Andros POV

Jezcoot was beside himself with excitement chattering with Goli his servant in the rapid sing song lilt that their language took. They were pointing at the underwater city from the comfort of the Exelon's bridge on the 3rd Floor.

I must admit the buildings exhibited a beautiful spiraling design that was pleasing to the eye. It made Earths vertical structures look bland in comparison. Taokin architecture was both aesthetically beautiful and functional at the same time. From what little I knew the circle was always incorporated in all their designs. It was evident in every structure of the underwater city below.

"Captain Ziko this is unbelievable. My people have been searching for this city for so long."

"I don't understand why is this so important?"

"In our historical records it is written that we left fifth planet in our star system and landed here on Kavitt. Our people established a city which was named Medishon that lasted for hundreds of years before being destroyed by a great flood."

"And you think this is Medishon? Are you sure?"

"Yes! I'm sure of it! There was a central temple, the spaceship was used to make parts of the city. You can see it in some of the larger buildings. I see a  section partially exposed over there and a landing legs repurposed to hold up the tower." he said pointing to one of the buildings.

"I see that." I said as I recognized it as well.

"It's all here! Eight sections divided by streets and...... oh. The descriptions I read of it all fit perfectly with this city. I am sure this is no coincidence."

"Well I'm glad for you Jezcoot. It's not evident from ground level only from up here."

"This will end the debate we have been having for decades. So many of the younger generation have begun to deny our history and this is the proof that our historical texts are correct. This proves it was not a myth and that we too were once a space traveling people! My grandfather was right. I can't wait to inform him of this."

"Jezcoot I'm happy we could be part of this discovery."

Seeing that I was deep in thought Jezcoot asked," What's wrong Captain Ziko you look troubled?"

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly not knowing how to begin.

"I  received a reply from my superiors at Redlands and the news isn't what I expected."

"Why is this? Please tell me more."

"I will but I don't know how to explain this." I said cautiously.

"Captain Ziko you once told me I must be completely honest with you. Do you remember?"

"Yes I do."

""Well Captain I ask that you give me the same respect. Be completely honest with me as well."

I nodded and replied,"Your right Jezcoot. I guess I can't expect honesty unless I'm up front as well. This is very difficult for me to say. I informed them that there was intelligent life here and that we encountered hostility on the first day."

"Did your Superiors know that we seek an alliance with them? Did you not ask them this?" Jezcoot asked.

"Well yes. But the initial message was sent prior to our meeting with the Toakin Council of Five."

"Yes Captain I understand. Please just tell me what were their actual words."

"They said to exterminate the dominant species from Tau Ceti. To show dominance at once and make it easier for the incoming colonists when they arrive." I replied.

Jezcoot was shocked and silent for a minute. He turned to his servant Goli  and they spoke amongst themselves in  their language turning slightly away from me as I waited for a response. Their hand gestures suggested that they were in disagreement about me as I saw Goli pointing at me several times during their hushed conversation. I kept my silence respectfully letting them sort things out without me adding anything to an already deadly situation.

Finally they both turned to me and reverted back to speaking in my language.

"Can I see this message Captain Ziko?" Jezcoot finally asked.

"I'm afraid the message is now gone. They sent it with a time limit. I couldn't save it."

"Captain Ziko you would betray MY people?  You know nothing of us. I approached you in peace. I thought this was made clear. Yet you would exterminate us? Is this how things are done in your world?"

"NO! Please Jezcoot don't misunderstand these are just orders. They are not what I personally want at all. They come from my superiors NOT me. I have come to regard you and Goli as trusted members of my crew. But like yourself my superiors make decisions that are sometimes contrary to my advise.

"Still,  you are bound to fulfill these orders are you not?"

"Well technically, yes. I am supposed to carry them out, but , their interpretation and execution are up to me."

"And how do you interpret it Captain? Because it seems very simple to me. Your orders are to eliminate us as a species. Yes?"

"It's not that simple there's more to it than that. I'm still trying to figure all that out Jezcoot. I'm sure there's a way around it. I don't want to exterminate anyone. I'm still thinking about my response."

"So do you have the ability to refuse this order?"

"Yes. It might cost me dearly unless I could find a good intermediate solution."

"Do you even have the ability to carry out this order? My people number about 40,000 while you have only 13."

"Jezcoot, believe me,we have the technology to do it. But that's beside the point. I am looking for a way not to. I don't know how they could even send such an order. It's incomprehensible to me that any intelligent person would suggest it. Our history has shown us that this never ends well."

"So you have done this on your own planet? To other humans?"

"Well, yes we have." I replied. Immediately I realized  how scary that sounded to Jezcoot.

"But it was a long time ago." I added.

"Perhaps you should explain that the Taokin are not like the Desotti  and that we seek an alliance?"

"Yes,  I informed them but this is the only responseq I have received so far. I will bring that up again but I just need to rephrase it correctly. They might accept it but I need to convince them. There's just a time problem. You see the Colony ship is coming very soon and this first order is all I have.

"Captain it's clear what I need to do. I don't intend to be looking over my shoulder in fear of my life while you look for the right words. This is not ....acceptable to us." he said referring to himself and his servant.

"Jezcoot I'm not like that. I could never harm you."

"I think for our safety Goli and I will go to Bainluma a  tradesman town about half a days walk to the west of here. If you decide to form an alliance and drop your plans of extermination then you can find us there. If I don't hear from you in a few days I can only assume you will be going forth with your orders."

They stood up and were about to leave when I stopped them.

"Hold it Jezcoot. On Earth friends always meet and part by shaking hands as a sign of trust. Extending an open hand is symbolic of that."

I then stuck out my right hand. To which Jezcoot did the same. I took it and gave him a warm handshake followed by an awkwardly gentle hug.

"My friend I will contact you soon."
"I hope you make the right decision Captain Ziko. We shall be waiting in Bainluma."

I shook Goli's hand as well.
"Take care of Jezcoot for me Goli I will see you both as soon as I make a decision."

"Farewell Captain."

I left to check on the progress of the construction. I was starting to get a terrible headache. I wish they had made these sun goggles a few tints darker.

____________________________________

I was inspecting the inside of the fortress structure with Portsby when we saw Jezcoot and Goli walking by carrying 2 bags each and headed to the tree line.

"Where are they headed?" Portsby asked.

"They're going to a place called Bainluma because they don't feel safe here."

"So you told them?"

"I did and it was awkward trying to explain that it's not my intention. Anyway I was to inform them of my decision once I made one."

"Decision? You're a company man Andros. I've never  known you to disobey an order. You've got so much tied up in your career and the company. Is it really that hard a decision for you to make?"

"For once Portsby it really is."

"I'm glad I'm not in a position to have to make it. Because I couldn't live with myself afterwords honestly."

I could feel the tension in my shoulders build and stood up to stretch a little. It didn't help.

____________________________________

Inside of the fortress walls Milo and Dexter were each carrying 12 foot logs into position. The construction exoskeletons gave each person the strength of a horse. Without them the project would have taken a week even with loaders and bulldozers. A truly skilled operator was worth his weight in gold and probably could've done the job in 2 days with the help of a single operator. We were far from that gifted. It would all 13 of my crew 3-4 days to complete, but I was pleased with our progress.

As had happened before the Colonists would probably criticize the quality of our work. But we were Germinators and this was a secondary task in my book. The piles of research and preliminary assessment was our primary function. We had accumulated plenty of that already. The fortress was a bonus.

I went to see how the work was progressing and was looking over the designs prints laid  out in the utility vehicle's camper. Portsby was using it as a mobile office when he walked in on me. He was surprised to see me there.

" Hey Boss! Checking up on the hired help?"

"Just curious to see where we stand. Today I just want to get the Fortress up in time. I can't even think about anything else right now. I'm focused on Fort Comfort."

Portsby looked at his old friend who he knew despised construction management and shook his head.

"Your not very good at it."

"Not good at what?"

"Lying."

"Is it that obvious?"

"Afraid so."

"I had my poker face on."

"Could've fooled me."

I grabbed my goggles and was about to go inspect the work when Portsby must've sensed what I was about to do.

He said, "Andros, why don't you just go inside and figure out what you're actually going to do and leave the walls to me. The last thing I need out here is for someone to accidentally smack you with a log because you're minds preoccupied."

"I guess you're right. I'll be on the Comm if anything comes up. I guess I can rustle up some hot food for everyone."

"That would be a good idea then that would also free up whoever is on kitchen duty."

By sundown the outer walls were substantially complete. The rest was letting the concrete harden and then reinforcing the vertical platforms from the inside. The front gates were yet to be constructed but otherwise it enclosed the half mile area that the colony required.

In the background I could see Leopolds crew had cut a long swath of land into the forest to mill enough wood for the walls. It left a scar in the tree line larger than the fortress area but in this land of new forests it would be just the first of many more yet to come. The homes would take an even bigger toll. It was part of the reason this area was chosen. The concentration of trees was excessive.

In about a week the colony ship Dominion would be dropping off roughly 100,000 people to begin the next phase of construction. Like the boomtowns of the old West there was no holding back progress. The colonists would be given tools and weapons almost as soon as they arrived. They would need tons of wood to create their new city.

It was getting too dark to continue work so Portsby called it and they began making their way inside.

Our job was changing rapidly. Soon our very presence would be nothing more than an added drain on the colonists limited supplies. And it would soon be time to leave. But for now we were still the only humans here. And I was the king over all of the planets humans. I smiled as I saw my reflection on the stainless steel door. I was still wearing a spaghetti sauce stained apron with a stirring spoon in one hand and a dirty pot in the other. Yes I was king. Hail the kitchen king I thought.

Dinner was a little late as everyone began arriving to eat. They were a ragged bunch that sauntered into the dining room covered in sweat, mud and bugs. It surprised me that even Jason Barkley had pulled his weight that day. He seemed like a different man. He was joking with Durante and seemed to fit in with the crew now.

I dished out my version of spaghetti and meatballs with vegetable soup. Like most of what we had it was mostly artificial ingredients created from our 3D printer. It was vitamin enriched and held all the nutrients we needed according to the Redlands Inc. Nutritional guide. Visually it was almost indistinguishable from real food. I made sure everyone had a full glass of ice water and helpings of actual real fruit. A rare treat I was saving for just such a difficult day.

The kitchen was a mess but I told everyone not to bother cleaning up. I told them I had someone for that. They mumbled their Thanks then began disappearing one by one. I knew what they were feeling. I'd been there myself. In past missions I had on more than one occasion collapsed on the floor of my room in full armor. Too tired to undress, sometimes too tired to get off the floor. My crew was at that stage. I must admit I felt like a proud parent that day.

____________________________________

It was 4AM when I heard the back door open up and heard footsteps of someone coming up behind me.

"Well that's a sight I never thought I'd see." she said.

"Hello Anna. I thought I told everyone to go to sleep."

"You did but I had too much on my mind. I got a few hours in."

I was scrubbing the pots and pans for the 3rd time unable to get the burnt stain out. Beside me was the stack of clean plates and cups that were now dry.

Rolling up her sleeves Anna got busy putting them away then began wiping the tables down.

"You really don't need to do that. I got it."

"No I can't sleep anyway. Might as well make myself useful."

I gave up trying to stop her. I'd learned long ago that she never listened to me and arguing was a complete waste of time.

"I've been thinking about my options. I have an idea but I need some information to make it work. And I need a contact on the Colony Ship. Do you know anyone there?" I asked.

"I do know someone but...well  you won't like it."

"Why would I not like it?"

"It's Art Drecher."

"Oh. Art. I remember the name........ So how is he?" I asked.

"He's the Captain of the U.S.S. Dominion. He's transporting the Colony Ship that's arriving in less than a week."

"Hmm ..... I guess he must be a fairly competent officer."  said suddenly feeling  just a little jealous.

"Well he's in charge of 100,000 Colonists. It's a heavy responsibility."

"So I take it you kept in contact with him?" I asked as nonchalantly as I could.

"No not intentionally. When I was looking for my next assignment they gave me 3 options to choose from and it included the names of the ships and the commanding officers. Honestly it was a little tempting when I saw the USS Dominion listed."

"So you saw the Dominion and Art Deetcher on this list?"

"Yes."

"Why did you turn that down? I heard the Dominion slots paid top dollar."

"They do but I had my reasons." she replied as she took a load of still wet pots back to the kitchen.

"I heard you and Art were an item once?" I asked through the open galley doors she had just walked through.

"You heard wrong. He probably wanted more than I could offer. I was still trying to get some personal things straightened out at the time. Anyway maybe you should contact him, they should be arriving in a few days."

"I guess I'll need to. There's one small favor I need and he might be the only one who can deliver on it."

She returned wiping her wet hands on her pants as she said," Well looks like we're all done here.

"Yeah. Thanks for keeping me company."

"Anytime Andros." She replied.

We were all done and I took one last look around making sure nothing was left out of place.

"Let me walk you to your room." I said just as I turned off the dining room lights and closed the door behind me.

We walked to second level trying not to make noise out of respect for our sleeping crew mates.

I couldn't contain my curiosity much longer and began to ask a few questions that kept running through my mind.

"So Anna I need to know. Were you and Art ever-"

"No." she replied immediately.
"It might have looked that way to some people. I mean he's a great guy, kind, smart and ridiculously charming. Any girl would be lucky to have him." she admitted.

"And the Captain of a large Colony Ship to boot." I added.

"Oh don't be jealous. Your an accomplished Captain too y'know!" she teased lightly smacking my stomach with the back of her hand.

"I guess it depends on how you define accomplished."

"In my book you are. I think our whole crew would agree. It's why we all volunteered at some point."

"It's would mean more if it came from them."

"What's on your mind Andros? I can tell your bothered by something."

"I lost to him didn't I?" I asked finally.

"What? To Drecher?"

"You started dating him after me if I remember right."

"That's just typical of you isn't it? Comparing yourself to the other guy in things that don't matter."

"Don't they matter?"

"Well.... I'm here aren't I? I signed up with the Exelon for less pay and no glory. My mother says I should have my head examined."

"The fact that your here matters. At least it does to me. I missed having you around and you have no idea how glad I was to see your name  on the manifest."

She didn't say a word but hugged my arm warmly and laid her head against it like she used to long long ago.

We arrived at her door and both stopped. I wanted to talk some more but knew it was late and I didn't want to ruin a pleasant night.

I was about to leave when she takes my arm and leans in to give me a quick kiss before going into her room."

"Goodnight." she whispers before closing the door gently with a smile.

The warmth of her lips remains as I head down the hall. Now I know I won't be able to sleep right away. There's a warm feeling inside as I realize I was a fool to think it was ever really over between us.