CHAPTER 42: Titans Clash

The Terran Fleet slowed as they came into communications range. Alexander watched from the bridge as the sensors picked up the Armada. He wore a specially crafted uniform of purple, gold, and black made from the Chem cuirass and armor; it gave him a distant resemblance to his forefather, Alexander; which struck at the heart of their intent.

His Chem knife hung from his belt, blade naked for all to see, as a reminder that he still had an outstanding challenge with a member of the Assemblage. It was a point he would remind the Chem. He also had the Banthror pelt properly tanned. He wore this as a sash across his chest, as another reminder to the Chem of his exploits on Pantrixnia. It was the uniform of an Overlord, and he was prepared to play the part. When the two fleets stopped and arrayed in battle order, Alexander rose from his seat.

“Wait for them to call us first,” he said, and turned his back on the main viewers, expectant.

Captain Thomas announced, “Admiral, Alexander, a ship is detaching itself from the Chem Armada. Its course is directly towards us, and it is not slowing!”

“Shields up,” the Admiral ordered.

“Hold position Captain, order the Fleet to hold their fire unless fired upon,” Alexander said.

“Sir,” Thomas queried.

“Follow his orders Captain,” the Admiral said.

The Captain nodded as the smaller ship barreled in on the Iowa. Alexander didn’t look up. The bridge crew clung tensely to their seats until the Chem ship suddenly pulled up and around and headed back to its Fleet.

“No Chem would commit suicide before battle.”

The Admiral leaned over to Captain Thomas, “It’s his show now. Unless the shooting starts, Alexander is in command of this whole damn Fleet.”

“Aye, aye, Admiral,” the Captain replied nervously.

“Don’t worry, Captain,” the Admiral smiled, “I’ve learned quite a bit about Alexander over the last few days. Besides, at one time or another in his past he’s commanded more men and ships than this. If nothing else he’s a ruthless bastard. I think we’re in pretty good hands.”

“I hope you are right, sir,” the Captain nodded.

“Communications coming in, sir,” a sailor informed them.

“Put it on the screen,” Alexander told her without turning around.

The picture of an aristocratic woman with shining blue eyes appeared on the main viewer. “This is Armada Commander Nazeera of Chem. I address whosoever commands the Terran Fleet before me to identify yourself, and prepare for subjugation!”

Alexander turned around, a grim smile upon his lips. “Hello Nazeera, it’s good to see you again.”

“A-lex-ander!” She breathed venomously, spitting out each syllable as if it were a delicious poison. Nazeera had no reason to be anything other than shocked at the sudden appearance of Alexander, but he was impressed with the speed at which she composed herself.

She put on a haughty mask of indifference, but her words carried more emotion and meaning to Alexander than any other being there could recognize. “I see Pantrixnia was no more a prison to you than Chem. This was a wonderful play, to be sure, Alexander. What part are you playing at now? Is this the real Alexander, the Overlord at the head of his Fleet, or have you another mask to wear before me? It’s a pity, in truth; for I came to respect the Alexander I met on Chem. I suppose I should have known, but my you are a good actor!”

“Quite the contrary, Nazeera, I’m good only at playing myself,” he told her. “Certainly you couldn’t expect to see me again, and my return can only pique your suspicions. Then again, why should I be anywhere else? I’m Alexander of Terra. Where should I be but in the center of the maelstrom? That’s where Overlords tread, Nazeera, you no less than I. Events cannot avoid us. You are as central to this, Nazeera, as I, and so here we are again, at a critical point and time in the histories of our two peoples. Two peoples who are very similar, almost kindred. Speaking of kindred, is Nazar with you?”

“Of course, but do not try to twist this into a personal discussion, Alexander,” she cautioned him, “Such tactics will not work again. We have business to attend to. Do you wish to hear my terms?”

“Not in the least, but offer my greetings to Nazar anyway will you?” He turned and paced, in this instance he was controlling the conversation and Nazeera was still trying to piece events together. It was a reverse of their last such encounter, but now they were both of equal strength.

“To business then, I know why you’re here, Nazeera, and you know why I’m here. In space we sit, glaring across the battlefield; the two greatest fleets in the galaxy. Does honor dictate we fight, and if so, what are our reasons? Even honor must have an argument.

“Is this war over territory? Terra does not wish territory from Chem, and what would Chem do with one star system? Do we then fight for glory alone, to beat each other to a pulp so that we may sing our own praises to our grandchildren, what of that? I’m not ignorant of the valor or prowess of the Chem, Nazeera and you should not doubt the resolve of the Terrans. What is there to be gained then from a pitched battle where the conclusion leaves us each the weaker?

“Shall we fight for glory, only to diminish in stature and power, allowing the lesser cultures of the galaxy, such as the Golkos or the Scythians, to clean up the scraps? Ah, the Scythians, I had almost forgotten them.”

Alexander walked to the front of the bridge and looked into Nazeera’s eyes. He planted himself firmly on the tritanium alloy deck and clasped his hands behind his back. Cocking his head to the side as if he’d struck an interesting thought, he said, “Isn’t it interesting how the Scythians always find a way to bring us together?”

“What is your point, Alexander?” Nazeera asked.

“I have a very simple point, one which you of all people should remember. I once told you I harbored no ill will towards Chem. I spoke the truth. I don’t see why we should be angry with each other. It’s the Scythians, who manipulated us both. I’m not overly fond of being used, Nazeera, and I’ve had my fill of it lately. I’m also not fond of destroying that which I respect and admire. I say again, I’m not angry with you, though from some viewpoints I should be.

“If Pantrixnia was not a luxury hotel I’m willing to forgive that. If being pulled naked before your Assemblage and sentenced to exile and death was an injustice then I am prone to forgive that as well. I will not, however, forgive or forget my duty to defend my planet, and my people. I will forgive the threat made upon the belief of false accusations, but I will not forgive the cause. That cause was unique and well thought out, and greed was its fuel.

“It should be as apparent to you as it is to me, Nazeera; this is a Scythian war: staged and promoted by the Scythians. We are here because the Scythians cause us to fear each other. This is not a war over the grievances of Chem and Terra. This is not our war. This is not necessary, Nazeera.”

“Your words are hollow, Alexander,” she said gravely. “You plead an eloquent case, but you are a conqueror. I can see it in your eyes. You will not add Chem to your list of glories.”

“If I wanted Chem, it would be mine, Nazeera! You know this better than anyone. Chem would fall to me, not due to weakness or lack of honor, but to destiny. Whether it’s in this lifetime or the next, if I wanted the Chem Empire I could have it!”

Alexander paused, and there was not a sound on the bridge. He let the moment draw out and fade from the threat it was to a more subtle and diplomatic point in time. He spread his hands out wide. “The Chem are a people of honor whom I have come to respect and admire. A people whose dedication to honor can soothe the terrible wrath of my own unrequited people. I don’t wish the Chem Empire as conquered adversaries, but as allies, friends and teachers.”

“I listened to your lies in the Assemblage, Alexander,” Nazeera told him. “I have no need to listen to them now. You are bold, to allow yourself to endure capture and exile thus, but I finally see through you. You are here, even as the legends said you would be, but I will stop you if I can.”

Alexander walked to the rear of the bridge and sank into his seat, a grim look coming over his strong features. “Very well, I expected some stubbornness; let me give you some truths to consider. Listen to your communications channels. I would like to demonstrate something to you.”

He turned to Augesburcke, and said, “Admiral put me on all assigned Fleet frequencies.”

“You’re hooked up Alexander,” Augesburcke answered.

“To all Terran ships and troops outside the Fleet of Alexander, you may proceed according to plan with the following restriction: no Terran warship shall violate Chem space except under my expressed orders. Proceed with operation “Overlord.” You may commence to subjugate the Scythian Empire!”

“You have no right to interfere with our quarrel with the Scythians!” Nazeera protested.

“I have every right!” Alexander thundered, bolting upright and catching everyone off guard, including his own crew. “I have the right after two thousand years of having my name bandied about the galaxy as a murderer and a conqueror! I have the right after ten thousand years of experimentation on my people! I have the right after having my civilization constrained and manipulated!

“I speak for Terra, Nazeera, because I am Terra, and I seethe with the dishonor heaped upon me! The Scythians wanted me as a conqueror and I’m giving them what they wished for! Yet I am no chattel to do their bidding. I am Terra, and equally as proud as Chem! Does your complaint for a single snub carry more dishonor than the millennia Terra endured under an unseen puppeteer? The Scythians hid in the shadows poking and prodding us, pruning the branches by which we might grow, and all the while sowing lies about us to our cousins in space. Do you have the right to interfere with our vengeance? Answer me honestly Nazeera!”

“In that you have struck a chord of logic,” she said, in a more diplomatic tone. Then her demeanor took on a renewed air of gravity and she asked, “But should I not now fear you more? Whether the Terrans attack from under the Scythians wing or on their own makes no difference to Chem, even if I do not fight for revenge upon Scythia my primary care is the protection of Chem.”

“Well said, Nazeera, but there is a difference between Chem and Scythia. The Scythians wronged us. They wronged me. The Chem, thus far, have not. I’ve had the opportunity to learn of you, under dire circumstances, and still I came away with admiration, no, much more so than that. Earlier I said we were almost kindred, and I stand by that. We are so very much alike. We will go to enormous extremes and great personal risk to ensure the safety of our civilizations. If we insure that safety, you and I, then our people are capable of respect for each other and perhaps eventually trust.

“The protection of Chem is your concern. The protection of Terra is mine. It seems to be my task also to dispel the rumors of two thousand years of Scythian treachery. The only way I can do that is to somehow prove to you that my Fleet is here in defense of Terra, and not in aggression towards Chem. That proof is now in the transmissions taking place throughout the Scythian Empire. I’m certain Nazar is keeping track, and even now has something to report to you.”

Alexander saw Nazar approach her, and he didn’t need to hear him to know what he said. The reports were coming in from all over the Scythian Empire. Over the few moments both fleets listened. He’d already heard the important news he wanted: the four Homeworlds of Scythia fell almost instantly to the four million Terran troops supposedly there to protect the Scythians from the Chem.

His second objective was the capture of the twelve habitable systems on the Scythian-Chem frontier. His remaining two hundred and fifty ships accomplished this by cutting the two major trade routes and advancing on the planets. The Scythians surrendered before the first warship fired a shot. A week before he’d convinced Admiral Augesburcke that a charitable action and a well-defined threat were essential elements in convincing the Chem he was sincere. To accomplish this dual objective Alexander sent elements of the Terran Second Fleet around in a sweeping right hook to land four days behind the Chem Armada. It hung in space between the Chem Homeworld and its Armada, but when Alexander’s order came the Second Fleet attacked the Scythian frontier instead of the advancing into Chem space from behind.

After the loss of the Homeworlds and the Chem frontier Scythian offers of surrender poured in from every corner of their Empire, even areas not attacked. A moment later a general offer of surrender communicated directly to Alexander on the Iowa arrived from the Scythian High Council. The Scythian Empire, which spanned two hundred and seventy-three habitable star systems and over two million years of history, fell in sixty-three Terran minutes.

Nazar confirmed everything with Nazeera, not bothering to conceal his communications. There was no need. The results in Scythia were too obvious to be denied.

“Listen to him, Nazeera,” Alexander told her, “You are flanked. If it was my intention to attack the Chem I could send two hundred and fifty ships to the Chem home world, but that is not, and never was my aim.”

Alexander went to the front of the bridge, and paced, as if lecturing. “You are an honorable people. We are an honorable people. We have no basis for disagreement; I will therefore build a basis for friendship and trust.”

He selected his mike switch again. “Alexander accepts the unconditional surrender of the Scythian Empire. From this day onward the Scythian Empire is dissolved. I claim this space in the name of the Terran Empire. To all ships in the Second Fleet on Scythian-Chem frontier, your commanders are to inform each populace of the twelve frontier planets that they are now part of the Chem Empire.”

He let the proclamation sink in, enjoying the expression of surprise on Nazeera’s increasingly beautiful face. “Occupants have one Galactic decand to decide to leave or to stay. Secure the frontier planets for our neighbors the Chem, and then withdraw to Terran space according to doctrine. Alexander to the Fifth Fleet, upon my order all squadrons are to withdraw to pre-designated stations except the Iowa. Secure our holdings in this space, including a star system wide buffer between the Terran Empire and the Chem Empire. Stand by.”

Alexander turned his attention back to Nazeera, and his eyes hardened. His voice was commanding again, as he told her, “It’s up to you, Nazeera. Upon your word this conflict shall either end amicably or begin in grim resolve. I shall give the order to my Fleets to secure their new holdings, yours included, upon your word.”

“What act of assurance do you require, Alexander of Terra?” Nazeera asked him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

“The word of the Armada Commander of Chem is the only guarantee needed by Alexander of Terra.”

“The Chem have no wish to fight another’s battle, especially those of Scythia!” Nazeera told him. She leaned back in her command chair and for the first time since she saw him she relaxed, and that feral grin returned to her face.

“I’m satisfied that the Scythians shall receive their just deserts from you Alexander, for I know too well the cruelty of your humor! Very well, then the situation is acceptable to the Chem. When your Fleet departs the Chem will not violate our agreement in the interests of galactic amity. The person of Alexander, your flagship and your space will be respected by your neighbors, the Chem.”

Inwardly Alexander smiled at the victory, but to his crew and the Chem he merely inclined his head to Admiral Augesburcke. The Admiral gave the order for the Fleet to deploy and secure its new won empire. Alexander watched his screens as the Fifth Fleet wheeled and broke up. Within moments the five hundred odd ships disappeared over the superluminal horizon, leaving the Iowa and her squadron alone against the Chem Fleet.

“You are magnanimous in your victory, just as your own memories dictated, Alexander,” Nazeera said. “I see no reason to pursue an unnecessary conflict, at this time. We will be watching you Terrans with excessive scrutiny, though. I, especially, shall be watching you.”

“I desire more than that, Nazeera,” Alexander told her.

Her expression turned noticeably grim again, “Are you baiting me, or do you really have the ignorance and impudence to demand terms for peace with the Chem? I can’t believe that you, who have dined at my table, could win such a victory over enemies and then squander it by insulting those who might one day be your friends! What is it you are up to now, Alexander?”

“You’ve answered your own question, Nazeera,” he smiled. “I have dined at your table, and I would do so again. It’s not my intention to allow our peoples to come to the brink of war, and then withdraw to become distrustful neighbors suspiciously eyeing each other over a fence. My desire is to establish a dialogue so that one day there is trust and friendship between us. It is my intention that one day the rights of Chem and Terra are mentioned in one breath throughout the galaxy.”

“An interesting concept,” Nazeera replied. “How do you propose to begin this dialogue?”

“As a gesture of good faith I will agree to give myself as a hostage, under two conditions.”

Nazeera settled back again in her chair. The suspicion left her voice. She allowed a ghost of a smile to play upon her blue lips, as she said, “I think that the center of the Chem Empire may be the most dangerous place to put you. What are your conditions Alexander?”

“First, on the threat of disgracing his people in front of the eyes of Terrans, Bureel must answer my challenge,” he told her grimly.

“An honorable request, Alexander of Terra,” Nazeera smiled maliciously. “As the Armada Commander of Chem, and Nazeera of the Triumvirate, I vouch that Bureel of Chem will answer your challenge, or he shall forfeit his heritage. What is your second condition?”

Alexander almost allowed himself to grin, but with the strictest gravity, he said, “Dinner and I wish to finish it with you this time. These are my conditions. Are they agreeable to you?”

Nazeera leaned forward, a wicked grin lighting her face. “Agreed,” she said pounding her fist on her console. “I expect your shuttle promptly. I shall see you shortly, Alexander, Nazeera out.”

The screen returned to stars, and the entire bridge crew breathed again. The realization that Terra escaped a deadly danger and that there was now a Terran Empire in space dawned on them all. There were cheers, back slapping, and an excited din of conversation. Alexander sighed and made his way to the bridge hatch, ignoring the hubbub. He was going to his stateroom to fetch his gear, but Augesburcke intercepted him, “Alexander! Well done! Well done man! But we’ve won, why sell yourself?”

Alexander smiled, crossing his arms contentedly, “This part of the mission is done, Admiral but we’ve both got more work to do. I’ve got the opportunity to cement our friendship with Chem, which we need to do while we get our space legs, so to speak. That’s your responsibility. If you want my advice I’d allow the Scythians their four Homeworlds. The rest of the habitable worlds, aside from the twelve along the Chem frontier should be used for immediate transplantation of Terrans from the Terran system. We must never again be caught on a single planet, Admiral.”

“Sound advice,” the Admiral replied. “But let me ask you, again, why are you doing this? It was a brilliant strategy, Alexander, and yet after the victory you are willing to disappear? Man, you have an entire planet ready to honor you. You are also a member of CODOTS, Alexander, and are now in a position to make your mark. I know of no one more capable. Think of it man! You are at the pinnacle of fame, why leave now when we can use you?”

“Isn’t that the time for conqueror’s to disappear, Admiral—while they’re still conquerors and not despots? I have no political agenda. I haven’t the patience for it, or the desire. I have some unfinished business with Nazeera and a worm. It is my business to finish, but if I remain in CODOTS and as Ambassador to Chem so much the better.”

“I’ll guarantee it, Alexander, good luck!” The Admiral said, extending his hand.

“Providing I survive my challenge, that is. Still, space is a very large place and I daresay there’s room for Terrans to expand and explore. If you need me you know where I am, Admiral,” Alexander shook his hand. “You have the bridge Captain, good luck!”

The adventures of Alexander continue in the next installment of Alexander Galaxus, Alexander, Overlord . . .