Tomorrow's Paradise World: Colonize (12 page)

As they were holding hands and walking to their new home, Victor wondered how much time they would actually spend there over the next few years. Probably not very much. For now, though, they could enjoy what little time to themselves they had. They walked up to the front door and turned to wave at the crowd. The crowd applauded cheerfully. They turned to each other, smiled and Ylil said softly, “I love you and I’m glad we are here.”

“Me too,” said Victor as they stepped through the doorway. “Now, let’s get rid of these people,” he said as he closed the door, “I love you too much, to let them keep getting in the way.”

Unfortunately, their honeymoon was only one week. That’s all they could afford to take. The situation, was just too critical for them to take more time. It seemed like only a moment and they were back on the moon, happily living in their new combined module. The moon base personnel had prepared it all for them, during the ten days that they were away. They called it a wedding gift.

Chapter Twelve: Kastat Invasion

Preparations for the incoming invasion were nearing their completion. Victor could not believe that the time had passed so quickly. He and Ylil had already been married for about two and a half wonderful years. Their marriage made the situation even more apparent to Victor. He now had a very important connection to these people. His people. Her name is Ylil and this so called connection, was even more important to him than his own life.

All of them had been on the moon for six and a half years. In all that time, there had only been five marriages. With Taerg’s wife being chosen as chaperone, for four of them. Ylil was chosen for the fifth.

Everyone was so busy with their work. Victor knew the time was running short. Two days a week, if conditions were right, they spent part of the evening looking through the telescope. They both viewed it as a date. One day, Victor decided he would spend the time teaching Ylil some of what he knew about astronomy. He started with their solar system first by saying, “Ylil, what do you think the future grand council will decide when both the planet and this moon are fully inhabited by your people?”

“I don’t know. That is a long time off. I suppose they will get us to look elsewhere for a suitable place. Why do you ask?”

“True, it is a long time from now, but an eventual inevitability. What would you say if I told you that this moon and your planet, are not the only ones in your solar system that could be colonized by your people?”

“Really, what others are there?”

“There are two others.” He moved the telescope to point in another direction and made some adjustments. Then he invited Ylil to look. She did and she could see a very small green sphere. He continued, “That’s one.”

“Is this a planet?”

“Yes, your planet is the third from your sun but this one is the second. It is a little warmer there than on your planet, but it is livable. Do you know why it is green?”

“Vegetation.”

“That’s right. Three quarters of the surface is land, but there are millions of lakes scattered across the surface and many rivers. There are no oceans, but the fresh water lakes team with life. That planet is almost the size of yours. It is more wild and harder to find food there. That is why my home world decided to colonize here first. This place, was perfect for us. However, we would have eventually colonized that world too.”

“That is amazing and you say there is even another planet?”

“Well not a planet, a moon to be more precise. It is a harsher environment, but with the right preparations it could be made to support life. There is oxygen to breathe, but none of the vegetation is edible according to our preliminary scans and samples from the scout ships. There are no animals there, only insects, worms and other microscopic life. This moon circles the planet you are looking at. You are right it is amazing, in fact it is unheard-of.”

“What do you mean, unheard-of?”

“There are four different places in this solar system that could support life. Ylil, most solar systems do not even have one, that can support life. It is extremely rare to find two and we have never found another system with three. This one has four. This makes me wonder if our ancient ancestors had prepared that moon and also that planet for eventual expansion. Perhaps they were only partly done the terraforming, before their plans were interrupted by the war.”

“What I am saying Ylil, is that the invading Kastat force already knows these things. They have a great interest in this solar system, both for colonization and mining. I fear that they will not take no, for an answer. This is why I feel they should not be authorized to have any of it. They need to search elsewhere and leave your neighborhood alone. I think our ancestors had well-thought-out plans for the future here, in your solar system and these plans should still be honored. The Kastat people left your people long ago and went on their own. They wanted to do things, their own way. They should not come here, and destroy the wonderful way of life that your people have developed here. It is the culture that your people have created and should continue to have. Right here, but also on that moon and the planets as well.”

“I know what you are saying Victor, but why can’t your people just come here, be our friends, while they help us learn how to prepare the planet and the moon for habitation? We could reunite as a people and who knows what we could accomplish together. Your people with its advancements and mine with its peaceful wise way of life.”

“I wish that were possible. Your people would be willing to do this, but my people would not. The two cultures could not successfully mix, with both still intact. Your home world and mine have entirely different aims that could not be made compatible. The Kastat will just keep going and going until they take over the whole galaxy. They will not change Ylil, I know it. For this reason, I am ashamed to be one of them.”

“There must be more people like you that live among your people. You cannot be the only one that is capable of understanding the wisdom of our way of life.”

“That is true and a very good point, Ylil. Let me assure you though, that they are very few in number. They are not the driving force of my people. Nor do I foresee, that they will ever be. If they could somehow experience what I have experienced here, then many of them would react in a positive way. However, this is not the case, so, by far, the majority will not cooperate with you. How could they experience village life, like I have? On the contrary, it is the way that they have been trained all of their lives, that will have an effect on their decisions. Many just blindly follow orders that come from those that are more capable of leading. The problem is, that those leading are also trained to lead. Their priorities are very far removed from anything that your people would consider to be the wise course to take.”

“Ylil, we don’t even have families. I already told you that I have no way of knowing who my mother and Father are. I don’t even know if I have any brothers or sisters. There is no real love there that I have ever seen. True, there is some pleasure, but not real love like we have, you and me. There is some mild affection between friends, but generally not much. Mostly just a sense of duty, no matter what the consequences. Ylil, why are you crying? I’m sorry.”

“I am crying for you, Victor. You had such a sad terrible childhood. No family to be with. Even when you were older, you must have been so lonely.”

“It is true, Ylil.” He reached over and wiped her tears with the back of his fingers. That is why I buried myself in my research, to distract myself from that. It helped, but it did not heal the wounds of not having a family. I always felt that something important was missing from my life. I did not even recognize what that was, until I learned about your people. Your wonderful people. I have had some trustworthy friends on Homeworld, but I have never had a friend like Taerg. Now, I am happy and content. Now that I have you, I don’t have that feeling any more. I’m all better now.”

This seemed to cheer them both up. He adjusted the telescope back in its original direction and peered through it. He could see the very faint lights of the approaching fleet. Victor instantly felt a painful knot in his stomach. He indicated to Ylil that she should take a look as well.

She gasped and said, “OH no.”

Chapter Thirteen: The Invading Force

Victor, Ylil and Taerg visited the grand council members the following day. This time Taerg took the lead in speaking. After a nod from one of the council members, Taerg began to speak.

“It is with a heavy heart that I give this report, elders of the grand council. Last night on the moon above, we confirmed that a fleet is indeed approaching from Victor Marcus’ Homeworld. It is presently unknown what the size or makeup of this fleet is. Victor has estimated that it will arrive in our solar system approximately four to six months from now. There are some final preparations that need to be made, but for the most part we will be ready for them. Are there any further instructions that you have for us?”

The female grand council member was the only one who spoke, she said, “We have no further instructions for you. If you work hard and keep your focus you will be successful in each of your assignments. Please assure those on the moon above that they have our full support. We know they may be placing themselves in harm's way for all of their loved ones. We are indebted to all of you for that. Even after this confrontation above, we have come to realize the necessity of having a permanent base on the moon. After your current mission ends, we will make plans together with you three present concerning this matter.”

They talked concerning a few other matters and then the female council member dismissed them by saying, “Thank you very much.”

That was it, they visited Ylil’s family for two days and returned to the moon.

The next day during lunch, Victor saw Taerg thoughtfully poking at his food. So he pulled up a seat, sat down and asked, “What’s on your mind, my friend?”

“I want to know exactly what Captain Anderson will do when he gets here.”

“As do I.”

“You know him more than any of us Victor. What kind of tactics do you think he will use?”

“I can only say that he is a very intelligent and cunning man. He will not arrive merely with simple brute force. He will have a plan and it will involve more than one obvious attack. He will first test us out. I fear he may send part of his fleet to the planet and attack the villages without warning. Truthfully, I think it will be impossible to keep all this a secret from the people on that part of the planet. I wish we could put many more shielding devices in each village, but there is not enough time to do that. They should not be able to penetrate their shields, but the people will see ships shooting their weapons at them.”

“Is there any way we can prevent that?”

“Remember what I said when the grand counsel asked me the same question?”

“Yes, you said that we can’t be everywhere at once.”

“This is still my answer Taerg. We will need all of our ships to take care of the main force first. Only after that will we be able to divert our attention to any smaller groups. With so few ships to defend the planet and this moon, we cannot afford to split up our small fleet. You will be powerful together as a group of three squadrons and this is our advantage. This is what Captain Anderson will not expect. It will be his downfall. We can’t be everywhere to defeat everyone at once. We would be spread out too thin. No, the victory will be more gradual and systematic. We will methodically take them apart, piece by piece, starting with the main force.”

“The attack will shock the people of those villages and they will never be the same.”

“That is true, they will end up a little more like you. Maybe we can suggest that many of them can be a part of the base that will be established here after the battle. Probably, the grand counsel will allow that.”

“Yes. I guess we will have to wait, see what happens and be ready for whatever does.”

“Taerg, we will have the element of surprise, because we have accomplished far more than even Captain Anderson will expect. After considering our last confrontation, his expectations will be high.”

“What would we have done without you and Ylil?”

“What would we have done without you?”

Taerg smiled and finished his lunch. Victor was happy that he had encouraged his distressed friend.

That very evening, Victor and Ylil had an interesting conversation as well. They were walking along the perimeter of the moon base, as they did most evenings. Ylil suddenly stopped. Victor also halted in response and asked, “What’s wrong Ylil?”

“I just thought of something terrible. Do your people have the technology to destroy a whole planet?”

“That is a good question, Ylil. It depends what you mean by destroy. If you mean blowing up a planet into little pieces of debris floating in space, then the answer is no. However, if you mean, the total annihilation of all the people on your planet, the answer is yes.”

“I’m glad they can’t blow the whole thing up in one shot.”

“Yes, me too. Besides, it goes against their interests to do so. They want this moon, the animal life and plant life unharmed so they can colonize the place. The situation on Homeworld is desperate. The companies that are operating the artificial wombs have certain quotas to reach. There is no consideration of the population density. They are very overcrowded and badly need a new place to colonize for further expansion. The government on Homeworld do not really understand our situation here and frankly will not care. They have sent a fleet. That demonstrates their intentions. Ylil, I am afraid that Captain Anderson, will view your people as a primitive infestation. Eventually he may want to exterminate us all if we do not cooperate with his and Homeworld’s plans. This is why when he gets here we have to immediately neutralize him and his fleet.”

The next day Victor decided to have a meeting to address some of the concerns voiced by his wife Ylil and his friend Taerg. He decided he would try to inspire them to think more in the long term. As everyone entered the meeting room, they discovered boxes on the tables at each designated place for them to sit. Everyone was curious as to the contents. Victor stood in the front and spoke loudly for everyone to hear.

“You are all wondering what these boxes are. Please open them up.” Everyone complied as he continued, “These are your new personal video mission recorders fresh from their storage boxes. Each of you will need to get familiar with using these new ones. You were all using an older model. I recommend if possible, at the end of each day, for you to record on them a report of the highlights of the day before retiring. If there is anything that is very outstanding you may visit the operations center and upload whatever it is you feel is important into a main computer system. I have been working on it for the past few months and it is now ready. Be assured the information will be reviewed and you may be questioned about it.”

“However, the main purpose of these devices will become apparent, after our first confrontation with the incoming fleet. You see, it is crucial that we learn everything we can about the events that transpire at that time and that is why the entire episode will be linked to our main computer system from each of your recording devices.

Yes, I did say first confrontation. For there will most assuredly be others throughout our lives. The day you decided to come to this moon and be a part of the effort that will defend all that you love, was the first day of a very different life. Although you may return after this confrontation is over, we would like to encourage you to stay. The grand council has informed us that this moon base, is not a temporary arrangement. Others will eventually join us here as time goes on. After the confrontation, we will organize the colony to be more like village life. At least as much as possible, considering that we do need some technology to save time at mundane things. We will want to spend the bulk of our time on the advancements that we will continually need to make, for each Kastat attack.”

“Each of you will need to upload all of your recordings thus far, into your new recorders. Your old ones are over seven years old and we will use these for spare parts, as time goes by.”

“I realize that you are anxious about upcoming events, as am I. However, try to focus on your assignments. It is okay to keep the big picture in mind, but the big picture is not this battle only. It is about us always keeping one step ahead of each Kastat invading force. We need to continuously learn from each engagement, so we will know how to prepare wisely for the next.”

“It is with this in mind that I would like to announce to you the name of this moon base, chosen by the grand council. It is called,
Nevah’s Gate
. I feel that this name is appropriate, for the reason that not just anyone should be allowed into
Paradise
. Now that there is a gate, there is a necessity to have someone guarding the entrance to
Paradise
at all times. Since we are not an offensive operation, it has been decided to call us officers of
Nevah’s Gate Defense
. Eventually
Nevah
will live up to the meaning of her name haven. Sadly, this will not be for some time. Only after Homeworld is convinced that they need to look elsewhere, in another solar system for their colonization aims. So look ahead people, you do have a bright future ahead of you.”

After he concluded, Victor was surprised when everyone applauded. They came up, shook his hand and many even said, “Thank you.”

Later, Taerg said, “It was probably because they felt more united with a long term noble defined purpose ahead of them.”

“Good that is exactly how I wanted them to feel.”

“Plus, you gave them a shiny new toy.”

Victor smiled and said, “I can’t slip anything by you without you noticing. They can use the next few months getting familiar with these newer models that we found on the
Luminous
and they will come in handy as I said. Think about this Taerg. Especially with you, your pilots and co-pilots up there. Your recorders will be linked through each of your ships to the main computer system here. We will have a very useful multifaceted view of the entire battle. This will enable us to give you important advice.”

“I think this will help take some of the pressure off of me and the other pilots.”

“Yes, true but not all of it. Ultimately you will have to decide which course to take. How to implement each phase of the battle. You are the one proven to excel in that area. We all have the greatest confidence in you.”

“Thanks Victor for all your help.”

“What kind of a person would I be, if I didn’t even help my friends?”

“You would be friendless, like Captain Anderson.”

“True.”

The next few months went quickly. They were all occupied, still constructing more devices for the villages and for future purposes. Towards the end of this time period, they started stockpiling the ones that they had no time to plant in the villages below. They would be used as the population of the planet and moon base increased. Also, to strengthen the existing villages, after their first confrontation with the incoming Kastat forces. The research division would continue their work to make advances on these and other projects.

Every time Victor and Ylil would look into the telescope, they observed the fleet getting closer to their proximity. They now could see the individual lights from their ion engines beginning a reverse burn, to arrive at their destination.

Taerg, his pilots and co-pilots were ready. They had spent an abundance of time flying the ships and performing intricate training exercises. Watching them in action, was an amazing sight. They flew with each other like a flock of birds, seeming to know what the other was about to do and instantly reacting. It was breathtaking, a thing of beauty. They did this, even without being linked together with the computer controlled shielding device. Victor had never in his life witnessed such piloting skills, by any group of pilots. He felt proud to have been a part of their training.

In another few days they would have to face Captain Anderson and his fleet. These days flew by, like a few moments. They were totally immersed in preparations up until their arrival. Before they knew it, the invading fleet had arrived and they were numerous.

*              *              *

Captain Daniel Anderson smiled when he looked at the reports of the scans they had taken of the small moon base. He thought Victor would have accomplished more than this in seven years. He then scolded himself for thinking this way. Looks could be deceiving. Seven years ago, he had greatly underestimated Victor Marcus. That would not happen again. What was Victor hiding here? Everything looked almost the same as when they had left it. Some of the living modules had been moved around, and that was all that was visibly apparent. Infrared scans showed that only four hundred and six people were living on the base. Where were all the rest? Victor Marcus would pay for all the crimes he had committed against Homeworld. He would make sure of that.

While the moon was turned the other way with the base on the other side, Captain Anderson had sent a small portion of his fleet to the far side of the planet. They would begin an attack on some of the villages there. They were on standby and they would begin this attack, as soon as he ordered them to proceed. First though, the necessary negotiations had to be attempted with the people of the planet. He knew that this would be a useless exercise of futility. A pointless formality. The people here would not cooperate with the plans of Homeworld. He would go through the motions of endeavoring to persuade the so called grand council and its ambassadors. He would do so for the benefit of the record. To prove that these primitive people are not willing to listen to logical reasoning. Then he would act with force. A demonstration to the people here that they are to be in subjection to the government of the Kastat people. If they would not even cooperate at that point, who could save them from the mighty hand of Homeworld’s forces?