by Lee Watts
"His Majesty is being played for a fool," Cheyenne quipped.
Aulani was a little stunned by the comment.
"But-"
"But nothing," Cheyenne continued. "Turn around, look in the room, and tell me what you see."
Heart heavy, knowing what she would find, Aulani gazed back into the reception hall. Nestled on Alexander's arm, being the perfect hostess, the shapely Vivica was the center of attention. Laughing and smiling, she was dazzling everyone in the room with her beauty and charms. Stepping closer to Aulani, Cheyenne took up position behind her to also look into the room.
"What do you see, Aulani?" Cheyenne softly repeated.
"I see… a beautiful, cultured woman, who is charming everyone around her."
"Really? That's not what I see at all."
Puzzled, Aulani turned to the queen mother.
"No, what I see is a power-hungry vixen who cares more about how her hair looks in the morning than she does about my son."
At a loss for words, Aulani gazed at Cheyenne then back toward the room.
"I can't compete," Aulani admitted. "Look at her. She's gorgeous, sophisticated, refined, and what am I? Just…" using Vivica's private moniker for her, Aulani finished the thought, "…just the jungle girl."
"Rubbish," Cheyenne dismissed. "Where you are from doesn't matter. There are a great many of the servant women in the palace with more class in their little fingers than that painted trollop has in her entire body." Placing a hand on the younger woman's tear-stained cheek, Cheyenne gently turned Aulani's face away from the room to meet her eyes. "What Alex needs at his side is a woman who loves him more than herself."
"But she's a lady of society and-."
"A lady?" Cheyenne laughed. "My Dear, just because she's a woman doesn't mean she's a lady. A lady is elegant and subtle in a thousand ways. Vivica wouldn't know subtle if it walked up and slapped her in the face, which I've been tempted to do a time or two. Come with me; there is much work to do to get you ready, and we must hurry before my confused son marries that girl and makes one of the biggest mistakes of his life."
CHAPTER 33
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing he word of truth." – II Timothy 2:15
Alexander, and the rest of the Realm delegation took their positions in the bowl-shaped main chamber at the Assembly of Worlds' headquarters.
"When's our petition to rejoin slated to come up for debate?" Alexander asked his vizier.
Yilib entered the query into his datapad linked to the building's central computer.
"This afternoon," he answered. "The first item on the agenda today is speeches by candidates seeking the position of Chief Minister." Looking up from the datapad, Yilib turned to the king adding, "Salazar is heavily favored to win."
As the candidate from the Entauri Cluster gave his speech, Salazar waited in the wings for his time at the center platform on the ground level. With personal visits, and negotiating mutually beneficial arrangements with several influential powers, Salazar was assured a warm reception when he took the podium. His mother, Mara, sat in the distinguished visitor booth on the lowest level. With several strands of gray showing and wrinkles forming about her eyes and mouth, the Duchess seemed to have aged fifteen years since leaving the Realm and her involuntary abstinence from the T'lec anti-aging drugs. The rate of her aging increased the longer she was denied the treatments.
As Salazar watched the current speaker from the hall leading to the main chamber, a familiar voice came from behind him.
"I advise you to watch what you say up there, Salazar."
Salazar paused for a moment before responding.
"Saqir Nexos," he said, identifying the speaker before turning to look at him. "Who are you to tell me anything?"
"I'm simply trying to give you some healthy advice," the white-skinned Ramillie warned with an emotionless face. "A lot of things could happen to someone in such a prominent position as Chief Minister. You escaped during the invasion of Theera-Enty, but who knows when else you may find yourself running."
"Going to send another assassin after me?" Salazar accused.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You know good and well what I mean, Saqir. You sent that demented Dakshi to try and kill me. Maybe I should return the favor."
Stepping closer and speaking in whispers, Saqir spat out his words contemptuously.
"Don't dare to threaten me, Salazar. You're a powerless pawn and should consider yourself lucky I was going to have you killed instead of transplanted into some lowly beast I keep on a chain. I advise you to watch your step or one day you might find yourself licking my shoes, begging for a dinner of slop."
"You're not the only one with power, Saqir. The Ramillie have made many enemies, and the free worlds of the Assembly are wary of you. Once I'm Chief Minister, I'll command a force greater than the mighty Hegemony," he sneered. "So, it is you who should watch what he says, or you may be the one finding himself running." With a smile, Salazar added, "Oh, and I must thank you for announcing to the galaxy how noble I was to give up my place on the transport from Theera ‘so one more child could escape.' It's been a tremendous image boost."
Applause sounded from the main hall, indicating the previous speaker was finished.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, Saqir, but I have to go take charge of the galaxy," Salazar said then stepped into the expansive chamber.
"As must we," echoed the Ramillie as Salazar took the podium, "As must we."
To the Realm's vexation, the applause welcoming Salazar was a clear mark above that given the other candidates. Alexander wasn't sure how his half-brother finagled endorsements from so many systems. Based on sounds of approval when the speech concluded, Salazar had won the vote of many more worlds. When the time came for the Realm's petition, Alexander presented his case, though, to no one's surprise, the Hegemony protested. What was unexpected was the adamant opposition from the Hateeg Confederacy. Alexander anticipated the Hateeg would welcome any chance to lessen the power of their chief rival, but the Hateeg believed if the Realm regained its position, it would encourage many of their own subjugated worlds to try and do the same. Though the Realm pushed for a decision, the Assembly hesitated on taking a decisive stance on the highly controversial subject. Though many worlds were in favor of granting the Realm readmission, they were afraid of blatantly crossing what was by far the most aggressive and influential power in the galaxy, the Ramillie Hegemony. At the end of the session, a subcommittee was appointed to review the matter and present its analysis and recommendations during the next summit, four years hence. For the interim, the Realm was granted associate membership, which gave them the right to sit in on assembly meetings and contribute to the general fund, but no voting privileges. Ensuring the matter was buried in endless committees and litigation, the Ramillie effectively blocked the Realm's petition. Adding to the frustration of the five-day meeting was the announcement of the interstellar body's new Chief Minister, Salazar Yorin.
Journeying back to Theera on the Realm cruiser temporarily serving as the royal transport, Alexander sat at a desk and read. Piled about him were mounds of the seemingly never-ending datapads needing his review. Answering the beep at his door, he was surprised to see the new captain of the royal guard.
"Imenand? It's awfully early in the morning, what are you doing up?"
"Checking on you; it is my job you know."
Alexander smiled.
"Don't you Guardians ever sleep?"
"Of course, we do, but I can't keep an eye on you unless I'm awake. I've noticed you get up before everyone else and come to your office."
"Yes, there's always so much to do that it seems it's the only time I can be alone and read the Codex before I start the day."
"You read the Codex every day," Imenand questioned.
"Yes, in fact, I was just reading a section of The Canticle of Seanachan."
"Why is t
hat?"
"I was hoping to learn something," Alexander said with a sigh at his own inadequacies. "He was supposed to be one of the wisest kings of ancient times. I could use some of his wisdom now."
"Then why are you reading about something that supposedly happened ten-thousand years ago?"
Surprised to hear such things from the immortal, Alexander tilted his head questioningly. Understanding the confusion, Imenand smiled while explaining.
"Alexander, the Elder gives wisdom for each age, and the things that worked for Seanachan so long ago won't necessarily work for you now. No, instead of looking to the past you need to keep your focus in the present. Think of the Codex as a history book, it's interesting to read, but you can't use it as a guide on how to live today."
"But Merrick told me I should study the Codex and the Elder would speak to me that way."
"The Elder will speak to you, but if you listen to what He said back then, then you will get the right answer, but to the wrong question. You need to seek new answers and learn how the Elder works in this time. You are the king, so you must lead by example and become larger than the life of the average man. You have much potential Alexander, more than I've seen in any other mortal, but to tap into it, you must let go of the past and let the power of the universe flow through you. Trust in the training you've received and don't second-guess yourself by reading about the past or belaboring every decision in endless prayer. The Elder has already given you the instruction you need; all you have to do now is allow Him to work. Let go, allow your instincts to take over, and you'll do His will. To do that, you need to take charge of the situations you face, not rely on the past for guidance."
"Merrick always told me to be cautious of charging in."
"Merrick," Imenand replied shaking his head in saddened disappointment. "He had a sweet spirit, but that is not a trait a king can afford. My old pupil always was too timid to do what was needed. Did he ever tell you how he was the reason Koraden wasn't destroyed at the end of the last age?"
"Not exactly, but he hinted at it," Alexander admitted. "Before he left, he mentioned something about a battle he could have ended but didn't."
"Exactly. It's his fault the Dridmor are so close to finding the portal and regaining all the keys. He could have stopped it a thousand years ago but didn't because he was timid. Now, he's got himself captured, and it has put the Dridmor one step closer to accomplishing their goal. His reluctance to do what was needed has placed this entire universe in jeopardy. Fortunately, the Elder has sent me to undo what I can and guide you to bring about the end of this age for His glory."
"What must I do?" Alexander asked. "The Realm is in trouble. We're starting to lose ground to the Ramillie on one side, and it's a balancing act to keep the Hateeg from finding an excuse to invade from the other. If we could've convinced the assembly to accept our petition to rejoin then the Realm might have been able to persuade the Assembly to bring pressure on the Ramillie to withdraw from our space. Now… well, I don't know. What should I do, Imenand?"
"Widen your vision. Don't look to the Assembly as the only means of forming a coalition. There are a good number of worlds that feel the Ramillie closing in on them. Why not invite them to a summit of your own. See if you can form an alliance outside of the Assembly. You've been negotiating with worlds one at a time; it makes them feel as if they'll be acting alone. Bring them together, and let them encourage each other to act."
"You're right... of course, but many of the delegates will be reluctant to travel through the war zone to get to Theera."
"Then host the conference somewhere else," Imenand purposed. "What about the Entauri Cluster? You spent quite a bit of time speaking with their emissary at the assembly, and they were one of the worlds that voted in favor of the Realm."
"That sounds like a great idea. It might be the very thing we need to unite the worlds. If we can arrange it with the Entaurans, then I think we should notify the potential powers immediately. Everyone is traveling back from the summit now anyway; it wouldn't be too much of a hassle for them to divert for a few days to Entauri Major - best to strike while the iron is hot. Have the chief mediator summon the Councilors; I want to discuss this right away."
Later that morning, Alexander proposed the conference to the Council, who approved the plan. Contacting Entauri Major, Alexander relayed the idea, and they agreed to host the conference. As that morning's meeting adjourned, Yilib lingered until each of the Councilors left the room.
"Is something wrong chief mediator?" Alexander asked when they were alone.
"A delicate matter, Excellency, hence the reason I want to speak with you privately."
"What is it?"
"It concerns the matter of your staff, Sire – specifically your translator."
"Aulani? What about her?"
"It's come to my attention that, for matters of decorum, it may not be appropriate for the young woman to spend so many hours at the king's side."
"We're not exactly alone all those hours," Alexander protested. "She's at my side because she's translating for all the alien dignitaries I meet with daily."
"Yes, Sire, but regardless of this, it would keep rumors from spreading and make sure you maintain a spotless image. Perhaps a professional would be better anyway."
"Who was talking to you about this?" Alexander asked.
"I'm not at liberty to divulge confidences, Sire. I hope you can appreciate that."
"It was Vivica wasn't it?"
Feeling awkward about being pressed on the subject, Yilib winced but remained silent.
"Never mind," Alexander said. "She's got it in for Aulani; there's no hiding that. I figured that after our engagement was reconfirmed, Vivica would lighten up a bit."
"Regardless, Sire, the matter remains. Shall I choose from the applicants, or would you like to make the selection personally?"
"Tell you what," Alexander said, “if you find someone who can hear an unknown alien language and pick it up better or faster than Aulani, and I'll appoint them myself. Until then, she keeps the job."
Later, Yilib informed Vivica, who seethed upon hearing the king's decision. She determined to rid herself, and Alexander, of the dark-eyed brunette.
If he won't get rid of her, then I'll do it myself, and she'll wish he had left her in that jungle by the time I'm through.
CHAPTER 34
"And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof." – Proverbs 1:18-19
Sosimo LaRouche didn't know what caused his ship to streak across the sky like a dying phoenix, but the reason why the Fortune was down wasn't as important as getting to the ship.
"There might be survivors," Sosimo said. "We've got to get back to the shuttle and fly over there fast."
Re-keying his radio, he called to the shuttle pilot.
"Sisk… Sisk, this is the captain come in."
"Sisk here. Did you see that?"
"Copy."
"It was the ship!"
"I know," Sosimo confirmed. "Listen, Sisk, we're heading back your way. I want you to keep trying to raise Mei or anybody onboard and let me know the second you hear anything. We'll be there soon."
"Roger that, Captain, but what about… oh, my word… what… what are they?"
Over the small radio came a vicious, deep roar.
"Captain, I've got a problem. They're… they're everywhere!"
A bloodthirsty bellow came from the speaker in Sosimo's hand. There was the sound of laserfire, followed by more howls of the unknown beast or beasts.
"Sisk?… SISK!"
Screaming and rapid energy shots were the last sounds that came before the radio went dead.
"Hurry," Sosimo shouted to the group as he was already running back toward the shuttle. "Every second could count!"
Jaiden, Telza, and Byron followed after the man who plowed through the jungle without any regard for keepi
ng a low profile. Reaching the clearing where the Hunnasuns had been, Sosimo kept his eyes to the sky but charged straight through the clearing. Fortunately, the Grallas weren't circling at that moment, and the rushing group made it across safely. Barely slowing during the time it took to get back, the group reached the landing site with weapons drawn. A thick pool of blood smeared the ground and led off in a wide streak into the deep jungle. Laser marks dotted surrounding trees, some trunks still smoldering from the blasts. Sosimo followed the trail of gore around the shuttle, stopping when he saw discarded parts of Sisk's body littering the path into the bush. Slowly, he turned and walked back, joining the others.
"Too bad about your man," came a mocking voice from inside the shuttle.
Sosimo looked to the open hatch of the shuttle as out stepped a trio of cutthroats, all with weapons drawn. Last to exit the small craft was Crimson himself.
"You really ought to train your crew on basic marksmanship," Crimson scoffed. "Honestly, he should have dropped at least one of those things. They were fast yes, but big enough to hit at that distance."
"You watched?" Sosimo asked stony-faced.
"Hey, I didn't kill him," Crimson shrugged. "He even asked me to, but why should I waste a perfectly good shot on him? Now, down to business. First thing, drop your weapons."
With three barrels already pointed at them, Sosimo and the others saw no choice, so complied.
"Now," Crimson continued, "what brings you to this forgotten planet anyway, LaRouche?"
Sosimo glared at him defiantly.
"Don't go that route," Crimson warned, swaggering closer. "I know the only reason you'd come here is because it has got something to do with The Vault. You've already got all the layers to the map, so there must be something else you're missing. I had that map a long time; it's nonsense… unless you have the key to read it. That's what you're after isn't it," Crimson deduced with pride. Sosimo and the others kept their silence. "I'm holding all the cards, LaRouche. Either tell me what you're after, or I'll leave you here to rot," Crimson threatened.
