Humanity Unleashed: Episode 4

While waiting for the Hiskoni, Councillor Belor murmured to herself.


“Change is on the way, there is no way to avoid it.”


“Councillor?” Inquired Hamish, hearing her murmur.


“Sorry Captain, all I can say for now is sweeping changes are coming to us all.”


It had been ten minutes since High Lord Karlor asked for a recess in talks, then the view screen chimed and Karlors visage filled the screen.


“We have interesting news for you, though we do not know of your species Councillor Belor, it appears we discovered the Human Race three Centuries ago,” Karlor stated. “According to this report, your species Captain was barely exploring your solar system, and our Exploration Crew decided not to make ourselves known to your species, now look at you, three centuries of development have produced this, practically impossible to achieve. Tell me Captain, how did your species achieve this level of advancement?”


Councillor Belor cut in.

“I am sorry High Lord, this conversation cannot happen, let us return to talks of a possible friendship with cultural information exchange between our peoples.”


“You misunderstand Councillor Belor, we cannot be friends without a technology exchange.” Karlor Exclaimed. “Without this exchange, you are wasting your time.”


“Perhaps our negotiation team can thrash out a deal acceptable to you, we are willing to negotiate terms.”


“No technology, no deal!” Pushing the Councillor in the hope he could force the issue.


“Give us ten minutes High Lord, we will inform you of our decision.” With that, the link was disabled.


Karlor ordered his people to do a scan on the human ship but failed time and time again. Making contact with High Command, Karlor spoke to his commanding Officer General Ragnar.


“Greetings General.”


Ragnar nodded then spoke. “What do you have to report High Lord Karlor?”


“They are in discussions as we speak General, we tried scanning their ship and failed many times. Their ship is made of a substance unknown to us General. Their technology is scary.”


“High Lord Karlor, we must obtain that technology no matter what, lie cheat or steal, we must have it, understood?”


“I understand General,” Karlor replied.


“Don’t fail us High Lord, or we will make you shovel shit for the rest of your life!” Warned General Ragnar.



Karlor was worried, he knew General Ragnar meant what he said. With the threat hanging over his head, Karlor led a brainstorming session with his crew working through several options, none of which presented an advantage for the Hiskoni. They finally settled on the option of negotiation but as a last resort.


“What do you think Captain?” Hamish in thought replied,


“They’re trying to pressure us into sharing our technology, I know that is not an option to consider, but I still think we can create a lasting friendship with them.”


“Agreed Captain, let us try again. Open a channel.”


As the link was established, Karlor quickly stated, “Well Councillor, do you agree with our terms?”


Belor paused, deliberately stalling expectations then replied with a nonchalant tinge in her voice.


“We know of many species like you, demanding technology as a basis to form a relationship. We never allow ourselves that luxury High Lord Karlor, we build trust which relates to friendship. As you have refused our friendship request, we respectfully refuse the conditional acceptance you place on us.”


Belor took a deep breath and then continued.

“High Lord Karlor, we are saddened by your display of an adversarial posturing attempt directed at us, we have done nothing to you, but have come many light years to meet you. We offer friendship, you demand technology, we are willing to negotiate, you give us an ultimatum. Your species may be an older civilisation than our own, but you are not a wine that matures over time. your people sit on your laurels..….”


Karlor angrily cut Belor off with a swipe of his hand.

“Why should we defend what we thought was a good trade? Not only beneficial to you but allows our Hegemony to grow alongside you, strengthening what could have been a wonderful partnership. I am confident if we look into your history, we will find discoveries your people made, it’s mind-boggling how you hoard the technology, and deny the use of that knowledge to those who do not join you. It would have been better if you just bypassed the Hiskoni and left us alone.”


Karlor hoped his desperation displayed the sincerity he felt at that moment. Alarms sounded aboard the Discovery.


“Contact, incoming fleet, Captain, it’s the Hiskoni!”

Hamish sighed, “Thank you, Lieutenant Barkley.”


“All the more urgency to settle our differences and come up with an agreement!” shouted Karlor in exasperation.


“ETA, 42 minutes Captain.” Barked Lieutenant Barkley.


“Councillor please, allow the Hiskoni the same chances you had, give us something, anything, You have left me in a precarious predicament Councillor, one that is not favourable to my health.”


“I know, High Lord, you made a promise you could never keep. I will speak to the rest of the Council, please wait, we will call you back.”


The Hiskoni were in an uproar with the situation they found themselves in.

“We wait” exclaimed Karlor. Seconds later, two visages appeared in front of the Hiskoni.


Karlor greeted them both.


“Councillor Belor and you are…”


“I am High Councillor Hanna, you may call me Councillor Hanna, or Councillor. I’m not one for a formal setting unless meeting Diplomats or Leaders. I have been informed of the predicament you are facing High Lord, how many of you are there?”


“38 Councillor”


Hanna thought for a moment then replied.


“Do you now understand why we refused your request?” Hanna asked.


“This situation could have been avoided if you had given us something, anything, but no! You sit in judgement and deem us unworthy.” Karlor retorted.


Hanna sighed.

“Your people have shown this Council you cannot be trusted with such power at your disposal, for example, your incoming fleets. We have not threatened you or your Hegemony in any way, yet here we are on the brink of an interstellar war.” Hanna sighed then continued.


“We have already given you technology far more advanced than your own, which you apparently forgot, and it is in your possession now. “


Realising his forgetfulness Karlor asked.

“You have no intention of relieving us of this Translation Matrix Technology your people installed?”


“You are correct High Lord, we will not remove it, but leave it for you to study, allowing your people to grow at your own pace.”


“High Lord, General Ragnar… is requesting to speak with you.”


"Excuse us for the time being Councillor, I must speak with my Commanding Officer.” With a nod, the screen went blank.

“General Ragnar,” Karlor exclaimed in excitement, “We have secured a piece of their technology millennia ahead of our current understanding with schematics of the technology to help unravel its secrets.”


“Well done High Lord, you have earned the respect of Command and myself this day, I will be there in 15 minutes.”


“General,” exclaimed Karlor. “May I suggest we do not provoke the Humans with a show of force Sir, they know of our incoming Fleet?”


Ragnar stared at Karlor for a long moment, trying to gauge what his subordinate just said.


“Are you sure of this High Lord?”


“I am General.”


After what seemed like minutes had elapsed, Ragnar snapped, “Very well High Lord, we will do this your way for now. Ragnar out.”


Meanwhile, aboard the Discovery, Hanna told Councillor Nik’to via communications aboard the Dreadnought UEFN Achilles to continue their mission in another sector of this Galaxy.


“Captain, Councillors, the Hiskoni Fleet have stopped, one ship is continuing.”


“Likely General Ragnar aboard their Flagship.” Stated Hamish.


“Incoming Communications Sir, it’s High Lord Karlor.”


“On screen Lieutenant.”


“Councillor Hanna, I have spoken with High Command, filling them in on our current situation, the Fleet is on standby.”


Meanwhile, in the Sol System, talks continued…


“Why us?” Draenar asked.


Haydrienne spoke again. “We have been watching you for a long time, observing your everyday decisions that affect your population. How you handled the threat from the Galactic Federation not once, but twice.”


“We did not make this decision lightly Hanna, we observed you for more than a century. Scrutinizing your every action and reaction, how you portrayed yourself, willing to placate and negotiate your way out of a sticky situation.“


“What we feel and see at every conflict you face, is the reluctance to use the considerable power at your fingertips as a tool of advantage or persuasive medium. Given how young your Union is, you demonstrate maturity with every action you take. You have earned our respect Councillors.”


Hellena standing added. “When your people were threatened with annihilation, we predicted you would use your power to destroy the Galactic Federation, surprisingly you chose restraint. It was from then we made the decision to invite you to become the Galaxies protectors.


“Hanna, we will give you 24 hours to make a decision, we hope you accept our gift to you.”


The whole of the Union Council stood and bowed, then filed into the cafeteria for refreshments. Everyone excitedly engaged in chat with enthusiasm bubbling from them all. Many had already decided but waited for the rest to make a decision.


Hanna with respect in her stance and voice turned to the Elders and said with humility.


“Elders, thank you, for everything.”


The Elders smiled in delight. “That is exquisite, the shortest speech I have ever heard, but full of promise.”


“There is nothing more to say than that Elders, now, let’s eat!” Hanna exclaimed.


Chatting while they ate, with topics wide ranging, engaging conversation and laughter filled the room. Haydrienne allowed a quiet moment, chided herself for almost causing a rift between these wonderful beings and themselves. Noticing Councillor Morgarth signalling her to join them walked over with a smile on her face. Once the Elders had taken their leave, the talk changed to their current situation, the matter on everyone's mind, Guardians of the Galaxy.

Lokal of the Killikix, a quiet reserved being, well liked by the Council asked.


“Councillors, I cannot help but ask, are we ready to take on this responsibility,” enquired Lokal. “do we have what it takes to wear the mantle, Guardians of the Galaxy, to stand as representatives of a long thought extinct Dynasty?”

Councillor Dawn chimed in.


"It is never easy to take the first steps into an unknown future, we learn as we go Councillor. We adapt where necessary, learn from our iniquities building trust and friendship to those we impart our knowledge to.”


“Our journey, should we accept the gift offered by our Precursor Elders, will be fraught with mystery and discovery beyond our imagining. There are trillions of Galaxies, I suspect more than we can count just waiting to be discovered. I also believe together, we can do anything, and overcome any obstacle in our path.”


Dawn placed her hand on Lokal's shoulder and said, “We can do this, my friend, we can do this.”


The next day unveiled boisterous chatter and laughter as the Council sat in their private cafeteria. The Space Station was a buzz of activity above Humanities home planet, Earth, ships coming and going, a never-ending hive of activity. Dawn looked down upon their home in awe gleaming in the light of its Star. Rising to her feet she spoke her thoughts.


“Councillors, we have come a long way in such a short time, four hundred years ago, our first steps into space, the discovery of life unknown to us, the union of a hundred and twenty-three species into our own, our terraforming efforts to turn uninhabitable planets into living habitats, allowing our ever-growing population to thrive. I wake every day in wonder and awe at the achievements we built together. Every one of our Unions Home Planets and populations benefitting from our combined technology.”


Dawn, deep in thought paced the floor in front of the Council Members with no one keen on interrupting her train of thought, they all waited for Dawn to continue.


“I want this to be integrated into our legacy, one of the building blocks in the foundation we have built together. In a few hours, the Elders will return for our answer, I hope with all my heart we accept. This is a responsibility no sane person would even attempt, but then, I’m insane anyway for even thinking about it. We do this together, or not at all.”


Dawn seated herself and allowed the next to speak. After two hours it appeared a consensus was about to be reached with Hanna, the last to speak.


“Look at what we have built together, our Union is what we are today. Our foundation is strong and grows every time we uplift a new species to our Union. This mission we are about to partake in will never end, we will need to increase our knowledge, our technology why?” Hanna paused for a second.


“Our Universe has Ancient Entities, Ancient Beings of indescribable power living in the Void between Galaxies, our technology must be able to at least be on par with theirs if not better. I have already increased the resources sent to our scientific institutes everywhere to create better, stronger, more powerful technologies beyond what we currently have.”


“We also need to recruit potential Guardians from all our Elite Forces Everywhere, with a program developed to increase their skill set. Develope new armour and weaponry independent of our regular and elite forces, our Weapons Development Centre have been instructed to create new technologies for the Guardians."

“For now, let us go about our business while we await the Elders.”


As the people started heading home for the day, the din of the crowds died down and quiet set in throughout the Space Station. Councillors could not wait for the Elders to return, as they settled, talk steered towards the enormity of the task they were about to indulge in. Discussions and planning from requests sent to every one of the Union Species Home Planets' to send ten current Elite Members for retraining, and everything in between, to the Commissioning of a new Guardian Class of Battle Ship. Councillor Movar of the Shinoni quietly remarked,


“They are coming Councillors.”


Haydrienne, Ardrax and Hellena appeared posing looks of expectancy on their faces.


“Good afternoon Councillors.”


“Good afternoon Elders.” Bowing and speaking as one.


“Have you reached a decision on whether to accept or deny our offer Councillors?” asked Haydrienne.

“We have many questions that need clarifying before we… “

Councillor Ongin of the Dehushnak tried to say but was cut off mid-sentence.


“You will be brought up to speed, with tactics we have devised over millennia, we will train you.” Stated Haydrienne. “However, we need your answer first, will you accept?”


The Councillors in surprise, looked at each other, it appeared like Supreme High Councillor Haydrienne had flicked an attitudinal invisible switch. Councillor Nik’to, a wise and knowledgeable being of the Killikix Race stood and spoke.


"Esteemed Elders, you have misunderstood us, our willing attitude, you deem a sign of weakness that needs repair. Our history is an open book, and our negotiation skills are plain to see, fully documented.” With no interjection from the Elders, Nik’to continued.


“We have created a Repository containing all our history, our combined knowledge of our Union, for what will eventually become a vast legacy left for those who follow in our footsteps. Our Technologies are stored in an isolated place requiring investigative abilities beyond current discovery methods. That Elders is how far we have developed, as of today, our knowledge is beyond your reach without our help to further your understanding.”


“I’m sorry, but you stand at a crossroads. We are not looking for a leader or followers, but someone to join us as equals in our journey, to share the knowledge we discover together, and whatever we reveal about our Universe. I thank you for allowing me to speak” After bowing to the Elders, he sat down and waited. Hanna motioned to the Elders.


The mixed emotions on display by the Elders contrasted with what they displayed earlier, the confident look replaced by uncertainty.


Haydrienne was enraged and with effort blurted out,


“We will take our leave of you to discuss matters arising from what you announced to us.”

As the Elders took their leave of the Councillors Hanna announced,


“I think we should reconsider our options, our relationship with the Precursors is not inducive of equality, but of a hidden agenda, subtle, but it is there. They hide the fact there is a third party, waiting in the shadows, for whatever reason unknown to this Council.”


Hanna continued, “Then again is it we who create barriers facing us now, do we conjure our doubts and project those doubts onto ourselves? If so, how do we deal with this situation we find ourselves in?"


Councillor Morgarth said in thought, “We listen, dismount our conjured reality, we need to focus on what is important to us and identify our shortcomings not as a failure, but as a knowledge building exercise in understanding.” Still in deep thought, he continued.


“Are we that arrogant that we reject a different way of expression, simply because it does not fit the mould we have created for ourselves? I think not Councillors, we use our analytical minds to solve everything we face and deny the cry of pain emanating from within us. Our hearts cry out in shame yet we choose not to listen.” Taking a deep breath Morgath continued.


“We need to listen to our inner voice more, that gut feeling every one of us experiences now and then and stop being adversarial, only by this method can we truly embrace our destiny.”


All of the Council sat in silence as they processed what Morgarth had told them. They were interrupted by the Elder's return. Hellena could see the Councillors were in deep thought.


“Greetings Councillors, sorry to interrupt your train of thought. We have decided to answer any questions you have, please tell us what is on your mind.”


The Council Chambers was in silence until Morgarth stood to speak.


“Esteemed Elders, we have been critiquing ourselves and recognised our limitations. We are not perfect, but then who is?” Looking at the Elders, Morgarth continued. “We have recorded everything we do for the past one hundred years, from the everyday running of our Union, to CLASSIFIED and on to TOP SECRET projects and meetings deemed as sensitive.”


“What I’m saying is this information will exist in our repository of knowledge forever available to those who possess the necessary clearance level required. We will allow you a one-time access should you require it.” Morgarth continued.


“We have continually discussed your proposal, we also forgo any questions we might have had. We, the Council of the UEF Union, do hereby accept your proposal.”


The Council were astonished as the Stoney-faced Elders looked at them. The silence was deafening as Ra’Ani spoke.


“Elders, is it something we said or done?” Ra’Ani stated with frustration creeping into her voice.


“We are pleased you accepted our offer,” Hellena stated. “but it’s not as simple as that.”


Murmurs sprang out amongst the Councillors, raising her hand, Hanna motioned for Hellena to continue.


“You fight us at every turn, you question our motives and doubt our ability to build a partnership agreeable to all. How can we build a partnership when we cannot fix the simple things that get in the way?”


Stepping back Hellena motioned to the Councillors. Standing Morgarth spoke.


“We,” waving his hand to encompass everyone continued. “we all have a suspicious nature ingrained into us from birth, passed down from Ancestor to Ancestor. We each deal with suspicion differently, our Council does not deny its suspicious nature, we embrace it so it cannot rule us."

Morgarth looked at the Elders with a feeling his words were having an effect on them, he continued.


"You on the other hand display an austere attitude and try to place your limitations on us in an attempt to keep us in our place. Would it shock you to hear, we don’t care what you do? It is the truth, built on a foundation of unity and most of all, trust. We have an insane notion to question everything, giving our all to discover what is hidden. Because of our curiosity, we discovered a third party waiting in the shadows.” Morgarth taking a deep breath continued,


“Although the presence of this entity, I say entity because it remains an enigma to us, is a mystery reveal for another time perhaps. Nefarious,…. Maybe, you ask for our trust, and we ask for the same courtesy. Your notion of a partnership is not built on trust or friendship, no foundation exists to carry us forward. We were willing to forget our differences, you reminded us of our failures, we accepted your offer, and you tell us it’s not that simple. We are about to walk away, to leave all this mess in your capable hands, please explain why we should stay!” exclaimed Morgarth in exasperation. Taking his seat once again motioned to the Elders to speak.


“May I speak?” Nala asked. A voice full of wisdom had entered the Council Chambers. “You are recognised Nala of the Kraxys” Hanna replied.


Shimmering into view Draenar couldn’t help but notice her clothing, so different from their own yet exquisite beyond belief.


“Esteemed Elders, Honoured Councillors, my name is Nala, I was born on Kraxia 330,000 years ago making me one of the oldest living Kraxys still alive today. I have seen things that would boggle your mind, I have experienced more than I wish to remember and my reason for being here is to keep alive the hope this Council has given me."

While Nala spoke, Hanna couldn’t stop thinking about the wisdom this woman exuded collected over millennia shining for everyone to see. Hanna’s mind returning to the present caught the end of Nala’s speech.


“… and I also recommend this Council and its members be anointed Guardians of the Galaxy from this day forward. Thank you, Esteemed Elders, Honoured Councillors for allowing your humble servant to speak.”


“You are no servant,” Hanna replied, “you are an Honoured Elder and we welcome you as such.”


All of the Councillors stood as one bowing to Nala while the Elders watched in awe.


Meanwhile aboard the Discovery,

“Thank you High Lord, Councillor Hanna has returned to Earth,” Belor explained.


“What now Councillor?” Karlor inquired.


“We are willing to create a trade agreement with your people that benefits both of us.” Stated Belor with confidence.

“Karlor asked, “What do you have that could interest us?”


“We have scanned your database and determined that 60% of what you eat and drink, we can supply in large quantities should you require those numbers,” Belor stated then realized her attempts were a futile gesture and exclaimed,


“I…. see High Lord, I’m going to ask you a hypothetical question. Lets just say we were willing to trade our technology, what would your people trade for it, what in your possession would be valuable to us for trade?”


After thinking about it Karlor replied,


“We have nothing of equal value to trade Councillor. Let’s take a break for now until General Ragnar arrives.”

Belor asked Thor for an update on the data-gathering efforts from the two artifacts to which Thor stated,


“Artifact 1 is 3.9% completed Councillor Belor, I do not have enough information at hand to predict anything at this time. The permeations are enormous and will take time.”


“Understood Thor.” Nodded Belor.


A discreet scan of this sector of space performed by the Dreadnought UEFN Hathor revealed two unidentified objects that turned out to be highly sophisticated technology. One is located within Hiskoni territory, the other a few light-years away in Tokara territory, a member of the Hiskoni Hegemony. The Discovery Science Team was in a state of ecstasy at the prospect of new technology discoveries.


Belor decided she would not order the confiscation of the objects, but have them discreetly scanned taking advantage of their technology over the Hiskoni. The scale of complexity was overwhelming, as the A.I. continued its tasks.


“Councillor, Artifact 1 is 4.5% completed.” Stated Thor.


“You do not need to call me specifically Thor, make it a generic announcement please.”


“Understood.”


“Incoming communications Captain!” Stated the Comms Officer. “It’s General Ragnar Sir.”


“On screen Lieutenant.”


Hamish turned to look at Ragnar,

“Greeting General Ragnar, I am Captain Hamish McBride of the UEFN Discovery, a Human from the Planet Earth.”


“Captain,” with a nod, Ragnar continued.


“Discovery? Hmmm… impressive Captain, perhaps in time…. Who knows, miracles do happen when you least expect it.” Ragnar said with a smile.


“Perhaps…… in time General.” Smiled Hamish.


“General, we are still interested in a negotiated trade deal between our peoples. A deal that would benefit your Hegemony also.” Hamish continued, “We have the ability to help in many areas of your Economy, strengthening areas with less development with our technological expertise in those areas. If you are willing General, we can send a negotiation team to negotiate a deal beneficial to both our peoples.” Stated Hamish. He could see the interest in Ragnar's eyes as he stared back in thought.


“You present a compelling argument, Captain, you have obviously done your homework and understand where we are lacking,” Ragnar replied with a shrewd look on his face.


“From what we have observed, you place your emphasis in creating technology for war, we on the other hand, create technology for many areas such as, food productivity, clean energy generation and expansion, farming practices, economy building creating more job opportunities etc.” All the while, Hamish noticed a growing curiosity on Ragnars features.


“Will you allow us the opportunity to negotiate a trade deal?” asked Hamish.


“I will inform my Command of your request Captain, High Lord Karlor will contact you if my leaders are favourable to your request.


“Thank you, General.” With a nod from both men, comms closed.


“That was quick,” Hamish replied in surprise.


While waiting for High Lord Karkor’s response, onboard the Discovery, Thor continued his analysis of Artifact 1, unlocking its secrets minute by minute. Onboard the Dreadnought Hathor Thor completed 4.4% of his analysis of the data scan information from the second Artifact, though still unable to give any conclusions as to what they were dealing with. The Science teams on both Dreadnoughts were busy compiling the data for Dr Heke and his team back on Earth. Eager to study the information, though unsure of what he was looking at, Dr Heke was sure time would reveal all.


Priscilla could not wait for her shift to end, she had a friendly card game to attend in a couple hours. A shower and something to eat would go down well, she was hungry.


“Commander, good luck with your card game.” Hamish laughed.


“You going to join us Captain?” Priscilla asked playfully.


“Not this time Commander, enjoy the game.”


The Hiskoni were sure taking their time and that weighed heavily on his mind.