by J. K. Mabrey
They blasted into space in a race back to Earth. Cedona security fighters were already bearing down on them. The ambassador, in shock, just sat in the corridor. Zavik approached her and grabbed her good arm to check for wounds. "Ambassador Hains, are you hurt? Do you need anything?"
She stuttered and shook. "I can't believe he just stabbed Paquiko like that. He was supposed to be his friend."
"He's a monster,” Zavik said. “He's loyal only to himself. We have to stop him from completing his plans."
"How can we stop him? He's going to portray us as assassins, and the fact that we blasted out of there's just going to give more credit to his story."
"We have to try something. We're headed to Earth. We need to warn them of what's to come, and decide a course of action that will prevent a galactic war."
Dani reverted all power to the engines in order to get them to the Earth portal. Fighters around Cedona collapsed on the small ship, firing heavily on them. The ships were innocent in this fight so Zavik refused to fire back at them. With the majority of the power going to the engines the Rinada was too fast for these small fighters. They pulled away from the trailing fighters and made a final push for the portal. The portal’s bubble began to collapse from a loss of power and the Rinada passed through an empty ring.
“Ut, oh,” Dani said as she realized they were still at Cedona, and still being chased. She turned to the nearest portal, Rashala, and pushed the engines even harder. More ships began to converge on that portal, all firing at the highly maneuverable Rinada. Dani dodged the blasts as best she could, but took some jarring shots from behind. The underpowered shields around the engines strained to absorb the blasts. Dani twisted the control to the right and barrel-rolled through the portal.
Perish
Varin sat in his office on Cedona, mending a cut to his left thy. Only a few stories below, Councilor Paquiko's body was being removed. He had given his account of events to the security team and was now collecting the video surveillance they would need for the investigation. Of course, he was really having his men doctor the film to show the humans stab Paquiko before he entered the room. While he waited for the film to be completed, he requested a conference with his father, the Supreme Emperor of Chokmna.
The Emperor, Puxston Bragko, appeared before Varin. He was noticeably older than Varin but shared a similar look. The years had worn him down and soon it was inevitable that he would relinquish his position and bestow it upon his only son. Beside him sat Drango Retalum, the Admiral of the Chokmnd fleet. "Father, Admiral," Varin said to the terminal, "thank you for talking with me on such a short notice."
"Of course, Varin," said Puxston, his quavering, weak voice being more distorted from the transmission than typical. "You said this was an emergency. What is wrong?"
"I fear," Varin said in the most sympathetic voice he could muster, "I must be the one to inform you that Paquiko has been killed."
"What?" Admiral Retalum gasped. "How can this be?"
"The human ambassador deceived our dear councilor, and set about a plot to murder him. A short while ago, that plot was carried out, and now Paquiko lay dead in his office."
"This is outrageous," Puxston said. "Are the murderers in custody?"
"No," he said and looked away, "it appears they're plans were well coordinated. They were able to escape by destroying his office and fleeing the system."
"Are we certain the attackers were human?" the admiral asked.
"We've collected security film from the office that shows three individuals, the Earth ambassador, another human, and regretfully, a Chokmnd entering the office and stabbing the councilor."
"A Chokmnd, you say?" Puxston asked. "What do you make of that?"
"It would appear to me, that they used a Chokmnd to aid them in their betrayal. A Chokmnd in the room would help lower Paquiko's guard. It is all very despicable."
"I say," Puxston said. "We must inform Earth that this will not be tolerated. I want the killers found and brought to trial immediately. Earth will aid us in finding the killers. I will not bargain with any extradition rights Earth may think they have."
"Father," Varin said softly. "I hate to suggest it, but this may have been an assassination sanctioned by Earth."
"Varin, please," Puxston pleaded. "How can you suggest that the government of Earth was complicit in such a deed?"
"Well, the ambassador was with the assailants," he said.
"But there is no proof that she knew what they planned," the admiral said. "They could have tricked her into setting up the meeting, just to ambush Paquiko."
"I do wish that were the case, Admiral," Varin said. "However, records indicate that the man who killed Paquiko had met with Ambassador Hains in the preceding weeks, and had recent communications with her. This all points to a premeditated conspiracy to commit this crime." Varin had already procured recordings from the Earth embassy of Zavik's initial meeting with the ambassador.
The two statesmen sat in silence for a moment, absorbing what Varin revealed. Finally, Puxston said, "Varin, I wish to promote you to acting councilor of the Chokmnd Empire." Varin nodded his understanding. "I want you to brief the other Council members of this travesty. We will have answers from Earth, and revenge for our fallen friend. You will demand full support from the Council on this matter. I do not want another incident like the last assault on Earth."
Varin smiled to himself, and asked innocently, "And what if I receive pushback from some of the other members?"
"The only reason the Council has any authority in this Galaxy is because we give it to them," Puxston said, slight anger now creeping into his voice. "Remind them of this fact, and that if need be, we can rescind that authority with our superior fleet."
"Do I have authority to disband the Council? If need be, of course."
Reluctantly Puxston said, "I, Puxston Bragko, with Admiral Drango Retalum as my witness, hereby grant you, Varin Bragko, the authority to disband the Galactic Council, if their full cooperation is not given in this conflict with Earth. If they are not fully with us, they will be fully against us. I grow tired of the stories of dissent I hear coming from the Council Chambers. I hope they realize the mistake of opposing us before it is too late."
"I to hope they agree to support us on this, father," Varin said knowing they wouldn't. "It is vital that they show us loyalty, in order to keep this Council in power, and that is what we all want. I will schedule an emergency meeting of the Council right away. I pray I am able to return word to you of an agreement with the other races."
"We will await your word, Varin," Puxston said. "We pray for your success."
The transmission cut off and Varin said, "I as well, father."
***
Conchu could not remember the last time an emergency session of the Galactic Council was called, it had to have been before he was serving his term. The Council chamber was quiet when he arrived. Paquiko was the only member missing from the five-person group. Conchu said his greetings and sat in his designated seat, waiting for the meeting to start. A moment later Varin entered the chamber, unaccompanied by Paquiko.
"Good evening members of the Galactic Council," he said loudly. "Thank you for meeting on such short notice."
"What is the meaning of this meeting?" Conchu asked. "Where is Paquiko?"
"It is most unfortunate," he said lowering his voice, "that I must inform you of Councilor Paquiko's untimely death."
"Death!" the councilors all gasped and murmured amongst themselves.
"What do you mean, death?" Bamino barked.
"Councilor Paquiko," Varin announced, his voice echoing through the chamber, "was murdered, by human spies, with the aid of the Earth ambassador."
"Murdered?" Conchu questioned. "How can this be? Explain!"
"It appears, from the initial investigation that the Earth ambassador led two agents into a meeting with Paquiko, only for them to stab him in his chest, while his guard was down. I, being summoned for a separate meeting walk
ed in to the group standing over the councilor's lifeless body. Then, with their treacherous planning, they escaped, after their ship destroyed the office by blowing a hole in the side of the building."
The councilors demanded no immediate verification of Varin’s tale and began expressing their outrage. "These traitors must be captured," Bamino said. “I always knew the humans were untrustworthy.”
"Justice must be done, for our councilor," Iney said.
"Yes, Councilors," Varin said trying to calm them down. "The traitors will be brought to justice, just as Earth will."
Alarmed by the apparent accusation, Conchu said, "We can't be so certain that Earth was complicit in this assassination. There needs to be a full investigation before any action is taken against Earth. This doesn't make any sense. Paquiko was a strong ally for Earth. Why would they want to assassinate him?"
"They are barbaric beings," Varin continued, locking his eyes on Conchu. "I tried to warn Paquiko of their potential for betrayal. Their ambitions, and," he said, pointing to the line of councilors, "your resistance to action, have led to this situation."
"What situation do you refer to?" Conchu asked.
"We have evidence that the Earth ambassador met with the assassin weeks before this attack. In light of this news, the Chokmnd Empire is preparing to launch a full-scale assault on Earth, and we will not just be occupying their space. They have gone too far this time, and we will do what is necessary to ensure their continued hostilities toward us, and the other members of the Galactic Community, are stopped."
"You have no authority to authorize an assault on Earth," Racklera said.
Varin smiled at the Council. "As Acting Councilor, for the Chokmnd Empire, I do have the authority."
"Who appointed you Acting Councilor?" Bamino asked.
"My father," he replied coolly. "I request the full support of this Council in our confrontation with Earth. It would be unacceptable to not support us after Earth has ignored your orders, attacked your shipments," he said looking at Bamino, "and killed our councilor in cold blood. Those who oppose immediate, and swift, action against Earth for the war crimes they have committed, please let yourself be known."
Racklera was the first to speak up. "I would request that a delay in action be made, so we can give Earth a chance to respond to the assassination, or peacefully surrender if need be."
"I am surprised by your stance, Councilor," Varin said staring the Farlin down. "You would request that my people delay justice for the death of one of their highest leaders, but it was you who wanted to so swiftly act against Savin pirates that attacked an outpost on your colony of Klettering. You dare to deny my people the same justice you received?"
Timidly he said, "I just believe that more information should be gathered before we descend into a full fledged conflict."
"Duly noted," Varin said. "Any others?"
"I too must protest," Conchu said. "We need a full inquiry into the matter. I have worked with the Earth ambassador before. I can not believe she would be complicit in such an act."
"Is it that you truly believe that, or can you just not bring yourself to admit that your precious humans could commit such treason?" Varin asked scornfully.
Conchu began to grow angry at Varin's accusations, his skin losing its cool green color to an overpowering light pink tone. "I will admit that the Iriquios have been a far greater ally to Earth than any other race. That does not mean we will sit by and blindly allow them to do as they please to the Galaxy, as you suggest."
"I suggest-" Varin began but was interrupted by Conchu.
"However, we will not rush to judgment and plunge the Community into a needless war, because of some prejudices you may have against them. We will not support any action against Earth, through rhetoric or commitment of forces, until a full investigation is completed."
The Council sat in silence for a moment. Finally, Varin said, "Am I to take your silence, Bamino, and Racklera, as agreement with Conchu's position?"
"While I understand and appreciate your want for swift action," Racklera said, "I must agree that answers from an investigation would ease my people's feelings on this. We can not mistakenly take aggression out on innocent people."
"The Rovuns supported Paquiko when he wanted to occupy Earth’s space. But you will not have the support of the Rovun's on this matter until we have more answers," Bamino said. "However, understanding the position you are in, I can assure you that we will not interfere with any actions the Chokmnd Empire might take."
"Please, Bamino," Conchu pleaded, "we should not be encouraging unilateral action against a sovereign system."
"They have the right to justice for their councilor. If they feel action against Earth is the right course, that is their prerogative."
Varin interrupted their escalating conversation by clearing his throat. "While I appreciate the, umm, blessing of the Rovun people to take any action we deem appropriate, I had requested this meeting in hopes of reaching a unanimous agreement on a course of action. That is obviously not a possibility, and that brings into question, what kind of authority does the Council have, if it can not show support for a member race against an outside aggression?" His voice grew louder and angrier. "The Rovun's were attacked, our councilor was murdered, and we still have those who would continue to support this vigilante race, even after all these transgressions. You would let Paquiko's murder simply get swept under the rug, rather than take a stand against these terrorists. How can you hope to portray any authority to the Galactic Community? You are weak," he spat, "and you have outlived your usefulness."
"This Council is still the acting authority in the Galaxy. We will not be talked to like this and threatened by you," Conchu said.
Varin looked up and down the row of sitting councilors. He said slowly, "This Council was created with the blessings of the Chokmnd Empire. At the request of the Supreme Emperor, my father, Puxston Bragko, I hereby disband the Galactic Council."
"On what grounds!" Bamino roared.
"On the grounds that you are no longer capable of fulfilling your duties."
"You do not have the authority to disband an institution that has been present in Galactic affairs for over thirty-thousand years," Racklera said.
"The Council was created with the blessings of my people. The recent failures to see the obvious conflicts brewing in front of you has led to an attack on a Rovun supply line, and to the death of our dear councilor. The Chokmnd Empire will assume command of the Galactic Fleet and settle these matters at once."
"Our fleets will not obey your rule," Bamino said.
"We will not just sit by and let you take control of the Galaxy," Conchu added. "You will cause a war to unfold."
Varin stood defiant. "It is not our intention to dissolve into war. We merely mean to cleanse the Galaxy of a few parasites and set the races to their rightful places."
"You want to subjugate us all to your rule!" Iney said.
He snickered, "We are the worthy rulers, after all. We developed the technology you eagerly stole. We made possible all that you see around. It is time we are properly compensated."
"Your fleet will not hold against us," Conchu said.
"My fleet is now larger than all of your fleets combined. I have the gracious Red Moon organization to thank for instilling upon me a fleet that will rival all other systems. You see, we will be in control. If you are complacent and follow our orders, then perhaps your systems will not feel our wrath."
"This is madness," Iney said. "You can't be serious about what you say."
"I am very serious," he snapped. "The Chokmnd people have been oppressed for far too long under Council rule. We rightfully deserve to lead, and you know it."
"Your hatred for humans has blinded you," Conchu pleaded. "Peace between races was the only goal of this Council. Now that is ever further out of reach. Your actions will plunge us into a darkness that cannot be fathomed. You will end countless lives because of your greed."
"It is
not greed that drives me. It is fairness " he said, his voice once again rising. "We deserve to lead, and you desire to follow. It is the natural way of things. This Council is no more. Your services are no longer required. You are free to return to your system or stay on this planet, but the authority you once coveted, is no more."
"This will not stand," Bamino shouted. "You can not possibly hope to control the entire galaxy with your fleet, no matter how large you claim it is."
"Once the other systems hear of Earth's fate, their total destruction, they will bow to my command. Fear can be a paralyzing force. You can either respect my reign or condemn your systems to a similar fate."
"Your father will not stand for this," Iney said. "When he hears of the threats you're making-"
"My father," he said abruptly, "gave me the authority to disband the Council. Since he had promoted me to acting councilor at the time, that makes me the highest-ranking Chokmnd in the Galaxy, even higher than the Supreme Emperor. Now the Chokmnd fleet, as well as Red Moon's, will obey my every command. Whatever I command them to do; destroy Earth, execute my father for treason, they will do without question. My father will have no choice but to accept my reign as well. My fleet will make sure I stay there."
He gave a brief nod to the stunned foursome, taking in the entire weight of the moment. He abruptly turned and left the now disbanded councilors, and the chamber that housed them for over thirty millenniums.
Protection
The Rinada finally passed through the portal to Earth after having to travel to three other systems. Varin knew they were headed to Earth, but it would provide some cover if they couldn’t be directly traced there. Once in Earth space, they radioed the Earth fleet to find Mike. He had relocated to Platform AS-003. They docked with the station without much trouble, they were carrying the Council ambassador as it were.