Chapter Twenty-Two
'It Will Come Back to Bite You!'
Cyrannus System
Planet: Caprica
Colonial Capital Building
Quorum Executive Assembly Hall
The male called Hoptec desperately assumed that this alien security was adequate for the protection of the members of the Race. Security was tight, however that didn't mean that there weren't hundreds of spectators crowded around both the Quorum leadership and the Race. The Cyrannus Tosevites towered over the members of the Race and Senior Imperial Scribe Hoptec was frightened although he didn't show it. The Big Uglies, or Cyrannus Tosevites, or whatever they chose to call themselves looked like a pack of predators with their little, immobile eyes placed at the front of their flat faces. He couldn't tell them apart, not yet and he couldn't tell the males from females yet either. He knew in theory that the females of the species had various sized bumps on their chests and their hair was usually longer than that of the males, but that didn't help much as he had no real experience dealing with the creatures.
Superior Translations Specialist Ristin was the expert here. He could easily tell the difference. The emperor was safe and surrounded by his retinue, but he was off to the side and not quite hiding behind Ristin who seemed more at ease being surrounded by these creatures. He had the added advantage of being trained in a soldier's time so, Hoptec assumed he could handle strange and dangerous situations such as this. Being behind such a male was comforting.
The reporters of the Race seemed to be doing well. They and the Cyrannus reporters were taking pictures of each another. They were so interested in each other that they almost had forgotten their primary purpose of documenting the Emperors visit to this cold planet.
These Cyrannus inhabitants were just as huge as their Terran relatives, dwarfing the average male by almost a third in size and they were just as noisy. They weren't standing in quiet reverence to the Emperor. Instead they randomly moved and yammered as if they would die before they could utter their final messages. Plus, their clothing wasn't uniformed as he would have expected them to be. He acknowledged the military, as their uniforms defined their positions. But the others were incomprehensible. Paint was so much more efficient.
He supposed that clothing made sense especially in this horridly chilly weather. But it was still frightening being trapped on this alien world and he fervently wished that he was as brave as Kishak appeared. That male was so brave.
Hoptec took his recorder from his pouch and started his personal recording. The language wasn't that of the Race, but he would have it translated later along with his personal observations and that of the Emperor's. He would want everything transcribed for later review. He would now perform his duty for the Empire.
The President and Quorum representatives gaped at the reptile-like aliens who in turn, were doing the same thing.
"They're so short!" gasped the Quorum member James Tantus, representative of Aquaria. Admittedly, he wasn't that tall himself, but he towered over the creatures. "I assumed that they were all green." He looked closely at one of the aliens who stared back at him with only one eye. The other turreted eye was swiveling every which way. It was very disconcerting. "I was wrong."
"Why are they naked?" asked another Quorum member.
They couldn't see the president's sarcastic demeanor as they were behind him. "What's the matter?" he questioned. "Didn't you read the memo?"
It took everything that the representative had to keep from coming back with a snarky to the President of the Colonies of Kobol and Territories…
CBN Control Booth
"…To those who are just joining us, we are continuing to cover this unprecedented event as we have alien, as in hon-human, visitors from another world meeting diplomatically for the very first time. The second most powerful member of a lizard-like species called the Race, or by the people of Earth, Lizardians. Please note that this later term is considered somewhat derogatory to the Race; however, the name used by the Terrans is being accepted by the leadership of the Race and is acknowledge as not being considered a derogatory name. The name 'Lizardian' is used by the UCW when describing the Race. We here at CBN's do not use this name as a derogatory to denigrate the Race and show no disrespect to the members of the Race. We have spoken to the representatives of the Race and they have understood and accepted our explanation as to the use of this name to describe them. I'm Keba Sanchgaron.
In a few minutes, the Emperor Risson will give a speech to the Cyrannus nation on the status of the relationship between his people and ours. With me is our Senior correspondent and Petre Suba host of 'Caprica News Tonight' and General Mia Picia, retired, former head of Scorpia Defense ground forces. Welcome to both of you. Petre, we've had a wild week and things just keep coming as we continue covering the events of today."
Petre: "That's an understatement, Keba. We've been working with each other on the unfolding news events in the last few days, so much so that we haven't had time to catch our collective breaths, let alone have the time to do any real, detailed analysis on the recent events. The Goa'uld threat, the Terran battlestar in orbit, and the visitation of the Empire of the Race. The Executive Branch and the Quorum have been trying to keep people from panicking and answer the question that the people have. The Goa'uld threat is something that many of us are concerned about despite assurances from the CDF that they could handle any thereat the Goa'uld represented to our world, but with the presence of the Terrans, there seems to be a lessening of the tensions so far."
Keba: "'So far', is the operating word here. But for how long? What happens when the Terrans leave? Will the Goa'uld come back or leave us alone? These are some of the basic questions that we will be seeking answers to in the coming days and weeks. After the analysis of Emperor Risson's speech, we will also have a special guest, Colonel Samantha Carter of the Terran battleship Mashantucket, a United Coalition of Worlds protectorate warship that is now in orbit over Caprica. Most experts believe that the presence of the Terrans is one of the main reasons why the Goa'uld didn't attack us five days ago. There's been a lot of speculation between the government and military as to the relationship between the Terrans and the Goa'uld. This also been some speculation that the threatening nature of the Goa'uld is a direct result of their interactions with the Terrans. We know from various reports that the Goa'uld hates the Terrans and everything that they stand for and vice versa. Currently however, we don't have details as to the tumultuous relationship that these two governments have with each other. These are questions that were searching for at this time and hope to have an answer for you fairly soon."
Petre: "Indeed, and those are just some of the questions that we need to have answered. But those questions will have to wait until later. We can see the delegation of the Race entering the room now. Most of the people in the room are now standing and clapping. We are looking at the Emperor now which we can barely see because everybody standing and these 'Lizardians' are short in relation to people, Humans, that is. There are about the size of eight-year-olds or about the height of Keba here without her heels on. For the audience's information, Keba is about this 5'1'' and the Lizardians are barely up to her eyes in height."
Keba: "Thank you, very much, Petre! I so appreciate you talking about my height. Gods, you're so exasperating sometimes."
Petre: (laughing) "You're welcome. And I know that exasperating is not the word you want to use, but I thank you for such a delicate comeback on live television. The Race delegation is getting closer now and we get a better view of them. It is interesting to note that superficially they all look very similar to one another. If you look closer however you can see the differences. What is also of interest is that these aliens have feathers adorned on the top of the heads. From here I believe I can see at an average of three to five on each of the heads. The leader is wearing gold paint decorations across his body. His cape is also heavily adorned in gold painting of the same pattern, a royal cape as it were. For those who can't see details on the viewing screen, they have very short stubby tails and they seem to skitter more than walk as err, normal Humans would walk. There are two guards in the front and the two guards behind him. They appear very wary, understandably so, while they proceed towards the podium where the President is waiting. This is the third meeting between them of the day. They've had to previous, private meetings that lasted an hour and a half each. Behind the Emperor is another member of the Race is the royal interpreter. He speaks fluent Caprican which we are told that he learned it from exiled Cylons located on one of their worlds. That's another thing that we need to discuss with him to find out the status of both Cylons and what they intend to do with them. This is the first official meeting between the two Heads of State and we hope that there will be subsequent meetings so that the Cylon situation can be addressed to everyone's satisfaction."
General Mia Picia: "I agree with that assessment. But at this time, the Cylon threat is minimized and I really don't believe that they are threat to us at this point. The Cylons seem to have settled on that world, living peacefully with the Race. The Race doesn't seem to have any difficulties with them and if they stay away from the Colonies and Colonial interests, then I see no reason why we can't leave them alone in peace. They lost the war and it's foolish, in my opinion for us to continue worrying about them when they're not a threat to us. The Race however is another story. Their presence is something that I'm personally concerned about. Our people have fought each other and there has been casualties on both sides. But we need to put that incident into the past. We have greater concerns then trying to re-fight a war we've already won. A biggest concern is the Goa'uld and what they represent. We also have to consider what the Terrans really want from us."
Petre: "What do you mean by that? It appears that tensions between us and the Terrans is slowly ebbing and they are becoming more comfortable with their fellow brethren. Afterall, they did come to help us in our time and need. The tribes of Man are coming together."
General Picia: "I'm in no way disputing that. But, our two governments haven't had any specific talks or agreements yet. It seems like we're both dancing around, trying to pick a superior position to dominate the other. What I would personally wish for is that both sides really sit down and talk and hammer out our differences. People haven't taken into consideration that the Goa'uld is out there as are our Colonial pioneers traveling to the new colonies. We need to protect those people. That is something we should be very concerned about. The Goa'uld may not directly attack the Colonies but what's to stop them from attacking our caravans heading to those new worlds at a speed just perfect for target practice? We must be diligent and hammer out agreement with the Terrans and the UCW. That is in everyone's best interests. This includes the Race and their grievances with us. We, all of us, need to sit down, argue without shooting at each other, and get things out in the open and move on for the mutual benefit and protection of everybody. We don't know what kind of threats out there, but we shouldn't be threatening and endangering each other out of suspicions and mistrust.
I recognize that the Race is an alien species, but they have interests in protecting their people as we have interests in protecting ours. We need to join our militaries and produce a united front. The Lizardians are rumored to have in abundance of tyllium which we desperately need. That resource is critical to our survival. We must negotiate in good faith with the Empire so that we can get access to this critical necessity. Without it, our economy will collapse. To keep that from happening, we need to establish a real peace with both the Race and solidify our relationship with Earth and its allies."
Keba: "That's a discussion for another time as we switch our focus now as the leader of the Lizardian Empire is stepping up to the podium. There is a tremendous amount of clapping from the Quorums representatives and other onside the room. The Lizardian seem a little put off by the clapping but they understand what it means. I hasten to say for our viewers is that this podium is been specially prepared for the Emperor as most podiums are too tall for him to reach to get access to the microphone. As we mentioned earlier, in terms of height their leader's only about 4'8" tall. As we can see, President Goesel is standing to the right side next to several members of the Quorum and our high-ranking military him and members of the cabinet. This is one of the biggest photo opportunities for the President since his speech almost three years ago when he first spoke about the alleged Thirteenth Tribe in his reunification speech. As for Emperor Risson, he is being flanked by two members of their equivalency of the Quorum, his personal translator, and to Imperial guards. I hasten to mention that these guards are not armed as security is being supplied by the Presidential Praetorian security agents. For our viewing audience you'll notice that there is a small rounded object on top of the podium next to the microphone. This is a translation device provided by the Terrans. I'm being told our own translation computers are not adequate to properly translate the language of the Race into Caprican standard. Our translating computers have some data to properly translate the Lizardian language into our own; however, it is not accurate to render a true translation and as we all know, this is a critical point when it comes to the diplomacy. Each side must accurately understand one another so that we can avoid any misunderstandings that might occur due to a misspoken word or a misunderstood phrase. As I was saying, if you look at the podium you see a device that is a Terran invention. It is called a Google Highpoint Translator ™ and what it will do is translate the language of the Race into Americana Englisa, and automatically transfer the language into Caprican standard which is what we will hear. It's a somewhat awkward system, for now is the most accurate way to get a proper translation."
Petre: "That's interesting but forgive me if I voice my opinion that translating it into Americana Englisa is a bit suspicious. Some people may believe that this is yet another way that the Terrans are inserting themselves into our affairs."
Keba: "Petre, that may be true but as I was just saying, we definitely need an accurate translation of what this government representative has to say. Personally, although I find the name 'Google' rather freakish, if this Google device works the way it's supposed to, then I will not deny its effectiveness. Besides from what I understand this little device does quite a bit, including playing music and act as a phone and message center. When it comes on the market in the Colonies, I'm sure that a lot of people are going to be interested in purchasing one. Imagine the ability to communicate with everyone in Cyrannus regardless of their home languages especially those who do not speak Caprican standard as their primary language. It will revolutionize how the Colonies communicate with each other. It will have the added benefit of translating and teaching the Terran languages to us… We'll continue this conversation later as we now prepare to listen to Emperor Risson, 37th to bear the name and the second most powerful leader of the Empire that spans four worlds… You're watching CBN Caprica, your source for all of the latest news."
I, Emperor Risson, 37th to bear the name, ruler of Home II, second in line to my Emperor Rushan, 37th to bear that name, Emperor of the Empire of Home, Home II, Halless, and Rabotev, greet you the Tosevite faction of the Cyrannus star system. I use the name Tosevite in reference to the name the males and females of the Race have named you. This name we use references the star Tosev and the third planet that revolves around us that sun Tosev III.
"To understand who and what we are, I now give you a short history of the Empire. The Empire in the last few years has changed, but for one hundred thousand years, we, the males and females of the Race have been unified under one ruler. The Emperor's line, who bears the name Ssumaz, is a succession that has not been broken since Home was unified one hundred thousand years ago.
The Empire has always believed that we were the height of civilization and that we were the most advanced species in the galaxy. When Home became overcrowded with males and females, we looked at other worlds we could colonize that were close enough for us to do so.
We set our eye turrets on the most habitable world closest to us. With the First Conquest Fleet, Hisstan the Conqueror civilized Halless in a few days. A few thousand years later, the population again increased to an unsustainable level and we looked to the stars once more. We sent the Second Conquest Fleet to Rabotev system. Pssafaln the Conqueror civilized the natives of Rabotev within a few weeks. These worlds were added to the Empire and the natives have become loyal citizens and productive members of the Empire.
"The Race remained at peace along with his neighbors who were now part of the Empire. Again, our numbers increased on all three worlds and once more, we required more room to grow. Twelve hundred years later, as we recognize such measurements, we sent probes to the star system called Tosev. Our probes revealed to us the species we named Tosevites in honor of the star system. Our probes revealed huge, hairy bipedal creatures riding on four-legged animals making war against each other. The Tosevites wore metal shirts and metal headgear. They carried spears and used sharpened metal weapons called swords to fight one another. They were a primitive species and they were weak. The Emperor of that time decided that this world was ripe for conquest and propose to add to the Empire. Our preparation lasted sixteen hundred years as counted by the Race, and then we were ready. Our ships were prepared but before we could leave we discovered a small defect in our navigational systems, so we waited another fifty Terran years before we set out on a journey to conquer Tosev III.
"We were unprepared for the things we discovered.
"Know that each species of the Empire moves in slow, measured steps which ensures stability and we assume this truth would be no different for the inhabitants of Tosev III. We expected little to no changes in the industry and technology from the time of our probes to a mere sixteen hundred years later. We never imagined that the Tosevites would experience such malignant growth of technology and industry from the time our probes first recorded Tosevite life on the planet until now. With our advanced killercraft, armored landcruisers, our advanced weapons, are explosive metal bombs, and our technology which was far superior to anything that the Tosevites could have possibly created in a mere seventeen hundred years, we expected to encounter very little resistance. Spears and arrows could not defend against automatic weapons and missiles."
Everyone watching could see the almost visceral change in Risson's body as he continued in more subdued tones.
"When the Third Conquest Fleet reached Tosev IV, we were intercepted by the Tosevites calling themselves the Terrans. "We were not prepared for such an encounter. Ships of the Conquest Fleet were not designed for interstellar combat and the Terrans were strong. They had superior ships, weapons, and technology far beyond anything that we had ever imagined. For the first time, the Race was frightened. We discovered bad neighbors, those more advanced than us. Fleetlord Atvar, Supreme Commander of the Third Conquest Fleet was placed in a position that no other Fleetlord had ever been put in. At first, we did not believe that they were Tosevites but rather some other, unknown species that had gotten to Tosev III first. We were wrong.
"The Tosevites were stronger than we were. They could have destroyed the Conquest Fleet and then conquered the Empire and we could have done nothing to stop them. They had us in the grip of their not-claws. But instead of destroying or subjugating us as we would have them, they offered us another world. Instead of killing us, they talked to us as civilized beings. We were frightened but we began to understand. The leaders of the Race came together to explore new possibilities and within a short time period of a few decades we would have decided as to how to deal with the Terrans. It is our way to carefully choose our options, ones that would not negatively impact the Race. But we had no time to study our options because the Cyrannus faction entered the Tosev system and attacked the Terran and Cylon Tosevites we now called Humans. Our crews watched in terror as all sides expended explosive metal bombs like storms throw sand across the desert, at each other while we hid behind the fourth planet Tosev IV known by the locals as the planet Mars and watched.
"The Cyrannus faction lost decisively against the Terran defenses."
A quiet but noticeable grumbling could be heard throughout the audience listening attentively to the Lizardian.
"The Conquest Fleet did not participate in the battle, but we observed everything. It was there that our fears crystalized. Truth! We knew without doubt that there were species and factions more advances than the Race.
"Our collective fears turned out to be true. The Empire was conquered by the Cyrannus faction of Humans. We, the Empire of the Race were now servants of the Cyrannus overlords. The Empire did not resist because we could not. Our society had no weapons, nor did we have a Soldier's Time on Home. All of our weapons and soldiers were on Home II because there was no need for such things on Home or in the Empire in times of peace. Your battlestars ruled the system of Home with impunity. As the Hallessi and Rabotev were subjects of the Race forever, we, the members of the Race knew that we would forever be the subjects of the Cyrannus Humans. We, the Empire of the Race rulers of all that we knew, were resigned to our fates. "We expected an eternity of servitude, but our subjectivity lasted only a week. The Tollanians, allies of the Terrans freed us from your battlestars and soldiers.
In return, your people detonated an explosive metal, you identify them as nuclear, bombs among the males and females of the Race who had offered no resistance to your soldiers and leaders. You slaughtered the royal males and advisors of the Race, and you took thousands of males and females of the Race and took them from our worlds to become servants of your new colonies. We know that you kidnapped thousands of Rabotev and Hallessi from other parts of the Empire.
There was a lot of confused grumbling now and Goesel knew that the audience was going to explode with questions when the Emperor finished his speech. President Goesel and his people were not looking forward to the upcoming Inquisition.
Not at all.
The Podium
"We have negotiated for the release of our people. Two of your new colonies said yes, one said no. This causes an impasse between the people Cyrannus and the Empire. Because of this and other important considerations, the Empire of the Race now seeks to ally itself with the Terrans and UCW. No longer will we be alone and vulnerable against dangerous neighbors and barbarians in the wider galaxy. We are becoming strong and we will defend ourselves and stand as equals with our allies.
"The people of Cyrannus, the members of the Race, the Tollanian factions, the Terrans, and other factions and species who cannot defend themselves, are under threat. There are pirates that roam the stars. The Goa'uld are rebuilding the Empire and are a threat to any who would not serve them. Individually, we cannot stand alone against them and other threats seen and unseen.
"I am here to give a message of peace to your people. But under present circumstances, I cannot see a pathway to peace as long as you hold our people captive on your colonies. Your Governor and Priest of his superstition Iblison refuses to release our people. Although we do not wish to, we will go to war over this.
"Your representatives have approached us because we have resources that you need. We have tyllium in abundance as well as critical minerals and metals you are slowly running out of. My question to you is this: why should we treat with you if you are not willing to release our people without being threatened by the prospect of war? Why does your president wish to negotiate with us but at the same time is not willing to do what needs to be done to have our people released? If we had captured and enslaved your males and females, and their progeny, how would you feel? Would you negotiate for the release of your people? Would you go to war? These are questions that the Empire of the Race must answer.
"You claim to be as civilized people. If you are, then how you treat with us will answer the validity of that statement. We have no interest in blackmailing the Kobollian people Cyrannus, but we have suffered at your claws and we will do so no more. We demand those perpetrators who slaughtered our leadership, and members of the royal family. We demand justice against those who detonated the bomb that killed millions upon millions of numbers of the Race. We demand the perpetrators who kidnapped our people be brought to justice. This justice will be under our jurisdiction, your jurisdiction, and those of the race called the Nox. We seek revenge, yes. But, we seek justice more. If this request is refused or unjustifiably delayed, then the Empire of the Race will declare war against the people of Cyrannus. The Race is patient and has long memories. We do not wish conflict, but we do demand justice to keep from going to war. Until this situation is resolved, you would not receive any treaties or contracts from us. You will receive no tylium and you will not be allowed to become part of the UCW. Your colonies near the Terran system will be isolated and there will be little to no contact with the people of Terra or the Empire of the Race. You already have many enemies. I expect you who claim to be civilized people to stop creating enemies and start making friends. The choice is up to you.
I, Emperor Risson, 37th to bear that name Emperor of Home II, speak for Emperor Rushan 37th to bear the name, ruler of the Empire of the Race.
"The words have been spoken, now let it be done. Will there be peace, security and prosperity for all, or will there be isolation and possible destruction to the people of Cyrannus. The choice is yours."
CBN Control Booth
Petre: "We've been watching Emperor Risson, the second most powerful leader of an alien species called the Race deliver a speech to the combined attendants of the Executive branch, the Quorum, the Religious leadership, and indeed, the entire assembly of the Colonies of Kobol. In his speech, there's quite a bit of information that was disseminated to us. The Emperor and his entourage are leaving the stage going back the way they came. Once more they are being surrounded by a noticeably more subdued crowed this time. As you saw, he spoke to the President for a few seconds before leaving."
Keba: The President did not loo happy."
Petre: "No, he didn't. we're going to take a break and come back to continue our coverage and analysis of what we've just heard from the Emperor.
Keba: "But, did I heard correctly Did the emperor just threat us with war? And have we kidnapped members of his people, or was that simply bombastic rhetoric designed to intimidate us into some sort of forced agreement?
Petre: "If it's true, Keba, then this story has just gotten larger than even we imagined. We know High Priest Iblison is governor of New Picon. If he was mentioned by name, then he has to have something to do with the Emperor's obvious irritation… Yes? My producer is screaming at me. We'll be back with our interview with Colonel Carter of the Terran battleship that brought the Emperor and his entourage. She will give her views of the state of our relations with Terran and the UCW and the Race. We'll be back in a moment. You're watching CBN…"
"This broadcast is being sponsored in part by the Google-Pepsi-Cola.
The Google-Plexx Highpoint JL2 language processer. Now with a touch of your fingers you can translate any Kobollian dialect instantly and easily. Learn and speak Terran, Tollanian, and Race languages quickly and easily all with a touch of a button.
Coming soon to a store near you."
Note: And yes, Google got into the market first. The translation system is a critical device that the Colonials and a lot of others couldn't afford to ignore. This tech was quickly granted and accepted and agreed upon on both sides as each side really doesn't want war due to mis-communication. As we saw above the translation of the Race is not quite 100%. There are differences in the understanding of what consitiutes the definition of a year. The Race has not declared war but has stated they will be willing to entertain one. The Colonials may not see it as Risson intended it to be. Just because you understand a language doesn't mean that you know it or the intent behind it…
At $499.95 it will be a steal when it starts shipping.
Also, back to the Google device. Right now, it is an exception for trade. The other company on both sides are trying to get into each other's market but things are not settled yet and both sides will go slow…except for comummications technology and perhaps weapons
Furthermore, the Asgard are helping the Race so things are changing quickly. This is also seen in 'Road paved in Shadows where the changes are far more abrupt and less 'tongue N cheek'.
Thank you and take care for now.
AlbertG