by Andrew Mack
Willits, sipping on a glass of wine, stopped, and said, “Where are you two going?”
Trujillo spoke “To the front of the ship to eat, sir.”
Willits quickly responded, “Sit down. No one on my crew eats anywhere else but at the same table as the rest of us. We are all equal. Provided it is ok with the Ambassador?”
The Ambassador nodded in approval. “By all means, sit down. I would like to get to know these two cadets better. However, who is actually flying the ship right now?”
Tunsall responded. “It’s on auto-pilot in Hyper-EXtension mode. In the unlikely event anything happens, we will be notified.”
Tunsall and Trujillo reluctantly sat down. They began eating, and Willits poured both of them some wine. Ambassador Bird was first to say, “How much longer until the two of you graduate from the Academy?”
Jones and Willits glanced at each other. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. Tunsall spoke first. “It was supposed to be next week, sir.”
The Ambassador continued, “If I may ask, how much real experience do you have?”
Willits and Jones could see this was not going to go well. It was unclear even how to stop it. Trujillo spoke this time. “We get an abundance of time in the simulator, sir. It is virtually identical to flying in real space. I often can’t tell the difference.”
The Ambassador then asked, “And with this particular ship?”
Trujillo continued, “This is a C-62T, sir. A refurbished cargo transport ideal for civilian travel. Tunsall and I have over fifty hours each of simulation time flying with this ship, as required before we graduate.”
Ambassador Bird was still chewing his food, nodding as Trujillo was talking. He swallowed and continued. “But no actual real flight time?”
Willits and Jones were about to put a stop to this, but Tunsall jumped right back. “No, sir, no real-time. But as Trujillo said, the Simulator is outstanding for creating space-like conditions. Unlike current AuFa pilots, we are also certified to fly twenty-two other ships, including F-81 Sirator’s and all attack aircraft.”
The Ambassador seemed to gain some knowledge. “Really, I was unaware of that.”
For the moment, it looked like the situation was squashed. Ambassador Bird was searching for something to say but could come up with nothing. Willits and Jones had been saved and resumed eating. Tunsall then broke the tension “Sir, if you do not mind me asking, how long have you been an Ambassador?”
Ambassador Bird answered, “Six months. I served as a Delegate Representative for almost a decade.”
Trujillo then added, “And how many times have you been to Belinea for an actual Council legislation session?”
The Ambassador kept chewing his food, pausing a while before speaking. He stared at Trujillo for quite some time, before saying, “This will be my second Council trip.”
Trujillo slightly nodded his head. The room was a little quiet before Tunsall continued, “I am sure your lack of experience will have no bearing on the outstanding job you will do.”
The Ambassador took a sip of his wine, swallowing hard. He now stared at Tunsall. It was an insult, but no more than the one he gave the cadets. Tunsall and Trujillo kept eating. Willits cracked a small smile at Jones, who returned the gesture. Alexis asked, “Commander Willits, how long have you been in the Delegate Ambassador Guard?”
Willits smiled. “Commander Jones and I joined at the inception, over fourteen years ago.”
Alexis asked, “Mostly Earth security duties, or have you been all over the galaxy?”
Willits took a sip of wine before responding. “Unlike you, Miss Devanoe, this is not my first or second trip to Belinea. I have done it plenty of times.”
Alexis whipped her black hair back in a matter of fact kind of way and declared. “Actually, Commander, I have done it plenty of times as well. I was raised on Belinea.”
Everyone looked surprise, except Ambassador Bird, who already knew. While everyone looked at Alexis, Commander Jones spoke first. “But you are not Belinean?”
Commander Jones knew she didn’t have any of the usual markings of a Belinean, so he pretty much knew the answer despite it coming out as a question. Alexis put down her wine. “Mostly Scottish, Commander Jones. My mother sent me away to learn everything about the Belineans when I was eleven years old. I was schooled like a Belinean, only coming home, to Earth, a couple of weeks out of the year until I was seventeen.”
Commander Willits “I’m sure that was a tough decision for your parents.”
Alexis took another sip of wine. “A decision my mother made. My father died in the pandemic.”
Trujillo interrupted. “So did my parents.”
Alexis held up her glass and said, “My condolences….”
Trujillo held up his and said, “Likewise….”
Alexis continued, “My mother thought it was important to learn a Belinean education. My brothers were taught the same.”
Ambassador Bird interrupted. “Which is why she is invaluable. She knows far more about Belinean culture, rules, and customs than I ever could. In addition to being the hardest worker I’ve ever seen.”
Alexis was blushing. She said, “Thank you, Ambassador, you are too kind.”
Willits had a puzzling look on his face. “Devanoe, correct? What is your mother’s name?”
Alexis looked at Willits with a raised eyebrow. It was an odd question. “Annella Devanoe? You know her?”
Willits responded with a “no,” but his face said something else.
Trujillo asked her, “So if you are so familiar with this trip, where is our first stop? “
Alexis put down her wine “I believe we stop at a planet called Braccus to stop and resupply.”
Tunsall countered with “Well, Miss Devanoe, that is incorrect. You and the Ambassador, as dignitaries, will be going directly to a Battle Cruiser in the Corvalis System.”
Jones interjected, “That is wrong, Tunsall.”
Tunsall said, “But the manifest says…”
Willits cut Tunsall off. “The manifest says Corvalis, but we are going to Braccus.”
Alexis Devanoe was genuinely perplexed. A slight look of apprehension was now on her face as she asked “Why the confusion?”
Willits continued in a solemn manner. “ We don’t entirely trust who has and who hasn’t seen that manifest.”
Tunsall got it immediately. “So, the Battle Cruiser has no idea where we are?”
Willits continued. “Or anyone else, hopefully.”
The Ambassador was confused. “We left Space Port Earth early because of your lack of trust in your own DAG. You are changing the manifest now because you neither trust the AuFa or BRG. Do you trust anyone?”
Willits took a sip of his wine and stared at Bird. After a moment, he responded, “No…”
Alexis looked a little uneasy now. Bird was startled at the brutal honesty. Jones tried to dissolve the tension by saying, “As long as no one knows we’re out here, then we are safe, sir.”
The Ambassador waited a second before offering, “Should we at least notify Director Kimakawa of where we are?”
Willits finished chewing before saying, “Nope, and we have no way of communicating with him even if we did. We’re on our own until we get to Braccus.”
An uneasy feeling came over the table as Bird, Alexis, Trujillo, and Tunsall all just looked at each other. Willits and Jones said nothing for a few moments until Willits grabbed the bottle and said, “More wine, anyone?”
Nobody said anything.
Belinea 2.6
Belinea
Director of Defense Conference Room
Six other Ambassadors were in the room, along with Ambassador Yebba from Avola and Admiral Magloan. All were looking at the 3-D hologram showing Vait production levels. Defense Minister Tempest Hassara was s
tanding and conducting the meeting. “At 8,450 units, this last month of Vait mining on Avola was the best yet. We are finally over 500,000 units overall at our Grannis Facility. Admiral Magloan….”
The Admiral added, “Currently we have two Battle Carriers and eight more Battle Cruisers under construction. The expedited supply of Vait will be key if we are to expand the capacity of the facility as planned.”
The Ambassador sitting closest to her asked, “Defense Minister, is this military buildup essential?”
Tempest answered, “As Ambassador Yebba can attest, the Valmay Group represents a serious threat to the extraction of Vait in the area. If we are to combat the terrorist efforts of Taz, our current levels of defense must be elevated to handle further aggression.”
Another Ambassador questioned, “Is it possible that the BRG and AuFa are spread so thin that we should inquire about other measures?”
Just as the Ambassador finished speaking, Chairman Hassara walked into the room. Everyone immediately got up as he continued to walk toward the hologram, saying in a distinct tone, “What other measures are you referring to Ambassador Sedaris?”
The Ambassador was caught off guard. “My apologies Chairman, no one told us you would be joining us in this meeting. “
The Chairman continued, “Nor should I have to. Whatever the Defense Minister says might as well be a direct statement from me.”
Ambassador Sedaris continued, “The Defense Minister was speaking of our need for more ships. I was wondering if the planets should assist in such a manner. The strain on production alone is troublesome.”
Tempest then continued, “Which is why Ambassador Yi is here. The other facility on Earth should be completed ahead of schedule and easily double production provided we supply the necessary Vait. Ambassador....”
Earth Ambassador Yi stood up and said, “Yes, we are finishing construction details now. The addition to the current facility will have the same production levels as the Grannis facility, but cost almost 60% less to operate due to the decrease in labor costs and taxes.”
Tempest added, “We are confident at those levels, with an additional tax the Council passes, that we can increase the military ship size by thirty percent over the next three years.”
The other Ambassador countered. “Ambassador Yi, your other Earth counterpart, Ambassador Bird, has recently been making a lot of public statements regarding the need to expand Earth’s Delegate Ambassador Guard. Is this not a direct contradiction to your support here of the BRG and AuFa expansion?”
Ambassador Yi responded, “I am very aware of the Ambassador’s comments. I promise that Ambassador Bird and I want the same thing, what is best for Earth and the Council’s security. When the Ambassador arrives here for the Council meeting, he will be aligned with our commitment to the BRG.”
Tempest then added, “When the Ambassador hears of this latest attack on Earth, he will see things.”
Ambassador Sedaris asked, “He does not know yet?”
The Chairman then spoke, “The Ambassador’s whereabouts are unconfirmed at this time. His local DAG security seems to have mishandled the whole situation honestly. It is why I have Lord Malovex personally investigating the situation. Our primary concern is the safety of all of our Ambassadors.”
Ambassador Yebba added, “This attack by the Valmay Group, and the terrorist attack on Earth is nothing short of a declaration of war on the entire Council. This increase in military size should be a bare minimum Chairman.”
Tempest added, “And we thank you for that support Ambassador Yebba. Is it safe to say that we have the full support of every Ambassador in this room moving forward with this increased Military Initiative?”
There was a nodding of all the Ambassadors in the room, some slightly more enthusiastic than others. Tempest, after allowing all the Ambassador to see everyone was on board, finally continued, “Thank you all. We look forward to bringing this initiative to the entire Military Subdivision of the Council soon before a final vote on the next Council meeting floor. Now, I have a critical meeting with The Chairman and the Admiral, so if you will excuse us.”
One by one, the Ambassadors all left the room, each giving a personal departing goodbye to Chairman Hassara. When they all had left, Tempest Hassara and Admiral Magloan were still sitting, waiting for Chairman Hassara to join them. The door closed as Tempest poured herself a glass of water. She said, “The meeting was going fine Father, I did not need your help.”
The Chairman countered, “You’re welcome Tempest. Actually, I convinced my twelve Ambassadors faster than you. I came down here for our meeting and noticed you were not done and wondered if you needed help.”
Tempest, finishing drinking the water, said, “I did not.”
The Admiral added, “The Defense Director did just fine Chairman.”
The Chairman sat down. “Good to hear. Any news on Ambassador Bird?”
The Admiral answered, “Not at this time. If this DAG team keeps to their manifest, they should be rendezvousing with Battle Carrier 54 soon, and we can find out what happened on their end.”
Tempest added, “I am sure I will hear from Malovex soon to offer clarity on the situation.”
A buzz was heard. A female voice came over the speakers, “Chairman Hassara, Quillasar Prill is here to see you.”
Tempest and the Chairman then stood up. “Let him in.”
Quillisar Prill walked into the room. He was wearing a red cloak. Around his neck hung a silvery ring with blue stripes. He was flanked by four Secret Service officers, all in the SS red/black uniforms. Each had the same silvery ring with blue stripes hanging on their hips. The Quillisar walked to the center of the room and removed his hood from his cloak. He looked at the Admiral and said, “Leave us.”
The Admiral looked at Chairman Hassara. He gave a very slight nod of approval. The Admiral then quietly said, “Excuse me, Quillisar.”
The Admiral walked out of the room. The Quillisar then looked at his guards and seemed to say something to them telepathically. All four then walked out of the room, and the door closed.
The Chairman spoke first. “My Quillisar, what do we owe the pleasure?”
The Quillisar, very seriously, looked over at Tempest and said, “When was your last visit to Temple, my dear Tempest?”
Tempest had her head down before looking up and responding, “It has been some time my Quillisar, I have been very busy.”
Quillisar Prill responded, “Six weeks to be exact. Do not think I am incapable of noticing these things. Even Argo has been there twice during that time.”
Tempest frowned and said, “My apologies Quillisar, I will be there this week.”
Quillisar Prill replied, “I hope so. It is the Sun Offering.”
The Chairman spoke, “I hope you did not come all this way to scold my daughter for not coming to Temple? You could have sent me a note, and I would have been happy to do it myself.”
Tempest gave her father a mean look. The Quillisar continued. “You took Argo off my detail and sent him on assignment. Nobody can tell me where he went. Why?”
Chairman answered, “I sent him on assignment to Avola. There is a potential Civil War developing there between the Majakee Lords and the desert Avolians over the production of Vait. He is there to stabilize the situation.”
Quillisar took a deep breath. He responded. “I see. These Avolians, in the desert, who is their leader?”
Tempest answered. “They call themselves the Valmay Group and are led by Octavious Killian.”
The Quillisar walked over to the map. After a few seconds, he responded. “Killian…..a religious group, no? Members of the old Quill called The Red Ring Rise.”
The Chairman responded, “The Red Ring Rise? I do not think so. They cannot possibly still have members that are practicing or even alive?”
The Quillisar looked at the
map and changed the hologram to Avola. He continued, “I had the SS remove them from the cities of Avola over a decade ago. I was told they had been vanquished, but I am sure some of them went into hiding in the caves in the desert and mountains. Do you understand who you are dealing with if that is the case?”
The Chairman and Tempest looked at each other. Tempest spoke, albeit unsure, “They are a Quill group?”
Quillisar Prill reluctantly responded, “Not in the way that you understand it to be. Your father, however, understands. Their version of the Quill is a different interpretation. It is based in Avola itself, a union of the rock and desert they call home. The red comes out in their sacrifice rings the same way the blue comes out in ours. That is how you will know. “
Tempest spoke, “They attacked one of our garrisons, but the security footage shows nothing like Quillisat SS soldiers.”
Prill turned and looked at Tempest. “Look again…”
The Chairman interjected, “The tape shows a well-executed attack….”
But Prill cut him off and said, “Look again. This attack was done on an entire garrison, with how many of their men?”
Tempest answered. “We think eight to ten.”
Prill then looked at the Chairman. He said, “Ten soldiers against an entire garrison? Does that sound like normal soldiers to you, Chairman?”
The Chairman just looked on. Not shaking his head, but acknowledging the curious statistics.
Prill turned to leave the room. “I will notify Argo and properly prepare him for what he is getting himself into.”
The Chairman sputtered. “My Quillisar, I am sure I can handle that duty.”
Prill stopped but did not turn around. He put his hood back on and said, “No. I will speak to him. This is a Quill matter. You do what you need to do from the Council.”
The Quillisar walked out of the room. Tempest looked at her father. She then hit a button on the 3-D map and spoke, “Get me a copy of the garrison attack on Avola.”