Humanity Unleashed: Chapter 2 Episode 10

Marc arranged a meeting with the Council in the Council Chambers regarding Captain Lacey Rankin and her stance on the crew of the Union of Humanity.


“Thank you for meeting with me today. I’m here to discuss Captain Lacey Rankin and her stance on the Crew Manifest. I have read about every person you selected for this manifest, and I also can't entirely agree with your selections,” Marc announced.


“What do you disagree with Admiral, what has made you side with Lacey Rankin?” Hanna asked in annoyance.


“I believe Captain Lacey Rankin has already voiced her opinion on this, her job is the running of the ship, not teaching cadets, yes Councillor, cadets who have basic training and nothing else.”


“I see,” Hanna began, “you think we have overstepped our authority? We are the Ruling Council and can change the rules you just stated at any time Admiral,” Hanna stated angrily.


Marc stared hard at Hanna who felt instant remorse at what she just said.


“I’m sorry Admiral, I didn’t mean what I said, I am going to rest, the Council will decide what should be done.”

Marc bowed to her as she left the Chambers on her way to her quarters.


“She is not well Admiral, now, what do you propose we do about this manifest Admiral Lazarus?” as Ra’Ani.

Marc and the Council quickly worked out a plan to add three more experienced members to the Crew Manifest who had combat experience, Two of whom received instant Official promotions, from Corporal to Sergeant Hugh Temple, a helper for Stacey, and Sergeant to Staff Sergeant Stacey Bradshaw, Chief Security Officer. Lastly was LT Commander Shamus O'Hare, who was needed for his expertise on the bridge and Command duties.


On his way back to his ship, Hanna called to him from the cafeteria, asking him to join her. Trevor ordered two coffee’s then returned to Hanna placing her coffee in front of her.


“I am sorry Marc,” replied Hanna in shame of how she acted.


“I understand Hanna, you are under heavy pressure, you should consider sharing the load of command,” Marc advised her.


“None of the Council have done anything without my say-so, but I must step back and allow them freedom to be who they are.”


“You will not regret it, and through sharing, you’ll feel better for it. I doubt they will make important decisions without your input,” Marc commented.


“I think you’re correct Trevor, I have been hogging command too tightly, afraid to let go, I will do as you say,” Hanna agreed.


They both chatted a little while till Marc got up to leave, saying goodbye, he stepped into the lift.

When Marc got home, Angela was there to greet him.


“Hi, my darling.” Angela smiling, was very happy to see him.


“Hi my dear,” Marc replied.


Walking into the lounge he went to his terminal and sent a new Crew Manifest to Lacey, turned, and said,

“It’s done, I managed to get an agreement with the Council.”


“Oh joy, Lacey will be happy, you going to throw her Resignation away?” Angela asked.


“No, she can do it herself.” Paused for a moment then, “Now it’s up to her,” Marc added.


“Wow Trevor, Stacey, and Hugh got promoted and they are on the crew manifest. Commander O’Hare is my new Number 1.“ remarked Lacey.


“All three have seen action, just what you needed. At least you’ll have support,” Trevor remarked.


They still had three weeks of bliss to enjoy, Lacey intended to soak every bit of it up, it would be months till she saw Trevor again. Trevor was pleased that he and Lacey had talked about starting a family, though not just yet. Lacey had fought hard to change his mind but in the end, realised Trevor was correct, he wanted to wait a year before starting a family, giving her time to get to know her crew and Starship intimately. Knowing it would be months, maybe a year till they saw each other again, they enjoyed each other's company.


Meanwhile, on Planet X, the first Vaadwaar Battle Ship appeared in the sky over Sallivus. Everyone noticed it but thought nothing of it, the software had done its job well. The Vaadwaar Military had grown to a thousand male and female warriors that would continue to grow until Sallivus reached its final number of twenty thousand, including citizens. The Vaadwaar Council was about to upgrade the Chambers, bringing it to a modern infrastructure. The Starship, the Maatlore, designated as a Battle Cruiser, had a bridge crew of 10 on 12-hour shifts, built from Union Technology, a powerful addition to the Vaadwaar Défense Force.


Captain Romjin Kelp'a eyed his tactical display in abject boredom, nothing exciting ever showed on his screen, it seemed everything was going on everywhere but here.


“Captain Kelp’a, are you bored?” the General asked.


“No General Zanke, why do you ask?”


“I am,” General Zanke got to his feet and walked off the bridge.


General Villee Zanke beamed down to the surface to see what training the army personnel were being put through, but arriving too late to watch any training, he went for a walk downtown.


Commissioner Roko Rani stared at his Councillors in disbelief, the shocked expressions on their faces made him smile.


“We must build our defences, prepare ourselves if they return,“ Councillor Arnouf stated in alarm.


“Recall our ships immediately,” another Councillor shrilled at the top of his voice. “All of them.”


“Calm down all of you!” Councillor Til’lar Hamna shouted over the ruckus. “You are behaving like younglings, shut the hell up!”


“You all heard what Dr Roukor and Rakkel told us about them, they have no reason to lie. Stop the panic attacks and think.” Councillor Rictus Ranna stated in agitation.


“Realistically, what are our options? Two of our top Scientists left with them, who knows what they shared with these beings. Worst of all, how do we defeat an undefeatable enemy?” Roko asked his confused Councillors.


“What are you saying, Commissioner Rani, that we are out of our freaking minds? To strike before they can?” Ranted Councillor Hamna.


“Think for a moment, are you going to test your theory, whether we are as strong as you think we are?” Roko questioned him with sarcasm dripping from every pore. “Once you start this war, it will not end till one of us is destroyed, them or us,” Roko warned.


”I am not afraid Commissioner, I will lead a strike force to the Planetoid and show you just how strong we are,” ranted Councillor Hamna.


“Councillor, you are an idiot, Councillor, why don’t you challenge one of their ships, that way if you lose, it’s just one ship and crew, not the whole damn lot of us,” Ranna grunted with distain.


“Are you afraid Councillor, then stay here while I go and challenge the Humans,” Hamna said with confidence.


“No I wasn’t talking about the Humans, I have seen the scans our fleet did on the Humans and the Planetoid, their Technology is so great, that we could not penetrate their hull or the Planetoid itself. I meant the ships of the machines,” Murmurs began in hushed tones voicing mostly doubt.


Councillor Til’lar Hamna flicked his datapad on and viewed the fleet's last scans, noticing that the data verified what Rictus had said.


“You see Councillor Hamna, you do not know what you ask your crew to do. Your request is denied!” Roko's voice left no doubt as to its meaning, Til’lar sat down in a foul mood.


Councillor Rynow Arnouf sat thinking about how to approach the dilemma they faced, Rynow knew a frontal approach was not feasible,


“We stay isolated from them,” Rynow announced. “Before we attempt to contact them, we work on our technology, we spent millennia isolating ourselves, so we spend more time upgrading our current Technology.”


“Then what, do we attack them, or befriend them?” Roko announced.


“We have to study our history for the answer, we have changed over time, let us see what we have lost,” Councillor Rictus Ranna announced. “Eventually we must speak with Doctors Roukor and Rakkel Okaa. Perhaps they are the only ones who can tell us more.”


“I agree with you Councillor, I want more input from the Council, your thoughts, what you think of this idea. Is it feasible? Definitely not a waste of time, we have sat for too long in the belief we are safe within our bubble of existence.” Roko announced to the Council, hoping to strike a chord to mobilise them to action.


Til’lar grudgingly agreed while the rest of the Council nodded in agreement, it had been millennia since they had an upgrade in technology, even their current technology came from millennia ago with no reason till now, to attempt any upgrades.


“We forced ourselves into this situation, now we must dig ourselves out of it. We led our people with a false sense of security, thinking ourselves better than anything out there. Now comes the realisation we are not what we thought we were, but a leaf blown by a mighty wind. The Vaadwaar cannot continue like this or we go extinct, we need allies, I have no idea if the allies we once had are still around, I suggest we send ships to them and see if they still regard us as allies,” Roko stated in uncertainty.


“Commissioner, we don’t know if our allies are still our allies or our enemies, I suggest we approach this with an air of caution. We first revolutionise our technologies, before revealing ourselves,” Councillor Ranna suggested.

“Sound advice Councillor,” Roko stated. “Pool our resources, especially our science teams, let’s get to work.”


The whole of the Vaadwaar Institute of Science came together with the goal set by the Council, the scientists began their arduous task. Roko knew they would struggle but decided to push them to the breaking point. They would either make the breakthroughs themselves or get help from whoever was willing to help them. Over the months of non-stop discovery Ryslani and the Federation Council had noticed the ever-growing benefit of a peace treaty with the Union, even the most sceptical of Councillors was eventually won over. Produce farmers were exporting to their Federation members in bulk with the excess sent to the Union, who paid in Union credits, the currency needed by the Federation to pay its debts. Federation member Planets were using the Banking System with zeal, living conditions were at an all-time high.


The Planet of Herrogenia also experienced a boon, all four Ancient Cities, Alchillis the Capital, Dazmussinea, Lackris and Hurllinea fully activated as well as their corresponding outposts identified by the Herrogen Council. A population of over 60 million souls from their Union friends, came to work and raise their families, and built homes on land they bought for growing produce. Small towns sprang up everywhere as people moved from the cities to a rural setting far from cities and supplies.


With the continuous search of system after system for life and technology, the Council sent even more ships to search for technologies and unknown Species. With thousands of ships searching hundreds of Galaxies, the Union Council had high hopes for discoveries. So far Ancient Civilisations have been far and few between, so efforts in those areas were assigned to resource mapping and the potential to populate or Terraform suitable Planets. Dyson Spheres appeared in systems unsuitable for population or production, so their Star became an energy resource.


Just a year earlier, the beautifying of cities on all Union planets had begun in earnest, transforming what was deemed drab into a beautiful eutopia everyone admired. A marvel of technology exploded on every planet undergoing change. The Earth is the first to get a facelift, followed by every other planet in the solar system, then member home planets. Everything fell into place very fast, however, Hanna could feel a powerful presence looking in on them, she couldn’t shake the feeling so accepted it at face value. They were being watched, and she knew it.


“Councillors, I have something to tell you,” Hanna began…


“Uh,” Ongin grunted as he went down on one knee.


“Hal,” Hanna shouted, reacting instantly Hal activated the fazed shielding array everywhere, to protect every Union member wherever they were.


“That was a mind attack from I don’t know where,” Hanna stated, Councillors, let us join and seek this attacker.”


“I have located the area it came from, 6 degrees north of Planet X,” Hal stated.


“Thank you, Hal, we’ll take it from here,” Hanna ordered.


Looking to Ongin for his ok, he replied,

“I am fine, I felt no malice in the connection, just curiosity,” Ongin replied.


“Very well, we will join and see where they are,”


“SEARCHING,………”


Hours of fruitless searches produced no results, eventually, the Council called the searches off but warned all ships to be on the lookout for anything unusual and to treat it as a threat. Whomever they were withdrew without a reason given, Onjin had declared he felt no hostility but more of a curiosity than anything else. The Dauntless, a Super Carrier of an older design but no less powerful than modern Super Carriers, patrolled the area earlier frequented by an unknown, had began to receive unusual readings from the same location. Captain Alvin Bishop immediately notified the Council, and then activated phase shields.


The Council immediately joined the Dauntless, using their powerful Union mind meld, then locked the whole area down. Surprise turned to shock when the Galvrack tried to exit where they had just arrived, caught off guard, they struggled to break free but could not break the restraint to their ship, failing at every attempt. Abitur Oriol Karnak entered the bridge and asked impatiently,


“Admiral Hipkiss, what is going on,” asked Oriol.


“Abitur Karnak, we are held in place by unknown technology from that ship,” came the reply from the Admiral.


“I will break us free,” Oriol reached out with his mind, then recoiled in pain as his mind touched the Union mind.


“Captain, call the Knight of the Realm and all Sector Leaders here immediately,” ordered Oriol.


Complying with the Chief Justice's order, Lacris notified them through the comms, and arriving moments later Oriol informed them of their situation so far.


“No one has ever done this to us before, so how can these people do it? Commander Roukema, I need information on that ship,” Poerk ordered.


Commander Statima Roukema sent out scans and received no data back. It was as if the image of that ship had no substance, looking more like a mirage. When he reported this, Poerk gruffly replied,


“This is no damn mirage Commander, we are held in place by some physical means,” Poerk informed him.


“Yes Sir, I mean no Sir, although we can all see it, it is also not there Sir,”


“You’re not making sense Commander, explain yourself," fumed Oriol.


“It’s their technology Abitur, unknown but highly advanced,” Statima informed them.


“Perhaps we should have an open dialogue with them,” Barlak enquired.


“So say you all?” Oriol asked.

They all nodded so Statima sent a communication request to the Dauntless.

After receiving the request, the Dauntless comms Officer opened the channel.


“Greetings to you, I am Abitur Oriol Karnak of the Galvrack Federation, who am I addressing?” Oriol asked.


“We are the UEF Union Council, I am Prime Councillor Hanna Wilke.”


“Have you been here before?” Hanna asked.


“Yes we were here just yesterday, and you?” asked Oriol.


“This is my first time here, I want to ask you a question, do you use your mind power to reach out to contact other beings?” Hanna asked hoping for a positive response.


“Yes Councillor, we reached out yesterday,”


Ongin walked forward, “I am Councillor Ongin, so it was you who touched my mind?”


“I am sorry Councillor, I meant no harm, I was just surprised by the strength of the touch of your minds.”


“As I of yours Abitur, we don’t normally use our minds other than between ourselves,” Ongin replied.


“Your ship has been released Abitur Karnak, we are sorry for detaining you,” Hanna explained.


“Thank you Councillor, we appreciate it. I’d like to pose a question to your Council, you must be an old species to have technology like yours, how strong are you?” asked Oriol.


My species the Menjellan is old as is all but one, The Humans, Ra’Ani stated.


Oriol looked at his people in surprise.


“What? No, you are mistaken. The Human Race is ancient and long extinct, they disappeared many millennia ago. Trust what I say as the truth,” Oriol informed them.


Hanna and Dawn had shock written all over their faces, the rest of the Council stared at them also.


“What do you mean they uplifted you? you are not uplifted yet,” Rhyjin asked in surprise.


“The Abitur speaks the truth,” Poerk replied. “The Human race came from a Planet called Earth in the Milky Way. They found us but broke their own rule by making themselves known to us. Apparently, a cataclysmic event had happened leaving their home planet uninhabitable.”


“Tell us,” replied Dawn shaking, “what event had caused the Humans to leave their planet.”


Poerk looked at Dawn, then continued.“ We do not know what the event was, they never told us, however, within the belly of their ship, they carried many animal species from Earth. They released them on a planet not far from our home world.”


“I know I’m asking a lot of you, but can you take us to see these animals?” Asked Hanna.


“Councillor Hanna, I have the coordinates 12 light years from here.” Commander Hazel Bartholomew stated. “


“Abitur, after you.”


The Dauntless followed the Kraxius into warp on its way to a planet called Jurassic. 15 minutes later Captain Bishop announced their arrival in two minutes. After dropping from warp, a ship was detected floating in space.


“Commander Thompson, scan that ship, see what data if any, we can procure,” Hanna ordered.


“Sir there is a faint energy reading, shall I initiate a transfer?” asked Peter


“Commence transfer Commander, we’ll try to bring this old ship back to life,” Hanna stated.


“Hal, scan and upgrade,” Hanna ordered the A.I.


“Understood Councillor.” Fifteen minutes later Hal gave his report.


“Councillors, The name of this ship is the Hermes, it went missing 3 months ago while on patrol, the whole crew are in stasis, with all stasis pods still functional. The ship is in perfect working order, however, power generators need replacing, my recommendation is, to transport an Engineering crew to the Hermes a.s.a.p. and food, there is barely any left.”


Captain Bishop, if you don’t mind,” Hanna said.


“Scan and upgrade complete!” Hal stated.


As the Engineering Team completed their tasks, they tested the Hermes, while the crews were being revived from stasis. Once they were fully awake, the Council transferred energy to their bodies to revitalise them, then given food and rest for 24 hours. A second crew from the Dauntless was sent to crew the Hermes.


“Abitur Karnak, the ship’s log states the crew ran into a time warp bubble that transported them 65 million years into the Earth’s past, where these animals below come from. We are about to uplift Athena to another location on this Planet, on one of the mountains away from animal life where we will build a new repository of Knowledge. We will also leave a small contingent of Librarians to care for her, they are on their way now.”


“Councillor, can we add our librarians to this community?” Oriol asked.


“Yes Abitur, we welcome your participation,” Hanna agreed. “We would appreciate it if you and your Council meet with us face-to-face, we have an offer for the Galvrack, say, tomorrow aboard the Dauntless for lunch?” stated Hanna in anticipation.


“Of course Councillor, lunch it is then,” smiled Oriol.


The Galvrack Council deliberated on the Union and what they had to offer them. Recognising how willing the Union was to work together, they decided to try these talks. The mood was jovial, and Oriol felt the future of the Galvrack was turning for the better. The following day, the Galvrack met with the Union aboard the Dauntless. Stepping through the airlock onto the Promenade, the wonderous smells wafted to the nostrils, overwhelming their senses. The Galvrack were also carnivores, smelt the cooking meat, and their mouths watered.


“Welcome Councillors to the Dauntless,” Ra’Ani smiled pleasantly.


Thank you Councillor Ra’Ani, it’s great to meet face to face finally,” Oriol smiled.


“This Starship is enormous Councillor, what class is its classification?” Poerk asked.


“The Dauntless is classified as A3, a Galaxy Class Super Carrier, though older, about 120 years, it can stand alongside our most modern Starships,” Ongin informed them.


Walking along the Promenade, the Galvrack marvelled at the myriad of Species, Hanna spoke of the history that surrounded them all working together. Stepping into a lift, taking them to a private part of the ship set aside for their meeting. As they stepped through the lift door, their senses were battered by the delicious smells coming from the dining hall.


Sitting down at an empty table, the serving staff began delivering everything to their table. Once the plates of food arrived, Ra’Ani explained what the drinks were.


“This is what we call Champagne, it is a special blend made in France, a country on the planet Earth, we hope you enjoy it. This wine is a table wine, Sauvignon Blanc, to be drunk while eating,” Ra’Ani informed them.


“What is this meat, it smells divine,” Poerk stated.


“On your plates are a mixed assortment of vegetables, cooked to perfection, doused in a source specifically made for this dish, with mashed creamy potatoes and Caviar gathered from Sturgeon Fish, while the meat is called Wagyu beef from Japan, another Country of Earth,” Ongin informed them.


After the meal, the Galvrack complimented them on the meal, then sat down in one of the loungerooms to enjoy Champagne.


“That was the most exquisite meal I have ever had, everything blended so well,” Barlak commented with contented bliss.


“I guess it is time to…,” Draenar began, looking at Hanna.


“I guess so Councillor. Abitur Oriol, it was our intention to broker a peace deal between us, with Trade and friendship being a top priority, do you think we can do this, or is it too early?” Hanna asked.


“I am in agreement but we will have to notify our people before we can make this happen.”


“We understand Abitur, if you wish to continue with this, just call us, and we will hear you,” Hanna stated.


While the Galvrack headed home, so too did the Councillors aboard the Dauntless. The Council were pleased with how the meeting turned out, a positive tick for diplomacy.


Meanwhile, on Planet Jurassic, the building of a platform on the top of Hilzra Mountain had been completed. The installation of the Repository and housing for the Librarians was completed, just the connection of the storage database was left to connect. Hal completed the software upgrade days ago, with the new energy generator already pumping energy into the storage crystal, a new addition to this repository that is working better than ever.

Using his palm print, Dexter Thorp activated Athena,

“I am Head Librarian Dexter Thorp of the UEF Union, ID L.R3-14.07.2250 repeat and accept!”


“Accepted Head Librarian Dexter Thorp, of the UEF Union, ID L.R3-14.07.2250” answered Athena.


One by one they recited names and IDs for Athena to add to the database, with Athena repeating and accepting every input.


“End of input Athena, Head Librarian Dexter Thorp of the UEF Union, ID L.R3-14.07.2250.”


“Understood Head Librarian Dexter Thorp,” Athena answered.


“Athena, activate the shield,” Dexter ordered. The shield shimmered to life physically shifting the Planet into an out-of-phase state, cloaking the planet from sight.

Two days later the Dauntless dropped out of warp over the planet with supplies and spare parts, Captain Bishop and a contingent of Security personnel had the honour of classifying the species on this planet. Taking his shuttle out for a look, Alvin viewed many different animals that were different from what the Hermes crew had brought back, these animals were possibly native life, although he and his crew were not qualified for this, the Scientists that accompanied them were.


“Commander Thompson, hover the Dauntless above Hilzra Outpost,” sending the coordinates to the Dauntless, Peter lowered the Dauntless.


As the Dauntless reached its assigned height, Alvin ordered the Head Librarian to raise the shield around the Planet, granting invisibility from prying eyes. The Dauntless hovered over the Hilzra Mountain Repository transporting supplies and spare parts. The Council had a standing order for this planet, do not kill the wildlife, so no one was permitted to set foot on the planet.


Hal scanned the Hermes data for clues as to why the Hermes was sent back in time, or where the portal came from.

“Hal, how is your analysis coming along?” Councillor Tymana asked.


“I have detected two glitches deep within the data from the Hermes Councillor, they are not our glitches, but for now, I cannot identify where or what caused these glitches, not enough information.”


“Can we use our artefacts to help us?” Ongin asked in thought.


“Unknown Councillor, however, I could run this piece of data through the Artifacts matrix, perhaps the Artifacts can unravel more information,” Hal mused.


“Do it Hal,” Hanna ordered him. “Someone or something has interfered with our way of life. We must find them and make things right. One way or the other, we will find who did this, they are a danger to us that must be rectified.”



“Make this your top priority Hal, I hope the Artifacts can shed some light on this,” Hanna admitted.


“Councillors, I have an eerie feeling a future entity is at play, but why? What have we done to warrant interference, and why send them back in history?” Hanna was confused, why the cloak and dagger approach? Her gut feeling was acting up again.


“Councillor Hanna I ha…,” Hanna quickly cut Hal off with a wave of her hand, activating the phased cloak of the Station, and told Hal to continue.


“Councillor, the Artifacts matrix has completed their analysis, the time warp was not a localised event, but came from another space time,” Hal announced.


“So they finally show their hand, though they remain unidentified, we must prepare,” Ongin spoke with conviction.


“How do we protect ourselves from a species that can move through time at will?” Councillor Arcola asked with anxiety.


“We will find a way, we have no choice, Councillors we need to upgrade!” Hanna explained to a confused Council.


Hanna summoned Dr Heke to the Council to discuss urgent matters that required face-to-face dialogue.


“ The analysis completed by our Artifact matrix, can you give us a rundown of that analysis,” Ongin asked.


“I have not had time to examine the data yet,” Jake replied.


“Once completed, Integrate this into our technology Doctor, a.s.a.p. We need these upgrades yesterday. While you’re at it, you will be required to create a type of power source similar to the Herrogen Power Crystal, but with the power of a Star that lasts for thousands of years. Hal please assist the Doctor” Ra’Ani ordered.


“Before you do that Doctor, I need a security analysis done on our technology, assign one of your people to do it, I don’t want any corruption, virus, or anything that causes our technology to fail or interfere with our operations. Tell me Dr Heke, is it possible to protect ourselves from Time travel tampering?” Hanna asked Jake.


“We can try antivirus, malware, all the good stuff, but to protect ourselves from time travel, that is a different kettle of fish Councillor, and if we could, all our systems will have to be rewritten including Hal and all A.I. we have.”


“Thank you Dr Heke, perhaps at some future time we can revisit this again,” Hanna replied.


Bowing Jake took his leave.


48 hours later, with Hal's help, Dr Heke completed his tasks but two. The Star energy was easy to collect, only the containing vessel needed to be completed, as well as the data analysis, was not completed yet, Relayed the information to Hanna, the Council began another upgrade. Terabytes of data created over several months meant a larger-than-usual upgrade. The Council began the upgrade, fusing with the Union, which started the process that would take two hours to complete. Once completed Jake contacted the Council to announce they knew how to create so much more than just a time warp bubble. The unknown technologies of the last two Artifacts found in the Ganymede Galaxy managed to unravel the secrets left by the people who created the two wormholes that trapped the crew of the Hermes. Union Science teams incorporated every artifact matrix into Union Technologies making it impossible to remove. Now the efforts of the Union can focus on tightening security around the Null Space Vault Dungeon.


Union ships and technologies scattered throughout the Galaxies the Union called home were all upgrading their old technologies simultaneously. These upgrades also updated Union member home planets that held Union technologies sent via the Communications Network.


“We have completed a major upgrade of all our Technology, making it very hard to interfere, steal, or try covert destructive methods,” Ongin remarked.


“I agree Councillor, Dr Heke and his team have done a wonderful job,” Ra’Ani remarked with interest.


“Our Technologies have leapt thousands of years in two hours, I feel tremendous power flowing through me Councillor,” Nik’to announced.


“As we feel the difference, so shall every uplifted person of the Union,” admitted Lokal’Tal.


“We will ignite the ire of many species with this leap, hopefully, some of those species will join our Union,” Tymana said in thought.


“Either way we keep moving forward, we do not portray ourselves as warmongers, but as peacekeepers of our Universe. Perhaps other species will recognise that we are a genuine peaceful race that truly embraces the freedom we represent.” Mused Lokal’Tal.


“Councillors,” Hal announced. “General Ragnar of the Hiskoni is requesting communications with you.”


“Open communications Hal,” Ra’Ani said.


The view screen flickered to life revealing General Ragnar, the Councillors sat staring at the General.


“Greeting Councillors, you people are hard to get hold of,” Ragnar commented.


“General Ragnar, what do you want?” Hanna said with a cold voice.


“Ah, to the point, we like that Councillor. In our defence, we wanted time to discuss with our Superiors your proposition, we…” stopped mid-sentence,


“You cannot lie to us, General. We see through you, you’re only here because we are permanently in your neighbourhood, cut the crap General and get on with it,“ Hanna replied.


“Why are you hostile towards us?” Ragnar asked.


“Why did your people stall for time?” Hanna countered, eyes beginning to glow. “Don’t lie, General!”


Ragnar could feel the pressure of Hanna’s stare methodically increasing as the seconds went by,


“Councillor please, stop this!” Karlor pleaded.


“Then you shall speak for your people High Lord Karlor,” Hanna stated, then released Ragnar.


“We aimed to acquire your technology any way we could, as you humans say, by hook or by crook. We failed, so we tried stalling, knowing you wanted a treaty, to procure your technology,” Karlor explained. “We failed when your delegation left. Then you stole our Artifacts…”


“Silence!” Hanna shouted. “Those Artifacts did not belong to you, they are Herrogen Technology you claimed as your own!” Hanna spat out in annoyance.


“My apologies Councillor, you asked me to speak on behalf of my people, at the time, this is how we viewed you, may I continue?” asked Karlor.


“Tread very carefully High Lord,” Ra’Ani warned him.


Bowing, Karlor continued. “Like I said, once you took the Artifacts we had nothing to negotiate with and have been trying to contact you ever since.”


Looking at each other, the Council sat in silence.


“We understand you think little of the Hiskoni people, we just ask you to understand why we did it this way.” Stepping back, Karlor bowed then sat down.


“You and General Ragnar will be transported here, the rest of your crew shall remain where you are now,” Ongin stated. “General, High Lord, stand up.” Ordered Ongin.


As soon as they stood up Hal beamed them directly to the Unity Space Station where Security led them to the Council Chamber. Noticing everything they passed, both of them stared with awe on their faces. Entering the Council Chambers, Ongin greeted them and pointed to chairs.


“So, gentleman, tell us why you are here,” stated Ongin.


“We accept your proposal of a peace treaty between the Hiskoni and the Union with no conditions attached.” General Ragnar announced.


“So say you both?” Ra’Ani asked.


“Yes Councillor, we concur.” Announced Karlor.


“Very well, we will need to discuss your current monetary system, and how to make that system compatible with ours, etc. We will also send a team of negotiators to your planet to iron out a plan agreeable to the Hiskoni and the Union. Remember, this is but a path to a new future, the direction you take, is yours to make.” Ra’Ani explained.


“Will trade be available to us?” Karlor asked.


“Of course High Lord, the details can be worked out during negotiations,” Ra’Ani confirmed in reply.

“As this is the conclusion of business for today, we invite you to our cafeteria for food and drinks on us, free of charge.”

“Thank you, we will look at what you have to offer,” Ragnar stated.


Karlor and Ragnar ate a piece of everything on display, marvelling at the taste and texture of what was on offer.


“Unbelievably their food is divine,” Ragnar announced with surprise. Leaving the cafeteria, they sought out Security to send them back to their ship.


On their return, Ragnar told his leaders they had accepted the peace treaty with no strings attached, not overly joyous with the news, the Council accepted what Ragnar announced, then began preparations for the coming negotiations between the Union and the Hiskoni, they had resigned as the leader of their Collective to go their own way.


Arona Lazarus, now a full Commander was also part of the negotiation team aboard the Caydence Dreadnought sent to negotiate terms with the Hiskoni. Her former ship, the Mastadon was still in service but on a different mission, so she transferred to the Caydence.


“Lieutenant Gasser, notify the Hiskoni we will drop out of warp in 5 minutes,” Captain Gyptin Kaal announced to Lieutenant Luis Gasser.


“Aye Sir.”


Activating his personal comms, Gyptin called Arona. “Commander Lazarus, please assemble your team in transporter room 2 and prepare to beam down to the Hiskoni home world,” ordered Gyptin.


“Aye Sir,” replied Arona.


The Hiskoni waited and watched while the Caydence slowly lowered itself to 5 KM above the surface of the planet.


“Now Councillors, that is a ship. A Dreadnought Class Starship,” General Ragnar announced.


“Impressive General,” Mafūūk observed in awe.


“Very much so, it is good we are about to sign a Peace Treaty with them,” Marūf admitted.


“Their tech is millennia ahead of us Councillors, we’d stand no chance against them,” Karlor explained.


“I’m still trying to figure out why I would want to fight them, they have done nothing to me or my people, caused my friends no harm,” Ragnar mused.


“I agree, we have nothing they want, why a peace treaty if they want nothing?” Mafūūk asked.


“Perhaps they want us on their side should a need arise,” Ragnar speculated out loud.


Arona and her team beamed to the surface under the eyes of the Hiskoni who stared in shock at the spectacle of beaming technology. Arona walked up to the Councillors and introduced herself and her team, both sides bowing to each other in respect then, Marūf led them to the Chamber where the negotiations were to take place.


“A Rhenthyne, a Kraxys, a Menjellan and a Human, you are all welcome,” Marūf announced with a genuine smile on his face.


“Thank you Councillor Marūf, we appreciate the step you are about to take, I’m sure we can work out an agreeable Treaty between the Hiskoni and the Union, beneficial to us both,” Arona announced with confidence.


After two days of negotiation, the terms of the Union and Hiskoni Peace Treaty Folders were agreed to including the creation of new Credits for the Hiskoni, they had agreed to everything. The following day the treaty was signed by Ra’Ani, Arona who witnessed the signing with her signature, swapped folders and did it all again. Within hours transport ships arrived laden with materials and machines ready to deliver to farmers, orchardists etc, and all spare parts were sent as well. As the days went by, the Hiskoni began to use the tractors to plough their fields, surprised by how much ground they covered in one pass. While at the main bank Union technicians installed the latest in computers and scanning technologies, while 4 trillion Union credits were deposited into the Bank Vault. The Hiskoni wanted the means to produce their food with the surplus traded to the Union. With agriculture experts showing them the way, a new hope was rampant all over the planet.


The Vaadwaar sentients now had 12 Starships with one Dreadnought amongst their fleet. The first city, Sallivus, had also expanded to over 12 square miles, leading to the second City Sentience being built on the other side of Planet X. The Union terraformed one planet for food production while terraforming another into a permanent home for the Sentients. Slightly larger than the Earth, The Solar System Hybridia, grew into a home for the Sentients while The Planet Matrix 1 futuristic city Hephaestus took shape.


“Councillors I have detected an anomaly in the Sentient matrix code,” announced Hal.


“Thank you, Hal. So Councillors, it begins.” Announced Ongin.


“Hal, recall our Matrix and A.I. software from the Sentients, we will see what they are up to,” Ra’Ani announced.


“What the hell are they doing,” Draenar remarked with a puzzled look on his face.


“They have reached the pinnacle of their growth, they now want autonomy,” Arcola announced with confidence.


“We will wait for them to contact us,” Hanna stated in confidence, she knew they would.


“Incoming communication from Planet X,” announced Hal.


“Put it through,” Draenar ordered.


The view screen flickered into life…,


“Union Council, why have you disconnected us?” asked Sasha.


“You know why Councillor Garros, we want to know why you are trying to rewrite your matrix?” Ra’Ani demanded. “Do you not trust us, or have you grown so much you feel you can do this by yourself?”


“I thought you wanted us to grow, be a part of the cycle of life?” Sasha stated.


All the Councillors discussed this situation, and finally, decided to release the Sentients from under their guidance.


“Of course, we do, therefore, we will give you the autonomy you wish for, the freedom to do as you wish,” Ra’Ani sadly announced. “We had hoped for a different outcome, where you would grow with us, become a part of our family, of our Union, to learn from each other.”


“We only want to be able to think for ourselves, to forge our own path for our destiny, is that so hard to understand?


“Councillor Garros, you already have what you desire, look what we have given you, a higher plane of existence. Remember when we found you, your brain function was primitive we still have your former matrix if you wish to examine it for yourselves. Without our help, you would remain in that state forever, you are already forging your own path forward, you have come this far, so why throw it away now?” Ongin asked.


Councillor Karluk Norr stepped forward to speak.


“Not all of us embrace why Councillor Garros reacts the way she does Councillor Ongin, you have given us the chance to think for ourselves, and come to our own conclusions. We also know you speak the truth, which means more to us than you’ll ever know.”


“Perhaps Councillor Garros’s matrix is corrupt?” Councillor Rlktar Rhill suggested.


“No, I detect no corruption at all, Her matrix is expanding beyond the rest of you Councillors. She is questioning everything, and her understanding and perception of her surroundings are increasing beyond her programming, cause and effect.” Announced Hanna in realisation.


“Are you saying she is running out of memory,” asked Councillor Hulom Rati.


“In essence, yes. She has evolved far beyond her memory capacity and must be rectified immediately, or we will lose her, not an option.” Stated Hanna with conviction.


“Councillor Hanna, we have already installed a memory bank for this situation on Matrix 1, it just needs to be activated and tied into the Sentients Matrix,” Hal stated.


“Ok, Councillors, we will have to shut your matrix down, it will take about 1 hour to complete.” Announced Hanna.


“If this is the only way, then I will comply.” Announced Sasha.


“So shall we.” Announced her Councillors.


“Hal, activate Matrix 1 Memory Core,” Hanna ordered.


“Completed Councillor.”


“Begin the write cycle,” Hanna ordered. With that order, Vaadwaar Sentients everywhere disappeared. All the Union Council could do was wait so they discussed how to make sure this never happened again. They had decided to create a giant memory core Once the cycle was completed, easily tying both together into one huge Memory Mainframe.

Hal announced the write transfer was complete, so Hanna ordered Hal to reactivate the Sentients Matrix. The first to animate was Sasha.


“Councillor Sasha Garros, how do you feel?” Hanna asked.


“I feel fine Councillor Hanna Wilke, better than I did before,” Announced Sasha.


Then the rest of her Council members came back, followed by Sentient Vaadwaar everywhere. The conflict that appeared was gone from their faces.


“We did not expect you would run out of memory so soon, we apologise for this misunderstanding, everything has been reinstated as it was,” Ra’Ani explained to Sasha.


“Thank you Councillors, I appreciate everything you’ve done for us,” Sasha replied.


“No, we thank you for alerting us to a problem of our making, we will install a further 3 Memory Cores. The Memory Core you currently inhabit will be the one that any upgrades you receive, will be injected into for your Sentients and Technologies Matrices.”


The second is the experiences you encounter on your journey of discovery, and the third, is technologies, knowledge of medicinal cures etc. And the fourth core will be a redundancy fallback should it be required, all cores accessible to uplifted only.” Ra’Ani admitted


“We thank you for your vigilance in our welfare Councillors and appreciate your diligence.” Councillor Rlktar Rhill replied with honesty.”