Chapter 25
The Admiral rubbed his temples, and then ran his hand down his head. For three days he had been managing, himself personally, the mechanics on CLERGY 1. Around the clock he forced the Callos to work in shifts refitting the aft end of CLERGY 1 to better suit his purpose. The mechanism was an alteration of two of the Convoy’s greatest inventions: the Idinium Repulsors on the sides of the Convoy vessels, and the Harvest Transporter used to move harvested material from Phlasia. Together they would make a devastating weapon, capable of fast-freezing the terrain of any planet…or moon.
The Aurrus failed to provide the Admiral with any valuable information regarding the whereabouts of Doctor Tarrus and her accomplices; mainly the creature from Earth.
“The machine is only a means to an end, a way to flush out the creature.” Doctor Melric assured him.
The Admiral felt strongly about the creature, at first he thought he felt fear, but now he was unsure of why he felt drawn to the creature. At first the machine would have been used on Phlasia, but then to his dismay the situation with Lalia escalated. The machine would now serve two purposes.
He consulted his trusted advisor Doctor Melric via communication device; the Doctor’s face was projected:
“Doctor, I am unsure of whether to authorize the test of this weapon.”
Doctor Melric mused silently for a moment, and then responded:
“Admiral, sir. The Aurrus have not been cooperative, finding this creature is our number one priority.”
“Once I have the creature in my custody, then there will be no distractions from Phlasia. The Doctor can run tests and diagnostics, and then we dispose of it. The problem doesn’t need to be a problem. It is as simple as a plasma round.” He thought.
“Doctor, I am not sure I feel threatened by the creature any longer; for a moment, then I felt sympathy for the creature that had lost its planet, then I felt exhilaration at the prospect of a new discovery. Besides, it is on Aurrus.” The Admiral thought out loud.
Doctor Melric’s brow furrowed:
“Do not lose sight of your end goal. This creature can potentially be damning to your career, to our way of life. Proceed with the demonstration of the weapon; the Aurrus will realize who holds power of negotiation. Until they provide to you the creature, threaten them.”
The Admiral glanced around his surroundings, the weapon was nearly complete, within a few hours he could assault the planet, and a demonstration could be preformed in less time. He faced the planet; the Aurrus were peaceful partners, and had been for eons, they were the sister species.
“I will send an order to all our troops; they are to bring back our Convoy members to their home vessels immediately. The festival must be cut short, no Callos will be left on the planet should we proceed with the weapon.” The Admiral reasoned.
“Sir Admiral, you have proven once again how effective and insightful you can be as our leader. Will your brother remain planet side searching for the convicts?” Melric asked, his voice demonstrating false concern.
“Yes. Alvar has dedicated himself to the pursuit of Doctor Tarrus and the alien creature. I will alert him to my plan immediately.” The Admiral answered.
“Very well. Did you need anything else from me, sir?” Melric asked with a slight bow.
“I also wanted to make sure that CLERGY 5 isn’t in too bad of shape. Your staff has since managed to put everything back in order?” The Admiral asked thoughtfully.
“Ah, yes. I am in my laboratory right now, accounting for anything that may have been shifted during a confrontation.” Melric lied.
“Very well. Thank you.” The Admiral’s transmission ended.
Doctor Melric stood in a slate grey room, he peered out of his window; Ailios was still bustling. He paced over towards a beaker; he poured into a washing basin and mixed in a green fluid from a test tube. With a heating rod, he stirred the mixture, it began to glow faintly.
“This synthesized nicely. I need only the proper recipient.” He chuckled.
Loudspeakers blared:
“All Callos must return to their shuttles. All Callos must return to their shuttles.”
Melric watched from his window as confused Callos began to angrily shuffle through the crowds, Aurrus vendors shouted loudly in protest. Soldiers forced the crowds outward, to the fringes of the city, a few shuttles began to leave back to their respective vessels.
A few moments later a loud thundering noise shook the house; several of his glass tubes fell to the floor and shattered. He peered out his window, the bazaar had stopped moving, and each of the faces looked upwards to the sky.