“This star system is on the outskirts of the Empire. What are the chances these aliens will venture deeper into our space?” said Kriss, dreading the possibility of another attack. He felt increasingly self-conscious and unsure what his next move should be. None of this was supposed to happen, Kriss thought. I’m too young. It should have been years before I ascended to the throne.
“We are taking precautions to prevent such an incident,” said General Dak. “We have sent the fourth fleet to deal with the aliens, but they are no longer there.”
No longer there? Why? “Could they be cloaked?”
“It is possible, but we have been taking measures to uncover any cloaked vessels. A ship or two may be able to avoid detection, but not an entire fleet. I can assure the emperor that they are indeed gone. We have also increased our military presence around all transit points.”
“What if the aliens don’t use the transit points to attack the Empire?” Kriss said thoughtfully.
General Dak frowned. “The only way to access the heart of the empire is through the transit points, your worship.”
Dak’s patronizing tone was agitating. Just because he was young, didn’t mean he was an idiot. His father had ensured that he had the greatest teachers the empire had to offer. To be ridiculed by a man such as Dak defied comprehension. He was the Emperor now. No one should speak to him in such a way.
But, Kriss was no fool. He knew how fragile a position he was in. He would continue to keep his emotions in check. He was not about to let someone like Dak realize he had gotten to him.
Throughout his life, his father had warned him of the risks of showing weakness. Emotional outbursts were a clear sign of a weak leader. If you couldn’t control yourself, how could you manage the influential people around you?
“I am aware of how the transit system works, General Dak,” said Kriss. “But these aliens came from somewhere, and they didn’t use a transit point to do so. That tells me that they must have another means of travel.”
“Emperor, I can assure you that if there was another transit point in that system, or anywhere near it, that we would have found it by now. That said, there is some speculation regarding another means of propulsion.”
“Oh? What sort of speculation?”
“The system’s consul survived the attack. During her debriefing, she confessed that she had dealings with an unknown alien race known as humans.”
Kriss glared at the general. “I thought you said that we didn’t know anything about this new enemy?”
“Consul Kang insists that these humans were not responsible for the attack. She says that their ships were an entirely different design bearing no resemblance to this new enemy.”
“Do you believe her?” said Kriss, wondering if he should believe his generals.
“The fact that she failed to report this encounter was suspicious. To determine the truth, Consul Kang was subjected to a very intense line of questioning. We would have discovered any deception. The reason that Kang did not report her encounter with these humans is because she believed that they possessed an advanced propulsion system, and wanted the glory of the discovery. She was motivated by greed, not deception. Unfortunately, her attempts at seizing the human ships failed, and they fled the system.”
“Is there any evidence to verify her suspicions?”
“Nothing concrete, but she insists that their ships possess the ability to travel from one location to another in the same way one would with a transit point.”
“Miraculous,” said Kriss, awed by the possibilities.
“Your worship, I must add that Central Command finds these claims to be preposterous.”
“Is that so?”
“It is.”
“General, what do we know about our transit points?”
General Dak cleared his throat. “We know that they allow us to travel hundreds of light years in an instant.”
“Can we build our own transit points?”
“No, of course not.”
“Yet somehow they were built at some point. Isn’t that right?”
“Yes, your worship, but whoever built the transit points-”
“The Antikitheri.”
“What?”
“Our legends state that the Antikitheri built the transit points.”
“These are children’s stories,” Dak scoffed. “The fact is, whoever built the great portals turned to dust long before we discovered them. No one knows how to build a transit point, and they certainly don’t know how to install the same technology on a starship. Believe me, your worship. Central Command has thoroughly investigated the matter and has determined Consul Kang’s claims to be entirely unfounded. The humans may indeed have a more advanced propulsion system, but the idea of a starship possessing its own transit point is too ridiculous to entertain.”
Kriss decided not to press the issue. Though there was plenty of evidence to indicate that the Antikitheri did exist. The idea was controversial, but it couldn’t be entirely dismissed. Still, that was a debate for another time and another place. “Then how did these aliens get here?”
“We believe that they are a nomadic horde. Their warships must be generation ships traveling the galaxy looking for targets of opportunity.”
“A nomadic horde?”
“Yes, your worship. We believe that is the most valid explanation.”
Emperor Kriss leaned back in his chair and had to wonder how naive the general thought he was. Did Dak really think he would buy into such an absurd story? What was he hiding? Two new alien races had come to the Empire, one’s intentions hostile, and the other’s as yet undetermined. An astounding event by anyone’s standards. Yet, Central Command would have him believe this ridiculous nomadic horde story. Something wasn’t right.
Kriss decided to play along. He had only recently become emperor and didn’t feel entirely secure in his position. He still wasn’t convinced his father’s death was an accident. There was a genuine possibility that he could be next. The best course of action was to play the role they expected him to play, that of the youth in over his head. “Thank you for the explanation, General. Does Central Command believe these nomads will strike again?”
“They may. If they do, we’ll be ready for them, your worship.”
“That is comforting. Please keep me apprised of any new developments.”
“As you wish, your worship. Now if you will excuse me, I have pressing matters to attend to.”
“Yes, of course. You may take your leave, General.”
Dak bowed before Kriss, followed by the rest of his general staff. Rising, they exited the sprawling Imperial chamber. Kriss watched them warily as they left, wondering if one, or all of them were behind his father’s death.
Pondering his situation, he glanced at the many Taymati standing guard in the chamber. The Taymati were elite soldiers, independent of the military, and vested with the emperor’s protection. They too could have been behind his father’s death. While a distinct possibility, the fact that many Taymati died in the ‘accident’ cast doubt on the suspicion.
If General Dak had accomplished anything in this meeting, it was to convince Kriss that Central Command was withholding information from him. The only thing left to question was the intention of doing so. Perhaps they were merely trying to manage him, concerned with his age and his ability to govern appropriately. Or, maybe they had more nefarious motives. If they were behind his father’s death, could his own demise be far behind? After all, he had no heirs. Do away with him, and Central Command could put their own man on the throne.
He needed allies. Ones he could count on. The Taymati had failed to protect his father, and he was right to question their loyalty. But the uncomfortable truth was potential enemies surrounded him. Of all those around him, he needed to ensure the Taymati’s loyalty above all else. Making up his mind, Kriss tapped the controls on his armrest, and a three-dimensional holographic face appeared before him.
“Yes, your worship,�
� said General Kiith, leader of the Taymati. “How may I be of service?”
“General, I’ve been thinking about the Taymati and their unique position in the Empire. My father often praised the Taymati for their vigilance and loyalty. I have decided to recognize how indispensable the Taymati are, and honor their continued loyalty to the Emperor. As such, I am authorizing a thirty percent pay increase for every Taymati, effective immediately.”
General Kiith’s eyes widened in surprise. “That is most generous, your worship, and most unexpected. Thank you.”
“It is well deserved, General. I believe loyalty should be rewarded. I want you to know that as long as I live, the Taymati will be treated with the honor and respect they rightfully deserve.”
“The Taymati remain your most loyal servants, your worship,” said Kiith, bowing his head in deference.
“I am glad to hear it, General. Please be sure to inform your men of their new pay increase.”
“I will send word out immediately.”
“There is one more thing, General. I am considering increasing the size of the Taymati force. To do so, I will need to increase the Taymati’s budget. I’ll need you to provide a proposal detailing the funding required. This increase should apply to both Taymati manpower, and equipment. Make sure to account for recruitment, weaponry, and warships.”
Kiith had a difficult time containing his surprise, even delight at the Emperor’s request. “I will see to it personally, your worship. Leave it to me.”
“Thank you, General. I am sure you will do a fine job. And one more thing.”
“Yes, your worship?”
“I’m sure you know of this new alien threat. I plan on doing some traveling and would like to avoid any unnecessary accidents, like the one that befell my father. Please see to it that my personal guard’s numbers are appropriate.”
“A wise precaution, your worship. I will double the Palace Taymati within the hour.”
“Thank you, General. That will be all.”
General Kiith bowed his head as Kriss terminated the connection. The Taymati were powerful. They had thousands of soldiers and many warships at their disposal. He hoped that the hefty pay increase would secure their loyalty. They had no guarantee a subsequent emperor would honor this raise. Especially not one put in place by the Central Command.
His father always said that if there was one thing you could count on, it is a Dvorkan’s self-interest. The Taymati would now know that it was most beneficial to keep him alive and in power. Hopefully, that would be enough.
Though maintaining power, and his own welfare was of primary importance, he was also concerned with the safety of the empire. Even a ruler as young as himself worried about this new and alien threat. General Dak had lied. The matter was that much more worrisome as a result. There was more to the story than he knew and he would take steps necessary to uncover the truth. There was someone else he needed to speak to. Consul Kang.
Chapter 12
The Imperial battleship disengaged its cloak, making its presence known to the unsuspecting military penal station. The great warship was more than twice the size of a typical Dvorkan battleship, carrying twice the firepower. It was a one of a kind vessel in the Empire, and solely at the Emperor’s service. Several Taymati warships simultaneously decloaked alongside the behemoth. Many more Taymati warships remained cloaked, establishing a perimeter around the Imperial battle group.
The bridge of Imperial One, the imposing battleship carrying Emperor Kriss, was a bustle of activity. Dozens of Taymati performed their varying duties to exacting standards. They took pride in their elite capabilities and their status as the Imperial guard. Emperor Kriss felt confidant that the thirty percent increase in their pay didn’t hurt.
“General Tal, the commander of the penal station, is requesting an audience, your worship,” said Captain Rath, commander of Imperial One.
Kriss sat in a seat specially designed to give him access from the bridge to a wide array of controls throughout the battleship, as well as secure access to the rest of the Empire. While it wasn’t the captain’s chair, the Emperor would not interfere with his running of the ship. Still its controls were comparable.
In the past, many emperors chose to remain in their private quarters, preferring to keep a distance between themselves and the day to day running of the ship. Kriss found this arrogant. The crew consisted solely of Taymati, men, and women who had pledged their lives to protect him. He had always respected the Taymati and preferred to show that respect by touring the ship as much as possible, and sitting on the bridge when he could.
“I will grant her an audience,” said Kriss, though he found the request presumptuous of the general. The appropriate protocol would be for her to deal with Captain Rath, who would explain the nature of the Imperial visit. Unfortunately, Kriss suspected that his youth somehow encouraged many to disregard protocol. Kriss considered himself somewhat progressive, but he found the attitudes of many of his generals to be borderline disrespectful. It was something he planned to deal with, once he became comfortable with the lay of the land. If his father’s death wasn’t an accident, the same fate could befall him if he stepped on the wrong toes. He needed to be smart if he hoped to root out the conspirators.
A holographic female head appeared before the emperor and bowed. “This visit is an unexpected honor, your worship.”
“Yes, I imagine it is a bit of a surprise,” said Kriss. “I am here to speak with one of your prisoners. Consul Kang. I believe she is serving her sentence on board your station.”
Kriss took note of General Tal’s hesitation and now felt sure she was hiding something. “My apologies, your worship. Prisoner Kang is ill. I’m afraid speaking to her is not possible.”
Time to use the stick thought Kriss. “General Tal, clearly there has been a misunderstanding. I am not asking for permission. I am informing you that I am here to speak with Consul Kang. Do you intend to defy an Imperial command?”
“No, your worship. Forgive me. I didn’t mean-”
“Perhaps you forgot who it was you were speaking to?”
“No, your worship. I would never-”
“I am sending a team of Taymati to retrieve Consul Kang and escort her to Imperial One. If I were you, I would do everything in my power to ensure her illness does not worsen between now and then. Be sure to have Kang ready for transport when my Taymati arrive. Do not waste my time any more than you already have.”
Though young, he was not inexperienced. Kriss had seen his father tear strips out of over-confident generals enough in his time to learn. It was the one thing many failed to understand. Though he was one of the youngest emperors to sit on the Dvorkan throne, he was more than qualified. His father had made a point of showing him the realities of ruling the Empire. Kriss grew up by his father’s side as he dealt with all matters of state, dutifully silent, soaking up as much knowledge as he could.
Every day had been a lesson. Whether it involved watching his father at work or listening to him at the dinner table, he was relentlessly groomed for the throne. His age only served to hide his understanding from the generals. Though it was intended that he ascend much later in life, he had already learned plenty about the intricacies of the family business. More than enough to deal with the likes of General Tal.
“Yes, your worship,” said Tal, her head bowed so low that half was omitted from the hologram. “Again, please forgive me, but I must add that it may not be safe to move prisoner Kang. Her condition is quite serious, and I worry that it may deteriorate during transport.”
Interesting, thought Kriss. Kang may be ill after all. Or Tal is desperately trying to hide something. One way or another, I must speak to her. “I see. In that case, I will personally come to the station.”
Tal’s head popped up, her eyes wide. “Your worship, this is a penal station. Certainly, it is no place for a Dvorkan Emperor to visit.”
“Enough!” snapped Kriss. “An advance force of Taymati will arrive
shortly to secure the station for my visit. I expect you to accommodate their every demand, or I will see you stripped of your command.” Kriss terminated the connection before General Tal could respond. That should get her attention, he thought. I am beginning to understand some of my more unsavory ancestors and their purges.
“Taymati teams are on route to the penal station, your worship,” said Captain Rath. “The Imperial shuttle is standing by.”
Kriss noted the contrast between General Tal and the Taymati. Captain Rath had heard him say he would go to the station and did what was necessary to make it happen. The man was a credit to his uniform. The Empire needed more officers like Rath. “Thank you, Captain. Let the Imperial shuttle know that I am on my way.”
Rath bowed as Kriss stood from his seat and left the bridge amid a cordon of his armored personal guard. They met more of his black-clad personal guard waiting just outside the bridge. They now took the lead, clearing the way for the Imperial retinue. Even while on board Imperial One, a full Taymati security detail protected the Emperor at all times. Growing up in the Imperial family, Kriss had grown used to this level of protection, and he knew that more Taymati would be waiting by his shuttle to escort him to the station.
As a young child, Kriss looked up to the Taymati. They were his constant companions. Before he fully understood who he was, he had wanted to grow up to be a Taymati himself. For a time, the Taymati had affectionately called him “Big Boots”, because he marched around the palace in a pair of Taymati boots, pretending to be an elite warrior himself.
When he grew older, and better understood his path, he was thrilled to find that he would learn the combative arts from the Taymati themselves. Even as he suffered under their tutelage, he persevered, determined to become a skilled fighter in his own right. Later he learned that his father had told the Taymati to be particularly tough on him. The training had been punishing, often pushing him to the very limits of his endurance, but it had been worth it.
The Pike Chronicles - Books 1 - 10 Page 159
