Talosian Chronicles 3: Talosian Alliance Page 5

  The woman chuckled. “Sometimes it’s hard to remember you were born and raised down here, and other times you seem just like anyone else.”

  Ian nodded. “I was, as I’m sure you well know. I’ll include a military liaison officer in the ambassadorial mission to the UN. If you wish to ask for assistance, you can do so through them. That offer will be extended to all countries.”

  “Do you intend to declare your own territory down here?” she asked.

  “Nothing more than what we already legally own, but we do have a base on the Moon, Mars and we are building a colony on a planet in the Centauri system,” Ian said.

  “Are you going to allow immigration?”

  “Not yet. We are still simply finding those that either we need, or we can help, and that we know are not spies. Perhaps the Council will eventually allow emigration, but for now, our borders are strictly invitation only. The final decision on that will be made by our leaders, not me,” Ian explained.

  “How about research visas and the like?” she asked.

  Ian shook his head. “I don’t know, like I said, all that will be up to the civilian leadership.”

  “Okay, the reason I asked is that I know how many folks are going to be clamoring to get up there. Especially those in our scientific community,” she said. “I'll make sure all that gets worked out with the diplomatic mission.” She paused a moment, then lowered her voice. “Ian, keep an eye on India and Pakistan. I think they’re going to go nuclear any minute. We’ve been working behind the scenes to prevent it, but it isn’t working this time.”

  When he nodded, she cleared her throat and seemed to sit up straighter. “Well then, since you won’t acceded to my demands, I’ll let you go, and take up the matter with the UN through our ambassadors. Thank you for returning my call, Commander.”

  “It was my pleasure, Madam President,” he lowered his voice. “Thanks Diane, I’ll watch them.”

  The woman winked and disconnected. Ian sighed and thumbed his comm. “Command to Operations, please.”

  Major Chloe Brighton answered, the British accent failing to make him smile this time. She noticed, and frowned. “What’s wrong, Commander?”

  “I need you to set up a very low orbit CAP over the Middle East. I have it on good authority that Pakistan and India are heating up the nukes. We can’t allow that to happen,” Ian ordered.

  Chloe paled. “Right away, Commander. I’ll have fighters over them in ten minutes.”

  “I haven’t informed the Council yet, Chloe,” Ian replied. “Be prepared to alter your mission there.”

  “Understood, Sir,” Chloe replied, but he could see her typing on her terminal. “Sending the orders to flight control now."

  “Thanks Chloe,” Ian said and closed the channel. He briefly typed up a report for the Council covering this action, and his reasons for initiating it.

  Once finished, he asked Mel to make a note that the UN Security Council was meeting on Friday, and that would be a good time to introduce himself to them.

  “Will do, Sir,” Mel replied. “Your end of the day meeting should be arriving soon, do you want me to serve refreshments?"

  “Really? Wow, where did the day go?” Ian asked, rhetorically. “Naw, this is a personnel matter, so I’ll handle it. Thanks for offering though.”

  He turned back to the report on the Raptors in an effort to finish it before the meeting came together. He did, but only barely. Just as he closed the report, Mel announced the arrival of Bill and Janet Laskar, as well as Star.

  Star took the news of her sentience about like Ian had expected; she denied it. Then when Ian, Bill and Janet proved it to her, she was terrified, knowing what happens to AI that have developed sentience under Talosian Law.

  “Star, as your friend, and as your commander, I will not allow anything to happen to you. You are a member of this crew, and I have sworn to protect you just like every other member. If the alliance with the Talosians hinges on this issue alone, then I can assure you that no alliance will happen," Ian explained. “The issues involved there are not simply you developing sentience, it goes far deeper than that. The Council, as well as myself, and the command staff, agree. The core issue is that the Talosian people believe they can control where life happens. Destroying you based solely on the grounds that you are sentient would be no different than them wanting to destroy me, Bill or Janet because we are sentient.”

  “Sir, I do not wish to argue with you, but I was created by science, not by nature,” Star countered.

  “We have the ability to create a human life through science, if that person grew up and was a stable, member of society, should they be destroyed because of how they came into being? Besides, I would argue the point about science creating you.” Ian said. "Originally, yes, you were built by the hands of man, but your sentience, the part of you that makes you a unique, alive being, occurred when no one even knew this ship had survived. Your sentience manifested itself while you were up here, alone.”

  “I... I will have to think about that, Sir.” Star replied. “This is really a lot for me to adjust to.”

  Janet put her hand on Star’s holographic arm. “Dear, if you need to talk to someone, I will be there for you, simply call me whenever you need to.”

  Bill nodded his head in agreement with Janet. “Same with me, Star. If you have questions about the technical aspects, please feel free to ask me anything you need. However, we are all in agreement on this issue.”

  Star smiled a thank you at both Janet and Bill, then looked at Ian. “Why are you telling me this now?”

  “Because, in a few days, some VIPs from New Talos will be arriving. Two Councilors, two Admirals, and their assorted aides. Your status here will be challenged, and I do not want you to agree to anything that you are not comfortable with. You are a valuable and valued member of this crew. You are my friend, and you are a unique individual. Please do not back down in front of these people over this issue. I will back you as far as I need to ensure your safety.” Ian said. “As a member of this crew, and as a citizen of our society, you have rights. The right to life is one of them.”

  Chapter Four

  United Nations Building

  New York City, United States

  North American Continent

  Earth, Sol System

  Sol Sector

  When Friday arrived, Luke Belden, Ian, Star, via the use of a portable holoprojector, and a full platoon of armored Marines left for the UN in an assault shuttle, escorted by four of the new shadow fighters. In a small act of friendship, the President had ordered a flight path cleared for the arrival of Ian’s shuttle.

  A place was set aside at LaGuardia International for the escort fighters to land safely without being attacked. Of course, it was a great distance from the terminal buildings, and the pilots didn’t leave the fighters, though they did get out and walk around while they waited.

  What problems there were came from the news helicopters crowding the landing corridor for the shuttle. News of the arrival had leaked, and there was literally dozens of them flying around trying to get footage. The fighters did what they could, but they had to turn on all their lights just to be seen. But, Ian’s shuttle did finally land, in the small round-a-bout in front of the UN building.

  The UN Guards had cleared the area, and put up a cordon to keep the curious out. The Marine pilot of the shuttle did his best to make sure the landing was smooth, and caused as little disruption as possible to the crowds and the guards trying to keep them back.

  Obviously, their arrival wasn’t the surprise Ian thought it was going to be. When the assault ramp lowered, the first down the ramp were Ian’s guards. They were met by a guard detail from the UN, and another man in a plain grey suit. Major Petrie walked up to the detail and saluted.

  “Sir, I am escorting a diplomatic mission to the UN. They have business with the Security Council. I believe we are expected?”

  The officer on the UN side returned the salute. “You are expe
cted, Sir. Might I know your name and rank?”

  “Major Petrie, Terran Marines, and you Sirs?” Patrie asked, even though he could read the man’s name on his uniform, the other man was a mystery.

  “Colonel White, United States Marine Corps, and United Nations Security. Major, may I introduce Mr. Nathan Garth, diplomatic attaché to the United Nations.

  The man offered Petrie his hand, and Petrie shook it while the man spoke. “Major, I will function as your mission liaison while you are here.”

  Petrie nodded. “Understood. Colonel, our sensors tell us the area is secure, do you agree?”

  “The area is secure, Major. You may proceed,” White said, surprised the man had asked.

  Petrie turned back to the shuttle, and waved to Ian. Ian, Luke and Star all walked down the ramp. Petrie turned back to the Colonel. “What about the guard detail?”

  “The UN frowns on armed body guards on the grounds. However,” the Colonel grinned slightly. “Each visiting dignitary is allowed one aide. Diplomatic immunity extends to that aide as well.”

  Mr. Garth cleared his throat. “It is not common for an aide to carry a rifle, or whatever those are. I think that might be challenged.”

  “I understand, Mr. Garth, we can easily fix that. May I present to you, the civilian leader of our people, Councilor Luke Belden,” Major Petrie said, introducing the dignitaries he was escorting.

  While Luke was shaking hands with the Colonel, Garth got something from his aide, and turned back to the armored man in front of him. “Councilor Belden, on behalf of the Secretary General, welcome to the United Nations. Here are your diplomatic credentials. Please make sure you have them with you at all times. Without them, you literally can't go anywhere once we’re in the building.”

  Petrie introduced Ian and Star as well, and the greeting was repeated for them as well. Ian wasn’t surprised he hadn’t been introduced first, this was more of Luke’s area of expertise, not his.

  While Petrie handed his rifle to another trooper, and ordered her and one other to stow their rifles and hustle back, Mr. Garth explained the day’s agenda to his new charges.

  “First off, please call me Nathan. By protocol, you will still be addressed by rank and title,” Mr. Garth explained.

  “Nathan, I trust that you will keep us from making any social blunders while we’re here?” Luke asked, grinning. “I know which fork to use at what times, but ranks and titles for a lot of these people are something I do not know.”

  Nathan smiled back. “Yes Sir that is my primary function, although it is to also ensure your visit is as smooth as possible. To that end, I have already had you placed on the agenda for today. We still have almost an hour before they will call you, so if you need anything before we go in, now would be the time for it.”

  Since the Marines were now ready, and neither Luke nor Ian needed anything, they asked Nathan to lead them upstairs to await their turn to speak to the council.

  Nathan was surprised, because as soon as they arrived in the waiting area, another aide was waiting for them.

  “The Council has deemed this of high enough priority, and the fact that it has a direct impact on today’s agenda, that I have been asked to immediately introduce your party as soon as you arrive. If you’re ready, I will do that now,” the young woman said.

  “Let me get a drink of water, and I’ll be right with you,” Ian said. “I think my nerves are starting to come out.”

  Nathan showed him to a water fountain. While Ian got a drink, he quietly said. “Sir, those men and women are just people. People like you and me. Yes, there are a lot of them, but try to keep one thing in mind when you get in there; they want to hear what you have to say. I won't lie to you, there are bullies in there that will try to push you places you don’t want to go. Just be firm, and respectfully tell them what you came here to say.”

  “I appreciate that Nathan. I do have to say, I’m a little surprised at the reception we’ve received here. I expected a lot more resistance to our visit," Ian replied.

  “Normally, you would have gotten it, but the American Ambassador told his aides about your visit today. He specifically told them to make sure no one knew about it. Which is code to make sure the proper wheels get turned for a smooth visit. Even the Ambassadors know who runs this place. They may give the orders, but it is Aides like me, and Jessica over there that do the actual work." He nodded toward the other aide waiting quietly by the door.

  Ian grinned and nodded. “Then on behalf of myself, and my people, you have our thanks. Please make sure no one knows that, too.”

  Nathan chuckled. “We appreciate that Sir, I’ll be sure to tell no one what you said.”

  Ian stood up and nodded to Nathan. “Let’s do this.”

  “Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen of the Security Council. My name is Luke Belden. I have been given the honor of our people for the purposes of addressing you today. I serve as the chairman of our Ruling Council,” Luke said, making eye contact with as many of the delegates as he could.

  “Before I get into the civilian aspects of what we are doing, I would like to introduce the leader of our military forces to brief you on the events of the past few weeks. Although his title is Commander, he is the captain and master of the T.D.F Star Dancer, and the highest ranking member of our military. Don’t let his age fool you, without him, none of us would be here today. Commander Williams.” Luke said and stepped aside so Ian could take his place. Star assisted him by using a remote to display three-dimensional images of the battles for the assembly. He started with a brief history of how he had come to be in possession of the ship, and what he had done since that time. Then he finished with a detailed account of the battles that had taken place around the planet, and in the solar system. He finished up with a veiled warning to India and Pakistan.

  “Ladies and Gentleman, every single one of us in the military have sworn an oath to protect this planet from all threats. That includes the ones originating down here. Now, just to be clear, we won’t interfere in matters that are internal, or matters that do not threaten the continued survival of the planet and its people. The current hostilities between two countries in the Middle and Far East are a perfect example. If they’re stupid enough to start shooting at each other, we won’t stop them. However, if they use anything other than conventional weaponry, we will stop it, and I will seek diplomatic permission to destroy that county’s arsenal of WMDs,” he said.

  “Make no mistake here about our intentions. We will not tell you that you can’t have those weapons, but we do have an issue with you using them on each other.” Ian said. "In case none of you quite figured it out yet, you are not alone in the universe anymore, and hear me on this, there are a lot of worse things out there than simply someone with a different religious or economic point of view.

  “I am a military man; I cannot, and will not, act without orders to do so from my civilian bosses. For now, those bosses are represented by that man sitting right there.” He pointed to Luke. “However, it has always been our intent to work in conjunction with the United Nations since it is the closest you have to a planetary authority. We will not favor any single or group of countries over any others. We consider ourselves a planetary military, and in that manner is how we will conduct ourselves.

  “I hope I have answered a great many of your questions as well as put most of you at ease about our existence and our intentions. We have no desire to take over the planet, nor do we wish to dictate policy outside of what I already mentioned. With that, I will retire and let Councilor Belden once again resume the podium,” Ian finished and bowed to the Secretary General.

  “One moment, Commander, if you will,” one of the Ambassadors said.

  “Yes Ambassador?” Ian asked.

  “In light of your declaration about Weapons of Mass Destruction, what is your stance on the illegal drug trade?” It was the Ambassador from Britain that had spoken.

  “Currently, and according to the set of laws we are us
ing, those that are smuggling harmful drugs are nothing more than terrorists smuggling chemical weapons between countries. However, we have not acted on that because of the legal grey area between your laws and ours. Basically, terrorists are shot on site when caught in the act, and their cargo is destroyed. After sanitization, the rest of their equipment would be sold off, the proceeds going to repair the damage already done, or to other humanitarian causes,” Ian explained.

  “You mentioned your set of Laws. How are they different than ours? You are from this planet are you not?” The Chilian Ambassador asked.

  “That is a question best addressed by Councilor Belden.” Ian again bowed, and let Luke take the podium again.

  Luke answered the question, telling them about the Talosian People, and explaining a little about the laws that they had.

  “Councilor Belden, Commander William’s explanation about the events of the attacks on our planet are greatly appreciated, as well as the reports you’ve had sent to us concerning these actions,” the American Ambassador began. “I would like to know how much involvement you are looking for from this body, and if you are planning on letting any of the advanced technology you now have out to the rest of the planet?"

  “Let me answer your last question first, Mr. Ambassador,” Luke began. “We do plan on releasing some technology. However, some of the stuff we are going to release isn't alien to this planet. Now, when we do release technology, we have to be careful to not damage the economies of your countries. For example, we have a replacement power plant for automobiles that does not run on hydrocarbon fuels. It uses hydrogen extracted from purified water that recycles with very little loss. Basically, the vehicle would take five gallons of purified water, and not need a refill for a year or more depending on use. If we dumped that on the planet in a large scale it would destroy many economies. So we will release it gradually, and in small amounts, so the economy can adjust and accept the change.