Chapter 116. Instigator: Federation or Cindy?
The communications officer seemed to understand from his expression, but held back. Most humanoid Cindy have some issues with crawling Cindy and insect Cindy, but no one expresses this opinion openly. Negative comments about other species are considered taboo, as no one wants to risk sparking another inter-Cindy war. "And they just want members of the Council to go down to that planet together," the man added in the report. "This prevents one person from getting more information than someone else."
Otis snorted impatiently. This is ridiculous. They are a parliament, an institution. All information is shared. No one can keep all Sindi knowledge to himself. At least he hoped so. But he wasn't sure.
Sensor data told him he was the first council member to arrive on the scene. The ships of other species are not as fast as theirs, so it will take some time. He now had to get through this time without constantly looking at his watch.
Otis stayed in his quarters while he waited. Since there was nothing much to do in the command module, he didn't want to disturb the working crew there. But there was nothing to keep busy in his quarters. Reports on the incident have also not been updated. This is normal, and they don't get new information from the sensor data. Although they had a clear view of the explosion site, all data they could obtain had been collected and contained in a preliminary report prior to the Sindi Council's departure. So there was nothing he could do but wait. He could only think about the possible consequences of this disaster. The scary thing about this kind of thinking is that with every minute that passes, it gets worse. His mind was constantly rendering scenes of escalating scenes. And these are just pure guesses. As long as there are no conclusive facts, he can't actually consider the consequences, at least not realistic consequences. But despite his efforts to avoid it, he now had to consider it.
If negotiations between the Syndi and the Federation failed because of this surprise, it could be the end of his career. After all, he has been working hard to pave the way for these negotiations. He orchestrated all of this, always emphasizing the importance of this to the Sindi and that a partnership with the Federation would bring many advantages to the Sindi. The end of negotiations would mean the end for him. Or at least a serious setback that puts his ambition, Sindi unity, out of reach. This is something he can now be confident about.
Time doesn't seem to want to pass at all. It passed slowly like a viscous substance. It's hard to believe that other species' ships are so slow. Normally, he prides himself on his superiority as a human Sindy. Due to the speed of the ships, they made up for their disadvantage in weapons. But now, he hopes others have equally fast boats and hopes they can get here sooner.
Despite his uneasiness, he tried to read some of the latest reports on the activities of other species. In particular, decisions made by other governments were often considered very interesting to him. They showed him where each species was heading in the coming period. This information was extremely important for working in Parliament because he could anticipate some of the reactions. He knows how to win other species to his side.
But now, he couldn't concentrate at all. He noticed that he was staring at one word and had been doing so for a long time. He even forgot what he had read. It's like he's never read it. Finally, he threw the report aside and paced restlessly back and forth in his quarters. Round and round until he felt as if the floor should be loose and his boots should leave marks on it.
When finally the signal of relief came, Otis almost thought he was waking up from a deep dream. He didn't know how much time had really passed, but it felt like centuries. So he was back in the ship's command module faster than anyone else. He was eager to know what was new. He was greatly relieved when the captain greeted him.
"The Reptilian Sindi arrived a few minutes ago. They immediately invited all members of the Council to go to that planet. Everyone needs to be there within ten minutes," Captain Hui reported.
Otis nodded silently. He didn't expect Creeping Cindy to be the last to arrive. Their ship certainly couldn't be that slow to get here faster. The explanation is of course self-evident. After all, the Crawlers control the area, so their leader always has the latest information. They have an advantage in this regard compared to others. So they are certainly reluctant to share their knowledge with others sooner than absolutely necessary. Otis, however, has absolutely no understanding of this. He felt an uncontrollable rage. He felt that Creeping Cindy had tricked them and was stalling for time. This is not behavior between equal partners. All this will be answered, he vowed.
"Then I'll go now," he said, because he had no better idea in mind.
"Good luck," the captain wished Otis behind as he left the bridge. He also had to go to his residence to get a recording device. After all, he had to record everything he saw there. Apparently, crawling Cindy is unreliable. Who knows what else they are hiding? In this case, it's best to collect some data yourself.
Not long after, he was on the surface of the planet and arrived at the designated meeting point. Once again, he had to admit the advantages of the teleportation device, even if he didn't like the device. It makes him sick every time he passes by. Maybe it's because of the Sindi's teleporters, or maybe it's just his aversion to the technology. The Sindi have only been using this technology for nearly two decades, far less so than the Romulans, Klingons, or humans. These races have been using teleporters for over a hundred years. Although the Sindi teleportation technology is also reliable, many people still have reservations. Many people feel unsafe having their molecules broken down and then transported thousands of kilometers. Maybe in a generation, teleportation will become a common form of transportation that people won't think about before using it.
In addition to him, Cindy's colleagues also arrived, including plants and insects. Now only Crawling Cindy's colleagues have not arrived yet. But as expected, they will take more time. This situation is not good for the mood of the person waiting. With each passing minute, impatience deepens and complaints mount. Even insect Cindy seems intolerant of the behavior of their once such close allies. Insect Cindy promises to keep the crawlers waiting at the next opportunity, too.
Due to her biology, Aqua Cindy was unable to participate directly in this investigation. Even with a water-filled spacesuit, they can't move because they have no legs. They would lie on the floor like beached whales. They will have to rely on other people's information.
Eventually, the Reptilians show up at their meeting place. He didn't even feel the need to apologize for being late. No crawling Cindy would willingly apologize for anything. Instead, he roughly demanded that they follow him. He wants to show them where it happened, but doesn't seem happy about it. He also offered no explanation as he led them to the site of destruction.
The sight before me was despairing. The vast expanse of land was filled with charred soil, with some debris sticking out of it. Not far from them, there was a burnt tree trunk, located at the very edge of the explosion zone. In the center, where the buildings once stood, there is now just a smoke-blackened flat. No one who was there escaped the horror of the fire. Shock was written on everyone's faces. Because it's one thing to hear about a disaster, but it's another thing to witness it. As long as it's heard or read, it's just scary. But when you see it, be in it, and experience the heaviness of a place like this, you really get a sense of the fear and the inability to do anything about it. At that moment, everyone felt small and insignificant, completely unable to face the horror.
However, their professionalism was also evident once again. They weren't just there to watch, after all. They want to get involved and find out the cause of this disaster. You won’t get the answer just by observing the scene. However, their fellow Creepers don't seem to have any intention of explaining. He just stood there in silence, working angrily with a datapad. So other council members pulled out their own measuring instruments to scan their surroundings. Particle residue may provide clues as to the cause. If each race conducts its own survey first and then merges the data together, clear conclusions will soon be drawn. For Otis, this is where Cindy excels. Through their diversity, they have different perspectives, which often leads to better and more comprehensive results. As long as they cooperate. Just cooperation is often the problem.
After completing their measurements, each person transmits the data back to their ship. Experts will then conduct further analysis of the data. Members of Parliament have nothing else to do in the meantime.
However, unexpectedly, the Creepers ended up requesting that they enter a nearby temporary structure, which served as the coordination center for all investigation and security measures. The entire building is made of quickly assembled shipping containers and has only two rooms. A large room was bustling with people and seemed a bit chaotic. There is also a slightly smaller room for impromptu meetings. They were taken there.
Otis noticed that the only one currently in the building was Cindy the Creeper. They really seem to have control and may not give in easily. This may make the whole situation more complicated.
In the conference room, Cindy's face appeared on the big screen. He was invited to this meeting to include as many of their race as possible. They sit on the chairs provided. Then along comes another crawling Cindy. He was tall and broad, and his head was conspicuous even for a creeper. His uniform indicated that he was a high-ranking officer, although Otis could not determine the man's exact rank. He didn't know much about the Creeper's rank system.
"This is General Xi Crocodile," someone introduced. "He's in charge of the investigation here."
For Otis, this is typical Creeper style. Only this race can leave scientific investigations to the military.
Xi Crocodile glared at everyone. Maybe he had reservations about members of parliament. Or maybe he always sees people that way. For Creeping Cindy, it's hard to say.
"We have conducted a preliminary investigation," Creek Crocodile began without delay. And no hello. "And there are preliminary results."
He immediately attracted everyone's attention. Even those who were annoyed by creepers just a moment ago. Because no one expected the initial results.
"The explosion was not an accident," he said clearly, then let the words do their thing. They do make a difference. Because there was an audible gasp in the small room. If this is not an accident, it could have serious consequences. Already within himself, Otis sees his career imploding.
"In the radiation residue, we found a large number of muons, which are only produced when matter and antimatter mix," the general continued his statement. "However, there is no antimatter here, either stored or manufactured, which means someone could only have brought antimatter here on purpose. Most likely with the intention of detonating it."
Otis looked at his fellow plant Cindy with wide eyes. He also seemed surprised by the statements. Because he had stopped doing his usual combing of his thick beard. This is indeed shocking news. After all, Cindy had done everything possible to ensure the safety of the meeting. So who could smuggle a bomb in? And, who?
Otis was more than shocked; So it was difficult for him to continue listening to the general.
"We are currently still trying to get a more precise determination of the radiation. Perhaps the origin of the antimatter can be determined by its composition. There may be other residues that can be used to identify the bomb maker. But there are no results yet." In these words The idea of General Crocodile crawling down Cindy Creek could not be seen on his face. Serious expressions were so common among the race that Otis could not imagine a smiling or relaxed Creeping Cindy. He had never seen it.
The general concluded his report without additional remarks. So he said a brief farewell and left the room without looking back.
The four council members sat in silence. The news was so shocking that it was written on their faces. At least that can be seen in their respective anatomy. Even the aquatic Cindyling looks a little uneasy flapping in the water. But this impression may also come from image transmission. No one spoke. It will take time for everyone to understand the significance of the general's words.
"Who would be interested in this kind of crime?" Shan Mo, who now represents Plant Cindy, finally asked with a thoughtful tone, without directly accusing anyone.
As for the several possibilities behind this attack, Otis can think of some organizations that might benefit from it. Anyone interested in the failure of the talks may take this action. This method is relatively simple, but extremely cruel and effective. This clearly involves intergalactic interests and power plays. Since no one answered Shan Mo's question, Otis took over. "Whoever is behind this shameful and despicable attack, they don't want Cindy and the Federation anywhere near. It's likely that someone is afraid of such an alliance. Afraid that such an alliance could become too powerful. Faced with the combined power of Cindy and the Federation , even a Klingon or a Romulan would shudder. Therefore, I suspect these forces will spare no effort to sabotage our talks." As he spoke, he fell deeper and deeper into this assumption. As he spoke it, the idea seemed more and more logical to him. There is no other explanation.
“This is ridiculous,” Rep. Creeping Cindy exclaimed immediately. "The security measures are too strict. There is no way an outsider can smuggle a bomb in. There must be an insider here." He looked around angrily. Finally his eyes rested on Otis and he looked him in the eyes. "Humans did it. They attacked. They killed our politicians." He almost roared the last word through the room, as if he could no longer tolerate any rebuttal.
And in this difference of opinion, the aquarium Cindy Lingfish and the plant Cindy Shanmo remained silent. Representative Cindy of Insect also seems to want to wait and see first. Thus, conflict once again arises between Otis and his fellow Creeping Cindy. Otis couldn't let this continue.
"Why do humans kill their own politicians?" he asked rhetorically. He could hardly hide his disdain for Creeping Cindy. His tone betrayed his contempt. "The Federation won't do that."
"How do you know that?" Replied Cindy Centipede provocatively. "How well do you know the Federation to make such a judgment? Or is this just because of the Federation's rhetoric?" he asked sarcastically.
