The sparse lands, p.7
The Sparse Lands, page 7
part #6 of Steven Gordon Series
‘It has been over twelve hours since my scientists spayed the neutralizers. They said three. Six to be safe. It should be fine. So tell me, what started this war?’
‘Doesn’t your history tell you?’
‘It tells us our version.’
‘Ah! Alright. We reached space a few thousand years ago. Within a few hundred years, other races began to arrive, we traded minerals with them. Then they got greedy. We were attacked. Various races tried to wipe us out. After the first attacks, we began to explore ways of living in the asteroid field. We found illegal miners all over the field. Most of our resources were spent digging them out. We generally just killed them. These days of course, we have full control over the field. No one can approach without our knowing it.
‘About five or six hundred years ago, after a large invasion attempt, we broke out of our own solar system and took the war to our enemies. It was then the Federation sent a huge fleet. They turned our world into a wasteland. Millions died. Most starved to death, many were killed by the biological weapons used. The only thing that really saved us were our asteroids. We had been weaponizing them for generations. Most of your forces we crushed there. Those that broke through were destroyed by our forces, but the damage had already been done.’
‘Your mistake was attacking their home planets. That was when the Federation was forced to step in.’
‘I am sure my predecessors knew that at the time Grand Commander. They took a chance and lost. They thought the asteroids would protect us.’
‘It sounds to me like you had some friends amongst the Federation at the time.’
‘We still do. Some we have had had ties to for centuries. They bring us in supplies we can’t source ourselves.’
‘Such as?’
‘Various types of cloth. A good year breeding can see us low on fodder for our domestic livestock.’
‘I did hear that, from a crusty old freighter captain who also told me you have no slaves and have never eaten a sentient being.’
‘That is true. We were luckier than the Ortea. As I said, we were already well established within the asteroid field. Those there had enough food, it was those on the planet’s surface that suffered most. They did what they could; it simply wasn’t enough.’
‘So the Catataracs have been lying for years?’
‘Generations, Grand Commander, generations. What are your plans for my people?’
‘I had thought to take you into the Federation. However, I have better idea. I want to make your planet a protected planet.’
‘If I remember correctly, that means that no Federation race would be able to attack us or lay claim to our planet or its resources.’
‘That’s right.’
‘That won’t go down well with our neighbours.’
‘After they attack my transport today, I don’t think we will have to worry about their opinion too much.’
‘I don’t understand your thinking on this. There must be a price to pay.’
‘There is always a price.’ Ne´ took out a pad and handed it over. ‘Do you have any of these minerals?’
The Chancellor looked it over. ‘All of them, and in great quantity.’
‘They are becoming quite scarce, and expensive. Yet they are vital for Federation ship building. Scan down to the next page. Would you be able to supply us with those quantities on a yearly basis?’
He did as bid. ‘Easily.’
‘That would be part of your payment for becoming a protected planet.’
‘The other cost?’
‘I want a half dozen of your squadrons as scouts.’
The Chancellor thought it over. ‘I thought protected planets didn’t have to supply people to the Federation forces?’
‘Normally they don’t. However a half dozen squadrons is nothing compared to what you would have to field if you were a full member of the Federation. I would make it a part of the deal.’
‘You make it sound like you are doing us a favour.’
‘I am.’
‘Can’t you just leave us alone?’
‘We could leave things as they are; that’s the best I could do.’
‘This would give us full protection of the Federation?’
‘Complete protection.’
‘I have to admit it is tempting. I cannot believe, however, that this is what you came for, or what you originally wanted.’
‘It wasn’t. I envisioned you joining the Federation in a similar way to the Ortea; adding another battle fleet to my forces. It was the Human Captain that changed my mind.’
‘The strange one. I thought he was some form of robot, I ignored him at first.’
Ne´ laughed, ‘Somehow I don’t think that would have bothered him.’
‘It didn’t seem to. What was it he was supposed to do? Find something that the Federation needed?’
‘Yes, and he found it. Your pilots. He filmed his journey through the asteroid field. There is no other race within the Federation that can fly through an asteroid field in the manner your people can. I experienced that myself a short while ago. They put the female flight captain at the controls of the Ambassador’s ship. Despite its size, she never put a step wrong. I was terrified.’
The Chancellor grunted, ‘I made her ferry them around as a punishment for being shot down. She disgraced herself.’
‘I wouldn’t be too hard on her. She was shot down by a Human pilot. They are new to space, but not to fighting. Their pilots once fought in craft that flew through the air of their home planet. They call it dogfighting. They are very good at it. In atmospheric fighter training, they kicked the arses out of even the best instructors. It is very similar to how your light fighters work. The Humans have a saying: you were playing in their ball park.’
‘We didn’t know that.’
‘They also fight in pairs. One covers the leader’s tail.’
‘Ah! We didn’t know that either. Was there anything else the Captain brought to your attention?’
‘May I ask how hard it is to make an asteroid habitat?’
‘The hardest part is securing a power source. Freighter engines work best.’
‘Hollowing out the asteroid?’
‘That is the easy part, but takes a lot of resources.’
‘I see. What if someone with the resources came along and asked you build a habitat for them in the asteroid field; would it be possible?’
‘If they had the resources, yes of course. Depending on the size of the asteroid. One a few miles in diameter would take us about three months. Ten miles long, about six months. Anything bigger than that, about a year or so. It depends on what it is being used for. Small ones we use for storage and manufacturing, larger ones for habitat and domestic livestock.’
Ne´ took the pad out again. ‘Could you build something like this?’
‘Of course, but why would we? There is one habitat in that picture, it’s a complete waste of resources.’
‘If someone paid you to do it, would you?’
‘Yes, but why would they?’
‘Space. The one thing that is lacking in the Federation. Even the richest live on top of one another. Only royalty have anything like this. I have seen pictures of one of your habitats. No one on my planet has that kind of space. If we make your planet a protected zone, I think our citizens would flock here to have the opportunity to live as your people are now.’
‘I see. Being a protected zone would give them the complete assurance that they are safe.’
‘Could your people handle this? Would you be prepared to give up, sell off, some of your asteroids?’
‘I can’t make a decision of this magnitude on my own. I know the young pilots would fight one another for the opportunity to travel to the stars; that isn’t a problem. This may be.’
‘Can’t you just order it?’
‘I could, but I’m not going to. I would like feedback first.’
‘I understand.’
‘What will happen in the interim?’
Again the Captain’s words came back to him. ‘You may well be in for a bit of a fight. If they are prepared to try and assassinate me, they will most certainly try to strike out at you and your people.’
‘Can’t you protect us?’
‘It would take a special ruling from the council. I doubt if we would get it in time, and I don’t have the power to make that decision myself. If Federation forces currently come across any Federation members under attack from your forces, they would be forced to defend them. On the other hand, if those forces are within your asteroid field, then we don’t have to lift a finger.’
‘What your saying is don’t let my people leave the field.’
‘That is exactly what I am saying. If your forces come out of the field, we will be forced to take action, which could draw my forces right into the fight. I will, however, replace all three battle groups surrounding your solar systems with Human, Ortea and Dent forces. They have no love for the Catataracs, or the Albany. Although I don’t think they have ever came across the Haspsopot.’
‘Do you think all three might foray against us?’
‘Our friendly Human Captain does. I have to admit I couldn’t fault his reasoning. It could well be their last chance to grab your solar system.’
‘Isn’t there anything you can do to soften the blow you are about to bring down on our people?’
Ne´ sat back and racked his brain. Something sparked deep in the recesses of his mind, and he whipped out his tablet and searched. A small smile played crossed his face.
‘There may be Chancellor. If you and I sign a pre-cessation of hostilities, then I can do two things for you. I can draw my forces back to five hundred thousand miles of your designated defence perimeter. That would give your people a little wiggle room. I could also supply you with any intelligence I gather on those that may wish to disrupt the signing of a full treaty, whether they are Federation members or not.’
The Chancellor didn’t have to think too hard about it. ‘Have the document drawn up Grand Commander. It isn’t much, but it’s better than a kick in the balls.’
The two burst out laughing.
chapter 17
Komoru stood with her mouth open, unable to absorb what she had just heard. The goliath in front of her looked extremely worried, while Trinnie hid behind his back. When the telling was done she peeked her head round to see why things had suddenly gone so quiet. There was a delighted squeal from the figure at Komoru’s side.
Himari leapt forward, sending Trinnie scurrying for cover behind Lewis again.
‘Oh she is so cute!’ Himari bounced up and down in excitement. She gasped, ‘Oh no, what happened to your tail?’
Trinnie glanced behind her, ‘What tail? I have never had a tail!’
A form appeared from around the corner. ‘Calm down Himari.’
Himari’s whole disposition changed, she began to smoulder, ‘Hi Charlie.’
‘Leave her alone.’
‘No! She is so cute.’
Komoru was scowling at him.
‘I have a better idea. Trinnie, Himari, come get a drink in the canteen. I think Lewis and Komoru need to talk.’
Trinnie didn’t really want to go anywhere with the crazy girl, but Lewis added some gentle persuasion.
When they were gone, Komoru was a little lost for words. ‘What happened?’
Lewis didn’t really know how to explain it. ‘We met, we fell in love,’ he shrugged.
Komoru sighed and rolled her eyes, ‘What are you going to do about it?’
‘Don rightly know Miss Komoru. She won’t come with us. Her race is still considered an enemy of the Federation. She ain’t going to be stuck in the ship for the rest of her life.’
‘So it is over?’
‘No, it ain’t over Miss Komoru, it’s just starting. Maybe soon dey be a part of the Federation too. She is an awesome pilot, Miss Komoru. She be a great addition to this crew.’
Komoru grasped her face, ‘She is a remarkable pilot Lewis.’ Her mind flipped. ‘You haven’t, you know…’ Lewis didn’t answer. ‘Oh my God you have. She is an alien!’
‘She got the same bits as you have Miss Komoru, she ain’t no different.’
Komoru flushed. ‘I see. I shouldn’t have said that Lewis. It was none of my business.’ She let out a big sigh. ‘She seems very nice.’
‘She is a lovely person. Honest, straight forward. Her parents are lovely. You will like them Miss Komoru.’
She felt the tension leave her and she laughed, ‘Oh Lewis, I am sure they are. It just took me by surprise. Let’s go join them for a drink. I am so happy for you.’
Lewis beamed, ‘Sounds good to me Miss Komoru.’
Komoru threw herself face down on to Steven’s couch, her legs kicking. Steven was a little surprised at her actions. He went over and sat down. Komoru crawled up and laid her head in his lap.
‘Have you done something embarrassing?’
‘Yes, no… not really. Oh my God!’
‘Intriguing.’
‘Ah!’
‘Stop it, just tell me.’
‘Remember we always wondered who the first Human being to ever sleep with an alien would be?’
‘Charlie!’
She snorted, ‘Do you think I would be bothered if it were Charlie?’ She rolled over and looked up at him, ‘No, it was Lewis.’
‘Who, when, why… what the hell is going on?’
‘The pilot.’
It took a moment to sink in. ‘The awesome one!’
Komoru scowled up at him for a moment. ‘Yes, the awesome one.’ The scowl returned. ‘Do you think she is cute?’
‘In a weird kind of way yes, she doesn’t turn me on though.’
‘Huh!’
Steven glanced down and decided to try and steer the conversation back onto safer ground.
‘Who would have thought it would have been Lewis.’
‘Right. It never crossed my mind even once.’
‘Are we going to take her on board?’
Komoru shook her head, ‘She won’t join us. Her people are still enemies of the Federation, the ship would become a prison to her.’
‘I hope for both of them these negotiations go well.’
They both looked out the window. They still followed the colossus in front. When it broke out into free space, it began to pick up speed.
chapter 18
Ne´ looked up at the night sky where the stars should have been.
‘I can find no words to describe the beauty of what I’m seeing. To witness such a thing makes the whole journey worthwhile.’
The Chancellor looked a little worried.
‘Would you like to come inside?’
‘Do you mind if I stay a little longer? There is so much to see, to take in.’
‘I am worried for your welfare. There might still be patches of those agents around. We won’t know for sure until we test the whole planet.’
‘My scientists tell me it is perfectly safe now Chancellor, I trust them. However, if it gives you some peace of mind.’
‘It would. Please come this way.’
Steven and Komoru followed. This time they weren’t wearing their ceremonial robes, or Federation uniforms. They were wearing the simple uniforms they had first designed years ago. There was to be an informal meeting with the other chancellors. They were led down a series of narrow corridors that gave the Grand Commander’s personal guard palpitations.
They eventually came into a large room where there were tables with food laid out. Ne´ gave instructions and his guard spread along one wall. There were both male and females present. The atmosphere seemed strained, there was no laughing. Most stood around in small groups chatting. As Ne´ entered, most stopped and gave a small bow. Others didn’t seem quite sure what to do. All were dressed differently, although a few seemed to wear a common uniform of some sort.
The Chancellor took a step forward, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you the Grand Commander of the Federation forces.’ He took a deep breath. ‘This is an informal light lunch, a meet and greet as it were. The Grand Commander will make his way around the room, I will introduce you. Say hello. Answer any reasonable questions he asks; I am sure he will answer any reasonable questions put to him. This is not an opportunity for any of you to air your grievances. The first steps to peace are steps forward, not backwards. Please remember that. Thank you.’
They stepped towards the first group. They didn’t ask much and neither did Ne´. They moved quickly around the table. About halfway round, the Chancellor stopped to talk to a female. They touched hands briefly.
Ne´ instinctively knew she was no commoner. She had a bearing that was almost regal. Her clothes, although no more outstanding that any other present, seemed painted to her body rather than worn. Her hair was a golden colour and made up in a way that would soon send a hundred thousand hairdresser around the Federation into a frenzy.
The Chancellor turned, ‘Grand Commander, my wife, Flora.’
Ne´ dipped his head in the manner he had used since childhood to address ladies of the aristocracy.
‘My Lady, a pleasure to meet you.’
She frowned a little at his manner of address. ‘Likewise, Grand Commander. Have you partaken yet?’
‘No, I had noticed a nice bale of hay, I just haven’t reached it yet.’
‘Then please.’ She led him to the bale. ‘I am afraid we have no idea how you eat this.’
‘Shall we call it a finger buffet.’ He pulled some off and twisted it around a few fingers, then popped it into his mouth. She smiled slightly in amusement. It slipped away at the look on Ne´s face.
‘Are you all right?’
He gave a polite cough. ‘Yes. Is this hay Catatarac?’
‘Yes, we procure small quantities of it from time to time for our domestic stock. Is it all right?’
He coughed again, and tapped his chest. ‘Perhaps we should call it an acquired taste.’
Her smile returned, ‘Can your race eat fruit and vegetables?’
‘Yes, in small quantities.’
