Walking onto the bridge of his flagship, Fleet Admiral Loss der Watt, could not suppress his smile. Thinking back he remembered what the Star Commander had said, Impossible! Well, he had done the impossible!
“I’m for the shuttle” He told his equally smiling staff. As he rode down to the planet’s surface, he thought back to when the strike force arrived at Landue World …
*********
The planet, Landue World was the heaviest populated world and the principal industrial producer in the kingdom. It was also fairly well protected with a fleet of seventeen battleships, eleven heavy cruisers and seventeen light cruisers. However there were no satellite defences and no Royal Guard to fight. Instead there was a conscript army of almost a million men but intelligence gleamed from those already captured suggested that these were of uncertain quality. Der Watt planned to make full use of this bit of information.
Arriving in the system in a pattern that spread the Third Strike division out to cover any reasonable formation, the fleet changed its tactics. Advancing far enough in to establish the location of the planets fleet, der Watt put into the first part of his plan, a distant blockade of the planet. This was followed with a call to the planets commanders.
“Military Governor, High Khan Falk Dieells, Civil Governor, Manga Cal Rispers. This is Fleet Admiral Loss der Watt, please respond.”
There was silence as everyone listened for a response. After a period of silence, the call was repeated with Admiral der Watt adding, “I am sure that first, you realise that I can order your fleet destroyed at any time and, second, that there will be no help coming for you. Your fleet headquarters has been destroyed and Destron is under siege, its fleet also destroyed.” He paused then went on. “This information is also being sent out over your complete communications network.”
Sitting back, he smiled at Admiral Hasling, his Second in Command. “Now let’s see if that gets a reaction.”
“We wait?” Hasling asked.
“Yes, we wait, for a while at least.”
Hasling looked dubious but was willing to go along with the plan. He knew that most of the staff were against it but der Watt had been adamant about at least trying a peaceful solution and everyone reluctantly agreed that the legion could easily wipe out the few ships that the kingdom had in the system.
“Let me know of any response. If they want to talk, we’ll talk.” Der Watt stood and left.
The staff looked at Admiral Hasling who smiled, “As per the Admirals orders, we give them a day.”
“And then sir?” One asked.
“What if the kingdoms fleet advances?” Queried another.
“There are plans for both those contingencies. Stay alert and watch them.” Hasling turned to his senior communications officer. “Watch all comm frequencies closely. I want to know who is talking to who and where they are and what they are saying.” The commodore nodded as Hasling continued. “In particular I want to know where all the top officers are located in case we have to grab them or,” he smiled, “we get to drop an HVM onto them!”
“I will see to it sir.” The commodore saluted and left. The rest of the staff followed him.
Now we wait. Admiral Hasling thought as he went to his own office.
*********
It was a day later and only after the Kingdoms forces had tested the Legions resolve by attempting to attack a somewhat isolated light cruiser. This ship had disposed of the three warships, one a battleship, the other two being small escort ships, with little trouble. It was a few periods after this that the Military Governor, High Khan Falk Dieells broke the silence with a comm to Fleet Admiral Loss der Watt.
“You wanted to talk?”
“Thank you for your response, I am unhappy that it cost you three of your ships and all their crews.” Der Watt held his voice and face expressionless. “I have some news for you that will bet of interest I believe.”
“Tell me.”
“I have been informed that your Khan has been captured along with his family as well as the man who was to be announced as the husband to be of the Khans daughter. Destron is under our control, and, as I told you earlier, fleet headquarters has been destroyed and the fleet there with it.”
“The Khans advisors?” Dieells asked after a fraction. Although he tried to hold his face expressionless, it was clear that he was shaken.
“I understand that officers in the control center killed High Khan Stephin Na Gunnrar when he tried to assume full control. The Prime Minister was killed and The Treasurer injured in riots before we could fully establish control over the population.” der Watt paused then continued. “There were three military advisors who tried to organise resistance against troops sent to establish order. One was killed in the riot, one injured and along with the third, is in the custody of the legion.”
“Where is The Khan? And what are you going to do with him?” Dieells leaned forward, “I will not surrender to anyone who murders the Khan and his family. Never!”
Hiding his relief at the word surrender, Fleet Admiral Loss der Watt replied calmly, “To be honest, I do not know The Khans exact location. I can assure you however that he is alive and being treated in the same manner that any other prisoner, with consideration for his rank. The same for his family.” der Watt also leant forward, “The Empire does not deal in murder. If he has committed crimes that need to be addressed, these will most likely be dealt with here, subject to the wishes of our Master.”
“Your master, who is he? Is he here?” the Military Governor sounded suspicious.
“Not as far as I know, but let us leave the make-up of the Empire for another time. It is large, complex and spread over many galaxies.” der Watt replied more calmly then he felt. “Indeed, your forces entered only two out of more than two hundred and fifty galaxies that make up the Empire.”
The look of surprise on Dieells face was profound. He opened his mouth and closed it. There was silence for a fraction then he leaned forward. “This must be handled carefully. I will be back in touch with you.” The communication ended.
“You handled that well about the Master, sir.” Admiral Hasling smiled.
“Indeed, that is something I would try to explain only in person!” der Watt gave a laugh, then sobered. “Is the transition team ready?” This team would take over the administration of the planet and work with the existing administration, replacing them only where necessary. At least two divisions of ground troops would be deployed and the existing ground troops disbanded to a large extent.
“Yes sir,” the reply was equally restrained. “They are.”
“Let’s go tell the staff and put them on standby.” The two officers left the conference room. They did not discuss the talks. The next move was out of their hands.
*********
The replacement transition team floated down to the surface of Landue World. It was 19th Augur, more than two weeks since the fighting had finished, mostly. A few still held out here and there on some of the Kingdoms planets, but all planets were occupied and the few diehards were being dealt with and mostly were just an annoyance. Complying with orders to limit casualties, they were being handled carefully but with controlled violence where necessary; in the long run, this would reduce casualties.
The Military Governor, High Khan Falk Dieells and the Civil Governor, Manga Cal Rispers had agreed to facilitate the surrender of Landue World. This had not been without its own source of conflict and a few of the officers who had particular interest in the current system had protested. This had led to some open fighting but the conscript troops, assured that they would be discharged as soon as possible and returned to their home worlds free of any further service requirement, swiftly put down the disgruntled officers. Those who had survived were too be dealt with this day. The room chosen was a conference room in the Governors building
A grim and solid building, built more on the lines of a fortress, Fleet Admiral Loss der Watt considered that it suited the somber task that he had to carry out on this day. Standing stiffly in front of him, along with the rest of the disaffected officers, twenty seven in number, General dis Nasier awaited his fate.
Glancing to either side of him, der Watt tried to read the expressions of the two officers who had surrendered the planet to him. On his right stood the representative of the Dark Lord, Assistant Steward Lea Cania, along with the two councillors attached as advisors from the High Council, Rummur of Nextus and Don Krispa,. These had arrived after the main fighting had passed and their advice had been simple, mercy, while the views of Dieells and Rispers were equally clear, death. Watching were several observers including Tobis Nenna and two other news people. Adding to his concerns, Detachment T had arrived and was approaching. He wondered what message or cargo they were carrying. With a mental shrug, he put that potential problem out of his mind.
“General dis Nasier, are you and your officers ready to accept the ruling of the Empire.”
“We are, reluctantly, and with bitterness. We were betrayed!”
Taking a step forward with a frown on his face, High Khan Falk Dieells opened his mouth to speak when a soft voice froze him.
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
“Do not be hasty High Khan, I am sure that General dis Nasier and his cohorts feel justified in their own minds.” Draped in His customary black cloak, the Dark Lord stepped out in front of the gathered company, with Him was his companion along with Ladies of the Circle, Dana, Andrea and Luca, the last with her well-used sword swinging in its scabbard at her side. Sabra Boon followed behind. Everyone froze at the unexpected appearance.
Giving himself a shake, he felt that he should have anticipated this, Fleet Admiral der Watt stepped forward and bowed. “Welcome sire, and also welcome Ladies of the Circle.” He straightened up. “You have instructions for me, sire?”
“I do indeed Fleet Admiral, but first things first.” He looked around. “Good to see you Miss Cania, or I should say Assistant Steward.” The Dark Lord smiled as He pushed the hood of His cloak back off His head and greeted the councillors.
“Thank you sire.” Lea gave a smiling bow. Tobis Nenna watched, fascinated as always by the Dark Lord. He smiled as Sabra Boon looked around with interest, saw him and gave a discreet nod and smile.
“Now, congratulations on achieving such a victory Fleet Marshal, and acknowledgement also go’s to Military Governor, High Khan Falk Dieells and Civil Governor, Manga Cal Rispers, for their part in as peaceful as possible transition.” The two named stared at the unheralded appearance of the person of whom he had only recently heard. “As for those standing here, charged with revolt and inciting unrest as well as other offences. I am ready to deal with them in the manner accustomed.” He stepped closer to General dis Nasier and looked him in the face. “Do you accept my judgement?” The Dark Lord spoke in a soft voice.
Visibly pulling himself together, he had been as surprised as everyone else, “I do.” General dis Nasier replied “But I would know what has happened to The Khan?”
“A fair question. The Khan and his family are safe in the hands of the Legion. He is not happy at this, which is to be expected, but he will be dealt with, with compassion. What he did to send the forces of the Kingdom against the Empire was not of his own will although he did not know it.”
The impact of this causally imparted information swept the room like a psychic bomb. All just stared at the Dark Lord and the Ladies, who calmly viewed the reaction with small smiles on their lips and Luca fingering her sword. Sabra Boon however, kept her face carefully blank although she saw the inquiring look Tobis threw her.
*********
She knew, Tobis thought incredulously, she knew and she never dropped even a hint. No wonder the Dark Lord trusts her.
*********
“Impossible, we would have known.” High Khan Falk Dieells, finally managed to get heard amongst the uproar that the Dark Lords bombshell had released. “We would have heard!”
Silence fell as the Dark Lord raised his right hand. “The one who did this made sure that he remained hidden.” A cold look appeared on the Dark Lords face and his icy tone froze the listeners, “I will deal with him soon, personally.” He turned back to the officers.
“The sentence for your crimes is mandatory, Death.” He surveyed the guilty officers standing in front of him. They stood like statues. “However, I will suspend the sentence for a period of twenty standard years.” A gasp and murmured approval came from the onlookers “If you commit another crime in that time, then the sentence of death will apply.” The officers looked at each other in disbelief. With a nod the Dark Lord turned to Fleet Admiral der Watt who had watched with undisguised interest, relieved that this decision had been taken out of his hands. “These are to be processed as ordinary prisoners of war. They are to receive no special treatment but it should be made clear to them the import of my sentence.”
“It will be done my Lord.” der Watt replied.
“I leave this in your hands.” The Dark Lord turned to Sabra Boon. “Sabra, why don’t you collect your friend Tobis and he can join us?”
Taken aback, the look on Sabras’ face was a study. “As you wish, sire.” And turned to speak to Tobis. The newsman hurried over at the wave and call while the Dark Lord turned to the Assistant Steward.
“You are being treated properly?” He asked Lea.
“I am, sire, the Fleet Admiral and his staff have given me all access, and where possible filled all requests.” She replied with a smile which she also directed at Der Watt
Fleet Admiral der Watt stiffened. He had stressed to his staff, and all ships captains, that regardless of whatever they thought of her youth, she was just thirty years old, nothing in a society where citizens could live for hundreds of years, Assistant Steward Lea Cania was to be regarded as the Dark Lords personal representative from the Palace, and was to be treated as such. Therefore she was to be given all access consistent with regard to her safety. Before the empires fleet had left the empire, in a meeting with the Star Commander, the three Fleet Commanders, Assistant Steward Lea Cania and the two Councillors, agreement had been reached on what the representatives could do and where they could go.
While this was agreed, such instances as Lea’s insistence of being at various meetings such as the one that had taken place this day caused greater concern to the commanders then when the councillors did. Although, mused der Watt the Assistant Steward was easier to please then Rummur of Nextus or Don Krispa, the two councillors attached as advisors. To be fair, he had noticed Don Krispa take Rummur of Nextus aside several times and talk quietly to her. While the councillor’s attitude had then improved, such improvements had been temporary. He had heard that the Star Commander had even had a chat with Rummur and there had been a noticeable improvement after that!
These thoughts were dismissed as der Watt turned to Admiral Hasling and gave a soft word. “I will take care of everything, sir.” Admiral Hasling replied with a salute followed by a wave to the security detachment; turning he indicated that the all the officers were to follow him. This was accompanied by a “Follow me gentlemen.”
Finished speaking to Lea and assured of her being properly treated, the Dark Lord returned to the Fleet Admiral.
“Admiral, I wish for you to come with us to Destron. You should be there with the other strike commanders.” The Dark Lord informed der Watt.
“Off course sire.”
“Please hand over your duties to Admiral Hasling and join us for the trip as soon as possible.” A slight smile caused the Dark Lords lips to twitch, “I suggest that you bring an aide with you and that you pack for a few days.”
“With your permission sire, I will attend to this immediately.”
At the Dark Lords nod, Fleet Admiral der Watt saluted and left, tagging a bemused aide to follow him. The Dark Lord now turned his attention to High Khan Falk Dieells and Manga Cal Rispers who stiffened at the wave He gave them. Realising that they had little choice in the matter, they reluctantly stepped over to Him.
For a fraction, he regarded them both. Conditioned by their experiences with various Khans and others on their rise to power, they trembled. At the Dark Lord frown, the pair trembled even more.
“So you have been cautioned about me, however know you that I do not without reason punish those who come before me. I do not hold you accountable for any actions that you may have done up to this day, but I will, from now on hold you accountable for any actions, in exactly the same manner that I would any member of the Empire.” He held them both in His gaze for another fraction. “Do you understand?”
Not daring to reply, the two just nodded and the Dark Lord continued. “I hold all citizens to the articles of the Imperial Constitution, modified by necessary agreements to suit particular local circumstances. Do not concern yourself with these, you are at the beginning of your education about the empire and have much to learn.” He gave them a fatherly look, strange in someone who they knew was much older than He appeared. “If you want to know more, just ask the instructors. The records are public, mostly.”
Dismissing the two officers with a nod, he turned back to the Ladies who had been watching with some amusement. “Now we are for Destron.” Whipped the smiles from their faces. Sabra Boon, seeing this stiffened. With a glance at Tobis Nenna, she stepped forward, apart from the Ladies, everyone else had left the room.
“You have a question, Miss Boon?” The Dark Lord spoke softly.
“I do Lord if I may, there are two.”
“Two, really, just two?” The Dark Lord appeared amused.
“Yes, sire, the first.” Sabra took a deep breath. “We are going to Destron to carry out what you alluded to at the conference?”
“We are.” The reply came in an icy tone. “And the second?” The Ladies stiffened and glanced sharply at both Sabra and the Dark Lord. Tobis Nenna had a sinking feeling and tried to make himself invisible.
“I have some questions about the matter that we talked about some weeks ago, sire. Will you give me the time to ask them?”
“I see.” The Dark Lord stood in silence for a fraction. “I will, while we are onboard Admiral Traska’s flagship.”
“Thank you sire.” Sabra stepped back. The Dark Lord glanced at Tobis then turned back to Sabra. He gave the briefest of head shakes, Sabra nodded in acquiescence, bowed and left with Tobis Nenna in tow.
*********
“You had better get your gear from wherever you stowed it, Tobias, we will be leaving soon I guess.” Sabra gave a smile to her friend.
“Look I have questions.” Tobias protested.
“I bet you do.” Sabras smile broadened then disappeared. “I will tell you what I can but there is a lot I cannot talk about. You understand.”
Having been an uncomfortable spectator to the Dark Lord icy response to Sabras first question and wanting none of that directed at him, Tobias nodded. “I will see you on board then.” He turned away then turned back with a frown. “What ship?”
“The Barrows Star. It’s the flagship of Detachment T.” Sabra called back and waved as she headed to a shuttle. Tobias waved back as he headed to his own shuttle. On board, he pulled out his comm unit. First he sent a message to his assistant to pack his belongings and where to meet him. A second message went to the liaison officer he usually dealt with. He smiled at that one as he included a note that he had been invited to join the Dark Lords ship by the Dark Lord himself.
*********
“Are you mad?” Major Lyal said to Tobias in a tone that was halfway between a hiss and a whisper after pulling him to the side of the hanger door. “You can’t use His name to get what you want!”
“I’m not, check with Sabra Boon over at the Barrows Star. She will confirm that I was invited by our Master.”
“She will probably agree with you anyway!” The Major scoffed. “Anyone else?”
“Certainly, the Fleet Admiral or Admiral Hasling.” Tobias smiled. “They both were standing right there when our sire spoke to Sabra. But better be quick, I have to get moving, fast.”
“Very well.” The Major knew when to give up fighting a losing battle. “But if you are giving a false instruction…..” Major Lyal glared at Tobias.
Tobias pulled Lyal closer and glanced around. Very quietly he spoke. “Unlike you I have actually met our master once before and I have absolutely no desire to become the focus of his anger.” He looked into the majors eyes as he continued. “And that go’s no further.” The major slowly nodded.
“I will arrange transport at once.” The two parted with nods.
Collecting his luggage from his assistant, Tobias thanked him for his help. “I’ll see you as soon as I can.”
“Take me with you.” The assistant predictably pleaded.
“Sorry, the invitation was only for me.” Tobias smiled. “I will try to get you to Destron as soon as I can.” With a final thanks, Tobias left to catch his shuttle while a disappointed assistant returned to his task.