“That lesson will become part of the Order’s Rule, believe me. Emma and I spent a few evenings here watching the sunset with Marta, discussing the future since my release from the hospital. She has a clear vision of what the Order should be and the will to make it happen. Mind you, we won’t be leaving this branch of the wormhole network in our lifetimes or even our children’s lifetimes, what with the Barbarian Plague ravaging humanity.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure. That ship full of undamaged bodies killed by the pathogen rather than our gunfire is giving the university’s researchers, including some damn good Order of the Void virologists, undreamed of insight into the plague. They figure the virus is probably close to burning itself out if it hasn’t already. Biowarfare agents by their very nature shouldn’t be persistent, otherwise what’s the use, right? Turns out, we’ve been overestimating the time the virus remains live. The various intrusions weren’t from the same outbreak but different ones. That last bunch was infected long after the first one appeared at Outer Picket. Besides, chances are good infected barbarians didn’t spread the plague beyond the Coalsack. They only came to Lyonesse in such numbers because we’re the last bastion of civilization for hundreds of light-years.”
“What about an antiviral?”
“That’s the wonderful news. They figure another two to three months, although there’s no way of testing it on anything more than lab-grown human tissue. So even if it proves effective under those circumstances, we can’t change our policy on incoming starships.”
DeCarde sipped her wine, eyes on the shimmering waters of the bay.
“Now that you’re officially an elder statesman, can I ask you for a few favors?”
“Of course. Anything.”
“Since I don’t trust the Order of the Void, will you be my intermediary with Abbess Marta?”
“Certainly, though since she’s withdrawn the Order from the Estates-General and every other secular body not concerned with medicine, psychology, religious matters, or teaching, you won’t see or speak with her much in any case. She plans on returning the Brethren to their monastic roots and undoing centuries of increasingly secular involvement in human affairs.”
Morane paused for a few seconds.
“I don’t think I ever told you, but long ago, when Marta first arrived on Lyonesse, Gwenneth told me she would play a big role in Lyonesse’s future. That she might be charged with protecting the spark that saves humanity from eternal darkness. Maybe we’re witnessing Gwenneth’s prophecy come to life.”
He shrugged again.
“I was never one for mysticism, but I must confess there’s something about our new Summus Abbatissa that transcends what most of us consider normal. You said a few favors. What else?”
“The Lyonesse Defense Force Command and Staff College. Will you become its first chancellor?”
Morane gave her a surprised look.
“You’re not putting a flag or general officer in charge?”
“I’ve decided I will reserve the position for retired flag or general officers. More stability, less internal politics. You’ll be reporting to a board of governors named by the Defense Secretary and appointed by yours truly. The Chief of the Defense Staff has the final say on curriculum, the appointment of uniformed staff members, and the budget, but the chancellor can appeal decisions with which he disagrees.”
“I accept, but you already figured I would.”
“Jonas Morane spending his days gardening or playing the boulevardier in downtown Lannion simply doesn’t compute. The first intake is in three months; the facilities are almost built; Defense Secretary Bryner has a list of proposed civilian and military staff waiting for your approval, and Adrienne Barca signed off on the curriculum you proposed last year.”
“Reginus Bryner came out of retirement? I’m impressed by your powers of persuasion.”
“Don’t be. He wanted the job but wouldn’t say anything while I had it.”
“That’s our Reginus.” Morane raised his glass. “I can’t believe I didn’t do so yet, but I propose a toast to President Brigid DeCarde. The republic is in good hands.”
“Hear, hear.” Emma Reyes imitated him. “To our president.”
They took a sip, then she said, “I’d like to propose the next toast to a friend whose absence leaves both of us feeling hollow. I know Jonas misses Gwenneth something fierce, though he won’t admit it. We both do. She was a steadfast friend.”
Morane nodded.
“Aye, from the moment she first boarded Vanquish.”
DeCarde raised her glass.
“To Gwenneth. I’m sure the Almighty took good care of her soul.”
“To Gwenneth.”
Reyes and Morane raised their glasses as well, and DeCarde could have sworn she saw a bit of moisture in the corners of Morane’s eyes.
“Finally, to the Republic of Lyonesse,” he said. “Long may she shine as a beacon for humanity’s rebirth.”
Ashes of Empire continues with
Imperial Echoes
About the Author
Eric Thomson is the pen name of a retired Canadian soldier with thirty-one years of service, both in the Regular Army and the Army Reserve. He spent his Regular Army career in the Infantry and his Reserve service in the Armoured Corps. He worked as an information technology specialist for several years before retiring to become a full-time author.
Eric has been a voracious reader of science fiction, military fiction, and history all his life. Several years ago, he put fingers to keyboard and started writing his own military sci-fi, with a definite space opera slant, using many of his own experiences as a soldier for inspiration.
When he is not writing fiction, Eric indulges in his other passions: photography, hiking, and scuba diving, all of which he shares with his wife.
Join Eric Thomson at http://www.thomsonfiction.ca/
Where you will find news about upcoming books and more information about the universe in which his heroes fight for humanity’s survival.
Read his blog at https://ericthomsonblog.wordpress.com
If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review on Goodreads or with your favorite online retailer to help others discover it.
Also by Eric Thomson
Siobhan Dunmoore
No Honor in Death (Siobhan Dunmoore Book 1)
The Path of Duty (Siobhan Dunmoore Book 2)
Like Stars in Heaven (Siobhan Dunmoore Book 3)
Victory’s Bright Dawn (Siobhan Dunmoore Book 4)
Without Mercy (Siobhan Dunmoore Book 5)
When the Guns Roar (Siobhan Dunmoore Book 6)
Decker’s War
Death Comes But Once (Decker’s War Book 1)
Cold Comfort (Decker’s War Book 2)
Fatal Blade (Decker’s War Book 3)
Howling Stars (Decker’s War Book 4)
Black Sword (Decker’s War Book 5)
No Remorse (Decker’s War Book 6)
Hard Strike (Decker’s War Book 7)
Commonwealth Constabulary Casefiles
The Warrior’s Knife (Casefile #1)
Ashes of Empire
Imperial Sunset (Ashes of Empire #1)
Imperial Twilight (Ashes of Empire #2)
Ghost Squadron
We Dare (Ghost Squadron No. 1)
Don't miss out!
Click the button below and you can sign up to receive emails whenever Eric Thomson publishes a new book. There's no charge and no obligation.
https://books2read.com/r/B-A-PBHB-YLOGB
Connecting independent readers to independent writers.
kFrom.Net
Imperial Night (Ashes of Empire, #3) Page 34
