by Don Viecelli
Doug took the liberty to describe what he saw and did while visiting Holtu. Mary seemed genuinely interested in everything he said. He ended with his impression of the people in the capital city of Iconda. “Everyone treated us with respect, Madame President. They truly want us to help them win the war against the Yoyka.”
“I wish I could have gone with you. I would have liked to see Holtu for myself. Unfortunately, I had important duties here on Earth. As you know, we are still recovering from the horrific losses from the Yoyka attack and nanomachine contagion deaths. It will take a long time to heal, if we get the chance. Alright, let’s discuss the agreement. Where do we stand?”
Alejandro spoke first. He was now the newly elected UN Secretary-General still living in Switzerland until the new UN Building and Complex were rebuilt in New York City. Alejandro was from Spain, in his middle fifties, with dark black hair beginning to turn silver at the temples. He was of average height with a handsome, intelligent looking face with dark brown eyes. He had a dark complexion and spoke very good English with a Spanish accent.
“Madam President, Colonel Martin has kept us all very informed of the negotiations for the new Galactic Military Alliance with the Holtu and Qumru people. The contract will pass the UN Security Council vote by the end of the day. Each UN Member country will get a copy to be reviewed and passed to their military forces. The terms and conditions of the Alliance are very clear. All countries will support the new Alliance members and prepare for war with the Yoyka.”
President Anderson looked Di in the eye. “Tell me, Vice Leader Di, what do your people think of this Alliance?”
“The Holtu are prepared for war, Madam President. However, we realize we cannot win the war without human help. Your people are used to war and will fight as hard as the Holtu. Our creators, the Qumru people, are not warlike. It will take too long for them to change their ways. Unless the Holtu and humans fight together against the Yoyka, we will not survive.”
President Anderson looked at Alejandro and smiled. “Well, that seems clear enough. I guess human history has shown the Holtu what we are capable of.” She turned back to Di. “I have just one comment to add before we head to the NSC meeting. It is true we humans have a violent, warlike history, but we also are capable of good deeds and peaceful relations. We fight evil wherever it exists. We are still evolving, Di. Give us time and we can be more like the Qumru than you may realize.”
The President stood up. It was time to attend the NSC meeting in the Situation Room. There were a lot more military matters to discuss and time certainly was not on their side.
Chapter 27
NSC Meeting
The National Security Council meeting was ready to begin. The Situation Room in the White House has not changed much over the last twenty years, until now, thought President Mary Anderson as she stepped inside the room. The most recent advancements in technical communications filled the entire back wall facing the conference table. Allison Conley had mentioned the recent improvements, but this was simply astonishing.
Allison noticed the look on Mary’s face. “Don’t worry, Madame President, you will be told what all of this does during the meeting.”
Mary took her customary seat at the head of the table. The room quickly filled up as everyone took their seats at the table or in the chairs around the room. The usual people were in attendance including Vice President Allen Denton, seated next to Carlo Russo and General Bradstone. Also at the table were William Straiter, Susan Liang, Clair Sundry, Rodney Williams, Shoji Ito and Alejandro Garcia Lopez. Several other military and government staff members were sitting in chairs along the walls with Doug and Vice Leader Di.
“I guess we can begin this meeting everyone. I would first like to welcome General Bradstone, Colonel Martin and Vice Leader Di to our meeting. They have just returned from Holtu with good news. I’ll let them tell you in person beginning with Colonel Martin.”
“Thank you, Madame President. Our trip to Holtu was very educational and productive. We have brought back a signed agreement with the Holtu and Qumru peoples. It is a new Galactic Military Alliance agreement signed by First Chair Brendu and First Chair Cleota. The agreement awaits final approval by the UN Security Council Members who are reviewing the document today. Once it is signed, the agreement will be sent to Holtu for their records. Essentially, the Alliance will be effective until the war is won against the Yoyka.” Doug looked at the President to indicate he was finished speaking.
“Thank you, Colonel. I will let General Bradstone fill us in on the military issues.”
“Madam President, it is good to be back home on Earth. Holtu is nice, but Earth feels so much better. First, let me say, the Holtu androids and the Qumru people are one hundred percent behind this new Military Alliance. We agree it will take all our military efforts to win this war with the Yoyka. Our military strength is growing each day, but we will never achieve the same military force level of the Yoyka before they attack. However, it is my opinion, with what we have seen of the Holtu military capabilities and technological achievements, the Yoyka can be defeated.
“We must continue to build out our forces and defenses as quickly as possible. We have already begun building new Holtu designed Zoltu space fighters. We are training thousands of new pilots to fly these fighters. The Holtu are providing additional warships equipped with Zoltus for our pilots. It is expected that Earth’s UN Space Strike Force will defend our Solar System from any future Yoyka attacks. Of course, the Holtu will support us as needed and we will support and defend Holtu and Qumru star systems as well.
“I know some of you are doubtful this can be done. I would like to point out what we have achieved so far. The Qumru and our own scientists have made significant breakthroughs in dealing with the Yoyka nanomachine threats. We are ready to fight the war by using our own nanomachines against the Yoyka. This can be done and only awaits UN approval.
“In addition, even against superior numbers of Yoyka warships and troops, the Holtu have a unique advantage in speed and weapon defenses. Some of you have already asked me how we returned from Holtu so quickly and I promised to tell you at this meeting. The Holtu and Qumru scientists have figured out how to travel much faster through hyperspace using an improved FTL hyperdrive system. What used to take months to travel between star systems, now only takes hours! Instead of taking two months to return from Holtu; it only took us twenty hours!
“And that is not all. You see the new video screens in this room. This is the latest Holtu and Qumru computer communications equipment, which is capable of quantum speeds for video, voice and data communications directly with Holtu. It operates almost instantaneously over light year distances via the QTL Quantum Transmission Link so all our Alliance Partners can communicate quickly. A similar set up will be made available to the UN Security Council Members and all our UN Space Strike Force military facilities as quickly as possible.
“The GMA Galactic Military Alliance guarantees that all members will share in scientific, technological and medical advancements if we win the war. This includes what the Qumru call Onutu, a process that allows for mind transfer and body regeneration capabilities that the Yoyka are desperate to capture for themselves. Simply put, this Onutu technology will allow extremely long lives for people who choose to undergo the procedure over and over again.
“The Qumru people will give us the technology to create sentient androids such as the Holtu once the war is won. Our AI technology is not as sophisticated as the Holtu, but our military has been working on this concept for some time. Human androids, or humanoids, would be very beneficial to us just as the Holtus are to the Qumru people.
“All of this needs to be discussed and debated with our most prominent scientists, government leaders, military and religious leaders before any of it is implemented for obvious reasons.
“Finally, some of you are asking why these aliens would agree to such provisions. Simply answered—because they as well as ourselves face utter extinction
by the Yoyka race. Everything I have mentioned and more is at stake.”
General Bradstone turned the meeting back to President Anderson. It took a few minutes to calm down the debates that erupted around the room. Everyone tried to speak at once. Mary gradually got everything back under control and the meeting went on for another hour before it was time to end the discussions. Even Mary was shocked at all the revelations. There was a lot to consider and it would take months if not years to understand it all. For the immediate future, though, Mary knew they had to concentrate on keeping Earth safe and surviving the next Yoyka attack.
Chapter 28
Emperor Rahta
Emperor Rahta was in a good mood for a change. He was headed to a meeting in the Royal Palace to meet with his military commanders. It was time to approve the plan to attack Holtu.
High Commander Anahta was waiting for him at the front door of the large meeting room. He bowed as usual. “Your Excellency! We’re all waiting for you.”
Rahta entered the room. It was a massive hall built with tall ceilings, ornate pillars, marble tile floors, arched windows with stained cut glass and wide metal frames holding multicolored jewels, floor length deep red colored drapes and mural covered walls and ceiling. No expense was spared.
The long rectangular table was built out of native woods, stained a deep brown color. There was room for twenty chairs, all filled with highly decorated military commanders who served the Emperor. They represented all the military forces on Yoykan; land, air, sea, and outer space. A meeting of the Fleet Commanders was only held when Emperor Rahta was ready to invade another star system; in this case two star systems—Holtu and Earth.
Emperor Rahta approached the end of the conference table and stood to greet his commanders. “It is good to see you all again. Please be seated. You all know the situation we face. We have discovered the location of the Holtu androids and must prepare to eliminate them. They are a serious threat to our Empire. Yoykan Royal Decree prohibits any sentient androids from inhabiting our galaxy. They must be wiped out of existence!
“The Holtu androids were created by the Qumru, whom we have made our slave subjects. However, the slaves on Qum have been infiltrated by the Holtu and another race called Humans. The Qumru and the Holtu have joined forces with these Humans and they must be made into future slaves—or be destroyed along with the Holtu.
“I will not tolerate defeat by any of you in this room. You will search out and destroy all Holtu warships and troops wherever you find them. The planet Holtu will be taken by force. The Qumru living on Holtu will be infected with our newest nanomachine weapon. My scientists have assured me these new nanomachines will not be affected by any Qumru preventive nanomachine measures they may have developed.
“It is imperative that we capture the Qumru technology called Onutu. Any Qumru scientist who is familiar with this Onutu process will be brought here to Yoyka; to me personally. This is a high priority in this new mission. I will reward any Fleet Commander who accomplishes this task handsomely.
“Now let us plan our attack. I want to hear how these two new star systems will be brought under our control.”
The strategy meeting went on for another two hours. Rahta let his commanders argue amongst themselves until he silenced them and made his decision how best to proceed. The invasion plan was different than most Yoykan plans of the past where the Yoyka used their nanomachines to subjugate a new alien race. This time Rahta would have to use his warship fleet and ground troops to wipe out the Holtu androids. Real space battles were rarely fought to defeat alien races that had no such capabilities, but the Holtu were different. They were more advanced and had warship fleets and troops of their own. This time, more military resources would be needed to defeat them. Rahta was not concerned, though, for his military forces were far superior in numbers and strength. He was convinced the Holtu battle would be short and he would capture both Holtu and Human star systems easily.
*****
A few hours later Rahta called for High Commander Anahta to visit him in his office. The sun was setting behind the mountains that were visible outside his windows. Rahta requested his office lights be turned up a notch when Anahta knocked outside his door.
“Come in!”
Anahta entered the office and bowed as usual. “You wish to see me?”
“Yes, High Commander. I wish to go over some new plans with you. Please take a seat and share a drink with me.”
Anahta was surprised at the offer, but accepted immediately. “As you wish, Imperial Leader.” He sat down in a comfortable chair by the window.
Rahta walked to a side cabinet and pulled out a bottle; his favorite alcoholic liquor called Firebold. He poured two tall glasses and carried them over to where Anahta was sitting. Anahta stood up to receive this drink.
Rahta handed Anahta his glass and made a toast. “To war with the Holtu. May our battles be swift and decisive!”
They both took a long sip of their drink. The strong liquor burned as it raced down their throats.
Anahta sensed Emperor Rahta had something important to tell them. “What is on your mind, Imperial Leader?”
“I am concerned about the situation on Qum. What have you found out?”
“We have found the Qumru location where the scientists fled after the hidden mountain facility was destroyed, Imperial Leader. I am preparing a new ground assault on Qum as we speak.”
“How long before they are captured and brought to Yoyka?”
Anahta paused before committing a date. “It will take a few more days to get everything in place. We must close down all their escape routes before we attack.”
“Very good! Keep me appraised and let me know when the attack begins. I wish to follow the drone video feeds on the ground.”
“I will make sure of that, Imperial Leader.”
They finished their drinks and Rahta indicated it was time for Anahta to leave.
“One more thing, Commander. I am concerned about the Holtu warships protecting the Human worlds. I think we should attack them on the way to Holtu. It will leave the Humans defenseless.”
Anahta said he would draw up the plans. The Emperor was not worried about the humans, but Anahta was. There was something about the humans that bothered him. Then it occurred to Anahta what it was. The humans think and act the same way we do!
Chapter 29
Return To Mars
Doug was anxious to return home to Mars. He had spent the last full day visiting the UN Headquarters Building in Geneva, Switzerland to give a short presentation to the Security Council Members going over details of the Galactic Military Alliance. There were no major objections to any of the negotiated terms—after all, they needed the Holtu military capabilities and Qumru advanced technology to have any hope of surviving the next Yoyka attack.
Currently, Doug was meeting with UN Secretary-General Alejandro Garcia Lopez in his office to finalize objectives for the UN Office on Mars, which Doug was still acting UN Deputy Secretary. Doug listened patiently while Alejandro congratulated him on his visit to Holtu and discussed the current situation with the UN Security Council Members.
“I appreciate what you have accomplished with the Holtu and Qumru Leaders on Holtu. With their help, we may very well survive the war with the Yoyka aliens. As you heard from the UN Security Council Members, they are concerned about the growing strength of the UN Space Defense Group. You must appreciate knowing the world has never seen such a combined UN military force for world peace. Several Council Member States have approached me to request that some of their military generals be assigned to the UNSSF based on Mars. I told them I would discuss this request with General Bradstone and President Anderson. I just want you to be aware of the situation before you return to Mars.”
“Thank you for telling me, Secretary-General. I must ask, how long do you need me to be the acting UN Deputy Secretary on Mars? Once the war begins again, my military duties may prevent me from fulfilling the duties of the job.”
“I understand, Doug. Please be patient. I have several candidates I am considering for the job, but I need a little more time to select the right person. It will be hard to find someone as effective and well liked as was former Deputy Secretary Haruto Nakamura. I assured General Bradstone that I would find a replacement for you as soon as possible so you could devote fulltime responsibilities to the General.”
“Thank you, Alejandro. I must be going now. Vice Leader Di is picking me up in one hour.”
“I wish you a safe trip, Colonel. Please, give my congratulations to your pretty wife, Janice. I hear she is with child.”
“Thanks, I’ll let Jan know you said so. Our child is due in four months. The population on Mars is growing again; now that we have faster space travel between planets.”
“Yes, I’ve heard about the numbers of new colonists who wish to live on Mars. Even the fear of war is not stopping them.”
Doug laughed. “It’s the old pioneer spirit, Alejandro! People want to live in open spaces; get a second chance, even if it’s on a planet with little oxygen and water. Hopefully, that will all change if we get time to terraform the planet.”
Doug stood up and shook hands with Alejandro. Both men understood it might be the last time they saw each other in person. The consequences of war hung in the air like storm clouds.
Doug left Alejandro and took one final look around the beautiful building at the snow capped mountains in the distance as he walked to the landing pad where a Zoltu space fighter awaited him. Di was at the controls when Doug entered the fighter and took his seat beside him.
“You meetings are done?” Di asked locking the doors and firing up the craft.
“Yes, Di. I’m ready to go home. We did all we can do here on Earth. Now we have to get Mars ready for war.”
The Zoltu shot straight up in the air and cleared Earth’s atmosphere in seconds. Di let Doug set the speed, enter navigation space coordinates for Mars and initiate the ZPE powered hyperdrive. Doug was in a hurry to get home. It wouldn’t take long.