The Betrayers Part Two

Mathias looked out through the wide front window. Squarely in the middle sat a small blue orb, growing steadily larger. It looked like Earth, from this distance it could have been Earth, had he not known they were over three light years away from their own home world.

A full two minutes went by before anyone even realized Captain Briggs had set foot on the bridge. All movement slowed down as everyone realized they were just now acknowledging their captain’s presence. He smiled inwardly, frowning outwardly. These poor people.

“Carry on.” He ordered, and the pace picked up again, full force.

One man, however, stood completely still amid the chaos. Hiat Kain stood near the captain’s chair, staring hard at his commander. Mr. Kain had gotten bolder in the weeks since he and the captain had held their little discussion. Though he hadn’t yet openly challenged the captain, it was becoming commonly known that Hiat was displeased with the captain’s performance, and was quietly drumming up support for himself to replace that captain.

Mathias almost felt sorry for him.

Mr. Kain backed down as Captain Briggs approached his chair. When they almost stood face-to-face, Hiat withdrew back into the crowd, sharply giving orders. Mathias did not miss the hateful looks thrown his way. Others caught it as well, but Mathias decided to let it go. None of that mattered any longer.

The blue orb in the wide ship’s window steadily grew larger. Mathias sank further into his sorrow, knowing that he would probably never set foot on its wide, unspoiled plains. He would never see green grass again, nor an unspoiled ocean. Never again stand in a summer rain, or a cool evening breeze. His only comfort was the knowledge that he was doing the right thing.

The ship’s retro-rockets fired as the clean, blue planet at last filled the view. They were now in place to deliver the deadly cargo that would deliver justice to the men and women who’d become known on Earth as the Betrayers. This new world would become as devastated as the old one, and these people would now know the suffering which they’d inflicted on their own people.

Only those people were long gone now.

This new world represented a place for all of humanity to start over. But mankind had chosen to waste that opportunity, taking their revenge instead. What a waste.

Even now, as Mathias Briggs was about to launch into the final phase of his ultimate destiny, he was still calm. The chaos on the bridge had quieted as everyone’s eyes became locked on the pristine blue planet below. Perhaps they too were wondering what a walk through pleasant meadow was like. A small hope sprang up inside him; perhaps it wasn’t too late after all.

Captain Briggs touched a small green button on the left arm of his chair, activating the ship’s intercom, so everyone, on every deck could hear him.

“Attention crew of the E.S.S. Hammer, this is Captain Briggs.”

Mathias paused a moment, his heartbeat at last growing as he began his final speech.

“As you know, we have arrived at the New World, where the Betrayers were known to have settled after leaving our world in ashes. We have followed them across time and space to deliver justice for that terrible crime against us and our families.

But before we let the hammer of justice fall, I ask you to consider just what justice here is? Our long journey at light speed caused time around us to slow. Below us, centuries have passed, and the Betrayers are long gone. Their descendants, six, or even seven generations later now exist on this planet. These people may not even know what their ancestors have done. Is it right that we should bring a devastation to their world they have not sowed? Shall we truly hold them responsible for the crimes of their forebears?”

Look down at this new planet, this new Earth. Shall we destroy it now, in the name of justice, or vengeance? When I look down, I do not see the Betrayer’s world; I see a new beginning for all mankind. This ship and others like it could carry all our people from the broken Earth they now live on to this new planet. Shall we throw away this opportunity to start over, merely for the sake of vengeance?”

We have shuttles capable of leaving the ship. Instead of destroying this world, let us instead visit it, talk with the inhabitants there, and establish a new destiny for all men and women.”

A long moment of silence answered the captain’s call. He hoped his words held enough impact, on enough people, to make the crucial difference.

Clap.Clap.Clap.

Hiat Kain’s hands finally broke the eerie silence that fell across the bridge at the captain’s words. A self-satisfied smirk stretched across the first officer’s face.

“Well, wasn’t that a right-pretty speech?” Arrogance and sarcasm fairly dripped from Kain’s words. “Well said captain, well said. Unfortunately peace treaties aren’t in our orders, sir. In fact, going down to that planet is a violation of those orders, as is refusing to deliver our, vengeance, as you say. So on that thought,”

Kain’s hand shot to his side, bringing up the pistol he always wore by his side.

“I’m relieving you of your command. Please step down out of the command chair, sir.”

Captain Brigg’s right hand went calmly to the armrest.

“Think about what I said, Mr. Kain. A new start for everyone and all we have to do is let go of the past. All we have to do…”

“Shut up! I’ve relieved you of your command. I’m in charge now. Now get out of my seat. You’re going to the brig, right after you watch us deliver our brand of justice to the Betrayers of all humanity.”

Hiat turned to two officers who stood near him.

“Mr. Kyle, Mr. Hale, take the captain into custody immediately.”

Mathias knew these two men to be close associates of Hiat Kain, but even they were hesitant to carry out his instructions. So much hung in the balance of what happened next, everyone seemed frozen. But the moment would not last forever; a decision would have to be made. The men stood where they were, uncertain.

“What are you doing, I gave you an order!”

Hiat was screaming now, and fear as well as anger had crept into his voice.

Mathias’ voice was calm and collected.

“Take the gun from him, Mr. Kyle. Take it and secure a place on the new world for everyone who’s still suffering back on Earth.”

Mr. Kyle, Mr. Hale, and everyone on the bridge simply stood still. No one moved. Time stretched.

Hiat leveled the pistol at the captain’s chest.

“This is your final warning, captain. You have five seconds to get out of that chair or I’ll kill you sitting in it.”

Mathis looked around the bridge. Everywhere, on every face, he saw confusion, and fear. Indecision ruled. No one knew what to do, no one moved. Mathias Briggs knew the future in those moments, and his heart fell.

“Last chance, Briggs.”

Mathias refused to look at Hiat, there was no need. He knew full well his first officer meant to kill him, one way or the other. It was to his crew, his planet and his people that he uttered his final phrase.

“I’m sorry.”