The Rise of The Dominion: A Dominion War novel
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Michael’s face softened as he looked at his sister. “It is fortunate, then, that by helping Brams gain back his Dominion we will naturally need to tackle those that sent the bounty hunters against us.” Relief blossomed throughout the Edo but Michael again turned serious. “We must not let helping Brams become nothing more than an excuse to seek revenge. Be mindful at all times. The Deep tempts, flatters and draws you in, corrupting you whilst you excuse your actions as just or necessary. Learn from Val Nordin. Even one as powerful as he cannot resist the Deep once you give in to temptation. We need to defeat the Skave and defeat Weststar and Adami for the good of the galaxy, not because we want to avenge the losses here yesterday.”
Nate looked around and saw a few heads nod in agreement, though the underlying shock and anger still simmered. Nate wondered whether this was the beginning of the end of the Edo as they knew them, as Michael Silverdell had tried to mold the order, keeping the High and the Deep clearly delineated. Perhaps Val Nordin was right, and that in some circumstances both aspects were required, as long as it was for the good of the many, not for the few or the one. Shepherd had been on the receiving end of tyranny more than once and knew that it had to be stopped, at perhaps any cost. Maybe Michael was too constrained by his concept of the High always being opposed to the Deep to lead them through this period, where the Edo and the galaxy at large were threatened on so many fronts.
Michael suddenly looked at Nate, eyes seemingly boring into his mind. Had he detected what Nate was thinking? Had Nate let his emotions slip through his defenses? He hadn’t thought so but who knew what the Grand Mushur was capable of?
“We must decide today,” continued Michael, still looking at Nate, “on what our actions will be. How best we can use our limited resources to dethrone Weststar, defeat Adami and combat both the Skave and the bounty hunters.”
“We cannot afford to ignore the Zhur Thoggu,” said Grace, her worry obvious to all. So many had been lost during the war with the Zhur Thoggu. Countless people, both friends and family.
Michael nodded. “Absolutely. Let us hope that the Astrals continue to favor us, or I fear the days of the Edo sect are numbered, along with those of the Commonwealth.”
Nobody spoke for a while as they dwelled upon Michael’s unsettling portent. Michael then spoke again, hesitantly. “I have deliberated long over this but I have had a vision that I must share with you.” He paused to look around, each face watched him careful, some apprehensively. I can’t tell them everything, he thought. Calling it a vision is a lie but to tell them an Astral spoke to me would scare them more than help them.
“I saw that the Astrals are becoming more active, taking an even greater interest in us and this galaxy. I saw them here, in increasing frequency. Why, I am not sure.” Another lie. “But it can only mean that our actions must be even more decisive. The Edo will be tested and I need your help more than ever.”
The Mushur looked pensive, his eyes, permanently ablaze, seemed to darken slightly. The Neophytes and Channelings looked on in awe. No doubt each was wondering if they would get to meet an Astral Entity in person. I sincerely hope they don’t, thought Michael, sadly.
“I have a few ideas,” said Josh Blake, showing a hint of a smile.
“As do I,” said Nate, gruffly.
“Me, too,” said Grace.
“Good,” said Michael, nodding approvingly. “Then let us begin.”
To be continued...