Still, Weststar had moved into the suite without delay, loathe to leave the Stronghold whilst still solidifying his grip on the realm. He couldn’t shake off the thought of being overthrown whenever he was back in his own residence. He’d already ordered many of his furnishing to be brought here from the property, and he very much looked forward indeed to placing orders for many more items, all very rare and expensive, and all courtesy of the Imperial coffers. He’d also began clearing out Brams’ most loyal staffers, but with the list as long as it was, and with many of them holding positions critical to the functioning of the government, it was a slow process. There were many pressing matters to attend to. Next up, was Admiral Adami.
She had done a tremendous job in defeating Citadel’s home fleet - the single largest fleet still possessed by the Dominion. Her fleet had been considerably smaller yet despite some calamitous losses at the end of the battle she had put the Zhur Thoggu technologies to best use. Though Doyen Niettha was beginning to be more of a hindrance than a benefit, it had been his idea to seek out the assistance of the Zhur Thoggu. Weststar had wished to have been more offended at the idea of seeking them and using their perverse organic technologies to twist the sleek Imperial vessels into misshapen lumps but the reality was that there was very little he wouldn’t do to attain power and he had readily agreed, once he had made a show of considering the idea for a short while.
Adami, however, had been his idea from the beginning. Despite her previous failings he knew that with the right level of management she would still be able to play a very important role in his ascension. He hadn’t been wrong. She had dealt with the Zhur Thoggu efficiently and upgraded her fleet quicker than Weststar had thought possible. As a leader she had many failings, but as a second in command, with someone to lead her, she was unstoppable. Which meant that he was, too.
The door to his reception room flashed open and Adami entered, followed by one of Amos’s security officers. Weststar nodded at the man and he bowed slightly and then retreated from the room, leaving them alone.
Amos stood. “Petrina, my dear,” he said warmly, smiling. She nodded at him as she approached, as professional as ever.
“Sir,” she replied as she came to attention.
“Please,” he said, waving a hand, “less formality, my dear.” He saw her wince slightly, which amused him, he knew how she preferred to be formal. His insistence on her being more relaxed was just one of the ways he maintained his authority over her. She allowed her stance to soften slightly.
Amos motioned towards a seat and together they sat.
“May I congratulate you, Amos, on becoming Emperor?”
He smiled broadly. “Thank you, Petrina. And to you on your tremendous victory in the skies above.”
Adami scowled. “I lost three Battleships and a fourth may yet need to be scrapped.”
“I hear that was due to the Edo Val Nordin - the one that escaped you at the Chasm?” Weststar already knew but enjoyed watched her squirm. Despite her age she was still a physically attractive and powerful woman and he did so enjoy having power over her.
“Yes,” she said, face flushing. “He used the Astrals to trigger their Hyperdrives into exploding. It was the quick thinking of one of my officers that enabled us to save the lives of the crew of the fourth ship.”
“Excellent, excellent,” he said, quite happy himself with the losses exacted on Adami’s fleet. Of course, he’d have been happy with a total loss, including Adami if needed, if it had still resulted him in usurping Brams.
His smile faded… Brams. “It is a… shame that Riccard Brams was not, ah, dealt with.”
Adami’s face grew redder. “Again, the Edo interfered. One Delta was shot down - has it been found?”
“I’m not sure, I’ve left that to the ground forces. One of Brams’ aides was forthcoming with the identities of the Edo that were helping him so their details have been spread - we’ll find them, the city shield was back up quickly and has remained so. They are trapped.”
“Good,” said Adami gruffly. “There were also some stealth Nebula fighters that assisted. We are still investigating whether they remain. Until otherwise, we must assume we are under surveillance.”
Amos cocked his head dismissively. “Let them. We have nothing to hide. In fact, let the galaxy watch. The Dominion will be no long fester in this corner of the galaxy, with you at the fore, Fleet Admiral.”
Her eyes widened. “Grand…?”
“Of course. I would not want the chief of my navy to be anything less than a Fleet Admiral.” He smiled at her, enjoying the shock and poorly masked happiness. “Congratulations, Fleet Admiral.”
“Thank you, Sir,” she said, finally smiling. The unaccustomed smile did wonders to her normally stern visage, peeling back the years, revealing her beauty. He smiled, knowing her penchant for powerful men. He had done more for her than Vang ever had, and though considerably older than her he had taken her as his mistress. Weststar had no doubts that he could do so too, should he wish. Though the thought actually held considerable appeal he could not afford to be distracted. In the future, though? He would savor that thought.
“You have earned it, Petrina. Doyen Niettha, on the other hand, whilst benefitting me with the Zhur Thoggu and garnering support for me with the other Doyens, has become increasingly troubling.”
Fleet Admiral Adami frowned. “How so?”
“He seems to think he is my superior, offering veiled and not so veiled threats and orders to me. He is becoming increasingly volatile. I’m also concerned with the assassin that Brams captured. I need to know why Niettha was so insistent on meeting the man. How would you like to accompany me on a visit? I feel it may offer us an opportunity to learn more about Niettha.”
“Only if I get to interrogate,” she said, utterly serious.
Chapter Twenty One
There are few things as sad as a dead world, thought Raichel as she looked out of one of the research station’s windows. Especially one that was had been so vibrant and full of life. The once lush green world of Swalt was now a wasteland. The self-replicating nano machines that the Zhur Thoggu unleashed against it after Raif Ko had defeated their Commander Orluw Tasshik in a duel had devastated the planet entirely. The ensuing planet-wide fire caused by a massive falling Zhur Thoggu warship had completed the obliteration of all life on the planet.
The research station housed a small group of scientists who sought to reverse the damage caused by the Zhur Thoggu. Even now the planet was still unable to support any life, with toxins present in very high concentrations and dormant Zhur Thoggu nanites ready to spring into action and destroy any life that should somehow managed to thrive despite the poisons. A quick enquiry as to their progress had been met with downcast eyes.
Swalt had been Jake’s idea. Not too far from the Dominion, and in the outer edge of Commonwealth space. There was no reason to visit Swalt at all, save for Swaltane making pilgrimages back to their home planet, which meant starship traffic was very low. As expected, there had not been any other vessels within the system and a hurried conversation with the chief scientist begging them not to inform anyone of their presence had been met with happy acceptance since they recognized what the Edo had attempted to do for Swalt.
The negatives about using Swalt as a temporary base for Brams was that it did not have the facilities required to maintain and refuel their ships. Brams had contacted a couple of his most loyal Doyens and they had agreed to send out ships and support facilities. There was a risk in doing so but they hadn’t had any viable alternatives. Elenore had offered Grazan support but Brams had declined, wishing to use only Imperial resources, at least initially.
Jake Bulver approached, along with Kaliko Savina.
“Hey, Mushur,” said Jake. “How are we doing?”
“We’re ok I guess. No invading force yet. Rota sorted out?” she asked, having tasked the pair to arrange the rota for the observation patrol, where one piloted Delta would be orbiting around Swalt at all times, aler
t for any ships that might appear. The yacht was also being maintained at near full readiness, in case they needed to leave in a hurry.
“All good,” said Kaliko. “Mushur Flores is on duty at the moment. I’m up next, then Jake, then you. Elenore wants a shift but I thought I would pass it by you first.”
“I thought she’d volunteer. She can go, but make sure she understands it’s observation only - no engaging the enemy alone.” Raichel shook her head in amused dismay.
“No promises,” laughed Jake.
“We’re all itching to get back and rescue Gil,” said Kaliko.
“Me too, Kaliko. As soon as Brams’ loyalists arrive we’ll be heading straight back, I promise.”
Val Nordin stared at Nate Shepherd. How could the man be so foolish, considering his history, he would never understand.
“I did what needed to be done, Shepherd. I did what you would have done, had you my power.”
Shepherd shook his head sadly. “No, Val, I wouldn’t have. Thousands died needlessly. They were already allowing Brams to escape yet you continued to attack.”
Val looked around at the other council members. Edo Masters who were blind to their responsibilities. Mollycoddled into spineless creatures, cowering away within their Temple or here on Sobal Gailian. How could Shepherd not see this? He had given up on the Edo way himself before, so out of all of them he should be able to see things from a different perspective.
“It may have escaped your attention but they were still attacking the home fleet, still invading Citadel. It was a battle.”
“Not those particular ships, Nordin. Their only task was to intercept Brams’ shuttle. They were not firing on anything when you destroyed them.”
Nordin fumed. “This is ridiculous. You’re talking about semantics. I say they were part of an invading fleet, you say that they weren’t attacking. It’s irrelevant. My actions brought about the escape of not only Brams but the Edo and you yourself. I do not regret my actions because they were exactly what was needed to be done. Believe that or not, I don’t care. I don’t answer to you.”
“No, you are correct, you don’t,” said Hallowwyrn, her gravelly voice conveying much sadness. “No longer do you hold to the Edo ways. You take action based on your own ideals, which grow more divergent from us every day.”
Nordin looked at her, smiled patronizingly at her. “Mushur Hallowwyrn,” he said sarcastically, “don’t be afraid, I already know what you are going to say. Please, continue.”
Hallowwyrn’s eyes darted independently from face to face, as if looking for support. The other Edo had gone very still.
Nordin almost laughed. Do they fear me that much? Truly, they have no understanding of me. I turned from the Deep a lifetime ago, yet still they believe I travel down its sinister path.
“Then let me say it for you, Hallowwyrn. You are removing me from the council and whilst you cannot strip me of my Edo title you would encourage me to do so, for the good of the Edo sect. Is that about right?”
“It is, Val,” said Danze Carmenco. “I’m sorry but we cannot be seen to condone your actions, especially with the ongoing trial.”
“I cannot believe that you are allowing the trial to happen. How can you allow them to do this?”
“You wouldn’t understand, Nordin,” said Nenotuul.
“You’re right, I wouldn’t. I don’t. You are all insane. I urge you to retrieve your Mushur at all costs. You are weakened by your inaction. It gives credibility to the Commonwealth having jurisdiction over us, sorry, over you.”
“We have faith in the Astrals, Val,” said Lani.
Val snorted. “Even when they put Mushur Okarachebe to death?” Lani looked away. “I thought as much,” he said dismissively. He stood up, towering over them all. Nenotuul growled, revealing her ferocious teeth. Nordin cocked an eyebrow at her. “Really?”
“Mushur Nenotuul, peace,” urged Lani. After a long moment the Entilean broke away, shaking her head. Val frowned, showing disgust.
“Right now,” Val said, ”there are things happening that the Edo must confront, not shy away from, safe in the bosom of the Grazan Combine. Your own leader needs saving. The Skave need to be found and destroyed, and Riccard Brams must be restored to the throne of the Dominion. Whilst you sit and meditate, while you proffer pointless philosophy to your poor Neophytes I take action. Even now my Paladins seek out the Skave. Consider that. Who is it really that should be leaving the council? You, who sit around impotent, or I, who does what he can? As powerful as I am, I cannot do everything for you. Please, save Mushur Okarachebe.”
He walked towards the exit of the room before turning around. “I relinquish the title of Edo, but I am still a Mushur of the Astrals.” He looked around at them all. “Perhaps the last one, save Raichel. You embarrass yourselves, for condemning me whilst relying on me to do what you will not.”
After Nordin had left, there was a brief moment of stunned quiet until Nate Shepherd spoke.
“No Astral lightning. He took that better than I thought he would.”
Mushur Nenotuul snorted.
“I think,” said Danze Carmenco, “that we need them back.”
“Yes,” agreed his wife. “I know who you mean and I couldn’t agree more.” The rest of the Edo Masters nodded. Michael Silverdell was needed.
Gil had felt better.
The frankly horrifying descent back down to Citadel had left him concussed and his right arm broken. He admitted that he was lucky to have escaped so lightly. Ninety nine times out of one hundred the spaceship should have exploded upon impact. Gil would have liked to attribute his survival to skill, with finely timed use of the repulsors and the Astrals saving his life but really it had been a blind, panicked - okay, terrified - response followed by unconsciousness. He’d thought of his partner, Kafferyn Wellbourn, just before impact, worried that he would not see her again. He’d thought of Raichel, too, which he put down to having been joined with her for so long. Or so he hoped.
Now, with him safely away from the crash site he felt like there was a chance he could survive this after all. The glittering city shield was still up, meaning that escape was unlikely without somehow smuggling aboard a ship cleared to leave through the shield. In his present state that was a tall order. He needed somewhere safe so that he could enter into an Edo healing trance.
Gil had left the pilot suit with the ship, and had been glad that he wasn’t wearing the traditional light colors of an Edo, but instead the dark under-suit of his Royal Defenders suit, minus the ridiculously oversized armor and helmet. His height and long dark hair were difficult to hide, but by using his Himdel-derived street smarts he’d so far been able cover considerable distance without sparking too much interest from anyone. Which was very lucky as his concussion seemed to be affecting his ability to Channel as well as usual and his broken arm meant that he’d have to use his off-hand to fight - something he hadn’t practiced in a long, long time. He’d taken some rations from the ship and a small laser pistol with a few recharge clips so at least he wasn’t completely defenseless.
Citadel itself was a typical mega-city. Towering buildings jostled for position in the administration, financial and high density residential districts, which gave way to shorter, squatter buildings in manufacturing and very high-end residential areas. There were areas where it was wise to refrain from during the quieter hours just as there were areas that only came alive at night, with entertainment that catered to every desire.
The imposing Imperial Stronghold were located deep within the city. Its towering structure was visible from much of the city. Gil had been heading towards it for most of the day. He hoped to find Forma Beltat, one of Riccard Brams’ senior civil servants. He had worked with her a few times, making arrangements for Brams’ security details, and had noted how open, honest and devoted to Brams she was. If there was anyone on Citadel he could trust, it was her. The fact that she had more than a passing resemblance for Raichel Ison had nothing to do with his choice. I
f he could gain her help he could hole up at her home until recuperated and by then either he’d be rescued or he’d make his escape.
Unfortunately for Gil, he didn’t know where Forma Beltat lived so couldn’t guess how she would return to her lodgings after finishing her work each day, or which direction she’d go in, or which of the massive building’s exits she would use. Tricky.
Also tricky was how tight security was the closer he got to the Imperial Stronghold. Small squads of shock troopers carried out random checks on pedestrians and Shock trooper chariots stopped vehicles for inspections. Whether this was normal or due to the invasion, or indeed, him he wasn’t sure. Regardless, it made travel slow and difficult, especially in his current condition.
It was nearly nightfall before he arrived in the giant plaza situated before the Stronghold. Pedestrian traffic was at its peak, with people rushing home after work or on their way to other activities. Few people were loitering despite the pleasant surroundings of the plaza. This made it impossible for Gil to wait too, especially with the shock troopers moving randomly throughout the area. He had to keep moving to avoid their paths. He had already had to Channel as best as he could twice to cloud the perception of some shock troopers who had approached too closely or shown a little too much interest in him. Each time he’d worried that he wouldn’t be able to Channel well enough but so far, so good.
Painfully, he drew on Astral energy and reached out and began to gently probe at the minds of the people around him, looking for Forma. He couldn’t extend his senses far and probing whilst trying to keep away from Shock trooper patrols was difficult, almost bumping directly into one of the heavily armored men whilst the trooper was interrogating some other poor unfortunate soul.
He decided to risk it and move closer to the Stronghold. Almost immediately he found her, just leaving via the grand main entrance. She was dressed in her normal professional attire but with a thin coat helping to stave off the evening chill. She stopped briefly to hail a brightly colored taxi repulsor car before climbing in. Wasting no time, Gil ran to the next available hover and jumped into the rear seating area, surprising the heavy set driver.
The Rise of The Dominion: A Dominion War novel Page 22
