I shook my head. “Look, pal, go get your boss. We have important things to discuss, such as the defense of the Federation. I need to speak with the officer in charge!”
Several minutes passed as I worked my way up the Gonta chain of command.
A new voice then answered. “This is Vice Admiral Hoota. What is this about?”
I replied, “Look, Admiral, my name is Don Grange. I represent the Human species. I will cut right to the meat of why I am here on your comms. I come from a great station called the Grid, which is almost identical in every way to your four Carion stations. Your people’s beginning in this galaxy matches that of my people. We too are enemies of the Colossuns. It would do both of our peoples good to form an alliance against them. So, go meet with whatever council or chamber or body of military hierarchy that you need to, and let’s get some discussions going. I am sorry if I sound terse, Admiral, but time is of the essence.”
The Admiral spoke. “This will take some time, Don Grange. What you ask is much. You will first have to reveal your whereabouts, as your ship is not showing on our scans.”
I again replied, “We are not on your scans because we are light-years from your location, Admiral. I am speaking to you through the means of a wormhole comm portal. It is something we acquired recently and may be something that we could share with an ally in a fight with the Colossuns.”
Frig grabbed my arm. “I do not think it advisable to give away the secret of our portal, Sir. Even for the possibility of an alliance.”
I replied, “I haven’t given away anything yet, but if the Gontas are willing to join us, it is something that I would strongly consider.”
The Admiral again spoke. “Allow me fifteen minutes to stage an initial discussion, Mr. Grange. If the parties that join in that discussion see merit, we will then move to the next stage.”
I raised my eyebrows at Meecha as I spoke. “That is as much as I can expect of you, Admiral; thank you for taking the time to hear me out.”
The discussion went through the night and into the next day. A decision had been made. Meecha, his crewmen, and I would transfer through the portal onto one of the Gonta Carions. Exact coordinates had been given to and verified by Frig. This time, coming from the wormhole beginning, we would be passed through on a rail, not having to risk our lives with a circus dive. I was eager to see another Grid from the inside.
Frig spoke. “Sir, please be careful. We do not yet know the Gonta and their intentions. They may have their own Grids, Sir, but I would not put it past any species that we have met to want to acquire more.”
I replied, “Risk nothing, gain nothing. Hmm. That is something my father used to say. I don’t think I have repeated that phrase during my entire life. Anyway, you get the gist of it. There is nobody out there willing to fight for us, but there may be a few who are willing to fight alongside us. If we don’t stick our necks out every once in a while, we aren’t going to find any others who will risk it with us.”
Frig spoke. “Just get on the rail, Sir. I do not need a lesson on risk. I fully understand that which is at stake. And Sir, try to keep your legs tucked in this time. If one of those power cells gets chopped by the portal edge, you would not be making a return trip.”
I smiled as I lay down on the rail in preparation for being shoved through the portal. “Hey, thanks for the tip. Now, if you could, please, let’s get this party started!”
The wormhole portal was established and the Gonta captain shoved through. At the distance we remained, the portal duration lasted only five seconds. With the rail system in place, we were each shoved through safely. As the final wormhole was opened, I turned to Frig and winked. A hard shove by two techs sent me through the hole and onto the deck of the Carion on the other side.
I rolled over and pushed myself up to my feet. As I looked around the roomful of Gontas, I took note that I towered over them. The first Gonta to step forward was Vice Admiral Hoota.
The Gonta greeting was to take a firm grip of the other party’s wrist. I gave a firm shake to the Admiral and then turned back to Captain Meecha.
As I held out my hand, Meecha reached out and took hold. “Thank you, Don Grange, for bringing us home. Our paths may never cross again; just know that I always wish you well.”
I replied, “And thank you, Meecha, for fighting by our sides against the Targ. Your actions will not be forgotten. May you also do well in your travels.”
I then turned to greet a long line of Gonta military officials. The final wrist that was grasped was that of Supreme Commander Grita. He was old for a Gonta at 247 years, but his handshake was firm.
Grita spoke. “Mr. Grange, welcome to the Carion we call Orienta. The Orienta is our military headquarters and is manned and run by members of the military sect only. You will find that this vessel is run in an orderly and regimented fashion. As a guest, you will be extended the courtesies of such by each and every Gonta. Please do not hesitate to ask if you are in need of assistance of any kind.”
I replied, “Thank you, ah, Commander Grita. I am sure the accommodations your people will provide will be above my expectations and needs.”
The Commander pursed his lips.
I spoke. “Please, Commander, if I say anything that sounds untoward or offensive in any way, be assured that it is not intended as such.”
Grita smiled. “Hmm. Very well, Mr. Grange. It’s just that for a moment, you sounded more like a politician than a military man.”
I replied, “Sometimes, Commander, Human culture requires you to have a little bit of each in you. If it helps, I come from a long line of military men and women, so I have the utmost respect for that as a profession.”
The Commander took a half step back in surprise. “Women! You have women that would serve in the military, Mr. Grange?”
I chuckled. “Captain Meecha mentioned that the Gonta women were held as above such duties in your culture. In ours, they freely join and serve out their entire careers as Marines. Some of them are our best fighters.”
Commander Grita grabbed the gray whiskers that hung from the bottom of his chin. “Woman Marines! What any Gonta commander would not give for such! Why, I would have the Colossuns on the run with only a handful of them.”
The room was silent for a moment before the other Gonta broke into a squealing laugh. The Commander gestured for me to follow his lead, and I soon found myself sitting in the center of a large table with Gonta sitting around the edges. I was completely encircled.
Grita spoke. “Welcome to Central Command, Mr. Grange. How can we help you help us to fight the Colossuns?”
I replied, “Well, Commander, let me begin with this. Our Carion—we call it Grid-4—has fallen to the Colossuns.”
The Commander stood and looked around the room. “Why was I not told of this? How are we to fight the Colossuns with a species who has already lost their ship!”
I stood to reply. “Commander, please hear me out. There is much more to this story, and if you would allow me, I believe I can convince you of our merits.”
The Commander returned to his seat with a scowl. “Proceed, Mr. Grange. My hostilities were not directed at you, only at my staff. Please continue.”
I began to tell the story of the history of the Humans. The Gontas listened intently as our fortunes grew after each run only to be swept away again when the Milgari had once again found us. The news of the coming Durian fleet was not well received. When discussion of the Durians had settled, I told of our ventures into Colossun space and of the capture of the Duke.
I sat down as I concluded our encounter with Captain Meecha and the Targ. “And that brought us to where we are today, Commander, asking for your help against an enemy that is equally dangerous to you.”
Quiet discussions went on for several minutes until Commander Grita stood. “Your history and your willingness to share it with us have given us much to discuss, Mr. Grange. For the time being, you will be escorted to quarters that I hope you find acceptable. I ex
pect that we may be discussing this subject for some time. Do not expect an immediate decision, Mr. Grange. We Gonta tend to be thorough in our deliberations.”
I was escorted down a long hall that was adorned with images of valiant commanders from the Gontas’ past. I stopped in front of one that looked familiar.
I spoke to my escort. “Tobian Meecha? Would that be a relative of Captain Meecha?”
The escort explained, “The Meecha family has a storied history, Mr. Grange. Tobian was commander during our first encounter with another species. He was credited with a great victory after a number of years of fierce battles. He charged the enemy command fleet with this very Carion and soundly defeated the Fleg Emperor by destroying his escorts and demanding his surrender. The captain has a proud history in Tobian.”
I turned to the escort. “I thank you for that Gonta history lesson… Corporal Gila. Captain Meecha may one day equal his ancestor’s greatness in a defeat of the Colossuns. That would be something, wouldn’t it?”
Gila replied, “It would indeed, Sir. If you have no further questions, your suite is just around the next corner. It is a suite reserved for only the most honored of guests.”
I gestured for Gila to continue and was soon entering a room through two heavy, solid crystal doors.
Gila spoke. “Through here to the left you will find quarters for sleeping. Here we have a complete mud bath where you may wallow to your heart’s content, and through here we have a chamber for mating. Since you have no mate with you, I believe this room to not be of much use. This main room is for entertaining guests. There is a beverage counter to your right with a trough for feeding on the other side. If you have no further questions, I will leave you to your suite, Mr. Grange. Press this button on this hand controller, and I will be here to satisfy your requests.”
I thanked Corporal Gila and settled into a self-guided tour of the Gonta suite. The sleeping quarters consisted of two five-meter-long beds, packed with a soft brown earth. I shook my head at the thought of getting a good night’s sleep on such. I next ventured into the mud bath room.
A pit, five meters by seven meters, was filled with warm mud. Large bubbles rose to the top and burst, spattering mud on the nearby walls. The warm mud looked inviting, but I though better of taking a dip after noticing the lack of a shower for cleaning up with after. I also had to wonder if the mud would somehow affect my prosthetics.
As I stepped back into the main room, my eye went directly to the bar. “OK, Mr. Grange. Let’s see what these Gonta have in the way of refreshments.”
I stepped behind the bar and looked in delight at the numerous bottles that contained untold concoctions. I picked up the nearest bottle and removed the cap. It was sweet-smelling liquor with a blue tint. The label on the front read “Meritessa.”
I spoke. “Would you like a cocktail, Mr. Grange? Well, thank you, I believe I will.”
I wet the tip of my finger and then touched it to my tongue. It was sweet, and the alcohol content was of a reasonable, but not overpowering, level. There were no glasses to be found, so I turned the bottle up. Twenty minutes later I was signaling Gila on the controller.
As Gila entered, I waved the empty bottle at him and spoke. “What do you call this stuff? It has an excellent taste to it, and it will kick your butt in a hurry!”
Gila winced. “Oh, Mr. Grange! I am so sorry! I thought you knew, or would at least understand!”
I lowered the empty bottle. “Uh, what are you talking about, Gila? Go on. Spit it out!”
The corporal came and took the bottle from my hand. “I apologize profusely, Mr. Grange. The Commander will have my head when he finds out that I let you drink a whole bottle of Meritessa perfume.”
I perked up. “Perfume? Well, you can tell that Commander that you have one kick-ass perfume! I have had plenty of good stuff before, Corporal, but this Meritessa, POW! It sneaks up on you all smooth and everything and then, POW!”
My problem with the Meritessa soon became evident. I was stinking drunk and soon passed out right in front of Corporal Gila. I awoke a dozen hours later with my head pounding. I rolled over to cover my eyes from the light above, only to find my face buried in the soft earth of the Gonta beds. I picked up my head and spat out half a mouthful of the dirt. It was shaping up to be a day that I would soon want to forget.
I stood and stumbled out into the main room and signaled Corporal Gila for assistance.
The corporal entered the room with a small bottle of elixir. “My apologies again, Mr. Grange. I hope you found the bed to your liking. Drink this; it will nullify the effects of the alcohol in that perfume you consumed.”
I turned up the elixir and almost gagged at the foul taste that took over my dry mouth. “Ugh, that stuff is awful! Bring me some more of that hair of the dawg!”
The corporal replied, “That what, Sir?”
I shook my head as the headache quickly vanished. “Whoa, what is that stuff? I could make a killing off of it on the Grid.”
The corporal returned a confused look.
I spoke. “A shower, at least tell me you have a shower. Somewhere that I can wash up? Get clean?”
The corporal’s eyes lit up. “Ah, a shower, yes, it is across the hall. We make use of it for decontamination, but I believe it will provide what you are seeking.”
I thanked the corporal, lowered my head, and walked across the hall in shame. At that moment I remembered what Captain Meecha had said about Gontas and alcohol. It was strictly forbidden for internal consumption. After a long, hot shower, I felt as though I had never touched the Meritessa or the earth beds. My day had somehow gotten brighter.
Chapter 17
After two days of intense discussions, the Gonta were prepared to negotiate an alliance agreement. I walked into the Central Command conference room with high hopes. I took my place in the center of the large, rounded table. The negotiations began.
Commander Grita was the first to speak. “Mr. Grange, we are prepared to sign an alliance with the Humans. We will provide ships, men; we will share in our strategies and tactics. All of the Gonta Federation will stand with the Humans against the Duke and the Colossuns.”
I replied, “That is fantastic news, Commander. Should I question the stern expressions on your fellow officers’ faces? They would appear to be waiting for more than a simple yes.”
Grita stood and leaned forward, placing his knuckled hands on the table. “An alliance with the Gonta calls for a full alliance, Mr. Grange. We must have access to the wormhole technology. Without that access, there can be no agreement.”
I nodded. “There, see. I knew there was a catch. I cannot agree to such here at this moment.”
The room filled with grunts and whispers.
I stood and continued, “However, allow me to discuss this with my staff. If they are willing to agree after giving the merits of this alliance a full consideration, we will move forward as quickly as possible.”
The Commander spoke. “And if they do not agree, what then, Mr. Grange?”
I replied, “If my staff does not see the potential benefit to this alliance, then I will remain on my ship and the Humans and Gontas will part ways as friends. I am hoping for both our sakes that an outcome of such does not come to pass, Commander. We need each other. I believe that together we have a far greater chance of defeating the Duke than we do apart. I will return to my ship and have an answer for you within the day.”
I left the meeting in silence. I was sure the room would erupt shortly after I was gone, as the detractors of such an alliance would be coming out in full force. I knew also the difficulty I might have in convincing my team that giving up the wormhole would somehow be in our interest.
I stood in a conference room on the Suppressor. The entire senior staff sat around the table or stood against the walls of the room. It was a packed crowd, but I was in need of all opinions. After several minutes of discussions, I stood and the room quieted down.
I spoke. “Gentlemen, la
dies, the Gonta have offered a full alliance. The alliance, however, comes with a catch. We must fully share the wormhole technology with them. Not only would they have access to it, they would be allowed to replicate it for their own ships or planets. It would be a full sharing of resources, which would include the wormhole generator.”
The room erupted in discussion. I could see anger in the faces of many who were opposed to the idea.
I raised my hand and the room again quieted. “Before we make up our minds, let me lay out the reasons for and against an alliance. In the simplest of terms, we need help. Look around you; you are surrounded by capable, hardworking, patriotic Human citizens who have put their lives on the line repeatedly in efforts to protect the Grid. Well, here is a news flash for you. The Grid is no longer in our control. We need to get her back, and in order to do so, we need the help of a strong partner such as the Gonta. They have ships, they have fighters, they have resources, and they have the will to fight.”
I sat back down in my chair. “And of course we have the negatives. That wormhole generator out there—it is the one piece of technology that we have that no others do. At least, no other species that we know of. Keep in mind that we came across that technology through the discovery of that derelict ship. The wormhole tech is already out there. And it is out there in a form that far surpasses what we can currently do with it. Maybe the Gonta can provide us with a means to pass an entire ship through it; who knows what possibilities exist. What I do know, though, is that if we don’t rescue our people by getting back control of the Grid, we are dead as a species. We desperately need the resources and manpower of the Gonta. Take time to discuss this amongst yourselves.”
I leaned back in my chair as the room again erupted in discussion. Frig, George, Gy, and Rita were seated next to me.
George spoke. “They will come around, Don; just give them time to let it all sink in. They know we are in a desperate situation. Even if we find the Grid on our own, what then? We don’t have the manpower needed for an incursion. We can’t simply get on board her and run away. The Duke would have all of her systems locked down.”
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