Earth, in the system of Sol, is the planet of origin for all of humanity. For a long time however, it was thought that planet Olatia, in the system of Alpha Centauri, was the birthplace of man. Mostly because of legends of great solar sailing ships that left that world and struck out for the stars long ago. Mankind has ventured forth for hundreds of years and in many different directions along the galactic plain. Over time their space traveling methods were perfected. Now they have spread out over almost 20,000 light years from the Alpha Centauri system. Even though humanity has spread out so widely, many star systems have yet to be explored. Only the habitable, near habitable, or resource filled planets were chosen for exploration, colonization and mining. As mankind spread throughout the galaxy, they sowed the seeds of life along the way. Some native life forms were discovered on a few of these worlds. It was a surprise that no other intelligent, sentient life forms were found along the way. In this respect mankind seemed to be alone amongst the stars. Ironically, humanity itself had become the very aliens they were looking for all along. Extreme genetic diversity became the norm for mankind. A person from only a few hundred years ago might consider some of their very own descendants to be alien. All the races of humanity are well dispersed throughout the known galaxy. However, humans can no longer be restricted to a finite number of races within the species of homosapiens. Classification as “a race” merely describes the minor differences. In order to explain all the variations of humanity, it finally became necessary to group them into different categories, as well as races. Many of these variations now found in man seem to be an adaptation to the alien worlds their ancestors colonized. Other differences seem to be the result of genetic mutation. This may have been the result of exposure to excess radiation to early space travelers. Even though humans are still very much the same genetically, they still have placed stereotypes on these many variations. Racism is a word that is long dead. Unfortunately, it has been replaced by categorism. “Those damn pasty white ash, yellow eyed bastards!!!” snarled the largest of all the councilors seated at the round Terron council table. The huge delegate dressed in green was from the cold high gravity world of Ino II.  As a result of this planet's environment, the human descendents developed bodies that resembled short armed, hairless gorillas. “Please councilor Husa! This it not the place for that kind of language!” an old man snapped back. Only his slightly larger chair and light blue robe showed his authority as the chairman of the Terron council. The Chairman's soft yellow wrinkled skin and bright white hair expressed his great age. He had been entrusted with his powers for many years now. It was obvious he was visibly disturbed and worried about all the pressures from the last few days. “Besides, the Empire is not full of pasties anyway. They are just as diverse there as the rest of the galaxy.” spoke up Tarlam a small, plump blue skinned council member. He was bald and didn't seem to have any hair at all that was visible and not covered by his gold robe. He was well dressed compared to the rest of the Council who were wearing a much more casual wardrobe.   He continued “Most of them are out there lurking in their large space stations, controlling all of the galactic trade. Mind you, I wouldn't put it past them to have had something to do with this though. I would bet…” “That's enough!” interrupted the Chairman as he glared at the blue man who frowned in response. “It still does not change the fact that Oma has been taken!” councilor Husa shouted as he rose to his feet pounding his fist on top of the council table. Without waiting for more then a few seconds he then added. “Damn it Chairman Sharmov, just how did this happen anyway?” The other five council members in turn made their own demands for answers from the Chairman. Soon the small council chamber was in chaos with accusations bouncing all around. No one was willing to take any of the blame. The shouting turned into yelling. The noise began to echo, becoming almost deafening.     “Gentlemen, gentlemen.” said Chairman Sharmov, trying his best to calm the Council. The Council went on arguing with each other and ignored him. Sharmov having had enough grabbed his wooden gavel and pounded vigorously on its block in front of him. He continued, gaining no ones attention. He then started to pound it even harder hoping it would be heard over the Council. Suddenly the gavel finally broke under the strain. “Oh shit!” screamed Sharmov. This was the loudest utterance the Council had ever heard come out of their Chairman. It resulted in their immediate attention. The small room fell silent. The Council members seemed to be in shock. It was hard for them to believe that the Chairman would ever use such language. Sharmov then let out a sigh. He was relieved that all the noise had finally stopped. He then placed the pieces of his gavel neatly on its block. “I'm glad you gentlemen have finished.” Then turning towards the largest council member he stated, “Yes Council member Husa, Oma is now under the Meant's control.” Once again another uproar broke out. All the Council members started to blame each other for letting it happen. This time they were out of their seats and shaking their fists at one another. Sharmov's old ears became numb from the Council's loud shouting. His short, white hair seemed to turn even whiter with every shout. He had enough! Leaning back in his chair, he took a deep breath. With everything he had, the Chairman screamed, “Shut up!” One by one the members quieted down. When ever one of them tried to start up again, Sharmov gave them a deadly stare. Finally, even the die hards couldn't stand the Chairman's evil eye. When all was finally calm again and the Council members were back in their seats, Sharmov was able to continue. . “We have obviously had an intelligence failure. For some time now we have not been successful in infiltrating the Empire. Every time we try, we lose the agent. Based on our successful Intel none of the other kingdoms have had any luck either.” Sharmov paused to look over his council for a moment to make sure they understood what he was saying. He continued, “At best it might have only told us when they might strike. If you remember many months ago, before the Meant's diplomats left, they warned and threatened that they would take Oma. Now they have made good on their word and sent their First, and best fleet, in to do the job.” “Where were our forces at the time, Sharmov?” grumbled the loud voice of Councilor Volo. Volo was seated at the opposite end of the table, right in front of the Chairman. For this reason, the small short green councilor felt he always had to add his two cents, no matter what. “All three of our fleets were patrolling more important sectors of our kingdom.” Sharmov said softly, trying to rest his now weary voice. “And what do you propose we do about it?" asked the rough sandpapery voice of Barsom. Being from Orion, the tall man was a little impetuous, like most of the people from that world. Unlike them however, Barsom was well mannered about it. “Yes, what will we do?” said the squeaky voice of Iocs. The bright yellow-skinned councilor blinked his large solid blue eyes at the Chairman waiting for a reply. Taking a moment to scan his councilors, Sharmov whispered. “There is nothing we can do.” “The Hell we can't. We should send two of our fleets in to reclaim Oma!” barked Husa as he stood up. "That's a good idea, Husa." agreed Councilor Cobora. His leather-like skin and small black eyes where a telling sign that his ancestors had adapted to one of the many very dry planets inhabited by humans. “So Husa and Cobora, you want us to lose both of those fleets and start us off into war." Sharmov said softly, but was really trying to yell as best as he could. “Um, well no sir.” Husa said, slightly embarrassed. “Besides, all three of our fleets would be no match against the Meant's First Warship Fleet.” Sharmov said in a whisper. Husa slowly sat down in his chair mumbling. The other councilors could only stare at each other. It seemed nothing more could be said. The room went silent again. This pleased Sharmov. He now had a few precious moments to relax. Leaning back in his chair, he enjoyed the quiet for as long as it would last. It was only a matter of time before another councilor would speak up. Looking up he noticed a small spider web in the upper corner of the small council chamber. He remembered how hard it was to stop the cleaning staff from removing it. Sharmov never liked spiders much, but he hated the idea of killing this poor little thing. So there it was, still there, ever so persistent in its corner. Besides, who would it bother anyway except maybe for a stray bug? Councilor Ioc rose up and blocked Sharmov's view of the web and asked with a squeak. “Chairman Sharmov what should we do? Ignoring this act of aggression will only encourage more!” Sharmov stood up. Ioc was surprised by this and quickly sat down. He then turned and walked towards the wall behind him. He touched a small panel on the wall. A large two dimensional galactic map appeared on it. He knew he could have activated a three-dimensional version of this map instead, but he preferred to us this much simpler view. Only military men need to be concerned with a more detailed map. He studied it for some time before he finally turned and faced the councilors. “There is a way,” the Chairman confidently whispered. “Uh, and what is that sir?” Barsom politely asked. “Simple, we form an alliance with the Deveron and Lenard kingdoms. After that maybe we should consider including the placePlaceTypekingdom of PlaceNameOmal,” replied the old Chairman. “Bull!” yelled Volo. “What makes you think they would want to help us anyway?” he questioned. “Oh shut up Volo. I think it just may be our best chance.” snapped Cobora. “Omal is full of pasties anyway, I don't think we should trust them,” Husa grumbled. Before Sharmov could reprimand Husa for his rude remark Volo quickly asked, “Omal is one thing, but do you honestly think the royal family of the Deveron and Lenard kingdoms would ever give a crap about us?” Reluctantly Cobora replied, “That is true. Even though both of those kingdoms have a democratic republic, the royal families still have a great influence.” “Then I say we should put it up to a vote then gentlemen.” Sharmov said walking up to stand behind his chair. “Those who are for, please raise your hand.” All of the members of the Terron council raised their hands, except for Volo. “Well Volo it must be a unanimous vote in order for it to be carried out.” stated Sharmov. The other councilors glared at Volo. With a sigh he finally raised his hand and frowned. “Good,” exclaimed Sharmov. Turning towards Barsom he asked, “Will you set up a meeting with the ambassadors from both the Deveron and Lenard kingdoms.” “It may take some time to set up sir.” “Nevertheless it must be done, and done quickly!” Barsom nodded and then asked, “What about Omal?” “Let's focus on the Deveron and Lenard Kingdoms first. Once they're on board we'll explore a possible alliance with Omal as well.” Sharmov replied. Then looking at the council he added, “Unless there are objections?” The council was quite so Sharmov added, “Good, I've been meaning to talk with Omal's Vic chancellor Tyu for a while now anyway. This will give me an excellent opportunity to do so.” Sharmov said with a slight grin. Barsom said, “Very good sir.” He then asked, “By the way sir, where should the meeting with the Lenard and Deveron ambassadors take place?” After thinking for a few minutes Sharmov said. “On Lernosa II.  It's the best place. It has a number of large meeting halls and it's also in neutral space a long way away from the Empire. I think the ambassadors would prefer it.” Once he was finished he sat back in his seat. “What ambassador will we send?” asked Volo with a smirk. “I will go myself,” Chairman Sharmov said glaring at Volo. “If there are no protests?” he asked. Volo opened his mouth, ready to say something. Sharmov glared back at him and growled softly, “Yes, Volo?” Quickly Volo shut his mouth and stared at the table. With satisfaction Sharmov said, “It's settled then! This meeting is now adjourned!” All the Council members got up and left the meeting chamber. Volo was the last to leave. He stopped at the door and gave the Chairman one last look before closing the door behind him.  Sharmov looked at his broken gavel and gave out a sigh. He then sank down in his chair to rest and to do some badly needed thinking. © Lee Crystal's Outpost 13 All rights reserved