1927: Tau Past, #8

By Richard R Lockwood

Admiral Kosciusko orders the creation of the Tau Senate to provide a bridge between the Fleet and Earth. Sedene Komba is appointed Senator for the warmoon Alaska. The Senate takes possession of a full size pyramid in Cuba for its work. Andrew Green and other time travelers make appearances. Boris sends a message to his exiled friend Lothar von Richthofen. Admiral Kosciusko decides it's time to get serious about sending missions to other timelines and directs his Time Scientists to provide better control. Tatiana Antonenko becomes a hero after a brutal attack on Longguo. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard R Lockwood
• Release date: Oct 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215452325

Richard R Lockwood

Was born in Miami FL. Worked for the University of Florida until I retired. Been married to the lovely Cecelia for 40 years now, proof that I'm a lucky guy. Now living on the Nature Coast in Citrus County. Enjoy all kind of wildlife, especially reptiles and insects, so I'm pretty sure I'm in the right place. When I'm not writing I enjoy wood carving. Both of the heads beside me in the picture are cedar from the Chassahowitzka Forrest. I also love to walk my dog Bark Anthony. Probably need to go do that now. A Chronology of the Twins Alternate Universe novels and some thoughts and rationales - https://www.ricklockwood.net/Chronology.html My Books on Books 2 Read - https://books2read.com/ap/RaZ9Br/Richard-R-Lockwood  

Book preview

Table of Contents

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Postscript

Tau Past 8 - 1927

1

On the north shore of the island of Cuba, in a long winding sparkling blue and green inlet that stretched parallel to the coast for over 200 kilometers, protected by barrier islands and situated in a section known as Bahia de Perros, or the Bay of Dogs, rose a massive pyramid. Silver walls were separated by 55 sea blue floors just slightly darker than the bay, and a small aerial armada of construction workers using balloons and lifting barges were applying finishing touches and moving in equipment from the five automated  factories on the shore nearby. Sea craft were also visiting the massive structure through large openings in its base, although this traffic was much less and seemed to be mostly a few fishermen or pleasure boats.

One man on an airboard, a big black African in black Tau Fleet utilities, sat on his ankles and watched the activity from a kilometer up and away, but still could not fight the impression that he was too close to the massive structure. Does the Admiral want us to feel small? Or is it just the same as the rest of the universe, and it’s only other people that make me feel big?

Deciding that it was a pointless question, and almost feeling surprised with himself for even having such thoughts, Sedene Komba dismissed them and began a more sensible inspection, relating what he saw to what his Captain had told him an hour ago. The top floor was for entertainment and relaxing; a large restaurant took up most of one quarter. Workers were laying out the gardens and trees that would shade the walkways and fountains separating the restaurant from tennis courts and pools. As usual with a pyramid’s construction, the top floor was finished last, and he knew that beneath it the actual Senate chamber was nearly complete with the plush carpeting and mahogany paneling to be expected in the headquarters of the world’s richest company. Luxurious offices for each Senator surrounded the chamber, 16 on each of the four sides of the pyramid. Some had already been assigned and Sedene had only glanced at his office on the east side before taking to his board to get some distance and perspective back. Below the office level were the apartments, 64 on the floor immediately below for Senators, and 88 on the floor below that for future Senate employees or guests. Below those levels began the offices and apartments for the Tau Stellar executives and supervisors, mostly empty as they waited for their inhabitants to move in from other locations. The top ten floors had been reserved for Tau Stellar and Senate purposes, below that some of the apartments and business spaces were beginning to fill up with occupants, all hoping that proximity to the Senate would be an asset. Sedene had heard that many of the units had already been resold at auctions for double their price of a few weeks ago, and Tau Stellar property management was raising prices daily for the remaining units.

According to the Admiral’s charter for the Senate it would be responsible for setting goals and directions and for supervising the Board of Directors for the company. In four days the Senate would have complete control, and could fire anyone it wished, even the long time President of Tau Stellar, Carl Gewirtz. Of course, the Admiral had advised, such a move had better be justified; Senators were there to make sure the company made money and helped the Fleet, not throw their power around and feed their own egos. Sedene had enough experience with French officers who liked to do just that and assured his Captain he had nothing to worry about.

Do I look worried? Kosakov had replied, and Komba had to admit that the anxiety was all on his own side. Being a Marine, and fighting the Tau’s enemies, seemed easier than this every time he thought about it. But then his natural self confidence would swing the pendulum of his thoughts back, and he would remember how he felt when he first began training for the French Tirailleurs, a scared inexperienced boy. Perhaps this would be no different.

He spent a moment regretting the Admiral’s decision to give this pyramid to Tau Stellar instead of holding the Senate sessions in various locations; he had been hoping for a good reason to visit Shanjing again, but then his thoughts were interrupted by another airboarder, dropping down from the sky and approaching, sending a lace message before him, *Doesn’t it look like an ant’s nest? And why the Admiral decided to put the Senate in the middle of all this useless water... Officers!*

*Officers do strange things,* Sedene agreed, *Commander.*

Tasunke, the other man said as he settled alongside Sedene and held out his hand, the Senator from Longguo, and according to the Senate charter, rank doesn’t matter in sight of this thing.

"Sedene, Senator from Alaska."

Tasunke let out a belly laugh, That damn Coyote gets around! I thought I was out of place, a redskin representing the Chinese Kingdom of Longguo. But you? Hah! Representing the Great White North? Do you wrestle?

2

Having decided to inspect the exercise facilities both men drew closer to the top floor of the structure and passed the challenge of one of the security teams floating around like butterflies. They stepped off their boards and sent them back to their cruisers hovering at the Senatorial parking space a kilometer above, then began walking along and around the construction on the way to the gym.

You know that I represent the biggest and most powerful ship in the fleet, not a land of ice and snow?

How about a beer first? Then we’ll have something to work off.

Having become friends in his life with many men who at first seemed strange, Sedene agreed. So, how did you get picked? The Queen?

Does it matter? People get tired of my jokes and find me something to do, that’s how I became a Commander. What about you?

No one ever tires of my jokes.

Hah! I meant, how did you get picked?

They had arrived at the restaurant and walked inside. Why so big? asked Sedene, saving Tasunke’s question for later. I think there are not even 40 of us so far.

I don’t think the Admiral likes small things. Looks like the bar is over here and someone is drinking our beer.

The restaurant was still under construction but management had set up the bar alongside one set of windows overlooking the bay. A bartender was serving two men, also dressed in Tau utilities. One man seemed to be unhappy about something but when he saw Sedene and Tasunke he stopped and brightened up. "Alright! Do we have a quorum yet? Kaspar Hagar, from Ares, and this, he indicated his companion, is Ed McLernand, the Fleet Admiral’s own Senator."

After they introduced themselves Kaspar continued, I was just trying to get some information from him about von Richthofen. Can you believe that whole story? We don’t think much of it in Asgard.

Why not? asked Sedene, I’ve met Captain von Richthofen many times, his plans were always surprising.

Hagar’s eyes narrowed at this new source of contention. In the middle of a military operation? Without saying anything to anyone except Admiral Kosciusko? It just smells funny.

Sedene shrugged it off, "Knowing the Captain, he is probably the king of somewhere by now, and the Gugudun were beaten as soon as Alaska arrived."

Hagar was obviously skeptical and tried a different tack, Your Captain and I used to be squadmates. He and von Richthofen were friends, is that what he thinks?

I will ask him, but Captain von Richthofen was my friend as well. Tasunke had ignored the argument and ordered two beers, he now passed one to Sedene. Thank you, my new friend.

I try to help my friends when they’re in trouble... Hagar continued but could tell by the sudden frown on the big man’s face that he was on another wrong tack. Are you alright with the Admiral having the power to do whatever he wants to any of us?

McLernand decided to get back in the argument, One, we don’t know if that, or something else, happened. And two, he’s the Admiral, if you don’t like him having that power, resign.

Just when we’re about to get God knows how much money? Do I look like a fool? Alright, I can see by the looks I’m getting maybe I sound like one. I know there’s nothing we can do about it. He raised his glass, apparently deciding to move on, The Fleet!

His fellow senators raised their glasses and echoed him.

You’re the Admiral’s Senator? asked Tasunke, You must know why he put us here.

I think we would have gotten whatever pyramid he was building when he made the announcement, but I think it’s a good choice. If he put us in Cancun or Miami we might come under pressure from the Mexicans or the US. Here, we can just shrug it off. We’ll be putting a billion dollars a year into the Cuban economy, they’ll be happy.

Senegal could use a billion dollars a year, commented Sedene, then sipped his beer.

"Half the marines on Ares are African, put in Hagar. They send home a lot of money, and most of their families are living in new apartments in Dakar, courtesy of Captain von Richthofen."

We’re here to make the Cubans happy? persisted Tasunke.

I think the Admiral is also worried that organized crime might be taking over the island.

The lion roars, the hyenas scurry, said Sedene, raising his glass, but then, thinking better of toasting the lions, just took another sip.

How is Smith doing? McLernand asked Tasunke. We served together in Montana, I bet he loves that whole Prince Regent crap.

The Lakota shrugged, He seems happy. The Queen worries more about little Billy and doesn’t make Smith dress up too often.

That’s right, he managed to produce a prince, didn’t he? Good for him!

Are you also here scouting, Ed?

No, I’m in charge of Taumid security. The Admiral wants me to make sure everything here in the Senmid is up to the same standard. He’s already worried about his little Senators, he looked at Sedene, and the big ones. So, a scouting trip? Have you seen your offices yet? And the apartments are nice too. Of course, if you lose your appointment, out! and he yanked his thumb to emphasize.

As long as it’s after that first paycheck, said Hagar, it won’t matter. I’ll just buy myself a little castle on the Rhine and miss the heat here.

Their conversation was interrupted by a small commotion as an Asian man walked through the restaurant towards the bar, followed by two beautiful women. Sedene had met enough Gurkhas to recognize one, even in sharp civilian clothes.

Here comes Earth, said McLernand.

The man announced himself as Gorbu Tensing, Senator for Earth. This, he indicated one of the women with him, is Amitaba, my 2nd wife, and Ana, my 3rd. They’ll be my secretaries; I thought I would save money and provide a good example to my fellow senators.

An excellent example, agreed Hagar. Do they have sisters?

They are sisters. You are...?

Kaspar Hagar, for Ares.

I can sign you up for a cousin, you could be married next week.

I’m going to be busy next week, let me think about it.

Ah, well, I was hoping my fellow senators were going to be more action and less talk.

Sorry to disappoint you, replied Hagar, but we are grateful.

Oh? for what?

All this money you’re saving. My friends and I can share it. Hagar waved his arms to include his fellow beer drinkers.

Sedene thought that Tensing might be fighting to hold back a smile as he looked at Hager.

Good, we’re all friends here. He nodded a farewell and left with his wives.

Hagar watched them go with the others, then commented, I have a sudden urge to hire a secretary.

Waste of time, commented McLernand. Senate actually convenes in four days, head to Havana and get it out of your system, plenty of hot ladies there to help you. Once we’re in business, we’ll probably just appoint an executive committee and go back to our other jobs.

Is that what the Admiral expects? asked Tasunke. McLernand nodded and the Lakota continued, Then why bother? Is it just a show of democracy? A ghost of self government to parade before the world?

McLernand leaned back on his barstool and took a drink before he replied, When you build a house, is your plan on paper a ghost?

Sedene snorted and said, The Admiral is planting a seed, my friend. A little nut that will sprout a little tree, and our children will play in its shade.

Shit, you mean the white man is going to turn me into a Founding Father?

Poor Horse! laughed McLernand.

Hagar clapped him on the shoulder, Havana sounds like a good idea, want to try it out with me? I bet you’ll feel better pretty quick.

The Lakota seemed to consider it for a moment, then shook his head, I don’t want some reporter to see me having fun, the Queen will see another drunken redman on the news, and I’ll have to find a real job.

Want to try some fishing here? offered Sedene, you might enjoy the view more if you were eating something good from it.

There’s a yacht club in the bottom section of the pyramid, offered McLernand, a dozen fishing barges are there now, reserved for Senate use. The Admiral has them stocked with all the equipment you might need.

Spears?

Everything. Fishing rods and lures, nets, diving equipment, spears and spearguns, I think they even have a selection of big straw hats.

Hmm, well, as a scout it might be good to know what food is available here, since the restaurant seems unfinished.

It’s mostly finished, said McLernand. They’re working on the decorations and cleaning it up. I’m sure they’d be happy to cook whatever you catch.

Tasunke still looked a little dubious, but then he looked at Sedene and brightened, Alright we’ll go fishing. I can understand if you’re reluctant to wrestle me.

True, said Sedene, placing his empty beer glass on the counter and standing up, I don’t like to hurt new friends.

Hah! Tasunke said as they headed for the exit, I know some tricks, you may be a foot taller, but I bet I could make you holler.

Sedene laughed, clapped him on the back and said, Help!

3

Four days later Sedene saw why the restaurant was so large. In addition to the Senators and their guests and high ranking employees of Tau Stellar, it was filled with reporters, government officials, and well connected businessmen, both hoping to meet with a senator and profit from the encounter. For now dozens of blue uniformed security officers kept order and the prospect of being ejected or worse kept the visitors polite. Sedene wondered if the fact that the Cuban government would never care if someone disappeared from here had been a factor in the Admiral’s decision, but then he decided that the Admiral had never been shy about making people disappear; it was probably just a bonus. And we have that power now. Who would stop me if I tell the Sergeant at Arms to drop a reporter into the Caribbean?

He was sitting at a table with the Duke and Duchess Kosakov, and Tasunke and a young lady he had introduced as his granddaughter Patricia. The Duchess and Countess Kosakov had taken all of them shopping in Paris two days ago and everyone was now looking good even if the males were a bit uncomfortable in the latest French menswear.

The Countess sat at the table next to them with McLernand and two of her children, Nickolai and Rebecca, all looking fresh faced and proper, just as royalty was supposed to look. An empty seat at their table had just a moment ago held Admiral Kosciusko. He was now making his way up to the podium at the head of the room, saying hello and nodding to acquaintances as he passed by their tables.

*I thought the Admiral had lots of brats?* sent Tasunke.

*He makes them compete,* sent back Sedene. *Only the smartest get to go out in public with him.*

He looked over at Tensing’s table and was disappointed to notice the absence of his sponsor, the Home Fleet Admiral. Well, she was probably somewhere making sure no alien surprises disturbed them.

His Captain, Duke Boris Kosakov, had sought out Kaspar Hagar as soon as he arrived, then after a few words of greeting went silent and continued their conversation by lace. Hagar and several other Senators presided at tables filled with female guests. Sedene supposed their home units and commanders would not mind seeing such pleasant looking company on the news. The Senator from the Bee Hive was a woman, no surprise there, as was the Senator from New Gaul, and Yan Zhu, the Duke’s former assistant squad leader, now a wing leader on Freya, was that carrier’s Senator.

What was a surprise was the Senator from Demeter, a Leepa named Grenietz who claimed some kind of collateral relationship with Flitz. Sedene had spent time with the grasshoppers but had never been able to get their family structures straight; he thought a lot of them were probably now claiming a relationship with the first Governor of Demeter.

The Admiral clearing his throat brought his thoughts back to focus on him. Not a large or small man, his light brown hair was cropped close, perhaps his only real distinguishing physical feature was his blue eyes; that and the fact that he dominated any room where he was, his personal power seeming to radiate off of him in waves. He was dressed in whites today, the only adornment his three gold suns on each shoulder.

Ladies and Gentlemen, he began, "I’d like to welcome you