Chapter 10
“...opportunity at hand.”
During the time V was incarcerated, he was ecstatic at the chance meeting of Dale Tinker. After two days with Dale, V found a space to be alone and tapped on the side of his head until he heard his superior’s voice in his ear. He kept his mind focused. “High commander, I have made contact with one of the Aliens and he has agreed to pay heed to a dialogue. I have found that they are from Earth, a planet many light years away.”
“Light years? How many?” asked the high commander.
“I was told, the other side of the galaxy.”
A Negritee commander’s survives on thorough details. “They must have highly advanced propulsion technology. Before we continue, V, I must ask if you are using discretion with the communications link?”
“Yes sir, the implant is working quite well. The Vlanco’s think I am in prayer,” he said with a chuckle.
“Very well. “I am on the Carpusian with the armada. We will be entering the Vlanco system in twenty five Ono days. Learn as much as you can about the Earth aliens and any Vlanco defensive configurations. Inform me at the next cycle.”
“Yes, High Commander.”
“Do not use this channel but for essential information. The Vlancos will intercept this if we are not careful.”
“Yes, High Commander, I will take every precaution to be invisible.”
“I am sure you will. Your life depends on it.”
The transmission terminated. V did not like the fact that to fail this mission meant it would be his last. Nevertheless, high risk missions have been very profitable in the past. Why would this one be so different? Besides, life is short and death is permanent. One must live it to the maximum, his father always told him.
***
The high commander quickly sent a transmission to the 3rd Premier. He straightened his uniform when the viewing screen came alive. “3rd Premier, we have good news. I have made contact with our emissary in the Vlanco system.”
Disguman, the 3rd Premier, gave an unimpressed sigh. He folded his favorite cape around him. “Explain.”
“My emissary has made contact with one of the Aliens from a planet called Earth. He will continue to gain the alien’s favor. My emissary believes they may possess an advanced propulsion technology, as this Earth is thousands of light years away.”
Disguman nodded with interest. “We may have lost an opportunity, when we did not apprehend the alien vessel earlier. This may be another one. Can we sway this Earth alien?”
“It is too early to tell at this time, sir. My emissary will continue to gain and deliver information at each cycle. As you know, we are still vulnerable to the Vlancos defensive systems. Unless we develop a strategy to cause havoc in their defenses prior to our attack, we are risking much.”
“I will worry on that. If we can coordinate the attack with efficiency, the Vlanco system could be a glorious prize. We must turn the Earth beings into willing allies. They are not Vlancos and may see our view. If failure presents itself, there will be much time to retreat from the advance if necessary.
“Yes, 3rd Premier.”
“Commander,” Disguman, said through his teeth. “We must not fail at this. I have additional forces from every corner of the sector. They are ready to converge with your fleet at the proper time. Continue to look for weaknesses in the Vlanco defenses and report to me your progress. If you are successful here, you will be in succession for a prominent Premier position.”
The high commander bowed. “Yes, 3rd Premier, your request is my directive.”
“We must sway the Earth alien. Inside assistance can be a far greater aid than external might.” The transmission terminated and the picture went dark.
***
Disguman turned away from the communication consol and walked over to the astronomical grid that indicated where the Negritee forces were located. The bulk of the forces were aligned with the high commander. The remaining military forces were scattered in all directions around the Vlanco system. If properly implemented, nearly all of the Negritee space vessels could converge in Vlanco space in about twenty sleep cycles. If the Latent Energy device was on board the flagship Carpusian, Disguman calculated he could become more powerful than even the 1st Premier. If the 2nd Premier plans to eliminate the 1st Premier, Disguman would be one step away from full command of the Negritee.
“Captain!” Disguman shouted into the com port. “Come to my quarters.”
“Yes, sir!” came the response.
The Captain arrived at his quarters, out of breath. He stood at attention. “Yes, 3rd Premier.”
“Captain, I need your fastest ship with your best pilot, we need to overtake the Carpusian. I need to deliver a special package.”
“Yes, 3rd Premier. When will you need it?”
“Now!” said Disguman, firmly.
Within the hour the fastest vessel in the fleet and its pilot were ready. It was well known that the force-field that the Vlancos energized around the planets in their system was highly effective in warding off invaders. However, Disguman was banking on something new. He wanted to personally make sure his weapon was on board. It was time for the Negritee to lay siege and conquer. Disguman sat back with a smile and expectations that this would be the greatest of victories. A victory even greater than the Great Battle 400 years ago.
***
While Disguman was making plans for war, V had used every diplomatic trick he could think of to be released from incarceration. Yet after a week of Vlanco hospitality, their politeness was beginning to take a toll on him. He had managed to worm his way into Dale’s mind, but success was far from guaranteed.
V turned around just as Dale appeared in the room. “Ah! My friend. You have returned.”
Dale walked up to V, glancing around. “Friend? I did as you asked. This is the last thing you can expect from me,” Dale said reluctantly.
“You have more wisdom than I thought. And yet, staying away from me would have been sensible. I am a nasty sort, and would be a terrible influence on you,” said V, with a sarcastic sneer.
“Yeah, well if the commander knew I was visiting with you, he’d go nuts. I really don’t have much choice about much of anything anyway,” said Dale, with frustration written all over his nervous face.
“Do not let the honor to your commander be such a difficulty for you,” V enticed.
“What do you mean?”
“For one’s Freedom, there is always a price to pay.”
“Listen, I have already told you enough about us, V. I just wanted to say I wasn’t interested. You’re on your own.”
Dale turned to leave, when V grabbed his hand and thrust a small metallic strip with writing on it.
“What’s this,” said Dale.
“It is a small something for you if you change your mind.”
Dale looked down at his hand, up at V, and then walked a fast walk out of the containment area. V cackled with knowing glee. Later that day, V received a note saying, The meeting at your coordinates are agreed upon, if you can make it by tomorrow at sunrise. “Ha! Earth aliens are greedy too. Very well, Earth human. I will be there.
That evening V waited patiently for his evening meal, when his server set the plate down on the table. It was just the two of them. V had managed to preserve a long thin wire in his clothing, in case of an emergency. It was a universal tool used by Negritee welders for making emergency holes in structures. It needed a small power source and the Negritee are very resourceful for finding alternatives to difficult situations. As his food server turned to leave, V jumped him, slit his throat, and virtually dismembered his head, all before the server knew what hit him.
“That was a precious extermination. I really must do this more often,” he muttered with glee. V dragged the body to the outside wall. To harness power, V inserted two probes into the body of the Vlanco and attached the other end of the device to the wall. The energy from the body combined with a chemical reaction provided enough power and force for the cutting tool. Soon, there was a hole in the wall, big enough for V to escape through. As he was leaving, he looked back at the shriveled Vlanco body, “Yes, for freedom there is always a price to pay,” he snickered, then laughed maniacally, as he ran into the night.
V knew he must stay clear of the Vlanco people until his next meeting. He lurked through the night and kept company with the dark shadows. When he found the rendezvous point, he settled in and waited.... As dawn approached, V grew nervous. The alien may not come. He just began to abandon the meeting when his accomplice came forward.
“Ah, Earth person. It was most wise of you to come. I have many opportunities for you.”
“Last time you said I shouldn’t do business with you,” whispered Dale.
“Now is the time you should.”
The two debated their self-interests for a moment. Then distant alarms sounded out from the direction of the quarantine center. V knew that Vlanco security personnel would be combing the area and it would only be a matter of time before he was captured again. After some arguing and disputing of the issues a contract was finally agreed upon and the two hurriedly went their separate ways.
V needed to contact the high commander and at the same time elude security. V was a master of deception, with a plethora of gimmicks. His favorite was the body mask, which gave him the ability to blend in to his surroundings, much like a chameleon. But that was removed from him during incarceration. He was fortunate that he still had the newest of the transmitting devices in the star systems planted in his head. However, it takes a great deal of concentration and forces him to find a location where he wouldn’t be disturbed.
Nevertheless, it was vital that he send his message before the Vlancos arrived. He found a small structure in a public park and ducked in. Vlancos conveniently leave their access doors unlocked in most structures, and this one was no different. He sat down inside with legs and arms crossed, then closed his eyes and concentrated. Within seconds he was in contact with the Carpusian.
“Did you make any progress, V?” asked the high commander.
“Yes, High Commander, all is well,” said V. The commander’s on-board computer translated the message into verbal format. “I am being hunted and do not have much time. I will upload the contract with the Earth Human. If the contract is to your approval send the standard signal as soon as possible.”
“Very well, V—transmission terminating.”
V opened his eyes to see the access panel open. He sprang up half-way when a beam of blue light spread around him. V froze like a statue when the neural paralyzer hit him. The security guards holstered their weapon and walked around to V’s back. They scanned the tag that was implanted on his neck under the skin.
“Yes, this is the one,” said the security personnel, as he read the scanner.
“He has caused much trouble,” replied the second Vlanco, “He will unquestionably be sent to Transo for containment.”
“Why do they cause so much pain for themselves,” said the first.
“Reason has no place among these people. We must lift these people up in our thoughts, for they need compassion.” said the second.
“For now, he needs a lift into the pod,” the first security guard said with a smile.
***
Disguman leaned toward the monitor on his desk. “I hope you have some progress to give me.”
The high commander nodded from within the screen. “Yes, 3rd Premier. The Earth alien accepted our contract. We are sending you the details for your approval. But I must send a message back confirming your approval before we proceed.
Disguman looked down to his desk where another monitor showed the incoming data. “It has arrived. I will evaluate the data and respond shortly. Additionally, I will be arriving at the Carpusian vessel to observe the attack.” The high commander paused and didn’t respond. “Commander, did you hear me?”
“Yes 3rd Premier. You wish to supervise my procedures?” he said like the air was going out of him.
“Not supervise…be present.”
“We will prepare for your arrival with the best accommodations,” the commander mechanically spouted out.
“Then I will see you in two weeks—transmission terminating.”
Disguman clasped his hands together and breathed deeply. “Victory is close. I can smell it. Very close.
***
V woke from his sleep, only to find himself in the hands of Vlanco Security. Not containment again, thought V. How do I tolerate this Vlanco kindness?”
From outside V’s cell, footsteps could be heard down the hallway, coming his way. A guard stood to the side of the cell to let an advisor speak to V.
The advisor stood several feet away and wore a sad frown. “V, I have the duty to inform you that you will be tried for the crime of murder—in two days. All Vlanco resources are available to you from this moment and up to the trial. I suggest you work on a strong defense.”
“What hypocrites!” He yelled. “This is justice? Less than two days to prepare! HA! Idiots!”
“We have no ulterior motives, V. We will present the truth, and if you can explain some hidden factors we may not have addressed, we suggest you spend more of your time with your case and less time with your anger.”
“Aah! My anger. Here is a sample of it.” V threw his dinner plate at the Advisor.
The magnetic force grid deflected the plate back toward V. The advisor barely flinched and stood firm. “I see.”
“You people are so clever with your mental activities. You want everyone to be calm with solace,” he said, glaring at the Advisor.
“Save your energy, V. You must use it wisely and effectively for your trial,” the advisor stated calmly.
“Shut up! Leave me, you Jathoir slime!” V pulled away from the Advisor and covered his ears.
“As you wish.” The advisor bowed and turned to leave.
“Give my regards to the parents of my old server! Ha, Ha!” V yelled back.
The Advisor paused then continued down the passage with the security guard.
V felt a buzzing sensation in his head that indicated the commander was paging him. He settled down at the far corner of the room and concentrated but the field around the building distorted the communications link. Eventually, V made contact, but it felt like he was on a Negritee intoxicants.
“Commander?”
“Yes, V it is I. What is it?”
“I have been imprisoned and their perimeter protection distorts communications.”
“I will make this quick, V. The 3rd Premier agrees to the conditions with the alien. You must find a way to pass this on. We will make an effort to release you. Is there anything else I need to know at this time?”
“No.”
“Very well—transmission terminating.”
V’s head was spinning from the implant distortion. He had to conjure up a way to get a message to the Earth human. As he was pondering his dilemma, the access panel abruptly opened and a security guard stood poised.
“I normally would not say this, V, but I do hope we interrupted your conversation.”
V put on an innocent face. “What ever do you mean, my friend?”
“You Negritee have many advanced communications tools. So do we.”
The security guard lifted a paralyzing weapon and shot it at V. He and a second guard picked up V and transferred him to the medical facility for a thorough evaluation and eventual implant removal. Two days later, the trial against V for murder was complete and sentencing was next.
One of the judges stood to address V. “Ventfoprof, with the evidence presented from all known sources, we judges of the Planet Onos have confirmed that you took a Vlanco’s life with assumed malice and no remorse. Therefore, you will serve the rest of your life on the satellite, Transo. There, you will have ample time to reassess your actions and motives. If at any time, during the scheduled evaluation periods, it is determined that you have redeemed yourself, you will be released into the appropriate transitioning curriculum.” V yawned, eyes searching the ceiling for clues to an unlikely escape. “It is our hope that you have time to understand whom the Creator is, and that he becomes real to you, as he has to us.” V stared back at the judge, rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Is there anything else you would like to say, before you are transported?”
“Yes. Judge this!” V spat at the panel of judges.
They moved back slightly, then ordered V to be escorted out of the courtroom and out to prison.
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