CHAPTER 10

The Pro Consul of the Alliance, former Kempec Ambassador Kvel Mavek rubbed her temples in obvious distress. Her expression was oddly Terran, and the two Kempec Mystics and the three Hrang Ambassadors had no difficulty in reading her thoughts. When she finally glanced up from underneath her finely drawn brows her glittering eyes betrayed a mix of tragedy and repugnance. The silky voice of the normally passive and introspective Kempec tempered as she informed her visitors, “This is the third meeting I’ve had this morning. The first was with the political Heads of State of each of the Alliance member states. The second was with the military commanders of our Alliance forces. Now I get to meet with the chief architects of our espionage effort—splendid, simply splendid. If I never hear the name Alexander again I will not be disappointed. I don’t believe I can tell you, the master spies of the Alliance, anything politically or even militarily which you do not already know. Actually, I was hoping to learn something from you. You are, after all, gatherers of information and interpreters of data. I have spent the entire morning trying to sort through a mass of conflicting reports, conflicting emotions and nonsensical assurances. Can you shed some light on these mysteries?”

“What is it about Alexander and the Terrans that you wish to know, Madame Pro Consul?” She-Rok, the Hrang Master asked politely.

“I don’t wish to know anything about Alexander, I want you to explain the Alliance to me!” she replied emphatically. Kvel Mavek then held up her hands to silence the Hrang response, and calmed herself. The attendees waited patiently for the harried Kempec to regroup, which she did quickly. When she explained her position, her manner was controlled, with only a hint of exasperation. “I have just spoken with Grand Admiral Koor, the Supreme Commander of Alliance forces. She reports that the Alliance offensive against the Terran Empire will be ready to proceed on our newly arranged schedule, five decurns from now. My ambassadors from each of the member nations of the Alliance have assured me this very morning of their support. Yet I hear strange rumblings within space. Though Grand Admiral Koor said nothing of it, and took care to avoid directly answering my probing, I have heard through my own channels that the Terrans are aware of the Golkos-Seer’koh presence on the Terran frontier. I am no military commander, and though I have the greatest confidence in the Grand Admiral I cannot help but be disturbed by this news. Then there are the Syraptose, our nervous and isolated friends upon the other side of Terran space. They have been the least enthusiastic of the Alliance military arms all along, and at the moment that enthusiasm seems to be descending into some form of mild paranoia. They claim to have lost an entire squadron in the central regions of their own space. No explanation, no distress calls, no wreckage, but they are gone nonetheless. The Syraptose military liaison assures me they will do their duty to the Alliance, but there is an element of defeat already in his eyes. This denial and paranoia cannot be a good omen on the eve of a great offensive. The stratagem seems sound enough, to a layman, but who knows in the face of a general like Alexander? Then there are our worthy Hrang spies, and your request of assistance from the Kempec Mystics. What strange twist of this drama will you cause? Indeed, I like nothing about your request. I like nothing about the military situation. I like nothing about the political situation. All in all I like nothing about this confrontation whatsoever!”

The two races which listened to the Pro Consul’s lamentation contrasted sharply. The Kempec were Golkoid, bipedal, and mammalian; their varying tones of dusky silver to charcoal flesh accented their glittering, almost luminescent eyes. The Kempec were obviously uncomfortable with their situation, both galactically and in this particular gathering. They were a peaceful race, though they could not claim this high moral position to any other reason but the small size of their empire, only some two dozen star systems and their precarious position between the warlike Chem and their bellicose cousins the Golkos. That the Kempec served as a buffer between these two adversarial empires made their natural tendency towards neutrality and reason an understandable preoccupation.

The Hrang Masters, while no more enamored with the steady downfall of Galactic affairs since the rise of Alexander of Terra than their allies the Kempec, had an added resolve. The Hrang’s possessed the chameleon like ability to transform their flesh tones and texture. When this talent was amplified by the liberal use of artificial implants the Hrang’s were able to mimic most of the terranoid races of the galaxy. So incredible was this ability that the Hrang’s were able to impersonate specific individuals; a skill invaluable in espionage. The Hrang used their unique capabilities for the Galactic Alliance which formed in response to the rise of Alexander and the Terran Empire. They replaced several thousand Terrans in the process, and for a time, one of their operatives even held the seat as the President of the Terran Federation. This amazing coup did not last long, however. Alexander swept the Terran Empire clean of the Hrang replacements and dispelled all doubt as to Terran intentions in the galaxy when he took the seat of the Presidency and the title as Overlord of the Terran Empire. His first act in response to the Alliance was to demand the unconditional return of all Terrans replaced by Hrang spies. It was a demand damningly fair minded of the Terran conqueror, as he asked for nothing else, not even a statement of non-aggression, but it was patently impossible. The Golkos, a ruthlessly practical race, executed the Terran prisoners without consultation. Now the one bargaining chip which could avert an interstellar war of epic proportions was no longer on the table.

She-Rok served in Roma as long as Mavek; he placed his hand on the desk of the Pro Consul in an awkward attempt to ease the concern of his colleague. Though the Hrang were unaccustomed to active roles in Galactic events this particular situation warranted enormous risk. He reminded the Alliance Pro Consul that the execution of the Terran captives, while regrettable, was not without Terran cause. For two kicellia the known galaxy lived with the “Legend of Alexander.” Alexander the Great dreamt that one day his descendants would continue his conquests in the endless realms of glory that were the cosmos. Now Alexander’s people had come. In an incredibly short space of time they boiled out of their solar system to subjugate the very Scythian Empire that threatened to use them as mercenaries against the galaxy. A warlord rose and took the very name of Alexander, striking a peace with the warlike Chem and marrying their Elder to cement the bond. This left the remaining cultures of the galaxy cowering under the imminent threat of invasion, forcing the formation of a Galactic Alliance against Terra. All this the Hrang reiterated to the Alliance Pro Consul, adding, “From our firsthand knowledge of Alexander we see this demand as nothing but a ruse to stir up support for his expansionist policies. After all, what true value can such a small number of beings possess? Alexander values territory and conquest, not individuals. We have not attacked Terran territory, and while it is true that we supplanted people in power we actually did Alexander a service in removing a potential adversary. Remember that our own operative masqueraded as President Sadat.

“We used the opportunity to make serious inroads into the Terran Senate in a push for a peaceful policy, but that was political in nature. I cannot see Alexander having anything more than a residual irritation for such acts. This demand of Alexander’s, seemingly so noble in its face value, is nothing more than an attempt to reverse those losses in the Senate.”

“Alexander is Overlord of the Terran Empire, Ambassador,” the Pro Consul replied heatedly. “He is not the Grand Master of the Hrang, the Chosen of the Seer’koh, or Servitor of the August Body of Golkos. His reactions pertaining to these events cannot be gauged by the theoretical reactions of the ancient cultures. Yet if you insist on drawing analogies do it with the Chem. Alexander won their trust, their admiration and their Elder in marriage. That in itself is unique feats in the history of the galaxy, as the Chem give their adoration grudgingly. The Chem would not, for instance, give a second thought to their citizen’s fate if slain in fair combat.”

Kvel Mavec’s smooth features turned grim and her brows contracted over the steely pupil-less eyes. “Imagine if we invaded Chem space or had the poor judgment to execute a Chem citizen—imagine that. We’d have a Chem Armada on our doorstep.” She paused and locked eyes with each of the Hrang and Kempec in the room. Then she shook her head and her shoulders slumped. “This is how I see Alexander’s reaction, and it is remarkably consistent with his behavior thus far. We have all been privy to Alexander’s actions in recent history. He’s made no attempt to hide them. Excepting the grave threat his conquest presents, Alexander has acted honorably and fairly. Look at his terms for the Scythian’s who were guilty of kicellia of medical experimentation on Terrans: he took their empire it is true, but he left them their Homeworlds inviolate, and allowed their people to keep the majority of their holdings in the systems now in the Terran Empire. He has even granted them citizenship in the Terran Federation.

“The Scythian ambassador to the Alliance is now formally asking us to concede to the Terran demands and come to a dialogue with Alexander. We have an opportunity here, even with the Golkos crime. We can plead our case in fear of the “Legend of Alexander,” and pay for the lives we’ve taken as the price of galactic peace. That is the way out of this. The only way, I fear. I do not see the military option as being viable, rather I think it plays directly into Alexander’s hands. Unfortunately, it may be too late. The voice of Kempec is small, and the fleets of the Alliance, almost four thousand ships, are poised to attack the Terran frontier on three fronts in less than half a decand.”

“I will admit that Alexander is cunning, Madame Pro Consul,” the Hrang told her slyly, if the term could describe his narrowed eyes and wringing hands. “However, it is just that which makes him more dangerous than the blatant warlord. Alexander uses the intrigue and fear of the Galactic cultures as a weapon. Remember how he managed to have himself captured and “tested” by the Chem on Pantrixnia? There, before the Galactics, Alexander showcased for us the prowess of Terrans, not with a champion, but with himself. He had himself rescued covertly so that he himself could face down the mighty Chem Armada sent to destroy Terra. Afterwards he coyly played with our operative in the Presidency, allowing us to believe that we were privy to an incomprehensible coup in espionage. All the while he merely delayed us and gauged our intentions; while he orchestrated a Chem rebellion that destroyed them as an immediate military force and removed the Chem as a threat to him. Now he plays upon us again.

“What are we to do, Ambassador? It is impossible to ascertain Alexander’s thoughts with any certainty whatsoever. Terrans are a confusing people, and Alexander has risen to power by using that confusion as a shield. Legends, supported by Scythian evidence, make Terran’s out to be violent in the extreme with a lust for glory and power. What have we seen, Ambassador, that would lend us to disbelieve these basic tenets of Terrans?”

The Pro Consul scowled, but nodded her head. Somberly she said, “I must unfortunately agree with you there. While Alexander’s actions and words have been overt and honorable they can be seen in an entirely different and frightening light. That in itself is a problem, however. Alexander’s exploits have been very public. I don’t think that there is a more recognizable figure today in the known galaxy. What’s more the populace of many of our civilizations is somewhat enamored with him. He is a powerful and charismatic leader, and none of his actions can be construed in a bad light without the benefit of much skepticism. There is, I’m afraid, no more support for a war against Alexander in the populace than there is for capitulation to him.”

“That is true, and his marriage to Nazeera of Chem has solidified that reputation,” She-Rok agreed, adding, “Alexander is no longer seen as a Terran, but as a Galactic. It is an important distinction in the mind of the populace, and a testament to his brilliance.” The Hrang sighed before continuing. When he did his voice hissed in unaccustomed gravity. “None of this changes the basic situation, however. It is still Alexander’s goal to conquer the known universe and subjugate every empire under his own. That is what Terran history tells us, and that is what Alexander’s personal history tells us. We have all seen the Scythian tapes of this Terran’s past life experiences, Madame Pro Consul, and I think I am safe in saying that nothing in this man’s past would lead us to any other conclusion. Your own voice of reason would be the desirous method of solving this problem, even with the Golkos murder; but Alexander’s character and his aspiration to be Overlord of all he surveys prevents that strategy from being plausible.”

“Very well, I accept your argument, but it still remains that we now battle not only Alexander, but our own populist opinion as well.”

“That will shortly change, though not without great sacrifice on the part of the Hrang,” the Ambassador told her. In response to the Kempec’s quizzical expression the Ambassador continued, “Alexander has in his possession over two thousand Hrang spies. If he follows Terran tradition he will execute those spies. When he does we will simply claim our own act as one of retribution.”

“Who will believe that?” Mavek was incredulous—such heinous subterfuge was hard for her to understand much less condone.

“Certainly no one with a firm grasp of the facts,” the Hrang answered. “However, for our own populace it will plant a seed of doubt. Where there is doubt on both sides it is always easier to believe your own is in the right. When the war is won and Alexander is gone then that is exactly the way history shall be written. The aggressive Terran’s executed captured Alliance troops. It will be just one of the many devious deeds of Alexander, and it will be believable. He has many Terran predecessors who were not so noble, even according to their own people. In retrospect Alexander will not be too difficult to vilify.”

“That is in retrospect, Ambassador She-Rok. I think Alexander may have something to say about the matter before all is said and done.”

“You are right, and that is the very prospect that spurs us to use the services of the vaunted Kempec Mystics,” She-Rok replied. He motioned to the two Kempec, who had been silent during the entire discussion and asked, “I assume that since you have brought the noble Mystics that you have agreed to our request for information?”

“I must reluctantly agree,” the Alliance Pro Consul told him. “My colleagues and I have spent some time going over the information you requested. Despite my desire for a peaceful settlement we have concluded, as have you, that the mere threat of Alexander’s conquest of the galaxy is so entrenched in our psyche that we cannot consider his actions in any other way. We are forced to war, whether our rational tells us it is the necessary course of action or not.”

“You continue to appear unconvinced, Pro Consul Mavek.”

“Not unconvinced of the necessity of our action, Ambassador, but unconvinced that this is the proper course and the morally correct course. The Kempec have been arbiters and liaisons for many generations. We have a strongly developed understanding of cultures, whether it be our own or another’s, to an as of yet unparallel degree. The Kempec have played a part in the peace of the last kicellia, and we are proud of that. Now I see us acting with panic, without so much as an attempt at dialogue with Alexander.”

“We have attempted dialogue with him constantly,” the Hrang reminded her.

“But did we tell him anything he wanted to hear?” she replied sternly. “All Alexander has really asked is for us to return his people, but we sidestep the issue with varying degrees of civility without attacking the root cause of our confrontation. There can be no success in that. There cannot be. Two parties will not agree when they cannot even converse upon a common issue. I lament we have not exhausted our possible diplomatic agenda. It is a regret I fear we shall all bear and the Kempec no less than the Golkos, the Hrang or the Seer’koh. While your people may play an active and aggressive role in this history, the Kempec will have used their special skills to supply you with the information you need to commit murder and assassination. That is a long fall for a Kempec, Ambassador, and the repercussions are far from palatable.”

“Come now, Pro Consul Mavek, certainly the present death of Alexander will not only prove noteworthy but highly profitable to all involved,” She-Rok told her, his thin lips curling in what might have been a smile.

“Assassination is a vocation we would just as soon not be involved in,” the Kempec reiterated, adding, “and if I may say so it is a dangerous expansion from the espionage of the Hrang. I once thought your people possessed too ingrained a dread for physical violence to stoop to assassination. Tell me, how is it you were able to convince your disciples to make that leap of moral faith from the precipice of intelligence gathering to the abyss of murder?”

“Actually, Pro Consul Mavek the Hrang have not had to make such a leap of faith, with all of its traditional as well as practical difficulties,” She-Rok told her, settling somewhat more comfortably into his chair. At the Kempec’s questioning glance he amplified his answer. “The Hrang are a passive race, much as yourselves, though in this instance we see such a large threat to our own sovereignty that we are roused to great, though not unique, effort. We use our skills at espionage for our protection and even that of our neighbors. Though these acts are certainly violations of interstellar laws and courtesy we’ve never violated the passivity of our central goal: knowledge. The dire needs of the moment do nothing to change that, Ambassador, and truth to tell it would be unwise to change our policy. The Hrang have no skill in killing either by sabotage or physical means. We lack the aggression of the Golkos, or the philosophy of the Chem to act upon such thoughts. There are, in fact, precious few of us who may even entertain the thought of assassination, much less take any active part in it. It is not in our nature.”

“You seem easily convinced of the necessity of Alexander’s death, Ambassador She-Rok. I wonder how you can relate that to your Hrang proclivity for passive espionage. Are we talking of assassination or aren’t we?”

“We are indeed, Kavel Mavek. Fear is a great driver of deeds, and this crisis is an event we have not faced as a people, or as a galaxy, since the coming out of the Chem.”

“You confuse me, Ambassador,” the Kempec admitted. “I assumed we were talking of the desperate scenario of a Hrang spy being used as an assassin. Am I therefore mistaken? Certainly no other race can hope to impersonate a Terran? Or have you found one of Nazeera of Chem’s entourage to turn against his sovereign?”

“Nothing so bold, Pro Consul,” She-Rok told her, spreading the stubby claws of his plump hands wide. “For espionage on Terra it is quite logical to use a Hrang, but for killing a Terran who better to use than another Terran?”