Matt felt the calm come over him as he slowly went through the hatch and engaged his thrusters kicking him back into the seat. Immediately he took a heading for the enemy shuttle drifting in space and fired a short burst of 40 mm that caused the shuttle to explode sending debris in all directions. Matt then turned on a new heading towards the moon as his flight followed him in a loose formation of pairs.
“Dart Leader, Rogers.”
“Rogers, Dart Leader, go ahead.”
“Dart Leader, Rogers, there are twelve shuttles that are the same as the one that used the EMP on the ship. They do not have any EMP devices and are armed with lasers and rockets with two man crews.”
The same time he was getting his report on his screen he saw the enemy ships did not seem to be in any formation and were each heading for the Beater like a mob.
“Dart Flight, Dart One, form up in line abreast. We will go through these boys then attack in pairs. Most important targets are whoever is closest to the Beater. It’s a long walk home.”
“Dart Leader, Rogers.”
“Rogers, Dart Leader, go ahead.”
“Dart Leader, Rogers, I am intercepting their communications, they are transmitting video among themselves. The pilots are human.”
“Rogers, Dart Leader, go ahead and break into their chat with your avatar and let them know we might be cousins before either of us draw first blood.”
“Dixie Flight, this is the Major Rogers. Break off your attack we are humans from the planet Earth. We do not want to fight you, but if we do it will be like Sherman’s march to the sea!”
“Dixie Flight, this is the Beater. Disregard The Major Rogers, he is a God damn Yankee. We come in peace and do not want to start a new war between our brothers. Stand down before first blood is drawn, my brothers of Earth,” Beater spoke ensuring his full uniform was visible.
“Beater, this is Dixie Defense Command. Recall your fighters and we will follow suit.”
Commander Johnson looked around the flight deck with all eyes on him. “Beater, are we fully functional now? If needed could we defend ourselves against the enemy shuttles if they resume their attack?”
“Yes, sir, they are no match for the Beater”
“Order the Darts to a heading of 180 degrees and hold with the Major Rogers.” The Darts retreated as ordered, while the enemy shuttles continued towards them until they broke contact and returned towards their home.
"Commander Johnson, I believe the humans we just encountered are the descendents of those kidnapped by the Jacka during the 1860s from Earth. I would further recommend we try to establish diplomatic relations with them. I believe their attack on us was based on fear and not knowing we are from Earth. They may have technology that could aid us in our war against the Libra," Beater recommended.
"Damn it we should not even be here. We should have already been on our way to Earth. Our cargo is too important to let waste or risk losing by taking it into combat." Johnson replied while checking the status of the Dixie ships.
"Sir, I suggest we try to offer an exchange of officers so we can use that as a building block towards starting relations." Commander Poland suggested.
"Are you volunteering to be the officer we swap?" Johnson now was openly sizing up Poland.
"Yes Sir!"
"Well you can't. You are too valuable and know too much," Johnson continued, "Beater connect me with Dixie Command."
“Dixie Defense Command this is the Beater. We must leave now because we are on a time sensitive mission. I would like to leave an officer behind to brief you about Earth and perhaps receive a representative in exchange that we can take to Earth to lay the ground work for possible diplomatic relations,” Johnson suggested.
“Beater this is President Davis. I accept your offer of exchanging officials. We will launch a shuttle in thirty minutes with our representative.”
“Thank you, Mr. President, I suggest we have the shuttles dock at the half way point between us to transfer representatives,” Johnson suggested
“That will be fine. I want to use this moment to apologize for our unprovoked attack on your ship. You are the first visitor we have had since our arrival here. Dixie out.”
“Beater, review all records and recommend best choice to be left behind as temporary diplomat.”
“Best recommendation would be Scott Scholl. They would respect his age and imagine he is more important than he is. He has also shown a great degree of tact. He is also without any family in case they double cross us.”
“Dart Nine, Beater. Return to base as soon as possible for new assignment.”
“Beater, Dart Nine copies RTB.”
“Dart Flight Leader, Beater.”
“Beater, Dart Flight Leader, go ahead.”
“Dart Flight Leader, Beater. Maintain your position until the swap has been completed then return to ship so we can proceed to Earth.”
“Beater, Dart Flight Leader copies,” Matt replied furious that his friend was now being placed in danger.
Guns was already waiting as Dart Nine flew through the force field to the launch bay. Immediately behind Dart Nine Major Rogers landed. Guns had Scotts sea bag already full of clothing and all of his personal effects from his cabin. Guns had added an electronic tablet filled with Earths history as well.
“Good luck Scotty. I threw in a tablet you are to give the Dixies. It has Earth history on it. Captain says we will be back in for you as soon as we can. When we return if everything is OK use the word "white," if you are under duress or things have turned bad use the word, "black." If they plan an immediate attack use the word, "red.”
“Thanks, Guns, sure you don’t want to take my place?"
“Sorry I can’t stand the taste of mint juleps’ after all my time in the south,” Guns replied as the shuttle hatch closed between them.
Scotty looked around the empty shuttle bay and tried to fight his nervousness. He took stock of his situation as he looked over himself. He was still wearing his flight suit with his shoulder holster and 10mm automatic. The weight of the weapon felt reassuring. Scotty removed the holster and set it on the seat next to him reasoning he was now a diplomat and not a warrior. The Major Rogers tried to start small talk but Scotty's heart was not in it. The foreign shuttle approached as Major Rogers called to it.
“Dixie shuttle, this is the Major Rogers. Please hold your position and I will dock with you.”
“That is acceptable please proceed, Major Rogers”
The hookup between ships was flawless as Scotty watched the hatch light turn from red to green. He then began to open it as he saw a figure that seemed human except that he could not see through the helmet visor of the space suit to be sure. Scotty offered his hand as the other took it and shook hands before walking past and into the Major Rogers. Scotty proceeded to the shuttle and found three more crew in full space suits waiting for him as one walked him to a seat and strapped him in as the others closed the hatch. The shuttle interior was a dull white and was very similar to other ships he had seen. The bench seats and lap belts were also very similar. None of the crew said anything or even seemed interested in Scotty as they finished departing the other shuttle. Finally, one spoke to Scotty.
“You can remove your helmet if you want. We had an accident a few years back and don’t always trust these things,” a female in her twenties said as she removed her helmet showing a bright red head of hair parted down the middle. Scotty noticed her bright blue eyes as she turned towards him and offered to help remove his helmet. Waving her off, he removed it and almost laughed at the shocked look on her face.
“What’s the matter, red? Do I have something caught in my teeth? I hate when that happens,” Scotty asked.
“Sorry, sir, I didn’t expect someone so—”
“Cute you meant to say? Don’t worry I get that back home all the time too,” Scotty flirted as he saw the other two female also were each removing their helmets showing bright red hair.
“Does everyone have re
d hair in Dixie or is it just a coincidence for the three of you?”
“We are actually triplets. There’s a lot of different colored hair on Dixie,” Red said.
“Ladies lets' start over. I am Lt. Scott Scholl, Fighter Pilot, gentleman landowner and farmer from the great state of Wisconsin,” Scotty said bowing from the waist as best he could from his seat.
“Charmed, I’m sure. I am Sam, this is Gabe, and that’s Pat. We’re of the Culpepper clan. We are all doing our two years of military service. We are all transport pilots.
“Wow, are there a lot of different militaries on Dixie?” Scott asked.
“No, silly, we only have one government, but we have a strong military so that we never get taken advantage of again by aliens,” Sam explained.
“Do you know who the Flem are? Did they bring you here?” Scott asked.
“Yes, how did you know that?” Sam asked suspiciously.
“I heard the story about how the Flem brought the Jacka to Earth then kidnapped a thousand people. They then accidentally died in transit and were dumped in space.”
“No, the Flem abandoned us here with a machine. The machine built our tools and everything we needed to get started here. Later it was used as a teacher for us to learn science and mathematics. We have a society without sickness or poverty," Sam said proudly.
“With your technology why didn’t you return to Earth or try to communicate with Earth?"
“We were afraid of more evil aliens finding us. Besides, Earth was always at war, famine or drought. Crime was rampant in the cities. The major cities were cesspools of disease and violence. Man kept his fellow man as slaves. States fought states, nations fought nations. Why go to that? We have a beautiful world where we are safe and happy,” Sam explained smiling.
“Pilot to crew, ya’ll better strap in back there; I’m making my final approach,” The shuttle pilot ordered.
Scotty looked at Sam and asked, “Is that another sister?”
Sam playfully elbowed Scott in reply as she checked his lap belt for landing.
Dr. Grant Townsend stood in the back of the alien shuttle not knowing what to do next; this was his first trip off his home world of Dixie. The hatch he had come through closed on its own as a voice welcomed him onboard the Major Rogers.
“Welcome aboard the Major Rogers. The atmosphere is safe for you to remove your helmet and to make yourself comfortable. We will be aboard the Arizona Space Ship Beater in five minutes.” The voice put Grant at ease as he tried to figure out how to take the helmet off as he started to hyperventilate.
“If you press the large button under your chin then rotate the helmet so it is facing over your right shoulder it will come off,” Rogers advised after scanning the equipment and detecting that his passenger was anxious to remove the helmet.
Trying one more time, Grant pressed in the button and held it in as he turned the helmet to the right. A slight hiss was emitted as the seal of the helmet was broken as it was removed.
“Oh, thank God that damnable helmet is off. Hello, Hello?”
“Welcome aboard the Major Rogers again. May I have the privilege of your name please?"
“I am Dr. Grant Townsend from the city of New Richmond. I am a practitioner of medicine. I am sorry this is my first time in space so I am a little nervous.”
Maj. Rogers engaged the view screen so his passenger could see his planet from space as they got further away. The angle of the view changed as the view of the Arizona Space Ship Beater came into view as the shuttle closed in then entered the launch bay. Jimmy was waiting for the visitor as the hatch opened.
“Welcome onboard the Beater. I am Jimmy Brewster, crew chief. Can I help you out of your suit? Then I’ll take you to see the ship's Captain.”
Grant stared at the old man before him when he realized the old man had been talking to him. “My apologies sir, my mind was wandering. May I ask how old you are?
Jimmy laughed as he had to remember he still looked like a 92 year old man even if he was physically 25.
“Yes sir, you may ask, and you just did. I am 92 years old. Before you ask, on Earth life expectancy is around 100 or less. I’ve had great doctors that’s why I’m so spry for my age,” Jimmy explained jokingly as he removed the suit from the doctor. Both men started to feel nauseous at the same time.
“Sir, it looks like we have engaged our faster than light drive. I will take you to your cabin so you will not feel the side effects which can be very unpleasant. You can see the Captain after we drop back into normal space.”
“Does that mean, Jimmy, that my room is either shielded or that it has a stasis chamber until we get back into normal space?” Grant asked.
“The room acts as a stasis chamber sir. The sooner we get you there the sooner the pain goes away. It will take five days to get back to Earth. So please, follow me,” Jimmy urged.
After walking him to his berth Jimmy pointed out the Spartan amenities then suggested he lay down on the bunk. After Jimmy left the berth, Grant looked to see if he could see the stasis source in the berth as the entire room seemed to get a green hue and he closed his eyes. Jimmy notified the commander that the guest was put to bed and he was on his way as well as he fought the urge to puke.
Defense Command, Dixie
25 September 2128
Scotty was lead through a door and was surprised to see over a hundred people. Everyone was either in a dress uniform or in a suit. The expected hostility was nonexistent. Sam was still at his side but now was wearing a flight suit that did little to hide her form. Scotty was getting a buzz from all the attention. A speaker at the podium was wishing him welcome and at the next moment they were clapping as he found himself behind the podium.
“Cousins and distant cousins, I am not a politician and I have only been a soldier for a short while. I am going to speak to you as what I’ve been most of my life, a simple farmer. From that point of view, I would think you’d want to know what happened after you departed Earth. In 1865 the War Between the States ended. A short while later the entire country went to war again, as one, and healed itself from the pain of that war. A little while after that America was dragged into a World War where we made the difference and won that war to end all wars. Twenty some years later we once again entered into World War II. Nuclear weapons were used for the first time in war and again we won. After that there were always small wars we found ourselves getting into. Thirty some years ago our capital was attacked by a nuclear weapon. Our capital was destroyed as was the American way. The Constitution was suspended as was the Bill of Rights.
"Recently the American people arose and reinstalled a constitutional government. At the same time an alien space ship from Flem was found. We learned about your disappearance and of the coming invasion of earth. There was a government of planets called the League of Planets. The idea was that it would help avoid war and make it more possible to create prosperity by improving trade. The idea was a failure when the Planet Libra decided to test the resolve of the League of Planets conquering its neighbors. No one would come to one another’s aide. Now as I speak, there is a huge convoy headed for Earth that will pass by here soon. Its intent is to kidnap all the humans it can to fight as their cannon fodder. They sent an initial pair of ships that thought they would just scoop up Australia and do whatever they wanted. We had at that time two ships and a bunch of shuttles. We kicked their alien asses and captured both ships. Yesterday, we were just returning from a mission where we had to get supplies and once again kicked ass when our little ship and a few fighters destroyed two enemy ships. We will soon be in the fight for humanity itself. As our cousins, I beseech you to stay hidden. If we are destroyed you will be the last hope for the human race. I know I skipped over a few things for the last couple hundred years, so I brought a tablet with our history and scientific achievements. If it can provide you any help in your society all the more better.” Scotty almost tripped leaving the stage and the deathly quiet that soon turned to an enormous applau
se. From the back of the room the chant “Cousins, Cousins” soon the chant included the smashing of feet for emphasis on the last half of cousins. Two officers and a couple more well dressed gentlemen hustled Scotty to a side room.
“Sir, you have just plunged our planet into a war. I know it was not your intention but that is what you just did. There is a shame on our world for being wronged and never getting justice. We are like the maiden who was wronged and went into hiding so it would not happen again. Our society has grown in peace free of war. Now we will know devastation and hardship,” the General said to Scotty neither angry nor excited.
“Sir, the best advice I can give is stay out of the way. Hide your people underground. We can bring the technology to ensure you are safely hidden. I believe that is what we were doing here was to find a place to plant the seed of humanity if we were wiped out. Tell your people that so they can realize their society can be safe,” Scotty urged.
“Scotty we have over 300,000 people on our planet. We rule our planet by a constitution similar to yours, except long ago we let every man and woman vote. Something this major we will have a special election on whether to join Earth or not in this war. I’m sorry to say we will most likely join. For the next few days please keep a low profile while we decide what must be done. Have the flight officer that was escorting you be a guide to our world. See what there is to see and look over our defenses to see how we stand please.
Republic Assembly Hall, Planet Dirt
25 September 2128
“Then it is agreed we will send envoys to Earth to determine if trade and diplomatic relations will be mutually advantageous to our societies. As a good will gesture, we will inform them that the Libra Alliance fleet that had been headed for them is now being notified to turn around. We will warn them that a real Libra Alliance battle fleet is being assembled for punitive actions after their destruction of the Libra Patrol ship that had the crown prince of Libra as a junior officer onboard. We anticipate that fleet should be able to reach them in under two months. If the humans survive the encounter, I strongly support diplomatic relations. I further recommend that we warn the Libras that the destruction of civilian cities will not be tolerated, nor will weapons of mass destruction. Unless the humans use them first, then they are free to respond in kind. This brings this meeting to a close.” The speaker announced.
Gray Panthers: Earths Revenge Page 24