by Mike Smith
The Last Praetorian
Book One of The Redemption Trilogy
By Mike Smith
December 2012 Edition
Copyright © 2012 Mike Smith
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author.
All rights reserved.
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Cover image copyright © 2012 AiTuDou
For Mum and Dad
Thanks for picking me up and dusting me off whenever I was down.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Epilogue
Prologue
An extract from “Pax Imperia”
First published 2762, Marcus Aurelius II
The Imperium, more commonly referred to as “The Empire”, was founded circa 542 (New Confederation calendar) / 2312AD (Old Earth calendar). Arguably the most powerful and enduring geo-political structure since the Roman Empire’s repressive form of government, almost two thousand years earlier. It is undisputed that it was the largest Empire in history, at its greatest extent spanning almost 175 star systems, with a size in excess of 35 light years (in comparison the Roman Empire only extended 4 million square kilometres, there is no historical evidence that it extended beyond a single star system).
The Imperium was formed by necessity soon after the discovery of Faster-Than-Light (FTL) travel early in the 23rd Century. With massive over-population problems on Earth and the Sol system, FTL was offered as a way to escape the overcrowding and presented huge opportunities. These were confirmed with the early discovery of many hundreds of habitable worlds within a dozen light years of the Sol system; hence the second exodus of mankind had commenced. The first wave was led by the massive system-wide conglomerates that had formed on Earth and led to the initial colonisation of the Sol system. With access to the large colony ships and FTL engines they led the first wave of settlers, intent on profit; these were realised beyond their wildest dreams!
With abundant natural resources and no need for expensive environmental habitats or terraforming, these early corporations could under-cut all. As the cost of FTL travel fell the next waves were the religious and persecuted political groups. By pooling funds they could afford the massive costs charged by the conglomerates – which now found a lucrative secondary source of income for the now mothballed FTL colony ships. Within a decade humanity had spread to a dozen star systems, within a century over a hundred different star systems had become colonised. However, then came the Great Schism.
With the most easily colonisable systems already established and huge profits at stake, conflict quickly spread. Initially this was fought between the conglomerates over newly discovered systems but soon spread to recently established colonies where the conglomerates fought over who had ownership. With no legal framework that could be agreed beyond the Sol system, it became a free for all. With the side having the most ships often winning the disputes. It was during the peak of these conflicts that the separatist movement first appeared.
Abundant in natural raw materials the early colonies had become rich, but this wealth was being shipped back to the Sol system to line the coffers of the conglomerates. Incensed that others were becoming rich off the back of the early colonists, and long since having become self-sufficient they declared their independence and rebelled. War spread across colonised space like wildfire, leaving no colony untouched.
It is impossible to measure the loss of life, but historians estimate that it was in the hundreds of millions; interstellar trade all but collapsed. It was in the forge of war that the coalition of worlds, precursor to the Imperium was founded.
An enigmatic leader of one of the earliest colonies Edward Aurelius proposed a mutual defence pact with a number of the nearest smaller colonies. This was based on the idea of mutual defence; if one member were attacked all would come to the defence. After a few initial victories, the idea was an unqualified success. For the first time peace spread between the founding colonies and they were able to rebuild their shattered industries and economies. Initially these colonies ran separate patrols of their systems; soon these were being combined to form joint patrols. Finally the fleets of the various systems were combined into one overall organisation, the forerunner of the modern-day Imperial Navy.
The other colonies still plagued by attacks and with almost all trade halted, requested entry to this newly formed coalition. However, the early founding colonies had used their rebuilt industries and economies to become rich and powerful. They were distrustful of the other colonies, viewing them with suspicion. Lead by the powerful Edward Aurelius the cost of entry to the coalition was set high; tribute was demanded in terms of ships, people, resources and raw materials, in return they offered security and stability. Staring into the abyss of destruction most colonies accepted the onerous terms of entry. The initial founding colonies of the coalition became the core worlds, the latter entrants the rim worlds. Over time the coalition evolved into the Imperium – where the threat of expulsion and withdrawal of protection from the fleet was enough to keep all but the most fool-hardly colonies inline. Eventually Edward Aurelius passed into the history books, with his power base secured. Within the Imperium succession was passed onto his eldest son James.
For 500 years the Empire ensured the peace, via the threat of expulsion and withdrawal of the protection from the Imperial Navy. As generations passed the Aurelius family tightened their hold on power until they become synonymous with the Empire. With the backing of the Imperial Navy and his elite Praetorian Guards, the Emperor’s grip over the Imperium was… absolute.
Chapter One
Five Years Previously
The “Imperial Star” – Flagship of the Imperial Navy, Epsilon Indi System
The sporadic flash of light from the ships’ navigation lights were the only indication of the passage of the massive Imperial taskforce, as it glided effortlessly through space. Occasionally a ray of light from a distant star would briefly illuminate a section of hull, bristling with gun batteries or flight decks. The flotilla of ships was a huge force to be reckoned with, one that few enemies would confront directly.
Being late at night ship time, the corridors of the Imperial Star, flagship of the Imperial Navy were mostly deserted as Jonathan Radec made his way purposefully towards his destination. At almost six feet in height, with dark hair and grey eyes, at twenty-five he was the youngest Commander in the fleet, dressed in the white uniform of the Imperial Navy, with the crossed-swords insignia of his squadron, the 58th, the Emperor’s elite Praetorian Guard. Resting at his hip was his ceremonial sword worn by all Praetorians to reflect their sworn duty to defend the Emperor.
With the combined role of personal bodyguards for the Emperor and his immediate family as well as his aide-de-camp within the Imperial Navy, the Praetorians represented the full authority of the Emperor and the combined might of the far-flung star-systems that made up t
he human Imperium. Answerable only to the Emperor and permitted access anywhere, their insignia represented the full power and authority of the Empire.
It was therefore with some considerable surprise that Jon noticed the doors to the Emperor’s personal chambers barred to his approach.
“State your business here,” insisted one of the two imposing guards that were guarding the door, weapons crossed. Towering over the Commander, they must have been over six and a half feet in height and Jon guessed they weighed almost 250 pounds each. They both stared down at him dismissively, much as one might observe a bothersome insect.
Not in the slightest bit intimidated, Jon paused for a second or so to draw the guard’s full attention to himself. The guard who had demanded his purpose flinched on meeting his gaze. Jon’s eyes had darkened to an ice-cold grey that conveyed the peril they placed themselves in by blocking his path.
“Jonathan Radec, Commander of the 58th squadron, the Praetorian Guards. My business with the Emperor is my own, as is the decision to let you live, if you ever bar my entrance again.” Jon insisted with a chilling tone, a fanatical fire burning in his eyes. To emphasise the point he wrapped his hand around the hilt of the weapon resting at his waist.
The name did not register with the guards for a moment, until the officer’s title and squadron slowly percolated through their thought processes. The Praetorian Commander! The two guards quickly stumbled back a few steps to clear his path.
The Commander’s reputation preceded him. Especially his often-capricious nature! Rumours abound the fleet suggested that he had summarily executed the last officer who had refused a direct order – along with two others that had subsequently intervened. The Commander was a man that nobody crossed twice - few rarely lived past the first encounter!
Giving both guards a long stare for a few heartbeats longer Jon strode forward, the doors silently sliding open to permit his entry.
Once past the guards and the doors having slid shut, Jon allowed a frown of concern to touch his expression. For the past few weeks a sense of unease had crept up on him; much like the encounter that had just taken place. Unfamiliar faces, unexpected confrontations and a general sense of distrust and resentment aboard the ship. Over time Jon had come to recognise fewer and less friendly faces and trying to maintain a constant level of alertness was beginning to take its toll. Jon had often found himself considering taking his concerns to the Commodore. Commodore Harkov was in-charge of the task force that the Imperial Star was currently attached to and had final sway in all fleet wide decisions.
Jon had quickly discounted this for several reasons; after all what was he going to express as his concerns – that he felt uneasy about the atmosphere on the ship? He would be laughed off the Commodore’s bridge! It did not help matters that Jon and the Commodore had…history. Several months earlier during an ambush by separatist rebels, Jon had refused the order to withdraw given by then Admiral Harkov. Jon’s decision had saved their task force from complete annihilation and had resulted in Harkov’s demotion; the decision had resulted in bad blood between them. Instead, Jon made a mental note to bring up his concerns with his master.
The Emperor’s spacious apartments were luxuriously decorated. Not for the first time, Jon felt uncomfortable crossing the threshold from the spartanly decorated interior of the Imperial Star. The thick carpet now underfoot, and rich tapestries and paintings hanging from the walls made him feel as if he had stepped into another world. The normally bright apartments were currently dimly lit, not surprising due to the lateness of the hour. Not finding anybody in the reception ante-chamber that made-up the main entrance, Jon proceeded through the apartments towards the main observation lounge. The Emperor usually used this larger space for entertaining guests and Jon often found him there.
Upon entering the larger room, Jon’s gaze was drawn to the large observation window that consisted of one full-length width of the room. The Emperor liked to use this room for meetings as the starscape reminded the guests of the size and power of the Empire…and the Emperor. Having little interest in staring out of windows, Jon cast his gaze intently around and finally spotted the Emperor in the far corner, observing the rest of the task force from the window. Unsure if the Emperor had noticed his appearance, Jon fell to one knee ensuring to keep a close grip on the hilt of his sword so as not to impale himself.
Casting his gaze downwards to the floor, Jon stated, “My lord, you requested my presence.” His voice echoed around the still room before all was silent again. After a few seconds, still without any response, Jon started to wonder if he had been heard.
However a faint disturbance of air indicated movement and a few moments later the Emperor’s rich baritone voice responded. “Rise Commander and approach. I require enlightenment regarding events that have recently transpired.”
Jon winced, having a strong inkling of the topic of conversation ahead and not looking forward to it. Approaching the Emperor, a man whom he had faced daily since being given command of the Praetorian Guard, Jon was struck by how much older the man looked. His bright emerald green eyes, a trait of the Aurelius family line seemed to have faded and his dark hair had increasing streaks of grey. However, his face still bore the vitality of youth and the confidence that had been his trademark since Jon had first been introduced to him, years ago.
When Jon reached the side of the Emperor, Marcus Aurelius inquired. “I understand that there was a confrontation yesterday evening involving my daughter and one of the senators’ sons; explain to me what took place,” he ordered. Recognising that Marcus had no interest in excuses or justifications Jon recounted the events of the previous evening…
*****
The officers’ lounge on the Imperial Star was packed, as usual. With second shift having recently ended the senior offices and their respective partners congregated for a meal and drink before dispersing to their respective quarters. With recreation facilities on-board the star carrier severely restricted, it was a popular social scene, especially with the children of the senior officers and other VIPs presently on the ship. Unfortunately this also included Sofia Aurelius, only daughter of the Emperor, the crown jewel of the combined star systems. As far as Jon was concerned she was rich, spoiled, conceited and arrogant. Far too used to getting her own way… and yet there was something about her that constantly attracted Jon’s gaze.
Unfortunately as the Emperor’s daughter she also fell under the protection of the Praetorians. It was considered an unfortunate assignment to babysit the Princess, as she was referred to within the squadron. Therefore Jon insisted it only fair that everybody takes turns; unfortunately tonight was his turn.
Surrounded by the constant chatter of people, the occasional clinking of wine glasses and clatter of cutlery, Jon struggled to push through the crowd to locate the Princess. Finally making it through the dense crowd into the dining area Jon finally spotted her. Sofia was, as usual, surrounded by her harem of followers, mostly the younger and easily impressed girls of some of the senior officers and politicians. Often there was also a straggle of male admirers following the group at a distance. Jon noticed with deep irritation that a couple had swords belted at their waist. This was the result of one of the Princess’ earlier off the cuff comments that it was “so romantic to be surrounded by officers armed with swords, like my very own white knights in-waiting.” While there were strict regulations regarding navy personnel bearing swords outside official occasions there was no such rules for civilians, much to Jon’s constant irritation.
The Princess obviously observed his arrival, as she rolled her eyes in his direction. Leaning towards one of the younger women at her side, she motioned in his direction, whispering something that Jon could not overhear. A quick glance in his direction and a snicker from the young woman did little to improve Jon’s already foul mood.
Therefore biting back a scowl he looked around for somewhere to sit out the evening, however, as usual the officer’s lounge was packed and there was no fr
ee table in sight. This was quickly remedied by a vicious glare at one of the younger officers and his partner who quickly decided that they had an important appointment elsewhere. Resigning himself to a long evening, as was evident coming from the occasional giggles from the group Jon wondered who he was going to have to kill to obtain a drink…
*****
It was sometime later in the evening when a shadow crossed his table. Wondering who would dare to interrupt him; Jon was quite taken aback on looking up, to be staring into the emerald green eyes of Sofia Aurelius. The Princess was wearing an ivory-white evening dress that matched her pale white skin. This was offset by a streak of bright red hair, which obviously came from her mother’s side of the family. Taking a moment to let his gaze linger upon her, he noted that the dress showed off enough leg to be completely unseemly and that the only thing hiding the tiny straps was a gauzy white shawl that she had wrapped around her shoulders. No matter how exasperating Jon found Sofia, he would be the first to confess, only under torture, that she was stunningly beautiful.
Jon was once again reminded of the intimate dinner they had shared a few weeks earlier, when for the first time he questioned if her spoilt-rich-Princess act was not just that, an act…
******
“Commander, would you care to join my daughter and me for dinner tonight?”
The question came absolutely out of the blue. Jon had been standing stoically at the Emperor’s side all afternoon, monitoring the assortment of foreign dignitaries, senators and VIPs for any possible threat. The negotiations had just concluded; when the Emperor seemingly popped the question out of thin-air.
Jon’s mind went completely blank and hence said the first thing that came to mind. “I was not aware of any formal dinners scheduled tonight on your agenda, sir.”
