by Saxon Andrew
“How, Sir?”
“Get someone you know that’s not in the military. Have them make the contact and you speak with my mother telling her what I need done.”
“Yes Sir.” Ku left the office and Glennon waited. An hour later, a communication came in on his frequency, “John, your father has had a heart attack and I don’t know if he’s going to make it.”
“I’ll be right there, Mom!!” Glennon knew his office frequency was being monitored and he immediately contacted Admiral Wozniak, “Admiral, my father has suffered a heart attack and I’m leaving for Aldera immediately! I am leaving you in command in my absence and you are going to have to handle everything. I’m leaving my communicator on my desk; it has every important contact you might need while I’m gone. Do not contact me unless allout war breaks out with the Nebula Aliens; you got that!!”
“Yes Sir!”
“If you don’t think you can handle this, tell me now so I can find someone who can!!”
“I’ll take care of everything, Sir.”
“See that you do!!” Glennon looked up at Rollie, “When he arrives, tell him what’s going on and impress upon him that anything he broadcasts will probably be heard.”
“Yes Sir. I’ll help him keep things running smoothly.”
Glennon smiled, “I depend on you so much, Rollie. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone but hold the fort until I get back.”
“Yes Sir.”
The probe recorded the conversations and focused on the space port outside the tall building. It recorded a Union Warship flash down to the planet from orbit and Glennon running out to board it. It flashed what it recorded out to the data collector and waited or instructions. After a few moments, it was told, “Remain where you are. Keep track on this new leader.”
The Union Warship flashed away from the planet at maximum speed and disappeared in an instant.
Glennon looked at the ship’s pilot, “Are you reading the feed from the stealth probe?”
“I am, Sir. So far that probe hasn’t moved but has held its current position.”
“Let me know if that changes.”
“Yes Sir.” Two hours later, the warship changed course toward a small Class M Star on the other side of the galaxy.
Alex appeared on everyone’s monitor and asked, “Has everyone had time to review the data that’s been collected.” Everyone nodded. “Jingle, do you see why we must go back now?”
“I do, Alex.”
“I notice that in your summary of what you uncovered inside the Dwarf Galaxy, that you are expecting an attack by the Canis Major civilization.”
“Yes, Alex, that is the conclusion we arrived at,” Jangle interrupted.”
Alex shrugged, “Well, I don’t believe that is going to take place anytime soon.”
“Why not!?” Jangle responded. “You’ve seen all the colony ships above every planet we scouted; they’re ready to begin an invasion!”
Alex’s eyes narrowed as he saw Jingle and Deidre trying to hide their smiles. “What’s going on, Jingle?”
“Jangle and I made a bet that you’d disagree with our conclusion. He said you’d support it.”
Alex shook his head, “You and your bets!”
“But you know I’m right, Alex!”
Alex snorted, “Jangle, did you by chance also scan the planets those colony ships were orbiting?”
“Of course.”
“And according to the data you sent me, on that first planet, those colony ships could move around a hundred-million colonists, right?”
“That’s correct, Alex.”
“How many inhabitants were on the planet?”
“What?”
It’s a simple question, Jangle. How many inhabitants were living on the planet?”
“About a billion.”
“What about the other planets, was the data similar to the first planet?”
Jangle paused and then replied, “More or less.”
Alex sighed, “All right, let’s put the Union in the same situation the Canis Major Civilization is facing. The Union is going to be invaded by a powerful civilization and the Union has been building colony ships to move populations to another galaxy. Are you with me?”
“Yes,” Jangle answered.
“Now, you only have enough colony ships to move ten-percent of your population. That means if you launch those ships to go to another galaxy and conquer the resident civilization there, you will be leaving ninety-percent of your populations behind undefended.”
“What do you mean undefended?”
“Jangle, they have to send enough warships to defeat the current civilization in the galaxy they’re moving to. Do you honestly think the Union, or any other civilization would desert ninety-percent of their populations to go out and defend just ten-percent.” Jangle hesitated and Alex asked, “Have you examined the data Gary and I collected?”
“I have.”
“And how many warships do you think the Canis civilization would have to send to defeat the Union, without even considering the Nebula Aliens?”
“Pretty much all of them.”
Alex shook his head, “I would have never thought a computer would ignore facts to support an erroneous position.”
“A bet is a bet, Alex. This is more like a debate and I have a position to defend even if the facts don’t support me. Your pointing out how many would have to be left behind pretty much sealed it for Jingle.”
Jingle threw both hands up in the air, “Who’s the master, who’s the master, who’s the master?”
Jangle sullenly replied, “You are…this time.”
Alex chuckled, “Before they launch an invasion, they’re going to have to build a lot more colony ships. It appears the Large Magellanic Cloud attackers are a relatively new issue for them.”
“Why do you say that, Alex?”
“Jingle, if they are an ancient civilization, they’ve had plenty of time to build all the colony ships they’d ever need. The fact they don’t have near enough says the LMC is a recent problem.”
“I have to agree with you, Alex.”
“I also think it was the Canis Civilization that caused the conflict.”
Everyone stared at Alex and Jingle spoke first, “You’ve lost me on that one, Alex.”
“I could be wrong about it.”
“Tell us why you are inclined to see things that way.”
“The Canis Major Galaxy is a small dwarf galaxy; the smallest orbiting the Milky Way. If this civilization is ancient, then there’s a good possibility there are no remaining habitable planets left to settle. Are you with me so far?”
“Go on,” Jingle encouraged.
“Let’s assume they looked in the Milky Way first for planets to settle; what would they have found?”
“That’s easy,” Jangle replied. “They would have found an advanced civilization that was aggressive by nature.”
“That’s not true, Jangle!”
“Deidre, look at any time in humanity’s history and tell me when there has been peace for an extended period?” Jangle replied.
Deidre was silent and Alex remarked, “Jangle is right, Deidre, humans have fought each other for thousands of years. However, they came and looked around and suddenly began to worry that humans may one day expand into the Canis Major Galaxy. They would naturally explore other options. The LMC was a natural for them to examine.”
“How do you know the civilization in the LMC didn’t come looking around in their space?”
Alex turned to Gary, “Well, before that would happen, they would first go to the Smaller Magellanic Cloud, which is much closer to it. Also keep in mind the LMC is ten-times larger than Canis Major and it’s a long distance from the LMC. Like Jingle said when she rejected the idea of the probe senders being from there; it’s too far to conduct an invasion.”
“So you think the Canis Civilization sent ships to the LMC and had a confrontation?”
“Yes, I do, Deidre. And that prompte
d the civilization in the LMC to start hostilities.”
“Do you have any other data to support this, Alex?”
“Jingle, they only sent four warships to probe the defenses here. Just like the Canis civilization is scouting our civilization, the LMC is probing the Canis Civilization as well.”
“Why haven’t they just launched a major attack?”
“Jangle, for the same reason the Canis Civilization hasn’t launched one against us. They probably have problems of their own and can’t spare the warships to do it. At some point, this precarious balancing act between these civilizations will come crashing down and a major war will break out.”
“I’m not sure what you mean, Alex.”
“Well, what happens if the Nebula Aliens attack the Union, or, heaven forbid, we attack them, Jingle. Then the Canis Civilization won’t need near as many warships to move in and take out the winner. Or if the LMC launches a major attack on the Canis Civilization, they will launch their colony ships and invade the Milky Way. Right now things are holding an equilibrium but there’s no telling how long it will continue.”
“How are you able to see these things, Alex?” Gary asked.
“I’ve been fighting to maintain equilibrium in the Wilds for most of my military career. It’s not been easy to prevent planets from attacking each other and this situation isn’t greatly different from that experience.”
“So, if the LMC attacks, the Canis could launch their colony ships sooner rather than later?”
“Jangle, you didn’t include the LMC in your analysis. Adding it now is not supported by your previous position.”
“Get over it, Jangle; you lost!” Jingle crowed.
“Drat!”
“We’ll arrive in Shanghai in two hours. Get your reports organized and be prepared to present them to Admiral Glennon.”
“Do you think he’ll be there?”
“Yes, I do, Brooks.”
“We’ll see.”
Admiral Glennon greeted them as they stepped out of their ships.
Chapter Fourteen
Jingle sat in the conference room while the assembled scientists, engineers, and Admiral Glennon watched the recordings and questioned them. Finally, all the attention was given to Alex as pure military questions were asked. Jingle listened as they came up with ideas on how to defeat the civilizations in the Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy and the LMC. Jingle looked up when Alex suggested that the warships being used by the Canis civilization weren’t nearly as advanced as they should have been if they were truly an ancient civilization. Alex also noted that their combat tactics were pretty simple as well.
That led to another lengthy conversation and Jingle sat back fighting falling asleep. She was amazed that everyone else was very attentive at what was being discussed. “They’re talking about things military, Jingle. That’s where they live their lives.” Jangle said over their link.
“That’s a pity, Jangle.”
“At least they’re pretty good at it.”
“Hell, things military have been going on in humanity for as long as we’ve been around.” Jingle exhaled softly, closed her eyes, put both of her hands up, and began rubbing her forehead. “I think I know what an aneurism feels like, Jangle.”
“Is this boring you, Admiral Jingle?!”
Jingle looked up, “Yes, it is, Admiral. May I please be allowed to leave?”
“Admiral Jingle, we are working here to try and defend the Union! You can at least pay attention and contribute to the discussion!”
“Admiral, I look at this as all a giant waste.”
“What do you mean?”
“Why is it that every time we encounter a new species they’re always a danger? Is that how this universe of ours operates?”
“I believe that’s what we’ve discovered throughout our history.”
Jingle’s expression turned nasty and Alex thought, “Uh-oh, she’s about to blow up.”
“And just how many species have you encountered so far, Admiral!?!”
Glennon glared at her and replied, “Well, this makes the second.”
“WELL IF THIS IS AN ANCIENT SPECIES, WHY HAVEN’T THEY JUST COME IN AND ELIMINATED US LONG BEFORE NOW!!” Everyone in the room stared at her and Jingle sighed, “I’m sorry, Sir. But if they’re that old, I find it hard to believe they haven’t learned that being aggressive is a recipe for disaster?”
“What are you suggesting, Miss Jingle?”
“Has anyone considered going to them and asking them to forget attacking us?”
“That will reveal we know about their existence and are on to their plans.”
“Admiral, do you think we can hide that very much longer? Besides, you can stop them any time you choose.”
“And just how would we do that, Admiral Jingle?”
“Go in and destroy all the colony ships they’ve built.”
Everyone in the room was shocked by her statement and Alex was the first to respond, “She’s right, Sir. Attacking us would be senseless if they couldn’t move their populations.”
Jingle scowled, “And you’d be leaving them to the tender mercies of the ones that sent those giant battleships to attack them. Yay!!! Way to go Union! Trillions will die for you to live. Let the celebrations begin!”
“But they are planning to attack us, Jingle!!”
Jingle smiled, “Admiral, that’s the first time you called me, Jingle!”
Glennon chuckled and asked, “What would you do?
“I’d go and make them an offer they can’t refuse.”
“Just what kind of offer?”
Jingle began talking and, the next day, Admiral Glennon sent the four ships back to Canis Major.
• • •
Jingle sat in her command chair fuming. Alex stared at her on his monitor, “Jingle, you know you’re the one that has to do this.”
“No I don’t. You could have done it and I’d be back on Bucket tossing back Dolly’s brew.”
“You’re better qualified to do this, Jingle!”
“And why do you say that?!” Jingle replied sarcastically.
“Because you’re more stubborn and hard-headed than I am. Plus, my first instinct is to shoot first and talk later.”
Jingle’s expression turned angry and then she sat back. “Alex, do you think I can pull this off?”
“That depends on the aliens. However, you’ve removed the fear of talking with them.”
“How did I do that?”
“By suggesting we can destroy their colony ships. We could just go ahead and do that…”
“But…” Jingle prompted.
“If it has a chance, we should make the attempt.” Jingle shook her head and ended the contact.
Alex sighed, “She’s upset, Brooks.”
“What’s the first clue?”
“She’s always been a reluctant warrior. It’s never been clearer than now.”
“Would you want the responsibility of trillions of deaths?”
“No, Brooks, I wouldn’t. But I’d not hesitate to do it to defend the Union.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“What do you think the chances are that it can be avoided?”
“Best odds I can determine are less than thirty-percent.” Alex shook his head and Brooks added, “They’re less than ten-percent if she wasn’t the one doing it.” Alex sat back in his chair and watched the small dwarf galaxy growing larger on the monitor.
• • •
The four ships arrived just outside the small galaxy and Jingle saw Alex, Gary, and Deidre appear on her monitor. “Jingle?”
“Alex, we’re in a combat zone and you are in command. Issue your orders.”
Alex stared at her for a moment and then replied, “We will all move inside the galaxy from behind it and spread out. Track their communications and determine the planets that have the highest numbers going in and out. Our translators are close to deciphering their language, so feed every communication you
intercept into your computers. Jangle, Brooks, Windy and Royal, feed every communication you intercept to each other and find out how to communicate with them!” Alex paused and then continued, “We won’t be able to pin the planet down where their leaders are located until their language is broken but we can narrow down the choices. Is everyone ready?” Everyone nodded and Alex said, “I’ve sent you the courses to follow going in. Don’t rush this, we’ll take all the time needed to make this happen.” The four warships flew into the galaxy in different directions and immediately began receiving alien communications.
• • •
“Three weeks passed, and Jangle announced, “WE’VE DECIPHERED THEIR LANGUAGE.”
“Can we communicate with them now?” Alex asked.
“In simple terms. If you give us some more time, we’ll improve on what we know.”
“Continue to collect their communications and look for something that will give us a clue to find the planet where their leaders are located.”
• • •
Eighteen days later, Windy said loudly, “I’ve just intercepted a communication from the Milky Way side of the galaxy reporting to someone on the status of their fleets.”
“Put it on our speakers!” Alex ordered.
“…I’m going to send a third of my ships in to be provisioned, (something). The probes outside the enemy’s stars have not reported anything moving out of it.”
“Provision them quickly!”
“Yes (something).”
“What is that term you don’t understand, Windy?”
“It’s not been used in any of their earlier communications, Jingle. It represents some kind of title or name.”
“That has to be the name or title of one of their leaders,” Alex interjected.
“Why do you say that, Alex?”
“Jingle, how many direct communications do you think the President of the Council receives?” Jingle thought about it and Jangle answered, “Very few! You’d be forced to go through many layers of subordinates to get to speak directly with him.”
“Did you get a line on that communication, Windy.”
“I did and it goes directly to one of the planets we’ve determined has a very high level of communications.”
“Jangle, are you able to translate well enough for me to speak with them?” Jingle asked.