"Colonel Hackett, I have been reviewing your reports from Alagore, and I am pleased to state that your Minutemen have performed outstandingly under extreme circumstances. In every situation, your 2nd Special Forces Detachment has been on the front lines, fighting in battle, interacting with the locals, and securing key objectives.
More importantly, read about how your teams navigated the wilderness behind enemy lines, looking for Captain Ryder. It was brave and stupid to conduct an operation on an alien world. They all would be lost with one wrong turn and your three Minutemen teams and a British one. I bet the enemy was not expecting to see them causing mayhem.
I have informed the president of your proposal about installing Assiaya onto the throne and her now father, Mathew Ryder. Creating a political identity around these two was smart; even though it is crazy, we have the President's full endorsement. If this world wants to play House, we will beat them at their game. I do have to admit that when the State Department learned of our arrangement, they were not pleased, most likely because they didn't have a say in the creation of this puppet government.
Even though the Captain passion sold me, I was not convinced that the White House would have supported your plan, especially with one of your Officers being taken by the enemy. But it all worked in your favor, as the Press Secretary said when they go public, how an American soldier saved a former Princess, bravely fighting through this world to safety and now adopted her would be good for PR. I feel bad for Matt. I served with his father during the Cartel War. The boy has no idea what firestorm he is about to enter. I hope his love for Assiaya is strong enough.
You seem to have adapted well to this world's way of thinking, but that is what we must do. Your Minutemen have proven effective in this war, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff and my VII Corps want to continue having your teams lead us into this new frontier. It has been agreed upon that all three squadrons should be deployed to Alagore in addition to creating three more under your command. Also, under my directive, all allied Special Forces and armies created under Captain/Duke Ryder House will fall under your command, preventing any bureaucratic interference, only reporting to me.
The President isn't thrilled about the reports that this new enemy is surrounding Salva. This is a vulnerable point for our operations. We have no room to navigate if the enemy can break through the Salva defenses. Between the mountain ran to the west, a lake the size of Lake Erie to the south, and a plateau that the enemy was fortifying to the north.
You have two simple objectives: hold Salva at all costs and break the siege. The entire 4th ID is in the theater, and 4th MDTF missile defenses and offensive units, along with a brigade from 1st Astralis, are being deployed to provide security and reserves. However, the White House is only willing to authorize this conflict until we go public, which is contingent on the outcome around Salva.
The President does not want to go public in a weakened state, and a victory at Salva would lessen the concerns that the United States is at war with a new, alien enemy and all the baggage that brings. - Lieutenant General Kelvin Sherman
March 20th ,2068 (military calendar)
The Citadel, Cornt, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie
Welrindor Region, Aldrida, Alagore
*****
Standing on the hard stone floor, Kallem stared at his beautiful capital: skyscrapers reaching ten stories and long keeps as far as one could see while a select few reached high into the sky. Hundreds of lights from the natural gas lines illuminated the evening sky.
For the moment, the Verliance Lord smiled as he recalled when he was young, over a hundred years ago, when the skyline was empty. By civilization standards, Cornt had always been a cultural center in Alagore, with the oldest academies and scientific and thaumaturgy research. Many of those older buildings were around, shadowed by the taller keeps and crafting forges, but in Aristocracy fashion, they remained standing.
Most of the buildings were black with dark green coating. The roofs were pointed with peers over the typical slops he had seen in other kingdoms. The smaller buildings had the typical square design, but as the length grew, so did the complexity. Every keep and raising castle had a centralized core maintaining the structure; however, chambers branched off, hanging in the air, creating a network like free branches from the bark. Some of these extended chambers connected to other keeps and castles if one was close enough, but most stood alone.
However, all these were other family members or choices of his father. The person's achievement was the grand rail line below the base of his citadel. Powered by thaumaturgy batteries, these electric trains power through, allowing every city within the Aristocracy.
While staring at his family's achievements, the Verliance Lord noticed one of his royal guards grabbing his dioliet. He already knew the subject—the Unit airship had been spotted.
When the guard confirmed it was Unity, Kallem noticed his son became excited. He always preferred their wonders over those of his people. However, a part of him could not blame the boy. Sometimes, even the Vampire Lord admired the advancements Cordinlane had achieved.
“Look, Father, I see it in the sky,” Ere-hian said, pointing into the air.
Glancing toward the horizon, the Vampire Lord noticed a small object in the sky. As it drew closer, he could make out details, being a galley. Gold solar sails on the sides to collect the sun's energy with thrusters on the sides and back to propel the giant ships. From the size, he knew there had to be four levels, including the deck. There was too large a cannon on the deck with two additional ones on the sides, most likely being lintrom weapons over circiletum – a weapon that uses linear motor electromagnetic force to fire projectiles—another wonder of the Unity.
Three interceptors were flying close to the galley, providing escort.
The interceptors flew past the citadel as the galley descended, landing on the large platform below. Two ramps were explicitly built for the Unity aircraft connected to the ship.
“Is that the most wonderful piece of machinery you have ever seen?” Ere-hian asked.
Kallem noticed his daughter's eyes locked on the impressive airship, holding her mother's necklace. He walked over and placed his hand on her shoulder for comfort.
Ornnallia looked toward her father and smiled before looking at her younger brother. “You are correct. The flying ship does look cute.”
Ere-hian turned around, shock in his eyes. “Cute? Making machines fly is a crowning achievement. Do you see those sails? Besides catpruing wing, they capture sunlight to assist in recharge their batteries, allowing more energy to their cannons."
The daughter smirked and said, “And that is why I think it is cute. Those sails remind me of a glowing bug.”
Kallem watched his son get frustrated at his sister, attempting to explain why the flying machine was not cute while his daughter continued to pull his leg. He could only feel a sense of joy as his children continued to bicker.
Turning toward the stairway from the plaza below, his honor guard, who wore the old traditional pre-enchanted iron armor, marched out into a dual line in preparation for their guess. The uniform, coated with dark purple and gold, symbolized the typical gray.
Kallem heard his children gossiping about such stellar machinery. His son was eager to explore the airship, barely able to contain his excitement. The Vampire Lord noticed his daughter's wide eyes, as she was amazed by the scale of their master's might.
When he turned back toward the galley, the Verliance Lord had to admit that his son was correct. This was not the first time he had seen such aircraft, the first being almost twenty years ago during the Coalition campaign on the Rode'en continent to prevent the Unity expansion.
Seeing the Unity leadership approaching, Kallem turned toward his children. “Be careful. They are our guests, but that does not mean their intentions are true.”
“That is very un-enlightening, Father,” Ere-hian said. “They are here to help us remove the Lat filth from our lands.”
“Are they brother?” Ornnallia said. “From what I understand, most of the fighting has been done by our people. They seem less interested in fighting the Altaerrie threat.”
“Because father refused to assist them in their war against the Coalition,” Ere-hian stated. “If we allowed them to our lands and be part of the greater Unity besides holding onto the past, we would be on Altaerrie beside them on our lands.”
“Now you want our men to conquer other worlds' besides defending ours?” Ornnallia asked. “The males of the Aristocracy should do what is best for the Aristocracy. Not adventuring for self glory.”
“It is not self-glory,” Ere-hian said. “We are part of something bigger now. The world has changed, and the Aristocracy could be a pillar in that new world, but we display cowardice.”
“Valuing your people is not cowardice,” Ornnallia said. “We are known as the Second Ones. We did not gain that title for rushing blindly into the wild.”
“Then we should become an afterthought in front of greatness?” Ere-hian asked. “We cannot ignore the offerings of the Katra. Even Father accepted their aid with his trains. Refusing such enlightenment will only turn us into an afterthought.”
“At what price?” Ornnallia stated. “Do we stand strong or become a forgotten puppet?”
“Standing strong resulted in our Mother's death by those whom we considered allies,” Ere-Hian said. “Mother would be alive if we were not stubborn and opposed the Katra out of fear. All those men who fought would be alive.”
“Using Mother's death as a shield is now greatness, brother,” Ornnallia said. “Our men fighting for their homeland is not stubbornness!”
“You are not the one who will fight,” Ere-hian said. “Living safely behind these walls, away from any battlefield. You cannot speak of the horrors of war.”
Kallem closed his eyes briefly before turning toward his son. “Neither have you, my son.”
The young Prince turned toward his father before going back to his sister. “My apologies. I meant no insult.”
“Apologies accepted,” Ornnallia said. “Remember, brother, it might not be our natural station to fight, but if we did not birth them, there would be no men to fight. And I do not enjoy watching them kneeling to outsiders.”
“It is also not strength to reject someone's assistance,” Ere-hian said. “It is stronger to acknowledge that there is a better path to achieve what is best for your people.”
For a moment, Kallem felt proud of his two children's intellectual debate. In the future of the Verliance Aristocracy, his son, who is taking the throne, will need to understand complex issues and stand by his convictions. His daughter, the day she is married off to a significant House, will need to understand the domestics of the State.
Kallem's son had been speaking the truth. Outside of specific roles, such as mage craft, males fight while females maintain domestic welfare, including diplomacy. While there are roles based on sex, within the Aristocracy, everyone has a place. Fighting on the battlefield is as crucial as maintaining the House's standing. A House in decay can never survive the pressures of life.
Regarding his son, while he was proud of his growing statecraft, it was clear that his time with Priestess Erada had introduced the boy to the Unity ways. This was not an isolated situation as this was happening throughout the Verliance Aristocracy—a price to maintain for his people's independence and survival.
“It is wise not to reject a helping hand, Ere-hian,” Kallem said. “However, always remember to look past the hand as the one who offers aid might be worse than the cures.”
“And how did spending twenty years fighting a losing war go?” Ere-hian asked.
It was rare for Kallem to feel his blood boil with frustration, as he had dedicated much of his life to maintaining discipline; however, he had always found it more challenging with his son. It was easy with people who must obey their Lord; however, family was another matter. Constantly being called away for Head of State matters had not helped heal these family wounds, and for that, he felt guilt.
“I see the boy has a fiery tongue.”
Knowing who spoke, Kallem turned to his Unity guest. Standing before him was an Orc named Grand General Dulok Jijdon. He wore the cyan color metal armor that the Unity uses. Highly refined compared to the Aristocracy or even Hispana issues. There were crystals in their proper slots running along the upper chest, each providing a particular use in combat.
The woman next to the Orc was the new Priestess of the Verliance Aristocracy, Tempass Savulot. She was a Yalate with colorful feathers and yellow as the dominant color. Teal, red, blue, and orange flowed through the yellow, creating a beautiful sight to which even Ornnallia was impressed.
“The youth always does,” Kallem said.
“Ere-hian speaks truth,” Savulot said. “We are here to uplift your people. All we wish is to bring what we have achieved to Or-iska.”
Hearing the world Or-iska angered the Vampire Lord. It was the Unity attempt to rename Alagore, meaning new beginnings in the Cordinlane Vampire Kingdom. It was just another cultural sacrifice in the Katra path to enlightenment.
“One day,” Dulok said. “Everyone will have such airships. Safe travel across this moon. And who knows, maybe one day, beyond the border in the sky and into the cosmos. But only if we stop infighting with ourselves.”
The Vampire Lord didn’t miss the critical detail the Orc Grand General said. He found this with all Unity members who came from Cordinlane, believing they were the masters of Alagore.
“I told you, Father,” Ere-hian said. He stepped forward, staring at the large galley. “How could we reject such wonders? It was a mistake to oppose them for so long.”
Feeling the blood boil, Kallem was forced to maintain his voice in the name of diplomacy. However, he heard Dulok oppose his son's point, which surprised the Vampire Lord.
“Young Princes. Your father did what he believed was right. There is nothing wrong with defending one’s House if it is believed to be under threat. It was a mistake to oppose the light, but nothing to be shameful. Do not forget, redemption is a key pillar of the Katra.”
Ere-hian was hesitant to respond but finally said, “I understand.”
“I hope so,” Dulok said. “Your father might not remember this, but we fought against each other in the Winter Plains Campaign. The warriors of the Aristocracy became well known to the Unity from those battles.”
The name was known to the Vampire Lord. It was the campaign against the Unity on Rode'en. Five bloody years fighting alongside the Thali'ean Fiefdom, Pamlinitie Kingdom, and Hispana Republic to protect the kingdoms on that continent. That incident created a unified coalition on Aldrida to resist this new threat, with his wife being a key pillar in forming such an alliance. But in the end, the Unity won.
“But…, we fought against you,” Ere-hian said.
“Many have,” Dulok said. “Your father opposed our enlightenment. Bravely on the battlefield. However, it takes true bravery to commit a sin and then admit that you were wrong, such as your father.”
“As the Katra states,” Savulot said. “Admission is the first step toward progression. Progression can be scary, especially for those who have never seen light and must be educated. There must be grace.”
“As the tip of a sword,” Ornnallia stated. “Progression by death is not progression.”
“The kind heart is a tressure but misguided,” Savulot said. “If there is an infection on your body, you do not negotiate it as it could corrupt the wider hole. You remove it.”
“You see,” Dulok said. “Your father is correct. We extend our hand to whoever wishes our aid; however, nothing is free. We have expectations.”
The Tempass approached, placed her hand on Ere-hian and Ornnallia's shoulders, and said, “Let the past fade away and embrace progress. Only then can the wound heal. Now, can you take me to the Temple?”
“Father?” Ornnallia asked.
“Ornnallia,” Kallem said. “Take care of the Tempass needs.”
The three, plus their escorts, headed inside the Citadel. Kallem’s son inquired about what Torllopus floating in the sky while his daughter asked about the beautiful clothing and feathers around the yalate woman’s body.
Once alone with their guards, Kallem turned to the Unity Grand General. “You fought in Rode'en?”
“I did,” Dulok said. “Mostly on the Davion front, pushing up against Ethr’io castle.”
There were many battles to filter through during that war. This being part of the Winter Campaign helped narrow the timeframe down toward the end of the war.
That was when the Verliance Lord remembered that battle. It was during the evacuation of the continent. Castle Ethr’io was an ancient fortification they occupied to delay the Unity from storming the port of Ulellia. The enemy surrounded the castle and laid siege for five brutal days. Cut off, many froze or starved to death, knowing that it would be impossible to escape to the port; most were prepared to die, believing that the delay would save their country.
There was a moment of pride in his aristocracy, allowing him to hold out against more advanced and numerous enemies in the harshest environments. Still, it quickly faded as he recalled the ramifications of that war. In their superiority, an inferior force declared victorious. However, deep down, Kallem knew his people could only evacuate those shores because the Lat commander, Stadius Fabillus, refused to evacuate and broke through the Unity lines, allowing the Aristocracy to go home.
“I remember,” Kallem said. “You might have won the war, but we won that battle. You must have been a new conscript.”
Dulok Jijdon chuckled. “From one who lived for a few centuries, which must be a blimp. For me, it was a long time ago as a recruit. But yes. It was my first campaign. Fighting your people at the Castle was an honor.”
“I recall every detail,” Kallem said. “We held for almost two weeks.”
“You might not know this, but we were told it would take an afternoon to capture the castle. You proved us wrong that day. Day after day in the freezing snow, I gained much respect for your people.”
“Thank you for your flatter.”
“Not flattering, speaking truth. I meant what I said to your son. You can learn a lot about people on the battlefield. The Priestess believes we can ram our physiology down the world's throats. I learned that day that if people were willing to endure that how horror and brute force would not be the answer. We must show grace to achieve lasting victory.”
The Grand General looked out to the capital city of Cornet, admiring the sight. “When I heard that you entered peace negotiations with my people, my respect for you was complete. The Coalition propaganda that we are brutes. Blindly murdering anyone who does not follow our ways. While it is true that we will cast aside all those who do not follow the Katra; the method is to navigate those who are worthy of the path of redemption. You decided to put aside our differences and join the Unity. If more people were like you, we would not need to conquer and execute so many.”
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Kallem was positively influenced by the compliments, believing that the Orc comments were genuine. However, this made him wonder if he had worked with Erada for so long that his perspective was warped. While it was enjoyable to be respected by a formal foe, it did little to ease his opinion of his new master.
“While I enjoyed the conversation, I doubt you came here to share stories of the past.”
Dulok crossed his arms in deep thought. “That is true. The Altaerrie have proven to be an interesting bunch.”
“My military have them contained around Salva in a stalemate. They lack the concept of magic and, yes, developed complex technology that we have struggled to counter. Our grace has been our numbers, discipline, and magitech.”
“The situation has not changed then,” Dulok said. “While not ideal, that gives us time to respond to the matter properly. I have two Battlegroup coming by train. They should arrive here in the next few days to assist your army. And in the coming weeks, other logistical units will join us, in the name of protecting your territory."
For a moment, the Vampire Lord believed he had misheard the Grand General. He was surprised that the Unity would deploy a high-ranking commander and yet so few forces, which made him wonder how overstretched they were. “Only two?”
“For now,” Dulok said. “The Coalition is still our priority, but the Council understands the threat if left untamed.
“If the Altaerrie breaks free,” Kallem said. “Two Battlegroups will not be enough. The Altaerrie have one deployed around Salva and Indolass, including multiple Knighthoods. At least their equalivent to ours. But they grow strong and more fortified every day."
“That has already been addressed,” Dulok said. “We sent word for the Pamlinitie Kingdom to mobilize for war. They should be preparing to approach the South, assuming we have not taken the city ourselves."
The Kiriyaks nation. Since defeating the armored-skinned horned warrior almost two centuries ago during their Great Expansion, there has been a tense rivalry between the two border empires. The war-like race had never forgiven the vampires for beating them, and the two powers had established a cold war state. Even when allies in the Coalition, the two separated from one another.
However, unlike the Verliance Aristocracy, which negotiated peace, the Kiriyak suffered a harsher fate. In addition to their male-dominated warrior culture, the kiriyak are profoundly religious. Hence, the Unity interjected the Katra into their belief structure and waged a coup against the leader cast, sparking an ongoing civil war.
“Are they unified enough for a war?” Kallem asked.
“War is always a good unifier,” Dulok replied. “Especially for a warrior race. This will also legitimize the new regime, demoralizing the remaining rebels. Besides, that is not what concerns the Council. Can your people fight alongside the Pamlinitie?”
“As long as they obey my orders, yes,” Kallem said. “The Altaerrie have invaded Aristocracy territory, so we must lead in this effort.”
The Grand General Orc crossed his arms while taking a deep breath, showing signs of disagreement. “I am sorry, My Lord, but that will not be due. The Council has given me unified command of all military actions in this theater and related to the Altaerrie.”
Kallem Verliance knew there was a catch for the opening pleasantries. All to soften the blow of this command change. The Aristocracy had never served a foreign military commander, and he was unwilling to hand them away so easily.
“With all respect, that will not be acceptable,” Kallem said. “I wished for assistance but will not hand over my armies to outsiders.”
“The only outsiders are the Altaerrie,” Dulok stated. “Everyone on Or-iska belongs to the Unity. I understand this will be hard for you, but this is the only path forward. You must accept."
“If peace is what the Unity wants,” Kallem said. “We must do this as equals. I have allowed the Katra to be educated at our temples. I have embraced many of the wonders that your magical technologies have to offer. But I agreed to peace under the condition that the Aristocracy belongs to my House.”
“And the Council would have agreed with the final point, Lord Verliance,” Dulok said. “However, by your admission, you allowed a Priestess to be murdered by Humans. Altaerrie, Lats, it does not matter. By this crime, there is no path for you to command a joint battlegroup against the Altaerrie.”
While maintaining his composure, a deep tremble shocked Kallem’s body that he should have expected something like this. Protection of his former slave, Assiaya, was a quick decision without the ability to fully rationalize the consequences, such as a dark stain on his reputation. But a decision that he does not regret. A stain that he hoped to remove once he recaptured the girl safely by his side.
That was when he heard the Orc chucking. Not from a position of arrogance but friendly.
“Do not fear,” Dulok stated. “I have no intentions of dissolving your rule or your command. When I heard about this deployment, I fought to be the one who would lead. The others would not be so friendly. You will command your armies and vassals, but you will report to me. Fair?”
Seeing no other option, Kallem nodded graciously. “The death of Priestess Edra was a tragedy, and I accept responsibility for that outcome. I accept terms.”
“As you always do,” Dulok said. “Now, let us put aside business and show me what the vampires are like in Aldrida. I heard your kind are the more civilized in the arts, as I can see with the statue here.”
Seeing that their business had ended for the time being and that he wasn’t influential enough to counter the Orc demands, the Lord of Verliance guided the Grand General into the Citadel as a good host should, beginning to tell the stories of the dozens of paintings and statues along the hallways.
*****
Staring at the large painting above the fireplace, Illythia Tourmaline was impressed by the quality. Three Kiriyak warriors in traditional armor raided a small village, and a sole j’avais was standing at attention. Looks more like a militia or adventurer than a professional soldier.
She understood that the Verliance utilized the J’avais as vassal mercenaries, subject to the Aristocracy but separated to prevent human aggression against the peaceful common folk. Their credulity is easier to overlook when not displayed around the common folk. However, she was still surprised to see them glorified at all.
The painting was not the only thing that caught the Mistress's eye. Heated vents through the Citadel and electricity. These were all features she had at her palace, but not to this degree—the benefits of being an empire over a City-State.
However, Illythia found all this posturing pitiful. It was as if these people were attempting to disguise their true nature—power-hungry beasts.
“I do wonder what secrets lay dormant within these walls,” Illythia said through a dioliet, a long-range communication device. As she spoke, the female vampire grabbed her blood-red wine and sucked the cold, fresh blood into her fangs. “All this front to impress who?”
“I believe they have always felt inferior to the elves,” said a voice at the other end. “It is not easy to be behind those who are soft, and naturally weak. Always lagging behind in advancements.”
“You say that as if you have experience in that regard,” Illythia said. “But, I expect your kind understanding of the feeling. Right, Ayark?”
“I care little for my people,” Ayark stated. “Now to address the problem at hand. What do we do now that the Verliance Lord rejected your offer?”
“He did not reject the offer,” Illythia replied. “He will accept it.”
“Did you not moments ago state that he walked away from the terms?”
“I did, but I expected that. A man of his stature would not accept at the moment. I knew offering my daughter's hand in marriage would be a hard sell, but that was why I originally offered an outlandish proposal first. That, along with the timing of my proposition and Unity’s approach, shall all but guarantee his cooperation.”
“I see,” Ayark said. “I’ll never understand these political games. If you want something, you should seize it. But that’s a concern to me. What do I do in the meantime?”
“Continue preparing,” Illythia said. “Kallem is many things, but when pushed, he always sides with his people first.”
“That does not always mean all vampires,” Ayark said. “Loyalty matters more.”
“That is a correct point,” Illythia said. She stared at her half-empty wine as she noticed the insect-infused flavoring. She understood that Kallem believed in some form of species equality, depending on whether they were loyal to his House. However, she understood there is always a hierarchy, even in an equal world. “The question is not who he values more but where we fit on the latter. Does he value the Unity above us or not.”
“I shall trust in your judgment,” Ayark said.
Hearing a sudden knock on the door, Illythia said, “Someone is here. I will speak with you when I learn the status of the treaty.”
After deactivating the dioliet, the Mistress of Tourmaline stood from her long ottoman bed with golden beats liming the sides with purple and red sheets, rushing toward the guest room closet. As she grabbed her robbing, she stopped at the long mirror and smirked. Seeing her curvy body, long dark brunette hair, and bursty breasts, I admire her beauty.
Hearing another knock on the door, she quickly got ready. Illythia quickly grabbed her black cotton robe with red rims at the ends and wrapped it around her body. “You may enter,” she said.
The large door opened, and the silver-kitsune named Routh entered the room. “My Lord wishes to enter.”
“At this hour? My, how forward, but I grant his presence,” Illythia said.
The Mistress watched as Kallem Verliance entered the room. She was surprised to see the Lord here at this hour, late at night. She knew this could only mean one or two things. Either he had rejected or accepted his offer.
“What can I do for you, My Lord?” Illythia asked. “At this late an hour, one might think you had crude intentions.”
Kallem said nothing and approached but then turned toward the fireplace. “After much thought, I will accept your offer. However, I will command your soldiers while you can maintain control over your fiefdom.”
“I beg your pardon?” Illythia questioned. “If I recall, you allow your other fiefdoms to have some control over their warriors. Why should I accept anything less?”
“Because I have given enough,” Kallem stated. “They do not have a seat on the table, but you would. Your daughter and my son would be married. I will not accept your blood to be so close to the throne, yet your lands remain so distant. As you said, it is a changing world.”
As Kallem spoke, the Mistress was not thrilled by this sudden demand. She wondered what the Unity representation could have said to spark these terms. It is more likely a desperate attempt to remain powerful or have some semblance of control. However, while she wouldn’t want to hand over command to her people, it wouldn’t matter in the long run. She smiled and let out a small chuckle.
“I accept,” Illythia said. “Of course, this is under the assumption that there is no trickery at foot. I am trusting in the honorable reputation of the Verliance Lord.”
The Vampire Lord turned toward the Mistress of Tourmaline and nodded. He then headed to the door, followed by his Head Maid.
“One moment, my lord,” Illythia said as Kallem turned around. “One more thing to discuss in private.”
Kallem turned to his Head Maid and gestured to the door with his head before turning back to face his guest. The door slowly closed behind her as Kallem began. “What else did you wish to speak about?”
“You just looked exhausted. I’m guessing something happened recently that has you on edge?” She said while walking over to him, reading his reactions and movements like a predator stalking their prey.
“If you’re attempting to get information out of me or curry more favor, I don’t have time for the games.”
Illythia stood in front of him, her eyes locked with his. With a slight movement, her robe opened up, shocking Kallem.
“No games. Just comfort. I can be that comfort if you’d like. Just for tonight, leave your troubles outside these walls,” she said as the robe fell to the ground, revealing an attractive figure adorned with seductive undergarments.
She watched as one of the most powerful men on Alagore stared at her near-naked body. The clothing that illuminated all that Mother Tekali provided. His red eyes struggle to look away as they crawl over every feature. His hands formed into tightening fists as the primal urges started to consume the mind.
Kallem took a step forward but stopped. He then turned around and left the room. She could only smile as she watched, knowing she almost had him.
March, 20th, 2068 (military calendar)
Torllopus, The Unity of Cordinlane
The Valley of Unity, Cordinlane, Alagore
*****
Forced to sit in a chair, NASA Director Galloway finally regained his vision when the blindfold was removed. To his surprise, the wooden chair with a red pat was comfortable, but he didn’t care. He quickly looked around to gain a sense of reference, seeing the two who brought him here leaving.
In front of a long, thick rectangle table with stylized engravings along the edges. The surface had a shine, either from a wax coating or something else alien-related. The Director then glanced around the room and noticed that he was in a dining room. Silver-gray walls with golden-lined art are along the walls. Dark red paint is on the lower sections of the walls, and white-clean pillars are dividing the walls.
Hearing a door open, fear consumed Galloway as he tuned to see who it was, barely able to prevent himself from trembling. Since being brought here against his will, the Director lost track of time.
Galloway saw one of the strange animal-like humanoids he had seen—his one being a cat creature walking like a human. While he had witnessed many animal-like humanoids, this cat reminded him of his teenage daughter, who wore cat ears for fashion. The only exception was the authentic fur covered by the highly designed outfit.
The Neko humanoid walked through the side door, carrying a tray. Galloway had seen her kind before in this role. While his knowledge of this society is limited to the prison cell, from the few examples the Director has seen, there is some degree of segregation in this world. While multiple species live together, they have different roles within such a civilization.
When the female Neko approached, she placed a plate before the NASA Director and left without saying a word.
Finding the encounter strange, her silence and his escorts left him startled. Since arriving in this floating city, these people had separated the hundred or so prisoners who had been taken. The prisoners Earth. They were then divided into groups and locked these people until they came and took away one of the prisoners, one by one.
Galloway looked down at the plate and saw food. It wasn't the grub they had been feeding up to this point, but it looked like a proper course meal he would order from a luxury hotel. The meal had a steak with butter over it. A type of potato looked greenish yellow with orange-like blue barriers on the side.
The Director had a strong survivalist urge that he struggled to fight. His body wanted him to dive into the dish and start devouring to cure his starvation, but he used all his strength to restrain himself. He was fearful that the food was poisoned or something worse.
That was when he heard another door open across the room and saw the same race that had taken him from the raid—a Vampire.
"I apologize for my tardiness," the Vampire said. "The enjoyment of tormenting your people's minds was thrilling but made me forget about you."
The imagination began racing as he wondered what the Vampire had been doing to his countrymen. While imprisoned, these people had taken one of them. One by one, never to be seen again. His worse fears were confirmed, they were being tortured for information. Most likely to death.
The Vampire sat across the table, and the same Neko entered the dining room carrying a plate. She sat it in front of the Vampire and left the room. The plate had two giant steaks and nothing else.
"Please eat," the Vampire said. "It took some time to filter the minds of your staff to discover what type of food you prefer from your comrades. So, please eat before it gets cold."
Hearing how casually this person spoke about Galloway's fellow staff, he glanced down at the meal, wondering what the creature meant by mining. Regardless, while he felt disgusted that his people were tortured to produce this meal, he was starving.
Taking the fork and knife, he started consuming the meal, finding the taste of heaven. Was the food professionally done, or was he that hungry? He couldn't tell, but he also didn't care.
Noticing that he had already eaten a third of the meal, he stopped not to show desperation. He then glanced up and saw the Vampire cutting into his steak. Then, the blood-drinking dark red humanoid took the raw red cut piece close to his mouth, and then the fangs emerged, biting into the beef and started sucking the remaining blood from it.
Once the piece was drained, the Vampire placed the dry beef onto a separate side dish before continuing.
The sight baffled Galloway. Up to this point, he has her to see any civilized nature within their kind. During the attack, he witnessed one of his guardian security guards' blood being drained by these aliens. Then, the survivors were dragged against their will, chained, and barely fed.
This Vampire acted civilly, a sharp difference from those who came before. However, the Director was forced to realize that the men handling them were soldiers, paid to be rough and intimate.
Finding the situation frustrating, Galloway decided to speak first. "What do you want from me?"
"I wish for you to have your meal," the Vampire said.
"You know what I mean." The red Vampire took utensils and began cutting into the large, T-bone meat. "I do. I know you are hungry. It has been a long journey from Earth."
Hearing a loud grumble from the NASA Director's stomach, he couldn’t deny that he was starving. Up until now, he only had nasty pasty slop that had a horrific aftertaste. But he resisted the urge as he wanted answers.
"I know my people are on this world," Galloway said. "Are you planning to use us as barging chips to negotiate with my people?"
The Vampire took a piece of meat and gently sucked the juices from it before setting the utensil onto the plate. He then grabbed a cloth, cleaning his blocky chin. "I sense your frustration, and I must apologize, Galloway. I have been rude. It is impolite to eat without proper introductions. I am Obsidian Hreffron, the Chancellor of Alagore."
"How did you know my name? I never gave it to anyone here."
"Your comrade's memories informed me what I needed to know. I understood that you and the General argued about destroying the Bridge days before the incident. Highlight, am I correct?” The red Vampire then took another casual bit from his T-bone.
The NASA Director had forgotten that argument with the facility commander. So much has happened since then. The General was concerned about the device and felt it would have been better if they had destroyed and forgotten it, fearing the unknown.
At the time, Galloway saw the Space Force General as a small-minded fearmonger, stating that Armageddon from the Bible was nonsense. They destroyed the first alien artifacts in history because of fear. How could they ignore such a sense of discovery? The Director even recalled using expansions such as Columbus's discovery of the New World, the Apollo moon landing, and the Western Expansion.
The arguments passed for days, driving divisions between NASA and Space Force personnel. The Director couldn't imagine how backward-thinking the General was, only seeing horror and not the potential, always countering that each achievement came at a significant cost of lives and treasure.
"My mages happily stripped his mind of anything of worth," Hreffron said. "I have to say, I agree with your principles, the principle. He was a coward, being what you call a seat warmer than a pioneer, unlike yourself."
“He was doing his job,” Galloway said. "What did you do to him?"
Hreffron raised his utensil, staring at the finely cut juicy meat. "From what little I learned of you, Earth humans, I have a level of respect for what you have accomplished—the level of death and destruction you have achieved. The brutal oppression that you have waged against your own kind is respectable," they said before draining the meat, ignoring the Director's question.
"From what I have seen, you are no better," Galloway said. "At least we try to atone our past sins."
“Those who speak atonement are those who already won the battle but forgotten their purpose.”
The Chancellor chuckled and reacted like a parent would with a child. He took his cloth and dabbed around his mouth, cleaning himself. “My point was that one species typically conducts such actions against another. Not to themselves. But you naturally turned it into an art form without outside assistance. You should be proud. Taking an evolutional handicap and turning it into an advantage."
Galloway struggled to decide if this Vampire was insane or trolling him for his own amusement. The conversation was clearly one way as the Chancellor didn’t seem interested in anything the Director had to say. More being a vessel for the inner thoughts of the enemy leader. Still, there had to be a reason why he was summoned.
"Is this why I am here?” Galloway asked. “To lecture how great it is to be a fascist?"
"You don't need to use crude words with me; I am no lower peasant. Your world proves why my people exist and everything we are trying to accomplish with this crusade. Your discovery had only proven my people's belief in their superiority."
"Beliefs? It almost sounds like you want a war between our people."
Obsidian Hreffron stopped sucking the blood from the beef and loomed toward the politician. "Your kind has invaded our territory unprovoked."
Galloway couldn’t help but stare at the Chancellor with a disbelief stare. “Unprovoked? I didn’t realize I volunteered to be here and not dragged here against our wills.”
“We could go back and forth on the semantics regarding who shot first,” Hreffron said. “The truth is it means nothing to me. Your people are here, prolonging this war. We will fight, and we will win. The details of how we got here do not matter.”
“I might have no idea what is going on here,” Galloway said. “But if you think waging a war against my country will boost your poll numbers, you will regret it.”
Hreffron chuckled before responding, "Many have said that, but the Domain is always expanding. Country after country, we have fallen to our desires until nothing is left. The only moral question is whether the lesser can withstand such an onslaught. Which history has already known the answer.”
"You wanted my people to attack the ones who captured us? Do you want to use this incident for a greater war? But for what?"
"Your people's inclusion into Alagore was unexpected; I will grant that. Before we understood what was happening, my agents disabled the Bridge, trapping your forces here for the slaughter, ending the threat. Somehow, they reactivated it, which impressed me. While your people celebrate a minor victory, it will be their undoing, opening new lands for my sphere."
"To convert my people to your religion? Even if you defeat my people here, do you really believe that they would allow you through the portal?"
"All you need is a fraction of believers willingly to topple a world. But you are correct. The dance must play itself out first. I build this Unity from nothing. A group of barbarians to the most powerful force on this moon. In the name of the Katra, they will march anywhere if I ask, so we shall see what unfolds."
The response from the dark-red Vampire baffled Galloway to the point where he believed he was being tricked. The outlandish stand that the Chancellor could conceive that he could topple the United States, let alone gain a foothold on Earth. However, the Vampire's reaction was bold and unconcerned. Either Hreffron was convinced of his ambitions or intently misleading the Director.
"And what's your plan? To invade Earth? I am not a military expert, but you cannot believe your own propaganda."
"To the point," Hreffron said. "Simply, yes. The crusade must continue. As you already know, your kind has a foothold on my world."
Finding the Chancellor hysterically arrogant, Galloway said, "Your world?"
"This is my world. The rest of it is only delaying that reality. Once the Coalition has been swept aside, peace can finally rule over these lands within the Unity. One power, one voice. But you know the dangers of being a global power like yourself. You need external threats to rally the peasants."
While a politician, Galloway had no deep-rooted knowledge of geopolitics. He struggled to form a response, especially when the Chancellor knew more than he was letting on. The former NASA Director needed to learn how much information the Vampire had already gained from the other prisoners.
"Enlighten me then."
Hreffron continued his meal, barely acknowledging the NASA Director's presence. "It is destiny, human. It is a rule of nature. When two powers collide, a dance begins. It does not start with war, as the two maneuver around each other like a dance. Navigating around the ballroom until they finally arrive. When all the steps are complete, it is all or nothing. Those who understand the rhythm reach the time while the rest lay waste below."
"As I said before, you want this war."
"War is not the correct term. Conquests fit. You see, within a stream, there is a boulder. As expected, the boulder withstands against the current. Many see that as stopping things from coming and celebrating. However, as time goes on, cracks form around the boulder. Pieces chipped away, and soon enough, all resistance is swept away."
"Interesting analogy. But it only works if you can follow through on the threat."
Obsidian Hreffron stopped feasting off his meal and laughed loudly, echoing throughout the dining room; the dark red Vampire then turned toward the Director and said, "Ignorance is blitz. I have dedicated much of my life to uniting Alagore. My people dream, our vision. Your intervention was an unexpected occurrence, but in the end, it has only blessed our greater goals. Let's remember that the Domain is forever expanding. All those who ever resisted might have won a day. There might be a ripple. In the end, the stream always prevails."
Galloway thought carefully about what the Vampire was saying, and the conclusion was clear. The Chancellor wanted a war with the United States as if the Vampire was excited that his people came here. "You are insane. Do you think we will falter because you have magic tricks? My people also have a saying. Be careful what you wish for; you might get it."
"I would be greatly disappointed if your people falter easily, as I wish to see how this dance unfolds," Hreffron said. “You are not the first Great Power to challenge us. The dance between our people has begun, and the conclusion weighs towards those who already understand the competition."
Chancellor Obsidian Hreffron stood from his seat. "Let the game begin," he said before walking from the table.
The former NASA director sat there, watching the guard enter the room to take him away.