Legacy of the Guardians
by AJ Marks
Part 22
Jack watched the number flow across the screen. From what he saw, everything looked good, the Skartians had lost more than half of the fleet they sent. The high numbers of heavies were especially impressive to Jack, and what he hoped happened in this battle. He looked up watching Steve walk into the room.
“So, what were the final numbers?” Steve asked.
“They were very good, hopefully we’ve severely crippled their fleet. They lost thirty-one heavies out of fifty-three, our losses were not as severe, six battlecruisers and three carriers,” Jack said to him. “And intelligence thinks the rest of the heavies suffered damage that will require some time to repair.”
“that is good news, our losses won’t hurt our ability to defend ourselves?’ Steve asked, always thinking about the defense of Earth.
“No, not unless the Skartians have a couple of other fleet lying around with those same numbers,” Jack replied, doubting it. “If they did, I think they would have used it, overwhelmed us. And I think I have some good news for someone.”
Jack reached over to call his secretary to send in Greg.
“Oh, I see, finally thought of a date?” Steve asked.
“Yep,” Jack said, as Greg made his way into the office. “Have a seat, I have good news for you.”
He watched Greg hesitate, before sitting down across from Jack.
“The good news is the last battle severely damaged the Skartian fleet. I think it’s safe to say that you and Karen can get the time off for your wedding, and a honeymoon. We should be able to get along without you two for a couple of weeks. That last battle hurt the Skartain fleet badly,” Jack said, watching as Greg’s eyes lit up.
“Karen will be glad to hear this,” Greg said, jumping up, starting to run out of the room before stopping at the door. “Permission to leave sir.”
“Granted, be sure ti invite us,” Jack said, watching as Greg took off.
“Well, there went an excited man,” Steve said.
“Got that right, I think everyone will be glad they have settled on a date,” Jack said, knowing how long Karen’s mother had been hounding her daughter for a date.
“It’ll be good for them, most say they already act like a married couple, this will formally solidify that thought,” Steve said with a chuckle.
“Got that right,” Jack replied, sharing the laugh before turning back to the numbers. He and Steve went over the damaged ships from the battle, and how much they might have to reorganize the fleet, and where they could take ships and move them around. It would be a long afternoon.
*****
Greg walked into the cafeteria looking around for Karen. He quickly made his way over to where she sat, a large grin on his face, which she noticed right away.
“So, what’s up?’ she asked him as he sat down at the table.
“Finished talking with Admiral Cave after that recent battle. He says the Skartaisn fleet is probably out of action for a while, and is giving us time off after Christmas for our wedding,” he replied, watching her get excited about the news.
“My mother will be excited to hear this, the best news yet,” Karen replied.
“So will mine, I guess you have to get back to work?” Greg said, noticing that she had finished her lunch.
“Yeah, we have a lot of information to go over after that last battle, all types of film and even some prisoners to interrogate, though most are typical soldiers, might be a few higher-ups, never know,” Karen said, standing. “I’ll tell my mom the good news, and tell you what she says later on.”
“Okay, love you,” he said, giving Karen as quick kiss.
“Ditto,” she replied, then happily made her way back to her station for this afternoon’s schedule, but that would wait until she sent a quick message off to her mom. A call she actually looked forward to making.
*****
Hidden in the shadows in a small room, a dark creature waited. It waited for the contact to show up, hopefully with the information it required. Its race had been asleep for over a thousand years, and the races around it had changed when they woke up.
Patience was not something they were born with, and it would easily kill someone who made it wait too long. Today, its foul mood increased when the latest information came in, their grand plan had been defeated.
It’s ears perked up, hearing the sound of soft footsteps making the way down the hallway. It could make out two people, a male and a female. They stopped at the door, and he heard a giggle before the door opened allowing them into the room.
“You’ve failed me,” it said, its voice rang out across the room. Both figures froze, though the male sharply straightened before looking over at it.
“Uh, my Lord, I wasn’t expecting to see you,” the male said, stumbling slightly with his words.
“I gave you a simple task, for over a hundred years you have failed me,” it said, starting to move out of the shadows of the room, and towards the couple as the door closed.
To the couple they could not tell if the shadowy figure was male or female. It seemed to float towards them with silver eyes, cold and hard.
“Its surprising such a race cannot complete such a simple task,” it said, closing the distance between the two of them.
“They are stronger than they seem, stronger than what you said they would be,” the male replied, defending himself, but clearly afraid of the shadow.
“Of course they are, but we gave you the technology to destroy them,” the shadow said.
“And they were able to overcome that technology. I wonder why we’re even allied with you,” the male said.
“You dare question me,’ the shadow roared, flinging the male across the room. It watched impassionately as the male slumped to the ground, but managed to look up. “Our patience is almost at an end, you have been given one last chance, use it wisely. I would not fail again.”
They watched the shadowy figure leave the room before the ale rose shakily to his feet, fear about what might happen raced through his body. He feared for his future.
*****
The Galactic Council was in normal session, and appeared that the recent events had faded away into memory. The bickering over trade rights, and valuable deposits replaced the urgency of war between the Skartians and the Humans. Many races were simply glad that the ar did not expand beyond the borders of the two races and disrupting trade. Few trusted either race, despite the Humans being trusted a bit more than the Skartians, few backed them.
The Ilderians were one of the few races that trusted the humans, so much so that the ambassador, Kinser, was a friend to Randall. That friendship had cost Kinser some politically, as many viewed the relationship as upsetting the balance in the universe. Some of the other races hoped for no resolution to the war between the Skartians and Humans, they balanced each other.
Kinser had said he always thought the humans were a prideful race, and that pride led to the violent outbursts. He seemed to enjoy studying the humans, at least it felt that way to Randall. Some of the other ambassadors called Kinser crazy for his study, and many of the older races felt really strong against even getting to know the Humans. Their lead meant many of the younger races followed with their disinterest in Humanity.
Randall sat down next to Kinser, figuring on the fact this meeting would not have anything important in regards to the unknown race helping the Skartians. He had not heard anything from the President, and the council’s special investigations had only started. Today, the normal uninteresting things would be present.
“So, how are things going?” Kinser asked quietly.
Randall pondered how much to tell Kinser. They were allies, but even allies had a way to slipping up. “Well, things are better lately, though the Skartians haven’t stopped sending invasion fleets. Their last fleet our intelligence hopes we hurt them enough where they might come to the peace table,” Randall said, knowing that was safe.
“Good news, my government will be glad to hear that. I’m afraid they are still upset at the Skartians recent actions,” Kinser said, surprising Randall a bit.
“I think that we won’t be hearing too much from them in the near future, but we’re keeping our guard up,” Randall replied. He felt glad for the few allies he had in the council. He hoped for a few more considering that his superiors had not pushed the war into Skartian territory, and were only fighting a defensive war.
It had worked, the Ilderians were in formal talks to form an Alliance. Toncor, an ambassador of one of the older races also seemed more interested in Humanity, and how the war was going. His race had not gotten involved, but the fact they were talking was a huge leap forward in Randall’s mind.
Randall continued to look around the room, seeing the typical group, and concerns being played out all over the place. The topic turned to the Human-Skartian war, which actually surprised Randall.
“Does the Ilderian ambassador have anything to add?” the President asked looking at Kinser.
“My government is looking at all possibilities at this time, including but not limited to, retribution and payments from the Skartians. We are still at a state of war with them until such time as they come forward and acknowledge their mistakes,” Kinser said honestly.
“And the Humans?” the President asked.
“We only ask for the Skartians to come to the peace table, we wish to end this war, but as long as they continue to send war fleets into our space, we will continue to defend ourself,” Randall replied, trying for the most diplomatic path.
“Very well,” the President said, continuing on to the next issue. Randall barely paid it any attention, and read though the reports.
*****
Jack sat at his desk considering the question of what they should do next. The Skartian threat had been defeated, at least he hoped for now. But he had to ask, for how long? Patrols were along the border keeping a constant eye out for any Skartian ships. He wanted to attack the Skartians directly, but his superiors rejected that idea.
He rubbed his head, thinking about everything. Defense didn’t win wars, you had to attack. He paused looking at the desk, seeing the invitation to Karen and Greg’s wedding. He hoped to make it down there for a bit, and if things remained this way he did not see why not.
“Any news?” Steve’s voice asked from the doorway.
“Ah, no, nothing,” Jack replied back to him. “Not even an eye twitch from them, and that makes me nervous. Add in the fact the Skartian ambassador is still missing, not good my friend.”
“You have any idea what their next move might be?” Steve asked. “I’m straight out of ideas.”
“No, been sitting here thinking about that one,” Jack replied back to him. However, I think we’re going to find out real soon.”
“Think so, I’ll keep all patrols on alert then. But we don’t want to do that for too long,” Steve said to him, and Jack knew the truth.
“Yeah, might be time to start rotating them, keep them fresh and alert,” Jack said. “I have a feeling about something, soon.”
“I’ll look into it, but you know,” Steve said, looking back outside before continuing. “I also have a bad feeling this time.”
The statement shocked Jack a bit, normally Steve never said anything about that. He watched his friend leave before pondering the statement. It all added up to nothing good.
*****
Toncor sat at the small table, wondering about the chaos of going on in the universe. One of the oldest members of the council, and he had never seen so much war in his lifetime. He thought back to the days when talks won over violence. The council back then had the respect of others, and even talk of establishing an alliance to create a universal government.
A few protested the formation of such an establishment. They feared a few could control the many. Toncor agreed with that, assuming people were not diligent against such people. The safeguards they came up with, even he hoped they might work. He had been a young, brash ambassador at the time, full of idealistic theories, but no reality to back it up. Now, he had wisdom yet no one seemed to listen to him anymore.
“You look pretty down Ambassador Toncor,” a voice said, breaking Toncor out of his thoughts. He looked up seeing the human ambassador standing next to him.
“Ah, ambassador, I didn’t hear you approach, have a seat,” Toncor said, motioning to the empty seat next to him.
“What are you doing up and about so late?” Randall asked.
“Oh, thinking, and my race is used to being awake for longer periods of time before resting. What about you?” Toncor asked.
“Couldn’t sleep. I’m feeling restless, and well, its not a big deal,” Randall said, looking uncomfortable with the discussion.
“Is there anything I can do to help you?” Toncor asked, not sure why he said it. The humans were gaining his trust, slowly. He first thought they acted with violence easily, but as he got to understanding them, realized the truth was far more complex.
“Nope, don’t think so,” Randall replied, seemingly taken back by the question. “Probably nothing more than nerves catching up with me.”
“So, tell me more about your planet, your people?” Toncor asked, realizing an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge of this race.
He spend the next hour or so listening to Randal talking about the differences between their two races, only to find out, they had a lot in common as well. The technology was very different, but both races were curious about the unknown, similar tastes in arts and architecture.
Even wondering about the mysteries of the universe, Toncor could see little difference between this human race, and any other race. The planet Tagat came up again.
“I heard there wasn’t much left on that planet,” Randall said.
“True, but the building that remained, one of the most unusual building’s I’ve ever seen,” Toncor said, one of the few left to have seen it first-hand. “I’m not sure if that’s what they looked like or not, but it appeared intelligent, sitting down, like this.”
Toncor mimicked the sitting position of the monument he had seen with his front hands.
“A bit unusual,” Randall said.
“Yes, but we have no mention if that’s what they looked like, or a god they worshipped,” Toncor said.
“Another mystery, reminds me a bit of Atlantis,” Randall replied. “The only difference is we have legends and writings, but no location. A bit reversed of what we have here with Tagat.”
“It always brings up a fable my father told me when I was young. Sadly I never paid any attention to it, and now, well, I can’t find that tale anywhere,” Toncor said to Randall.
“Maybe one day you’ll remember it,” Randall replied, sounding a bit cheerful.
“Perhaps,” Toncor said, standing and stretching. “This was enlightening, perhaps we should do it again some time.”
With that Toncor walked off, leaving Randall sitting there confused.
*****
Greg and Karen made their way down the corridor for lunch. They had gotten the same time for lunch today, and were eager to make it last. Things remained calm since the last Skartian attack, thought everyone remained alert. No one wanted to be caught looking the wrong way.
“Wonder what they’re serving today, yesterday’s menu wasn’t that good,” Karen said, approaching the door.
“Yeah, if they hadn’t overcooked it, it might have been good,” Greg replied, recalling the menu. “I think they are serving pizza today.”
“Sounds good, and a bit harder to ruin, unless you use bad ingredients,” Karen replied, entering the room, and the smell of food hit their senses. “Looks like you’re right.”
“And it looks good,” Greg said, heading over to the line. “Any Skartian news?”
“No, been pretty quiet the last couple of days. We’re not sure if we need to panic, or if that’s good news,” Karen replied.
“Yeah, guess that’s why Admiral Cave and General Terial are nervous,” Greg replied, thinking about their attitudes in the past couple of days. They showed confidence about the situation, but Greg knew they were worried about something. He hoped to get some big of information. He picked up a slice of pepperoni and a couple of breadsticks to go with it.
“We’ve kept a close eye on local governments around the world, especially in the Middle East. They seem vulnerable to the Skartian tactics,” Karen said.
Greg nodded, making their way to a seat, and changing the topic to the wedding.
End part 22
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