by Don Viecelli
Doug let General Bradstone answer the question. “We need the advanced technology you possess to defeat the Yoyka when they return. We have the military people you need to help you fight them, but without your weapons and spaceship technologies, we would not stand a chance.”
“The Yoykan Empire is a vast one. They control all the space around them for a thousand light years. From what we have discovered, they have subjugated dozens of alien races. We were caught by surprise when they attacked Qum with their nanomachines. The Qumru are our creators and we let them down. From what Altek has discovered from the analysis of the Yoykan Malee debris on one of your planets, we are confident our technology is just as advanced as theirs; even more so in other areas. However, we lack the numbers in Holtu warships and ground troops to defeat the Yoyka if they should attack us before we can prepare our defenses. Altek has assured me, your human military forces could give us the advantage we need to stop the Yoyka. I must warn you, the Yoyka are a merciless race. If they cannot enslave an alien race with their nanomachines, they will wipe out all intelligent life forms to gain control of the planet. Joining forces with us could mean the extinction of all humans.”
General Bradstone looked Brendu in the eyes. “We will not bow down to any race, alien or otherwise. Humans will fight to the last person if need be. Give us the technology and weapons we need and we will help you defeat the Yoyka.”
Altek added, “First Chair Brendu, I would like to say that my observations of human capabilities during our journey home have exceeded my expectations. Human ability to learn our technology, especially with our Memory Immersion training, allowed their pilots to learn how to fly our Zoltu fighters as well as any Holtu or Qumru pilot. Humans are natural warriors. They will match up to the Yoyka as well as any race I have met.”
Brendu paused for a moment to consider his next words. “Thank you Altek. I will say we have asked the Qumru on this planet to help us fight the Yoyka. They will do all they can, but they have not been conditioned to war like you humans. The Qumru have relied on the Holtu to protect them and provide security for our planets. We may be able to save Holtu from the Yoyka, but we will not be able to save Qum if the Yoyka decide to destroy it without your help. Therefore, I agree that we should enter into an alliance with the humans of Earth. I am confident First Chair Cleota will agree also. I believe you have an appointment with Cleota next?”
“We do, First Chair Brendu. We visit with her after this meeting,” Doug acknowledged.
“Very well, let’s discuss the terms of this agreement so I can prepare for our joint meeting later in the week.”
The group discussed general contract terms each side would be willing to agree on for the next hour. Finally, the meeting concluded with everyone agreeing to meet again in three days. Time was critical and much work had to be done before the group returned to Mars.
Chapter 13
First Chair Cleota
The meeting with First Chair Cleota was held one floor down in the Capitol Building. Doug was informed by the Holtu that the Qumru people were considered equal citizens of Holtu, but First Chair Brendu was the head of their government and the Vice Chair of Holtu was a Qumru named Penda who reported to Qum. First Chair Cleota was the only leader on Qum who escaped the Yoyka with Holtu help and was actually regenerated, a process called Onutu, on board the Qumru starship Solruku. Cleota was the ranking Qumru official on Holtu and Vice Chair Penda now reported to Cleota. A case could be made that Cleota and Brendu were of the same rank in their government, but this fact has not been made official as far as Doug could determine.
First Chair Cleota and Vice Chair Penda met the group in an office very similar in appearance as Brendu’s office one floor above them. The view outside the large windows was just as spectacular with the sea glistening in the bright sunshine. Cleota was glad to see them.
Cleota spoke through her translation device. “Please, everyone take a seat at the table. Vice Chair Penda and myself are glad you arrived on Holtu safely. I hope you get a chance to see our lovely planet.” She turned to Doug, “Tell me, how is your President Mary Anderson?”
“She is fine and wishes you well, First Chair Cleota,” Doug responded. “She actually wanted to make the trip herself, but was not able to get away at this time.”
“I know the demands of government. The two month journey would have been difficult with what has happened on your planets. How did your meeting with First Chair Brendu go?”
Doug informed Cleota of their discussions and what they planned to do next. “Brendu plans to meet with you and us later to negotiate the terms and conditions of our new alliance. General Bradstone and Doctor James Colbert will help us determine our military, training and weapon needs. My wife, Doctor Janice Martin, plans to work with Tumil on developing Yoyka nanomachine counter agent solutions while she is here. I represent the United Nations Government on Earth with full authorization to negotiate the preliminary terms and conditions of any partnership alliance with the Qumru people and Holtu androids. We must act quickly to prepare for the next attack by the Yoyka.”
They discussed several areas of interest for a few moments before Cleota looked briefly at Penda; then turned to the group. “We must acknowledge the Qumru people on this planet and Qum are not military trained. We have been a peaceful race for over three hundred of your years. The Holtu have handled all our security needs and will act as our primary military force in this alliance. First Chair Brendu has made a request, and we are in agreement, that the Qumru people on this planet must join them in this military endeavor. All able bodied Qumru people will start military training immediately to fight the Yoyka threat. However, as your General Bradstone knows, this will take time; more time than we have. It is our hope that the people of Earth will help us fight the common enemy.”
General Bradstone responded, “Our people are not afraid of a fight. We have millions of trained military personnel ready to respond to any threat. What we lack is the technical capabilities the Holtu and the Qumru people possess. If you give us the weapons and the starship fighters we need, we will help you defeat the Yoyka.”
Cleota and Penda seemed relieved to hear the news. It was decided that each side would prepare and present their requirements for review and comments by this time tomorrow. Everyone would meet again to go over the terms and conditions for a new military alliance and work out any differences. Hopefully, an agreement could be worked out in a few days and the group could return to Earth to present the terms to the UN General Assembly for ratification.
Before the meeting adjourned, Cleota spoke to Doug and Janice. “The situation on Qum is critical. What little resistance is left on the planet is being tracked down and destroyed by the Yoyka ground troops. I hope you can find a solution to their nanomachines before it is too late.”
Janice replied, “I am meeting with Tumil later today. We are close to finding a nano-agent solution that might reverse the effects of the Yoyka nanomachines on infected people. There are tests that must be completed first before we are certain of the results.”
“I hope you find something soon. Otherwise, all is lost on Qum.” Cleota looked sad as she turned to leave the table.
“Come on, Jan. Let’s go to our hotel and get something to eat. I plan to go with General Bradstone, Altek and Di to visit military sites while you meet with Tumil this afternoon. I probably won’t see you again until tonight.”
Everyone left the Capitol Building to walk to a nearby hotel to check in and drop off their bags. The hotel was used for government quests and seemed first class with its decor and service. Janice was glad to have all the room compared to the small compartment she and Doug shared on the Iconda. They decided to eat a quick lunch in their room before each departed for their separate meetings. Doug made sure Janice was escorted by a Qumru government representative to her meeting with Tumil. Then he left with General Bradstone, Di and Altek to visit the Holtu equivalent of the US Pentagon on the outskirts of the city near the mount
ains. It was going to be a long day.
*****
Janice was escorted to the Science and Research Center, which was located twenty minutes away from the hotel. She actually flew in a vehicle that traveled very fast to the location and landed on a rooftop parking lot. The Qumru who picked her up was a female named Lanor who said she was Tumil’s assistant. Tumil was waiting anxiously in his lab for Janice to arrive. He seemed genuinely glad to see her. “I am so happy to see you, Janice!” Tumil was not wearing a translator device. “Did you bring the samples?”
Janice smiled and hugged Tumil, something he seemed to like. The custom for Qumru people who were close to each other was to touch foreheads.
“I have them right here. I sent you the test results I performed on Mars. Did you review them?”
“I did. It was very interesting. They are the only Yoyka tissue sample tests we have seen. I think we can reprogram the Yoyka nanomachines to affect only Yoyka. I am anxious to begin.” Tumil was very excited. So was Lanor.
“Good, then let’s begin. I don’t have much time here. I think we will only have a few days,” Janice explained.
Tumil looked worried. “I must tell you something. I have received word from my sister, Killian, and her husband, Jopar, on Qum. They have the nano-agent solution and were not infected by the nanomachines and escaped to the mountains. They are hiding in a Qum scientific research center with Holtu resistance fighters. I don’t think they have much time left. The Yoyka may know where they are.”
“I’m sorry to hear this. What can I do?”
“I was hoping we could send them your test results on the Yoyka tissue samples. Perhaps they can use the information to develop a nano-agent to use on the Yoyka troops.”
Janice remembered her conversation with Doug about biological warfare. The situation was escalating faster than she was ready for. “Can they escape to another location?”
“They will try, but there is another problem. The research center where they are has the last Onutu regeneration chambers for our people. If it is captured, the Yoyka will have access to our mind transfer and body regeneration technology. This must be prevented at all costs.”
Janice could tell how important this was by the look on Tumil’s face.
“If we cannot stop the Yoyka from gaining control of the Onutu, our Holtu military forces will have no choice but to destroy the center themselves.”
It was clear to Janice that they did not have much time to find a solution that might save Tumil’s family members on Qum. She opened her carry case with the Yoyka tissue samples and they began working immediately.
Chapter 14
Qum
Killian was analyzing Yoyka nanomachine tissue samples taken from infected Qumru in her lab when Jopar walked into the room with unexpected news.
“Killian, you have a message from Tumil!” Jopar handed her a small reading tablet the Qumru used for communicating over the quantum link.
She looked up from her quantum computer screen and took the tablet. The encrypted message could only be opened and read by her.
Killian read the message. The message came from Holtu where Tumil had escaped and regularly communicated with her and Jopar. She read the message in silence before turning to Jopar.
“Is he alright?”
“He is fine, Jopar. He says the humans have traveled to Holtu and brought with them Yoyka tissue samples for study. He is sending their DNA test results for us to use in our work.”
“This will help us find a way to turn their nanomachines against them. Don’t you agree?”
“It will certainly help. We don’t have any Yoyka tissue samples of our own to test.”
Killian read the rest of the message. “He also says he and a human scientist are still working on a counter nano-agent to reverse the effects of the nanomachines just as we are. He thinks they are close to finding a solution.”
Killian grabbed Jobar’s arm. “Maybe we will find a solution in time. Tumil says these humans are planning to help us fight the Yoyka.”
Jopar grabbed the tablet and read the rest of the message about the humans. “Tumil says the humans are just as warlike as the Yoyka, but they are not evil. They are like the Holtu in military matters. Can we trust them?”
“I do not know, but Tumil trusts them and I trust Tumil. We need help. The Holtu cannot fight the Yoyka alone. Perhaps, these humans are strong enough to help us defeat the Yoyka. We don’t have a lot of choices.”
Suddenly, both their comdevices went off. They were being summoned to meet the Holtu military commander in his office. Jopar looked at Killian with concern. “I wonder what he wants?”
They both left the lab and walked quickly to the elevator to ride up to sublevel five where the Holtu commander’s office was located. The hallways inside the facility were narrow and connected all the rooms on each floor. They were still five stories down from the top of the mountain that hid the facility. When they reached the commander’s office, Jopar knocked on the door. A loud voice told them to enter.
The Holtu commander was named Randu. His official title was First Leader. He had twenty Holtu soldiers under his command in the facility. His job was to protect the twenty-five Qumru scientists that worked in the research center. If he could not protect them from the Yoyka, he had orders to destroy the facility. Under no circumstances would the Yoyka be allowed to capture the research center or any of the Qumru scientists; even if all must die in the process.
Randu stood up behind his desk when Killian and Jopar entered the office. He was taller than both of the Qumru scientists and was dressed in the normal dark gray and black Holtu military uniform. His dark green skin and piercing green eyes gave a menacing impression though both Killian and Jopar knew him to be an intelligent, even tempered commander. They owed their lives to him and his soldiers for saving them after the Yoyka invaded the capital city of Ollala.
“You wished to see us, First Leader Randu?” Killian asked.
“Yes, I have bad news from the city. The Yoyka have identified our location. They are preparing to send soldiers within the hour.”
Killian began to cry. “What will we do?”
“We must leave the facility immediately. I have given orders to set the timers for the destruction of the regeneration chambers and the mind transfer quantum computers. No trace of the Onutu technology must be found by the Yoyka. They know what Onutu can do. They want it at all costs. It is just a matter of time before they find this place. Nothing must fall into the Yoyka hands.”
Killian was devastated. “But this means we cannot save any of our people!”
“I am sorry, Killian, Jopar. I have my orders. They come directly from High Leader Altek. The Yoyka Emperor, Rahta, is determined to steal the technology for himself and his people. It is possible Rahta will threaten to kill everyone on this planet if we do not turn over the Onutu technology. I do not have enough Holtu soldiers to stop them from taking this facility. I have been ordered to move all the scientists here to a safer location.”
“Where would we go?” Jopar asked.
“We will take all of you to another secret location that was reserved for government leaders in case of world disaster. It is safe for now.”
“What will we do there? All our equipment is here.” Killian said.
“They will help you find more equipment so you can continue your work on the Yoyka nanomachine counter-agent. It is important for you to find a solution. Others are working on the same problems on Holtu.”
Suddenly, Randu was interrupted by a call on his wristcom device. He answered the call and listened to the private message on his earpiece. It was obviously important. Randu finished the call and looked at both of them. “I’m afraid we don’t have much time. The Yoyka have sent drones to try and locate us. They do not know where our entrance is yet, so we have time. We must leave within the hour. Please go tell the rest of the scientists to pack a travel bag with only what they can carry and their research data before we wipe all
the memory disks. My soldiers will help get you to the underground passenger shuttle. I must go now to deal with the drones.”
Randu escorted Killian and Jopar to the door and continued down the hall to one of the elevators that led to the top of the mountain.
Jopar held Killian’s hand as they hurried to their offices to notify the other scientists and gather their important research data. Then they would pack their bags and head for the shuttle station as Randu requested.
Killian felt at a loss from the sudden news. “When will this end, Jopar?”
“I don’t know. We can’t give up now. Let’s deal with one day at a time and hope for the best.” In fact, Jopar was just as worried as Killian.
Chapter 15
Holtu Military Force
High Leader Altek was beside General Bradstone as they walked down the wide corridor of the Holtu Military Complex. Vice Leader Di, Doug and James followed behind and listened as Altek described the organization of the Holtu military force.
“We have five million active Holtu soldiers in our military force out of ten million androids, General Bradstone. Unlike your government’s six separate Earth military branches, the Holtu military is one Force. Ground, Air, Space, and Sea are all under one command—mine. I report to First Chair Brendu.”
“That certainly would make things simpler for us. The UN has 200 Member Nations and most have their own military. Each country provides troops to the UN controlled by the Security Council led by the UN Secretary-General. The UN has just established the Space Defense Group with a new UN Space Strike Force, which will be under my command. We will have over thirty million troops ready for action soon with more to follow. We just need to train pilots to fly your Zoltu fighters and Navy personnel to operate your warships.”