by Saxon Andrew
• • •
Josh stopped at the main blast door and waited. It slowly moved and a small opening appeared. Josh stepped through and was immediately thrown to the ground and roughly searched. His hands were bound behind him with plastic snug ties and he was jerked to his feet. He followed a large Chinese Warrior with four warriors surrounding him with their Blow Guns. They walked through the giant facility and arrived at a stairway leading to the second floor. Josh followed the large warrior up the steps and turned left at the top of the stairwell. He arrived at a large door and it swung open to reveal a large nuclear laboratory. Sitting on a large table was a nuclear warhead. From the size of it, it had to have a yield of at least a hundred megatons. As he moved closer he saw a young Chinese man sitting next to it holding a round device in his right hand. The red button on top made it clear that it would detonate the warhead if the young man pushed it. Josh glanced at the warhead as he drew even with it and saw Chinese markings on the outer case. The young man smiled and said, “Take a seat Colonel. We don’t have very long to talk.”
Josh stared at the young man and after a moment recognized him. He had viewed the videos of the day Jesse had taken control of Earth’s Government many times. The young man sitting in front of him had left the Government Building with his father, President Yehao Qiangguo. Josh nodded over his shoulder and the young man smiled, “Remove his bindings.”
“But Master, this one is extremely dangerous.”
“Can you not kill him if he makes any sudden moves?”
The large warrior looked at the four standing around Josh with their blowguns raised to their lips and shrugged as he cut the snug ties on Josh’s wrists and Josh sat down and smiled, “Your father has to be proud of you.”
Shen smiled, “As is yours.” Josh nodded. “Why did you come here? You know I’m going to detonate this warhead. My warriors tell me that more than fifty thousand troops have moved in ten miles from here. I have no choice.”
Josh shrugged, “There are always choices to what we choose to do.” Shen frowned and Josh quickly said, “I do admit that some choices are difficult to avoid.”
“Do you honestly think you can persuade me not to do this?”
Josh tilted his head, “Probably not. But I really think it’s worth the effort.”
“What can you possibly say that would change my mind?”
Josh looked the young man in the eyes and slightly shook his head, “I could start by telling you that Sparta had no intention of ever taking control of Earth. Quite frankly, they don’t want to have to deal with the problems here.”
“You’ll forgive me if I choose not to believe you.”
“The evidence is there if one chooses to look at it honestly.”
Shen lowered his head and looked at Josh through his eyebrows, “Get real. The evidence says the opposite.”
Josh leaned back in his chair, “You were able to see privileged information in your Father’s office before he was ushered out along with his government. What were the short term estimates before Earth’s economy faltered and failed?”
“What does that have to do with this?”
“How long?”
Shen blew out a small breath and said, “Between six months to a year.”
“And what was the prognosis on what would follow?”
“Worldwide civil war would break out between the poorer nations and the richer.”
“And if that happened, the Central Government would have to bring the weapons out from their hidden warehouses and have order restored.”
“Order is important to prevent massive loss of life.”
“Who would then have dictatorial power over Earth?” Shen stared at Josh and knew his father would have had complete control of the planet. Josh said, “Don’t you find it odd that Sparta took control when it did and didn’t ask for anything in return to bring in the means to feed and clothe Earth’s populations? They saw what was coming and were trying to prevent it. Surely you’ve seen the latest economic predictions?” Shen stared at Josh and then nodded. “The economy has rebounded and every country is now on a solid footing. For the sake of argument, and I firmly believe this won’t happen, who did a better job of managing Earth?”
“I will not stand by and watch Earth loose its independence to Sparta.”
“If Sparta didn’t step in, would Earth be free?” Shen’s eyebrows came together and Josh said, “It would now be ruled by an all-powerful dictator.” Josh paused and said, “But that is not the real reason for this fight you and I have been taking part in.”
Shen was furious at what Josh had accused his father of setting up but his remark surprised him, “Oh?”
“Sparta could have used their advanced technology and ended this head-to-head between us long ago. They chose not to do it because this is a struggle that Earth must handle internally. Even if you detonate that bomb, Earth will still never return to what it was under the previous government. The entire planet has seen the benefits of what Alliance Technology can do for them. They will not go back.”
“The fight is to keep our independence from Sparta.”
“Not really.” Shen started shaking his head as Josh said, “This fight has been financed and put in motion by your father. He doesn’t care one whit about Sparta taking control and he knows better than anyone else that Sparta has no intention of doing it.”
“YOU…DON’T…KNOW…WHAT…YOU’RE… TALKING…ABOUT!”
“Your father craves power. Once you taste it, you can never let it go.”
“How does this give my father power? He stands to gain nothing from this!”
“Who is the richest person on Earth?”
Shen hesitated and said, “You know the answer to that.”
“Your father is the only one on the planet that could have paid to develop the Blow Guns you use and acquire a nuclear weapon. Why would he do it if it wouldn’t return him to power?”
Shen stared at Josh and said, “I can see no other reason than the one before you; he wished to keep Earth free of Alien intervention.”
“That is exactly what he wants.”
“Then what are we arguing about here!?!”
“Shen, he doesn’t want Spartan or Alliance intervention on Earth. Why would he want that after all the good the new technology has given us?” Shen stared at Josh and Josh dropped the bomb, “His wealth is built on what?”
Shen stared at Josh and leaned back in his chair, “His main wealth is tied up in Chinese currency and the US dollar.”
“You saw the Alliance intends to eliminate all currency in the future. People will be paid with service time they acquire while working. What would happen to your father’s fortune if that plan goes into effect?” Yehao stared at Josh saying nothing. “He wants to keep the Alliance and Sparta off Earth to protect his fortune and I suspect he’s told you that once you win the campaign to remove Sparta from Earth, the next one would be against the Alliance.”
“Who told you that?”
“No one. It doesn’t take much intelligence to see it. One more thing.” Shen stared at Josh, “Did you know that your father contacted the Leaders in Tehran three weeks ago and told them they were going to lose their gold bullion to an atomic explosion. He offered to send in enough planes to save them in return for trading their gold for his Chinese currency.”
“THAT’S A LIE!”
“Call him up and ask him. I know you have the means to speak with him. I’d be careful how you phrase the question, though. He won’t want to tell you the truth.”
Shen stared at Josh, leaned forward and pressed a button on his panel. The Senior Yehao appeared on a wall monitor and his father said, “What’s your status, Son?”
“Father we’re surrounded by the enemy and they will be able to break in the facility soon. I’ve managed to capture the leader of that damnable unit that has been causing so many problems. I just wanted you to know that he will die with me.”
Yehao smiled, “You make me pro
ud, Son.”
“Father, I can delay the detonation for a short time. I thought that you might want to send in forces and confiscate all the gold bullion in the main bank. It will help fund your next efforts.”
“Don’t worry about that, Son. It’s been taken care of.”
Josh saw the immediate sadness on the young man’s face. He looked at his father, “If you did that, their leaders may have already escaped the blast.”
“That is a risk worth taking. You should go ahead and detonate the warhead now.”
“Father.”
“Yes.”
“How did you know three weeks ago that I would be in this situation now and not warn me?”
Yehao was surprised by the comment, “Uhhh…what do you mean?”
“It was three weeks ago when you took the bullion was it not?”
“I don’t remember the exact date, Son. Detonate the bomb.”
“Father, I’ve worked around you since I’ve been old enough to walk. You never forget any detail about wealth you acquire.”
“Yes, then; it was three weeks ago.”
“We could have moved the warhead out of Tehran with that much lead time. Why didn’t you warn me?”
Yehao’s face grew angry, “Do your duty, Son!”
The young man reached forward and pressed his panel; the image on the wall monitor disappeared. He turned to Josh and shrugged, “He really doesn’t know if I’ve done it or not. He held up the detonator and said, “I have one requirement.”
Josh tilted his head, “What?”
“All of the warriors that have fought for me will be taken to Sparta and the video of this meeting will be played to them. If you can work them into your society, they will be good citizens.”
He looked at the large warrior standing next to Josh and he said, “We’ve been used and betrayed.”
Shen nodded, “Yes, we have.” He turned to back to Josh, “Will you accept my terms?”
“How do you want this done?”
“I will stay here with you until an Alliance Transport can arrive and take them to Sparta. Once they’re off the planet, we’ll end this.”
“How do I know you won’t detonate it once your warriors are away safely?”
“They would still be under your guns.”
“We don’t kill unarmed people.”
Shen smiled, “You’ve just convinced me you will keep your word.” He looked at the large Chinese warrior and said, “I give my promise that I will keep this agreement.”
The large warrior looked at Josh, “He, unlike his father, will never break his word.”
Josh stared at the warrior and saw the steel in his eyes. Josh smiled, “You will join my unit after this is over. I like what I see in you.” The large warrior was startled for a moment and then nodded slightly and smiled. Josh lifted his Spartan Communicator, “Mike, I need a full size Alliance transporter send to Tehran immediately!!”
“Why?”
“To end the conflict on Earth.”
“One will be jumping in within the hour.”
Shen looked at Josh and passed a piece of paper over to him, “I’ve written the location of my father’s secret hiding facility. If you hurry, you can probably catch him before he realizes that the news agencies are not reporting a nuclear blast here.”
Josh smiled and lifted his communicator.
• • •
An hour later, Shen handed Josh the detonator and held out his hands. Josh shook his head, “You need to hurry to make the transporter.”
“Why would you want me to go?”
“Your men will believe you. They will probably question any video we show them.”
Shen smiled, “You are wise to be so young.”
How old are you?”
“Twenty three.”
“I just turned twenty one. I don’t have a corner on the market of wisdom. Thank you for discussing this with me. Your name fits you, wise and deep.”
Shen nodded, “I started not to speak with you but it was your youth that made me curious. How on Earth would your military leaders allow one so young to command such an elite unit?”
Josh burst out laughing, “They’re still trying to figure that one out.” He paused and said, “From about ten miles away.”
Shen smiled, “This gift is a freebie; General Yang is in my father’s employ.” Josh stopped laughing and Yehao said, “I’ll give you a list of the others later.”
Josh nodded and pulled the wires out of the simple detonator. A few moments later, a special bomb team rushed in and took custody of the warhead. Josh walked out of the building and was almost bowled over as Prissy rushed into his arms. “The wedding will be tonight. We can do it again later on Sparta after this mess is finally cleaned up.”
Josh kissed her deeply and when they broke for air he smiled, “Tonight it is.”
Chapter Three
Jesse looked at the troops boarding transports at the George W. Bush Space Port in New York City. The Spartan Warriors were going home after five years of assisting him in getting Earth organized. The new Skyscrapers rising out of New York’s harbor seemed to bear witness to their departure. He had addressed the departing warriors and the entire planet watched the huge transports lifting on their personal monitors at home. The planet was at peace and the new technology being brought in by the Alliance was making the planet become a Camelot. For the first time, all mankind felt a kinship with each other. The future looked bright and unlimited where no humans were bogged down in hunger and poverty.
“I hate to see them leave.”
Jesse smiled and put his arm around Elle, who was holding their son, “They’re going home to Sparta to start training to assist the Gracken against the Weg. We’ve delayed too long in keeping that commitment.”
Elle shook her head, “I’ve seen the recordings of the battles with the Weg; they’re frightening.”
Jesse nodded, “I trust the leaders on Sparta will do the right things in the coming conflict.”
“I understand that many here want to join them.”
Jesse sighed, “Many are enlisting to fight.”
“Has the problem of citizenship been resolved?”
“Sparta has relented and agreed that any warriors from Earth that make it through basic training and take part in a battle will be allowed dual citizenship.”
“What about the Spartan Warriors that served here?”
“They also have dual citizenship. It appears that almost all of them consider themselves Spartans first and Earth’s citizenship second. They’ve never forgotten that Earth forced them to leave.”
Elle smiled, “For those with a warrior’s spirit, there is also something about qualifying for Spartan Citizenship.”
Jesse nodded, “I hate to admit it but I’m extremely proud of our Spartan Citizenship and being involved in the founding of Sparta. Once our time of service ends here…”
Elle smiled, “We’ll go home.”
Jesse smiled and pulled her close under his arm.
• • •
Commandant Alexander Dunlov watched the transports arriving at Sparta’s main military spaceport and was amazed at the number of returning veterans from The Earth Transformation Team. All of them appeared to be in high spirits and were looking forward to spending time with their families prior to combat training. He waited and looked for a particular transport to arrive. It was announced over the space port’s loudspeakers and he finally saw them exit one of the transports. He walked forward and waited as Josh and Pricilla Adams walked out of the landing bay and saw him waiting. Josh and Prissy went to attention and saluted. Alex returned their salute, “At ease; it’s good to see you back home.”
Josh smiled, “Thank you, Sir. It’s really good to be home. We want our child to be born on Sparta.” Alex looked at Prissy and smiled at her large midsection. Josh looked around and turned back to Alex, “Sir, why are you meeting us here?”
“I’ve been talking with Earth’s Leaders and t
hey all speak highly of what the two of you did during Earth’s transformation to Alliance technology. They tell me you were able to prevent massive loss of life as well as convince the terrorists to change their ways.”
Prissy shrugged, “That’s not hard to do when you’re faced with a brigade of heavily armed Warriors.”
Alex smiled, “It took more than just arms to accomplish what you did. The important thing is that you stayed ahead of their planned attacks.”
Josh shrugged, “It took time but their leader finally came to understand that he and his troops were being misled and lied to.”
Alex smiled and started walking with them toward the main spaceport terminal, “I want the two of you to join my command team.” Josh and Prissy stopped walking and Alex said, “Josh, I want you to command the Third Division in the first Army.” Josh just stared at Alex as he turned to Prissy and said, “I am going to promote you to the rank of Colonel and put you in command of our intelligence efforts in the coming war with the Weg.” Alex turned back to Josh, “I am promoting you to Brigadier General and I need you to start getting your warriors ready to join the Gracken efforts as quickly as possible.”
Josh’s eyebrows were together as he looked at Prissy, “This feels like deja vu” He turned to Alex , “Sir, I met a lot of resistance when I was promoted to Colonel at eighteen over more senior officers. I don’t think your senior officers are going to like being passed over for promotion by a twenty two year old any more than the officers on Earth.”
Alex nodded toward the terminal and they started walking with him, “First of all, all my officers have no more than six years in Sparta’s army and you were there at the beginning. Second, what anyone else thinks about my promotions doesn’t concern me in the slightest.” Josh began shaking his head and Alex quickly said, “There was resentment after your promotion to Colonel. I won’t argue that point. There were a number of Captains that did resent your promotion ahead of them but that ended after your actions on Earth. You should know that every General on Earth requested that you to join their commands when you were promoted. Your actions on Earth are known by our Warriors and you have developed quite a reputation with them. What you did in Tehran was incredible.”