The atmosphere was electric. The palace had released a short statement, read by Sabra Boon on her nightly news report, now one of the most watched news shows on Tihad. The palace had simply said that there had been an encounter with an invading force and that the Empires forces had been successful. The crews were all congratulated and it was noted that any further information would come from either the First Councillors office or the Admiral of the Legions office.
Needless to say, little further information was available. The strictures of distance prevailed.
As time passed and further information was released, the Empire calmed down somewhat. It was without fanfare that the leaders of the Empire was summoned to the palace for a conference to consider the options of their response. This conference took place on the fourth of Tonkis, 1393 New Style.
Attending were the full council and the high command of the Legion, including the commanders of each cluster defence force and their deputies.
“Welcome to the palace, Admiral De Templer, gentlemen.” The Head Steward greeted the Legion officers. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Star Commander.”
“You are looking well, Head Steward.” Vis Vistricer greeted Garda Karkart warmly.
The deputies, new to the palace kept their peace. Warned about the power the Head Steward and his staff held at their fingertips, they knew better than to speak up. Finally, a single staff officer for each senior commander attended, so Commander Rita Caenett was attending as the Star Commanders aide.
“We are using a different conference room today.” The Head Steward gave a wry smile. “Had to rearrange everything.”
“Sorry to put you to such trouble. But I thought that He liked to keep things informal?”
“The Master does, but all the council are here today. They arrived separately to avoid comment. And the Master decided not to use the Room of the Ministers for the same reason. Also the Ladies are all going to be present. Oh, the newsperson Sabra Boon, will be present.”
“”I see.” Admiral De Templer nodded. The Admiral and the Head Steward knew each other fairly well by now. Templer was also acquainted with Sabra Boon and had even appeared on her show once. “And what is this room known as?”
“I believe that it is called The Armoury, you’ll see why, I am told.” The Admiral and the Star Commander both gave the Head Steward a glance but made no comment.
Walking past the study, the Library and the room that held all the silver plate, they arrived at the Armoury. No one was outside so the group entered, and found that they were the last to arrive. They also saw that the walls of this large room were lined with glass fronted cabinets containing arms of all types. Swords, spears, knives, many different projectile weapons; even modern energy weapons.
The officers stopped and stared. Some moved to examine the display cabinets but stopped at the sound of a voice.
“There will be time to peruse the collection later.” Amusement took any sting from the Dark Lords words.
“Our apologies sire, we were distracted.” Fleet Admiral Stako spoke for the group.
“You are excused Admiral. I believe that Lady Luca would be happy to conduct a tour for those interested. She has used a good many of those weapons.”
Fleet Admiral Stako caught the look that Lady Luca threw the Dark Lord and decided on a diplomatic “If she wishes, sire.”
“Let us be seated and started. Fleet Admiral Wist, if you will be so kind as to elucidate us as to your discoveries?” The Dark Lord took his seat as he waved his hand at the admiral
The Admiral stood and moved to the front of the group. Accustomed to addressing such groups she felt no discomfort, even if one of those in attendance was her sovereign.
“First of all, do not underestimate the Kingdom, although taken by surprise and overwhelmed by our technology, they fought hard and to the death.” She went on to describe the battle in some detail and followed up with the intelligence they had gleamed from the wrecks. “Confirming what we had learned from the scout ships, the Kingdom consists of about thirty populated worlds. However we have only to concentrate on three. The Capital, named Destron; The main military base and Fleet Headquarters; and the major populated industrial world, called Landue World. Take these and the rest will be relatively simple.
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“The main difficulty is that the first two are within easy supporting distance of each other. The third, it is on the far side of the galactic core and we can take it afterwards.” There were nods of agreement at that statement. “However none of the three are going to be easy. There are standing fleets at each, Landue World has about a quarter of the existing starships and the other two, the rest between them. They also have numerous armoured satellites stationed around Destron and Fleet Headquarters. In addition both have extensive ground installations and defenses.”
The audience had listened with rapt attention and with the revelation of a ground war they, in particular the councillors, looked very concerned. Two major ground wars at the same time did not give any of those present any reason to be happy at the prospect.
“These are the facts in summary. My full report will be issued when completed, a day or two. With your permission sire, I will turn the meeting over to the Star Commander.” The Dark Lord nodded.
Admiral Wist took her seat as Vis Vistricer stood.
“There are two main ways to defeat an enemy. They are political and economic. You can destroy his political will to fight or his means of supporting a war. However, neither cannot be applied in full here. We have the mysterious person who is the real ruler, even though he does this in secret. Next is the consideration that the kingdom fights to the death. Normally, I would say we go straight for the capital, the main seat of power. However in this case. I am proposing something different. We will divide our force. One third for the capital and the remaining two thirds for the Fleet Headquarters.” The audience gasped. The Dark Lord did not move. Vis Vistricer smiled.
“We will also strip the entire Empire of all necessary star craft. The strongest possible fleet will be assembled and that will include all possible fighting craft. Patrolling the empire will be the responsibility of the light cruisers all of which will be left behind and heavy cruisers not allocated for the response.”
“Impossible,” Authua jumped to her feet. “You can’t leave the Empire so naked.”
“I agree, this is impossible.” Japua Conti stood in support of Authua.
“It will not be for very long. Also, new craft of all types are coming online continuously and they will stay behind with experienced crews to man them.” Vis Vistricer reassured the Councillors. “The main force will destroy the Kingdoms Fleet Headquarters. We don’t intend to capture it, our goal is to attack with as much force we can reasonably fit in the system and completely smash all their ability to resist. It won’t be pretty and it won’t be nice. But we will do it then send whatever is needed to Destron. The remainder will head to Landau World.”
“But what about the loss of life. You will kill millions.” Lika Dupra had been silent up till now. “I cannot support such an atrocity.” She sat abruptly down.
“Not so many Councillor.” The Star Commander spoke soothingly. “This is a military encampment on an airless world. There are very few civilians there and no slaves. They are not trusted it seems.” He smiled then the smile vanished. “I am more concerned about the lives of those under my command.” Lika Dupra flushed and stood again.
The Dark Lord raised his hand and stood. “I would remind everyone here that we did not start this war.” He paused. “But we will finish it.” Came with deadly emphasis. He sat back down as did an unhappy Lika Dupra.
There was silence in the room. Sabra Boon, sitting in the back was astonished at what she had learned. She had heard, from the previous meeting, about the mysterious person the Star Commander had alluded to and was obviously leaving to the Dark Lord for Him to deal with. Sabra thought, then mentally confirmed a decision she had made earlier. She would approach the Dark Lord.
With little further discussion, agreement was reached to follow the Star Commanders recommendation, and the meeting was broke up. The officers and some of the others were looking at the artifacts that were displayed in the cabinets and on the walls. Lady Luca had started reluctantly but now was enthusiastic and enjoying herself.
All fell silent as Sabra approached the Dark Lord and He stood, His face expressionless. His eyes glowed and a faint luminous glow appeared around his head, but this did not deter the media reporter. Even Lady Luca and those she was speaking to about the weapons stopped, turned and watched.
Sabra stopped a metre away from the Dark Lord and held his gaze. The Dark Lords companion watched the two closely, an unreadable look on her face as she regarded Sabra. Lady Sydney’s face also held a strange expression as she moved to the Companions side. The others held their collective breath.
“I have two questions.” Sabra said. “Will you answer them?”
“Just two?” He chuckled, then stopped His face now expressionless. “I will.”
“Do you know who this mysterious person is and where he came from?”
“I do.”
“Will you find him and can you stop him?”
The Dark Lord smiled, a cold and terrible smile. “I can and I will.” Came softly.