by Jack Hunt
Viper got this glint in her eye as she slid a dagger into its sheath. “By choice.”
Reid frowned. “So you faked your deaths?”
Viper grinned and glanced at Skinner.
“You asshole, Skinner. You told me she was dead.”
“I said she dropped.”
“And Bulldog?”
“Ah, I was always a good actor.”
“But why? The military was going to release you without punishment.”
“Well, if we survived. And anyway, after this I had a feeling the military wouldn’t just let us go. So we were going to slip out in our way. You’d think we’re dead, and that would be it.”
His eyes drifted over the three of them.
“So why didn’t you two leave?” he asked Priest and Skinner.
“I can’t speak for Priest, but I love a good war,” Skinner remarked.
“And you, Priest?”
Priest turned over the rosary beads in his hands.
“After what you did for me back at the waterfall, how could the good Lord forgive me if I left you on your own?” He shifted from one foot to the next.
Reid walked over to Phantom, Viper and Bulldog and patted them each on the shoulder. “Thanks for coming back.”
“Don’t thank me,” Bulldog said. “I would have left you to die.”
“Why?”
“Because you said something about his momma,” Skinner said sarcastically.
They slowly broke into laughter. Reid stared around at the remaining refugees.
“So what now, Lt?”
“We finish the op. Draskan is going to force Chancellor Kenji to speak to the Echobi people and get them to go to war against Earth. Time to put an end to this. They left one of the craft for the other men, we’ll use it to head to Trillium.”
He turned to leave and noticed they weren’t following him. He glanced back.
“What’s the matter?”
“There are millions of them. We don’t stand a chance,” Bulldog said.
“He’s right,” Sophie added. “Even if we could get to Trillium in time. What then? Go up against Draskan and the entire Echobi people?”
As they stood there looking at each other and a wave of defeat washed over them, a voice spoke up from off to the right. Pushing her way through the crowd of Echobi refugees was the mother of the child who had nearly lost his life.
“I think I know how to help.”
Reid frowned. “What did you have in mind?”
Chapter Twenty-Four
At the heart of the city of Trillium stood a tree that surpassed all others. The widest, oldest and tallest of all trees, it was had been used by the Echobi government for centuries to conduct business, house the chancellor’s family, and act as a visual representation of the Echobis’ position over all life in the solar system.
It stood for authority, strength and domination.
On numerous occasions, Kenji had delivered speeches to the Echobi people from it. Thousands over the course of many lifetimes had gathered in front of the monument to hear the words of fearless leaders, and once again they would flock in droves to bear witness to an event that would go down in history.
Draskan had always envisioned what would take place ever since he joined the infantry. He didn’t just want to lead men into war, he wanted to rule over entire species, worlds and solar systems, and this was how he would do it.
He was born for this, and those around him knew it.
And yet there was only one problem. A chancellor was not self-appointed or determined by the people. The selection of a chancellor was passed down from father to son, through a lineage that stretched back centuries. Though chancellors remained faithful to the ancient decrees and principles that governed Drozleon, there was always a slim chance that one day someone would take the position and seek to change their ways.
Kenji was that person.
In Draskan’s mind he was weak, incompetent and incapable of making the hard decisions and for it the Echobi people would suffer under his rule. After the battle in Lawanda, Kenji had decreed that the Echobi would no longer wage war on other species without just cause. He was also the first chancellor to welcome Earth’s people and allow them to set up an outpost on their planet. Never before in the history of Drozleon had anyone dared defy what had been written by their ancestors, but he had. For this, he was a hero to many in Drozleon; to the wives and children who had lost husbands and fathers in war and to those seeking to change the future.
For this he would die, but not before he made it clear to the Echobi people that he had lacked judgment, and erred in his decision to align with Earth. He would relinquish all power over to Draskan and command the people to go to war.
The Lawanda craft landed and Draskan’s men led Kenji and Powers off the ship. They stumbled forward with bound wrists and hearts full of fear.
This was how he chose to rule, with an iron fist. The way the Echobis had always ruled.
“Draskan, you will honor our agreement, yes?” Kane said.
Though he could have struck him down and invaded Earth without the codes, Draskan knew the value of having someone on the inside, someone who could make his job easier. With Lawanda’s fleet, and Earth’s codes, Earth wouldn’t stand a chance against a surprise attack. Their cities would burn, their outposts would be desecrated and their people would be wiped off the face of the planet. No more would planets unite. It would send a clear message to allies that no one was beyond the reach of the Echobi. In his mind, they were a superior race who lived and breathed war since the day they were born. All he saw before him now was victory.
“You have my word. Once I have taken power, you will find sanctuary here for you and your family. I will spare your life and you will serve under my command.”
“It will be an honor.”
He watched as the human filth exited the craft, leaving behind the stench of fear. He wasn’t sure who he found more incompetent, Kenji for his bumbling or Kane for thinking he would live. Once he had the codes, and Earth was wiped out, he would kill Kane before the Echobi as one final act of war. He had to. There was no room for weakness and allowing him safety when all others had perished could be perceived as weak. Besides, any man who would allow the destruction of his own planet was not a man to be trusted.
“Sir, we have secured the chancellor and Ambassador Powers.”
He nodded. “Good. Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow it will be a new world.”
The team was on their way to a village fifty miles from Trillium. Reid had come to learn that the woman who had offered help was the vice chancellor. Unlike on Earth where the public at large knew the vice president, the cabinet members under Kenji remained unknown. This was done for their own safety. Her name was Ayla.
“Kenji was aware of Draskan’s rise through the ranks in the military. The reason he was discharged was because rumors had begun to spread that he was thinking of committing treason. Kenji didn’t take it lightly, and yet he wasn’t aware of how many had sided with Draskan. What you need to understand is that though our people are many, Draskan’s army was only a few thousand strong. Many of those were killed in a previous attempt to kill Kenji. He knows that his only chance of taking power is to get the rest of the people to side with him. Tomorrow he will force Kenji to make the speech that will hand over authority to him and then he will commence war on Earth.”
“Why does he need to have him publicly hand over authority?” Reid asked.
“Though there are many against what Kenji has done since coming into power, there are far more in agreement. Whether we agree or disagree with a chancellor’s decrees, we abide by them. That has always been our way. If he commanded our people to go to war, we would take up arms without question, even if we don’t want to. Now if he hands over his authority to Draskan there will be no coming back from that. For Earth or for us.”
“Vice Chancellor, we are coming into Sualla.”
“Thank you, Harija.” Ayla turned
back to Reid and let her eyes drift over the others. “The people I will introduce you to will help.”
“Who are they?”
“As Earth has its heroes, we have ours.”
That was all she said as she rose from her seat and went out to the bridge. The craft was about to touch down and she looked if she was on edge. The entire team was seated in a circular booth, in what appeared to be an eating area.
“I got to tell you, those Lawanda people sure know how to build a ship. This thing is damn comfy!” Bulldog said leaning back and slamming his boots down on the cushioned seating.
“How many ships do you think they have?” Priest asked.
“If they plan to use them to attack Earth, it must be a lot. What do you say, Lt?”
Reid was lost in thought staring out a viewport at the world they were passing over. It was hard to imagine that a planet so full of beauty contained a race that was driven by war. Then again, Earth had a history of being at odds with one another. It had taken centuries before countries united for the good of all instead of one. How long would it last? Like Drozleon, there were those on Earth who rejected the idea of uniting with species from other planets. How long would it be before war erupted between those that had previously made up different countries? Though the countries at government level worked together to form the UEDF, that didn’t mean the people agreed. Unlike the Echobi, Earth’s people didn’t just accept leadership. He knew that trouble was brewing beneath the surface of what they had in place and all it would take was a man like Draskan to shake up the status quo, then what? The UEDF relied on the cooperation of people from different cultures. It existed today because they worked together towards one cause —the bettering of humanity.
But that could all change, just as it was about to for Drozleon.
“Lt. What if this is a trap?” Viper asked point blank.
“You have trust issues, Viper.”
“After the shit we just went through, you don’t?”
He smirked, rising from his seat to get a better look at the village they were coming into. Massive amounts of dust kicked up into the air creating a plume that caked plant life in a fine dust.
Sophie joined him at his side. From within the cloud of dust they could see villagers coming out to meet them. No matter where they went on Drozleon, the people always looked battle ready. The door hissed open and Ayla asked them to follow.
As they stepped outside into the humidity of the jungle they were met by an older crowd of Echobi.
“Let me guess, this is the nursing home,” Skinner said chuckling to himself.
Their leathery faces looked weathered by time itself. Though old in appearance they still moved with the agility of a youngster. It was strange how the Echobi aged. Their faces would change, but they didn’t slow, or physically age the way humans did. Reid had seen many kinds on Lawanda. From the youngest to the oldest, they all fought the same. Age didn’t affect them physically but it did mentally. Their response time was slower, even though they could shoot as accurately as a young Echobi soldier. It was as if their brains slowed down to the point where they were no longer useful, or they were considered a liability that could put the rest of them at a disadvantage.
When the Echobi greeted Earth’s people it was never with a handshake or a hug, which were customary to Earth. They cupped their hands together in front of them as if holding water, and when showing affection, they would place their hands over another without ever touching. Of course they touched one another to mate and to fight but beyond that, they generally kept their distance.
One of the Echobi approached Ayla with a smile on his face.
“Ayla, how long has it been?”
“Too long. How are you Wakara?”
“Good.” He nodded and looked over her shoulder. “Who are these strangers?”
She turned and made a gesture to the rest of the Echobi villagers and then to Reid. “They are here to help Kenji.”
They looked upon his team with skeptical eyes. A murmur spread among them as they whispered, frowned and pointed at them as though they were tainting the very air they breathed.
“What of Kenji?” Wakara asked.
She began to bring him up to speed on all that had taken place. When she was done, he turned to Reid. “Who are you?”
Reid raised his voice so they all could hear. “My name is Lieutenant Alex Reid, an SOSR in the United Earth Defense Force. What Ayla has told you is true. If you think that the war with Lawanda was a great loss for the Echobi people, it won’t compare to the one between Earth and Drozleon. Billions will die. But we can stop it before it begins.”
“Why should we trust you?”
Reid ran a hand over his chin. “I’m not asking you to trust me. I’m asking you to trust your chancellor.”
One of them stepped forward gripping a blade in his hand. “The chancellor has spat in the face of all that we believe.”
Reid nodded. “I know it might seem that way.” He breathed deeply. “On Earth every man or woman that has ever changed the face of history has known resistance from their own. It’s uncomfortable to move into the future and let go of the past when it’s filled with so much uncertainty. Though Drozleon and Earth have their differences, we are the same in that we cling to the familiar, the safe, the known way of doing things. We resist change and yet change is a must if we are to survive. If you, the Echobi people are to survive.” Reid walked before them all. Some looked upon him with emotionless faces, others openly made it clear that they wanted no part of any plan that Earth had. “I know you understand about survival. Your ancient decrees were formed on the foundations of ensuring the survival of your race, and yet you have lost fathers, brothers, mothers, sisters, sons and daughters upholding those decrees. Kenji knew that. He saw a future where your children and grandchildren wouldn’t have to endure endless fighting. He saw the good in those that were different from the Echobi. He understands that to gain the trust of another, it is earned, not freely given. It means laying down weapons and even…” He made a gesture with his hands that was only made by those who knew each other. “Extending a warm gesture when you would rather kill.” Reid glanced at the one who held the blade. “Kenji isn’t asking you to give up your Echobi principles of fighting but he’s asked for you to consider what is a just cause and what is madness?” Reid nodded and breathed in deeply. For a brief few seconds he felt as though his words were sinking in, that was until one of them spoke.
“No, any involvement with Earth is wrong.”
“That’s because you have known of no other way. But I’m here to say, there is another way. We don’t have to fight. We can learn from one another. Embrace our differences and combine our resources for the good of all.”
Reid glanced at his daughter and she smiled, giving an affirming nod.
“It’s not the ancient way!”
“You speak of the ancient way as if it’s fixed in stone and unmovable. Yet, look around you. You live in trees. Even the trees bend to the change of the wind. If they didn’t, eventually they would break.”
One of them scoffed. “Break. Our land has been here for centuries. Look at your planet. Look at how you have robbed, stolen and desecrated your own resources. And you want us to learn from you? You want us to share our resources? Of course you do, for that is the way of Earth. To extend with one hand a gesture of kindness and a blade with the other. I say we kill you.”
They all raised their voices and several stepped forward with blades. As they did, the team behind Reid brought up their weapons and yelling ensued.
“Stop. Enough!” Ayla yelled.
Reid stepped back and pushed down a weapon that Bulldog was holding.
“They are here to help. Do you wish for Kenji to die?”
One of them spoke up. “I don’t agree with the way Draskan has gone about it. But he understands the ancient way.”
“As do I!” Ayla hollered. “And the ancient decree tells us that we are to serve and accept th
e authority of the chancellor. We are only to listen to those who come from the lineage of Akara. Draskan is not from that lineage. Whether you agree or not with Kenji’s commands, you must abide by them and any attempt to overthrow our government is an act of treason. And treason is punishable by death.”
They stared at Ayla and looked behind her to Reid. Right now she was the only thing stopping a battle between the two groups. Reid stepped forward to her side.
“We are not asking you to abandon your ancient practices, or to like us, but we are asking you to join us to ensure the survival of your chancellor.”
Reid crossed both of his hands and extended them towards Wakara. “On our planet, embracing hands is a gesture of peace. For when hands are clasped no weapon can be held.”
Wakara looked down at his open hands and back into his eyes. Reid swallowed hard. Slowly but surely Wakara reached out and placed his hands into Reid’s, and without a smile on his face, he allowed Reid to shake before releasing.
“We have much to discuss. Come, let’s eat,” Wakara said waving them on into the village.
Chapter Twenty-Five
There were some similarities. Reid came to learn that the village contained those who had held prominent positions within the Echobi infantry. When they became aged, or injured from service, the way they were treated was much like the way Earth treated their vets. Though their triumphs were celebrated among themselves, they were often forgotten and in the eyes of those who could fight, no longer considered of use. Whereas Earth would have different commemorative days to remember those who had given their lives or served, Drozleon only celebrated after a victory had been won.
Though their government didn’t recognize them, the people did, and like the celebrities of Earth they were forever held in high esteem, next to the chancellor himself. There was no greater honor than to have lived as an Echobi soldier.
“They will listen to you. You have inroads among the people. Speak with them,” Ayla pleaded with Wakara.