Talosian Chronicles 5: Raptor Squadron

by Ben Winston

  "That's good, I was really worried about her. Her gift can be dangerous to her, now more than ever," Ian replied. "Unfortunately, we're going to need her now more than ever before."

  The rest of Ian and family's vacation went pretty smoothly. Ian suspected that there was a conspiracy afoot to ensure it did, but he could never prove it. What was good, at least to Ian's perspective, was that Janet was able to join in the fun a little by the end of the week. Janet and Bill, along with Talena and Janet's two therapists began ski lessons on Friday. Trevor himself gave them semi-private lessons and everyone had a lot of fun. Trevor and Prudence hosted a dinner at the resort restaurant on Sunday evening. Which included all the guards. Cindy installed temporary shields and used drones for patrol duties so all the guards could attend.

  Surprising Ian, Cindy called for an extra shuttle for the security guards Trevor had hired. They were actually a small mercenary unit that took jobs like this when between missions overseas. Scott had spoken to his people, who had in turn spoken to their families. The decision to join up had been unanimous, even with the children. When Ian found out, he took Scott aside.

  "Scott, you and your company have done a great job for us. But before you make this decision, you need to know that something’s about to happen. It's not widely known yet…" Ian began but the man stopped him.

  "Admiral, I can tell you've never worked security before. We know there is something major going on. We also know it isn't going to matter all that much where we are when it does. We all feel that our families would actually be safer off-world since you guys have better defenses, but we also know that is not a guarantee. "We made the decision to join you after we found out about the attack and mostly because of it. You're going to need as many fighters as you can get.

  "None of us will act against the United States as we feel we are still under oath from our time in the military. We know that the government is trying to get their hands on your equipment and basically interfere with you folks as much as they can. Because of that, the government has declared you all terrorists, traitors, and criminals. From getting to know you these last few days, we disagree with that policy. In this case at least, the government is not acting for the good of the country. Hell, most of us feel that they usually don't anyway, but that's a discussion for another time.

  "The bottom line is you need soldiers you can count on; you need as many as you can get. We're joining you because of that. I appreciate that you pulled me aside to warn me; it just proves to us that this is the right decision to make, Sir," Scott finished.

  Ian smiled at him and held out his hand. "Welcome to the Terran Defense Force, Scott."

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  There had been a lot of defenses planned to defend the Sol System. They had been given a slightly higher than 'routine' priority as there were other projects that needed to be completed sooner; such as the Pleiades stations, the Academy, and a few other projects. Until now, Ian had been fine with leaving the priorities the way they were, since the Alliance actually did need the products that were, at least for now, only available in Sol Sector. Many of the technologies would be given to the other races so they could build their own facilities, that would take much of the work load off the Terrans. It would also benefit the Alliance from a strategic stand point. With so many advanced facilities all located in one sector, it made for a high priority target for the Empire if it ever became known.

  Late Sunday night, Ian called and spoke to Admiral H'joles about what had been foreseen.

  "It would be difficult to explain the need for increased security there at the moment. However, as you have said, we have a little time, so perhaps I can slowly increase the defensive forces you now have and possibly begin delaying the departure of new ships," he said thinking out loud. "Yes, perhaps we can do it that way. Little would be said about the inevitable delays that everyone knows crop up after a refit or with new constructions. Of course, that has never applied to your facilities, but I doubt that will occur to many beings. We will also simply explain that out of concern for the security of your responsibility, you have reassigned a portion of your facilities to improving your own security to better serve the Alliance. Yes, this can be done safely and quietly." The large being paused. "Did your Seer happen to know how the Empire will find you?"

  Ian shook his head. "No, the power of the main vision was simply to great and overwhelmed her. Also, to date, her ability has been more of a broader focus; she mostly sees events that will impact a large number of beings. We do have precogs that are more 'focused', but they are also much shorter sighted and usually have to be involved in the event somehow."

  H'joles snorted. "Abilities such as that are good to have access to, but certainly leave a lot of unanswered questions. We will do as much as we can to assist you, Admiral. But we must be careful to not let knowledge of your race's abilities to become known even among the delegates here. Fear of the Ancient Masters is still very much in their minds."

  Ian nodded. "Matriarch T'gan M'orel of Benesia has approached us to request that we adopt certain members of their society. As she explained it, these will be the less orthodox believers and followers of their faith. This group believes they have the duty to take a more active role in the defense of the Alliance. Some of these women will be joining our military, and yet others will be assisting in military research. They will become Terran citizens."

  H'joles looked thoughtful a moment. "We had heard a rumor of something like this. It wasn't given a very high level of trustworthiness, as everyone knows that Benesians are non-violent. That being said, it is also known that not all Benesians share that philosophy and have been separated from the rest of their society. Most believe these are the Benesian criminal element.

  "Regardless, the strength of Benesian abilities is known to have less of an area of effect. The move will make some in the Alliance nervous, but I do not believe they will over-react in the same way they would if it were known humans also had these abilities. The adoption of Benesians by the Terran race should be accepted. However, I think it will make some suspicious. You will come under greater scrutiny; we may even be ordered to keep a closer watch on you."

  Ian waved that off. "I know we have Alliance spies here; that doesn't bother any of us. We don't have anything to hide from you. It's the Imperial spies we are worried about. As you know, we've identified three confirmed spies and suspect twelve more. We've found a few of yours as well, but we leave them alone; the Council feels that having them here will help with over-all relations with the Alliance. Which reminds me, are you ever going to send an Ambassador and Liaison Officer?"

  H'joles grinned. "The Ruling Council has been unable to decide on who to send you. As for the Liaison Officer, I'm afraid that is my fault. I was set to send one before you told me about your abilities. Since that revelation, I am searching for just the right person to send. I would send you my youngest sibling, but she has not yet risen to a high enough rank for the duties required of the position and is more combat oriented."

  "If she is anything like you Admiral, I would welcome her. Sending an administration officer would be fine, but having another person with a combat mentality around would be a huge help," Ian replied.

  H'joles nodded. "I agree. Let me speak to our Clan leadership and see what can be done. Alliance command has already approved her, even though she is young and of lower rank. If there is agreement, I will send her to you as quickly as possible. You will be able to trust her as you would me. She will not betray you or your race's secrets."

  "That sounds perfect, Admiral. I look forward to meeting her," Ian replied.

  H'joles snorted. "Only until she arrives Admiral! She is a rather outspoken youngling which is the main reason she is still of lower rank. You might need to take a stronger hand with her until she learns her place in your organization."

  Ian looked somewhat surprised. "Not like the Croanian ritual that Colonel Cromwell had to go through?"

  "No, it would not be a fight
to the death, but you might have to knock her unconscious the first time. If it were any other human besides you, I would be concerned for their health should they attempt such a thing. When she arrives, knock her on her bunta before she gets the opportunity to insult you, and that will be it," H'joles explained. "It is the way our command structure is established when a new officer joins a crew."

  "She is Grellian Navy and not Alliance then?" Ian asked.

  H'joles nodded. "Combat Marine actually. Thus the need to define her command structure for her. It is an idiotic and outdated ritual, but still widely practiced by my people. Thankfully the Alliance has grown past such ritual or I would spend all my time beating my staff."

  "If you say so, Admiral," Ian replied, unsure how he would fair in a fight against a being like H'joles.

  "I do," H'joles nodded. "As for your address to the leaders to Earth tomorrow, I would like to assist if I may. I will speak to them on your behalf."

  "Sir? I didn't think you dealt with civilian leadership outside of the Alliance Council?" Ian asked.

  "Officially, I do not. In my capacity as head of the Alliance Forces, I do not interact with civilian governments outside of the Council as a matter of form. It is also to get away from the implication of coercion should such a question later arise. However, Earth is not a direct member of the Alliance, and I would not speak to them as head of the Alliance Military. I would simply address them as H'joles and offer testimony as to the threat they will be facing. I consider you to be one of my very few friends, because of that, I feel a need to assist. It may be that testimony from a different source will help to sway their minds on this matter. You did much the same thing for me during the last meeting we had here; I would return that kindness."

  "I would welcome the assistance, Admiral. I feel I should warn you, however, that these people may not be as polite as the Councilors there are. These men and women believe in their own power and superiority. To most of them, we are nothing more than a nuisance that refuses to give them the technology to kill themselves with," Ian replied.

  H'joles nodded and smiled sadly at Ian. "Not so unlike my own people were long ago. I understand the situation, Ian. I still will try to help."

  "Okay, but the meeting will be held during your late evening; nine standard hours from now," Ian replied.

  H'joles nodded. "I will be ready."

  Ian arrived at the UN with Cindy and her team. The rest of his family had returned to the ship in the same shuttle the new recruits would be taking to Atlas. The shuttle would be stopping to pick up the soldier’s families and loved ones along the way. Janet had returned to her old self enough to help deal with the fears and concerns of the new people and to call ahead to make sure the group would be well cared for when they eventually arrived at their destination.

  Ian, at Cindy's request, was wearing his armor, but was unarmed. The Raptor team carried stunners in accordance with the treaty agreements, and the whole group went into the building like normal. To Ian's surprise, the United States Ambassador was waiting for them outside the council chamber. When he saw the group, he gave Ian a half smile and stepped forward.

  "Admiral, I have been asked by the president to apologize, which I will do formally once the meeting starts, for the events of last week. I wanted to speak to you personally before the meeting to let you know that it is a real apology and not what normally passes as such. Those troops were not acting on the orders of the government, but of a rogue agency within the intelligence community. I was instructed to tell you that it is the same agency that perpetrated the events at the spaceport as well. The agency in question would have been discontinued already, except that it's rather difficult to do. You see, the Agency is DARPA, or the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. However, at present, the leadership of that organization are answering some very difficult questions asked by some rather insistent men."

  The man waved it off. "Anyway, we wanted you to know that was actually a mistake. We would also like to thank you for the care you gave the wounded man."

  "It was not a problem, Mister Ambassador. Our concern was how quickly he would be sent to a special lab to be dissected," Ian replied.

  "He won't be. The steps you took ensured that. I would personally like to thank you for that. Of course we can't officially hint at such a thing even happening, but we both know better. I do love my country, Admiral; even if I don't always agree with it," the Ambassador replied.

  Ian cocked his head at the man. "I can understand that, Sir. Could you do me a favor?"

  "If I am able, of course," the Ambassador replied.

  "You love your Country. That's admirable and nothing I will ever criticize. But during our official discussions, could you keep in mind that I feel the same way, only about the entire planet? Everything I do, every action or move I make, are for the defense of this world and everyone on it. All those that work with me feel the same way as well. We don't have a hidden agenda; we don't need one. All we are doing is trying to make sure you, all of you, remain alive so you can disagree with us. There really is nothing more and nothing less," Ian said. "Thank you for the apology, please tell the President as well."

  The Ambassador nodded. "I will try to remember that, Admiral." He paused and looked at Ian closer. "Something has changed, you're acting differently."

  Ian nodded. "It's why I'm here today, Sir. I can pretty much promise you are not going to like what I have to tell you."

  "That sounds pretty dire. I take it your fears of our destruction are coming closer to fruition?" the Ambassador asked.

  "Pretty much, Sir. I'm afraid playtime is over. We're going to have to get serious about this from now on," Ian replied.

  "Well, thanks for telling me before the meeting. We have a few minutes. If you'll excuse me, I'll see if I can get hold of the President and warn him," the man said.

  "You might want to have him with you over the phone during the meeting. I'll recommend the same to the other delegates as well," Ian said. The man nodded and hurried off.

  "Was that smart? Giving him advanced warning?" Cindy asked quietly.

  "At this point, it can't hurt anything. If they believe us, they're going to panic and demand we share military technology with them again," Ian replied.

  "How are you going to handle it?" Cindy asked.

  "I won't give them what they want, obviously, but I will suggest they begin preparing for this in their own ways. They can use their military to help get the civilians to safety and control panic. I'll let them provide security to keep the curious away from our installations, while denying them access at the same time," Ian said. "They will have a choice, they can help us, or they can get the hell out of our way. It won't matter which they choose, this needs to happen, and it will."

  Cindy left Ian alone to think about how to handle this meeting while they waited. About twenty minutes later, a page called them into the security council room. As he stepped up to the testimony podium, the Secretary General introduced him to the assembled delegates.

  "Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow citizens of Earth. I come before you today not to argue or debate, but to inform you of a real impending threat to all life in this sector. The force that will arrive here will be coming to destroy us utterly. There will be no negotiation and no quarter given. Before you ask, we don't know why, as this is not the normal way they fight. From the beginning, this has always been a war of conquest for the Empire, and not one of annihilation or genocide. If we cannot stop them, every living object in this sector will be reduced to dust; even the planets are to be destroyed," Ian said sadly.

  "Forgive me, Admiral. How do you know this?" the Russian Ambassador asked.

  Ian sighed. "Last week I was visited by the Matriarch of Benesia. As you all know, she is the supreme leader of her people, as well as the highest ranking member of their religion. It is also a well-documented fact the Benesian race have special abilities in the form of what we would call mental abilities." Ian held up his hand to forestall the o
utburst he knew was coming. "Ambassadors, I know how most of you feel about such things; I doubted, too, until it was proven to me. These abilities exist. They are real, and so are the visions. The Benesian precognitives have a one-hundred percent accuracy rate. They have never been wrong.

  "After Matriarch T'gan arrived, I was given the news about the visions. This attack is going to happen. It will happen here, to us," Ian replied.

  "Admiral, it's obvious that you believe the truth of this… vision. So it would be pointless to argue with you about it. However, I would ask, if they are so accurate, and they have seen our destruction, how will we stop it?" the American Ambassador asked. The look on his face told Ian it was the President that asked that question.

  "They are accurate about the events, the outcome is based on a worst case scenario, and I am led to understand the vision will change, adjusting to events and actions taken prior to the arrival of the event. I will admit I do not understand how it works, but this ability is very well documented and proven. Even the Alliance is taking this threat seriously, and they have a lot more experience with this than any of us," Ian explained. "Ambassadors, I would recommend we take a few moments for you to contact your respective leaders in order to include them in this meeting. There is a person that would also like to address you before I get into the preparations that will be required before this attack happens." They were grumbling and it was obvious they believed Ian was wasting their time. He spoke again. "Look, I know you probably don't believe me. You feel I am wasting your time for some reason. All of you believe that mental powers are just more fantasy and those that study this phenomenon practice pseudo-science. UFO's and aliens don't exist either, right?"

  The Secretary General called a five-minute recess so the delegates could contact their leaders. Some actually refused to call based on the fact that Ian was using precognitive visions as proof. During the break, the SecGen approached Ian.