The Commander by CJ Williams Read Free Book Online Page B

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    “One more surprise,” Roth said once Samantha and Morrow had departed.
    “It’s more than that,” Luke responded. “That’s an indicator of how much in the dark we are about everything. It suddenly occurs to me that all of our effort here is based on a single meeting I had with some alien prankster. Sam was more interested in practical jokes than anything else.”
    Roth didn’t smile. “That’s true.”
    “ Looking back, I was so overwhelmed being on the moon that I just accepted everything he said. You were the same way, when you came up the first time.”
    Roth agreed. “It’s easy to believe anything the first time you stand on the moon.”
    “That’s my point,” Luke emphasized. “Because the second Sam left, George reminded me that he wasn’t trustworthy. Sam told me we had ten years and now George is saying we’ve got five years. Who is correct?”
    “Even more to the point,” Roth suggested, “is either one of them correct? For that matter, is there even a threat? Or is that something that your comedian just invented on his own?”
    “George?” Luke asked. “Your thoughts?”
    “Commander, your concerns are certainly valid. I can tell you that I, at least, am being truthful with you. Having said that, you have no proof of my veracity other than my own assurance. Regarding the invading force, allow me to explain.”
    “Go ahead.”
    “I believe the alien threat to be valid. My archives indicate the Nobility was certainly concerned; or at least as much as they could be, considering their situation.”
    “What does that mean?” Roth asked.
    “The Nobility is an ancient civilization which maintains an absolute position atop a vast empire. However, armed forces and violence are not required to maintain their status. They are this galaxy’s supreme masters of giving and withholding favors. The right word from the Nobility can provide one of their subjects with an enviable status that lasts for generations. By the same token, an intentional slight can result in shame so great that the subject is shunned by his family and closest acquaintances to the point that suicide is the only option.”
    “Some concepts are universal,” Luke observed.
    “Indeed,” George agreed. “The fact is the alien threat was discovered eons ago. It was noted and orders were sent out to eradicate it. When that didn’t happen, it became an annoyance, but not of any substance. Nevertheless, as a result of the annoyance, a program, of which Sam is a minor part, was initiated.”
    “And according to Sam, we’re also part of that effort,” Luke guessed.
    “Exactly,” George confirmed. “Originally, it was believed that thousands, if not millions, of years would pass before the invading force could threaten the center of the galaxy where the Nobility reigns. Even the word threaten is too strong a concept.”
    “So what’s the worry then?” Morrow asked.
    “I believe the time table should be revised, by how much I can’t say. Regarding this star system where we’re currently located, my estimate of five years is only that, an estimate. The limiting factor for my calculations is lack of knowledge.”
    “And how can we address that?” Luke asked.
    “I don’t know,” George replied in what seemed a fatalistic manner.
    “Drones,” Roth said. “We need reconnaissance drones. Would that help?”
    “Any information would be useful,” George replied.
    “Where should we send them?” Luke asked.
    “Please examine the display.” The wall of Luke’s office turned black, overlaid by a depiction of the Milky Way galaxy. “You are here,” George said as a white circle appeared around a dim star about half way along the Orion spiral arm.

    “This was my last estimate of the alien dominion.” A thick outline snaked across the galaxy spiral to the Perseus and Carina-Sagittarius spiral arms and inward, even touching the Crux-Scutum arm closer to the galaxy center. “By now the Bakkui could have increased