Spirit of Empire 4: Sky Knights

by Lawrence White

  Ellie’s mouth dropped open, so surprised was she. The two of them had been through a lot together, but she had never seen him lose his composure. She turned from Otis and directed her gaze to Havlock, then to Atiana and Galborae. “Otis is the first Great Cat to ever be Knighted,” she said. “He has stood with me through amazing trials. His people were nearly annihilated by gleasons some 2,000 years ago.”

  She paused while she considered the whole picture, then looked at Atiana as she said, “So now we’ve come full circle. Sir Otis personally led a battle against some 200 gleasons hired by the Rebels for just one purpose: to kill me. I survived, but Otis lost many Protectors in the process. The price the Rebels paid for the services of those 200 gleasons was, to them, a pittance—just an emerging world called Tranxte.”

  Atiana, Galborae, and Milae stood up, speechless.

  Ellie nodded her understanding. “So now you know. So intent were the Rebels on killing me that no price was too much to pay. I’m sorry they chose you. If I could, I would return life to your fallen. Sadly, I cannot, but now you understand our commitment to you.”

  Tears glistened in Atiana’s eyes as she nodded. Milae’s tears fell uncontrolled.

  Ellie stood up and went to Milae, wiping the tears away with her hands and sleeves. “I’m so sorry,” she said again. “We will not abandon you, ever.”

  Milae nodded, unable to speak, and Ellie stepped back to face Havlock. “I told you I’ve stood my ground against a gleason. I know what that means. Do you mean to tell me you spoke to one?”

  “Sir Galborae and I began with capturing a gleason. We tried to talk with it, but captivity killed it. We captured two more, and both of them died as well. Galborae recognized the problem: captivity broke their spirits. None of them ever uttered so much as a word to us.”

  “They have a language?” Ellie asked in surprise.

  “Just a few rudimentary words,” Otis growled from the back of the room. “Not a language.”

  "Not so rudimentary, Sire,” Havlock said, turning to him. “We were also told they always function independently, never in coordinated attacks. A whole caravan and two squads met a gruesome end, and Queen Atiana’s kingdom nearly fell because of that mistaken assumption,”

  "I might be partially responsible for that misinformation,” Otis said. “My apologies, Governor. You were saying three gleasons died in captivity."

  “Yes, Sire. So we set out to speak with one in the open,” Havlock said.

  Several gasps sounded in the room, including from Ellie and Mike.

  “Are you crazy?” Ellie asked in alarm.

  “Probably. Sir Galborae made the first attempt. He stood alone in a field—it was just him and the gleason. Their conversation was brief, but he learned enough to convince us that we needed to try again. That second attempt ended up with both of us in tanks, Galborae’s second foray there.”

  Stunned expressions met this revelation. Mike was the first to recover. “You learned something, didn’t you, Governor.”

  “We did, Sire. Gleasons kill, but not out of hate or hunger. They kill for what they call ecstasy. We would call it killing for the challenge, but it’s deeper than that. The impression I came away with is that a gleason’s need for ecstasy is stronger than its drive to procreate. Ecstasy is only achieved at the end of a challenging hunt. They’ve killed few animals on Tranxte. Instead, they focus on people. The harder the challenge, the more it draws them to the hunt. Dying only matters if it’s not combined with ecstasy, and major wounds are acceptable if ecstasy lies at the end of the rush. A uniquely satisfying ecstasy comes from dying at the same time as their prey.”

  He stopped while they digested this, then added, “Keep in mind that gleasons communicate mind to mind. What one gleason experiences they all experience. On Tranxte, gleasons exist in a constant state of ecstasy.”

  Otis padded up to Galborae and sat, then lowered his head. “I bow to you, sir. That discovery is the stuff of Knights.”

  “In more ways than one, Sire,” Havlock said. When Otis lifted a questioning gaze to him, he explained. “Galborae was named Tranxte’s Speaker in a vision. It will one day be him who speaks for all of Tranxte.”

  Silence fell on the room as eyes shifted between Galborae and Krys. “That’s not why you’re all here,” Krys said. “Tell them, Governor.”

  Havlock held out his hands. “Because of the gleasons’ need for ecstasy, the only logical conclusion I could reach was that I needed to either kill all the gleasons, in other words commit genocide, or take into consideration that they are a sentient race. The Empire I know and love has stood against genocide throughout memory. It’s in fact one of the most fundamental reasons we have an Empire. The fact that gleasons have needs and desires and morals completely at odds with our own does not mean they should be wiped out. It doesn’t even mean they’re wrong. It just means they’re alien.”

  Silence filled the room. Ellie broke that silence. “You’re right, Governor. Do you have a solution?"

  "I have a potential solution, though it's a long shot.” He paused, then said, “I’m looking for a world that needs the gleasons.”

  This time an awesome silence lingered. Even Ellie found herself speechless. She eventually broke the silence by addressing Krys. “You were right, Daughter.” She stood up and approached Havlock, then went to a knee. She lifted her head to him and to the whole room. “Your solution is the solution of a Chosen.”

  Havlock stepped back in shock. He had never even imagined meeting the Queen let alone her kneeling before him.

  Atiana took his arm and forced him to return to his Queen. “Your Majesty,” she said, “the solution might not have an answer. We only have hints.”

  “What hints?”

  “Well, Lady Krys’ vision.”

  Ellie stood up and turned to Krys. “A vision raises the ante. Did it provide direction?”

  “It’s a riddle, Mother. Tarn has given us direction. We’ll take it from there.”

  “All of your visions have had material impact on our war.”

  “Exactly, Mother. We’re not sure on this one. I know you’re looking for a permanent solution to the Chessori. Does this give you direction in that regard, or does the vision only have something to do with the home we hope to find for the gleasons? I don’t know, but I intend to find out.”

  Ellie placed a hand on Havlock’s shoulder and said, “Well done, Governor. Your idea might eventually point me toward a solution for the Chessori. Even if it does not, it points me in new directions as I seek answers.”

  She stepped over behind Krys’ couch and placed both of her hands on Krys’ shoulders. “Again, you shoulder the weight of our fight. The Leaf People said you were stronger than you knew, and they were right.”

  “There’s more, Mother. Are you up to a Testing?”

  Ellie stepped out from behind the couch. “I am. Who and why?”

  Krys’ gaze went to Seeton. “Are you familiar with the story of a Marine captain who, for want of a better word, hid out while the Chessori killed everyone in his unit?”

  “I am, Krys. I reviewed and approved the findings of the inquiry concerning Governor Havlock. What are you saying?”

  “Mother?”

  Ellie suddenly understood. She stepped over to Havlock and asked, “Will you submit to my Test?”

  “Of course, Your Majesty.”

  She stepped up to him, took his face in both of her hands, and delved into his thoughts. Mike stepped up to Havlock and held him when he saw the marine’s legs weakening. Ellie’s Testings were usually brief, but not this time. When she released him to Mike’s support, she stepped back deep in thought.

  “Am I right, Mother?” Krys asked.

  Ellie did not answer her. Instead, she stepped back to Havlock. Mike judged him recovered and stepped away.

  “Governor, I never, ever reveal what I learn during a Testing without that person’s permission. I find you true, and I hereby confirm your position of Governor o
f Tranxte, but there’s more. Either you and I hold a meeting in private right now, or we discuss my findings here in front of your peers.”

  Havlock blinked, uncertain, though there was no conceivable request from his Queen that he would refuse. “I don’t call sector governors and Knights my peers, Your Majesty, but I have no secrets to withhold. You have my permission to reveal whatever you find appropriate.”

  Ellie turned to the five from Tranxte and said, “The ability to Test is a Trait found nowhere else in our Empire except in the Chosen. It is one of the most fundamental reasons we are chosen to rule. There are no secrets withheld from me during a Testing, with one exception: I cannot see Krys’ visions. I can see her memories of them, but I cannot see the visions themselves.”

  She turned back to Havlock. “I cannot see your entrance to the armory that morning. I see your memories of waking up after the scree, and I see the memories you have of the compulsion, but I do not see the compulsion itself. The only conclusion I can draw from that is that you were the recipient of a vision that day.”

  “So I’m no longer their only Messenger, Mother,” Krys said.

  “It appears there’s another,” Ellie agreed.

  Havlock suddenly found himself the center of everyone’s attention, again. This Leaf People connection seemed to be a much bigger deal than he’d imagined, and his Queen confirmed it.

  She said to him, “You have been guided by the Leaf People, Governor. I cannot rule on what they did to you—I can’t see it—but before everyone in this room I confirm by Test the findings of Governor Seeton’s Inquiry.”

  She was not done with him yet. She added, “We take our Seers seriously. You are to let me know if you even suspect a recurrence. Your name will bring instant response from everyone in this room for the rest of your life.” She turned to Mike, then Otis. “Do we provide Protection?”

  Otis’ lips lifted in a smile, though it could have been interpreted by some as a leer. “Protection for one who stood before a gleason in an open field? Better he should protect us.”

  Mike held up a hand. “Hold on,” he commanded. “No one knows who he is except on Tranxte, and Great Cats would complicate an already complicated venue there.”

  Havlock turned to him, then to Otis. “Are we talking about Protectors for me?”

  “We are, Governor.”

  “Absolutely not,” Havlock said without hesitation. “You’ve blown this way out of proportion. Besides, it would be an insult to my marines.”

  Hawke stood up and cleared his throat. “If I may, Your Majesty?”

  She lifted an eyebrow and nodded.

  Hawke turned to Otis. “Sire, we’re talking about an emerging world here, a world populated by humans. With only rare exceptions, we’ve taken extreme measures to ensure they only see humans. The presence of Great Cats would send the wrong message regarding relationships we’re trying to build.”

  Otis stared at him with a look that even a marine accustomed to fighting gleasons gave all of his attention to. Eventually, Otis nodded his great head. “There’s more. Gleasons and Great Cats are ancient adversaries. Our presence on Tranxte would completely unbalance whatever tactics you’ve developed. You’re on the front line, Teacher, and I respect that. Know that I stand ready to answer whenever you call.”

  Most of the people in the room let out a breath they hadn’t even known they were holding. Ellie clapped her hands together strongly and said, “Well! I had thought this would be a happy reunion and a meeting of new friends.”

  “It can still be that, Your Majesty,” Stven said from across the room. “Since the Leaf People have called us back, it’s time to take a break from war.”

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Seeton set up a meeting with General Stymes for later in the day, then escorted Havlock to his own personal tailor, insisting that Havlock meet the general and his staff looking like a real governor. In short order Havlock and Seeton walked out of the tailor similarly attired: black pants and a short, waist-length black jacket open at the front over a slightly ruffled white shirt. Havlock felt like he was going out to a dinner party, but Seeton assured him it was standard attire for himself and most of the human governors who reported to him.

  "Sir,” Havlock said, “I’m a little embarrassed about this whole governor thing.”

  Seeton stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and turned to Havlock with a hand on the sleeve of his new jacket. “You are? Are we not doing the right thing? Did Lady Krys err?”

  “No, sir. It’s the right thing. It’s just a very strange feeling to leave as a marine and come back a governor.”

  Seeton smiled in relief and started walking again. “I know exactly what you mean. I was a fleet commander one day and a Sector Governor the next. The Queen and her Knights care little for rank, but they do look for putting the right people in the right job. In your case, after hearing what you’ve been through and your plans for the future, I concur with their choice. Since I’ll be the one supporting you, that’s probably in your favor. I do have some demands, though."

  "I expect you do. Name them."

  “I demand absolute honesty from everyone who reports to me. That said, I know that's asking too much. Our positions are at levels where it's sometimes better to keep things to yourself until they flesh themselves out, but Governor, I’ll permit no lies. You and I and a lot of other people are on the same team here. We're good backup when you get in a bind, and you will get into binds. So long as we feel like we're pointed in the same direction, meaning you haven't misled us, we'll be there to help you pick up the pieces."

  "I understand, sir. I make similar demands of my own staff."

  Seeton nodded. “I expect you do, but you’re no longer just responsible for the lives of your marines. You, and all of us at these levels, are responsible for civilizations. You’re on the front line, and even the Queen and King consider themselves part of your support staff. The situation on Tranxte qualifies as one of those rare problems that does not find itself constrained by budgets—so long as you're forthcoming with your problems and mistakes, you'll get whatever you need to make things right. Mislead us, and that all goes away. Am I clear?"

  “You're clear, sir. Would that support include access to Struthers?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “Lady Krys’ vision suggests he might be able to point me toward a new home for the gleasons.”

  “Hmm. He instigated the coup and ruled the Rebels, but he’s just a shadow of the man he once was. Juster, his second in command and the Queen’s brother, might be a better source.”

  “They’re here?”

  “They are. By rights they should be dead, but the First Knight persuaded the Queen to cut a deal with them: banishment from the Empire in return for an order to all rebel forces to stand down.”

  Havlock stopped walking, not sure he’d heard right. “You can’t be serious. After what they did?”

  “I know, but the Chosen have reputations for cleverness, and the Queen heads the list. She did not tell them their banishment would be to a world of her choice. We’re looking for a mild world with no intelligent life. She’s setting them free with the clothes on their backs and one knife each.”

  Havlock’s lips firmed. “I hope they use the knives on each other.”

  “If they don’t right away, they probably will in time. They're psychopaths who have shown no remorse, and they both crave challenge.”

  “They sound like gleasons without invisibility. I’d be happy to bring them back to Tranxte and set them free with as many weapons as they can carry.”

  Seeton’s eyes narrowed while he actually considered the proposition. “You know, I wish we could, but the First Knight would veto it, I'm certain. I don't personally know of any appropriate punishment. Their crimes are unconscionable, maybe the greatest in the history of Empire.”

  The two of them walked into Seeton’s office where General Stymes and three of his senior commanders waited for them. Everyone stood,
but Seeton waved them back to their seats. Havlock remained standing, and the rest of them shook hands with him before sitting back down.

  “General, Colonel Havlock has been appointed Governor of Tranxte,” Seeton said.

  “Yes, sir. The word’s out. Appointed by a Knight and confirmed by the Queen no less!” To Havlock, he said, “I couldn’t be more pleased. I’ve always thought highly of you.”

  "Thank you, sir. I'm still in shock to tell the truth."

  "Well, getting back to work is a good way to get over it. I hear you’ve come with a shopping list . . .”

  * * * * *

  Havlock accompanied Governor Seeton and his First Knight to the sector’s prison. Protectors, some of them in plain view and some of them out of sight, ranged on all sides as the three walked the ten blocks briskly in the cold air.

  Mike sensed Havlock's unease at walking side by side with his First Knight, but he respected his newest governor. More important, the problems Havlock would deal with, assuming he ever resolved the gleason issue, were close to Mike's heart. He decided to break the ice. "Do you know my background?"

  "Only vaguely, Sire."

  "Can you believe your First Knight is from an emerging world?"

  “Actually, Sire, had I not been standing in your presence, I would have said it would never happen.”

  “So would I. I get the impression you’re sweet on a certain person from an emerging world."

  Havlock considered the question and decided he could be nothing but forthright with this man. "It's way more than that, Sire."

  Mike nodded. “We share similar relationships. The Queen and I don’t advertise it, but we fell in love and are married. As King, that means I fill two normally separate positions. Surprisingly, the fact that I’m from an emerging world has yet to become an issue. My Queen and I could not be happier. Your circumstances and mine are different, but they share some similarities.”

  Havlock stopped walking to stare straight ahead, his senses numbed. Mike gave him a moment, but only a moment. “Come on, Gar. We’re beyond titles at this point.”