Shroud of Doom

  Chapter 29

  First Contact

   

  Rammel and his staff was awakened from their sleeping chambers ten days before their expected arrival on Earth. This was to allow them to hit the ground running the moment they arrived. Although they knew it would take time to actually make contact, they didn’t want to waste any of their limited time on Earth. Earth Shuttle 26 sat down in a soft meadow about ten miles from the nearest inhabited area. Scans of the area before the landing detected no human life-forms in the area.

  The earth shuttles were circular in design and could immediately corkscrew underground so that their presence could not be easily detected. From above the landing area simply appeared to be a recently plowed field. A topside hatch allowed egress to the shuttle from above. To minimize possible detection Earth Shuttle 26 came in at 3 a.m. and descended quickly so as to appear as if it were a falling meteor. Rammel had decided not to immediately exit the shuttle once it was safely underground, just in case their entry into the atmosphere had been detected. If jets were scrambled to investigate he didn’t want them to find anything.

  Once the sun has risen the hatch was opened and Rammel climbed out of the shuttle and looked around. He marveled at the clear blue sky, the green grass and the yellow flowers that adorned the meadow. It had been many cycles since he’d seen such wonders and seeing Earth in such splendor gave him great determination to make his mission a success.

  Once the full delegation had climbed out of the shuttle and got their gear readied for travel, they began to hike in the general direction of the closest city. After hiking all morning they came to the crest of a hill and saw the small town that had been their destination. There were eight in this initial party and they had no weapons. This was a peaceful mission and they wanted to be sure there was no doubt about that, so they left their laser rifles and other personal armaments in their shuttle. They could have brought a hover vehicle for transportation, but that would have prematurely made it apparent that visitors had arrived from another world.

   

   

  Commander Brunns, Lt. Ziegfield Kulchz, and Aerial Muri stepped a few strides away from the group to talk privately. They were the representatives selected by the Purist Party to accompany the mission and they had their own agenda while they were on Earth.

  “This is just how I imagined Earth do be. It’s a paradise,” Brunns said. “I shall bring my family with me the next time I come. This must be our new home.”

  Kulchz took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Yes, it is nice to be able to actually breath. The air is so cool and fresh. It’s exhilarating.”

  “Well, if the Americans are as greedy as we think, we should have no problem coming to an agreement,” Aerial remarked.

  “I don’t care if the Americans agree or not, the people of Tarizon are coming to Earth, like it or not,” Brunns replied.

  “Yes, when we return to Earth we will have an intergalactic fleet that will be invincible. If need be we’ll simple take control by force.”

  “It won’t be that easy,” Aerial said. “The Americans are fighters. They won’t just sit back and let us take over their world.”

  “They will have no choice,” Captain Brunns disagreed. He laughed. “We are so ahead of them technologically a war with them would be a joke.”

  “So, what are we going to do to make sure the American’s go for out deal?” Kulchz asked.

  “We’re going to bypass the bureaucrats and get in tight with the military. They are the ones with the real power. I’m sure they will want the new weapons technology we brought with us and will do anything to get it.”

  “Excellent plan,” Aerial said. “You are a genius, Commander.”

  The delegation began moving out forcing them to end their private discussion. They fell in behind the group as the delegates moved single file through the meadow.

   

   

  They had brought many things with them—gifts for the U.S. President, their credentials, a letter from the Chancellor, and things that would prove they came from another planet. They knew that it might be difficult for the government to accept the fact that human life existed in other solar systems. If they weren’t convincing they knew they could easily end up in a prison cell for the rest of their lives.

  Their immediate problem was to get into town unnoticed, obtain transportation, local currency, and get something to eat. They had eaten rations on the ship but they weren’t very satisfying.

  On the outskirts of town they hid their backpacks and walked into town like they’d been out on an afternoon stroll. Although many people looked at them in their unusual attire, nobody seemed alarmed or distressed that they were in town. So far, their arrival had been perfect. They hadn’t stuck out. Now they needed local currency and their plan was to find a pawn shop or jewelry store.

  They got directions and found a jewelry store where they were able to sell an assortment of precious stones. The proprietor must have thought he was dealing with a bunch of idiots when he showed them out the door having parted with less than 5,000 U.S. dollars for stones worth ten times that. But they’d gotten enough money to buy a used car, get new clothes, gasoline, food, and a hotel room when they got to New York City.

  They arrived in New York on a Sunday, a few days before the next session of the United Nations General Assembly. Once they were settled in their rooms the question was how to approach the Ambassador.

  “You will have to call his office and try to get an appointment,” Lt. Reppa said. “Without an appointment he won’t talk to you.”

  “Yes, but they will try to make us see an underling first, I’m sure. But, that won’t work. We can’t afford to show our hand to anyone but the Ambassador. If the word gets out that we claim to be from outer space there is no telling what will happen,” Ensign Muri said.

  “So, I guess we need to make up some kind of a story to pique the interest of the Ambassador so he’ll be compelled to meet with us,” Rammel concluded.

  “Why don’t you tell him you represent a nation that wants to be admitted to the United Nations. Tell him that your country is very rich and if the United States sponsors us you will make it very much worthwhile,” Aerial suggested.

  “That’s a good idea and not a big stretch from the truth,” Rammel replied. “I’ll try that.”

  Rammel nervously picked up the telephone to make the call. He was not used to the clumsy American telephones as all communications on Tarizon were hands free. The operator finally connected him to the Ambassador’s Secretary.

  “Hello,” the voice said.

  “Hello. Hi. This is Rammel Garciah.”

  “Who?”

  “Rammel Garciah, an emissary from Turvin. I’d like to make an appointment with the Ambassador.”

  “What’s the nature of your visit?” she asked.

  “I’ve come all the way from Shisk. We’d like to obtain membership in the United Nations and wanted to see if the United States would support us.”

  “Well, I’ll discuss the matter with the Ambassador but he’s very busy. I can’t promise you he’ll be able to see you.”

  “Tell him our government has much to offer in return for his support.”

  “Well, okay. I’ll do that. Give me your number and we’ll get back with you.”

  Rammel gave the secretary their hotel telephone number and then hung up.

  Aerial looked at Rammel expectantly. “So, how did it go?”

  “About as expected. I’m not going to hold my breath waiting for a return call. We’ll just have to wait a day or two and call back. In the meantime we should all start learning about America. I think I’ll go to the library and see what they have there that would be useful.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Lt. Rugge said.

  Rammel nodded. “The rest of you are on your own for a few days. Check out the city and learn as much as you can, but don’t be conspicuous and stay out of trouble.”

  “I
think I’ll go visit the United Nations building and observe its security protocols. We’ll need to know that when we get an appointment,” Lt. Sincini said.

  “I’ll go with you,” Lucilla added.

  Lt. Sincini nodded and they turned and left. The others wandered off talking amongst themselves about what they should do for the rest of the day.

  At the library Rammel was amazed at the vast amount of information available. He and Lt. Rugge went off in different directions and soon got lost in the stacks. Rammel thought about the telephone call to the U.N. Ambassador’s office. He knew there wouldn’t be a return call that day. In fact, he didn’t really expect a return phone call at all since, when the Ambassador tried to find Turvin and Shisk, he obviously wouldn’t have any luck. His intention was simply to get the Ambassador curious.

  When they grew weary of the library Rammel and Lt. Rugge walked the streets of New York just taking in the wonders of the city. As they talked they both agreed as distant as Tarizon was from Earth the cities had a lot in common. Although the buildings and transportation systems were quite different, the people of New York seemed much like the humans on Tarizon in the way they lived and interacted with each other. Rammel wondered if the physiology of the humans on Tarizon and Earth differed. This would be an important thing to know. Would an American doctor examining a citizen of Tarizon know he was from another planet? The Seafolken would be easily spotted as their gills and membrane’s between their hands and feet would stand out, but a normal human, he thought, might be mistaken for being from Earth.

  The following day Rammel called the Ambassador’s office again and was told the Ambassador had gotten his message but hadn’t been able to fit him into his schedule yet. After he hung up he noticed Lt. Sincini standing by the door.

  “Lieutenant. What did you find out about security at the United Nations.”

  “It’s pretty tight. Each delegation has its private security. Then there is the UN’s security and finally the New York police. If they can’t handle a situation then the government’s FBI or the state’s national guard can be called in.”

  “Well, that’s to be expected.”

  “Their electronics is not very sophisticated. It wouldn’t be hard to break in during the night when there is no business going on.”

  “Well, we won’t need to do that, hopefully. We must gain the American’s trust so we can avoid a confrontation. It’s not in any of our interests to destroy the last habitable planet for humanity. ”

  “If anyone can convince the American’s to cooperate I’m sure you can do it.”

  “Well a lot will depend on how well you sell our technology. You need to get their scientists drooling over the thought of obtaining it.”

  “Don’t worry, Ambassador. From what I’ve seen these last few days it won’t be hard to impress them.”

  “Well, I wish you had something that would make the Ambassador agree to talk to me.”

  Sincini thought a moment. “I might have something. Let me think about it a day or two and I’ll get back with you.”

  Sincini left leaving Rammel hopeful he did indeed have a trick to make the Ambassador agree to a meeting.

  Rammel called again the next day and again got the cold shoulder This went on each day for a week until the secretary finally asked. “Where is Turvin anyway? The Ambassador says he’s never heard of it. Is it in South America? I noticed your name was Spanish.”

  “My name is Spanish?” Rammel said amused.

  “Yes, Garcia is a common Spanish name.”

  Rammel didn’t say anything for a moment but eventually decided not to correct her. “It’s a new nation very rich in oil and diamonds. If the Ambassador will see me, I’ll show him where it is on the map and let him see some of the stones mined in our great nation. I have a gift for the President too, from our Chancellor.”

  “A gift?”

  “Yes, something quite magnificent. We were hopeful the Ambassador would see that he got it.”

  “Well, he might do that. I’ll tell him what you said and get back with you.”

  “Thank you. And tell him again that we can provide the United States much in return for its support.”

  “Alright. I’ll remind him.”

   

   

  Artis was pleasantly surprised how quickly the Nanomites had embraced the concept of building structures for Central Authority. She had envisioned it being a long drawn out affair to convince them to do it and then many cycles to actually come up with a viable way to actually build something. But when promised the opportunity for unlimited expansion throughout Tarizon the Nanomites put out an extraordinary effort to make the project work.

  The biggest difficulty that had to be overcome was communicating to the Nanomites the specifications for the buildings that humans would inhabit. Since Nanomites could not read plans or written specification they had to come up with a different way to communicate the desired structure and look of the building. This was finally accomplished by detailed computer simulations of every foot of the construction project. Artis would then study the simulations and communicate those images to the Nanomites.

  Over the first phase there had been many small experimental building projects conducted in the lab, but the real test came about in the sixth phase when the Nanomites were given the task of building a small warehouse on the Science Lab campus. It was to be a simple rectangular building with a flat roof and a string of offices along one side of the building. The remainder was open space for storage.

  By this time living under optimal conditions the Nanomites had grown tenfold to over 5,000 swarms. Nobody knew for sure how many Nanomites would be needed for the project but everyone was anxious to find out. All of the materials the Nanomites would need were dumped next to the building site and a Nanomite cube was set at each of the corners of the buildings’ perimeter. Additional cubes were placed at uniform intervals within the interior of the warehouse site. For several days it didn’t appear that anything was happening but then gradually the ground began to swell almost imperceptibly.

  In order to measure the progress of the building, Baldrige installed sensors to detect even the smallest of changes in the structure. In talking to the Nanomites Artis learned that the slow progress was due to the fact that the project was much more complex than anything they had ever done and realistically required many more nanomites than then existed. This wasn’t a problem for the swarmmasters as they relished the growth of their numbers, but it did take time.

  It was almost a full phase before the foundation of the warehouse was completed, but progress began to accelerate thereafter and it was an impressive sight to see walls seem to grow out of the ground like a plant or a tree. Over the next few phases public officials from all over Tarizon descended on the Science Lab at Fasoon to see this wondrous sight. On one such occasion the group of official guests included Rupra Bruda. Artis didn’t recognize Bruda by his looks but when she saw the name on the guest roster she almost died. She immediately linked with Threebeard.

  “Yes, Artis. How are you?” Threebeard thought, delighted to hear from his sister.

  “I was fine until just a minute ago.”

  “What happened?”

  “You won’t believe who’s on the guest roster today.”

  “Who?”

  “Rupra Bruda.”

  Threebeard didn’t respond right away, but eventually he thought. “Yes, I’ve heard he’s ingratiated himself with Videl Lai and his group. Apparently, he is no longer a suspect in my assassination attempt.”

  “How do you know this?”

  “The public enforcers in Shisk informed me someone else confessed to the conspiracy and denied Bruda was involved.”

  “That’s a lie,” Artis spat.

  “I know, but there is nothing we can do about it other than keep a close eye on him.”

  “How can we do that?”

  “Oh, I already have that taken care of.”

  “How?”
r />   “It’s best kept as my secret. It’s not that I don’t trust you, but Bruda is developing a Purist intelligence core. He’s teaching any purist with telepathic abilities how to enhance their capabilities. They will be very good at reading unsuspecting minds, so it’s best to keep our secrets to ourselves and not transport them through space where they might be intercepted.”

  “Is that possible? Could they be intercepting our conversation right now?”

  “I don’t know, but Bruda has a very strong gift and he will use it in any way possible to forward the Purists’ agenda. We can’t be too careful.”

  “I understand.”

  “Have you been able to train any of the other scientist to communicate with the Nanomites?”

  “No. I don’t know what the problem is but there are three of them with the gift but the Nanomites only talk to me.”

  “What do the Nanomites have to say about that?”

  “They say they don’t hear the other’s thoughts, only mine.”

  “Hmm. That’s interesting. I guess you’re going to be stuck there until we can find someone with strong enough abilities to make contact with them. I’ll talk to some of my Seafolken friends. There are some of them with strong abilities that might be able to assist you.”

  “Thank you, brother. It’s a lot of pressure on me to be the only one who can talk to them. It has been a long time since I have been home, but I can’t leave under the circumstances.”

  “I know. I’ll talk to the Seafolken immediately. Be careful with Bruda around. He’s the most evil man I have ever known and if he realizes you are my sister, he may try to harm you.”

  “I’ll be on my guard.”

   

   

  Two days passed before the Ambassador’s secretary finally called back and said the Ambassador could see Rammel and the delegation the next day for ten minutes during the noon recess of the General Assembly. They were instructed to meet him at one of the conference rooms in the United Nations building and told where they could get credentials and directions to the room.

  Rammel was ecstatic that he’d finally gotten his audience with the Ambassador. He knew the Ambassador would be very skeptical about this nation of Turvin that nobody on his staff could find on a map, but he was sure his curiosity would give him a few minutes to make an impression. He’d didn’t think he’d need long.

  The following day the delegation went to the United Nations Building as instructed, picked up their badges, went through a security check, and were escorted to the conference room where they were to meet the Ambassador. He hadn’t arrived yet so they were asked to wait. While they were waiting a young staff member questioned them.

  “Where is Turvin, anyway? We couldn’t find it on any map. Is it in South America?”

  “No. It’s a very small nation. It’s not on the map.”

  “So why do you think there is any chance it could get a seat in the United Nations General Assembly? The ambassador doesn’t have time to waste on hopeless causes.”

  “It’s not a hopeless cause. Believe me, we will make it very worthwhile for the United States to support us.”

  The young staff member was about to ask another question, when the Ambassador walked in. Rammel stood, smiled and bowed to the Ambassador. The Ambassador nodded and motioned for them to come into the conference room. The young staff member shook his head and walked away. Rammel and the delegation followed him in the conference room where the Ambassador’s staff was already seated. Security guards were posted at the door.

  “Okay, tell me about this mysterious country called Turvin.” the Ambassador said.

  “Yes, actually Turvin is a continent like North America. Shisk is the capital city of Soni which was once an independent nation but now is a state on Tarizon.”

  “What? Tarizon? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

  “Tarizon is not of this world. It’s a planet in another solar system. We have traveled for more than a year to get here.”

  The ambassador started to laugh. “Is this some kind of joke?” He looked at his assistant. “Who put you up to this?”

  “I assure you, Mr. Ambassador this is not a joke,” Rammel said strongly. “We have been sent by the Chancellor and Tarizon’s World Assembly to establish diplomatic relations with the United States. I have a letter from the Chancellor himself if you’d like to see it.”

  The Ambassador laughed again and glanced over to his assistant skeptically. The assistant shrugged. The Ambassador turned back to Rammel, took the letter from him, and opened it. It was in Tari so the Ambassador handed it back and said, “Would you read it for me. I speak eight languages but certainly not one from another world.” He stifled another laugh and then forced himself to listen.

  Rammel pulled out a small square metallic object from his pocket and placed it on the table. “Actually,” he said. “The Chancellor will read the message himself.” Rammel tapped the box and immediately a circular area on the top of the object lit up; a hologram of the Chancellor appeared above the box. He immediately began giving his message in English.

   

  To the Most Honorable United States Ambassador to the United Nations:

   

   Greetings from the people of Tarizon.

   

  Forgive me for the manner in which we made first contact, but I think you can understand the need for the greatest discretion. Because our two worlds know nothing of each other and the greatest fear humans can face is fear of the unknown, we are making this first contact with you, America’s greatest diplomat, and have sent our most esteemed emissary, Rammel Garciah to bring our message. We trust that the two of you can breach the great gulf that stands between our two worlds so that a great alliance can be forged.

   

  My emissary will explain our predicament and what assistance we will require. We pray that you will hear him out and help us in this time of great crisis. Your nation’s aid will be remembered and rewarded tenfold. I look forward to a long and profitable relationship between our worlds.

   

  Malnor Artiss

  Chancellor of Tarizon

  Protector of the Supreme Mandate

   

  The image disappeared and the room was so quiet you could have heard a feather drop. The Ambassador looked at Rammel and then at one of his staff members. Finally he spoke. “Well, that is quite a little device, but that doesn’t prove you are from another planet. Scientists have been working on holograms for years but, I’ll admit I haven’t seen one quite like that.”

  “We knew you would be skeptical so we brought a lot of proof to convince you,” Rammel said. He took a stone out of his pocket and tossed it to the Ambassador. “Give this to your geologist. I think they will attest there is nothing like it on Earth.” Before the Ambassador could respond Rammel snapped his fingers and Lucilla came forward, put her arm on the table and pulled out a small knife. The security guards drew their weapons. The Ambassador gasped and came to his feet. Before anyone could stop her, Lucilla slashed the knife across her forearm. Blood immediately began to bubble out of the wound. The Ambassador looked at Rammel in horror.

  “Don’t be alarmed Ambassador,” Rammel said. “This is just a simple demonstration of some of our medical technology that we hope to be able to share with your government.” Everyone in the room gathered around the woman to watch Rammel, who had pulled out a small jar and unscrewed the lid. The woman wiped the blood away with a rag and Rammel began applying the white liquid contained in the bottle on the wound. The bleeding immediately stopped and before their eyes the skin began repairing itself. In just a minute the horrible gash was gone.

  The Ambassador looked up in astonishment. “Very impressive.” He laughed. “You’re going to make a believer out of me yet.”

  “Yes, but I can see you’re not a hundred percent certain quite yet. I think what I’m about to show you will change that. I’ll need a glass of water for this next demonstration.”

>   The Ambassador motioned to one of his aides. The aide produced a glass of water and handed it to Rammel. Lucilla who was still standing amongst the eager onlookers began to disrobe. The Ambassador looked around nervously. Some of the male aides were unable to stifle their amusement until the Ambassador gave them a dirty look. When Lucilla was finished she was standing before them in a bikini. Beneath the bra there were gills that were slowly moving in and out as she breathed. Several of the onlookers gasped in amazement.

  “Lucilia is one quarter Seafolken. The Seafolken are a race of humans on Tarizon that has adapted to life in the sea. A full blood Seafolken has a tough light green skin, feet and hands that become webbed while in water, and is amazingly strong. Quite interestingly the quarter breeds can look almost like you and I, except for the gills.” Rammel took the glass of water and began pouring it on Lucilia ’s feet. Immediately they began to transform until they were much wider and webs began to form between her toes. Again there were gasps from the onlookers. Lucilia extended her hands and Rammel poured water on them as well. They began the same sort of transformation. “A quarter-breed can swim underwater for up to twenty minutes without surfacing. A full blood Seafolken can stay under water for hours.”

  The Ambassador shook his head. “All right. I’m a believer. Can I see your ship?” he said smiling broadly.

  “Of course, “ Rammel replied, “but only when we leave to go back to Tarizon. We can’t disclose its location yet.”

  “I understand,” the Ambassador said. “This is indeed a momentous occasion. I am honored that you chose to make first contact with me. I promise I will do everything in my power to persuade our government to assist you in any way it can.”

  Rammel bowed. “Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.”

  “Tony,” the Ambassador said to one of his aids, “I want you to assign a full security detail to our guests and I want you to move them to the Hilton. No one is to talk to them. Put them on their own floor. Also, contact the director of the CIA and tell him I have to meet with him ASAP and I’ll need to see the President!”