Earth Interlude 1
By Frank Bustamante
The soothing aroma of the incense emanated from several large and beautifully carved jade daises behind the meditating figure. He sat cross-legged on several silk pillows with his arms resting on his lap. His mind drifted to scenes of a life alien to him. He walked over the wet sand of a white beach where cool ocean waves quickly glided up the shore and engulfed his bare feet. There was a soft, fresh breeze pushing his long, black hair off his shoulders as it sang whispers of what could have been. This was a life path that he wished had somehow found him. As he walked through his meditation, a nagging feeling continued to creep within his thoughts. The battle. He waited for news of the battle that was taking place at the edge of the Solar System and at Mars. If he noticed the figure entering his meditation chamber, it did not show.
"Simon...Simon. Excuse me, my Lord for disturbing you during your meditation period."
Simon Christiansen opened his eyes and stared at the goateed-trimmed face of Andrew Masters, the most loyal of his followers, his personal bodyguard and his friend. Andrew was a powerful man, both physically and influentially. He always wore the silk green robes of his order while at the palace and on his hand was his gauntlet. The gauntlet was a symbol of his bravery and status within the government and had been bestowed upon him by the ruler of Earth himself. In the hands of the right person, a gauntlet could destroy battalions of disbelievers or bring peace to a war torn area of world. "What news do you have of the battle? Have our forces repelled the invading fleet?"
"Our forces failed at the initial engagement at the edge of the Firestorm. We suffered catastrophic losses while inflicting many casualties on the enemy. The Muero moved to meet our second line of ships at Mars and once again we suffered severe casualties, but a fleet from a people known as the Dysori interceded and assured our victory at the Mars battle." In a rare moment that only Simon was privileged to witness, Andrew displayed a slight sign of relief. Simon understood his friend's emotion.
"What do we know about the Dysori?" Simon removed his robe and moved over to the scented pool that he kept in his private chamber. "Are they a people that can be...dealt with, if needed? What kind of technology do they have?"
"Lord Christiansen, I'm sure that the Tristan Corporation has information on both the Muero and the Dysori that they are not sharing with us. And if they don't, then their scout vessels and remote operatives would be an asset in finding those answers."
"You mean 'Spies' don't you? I agree...we need to discover the Muero's weaknesses, as well as these Dysori. Do what you must. I leave all the details to you as I'm sure you'd prefer." Andrew nodded in agreement. "Be sure to inform Ms. Tristan that I wish to meet with her the next time she visits Earth," added Simon.
"I will. What about the Council of Light?" asked Andrew.
"What of them?"
"What will you tell them of the battle and these new comers?"
"I'll tell our world leaders that we have repulsed the enemy and that we have a new ally against the Muero threat and that I have a top negotiator working with these Dysori. We will solidify a treaty that will provide technology and weapons to help us in this conflict - which we need for the time being." Simon exited the pool.
As Andrew handed Simon a towel he looked at the metal plate and wires on the chest of his leader. It was the only sign of weakness on the eighty-one year old leader of Earth. His heart had been severely damaged over twenty-five years ago by an assassin. His wife and child had been killed and he had nearly died himself. The cybernetic implants and his daily chemicals kept him looking much younger looking and stronger than any man his age.
"What of Admiral Hernandez?" asked Simon.
"He survived, but his battleship suffered severe damage. It's the only battleship to have survived the encounter."
"So Admiral Lowry and his ship didn't survive at Mars?"
"Elias Lowry destroyed several Muero before his own ship was destroyed, but managed to escape at the last minute."
Several servants began to dress Simon in robes. "I'll get full details of the battle from Admiral Hernandez, when I inform him that he'll lead our negotiations with these Dysori. He may not agree with everything we do, but he will do what's best for our world."
"Any news from Ambassador Sage or the Soven leaders?"
"Nothing new. As you know Andrew, she was not my first choice. She's an appeasement to the Council. I feel that she is moving too slow in negotiating a treaty. I may have to make an adjustment. Even if it is against the Council's wishes."
"I agree. I will look into our options with the Ambassador." Andrew Masters excused himself.
As Andrew Master walked away, Simon Christiansen's only thought was that they may be running out of time before their world would need to stand alone against any outside enemies.