He shook his head. “Not yet, My Lady.”
“Not yet, indeed.” She turned back to the crowd. “You might wonder what it means to be Named a Knight of the Realm. I can tell you that it means many things, including a call to even greater sacrifice for the Empire. Among our trillions of citizens, there are never more than 100 Knights. Most have died, and at present there are, perhaps, 10. The words of a Knight are the Queen’s command on all worlds of the Empire. Think about that. A Knight can, with words alone, bind the Queen to a promise she never made.
“Why have three people from Earth been handed such authority? Is it because they are immune to this terrible mind weapon of our enemies?” She let her blind eyes wander through the crowd, looking down into them, not above them. “It is not. It is because they are leaders, great leaders, each of them.
“So, too, is Admiral Trexler. The Empire has its share of great generals and admirals, and they lead our forces well, but they cannot function under the influence of the Chessori mind weapon. Admiral Trexler has led our forces through three great battles, each of them greater than any battle ever fought in the memory of Empire, and he has prevailed in all three of them. Do you think my Queen knows about you? Do you think she cares about you?”
Though she could not see, she stared hard at the crowd. “She asked Admiral Trexler to kneel before her, to become a Knight of the Realm, a Great One of the Empire. He refused, and you should know why. He refused because he knows that he represents you, all of you. Not just Americans but everyone on the planet. He knows that your senior representative to the Empire must speak only for you, not for her. With your blessing that might change one day, but for the present, Admiral Trexler speaks only for you.
“He tells me that no one person can speak for all of Earth. Know that the Empire never interferes in local issues, nor will he. He respects different beliefs, but he knows that survival is a strong trait of all people. It is to your survival that he speaks. Hear his words, for in that regard they are everyone’s words, regardless of your beliefs or nationalities.”
She lowered her head for a time, then lifted it to stare out over the crowd. “The nature of my missions requires that this ship always travel alone. To improve our odds of survival, my valiant crew has been augmented with some of you. The ship, as we speak, is piloted by Captain Tom O’Brien of Earth. Alone at the controls, he has successfully defeated overwhelming enemy forces on several occasions. The ship’s gunners and my Earth Protectors are led by Major Terry Washburn. They and the Great Cats have risked all to prevail against our enemy. I am alive because of them.
“Do you think I know about Earth? Do you think I care about Earth?”
“Let me tell you a little about our Empire. It is thousands of years old, and for most of that time it has been led by a particular group of women called the Chosen. Among the trillions of inhabitants of the galaxy, there are, as you can imagine, certain unusual characteristics that are bound to occur. Among this small group of women, certain inbred Talents have emerged that make them great leaders. We call these women “The Chosen,” because they are, repeatedly, chosen to lead our civilization. Our Queen is always selected from one of the Chosen.
“The Chessori very cleverly infiltrated our society before we knew about their terrible mind weapon. When they struck, the war was lost before we even knew we were at war. Only one Chosen remains, and she is Queen. All the rest have been killed.
“Do you see now why Earth is so important? Do you see now what your Knights have done to preserve our Queen, our civilization? Do you see now that our call to you is two-fold? I call on you to save your world, but I also call you to save my Empire.
“I tell you these things because you have a choice to make, and I would not ask that the choice be made without knowledge. Know this: it is possible for you to learn to fly our ships; it is possible for you to fight this menace, and the Empire will stand with you all the way. We’re counting on you. We’re depending on you. Do it for yourselves, and do it for us.
“I beg you: come together as a people. To do so you will have to set your national interests aside for a while. Your survival and ours requires a global commitment. Can you imagine a higher calling than to preserve the lives of everyone on your planet?” She lowered her voice and leaned into the microphones.
“Can you imagine a higher calling than to preserve the lives of everyone in the galaxy?”
She paused for a long time before saying, “Your first representative to the Empire, your Michael Carver who is now First Knight, tells me he had to make the same choice I just gave you. In his own words, his decision was based not on the choice to help or not to help, but on the alternative choice: could he not help? Could he not answer the call of the trillions of beings throughout our Empire.”
She couldn’t see it, but many feet shuffled among the crowd, and lots of thoughts became introspective.
“I tell you this,” she said in closing. “Whatever your decision, my Empire will not force itself upon you, nor will it abandon you. Ever.” She bowed to them again, then said, “I have answered the call of my civilization. Now, I call you to do the same. I call you in the name of the Queen, I call you in the name of her First Knight, Michael Carver, and I call you in the name of your commander, Admiral Raymond Trexler. Join us.”
She was done, and Trexler turned to hand her off to Washburn. To his surprise, Washburn stepped around him and went to the microphones. Trexler pulled Krys back, not certain what was going to happen.
Washburn was not a natural public speaker, and it showed, but he knew what he wanted to say. “When I was accepted into this crew, I had no idea what I was getting into. All I knew was that we would be operating deep into enemy strongholds, that it would be dangerous, but that it was critical to the war effort. Uh . . . it’s been all of those things, but that’s not my message. My message is this: when Lady Krys told me what was needed of me, her demand was simple. She asked that I give all that I am.
“That’s been our standard, and we have given all that we are, time after time. So, too, have the rest of our forces out there. You might ask why.” He stepped back from the microphones to stare at the crowd. His gaze moved all the way from one side of the crowd to the other, boring into them. His deep voice carried easily to the microphones as he spoke again. “Why do we give all that we are? It is because we will not stand idle while our species becomes just a memory. We do it for our children and for our children’s children.” His eyes wandered over the crowd again, then he looked directly into the cameras, willing his thoughts to the world. “Will you? Will you give all that you are for your children and for your children’s children?”
He stepped away from the microphones and turned to Trexler with a salute. Trexler returned the salute and passed Krys to him. Krys pulled her hood over her head again, and the giant man led his Knight down the steps, along the red carpet, and back into the ship.
Trexler turned his back on the crowd to face Krys until she entered the ship. The world had heard a lot today, learned a lot today, and it needed a breather.
When he turned back to the microphones and cameras, he said, “That was a message from the heart, a message from one of our own, your own. It was not scripted, but it is the heart of the message we wanted you to hear today. I will be touring the planet during the next few weeks to carry our message to your national leaders. Think about what you have heard. Let them know where you stand. I speak to each of you when I say, for your children and your children’s children, give all that you are.”
He turned and gestured to Resolve. ”And now . . . look! A real spaceship. Want a tour?”
A great tumult arose. He raised both arms, with his hands spread outward demanding order, then announced, “I will take three camera crews and reporters with me on a tour. You,” he said, pointing to the press, “will have to decide who goes. I’ll start in half an hour. For the rest of you, everyone who wants a tour will get a tour of a ship, but not this one. One of my squadrons will
be here shortly. The lines will be long, and you are welcome to leave, then return tomorrow and the next day. They will remain here until everyone that wants to has had the opportunity to see the insides of a real spaceship.”
He turned and pointed to the sky. He was beneath Resolve and couldn’t see the incoming squadron, but the spectators could. So, too, could the cameras. The show had been scripted, and Tom O’Brien on the bridge of Resolve sent out the order.
White streaks appeared high in the sky as ships entered atmosphere. They disappeared over the horizon but returned shortly as dots in the distance, high, high in the sky. They turned and dove toward the airdrome, white contrails arcing behind. In a rush they were over the field, passing silently in formation, the fighters and frigates surrounding the great cruiser. The squadron continued down the valley for a few miles, then swept into a wide climbing turn within the confines of the valley and returned. Without a sound, they slowed, drifting along the runway, then they stopped in mid-air. After a time, the fighters moved aside. The cruiser drifted down through them, stopping its descent just above low buildings on the far side of the airport. The cruiser and its two frigates were too large to fit within the confines of the airport and would have to remain at a low hover during their time here. The frigates came down in front of the cruiser with all their guns extended. The fighters moved into line abreast and circled over the hovering ships once, then touched down along the runway in a crescent-shaped line in front of the three capital ships.
These ships had not been to the cleaners. Their hulls were blackened, dented, and scarred, and it was clear they’d seen battle.
“Every one of these ships is flown by a pilot from Earth,” Trexler said as the crowd stared. “I don’t know what countries the crews are from, and you know what? I don’t care. They’re volunteers, they’re from Earth, and they fight alongside their Empire crews to defeat our common enemy.”
He leaned into the microphones, knowing that most peoples’ attention was not on him, it was on the ships. “I’m not done. Another ship will be here momentarily.” He turned and pointed.
He couldn’t see it, nor could the crowd standing close to Resolve, but most of the crowd could, and the rest of the planet could. A pencil-thin, golden shape flashed across the far side of the valley just below the tops of the mountains, disappearing into the distance. When it returned, it came in low over the lake and banked up on its side in a turn, its elegant, teardrop shape reflecting the bright sun. It continued that turn until coming to rest in mid-air just above the cruiser, it’s thin, sword-like shape small in comparison.
“This ship is special, too,” Trexler said, leaning into the microphone. “It’s our ship. It was modified for its current mission right here on Earth. There is not a single Empire crewmember aboard – the whole crew is from Earth. This ship’s mission will remain secret for now, but I will tell you that this ship has seen battle, and there will be more of these ships, lots more. They are a product of Earth.”
His eyes rose in thought, then returned to the crowd. He leaned into the microphones. “I have a lot of ships. My ships need a lot of crews. Training is provided, so no experience is necessary. Most of the ships need modifications, and some of those modifications will be made here on Earth, so I need skilled craftsmen, as well. I need language instructors, I need trainers, I need buildings to house everyone, and I need support in the kitchens and laundry rooms. I’m asking for volunteers. We’re fighting a war, a war for our very existence, and it requires a global effort. We’ve had world wars in the past, but not like this one. This time, it’s our whole world against them - the Chessori. You and I can do this thing. Join with me. Let’s take the battle to our enemies. Let’s give it all that we are, for our children and for our children’s children.”
He left the platform and strolled along the barrier that was holding the crowd back, touching hands that reached out to him, but most faces were turned to the ships littering the field, ignoring him. From the crowd he chose three middle-aged people, two women and one man, to accompany him on the tour of Resolve. He then guided his guests back to the group of government officials who had tried to welcome him, and he invited them to join him, as well.
He spent several hours touring the ship, leaving no part untouched, and while he did, Stven and M’Sada, with two Protectors by each of their sides, mingled with the crowd. Translator devices were handed out to spectators with whom they spoke, and surprisingly, most of the devices were returned.
Chapter 5
That evening was the first of many state dinners. Trexler escorted Krys, Stven, and M’Sada, though M’Sada did not partake of the food. He did not hesitate to let people know that they would not enjoy the eating habits of the Schect.
As Trexler approached his seat, an attractive woman some ten years his junior stood up. She greeted him with a smile, her blond hair shimmering with freshness, her blue eyes gazing at him with a penetrating stare.
“I’m Ray Trexler,” he said, introducing himself.
She reached out a hand, the smile turning to a grin. “Yes, sir. I think I knew that. I’m Nancy Shaw.”
He introduced her to Krys, and the two shook hands, a little awkwardly since Krys could not see. After shaking hands, Krys stepped away with a strange expression on her face, then she reached into a pocket and withdrew a translator device.
Trexler took it from her and attached it to Nancy’s ear. While he did so, he asked, “How did you manage to get seated at the table of honor?”
“Bad luck?” she responded instantly, then with a smile she added, “I have connections. Actually, I’m seated beside you at the insistence of the President.”
“Ah . . . which president?”
“Your President and mine.”
“I see,” he replied, looking thoughtful. “Are you here to keep me from embarrassing the United States?”
“That was the plan, but I’m not so sure you need my help. You were grand today, just what the world needed.”
She turned to Krys. “My Lady, it’s my great honor to meet you. You were magnificent today, and I’m certain it was not easy with the loss of your vision.”
“I have not lost my vision, only my sight, but you’re right: this war is not easy, as you will discover.”
A frown of perplexity flashed across Nancy Shaw’s face, but she recovered quickly. “I expect your travels here will tax all of us, but I’m anxious to help in any way that I can. Please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Krys bowed her head solemnly. “Thank you. Do you plan to answer my call?”
“My Lady, I’m not a fighter. I’m just here to assist you and Admiral Trexler.”
Krys smiled. “I was just a child when I was called. I resisted, as well. We’ll speak more of this later.”
Trexler sensed that something was going on, but he had no idea what it was. He seated both women and asked Ms. Shaw, “So am I in trouble or what? I’ve been waiting for a call from the Joint Chief’s office demanding my resignation.”
She smiled. “No, sir. The President is pleased. So, too, are the other national leaders with him. The last few weeks have been . . . difficult . . . for them.”
“That’s not going to change.”
“No, sir, it’s not. Actually, I’m not sure you report to the Joint Chiefs anymore. After what you said today, I’m not even sure you report to the President.”
Trexler’s eyebrows rose. “Interesting observation. Do they share it?”
“I don’t know!”
“Well, at the moment it doesn’t matter.”
She changed the subject. “I’m supposed to tag along with you wherever you go. I’m here to offer advice, and I’m a pretty good executive assistant when needed.”
“Out of the whole United States, you get the job? You must be good.”
“Out of the whole United States, you got the job, and yes, I am good at what I do.”
“Welcome aboard, Ms. Shaw. It might be a bumpy ride.”
Her face
lit up again in a smile. “Obviously, we need to talk when you get a chance.”
“We will, trust me. I’ll take all the help I can get. Is there a plan?”
“Is there ever not a plan?”
“I have two months, no more. I’m needed out there,” he said, pointing to the ceiling. “So is Lady Krys.”
“That’s a help, just knowing your time frame. I can get started on a few things as soon as we’re done here.”
* * * * *
The two months flew by. He spent very little time in the United States, but he wasn’t really needed there. The President had Admiral Godfries to keep him up to date and to answer questions. Resolve was his normal mode of transportation. Many national leaders accepted rides in the ship, a few even going into space for brief periods. Captain O’Brien stayed busy, and he was stuck with most of the flying since Stven and M’Sada accompanied Trexler to most of his meetings.
To Trexler’s surprise, his Protectors did not become an insurmountable issue. Whenever the subject came up, he informed his hosts that the issue was not negotiable. Sergeant Jacobs created an international incident when he noticed a civilian lurking about with a briefcase and a wire in his ear. The team, including three Great Cats, kept an eye on the man and discovered several others that seemed to be working with him. Without informing anyone, they simply took the men down, disarming them in the process. Nancy came to the rescue by vouching for the men. They were Secret Service agents detailed by the President to cover Trexler. In the end, after unruffling a lot of feathers, the agents were invited into the party, providing some much needed local intelligence to the Protectors.
Trexler was in a meeting with Washburn, trying to talk him into rotating one or two Protectors home each week for leave when Nancy Shaw walked in. “Help me out, Nancy. Talk some sense into him.”
She listened to Washburn who was not going to let his commanding officer override him when it came to protection. He insisted that he and his men had signed on for the duration. Their skills were needed here, and there were not enough Protectors for any of them to go home.
Voice of the Chosen (Spirit of Empire, Book Three) Page 7