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  Levid immediately placed a smile on his round face and stepped forward placing the tips of his fingers together in front of his chest. "Welcome to my ship the Amad Por. I am Levid, the commander," he said to the group, not knowing which Dickson was.

  The captain stepped forward and extended his hand. "I am Fred Dickson. These are my assistants Commander Tosh, Lieutenant Hadaie, and Commander Pike. Thank you for your hospitality."

  Levid stared at the hand and finally took it fleetingly. It was obvious that he was not used to touching anyone. "The pleasure is mine, sir," he said with a slight indifference. "It is not often that superior minds meet and confer. Please come aboard and we shall dine together." He gestured by sweeping his hand back toward the rear of the compartment and a door nearby.

  "Thank you," Dickson said looking around. "I am impressed with your ship."

  Levid, for once, reacted with some satisfaction and pride. He continued as he led the party into the interior of his ship. "One of my own making. I have plied this part of the galaxy looking for places that interest me, to spur my curiosity so to speak. But you know this, of course. You and I are of the same make up. Worlds to control and to conquer," Levid quipped.

  Alarms were going off in Tosh's head. She spoke up. "Indeed. We are most curious as to your accomplishments here," she said trying to steer the conversation.

  Levid gave her a look like that of a superior to an underling who had just stepped on his toes, then complied. "My greatest achievements. I was always curious what would happen if I controlled the technology of a civilization," he said with satisfaction. He raised a finger as if lecturing. "How they would adapt, and use themselves. And then how it affected other parts of the planet. I've been at it for over 60 years."

  Dickson made a surprised look. "You have been here over 60 years? That is incredible."

  Levid almost laughed. "It is the most fun I have had in a century. I particularly enjoyed giving them more weapons and watching them run around and kill each other," he said with some glee. "These lesser life forms are almost predictable in their passions for power and control," he said taking Dickson into his confidence. "You know, there are now only two major forces on that planet, at least in the northern hemisphere. All the lesser ones have been gobbled up or not worth dealing with," he said as they entered a side door. There was a long table set for a dinner, with food steaming on a side table.

  "Ahhh. Here we are. I hope you enjoy some of the foods from my planet. I trust they are agreeable with your systems," Levid said to them.

  Hadaie pulled out a sensor pack and scanned the food on the table. "The food is quite safe sir. There should be no problems," he said.

  Levid's eyes went wide as he watched the little device work. He was fascinated with what he would call his "little toys" and like a child, he always wanted more. He reached for the sensor pack to look at it. Hadaie turned it so he could see the readings.

  "Interesting. What is this device?" Levid asked.

  "It is called a sensor pack,” Hadaie said. "It allows us to run tests on our surroundings to better understand them."

  Levid's face was a mask of delight. "Without actually touching the materials? Superior! Much superior. You know, on this planet they are still using optical devices to study microscopic life. They have no idea of what's out here," he said with disdain. Then he shook himself away and motioned to the table, “But enough of this chat, please seat yourselves. We can talk during the meal."

  One of the nicer parts of being a university student was the chance to do some primary research as a part of an away team from the ship. The professors often included this as a part of their assignments so that each student could get first-hand experience in a number of areas. There was no exception. After monitoring the planet's activities for a day, Captain Dickson had allowed away teams to get a closer look at what was happening on the planet. He had also allowed the university students to be a part of an environmental team making studies in a remote area.

  A group of students had taken a shuttle to the surface. For some, this was the first time they had used the shuttle. Most of the time they streamed down, but for some reason, the captain was taking extra precautions. After a rough ride in, the shuttle gently landed in a meadow between rolling hills. The access door opened and the students and the ship's away team stepped out and began looking around. It was a bright clear sunny day, worthy of the time spent outside with the exception of the insects. There were more than most of the students had seen before and large swarms could be seen around the meadow.

  Finally, a young lieutenant named Jamison stepped out and rounded the group up. He was not that happy about having all the students around, but sensors hadn't shown any of the planet's inhabitants in the vicinity. When they had all gathered around he gave them their directions.

  "OK people. There should not be anyone around to bother us," he said slapping at some insects. "Our job for the next couple of hours is to monitor plant, insect and animal activities to try and determine the results of pollution and other unnatural events. You have been assigned to your groups so get started and don't wander too far."

  With that, the group broke up into smaller units and began heading in several directions. Sensor packs were pulled out and each team began its assignments. One group of students lingered. It was mostly the same group that always seemed to hang together on the ship. Jo was one of them, and she was not happy about her assignment.

  "Just my luck to get stuck with Mike," she grumbled.

  "Bet he won't even notice you're there," Tom jabbed back at her. He was well aware of Jo's feelings about Mike. They mirrored most of the others'.

  "Just about as boring as one of Professor Richards' lectures," Tom joked, trying to cheer her up. The rest of the group responded with a giggle. Mike had already begun to take readings from his sensor pack, but upon hearing the giggle, came over to the rest of the group. Tom saw his approach.

  "Here he comes," he warned. They quickly got quiet.

  "Are you ready to go Jo?" Mike asked. He had a warm smile and pleasant appearance. It was apparent that he was anxious to get started.

  Jo nodded. "I guess," she said. Then she turned to the others. "See you guys later." Turning back to Mike she said, "OK. Where to?"

  Mike smiled. Despite her coolness to him, he liked Jo. There was something hidden in her that appealed to him somewhat. Her good looks certainly didn't hurt. But he knew she did not share the feeling. Oh well, he thought, at least we can enjoy an afternoon outside.

  "I thought we would go over to those trees and start there. If you don't mind, I'd like to concentrate on the plants and insects. The treed area gives us the most hope of study," he said with a smile.

  "Whatever. Let's just go," was the short reply. She shrugged her shoulders and trod past him toward the group of trees in the distance.

  Mike had a hard time understanding why she was so cold to him. He always tried to be pleasant to everyone - her in particular. But some of the students wouldn't give him the time of day. As she brushed past him, he adjusted his glasses and gave a dejected look. Then he followed after her. He tried to start a conversation.

  "Aren't you the least bit excited about getting away from the ship?" he asked.

  Jo didn't look back at him. "Not really. It's just another planet in another part of the galaxy to me. It is kind of neat that we don't weigh but about half of what we normally do, but that's about it," she said indifferently.

  Mike had a totally opposite opinion. "But look around you. These are real trees and real animals. We're even breathing unfiltered and unsanitized air," he said motioning around them. His excitement was obvious.

  Jo gave a huff and opened her sensor pack. After only a second she boringly droned out, "Higher levels of oxygen and nitrogen than usual and many more heavier inert gasses. The atmosphere is about half that of earth, but because of these heavier elements, we are experiencing roughly the same atmospheric pressure," she said, closing her sensor pack. She then lo
oked back at him. "Can I go back now?"

  "Naaa," Mike grinned in reply. "You need to live it some first. Come on." Mike took her hand and started pulling her toward the grove of trees. She gave a mournful look and went along.

  Aboard the Amad Pour, the empty dinner dishes were spread around the table. It had been a large meal and Levid had taken the time, and the pains, to eat everything in front of him. Throughout the meal the conversation flowed, mainly from Levid. As he licked the last of the meal from his fingers, he let out a belch that seemed to come from his toes. Dickson would later almost swear it had shaken the whole table. For his part, Dickson had found the food particularly bland, but Levid seemed very pleased with the results so he didn't take much notice. He did observe Hadaie had seated himself at the end of the table and was resting his hand on the tabletop computer terminal. He could tell Hadaie was doing his job.

  Levid sat back in his chair with gusto, motioning a crewman to take the dishes away. Everything was removed quickly and efficiently, almost at a frightened pace. The crewmen didn't speak, but instead seemed to be anxious to leave the room. Levid didn't even seem to notice. He patted his ample waist and continued his accounts of his obviously favorite subject - himself.

  "It was a long six years to get here," he said with a flourish, “but the conclusions will be well worth it," he said noticing the others listening intently. Then he quickly changed the subject. "But enough of my efforts captain, what has been your latest conquest?"

  Dickson was surprised at the rapid reversal. And the use of the word "conquest" was surely different. "We don't actually go out and conquer other planets. We observe and occasionally assist, but never conquer. It is far more interesting to observe from a distance," he said, seeing a puzzled look and a slight warning on Tosh's face.

  "You don't have your heroic battles or incur flaming death from space?" Levid asked, suddenly curious about his guests.

  "Oh there are plenty of heroics. We have met a number of more aggressive species, the latest of which is a race called the Tassan," Dickson lectured. "Half humanoid and half amphibian. Their whole existence is to take over other civilizations into their collective hives. They implant parasites into the bodies of those they conquer so they can both control their captors and connect them to the rest of the hive. Each Tassan is bred for one thing; to conquer. And those they conquer add to the combined intelligence," he said, hoping to impart some of the actual dangers that could be encountered in space.

  Levid sat back indifferently. "Sounds like an inferior species, unable to think on its own. Depending on others. No curiosity or challenge. Just their - how do you call it - parasites. Can't they do anything on their own?"

  Pike was watching carefully, wondering why Levid was dismissing the Tassan so. "They all think and act as one. A very tough adversary," he said.

  Levid nodded, and then said matter of factly, "But you have been able to fight them off."

  "So far, at least," Dickson said. “We found a way to kill the parasites.”

  Levid's face broke into a wide grin. "There! You see? Superior intellect wins out," he said as if it proved his own theories.

  Dickson was quickly beginning to understand Tosh's misgivings. This man was shallow, vain and pompous. He was definitely not someone who might be relied upon to be reasonable in any situation. But he wanted to find out more about this planet. "Now tell us," he said, “What are your plans for the planet?"

  Levid's demeanor changed again to one of sheer glee. He clasped his hands together and leaned forward. "You have come at a grand time. Just one year ago I gave one side atomic weapons. Simple fission products mainly, but enough to get them started. Now both sides are fully armed and have rockets to deliver the payloads. I figure within a month they will obliterate each other," he said with joy.

  The realization of what Levid said struck everyone from the Lexington crew. Almost too stunned to believe it, there was silence in the room until Pike spoke.

  "But what of the people living there?"

  In the background a sudden pained expression appeared on Tosh's face as she tried to warn Pike and the rest of the danger that simple idea had brought on in Levid's mind. He quickly turned to look at Pike as if he were some animal that deserved punishment.

  "The people living there?" he spat. "What do they matter? They barely know how to maintain themselves. If it wasn't for my involvement they would still be running around in wagons pulled by animals."

  Unfortunately, Pike seemed too preoccupied with the conversation with Levid to notice Tosh's movements. "After the obliteration, as you call it, there will be few survivors and those will have a very bad time," he said calmly.

  Levid began to get testy. His mannerisms changed and he was leaning forward into the faces of his guests. "That's their problem. My experiment will examine what technology does to corrupt inferior civilizations," he said angrily. "Once finished, I will go on to other things and they can start again. Besides, we are superior races," he began to lecture, “We can pick and choose what we will. Taking what is ours by right. If anyone or anything gets in our way, we just push them aside with our superior technology and continue on."

  By now, Commander Pike had become fully absorbed in the conversation and even the glances from Dickson didn't stop him.

  "Interesting," he said. "We have adopted a standoff policy which allows us to better study these civilizations, but let them progress at their own pace. We try not to tamper with the natural evolution of any planet."

  "You don't use your natural rights to influence and control?" Levid almost jumped from his chair.

  Tosh jumped in. "What he means is....." She was cut off mid-sentence as Levid banged his hand on the table scattering the flatware.

  "Oh, I know what he means. I can see now that you are not as superior a race as I thought. You have no spine for it," he shouted. Everyone could tell he was out of control as he gestured towards the ceiling. He was disgusted with the very idea. "We'll, no matter. Your technology is impressive. I wish you well with it. You are free to observe my planet, but I warn you," he said pointing hid fat finger at Dickson, “Do not make changes to my experiment. You can do like your own standoff policies say. You can watch from up here, but do not go down to the surface. I will deal harshly with you otherwise. I grow weary of your presence. Please see yourselves out," he grunted and then stormed toward the door.

  Dickson could not believe the behavior just witnessed, he could only say, "Thank you for your hospitality."

  Levid didn't even look back. "Yes of course," he snarled as the door shut behind him.

  Dickson looked at the others and for once, was without words. How could a man in control of such technology as this ship be so utterly ruthless in his behavior? Tosh looked at her captain and anxiously said, "We need to leave right now."

  "I believe you are right, Commander," he said motioning to the door. They all quickly left the space and headed back down the corridor and to the docking port they had entered.

  "That was a major error admitting that we do not use our superior technology to exploit others. He sees that as one of the main basis for his existence," said Tosh as they made their way along the corridor.

  "Too late now," Dickson said. "I think it best if we get underway as quickly as possible."

  They entered the airlock, and the door of the shuttle opened. The shuttle's helmsman, Ensign Sanderson, was there to greet them.

  "Prepare to get underway quickly," said the captain as they entered and shut the door behind them.

  Tosh looked pained. "He is planning something. We are in great danger."

  Sanderson sensed the danger from his captain's look and quickly took his seat and began the launching sequence. There was a slight bumping noise as the shuttle broke free of the Amad Por.

  "Undocked sir. Thrusters engaged. Engines are ready once we are away," said Sanderson hurriedly.

  "Get us away as quickly as you can," the captain said.

  Pike went to one of the
sensor panels. "Captain, I'm reading energy systems coming online aboard his ship."

  "Engage main engines. Shields up."

  Within two seconds a visible ray of energy was emitted from the Amad Por and struck the shuttle's shields. Inside the shuttle the crew was knocked around but remained standing. A second blast hit them and again they struggled to maintain their ground. But the shields easily deflected the energy and the shuttle began moving away.

  "Somehow I knew he was going to do that. How far are we away?" Dickson said after the second blast.

  "About 2,000 kilometers, sir." He was interrupted by a third hit much less powerful than the one before.

  "Far enough," said Dickson. "Kill power to the engines and let the ship drift away."

  "Aye sir," Sanderson said punching in the orders. The little craft stopped accelerating but drifted, seemingly out of control away from the Amad Por. No corrections were made in yaw or pitch, allowing the craft to seemingly begin spinning slowly in two directions. The captain smiled at his helmsman's initiative. He had correctly guessed that the captain wanted it to look like the shuttle was damaged and out of control.

  "Very good," the captain said patting him on the shoulder.

  Hadaie watched with questioning eyes. "Some sort of deception, captain?"

  Dickson turned and smiled. "A hunch, lieutenant. If we let him think we are damaged and not a threat to him, it just might allow us to do something about this, or at least monitor his efforts at a closer range. Commander Pike, what was your estimate of his 'superior' technology?"

  "Didn't get a chance to see much of it, sir. But the walls are made of a metal similar to old style aluminum. The electronics I saw were actually powered by electricity. I'd say he is at least three hundred years behind us as far as technology goes."

  "I concur,” Hadaie said. "I was able to discover electromagnetic signatures in almost everything. I also determined that his computer system is comparable to the mid-21st Century on Earth. It is operating at about six gigahertz. A main computer is operating everything from their communications to their fusion powered engines. They are similar to our secondary engines. There are also about thirty labs onboard producing his materials. I could discern about one hundred fifty members of his crew in various parts of the ship," he said. Then he motioned out the window. "Did you notice the small shuttles attached to the hull?"