by Daniel Gibbs
“We have to do something more to respond,” Sherazi said, more of a rhetorical statement of what he was thinking than anything else.
His senior advisor, Sardar Ihejirika—a younger Saurian who had been aligned with him for some time—flared his scales. “What would you have us do, Chief Minister? We tried to do what the Terrans couldn’t…get them a peace deal.”
Sherazi bristled. “We have sat back for years and watched this play out. Haven’t you once considered that we should be helping them more than we have?”
“I’m not inclined to counsel you to help the race that set our empire back a hundred years.”
Sherazi hissed. “Why do you persist in that old way of thinking? Our empire had grown overconfident, insular, and decadent. We thought we had the right to decide who was allowed to exist. The fact that the Terrans helped us rebuild after they defeated our empire shows us their true nature. One could even say that the war was one of the best things to happen to our empire in centuries! They showed us who we truly are.”
“Send them a few more ships or lift the rules against our citizens volunteering to join the Terrans’ military. What other steps could we take?”
Sherazi paused for a moment. What other steps could they take? That was a loaded question. “Once the League finishes with the Terrans and has defeated them, they’ll move on. To us. To the Matrinids. To anyone else they can conquer.”
“We don’t know that. The League claims it has no designs on our territory or any of the other races. Only the Terrans and any human colonies that aren’t under League rule.”
“You don’t honestly believe an empire that relishes in expansion and preaches human purity is going to stop on our doorstep? We lack the military might to defeat their entire fleet. They know that. They’ll defeat us all in detail.”
“Then send the chimps more war material. Prop them up. But don’t risk our sons and daughters in their war!” Ihejirika said, hissing as he did.
Sherazi whirled around and bared his teeth at Ihejirika, hissing. “Do not use dishonorable and racist language in my presence, young man. Or you will find yourself without a job!”
Ihejirika bowed his head. “I apologize, Chief Minister.”
Sherazi inclined his head, accepting the apology. Turning back toward the direction he had been walking, he decided that now, more than ever, something had to be done to change the balance of power. He had prayed, oh how he had prayed, that a path would reveal itself. This moment had been coming for years, and successive Saurian leaders had avoided the question of what to do if anything in the fight against the League of Sol. But now, the difficult decision could wait no longer. Walking up to the door leading to the briefing room, he knew it was time.
He looked at Ihejirika. “Let’s get on with it.”
After a photo opportunity with President Spencer was concluded, both leaders took their place at the front of the briefing room. There were dozens of reporters from both empires present in the large meeting space. The Lion’s senior officers were present and seated behind both President Spencer and Chief Minister Sherazi.
As the visiting head of state, protocol dictated that Sherazi went first. “Mr. President, honored members of both the Terran Coalition and Saurian Empire’s diplomatic service, honored members of both our militaries, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for the opportunity to share this joint podium today,” Sherazi said, speaking into the microphone at his lectern. “I wish to honor the gallantry and sacrifice of the brave soldiers that prevented the League from killing our diplomatic team, and for their courage in the face of great odds.” The Saurian paused for a moment, his eyes sweeping the crowd and looking behind him to the command crew of the Lion. “I also wish to honor Major Sheila Thompson. Her actions in saving her ship are consistent with the finest traditions of not only your own military service, but of the Saurian Empire as well.”
As he spoke of Sheila, his eyes rested on David. David seemed to take notice and gave a slight nod of acknowledgement and thanks. Sherazi nodded his head before continuing. “Major Thompson’s sacrifice is also consistent with her beliefs, ones that are shared by many of our citizens as well as myself. There is no greater love for another than to give your life to save another. This was taught to us many thousands of years ago by our greatest prophet. That maxim was taught to you as well.
“Humans always seem to have a saying or quote that fits a given situation,” he said. “One that I find myself remembering as of late is this: ‘All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.’” Sherazi pursed his lips together and paused. “For far too long, I, and many of those in the Saurian Empire, have done nothing. Oh, we’ve sent medical supplies, a few dozen outdated ships we would have scrapped anyway, not to mention many young men and women who have more honor than their elders have defied our laws and the specter of dishonor to come and join the Coalition Defense Force in order to fight the evil that is the League of Sol.”
David pondered exactly where was this going. He noted that the room had become very still. The sound of a pin dropping would have had the same effect as a grenade going off. Whatever it was, it was big.
“But here we stand, continuing to shield ourselves with words, refusing to join this noble fight, refusing to do what is right. So today, I have decided that the Saurian Empire will no longer do nothing.” Sherazi took a step from behind his podium and toward President Spencer. “Mr. President, if you will have us, I pledge to you that the Saurian Empire will join the fight against the League of Sol. Together, and with anyone else who will join us, we will unite to defeat the League wherever it may slither. We will fight, we will overcome, and we will not rest until the League has surrendered or is destroyed!”
Spencer looked as if he had been slapped. Of all the things anyone expected today, this wasn’t one of them. David knew there would be problems, the least of which would be getting Saurian and Human to work together without coming to blows. But those were good problems, and ones maybe he could help figure out.
Spencer took a step from behind his podium, crossing the stage to meet Chief Minister Sherazi. Both men extended their arms and shook firmly.
“Speaking on behalf of all citizens in the Terran Coalition, we would be honored to see the Saurian Empire join us in this fight,” Spencer said, his voice full of emotion.
At that point, the members of the diplomatic team, the military, and many of the reporters in the room began to applaud, as did the crew of the Lion of Judah.
David thought to himself that perhaps all of the pain and sacrifice had been worth it to get to this point, except for Sheila’s death. It took at least thirty seconds for the crowd to quiet down, and reporters began shouting questions.
“Chief Minister Sherazi, the Saurians have stayed neutral for twenty-seven years. How will your people react to this seeming unilateral declaration of war?” a female reporter at the front of the room shouted.
“They will see the justness of our cause and rally to it,” Sherazi said in a direct tone.
“And if they don’t?” another reporter shouted back.
“Then I will call on anyone who disagrees to challenge me to blood combat,” Sherazi said with a small trace of smugness; he was renowned as a martial artist within the Saurian Empire.
Another reporter interrupted, “Chief Minister, how many ships will you send?”
Sherazi turned to face the man. “Aside from our home defense guard, everything we have.”
More reporters started to speak over each other, when a young woman screamed the loudest. “Mr. President! There are reports that our forces fired first against the League peace delegation; is that true?”
“Ms. Roberts, the CDF has provided direct sensor data that clearly shows the Destruction fired first.”
David fumed within as Spencer fielded the question. How could anyone believe that the League was the victim?
Not to be deterred, the young woman yelled a follow-up question before he could call on so
meone else. “Sensor logs can be faked, sir. How do we know that the CDF is telling the truth?”
“Young lady, do you have any proof of that allegation?”
“No, sir, just a questioning mind.”
“The facts speak for themselves. You can interview the thousands of people onboard the Lion of Judah, tens of thousands more on our space-based military installations, or onboard the hundreds of civilian craft that all saw the Destruction fire first. Next!” Spencer said, his tone briefly crossing over to anger before he resumed his normal pitch.
A reporter from Canaan News Network, a decidedly right of center news outlet, hollered out a question. “Chief Minister, why, after nearly thirty years, is the Saurian Empire joining the fight?”
Sherazi responded, “Because this is the first time the Saurians have had leadership willing to make a very difficult decision. Joining a war isn’t something that is done lightly or without consideration. In truth, we should have joined this fight many years ago.”
Yet another reporter shouted out, “Bret Stevens, Galactic News Network…Mr. President, while surely this is a shot in the arm to our war effort, do you really think one victory and a new ally is enough to stem the tide of the League? Are you going to consider renewed diplomatic efforts?”
Spencer leaned forward into the podium. “Mr. Stevens, any time the League would like to surrender, we’re all ears.”
The same reporter then shouted a follow up. “What about a negotiated peace, Mr. President?”
“We’ve tried many times to reach a negotiated peace, Mr. Stevens. You know that. Everyone in the press corps knows that, and every citizen in the Terran Coalition knows that. Those attempts have failed. Perhaps after we’ve kicked the League out of our space and with our new allies taking the war to the League, they will want to reconsider. At that point in time, we’ll address it. Next!”
A reporter at the back of the room stood to get the president’s attention and Sherazi pointed to her. “Chief Minister, Mr. President, when will the Lion of Judah return to the front against the League?”
At that question, David shuddered. The thought of going back into combat with his mind unsettled was unappealing to say the least. He barely heard President Spencer say that operational details of the war couldn’t be discussed. The rest of the press conference went by at a snail’s pace for him, and when it was finally over, he and the rest of the military personnel stood as the president and the chief minister left the room first, followed by their security details.
After the reporters had left, David and the remaining senior staff from the Lion congregated together. He had nothing left. I just want to go back to my bunk, he thought.
Ruth spoke up, filling the silence. “It is far too early to end our day. Why don’t we go have a drink and toast the fallen?”
Before David could say no, Calvin interjected, “Best idea I’ve heard all day. You a transfer from the Marines, Lieutenant?”
“From a medical perspective, I think it would do us all good,” Tural said, drawing laughter from the group.
“Come on, sir,” Ruth said as she glanced at David. “You need to be around people right now, sir. We all do.”
Okay, time to put on the happy command face. “You’ve convinced me. Where’re we going?”
“How about The Ready Room?” Hanson said.
Ruth rolled her eyes. “Do you own stock in that bar or something, Major?”
“No, it’s just a good place and it doesn’t rip off the military.”
“That works for me. Let’s go, people,” David said, ending the debate. This will be good for morale, and maybe some camaraderie will help the ease the burden on my heart and on the rest of us. They walked out together.
The group took over a section of the bar at The Ready Room, breaking up into smaller units around high-top tables to talk. Hanson, Ruth, and David gravitated together; they had been comrades in arms for the longest together and all knew Sheila well.
“There’s one thing I’m certain of,” Hanson said between sips of his beer.
“What’s that?” Ruth asked.
“Sheila would be happy we’re doing this together.”
David glanced up from his drink. “I’ll agree with that.”
“Cheer up, sir,” Ruth said as she looked at David with concern in her eyes.
“I’ll be okay. Someday,” David replied, his face a mask of emotional pain.
Watching David and Ruth, Hanson was desperate to change the subject. “How about plastering a League dreadnought on our first time at bat?”
“Did you mix in a sports metaphor?” Ruth asked, feigning disbelief.
“Uh yeah, Lieutenant.”
“It’s Ruth. We’re not on duty.”
“Right, Ruth.”
Ruth rolled her eyes. “There’s a reason you don’t have a girlfriend, Hanson.”
“I’m just waiting for the right girl!”
“You’d take any girl that showed interest in you at this point.”
“That’s not true…” Hanson sputtered, and then thinking of a retort, pressed on. “Like you’re one to talk. When was the last time you went on a date?”
Ruth gave an evil smile. “The last guy I dated quit talking to me after I explained to him that my job was killing League soldiers in large numbers.”
“I’m really glad you’re on our side.”
David looked up from his drink. “You two should get a room or something.”
Hanson felt his face run hot and turn red, looking from Ruth to David. In truth, he was attracted to her but couldn’t act on it because of their positions on the ship.
Ruth laughed as his face got redder. “Oooo, I think that one hit home.”
Calvin butted into the conversation. “What’s going on here? Our engineer looks like his reactor’s about to blow.”
Even David managed a smile as Ruth, Hanson, and Calvin laughed uproariously.
Standing up, David motioned the bartender over. “I’d like to get a round of shots.”
“What can I get for you and your crew, Colonel?”
“A round of Pineapple Upside Down Cake shots for us and a shot glass with water in it.” Taking in the quizzical stares from the rest of the officers, David explained further. “That was Sheila’s favorite shot, and Colonel Amir does not drink alcohol.”
Calvin rolled his eyes. “Hey, Amir. What’s this about you not drinking alcohol? You want to start now? I’ll teach you.”
“Not drinking alcohol is a tenet of my faith.”
“Oh whatever. There’s only a few things better than blasting Leaguers. Drinking shots after blasting Leaguers, for instance,” Calvin said. “And why are you ordering some girl’s drink for us, Colonel? Get a real shot. Barkeep! A round of Four Horsemen!”
The barkeeper looked from David to Calvin, not quite sure who to answer to before David answered. “Four Horsemen it is. And a shot glass with water in it.”
The barkeeper nodded and came back a few minutes later holding a tray filled with shot glasses. David, Ruth, Hanson, Calvin, Tural, Tinetariro, Merriweather, Hammond, and Taylor all picked up a shot while Amir got the shot glass with water in it.
David raised his shot glass high. “Let us give thanks to God for the blessings we have received. Let us give thanks to our brothers and sisters in arms, and let us remember the price that is paid for the freedoms we enjoy. Those who fell were part of us. We knew them. They were brave, and they paid the ultimate price without regard for themselves. We remember them tonight that they fought and died, not in vain but in honor. Let us never forget our fallen comrades. We knew them, we’ll remember them, and they will never be forgotten!”
Forcing his lips together, David seemed to labor to avoid showing emotion. “To our fallen!” As soon as he uttered those words, he brought the shot glass up to his mouth and downed it in one gulp. The rest of them repeated in unison, “To our fallen!” before downing their drinks as well.
Feeling the liquor burn as it we
nt down his throat, Hanson was glad he was with his brothers and sisters in arms. He was going to miss Sheila, but that was war. Reflecting on how hard it was to make and keep friends, he felt sorry for David. Losing your best friend for almost twenty years? That had to be pure hell.
But in time, the pain would heal; it had for Hanson as he lost friends along the way. After the announcement of the Saurians joining them, he thought to himself that finally they were on the road to victory. That was more than enough to buoy his spirits as they ordered another round and celebrated the life of Sheila and the rest of the fallen into the wee hours of the morning.
MacIntosh waited patiently in the office of Richard McNamara, the programming director for the Galactic News Network, which was one of the largest holo-news outfits in the Terran Coalition. An old friend from his days as a young officer, the two men had remained friends for over twenty-five years. The door swished open and Richard strode through, making his way over to Andrew and greeting him warmly.
“Andrew! So good to see you, old friend!” McNamara said loudly.
MacIntosh stood up and shook McNamara’s hand warmly with a grin. “It’s been too long.”
As the two men took their respective seats, McNamara continued speaking. “What brings you by my office in uniform?”
MacIntosh laughed. “All business?”