by Saxon Andrew
He left the plate on the floor and raised the meter again. The oxygen level was starting to rise, and he shook his head. He went to the port, opened it, and leapt across to the transport leaving the port open. He entered the transport and the Commander was waiting for him, “What happened?”
“Sir, a tiny piece of metal lodged under a metal crease in the air handler causing the butterfly valve to lock. Only nitrogen was being sent into the ship.”
“Why is that a problem?”
“Sir, nitrogen is an inert gas and the crew would have slowly lost consciousness as the oxygen level dropped. They would feel sleepy and then pass out never knowing they were in danger. They suffocated from a lack of oxygen.” The Engineer held up the tiny piece of metal and said, “It appears a small piece from a weld wedged into the crease.”
“Did you repair it?”
“The system operated normally once I removed this piece of metal.”
“So the ship is operational?”
“Yes Sir, it is.”
The Commander shook his head and made a decision, “Go back on board and take the ship back to New Sydney. Put it into the reserve ships to have another crew assigned to it.”
“Do you want to have it inspected first?”
“Did you see anything else wrong with it?”
“No Sir.”
“I can’t see wasting time looking for something that isn’t there. This was a one in a billion odds accident and those poor crewmen died because of it. Make sure their remains are dropped off in space on the way back and notify their families when you get back to the Colonies.”
“Yes Sir.”
The Engineer went back to the scout and waited for the atmosphere to pressurize. He entered the coordinates back to the Colonies and removed the other coordinates in the ship’s navigation system. He would have to do it when he arrived, and he decided to save time and do it now. He activated the star drive and left Britannia’s star system. A Britannia Warship followed the scout until the Engineer ejected the bodies out of the port. It then turned around and went back to Britannia once that happened.
• • •
Stoney walked into Cami’s office and thought, “It looks like we’re in the clear on the scout.”
“And you know this because…?”
“The scout has been sent back to the Colonies and the bodies of the crew were ejected into space. If they suspected anything, they would have kept those bodies to be inspected.”
“I hope you’re right about this.” Stoney sat down and Cami asked, “What’s bothering you?”
“I’m concerned about this new talent we have that allows us to kill people.”
“Don’t be; it’s really not an issue.”
“How can you say that Cami?!”
“Because neither of us possess that talent alone. It takes both of us to use it and if either of us are in doubt about doing it, we’ll just not make mental contact.”
Stoney stared at her and then smiled, “You’re right. That takes a load off my mind.”
“That’s because you are a good man.”
“You’re a good woman as well.”
“Thank you but I look at this talent as a real benefit and it hasn’t bothered me in the slightest that we have it.”
Stoney shrugged, “You have a much higher responsibility than I do.”
Cami tilted her head and shook it, “Sometimes I weary of having to carry it.”
“There’s no one better suited to do it my love.”
Cami went to Stoney and hugged him, “You help me endure it.” After a moment she stepped back and said, “There is one thing about our new telepathic powers that is eye opening.”
“What is that?”
“Coco has at least as much telepathic power as both of us combined.” Stoney’s eyes opened wider and Cami nodded, “She’s a sweet little girl, but I wonder what she’ll one day become.”
“Are you worried about that?”
“We are limited by having to be connected telepathically and that offers some measure of control over our actions. There are no limitations on Coco’s talents.”
“Do you think there will be others like her appearing?”
“I really hate to say this, but I really hope not. Ultimate power can corrupt completely,” Cami replied.
Stoney shrugged and responded, “Then you need to plan for her future development to make sure she doesn’t fall into that trap.” Cami’s eyes narrowed and she nodded slightly.
• • •
Cami took the elevator to the top floor of the Fleet Operations Building. She had been notified by Stoney that a call had come in from the Colonies’ Prime Minister. She rushed into her office and Stoney said, “And so it begins.”
Cami sat down at her desk, composed herself, and pressed the flashing green light on her console. The Prime Minister appeared on her display and Cami smiled slightly, “This is a surprise; I thought you wanted all communications between Britannia and the Colonies to be eliminated.”
The Prime Minister flinched not expecting to be confronted by that information immediately at the start of the call, “I’ve contacted you to inform you that Britannia is being given a great opportunity.”
“And exactly what opportunity is that?” Cami responded.
“Parliament has voted to allow Britannia to join our government as the sixth Colony. I am pleased to extend this gracious offer to you Madam Planet Leader.”
Cami stared at the Prime Minister and then replied, “And what if Britannia refuses this offer, which I do appreciate you making to us?”
The Prime Minister smiled, and Stoney thought to her, “Here it comes.”
“Madam Planet Leader, Parliament has been through numerous discussions about the safety of the Colonies and they have determined that the best way to guarantee the safety of all humanity is to bring everyone into one government.”
Cami nodded slightly and asked, “Are you suggesting that Britannia and Earth represent a danger to the Colonies?”
“Humans have a long history of violence, Madam. One need look no further than the period where Earth represented a huge threat to all of the original colonies that fled. Parliament feels that by all of humanity uniting that the possibility of future conflicts will be removed.”
“All of those issues have been removed and now humanity is at peace and we are allies of the Colonies. You still haven’t told me what happens if we refuse your gracious offer.”
The Prime Minister’s smile disappeared, and his brow furrowed, “Parliament insists that any possible threat to the Colonies must be neutralized. If you refuse our offer, we will require you to dispose of your warships so that Britannia won’t pose a possible future threat.”
“And just how do you expect us to defend ourselves if we’re attacked.”
“The Colonies will come to Britannia’s defense in the event that happens, Madam.”
Cami sat back in her chair and glared at the Prime Minister, “So this supposed offer you’re making isn’t an offer at all; you’re giving Britannia an ultimatum.”
“No, you can refuse to join the Colonies. However we will require you to destroy your fleets.”
“And if we don’t choose to do that?”
“Then unfortunately, the Colony Fleets will remove them.”
Cami stared at the Prime Minister and said, “I don’t really understand what becoming the Sixth Colony entails. I will send a negotiator to meet with Parliament to get a full understanding of your offer. Will you set up a meeting with Parliament?”
The Prime Minister’s smile returned, “I’ll call a meeting of Parliament one week from today at ten in the morning.”
“That’s going to rush us getting our negotiator ready.”
The Prime Minister knew that she was trying to delay in hopes of developing the stealth scanner. His smile was greasy as he replied, “I’m sure any questions your negotiator might have will be answered during the meeting. Remember the Colonies are close friends with Britann
ia.”
Cami glared at the Prime Minister and asked, “Have you also made the offer to Earth?”
“As a matter of fact, we have.”
“Would it be acceptable for the representative from Earth be included in the meeting?”
“By all means.”
Cami continued to glare at the Prime Minister and said, “My negotiator will be there in a week.” Cami reached forward and ended the contact.
“He’s really quite the smooth talker.”
Cami nodded and looked at Stoney, “We’ve been expecting this. This will be the start of the end.”
“What are you planning to do?”
“You know what I’m planning.”
“I’m just wondering if you changed your mind after communicating with that piece of dung.”
“No. If we’re forced to do it, we will agree to become a colony. Of course that supposes that there’s no hidden agenda in what he’s planning.”
“Oh you can trust we’re going to find some very large rocks scattered along this path,” Stoney replied.
“Get in touch with my father and update him on what’s happened. He doesn’t have much time to get the fleets ready if everything goes wrong.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Make sure our negotiator is ready.” Stoney nodded, stood up, and left Cami’s office.
• • •
The Prime Minister saw Cami disappear from his display and thought about the conversation. The First Assistant asked, “What do you think about the contact?”
“I expected her to refuse our offer without even considering it. She surprised me by sending a negotiator.”
“It won’t change anything. You know the Negotiator will appeal to Parliament to reconsider the stance it’s taken.”
“And I control the majority of Parliament,” the Prime Minister replied. “Nothing will change.”
“Either way, we need to be prepared to launch the fleets Sir.”
“I know. That Planet Leader is younger than I expected. However, she didn’t show any fear at what was happening.”
“Too inexperienced to really grasp what’s happening,” the First Assistant smirked.
The Prime Minister looked at the First Assistant, “I hope you’re right. She was chosen to replace Grady Henricks and she must have some skill that I don’t recognize.”
Chapter Fourteen
The Prime Minister arrived early in Parliament and saw a large number of reporters standing at the rear of the gallery. He looked at the President of Parliament, “What are those reporters doing here?”
“The Leader of the Opposition Party notified the press that Britannia may choose to be the Sixth Colony and they are here to report on the momentous event.”
“Order them to leave.”
“Mr. Prime Minister, this was not announced as a secret meeting and to make it one now would require it to be delayed. We have a free press and ordering them to leave will lead to a challenge in the courts. Do you want to delay the meeting until after the challenge is heard by the Major Judges?”
“How long would it take for that to happen?’
“At least a month Sir.”
The Prime Minister blew out a breath and shook his head, “We’ll continue with the meeting as planned.”
He sat back and knew he had to tread carefully in the coming meeting. He must not say anything that would alienate the citizens in the Colonies.
• • •
At ten o’clock, the Chamberlain stamped his staff three times on the floor and loudly announced, “The Representative from Britannia, the Honorable Abigale Dunhan, former Prime Minister of the Colonies.”
Abby came through the doors and walked down the central aisle between the Majority and Minority parties in Parliament. Every representative stood up and applauded her; she was a hero of the Colonies and the Prime Minister rolled his eyes. It was just like Britannia to send someone like her. He had to be careful and not be so disrespectful that he alienated the Colonies’ citizens.
Abby walked down the center aisle nodding and smiling to all the representatives and saw the current Prime Minister sat at the front of the room on a raised dais. He was the real power in the room, and she saw he was keeping a neutral expression. She reminded herself not to underestimate him. The Page that led her into the Chamber stopped at a Podium between the two sides; Abby stepped up to the microphone and smiled, “Thank you for your warm reception.”
The President of Parliament smiled, “It is good to see you again Mrs. Prime Minister. It’s been a long time since you’ve come to the Colonies.”
Abby smiled, “Perhaps I should have come sooner. I understand that Parliament has made an offer to Britannia and Earth about joining the Colonies.”
The President smiled, “That is correct, Mrs. Dunhan.”
“I’ve also been told that if we refuse the offer that Britannia and Earth will be required to destroy all of our defenses,” Abby stated.
“Mrs. Dunhan, let us hope this doesn’t come to that.”
“Mr. President, are the Colonies going to insist on the removal of our warships if we refuse?”
“Yes,” The President replied.
“Why?”
“Parliament has debated extensively the safety of the Colonies and it’s clear from humanity’s past that humans have attacked other humans. One need look no further than when Melbourne was in danger of Earth finding it and enslaving its population. Even on Earth, there were constant wars between humans throughout humanity’s history. Parliament has decided that the only way to insure that humanity is safe is for all of humanity to unite under one government. Surely you can see the benefit in making that happen.”
Abby stared at the President for a moment and said, “Before we get into the specifics of what you want, I ask the Parliamentarian to pull up Treaty Number Twenty-six in the Colonies’ Charter.”
The Parliamentarian looked at the President and he nodded. The Parliamentarian began pushing buttons on his console and after a moment looked up, “There is not a treaty numbered twenty-six in the Charter, Mrs. Dunhan.”
Abby’s eyes narrowed and she noticed the Prime Minister was hiding a smile behind his hand. “Is there a treaty numbered twenty-five?”
The Parliamentarian looked at his console and said, “Yes, there is.”
“And is there a treaty numbered twenty-seven?”
“Yes, there is.”
Abby reached into a folder she had brought in with her and pulled out a piece of parchment. She handed it to the page standing beside her and said, “Mr. Parliamentarian, please inspect this item for its authenticity.”
The Page delivered the document to the Parliamentarian and he put it face down on his console. He glanced at the President and then looked at the display on his console. He looked up and said, “It appears to be authentic, Mrs. Dunhan. It is written on the correct paper, the Colony Seal is not a fake, and the former Prime Minister’s signature matches.”
Abby looked around the room, “That is one of the original treaties given to Britannia upon its passage. It’s number twenty-six and was made between the Colonies, Britannia, and Earth. Please read the provisions of the treaty to Parliament.”
The Parliamentarian hesitated but saw the President nod. He looked down at his console and said, “The document recognizes the sovereignty of the Colonies, Britannia, and Earth. It guarantees that none of the signees of the document will interfere with the sovereignty of the others and anyone that does will be executed.”
The Prime Minister leaned forward and spoke into his microphone, “Mrs. Dunhan, that treaty is not in the Colonies’ Charter and that means the Colonies are not bound to follow it.”
Abby’s eyes narrowed, “All you need do to verify it’s a valid treaty is to simply ask to view one of the copies that were given to each Colony.”
The Prime Minister’s expression turned serious, “I don’t care if the Colonies have a hundred copies of it. It is not in th
e Colonies’ Charter; thus, we are not bound by it. I am sworn to follow the Charter. I fully believe in it and will adhere to every word, letter and syllable written in it. That document is not in the Charter and it will not be honored.”
Abby stared at the Prime Minister and then looked at the President, “That treaty was passed by every Colony with more than ninety-percent approval. I’m certain that all the citizens in the Colonies remember voting on it.”
The Prime Minister spoke before the President could respond, “Mrs. Dunhan, I don’t care what they voted for or against; if it’s not in the Colonies’ Charter, it is not binding on the Government.” The Prime Minister heard the recording devices of the reporters at the back of the room and knew that this meeting was being sent out to all five Colonies. That was especially true now that they learned Abby Dunhan had returned to the Colonies. He would have to act fast before the citizens could react to what was happening.
Abby looked around Parliament and said, “So much for the promises and honor of your word. Remove a treaty from the Charter and your promises no longer hold.”
The Prime Minister waved a hand, “Mrs. Dunhan, that treaty was never in the Charter.”
“How do you explain the missing treaty between number twenty-five and twenty-seven?”
“The one who entered twenty-seven made a mistake and misnumbered it. Accidents do happen.”
“And the treaty I brought, which is numbered twenty-six is also just an accident?”
“Apparently it is,” the Prime Minister answered.
The leader of the Opposition Party stood and said, “I remember entering into that treaty with Britannia and Earth. That treaty is valid!”
The Prime Minister looked at him in scorn, “Then you should have made sure it was placed in the Colonies’ Charter! Since you didn’t, it is not binding on the Government.”
Abby listened to the exchange as the Page brought the document back to her. She put it back in the folder and turned to the President, “Since it’s clear the Colonies’ word means nothing, exactly what does this so-called offer entail?”
The President frowned, “Mrs. Dunhan, we’ve worked long and hard on making this offer. It’s a good offer.”