Civilisation: Chapter 6

Aldon arrived at the secluded spot that he frequented, early as always. He had told Oluania about the place and they planned to use it whenever they needed privacy, although only one of them at any given time.

It was not long before Kruff joined Aldon and for a few moments they both stood there staring back at the bulk of the city, admiring and remembering, the same question on both their minds, will all this be gone soon?

“I have the difficult task of finding pilots for this mission,” started Aldon, “but how do I tell those that are volunteering that they may never see their loved ones again? That they may never see home again? For that matter, they may never see another living creature again. They may die in the vastness of space on a mission that may or may not succeed.”

“There is your problem,” replied Kruff. “You are always the pessimist. If you were given the choice, would you be one of those pilots?”

“Of course I would. I am not asking anyone to do what I would not, but I still cannot go.”

“I know this and I feel the same. If it was not for my position here, I would be out there looking for a new home for our people. No matter if the pilots find somewhere or not, their belief in what they are doing is absolute.”

“I know, but I am asking them to give up their lives, sending them out there knowing that they may never come home.” Aldon stopped to take a breath, this was always going to be the hardest part.

“Well it matters not Aldon-“

“Why does is not matter? How can you say such a thing?” Aldon cried.

“It matters not because you do not have to find any pilots or ask them to do anything. Your supporters are already volunteering for the honour of finding our new home, of having the chance to be the founder of a new race in a new sector of the galaxy. You already have your pilots, you just need enough ships for them all.”

Aldon was speechless and for what seemed like hours, just stood there looking at Kruff, unable to believe what he had just been told. He took it all in and then there was a wave of relief as he realised that the decision had been taken away from him. He would no longer be taking children away from parents and destroying families, because they had made the decision themselves. There was also the realisation that people were willing to give up their lives for their people just like himself, Zolin, Oluania and Kruff.

“I don’t what to say Kruff. I never thought that people would be willing to help after the Council’s dismissal of my proposal.”

“There are more people on Algerian prime than there are Council members, remember that. We still need to be cautious though, some of these will be glory hunters and we will attract some of the less desirable from our community. While that is ok, we don’t want them running around telling everyone that it will be them to find us a new home. It’s not publicity that we want.”

“I agree, but we can deal with that when the time comes to assigning pilots to their ships and equipping them.”

***

As Aldon returned, he was tempted to go straight to Zolin and tell him of his news, but he decided to go home and get some rest first. As he did, there was someone waiting for him, Darielle, Kruff’s son.

“What can I do for you,” Aldon asked, more than a little curious as to why Darielle was here to see him.

“It is a little sensitive, may I come inside and speak with you Aldon?”

“Of course,” Aldon replied, opening the door and inviting Darielle in.

He made them both a drink and then sat looking at Darielle trying to get an idea of what he was up to and what he wanted. It was a look in his eye that gave Aldon a shiver down his spine; he knew he was not going to like this conversation.

“I thought I would speak with you before my father, so here I am. I am volunteering my services as a pilot for your expedition,” Darielle said with a look of hope in his eyes.

“I don’t think that is a good idea, what-” Aldon started before he was interrupted.

“In our house we are taught not to speak of anything that is heard, so mother knows of your plans too. What I want is your approval before I tell them I am going to be on your team.”

“I can’t do that. If your father takes it the wrong way, or sees it that I have gone behind his back allowing you to join the team, then he has the power to stop this altogether and it is too important,” Aldon said, genuinely regretting that he was turning away someone that wanted to help their people as he did.

“I understand your position and appreciate your concerns, I’ll leave you to get some rest.” Darielle said, standing and shaking Aldon’s hand before leaving and returning home.

***

Aldon was just getting out of the shower when there was a knock at his door. He could count on both hands the number of visitors he had received at his home and most of them were from the past few days. Wondering who this could be he hastily dressed and then opened the door.

As it slid open, standing there, completely blocking the exit, was Kruff. Immediately he knew what this was about and this was a meeting he had been expecting but not wanting.

“Come in Kruff,” Aldon said as he turned back into the room to continue getting ready. “I thought you may come. I didn’t know he wanted to be a part of this mission.”

“Don’t worry, that’s what I’m here for, but I wanted to ask you to reconsider.”

Aldon stopped and turned to face Kruff, not quite believing what he was hearing. A lot of things had happened over the past few days so he knew he should not be surprised by anything, but this was different.

“You want Darielle to be allowed to go?” Aldon asked incredulously.

“It is your mission so I cannot force you to allow Darielle to be a part of it, but I am proud that he wants to help our people. He is a better man than I.”

“Of course I will reconsider. I had assumed you would not want him to go and I didn’t want that to jeopardise the relationship between us,” Aldon said.

“I do not want him to go, but like you and I, he feels he has a responsibility to our people and I cannot fault him for that. He is not after the glory as others might be, he believes that the survival of our race is more important than himself and wants to be a part of the group that saved so many people.”

“You can tell him I was wrong and that he can pilot a ship and help our people,” Aldon said, relaxing a little. It was still a huge weight on his shoulders knowing that Darielle may not return—that all of the pilots may not return .

“He does not know I am here. He asked that I not get involved and to let your decision stand, but I am proud of him and want him to make his own way in the universe, regardless of the cost to me. Can you tell him and please do not tell him that I asked.”