Meanwhile on the Other Side of the Galaxy
On the longevity scale, Zon live longer than humans, on average, but fall short when compared to the Suran's or Dorian's. The species that lives the longest by quite a few years would be the Abh. Tara and Minchi are getting to the point in their lives where they wish to transfer responsibility to the next generation. That said Tara's heir must be a blood relative. At sometime in her past Tara bore a daughter, the father is unknown, and her identity was kept secret until she was of legal age. Nadia had been introduced to her responsibilities recently and immediately rejected them. After some convincing and realizing she would not have to deal with 'Aunt Minchi' she reluctantly accepted.
Minchi's story was very different, she never had any use for male companionship, but in battle decades ago a friend and fellow Commander died, it was her daughter Minchi took in and raised as her own. Mir was her mother's opposite. She knew of Nadia's existence but never knew her relationship to 'Aunt Tara'. Unbeknownst to either elder adult, Nadia and Mir had a relationship, a closeness, which would shape the course of the Zon Empire for generations to come.
A quiet transition of power was accomplished; Nadia's first official act was to contact the Alliance to arrange a meeting, a conference on how her Government would interact with the Alliance. This news quickly made its way to Shahrazad, where the reaction was…
"Do we know anything about those two? How did we miss something as important as…?"
Cassandra's statement was interrupted by Dawn…
"We had a hunch about Mir and knew she was under Minchi's tutelage. Nadia, she's a total unknown. Tara did an excellent job of keeping her off the grid… what we do know is both of them are in their early thirties, that's approximate. As far as disposition, hopefully they're not any worse than the previous leaders were, but, until we meet them we'll never know."
Cassandra was looking at the very thin information they had as Dawn continued.
"Changing the subject slightly, the surprise Plakia brought home, do we help her directly or re-supply her and send her on her way? She's making quite a stir in some quarters but Mom had words with her about exciting those she was trying to recruit. In my opinion the sooner we decided the better off we'll be. Also there is the request from Plakia that Scholar remove any trace of their recent meeting; you know… we could use some information…
"NO, NO, NO…" Cassandra was fuming as she continued.
"I don't want to know her plans I don't want her to feel we scanned her, as far as Plakia is concerned, should Painiach get captured, I agree the memory of their encounter should be removed. Who should we send to meet the new government, because at this moment, I really don't want to deal with them?"
Sari moved to face Cassandra and bluntly says.
"You ARE, our leader, sending anyone else would tell them we don't care, don’t need a relationships with them… Sorry Cassie this one is all yours, now if you want to take an entourage with you, which are acceptable to the Alliance. I'll put together a list... But you have to go to this one."
A reluctant Cassandra agreed and a list was being formulated, after the meeting Dawn was returning to her office as she approached, Seelnay, who was waiting for her said.
"We need to get Painiach to leave; I just assigned a detail to 'escort' her. She nearly stumbled on our 'ghost village'. We guaranteed those people they would have a peaceful and unencumbered life; had Painiach found them… you fill in the blanks."
Dawn pondered her mother's words and said.
"There's a way… I can't bring myself to do it…it'll stir up a lot of bad feelings …."
"Tell Jasmine she's here and make sure Kufadis is with her… oh daughter, I love it… that woman needs to be put in her place badly and in no uncertain terms… you know if Lafiel…
No mom, leave Lafiel out of this, she agreed to meet with Painiach and since I was there, I'll not subject her to that woman again…PERIOD! Leave Kufadis out of this as well remember he's a 'ghost'."
*********
This day was spent reviewing next seasons planting schedule… Sobbash was explaining it to Lafiel when... "Hey are you following me… you look as if… is this because of what Painiach…"
"Yeah it is… I was expecting her usual aggressive, no holds bar self and… what I experienced… she looked like Painiach but did not act like anyone I've met before… I do know one thing for certain… she DOES NOT need to stay any longer than is necessary… I conveyed my feelings to Cassandra and she said she would deal with it… I feel she needs to deal with it now…"
Sobbash knew how upset Lafiel was, on her tablet she had a window open… a message to Cassie said…
'Your mother is quite correct; politely give her the boot as soon as possible'
Sobbash slides the planting schedule back to the forefront of the tablet and continued to discuss it with Lafiel
*********
Cassandra's stress level had just doubled thanks to not only the Alliance meeting, but the feedback she was getting concerning their 'guest'. Sobbash's message was the final straw; Cassie contacted Seelnay and told her in no uncertain terms to hasten Painiach departure by any 'legal' means necessary. Seelnay received the message and as she was still with Dawn she said."Cassie says give her the boot, I need your honest input, would Jasmine…"
"Mom, I'll be honest, why the subject of Jasmine hasn't come up or even been broached, although Plakia informed Painiach she's on this planet… I don't know… half of me wants Jasmine to know what happened to most of her family, the other half dreads what will happen when she finds out the 'truth'. Knowing what we know, you really…"
"I do, I feel guilty to this day having to have Jinto tell you about your father because I was unable to … I… look the truth coming from her aunt is better than we telling her after Painiach has left… the only reason with you was, Jinto knew your father better than I…"
Dawn approached Seelnay and gave her a reassuring hug and said.
"That I've understood since I first started questioning you about him, you were only together for a very short time and I understand… I also see your point about who should tell Jasmine… Now, do we tell Jasmine, Painiach is here or, do we inform Painiach if she wants help she'll need to settle things with Jasmine?"
Seelnay took a long look at Dawn cleared her mind and said.
"Not knowing what kind of 'help' she'll want… yet Jasmine is responsible for our medical well being… gad what a decision."
A thought passed through Dawn's mind and she said this.
"Cassandra is going to have Scholar remove all traces of Painiach's meeting with Plakia… I wonder if the suggestion could be um planted to contact Jasmine."
Seelnay had a link established to Cassandra and forwarded the suggestion to her… there was a moment's pause and…
"If Scholar feels it's possible I'm all for it… we owe it to Jasmine and I really want that woman gone. This might be the easiest way."
Painiach was dining in the Village; Scholar sat a couple of tables over. Painiach was in mid sentence when she paused… then finished her meal. Once done she asked directions to the hospital. She was last seen heading that way with Scholar following at a discrete distance. Scholar witness a conversation between Jasmine and Painiach. A visibly upset Jasmine was seen entering the hospital and a dejected Painiach was seen heading to her vessel. Painiach left without another word to anyone and was last seen making a jump towards the Hyde system.
Scholar had monitored the conversation and knew Jasmine would need someone to talk to. Entering the hospital she found Jasmine sitting at a table a book open in her lap staring into space. As Scholar approached Jasmine sensed her presence and said.
"It was actually worse than I feared; I knew the hardliners had found them, but to execute them with no trial… and place their remains on an unlabeled asteroid… Scholar I'll be fine, do me a favor and tell Saio I'm taking some time off… you can explain why. I know you know everything that's happened… if you want me I'll be in the ghost village with Kufadis, he deserves to know everything."
Jasmine hands Scholar the book and exits the hospital. Concerned, Scholar contacts Seelnay informs her of what happened and adds this.
"She said she was heading to the ghost village to meet with Kufadis… are any of 'Greta's girls' still there"
"At least three, maybe more, I'll have them keep an eye on her anything else I should know?"
"That woman in question has left, I'm sure of that and I'd like for you to ensure Jasmine arrives safely, I have a weird feeling."
"I'm following her as we speak she's making progress to her stated target. I'll let you know when she arrives."
Scholar closes the link opens one to Saio, explains Jasmine's situation and says.
"That woman didn't… she was quite blunt with Jasmine I sensed a mass of confusion as she left. I hope Kufadis can set her straight and I'm having her watched just in case."
"I was worried when I heard they had been seen together by the staff, and was about ready to have security look for her when you contacted me… I'm partially at peace but it's tenuous to say the least… hopefully this will work out… at least she knows the 'whole' truth."
"Yeah, as painful as… I'll be in my quarters; this day has taxed me… I'll respond if you call."
Scholar closes the link, proceeds to her quarters and is not seen till almost noon the next day.
*********
A remote cottage on the edge of the mountains, which are about an hour's travel time from the Zon capital, is where we find Nadia and Mir. This will be their first 'planning session' since taking control of the government. Mir scans the area looking for a popular listening device used by almost every faction on the planet to eavesdrop on people. Finding none and setting up a 'null' perimeter she says."I have always found it unnerving to know anyone could be hearing any conversation at anytime. We are going to make this practice um… illegal?"
The room had a large window that faced the mountains, Nadia was looking out of it she had heard Mir and said.
"One thing at a time, first we address the Alliance and ask for full membership, if that's granted then we can proceed with limiting our military expenditures and concentrate on civilian programs. Once we've gained the people's confidence then we can start with your sweeping reforms. But right now nobody trusts anything unless they have seen and heard it themselves. That obstacle, thanks my mother and aunt, will not be overcome overnight… I remember the times where males were a 'cherished' item and females fought fierce battles for their affection and attention. Thanks to Shahrazad and their genetic manipulation, we no longer put males on a pedestal, yet the mentality still prevails and the distrust it's caused… we've got a lot to do, but rushing into it unprepared is not acceptable."
Turning from the window and facing Mir she continued.
"Social issues aside, the planetary issues need to be tackled and I think as soon as possible, what good are social reforms if the planet becomes uninhabitable? If the scientists are correct, we still can correct the decline. But not with seventy percent of our nation's wealth going to maintain an unneeded military presence, the excess we can divert to planetary and civil programs once we downsize the military, we have vast areas of our Empire to explore; we know there are worlds capable of supporting life. If that’s true then we can responsibly harvest, or if inhabited, established trade for the raw products we've depleted. Face it we've just about stripped this world barren to support… a failed agenda which has been in place for almost a century."
Mir had listened carefully to Nadia and had taken notes. Moving to the window and taking in the view she started with this.
"A mix of social and planetary issues, the outline will take time but face it, it's like you said, how the Alliance accepts our request for full membership, and remember there will be assistance offered too. We might be able to do the seeming impossible with …"
Interrupting Mir, Nadia said.
"Outside help was something I was hoping to avoid, we have many 'secrets' which I wish the outside 'world' not know about… we've not been a 'jewel' in any sense of the word. More like a very tarnished stone of little value. Those are my thoughts but, if sensible assistance is offered I'll not refuse it. Sorry Mir I interrupted you."
Mir took Nadia's outburst in stride and continued.
"Let's make an outline of those issues we feel important enough to make the top priority list. Go to the Alliance, plead our case and see how the chips fall. It's a gamble I'll admit, we're both gamblers, however if we lose, the stakes are pretty high. But I feel we can out do out predecessors. It's almost imperative we do if not this world and our people will lose."
*********
The meeting was set, Cassandra entourage consisted of Sari, Dawn and a security detail of Greta's hand picked telepaths. Marjee was tasked with providing transportation. KO would be close by monitoring the situation. It was expected the Zon would show up in force, at least that's how their last visit was. Departure time approached and Cassandra briefed Eliana, who would be in charge in her absence of the actions to take if…"Eli it depends on how the Zon arrive, while I really want to believe their intentions are honorable, given their past… KO's going to be monitoring, since you are fleet commander I trust you'll position forces, if necessary…"
"Hold on Cassie I get where this conversation is heading… you're expecting an all out with the Zon… remember it's not Minchi… although… I understand… I'll cover you without starting an incident. Do me a favor and keep a lid on your famous temper. Zon aggression is one thing you egging them on … you know the Alliance won't stand for that."
Knowing the Zon were enroute to Alliance headquarters Marjee timed her departure so as they would arrive just after the Zon. This would give KO a chance to assess the Zon and inform Marjee of how outnumbered they were. Approaching headquarters there was no word from KO; Marjee initiated a scan of the area to find... a Zon transport and two light cruisers, it was then KO appeared on her main viewer and said.
"Marjee that's it, I've scanned a couple of parsecs and that's all they brought. They also arrived with little fanfare. At this moment they are being escorted to the Alliance council chambers, I suggest you deliver Cassie before they get impatient."
The link closed and Marjee docked at the station, Cassie and party were escorted to the chamber. A link was opened to Eliana and this was said.
"Eli, I'm confused, I'll assume you've seen KO report?"
"I have and I can confirm what you see is what there is… Zon traveling in this manor is completely unheard of. As far as firepower, you've got them, outgunned five to one or better. Besides being a stunning surprise, it's their arrival that's turning heads. According to the Suran ambassador, in his words, they were polite, almost charming, high praise coming from the likes of that man. I wonder what Cassie is hearing… I guess we'll know soon enough, the fleet is staying put. KO's capable of giving more than enough assistance should you need it."
The link closed, Marjee sat looking at the main viewer, the three Zon ships filling most of the center and the passive display was showing their status… at station keeping, deflector's active, main power in standby. It looked as if they were here just to deliver their passengers and take no further actions…? It was strange for any Zon ship.
*********
Aboard Illusion KO had been passively scanning the Alliance council chamber. She was interested in bio readings from those in attendance. Opening a link to Marjee and Eliana the conversation was…"I've been observing bio readings from those in the chamber, to my surprise it's been a pretty normal session… if you can believe this; calm cool heads seem to be prevailing. I believe the Zon are about to speak I'm showing a slight increase in their bio readings, I believe a bit of uncertainty… I don't know what was said, but everyone's readings just momentarily jumped significantly… it seems the Zon have said their peace, the room is back to normal with the exception of our contingent, if I was guessing, I'd say Cassie was in shock… Gad I wished we had a feed from the council, really… it looks like the meeting has been adjourned… groups of like bio signs seem to be leaving the area except… looks like Cassie is talking to the Zon, scan shows it's a calm, for Cassie, conversation… Marjee they are on the way back to the ship… let us know when you know something. Okay?"
The link closes as Cassandra and party entered the ship, the only thing that is said is Cassie asking Marjee to head home and informing KO to do the same... heading to her quarters, Cassandra opens a secure link to the Council… the link last a few minutes. After that Cassandra opens a secure link to Lafiel… that link lasts for almost five minutes. Contacting the bridge Cassie tells Marjee to pick up the pace she wants to be planet side in less than an hour. KO notes the increase in speed and passes this along to Eliana.
"Marjee just went to factor six, I'm matching her speed, expect our arrival shortly… I have no idea what happened, guess we'll find out soon."
"KO only thing I can tell you is an emergency meeting of the Council has been requested shortly after Marjee's arrival. The list is quite limited. Lafiel was seen in the Village heading to the Council chambers. As far as I know neither you nor I are on the invite list so… whatever Cassie heard and or saw she's going to present it to and get guidance from the Council before we're informed… I'm guessing it's something pretty significant… my guess."
The link closes; KO turns to Sarah and says.
"Have Orion analyze the scan we made and see if there is anything out of the ordinary… if the Zon said or did something… there should be a moment in the data that everyone responded… that response… I'd like to know if it was mutual or if someone was completely taken by surprise… also account for translation times when comparing… Zon takes a moment or two to translate… basically if everyone was surprised then it was something no Zon has ever uttered, in public at least, and it's was probably what brought about the 'extra' conversation from Cassie… But if one or more groups showed little or no change in reading then…"
"I understand KO normally I'd say you were heading off the 'deep' end but given it's the Zon… I'm programming the parameters but we'll be docked before we have any results."
"That's alright Council meetings last a minimum of an hour or better, we'll know something by then…"
*********
Aboard the transport Mir and Nadia were in conversation as they slowly returned to the home world. Mir started with this."On the whole I feel it went well, we stunned all of them especially the group from Shahrazad, although the Dorian's might have been even more amazed… that Suran ambassador I don't … like…. him. Those others, they're members but in numbers they are quite few… of course they all have voting status… waiting a month for a decision…"
Nadia who had been lying on a bench seat from her position said.
"They are going to vote on the proposition we presented to them, as far as I'm concerned it's a victory no matter how the vote turns out. They accepted us at face value and unlike those before us; I really feel they believed how sincere we were. A month, it'll be here before we know it, right now we've got some planning to do before we get home. That's why we're taking the leisurely route."
*********
A closed, sealed Council meeting began shortly after Cassandra arrived in the Village. Sari and Cassandra were in the discussion, Dawn sat in a secure room sorting through the Zon presentation… she also had a link open to Orion viewing the data comparison KO had created. Syncing the speech to the bio data it became clear the Zon caught everyone by surprise with their presentation. Forwarding the comparisons to Cassandra she dimmed her tablet and reflected on the day in general.The Council was in session and Cassandra was ready to present the synopsis of the meeting when Dawn's information appeared on her tablet, taking a moment to review it she started by saying this.
"Before I go into detail I've just received scan details which I will share as I present the Alliance council session we just attended. We were introduced to the new Zon government, as surmised they are young but seem to be experienced, or al least their presentation was well planned and explained in a short amount of time… They requested full admission to the Alliance and to join the mutual defense pact.'
The chamber erupted. Gwen banged the gavel repeatedly to regain order. Sitting to one side Erin and Li had taken in Cassandra's words. When the floor was opened for discussion the first question raised was.
"Why now, why would they want to join and join the defense treaty?"
A grumble and rumble began once again which Gwen brought to order. Erin requested the floor to explain and possibly answer the question, permission was granted and Erin began…
"I believe the Zon are in such a position that they can no longer maintain their present standards of living… there have been rumors of food shortages and their traders have been acquiring more and more daily staples… I believe they've stripped their world almost barren, if that be the case then what they proposed would free up not only credits but resources. How they plan to reverse decades of wasteful… you know we have been there before, centuries ago before we arrived on this world we damn near destroyed another. We left that world and sought out another one to cherish… that was Sol- Eros, unfortunately that world proved highly unstable and it damn near killed all of us. We were rescued brought to this world and given another chance… so far we've not repeated our mistakes. Knowing what we know we can help the Zon, IF they request it. Cassandra you are here, wanting to know if we'll approve your vote for the Zon, to join the Alliance."
Cassandra nodded and said.
"I believe they were sincere, I want to put past relations with the former government in the past, but… I want to vote in the affirmative yet; a part of me wants to abstain. I'm here for guidance and not so much approval for my actions. I've heard Erin's description. Our transport people agree with what was presented, if we do nothing and they have a rebellion on their hands… there's that bridge to cross. But…I still see a possibility of us being deceived… your input will be part of my final decision which we'll discuss before I vote… we have a month, it'll pass quickly… those are my thoughts."
Cassandra sat down; the Council was considering how to verify what was presented and how to advise Cassandra. As the details were about to be set Cassandra left the Council chambers, she didn't want to know what the research would be about, she was interested in the end results. Going to the Command Center, she held a high level meeting with her Commanders informing them of what she had heard and asking them for any recommendations.
Unbeknownst to Cassandra, Eliana had convened a tactical meeting to discuss KO's findings, so Cassandra's statement came as no surprise but confirmation of what was being discussed while the Council was in session. Recommendations had already been discussed and decided upon. They were presented to Cassandra who said.
"So it would seem you guys figured this out, okay we'll maintain our current status and be a bit more attentive when it comes to any Zon vessel or conversation we come across, we'll not offer help unless we're asked, with certain caveats, like rescuing a ship in distress per say. You'll keep me apprised of anything you come across through Dawn or Sari. I'm going to need time to figure this out for myself… if I make the wrong decision… That's all, return to your duties and thank you." Cassandra left, the link however, it remained open with Eliana saying.
"We've got a lot to do; the biggest thing is giving Cassandra time to sort out a myriad of issues, the Zon only being one of many. Continue your current patrols and to our transports don't interfere but be just a little more observant of any Zon traders you come across… unlike the military, traders tend to talk, maybe too freely at times, and they have been a useful information source in the past. Forward anything you come across to me and stay out of trouble."
As the ships, one by one, disappeared from the link, one remained and requested the current link move to security level one. Eliana authorized the link and Chitose appeared; her conversation was to the point.
"I know of a certain race that damn near destroyed a viable world. Should the Zon request assistance I feel from what's been learned there is a right and wrong way to help, before we offer assistance I'd like to be in on the discussion… I'm sure the Council impressed this upon Cassandra as well. Can you approve my request?"
Eliana had a feeling this subject was going to come up… although she could see Chitose's point; they are not the governing organization. Eliana can forward to Cassandra or the Council, Chitose's offer but… She was also feeling the uncertainty Chitose was feeling, staggering blind into an unknown place is something quite uncomfortable.
*********
Although Sobbash's farm was extensive it was just a minor part of a major farming scheme. The 'farm' was dedicated to exploring better growing methods and heartier strains of plants… the experiential farming methods Sobbash pioneered were shared with those in the Alliance to a certain degree. Unfortunately not all the worlds in the Alliance had climates and soil of quality to plant what Sobbash had been developing… The subject of the Zon had been recently discussed with Lafiel saying."From what I've heard, it would seem the Zon have abused their home world to the point it can no longer support the population. The new government came to the Alliance willing to join however they didn't ask for help, unless, I wonder if they have found a way to feed their own?"
Sobbash heard Lafiel however in this case she knew just a bit more on the subject that, at the moment, she could not share with Lafiel. Formulating an answer she said
"The Alliance hasn't accepted their request, while I'm sure they will, until they do, legally, we can not offer any unsolicited assistance. Hopefully that will change shortly."
What Sobbash knew was the Zon were close to civil war over scarce resources and that the Alliance was pondering just how much help they should offer, it was also impressed on all members that unauthorized offers would be met with stiff sanctions. A desperate, fragmented and fearful populace, that new government really had it hands full… unless it was all a ploy… which Sobbash seriously doubted but those feelings she couldn't share, at the moment. She smiled as Lafiel was sorting bean sprouts.
*********
Returning to the home world Nadia found Tara and Minchi had 'left' their idea of leaving included no less the thirty ships. Querying the dock master as to their destination he said."Don't know, they boarded and launched as they always have. We never asked, that way we stood a decent chance of survival."
Nadia thanked him turned to Mir and…
"The walls have ears… we'll discuss this later…"
Leaving the spaceport and heading to a 'secure location' Mir checked, gave her okay, and Nadia exploded.
"Ships of the line, food and other valuable resources, I swear if I wasn't her blood I'd order…."
Mir approached her, took her hands and said calmly.
"All in good time, let's take advantage of their absence and make some needed 'changes'. Are you up to the challenge?"
The thought of not being interrupted constantly was enticing… Nadia had some changes she wanted to make Mir was on the same page as well… there was going to be quite the surprise when Tara and Minchi got back, quite a surprise indeed.
*********
The 'ghost village' had welcomed Jasmine in an unexpected way… hoping she would be able to get away and clear her head, she found a community looking for medical assistance. It would seem that although the Council was sending regular medical aid, they weren't assisting those there… basically they had supplies but not enough expertise to use them. Jasmine felt she should spend sometime correcting the problem and while she was at it, she and Kufadis could have their 'long talk' without raising suspicion, she recruited him to assist her in training those who wanted to learn, Kufadis being fluent in Abh and Jasmine not so.The first few days were quite frustrating, however slowly those who wanted to learn were gaining enough knowledge that Jasmine's job was getting easier. A week passed as she and Kufadis were discussing their next phase of training, when out of the blue, Jasmine said…
"They killed them all without a trial, put their remains on a discarded probe and sent them crashing into an unnamed asteroid…I believe she's going to raise an army and with her last breath kill all those involved, and Kufadis, there was nothing I could say or do to dissuade her. Has she always been that headstrong?"
Although he knew Jasmine was here to discuss her conversation with Painiach, her presentation caught him off guard and stunned him. Gathering his thoughts he said.
"That headstrongness you speak of has served her well and kept her alive all these years, if anyone could gather an army and free the Empire, it would be her… I wish I had gone… no, I would have been a hindrance, was there anything else she said?'
Jasmine had watched Kufadis closely as he spoke his emotion was apparent, she said this to him.
"Aunt Painiach said she would be back once she accomplished her mission, gave me a hug, wished me well, and left. Why do I have the feeling that…"
Kufadis stopped her, looked her in the face and said.
"She said she'd be back, I've witnessed that phrasing before, have faith in her, as I do."
Jasmine left him, as she disappeared from view he thought… 'Painiach, I feel I know you better than anyone on this world, you told her you'd be back, she's a lot like you in many ways, so, I'd not disappoint her.'
*********
On patrol along the Zon frontier, Plakia spotted Tara and Minchi's entourage making their way out of Zon and into open space. She decided to follow at a safe distance and as her weapons officer commented… "That group's so spread out that even a recruit could track them."
Half a day passed and the lead sixteen ships broke off from the balance of the group. Plakia decided to follow the leaders, an hour later it was noted that the group left behind was returning to Zon space. Within another half day her decision would pay off when…
"Captain, you better have a look at this…"
The weapons officer was glued to his display, as Plakia approached he moved aside and continued.
"Not sure who they belong to, at this distance it's hard to tell but, I believe it's a battle fleet by the energy signatures I'm receiving."
Plakia stared at the display, that formation, she'd seen it before, and then.
"Leave a tracker, back us away slowly, plot a course to the nearest outpost and once clear pull the stops out, then send everything we've seen directly to Command and place a note for Kenesh to see it."
They backed away and made their exit undetected, at the Dorian station Plakia contacted Command. Kenesh was on the link, she started the conversation by saying.
"You have an uncanny knack of finding the most interesting objects… I've reviewed the data… there is no doubt… but when did those two have the time to..."
Aboard Defiance Plakia waited for the opportunity to interrupt Kenesh when it appeared she said.
"Since you've figured it out, we must inform the current government of …"
"Whoa… not so fast, we have no idea why that meeting… oh, now I understand your inference… if your feeling is correct... but we'd need a lot of proof…"
"Kenesh I don't think we have the time, I left a tracker it's following the main fleet, here is their current location."
In Kenesh's office a star map with a blip appeared, she glanced at it, got a startled look and then studied it carefully…as she continued.
"If what I'm seeing is correct, then…"
"Let's assume it's the hardliners and they want to wipe out the resistance in the Hyde system… what better ploy than having a Zon squadron attack with their backup being... It figures, the Zon are desperate and … Minchi… this is something she'd talk Tara into… we need to tell… Damn they're not members, how do we tell them?"
The door to Kenesh's office was ajar and as Noel was passing by, she overheard the balance of the conversation. Not bothering to announce herself she entered the office looked over Kenesh's shoulder and said.
"Another hornet's nest. Do they ever stop?"
Within moments Cassandra and Dawn had joined them in Kenesh's office, the link to Plakia still open became active once again with Cassandra saying.
"You're closest to the Zon capital… I'll get you clearance you deliver what you have to Nadia or Mir no one else and… let's hope the rebel commander is smart enough to sense a decoy and doesn't enter the trap. It's all we can do, anything else puts us in a position I don't want to be in…"
Plakia acknowledged the message and set course for the Zon defense zone, turning to her first office who is a repatriated Zon she said.
"You're with me, my Zon is terrible as you well know and I feel we're only going to get one chance to get the message across, you did comprehend and understand what has transpired?"
"Unfortunately I understood Captain, he's in the Hyde system isn't he?"
"Whether he is or isn't, has no bearing on the task at hand, we need to impress on Nadia, Mir, or both of them. The folly Minchi and Tara are about to participate in and what will happen if they're not stopped. Time is of the essence I figure they're about eight to ten hours from conflict and we're three hours from the Zon Capital, if we're not stopped at the frontier."
*********
Language barriers have been the cause of many a misunderstanding which at times has led to an unnecessary conflict. In this case Cassandra had gotten the message to the acting Zon representative and she had forwarded it to the Capital. Plakia was allowed to cross the frontier however she was not allowed in to enter the spaceport. A communications link was established and a request to speak with either Mir or Nadia was requested and immediately rejected. From the engineering department a frustrated Plakia had the ships scanners locate Nadia seems Mir was close by, moving her first officer towards a pad she said."Hope you don't mind having your atoms scattered… chief energize."
They appeared in a large room where Nadia and Mir along with a security detail were. As they materialized they were greeted with weapons drawn to which the first officer exclaimed.
"We are unarmed, but we must talk to you now."
Mir took note of the woman who had addressed her in perfect Zon and the Abh-ish looking officer with her and said.
"You may speak and it better be important or we have accommodations below for you."
Handing the data pad to Mir the first officer continued.
"We came across Tara and Minchi in open space and we followed them… if you know the area and recognize the ships then … they're presently about six hours from the Hyde system with the intent, we believe, of helping the Abh hardliners crush their resistance."
Nadia who was on the other side of the room pushed her security detail aside took the pad from Mir, studied it and said.
"They took an entire battle squadron with them; we thought it strange but…"
Looking at an officer, who by decoration, seemed to be of a high rank she said.
"Order them home, tell my mother I'm wise to her and if one ship gets a scratch on it, she'll not see the light of day for years."
Coming to attention the officer left the room. Nadia and Mir took a look at the two souls before them and Nadia continued.
"By your dress it would seem you are a junior officer, would you mind introducing yourself and your Captain to us?"
Introductions were made; Mir was looking at a device showing it to Nadia, a look of surprise came across her face as she said.
"I'm honored, Governor Lynn's grand mother, this is an unexpected surprise. Please extend my regrets to your grand daughter and inform her, my mother will behave herself from here on… I hope she'll understand we had no knowledge of their little adventure but I assure you it will NEVER happen again. I look forward to seeing her at the Alliance conference…"
The Officer entered the room and announced that the fleet was returning, however he was uncertain if the flagship was with them to which Mir said.
"Send this to the fleet commander. I don't care if she has to disable and tow the flagship home they will return with the fleet."
The officer departed and with that Nadia said.
"You've delivered your message and we thank you for your effort, but it would be advisable that you be on your way before our fleet returns."
A flash of light and they were back aboard the ship, leaving from the dark side of the planet they picked up the fleet's return on the long range sensors. Plakia wondered if Minchi was under power or being towed, it would be something she'd never know. However the grin she carried most of the way back didn't faze those on the bridge.
To Be Continued In: Undiscovered Colonies: the Zon and the Alliance
