House of Division

One night, years ago, in the Trinic-Vortanian Galaxy’s, “Hall of The High Decision,” the applause of a great delegation can be heard as representatives from around the galaxy have gathered for a momentous but controversial occasion. As the applause eventually subsides, a figure who is standing in a black robe, standing in a purple light begins to speak, while the delegation gives attention with almost perfect silence.

“The First Council of the Central Nebula has gathered here in the Hall of the High Decision,” the speaker says, “in order to discuss the possible entrance of the planet Earth into the Council. The reason for this consideration is that Earth, a world of isolated civilization which, as you all know, was the location of a covert war between our own combined forces and those of our great enemy, “The Rainers,” until just a short time ago, is located in the most obscure part of this galaxy - more specifically, the Jorganic System. This is a section of our galaxy, which the Earthlings know as the “Milky Way,” that has been the focus of a possible new territorial branching for some time - a focus that prompted The Rainers to attack Earth in the first place. Do we have any objections to this consideration?”

Just then, a light appears over one of the delegates. “The delegate from Tansor wishes to make a statement,” the speaker says. Immediately, the Tansorian delegate stands up and begins to speak. “Honorable Speaker, there are no objections here to the consideration. Our Council proudly utilizes the guidelines of the Lindire Document in considering each and every prospect that involves the Council without prejudice or ulterior motive. However, while many of us agree that offering membership to the people of Earth would be a positive thing to do, there is a certain concern about the offer itself being made.” “Which is why we’ve gathered here on this day,” the speaker replies. “Yes, Speaker,” the Tansorian delegate says. Just then, the Tansorian delegate sits back down, and the light above it disappears.

Immediately after, another delegate stands, with another light appearing above it as it speaks. “The delegate from Ridonis wishes to make a statement,” the Speaker says. The Ridoni speaker begins. “Honorable Speaker, it has been determined that Earth’s acceptance into the Council would be highly beneficial to that entire planet; especially the dominant human civilization, which is of course, similar to the civilizations here in the delegation. These benefits would include access to vast interstellar resources, as well as cures and remedies for virtually every type of health issue known to the various forms of life that in live on that world.” At that moment, another, darker light appears above yet another delegate. “The delegate from Sabosha wishes to make a statement of opposition to the Ridoni statement,” the Speaker announces.

“Honorable speaker,” the Saboshan delegate begins as the Ridoni delegate sits down, with its light disappearing, “there are those of us in the Council who are unsure if accepting Earth is a wise idea. The reason for this is because, as you briefly mentioned a few moments ago, for sixteen of the past eighteen Earth years, The Rainers were able to try and stop the growth of this delegation by secretly creating desperation through a major economic crisis on Earth, followed by a global conflict that the Earthlings call, “World War II,” which turned the Earthlings against each other to such a degree that a considerable percentage of that world’s population was lost. And while the sides and causes of this conflict have been made clear and understandable, the overall question is, knowing the Earthlings’ history, whether or not they only use force accordingly.” Just then, after a momentary pause from the Saboshan delegate, the Speaker’s light changes, prompting the Saboshan delegate to sit down, with its light disappearing as it gives the floor to the Speaker.

“Since the delegates who have just addressed the Council are representative officers of the Council,” the Speaker begins, “I trust that the views expressed on this issue are the only views being considered here today. Are there any objections to this determination?” After a pause from the Council, the Tansorian delegate stands in its light again. “No objections, Speaker.” It then sits back down as the Speaker addresses the Delegation once again. “In this case, a majority decision will be reached.” At that moment, the lights go out in the Hall. After a few moments, a light illuminates one section. After another moment, a slightly darker light illuminates the next section. Finally, after yet another moment, a light matching that above the first section illuminates the final section. After one more moment, the lights go out again. Suddenly, following one last moment, the Speaker’s light goes on. “I speak the sacred words of the ancient decision,” the Speaker says after a momentary pause “The journey is completed, and the moments have set upon the Elders of the delegation. We, the servants of the Emperor’s Hand, do issue this decree, that all may know the place of the High Council.” The crowd, still silent, waits on word of the decision. Suddenly, a bright light shines around the speaker, illuminating the Hall, and as the crowd suddenly roars in a collective combination of anger and approval, the Speaker disappears abruptly.

A short while later, on the third level of the Gillion Transmitter Dome Station, two figures step out onto the platform, one obviously of a professional military-type field, and the other, seemingly a pilot of some kind, dressed entirely in a black, but fitted, uniform. By the looks on their white faces and by the changing of the colored lights around them from blue to red, it’s clear that they’re engaged in a serious conversation.

“Your escorts will be joining you shortly,” the officer says, holding out its’ hand toward the pilot, with what seems to be a small piece of iron with a symbol located right in the center of it. “You must use caution when you make this journey because Earth is still a relatively primitive place.” “I remember,” the pilot says, taking and examining the object curiously as it continues to speak to the officer. “In my time there; and especially in seeing how The Rainers were able to infiltrate the many societies that exist on Earth; I learned very clearly the brutal nature of mankind. That was why I decided to come back here after learning of my origins. Going back now, I’m to just get there, deliver the offer, and then return here.” “That’s right,” the officer replies. “Once the offer is delivered, it will enable itself and give its’ message to the Earthlings.” “I understand,” the pilot says. “Now, because this is your first time traveling in the new form,” the officer explains, “I must explain to you how it works. After you have successfully teleported to our station above the planet’s atmosphere, seventy-three different pieces of Charlyne rock will be gravitated together, forming a craft. This craft will then take you and your escorts to the planet’s surface.” “But why can we not teleport straight down?” The pilot asks. “Because, despite its’ experiments, Earth still does not yet operate with the de-molecular technology,” the officer says. “And with teleportation, once you leave point A, you cannot just stop anywhere. You need a specific point B to get to.” “I understand,” the pilot says. “Good,” the officer replies. Just then, the pilot thinks for a moment, then speaks up. “So, this craft will make it through the atmosphere?” “It will,” the officer answers. “It is made of the same material as our crafts you flew on Earth against The Rainers, and also the craft that was sent to bring you here. You must keep in mind however, that it is still an unstable situation you’re going into. As I’m sure you remember, the fighting that the Earthlings did against each other included many battles in the sky, and the craft you’ll be traveling in will be strange to the Earthlings, so you must not allow them to see you before you land and re-establish your former disguise. And remember, If you do not return, that offer will render itself void, and Earth’s invitation to membership in the Council will be disregarded. “I understand,” the pilot replies.

Meanwhile, as the Speaker moves alone down the long, bright corridor between the Hall of The High Decision and the Dome Station, something is seriously on its mind. Just then, a voice gets its attention. “You know the possibility of failure to this mission.” “I know it,” the Speaker replies. “Yet, you continue with the plan,” the voice says. “It’s my place,” the Speaker answers. “But is it your place to condemn one to death who has yet to begin a new life?” The voice asks. The Speaker stops, then looks in the direction of where the voice is coming from. There, just to the right of the Speaker, is what looks like a young being, dressed in all black and wearing a hood. “There is a possibility of danger,” the Speaker says. “Not a guarantee. Besides, even if something was to go wrong, the pilot has lived many experiences.” “Many experiences on Earth,” the figure says. “Not here - not with its’ own people.” “Do not remind me of what plagues my mind,” the Speaker says, showing mild distress. Immediately, the Speaker turns away, but sees the figure again standing on the left side. “But it is your mind that reminds you,” the figure says. “It is my disobedience,” the Speaker says as it turns and begins to walk again. “Is it disobedience to wish for a better future?” the figure asks. “The possibility of a better future is my reason for doing what I do,” the Speaker replies. “But it is a better future for the delegation,” the figure says. “The delegation represents our society,” the Speaker answers. “But it is not the delegation that populates the society,” the figure says. “I know,” the Speaker replies. “It is the young ones,” the figure continues. “I know!” The speaker answers, becoming annoyed. “It is those with promise,” the figure continues still. “I KNOW!” The Speaker shouts. It stops for a moment and again, sees the being standing off to the right. After a slight pause, it continues on, turning a corner. “I know that it’s those like the pilot; the young ones, not the delegation, who are the true future of our society,” the Speaker explains more calmly. “But I did not choose the pilot for this mission. The pilot was sent to Earth early in its’ childhood and raised as an Earthling before I was even in the High Council. It had been selected to lead the chosen Earth pilots in the war against the approaching Rainers - a mission that it was greatly successful at. Having done this, the pilot knows what the risk is in the present situation. Its’ decision to represent us with the offer of membership was a voluntary decision. “But you can stop the pilot from returning there now, even if it is just to make the offer,” the figure says. “You hold influence with the Elders of The Council.” “That I do,” the Speaker says. “And the reason for that is because of the fact that I stand for the good of our society.” “But what of the good of each individual?” The figure asks. “The good of their future? The good of the ones who I represent in your thoughts? What of their life possibilities?” The Speaker stops once more and looks to the right, where the figure is again standing. “Not all beings in this society are meant to bear children,” the Speaker says. “And not all children in this society are meant to be your nieces and nephews,” the figure replies. Dropping the issue, the Speaker ignores the figure and continues down the corridor.

At the Dome Station, the pilot and the officer are still at the platform, preparing for the pilot’s upcoming journey. “This was an uneasy decision for the Council to make, the officer says, “but they ruled in favor of it after squabbling over whether or not the Earthlings tendency to use force is always justified; or if they display an inconsistent form of control in situations where force is used.” “What made them decide to make the offer?” The pilot asks. “The fact that, from the Earthlings’ point of view, the reason for most of the recent conflict was to suppress the efforts of areas of the civilization that had become aggressively hostile with the rest of the world,” the officer explains. “So it’s being seen as a collective effort for the greater good then...” the pilot observes. “It would seem that way,” the officer replies. “But at the same time though, we have seen their history before this situation. And over the years, they have displayed a sort of, hatred for the unknown. Which is why you need to be cautious on this journey.” “I know,” the pilot says.

Just then, the Speaker enters the platform from a central doorway, while the two escorts, dressed in dark uniforms with not even their faces visible, enter onto the platform from opposite sides at the same time. “The rest of your crew has arrived,” the officer says to the pilot, as it looks at the two escorts while they approach. At that moment, the three additional beings come over and greet the officer and pilot. As the two escorts proceed to discuss the upcoming mission with the officer, the Speaker walks up to the pilot. “As I finally get to know you, after all these years - now you’re leaving us once again,” the Speaker says, clearly frustrated. “This makes me uneasy, my brother.” “I understand,” the pilot replies. “But I will return much sooner this time. Besides, feeling uneasy is normal in situations like this.” “Perhaps it is,” the Speaker says. “But this, in itself, is an uneasy situation.” “But also an exciting one, the pilot replies. “The Great Depression and World War II were difficult but socially defining situations for the people of Earth. To look back on them now makes an offer like this - an offer of peace that will benefit all involved - it makes this offer seem like the most worthwhile mission you could accept,” the Speaker says, finishing the pilot’s statement in an understanding but concerned way. The pilot smiles and the Speaker continues. “I understand, my brother. I know that, since you were born, you were destined for great things. And you have done them. But now, upon returning here from this next great mission, you must live. You must live a good life as the hero that you are...unite with your partner and have many, many children.” “It is a happy ending to a wonderful dream,” the pilot says. “It must come true,” the Speaker replies. “You must make it come true, my brother.” Just then, an alarm goes off and the platform shakes. At that moment, as the escorts prepare to go, the officer walks over to the pilot and the Speaker. “Departure time,” the officer says as it extends its’ hand to the pilot. “Safe journey.” “Indeed; safe journey,” the Speaker says As the pilot grabs hands with the officer, then follows with the Speaker a moment later. Finally, as the three crew members head over to the launch pad, the Speaker watches the pilot as it stands on the pad and pauses for a moment. Looking at the escort to the pilot’s left, the Speaker sees for a moment that the escort isn’t standing there, but the figure in the speaker’s thoughts, just staring in its’ direction. Looking away, and toward the right, the Speaker sees that the figure is standing in place of that escort as well, still staring. Suddenly, however, the Speaker’s thoughts are interrupted when the pilot lifts the offer above it’s head. Just then, the Speaker notices that the escorts, not the figure, are standing beside the pilot again; just as a blue light shines over the three of them, accompanied a moment later by a bright light that overtakes them, with the lights and crew members, vanishing into darkness and leaving the officer and the speaker standing alone on the platform. “Sequence initiated, level three,” the officer announces in a strong voice. Just then, a voice confirms the transmission over a loudspeaker. “Confirmed. Level three.” “It has begun,” the officer confirms to the Speaker.

The Speaker stands there for a moment, thinking and uneasy, then tries to reassure itself by speaking up to the officer. “What do you think the chances of success are?” “About seventy-eight percent,” the officer replies. “That’s an optimistic viewpoint,” the Speaker says, feeling a little better. “It is,” the officer replies, “And I believe that the security of the mission has a lot to do with that.” “How so?” The Speaker asks. “The planning has been very specific,” the officer replies. I believe that’s what helped the Council vote in favor of the mission.” It turns to the Speaker. “Good planning can be what truly gives success to an important mission. Everything from the launch procedure to the final landing site.” “Where is the final landing site?” The Speaker asks. “It’s somewhere that the pilot itself suggested,” the officer explains. “A remote spot in the barren land of a place that the Earthlings call “Roswell, New Mexico.”