Read Online GALLANT (The Innerworld Affairs Series, Book 3) by Marilyn Campbell - Free Book Online
Authors: Marilyn Campbell
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system as Norona is the planet Illusia. At that time, the Illusians were a barbaric warrior race, kept isolated from the other planets by their own lack of development. It isn't known positively but it is assumed that a spaceship from a more sophisticated civilization landed or crashed there and, suddenly, the Illusians gained the ability to leave their home planet and make war on one of their neighbors.
"When the first planet was devastated, they moved on. Wherever they went destruction and violence followed. Ultimate power was their only goal. They cared nothing for the people they conquered other than how they could most effectively be used to entertain the Illusian warriors. There are wild animals more civilized than they were."
Cherry wondered at the vehemence of Gallant's speech. He had started out in a matter-of-fact tone but it quickly altered as he began listing the atrocities accredited to the Illusians. There was no question he was being truthful and that the truth infuriated him.
The horrendous cruelties he went on to describe made Cherry's stomach queasy but she didn't interrupt him until he paused on his own. "But how was it that such primitive people could so easily overcome more sophisticated nations?"
He took a slow breath as he brought his obvious disgust back under control. "The Illusians have the uncanny ability to create perfectly realistic illusions, complete with three-dimensional visuals and accompanying sound. It was the only mental ability they were known to have but no other talents were needed. Basically, their victims were either fooled or terrified into submission because of images they saw and believed to be real. The Illusians were able to make a conquering army of one hundred appear to be one million strong. They didn't have to actually possess weapons of massive destruction, they only had to make the people think they saw such weapons being aimed at them then demand their surrender."
Cherry didn't bother to conceal her fascination with his story. "Then how were they stopped?"
"When they attempted to attack Norona, they hadn't taken into account that, unlike the people previously conquered, the Noronians possessed superior mental abilities of their own. A highly perceptive person discovered the deception and put a stop to the Illusians' goal. To determine Illusia's fate and maintain interplanetary peace going forward, the Consociation of Planets was formed with the Ruling Tribunal of Norona as its leader.
"Due to the treachery of the Illusians, it was decided by the Consociation that they were too dangerous to be given freedom to attack other less evolved planets in the system. However, the Ruling Tribunal was strongly opposed to committing more violence than had already been perpetrated. Instead of destroying Illusia and its people, the warriors were all gathered and returned to their home. Then a barrier shield was created around their planet, which prevented anyone from leaving or going to Illusia. The last message received from them before they were blocked out was a blood oath to one day destroy Norona and all its allies."
Cherry's eyes opened wide. "Innerworld is a Noronian colony. Does that mean the Illusians intended to destroy Earth as well?"
"Exactly," Gallant confirmed with a nod. "But until recently, the threat had been forgotten. Illusia has been visually monitored at a distance by the Consociation ever since. Over the years, they watched the barbarians set aside their warlike ways and develop into a peaceful farming and industrial society."
"I get the feeling you're leading up to the big finish here but I don't have a clue what it might be."
Gallant gave her points for astuteness. Fortunately, he was a master at keeping some things hidden. "The monitors show that a prolonged drought has stricken Illusia and its inhabitants have been relaying visual distress signals from all over the planet."
"Let me guess. The Consociation is trying to decide whether to respond or let
"When the first planet was devastated, they moved on. Wherever they went destruction and violence followed. Ultimate power was their only goal. They cared nothing for the people they conquered other than how they could most effectively be used to entertain the Illusian warriors. There are wild animals more civilized than they were."
Cherry wondered at the vehemence of Gallant's speech. He had started out in a matter-of-fact tone but it quickly altered as he began listing the atrocities accredited to the Illusians. There was no question he was being truthful and that the truth infuriated him.
The horrendous cruelties he went on to describe made Cherry's stomach queasy but she didn't interrupt him until he paused on his own. "But how was it that such primitive people could so easily overcome more sophisticated nations?"
He took a slow breath as he brought his obvious disgust back under control. "The Illusians have the uncanny ability to create perfectly realistic illusions, complete with three-dimensional visuals and accompanying sound. It was the only mental ability they were known to have but no other talents were needed. Basically, their victims were either fooled or terrified into submission because of images they saw and believed to be real. The Illusians were able to make a conquering army of one hundred appear to be one million strong. They didn't have to actually possess weapons of massive destruction, they only had to make the people think they saw such weapons being aimed at them then demand their surrender."
Cherry didn't bother to conceal her fascination with his story. "Then how were they stopped?"
"When they attempted to attack Norona, they hadn't taken into account that, unlike the people previously conquered, the Noronians possessed superior mental abilities of their own. A highly perceptive person discovered the deception and put a stop to the Illusians' goal. To determine Illusia's fate and maintain interplanetary peace going forward, the Consociation of Planets was formed with the Ruling Tribunal of Norona as its leader.
"Due to the treachery of the Illusians, it was decided by the Consociation that they were too dangerous to be given freedom to attack other less evolved planets in the system. However, the Ruling Tribunal was strongly opposed to committing more violence than had already been perpetrated. Instead of destroying Illusia and its people, the warriors were all gathered and returned to their home. Then a barrier shield was created around their planet, which prevented anyone from leaving or going to Illusia. The last message received from them before they were blocked out was a blood oath to one day destroy Norona and all its allies."
Cherry's eyes opened wide. "Innerworld is a Noronian colony. Does that mean the Illusians intended to destroy Earth as well?"
"Exactly," Gallant confirmed with a nod. "But until recently, the threat had been forgotten. Illusia has been visually monitored at a distance by the Consociation ever since. Over the years, they watched the barbarians set aside their warlike ways and develop into a peaceful farming and industrial society."
"I get the feeling you're leading up to the big finish here but I don't have a clue what it might be."
Gallant gave her points for astuteness. Fortunately, he was a master at keeping some things hidden. "The monitors show that a prolonged drought has stricken Illusia and its inhabitants have been relaying visual distress signals from all over the planet."
"Let me guess. The Consociation is trying to decide whether to respond or let
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