Chapter 25

Frim Lieter stood in front of a large viewscreen in the control room of the space disk.  Talay Stood beside him. His alien face appeared to be smiling.  The screen's surface buzzed as it came to life.  The majestic form Of Semie materialized before them.  He sat in the command center of the mother ship.  Various aides as well as an array of technological devices that linked the inner stellar assistance force into one unit surrounded him.

There was a brief pause.   Semie began to speak in the deep tones that so uniquely distinguished his voice.   "I’m glad to see that you've come so quickly.  I have urgent matters to discuss with you!"

Frim shifted excitedly on his feet as he stared up into the screen.  "What do you have in mind?  I'd love to hold another contact gathering.  It could be arranged in a few days."   Frim bubbled with an exuberance not expected of a professor from the Advanced Mind Training Center.

Semie folded his hands together, leaning his elbows on the arms of his elaborately adorned chair.   "Yes, in a way, that is what I have in mind.  Only this time I hope to reveal our purpose to a much larger group."  The energy veil shrouding Semie buzzed as the commander paused for a moment.  Frim strained to see the leader's face, but was unable to penetrate the energy field's masking effect.  Semie continued.   "We'd like you to arrange a contact gathering of several thousand people."

Frim shuddered slightly as he realized the magnitude of what was being asked of him.  "I would never be able to... I mean how would I ever be able to gather that large a group?  A few students maybe, several of those who've come to hear my lectures, but thousands, that's an impossible task."

"We don't expect you to be able to accomplish this task without assistance.  We have arranged for that."   Semie turned to one of his assistants, who handed him a readout placard.  He perused it briefly and then turned back to Lieter.  "Have you heard of the musical group known as Golden Flight?  I understand they have quite a large following."

"Yes, they're known all over Nerkush."

"What we want you to do is contact them and arrange a concert at the Rimlex Pillars."

"What would make them want to do that when they can hold one in Accad?"

Semie continued unmoved by the professor's doubts.  "Our scanning forces have just informed us that their Community is being hindered from its normal activities by a Pirax restrictive.  They have been told that they can no longer hold large gatherings in Accad."

"I expected as much.   The High Council's been wanting to do that for some time."

"Undoubtedly, they will be looking for another spot.  There've been some recent raids on their leaders and several have been confined."

"What about Golden Flight?  I'm sure the 'Rax will be looking for them."

"We've been monitoring their movements.  They're in hiding now.  When they surface again, contact them and suggest the Pillars . . . . In a few days the pressure will be off and they will be looking for some way to rally their unity again."

"I expected that.   The disciplines of the council only tend to egg them on."  Frim smirked.

"They’ll need you to help them organize.  Use what influence you have with the governor in your area.   I understand he's a fan of yours."

"Yes, he'll go along, once I convince him of your intentions.  What's our strategy once they've all come together?"

Semie stood and walked closer to the camera that was monitoring him.  "At that point, we will manifest ourselves."  As he came closer, his form grew until his torso filled the entire view screen, giving him an even more awesome grandeur.  "Once these who have become discontented with the narrow and limited viewpoint of the Fathers are confronted by the potential we can offer their race, they will undoubtedly be willing to help us institute our evolutionary restructuring program."

Lieter backed up slightly from the overpowering effect of the massive form.  "After what you've told me about the Pirax assaults, I'm sure you're right. Undoubtedly, these people will be looking for some sort of viable alternative to their dilemma."

In the control room, the entourage around Semie looked upon their leader with a certain air of distant respect as he responded. "One of our envoys will be making contact with Golden Flight's leader.   As soon as that is accomplished, you can follow through with the personal contact with him.  As I said before, use the influence you have to make the necessary arrangements with the authorities in your area."

Lieter took another step back.  "As you suggest, Semie."

"We'll be in contact with you, Frim, to clarify the final arrangements.  Thank you for your cooperation.   Remember, you do a great service not only to us, but to your own people."   Semie nodded and the screen went blank.