The Emissary Page 3

  “Why I am not surprised? Your sons are following in your footsteps. You should be proud of them.”

  “I am, more than you realize. Now tell me why you have come here my friend. I am certain that you did not travel all the way here to talk about my family. What bothers you?”

  “This infernal crisis.”

  “I gathered as much," De'ras acknowledges. “Who is not bothered by the thought of entire cities being vaporized by plasma spheres? I do not relish the thought of warring against our thenesian neighbors.”

  “If neighbor is what you call those people,” Koinns objects, “than you are a better person than I am. Despite our mutual agreement of the past few centuries, our so called neighbors leave a lot to be desired."

  De’ras places his hands down on his desk. “Becoming a bit judgmental, are we not old friend? After all, are we not all one big happy family conquering the galaxy for the glory of the Anatahn?”

  Koinns frowns mildly. “Your sarcasm is wearing thin. If you believe half of what you just said, you would not be a weapons research specialist for the military. Anatahn or no, there is always that certain…”

  “Distrust?” De’ras interrupts him.

  “Now you are talking like the civilized barbarians that we deny ourselves to be,” Koinns asserts.

  “Civil? Yes. Barbarian? That depends on your meaning of the word. I prefer to think of ourselves as well disciplined barbarians.”

  “Such modesty should be rewarded. Too bad that it will not mean a drakian credit when Sergis becomes the Premarian.”

  De’ras leans forward. “You were never one for optimism.”

  “I am truly sorry De’ras, but I am too old and too wise to be optimistic. I have seen too much, especially when it comes to greed.

  “Greed? I thought the crisis was the main issue here.”

  “Yes, but whose crisis? Ours or theirs?”

  Leaning back in his seat again, De’ras pauses. “Forgive me if I do not follow your reasoning. What are you saying?”

  “Correct me if I am wrong, but ever since Sergis came into power, relations between our two governments have eroded substantially. He is crafty and scheming!”

  De’ras is mildly frustrated. “High Council Sergis is second to Premarian Mersas, he…”

  “Mersas is old and dying. He influence is waning. I am quite certain that Sergis is slowly wrestling the reins of power from him. I tell you, Sergis is up to something diabolical.”

  De’ras is troubled. “Do you think that he had something to do with these attacks?”

  Hymas leans forward. “Yes, I believe that he and his inner party are directly responsible for these attacks.”

  De’ras is horrified. “Attacks on his own people? That is insane! What possible reason would he have to murder his own people?”

  “Unfortunately, the rationale escapes me. Yet, I believe that he is using these attacks to mask something far more ominous. But I am just an old fool. What do I know?”

  “So-called fools like you, my friend, make us feel more secure. Still, I cannot fully agree with you that Sergis is capable of such horrific acts. His death would be assured.”

  “Time will tell,” Koinns concludes. “Oh yes, how is your thaon friend doing?”

  “If you are referring to Vausteau Fosteir, he is adjusting. By the way, he is a human from Earth.”

  Koinns is puzzled. “Earth? I have never heard of such a planet. Where is this Earth?”

  “No one seems to know its location. Even Vausteau does not know.”

  Koinns is taken aback. “I find it incredulous that someone does not know the location of his own world.”

  “It is a long story my friend,” De’ras concludes.

  Koinns stands out of his chair to leave. “No matter. When our paths cross again, maybe this insanity will be resolved.”

  The Hathosean Center in Asleon

  Ferracraft 361 touches down on the ground. Subtareans Keth and Zuras exit the craft. Zuras, though, is irate with the pilot. “You can be sure that I will inform your superior of your belligerence human! I will not stand by and tolerate your actions or your gross disrespect!”

  Vausteau is stunned. “Subtarean Zuras, you misunderstood me. I was not being disrespectful. I simply brought up some information about the Manok. Why would you think that I was suspecting you of any wrong doing?”

  “Enough of this talk! I will hear no more! Remove yourself before I have you arrested!”

  Quickly re-entering the ferracraft, Vausteau engages the lift and heads off into the distance.

  “Enter,” Ovinns tells him. Walking in, Vausteau edges his way to the chair and sits down. Ovinns is quite angry. “I received a communiqué from the Rasean Enforcer Agency”

  “Why? Aren’t you doing your job well?”

  “You may dispense with the humor,” Ovinns replies. “I am doing my job quite well. Whether my human assistant, someone who seems to have a penchant for causing trouble, is doing his job is another story.”

  “Thel, I tried to apologize, but the jerk wouldn't listen.”

  “Jerk? Is that another one of your Earth terms, most likely a demeaning one?”

  “Possibly.”

  “First, I will remind you,” Ovinns warns, “that you do not refer to a government subtarean as a jerk or any other demeaning name. If I were on your Earth, I certainly would not refer to one of your members of congress as a jerk!”

  “Why not? We do have a few congressional members that are jerks.”

  Thelsus is stumped at Vausteau's seeming callousness. “I fail to understand your attitude toward Subtarean Zuras. He is an elite member of the Subtarean Assembly.”

  “I didn’t tell Zuras anything that he doesn't already know. He was lying when at the last subtarean assembly meeting regarding the Manok. You know I’m telling the truth.”

  “You cannot speak for me,” Ovinns protests.

  “Look, I know you think highly of Zuras, but let’s face facts. Asoris Central Committee is investigating him for alleged illegal activities involving the Anterian Distribution Network.”

  “And so this gives you the right to be judge and decision maker. Who appointed you as administrator?"

  A tense silence passes before Vausteau continues. “Thelsus, I’m not doing this for some vain glory pursuit. A few enforcer commission officials are highly suspicious that the Manok was behind the attacks on thenesian civilians.”

  “In my opinion,” Ovinns retorts, “the Manok is just a small band of rebel pirates. What is your point?”

  Vausteau is taken aback. “Rebel pirates? Are you serious?”

  Subtarean Ovinns looks at Vausteau with mild disbelief. “I suppose that you have information to the contrary?”

  “For a small band of rebel pirates,” Vausteau avows, “they sure possess a lot of resources, such as entire warships. But, I guess the fact that one of their ships was discovered in close proximity to Meiros does not count for anything.”

  Ovinns is hit by a horrific thought. “If you do not wish to start a major incident, you had best keep your conspiracy theory to yourself. Your duty time is over. You may leave.”

  Mildly disappointed, Vausteau stands up, turns and walks toward the door. Just before exiting, he stops and turns back around. Ovinns is curious. “Is there a problem?”

  “Subtarean Ovinns, there is an old earth saying.”

  “Another one? This is your twelfth one.”

  After a brief smile, Vausteau continues. “A few centuries ago, a writer said: “You cannot defeat your enemies unless you know who they are.”

  The Outskirts of Asleon

  Vausteau is watching in earnest the late afternoon sky. Daylight is declining as the sun moves steadily toward the western horizon. The array of pink, orange and violet hues is making the sky a spectacle to behold. Minutes earlier, he had finished his dinner. Various thoughts are running through his mind. His many conversations with Domerias Tarach, a Genari overseer, were a source of great com
fort during his time on planet Saleas. Still, he is mindful over something that Domerias and two other Genari overseers had revealed to him.

  A few days before he left planet Saleas, they had revealed to him what seemed akin to prophecy. These overseers had claimed that he would become the unifier of worlds. Two decades earlier back on Earth, his dying mother had uttered to him similar words. His train of thought is broken as De’ras and his wife walk up behind him. More so than Le’eth, De’ras is aware as to how Vausteau is feeling. “I do not think that your situation is bad. I would advise that you continue your efforts.”

  Vausteau turns to face them. “De’ras, you don’t have to patronize me. I’m handling this. Still, I’m grateful to you and Le’eth for allowing me to stay here after my duties at the Hathosean Center.”

  “Your resemblance to a thaon, however, overshadows your true identity,” Le’eth remarks.

  “Except for the thaons I have met at the Center,”’ Vausteau replies, “I still do not know that much about them.” Le’eth nods in agreement. “The thaons are a remarkable people. In time, Subtarean Ovinns may allow you to visit a tourist center on planet Meiros.”

  Vausteau is surprised. “Why?”

  “I am certain that you will find the thaon people and their culture quite interesting. This will give you an opportunity to broaden your knowledge as well.”

  “In addition,” De’ras interrupts, “your semblance to a thaon can make it easier for you to walk among them. You may find that to your advantage.”

  “Still, I’m puzzled about something,” Vausteau remarks.

  “Please explain.”

  “I learned that Thelsus went through a lot of effort to free me from the Bandean Prison Complex.” Vausteau becomes puzzled. “Did I say something wrong?”

  “We have noticed,” De’ras begins, “that you are now on a first name basis with Subtarean Ovinns. That is quite a change since your initial meeting with him.”

  “We get along quite well. At times, I just call him Thel.”

  “You two have become close friends,” De’ras concludes.

  “Yeah, he treats me like a brother.”

  “The fact that he chose you as one of his assistants,” Le’eth surmises, “is also surprising.”

  “Oh yes. Now, I’m observing how your government works. Still, I have this nagging suspicion.”

  “Of what are you suspicious?”

  “During my time on Saleas, I had made quite a few friends among the indigenous malorians. I was also able to learn quite a few things about dalkhan society.”

  “Still, what are your suspicions?” De’ras asks again.

  “I may be using the wrong word. I’ll put it another way.”

  “Continue.”

  “From what I have seen in the news, High Council Sergis is causing some serious dissension among the council body. Ambassador Mo’rech is having quite a time with Sergis.”

  “You attempt to gather more information,” De’ras replies, “is commendable. However, you must learn that the media has a tendency to exaggerate our political differences. You need not concern yourself with the situation.”

  Vausteau drops the subject. “I guess you’re right. As you can see, I still have much to learn about your world.”

  “Despite your concerns,” Le’eth remarks, “I believe that you are doing very well in adapting to our culture. As our world has also much to offer, you will eventually adjust.”

  A thought hits De’ras. “I wish to ask this question though.”

  “Sure.”

  “Have you finally found the location of your home planet?”

  “Although I know the galactic region of which Earth is located, I still don’t know Earth’s precise location. I was shocked to learn that I’m on the other side of the galaxy.”

  De’ras makes a rough calculation. “That would put Earth somewhere in the first quadrant. By this time, our military forces will be active in that part of the galaxy.”

  “Military forces?”

  “Yes,” De’ras answers mildly. “You are aware that Thalos is a principal member of the Anatahn Alliance.”

  Even as he is looking at De’ras, Vausteau forces himself to hide his shock. “Yes, I am. So, what kind of activities are your military forces involved in?”

  “Essentially,” De’ras continues with a noticeable boast, “we are bringing the entire galaxy under Anatahn dominion.”

  An inner dread is falling over Vausteau. “So what happens to inhabited planets that refuse Anatahn dominion?”

  “If they do not they submit peacefully, we will attack.”

  “Back on Saleas, Thelsus mentioned the Rigis Coalition.”

  “Unfortunately, the Rigis Coalition, our enemy rival, has the same goal as we do.”

  “This is totally unbelievable,” Vausteau concludes. “As you are both enemies, one of you must lose in order for the other to gain galactic supremacy.”

  “True. Yet, the one to gain that supremacy will be us, the Anatahn. You are fortunate to be on our side.”

  Vausteau sighs. “Fortunate? I have to give that further thought.”

  “Still,” Le’eth admits, “I would like to know why Subtarean Ovinns traveled all the way to planet Saleas to free you.”

  “In time,” Vausteau tells her with a smile, “I’m sure that he will let us know.”

  Inwardly, Vausteau is in turmoil. Despite his captivation with the natural beauty of this world and thalosian society, he is seriously troubled. The fact that Anatahn forces have reached the galactic region where Earth is located is of great concern to him. He knows that Earth’s governments will never surrender their sovereignty to alien invasion forces. Unfortunately, as he has surmised, the military technology and hardware possessed by the inhabitants of these worlds far surpasses Earth-based military technology. His prime concern falls on his family and friends. Not a day goes by when he does not think of Lamone, his father, and Xavier, his brother. Heartbroken does not begin to describe how he feels about never seeing Karen again. Regardless, he understands that whatever role that he may have to undertake in this burgeoning conflict; it is a role that will require the aid of powerful forces of which he is fearful.

  CHAPTER 5THE GUARDIANS

  The Davidson Family Reunion

  Peach Grove Housing Subdivision in Atlanta, Georgia

  Thursday, 01 April 2258

  “This has truly been a wonderful occasion,” Laura Wells concludes. “I feel honored to have hosted our eighth family reunion.” The audience applauds. “Most importantly, I do this in honor of my parents, Gerald Lamar Davidson and Joëlle Alais Davidson.” As she pulls the covering from off the painting, the audience applauds again. The life-like painting of her deceased parents is visually striking. Laura, mother of four children, is tearfully moved by the painting.

  Although twenty years have passed since her parents’ deaths, she still feels a level of grief, as she was closest to Joëlle. Sitting next to their grandparents, James and Kevin are troubled, as they are watching their sister. They sense the emotional pain that she is experiencing.

  “It’ll be a good idea if you two go and stand beside your sister,” their grandmother, Nadine Davidson, requests. After trading a quick glance, the men rise from their seats, walk over and stand by their sister. Barry Wells, Laura’s husband, is also troubled. Looking around, he sees that Joëlle’s youngest sons are conspicuously absent.

  Sadly, Joëlle’s untimely death became the final event that initiated a painful and bitter rift that nearly tore the family apart. Barry prayerfully hopes that one day and soon, the rift will be healed, thus opening up the way for an all-sibling family reunion. “We owe our parents,” James begins, “so much for their love and devotion. With great honor, we shall always cherish their memory.”

  Two hours later, Laura is putting away the dishes. She sees her husband standing in the doorway. “You might as well get it off your chest,” she snaps.

  “Laura, how long will this ma
squerade continue? Isn’t twenty years enough time for this to have been settled?”

  “Masquerade?” She protests, facing him. “Is that what you call it?”

  “You can’t keep blaming Vausteau,” Barry protests. “He was just ten years old! Even Lamone accepted that it was an accident! This senseless feud does not honor your mother’s memory.”

  “That doesn’t matter,” Laura yells. “Gerald was my father. Lamone was their father.” Her voice chokes. “My mother is dead because of what that idiot had done, and I will hate that vile bastard for the rest of my life!” She storms past him and out of the house.

  San Augustan, California

  Elizabeth Brandon Hospital

  Sunday, 31 October 2258

  Stepping off the elevator, Xavier walks down the hallway to Room 361. Opening the door, he walks in. Looking pass the nurse, Xavier trades glances with his uncle. After removing the emptied food tray, the nurse walks out. After giving his uncle a hug, Xavier sits down in a seat beside the bed. “I was informed about what happened to you brother back in April,” Lucas begins. “This time, I can’t blame the news media for not telling the real story.”

  “Uncle Lucas, I still don’t know what to make of this. Karen was devastated. Earth Force officials had interrogated anyone even remotely involved with that attack.”

  Via the controls, Lucas raises the front of his bed higher. “Xavier, this situation is getting worse. I finally had to return here because of my condition. I needed your brother to be here. But now, all that has changed.”