Chapter 57. Cindy’s past
Otis paced angrily around the apartment, but he still couldn't quite comprehend what had just happened in the council chamber. Even Representative Shan Mo was shocked after the reptilian-turned-snake announced that he was going to destroy the earth, and he expressed his views loudly. At least for him personally, this was considered loud. Lingyu was also indignant at the practice of turning into snakes, and he condemned these actions.
Then, the transformed snake and the insect race Cindy left the parliament. He declared that Creeping Cindy would no longer be a member of the Council and would no longer recognize the Council as a common institution of Cindy.
Thus, nearly a hundred years of efforts to bring Cindy together failed. The doubters prevailed. In fact, many Cindy's are skeptical of the need for unity. The Council did force Cindy to cooperate after a civil war in which her home planet was destroyed. But mostly because of the circumstances, they had no choice. Colonies of various races are scattered across light-years, and the infrastructure is far from being built. The sudden loss of their home planet caused each Sindy race to experience difficult times, sometimes even threatening their survival. Without cooperation between races, all Sindy might become extinct.
Over time, however, the economy prospered and well-being increased again. They no longer depend on each other. As affluence grows, tensions between the Cindy races escalate and tolerance decreases. Then, some prophecies from a time-traveling race are added to the mix, predicting that some unknown alien race in the future, called humans, will destroy Cindy, and that now is the time to prevent that from happening. The message nearly split parliament. Of course, no one wants to be held responsible for incorrect decisions made by the decision-makers at the time. But approaches to preventing this threat vary widely. To decide how to deal with this threat, Cindy had a long and heated debate before finally coming to an agreement.
However, despite their agreement, Cindy the Creeper and the Insectoids are still looking for their own solution. This is the first time that Parliament has been betrayed on such a crucial issue. This, coupled with information asymmetries, led to the collapse of parliament. After that, each race only focused on its own politics and its own interests, and there was no cooperation except for a few trade relationships.
About ten years later, Plant Cindy launched a diplomatic initiative. As the calmest and most diplomatic of the Sindy, they believe it is their duty to reunite the Sindy. Or at least get Cindy back together to negotiate. And contrary to everyone's fears, political opposition was muted. At least within the confines of the consultation, all races except the Creeping Cindy were willing to reactivate the Council. However, Creeping Cindy is opposed to real power. Only Creeping Cindy objected. But since they did not want to be left out and they realized they could not prevent the restoration of Parliament, they eventually sent a representative. However, their views on Parliament have never been concealed, nor do they miss any opportunity to express their views on Parliamentary resolutions.
In this way, Cindy spent nearly a hundred years collaborating. However, now it seems that is all over. Ahead is an unknown future.
Otis's dark thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He stopped and stared at the door as if he had never seen it before. He didn't call in his visitor until he heard a distinctly stronger knock on the door.
Shan Mo, Plant Cindy's representative in the parliament, walked in, followed closely by his deputy. Otis's deputy finally came in and closed the door.
With a gloomy expression, Otis motioned for those present to sit down.
Shan Mo sat down but didn't ask for any drinks. He didn't like these human drinks. He stroked his gray beard thoughtfully with his long fingers, a characteristic of many Cindy Tree residents.
"Have you discovered anything?" Otis urged, getting straight to the point. The member of the plant race announced after the meeting that he intended to save the Assembly. To this end, he will engage in dialogue with all representatives. There may be a chance to save Parliament.
"Unfortunately, we didn't find much," Shan Mo explained in a low voice.
Otis sat back limply in his chair. Although he had expected nothing else, the statement shocked him.
"The Aqua Cindy see no point in continuing to maintain the Council. They feel that today's events just show that the Council is redundant in the first place. So, the conversation ends there. I can imagine that the Aqua Cindy may now retreat to their planet and communicate with the outside world Isolated. Maybe we'll never see them again." He paused, giving the impression that he deeply regretted this. After all, these aquatic creatures are almost unique. Intelligent species capable of surviving alone in water and traveling across the universe are much less likely to exist than terrestrial creatures.
"The Insect Cindy also have no interest in maintaining the Parliament. To them, the Parliament is more of a burden than a benefit. I suspect that, due to their relatively short lifespans, the Parliament is a distant past to them. "
Otis nodded absently. He knew what his colleagues meant. The average life span of insects is less than twelve years. Within a few months of hatching, they grow into adults. For a species with such a short lifespan and such a dense intergenerational connection, a common home, at least in the memory of the group, is much further away than for other species. As a result, they have much less interest in a shared future. Even the Aqua people are no longer interested, although some still remember the two hundred years they spent on the planet Xin, so how can we blame the insects?
"In the end, the snake didn't meet me at all. He just asked me to say something, and he had clearly expressed Cindy's opinion. He had nothing else to say," Shan Mo ended his report. He looked at Otis worriedly.
However, Otis didn't know what to say. The situation was clear, but to him it was more ambiguous than it had ever been in his life. Finally, he said, "Then we can only inform our governments. After that, we can return to our respective planets."
Shan Mo just nodded slightly. Leaving the planet wasn't particularly difficult for him. He never liked this dry and hot place. He prefers lush forests and cool shelters. However, it would have been difficult for him to leave Parliament and give up his dream of a unified Sindi nation. Although he knew very well that even if he moved forward, this dream would take a long time. The progress over the past hundred years has been so slight that if it continues at this rate, it may take thousands more.
"There's one more thing we have to do. We have to destroy Crawling Cindy's weapons," Otis said firmly.
Plant Cindy Shanmo looked at him doubtfully.
"This weapon must not be used. It will destroy humanity," Otis said in a determined tone.
"Don't we have our own problems to deal with? Why should we care about humans?" Shan Mo's voice was filled with confusion.
"Are you willing to commit genocide? Genocide against an innocent ethnic group?"
"What if the creeper is right?" Cindy Shanmo retorted. "What if humans really come to destroy us one day?"
Otis looked at him in surprise. He didn't expect Shan Mo to say such words. "You also saw the historical facts from more than a hundred years ago," he said angrily. "The so-called evidence is fake. If we destroy humanity, we almost destroy ourselves."
"Of course I know," Shan Mo replied calmly. "However, history also records that time-traveling species view humans as a threat and treat us as their minions. We are asked to get our hands dirty. The time-travelers want to build a new empire among us. This means, Ultimately, time travelers will destroy us if humans interfere with them. So that doesn't mean humans don't pose a threat to us."
Otis shook his head in more surprise than fear. "Are you going to eliminate a race just because it's a theoretical threat? That's the strategy you have to take against every ethnic group in the universe. However, if we adopt such a strategy, eventually we ourselves will certainly be wiped out. "
Then he continued without giving Shan Mo a chance to answer, "In addition, now humans have joined a big alliance - the Interstellar Federation. Destroying the earth will not only destroy humans, but also bring us a much more powerful enemy that we will never be able to defeat." Victory. But the Crawling Sindies, in their arrogance, believe they can conquer anything. And we all must pay the price. Therefore, we cannot allow the use of this weapon."
Representative Zhi Shu looked at him silently. His long fingers were still arranging his beard. "So how do you plan to prevent use?" he finally asked.
"We must destroy this weapon," Otis explained firmly. "For this we need as many ships as possible."
A meticulous smile appeared on Shan Mo's face. "It's impossible. Even if we could convince our government. Our ships are barely armed. We only have a handful of warships. Even your ships are no match for the Crawling Cindy's ships. And no one knows that in area 859J How many ships are stationed and how many defenses are in place. The only one who can help us win is Aqua Cindy. But it looks like they are no longer interested in the rest of us and will ignore everything."
"We must try," Otis replied defiantly. "I don't want to be responsible for a massacre. In addition, the snake also said that if the earth is successfully destroyed, the Crawling Cindy will soon rule all the Cindy tribe. I am worried that the Crawling Cindy will aim this weapon at us in the future .And we humanoid Cindy would never want to be ruled by the Creepers."
Shan Mo stood up with difficulty and looked into Otis's eyes. "That's the last thing I want. I'll discuss it with my government. I'll also try to talk to Aqua Cindy again. Maybe we can convince them and get them to our side."
"I will do the same," Otis promised. "Please emphasize the urgency of the matter. We may not have much time."
"I will," Shan Mo nodded. "Good night." With these words he left the room together with his adjutant.
Otis stared at the door. He felt like he was falling into a bottomless abyss. The situation is hopeless. He could not guarantee that the government would support Otis if it had to make a decision.
All Otis could do was hope that the Creeper's weapons wouldn't be effective. Or at least, destroying the Earth wouldn't have the effect the Crawlers were hoping for.
After get off work, Ingmar was walking towards his dormitory. This was his first shift on this mission. Today was not a particularly exciting day. On the contrary, he felt a little tired. This may be because he needs to adjust to the new pace of work and because he got little sleep the night before due to excitement. His head felt heavy and now he was looking forward to a hot bath and some rest. He stood in the turbolift, staring dreamily at the dancing lights beneath each floor. He yawned, closed his eyes, and stretched.
Just then, the turbolift door opened. He was startled and opened his eyes while yawning. A cheerful laugh came. Shu Ran stood at the door and looked at him happily.
"Do you always do this when you're on a turbolift?" she asked defiantly.
Ingmar closed his mouth and tried to lean against the wall as lazily as possible. "Yeah, most of the time. I just wish there weren't security cameras in here."
She walked in and looked at the elevator deliberately. "I don't know," she said slowly as the door closed behind her. "But do you see that one up there?" She pointed to the ceiling. "That could have been a shot."
Ingmar looked at her as if she had lost her mind. Then he saw her impish smile and sparkling eyes. She's playing with me, he thought, and he wasn't sure if that frightened or amused him. Still, to his own surprise, he joined in. "Yeah, that could be," he started waving. "Do you think anyone saw it?"
"Maybe. But can't you think of anything better? Waving is too ordinary." She looked up at the ceiling again and made a few faces. Ingmar immediately cooperated.
When the doors opened again, there was an unexpected sight for those waiting. Two adults stood in an elevator making the most ridiculous gestures to the ceiling. So they looked out the door with equal horror. But luckily, no one is here. After a brief moment of eye contact, they both laughed.
Ingmar pointed to the door and said, "I'll get off here."
She nodded. "Then what are you waiting for?"
"Yes," he said slowly, thinking about the question himself. He turned and left. As he walked down the hall to his dormitory, the whole situation suddenly seemed strange. What on earth had happened to him to get himself into such a stupid situation? He was sure that something was wrong with him. He acts like a little kid. This hadn't happened since he was ten, he was sure of it. How embarrassing.
He shook his head and entered his dormitory. He found himself worried, hoping that there really weren't any cameras there. I can't imagine that if anyone saw that scene, he would become a laughing stock. Of course, this is ridiculous. He made sure there were no cameras in the elevator.
As he took off his uniform, he tried to clear out his thoughts. In fact, he had been looking forward to a bath. Afterwards, he planned to lie in bed and listen to music to relax. It's perfect after the work day. Maybe he'll go to the bar later.
Although the bathroom in his dormitory is not big, it has everything you need. There is a sink, toilet and shower. There's even a little room for a small cupboard. Sometimes, he still misses the bathtub. Soaking in hot water can wake up tired body and mind. But for this space, the bathtub obviously takes up too much space.
He sighed, stepped into the shower and closed the shower door. Then he turned on the faucet and enjoyed the sound of water dripping on top of his head. The warm water flowed down his body, making him feel relaxed. He closed his eyes and let his thoughts wander. Back to the scene in the turbolift again. He felt rather stupid now. But Shu Ran's behavior somehow led him to behave so ridiculously. What exactly is going on? Of course, she comes across as trustworthy. But that’s no reason to forget other things. And he certainly didn't want to leave a bad impression on her. She's a bit like a child. And she's a little fat. No, another thought immediately flashed through his mind. Probably just a little bit at most. But it looks pretty good on her.
His eyes suddenly widened and he turned off the water. These thoughts must stop. He was having an internal dispute with himself. What was going on in his mind? He quickly picked up a towel and buried his face in it. Just get out of here and think about something else. music. Yes, he needs a song, a melody that haunts his heart. Only then can he turn his attention elsewhere.
Wrapped in a towel, he lay on the bed. "Computer, playing music file named 'Ingema'". Within seconds, the room was filled with the sound of loud guitars and drums. He closed his eyes again. He wanted his thoughts to be filled only with music.
But somehow he just couldn't do it. It was as if his mind refused to accept anything. "Computer, turn the volume up five levels," he instructed the computer angrily. The computer immediately turned up the volume as requested, almost to the edge of pain. He tapped his feet to the beat, but the music still failed to touch his heart.
After a few minutes, he decided there was no point in doing so. It seems like today is not a good day. So he stood up and put on his normal clothes. Maybe he should just go to the bar, have a drink, and go back to sleep. A drink will help him fall asleep.
After ordering the computer to stop playing music, he left his dormitory. A few steps down the corridor and onto the turbolift, and finally he was standing in front of the bar. It's not really a bar, just a room with a bar, tables and chairs. The only drinks served here are non-alcoholic drinks. Meals are served in the dining room. This is just a place where people can interact freely.
Ingmar went to a table in the corner and sat down, which had a good view of the room. Still, when Dr. Celia approached him, he didn't see her. Since they had the same work shift, they would often see each other during their free time. After all, there aren't many options to pass the time on the ship.
"Hi, Ingmar," she said, sitting down.
"Oh. Hi, hello." He replied, seeming a little dazed.
"What were you thinking about just now?" she asked.
He looked at her. "Are there surveillance cameras in the turbolift?"
She frowned and looked at him worriedly. "Are you OK?"
"Ah, forget it," he shook his head. "Today is a strange day."
"Yes, it seems so." She looked at him suspiciously, but Ingmar didn't respond.
They were silent for a while, sipping their drinks and observing the people in the room. There were about ten other crew members present, all humans. This may be because the crew consists mostly of humans. There are only five other aliens on board, besides Jeffrey, Torek, and Io Murakami. It seems aliens are more inclined to come into contact with each other. Maybe they just need some time to form friendships with humans.
"Look, your new colleague is here," Celia said, pointing to the door with a curt nod.
Ingmar saw Shu Ran walking into the room. She was also wearing casual clothes. The outfits were a little baggy but looked quite elegant on her. The neckline of her dress showed off the outline of her ample breasts, while her obvious belly seemed to be easily concealed by the dress. Her face is always filled with great anger. Overall, she looks pretty good.
She is not alone, she is accompanied by another female, possibly her roommate. Only leadership staff have their own accommodation. Double accommodation was used for the remainder of the crew. Otherwise, there won't be enough space for the crew.
They did not see him and sat down with their backs to Ingmar and Celia.
Ingmar followed them with his eyes.
