The Saharan’s were unable to make any detailed studies of the planet since their arrival, partly due to the lack of personnel and antiquated equipment. She received a brief history of the founding of this colony, but the information contained many gaps and left her with unanswered questions. Privately, she was certain crucial information was missing, or perhaps covered up, in the recorded history of this place. As intriguing as her questions were, she had a different purpose here today, and it was time to apply her thoughts to the task at hand.
The shuttle broke through atmosphere into clear skies, revealing a dry, rugged landscape. Yellows, browns and golds, made up the color scheme as the landscape came into view on approach to the capitol city of Reno. It was built into the low rolling hills clustered above the parched and empty remains of an inland sea.
If their water project was successful, the Capitol would eventually become a port city; something Kiren’s people would help make possible. The small crowd waiting to greet them was only possible because the winds were light today. Nevertheless, they all wore eye protection and light loose robes over their clothing. She assumed most of the activity would be indoors, and was grateful for it.
The shuttle made a graceful landing, and moments later Kiren and the others proceeded calmly down the ramp and formed an orderly group facing their hosts. President Morales stepped forward with a dark haired, sharp-eyed man at her side, and shook hands with Arlington and Davis.
Next up, was the mission’s Ambassador, Andre Swanson, who greeted the dignitaries with a warm smile. Kiren’s limited knowledge of Swanson was gleaned from the mission brief, and while his credentials were impressive, so was the man himself. He was of average height, broad shouldered, slim but muscular, with sandy hair and light blue eyes. His deep voice carried well, and Kiren shivered as some distinctly unprofessional thoughts skittered through her mind. She took herself to task, forcing her thoughts into submission.
The visitors were given a brief tour of the city, offered refreshments, and then assigned to their various duty stations. Arlington, Davis and Swanson were escorted by Morales to her offices for a debriefing prior to the Senate session which was to meet after lunch. Each of the other work groups was met by a Saharan representative who would show them their assigned work space and introduce them to the local staff.
Kiren was eager to get set up and begin her preliminary sensor sweeps, but was mindful of her position as a guest here. After introductions, she gathered her entire group together and mapped out the tasks for the next few days, matching up the Saharan staff members with her own people into smaller work groups. Kiren was both excited and nervous about her assignment, and though there was a lot of prep work to do, she hoped it wouldn’t be long before the information started pouring in.
####
The corner nook in Morales’ office was just large enough to hold the six of them, and she was grateful to have an hour or so before lunch to get to know her guests. She felt it was important to become acquainted on a more personal level before the current political realities began to muddy the waters. If this informal alliance was going to work, the people in this room would have to first establish a foundation of trust.
So far, their conversation was mostly about the differences on their colony worlds. It was embarrassing, quite honestly, to find Pacificans so very far ahead of Sahara in every measurable way. Morales was relieved to discover her guests were neither arrogant, nor condescending. It was clear they were eager to help their fellow man, not take advantage nor dictate terms.
The discussion turned to questions regarding the Vingah, the strange insectoid race who formed the original alliance with Pacifica. Much of the marvelous technology they now enjoyed was given to the humans after they helped the Vingah escape their dead home world. Morales was listening to Ambassador Swanson describe the events which led to first contact, and his role in deciphering the message they received.
“Rear Admiral Arlington and I were both on the bridge at the time, though I was merely the ship’s linguist in those days. There was no need for an ambassador, as we had yet to encounter another intelligent life form. It’s different now, of course, since we have the Vingah, Lydokk, Atlantan’s, and the species who wiped out Earth. In the days ahead, it is likely Sahara will discover others living in this part of space. Hopefully they will be friendly, but if not, we want to make sure you and your people are protected.”
General Dooley’s expression said it all.
“We are grateful for anything you can do to keep our people safe. At some point, we would prefer to take care of ourselves, but I am certainly not going to refuse the help we need in the meantime. From a military standpoint, I can think of nothing more frightening than being preyed upon by outside threats which we can neither detect nor defend against. I can see why your people made the security of your system a top priority, and I look forward to meeting with your staff to begin our own plans.”
Arlington nodded her head in agreement.
“Even without a formal treaty, it would be unconscionable for us to leave you wide open for attack when we have the means to offer at least some protection. My orders are to defend this system at all costs, unless ordered by your President to withdraw. We are, of course, prepared to offer much more in the way of assistance while we are stationed here.”
When lunchtime arrived, the small group reconvened in a large well-appointed dining room, adjacent to Morales’ offices. The meal was a combination of local fare and foodstuffs delivered from Expedition. There were many things the Saharans simply could not grow, and they were most appreciative of the new items now available. The conversation was purposely kept light and engaging, leaning towards more personal information and family anecdotes. Once the dessert dishes were cleared and coffee cups filled, Morales brought everyone’s attention back around to business.
“Not to put a damper on things, but I wanted to prepare you for the reality of this afternoons’ Senate session. This will not be a working session, as there is no business upon which to debate or vote. The purpose is to allow the Senate to meet you and ask questions about your mission. The public will not be invited, but there will be live media coverage. I have absolutely no doubt Senator Roux and his cronies will attempt to provoke you and promote their own agenda. The general public is, unfortunately, warming up to the idea I may have ulterior motives in requesting Pacifica’s help, bolstered no doubt by my decision to invoke the Emergency Powers Act.”
“At the end of sixty days, I must either declare the ‘emergency’ over, or defend my desire to extend it before the Senate. Either way, there will be many things I will no longer have the authority to decide without Senate approval. If Roux and his bunch are able to stir up enough trouble, I may be forced to send you back home. Obviously, I am hoping your teams are able to win over public opinion which will give me the votes I need to request a formal treaty.”
“I want to apologize in advance for dragging you into this mess, but you need to be aware of the players and rules of the game. At the moment, I have the upper hand, but it could all go south in a heartbeat under the right circumstances. I’m going to do everything I can to prevent it from happening.”
####
The Saharan Senate chambers were located in the same government building complex as the Presidents’ offices, though the route to get there was rather complicated. Numerous additions over the years left a hodgepodge of different levels, corridors, and staircases which extracted a good cardio workout from those in even the best of shape.
According to folklore, Sahara’s past Presidents designed it this way purposely, in order to keep irritating Senators from frequenting their offices. Whatever the cause, Morales normally found it only mildly annoying. Today, however, she was privately embarrassed, and decided not to explain the ridiculous journey to her guests. If anyone should ask, she would refer them to Sam and let him explain it.
When they arrived at the double wooden doors, the security detail met them with a brief ch
allenge and then permitted entry. The Senate seats were set up in five concentric half circles, with the smallest inner circle on the lowest level. The senate seats were arranged by district number, and faced the platform reserved for the President, Vice President, and advisors. Today, an extra table and three chairs had been placed in front of the platform, festooned with a banner reading “Welcome Pacifica Representatives”. The Sergeant at Arms announced Morales as soon as she crossed the threshold, and everyone stood to their feet.
Almost everyone. Worden Roux, who was located on the floor level near the platform, remained seated. The Sergeant at Arms, clearly unhappy with this breach of protocol, stepped towards him with a glare which would have intimidated anyone else. Roux reluctantly stood to his feet just as Morales reached the front of the room. Nodding to the Sergeant, she and her guests took their places. Morales remained standing at the podium, and asked everyone to be seated. She gave the room a quick once over, noting the media representatives crowded into the back of the chamber. Though today’s meeting was voluntary, she was pleased to see all the Senators were in attendance, though she would have preferred to see several empty chairs.
“Good afternoon. I appreciate your attendance today, as we welcome our distinguished guests from Pacifica. They are here at my invitation to secure the Wadi sector and Sahara itself. I was as shocked as everyone else to discover we not only are not alone in the universe, but some of the life forms out there are hostile to mankind. The destruction of Earth could easily be repeated here, and we are extremely vulnerable. Though system security is their primary mission, the Pacifica government has very generously offered to assist us in other ways as well. They have asked nothing in return, as their primary concern is for our welfare and safety.”
“Allow me to introduce my guests. On my right is Rear Admiral Theresa Arlington, Captain of the Expedition. She will field any military or security questions you may have. Next is Commander Mace Davis, First Officer aboard the Expedition. Questions regarding the science and medical teams now working on Sahara should be addressed to him. Lastly, we have Andre Swanson, Pacifica’s Ambassador to Sahara. He will be happy to address any questions regarding the current and or future relationship between our peoples. Please enter your questions into the queue, and they will be answered in the order received.”
The Senators fed their questions into the computer interface, rushing to input them as quickly as possible. The information was then shunted to the Vice President’s terminal, as he would be reading each one aloud. The first few were general in nature and quickly answered, getting the process started on the right foot. Morales was unsurprised when the next question came from one of Roux’s supporters. Though no one else would notice it, she could hear the irritation in Sam’s voice.
“This question comes from the Senator of the sixteenth district. If Pacifica’s concern is only for our welfare and safety, why are they withholding the medical and fold space technology from us?”
Andre Swanson chose to answer this question, and Morales wondered how he would handle it.
“My government has made our commitment to help Sahara crystal clear. We will be sharing some medical technology with you, but not the life extension therapies. We will also assist you in designing intra-system ships to better safeguard your system, but without the fold space technology. If Sahara should one day choose to join the Alliance as a treaty partner, then the aforementioned technologies will be freely shared.”
“It must be understood - monumental changes to your way of life will occur, and there must be certain safeguards and assurances in place before they are implemented. I’m sure, Senator, if the shoe were on the other foot, your people would be equally cautious. However, even without them, your people will be generations ahead of the technology you currently possess.”
Morales breathed a quiet sigh of relief as Swanson’s perfectly balanced answer seemed to pacify the majority of the politicians in attendance. Roux, she noticed, wore a sour expression and was fidgeting in his chair. Let him squirm. If he was hoping to turn public sentiment against Pacifica for being ‘stingy’, it wasn’t going to work. In fact, she would see to it every single thing they did for Sahara was plastered across every major news outlet on a daily basis. Hopefully, the people would come to appreciate Pacifica’s generosity, making them more likely to support membership in the Alliance later on.
The next several questions all related to the water project, which was now going to be far easier and faster with Pacifica’s help. There was excitement in the air as the cutbacks they voted on so recently to fund the project would no longer be necessary. Sahara could finally return to the lush and balanced world of it’s past, and the colony would be free to expand as it should. Meanwhile, several large self-contained farming domes were to be ‘grown’ using the standard nanite technology Pacifica normally used. Once they drilled a well at the site, it would take no time at all to begin growing much needed foodstuffs.
This news was very well received, and Morales could see some of the earlier skepticism begin to fade into the background. Moving on, Sam was able to combine the next set of questions, which touched on system security and the steps being taken. Arlington chose to address them all at the same time.
“In addition to the formidable resources aboard Expedition, we have also brought four Sentinels, a hundred buoys and a squadron of small fighters with us. Even as we speak, the inner and outer systems are being thoroughly scanned for any indication of intelligent life or spacecraft. Once this is complete, we will be setting up a perimeter screen to give us advance notice if someone enters the Wadi system. Our engineers are meeting with your own staff to design a fleet of ships which will be able to defend the inner system and the planet itself.”
“We intend to use raw materials extracted from the nearby asteroid belt to begin construction as soon as possible. We have brought with us an orbital smelter, which is a gift from Pacifica to the Saharan people. As soon as we have sufficient ore and trained personnel, we will begin construction of your inner system fleet.”
“In addition to the security issues, our people will be assisting with the water project, and will also be conducting deep scans of the planet. We will be cataloguing life forms, locating water sources, examining weather patterns and so forth. All of this data will be turned over to the Saharan scientific community for further study. If there are other areas of need or interest, we would be happy to accommodate as many requests as we can.”
Excited chatter burst out all over the chamber as the vast scope of Pacifica’s help was finally realized. Morales turned from the podium to ask Sam to wait for a minute before the next question was read. He nodded his head and tapped two finger tips lightly on the desktop in front of him.
Morales noticed the pre-arranged signal, but gave no outward sign anything was amiss. The signal was a warning the next question was going to present a problem of some kind, and though she was powerless to prevent it, at least she had a moment to steel her nerves. Sam cleared his throat, and the chambers quieted down.
“The Senator from the third district asks the following: What are the terms of our surrender to Pacifica?”
The chambers erupted in chaos while Roux sat quietly with a smug grin on his face. Morales was surprised he threw down the gauntlet this quickly, and it was clear the slimy bastard was enjoying the tumult he created. The Master at Arms repeatedly banged his gavel in an attempt to restore order, while the media recorded everything for the confused viewers at home.
Morales remained calmly at the podium, having prepared herself, and her guests, for something like this. She took note of Roux’s associates, who shared their leaders’ outward composure during the hubbub. It was obvious they planned this little bombshell in advance.
Once the Master at Arms succeeded in restoring order, the pale-faced Pacifican Ambassador leaned towards his companions in a whispered exchange which took only moments. He turned slightly in his chair to face the belligerent politician.
“Surely there has been some sort of misunderstanding. Perhaps the Senator would care to rephrase the question?”
Roux, watched carefully by every camera in the room, leaned closer to his microphone.
“The question stands. Answer it!”
The room seemed to hold its breath as Andre Swanson stood and addressed the chamber from his place behind the table.
“Senator Roux is gravely mistaken in his assumption our gestures of good will to the people of Sahara are some sort of prelude to a hostile takeover of your planet. Frankly, we find it insulting our offer of help could be construed in such a vile manner. Pacifica has not asked, nor will it ask, for anything in return for our aid. Our own society has invested a great deal in protecting and nurturing Sahara in order to preserve the human race wherever it is found. If this is unacceptable for your people, we will have no other option than to leave Sahara to its own devices.”
Turning around to face Morales, Swanson continued.
“Madam President, does Senator Roux represent the position of your government on this matter?”
Without hesitation, Morales faced him directly and answered the question.
“He does not, Ambassador Swanson. This government does not subscribe to the belief Pacifica holds any ill will nor hidden agenda in its offer of assistance. We are committed to working closely with you to make the most of your generous aid to us at this time. Furthermore, we are eager to explore the possibility of a formal treaty and membership in the alliance. Until then, you have the full faith and cooperation of my government.”
Swanson acknowledged her comments with a nod and turned to smile at the audience.
“Very well. I believe we may continue our efforts without further delay. If Senator Roux wishes to confer with us privately about his concerns, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss them.”
Odyssey (Galactic Neighborhood Book 2) Page 3