The Alien Within or Holy Crap, There's An Alien In My Bed!

by Lorraine B.

© 2002, All Rights Reserved

 

Part Four

 

Chapter Thirty-two:

 

Once again we were underway to the Earth’s surface. For once we didn’t have to wear our helmets but they were available to us all in an emergency situation. Jerome, our pilot or should I say, the Captain of this vessel, has proved himself many times over. He is a legend in the Armada.

My father-in-law has been quite attentive to the ship’s systems. He was totally in his element. Because of the amount of time the vessel had been in storage, he was worried about the ship’s systems not functioning within the engineering parameters or the specifications that the vessel was designed for.

I left the couch I was sitting in and went to the staterooms. Carmen and Eve were seated in the meeting and guest seating area. I went to the synthesizer and programmed a cup of black tea with lime. I had a hot steaming cup of black tea in my hand in seconds. I took it over with me to an unoccupied armchair and sat tucking my legs underneath me.

I told Carmen and Eve what I saw when Daniel and Jerome were talking. Both of them both said I should focus on the upcoming meeting. This was going to be the true test of our political awareness and leadership abilities. They were right as usual.

I didn’t vote for this President as I thought his policies focused too much on foreign affairs and not on the people and programs that were needed in the United States. Now those things were part of my old life. Everyone was right I had to focus on the present and the danger that would be coming soon.

"Your Highness, ETA is ten minutes. We have been cleared to fly through and land in restricted airspace by the military. NASA had asked if we wished an escort. I stated no to them." Jerome said over the comm. panel.

"That’s fine, Jerome. Please ask Jake to come into the stateroom." I said.

Jake entered the stateroom going to the synthesizer to get a cup of coffee. He then sat down at the round conference table saying, "Worried?"

"Is it that noticeable?"

"Oh yes. That’s why we all have been giving you time by yourself or with Gordon and Lynn." Jake said.

"You have to think about this meeting. Once you do that everything will fall into place." Eve said.

"I agree, Senora. Those that you have to meet with have a very large decision to make. The answers will not be easy." Carmen said.

"They will have to decide if their planet is worth saving. They will have to decide if this is a viable threat. Then we have to look at public opinion." Eve said.

"Well if the President plays the middle of the road there’s always Congress that can be persuaded. They don’t care too much for this guy." Jake said.

"How do you feel about him, Jake?" I asked.

"He’s my boss and one of the most powerful men in the world. It’s my duty to do what he says."

"That’s not what I asked. I want your input without the propaganda."

"He’s a politician, what more can I say. Do I trust him, my personal answer is no, but I don’t trust any politician. As a symbol of leadership for the United States I have to respect him."

"I see, are you telling me to watch my back?"

"Yes, and don’t bend over for anything you drop, you may get a surprise you weren’t expecting." Jake said.

I thought of what Jake said, he, Carmen and Eve were right. If I couldn’t get a straight answer from this man I would have to appeal to the people and to Congress. Conceivably, the way to do that was through the press.

"Jake, do you have any influential friends in the press?"

"Oh no, you aren’t going to go that way are you?" Eve asked.

"It’s a possibility. Public opinion has always been vocal due to the press getting involved or informed. I think we may need them for the public relations aspect."

"That, I do have to agree with you on. When we land I can make some discreet phone calls." Jake said.

"That would be fine. They must be credible journalists and influential. None of that electronic hype trash."

We talked of other matters while the crew made their preparations to land. I felt that I could handle these people without any problems, but I still had that wait and see attitude.

Jake and I walked together back to the bridge area and sat on the couches we had sat in before. I was as ready as I would ever be. I thought that our Krea’chk enemies would be more honorable than some of these people I was going to have to deal with. Politicians and lawyers the scourge of all humankind!

I heard the ever-present humming decrease, which was my queue that we were preparing to land. I wasn’t even looking at the view screen that was on. My mind was still on other matters.

"We’re on deck, Your Majesties. We are on the North Lawn of the White House just as we requested. I’m about to open the hatch and lower the gangway." Jerome said.

Carmen came out of the stateroom and assured me that all would go well while she gave me a hug. That made me feel a little better. I told Eve and Paul to go out first with Jake and Alexei next. Gordon and I would be last out of the ship.

The Hatch opened with a rushing in of the Earth’s air. I could hear voices and I know there were escorts at our gangway when I looked at the viewer. As was told them, Eve and Paul were the first off followed by Jake and Alexei. Then we followed, Gordon and I, down the gangway arm in arm into the sunlight.

On both sides of the gangway standing at attention and saluting were sailors of the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard. In the distance I heard the canon firing a twenty-one gun salute. The band played four ruffle and flourishes. It was evident that every branch of the military was being represented.

We were then escorted to inspect the troops that were gathered. To me it seemed ridiculous, as we were here to have a meeting. I kept my mouth shut and did what was expected of me as a leader and the queen.

The welcoming ceremonies had finally ended as we then went through the White House and into the Oval office. We sat down as he stood near his desk. Several members of his cabinet, advisors, and staff were in attendance.

"I’m glad we have finally having this opportunity to speak. I was a bit peeved when Admiral Filipowski made first contact with you and when you took over our toys. I should have been the first person you spoke to, not the flyboy.

I couldn’t and can’t see the necessity and urgency of your actions. My problem was it involved an international crew of the shuttle and I have many things to explain to Congress and all my problems stem from a little girl," The American President said.

"Frankly, sir, I will not sit here and be admonished like a child. We have offered our help to the United States and to the world. Many of us were born on this planet we hid ourselves because of people like you. And, sir, how do you know you're not pissing off someone who voted for you? This is the only planet that many of us know about.

Do not be arrogant or hostile as you will find an even more meanspirited enemy than the Krea’chk with more intelligence and with greater technology.

We may have given those CompPads to you, with a substantial amount of information but with one thought from me will activate a destructive virus that will wipe out your data on all the pads on Earth and render them useless." I said.

"I cannot believe that anyone has those type of capabilities."

"Very well you leave me no apparent choice. Watch that vase in the corner, please."

I looked at the vase, with the anger I had built during this conversation, releasing my rage with a force that obliterated the vase, turning it back into the sand it was made from. The arrogant look on the President’s face was gone; the astounded look that replaced it was priceless. Due to the noise a great deal of men and women ran into the room with weapons in their hands.

"Put those things away. A vase broke that’s all. Now, please leave so that we can continue our meeting."

Everyone that had come through the door left the same way.

"Mr. President, believe me when I say I do not lie, I will not be forced into another demonstration of my abilities. Now shall we discuss this matter sanely or shall we leave and tell the people of your world to prepare for their deaths from the Krea’chk, that this President refused the help he was offered and preferred to show his true arrogant political nature."

The man slowly sank into a chair near his desk, his arrogance gone, saying, "I think that we should talk."

"Very well, but please remember that we are guests under your invitation."

"Yes, yes of course."

"Let us clarify one further item. We are here in the name of peaceful coexistence and not as conquerors."

 

"That is understood."

The rest of the meeting was a learning experience for these people. We went from the technical range to manpower. Jake had made the comment in the meeting that manpower specifically pilot and support personnel would be needed shortly. I really didn’t want to talk about it, but since it was brought up I wasn’t about to back down.

"Essentially, the people of the Earth must help. We are prepared for the oncoming offensive but we are not going to assume the full manpower responsibilities for it." Gordon said.

"This is not a decision that we alone can make to commit the citizens or military personnel to war. You will be addressing the Congress shortly that would be an ideal time for that request." The President said.

Our meeting was over for the time being. I felt that nothing had been accomplished. This man that was the leader had more or less told us he would not help the world or us. Well, there was still Congress!

Jerome had prepped the ship before our arrival when I contacted him by our thoughts. I told him to brief the crew that this was not a very good meeting. We wanted to lift off as soon as we were onboard.

We boarded our ship to the sounds of canon fire and boatswains pipes. I was determined that this man would be called trouble by the world if this meeting were disclosed. I guess you can never assume what may happen until it does happen. I needed the time to think and relax before we addressed the Congress. I told Jerome to head toward warm waters once we were airborne and to land anywhere far from land.

Once lifting our vessel from its skids, our escorts joined us as we were all saluted by those gathered on the lawn and the White House. We then accelerated without a sound toward the blue waters of the Caribbean.

My mood was not happy as I sat on the flight couch on the bridge. I briefed the crew as to what had happened as we flew south toward the Island of Tortola, part of the British Virgin Islands. There was also a positive side that the political career of that man was over. Somehow or someway I would see to it. Throughout that last meeting I was feeling that this man, a leader of a powerful nation had lied to all that where in attendance at that meeting.

I went back to the stateroom and checked on Lynn. Carmen had said she had woken up, was fed, and was changed earlier. She and Eve were sitting and talking.

I went to the comm. panel and asked for a communication linkup to the Mother Ship to Amanda. Carmen and Eve wanted to leave but I told them to stay.

"Your Highness, Lady Amanda is on the circuit waiting for you."

"I wondered how long it would take you to contact us. Are you through sulking?"

"Ah……………How did you know?"

"Check your comm. pouch on your belt. Somehow you activated your comm. unit during the meeting, the computer notified me about it."

"Do you mean that you heard and saw everything?"

"Oh yes, dear, and only I heard you unless you count the computer too. You did well with that pompous ass. I thought you didn’t lie?"

"I don’t!"

"Well you told a whopper there about that virus sweetie, but that demonstration was excellent. Those people wanted to run and hide."

"I wasn’t out to scare them. I wanted to scare the hell out of that political moron."

"That you did, that you surely did, my darling daughter. The computer did an analysis on him and determined that he was lying during that meeting."

"I figured as much and I felt it too. What can be done? I mean it would be his word and his cronies’ words against mine. I didn’t record it."

"No but I did, or at least I and your mother had the computer do it. Oh yes, she knows too and is very proud."

Everything fell into place as we spoke. I felt that all was not lost yet. I also asked that one thousand additional CompPads be delivered by courier ship at our touch down at the Capitol Building in Washington. I asked that they be loaded with all the information that all the delegates at the UN received plus to play the record of what was recorded in that meeting. I told Amanda to contact the Secretary-General and advise her as to what had happened.

"I’ll do one better. She will be on that courier ship when you arrive. Just do me one favor?" Amanda said

"I’ll try."

"Don’t lose your temper again. You might destroy something valuable next time." She said laughing as she disconnected.

I felt relieved and vindicated as my spirits soared. This is what I needed. The Congress and the people needed to be told of that meeting at the White House. There was one more matter to take care of yet.

 

Chapter Thirty-three:

We, meaning all of us, the crews of our ship and the escorts had managed to find a desolate area away from the sea-lanes, several miles from Tortola to land our ships on the sea. We all went into the blue seawaters to relax from the events of the day. Carmen stayed very close to us as did Jake and Alexei but they seemed also to relax in the calming effect of the waters. We thanked the Mother of Life, the sea, as she removed our tensions from our bodies.

As we swam, our friends, the dolphins came greeting us all but more so Gordon, Lynn and myself wanting to play. I noticed that they all kept a watchful eye as they protected us from any possible predator that swam.

Before long we knew it was time to say good bye to our friends. We went back to our respective ships, removing the salt from our skins with a fresh water shower, putting back on our flight suits. Once again we were in the air flying back to the capitol of the United States, Washington, D.C.

As we approached the Capitol Building from seaward another Scout Ship joined our flight formation, it was the courier that I requested with our guest. Jake had been busy too, contacting a reputable member of the news media that would meet us at the landing site.

Eve and Paul had briefed the security teams on the Scout Ships prior from departing the Mother Ship. They would be the first down, just as we did in New York City at the United Nations. The first in and the last out they all said laughingly, at least their spirits were high.

Eve and Paul had decided to tell everyone that this time we would all wear our helmets to confuse anyone as to our identities until inside the building. The security teams would also be responsible for handing out the CompPads.

The first three ships had left us to disembark their security personnel and had returned allowing the next three to do the same. Once all the scouts had returned Jerome took us straight down to the East Front Entrance of the Capitol Building that we had been hovering above at eighty thousand feet, staying away from all commercial air traffic. That was one hell of an elevator ride going down.

Due to the traffic and safety concerns we decided to use the anti-grav pads to take us from the ship. New York was a zoo, but what I saw was even worse. People and news trucks were everywhere! Police were everywhere!

We made it to the concrete sidewalk as the crowds tried to get closer to us. Our security closed in closer to us as we went to the scout to assist the passenger and to get the cargo it carried. That’s when I saw Jake hand a CompPad to a man wearing a press badge. Jake quickly came back to us with the man leaving very quickly in the other direction.

We had made it through the crowd and into the building with the help of the Capitol Police. Once inside the building a man in plain clothes came forward.

"I’m sorry but I will have to inspect those bundles," he said.

"Excuse me but those are gifts." Gordon said after he took off his helmet exposing his crown of rank and office.

"I have to inspect them, it’s part of our security," he said.

"I suggest you have the Vice-President, Senate Pro Tempore, Majority Leader, Minority Leader, House Speaker, House Majority Leader and Minority Leader come down here now young man," The Secretary-General of the United Nations said.

"I can’t do that madam."

"Do you know whom I am?" She asked.

"No I don’t. The only thing I know is I have to inspect those." He said as he pointed to the CompPad’s containers.

Eve was the one that said, "Enough of this bureaucratic crap, you will allow us entry, now."

"I can’t do that."

"Yes you will, these are diplomatic pouches and we are all diplomats and Heads of State. Now I suggest you get your supervisor, now." She said calmly.

I guess that someone in authority had decided we were lost or something to that effect. They sent the Sergeant-at-Arms to find us stalled where we were. He said a few words to the security man that caused him to back away from us, meanwhile all of us were ready to stun this young man and leave for the meeting.

Walking away from that man with the man that came for us, I saw Jake flip the young man the bird.

"Eve, we’ll be okay with him, get those CompPads into all the right hands."

"Okay if you’re sure about that, Your Highness."

"Get going Eve!" Gordon said.

Eve and Paul knew where they were going after studying the floor plans of the chambers we were going to. By the time we reached the chambers waiting room all the CompPads had been handed out and they returned to us.

We waited in a waiting area until called. We couldn’t hear what was being said being that the room was heavily insulated. The door opened to allow the Sergeant-at-Arms to call Madam Secretary-General in. One thing I can say is the woman was spunky and was not about to take any guff from anyone.

Not long afterward the Sergeant-at-Arms called us into the chambers. Here we go, I thought. It’s ShowTime! This gets easier all the time.

I noticed that we had entered at a side door the led into the main chamber. The chamber was filled with the legislators that made and approved the laws for this country. I imagined the history of this hallow place, the past legislators, I thought that I heard the voices of the past echoing their catcalls to their colleagues when a filibuster had begun or an unjust law was brought up for a vote.

If only the walls could tell me of the deals that had been cut before a vote. This was also a place of mystery to most citizens, Oh yes there had been dishonest and honest exchanges between those gathered both past and present. Some got caught and some didn’t. These were not perfect people. They were and are human beings that have different objectives some for themselves and others for the people they serve.

The immense room was hushed as we were escorted to the podium. I stood with Gordon at my side trembling, I then managed to control those emotions as I was trained to do.

I looked one last time about the room and said, "Mr. Vice President, Madam Secretary-General, Mr. President Pro Tempore, Majority Leaders, Minority Leaders, members of the House and Senate I bid you greetings and thank you for this honor to speak before you.

We have come before you this day to seek the assistance that was denied by your President. True, that this planet is now our adopted homeworld as you may have all read. True, we have lived among you for decades. True, many of us had been born here on this planet and also the United States of America.

What we have to say concerns the world and not just one nation. We have made the technology that we possess, available to the world nations. This technology should be available to all, not just one country or one corporation.

We decided to make ourselves known to the world and not to just one country. I made a difficult decision when we discovered this planet could and would be destroyed by a race that shows no mercy to anyone or anything." I said.

Gordon then came and added by saying, "For those reasons your President refused to help in any way. The CompPads that were given to you all will be activated shortly with the recorded visual conversation of what was said at that meeting.

To activate your pads place your thumb on the screen. Only you can activate the units you have as a security measure. We will leave you to discuss this matter. We will be out in the foyer.

We thank you for this honor. We will answer any and all questions that you may have, if you wish to speak further to us."

Gordon, our security team, and I walked out to the foyer leaving the Secretary-General, Alexei and Jake to discuss our situation, no the world’s situation with those lawmakers.

I was close to just leaving and go back to the ship. I was getting disgusted with people that could not make simple decisions. This was an emergency situation, which needed to be dealt with immediately.

Gordon saw the tenseness I had and took my hand into his. This action was by someone that really cared for me. All I could do was smile back at him.

"They’ll do the right thing. Everything takes time, remember that we have to have patience." Gordon said as he kissed me.

I did feel better, more reassured. This had been the day from hell for me. The only stabilizing factors were those around me that have given the support I needed. I remember the words that Queen Aimaila wrote to me that I would be heard. That was all I asked, to be heard.

 

We watched the heavy doors as they opened allowing Jake to come to us at a brisk pace.

"Those Politicians are really angry, not at you but someone that is supposed to be a leader. Am I glad I didn’t vote for that guy. Well anyway they would like you to come back." Jake said.

Gordon, Eve, Paul and I all followed Jake back into the chambers. Gordon and I were then escorted to the podium.

"Your majesties, we were tempestuous at first that a recording was made of that meeting circumventing our Privacy Laws. But from another point of view we were pleased that you have shown the trust you have of us to disclose that information. The people of the world look at the policies we make. Some adopt those policies or similarities.

The United Nations has agreed that we of this planet do face a very powerful enemy. By saying no to you and your people would condemn all life on this planet to death.

We agree it would not be justified for you to assume all the risk. We also know that many would go to the United Nations to volunteer to help defeat this enemy, we see as do you, that there is a need for the experienced pilots, crews and support personnel. I have in my hand the resolution that was drawn by those very delegates. Madam Secretary-General gave this resolution to me. The first signature is that of our own United States Ambassador.

This resolution calls for the implementation of an Earth Interstellar Task Force, under the command of Admiral Filipowski and direct liaison with you with Sub Commander Abramaovich as his second in command.

Each member of the Congress has received and read a copy of the resolution thanks to the CompPads you have so graciously given us. There were no dissenters and no debates against it. A vote was taken and the measure approved, unanimously. This will go into the annals of Congress as a miracle. We concur with this resolution." The Vice President stated just as the alert went off on Eve and Paul’s Comm. Units.

Eve became a bit uneasy as she took the message and then began walking toward me. There was a profound silence in those chambers. My first thoughts were Lynn and she was sick. My next was there were problems with the ship or the Armada that were beyond the council’s decisions.

"We have a bit of a problem, Your Highness." Eve said as quietly as possible.

"It’s Lynn right!" I said panicky.

"Oh no she’s fine and playing with Carmen."

"What’s the problem then?"

"Daniel just said they found more ships in two other compartments. The same amounts as the first."

"Wait a minute that’s seventy five thousand scouts and six hundred destroyers." Gordon chimed into the conversation.

"The worst is that they still have other areas to go into." Eve said.

"Well I guess we will have to break the news here to them."

"I apologize to you all for the disruption. My husband and I thought that there was a problem with our daughter but so it wasn’t. The message we received was from our Armada Chief Engineer stating they had found more equipment that had been stored away aboard the Mother Ships.

As it stands we now seem to be the owners of an additional fifty thousand Scout Ships and an additional amount of destroyers identical to those ships that are waiting for us to return. Our one problem as stated earlier will be the staffing of those vessels.

We wish to thank you, Mr. Vice President and you, the members of Congress, for all the help that we require. Your men and women that serve will serve for the benefit of one unified Earth. They will serve to make peace strong not only on this planet but the universe. The cause they serve is for peace." I said.

"We again thank you as we all must return to make the preparations for those that do come to be trained. Ladies and gentlemen our cry and purpose is to save the Earth. For many of us I repeat this is our adopted homeworld. For many of us Earth is the planet we were born on, that is why we have come forward. Now we must all join to protect her." Gordon said to the thunderous roar of the applause at the conclusion.

We stood still as the Secretary-General, Jake, and Alexei, joined us. I felt grand knowing that we had this kind of support as we stood together. Gradually those that applauded made their way to all of us. Each person that came said that we would get the full support we needed. Eventually the Vice President made his way toward us.

We shook the man’s hand. Once again his apologies were expressed to what had happened to us. He promised a full investigation into the matter, but due to what was seen there would be many problems, his problems. I could have entered his mind and drawn all the particulars but I had to maintain everyone’s privacy. That was our code! It was not to be trifled with! It was absolute!

While we spoke to those that wanted us to speak to them. A messenger brought a message to the Vice President stating that due to illness the President of Russia was asking for our meeting to be postponed. That sounded great to me after having a day such as this one.

The receiving line was finished; our ships waited for us. Madam Secretary-General made a request that she visit one of our ships as did the Vice President, though he could not be available for several days but Madam Secretary-General was ready now. I felt that one guest at a time was plenty. My parents could deal with this VIP when he came.

As we left the Capitol Building the crowds had seemed to grow larger. We stood together with the Vice President so that anyone with a camera could take pictures and the press corps could ask questions.

Those of the press corps that were present during the assemblage had asked if this was what we expected. Sure, all we wanted was for the people of the Earth to put away their differences and to unite and stay united to defeat a common enemy that planned to destroy the Earth. By the Congress doing what they did was a step in the right direction.

We made our way to the anti-grav pads finally, to the cheers of those that had greeted us. We had a sense of accomplishment, but I knew there was one person that regretted every word he said.

 

Chapter Thirty-four:

 

Coming through the hatch I handed my helmet to Daniel and walked quickly to our stateroom. I was amazed to see Lynn playing with Carmen and one of the dolphin plush animals. My needs were to use the head, as Jake called the bathroom, to drink a liquid of some type and finally just to sit down on my butt with my daughter. I did each of those things and managed to speak to Carmen too.

I thanked her for watching Lynn, I told her about what had happened. She didn’t at all act surprised. It was as if she expected things to come together as they did. Lynn was patiently playing with my hair when the door opened to allow Gordon, Eve, Paul, Jake, Alexei, Madam Secretary-General, Daniel and Jerome in.

"Do you wish for me to take Lynn into the other room." Carmen asked.

"No, and sit down Carmen." I said. "What’s going on? When you’re together like that we have a problem."

"The crews are reporting they found another cargo hold on all the ships. The cruisers on Mother One are reporting that they found an additional compartment that was sealed when doing routine maintenance. They broke the seals and entered the compartment. It would seem that they have fully functional matter transceivers installed," Daniel said.

"If that is the case have all the ships checked including the scouts and the captain’s gigs. Why in the world haven’t we found these before?" I asked.

"Again the computers must have hid these or weren’t put into it. I have people going into the cores of the computer checking. We are going by our own knowledge of the hull structures and pure logic." Daniel said.

"Just do what has to be done, dad? When will all those ships be ready?" Gordon said.

"We’re going as fast as we can. This job is starting to get to the crews." Daniel said.

"Would it help if we could get you people from earth to help?" the Secretary-General said.

"I’ll take all the help we can get. They’ll have to be trained on the job but they’ll have some or most of the basics already." Daniel said.

 

"Can you get me the Vice President on your communication devices. He’s volunteered to be our buffer of a sort. He will be your driving force to get what has to be done. He’s sticking out his political neck to see that what needs to be done gets done." The Secretary-General said.

"Because of the disgrace of earlier today I think the voices that be will ask the President to resign or be impeached from office." Jake said.

"That’s a very astute observation, Admiral." The Secretary-General said.

"Even prior to this episode he has made many enemies, mostly from his own political party," Jake said

"I received that impression also. He is not liked." Alexei said.

"Getting back to the request, yes but we’ll be landing soon, so if you don’t mind I think Eve or Paul can arrange whatever you need. Will that be suitable?" I asked.

"Oh yes, that will be fine. Thank you. You forgot to tell me how many personnel. What about language barriers?"

"As many as he and you can find specifically those trained in the avionics field. Language barriers should not be a problem, we do have translators and learning programs." Daniel said.

"I see. All I can do is to try."

"We have to get back to the bridge, we land in about three minutes." Jerome said as he and Daniel got up from where they were seated at the conference table.

We finally landed at Mother One. Other than the crew we were the last to leave. Eve took the Secretary-General to the communications area with Jake and Alexei following. Gordon, Lynn, Carmen and myself wanted to have time for ourselves. Daniel and Jerome wanted to check on the status of the work being done on the ships.

We made our way to our stateroom and told Carmen to go rest a bit. Lynn was asleep when we entered but I kept holding her anyway. I had asked Gordon to get us anything cold to drink from the synthesizer and put CNN news on.

The lead story was about us addressing Congress and disclosing the improprieties of the President. There were massive rumblings on Capitol Hill by many of the House of Representative and the Senate for the President’s resignation, for letting his ego get in the way of common sense. The world was shown what we offered, not only in the forms of new technology but a possible deterrent to the oncoming crisis. They had also stated we asked for nothing in return. The White House had declined any comment to the allegations that were made though Capitol Hill. The News Media had seen the evidence and was not going to let it go away easily.

 

I was pleased that this was done and also to advise the world of the United Nation resolution to help with manpower. The establishment of the Earth Interstellar Task Force was a beginning. With the United States coming into the picture it was assured.

The next story concerned NASA. They had asked the Congress to make available whatever manpower was to be needed by us. The European Space Administration had also asked the same as did the Russians and Chinese.

Various armed forces of the United Nations membership were being deluged with requests to be transferred to the Earth Interstellar Task Force to represent their countries. The ball was rolling but I saw the administration headaches coming.

"There are guests at your door." The computer said.

"Open, allow," Gordon said.

When the door opened it was the Secretary-General, Eve and Amanda that walked into the room.

"Arlene, Gordon we’re so glad you’re back. How’s my granddaughter?"

"Fine, mother. I assume you’ve met Madam Secretary-General of the United Nations."

"Oh yes, we met as Eve was showing her around."

"Excuse me but my name is Fong Li Wei, please call me Li Wei it is Mandarin Chinese it means beautiful rose. The family name is Fong, which came from China and my ancestors that immigrated to Singapore.

I believe that it is time for us to be less formal."

"How was your tour Li Wei?"

"I saw the pictures but never could have imagined how truly magnificent this vessel is. The extreme beauty and gracefulness of its lines just as your smaller ships, the immense size. And there are one hundred of these that have been hidden? Unbelievable. These are engineering marvels. I thank you for this honor of letting me come on it."

"It was our pleasure after all we have a common goal, peace." I said.

Everyone that came in asked what was being said by the news media. Gordon and I told them of what we had heard and our views including the administrative problems we would incur. We had the room on the Mother Ships for the additional personnel. That was not going to be a problem but the people from Earth would have to respect our ships, our arboretums and wildlife. Our people would have no problem relating since they all live on earth.

We decided that the colorings and design of our flight suits would remain the same. But the entire Armada would have the same badge like device to tell all who they were (although the original Armada Crews would retain their badges of distinction). Earth’s Interstellar Task Force or I.T.F. for short was a reality.

Eve had said during our conversation that there had been a message for us regarding some personnel to come and help us. They had five hundred personnel that had volunteered to assist Jerome and Daniel. That would only amount to five persons per ship but that would be ten extra hands to help after they went through medical. If medical did not pass them, which I doubted anyone would not, they would remain on Earth.

Li Wei said she would make an appeal to the member nations of the UN to get their personnel ready for transfer. It was decided to set up our medical teams at various intake and transfer sites around the world. At those sites they would be issued their flight gear and allowed to take only their photographs to the ships. There would be nothing else they would need that couldn’t be had on the Mother Ships. Currently our needs are avionics, support personnel, and pilots. Other personnel such as medical, yeomen and others will be added later.

Amanda had volunteered to tell the other Mother Ships what was about to happen. The way we had worked out the initial logistics seemed logical.

We had also decided that once the crews had been trained sufficiently they would be allowed liberty or time off the ships. That would have to be up to Jerome, Alexei and Jake.

We would require further supplies from Earth but that was not going to be a problem. One further thing that was decided was the crews could be assigned to any of the ships we had, until assigned permanent ships.

The groundwork had essentially been laid out. Now if these ideas worked as well as our theories, we would all be pleased.

 

Chapter Thirty-five:

 

Our meeting had been fruitful in our preparations. Jake and Alexei had later sat in along with my parents, Jerome, and Daniel. Although our stateroom was substantial in size we agreed to move our meeting to the mess decks, as all of us were hungry. I asked my sister Irene and her husband, Al, if they would watch Lynn for us, which they agreed to do eagerly. Al had volunteered to help with the refits of the ships, which shocked all of us. Al was the type of man that only had one thing on his mind, sex.

As we ate we talked of different matters. It was decided that there would be several pick-up points with more added later: Cape Canaveral; England; Canada; Russia; Mexico; Brazil; Beijing; Israel; Italy; Morocco; South Africa; Japan; India; Singapore and Australia. It was decided that more specific bases would be decided later or if they were warranted.

Alexei was eager that his President had sent a message that he was better. We had offered to send a doctor from the Mother Ship to see if they could help. The offer came back to us refused. We assured them we had no plan for any deception. Alexei was the one that finally insisted that our doctor check the President either at the Kremlin or on this ship. The agreement was made for us to bring the doctor but he was to come to his Dacha near Moscow. Alexei, Doctor Tang and two security personnel left the Mother Ship in a Scout Ship with our permission, also with them were several gifts from us to him. Several hours later they returned with the President feeling much better, almost in perfect health.

He was diagnosed with liver problems, heart blockage, physical and mental exhaustion. All those ailments were remedied on the spot. Our doctor stated that he was also immunized just as we all were. The President was pleased as he felt much better and requested us to come see him in a few days. Alexei said we would do so, furthermore he asked that that his family would be taken care of and protected. The President had said this would be done by his order. Alexei was joyously a different man when he returned to Mother One.

Our meeting continued even after we had eaten. We felt that all the involved nations would allow our ships into their airspace. Before our Shuttles would land, our cargo carriers would offload all that would be needed for the volunteers.

Daniel had reported that there were no more surprises yet, but teams of personnel were still checking other areas of all the ships. Due to the immense size of our vessels he could not give anyone an idea when this chore would be completed.

Jerome had many of the flight instructors check the flight simulators to ascertain they would be in working order, to make the new pilots sweat. I had gone through the rigors of the training however they had added new modules to it. These pilots would be checked for claustrophobia and taught stellar/celestial navigation, space survival, weapons, tactics and evasion.

Amanda had spoken to the supply personnel in the Armada making sure that we would have enough equipment, uniforms, berthing assignments and amenities for all the new personnel that came to the Armada.

While we talked, Daniel and Jerome were called away on urgent matters. They had no idea what the urgency was; nevertheless they left us at a trot.

We still had many things to discuss however we were disturbed by the arrival of Eve and Paul.

"We’re sorry to disturb this meeting but there is a problem in the hanger bay. It requires everyone’s attention, now please."

Nothing further was needed to be said as we heard the urgency in their voices. We ran out the hatchway to the passageways to the hanger bay. Thank goodness Carmen came to visit and volunteered to stay with Lynn.

I didn’t know what to expect as we entered the hanger bay. We saw many of the crew standing near a corner at the midway mark, as we approached they allowed us to find out the cause of their curiosity.

There appeared to be a very large anti-grav pad that was up, the deck had seemed to have slid into a recess. Jerome was the first to see us as we stood coming to our sides.

"One of the crew happened to have leaned against the bulkhead. She was tired and her shift was ending. The fatigue must have got to her as she braced herself with her hand on a stanchion. Her hand must have hit a hidden release mechanism that sprang a panel open. She felt it and another touch panel, with that the deck slid back and exposed what you see now."

"Any idea why it’s there?" Gordon asked.

"None, although the crewmember stated there was a rush of air as if it had been sealed. We were getting ready to see what it is." Jerome said.

"Is there a possibility that the anti-grav pad was placed there for maintenance of the ships?" my mother asked.

"I don’t know. It’s not on the ship diagrams. We are at an quandary at this time." Daniel said joining us.

While I was not looking toward the anti-grav pad Jake, Li Wei and Alexei had walked over to it, walking around it. Then Jake climbed onto the anti-grav pad when it started to descend suddenly. As it started to lower Alexei, Li Wei, Daniel, Gordon and Jerome jumped on it.

When it reached the bottom the light activated showing another identical hanger area below the one we stood in but going into the other directions. If this one was north and south, that one was east and west.

"Computer access link with Daniel’s, Gordon’s and Jerome’s comm. units." I said.

"Done"

"Is everyone alright?" I asked

"It’s identical in every way down here, except the bay is completely loaded with ships: Scouts, Destroyers, Cargo, Passenger Shuttles and a type I’ve never seen before." Gordon said excitedly.

"Computer, activate all sensors below existing hanger bay, High Elder Command. " Amanda said.

"Negative."

Amanda was angry when the computer told her no, she looked toward my mother and I saying, "Your Highness please try."

"Computer, This is Queen Arlene of the bloodline of Aimaila, ruling monarch of the Urh'natau people, by royal command activate your sensors in the hanger bay below us and any other spaces hidden from us. Activate all sensors on all the Mother Ships as well. Scan DNA to confirm."

 

"Scanning confirmed, It is done by Royal Command, as Queen Aimaila so decreed."

I saw the smiles of Amanda and my mother before saying, "Activate hologram."

"Done."

The hologram activated showing an identical hanger bay filled with the ships just as Gordon had said. I don’t know what possessed me to say what I had said. No matter, the computer did as was ordered. Crew members had been reporting that more compartments opened throughout the Mother Ships which included this one showing the secrets they have held for oh, so long.

We had further repots from the heavy cruisers that they too had several compartments open and several more weapons consoles on their bridge that came into view from below decks that previously had nothing.

Another cruiser submitted an accident report of a crewmember that had almost fell into the hole that was created by the sliding deck plate when she jumped she had managed to fall wrong and broke an ankle. She was treated, healed and released back to duty. I failed to say earlier that our medical science had progressed to the point we could in some cases regenerate the tissues, bones, and muscles in our bodies. That medical technology was to be a gift to the people of earth.

There were many reports from the Mother Ships stating that they had found technology that they and us had never seen before. The engineering departments had been reporting that there was documentation they had never seen suddenly appear for their reading. Some of that technology entered new realms into their fields that previously had only been theories in our sciences. If this technology was new to us, what would it be like to the people of Earth?

I looked about at the people around me. These were the people that have been doing the refits on all the ships. They all looked so very tired, this could not happen but was. If I were technically adept I would be helping them in the massive job they were doing. Now it appears that, their jobs were going to be worse than what they are. My fears were those that someone would be hurt or killed. My decision was made.

"Computer, link to the Armada, all ship’s hands, broadcast my voice."

"Done"

Amanda and my mother gave me a strange look as I asked for the voice hookup to the Armada.

"People of the Armada this is Arlene, your Queen. By royal decree all ship’s crews are to Standdown for seventy-two hours Earth hours. Our computers will be engaged to deal with most tasks. Your captains will designate those crewmembers they feel essential in an emergency situation.

Spend that off time with your families that many of you have not seen for several days. Spend time in the recreation areas, the arboretums, on the beaches and in the waters. Regain your strength, your thought processes and your sense of family and shipmates. We all have massive tasks to do in the coming days, weeks and months. There are those coming from Earth to help with our duties but they will all have to be trained by you.

I am afraid this will fatigue you further. Anyone that gets to that point will ask for time off. Everyone must be at his or her peak energy levels for the oncoming tasks. I, Gordon your King and the Elders thank you all for your dedication, Standdown will take effect in one hour of Earth time."

I heard the cheers of those in this hanger bay. The decision I had made was a welcomed one by all. As I finished those that where in the newly found hanger bay came up on the anti-grav pad with smiles.

My mothers came to me and placed their hands on my shoulders to let me know that they supported my decision. These people would work until their energies were expended and they dropped from exhaustion. I did not want this to happen, my decision was final and absolute.

"Two Shuttles, inbound, one thousand passengers from NASA."

"Computer, notify sickbay medical personnel, notify Armada captains, transfers in four days Earth time after processing." Amanda said.

"Done."

"Well that was a pleasant surprise. I was only expecting five hundred personnel." I said.

"Well the more hands we have the better it will be for everyone." Mother said.

"The major part will be the training and theory of the components they will be handling and installing." Daniel said.

"It won’t be that bad as they’ve already had basic theory. They just have to add to their educational level." Gordon said.

"At least there will be a crewmember to work with them during their training. I think that that all will work out well." Jake said.

 

Our Shuttles made six more trips to retrieve added volunteers. Mother One was joined by Mother Two as our receiving, classification and transfer ships. We decided we would be bringing more of our Mother Ships closer to earth as we received more added crewmembers. Our crews enjoyed playing hosts to the people that came. We now had a total of six thousand technicians and engineers. That broke down to sixty added crewmembers for the Armada with more that would be coming in the next days.

 

Chapter Thirty-six:

 

The added technicians and engineers were very welcomed throughout the fleet. They all seemed to pick up the necessary knowledge that was needed to refit those ships that had miraculously appeared as volunteers.

The call had gone out to the governments of the world that help was needed. The call was well received.

The final count was done as to the amount of ships we now had. The count was three thousand Scouts, thirty-six Destroyers, four Medical Ships, ten Passenger Shuttles, and Ten Cargo Shuttles per Mother Ship.

When the figures were in. It was three hundred thousand Scouts, thirty six hundred Destroyers, four hundred Medical Ships, one thousand Passenger Shuttles and one thousand Cargo Shuttles. Oh yes we still had one hundred Captain Gigs and my Destroyer.

We later found out that the unidentified ships where identified as Medical/Rescue ships. The purposes of these ships were to find and treat the crews that lost their ships in combat. I hoped that they would not have to be used for that intention but my heart said they would be used.

Manpower requirements were now adjusted to twenty five thousand personnel per Mother Ship or two million five hundred thousand additional personnel for the Armada. Our crews had doubled!

Jake, Alexei and Madam Secretary-General Fong Li Wei had sent a plea to Earth for manpower for the additional ships. The leaders on Earth had responded graciously by supplying those that volunteered for the hazardous duties.

The Medical departments of all the Mother Ships were in a state of exuberance as their duties and skills had fallen into a state of the mundane. Each Mother Ship was to send one or sometimes more medical ships to the various locations giving the physicals to our new volunteers. Those volunteers that were accepted were then transported to the Armada for training.

We had been so occupied that further visits to the various world leaders had been an impossibility. What we did, with the help of Madam Secretary-General was to invite those leaders to the Mother Ships to visit with their entourages.

The visit we had planned to the United States was cancelled due to the impending impeachment of the President. No one will ever know totally what happened after that meeting, as the president went to his living quarters later that day and was found dead later by his Staff in his bathroom. The only certainty was he was given a choice by Congress to resign or to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for abuses of his powers. Within an hour the Vice-President had become President being duly sworn in as the new president.

Amanda and my mother had requested that they go in our place to the funeral of the deceased President. Gordon and I agreed, as they were the perfect people to represent us.

Several days later the Russian President and the new United States President had requested to visit the Armada. Although we had the space available we requested that their security teams be limited to two personnel each. We would supply their transport and any other security requirements that they felt they needed. Their chiefs of security were not happy but they did comply. When Jake and Alexei had been notified they were told those two men was their responsibility, along with their security people. They were not in the least happy.

The Russian President and the new American President were vastly impressed with everything that they saw. Their ride up to the Mother Ship was in a Scout Ship. The pilots were told by Jake and Alexi to do some aerobatics to show them that there was nothing to fear from their ride. I think this was their chance to get their revenge. The problem was the two Presidents apparently enjoyed their flight time and wanted more.

We all awaited their arrival in the hanger bay. I had not been in the greatest of moods lately. The responsibilities seemed to increase in my state matters, as did the pressures of motherhood and family. There was no happy medium but I had to find one.

The Scout Ships had finally arrived inside the Mother Ship. All fourteen of them gracefully letting themselves down upon their skids after they had turned about inside the hanger bay.

As soon as the humming noise being generated by the ships had stopped, we all knew that the next thing to happen was the gangway would be let down to let the crews and guests disembark.

Before the ramp of one the ships hit the deck two of our guests ran from the ship. They both had wide grins on their faces. I recognized one of the men from the news reports as being the President of Russia.

He wasn't a tall man but of average stature and shape, slightly balding but with a magnetic personality. Alexei ran off to greet and escort him to us. After saluting the man and some brief words the came toward us.

Jake had also done the same to greet the President of the United States that we had met when he was the Vice-President. We all just stood in a group waiting, we knew that they had to have time to speak with their respective bosses of their countries.

Finally they all came toward us with the new President reaching out to us with an extended hand to shake mine, which I took.

"Queen Arlene it is so good to see you again. Thank you for the ride up here. It's so nice to see all of you again." The American President said.

"We are pleased that all of you came. We hope your flight was enjoyable?" I said.

"Why yes it was." The American President said.

"I have never before traveled in such comfort or quiet. It was an immense pleasure. Once off the ground I managed to relax more. Thank you for the opportunity." The Russian President said.

Well if you are ready, I'll have Eve take your security people to our communications room to check in while we go to our Stateroom. Is that acceptable?"

They both agreed that it was. Besides I wanted to give Carmen a break from Lynn, our daughter seemed to be growing with each passing day. The crews of all the ships had grown tremendously, thanks to the help of the Secretary-General and these two men. We're all pacifists I thought I did not relish these thoughts or preparations of going to war.

We entered our stateroom were I introduced Carmen to the new arrivals.

"Excuse me while I go to the galley to help prepare the meal for everyone. It was a pleasure to meet you both." Carmen said as she hurried out the door.

I explained that Carmen was one of the first that we disclosed who we were and why we hid. She could understand our reasoning of why we had done as we did. She has been a trusted employee and friend for many years but now just a very trusted friend.

"I see your reasoning but there are those that could have been trusted. You all could have come forward at any time……………………."

"No, Mr. President we could not have done that. Your planet and ours, was in chaos. There was greed, injustices and intolerance throughout the planet. Your overt and covert organizations in the government were and are still out of control and will always be out of control unless exposed and their funding cutoff." I said after cutting off the United States President from speaking.

"But we do try………………"

"Mr. President your Rodina was the most bloodthirsty of all. The most treacherous! Your history has been tinged with the blood of the innocent for centuries. You have a chance now to bring a peace that will last. First you must trust your entire planet and us. With you showing trust others will follow" Gordon said fervently.

I saw the look of shock on the faces of the two leaders of the two nations as well as Jake and Alexei. We may have managed to possibly set back negotiations to the same as they where during the Cold War.

"It has been that bad, eh Michael?"

"I guess it has Bezsonka, my old friend."

"Your countries have caused many nightmares to many of the world's children. I think that this is the time distrust must cease forever." Fong Li Wei said to the two leaders.

"I can see much knowledge and logic in these young ones that lead these people. I can see that they have the respect of those around them." Bezsonka said.

"I must agree with you Mr. President. My daughter in law is indeed special in so many ways." Amanda said.

"I believe the time is at hand that we show the world how we can work as a team to save this planet of ours."

"You've already proved that you can by being here, now" Gordon said.

For an hour our talk surrounded of what was needed to be done. The manpower that was needed would be found for the ships through those that volunteered. The ship's support maintenance people would be found the same way. We found out from these two men that many of their armed services personnel had volunteered for this duty. Li Wei had said that the UN had been inundated also with those that wanted to volunteer.

Gordon had decided to end this meeting allowing Amanda, Alexei, Jake and my mother to show these men about the Mother Ship. I was tired and wanted to take a nap but held off. I checked Lynn and returned to Gordon's side as he sat and watched the news from Earth. Not much had been happening since the hostilities had stopped around the globe. Sure there was the normal percentage of crime that was being done in most of the major cities, no one really expected that to change.

As we watched the news the computer announced guests. It seemed to never fail for us.

"Allow"

Eve and Paul entered through the door with Paul saying, " We have been getting urgent pleas from NASA to allow the Press access to the Armada. It seems that they've been beating their doors down."

"My own opinion is I don't want to be a baby sitter for those people." Eve added.

"I see a need for a PR person. Speak to Jake and Alexei for a NASA contact. This person will have to be a buffer for us to keep the Press of and away from us so we can to our duties without interference. Let them add that duty to what they already have." Gordon said.

"Sure that sounds good but this person will have to be based up here to keep the dogs at bay." Paul said.

"As I said Jake and Alexei, those two will be able to point us into the right direction. At least you can get a name from them. When you have that name send either a formal request to NASA or speak to the President for that person to be brought up here to the Armada." Gordon said as I curled up further to him.

"Okay, we'll get right on it." Eve said as they headed to and out the door.

This was our time together with each other. We try to go to the arboretum each day and have as much social contact with everyone and everything that lived. We both feel the stress and the stains of leadership as well as parenting, realizing that this was and is a necessity. Our responsibilities are great but so are the responsibilities of our crews in the entire Armada.

 

Chapter Thirty-seven:

 

I must have fallen asleep next to Gordon while we sat together. I awoke entangled and naked in the arms of Gordon in our bed to the crying sounds of Lynn. I untangled myself and walked groggily to the nursery.

I was amazed to see Lynn was sitting up in her bed with her arms outstretched toward me. According to all the books of baby development she was on track, she had doubled her birth weight; she would roll over by herself. She would reach and hold more than two toys and put them into her mouth. And she would eat solid foods after she was introduced to them.

I thought to myself as I picked her up, she would be crawling and walking next. Oh joy! It was time to baby-proof the Stateroom. This was going to be our next concern. The trials and tribulations of motherhood was I prepared, hell no. I just hoped that everyone else was. I had a feeling my little angel was going to be the devil in disguise. Well, she was taken care of from one end to the other and put back to sleep.

I crawled back into our bed noting that it was 0430 am Greenwich Mean Time on Earth. I cuddled closer to Gordon and was very close to blissful sleep when there was a buzzing sound that became very incessant. I could only guess what it was.

"Yes computer."

"Your presence is requested on the Bridge. There is a matter of urgency."

"Very well, have the On Duty Captain contact me."

"Done, enroute to your stateroom with Armada Security chiefs."

"Very well."

"What was that about?" Gordon asked groggily.

"I have no idea. Why don't you stay in bed I know your tired. I have a feeling that this problem will end my sleep period."

"No more sleep for me, but why don't you and I go take a shower together." He said with a devious smile.

"Oh No you don't! I know what will happen as soon as we're in there. Besides, they're on their way here."

"Damn, they take away all the fun of this blissful harmony called marriage."

I couldn't help but to give him a kiss. I wanted to do what Gordon wanted to do too but our duties to the Armada and Earth came first and foremost. Maybe later we could fool around.

I hurried from the bed throwing on a pair of silk lounging pajamas and slippers. Alright I can be chastised later for not wearing underwear but I was in a hurry. Besides, I did have other plans after this urgent matter that do not require the use of any clothes.

"They are here." The computer said just as I was fastening the belt of my robe.

"Let them in."

My mother, father and Eve walked into the lounge area. Eve was dressed as I was but both of my parents were dressed in their ship's uniforms.

"Well at least I see there was someone else that also sleeps on this ship." I said as they came in and sat down.

"Sorry to have disturbed you but you need to see this. Computer run message 0345 recon01, now please." My father said as he went to get us all coffee from the synthesizer.

What we saw was the Krea'chk ship happily devouring anther planet. Out of nowhere several vessels that could have been the size of our Mother Ship pounce onto the intruding vessel with everything they had in firepower and then stop. It was as if to get the Krea'chk attention.

"Computer enhance voices, translate message."

Within fractions of a second the voices came from the message that we were watching. The Krea'chk had been hailed by a people called the Gor'tha. They accused the Krea'chk of destroying a planetary colony of theirs several solar systems away. When the planet was destroyed several million inhabitants died with that planet. The Krea'chk being as arrogant as they were first denied that they did anything and said that their instruments showed that the planet exploded naturally while they were passing through the system. They refused responsibility for their actions.

During this conversation I noticed that the communication viewers were one sided. They showed only the Gor'tha as humanoid but with no hair anywhere that I could see. Their eyes had the appearance of the oriental eyes but a very rich blue in color. Their ears and nose too were smaller in size.

Their Commander finally broke off the communications and gave the order to continue the attack. I have never seen our vessels use their weapons but I assumed that they would be similar.

Without warning the Krea'chk vessel changed coloring from a dull dark gray to vibrant deep red. There was a beam weapon of some sort that was fired that hit the rear Gor'tha ship, surrounding it in a red glow. One minute it was there and the next it was gone, there was not even the slightest percentage of visible debris. It was gone, totally gone!

The surviving ships just barely managed to escape by opening a wormhole in front of it and leaving the area at speeds beyond light.

I sat in stunned silence with a cup of coffee in my hand. If the Krea'chk could destroy a vessel like that Star Ship without the slightest bit of effort. We're screwed! The Armada was forfeit together with the lives of over five million people.

"Arlene Honey, are you okay?" Mother asked.

"Mom, she's alright I think. This was a bit of a shock watching that Star Ship being destroyed." Gordon said as he came over to me from the bedroom door where he had been standing and watching.

"Mother, the Armada can never stand up to the Krea'chk. What the hell was that beam?" I said.

"That my dear was what they use to particleize the planets they kill, it breaks atoms to below sub atomic particles. Those crewmembers never knew they had died." Father said.

"I look at this and see the destruction of the Armada and Earth. Who are these people called the Gor'tha? Are they a warring species?"

"No they are explorers and traders, a very peaceful species. They are similar to us in many ways though they do have a homeworld. They invited many of our people to stay with them. There is a possibility that we may have an ally in them. " Mother said.

"You may be right, mother, but who should we send. The first thing they will ask is why we didn't help their ship. I think that first we should finish in our preparations and training." I said.

"Has anyone else seen this message?" Gordon asked.

"Except for the Bridge Crew and Comm. People, no son." My father told Gordon.

"Oh great, I would venture to say the entire Armada already knows of this disaster." I said.

"Computer, relay message 0335 to all our guests, add Jake, Alexei and Li Wei. Top Priority with all enhancements. Now please." I said.

"Is that a wise thing to do?" Mother asked.

"Why do you ask that?" I asked.

"Well for one reason it made us think of our vulnerabilities. These Krea'chk can rip apart an entire planet, if the weapons the Gor'tha had did not bother these creatures ship, what makes us think we can do anything to stop them?" Eve said for the first time.

"No I don't think we can, but quite possibly a stellar alliance could. First we need to speak to our guests, as this is not only our home but theirs." I said.

I was close to having everyone leave so that I could think things out. This is what I needed to do desperately until we were all disturbed by the computer announcing we had visitors.

As Li Wei, Jake, Alexei, the President's of Russia and the United States entered, I as well as all of us saw the looks of concern on their faces.

"We saw the results of that action. What can be done? Should we surrender? Build ships and flee?" Bezsonka said in defeat.

"Not hardly, The Krea'chk have an enemy. I think that there may be many more." Jake said.

"You're right Jake, they, the Krea'chk would take pleasure in destroying Earth." Mother said.

"I think that these may be rogues from their own species. I think the term to use loosely would be Privateers." Jake said.

"Are there any suggestions?" I said as I gazed into their faces. I saw the looks of defeat and despair. I for one had never been that way; I was always the optimist and never the pessimist before my change. Now was the time and call for action.

"Well I have a suggestion and an order. I want two hundred of our Scout Ships readied and the Captains prepared with diplomatic credentials representing the Armada……………."

"And Earth." Li Wei interrupted with those of Earth agreeing.

"And Earth. I want the finest and most experienced of the captains for those vessels. Next the crews will be hand chosen by those Captains from those that volunteer from the Armada and from Earth, in other words I want the statistical demographics to be fifty-fifty."

Computer, Have you been recording?"

"Yes."

"Good, now the orders will be simple. To seek out those that have the ability and knowledge we need to stop the Krea'chk. They will be under orders to not only evaluate the potentials but to sign those worlds into a Stellar Alliance of Worlds.

We must join together to protect each other from this type of action by the Krea'chk. If they do have a Homeworld we must find out if all their species are as this vessel's inhabitants are. If they are, we must have assurances this will never happen again.

Peace must be maintained in the Galaxies! No species should be ever threatened by this arrogance." I said as I controlled my anger.

"My loving Daughter, you did it again." Father said.

"What?"

"You dropped your wall, dear." Mother said as Eve smiled and nodded her head in disbelief.

"Oh Shit, not again!"

"I too heard you dear, and I thought it was a stereo mind trick of some type." Bezsonka said in perfect English and slightly bewildered.

Thank the Celestial Bodies that Michael, Jake, Alexei and Li Wei had been in attendance and explained to Bezsonka about some of our abilities. Meanwhile by and through the computer the High and Low councils had reported that they already have the volunteers along with as many personnel as we need. It was suggested that four of our new destroyers and two Heavy Cruisers be dispatched also as an expeditionary Ambassadorial Flotilla after first contact. They had chosen Amanda and Felicia Cortez to be in direct command.

We all agreed, but there was that one small matter called the Press Corps. It was decided that they could accompany the Flotillas, but that their news releases would be at the discretion of the Captains. There would be no argument and no Press rights as they were the guest of the Armada and fell under the direct jurisdiction of the United Nations. If necessary they could be used as combatants if needed and not just observers.

Well I guess that Daniel, Gordon and I will have some peace and quiet for a brief spell with Amanda gone on a mission. I wonder how Daniel will like those terms?

 

Chapter Thirty-eight:

Within eight hours the Flotillas was underway with Felicia and Amanda each onboard a Heavy Cruiser. The Press delegates too had been chosen by their peers as to whom should go on this journey. Not anyone from the Armada or Earth disagreed to their decision as to who was to go. Although we had heard the Press Corps came close to shedding their own blood to get the Scoop of a lifetime.

Amanda and Felicia were told that a status report was to be sent every four hours to Mother Ship One unless there was a situation of danger. The Flotillas were to maintain Stealth Status at all times in transit and finally to defend themselves if fired upon. They had been instructed for the all the Ships and personnel to react and defend each other in any crisis.

In the meantime I had never seen Daniel in such a happy mood, he joked and laughed with everyone as the ships were refitted or serviced. He immersed himself into his job doing what he knew best working with his hands and his knowledge. Perhaps he did need to be away from Amanda for a bit just as Gordon said he did.

The remainder of the Press had been sent to the other Mother Ships. This was not the time for them to start sniffing around Mother One. This was not the time to ask their redundant inane questions seeking an exclusive story to get the ever-elusive Pulitzer Prize, that most journalists would never see.

We had been in meetings most of the day. I had to put a stop to them as I needed to eat and some brief relaxation preferably with my family at our beach on the ship.

Gordon, Lynn and I had a light snack in our stateroom and then went to the Arboretum. When we entered the refreshing seawater, I forgot to notify Eve where we were.

'Eve, we are all at the beach' I thought trying to focus just to Eve.

It must have worked as I heard her in my mind say, 'Your Highness, Paul and I will be right there. Our guests have expressed a desire to visit the Arboretum, shall we bring them?'

'I wanted this time to be ours. Give us an hour than you may bring them. No sooner, please.'

"You're getting more control over your telepathy Honey. I was right next to you and barely understood what your thoughts were." Gordon said as he gave me a kiss.

Our friends the dolphins came and we played with them. I also noticed that we had another addition to their pod. Mother and baby came to us and allowed us all to show our love for them allowing us to stroke their blowholes, rubbing their chest and stomach areas. For some reason the baby and new mother stayed very close to Lynn and me.

We enjoyed the private time we had with these gentile creatures. We became stronger, the stress leaving and our bodies being regenerated with calmness by the waters of life. We thanked the seawaters, our Mother of Life for all and everything.

"You look more relaxed." Li Wei said from behind me.

Turning slightly to get a better view, I saw that the men had come too. The dolphins showed no bashfulness or protectionism as they entered the water from the beach area. The female dolphin and her baby stayed very close to me.

"This area is so lovely, it gives us peace. It is a place to give our thanks to the Mother of Life. The waters seemingly take the stress from us, to regenerate the body. These waters are not the Fountain of Youth as told through the tales of Ponce de Leon in his never-ending search." I said.

"I myself felt a tingling, a peacefulness as we entered the water. I've never felt this before anywhere else." Bezsonka said with the others agreeing.

"It's like taking a mineral salts bath but without the steam and heat. I prefer this to those sulfur springs especially with that awful smell." Alexei said.

"I think we can all agree with you Alexei. Many people believe that those sulfur waters cleanse their bodies of the impurities and will give them a longer and fuller life activity." Michael said.

What could I say, I wasn't a scientist. There was a possibility that this immersion did help the human longevity, but I think also it was a question of genetics or like us our mutated genes. I was about to say something of that nature when I felt the staring eyes of Gordon. All he did was to nod his head slightly to signify no. That was enough for me not to say anything.

I felt a nudge at my privacy wall; it was from my father roaring through my head saying, 'Gordon and you are needed on the Bridge when you can come up here.'

We made our excuses leaving our guests in the water to play with the dolphins, or was it the dolphins playing with our guests. Whatever, they were all having a good time.

In minutes Gordon, Lynn and I were in our bathroom rinsing the salt from our skins in our shower. I didn't want to take Lynn to the Bridge as she was getting tired.

"Computer, find my sisters or Carmen."

"They are in their staterooms. They all have requested privacy."

Great, now what? I could only guess what they were doing but Carmen too? Sure why not!

"Why not your brother?" Gordon said.

"Computer, find my brother Tommy Junior. Ask him to contact me."

"Done."

"Yes Arlene, What's wrong?"

"Tommy we need you. Dad wants us on the Bridge and Lynn is falling asleep."

"Not another word. I'll be right there. Besides I am her uncle and thanks for asking me."

We both managed to get dried off, dressed and got Lynn ready for a nap in record time before the computer announced Tommy. We allowed him entrance to our Stateroom as soon as he was announced.

As Tommy entered the stateroom he kissed me and said, "Thanks for calling I been a little busy with those treaties and UN membership papers. I needed to get away from them, besides my niece is more important and I want to spoil her."

As I said before this was my older brother that tormented me when we were children. Why the sudden turn around? It then occurred to me, Tommy always treated the girls, our sisters differently. If he didn't act respectful he had our father to explain why he didn't. No matter Tommy is my brother and I do love him.

"We'll be back as soon as Father get through with us." I said.

"What's going on?" Tommy asked.

"We have no idea."

"Don't worry, Lynn will be fine."

"We know, my big brother is here." I said as I gave him a kiss displaying my faith and love to him.

Gordon smiled as we left through the door, when the door shut he said, "Tommy loves you Sweetheart. Do you know you've made him as well as all of us very proud. You've made decisions that others were afraid to make. You've done things that others feared to do. One of those things I think was to marry me."

I stopped dead in my tracks and faced him. I grabbed his ears to force him to eye level saying, " Listen you, I may not have had a say in many of the decisions that were made for me, but the one decision that I concurred with was that you were and are to be my mate. I love you and our daughter very much and always will." I then kissed my husband very lovingly and tenderly.

"One more thing, I'm afraid that this conflict will be the worst that anyone has ever seen. We, both you and I, must remain strong for the people that follow us into this fight. We must always remember that this conflict is to safeguard the future of mankind and other species in this galaxy and other galaxies when they are ready for that expansion." I then kissed Gordon again and almost forcibly dragged him to the anti-grav lift.

Chapter Thirty-nine:

We arrived to the bluish lighting on the Bridge. Once our eyes adjusted I saw my Father near one of the other crewmembers and Daniel at a control panel talking.

Gordon took my hand while we walked over to them. It didn't look to be bad news as they were smiling.

"Your Highnesses, We heard that your brother is baby sitting. He doesn't volunteer for anything. How in the hell did you do that? What do you have on him?" My Father asked.

"All we did was ask him Father. He wanted sometime away from the work he was doing." I said.

"Don't con your Father you must have did something."

"Honestly, we just asked him and he came." Gordon said.

"My Lord, I really must speak to that boy. I have to find out if he's sick, maybe I should call the medics for him." My Father said as he laughed.

"So what's the problem that you had us run up here to the cave?" Gordon said.

"Oh yes, one of our Scouts have made a First Contact. Amanda and her flotilla should be there in several hours. This race has sent out a call to arms to the other planets and to other galaxies. The Krea'chk are not well liked anywhere as far as we can tell.

This race calls themselves the Ad'lph and are not humanoid they have evolved from the arachnid, I believe. That will make Amanda happy since she doesn't care for spiders. Well anyway they sent out the call after hearing and seeing the Krea'chk in action with the Gor'tha." My Father said.

"But Father all of that could have been told to us later. What's the problem?"

"Daniel you'd better tell her, Amanda's your wife."

"Okay you two, no conspiracies, spit it out. What did mother do?" Gordon said.

"She left the Heavy Cruiser in transit without dropping out of the wormhole or slowing the Cruiser down below light speed." Daniel said.

"Dad that's instant death to the Scout crews and she knows it." Gordon said.

"She didn't use a Scout. She used the Matter Transmitter on the Cruiser to the Destroyer."

"She what! She knew damn well that the transmitter was to be used for cargo only. The primary engineering schematics didn't show that it could be used in that manner. Is she alive? How bad was she injured?" Gordon asked excitedly.

"The Lady, certainly must have been with her. She's fine and the transmitter worked perfectly. The Captain of the Cruiser reported this incident, Amanda pulled rank on them to do the transfer." Daniel said.

"I have to say that it took courage in doing what she did, but she did jeopardize the mission." My father said.

"When she checks in, she is to be told no more of those stunts. The mission is of dire importance and we want her back in one piece. Tell her also her granddaughter and daughter in law miss her and need her." I said.

Our fathers knew I was drawing on Amanda's emotions when I said those words. All they did was smile as Gordon took me by the arm escorting me from the Bridge back to our stateroom. Not one word was said as we walked back we both knew that if there was a malfunction with that unit it would have meant Amanda's untimely death.

Upon entering our Stateroom we saw that Tommy was sitting in the lounge with Lynn sitting up wide-awake on his lap. I also saw that Jerome occupied another chair. All three of them were watching an animated movie and enjoying it.

"Well Uncle Tommy, what do you have to say for yourself, you got caught." I said.

"Hey, Lynn is my niece and it is my duty as her uncle to spoil her." Tommy said with a smile.

"Don't look at me, I didn't have anything to do with it." Jerome said defensively.

Giving a sigh of exasperation and placing my hands on my hips and spreading my legs I said, " Tommy, I'm surprised there's no junk food or beer around to share with her and Jerome."

"Damn, I knew I forgot something Sis."

"Okay you win this time, but no more spoiling my daughter, dear brother, is that understood."

"My Lord, you sound more like our mother everyday. Okay, no more."

"And what are you snickering for, Jerome." I said.

"All I came here for was to give a report on the new pilots and crews. Now I'm involved in a family feud."

"So how is it coming?"

"We get new volunteers all the time. Overall they have great potential, there are those that are shy and quiet and there are those that are well……overconfident."

"Jerome, I told you before you and all the instructors do what you have to do. Make them all go beyond their potential. Make them re-earn their wings. Show them that their mistakes are unacceptable to their crews and in the blackness in space. Do not allow any of them to fail or drop out. No failures are acceptable."

"But Arlene……………."

"No buts, no arguments."

"Tommy, I think you're right. She is more like her mother every day along with the disposition of Queen Aimai.

"Jerome you knew her didn't you."

"Sure, all of us did. Arlene do you remember when you were learning how to control our ships? The mistakes you made? Well Aimai did the same as you did and many more. She was a good pilot but not like you. She was a good leader but you will be better. I told you before any good pilot follows their instincts. I want you to follow yours. Oh and by the way, Tommy is a terrible pilot."

Those words made me feel good. I also knew that there was something I finally beat my brother at. I had to smile at Jerome and walked over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Tommy did not say a word in his own defense.

On that note Jerome had left making the excuse that there was still much to be done in making the Armada ready.

Gordon and I sat next to each other with my head in his lap. Without warning I had to leave the lounge to the Bathroom and regurgitated fiercely. I knew my queasy stomach was not from the food that we ate earlier, otherwise many people would be sick. I told the computer not to notify anyone. I had to lie down which I did after I cleaned up and told Tommy and Gordon where I would be.

I sometimes was bloated, queasy and had headaches when my monthly cycle came. So I had to dismiss that thought until I realized I missed my monthly cycle by two weeks which had been regular until now. My thoughts were, oh no not now, I couldn't be. My logical side said oh yes you can and you are. Oh Shit!

I cried then, not knowing if it was for joy or sadness. All I knew was that I needed to see our medics to confirm my suspicions. Another decision I made was not to tell anyone about my suspicions. I fell asleep after most of the queasiness eased I needed to rest if my guess was correct.

 

To Be Continued in Part 5 War Children

 

 

 

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