[Atrocities]

Part XIX

Past Tense

Segment B

The hologram faded from view as it was replaced with a new scene. Two men sat silently in a room, from the architecture it was clearly Alorian in design, as two Alorians, both fully costumed in their military uniforms, entered the room from the far side. One of them was carrying a package; the other extended his hand to one of the men who by now had stood. The Alorian offering his hand spoke first, “Greeting Ambassador Christopher, I am Subadar Damascus Gore of the Breen Imperium. I trust that you enjoyed your trip to our world?”

Tam Christopher, then an Earth Stellar Alliance Ambassador, could be seen smiling in the hologram, as he responded. “It was a fine trip Subadar Gore. Allow me to thank you on behalf of the Earth Stellar Alliance and the planet Earth for your hospitality and generosity.” Looking to the man standing next to him Tam continued speaking. “Allow me to introduce to you my aid, Mathew Bishop.”

The Subadar nodded slightly then reached back and took the package from his aid and offered it too Christopher. “This is a gift for your President. It is a shame that he could not have come for these negotiations.”

“If not for the these trying times, I am certain that he would have Subadar.” Tam was smiling warmly as he took the gift from the Subadar. “I will see that he gets this.”

“Yes, these times are most trying,” commented the Subadar politely, “especially now that we know that we are not alone in this universe.”

“Indeed Subadar,” replied Tam honestly. “It is a shame that we do not have more information about these aliens that have been attacking us.” Tam felt a burning sensation in his heart as he recalled the reports of whole colonies being bombarded out of existence. “The President and the members of the Alliance would appreciate any information you might have on these aliens.”

“We know only that they are a race of violent warriors who are driven by conquest.”
“Yes it would appear so.” Tam and the others all sat in what looked like very old and elegant wooden chairs that were arranged around a small round table while an attractive Alorian women brought and served them all something to drink.
“This is Bavaria, a wine from our southern Continent.” Commented the Subadar as he sipped from his glass. Tom swirled the crimson liquid around in his glass before sampling it. It had a pleasantly sweet robust taste.
“Most impressive Subadar.”
“I am glad you enjoy it. I will have a case of it place on you shuttle.”
“That is most kind of you Subadar,” replied Tam.
“It is a shame that our two societies have been unable before now to open a diplomatic dialog. A trade alliance would have been most beneficial to both of our peoples.”
“Of course.” Replied the Subadar rather cryptically.

“Do you realize that you are the first of your kind, from the Alliance that is, to visit Aloria since our independence?”

“From my understanding Subadar, we are the first delegation from Earth to visit Aloria in over two hundred and twenty years.” Tam answered as he took another sip from his glass. “I must say that your world is not what he have been lead to believe.”

“Ah you thought it to be a barren waste land did you not?” This was the first time the Subadar’s aid had spoken. Tam looked from the Subadar to his aid before responding.

“Yes, we were led to believe it to be just that, a desert world.” Tam instantly did not like this Alorian. Something about his mannerism alarmed him. What exactly it was, he could not articulate, but he knew that he did not like him.

“A misconception that we feel protects our privacy Ambassador.” Commented the Subadar politely. To Tam, the Subadar appeared to be exactly what he was, a practiced politician. Hard to believe, but even in distant parts of the galaxy, one politician can always recognize another. Changing the subject Tam brought up the reason for their visit.

“Subadar, it has been over two hundred years since our people have gone our separate ways, and it is the since hope of my government that the time has now come for our two societies to reconcile our differences and forge a bond of enduring friendship.” Said Tam as honestly as he could. Tam knew that his sole reasons for being here were one to gather information, if possible, on the alien attacks and two address the separate, but equally important issue of the growing border raids along the Alliance and Imperium boarders that have increased in recent months to epidemic proportions. Tam was to impress upon the Alorians that continued attacks would not be appreciated, and that by signing a peace treaty, war would be averted between the two. Earth Command believed the Alorians were responsible for the boarder raids and knew that a war was looming between the Alliance and the unknown alien race and did not want to have to fight Alorians and the aliens along two fronts. “As you may or may not be aware Subadar, Earth Command has had to enhance our presence in our boarding systems due to increased pirate raids and other unexplained attacks against Alliance shipping lanes and trade planets.”

“We are aware of this.” Again it was the Aid who spoke.

“Forgive me Ambassador, allow me to introduced Javin Vain, Supreme Military Commander of the Alorian Imperium.” This bothered Tam considerably, although he hid it well, it was still semi noticeable in his expression.

“I apologize, I had assumed he was your aid Subadar?” Tam felt ill, something was wrong here, what that was still remained to be seen? This Alorian was not an aid, but the second in command of the Alorian Imperium. “I had not realize that this man was your Pro Counsel Subadar,” commented Tam in a puzzled tone.

“For an off worlder you know our political system and titles well.” Observed the Subadar kindly. His comments only proved to raise the hairs on the back of Tams neck.

“We were well briefed upon our arrival.” Replied Tam sincerely. He did not want the Subadar to know that he was far more aware of Alorian society than he appeared to be, and graciously accepted their host’s offer at a simple education upon their arrival some two days earlier. Bringing the subject back onto topic Tam came to the point. “The Alliance wishes to avoid any possible military misunderstandings, therefore I have been tasked to inquire about asking for assistance from your government in stopping these raids.” Tam knew full well that the Alorians were behind many of the raids and it sickened him to have to play this game with the ruler of the Alorian people. What Tam really wanted to do was return home and strong arm the Counsel and the President into action first against the Alorians, then go after the alien threat. Tam was of the opinion that it would be better to nip this boarder issue in the butt now rather than allowing the Alorians to continue believing that the Alliance was weak and unwilling to challenge them. ‘Teach them a lesson that they won’t soon forget and they will think twice before ever sparing with the Alliance again,’ was the argument he had made to the Counsel before being sent on this peace mission. Tam had his doubts that the Alorians would play ball, but the others were right, peace had to be given a chance. Tam just prayed that cost of the peace did not end up costing more than the Alliance was willing to pay.

“If we refuse to help the Alliance Ambassador, what then? Will your mighty star ships invade our space and attack our planets?” Vain asked hostilely.

“I do not understand what your are asking me Commander?” Replied Tam. He knew full well what this Alorian was asking; he just wanted to hear it from him.

“Your problems are not our problems Ambassador, so why should we involve ourselves in them?” It was both the answer and question that he knew he did not want to hear. This Alorian was insulting Tam and the Alliance by playing innocent and he knew it. When Tam spoke, he did so as carefully as he could for there could be no miscommunication here.

“Subadar, with all due respect, the Alliance knows of the Alorian involvement in these border raids.” Tam chose to direct his comments to the leader of the Alorian Imperium rather than debate the issue with his second in command. A decision that had a gratifying result as the Subadar’s underling, Vain, took offense to it.
“My mission objective is a simple one, I have been sent here with the hope that you will sign a peace accord with the Alliance and agree to stop these border raids thus sparing our two societies from war.” Tam waited for the Subadar to respond but all he did was sit there looking at him calmly.
“The Alliance has no wish for conflict with the Alorian Imperium, especially in light of these alien attacks in our core systems, but make no mistake, although my government is only interested in peace, one way or another these border attacks will be stopped.”

The Subadar said nothing. He just sat there calmly listening to what Tam had to say as if he had not a care in the universe.

“Futhermore, if you have any information regarding the aliens who have been attacking us, I have been given the liberty to offer you compensation for your information.”

“Our involvement?” Said Vain slowly with contempt; his tone and intent were clearly apparent as he slowly stood. “Even if we are behind some of these border attacks, what will the mighty Alliance do? History has shown that your Alliance will cower away from conflict and your mighty star ships will run back home to Earth without ever having fired a shot.” He leaned in toward Tam with the intention of intimidating him and found that Tam was no man to play games with. Tam countered Vain by leaning toward him as he slowly stood. This had a pausing effect against Vain who did not know how to respond to Tam’s new demeanor. The two men stood, slightly hunched over on a table face to face locked in a stair down that neither would back away from. Several seconds passed before Van asked his question again, in a much less offensive tone as he gained a small hint of respect for Tam.
“I ask it again, what will your Alliance do if we refuse your peace treaty?” Tam, when standing, was a good four inches taller than Vain but despite this, he felt, rather he knew that Vain was far from intimidated.

Tam knowing full well he was now being tested, an old strategy whereby the leader would allow an underling to attack so the he could study the pray for weakness. Tam was far to smart to fall for this and therefore chose his response carefully before replying, as this was not the time for a challenge.

“As I said Commander, The Alliance is committed to defending the boarder and will take appropriate action if provoked.” He kept his gaze and tone even as he continued to stare directly into Vains eyes. ‘Who will blink first my small friend?’ Thought Tam to himself as his stair down with the Alorian Commander continued. ‘Who will blink first?”

“They are our guest Vain,” The Subadar finally said with a hint of amusement in his voice, “take your seat!” The Subadar was firm, his command over his subordinates was clear to Tam as Vain sat down without muttering a word. ‘Score one for the Alliance.’ thought Tam as he shifted his gaze from the now seated Vain to that of the Subadar.

Tam made it his primary goal upon accepting the mission to the Alorian Imperium to impress upon and insure that the Alorians understood the importance placed upon the defense of the Alliance’s colony worlds. That if the Alorians did not stop their raids against the Alliance border colonies a military response would come and with it the likely prospect of war. A prospect that the Earth Stellar Alliance Counsel did not want explored in light of the unknown alien threat.

“I have reviewed the proposal sent by your Alliance Counsel.” Said the Subadar as he slowly stood. “We will sign this treaty with your people. We will join your Alliance in the spirit of friendship. But know this Ambassadar, we will not be threatened or allow your ways to influsance ours. ”

A small wave of relief washed over Tam as he allowed himself to relax. ‘Score two for the Alliance,’ he thought to himself.

“I shall come to Earth and we will celebrate that day for an eon to come. ” With that the Subadar turned and started walking toward the door he had entered from. Before leaving the room, he pausing for a moment looking back at the three men he had left standing at the table, and informed them that Vain would be making the arrangements for his journey to Earth.

Tam could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end as Vian said; “Follow me.” Tam and his aid, Mathew Bishop, followed him out of the room.

[ June 15, 2003, 09:11: Message edited by: Atrocities ]