Legacy of the Guardians
by AJ Marks
Part 8
Randall walked into the council room wondering what might happen today. The last couple of days had been quiet, especially considering the Skartian ambassador had not shown up. He felt sure that could change at any minute. The last time he even heard about the ambassador, who had not been in a good mood, accused humanity of war crimes against the universe. Randall asked what that might have been, but the Skartian stormed off with no reply.
He noticed a few of the ambassadors reading over reports before sitting down next to Kinser, who seemed absorbed in his reports.
“What’s going on?” Randall asked over at his friend.
“Huh?” Kinser replied, looking up from his reading. “Oh, Ran Dall, didn’t hear you come up,” he said, causing Randall to laugh a bit. “I was going over the reports from our warships, the ones we sent to the neutral zone. We lost seven ships and over a thousand soldiers.”
“Sorry my friend, anyone you knew?” Randall asked.
“Not personally, but reports from home, the people are angry at the Skartians,” Kinser said. “How do you deal with the losses of war?”
“It’s never easy, but a fact of life many of us have come to accept,” Randall replied, not sure how to answer that question. Humanity had become so used to it, it was a fact of life.
“How many did you lose in the attack on your world?” Kinser asked.
“Well, reports are still sketchy, but it would be as high as ten thousand, not including the thousand we lost in the battle. It could have been much worse,” Randall replied. They both looked up to see the President approaching the podium, ready to begin today’s discussion.
“Fellow members, we have a problem brewing. The Skartians ambassador has yet to respond to any message from the council. Does anyone have any information on the whereabouts of the ambassador?” the president asked. He looked around but no one said anything.
“May I make a suggestion?” Randall asked, looking up at the President after several minutes of silence. “I suggest we go to his room and see if he’s there or getting in.”
The President pondered that for a few seconds before answering. “I believe at this time such a measure is too drastic, but I will keep an open mind. Anything else ambassador?”
“Well, I am going to be submitting this formal declaration of war against the Skartians with the council, but seeing how the ambassador isn’t here I will inform the council. Humanity intends to carry out a level three class warfare with the Skartians,” Randall said, feeling the tension in the air. Level three meant that humanity would wage a defensive war if possible, but still allow trade. Each trade ship however would be subjective to search.
Randall waited for the normal objections, and felt a bit relieved when only a few voiced objections. Most were from races that never dealt with humanity anyways. He did not know if they dealt with the Skartians or not.
“The council acknowledges the Human’s declaration of war against the Skartian Empire at level three,” the president said, then went about other business.
*****
Ahmed walked down what once had been a beautiful part of the city. Now, rubble and run-down buildings littered the street as people tried their best to make the conditions livable. He had no idea how people could live in such filth, especially after living aboard a warship for so many years in outer space.
The government, the Taliban, clearly cared little for the people. They were too busy using their religion to keep the people subdued. He wondered if his parents were still living at their old residence, and had not been forced out yet.
He looked around, receiving some glances due to the fact he was unknown in the region. Ten years does that, his memories were very different of this area. He noticed his parent’s house was still there, and seemed to be lived in. Knocking on the door he waited until an older man opened the door.
“Father,” Ahmed said, recognizing him right away. He was older, more wrinkles but still the same man.
“Ahmed!” the older man said, looking up at his son, disbelief in his eyes. “My son, you’ve come home.”
“For a visit father,” Ahmed said. He started to ask about his mother when he spotted people walking down the street, so did his father.
“Come, let’s go inside,” his father said, leaving unspoken that the streets were not the area to talk.
“Ahmed,” his mother cried, rushing forward to give him a hug. “You look well. Are you?”
“I’m fine mother, and you?” Ahmed asked, returning his mother’s hug and looking over at his father.
“We live in fear, those blasted Taliban baboons think they know how to run a country, bah,” his father said. He looked at him then at his mother, who appeared fearful about what he said as his father continued. “They’ve run this country into the ground. Destroyed out heritage.”
“Do you hear anything about the world news?” Ahmed asked wondering if they had heard about the attacks in the USA.
“No, their propaganda machine is hard at work, telling us only what they think we deserve to hear, at least out here,” his father replied, the last bit gave an indication that he knew something happened.
“Then you probably don’t know about what happened in the US?” Ahmed asked.
“It’s true?” his father asked.
“Two large skyscrapers were attacked, both collapsed due to a terrorist attack,” Ahmed said. “Killed thousands, and they think Osama bin Laden is behind it.”
His father scowled at the news, while his mother looked horrified.
“So, the rumors were right, no wonder those buffoons were so worked up earlier in the week,” his father said, sitting down before saying anything else. “The Americans will want revenge. If I’m not mistaken, this bin Laden fella, he’s here isn’t he? Is that why you’re here?”
“No, I’m not with the American’s,” Ahmed said, speaking the truth. “There are things I cannot tell you, but believe me, I am looking for bin Laden, to see something, hopefully to prevent even more death.”
“I see at least one of our boys has his head on right,” his mother said, causing Ahmed to frown.
“He’s still involved in that group?” Ahmed asked.
“Yes, and they’ve filled his head with useless garbage,” his father replied. “Perhaps you can give him some insight?”
“Wasn’t able to last time I was here,” Ahmed said. “Don’t think I’ll change his mind this time either, but,” Ahmed trailed off knowing that if a Skartian was found he could use that to shake his brother from his path. “What I came here for, I am going to ask something tremendous of you, I want you to move to Canada with me.”
He watched them look at him in stunned silence for several seconds before his father replied.
“Ten years ago, no, but now, it sounds nice,” his father said. Ahmed blinked, expecting more of a fight about moving.
“How would it be possible?” his mother asked.
“I know people in high places,” Ahmed said.
“Because you socialize with those pigs,” a voice said from the doorway. He looked over to see his younger brother standing there. “I knew you’d show up, trying to poison my family with such lies, and your great America.”
“Canada,” Ahmed countered. “There is a difference.”
“Please, don’t insult my intelligence,” his bother said dismissively. “And as for your friends in high places, they’ll never find you after we get though with you.”
Ahmed watched several others walk into the house.
“Father don’t,” Ahmed said, stalling his father from doing anything stupid, either in action or words. He needed them to remain here, As long as that happened, they would be safe and could be moved at any time. “It will only bring more trouble.”
“So, you do have some sense in you,” his brother sneered.
“Let me ask, why do you think I’m here?” Ahmed asked him.
“Its obvious, you’re here for the great one,” his brother said, making Ahmed realize the potential trouble and how easy this mission might be.
“What if I said I had important information that could be useful to him?” Ahmed asked, watching his brother blink at the question. The question froze him for a second.
“Then I’d say you’re lying,” his brother finally replied.
“I only want to say one thing to bin Laden, personally, then I’ll leave and you’ll never see me again brother,” Ahmed told him, it was a general truth, and hoped it might get him close.
“Doesn’t matter,” his brother replied, motioning for the other two to grab him.
“One second,” Ahmed said. “I will go with you, but first,” he turned to his mother and father. “Don’t worry about me,” he said, giving his mother a hug. “Be ready to leave when my friends get here,” he whispered in her ear.
Pulling away he turned back to the two men and his brother.
“Shall we,” he said, as one approached, striking him. He slumped unconsciousness to the ground.
*****
Greg relaxed in the chair glad for a bit of rest. Things were extremely busy at the moment, especially with so many things going on, including war. So far there had been no battles, and only a few protests from freighter captains, but otherwise quiet. He dreaded when things got busy.
He turned feeling a hand on his shoulders, seeing Karen behind him.
“You look deep in thought,’ she said.
“Eh, maybe, thinking about what all is going on,” Greg replied, as his fiancée sat down next to him. “You on break?”
“Lunch break, what about you?” she asked.
“Yeah, though, don’t know what I want to eat,” he replied honestly. “Any leads on bin Laden?”
“Not yet, we have a few operatives we’re tracking, so far no leads,” Karen replied back to him.
“Must be the information I’m moving back and forth,” Greg said.
“Could be, I know intelligence really wants to nab this guy,” Karen said. “So if you see a code Alpha One, get it to us right away.”
“Means someone found him,” Greg guessed watching Karen nod yes.
“You know, my mom talked to me, wondering if we had a date yet,” she said causing him to look over at her.
“Funny, I think Admiral Cave wants to know as well, he’s been hinting the same thing so he wouldn’t miss it,” he replied back to her.
“We should think about it then,” she replied with a laugh. Her stomach took that moment to growl. “Guess I’m hungry.”
“Well, come on, can’t let you starve,” Greg said, standing up, then helping her up. Together they made their way to the cafeteria.
*****
“So far, nothing,” Jack said, throwing the paper down on the desk, and looking up at Steve.
“It’s only been a day, give it time Jack,” Steve replied, leaning casually in the door frame.
“I know, I know,” Jack said, leaning on his elbows, placing his head in his hands. He stayed like that for a couple of seconds before looking back up. “The latest report from Randall makes me uneasy.”
Steve said nothing, but Jack knew that Steve trusted him immensely. The latest reports indicated the Skartian ambassador had disappeared. No one knew where he had gone but with all the charges he threw out towards Earth, it surprised Jack that the ambassador up and left. What else might be going on?
“If we can capture bin Laden, and ask him some questions, we might get some real answers about what is going on,” Jack said, leaning back in the chair.
“Come on let’s grab something to eat while we can,’ Steve said, standing up and grabbing his hat.
“Sounds good,” Jack said, standing and stretching. “What’s the cafeteria serving today? Chicken fried steak?”
“Think so, should be good,” Steve said, as they walked out of the room.
Ten minutes later they were sitting down in the cafeteria, tray in hand, looking for a spot to sit down when Jack noticed Greg and Karen.
“Mind if we join you?” Jack asked, standing by them.
“No sir, please have a seat,” Greg replied.
“Ah, chicken fried steak,” Steve said, sitting down across from Jack.
“They do serve a good chicken fried steak, and good gravy,” Karen said.
“Saw your father while we down planetside,” Jack said.
“Yeah, mom mentioned it, said you asked about a date,” Karen said, taking another bite and swallowing before continuing. “We’re still working on a date, can’t rush these things.”
“Any dates that come to mind?’ Steve asked.
“A few, we’re going to go over them tonight after supper on our off time,” Greg replied.
“Then we might finally get a date?” Jack asked hopefully.
“Where are you from Greg?” Steve asked.
“Alaska, well, actually I was born in Anchorage, but my family moved stateside a few years ago, got tired of the cold,” Greg answered, “so going home is now further away.”
The rest of lunch went by quickly, as they talked about where they came from, before Greg and Karen returned to work.
“They make a nice couple,” Steve said, watching them walk off. “Oh, to be young again.”
“Yeah, and less responsibilities,” Jack replied with a laugh.
“Well, better get back to work as well,” Jacks aid, standing. They put their dishes up and headed back to their offices.
*****
Ahmed slowly became aware of his surroundings. The headache was first, and he took a couple of minutes to try and ease the pain away with meditation techniques he learned over the years. After a couple of minutes he managed to ease the pain enough to concentrate on his situation.
He carefully took stock of his situation. He felt his arms were tied and a bandage over his head. He extended his awareness hearing two different sets of breathing. He knew he was not alone, the fact he was not moving meant they have moved him to where it was. So the others with him could be other prisoners, or his guards. He also realized they had not taken him far, which was good news for him.
“Is he awake yet?” Ahmed heard his brother ask. Some rustling and the bandage over his head yanked off causing him to blink in the bright light.
“So, you’ve woken up dear brother,” he said sarcastically. “Wince when did you start to carry a gun?” Ahmed saw his gun, which his brother pointed right at him. “Maybe I’ll kill you with your own gun.”
“Then you’ll lose any information I have,” Ahmed replied, now worried about being shot. If anyone tried to use his gun it would not work. It had been designed to only work with his hand.
“I doubt you have any information we could use. You see, we’ve struck a great blow to the great evil, America. Their materialistic ways will finally catch up with them, and we will destroy them,” his brother replied.
“no, all you’ve done for now is make them angry at you, and you have their attention,” Ahmed said “But you have no idea what you’re up against.”
“No, you have no idea what you’re up against,” his brother replied, getting right in his face. Ahmed realized this man was not the same person who had been his brother. This man was twisted, though the tough guy routine did not scare Ahmed.
“I do have information for him, just let me talk to him,” Ahmed asked one last time.
Instead his brother walked out. The other two men in the room seemed to not even notice the conversation between them. Ahmed hoped his brother would lead him to bin Laden, especially considering what his brother said. Whoever the leader was, had done a good job in brainwashing people. He felt relieved his parents avoided such a fate.
He felt under his fingernail on his left hand, relieved when he felt the tiny transmitter still attached. He would wait and see before making any call for help. He knew his other items would be searched, but the technology they used would not be noticeable by anyone on Earth.
End part 8
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