The Legend of Earth

running parallel to that landmark, all territory within the Arm will now be designated as Human Territory. It will be our sovereign space and we will not tolerate any hostile actions against it by outside forces. Within this space, we will establish our own mini-empire — if you will. This will satisfy Humanity’s need for exploration and expansion, and will also keep certain desires at bay, at least as they pertain to the space beyond the Arm.

“Furthermore, even though we have established this dividing line in space, it will not restrict trade or travel within our respective territories. Even though we are giving up control of the Expansion and pulling back our forces, we still wish to remain an active member of the galactic community of worlds and races.

“Now with all these changes come a few other declarations of a more selfish nature. First of all — as far as we Humans are concerned — we have designated two species as outlaw races. They are the Klin and Kracori. You may have noticed I did not mention the Juireans. Even though our world was attacked by the hand of the Juireans, they were not in full control of their actions. They were manipulated and mislead by the Klin, just as we were. But don’t get it wrong; we do not seek to be friends with the Juireans We just have not designated them as outlaws — at this time.

“What this designation means is that until further notice, Humans will continue to hunt them down the Klin and Kracori and exact our own form of justice. To that end, we will not respect the sovereignty or the laws of any other world or galactic entity in our efforts. In addition, any world that, as a policy, supports or protects either the Klin or the Kracori will be also deemed outlaw and they, too, will suffer the full force that the Human race can bring to bear. These two outlaw races will be isolated and alone.

“So let this be a warning to the Klin and Kracori — as well as any who choose to support them: We will not rest until our revenge has been satisfied.”

Adam paused and looked out at the crowd. The murmuring had stopped, as had all the protests. There was now a stunned silence throughout the room.

Adam would now conclude his speech, but not before he finally realized why he had been selected to be the face of the Initiative, as well as the one to give this presentation. The message would not have had the same impact if given by a diplomat and in diplomat-speak. The politicians in the room — even alien politicians — would have simply treated it as just the opening salvo in an on-going negotiation. But for Adam, this was no negotiation. It was proclamation, a law — an order!

So he took a deep breath and continued. “Most of you in this assembly have had only minimal contact with the Human race — if any at all — and most of that, if not all, has been through the prism of diplomacy. Well I’m here to tell you right now that what you’ve seen of us so far is nothing compared to the reality We have gone up against the most powerful force in the galaxy — and we beat the Hell out of them. That may not translate properly, but I’m sure you get the meaning. The message should be clear; we Humans are not to be trifled with. We are a mean, savage and vengeful race, and we possess certain physical advantages that make us even tougher than our attitude.

“I will now conclude with this one final item and word of warning. Although we are leaving, we are not running away, and if any of you seek to challenge us in the future, it will not be pleasant — for you. So from me and my race, we have this very simple message: Don’t mess with the Humans.”

Chapter 48

It had been over four years since Nigel McCarthy had had any contact with the Kracori Ludif Council, so when he got the message earlier in the day that they were requesting his counsel, he was very curious as to what was up.

He dressed in the best of the tattered clothing they had given him over seven years ago before and attempted to pat down the wild ginger-colored hair that had grown much too long on the sides of his now nearly- bald scalp. He had given up keeping his hair cropped to nearly non-existence several years ago, when he realized that no one gave a damn what he looked like. In a world of gray, leather-skinned beings, no matter what he did he would always look alien to them.

Since arriving on the planet Eilsion with the Juirean Elder Hydon, he had experienced a love-hate relationship with the Kracori. At first, they loved him, treating him and his men as celebrities at court. They were given lavish quarters just outside the sprawling planetary governing complex in the city of Goruis, along with nearly anything they else desired. And early on, he had consulted almost continuously with the Kracori, revealing all he could about his fellow Humans, their industrial capacity and their tactics of war.

McCarthy had been more than happy to offer this information, something the Klin never seemed that curious about. The Klin had studied Humans for a hundred years and believed they knew all they needed to know about the Humans, at least enough for the role they were to play in coming events. Nigel had done his part by coordinating the acquisition of Humans for the Klin’s breeding farms and spaceships. Beyond that, they never had much use for the former British SAS officer. It was this superficial regard for Human nature that may have allowed the Klin to underestimate mankind. If only they’d listened to him more….

Unfortunately, the Kracori had also run out of uses for McCarthy and his men. After draining them of all useful information, the Humans were eventually relocated to a more rundown section of the city and promptly forgotten. They were provided with a bare minimum of food and drink and other provisions, all free of charge, but never did Nigel see a dime of the planetary fortune he’d been promised. Many a restless night, Nigel McCarthy would lay awake and wonder if he’d done better taking his chances with Adam Cain and the other Humans? At least then he would have been under more control of his destiny….

But now the Kracori had summoned him. Maybe now he might be of renewed value to them. And maybe now he could escape from the paralyzing boredom that was his constant companion on the planet Eilsion.

But just in case it was something else, he did take along a few accessories….

Nigel McCarthy was escorted to a non-descript conference room within the governing complex, but not one of the fancy chambers reserved for VIP’s. Instantly, alarm bells went off in his head. The SAS field operative was now on full alert.

He sat at the end of a long, gray metal table where four Kracori were already seated. He was glad to see Daninf Kicon sitting at the other end. At least this meeting was important enough to warrant the presence of the Kracori Langril himself.

“Mr. McCarthy,” Daninf began. He had long ago learned the proper form of greeting for Humans. McCarthy could also see the leader of the Kracori people had grown considerably older-looking in the four years since he’d seen him last. It must be tough for the Kracori, to be stuck here in their own nebulae, afraid to poke their heads outside their protective cocoon. “There had been a major development within the Expansion which we need your insights.”

Nigel raised his bushy eyebrows. Major developments, this could be interesting. “Sure, what’s happened?”

“It seems that your Human race have decided to relinquish control of the Expansion, and to return to their part of the galaxy.”

Nigel was stunned by the news. His eyes grew wide and his jaw fell open. “Well bugger me,” he said out loud. “Why would they do that?”

“That is what we have brought you in to answer.”

“Surely they had to give a reason?”

“There was a speech made by their representative — someone I believe you know: Adam Cain.”

Cain! So that bloody SEAL is still hanging around. I thought I’d heard the last of his name. “Go on. What did he say?”

“He said they have concluded that the galaxy is too big for them to govern, and that they have elected to claim the Far Arm as Human Territory. There was also something about not wanting to become like the Juireans.”