Revenge: Osguards: Guardians of the Universe

By Malcolm Petteway

Everyone has a defining gift. For Michael Genesis, the First Osguard of the Universal Science, Security and Trade Association of Planets -- USSTAP, that gift is vision. Similarly, Billy Red, the street thug, murderer, pimp and drug dealer, that gift is ingenuity. When their paths cross as teenagers, Michael and Billy become embroiled in a rivalry that leads Michael to becoming the First Osguard. and Billy dying by his hands. However, eight years after the Tuit War and on the eve of the birth of a new USSTAP, where Michael planned to design a new universe and lay out a path for humanity to begin its journey to another level, he is attacked. During the attack, Michael is accidentally transported to another reality where USSTAP and the Osguards don't exist. Now Michael has to fight his way back to his reality or be trapped in a reality of living in an economically poor, crime and drug infested neighborhood, while being chased by his old enemy -- Billy Red.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Malcolm Petteway
• Release date: Mar 13, 2011
• ISBN: 9781452482279

Malcolm Petteway

Malcolm Dylan Petteway is a senior military analyst, a retired military officer and a twenty-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He flew B-52's as an Electronic Warfare Officer and has 3,000 flight hours and 300 combat hours. In his distinguished career, Malcolm has used his knowledge in the art of war, military weapons and combat defenses in planning over 400 combat sorties. Besides his Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters and numerous other awards, Malcolm is the recipient of the U.S. Air Force Air Medal and the U.S. Air Force Air Achievement Medal for his actions during Operation Enduring Freedom. Malcolm Petteway is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and California State University.

Book preview

REVENGE

OSGUARDS: GUARDIANS OF THE UNIVERSE

By

Malcolm D. Petteway

Homecoming

Revelations

Armageddon

Revenge

REVENGE

BOOK FOUR

OF

OSGUARDS: GUARDIANS OF THE UNIVERSE

MALCOLM DYLAN PETTEWAY

Rage Books LLC

www.ragebooks.net

This book is a work of fiction, names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Revenge

Osguards: Guardians of the Universe

Malcolm Dylan Petteway

Copyright Malcolm Dylan Petteway 2010

Published by Rage Books LLC Publishing at Smashwords

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the written permission of the author

Edited by:

Karen M. Petteway

James Barnes

Published in the United States

Rage Books LLC

www.ragebook.net

"Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true."

—Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963.

PROLOGUE

The stars of the Tandor Galaxy in the Gigantur cluster shone with the brilliance of gold, filling the heavens with billions upon billions of twinkling angels of light. In sector sixteen, in the midst of this radiance, poised two starship fleets of destruction, like football teams ready to do battle in a stadium filled with bright eyed spectators.

On one side, the last remnants of the Tuit military in the Tandor Galaxy, two white cone-shaped firestars and three smaller versions of the firestar called fireships, spread in a challenging attack formation, weapons charged and locked on to each ship on the other side. Facing them, were two black arrow-shaped Universal Science Security and Trade Association of Planets (USSTAP) star protectors and two smaller version of the star protectors called star cruisers.

"This is the First Osguard, Kang Sario, of the Gigantur Association of Planets onboard the Star Protector Moryugh, shot the hail from the lead star protector. We are on a diplomatic mission, and you are hampering our progress. Please state your intentions." Kang Sario stood on the bridge of the Moryugh, impatience soaking his eyes. He was six feet tall, and had the body of a professional wrestler. His short hair was reddish, almost orange in places and slicked back. His skin color made him look Middle Eastern; however, his vampire canine teeth added a different flavor to his appearance. His rugged features told a story of a man who lived a hard life, even torturous at times. The vibrato of his voice confirmed he was not a man that played games. He was a serious person with no time to waste, and at the moment, the five ships in front of him presented a waste of his time.

"I say again, this is First Osguard, Kang Sario, of the Gigantur Association of Planets onboard the Star Protector Moryugh. Please stand down or we will interpret your actions as hostile and take appropriate action." Sario looked to his communications officer, and beckoned him with his eyes for any news. None came.

Let me try, Prime Ambassador Jingen Tou, who was sitting behind him requested.

Sario tilted his head in thought, and then turned toward Tou to regard her for a moment. Tou had dark hair highlighted with streaks of gray. She was a mix of Tuit and Gigantur. She had the yellowish tint in her eyes of a Tuit and the hint of the canine teeth from the Gigantur race. She was slim and cut like a long distance runner. She said she hailed from Betli in the Tandor Galaxy. Betli was a planet that supported the former Tuit Consortium and that suffered greatly during the Tuit Revolution. It was the Tuit seat of power throughout the Gigantur Star Cluster. Tou arose from nowhere to lead the revolt on her planet in the last days of fighting. Until then, Betli was a Tuit stronghold in the Tandor Galaxy, one of the last holdouts, and no one ever heard of Tou. Somehow Kang Sario who was the leader of the revolt throughout the Tandor Galaxy and now sat as the First Osguard, forged a relationship with Tou’s forces that helped changed the course of the revolution. Kang remembered it was an uneasy relationship at times, but without Tou’s help the revolution in the Tandor Galaxy would have lasted several more years and could have been lost. Even though he was unsure of her agenda, he supported her rise to power as the prime ambassador of the Gigantur Association of Planets.

Go ahead, he shrugged, it can’t hurt.

Tou motioned for the communications officer to open hailing frequencies once more, Commander of the Tuit ship, this is Prime Ambassador Jingen Tou. Please state your intentions.

The airwaves cracked as a feminine voice began to pierce the air. Ambassador Tou, this is Kimlin of Vexul, First Daughter of Gigantur Cluster. I will speak to you and not that lolwe who has taken on the mantle of our sworn enemy.

Then speak, Tou commanded.

In private…what I have to say is not for the ears of a lolwe.

Tou signaled for the connection to be severed and turned back to Sario. Disgust ruled Sario’s face and distrust anchored his body.

I don’t know about this, Sario grunted.

Look, as long as she’s talking, she isn’t attacking us, Tou tried to rationalize to him. Let me use your office and give me a private secure link to Kimlin and I will stall until you can figure something out. Who knows, I may be able to negotiate her surrender.

Surrender?

Yes, her surrender. Tou reiterated. "Osguard, those ships out there are probably the last of the Tuit Consortium in our space. She is outnumbered and outgunned by all military strategies. If she attacks us, she is signing her own death warrant. After all, you are the First Osguard and I am the Prime Ambassador."

Well maybe she’s thinking taking us out will set our government back several years and she will be able to use that time to gather enough resistance to reclaim this space for the Tuit Consortium, Sario pushed back.

If she attacks, she will fail…you will make sure of that. I just want to negotiate for her life and the lives of the women on those ships.

Tou, I’m glad you have so much faith in me.

Hasn’t there been enough killing in the last eight years. Please give me a chance. I am a diplomat, let me do my job. If I fail, then you can do your job as a warrior.

Tou…

Osguard, I can do this. Besides, what do we have to lose?

Tou…

I’ll be in your office, Tou said, and then turned and exited the bridge.

Tou…you crazy— Sario caught himself and let his thoughts die in midstream. Secure link, private mode and patch it into my office, he grunted to the communications officer.

Kiza!

***

So Tou of Betli or should I call you Lermi of Betli, Kimlin’s said through the link. The Artificial Intelligence (ARIT) projected a young brunette on the holographic view screen, fairly attractive, slim and no older than nineteen.

Okay, you know who I am…so what? Tou pushed with bitterness. You’re the twentieth person to claim the mantle of First Daughter of Gigantur since the Tuit Consortium self destructed eight years ago. How old were you then…ten…eleven?

It doesn’t matter, Kimlin hissed, I am the First Daughter now.

Listen kid, Tou continued rebuffing Kimlin’s claim, You’re way over your head on this one. Why don’t you just calm down and let’s talk about your future here.

Lermi, your time on Earth has softened you. You were once a proud warrior sister, a command daughter of the fifth level. What happened to you?

My eyes were opened, Tou confessed. After I escaped Earth and returned home, I learned of the treachery the Consortium’s second daughter committed and of the blind stupidity of the First Daughter of Fire in leading us into war with USSTAP—

Lies…all lies, Kimlin screamed. Miam was a great warrior who would have led us on to victory over the dogs of USSTAP and those damned Osguards, especially Michael Genesis. She then paused and squinted as if to beam her hatred through the link at Tou. It was Tisha and that fumbling idiot, Rina of Jaywick that caused the Consortium to self-destruct. But you…you had a chance to bring us together and lead us when you returned. Instead you sided with our enemies and the lolwes they released. Why?

I told you, my eyes were opened. I no longer believed in what the Consortium was about or what they were doing. Besides, our hatred of USSTAP was based on a lie, on a misunderstanding, one born from stubbornness. Haven’t you seen the HVP yet?

No, Kimlin bellowed, and I won’t. It’s all lies. I believe the daughters and my ancestors, not some fairy tale made up by our sworn enemies.

Kimlin, Tou pleaded, Please don’t be so blind, let me show you.

No…you’re responsible for too many of my sisters’ death for me to listen to you now. In fact, I am here to carry out justice. You are a traitor to the Consortium and I hereby sentence you to death with the lolwes and dogs you have decided to lay down with.

Tou’s eyes widen. She had lost the argument without even entering it. The fact that Kimlin knew her true identity threw her off her diplomatic game and bounced her onto her warrior backside. Kimlin…Kimlin…what are you planning on doing?

Good-bye bitch! Kimlin’s projection then faded into smoke.

Tou slapped her communication collar, also known as CC, and screamed, Now…now…now!

***

With those words a circus of activity swirled like a tornado. The four USSTAP built ships slammed through the speed schedule in reverse, backing up from the fight at MOP two, disappearing from sight in a blink of an eye. The Tuit ships fired their shockdel plasma cannon at the echo, which was once Sario’s fleet. At the same time, three USSTAP built galaxy cruisers, looking like black bats with red seams, popped out of stealth mode ten, negative one half on the galactic plane, under the Tuit ships and let loose a barrage of pagenay ray, kwainique gun and coronet cannon weapons fire on the Tuits’ underside. The pagenay blue rays sliced through the blackness of space with the ferocity of a sun’s energy, the kwainique gun, also known as K-gun, and the coronet cannons shot invisible balls of energy that ripped and shredded anything in its path like a bullet hitting a balloon.

Usually the Tuit ship’s protective field would withstand such an assault, but its protective field was not as strong at the tribolemincic core energy converter that hung on the ventral side of the ship on the last third like a male appendage. The core needed the extra coldness of space to keep it within operating range. Additionally, if the core was placed inside the ship’s hull it would contaminate the artificial atmosphere with abnormal radiation. This was a weakness of all Tuit ships that they failed to or were unable to correct during eight years of battle.

The weapons fire created a red blotch on the protective field near the tribolemincic converters like a rash, weakening the protective field. After twenty seconds of the assault, the galaxy cruisers let loose six Asher torpedoes each. Asher torpedoes had nuclear-tipped warheads with the equivalent force of all three energy weapons put together. The Asher torpedoes were used less, because their energy did not dissipate with distance, as did the particle generator array, K-guns or cornet cannons. If the Asher torpedoes missed their targets, the resulting damage could be worse than intended. However, these javelins of death punched through the protective field at the red blotches and connected with the converters like wrecking balls. The missiles connected and the glass frame exploded with the force of an F-8 tornado. Faint orange mushroom clouds made a brief appearance before the vacuum of space swallowed them, taking the Tuit ships and their crew to the bowels of hell.

Remind me to thank Michael Genesis for giving us the galaxy cruisers, Sario whispered to his Centurion of Operations."

When you meet him, see if you can get some galaxy protectors for you and the other Osguards, his CO recommended with a smile of relief. That should about round out the power needed to clean up space around here.

I’ll see what I can do, Sario huffed, sitting in his command chair. Now see what you can do about rounding up the fleet, and getting those cruisers back in stealth mode, before we find ourselves staring down the barrel of another First Daughter of something.

Kiza!

Chapter 1—Like Father…Like Daughter

Michael David Genesis, the leader of the Universal Science, Security and Trade Association of Planets, sat in the command chair of his galaxy protector, the Neraka. The ever present burn in his hazel eyes was now accompanied by nearly three decades of experience, levied by war and diplomacy. He sported his boxer built muscular frame like a model. He was confident, strong and sturdy, exuding the mantle of leadership.

The Neraka was traveling back to Millmum Capitol Station, the seat of the Milky Way Galaxy and effectively all of USSTAP. The black slitanium coated ship sailed through space like a bat through the night. The engines that spread like wings were concave and ran the entire length of the ship on each side. The ship flared in the stern where it contained a launch and receiving bay for its space fighters and space transports. The bow was arrowhead shaped, which sat on top of a pear shaped bridge.

At first Osguards and Centurions sired these massive powerboats of the heavens. However, since the Tuit war Michael resurrected the guardian ranks of Nolvar, Solvar and Vanguard and ordained them to sire the galaxy protector fleet of starships. Along with the galaxy cruiser, star cruiser and star protector, the galaxy protector spread USSTAP influence throughout the Virgo Star Cluster as the acknowledged authority of the cosmos.

Approaching Millmum Capitol Station, Major Jacoby announced from the pilot station.

Thank you Major Jacoby. Proceed with standard docking procedures, Michael responded.

The sight of the majestic diamond station filling the view screen was like coming home to Michael. It gave him a feeling of familiarity…of warmth, but most of all, it gave him the feeling of security.

He watched as his crew performed the docking procedure without error and without interruption from him. In ten minutes, the gentle bump, signifying the docking to ring position one, vibrated throughout the ship. It was like a mother’s kiss, welcoming her child back home. After sixth months on patrol, it was the warm kiss he missed.

The command bridge door slid open behind Michael and the Centurion of Medical Science, Michelle Katherine Genesis, his wife and mother to his three children stepped on deck.

Osguard, she called, being as professional as possible as always.

Yes, centurion, Michael said with a smile, standing and moving toward her.

Well, we’re home, she announced, stepping next to him.

Yeah, I guess we are, he sighed. You think Eddie missed us this time?

Michelle shrugged her shoulders, I hope so. But I’m sure our parents spoiled him to no end.

Mom said they will meet us in our quarters on station, Michael said with a gleam in his eyes as he motioned to the view screen. I can’t wait to see him, he finished. Then he turned to Michelle, Are you ready?

Hell yeah, I’m ready.

Mitchell, you have the bridge. Standard debarkation, he told his Centurion of Operations, Mitchell Deacon.

Tiah! Mitchell responded, accepting the responsibility with inner glee.

Without further conversation, Michael and Michelle left the bridge and made their way to the ship’s main exit. They emerged onto the docking port where Admiral Tirana Ritchen, his former Centurion of Operations and now the station’s sire awaited them.

Osguard, she called.

Michael and Michelle had already seen her and were gravitating toward her through the crowd of welcoming family members and friends. The debarkation process was orderly and efficient, considering the galaxy protector housed two thousand crewmembers. And for every crewmember, there was at least an average of three people waiting to see them. Some people exercised prudent judgment and opted to meet their loved ones somewhere other than the docking port, which thinned the crowd and accelerated the process. After fourteen years of doing this with the Galaxy Protector Neraka and fifteen years on the Galaxy Cruiser Justice, Michael had become use to the debarkation process, but the crowd was still a little unnerving.

Osguard, Tirana called once more.

Michael and Michelle waded through the crowd, bumping shoulders, crushing arms and stepping on toes. Michael and Michelle raised their hands above their heads, so as not to accidentally touch anyone inappropriately.

Two minutes later, Michael and Michelle reached Tirana and with a simple head nod from Michael, they began their trek from the docking port toward their quarters. Soon they escaped the commotion as they wandered into the bowels of the station’s passageways. The women flanked Michael, Tirana on the right and Michelle on the left.

Osguard, Tirana said for the third time, the unity chamber is just about ready. The technical team is running several last minute tests, but so far, everything checks out okay.

Well, nice to see you too admiral, Michael teased. How was my patrol, you ask? It was mostly uneventful. But there was this one planet in the Angel Solar System. I think we can…well you can read the report.

Sorry sire. I’m just so excited about Unity. It has to be the biggest thing that has ever happened in USSTAP in over one hundred universal years.

Maybe, Michael said, trying to hide his doubt.

They approached the coaster doors. The ARIT sensed their presence and signaled for the closest coaster to answer their request. Two seconds later the doors opened and they stepped in.

Deck L–one, Michelle ordered, usurping any attempt of Tirana’s to abscond with her husband. Michael smiled, approving Michelle’s show of authority over the situation.

The doors whispered shut, and the low hum of the coaster filled the air as it floated on the electromagnetic coils through vacuum tubes led by the station’s ARIT transportation management system.

Well, Tirana continued, the Chaktun Science Academy did a wonderful job with the unity chamber. Our technology team thinks the unity chamber will be the most unifying piece of equipment since the gate portal.

How about the galaxy protector? Michelle shot back.

Don’t get me wrong, Michelle, Tirana rebounded. The galaxy protector is probably the most important technology ever invented to keep the peace. But I’m talking about unifying the universe. I’m talking about instantaneous communications, not just from galaxy to galaxy, but from galactic cluster to galactic cluster. That is what I mean. Communication is the key to understanding, and understanding is the key to unification. This is the first time ever we will be able to communicate with all six known clusters.

Slow down, Tirana…slow down, Michelle surrendered. I understand what you mean, now!

Okay. I understand as well, Michael intervened. What time is the first unification chamber meeting? The authoritative voice of a leader resounded in his question.

Thirty-eight universal hours, Tirana responded.

The coaster stopped and the doors jetted opened. Deck L–one, the ARIT announced.

I’ll inspect the unity chamber in fifteen universal hours, Michael told Tirana. I’ve used this technology several times before, but that was with the virtual conference chamber chair…and I’ll tell you, that took some getting used to. I’m sure there are some quirks in this update. Michael added with some pain in his voice.

Tiah! Tirana snapped.

Content that his wishes were understood, Michael and Michelle stepped out of the coaster toward their quarters. Later! and the doors closed behind them.

The decks that housed the living quarters were absent the artistic collage that the rest of the station boasted. There were no combat operations painted on the wall, no starships in battle, or weapons garnished. The coloring was lighter and livelier…more of an off white pastel coloring. Psychologically, it helped shake off the strain of work, and stripped the darkness of space from the soul.

To Michael, it meant he was closer to seeing his seven-year-old son, Edward Samuel Genesis, who they named after his first Centurion of Operations and confidant, Eduardo Sanchez. Eduardo died in the great battle of the First Universal War with the Kulusks nine universal years ago, and both Michael and Michelle thought naming their son after him was the greatest way to honor his memory.

Michael and Michelle entered their quarters just in time to see Eddie race across the room. Eddie was heading to his grandfather, but the door opening caught his attention and he stopped in mid-stride. He whipped his head around to see who had entered. He sported hazel eyes and dark auburn hair like all of the Osguards. His face was a miniature copy of his grandfather’s, Michael’s father, Parker Genesis. Michael always felt a pinch of jealousy that his son did not come out like a carbon copy of him, but in reality, his oldest daughter Sharyla did favor him the most, which lessen the sting a bit.

Eddie’s eyes widened and a huge smile flashed on his face. With a wide receivers speed and timing, Eddie turned on a dime and ran straight to them screaming, Mommy…Daddy, you’re home! With ape like agility he leaped up between them, falling into the warmth of their arms, followed by kisses and tears of a joyous reunion.

***

Sharyla Genesis, Michael’s oldest daughter, sat at her desk onboard Searcy Capitol Station. She had grown into a beautiful young woman with the slim physique of a model. Her shoulder length curly auburn hair was almost crimson in color. She wore it loosely over her forehead, which brilliantly accented her hazel eyes and slender eyebrows. Her copper tone skin was radiant. She projected an air of regal authority.

She took a deep breath and thought she could smell the paint drying. The station was so new. Recently built as part of her father’s expansion plan, Searcy Capitol Station was now the seat of power of the newly admitted Searcy Galaxy, some two point two million light years from Millmum Capitol Station…a place she considered home for the first eighteen years of her life. Now Sharyla was the twenty-three-year-old Osguard of Searcy Galaxy, Osguard One Hundred and Twenty-One. She was the first second generation Osguard to be installed, her sister Kashara was the second.

As Michael’s daughters, much was expected of them, especially from her as the oldest. This was a mantle she did not want, but proudly accepted. Since her graduation from USSTAP Academy and her internship with her Uncle Shawn, she had grown into the reality of being an Osguard. Now she was responsible for over sixty-five thousand light years of space, containing two hundred inhabitant planets. Constant diplomacy and attention was the order of the day to keep the new members of USSTAP happy.

As she blew out a mighty cleansing huff, her door chime rang. Right on time, she murmured. She straightened her uniform jacket; tussled with the ARIT flimsies on her desk and then responded, Enter.

The diamond shaped door swooshed open revealing the large frame of the Chief Ambassador of Searcy Galactic Congress, Rotarian from Ogeaca. The Ogeacans were hairless and dark in coloring. Rotarian was no exception. The missing eyebrows were a little disconcerting to Sharyla, but after two months she was adjusting.

Madam Osguard, Rotarian said in his best Chaktun.

Just Osguard, Chief Ambassador Rotarian, she responded in the politest tone she could muster, hiding her irritation of constantly correcting him on this subject every time they met.

Of course, Rotarian squealed back as he entered her office.

What can I do for you, Chief Ambassador Rotarian, she pushed.

Rotarian moved to the seat opposite Sharyla and sat down with force.

Sharyla imagined the chair screaming underneath the enormous weight, and cracked a small smile.

Madam Osguard, he roared, I thought it my duty to bring to your attention the ramblings of the Congress.

Sharyla cringed, but kept her diplomatic smile.

After a pregnant pause, Rotarian continued, Several planets want to leave the association.

Oh! Sharyla whispered. How many is several?"

Eight, I believe at last count.

Did the representatives give a reason?

Yes, Madam Osguard they did.

His tone told Sharyla he was proud of this information knife he was twisting in her gut.

They feel they have been duped, he explained.

Sharyla remained quiet, not showing that he had hit a nerve.

They feel like they have fallen prey to your father’s empire building.

Sharyla wanted to scream. Empire building…what the hell do you mean by empire building? But she elected to remain silent and let Rotarian play all his cards.

Rotarian cleared his throat; showing annoyance that hadn’t gotten a reaction from Sharyla. After another uncomfortable pause, he continued, When USSTAP invited us into the association; it seemed like a stroke of luck. USSTAP offered this great pact, sharing information, technology and mutual defense, giving our governments the much needed opportunity to concentrate on its people; giving our governments the economic freedom to develop and grow…all for a measly ten percent of the trading profits that transverse the gate portal system.

That’s right, Sharyla responded. It was an offer…one that the worlds of your galaxy gladly accepted and one that they can freely walk away from with no obligation from either party for the next five universal years. But how is this related to empire building?

After the war with the Tuits, your father began his quest for expansion in this galactic cluster. Prior to that, USSTAP had sixty galaxies under their sphere of influence, thirty that were indoctrinated under your father’s watch. Since then, seventy-five new galaxies and dozens of satellite galaxies have joined USSTAP in the last eight universal years, including the Searcy galaxy, bringing USSTAP’s strength to over one hundred and thirty five galaxies.

He leaned over and resumed speaking, this time with a more diplomatic tone. Additionally, the Osguard family expanded to over one hundred and twenty-six with the finding of the Ancestral Matriarchs’ adopted lineage and lost lineage of Earth. And the First Osguard, like a dictator, has placed each and every one of the Osguards as the leader of each of the galaxies instead of appointing citizens from those galaxies.

All which was part of the package, Sharyla insisted.

Yes, it was understood that way, he testified. But now you are in negotiations with the former galactic star clusters of the Tuit Empire and others who what to shamefully model their new regime after USSTAP.

That’s right…model, not join, Sharyla reminded Rotarian.

What do you call the Guardian Supreme Council? he quipped.

Sharyla paused for a second, realizing she wasn’t going to win this debate, but knew she had to engage in it anyway. The Guardian Supreme Council is the organizational body where all the Osguards and our counterparts in the five other galactic clusters meet to discuss the events and issues common to all, including trade agreements between the clusters. She leaned back in her chair, watching for Rotarian’s facial expression as she spoke. Besides, every galaxy, including this one has four representatives in the Universal Conclave.

That’s not the point, Rotarian countered. The point is…the Guardian Supreme Council gives the appearance that USSTAP is running things, especially if your father is appointed as the head of the Guardian Supreme Council. Rotarian leaned back and shifted in his seat, crossed his legs and clasped his hands together in front of him. What will that make it, seven hundred…eight hundred some odd galaxies he will have influence over? I call that empire building!

Sharyla smiled and shook her head with the polite tone of a diplomat, First of all, Chief Ambassador Rotarian, I don’t see what that has to do with planets in this galaxy requesting to severe with the association. Second, my father is not interested in the office. Third, being a member of the association does not delete a government’s sovereignty. And finally, there are some eight hundred planetary and ten galactic governments in Rojam Os, our own galactic cluster, that aren’t a member of the association and we seem to coexist with no trouble. If planets from this galaxy, or if the entire galaxy, wants to secede from our pact, I will not stand in the way. I just hope it is for a real reason and not some imaginary excuse in which I dare say you may have given life to.

A frown appeared on Rotarian’s face, What do you mean by that?

Sharyla stood, slipped from behind her desk and moved toward the door, It is no secret that the Ogeacan government is upset that their nominee wasn’t selected to be one of the four representatives to the Universal Conclave. And I suspect the planets discussing secession are members or former members of the Ogeacan Republic.

Rotarian huffed in disgust as he stood. His eyes betrayed his culpability in her statement. You’re very perceptive, Osguard, he admitted.

If the Ogeacan government wants to leave, then so be it, she snapped.

After a few seconds of contemplation, Rotarian formed the words Sharyla knew he wanted to say when he first came in. If the Ogeacan government doesn’t have a voice in the new organization of galactic clusters, we will leave USSTAP.

That’s too bad, Chief Ambassador, I wish you the best of luck. I will not hesitate to sign your requests for secession when you present them. Just remember, the trading and economic ties you have formed with other galaxies and the two you have formed with governments in the Tuit and Gigantur Galactic Star Clusters will be hard to execute without gate portal travel. But, the Ogeacans are an ingenious bunch, I’m sure you will figure out a way. Sharyla moved to open the door. Good day, Chief Ambassador."

Rotarian paused for a moment, staring into her eyes. She knew he was looking for a sign…something to signify she was bluffing. But she stood strong and resolved, because she wasn’t bluffing.

Rotarian grunted, shook his head in disgust and as he walked past her and out the door, he murmured, You’ll be sorry, Madam Osguard. You’ll be sorry.

***

One point three million light years away, on McNor Capitol Station, Kashara Genesis was sparing with Chief Ambassador of McNor, Castille Ettuma in the training room. Both ladies exhibited the grace and speed of gazelles, while maintaining the ferocity of lions on the prowl. Kashara was half a shade darker than her sister, Sharyla. She had broad shoulders, muscular arms and the toned legs of a swimmer’s physique. She sported her short cropped auburn hair and hazel eyes like a badge identifying her as an Osguard. Ettuma had bluish gray skin. Her silky black hair was tied back in a pony tail and her eyes were like black coal which matched her black lips. She was slinky, but toned with long arms and long legs.

They were practicing the fighting technique from Ettuma’s home planet of Shellamna called Kiruta. Kashara fell in love with the fighting skill when she took over as the Osguard for McNor Galaxy two months ago from Vanguard Husoma. Ettuma, who was a ninth degree master at the form agreed to teach her. Although, they were still at level one, Kashara was advancing through the lessons at a very fast clip. Kashara had already mastered Sixana fighting form from Chaktun, which allowed her to meld and fold her abilities into Kiruta.

Sweat glistened on her face as Kashara pushed and swiped her blows toward Ettuma. Ettuma slipped, ducked and blocked Kashara’s attack, accept for one blow. A backhand slap caught Ettuma in the throat, knocking her off balance. She quickly screamed, Halt!

Kashara stopped in midstream of delivering an elbow to the jaw and backed away. Are you okay, she asked.

Yes, I’m quite okay, Ettuma winced. That was a pretty good shot…unexpected I might add. It isn’t a move I taught you.

No, it isn’t.

It isn’t Sixana either, is it?

No, it isn’t, Kashara admitted. "It is something I picked up from a movie I saw on Earth some years back. It is a move from a fighting form called Krav Maga. It’s an Israeli Self-Defense technique. It is quite effective.

Do you know this Krav Maga?

I know some moves, but I wasn’t trained in it. I just picked some of the moves up watching movies.

I see, Ettuma pushed with some uneasiness. Do you think I could see some of these movies? I would like to judge this form for myself.

Kashara glanced at the time piece on the wall. Sure, I have some movies and a DVD player in my room. Just let me know when. But for now, I have to end our session and get ready for Unity.

Fine, I will call you when you are back. But before you leave, can I speak to you about something.

Sure Castille, what can I do for you? Kashara offered as she walked to the side chair. She picked up a towel and wiped the sweat off her face. Ettuma followed, grabbing the other towel.

McNor is relatively new to the association, Ettuma started. As you know, we’ve only been part USSTAP for four universal years.

Kashara nodded.

Well this unification with the former Tuit Consortium is quite exciting to us, but also a little bit frightening.

To me too, Kashara interjected.

Well anyway, word is coming to us that some of the association members are against this and are threatening to leave the association.

Yeah, there are a few planets that feel this unification is an error in judgment, Kashara acknowledged. But they are wrong. This unification is needed to keep peace among the stars.

I couldn’t agree with you more. That’s why I just want to assure you that all the members from this Galaxy are behind this endeavor. However… The pause was deafening. …we are worried about exactly what type of vision USSTAP is building.

What do you mean? Kashara threw her