Guardian Stone 1: Stone Genesis (29 page)

They were stunned. The officer that had contested with Hank said, " I am called Trilx, you are serious?"

Hank said, "Yes I am, but would he be accepted? Would you accept him as your monarch?"

At that the officers started jumping up and down in place and whooping while saying yes, yes, yes. On the lodge deck, Sam was alerted to the activity and Dranz commented, "Apparently your husband has said something to them that they like very much. I have not seen this much of an expression of joy in many years. Now I am really curious about what he has said to them."

In the meantime, Hank started back to the deck. On arrival, he retook his seat with a small grin and said, "Well, that was rather more of a reaction than expected. Lord Dranz, I asked them if they and your people would accept you as their new monarch. I felt that this would work but I had to have their reaction without your influence. It looks like I got what I was asking for, but the question now is, will you accept?"

Dranz was shocked, "Why me? I do not know how to rule."

Hank smiled and said, "Now you are lying to yourself. Of course you know how to rule. You have been in command of a Gar Fleet for at least the last 148 years. You handled my haunting of your ship and your fleet better than anyone might expect. You have consistently held your command together in spite of the tricks we played on you. The ships that deserted you were not your fault, that was the result of frightened officers on other ships and you handled that well in spite of impaired communications. You will have to adjust your peoples thinking about insults and what to do about it and how to respond to it. You will be sharing the governance with your people. You might be a bit surprised to hear how they would address some things. After all they have to live there. You will have to weed out this invasion mentality, but from where I sit, you can do this."

Dranz thought for a bit and then said, "You continue to surprise me with the unexpected and I am generally reasonably perceptive. Very well General Stone, I will do this. You are an extraordinarily persuasive being and I am amazed at the steps you take to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Still, I must admit that I am very nervous about this."

"Lord Dranz, I want you to succeed at this so I will not be leaving you without resources. You have a core of advisors already that are enthusiastic about you. They certainly have known you long enough. To me that is an excellent indication. Avoid getting too formal with them and my impression is that they will do their best to give you good advice. Talk to young Kar from Frote, he may surprise you with his insights. There will be a station in orbit around Gar for some years to come. I will provide you with the means to communicate with them anytime you need and that can also reach me even if I am thousands of light years away.  You will need to clean house of all the individuals who are there merely to be near power. Some of your other officers will be prime candidates to replace them. Our role will be to keep the peace in space so that commerce and exploration can occur amongst the spacefaring races. I am hopeful that the Gar can rejoin us in space in a short time. The animosity the Gar have engendered will take time to overcome so the first step is to get your people ready for peaceful coexistence."

Station 1 in the Linan System –

March 17 – C Day 199.

Hank ordered the arrest of the Royal family with advisors. After incapacitating the defenses in orbit and on the planet, two wings of warships were launched and uncloaked. All ships in space were captured with crews transported to the planet. All symbiote information and manufacturing locations were destroyed. Destruction codes for symbiotes were sent. All traces were removed so that reverse engineering of the process could not be applied. The High Ruler was officially deposed and held under arrest until a new High Ruler was declared. His location was undisclosed. The Imperial Guards were dismissed. The servants who remained were given the choice to remain until the new Monarch was declared the following week or to leave. If they stayed, they would be expected to maintain the Imperial Palace as though it were fully occupied. The palace grounds were shielded so that no one could enter.

Meanwhile, with all of the potential hostages removed from Linan, the clean up of the Linan System was almost a routine exercise. The Commander of the system was identified and again Hank and his T Raptor team went into action. All stations and warships uncloaked. Hank appeared before the commander and explained their situation. He asked for surrender and again offered retention of Taju. That clearly startled the Commander. Hank explained the process as he did with Fleet 2. He explained that everyone would be returned to Gar where the current Monarch had been deposed. The Commander complied with the request for surrender and the equipment and personnel were gathered as in previous exercises.

After all Gar were in stasis and the ships were stored in Station 172, the Linan were returned to where they were found or to a location that they designated. Division 16 remained in orbit to provide humanitarian aid. Divisions 3, 6, 8 and 9 went to Gar. Division 1 continued on to Glarin. There was a small population of Glarin still present on the planet, about 5 million. After removal of the Gar vessels there and their personnel, and decontamination and elimination of the symbiotes, the Glarin were transported to the stations to be reunited with their fellow Glarin. Since the system would soon be uninhabitable the Glarin all agreed to stay on station. Personal effects were gathered and considerable amounts of items of historic interest were secured along with all of the Glarin databases. Medical treatment was provided to Glarin exposed to the increasingly dangerous emanations from their sun.

The Gar Fleet 4 proved to be the easiest capture of all. Using the Fleet 2 capture as a model, the operation was complete in less than a day, The same held true for the Gar living on Saram. The facility there was left untouched except for the destruction of symbiote data and copying of all records. The facility was sealed for possible future use by the Gar. The facility was designed to house 250,000 but had only 50,000 persons. After securing the facility, the ships and personnel, all ships set out to Gar.

Gar Fleet 5 was no exception to the general approach used for each fleet. It too succumbed in short order. Fortunately no missiles had been released. Division 13 returned to Gar with prisoners and Gar ships while Division 10 proceeded on to make contact with people on the planet Arber.

They entered the system cloaked and at about 50,000 miles from the planet uncloaked only station 10. The remaining stations remained cloaked and proceeded to gather information via scans. They were immediately hailed but in a language not understood. Commander of the Division, General Carlos Montoya responded to the hail in English that of course not understood. He then tried Antoran and was understood. He then said, "This is General Carlos Montoya, commanding Division 10 of the Antoran Fleet. I personally am from the planet Earth, some 4,460 light years from here. We have just captured a Gar Fleet about 100 light years from here and are returning them to their planet where they will be quarantined until they learn better manners. We have likewise captured all of their other fleets and are returning them to their home planet. Their High Ruler who has been the motivation for their various activities against others has been deposed and will be replaced by a constitutional monarchy shortly. We wanted to let you know that they are no longer a threat to your planet. It does look like you are preparing for them and we see indications that you are able to put up a reasonable defense. I hope that we have been able to save you some effort in that regard. We can leave you recordings of what has transpired if you wish. This is primarily a courtesy call to let you know what has transpired and hopefully open up a line of communications with you."

Meanwhile, several of the T Raptor teams had reported that something was not quite right with the planet below and advised against having any of the residents on the planet invited aboard.

"General Montoya, I am General Artus Brondin, the commander of the Arber Defense forces. We noted the disappearance of the Gar Fleet that was coming our way and wondered what had happened. This is good news indeed. We had thought that the Antoran population had been destroyed. Your vessel is impressively large and well shielded. Our scans are revealing nothing."

"General Brondin, we of course knew that you were attempting scans and we would have been surprised if you had not. We must leave now for Gar otherwise we would invite you aboard for a tour. We are operating on a pretty tight schedule and must leave immediately. I would hope that the next time we are in the area we might extend an offer of a tour. Also please note that the planet Gar has been placed in quarantine until we can determine that our rehabilitation efforts have been effective."

Brondin said, "I understand and appreciate and thank you for your delivery of this news."

"You are welcome. We will leave you now." Shortly thereafter Division 10 left for Gar cloaked. A report and recording of the entire visit was sent to the rest of the fleet.

### Station One in Gar Orbit – March 29 – C Day 211 ###

Division 10 was the last to arrive at Gar. Scans made by various strings of stations did not pick up any further Gar activity elsewhere. Hank instructed that all Gar Fleet 2 officers and crew were to be assembled on Station 1 at the RM22-20 military deck in Sector 1. Once there, they were to form up by ship. Hank wanted to address them and disclose their new roles. Hank started off his address with, "Officers and crew of the invasion fleet under Commander Lord Dranz, greetings. You are about to be delivered to your home world and there have been developments you need to know about. The first is that every Gar fleet and outpost has been captured and is about to be returned to Gar. For a period of time you will be barred from space. That will be a hard Griffor to swallow." Some laughter was heard as a Griffor was a large animal and a favorite food of the Gar. The first development is that High Ruler Sadex has been deposed and awaits trial for crimes against his people, and the people of Cler, Antor, Glarin, Linan, Earth, Fullus, and Arber. The same trials await his advisors and some of his family. Those not convicted will be relegated to life in exile without the amenities they have been taking for granted. They may have to live as you have lived for a time." More laughter.

"Your new Monarch is High Ruler Lord Dranz, your former commander." This time Hank understood the expression of joy that ensued. He allowed the reaction to go on for five minutes before he raised his hand to quiet the gathering. "I take it that bit of news is not what you expected and that you appear to be happy with his ascension to the throne." More laughter. "I hope you realize what this means for each of you. More work." Again there was more laughter. "Many of you will want to return to civilian life and many of you will because your numbers are great. In the meantime High Ruler Dranz will need your help. He expects to be more visible than past High Rulers. This means that he will be a target for every disaffected crazy Gar out there. Those of you who stay with him will have your hands full to assure that his rule is enabled. This responsibility will be yours. Are you up to the task?" A loud roar erupted from the ranks. "I take that as a YES." Another loud roar was heard.

"In a short while you will be transported down to the Imperial Palace. You will be wearing the uniform of the Imperial Guard. You should wear it with pride because you have served well and will continue to do so. Many of you do not know the reason why we have been in conflict until recently. The reason is so mundane as to be unbelievable." He went on to explain the genesis for the conflict and the resultant impact on Gar's neighbors. "We did our best to bring this to a halt without unnecessarily spilling your blood. We believe that you should have the opportunity to repair the missteps of your former Monarch. This starts now. High Ruler Dranz has agreed to a constitution that places certain limitations on his powers and places them in the hands of the Gar people. The people will elect representatives among you to develop the laws that govern you. With this right comes great responsibility. I, for one, believe that you are capable of this undertaking. I hope that you prove me correct so that we can welcome you back among the stars in commerce rather than invasion." Another cheer arose from the gathered crews.

"In the buildings in back of you are your new uniforms. In a few minutes, I will ask you to go and change into them. When you are delivered to the Imperial Palace, you will be facing the other invasion fleets and outposts that are being returned this day. You will be armed with your unlocked Taju and with stun rifles. Those you face will be unarmed except for their Taju and that will also be unlocked. Your old uniforms and personal effects have already been placed in your assigned quarters. Former enemies and now I hope new friends, good luck to each of you and Godspeed. Ship commanders, please dismiss your crews."

"Barana, Please transport me to Dranz."

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You got it boss.
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Hank greeted Dranz on the lodge deck and said, "Well Lord Dranz, today you make a huge leap. My best wishes go with you. I am sorry to leave the problem of the former High Ruler in your hands but I do not think your people would take kindly my issuance of justice."

"No General Stone, this must, for many reasons, be my task. Not the least is that we wish to return to the stars one day. Perhaps one day I could be one of your explorers. I do look forward to the task at hand. By the way your handling of my crew was well done. I think they are beginning to like you. That is high praise for a conqueror although I now look on you as a friend with a most difficult task almost completed. Henry, my people are not quite the bloodthirsty monsters that many believe we are. I am thankful for the restraint you have exercised throughout this campaign.  I am very thankful for the opportunity to start things down a more favorable path. I will not disappoint you."

Hank said, "Some time ago, I made a gift to a former enemy who was recently made leader of a country that we were at odds with. I felt that he was the best person for that job but I was worried that his life was in such jeopardy that he might not live long enough to make a difference. I am now offering you the same gift. Essentially it is a protective shield that will prevent injury from many sources including swords, bullets, explosions and a long list of other items people everywhere use to kill. The armor is invisible and is activated when it detects a threat. It comes with a condition. The condition is that if you abuse the powers granted to you, the shield will dissolve. The warning that has occurred will be minimal. When the armor operates, there will be a slight glow around your whole person. Other than that no one will realize the protection is there until it is actually doing its job. You will need to be more visible than past Monarchs. I think you will find this useful. It will not change your personality, demeanor or thinking. Will you accept this gift?"

"Thank you and yes I do accept. I had thought I had agreed to a much shorter life span but this may enable something longer. How is it applied?"

"Just hold out your hand." As he did, Hank poured the contents of the vial slowly into his hand and explained. "These are smart nanites. A similar construct to the symbiotes your people have used but these do not affect the person wearing it. You will not even sense its presence. It will take about 15 minutes to start providing protection and about a half day to reach full strength. When it is used you will become hungry because it is drawing on your body's energy reserves. Just eat something high in calories and you will adjust quickly. It is that simple." He went on, "How does the coronation take place on your world?"

"It is rather simple really. I merely ascend the throne, put the crown on my head and declare that I am Monarch. If the crown accepts me, then I am Monarch. If it does not, then I will be terminated on the spot. I expect no problems. I think that my crews are now in place so it is time for me to begin. My five companions will be my witnesses. Thank you again Henry."

"Thank you Lord Dranz and by the way that constitution you wrote was masterful."

"Thanks to a lot of help from Prince Kar."

"He told you then?"

"No, but I guessed and he confirmed. I owe him a debt of gratitude."

"It is time for me to go down and address the citizens of Gar." With that he was transported down to the stage in front of the Imperial Palace where a very large crowd had gathered. The members of Fleet 2 were in their positions and looked sharp and alert. The crews from other fleets and outposts were next group facing the Palace with other citizens in back of them. On his arrival at the stage, he stated in perfect Gar, "My name is General Henry Stone. I am the Commanding General of the Antoran Fleet that you see in your skies. I personally am from the planet Earth, some 3,400 light years from here. Until today, we were your enemy. We have captured all of your fleets and outposts everywhere in a period of one month and have done so without spilling so much as a drop of your blood or ours for that matter. This all started because a single human made an unfortunate remark and High Ruler Sadex took offense at the words. For this he essentially destroyed two civilizations decimated a third and caused another to flee in order to continue its existence. How many times have any of you who were irritated or upset by the words of another, thought it sufficient to seek bodily harm or death to the offending party. Multiply that by all of the deaths brought about by your monarch and his advisors. This must stop here, now, today. That Monarch will be tried for his deeds against those whose deaths he has caused. Those deeds have caused us to capture all of your people off-planet and return them here until you have learned to live with other living beings and to confine you here until that is accomplished."