Darkworld: Earth

2.46.

The shuttle landed on the tarmac which was designed for passenger jets, not interstellar transports, but the result was much the same. It hovered into the parking space where it had been assigned before gently setting itself down.

The press had been informed of the arrival, and they, along with the military, were there to greet him.

Eolai stepped out of the shuttle wearing a formal Yonohoan attire. Baggy pants of blue and crimson, with a yellow shirt that was tight enough to show off his physique and a violet jacket which was open in the front. On his head, he continued to wear his communication device on his ear, but he also wore colorful ribbons in his hair.

To Earthling sensibilities, it looked ridiculous.

To the Yonohoans, it showed that he was serious about his visit here, to display himself in such regalia.

Not that there were many Yonohoans around to comment, except for those who were quietly watching the news in orbit. Very few had been invited down to the planet’s surface so far due to various concerns. The few that had been invited were occupied in their professional activities.

The military escort held the reporters back, but at Eolai’s insistent he walked up to the group and allowed them to stick their microphones and cameras in his face.

He was enjoying the experience immensely.

“For the record, I choose to identify myself and my purpose in visiting this planet, called Earth by her children, third rock from the sun,” Eolai spoke clearly in English. “I am Eolai of the Yonohoah. I was born to be the Last Son of Eodar, but this honor and burden may fall from my shoulder with the naming of my brother, Sergeant Diego Cruz of Earth and other circumstances which I cannot detail at this time. Regardless, I have pledged myself as a friend of the people of Earth.”

The reporters began shouting questions over top of each other. Eolai calmly watched with amusement until Major Mary Phillip stepped forward.

“Okay, since I guess we’re doing this now, then let’s do this right. One question at a time, or else we’ll call it here and move on with the agenda,” she threatened, which got them to calm down somewhat. “You there, from CNN. Ask your question.”

“It has been well established that the ship you come into the solar system on is the flagship of the defense fleet of the Planet Totola. Why is it that you did not participate in the defense of Earth against the Rosantean invaders?” she demanded.

“I did participate. As per the agreement with the generals in charge of the defense of Earth, I took upon myself the role of a neutral observer, and an advisor as to the interstellar politics involved in the situation. Please remember that Earth refused the offer of becoming a protectorate of the Yonohoan people. I wish that I could have done more to save the lives of those brave men and women of the ESF, but ‘my hands were tied,’” Eolai said, expressing a helpless sadness. “Rest assured that should the Earth itself have been in danger, I would have taken drastic action to put the battle to a swift end.”

“Next question. You,” Mary said, pointing.

“How will the Yonohoan people respond to the Rosantean acts of aggression against Earth?”

“Unfortunately that remains to be decided,” Eolai admitted. “We have already denounced their actions and attempts at slandering the honor of your people with blatant lies. We are presently waging a war of public opinion on the intergalactic scale on your behalf. Unfortunately the amount of material aid we can provide is limited by our own laws and customs regarding emerging societies and cultures which are still being examined. As in so many things, I wish I could do more, but I am presently doing everything that I can.”

“What do you have to say about the arrival of the Yukopans?” was the next question.

“I strongly encourage Earth to accept their unconditional surrender. I strongly suggest that they incorporate their fleet and their soldiers into their own force. I hope that the people of Earth accept the Yukopans into their society and become as close to them as the Yonohoans are to our dear friends the Topokans.”

“What is the stance of the Yonohoan people on the controversy regarding John Doe slash Hastern, the alien infiltrator?” was the next question.

“He is a hero to his people and I approve of the treatment that he has received on Earth. I have been following his circumstances closely and the tolerance and understanding that has been shown has relieved a deep pain in my heart. I have a personal connection to the one that you are calling John Doe. He once ripped off my arm, but I have forgiven him for that action. He was very confused at the time,” Eolai said.

The question and answer session lasted for some time. Eventually Mary declared that they were out of time and ushered Eolai into the limousine waiting for him. The motorcade proceeded towards the UN building, where Eolai gave a speech covering many of the points that he had just been asked about and pledging his unwavering support for the people of Earth.

Satisfied that the public appearances were covered for some time, he was brought to a more secure location to discuss matters with those responsible for making decisions which would affect the destiny of Earth.

~~~~~

In the darkness between stars, the ancient gears of war turned. A signal had been received on a monitored network from a repeater that had been silent for millennia. A signal containing secure codes from the ancient past.

The homeworld may have been located. Time was of the essence.

The automated mechanisms followed their protocol. Weapons were made. Spacecraft great and small were manufactured. They were filled with all weapons great and small.

Most deadly of all was the human element. Soldiers who had sworn themselves to service and walked into the light, voluntarily allowing their imprint to be harvested so that they may serve humanity in death. They were printed not one by one. Not ten by ten. But by the thousands.

Infantry. Pilots. Engineers. Marines. Officers. Commanders.

Scouts.

It encountered errors; many of the imprints that it reached for were deleted or under lockout. The thinking machines responsible for the actions that were underway resolved the errors by searching for suitable replacements of the unavailable human elements.

Many of the human elements awoke with surprise and confusion, but quickly oriented themselves and presented themselves for their briefing. When she was informed that she had overall command, the High-Inquisitor was first shocked, and then humbled by the implication of the trust her people had placed in her based on the actions of her other selves.

Their destination was nearby, and time was of the essence.

The swarm assembled itself.

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