Mike's War: Sequel to Jesse's Starship (32 page)

Mike said, “There needs to be one more thing added to the agreement.”

Hetzel turned and said, “What?”

“That as long as the wager is in effect, our two civilizations will come to the defense of each other if either is attacked.”

The three leaders all stared at Mike. After a moment Hetzel shook his head, “What are you saying, Mike?”

Mike pointed at the sky, “I have more than a hundred thousand warriors in orbit that have trained hard for more than a year to come here and fight. I have a couple of million more back on Sparta working hard to join the effort.” Mike looked at the Gracken, “I would think that our new ally here might be able to use them in their struggle.”

The Gracken Elder started shaking his head and said, “You would do this after what happened here?”

Mike looked at the blasted landscape and nodded, “I lost more than eight hundred warriors here.” He looked at the Gracken, “You lost more than a hundred and fifty thousand. I think that balances our losses.” Mike looked at the three and said, “I also think the three of you should consider eliminating the middle man here and use this to help all the planets in the Alliance.”

Hetzel shook his head, “I’m not sure what you mean?”

Mike smiled, “The two of you were going to trade with the Gracken and leave the other two thousand planets out of it.” The Celean looked at Hetzel and Mike saw that was exactly what they were planning. “I think there is a better way for all of your planets to profit from this.”

The Celean said, “How?”

“Instead of selling the Gracken metals for them to go and build their armaments, build what they need on your planets. Have them give you the blueprints for their ships, blasters, armor and all the other items needed to defend themselves and sell them for a much higher price.” The Elder was shocked by the idea. Mike smiled, “Think about it, Hetzel. All of your planets are operating at a minimum capacity. They could build the plants needed to build their warships and weapons in practically no time. Then you would be paid for a billion credit starship instead of a few hundred pounds of gold. If all your planets participated, the Gracken would be getting two thousand warships every two or three months.”

The Celean shook his head, “What a revolutionary idea.”

Tilly said, “And you would both benefit from this. You would have access to the Gracken advanced technology and they would have the weapons needed to possibly end this war they’ve been fighting.”

Hetzel looked at the Gracken, “Can we trust you to keep your promise?”

Mike snorted, “Come on, Hetzel. Are they going to attack the civilization that provides their warrior culture with weapons?”

The Gracken shook his head and said, “The delay in building those ships will allow us time to find and mine the precious metals to pay for them.”

It took all of Tilly’s self-control to not laugh out loud; somehow she stifled it.

Hetzel looked at the Celean and shrugged. The Celean said, “Let’s do it.” He looked at the Gracken, “If you’ll get the blueprints for the ships you want constructed, we’ll start working on them immediately. Please understand that the price will be higher initially to pay for the facilities we’ll have to build.”

The Gracken nodded, “I’ll get them to you within a few days.”

Hetzel looked at Mike, “What do you get out of this?”

“I expect the Alliance to take some of their profits and to go and modernize Earth’s infrastructure.”

Hetzel shook his head, “Is it a good idea to put that technology in the hands of those leaders?”

“That is an issue I will resolve.” He looked at the Gracken, “I will have my forces join you after that issue is handled.”

The Gracken looked at the three small beings and said, “This site is where we will come and pay for what you build. We will never forget the honor of those that died here and learn from their deaths that attacking is not always the best answer. We should have opened a dialogue with you first.” He looked at Mike and said, “We don’t have the ability to download languages, yet. But I’ve observed your species in the recordings we’ve made.” The Gracken stuck out his hand and Mike grabbed his index finger. Mike’s hand was tiny in the Gracken’s grip. They shook and Mike knew that he could now find peace with the deaths of those in the First Regiment.

• • •

Jesse and Elle looked at Mike and he could see Jesse wasn’t happy. Mike was proud of the handsome young man that Jesse had grown up to be. He was thirty seven now but still looked like he was in his twenties. Elle had only grown more beautiful over time. “Jesse, in order to make this work, we have to have someone that everyone can accept.”

“Then you do it.”

“And will you then assume command of the warriors?”

Jesse ran his hand through his hair, “You know I’m not experienced enough to do that.”

“I honestly don’t know that at all; however, I know you have what it takes to do what I’m asking.” Jesse started shaking his head and Mike saw Elle was leaving this decision in his hands. Mike quickly said, “You only have to do this for a short time. Once all the changes take place, you can resign.”

Jesse stared at Mike and lowered his eyebrows, “Will you promise that?” Mike nodded. “I’m going to hold you to it.”

Mike sighed, “I really think you can make a big difference but I will keep this promise.”

“When is this going to happen?”

“In twelve hours. You should get your initial speech done.”

Jesse grimaced and Elle said, “I’ll help you draft it.”

Jesse looked at her and smiled, “Thanks, I can use the help.”

Mike shook his head, “Jesse, just say what’s on your mind. You’ve always impressed me with your insight and dignity.”

Mike stood up and walked out of the Q ship’s bridge. Jesse shook his head. Elle said, “He’s right.” Jesse looked at her and she smiled, “Your heart is what I love the most about you. Let’s get to work.”

• • •

Mike jumped his Q ship to the gathering above Sparta and saw the thousands of Alliance transports above the planet. All the warriors were going on this mission and they were excited at the prospect. Mike saw Adams appear on the display and smile, “Bowen isn’t happy about this.”

“I’m sure he’ll handle the Q ships.”

“He wanted to participate in the drop as well.”

Mike smiled, “Then he should have asked first.”

“Jeanette and I are going to drop in on New York.”

“Give everyone my fondest regards.”

“You know I will.”

“Who is handling the drop on China?”

“Alex.”

Adams smiled, “It’s in good hands. We’ll see you on the planet.”

“I’m not dropping. Tilly and I will observe from orbit.”

Adams expression turned serious, “Mike, it’s not the time for you to step back.”

Mike smiled, “It’s the perfect time and you know it. Just think about it and you’ll see.”

Mike ended the call and Tilly sighed, “Are you sure about this?”

“I am, Love. There are times when a person becomes bigger than the circumstances that surround them. They’re really not bigger but everyone’s perception about them is warped. We can’t move forward as long as I’m blocking the channel. My time is done.” Tilly hugged him and experienced mixed emotions. She had to admit that Mike had become bigger than life among the warriors after the war with the Gracken ended. She wondered if it really was all over for them.

• • •

Yehao and the World Representatives were in session going over the new taxes to be implemented when an orderly came running in, “There are millions of warriors dropping on Earth. Scanners show more than eight thousand ships in orbit.”

Yehao’s face showed his fear, “Are they the giant creatures attacking the Alliance?”

The orderly shook his head, “They are Alliance ships overhead and they’re dropping Spartan Warriors.”

Yehao stood and screamed at Al Hussain, “Get the hidden weapons distributed.”

Hussain lifted his microphone and started issuing orders. A moment later fifty armored Spartan Warriors rushed into the room. Jeanette raised a hand weapon and pointed it at Hussain, “One more word and it will be your last.” Hussain stared at Jeanette and sneered. No woman was going to tell him what to do. He started speaking again and the sliver hit him in the chest and threw him over his chair and into the glass behind him. The Representatives all sat still and stared at the woman. Adams came in and said, “Well hello. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen you. I trust all of you understand that you will remain silent until given permission to speak.” The leaders at the U shaped table stared at the woman holding the hand gun who was looking at one of her nails. He shook her head and looked at them. Even Yehao knew he was dead if he opened his mouth.

A young man and woman dressed in armor walked in behind the Spartan Warriors and looked at the technicians at the back of the room, “Set up to broadcast a message to the planet.” The technicians didn’t move for a moment and the woman turned and looked at them with her eyebrows lowering. They jumped up and started setting up the equipment. Adams shook his head. Jeanette hadn’t lost her touch.

Yehao stared at the young man and tried to remember where he had seen him. It took a few moments and then he realized that he was the one that hijacked the Alliance Starship and prevented Earth’s destruction. He was older now. Something was going on and it didn’t look good.

• • •

Three hours later Jesse stood behind the table with Earth’s Representatives and looked at the hundreds of cameras focused on him. Every person on Earth saw the armored warriors dropping into their communities ordering them to move into their dwellings. They turned on their monitors and saw a message written on the screens telling them to stand by for an important broadcast. They waited until a handsome young man appeared. He was wearing armor and looked imposing. They saw their elected leaders sitting in front of him in silence. What was happening?

Jesse looked out at the cameras and took out a stack of paper and put it on the podium in front of him. He looked down and after a moment, lifted the papers and threw them over his shoulder, “I don’t really need this prepared speck. You deserve more than a stock written speech.” He looked at Elle who was smiling and said, “We have come back to Earth to make some changes and I am going to be responsible to make sure those changes are implemented. This is not something we really want to do but it had been discovered that there are secret stockpiles of weapons that the current government has been hiding to impose their will on the people they represent should they not agree with their desires. This is in direct violation of the treaty made with the Alliance and we will remove those weapons momentarily. I want every person on the planet that might be holding one of those weapons to understand that we have more than two thousand advanced warships in orbit scanning every square inch of the planet. We know where those weapons are and will begin the process of removing them and the ones holding them in five minutes. If you value your life, you will take those weapons and give them to the warriors that have dropped into your communities. Failure to comply…” Jesse shrugged, “Well, it’s your life.”

The stampede of people rushing out of their homes and relinquishing the automatic rifles and handguns was overwhelming. Everyone remembered the power of the Q ships. Jesse stared at the cameras and smiled, “I’m going to give everyone a few minutes to comply before I continue.”

Fifteen minutes passed and the huge display on the wall over Jesse showed the massive fleet above Earth. Jesse said, “Times up.” Everyone on Earth saw thousands of beams flashing from the fleet toward the planet. After a few minutes, the beams stopped. Jesse shrugged, “Some people just don’t listen or pay attention.” He looked at the World Leaders in front of him and said, “The Alliance has agreed to modernize Earth’s technology and to bring it up to the standards of those planets that are in the Alliance. However, they determined that when Earth was approached for help, the current leaders were only interested in helping themselves first and everyone else second. The planet has been at peace for seventeen years and the standard of living has actually gotten worse. Taxes are at a stifling level and most of the riches have been taken by your leaders and put in accounts for them to use for their own wealth. I am relieving the current leaders of their positions and I’m sending them home. They will be allowed to keep the wealth they’ve taken and I hope they live a good life. However, they will not be allowed to occupy a position of leadership from this moment forward.” Jesse looked at the leaders and said, “You may leave now; we have transportation to take you home.” Jesse stared at them and said, “If you wish to challenge this decision, you will be allowed to plead your case now but you will lose the wealth you’ve acquired.”

Every leader on the platform stared at Jesse and then stood and walked away. The people of Earth saw where their former leader’s priorities were placed. They were angry at them being allowed to keep what they had taken from the people they were supposed to be helping.

Jesse waited for them to exit the huge room and the cameras showed them as they walked out. The cameras turned back to Jesse and he said, “I will be in control until the changes being done by the Alliance have been completed. Once that is done, you will be given an opportunity to choose new leaders. There are some immediate changes that will happen now. All borders will be eliminated. Every person on the planet will be allowed to travel wherever they choose to go. Anyone that attempts to harm another person will be forcefully stopped.” Jesse paused and lowered his brows, “I know that many countries are concerned that those that are starving will come rushing to them and you do not have the means to feed them. Beginning this afternoon, New York time, the first Alliance transports and engineers will be arriving and installing food dispensers all over the planet. These dispensers will provide food for anyone that needs it. There will also be facilities placed around the planet that will provide clothing for anyone that needs it as well. All humanity may go wherever they choose and know there is food and clothing waiting for them wherever they choose to travel.”