger at a time. What do you think?”

  “I think that would be prudent, at least until we find out more about them. Perhaps I should go along with the mission to contact them in Iraq?” She wondered.

  “It’s going to be a one way mission. Think about that. Meanwhile I have business to attend to.”

  “Walter and Bernice?”

  “Yes.” I said.

  “Treat her like an equal. She has been the strength behind Walter, even though she has not tried to directly influence events.”

  “On your recommendation, I will. Thank You.”

  In the penthouse I found Walter and Bernice sitting on the balcony. They beckoned me to a seat at the table they had multiple drink mixes on. I’d asked for something tall and cool figuring I would need it.

  Walter said, “Saw you talking to Erlo. Have you mentioned my problem?”

  “You sure we shouldn’t take this up in private?”

  “No, we are fine here. I’ve explained the whole situation to Bernice, many situations, and we’ve prepared ourselves for any outcome.”

  I looked at Bernice and she was relaxed with a brave face. She’d need the bravery.

  “As you say. Let’s start with your Cousin.” Both of their faces hardened in anger. “He has been caught, along with the others who were on Bren. They killed fourteen Brenesi in a manner; you don’t want to know about. They will be tried in a Bren court and surely killed. Can you accept the fairness of that?”

  Both of them struggled, but gradually found acceptance, Walter first.

  Continuing I explained, “There are others in your Government who knew. Head of Intelligence Services, for example. The whole mess could lead to war, or at least your, Wiltorne's, expulsion from the Combined Worlds. I understand their policy is quite strict. We need to avoid that. I think we can. But only if you two work in unison with me. Can you make a stand and do that?”

&n
bsp; Bernice glanced at Walter and he waved his hand indicating she should say what she had in mind. “We’ve decided that this is the end. The two of us will rule Wiltorme as a civilized society, with rules, or we’ll die trying. What do we have to do?”

  “You have to organize a diplomatic/student exchange mission to Earth. We are the extra Galactic representatives of same. You recognize us as the same before the Combined Worlds and sponsor us, in our request for an Observers Post, Seat. These are the people who will be going on the mission to Earth.”

  I laid Erlo’s list on the table and Bernice picked it up. I watched her face as she read through it. There were more indications of relief, than there were of regret. She finished reading and handed the list to Walter. He went through it quicker and put it back on the table saying, “It will be a good learning experience for the children. I will explain to some on the list that they won’t be returning, so they can take along their spouses, or whoever. Alright?”

  “That’s fine, a few more mouths to feed is no problem. You’ll find copies of communication equipment that your Government uses for secure messages in the office down the left hall. The steward will show you.”

  Walter stood, threw his shoulders back, and said, “I’ll get started right away.”

  I started to offer him the list again. “No need, I have total recall, always had. I would have made a good research person.”

  He moved through the wide doors into the penthouse. His absence left a vacuum which Bernice and I let gradually fill while we thought of what else needed said. I couldn’t think of anything. After a long pause, Bernice said, “I understand there is to be a dance tonight?”

  “So I’ve been told, a short time ago. Evidently the social activities board doesn’t have me on their ‘to be notified’ list.”

  “Sometimes I think, Rafe, that they do that to let us know we’re not all powerful.”

  “What little they know. How many times I’d gladly trade places.”

  “Yes, me too.”

  “You will work it out, you two?”

  “With those on that list gone, it will be less of a problem. Most of the ones who have done things against Wiltorme will be leaving with you. Someone knows where the bodies are, like the workers say. Erlo?”

  “The same. He’s on your side.”

  She looked out over the thickening crowds and observed, “That may be the biggest difficulty. The populace doesn't know much about Rangers.”

  I stood, touched her shoulder, and said, “Maybe they don't need to. We’ll see you both later. Oh damn, I keep forgetting to ask Walter about a Landing Ship Transport he has orbiting Bren. I understand the Space Station is used to support the mining operations and we have no interest in that except possibly for one escape pod. But the LST has no one aboard and I would like to have it for our people to copy and improve. We'll give you back an improved version.”

  Bernice’s face showed she was undecided and then she abruptly made a decision. “Consider it a down payment on Walters life. It’s yours.”

  What could I say, though I wanted to say so much and Bernice knew I did. Finally I just said, “Thank you.” And left, puzzling every step what had moved me to prattle about escape pods, strange.

  Back at my desk the top report on the pile said ‘all green—Bren 0600 tomorrow’.

  I liked these people. I picked up the phone to hit Molly’s button. She spun me around in my chair and said, “Save the ergs.”

  “Good to see you too. Report about Walter and Bernice sent to Thelma yet?”

  “Verbatim. Figured it was best that way.”

  “Probably, what’s this about dances?”

  “Multiple dances, ‘before battle thing’.”

  “Am I expected to do anything?”

  “Keep out of the way, mostly.”

  “Then it’s an early night for me. See that Walter and Bernice feel free to go out and mingle. She has to make our petition to the Combined Worlds, more material for her to draw from.”

  “It’s done.”

  “So that leaves nothing but an afternoon nap.”

  “Last one in bed is a craterwaller.”

  Craterwaller wasn’t a thing I wanted to be.

  Chapter 35

  Rafe

  At 0600 I strode onto the Bridge, a man of action knowing what I wanted done. General Niken had commed earlier that the quarantine around Bren hadn’t been penetrated and the Brenesi appeared the same as ever. Paula, Tilda, Betty, and Erlo were already sitting on my couch. We were waiting for a Jill, Marion, and a Brenesi, whom they’d referred to as Junior. I’m sure there was a story behind the name, but I didn’t ask, not wanting to spend the whole morning on an answer.

  Before I could sit The Room formed and there they were, after the room went away. I walked over to them and said, “I’m XO Rafe Berger. You must be Ranger Prinz.” She saluted, I saluted. And you must be Ambassadress Mc Clelland. I bowed, she bowed, and of course this is Junior. I looked up to his square face with two short horns above it and asked, “Junior, is it your custom to shake hands?”

  “I learn custom.”

  He stuck out his hand and I grasped it. He had a large hand but I could still get my fingers around his hand. He increased pressure and I equaled his pressure. Jill got a bit tense but when he quit squeezing I did too. What was she worried about?

  “I’m glad you’re here. I’d like you to meet Ranger Erlo Fracule, Paula Hawkins and Betty Trill.”

  The handshaking, bowing and saluting got done and I continued, ”We have some discussions that are to take place before we proceed. If you all will follow me to a briefing room we’ll get it done. DO, you have the bridge.”

  I led them to a briefing room just off the Bridge where we sat around a 10 by 10 table. All eyes were on me, “To begin, with I say to you, Junior, that I am sorry for the damage humankind have caused your people. I have the people in my custody now and they are being taken to the ships brig. Do you understand what I am saying?”

  “Yes, know Brig. Are bad, have no spirit, people.”

  “I agree. We don’t have enough time to go down to the surface and have a tribal trial, so you, Junior, are the judge. What do you want done with these people?”

  “Kill them.”

  “Alright, I will kill them. I understand among your people if someone wants the bodies of those such killed, he can ask for them, which I’m now doing.”

  “No use to me. Can have.”

  I shifted in my seat and said, “Thank you. That’s done. Now, do you, Junior understand the danger to your people?”

  “Understand. Believe danger come soon. Jill says all Brenesi go to new safe living ground. Believe Jill. We go today?”

  “Yes, we go today. There’s just one more thing. Your old living place is of value to some and when they come and find you gone they will be happy. It’s not a good idea to make enemies happy, so if you agree that Jill can speak for you in regard to your old no use home, we can make the enemy very sad.”

  “Can speak for clan. One clan heard and believed by all clan. So speak Jill.”

  “Jill, these are legal documents.” I laid a packet of forms on the table. “Erlo and Lord Walter Wiltorne prepared them. They give Erlo the right to act as your agent to see that any land and mineral rights are guarded in such a manner to benefit the Brenesi. Are you in agreement?”

  “Yes, where do I sign?”

  “Erlo will show you.”

  While they were signing I said, “DO, get me General Niken.”

  His 3D image life sized appeared in an open space, “Yes XO?”

  “Prepare to leave one Rail Gun Dock here when we leave. They are to be under operational command of Ranger Erlo Fracule. He will provide details. We will be commencing Frigate sweep 1200 today. Pull all your ships out to 5 miles off the planet. That’s all for now.”

  He saluted and winked out of the room.

  “While they’re signing does anyone have any questions?”

  Jill as
ked, “A person, Collene Harris, from the Station has been assigned to me as liaison. I assume that will continue?”

  “I’ll see that it does. General Niken will be going back to Earth personally on ARK IV, but his second Rail Gun Dock will take up a stationary orbit over the new Brenesi Homeland to provide protection beyond the Reg patrols. I suggest we call your, the new Brenesi home, New Bren. When the time comes they can send someone of theirs to the Combined Worlds Forum, where they will be expected. Satisfactory?”

  “Yes, we’ll be done with these forms in a minute.”

  I didn’t say, ‘hardly likely’, but asked, “Anyone else?”

  “Marion here.”

  “I remember your name Marion. What is it?”

  “They know we’re going to take along an escape capsule, in addition to the LST don’t they?”

  “Yes, they do, and Marion I’d take it as a personal favor if you’d report to the XO’s ship three hours after departure. Erlo will be there also, protocol.”

  Her face said, 'Oh shit, I’ve done it now.' Out loud she just said, “Of Course.”

  I asked, “Tilda, you have any questions about your duties?”

  “No, I’ll just have to solve any ramifications as I go along. Jill says clan rules allow her to have a bodyguard, right Junior?”

  “True.”

  I said, “The Regs will have a contact person. You’ll like them.”

  Jill said, “I’m done. I assume I will get copies. Let’s get on with it. I’ve covered the Tech and I believe you can do what you say XO, but if your people screw up I’m going to be coming to you for some payback. Do we understand each other?”

  “All too well, and I was there in your seat not too long ago. I do understand.”

  “Well, what’s lacking?”

  “Nothing, DO commence Plan Bren I.”

  The acknowledgement came from no particular point in the room, “Commencing.”

  Oddly, Marion had a worried look on her face. Paula and Betty didn’t flinch so I figured we were safe. Maybe I would invite them to also be present for my talk with her. GOOD IDEA. I knew they would be there.

  A revolving 3D of Bren and vicinity appeared above the table. A directional feed from the War Room was piped in and we had a continuous awareness of what was transpiring. Food and drinks were brought in and put on a table along the wall. We circled around and ate and drank and fidgeted. At one point I allowed, to Erlo, that this here wasn’t so bad a battle trench. His face went hard for a moment so I knew he’d been in a trench now and then. How the Hell did someone with so many memories stay sane. In the end I thought ‘they probably didn’t’, and where does that leave me.