Shroud of Doom

by William Manchee

  Chapter 33

  The Genocide Decision

   

  Being unable to leave his post Threebeard and his staff assembled in the communications room and turned on the VC to watch the proceedings of the Supreme Council of Interpreters. It was a solemn group as they feared there would be no justice for the Nanomites who, despite their incredible contribution to the rebuilding of Tarizon, had yet to get a majority of the World Assembly to recognize them as a life-form protected by the Supreme Mandate.

  The room became quite as the coverage began. Lorina Lance stood in front of the media camera and adjusted her hair. A white light came on and a digital readout began the countdown 3, 2, 1. She smiled brightly.

  “Good morning, this is Lorina Lance reporting on a cold, dark day from the Shisk, the world’s capitol, where the fate of the nanomite life-form hangs in the balance. Ironically nanomites built this very structure dedicated to the pursuit of justice, where it will be determined today whether or not they too may enjoy the rights guaranteed by the Supreme Mandate, the foundation upon which our world is governed. The eight councilors of the Council of Interpreters must make this determination by upholding or overturning the convictions of Hirah Zahn and Fellis Broggin for the supreme capital offense of genocide.

  “Earlier this year Zahn was in charge of the relocation of a Nanomite construction colony after it had completed the construction of a subtram transfer station in northwest Dramapour. It was the beginning of the Unification holiday and witnesses testified that Zahn was anxious to return home because he had plans to go on holiday with his mate. Unfortunately, when he contacted the closest nanomite farm he was told it was full. When he tried other farms in the region and was told that they too were full, he apparently determined that there was a surplus of Nanomites and that those in his custody wouldn’t be missed if they should happen to disappear. As the hour got later he became more and more distressed at the thought of missing out on his holiday and having to face the anger of his mate, so he ordered his men to fumigate the new structure with a chemical that he knew would kill the Nanomites waiting within for transport. He may have gotten away with his crime had not several hundred swarms buried deep in the foundation of the building survived. Their speaker reported the crime and demanded Zahn be punished for his actions. After the slaughter was confirmed by the Public Enforcer, Zahn was arrested and charged with capital genocide. He was convicted and is now pursuing this appeal.

  “Fellis Broggin’s situation is a little different. He is in the fumigation business and was hired to fumigate a warehouse of nanomites at the TGA Science Lab in Fasoon, Quori. He didn’t know who had hired him but he had done jobs at the Science Lab before so he didn’t question the order. He admitted he knew he was killing millions of nanomites but didn’t care since he considered them just another pest. He was convicted by the Fasoon Council of Interpreters and immediately appealed to this court.

  “For those of you who haven’t been to the Hall of the Interpreters, it sits proudly on the tallest hill of Shisk. Raised by the Nanomites in less than a cycle, it has now become the home of the Counsel of Interpreters. As are all nanomite structures, it is made of Bazillian Crystal which is a hard, durable material that shines quite radiantly even under the toxic clouds that hang as a shroud over Tarizon. This particular blend gives the structure a marble-look that is quite magnificent. Inside there isn’t an empty seat as a court scribe rises to announce that the session is in order. We now take you to the Great Hall where the Chief Councilor is about to begin.”

  “Good Morning,” Councilor Sidon said. “Today we have asked for oral arguments on the matters of the appeals of the final convictions of capital genocide determined by the Merria Council of Interpreters in matter number SM 2247, State of Merria vs. Hirah Zahn and matter number SQ 1121, State of Quori v. Fellis Broggin. The prosecution and defense will each have 20 loons to make their arguments and all other parties given leave to speak will each be have 10 loons. Please be seated promptly when your time has expired. We will not extend oral arguments beyond today’s session. “The councilor turned to a stout man dressed in a purple robe. “Mr. Sorhn, I believe you will be speaking for the prosecution?”

  “That is correct.”

  “Then you may proceed.”

  “Thank you, Chief Councilor,” Sorhn said as he took the lectern and faced the eight supreme councilors. “There is no dispute that Hirah Zahn exterminated the swarms in the building they were constructing in Dramapour for his own convenience and that Fellis Broggin fumigated the warehouse at the Science Lab in Fasoon for his standard fee for extermination of common rodents, each knowing their actions would kill millions of nanomites. Let’s get that out of the way at the outset. Neither have disputed these facts, nor have they shown any remorse for their actions. The question that this supreme council must consider is whether the Nanomite population of Tarizon enjoys the protections provided to other life-forms on Tarizon under the Supreme Mandate. We don’t believe this would be an issue had contact with the Nanomite life-form taken place before the ratification of the Supreme Mandate. For anyone who has studied the life of the author of the Supreme Mandate, our beloved Sandee Brahn, knows that he not only championed equal rights for all the races of humans on Tarizon but also for other life-forms such as the Rhutz and the Seafolken. And why would he not also cherish a life-form that has the capacity to enter into covenants with Central Authority and to build not only this magnificent hall, but thousands of other similar structures throughout the five continents of Tarizon?

  “These two men must pay for their crimes against the Nanomites and the people of Tarizon. Their punishment must be most severe in order to deter others who would circumvent the Supreme Mandate and the laws of God and Sandee. If we allow these men to get away with this horrific act all nanomites will be at risk and construction on Tarizon will come to a standstill?

  “We’ve already heard the Purists call for their extermination and the extermination of the Rhutz. What right do we have to eliminate these God-given life-forms. If we allow the genocide of the Nanomites, the Rhutz will be next and then what? There is talk from the Purists that we’d be better off without the Mutants and the Seafolken. Unless, of course, they would agree to become our slaves.”

  Councilor Thoripides stood and glared at Sorhn. “Wild speculation and slander will get you nowhere with this Court,” Thoripides warned. “How do you dispute the clear language of the Supreme Mandate that ‘...all citizens of Tarizon shall enjoy the fundamental rights herein enumerated... and ...all citizens of the 29 states shall be citizens of Tarizon?’ Since you admit that the very existence of the Nanomites was unknown when the Supreme Mandate was ratified, they obviously could not have been citizens of any of the 29 states and therefore cannot be citizens of Tarizon today.”

  “Councilor Thoripides,” Sorhn replied, “the Nanomites should be considered citizens because the author of the Supreme Mandate intended all life-forms to be afforded liberty and civil rights under the new order. His writings and teachings are clear on this point.”

  “His other writings are irrelevant,” Thoripides scowled. “We are bound only to consider the actual content of the Supreme Mandate, for that is what was ratified by the citizens of Tarizon.”

  The Court Scribe stood and motioned that time was up. The gallery erupted in a subdued chatter as Sorhn returned to his seat. The bailiff stood and admonished the crowd to be quiet or be arrested and escorted to a detention center for negative stimulation therapy.

  Sidon looked at Sorhn. “Thank you, Mr. Sorhn. Now I believe it is time for the accused’s defender, Mr. Sorrbeth, to speak. Mr. Sorrbeth, you have 20 loons.”

  Sorrbeth rose slowly. He was a tall, imposing man who exuded great confidence. He strolled swiftly to the podium. “Chief Councilor, members of the Supreme Council of Interpreters. It is with great humility that I speak before such a distinguished body. Councilor Thoripides has already spoken directly to the heart of my client’s case. The
Supreme Mandate does not protect Nanomites. That is clean and simple. Neither of the Supreme Courts of Merria or Quori had the right to try these defendants for genocide. Genocide by definition is the mass murder of a large number of people. People historically have referred to human beings. The mutants and Seafolken qualify because of their human origin, but no other life-form was actually mentioned in the Supreme Mandate. Now since the Supreme Mandate was adopted several states have recognized the Nanomites and the Rhutz as sentient life-forms, but the acts of those states do not bind the citizens of other states.”

  Councilor Sidon sat up in his seat and peered out at Sorrbeth. “Mr. Sorrbeth. Do you deny that the Nanomites are sentient beings—that they are self-aware and capable of rational thought and communication with human beings?”

  “I concede nothing, Your Honor. I have never seen or talked to a Nanomite. Only a few claim to have done so and then only telepathically. I don’t deny that they are good at building their crystal structures, but how do we know whether they do it voluntarily or if Rupra Bruda and the other handlers have simply learned how to train them and modify their behavior?”

  “If you could talk to a Nanomite swarmmaster today, would that change your mind?” Sidon asked.

  Sorrbeth chuckled. “Certainly, but we know that is not possible. They can’t even be seen by the naked eyes. Even if one shouted, we couldn’t hear him.”

  The gallery erupted in laughter. Councilor Sidon grinned. “Well, Mr. Sorrbeth. Don’t leave after you’ve finished making your argument today. I believe there is a nanomite who has asked to be heard.”

  Sorrbeth’s eyes widened. “If it is true, I wouldn’t miss it, but I fear this appearance will be but another trick of the mutant Threebeard.”

  The scribe stood up indicating Sorrbeth’s time had elapsed. He returned to his seat and Councilor Sidon looked down at his docket sheet. “The court will now hear from Artis, known to most of us as the Threebeard’s sister.”

  Artis walked slowly to the podium. She was unknown to the delegates but they knew her brother Threebeard well. Not only was he psychic but telepathic and telekinetic as well. It was assumed Artis had inherited these same gifts. It was no secret that Central Authority feared Threebeard as the unofficial leader of the mutant population. As Artis walked by Sorrbeth’s seat, a glass of water tumbled over and spilled its contents in his lap. The gallery erupted in laughter. Sorrbeth stood up and raised his fist at Artis.

  Councilor Thoripides became rigid in his chair and glared at Artis. “Let me remind you this is the highest court of the land, mistress. We will not tolerate childish antics.”

   “Yet you will tolerate scoundrels who openly condone genocide and even suggest it would be a remedy for the millions of mutants who are suffering outside the domes and taxing the resources of Central Authority.”

  “Let’s not get off the subject,” Councilor Sidon interjected. “That is not an issue before this court today.”

  “My apologies, Chief Councilor. Since I am one of the few people who communicate with the Nanomites I wanted to tell the Court what I have learned about them. My contact is with a Nanomite speaker, a single nanomite swarmmaster who communicates for all the swarmmasters who collectively comprise the colony. This came about actually at the request of Central Authority. After the cataclysmic volcanic eruptions that devastated Tarizon less than three cycles ago, the construction industry was in ruins and Central Authority was looking for a way to rejuvenate it. The Nanomites were well known for the crystal palaces that they inhabited in their desert homelands, yet no one knew how they did it. The one thing that was clear was these Nanomites were geniuses when it came to engineering. It was thought if communication could be established, that perhaps the Nanomites could build other structures, structures that could be used my humans.

  “Since it was apparent the Nanomites swarmmasters could communicate instantaneously with their individual nanomite workers and fellow swarmmasters, it was thought that perhaps communication could be established telepathically. So, my brother was asked to attempt to make contact. Since he did not have the time to do it, the project was delegated to me. It was a long and arduous task, the details of which I couldn’t begin to explain in the short time I have to speak today, but the important thing is I did make contact. It was an exciting moment when I first felt a swarmmaster’s presence in my mind. He and the other swarmmasters had resisted me because they had observed many evil deeds committed by the human race on Tarizon.

  “Let me tell you about the Nanomites. They are gentle, caring, beings. They experience joy and pain just like you and me. They have no politics because all act for the benefit of each other. Any one of them would sacrifice their life for the good of the swarm. There is no conflict, discord or jealousy in a nanomite swarm. They simply don’t understand these concepts. Everyone looks out for each other in their constant battle for survival.”

  “Excuse me,” Councilor Thoripides interrupted. “From your explanation these Nanomites seem to me to be just another insect who live by instinct and don’t have the ability for rational thought.”

  “Oh, but that is not the case at all, Councilor. Each swarmmaster has emotions. They worry about their swarms and the other swarms in the colonies. They communicates with other swarmmasters and they discuss options and make plans for how best to make their colonies thrive. They are as much a sentient life-form as human beings.”

  Councilor Thoripides shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Artis, if I can call you that—”

  “Yes, please do, everyone does.”

  “Artis, how do we know you’re not making all of this up? I know you’ve been able to get the Nanomites to build magnificent structures all over Tarizon and I commend you for that, but many believe you have simply learned how to control and manipulate them. How do you respond to that?”

  The scribe stood up and Councilor Sidon smiled. “I think, Councilor, that our next speaker may be able to answer that question better than anyone. Artis, would you ask the speaker for the Nanomites to make his appearance.”

  Artis nodded and closed her eyes. Councilor Thoripides snarled, “What is this?”

  “Patience,” the Chief Councilor said. “Give her a moment.”

  “Yes, I have him,” Artis said without opening her eyes.

  The Chief Councilor nodded. “Please translate his thoughts.”

  “I object!” Councilor Thoripides scowled. “This is outrageous.”

  Councilor Sidon sighed. “I suspected you would object, so I polled the other councilors and four of us want to hear from the speaker of the Nanomites. Do I need to take a formal vote?”

  Thoripides sat back in his chair and shook his head. “All right, then. Let’s hear from the Speaker. Does he have a name?”

  “No. But I sometimes call him Allo. It’s just a name I made up to make it easier to communicate with him. You will actually be speaking to all the swarmmasters when you talk to Allo.”

  “Very well, proceed.”

  “To answer your question, we act voluntarily after extensive discussion between all our swarmmasters. Artis and Threebeard are not forcing us to do anything we don’t want to do.”

  “Very well, Allo,” Councilor Sidon said. “Then why have your swarms built so many magnificent palaces, halls and buildings all over Tarizon?”

  “Because we have agreed to a covenant for such construction work with Central Authority. We must honor our word.”

  “But what do you get for all this hard work? From what I have heard it’s so little in comparison to what us humans get?”

  “What seems like nothing to you is monumental to our colonies. Before we knew of your human existence, life was very perilous for us. To thrive as a people we must have certain chemical elements and specific environmental conditions. Only a few places on Tarizon are habitable for us. The Covenant makes it possible for us to migrate and multiply. Our colonies have increased a hundred fold since we signed the covenant. Like humans and all life-forms our
most important instinct is for survival and increasing our swarms. It is our ultimate objective to make sure Nanomites never become extinct.”

  “So, tell us how you feel about Broggin and Zahn and what they did?”

  “We feel a great sadness and depression over the loss of so many of our brothers and sisters. At times we regret that we ever came to know the human race. But mostly we feel outrage that someone could murder millions of swarms of nanomites and feel no remorse. We wonder if other human beings could do the same thing.”

  “I assure you that these are unique cases,” Allo. “We feel your outrage and that is why both the Quori and the Merria Councils of Interpreters convicted both of these men for these heinous crimes. Unfortunately, under the Supreme Mandate they are entitled to an appeal. I promise you I will urge my colleagues to uphold these convictions.”

  “Thank you, Chief Councilor. You are an honorable man and we hope the others who are deciding this appeal are as just and honorable, but we have our reservations judging by the arguments we have heard today.”

  “I understand, but the right to speak freely is protected under the Supreme Mandate and no one should be chastised for exercising that right.”

  “Then we will speak freely. If these two murderers are not executed for their crimes, we will see that justice is done our own way. Also, we will consider the covenant with Central Authority breached and no longer honor it. And if there are any further acts of genocide against the Nanomites, we will take appropriate measures to protect ourselves and punish those who have done us harm.”

  The gallery erupted in hushed conversation. Councilor Thoripides’ eyes narrowed. “Are you threatening us?” he asked.

  “No,” Allo replied evenly. “I’m simply stating a fact which is my right as a citizen of Tarizon.”

  The scribe stood up and Artis opened her eyes. Councilor Sidon coughed nervously. “Well, thank you Artis. Our final speaker will be Lt. Videl Lai.”

  A tall, thin man walked deliberately up to the lectern. He didn’t bow but rather glared at the Chief Councilor. “You may proceed,” the councilor advised.

  “Since my time is short I will not belabor issues that have already been addressed. What I wanted to warn the Supreme Councilors about today is the growing threat that the Nanomites pose to Central Authority and the human population of Tarizon. Are you aware that many Nanomites swarms are left in each structure after they build it? They will deny it since current regulations require them to leave, but how do we know they haven’t left spies for the militant mutants who are raising armies to overthrow Central Authority and seize control of the urban domes.”

  The Chief Councilor shook his head. “Senator, do you have an argument relevant to the issues before this tribunal? We are not interested in your paranoia.”

  Videl Lai’s eyes narrowed. “If you insist on ignoring the truth and won’t heed my warning, then I just want to say that, as far as I am concerned, Broggin and Zahn are heroes and patriots and I applaud what they have done.”

  Many in the gallery cheered Videl as he returned to his seat, but most just sat in shock pondering his words. The Chief Councilor spoke up. “The council will take this matter under consideration and have a decision by the end of the day. Thank you,” he said and stood up.

  Councilor Thoripides leaned back in his chair and laughed. “Artis, you’re a good actor. . . . Allo of the Nanomites? What a joke!” A few tiks later the councilor’s chair collapsed and he fell hard to the floor. He screamed and then scrambled to his feet staring at the pile of saw dust which was all that was left of his seat. Councilor Sidon stifled a laugh, but few in the gallery restrained their amusement over the nanomite speaker’s clear message.

  The media camera came back on and Lorina Lance was back in front of it. “All right, the council has left the Great Hall and will now deliberate in private before taking a final vote. You saw that the Chief Councilor had mustered enough votes to let Allo be heard. There is no guarantee, however, that he will be able to muster the four votes necessary to uphold Zahn and Broggin’s convictions. In addition to Councilor Thoripides, two other councilors are staunch allies of Videl Lai and the Purist Party. The other four councilors are known to be independent with allegiances to no one. Accordingly, the vote could go either way and since there is so much at stake deliberations may extend late into the night.

  “If Broggin and Zahn’s convictions are upheld they will be flogged, hung by their wrists in the public square, and then given a lethal injection. Experts tell me the public flogging is to insure the condemned men suffer great pain and feel the public’s outrage. Just after nightfall they will be given lethal injections, their bodies incinerated and their ashes put in a public disposal unit.

  “While we are waiting for the decision of the Supreme Council of the Interpreters we will return to our regular programming with a promise that coverage will resume just as soon as the Supreme Council reconvenes.”

  Threebeard and his staff took advantage of the recess to get some lunch. They met in the officer’s club a few loon’s later.

  “Did you hear that?” Lt. Leode asked. “They know we are building a Mutant Army.”

  “Yes. Some people think that’s what I’m doing, but they can’t prove it and each of you should deny it if you’re asked.”

  “I wonder what the other generals will think. They can’t just stand by and let a mutant army be raised against them.”

  “Don’t worry,” Threebeard replied. “Commander General Zitor will protect us. They wouldn’t dare make a play against us.”

  “Yes. It’s a good thing he got a promotion. If he was still a colonel we’d be in trouble.”

  “I can’t believe Videl Lai came out blatantly for the genocide of the mutants and congratulated the murderers, Broggin and Zahn,” Lt. Leode said. “He must be a lunatic.”

  “Many believe he is, but what shocked me was Allo’s threat to take appropriate measures if there is an acquittal. What do you think he meant by it? ”

  “I don’t know,” Threebeard replied, “but if they can sabotage Councilor Thoripides’ chair in just a few tiks after he laughs at them, can you imagine what they could do to make life miserable for all of us if they decided to seek vengeance for the genocide committed against them?”

  Lt. Leode nodded. Central Authority and the Purists have surely miscalculated the threat the Nanomites pose for them. Six and a half hours after the lunch break, the session of the Supreme Council of Interpreters reconvened. Lorina Lance was back in front of the media camera when it went live.

  “This is Lorina Lance back live in the Great Hall of the Interpreters. We’ve just been advised that the Supreme Council of Interpreters has made a decision and will be announcing it shortly. Councilor Sidon is taking the bench and looking rather somber which could be good news for Broggin and Zahn. We have been told that Councilor Thoripides will read the decision.”

   Councilor Thoripides began speaking from his seat. “Citizens of Tarizon,” After careful consideration of the appeals of Fellis Broggin and Hirah Zahn of their convictions of capital genocide, it is our opinion that the convictions should be and are hereby reversed. After careful study and deliberation, it is clear that Nanomites are not ‘persons’ within the meaning of the Supreme Mandate, nor were they citizens of any of the 29 consolidated states at the time the Supreme Mandate was adopted. Therefore, Broggin’s and Zahn’s convictions for the crime of capital genocide are reversed and they shall be released immediately.”

  The camera switched back to Lorina Lance. “Well there you have it. Broggin and Zahn’s convictions have been overturned and as we speak they are being congratulated by Senator Videl Lai and others who have shown their support for them since their arrests. This is a difficult day for Artis and the Nanomites. It is unclear if they will indeed reject their covenant with Central Authority, but their speaker, Allo, seemed pretty adamant that there would be no further construction by nanomite swarms if the convictions were set aside. He ev
en suggested the Nanomites would find a way to exact revenge for the genocide of millions of their life-form. What that means is anyone’s guess, but I’m sure Broggin and Zahn will be pondering that question carefully tonight when they rejoin their families.”

  “This is Lorina Lance reporting from the courtroom of the Supreme Council of the Interpreters. Good night.”

   

   

  After the disappointing decision Artis retreated from the Hall of the Interpreters clutching the small cube in which housed several nanomite swarms, including their speaker, Allo. Giant, Ariela and Nic met her outside the hall to escort her to the Mighty Jolly where she was staying.

  An assemblyman saw her and pointed. “There she is with her cube full of bugs,” the Assemblyman said grinning broadly. The group turned and laughed heartily at Artis and her nanomite cube.”

  “Don’t listen to them,” Nic said as they left the Great Hall and walked over to a waiting Grinden. “They’re a bunch of ignorant slubdubs.”

  They all got in and the Grinden took off.

  “I know, but a majority feel the same way. I fear the Nanomites will become slaves now and it’s all my fault for forcing them to communicate with us.”

  “It’s not your fault and if you hadn’t taught them to communicate they would probably be extinct right now rather than as numerous as they have ever been in the history of Tarizon. How many Nanomite swarms are there now?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Billions by my count, so don’t beat yourself up.”

  “I know. But they are a very fragile life-form and I’m worried about what is in store for them.”

  “Don’t worry about what is in store for the us,” Allo interjected. “Worry about the fate of Broggin and Zahn and those who protect him. We will have justice.”

  Artis looked at Nic and Ariela. She didn’t know how to respond to Allo. “I’m sorry, Allo. Unfortunately, our system is not perfect. The Nanomites were wronged today and I am ashamed of the Council of Interpreters. Please forgive my inability to make the World Assembly see the righteous and just path to follow.”

  “We have no complaint with you,” Allo thought. “You and Threebeard have done your best. I have but one last thing I would like from you.”

  “What’s that?” Artis asked. “Take us to the place where Broggin and Zahn will be staying tonight. I understand the Purists are hosting a party for them and in the morning they will be going home.”

  “No. I will not be a part of your revenge,” Artis said. “I have sworn to uphold the Supreme Mandate and Broggin and Zahn were entitled to their appeal. There’s nothing I can do but take you back to the Mighty Jolly and return you to Tributon.”

  Ariela told Giant of Allo’s request and they discussed the request briefly.

  “Giant and I will take you there,” Ariela thought. “We believe in the Supreme Mandate but we don’t believe in Central Authority or the Purists who have been pulling its strings lately. We would relish seeing you get your revenge and will help you in any way we can. We can probably find others to help as well.”

  “That is most generous of you and Giant. We could use help in getting word to all our swarms and moving them to strategic locations.”

  “Is that all right with you, Artis?” Ariela asked. “Can you spare us for a while?”

  “Yes, we can spare you but keep Threebeard and me out of whatever you do. We are trying to raise a mutant army and we cannot give Central Authority any excuse to shut that down.”

  “Understood. We will keep our assistance secret since we work for the Mighty Jolly. If we need a human spokesperson we’ll get someone not associated with Threebeard or the Mighty Jolly to lend his name to the movement.”

  Artis handed Giant the Nanomite cube. “Okay, good luck.”

  “What will you say if Central Authority asks you what you did with this cube?” Allo inquired.

  “We will tell him we took it back to the Ural Desert. We’ll make a point to go there for show. If they have agents following us, that will distract them for a while and give you time to do whatever you are planning.”

  “Thank you, Artis. And thank Giant for us. You two are true friends,” Allo said.

   

   

  Giant, who had stood as guardian over the model nanomite city for over a cycle, was very angry that the Supreme Council of Interpreters had denied them standing under the Supreme Mandate. He regretted the fact that Councilor Rammel Garciah hadn’t been there to urge the other councilors to do the right thing. He was sure the outcome would have been different had Garciah not been on Earth.

  Giant, Ariela and a rhutz named Daylight waited outside the Emerald City Hotel near the center of Shisk where the party was taking place. When it was over they followed them to a military base just inside the southwest entrance to the dome. Zahn and Broggin were dropped off in front of some barracks and went inside. A few tiks later Daylight walked around the perimeter of the building, checking on doors and windows available for ingress and egress. Daylight, having been with the local Loyalist cell for several phases already knew Tari and had no trouble linking with Allo. This gave the nanomite swarmmasters a pair of eyes that could be used to plan their revenge on Broggin and Zahn. Daylight was anxious to help as he knew Rupra Bruda had killed his friend Misty and was responsible for the Flat Meadow Massacre.

  Allo noted that they were close to a nanomite farm that serviced Shisk. Since they were so close he was able to communicate with their speaker there and advise them of the current situation. He immediately initiated a conference between all the swarmmasters.

  “The World Assembly has denied us our rights under the Supreme Mandate....They refuse to punish Broggin and Zahn for their genocide of our swarms....How can they do that?...We have built the very hall in which they deliberate for the sake of Sandee...They have been using us...They are evil...You can’t trust humans...We can’t let them get away with this...They will murder us all as soon as they are through with us...The humans have broken their contract...We must have justice....Broggin and Zahn must die!....Yes, they both must die!...Kill the skutz and show the humans they can’t get away with murder. If we kill Broggin and Zahn they may try to kill all of us....We can hide, they cannot see us....We will have to move out of the farms...They will kill our brothers and sisters in the other farms around Tarizon...We must warn them...We have no choice...No, they have not given us a choice...To them we are common insects and they will kill us with no remorse...We must show them how wrong they are...Our friend Giant has agreed to warn the others...And Daylight will be our eyes...Good, then it is decided...Yes, we will not be slaves of the humans.”

  That night after Broggin and Zahn had gone to bed the Nanomites came up from beneath their bunks and quietly constructed clear, crystal caskets that completely encased them. They left a vent to allow them to breathe until the very last minute when they sealed it off. Not only were the caskets as strong as steel but they were sound proof as well, so when Zahn and Broggin suddenly awoke in the dead of night, gasping and screaming in terror, nobody heard them.

  The next morning when First Sergeant Brill Grets, who was the senior enlisted man in the barracks, awoke he peered curiously at the odd site wondering if someone was playing a practical joke on him. There before him lay Broggin and Zahn, eyes open, peering out of their transparent caskets with a look of complete and utter terror in their eyes. An involuntary shiver went through the First Sergeant and he immediately called headquarters to report the ghastly sight.

  Lt. Videl Lai, who was now assigned to the TGA base at Shisk, was summoned to the barracks along with Colonel Lessch Strommer, the base security officer. Both of them just stared at the bizarre sight seemingly speechless. Finally, Videl recovered. “What is this?”

  “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Colonel Lessch confessed.

  “Didn’t anybody hear anything?” Videl asked.

  “No, sir. Not a sound.”

  Videl ran his h
and across the surface of the casket. “It’s smooth like marble.” He took a knife out of his pocket and tried to punch through the crystal but he was only able to slightly scratch it.”

  “Could this be the doing of the Nanomites?” Colonel Lessch asked. “Didn’t they threaten to do something like this if the Supreme Council failed to convict Broggin and Zahn?”

  Videl nodded. “I’m afraid you might be right. It’s the only thing that makes any sense. If a human had done this they would have made a lot of noise and they would have been seen by someone. Only the Nanomites could have murdered Broggin and Zahn without being detected. I warned the Supreme Councilors about the Nanomites.”

  “But how did they get in here so fast?” Colonel Lessch asked. “They are so small they couldn’t travel very fast. Someone must have carried them here.”

  “They were already close by,” Videl replied, “at the Nanomite farm. Someone must have brought Allo here and he incited them to act. Probably Artis Nocteris, Threebeard’s sister. She translated for the Nanomites at the Supreme Council proceeding yesterday.”

  “We should round her up for questioning.”

  “She’s back in Tributon by now. We wouldn’t have jurisdiction, plus how could we prove it. We better go check the farm and see if the Nanomites are still there. If they are as smart as they claim, they won’t be.”

  They all got into their PTVs and drove to the nearby Nanomite farm. The handler, a corporal Jesstiz, was in his office watching the VC. He came to attention when Colonel Lessch walked in.

  “Good morning, sir.”

  “At ease, Corporal.”

  The corporal relaxed. “What can I do for you, sir?”

  “We are here to check on the Nanomites. Are they here?”

  The corporal frowned. “Are they here? I assume so. I haven’t talked to them today.”

  “When is the last time you talked to them?”

  “A day or two ago. There haven’t been any construction projects since the trial, so there hasn’t been any reason to make contact.”

  “Don’t you have some way to know if they are here or not.”

  “No. They are two small to visually observe. Only by linking with them do I know they are here.”

  “Link with them now. I need to know if they are present.”

  “Yes, sir,” the corporal said closing his eyes and appearing to concentrate. After a moment the corporal swallowed hard. “I’m not getting any response and I don’t feel their presence. Usually when they are here I can feel their thoughts.”

  “Well, while you were watching the VC they went to the barracks and murdered Broggin and Zahn.”

  “What? That’s not possible. How could they murder someone?”

  “Go see for yourself. The crime scene technicians are at the barracks now. Go over and see if you sense any of the Nanomites there.”

  “Yes, sir,” the corporal said and then walked over to his PTV and drove off.

  “We must report this to the base commander,” Videl said. “He’ll want to report it to Central Command.”

  “Right. Let’s go to headquarters and we can inform him immediately.”

  The two officers drove to base headquarters and informed the base commander of the situation. Due to the serious nature of the incident the base commander ordered a link be established with Central Command without delay. Within a few loons they were in front of a big monitor talking with General Bratford and his staff.

  “Is there any possibility it was someone other than the Nanomites,” the general asked.

  “No,’ Videl replied. “This is clearly the work of the Nanomites.”

  “So, where are they now?”

  “We have no idea,” Colonel Lessch replied. “Their handler has advised us they are not at the farm nor at the crime scene. Logically they are trying to escape.”

  “You’re the expert on the Nanomites, Lt. Lai. Where do you think they would go. We must catch them and punish them for what they did.”

  “That’s not possible. You can’t catch them. They are too small. The only thing you can do, if you are lucky enough to find them, is kill them. The Supreme Council of the Interpreters has indicated they are not protected by the Supreme Mandate so I would recommend that they simply be poisoned like any other pest.”

  “But what about all the magnificent buildings they have constructed,” Colonel Lessch asked. “What about our contract?”

  Videl shrugged. “It is unfortunate, but whether we like it or not we are at war with them and we need to act quickly to eradicate them or they will kill us all like they did Broggin and Zahn.”

  General Bratford nodded in agreement. “I’ll contact the Chancellor and apprise him of the situation. It will have to be his call whether we take any retaliatory action or not.”

  “That will take days,” Videl complained. “Many innocent people could die by the time the government bureaucrats make up their minds what to do. I say, since the Nanomites have no civil rights, you could order their extermination immediately, General.”

  The general ran his fingers through his hair and shifted nervously in his chair. “Well, I suppose I could order the extermination of the local swarms here in Central Shisk who obviously were behind the murder.”

  “Yes, they threatened Broggin and Zahn before the whole world and obviously they are behind this attack.”

  “Very well, I’ll send out that limited order.”

  “But how do we know what swarms are covered by the order,” Colonel Lessch asked.

  “Don’t worry about that?” Videl said curtly. “Their handler can identify them.”

  The General stood up and the connection was cut. Videl looked over at Colonel Lessch. “Well, we have our orders.”

  “Yes, we do,” Colonel Lessch agreed. “Let’s go find Corporal Jesstiz so we can get started tracking down those nanomite swarms.”

   

   

  Threebeard was just cleaning off his desk, preparing to go home when his GC buzzed. He made a connection and was pleased to hear Commander General Zitor’s voice.

  “Commander, how are you?” Threebeard asked.

  “Not well, I’m afraid. I’ve just received some disturbing news.”

  “Oh? What it is?”

  “Apparently Allo made good on his threat and Broggin and Zahn have been murdered. The Nanomites built a coffin around them while they slept and then sealed them off asphyxiating them.”

  “Oh, my God!” Threebeard groaned. “Well, they had it coming.”

  “I know, but General Bratford, under pressure from the base commander at Shisk and Videl Lai, has ordered the summary extermination of all the Nanomites in Shisk.”

  Threebeard’s stomach twisted. He knew this was a most delicate situation and could lead to a general war with the Nanomites.

  “Without even a hearing?”

  “Yes. He’s treating the nanomites like common rodents, since the Supreme Council denied them rights under the Supreme Mandate.”

  “What can we do?”

  “I’m going to talk to General Bratford and I was hoping you could talk to Allo. Perhaps we can come up with some kind of compromise.”

  “Do you think you can get the general to back off his order?”

  “Maybe, if I can make him realize the consequences of his actions.”

  “I hope you can, but I’m not optimistic you’ll succeed. No doubt, Videl Lai and the Purists are behind the order and they won’t back down easily.”

  “We have to do something. We can’t afford a war with a life-form we can’t even see. All our resources need to be focused on survival and rebuilding Tarizon.”

  “I agree. I’ll do my best with Allo, if I can even make contact with him. I’m sure the nanomites are on the run.”

  “Well, get with your sister and see if you can find them. It’s our only hope.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll get right on it.”

  Threebeard disconnected and immediately focused on Artis. A tik later
he felt her presence in his mind.

  “Have you heard the news?” he thought.

  “You mean about Broggin and Zahn?”

  “Yes and the order to kill all the nanomites in Shisk.”

  She sighed. “It was on the news. I’m so worried about them.”

  “I know. Did you know they were going to kill Broggin and Zahn?”

  “Yes. They asked me to help but I refused. I think Giant, Ariela and Daylight are helping them.”

  “Giant?”

  “Yes. They were anxious to get revenge for Videl Lai’s murder of Misty and Eyeball.”

  “Well, they got their revenge, but in the process they’ve started a war.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The TGA will not allow someone in their custody to be murdered without bringing those responsible to justice. And we know now the Nanomites won’t accept the judgment of a world that doesn’t acknowledge them as a sentient life-form. So, if more Nanomites are killed they will retaliate and the whole affair will escalate into a war.”

  “Perhaps we should talk to Giant and Ariela and see what they know.”

  “Yes. That’s a good idea.”

  “Alright. Call me on my GC when you are ready,” Artis said and closed her mind to Threebeard.

  Threebeard called Giant on his GC and then added Artis to the call.

  “Alright,” Threebeard said. “Are you with the nanomites?”

  “Yes. They are close by.”

  “How are they?”

  “Better now that they have got some measure of justice.”

  “Good, but now the TGA has ordered their extermination.”

  “I know. They are in hiding,” Giant replied. “The TGA won’t be able to find them.”

  “Good. That may be the only way to avoid a full blown war.”

  “I’m afraid it’s too late for that,” Giant said sadly.

  “What do you mean?” Artis asked.

  “Somehow the Nanomites we rescued from the Science Lab and left on the outskirts of Vaceen got the word to the other swarms about the genocide.”

  “What!” Artis exclaimed. “No. Don’t tell me that.”

  “I’m afraid it is true,” Giant whispered. “ The swarmmasters are furious. They are already planning more strikes against the humans.”

  “We have to put a stop this,” Threebeard pleaded. “A war with the Nanomites would be a disaster for everyone on Tarizon. The TGA doesn’t realize what they are capable of.”

  “So, what should we do,” Artis asked urgently.

  “I don’t know,” Threebeard replied. “Giant, ask Daylight if Allo will talk to me if I come to Shisk.”

  “Okay,” Giant said. “Wait a minute. I’ll have Ariela ask them.”

  There was silence for a few loons and then Ariela spoke up. “Allo is refusing to talk to humans until the Supreme Council reverses their ruling. If the humans don’t recognize the Nanomites then the Nanomites don’t recognize human beings.”

  Artis gasped. “What have we done? We should never have made contact with the Nanomites. Oh, my brother what are we going to do?”

  Threebeard sighed deeply, his stomach twisting in knots. “There is nothing we can do. Perhaps this is the price we will have to pay to get our government to be reasonable.”

  “We’re just going to sit back and watch this genocide?”

  “No. I think the Nanomites will hold their own. We might even help them out a bit behind the scenes.”

  “But you are a sworn officer of the TGA. How could you help the Nanomites without committing treason?”

  “One day soon the TGA will be our enemy, so if my assistance to the Nanomites today hastens that day, it will not be a tragedy.”

  “So, what should I do?” Giant asked.

  “Do what your conscience tells you to do, my friend. I will not judge you either way.”

  “Then Ariela and I will continue to help the Nanomites. Since I helped both of you make contact with them, I bear some of the responsibility for what is happening now. So, I shall fight with them until the Supreme Council of Interpreters reverses their decision.”

  “Very well, then. May God and Sandee be with you.”

  1Threebeard hung up the GC and fell back into his chair. His worst fears were becoming reality faster than he had anticipated. Now he was afraid this new war with the Nanomites would only hasten the inevitable civil war that would soon engulf Tarizon. A war that could easily lead to the end of civilization on Tarizon and beginning of an era of lawlessness, chaos and despair.

  1After assisting Allo and the nanomites exact their revenge against Broggin and Zahn, Ariela and Giant returned to Liehn. There they picked up two identical cubes filled with Nanomite swarms and took them back to their Ural desert homeland as Artis had promised. On their way back to Liehn they decided to check on the Science Lab swarms they’d left in a church just outside of Fasoon. When they found the church that had been collapsed and in ruin they were shocked to find it fully restored. When Ariela asked them about it they told her they’d been forced to restore it to protect the swarms while they waited for contact from the other swarmmasters. Ariela filled them in on the decision of the Supreme Council of Interpreters and they were shocked, angered and bent on getting their own revenge against Rupra Bruda and Berne Baldrige.