Chapter 26: Cold Weld — Part 2

Esteban’s voice was torn and jagged with paranoia. “I say that Vodia has changed! The Vodians have become as powerful as the mutants on Fog World. Dangerous, deadly creatures all of them!” Angered at their cool lethargy, the young Baron Esteban spoke harshly to his fellow Leaders. He voiced his hotheaded plan as if it were the only alternative. “Ever since Emperor Grison destroyed Earth, and took the major power of the Cynosure for himself, we’ve been struggling just to stay alive, all the while our enemies work against us, gaining strength in numbers and superior technology. We’re trapped between the wolves and the lions. Vodia and Fog World are practically Satrapies within a separate Barony, and since we’ve got the muscle and the means, I say we attempt to conquer them, and use what we gain in that endeavor against our enemies.”

Baron Johnson remained quiet while Esteban calmed down, giving his fellow Barons a chance to voice their opinions. When none came forward he voiced his own, motioning to speak in a manner that assured no interruptions. “In all the centuries Vodia and Antans have been humanized, not once has the twin alliance sought out war with any party. Not once have they been taken by force! When there’s so little information on their power, how could we possibly consider attacking them directly? If they are a threat, how could we hope to beat them, ragged as we are so late in this campaign? I say we put Grison against them, somehow, and use our position between as a way to stab at both of them.” Johnson coughed, drinking from his glass of water. “I’ve no doubt we could beat them in a straight war, as Esteban recommends, but we’d have to align with Emperor Grison to do it. Once that happens, we might as well face the firing squads. I highly doubt that this particular avenue of conquest will prove fruitful. We’re pinned in, and if we are going to be pinned in, maybe we’d best get the bullies on both sides of us fighting against each other.”

“I’m telling you that we need their resources to save our own hides!” Baron Esteban slammed his hand onto the hard oak table a second time. The more distant walls echoed the impact. His face turned almost purple, then white.

Johnson’s voice was cool, confident. “Splitting our forces and focusing on two enemies would hardly strengthen our position. We may match the Emperor in technology, but his numbers are greater. We may have the numbers to overpower the Vodians and conquer Fog World, but rumor has it that their technology is far superior to our own. The cost in life alone might not be worth the attempt. However, if we weaken them both, maybe, just maybe we can get a few kicks in while they’re down.”

As the two faced each other off, each fighting for dominance, Baron Thomson tried to mediate. At the moment, however, he was at a loss for words, and ultimately indecisive on what course of action would delay their demise more swiftly. Some dark corruption had entered their minds, and the two were nearly to fists before Thomson got up enough courage to voice his own opinion on the matter.

“I know my Barony has as its primary advantage being a predominantly scientific community, but might I interject a proposal for your introspection, or were you two simply going to argue until one of you lost voice and could speak no longer?” Thomson suggested.

Baron Esteban calmly ran a finger across the table. “Yes, but before you do, could you call one of your medics in.”

“Why, dear Esteban,” Baron Johnson asked, sarcastic and cold, “did you get a splinter?”

“No,” Esteban said, breaking into a sweat. “I am damn certain I have managed to break my hand, and as Baron Thomson has asked to take the floor, I feel now would be a good time to put his technology to good use.”

Thomson, tall, thin, and well defined, chuckled. “Serves you right. It’s just such a lack of control that keeps the enemy at a distance. But as you can well see, without that same control, your power will eventually turn back on you. And Baron Johnson, though your cunning and deceptiveness has helped us greatly in minimizing casualties and keeping our enemies off guard, it may not serve well against an enemy whose technology is unrivaled, and whose fighting style is passive.”

Esteban growled out an insult, begrudging the truth. “Man of science, what is your proposal?”

“I say that we put our prejudices aside and at least try to open peaceful communications with the Vodia Coalition.”

The room was completely silent. In all their military scheming, never had Johnson or Esteban considered the strategy of peaceful first contact with Vodia or Antans.