by Greg Mutton
‘I can see the brilliance of the plan, but I don’t believe that Galdor could devise this without assistance.’ Tocmal mused. ‘If a group of pirates … one that doesn’t have great resources… can infiltrate our realm, navigate the eleventh and kill the senior military commander on Reglaos, what message would that send to the other realms? No, this whole event… the meeting, the ambush… it has all been orchestrated and masterfully executed.’ He paused and walked around each of the caskets. ‘Jok-Tar, what do you think the outcome would be?’
Jok-Tar thought a while before answering. ‘The council would immediately sanction action be taken against the Twelfth Realm… even approve an invasion to protect the other realms. You are correct… Galdor doesn’t have the guile for this… they are just the instruments of war, puppets if you will… someone else must be the puppet master.’ He paused and looked at each one of the bodies. ‘Their move must come soon… at the council meeting tomorrow. Tocmal, how would you feel about being dead?’
Tocmal stepped back from Jok-Tar. ‘What do you mean?’
‘We have already told the Galdoran leader that the mission was a success. What if we have that confirmed by the palace, or a leak from one of us? Let the pieces fall, and then swoop down when the perpetrators reveal themselves.’
Tocmal thought on this. ‘It might just work. A-Bra-Ham’s ship has been taken to a very secure facility and only a few of our senior command know the truth… the others we can contain for a few days. Yes…this might just work.’
***
The meeting of representatives from the Inner Realms was set up in the royal audience chamber, the Reglaon Mother Queen’s throne standing higher at the head of the table. Delegates began entering the chamber mid-morning, the meeting due to begin at the tenth period which — considering Reglaos had a 38 earth hour day — was quite an early start. The chamber itself was designed to impress, with high vaulted ceilings, ornately carved cornices and wood everywhere, giving it an impressive, but homely ambience.
Mondrac and Eldrac-Tar led the Eldoran delegation, with other Eldorans in the audience gallery as observers. Gradually, the seats at the table were filled with the representatives, protocol dictating there must be two from each world in attendance. In all, there would be three hundred seats filled, meaning that proceedings would be long and tedious.
Mondrac had attended many such meetings, but dreaded them all the same, with the usual pompous, long-winded speeches extolling the virtue of each delegate’s home world. The political manoeuvring with alliances forming and dissipating made more for a tragic comedy than anything else. He was resigned to the fact that all they would see here was posturing — any real decisions would be made quietly behind closed doors, later.
The table was now full, except for four delegates and the Reglaon ruler. Just before the designated time, four creatures strode into the room — two Galdorans and two from Nileros. Zarof, leader of the Galdoran delegation, stood tall, his canine head held high. He strode confidently to his allotted seat and waited till the Nilerans joined him. Nilerans were humanoid and the head of the Nileran delegation was a strikingly beautiful woman. Nefaris was shorter than the Galdoran who stood back to allow her to take her seat. Her hair was black and lustrous, falling gracefully down her back. The scarlet robe she wore, encrusted with sparkling jewels, was discarded as she sat down; her garment underneath was a stunning, full length gown in brilliant white. It hugged the contours of her body and every eye in the room was focussed on her.
One must give Nefaris credit… she certainly knows how to gain attention. Mondrac commented telepathically.
Eldrac-Tar nodded in agreement, it was a great entrance. They left no doubt as to where their allegiances lie.
Sometimes that is a mistake so early in the day.
As the tenth period was announced, the main door to the throne room opened and in walked the Mother Queen, ruler of Reglaos. She took her place at the head of the table as an attendant adjusted the comm unit for her. All eyes were now on her as three new, hooded observers quietly entered the rear of the room, unnoticed.
The Mother Queen began her speech. ‘Representatives of the Inner Realms, I bid you welcome. It is under grave portents that we gather and I would rather we could meet in better times, but that is not to be. As most of you know, Reglaos has been ravaged in the incident we are all here to discuss. Several million of our people have had their lives terminated prematurely; this weighs heavily on the heart of Reglaos.’ She paused, gauging the mood of the room. ‘But, we are determined to find the true culprits and bring them to justice. All I charge each of you with is to seek the truth and not waver, no matter where it takes us. Again, I thank all of you for joining us and welcome you.’ She was not known for long speeches and, thankfully, today was no different. ‘I now open this meeting and call for the first delegate to speak.’
For the next few hours a number of delegates rose to pass their condolences and offer support to Reglaos. Mondrac was studying Zarof, the leader of the Galdoran delegation. He is about to explode… just watch him brother.
Eldrac-Tar shifted his gaze to the Galdoran, testing his half-brother’s theory. You are correct… the only thing keeping him in check is Nefaris. Watch as she occasionally touches his arm, very lightly… he calms immediately.
The Mother Queen called on the Eldoran delegation to speak. Eldrac stood. ‘Mother Queen, as all have said we, of Eldora, are appalled at what has transpired and we stand ready to assist Reglaos in whatever way we can. But, I counsel all here not to jump to hasty conclusions… we must seek the truth and act accordingly.’
This was too much for Zarof; he leapt to his feet and growled. ‘Eldorans are weak! They would have you believe that their pets, the humans in the twelfth realm, are innocent. But we have evidence, evidence that proves conclusively that they were the perpetrators of this crime, and they have found ways of penetrating the eleventh realm. They have come to Reglaos and attacked one of your senior people…Admiral Tocmal…who they killed. Their petty war has now spilled to our realms…look!’ He paused as he had images placed on the huge view screen at the far end of the table. ‘Here is your proof! They shot down the Admiral’s shuttle, killing him and the Human prisoners he was bringing here. They have desecrated your sacred forest and violated your customs. They must be punished!’’
Here it comes, Mondrac thought.
‘People of Reglaos, people of the inner realms, we must respond, we must protect our future and our homes from this aggressor. Galdor stands ready to invade and pacify these lawless criminals. All we need is assistance from Eldora to complete the task.’ He stopped and glared at Eldrac-Tar.
Eldrac-Tar stood and looked at the images being shown on the screen, images showing the bodies of Aaron, Petra and most importantly, of Tocmal. The bodies were lying beside what looked to be the Admiral’s personal shuttle, itself exhibiting damage consistent with having been shot down. It then panned across the bodies of the Tragarian Raiders, the perceived perpetrators of the atrocity. The images panned back again, clearly showing the faces of Aaron and Petra and the head of Tocmal. Finally Eldrac-Tar spoke, his voice heavy. ‘Most disturbing images Zarof, how did you come by them?’
Zarof leapt to his feet, his voice rising in volume as he sensed victory. ‘From one of your own people. It seems that, even in your own clan, there are some who do not believe you act in the best interests of the inner realms. Some who think that your obsession with Humans has gone too far, some who believe you have betrayed all we stand for.’ He stopped as Nefaris reached for his arm.
‘And may I ask… who is your informant?’
Not even Nefaris could contain Zarof now. ‘Your own offspring, Jok-Tar. He is a true friend to all in the inner realms… not a betrayer like you,’ he said, spitting those last words.
Eldrac-Tar looked to the head of the table. ‘Mother Queen, it appears I am being accused of treachery. Do I have your permission to defend myself?’
‘There can be n
o defence from this, Eldoran! Your own offspring has condemned you!’ Zarof screamed.
‘Galdoran, you will be silent!’ the Mother Queen spoke firmly. ‘Or you will be removed. Eldrac-Tar, long have you been a friend of Reglaos but the evidence is damning. If you have a defence, you may proceed, but be careful.’
Zarof sat, a victorious leer spreading across his face.
‘Thank you Mother Queen,’ he continued pointing to the view screen. ‘I agree these images are damning… I do not deny that. But I do not accept they are the truth.’
Zarof again leapt to his feet. ‘Are you blind, can you not see?’
‘SILENCE!’ The Mother Queen shouted into the communicator. ‘One more outburst and you will be removed, Zarof of Galdor!’ Zarof growled but sat, seething.
‘Again, my thanks,’ Eldrac-Tar bowed to the head of the table. ‘This image seems to show the lifeless bodies of two humans and, sadly Admiral Tocmal… everybody can see that. But is it truth? Admiral Tocmal…are you in this room?’ Nefaris now had a firm grip on Zarof’s arm, holding him back.
A small figure at the back of the room stood, threw back the hood on his robe and walked toward the table. ‘I am indeed, Eldrac-Tar of Eldora.’
‘A-Bra-Ham and Man-Nix of the Twelfth Realm…are you in this room?’ Two more figures stood, removed their hoods and approached the table. The likeness to the images of the dead bodies on the screen was unmistakable.
‘What is this deception? These are imposters!’ Zarof was on his feet again. This time his outburst earned him a quick response from one of the royal guards and he was stunned into silence.
Eldrac-Tar faced the head of the table. ‘Mother Queen, I apologise for the theatre I have just orchestrated but those images had to be discounted. To explain, I ask for your indulgence a while longer. There was indeed an attack in the sacred forest of Lasdrik but it wasn’t perpetrated by any in those images,’ He turned to Tocmal. ‘Admiral…if you would continue.’
‘Of course… Mother Queen if I may?’ The regent nodded and Tocmal began. ‘Yesterday we arrived in orbit. Instead of taking my own shuttle I decided it would be better if we came in the human’s vessel. We followed the flight plan I had registered for my shuttle previously, to give our guests a better understanding of how Reglaos suffered. As we approached the forest, we were fired upon. The ship was badly damaged and one of our interceptors destroyed.
‘Unfortunately the explosion altered our course and we crashed in a clearing in the Sacred Forest. So far, the truth and this imaginative,’ he gestured to the images on the view screen, ‘version are the same.’ Tocmal stopped to allow the images to be studied. ‘Could we please have Zarof wakened? He needs to hear this.’ Tocmal waited as one of the guards, with his weapon at the ready, revived the Galdoran.
With Zarof awake, Tocmal continued, ‘Now, this is where things change. According to what you see on the screen, we were attacked, and killed, by human outlaws. The truth is quite different! Here is a recording taken from the weapons we used, in our defence.’ He changed the data feed and a new scene began. It showed the Galdoran attack and their defeat. The room was silent; even Zarof said nothing.
‘We obtained the location of the ship they used and followed the track they had cut through the forest. Here, we found the bodies of the human raiders, already dead and in stasis. We had the force commander communicate with his superior, informing him that the plan had succeeded, but they needed more time as the Reglaon defence force was scanning the area.’ There was a murmur of condemnation coursing around the room; Tocmal sensed he had the room’s undivided attention.
‘We staged those images Zarof had; we also took the time to bring the bodies of the dead and the survivors back.’ The main doors opened and the four survivors were led in together with sixteen stasis pods. ‘We were forced to leave three Galdoran bodies and three of our own at the scene. Three of our soldiers killed the Galdorans and felt honour-bound to terminate their own lives, as is the ancient religious tradition.’ Tocmal’s voice was filled with sadness as he indicated to Eldrac-Tar to continue.
‘Mother Queen, while the criminals here are obviously Galdoran, we do not believe they acted alone. Information we have indicates that Galdor and their ally have found a way to breach the Eleventh Realm… that is how they transported the bodies here. At this stage, we do not have the identity of the other conspirators, but we have our suspicions.’
He paused looking long and hard at Nefaris. ‘We also have conclusive evidence that the subspace breach was not entirely the fault of the Twelfth Realm. We will need further investigation, but we believe that the major part of the energy released was generated here, in the Tenth Realm … meaning there was an attack from within.’ His assertion brought a gasp of horror from some of the delegates.
‘We will, of course, make this data available to all here, but we ask the council’s approval to continue our investigation.’ There was a murmur of approval from the table. ‘I ask A-Bra-Ham — representative of the Twelfth Realm — to speak, if you are agreeable Regent of Reglaos.’ Again, the Mother Queen nodded her approval.
Aaron stood and looked round the room at the many different species, humanoid and non-humanoid, gathered together for a common purpose.
‘Delegates I am humbled to address you. All the peoples of the Twelfth Realm are very young when we compare ourselves to you, young and brash; full of curiosity and thirsty to learn. Not long ago, my people, Humans, thought that our world was flat and that there was nothing in space. Now, we travel to the stars in our realm. We have discovered that there are many different species in our own realm, and now we are privileged to be here with you.
‘We are not perfect, we do make mistakes. But, I assure you of this: if the problem is in our realm, we will fix it. We can’t do that alone. As we have just seen, others in the inner realms have played a part in this tragic incident. All I ask is that we work together to ensure this never happens again! Mother Queen… delegates… I thank you for allowing me to speak.’ Aaron finished and resumed his seat.
The Mother Queen stood, studying the two Galdoran delegates. ‘Delegates of Galdor, how do you explain this treachery?’ she demanded.
Zarof stood, brushing aside the guard’s weapon. ‘Galdor explains nothing!’ he said defiantly. ‘If these events happened, as the Eldorans’ pet says, then these are rebels and will be dealt with by Galdor. But I do not believe a word the Human says. Galdor is free and we will roam wherever and whenever we choose.’
‘Zarof of Galdor, you are gravely mistaken. These rebels, as you call them, have committed crimes on Reglaos, crimes that will be investigated and punished on Reglaos, not Galdor,’ the Mother Queen fired back.
Zarof said something unable to be translated, kicked his chair out of the way and started walking toward the door but was stopped by royal guards. Nefaris stood and confronted the Mother Queen. ‘Mother Queen, you cannot detain any delegate… the Protocol of Intercession forbids it. Remove your guards… we are leaving.’ She left the table and joined Zarof.
The Reglaon Regent left her chair and walked to Nefaris. ‘Yes, the rules guarantee your safety and you are free to leave, but hear this: if any Galdoran or Nileran vessel enters this realm without our permission, we will call it an act of war; and both of you know only too well what that means!’ Though shorter than them, she still had an intimidating presence.
‘Careful insect… do not make threats you cannot support!’ Zarof spat.
‘Galdoran, I make no threats. I simply state fact. Now leave!’
As the door closed behind Zarof and Nefaris the Mother Queen returned to the table, resumed her seat and addressed the meeting. ‘My friends, thank you for coming so far. It is unfortunate that things have transpired as they have; a most disagreeable business. Let us continue.’
The meeting carried on for a few more hours, with resolutions and counter resolutions being put forward on a number of items. One overriding concern was the possibility of Galdor being abl
e to traverse the Eleventh Realm, something everyone looked to Eldora to solve.
***
Petra and Aaron were installed in an apartment in the Eldoran Embassy and were more than grateful for finally being able to rest. It had been nearly sixty hours since either of them had had slept. One common thread that Aaron had found with most humanoid species was the need for cleanliness. The Eldorans were no different.
The apartment came complete with a large bath that could probably hold four, or more. Neither of them had enough energy to even fill the thing, so they settled for a quick shower and retired. Then they slept peacefully until the sound of someone knocking on their door woke them. Aaron rose, donned a robe and opened the door. One of the embassy attaches was there with an invitation for them to join the Ambassador and the delegation for breakfast in half an hour. She also indicated that a selection of fresh clothing had been placed in their room. Before she left, she gave Aaron directions to the dining area.
Aaron returned to the sleeping quarters. ‘How do you feel?’ he asked Petra as he opened one of the cupboards to check the clothes that had been supplied.
She groaned, sat up and looked at him. ‘Like I just fought twenty Galdorans… what about you?
‘Not much better, but… duty calls. We have been invited to take breakfast with the Ambassador so you better get your arse into gear… we only have about twenty minutes. Here, check the wardrobe, they left us some clothes.’ Aaron was already on his way to the shower.
From the wardrobe, Aaron chose a pair of grey trousers, blue shirt and a pair of fine leather loafers. Petra took a bit longer; she tried on a couple of outfits before deciding on practicality — denim jeans, white tee shirt and joggers. Now ready, they left the room, arriving on the terrace just as Jok-Tar and his sibling were sitting down.