Chapter 81. Tchaikovsky’s temptation
"We will not hand it over without your more detailed information." Noah refused.
Tchaikovsky tilted his head, obviously weighing the pros and cons. It can be seen from his appearance that he is struggling internally. Driven by curiosity and hindered by worry. Eventually, curiosity seemed to overcome his hesitation, as he began to tell: "I come from the planet Taurus, a colony on the edge of Earth's realm. Our location is so remote that Earth ships take weeks to reach us. It's a place where The reason why we are basically self-reliant. Earth gives us no support. They only care about the affairs of their home planet. They come back only to regulate and collect taxes. They squeeze us so hard that we can't buy our own goods and can't go any further. development. This makes us forever dependent on the planet.”
"Taurus is not an isolated case. There are other colonies with similar fates. We would love to declare independence, but Earth will stifle any such attempt. Still, we fight. There are underground organizations on every planet that continue to pursue this One goal. We are in contact with each other to understand our opponent's movements."
Since we must operate in constant fear of detection, we are always looking for hiding places and new allies. One of these reconnaissance missions 25 years ago took us to a planet with icy rings in a nearby galaxy. In the ice ring we found a floating ship, about a quarter the size of your ship. It took a lot of effort to fish it out, but we hope to find something inside that will be useful in our fight for independence. The ship's design is completely unknown, so we're pretty confident we'll find something useful in it. What we found, however, were some cryo chambers. Freezing facilities. It was an old sleeper ship. We found fifty cryopods, but only three were still intact. Inside lay some human-like creatures with pointed ears. "
"Vulcan," Noah said in surprise. "Your tribe has also conducted sleeping ship experiments?" He looked at Jeffrey in surprise. This was completely new information to him.
Jeffrey replied: "There were indeed these attempts before interstellar travel. However, only four such ships were launched in total. One of the ships was rediscovered hundreds of years later. They were updated on their way back to Vulcan The modern ships transcended. The other three ships were reduced to fragments over time."
"But things are different here. The ship is intact," Tchaikovsky continued. "We awakened the Vulcans. They told us their history. Their mission was said to have been a success, and five hundred years later they returned to Vulcan. But only fragments remained. Their home planet was destroyed. Up until that point, they had never encountered other life forms. So they did the only logical thing. They re-entered hibernation, then awakened again at some point in the future in search of a new home. After learning about our After seeing the situation and realizing that continuing to sleep would only delay the inevitable end, they decided to live with us and join us in our fight. The only thing they asked for in return was that we monitor the Vulcan system in case other Vulcans returned. So, We have now discovered you," Tchaikovsky concluded his narrative.
Noah leaned back in his chair. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the story. Obviously, Vulcan was destroyed thousands of years ago, but are there still supposed to be Vulcans? The entire universe seems a little twisted. Here, perhaps nothing is normal. And the story Tchaikovsky told them was beyond anything else. On the other hand, it's so crazy, but you can't tell it's fake.
"Did the Vulcans also tell you what to do if they were discovered?" Noah wanted to know.
"We should receive them, explain the situation to them, and bring them over. Our Vulcans are more than willing to talk to these Vulcans."
"We'd love to, too," Noah emphasized. "Please take us to your Vulcans."
Tchaikovsky smiled slyly. It's clear he doesn't trust Noah and his team. "Don't take it seriously. I didn't intend to do that. I don't know who you are or where you come from. I really can't believe your explanation about parallel universes."
"We don't believe your story either," Noah admitted candidly. "But you should bring over the Vulcans found in this galaxy. We have Vulcans here too. We also have some problems to solve. So let us cooperate. Trust us. We have nothing to do with Earth. We will not betray you. .We just need some explanation as to what's going on. And some brighter minds might be able to help. From what I know of the Vulcans, they are very intelligent people. While they may lack imagination at times, they are definitely It's rational." He winked at Jeffrey.
There seemed to be some thought in Tchaikovsky's mind. Clearly, he didn't know what to do. The opportunity to bring a Vulcan home seemed to appeal to him. Likewise, owning a ship like the Republic was tempting to him. But the worry of bringing an Earth spy back to his homeworld, and thereby causing the death and capture of all his allies, holds him back. So he was faced with a tough decision. "What evidence do you have for your story?" he finally asked.
"Besides us?" Noah looked at Jeffrey. "We have prepared some documents. Just historical information, no technical information that you can use. Data about the planet Vulcan and its history. This data can only be recorded by the Vulcans themselves. There is also some historical data about the Federation and it . I thought this would interest you." Noah handed Tchaikovsky a data chip. "Here's all the information. Show it to your people and discuss it. We'll wait to hear from you."
Tchaikovsky hesitantly reached out his hand and took the data chip. "Will you respect any decision we make?" he asked doubtfully. "Even if we tell you that we don't want to hear anything more about you leaving this system?"
"We'll regret it, but yes, we'll accept it," Noah promised.
Tchaikovsky frowned. He wasn't sure if he should believe it. Who would voluntarily give up important information? Especially since this information seems so urgently needed. But he could not question it further now. He was secretly glad that he hadn't made a decision yet. This way he can consult with his allies and come up with a coordinated response. He stood up and left the room, followed by two security officers. He returned to his ship and immediately passed the data to his team. They then have to decide on their next course of action.
After Tchaikovsky left the room, Noah turned to Jeffrey. "What do you think?"
Jeffrey blinked slightly. "If what he says is true, then we have found an ally here. They are fighting for freedom and independence from Earth. We must convince them that things are much better for the colonies in our universe. If we can get him and the Vulcans believe that the timeline needs to be revised again, then we've taken a big step."
"Yeah, I think so," Noah mused. "But first, we just have to wait for their decision."
There is a small bar on the edge of a somewhat crumbling building, which is especially popular with lower-class workers. The operation of the pub is not entirely legal, but the council and police turn a blind eye. This little bar keeps the workers entertained. Closing it would make people angry and create additional tensions in the settlement. Conditions in the colony were already tense due to the constant influx of immigrants. People who have lived here for decades feel their rights are threatened, while newcomers are demanding equal rights. Conflict is inevitable. In such an atmosphere, a bar can ensure peaceful communication. Even when drunk, arguments tend to be resolved in this way without immediately going full court.
Since the city is expanding rapidly, bars have to keep moving. Because it can never be centrally located. Despite rapid construction methods, the buildings seemed to become more unstable with each move.
Music blasted from the speakers, filling the room, and people almost had to speak loudly to communicate. This was exacerbated by the noise made by those present. The smoky, tobacco-scented air filled the room, creating a haze that made it almost impossible to see across the room. Breathing becomes difficult. However, those present didn't seem to mind. They talked, laughed loudly, or roared along to the music. The overall atmosphere was one of joy and peace.
On this evening, Rasaka was also sitting at the bar with several colleagues. He worked in the market hall during the day, and since the road was almost repaired, he wasn't worried. The only concern is that with the influx of immigrants, there will be a large influx of new labor, which worries him a little. The current conflict between Earth and colonial governments regarding alien participation in the market is also an issue. So there is really only one topic in the whole bar.
"Do you think Earth will send troops?" Rasaka asked his companions worriedly.
"I think so. The planet is unlikely to tolerate such an affront from our government."
"When will they come here? I don't want any accidents to happen to my family. I want to take them away safely in advance. If we encounter a situation like Xuanwo Star, we will all be in danger."
"It would be nice if we knew what to do. But maybe it's better this way, so it ends a little more unexpectedly and we can enjoy our last days," muttered another, taking a long swig of wine.
The door opened, and with a burst of fresh air, a man with shaved hair and a hooked nose walked into the room. He wore similar civilian clothes to most others, a clear indication that he belonged to the lower classes of the colony. Behind him was a dark-haired man who looked almost as bad as he was. Several heads turned towards the door. No one knew the two men, but given the large number of newcomers, that's not surprising. So the conversation continued, and no one paid any attention to the two men. And this is also the plan of the two men. They wish to remain anonymous. After all, being spotted as a senator in a bar like this wouldn't make a good impression. Ono Ichiro and his companions sat at the only empty table, his chair leaning against Rasaka's.
“It’s unbelievable that the Senate risked all of our safety for these aliens,” fumed a thin man at Rasaka’s desk, his head already heavy with alcohol. "I mean, the Senate is supposed to represent the people. Who wants to have all the aliens here? They're just going to take away our jobs."
"That's right," echoed another. "And these guys are very dangerous. Look at those green Oriens, they are engaged in the slave trade. The last time they came, two people disappeared from a settlement near us. This is definitely not a coincidence."
"Who are those two people?" someone asked.
"I don't know the names, but there was a woman and a man."
"Are you sure they didn't elope and have an affair somewhere?" A slender man laughed loudly, and everyone followed his dirty laughter.
"Maybe we should take matters into our own hands with the aliens," Rasaka suggested, as the laughter died down.
The others looked at him in surprise. "What do you mean?" they asked one after another. "What are you going to do?"
"I'm not sure. But there must be a way to let Earth know that we don't all think like our senators. I heard the Earth government is sending an envoy here and we can try to talk to him."
"Yeah, because he'd be willing to talk to someone like you," one person present quipped.
"Then we have to make sure that he has to talk to us. I will never sit back and let my family be innocently put in danger." Rasekhai insisted on his position.
Others agreed.
Fueled by the alcohol, Rasaka continued: "Perhaps we should prevent these aliens from landing and force them to return. Or we could attack them on their way from the airport to the market," he continued musing.
"Then what? Do you want to kill them?" asked.
Rasaka looked at the questioner with drunken eyes and angry eyes. "If there is no other way, we have to kill them. If we can show the aliens that they are not welcome here..."
"That's impossible. We'd have the police on us in a heartbeat," objected another.
"If we all come forward, the police can't do anything. We have to take action. Otherwise we will suffer the fate of the Xuanwo colony," Rasaka insists.
No one really wants to side with Rasaka. Although they all agreed in principle, no one wanted to take the chance. Rasekhai also had to admit that although everyone here spoke arrogantly, they all flinched when it came to actual actions.
The music in the bar was still blaring, and the people at the other tables were still talking loudly. But around this table, there was silence, everyone clutching their wine glasses tightly, not wanting to appear inactive. Rasaka shook his head in disappointment and understanding. Then he stood up. "I have to use the bathroom," he apologized and left. Soon after, Ono Ichiro also stood up, apologized to his partner and said he wanted to go out for a while. He then followed Lasekai to the bathroom. The bathroom is small and not very clean. Only two of the three urinals were good. So Ichiro Ono stood next to Lasake.
"Hi, Lasekai," he greeted with a friendly smile.
Rasaka looked at him suspiciously. "How do you know my name?"
"I was sitting at the table next to you and overheard your conversation," Ono explained in a casual tone.
"Oh?" Lasekei became more and more suspicious. Could he be a spy sent by the government?
"Yes. I, like you, see the Earth a little differently. Like most people here. But unlike most, I think we should take action. We've been at the mercy of the Earth for too long .It’s time to make your own decision.”
"That will never happen. At least not while I'm alive," Rasekhai responded. "The Earth will not let us go."
"Yes, they certainly won't let it go voluntarily. Unless something happens that forces them to let it go. Or someone can force them to let it go."
Lasekai smiled bitterly. "Who will get hold of something that will force the Earth to its knees?"
"Maybe no one has it yet," Ono said calmly, emphasizing "yet." "But tomorrow Earth's envoy will arrive. If we can detain him until Earth gives in, then we have a means of threat."
"I'm afraid the Ambassador will not give up this colony for a messenger," Rasaka replied.
"But the envoy is the Colonial Minister. This man is not insignificant." He interpreted Rasaka's silence as agreement. "However, I hardly believe that anyone on this planet has the courage to do such a thing. Although he can be sure that if he succeeds, he will have a place in history. Anyway, it's a pleasure to chat with you." Ono Ichiro nodded, and then Left the room without even washing hands. He believed he had a handle on Rasaka.
Rasaka is really still thinking there. Is this the opportunity he's been waiting for? Can he change his life and that of his family, and maybe even the fate of the entire colony? Thinking about it, he left the restroom, but instead of returning to his seat, he left the building through the back door.
When Ono Ichiro noticed this, a victorious smile appeared on his face. Apparently, fate was on his side.
"Captain, Mr. Tchaikovsky is calling us," Ingmar reported over the internal communications network. Noah sat in his watch room, adding an update to his log. Nearly a day had passed since Tchaikovsky left the ship. This is understandable, after all, the data he obtained contained a lot of information. It will take some time until he and his allies have read and digested the data. In fact, this day seemed like an eternity to Noah.
"I'll be right over," Noah replied. Then he hurriedly left the room. What do the Vulcans of this universe think of this data? How will Data react to meeting Jeffrey about a world they never existed? He would soon have answers to these questions. hope so.
He walked into the bridge and nodded to Ingmar. Soon after, Tchaikovsky's face appeared on the home screen. "Mr. Tchaikovsky, nice to hear from you," Noah greeted friendly.
"Captain," Tchaikovsky turned back, but his expression was serious. Noah's inner alarm sounded. Something must have happened. His fears were even confirmed when Tchaikovsky continued: "Captain, we have made a decision and we must ask you to leave the system immediately."
"What?" Noah felt that this decision was completely unexpected. He originally thought that an agreement would be reached. "Can I ask why?"
"The reasons are not important. You said you would respect our decision. So do the same now." Tchaikovsky replied simply.
Noah sighed and looked at his crew again, nodding when they didn't know what to do either. "Well. That's a shame. We could have been mutually beneficial. However, we will keep our word and respect your decision. We will be leaving immediately."
Tchaikovsky just nodded and disconnected the communication.
