Chapter 87. Frigg and Sukosan secretly confront each other
Noah had few options when it came to the colonies. After all, he had offered to help before. Although it put him in a situation he had hoped to avoid. If he intervened now, he would side with the colonists. And based on what he knows about the politics here, that would make him an enemy of Earth's government. However, perhaps he already was, depending on the circumstances of course. He'd personally like to keep all options open until the end, but Jeffrey might be right. If they want to make any progress, they must seek allies. While the Colonies weren't the most powerful companions, having two Vulcans on board, despite their emotions, was still a real advantage scientifically. If they want to restore the timeline, they'll need this advantage.
Noah controlled his inner conflicts and worries and replied to the screen: "Olert, I understand your request. I will do my best to rescue the trapped hostages. We will take action, but at the same time please You understand, we must proceed with caution. Time is of the essence, but we cannot act hastily or the consequences will be disastrous."
Olet nodded, obviously understanding his position. "I understand, Captain Noah. Time is of the essence, but we must make sure our operations are well planned to avoid any mistakes."
"Exactly. I will discuss it with my team immediately after this and keep in touch with you. Hopefully we can find a solution to rescue the hostages soon."
"I have full confidence in you and your team, Captain. Remember, the entire colony will be grateful for your help."
"I'll do my best." Noah responded with a smile. Time is running out and the challenges are many, but they have no other choice. They must act. So he agreed. "Okay. We will rescue the hostages. I swear."
"Thank you, Captain. We appreciate your help."
Noah waved his hand and said: "You're welcome. As long as you lend us your Vulcan occasionally, we'll be even." Although he said it in jest, he hoped that the other party would not just take it as a joke. "I'll keep you updated on our progress."
Olet nodded. "Thank you very much." Then he broke off the communication.
When Noah stood up, he was already thinking about how to find the hostages. While they can scan vital signs from the ship, they can also detect different species. However, the only ones involved in the kidnapping may be humans. Still, they should give scanning a try. After all, it won't take much time, and if it fails, they at least won't blame themselves for not trying.
He planned to call Jeffrey to the bridge, but when he entered the bridge, he found that Jeffrey was already there. Apparently, upon his return to the starship, he set out to find a way back home, even though he thought success was unlikely.
"Lieutenant Shu Ran, scan the settlement and surrounding areas for non-human vital signs," he ordered while sitting on the command chair.
"Yes, sir." Lieutenant Shu Ran replied. She gave no indication of whether she thought the order would be useful.
"Mr. Jeffrey, we have been requested by the Colonial Council to rescue the hostages. Please try to pinpoint the hostages via scanner, for example by scanning for weapons or other items. Try to find out their location. After all, it is impossible for us to search The whole planet."
Jeffrey nodded and turned back to his control panel.
Noah looked at Lieutenant Shu Ran thoughtfully. He had to call a meeting of his leadership team. In the current situation, he had to keep everyone updated. Only in this way can we avoid the situation when someone needs to make a decision and make the wrong decision because they do not understand the situation. Additionally, he needs to tell the crew about Ted's death. Although he was sure the news had spread throughout the ship, he thought a formal announcement was still needed.
An angry General Frigg paced the corridor. His long stride betrayed his anger, causing several people who met him to back away. It was already late at night, and the Earth Army headquarters was quite quiet.
Half an hour ago, he had been awakened from his sleep and briefly summoned to headquarters for a special meeting. He doesn't even know why he's here. He was only told that a hijacking incident had occurred in the Taurus colony, threatening the interests of the Earth. The message that came through the communication line did not reveal further details. Frigg's feeling was that perhaps they themselves didn't know more, or what the hijackers were demanding.
None of this mattered to him at the moment. He was pulled out of bed, which upset him. He has stated many times that he can be difficult to live with if he doesn't get enough sleep. Therefore, he is angry at everything and everyone at the moment. Anger at the president, who must have ordered the generals to be woken up, anger at the hijackers, and even anger at the hijackers themselves, why would she let herself be hijacked? Angry at the whole damn colony, there's always trouble, even the entire universe seems to be against him.
Moreover, he was filled with doubts. Suspicious of everything that happened. Doubtful about the way Earth's government treats aliens. It's all because of Noah. After his escape, Frigg personally reviewed the interview transcripts of all detainees, not just Noah but his colleagues as well. Although they spoke little during their captivity, all four men's statements were consistent. Well, it was actually three people who agreed. The pointed-eared creature said nothing the entire time.
However, all statements are consistent. This can only lead to two conclusions. Either they had all the details of their story agreed upon beforehand, which is certainly possible but difficult to follow without a motive. Either they are telling the truth. However, this means that they are all living in a wrong timeline that shouldn't exist. And a better world is possible. But do they give up their lives just because of this? If he still remembers his old life, what's up with this alien saying that he didn't exist two weeks ago?
These questions and the uncertainty that came with them gnawed at him. And made him question other things. Such as the way to deal with aliens. Earth governments do their best to limit contact with them. Obviously, this is the only way to protect the human race. But in this other universe, those aliens come from an opposite world. And obviously they are more technologically advanced. Maybe collaboration and diversity is the way to go?
Uncertainty further weighed on his mood. With this mood, he energetically pushed open the door to the conference room, where a crisis team meeting was being held.
Everyone present raised their heads. When they recognized the general, they gave him a friendly nod, but made no sign of telling him anything. Everyone wants someone else to take on the task. The emotion on the general's face was too obvious. He also made no effort to hide his anger.
Finally, a stocky middle-aged woman approached him. She is small and tall. Her hair was cut short and had some hints of gray. Her small eyes were always slightly squinted, looking at him with a distant and friendly expression.
"Good morning, General," she greeted him. "We're glad you came to us so quickly at such an early hour."
Frigg nodded slightly, and not just because of his mood. It was more because of this lady that he didn't like her very much. Sukosan, leader of the Earth Intelligence Department. Because the Intelligence Department is not really an overall agency, to say the least. In fact, every country has its own intelligence service. Each country operates according to its own needs or moral standards. These agencies relay information related to Earth security to Sukosan’s team. This information is then integrated and evaluated there.
The team consists of four people in total. In fact, more people are not needed. Because different countries use their own judgment to decide whether to pass information to other countries. If someone deems a piece of information unimportant or in conflict with their country's security, the information will never be passed on to Sukosan. Therefore, there are always pieces missing when it comes to understanding the whole picture of a situation.
In fact, Sukosan's work should be worthy of sympathy. Although her work does not have much substance or value, she always appears to be too self-righteous. She always had to be involved and always had something to say, even if no one cared. She didn't even realize how annoying she was. Frigg likes to compare her to a steam pot. Whenever something went wrong, she began to gasp visibly. And when a certain point is reached, she will explode into a rage, expressing herself in a loud voice that lets everyone know that only she knows what is right, what is wrong, and what to do. Anyone who dares to refute her will definitely be attacked by her words.
She guided Frigg to the table, on which maps of various Earth-Taurus colony areas had been spread out. Various maps display different details.
"We have a hostage situation on the Taurus colony," she said importantly.
"I've heard that," Frigg muttered.
She stared at him with a poisonous look, then continued: "This colony has been considered a problem in our database for many years. Reports continue to come in, clearly indicating that there is an independent consciousness in the colony, and aliens are in contact. Too much contact." She paused to emphasize the importance of these words. "The Earth government wanted to put a stop to this and passed a decree requiring the leaders of the colonies to no longer allow aliens to participate in all areas of colonial life. However, the colonists refused this instruction. To resolve the situation, a Special envoy, whose mission was to explain to the colonists the consequences of resistance. However, upon his arrival, he was taken hostage by the colonists."
As Sukosan described the situation, Frigg looked at the people present. Mainly soldiers. Of course, he knows them all, after all, he is the top general of the Earth's army. He also recognized the Vice President of the North American Government standing across from him. There was only one man dressed entirely in black that he didn't recognize. His black uniform also didn't reveal which organization he was affiliated with. This made Frigg feel very strange.
"What do the hijackers want from Earth?" the Vice President wanted to know.
"No," Sukosan gave the surprising answer. She clearly enjoys the feeling of knowing more than everyone else. She wanted to savor the moment before sharing the information.
"The hijackers made no demands?" the Vice President repeated in disbelief.
"No, they do. But it's not brought to us."
"To whom?" He was obviously unhappy that he could only get the necessary information when asked. Not for the first time, Frigg wondered why Sukosan was allowed to do this.
"Their demands are directed at the Council of Taurus. They want Earth's decrees to be accepted."
The Vice President looked at her. "It's in our interest."
“But we cannot tolerate our envoys being held hostage and threatened,” Sukosan shouted. She didn't like the sympathy the vice president might have for the hijackers. "Additionally, the colonists have formed an alliance with an alien ship that escaped from Earth a week ago," she added. "It is therefore expected that independent efforts will be further intensified. Perhaps the presence of aliens on Earth is also part of the plan. We believe that they want to use this technologically advanced spacecraft to show that they are technologically superior to us." "
Frigg frowned at her.
"What do you suggest?" the Vice President wanted to know.
"We should fight with all the force we have. We must show the colonists, and all other colonies, that violence against the planet will not be tolerated. We must set an example."
Silence spread as everyone awaited the Vice President's decision.
"What consequences, then, should the envoy explain to the colonists?" Frigg asked in the silence.
Sukosan just glared at him but made no move to answer.
The Vice President jumped out of the awkward situation and explained: "Envoy Havender's mission is to make it clear to the Senate of Taurus that Earth's governments cannot accept their rejection of this decree. If they refuse, we will do everything we can to regain control of the colony." We are ready to strike a blow at the colonies and replace the existing rulers with more loyal leadership. He should also make the senators aware that such a military strike will not be carried out without sacrifices among the colonists conduct."
Frigg looked unfazed. He expected this answer. After all, Earth's top officials always act along the same lines. Only one thing confused him.
"Are we ready for a military strike?" he repeated the vice president's words. "The last time we trained for this kind of operation was several years ago. I doubt the Earth's military is sufficiently prepared."
"I'm not talking about Earth's military," the Vice President said, seeming surprised that Frigg didn't know.
This completely confused Frigg. "Other than the Earth's military, who else would carry out military missions?"
"We," Sukoshan burst out involuntarily.
Frigg looked at her, confused.
"Over the past three years, the intelligence community has gradually grown in size," the vice president explained to the completely shocked general. "First a small special operations group was established to be responsible for special and secret missions. Then it was gradually expanded, and two weeks ago, the latest warship was delivered."
"Our fleet is now as large as yours." Sukosan almost burst out with pride. "But we have better technology, better weapons and the crews are better trained."
"A second army besides ground troops?" Frigg could hardly believe it.
"It's still unofficial. But yes, that's true," the vice president confirmed. "Ground forces will continue to defend Earth and represent its interests. But intelligence agencies will also be able to militarily represent the interests of Earth's governments and presidents in the future."
Frigg became increasingly dissatisfied with this revelation. He almost wanted to grab the Vice President by the throat. As for the self-righteous leader of the intelligence agency, he almost wanted to scratch the arrogant smile off her face with a knife. Who do they think they are? They had just reduced his army to a mere ceremonial army.
And based on the looks of other people present, they seemed to already know all this. His own men knew it, but kept silent about General Frigg. They were both embarrassed and ashamed of their acquiescence, so they avoided Frigg's sight. Now Frigg also understood who this man in black clothes was. Obviously, he is a member of this shadow army.
"I think it's the intelligence agency's job to get this colony back on track," he muttered angrily, a deep red flushing his face.
"Now yes," Sukosan said proudly. "This is all your fault. You screwed up that alien ship thing a week ago, and your incompetence won us this mission."
Before Frigg could say anything, the vice president raised his hand to silence him. "Think of this whole thing as a test. This mission will be a crucible for the intelligence community's military. We'll see how it plays out."
Frigg was sure he had foreseen the outcome. A raid on a barely armed colony was not the real test. This is a farce. But for those with power, it's the perfect excuse to carry out their plans.
Frigg's doubts became more solid. This new army may be the scariest new change. He had no doubt that this army was not just there to protect the planet from external threats, but also to protect it from internal threats. In other words, it is ultimately nothing more than a private army. This is the most powerful private army imaginable. He recalled descriptions from history classes, such as the KGB or the Waffen SS under Stalin. In the near future, no one on Earth will be safe anymore. Free speech can lead to jail time. Although he believed that every idea could not be given free rein, what was about to happen now was far beyond his understanding of power politics.
His ears were still ringing in anger and he almost missed the rest of the conversation. He only knew that they would not reconsider their planned action against the colonies until the hostages were freed. First, a team will be sent to Taurus to rescue the hostages there from their kidnappers.
Frigg can accept this for the time being. This gave him some time to fight against the intelligence agency's forces.
