Conquests & Consequences

by Lee Watts

  "Yes. Your brother here was saying how interesting things are on the moon of Shinar."

  "Brother? So, thou art- I mean you are my long-lost sibling Salazar." Alexander stuck out his hand in greeting.

  Salazar looked at it then turned back to Vivica.

  "For what it's worth," Alexander offered while lowering his hand, "I think you should get the assignment as ambassador. It is beyond me why you'd want a posting on that remote boulder but to each his own."

  Cutting around the side of Salazar, Alexander prepared to leave.

  "Now, if you'll be so good as to excuse us."

  Alexander extended a hand toward his fiancé, but Salazar retained his position, blocking her in.

  "Ah-hem," Alexander coughed to snap his new-found relation out of thought. "Excuse me, but you're in my way."

  Salazar removed his arm, bowed, and stepped aside. Vivica laughed as the couple left.

  "Ironically brother," Salazar whispered when they were out of earshot, "I was just thinking the same thing."

  Two hours later, Salazar again stood center of the main hall as the Council session resumed. He stared at the two things he wanted most in the universe, the bracer on Darius's arm and the throne. Darius let the silence permeate the room for an extended time. He took a long, hard look at his eldest son and drew in a deep breath.

  "Salazar of Enty… my son, it is the decision of the crown you be appointed as Realm ambassador to the Assembly of Worlds. May you fulfill all our hopes."

  With a grand smile, the young man beamed, "Thank you, Excellency. It is an honor to serve the Realm."

  Salazar bowed deeply. Turning, he walked to the foyer where teams of reporters eagerly awaited a statement from the dashing young man who captured the entire Realm's attention. A sense of foreboding filled Darius as his eldest son exited. Salazar savored his victory, knowing this appointment meant he was precisely on schedule. Standing unseen by the ancient throne, the Dridmor Cyketh smiled while thinking the same thing.

  CHAPTER 10

  "Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed…" - Lamentations 1:8

  Lord Edric Canton stared out the large viewport of the conference room aboard the royal transport ship Chariot. Filling the view was the place it had taken days to reach, the moon of Shinar. Against the black of space, the lifeless rock was lined with only a dim blue ring evidencing its thin and poisonous atmosphere. The moon boasted a lone distinct feature, headquarters of the interstellar organization called the Assembly of Worlds. The organization's name was grander than its actual sphere of influence. While the Assembly boasted a million member nations, there were an estimated four hundred billion stars in the galaxy. In the grand scale, the AOW represented but a fraction of the galactic population. In the year since Salazar's appointment as ambassador, this was the sovereign's first visit to the moon.

  Though the Executive Summit of the AOW was traditionally for heads of state, Edric lobbied for a contingent of the High Council to accompany the king if only in an advisory role. Cheyenne remained on Theera so none of the opposition factions could push through legislation because of the crown's absence.

  Alexander was delighted to go on the trip. It was a reprieve from having to scout yet another honeymoon location with Vivica for their wedding set for next month. It was hoped the arranged marriage between the leading lady of Enty and the royal son of Theera would go far to strengthen the Realm's increasingly strained internal ties.

  Entering the ship's conference room was a security guard who crossed to the room's lone occupant, Lord Edric Canton.

  "Second thoughts?" the muscular guard questioned.

  Edric answered while keeping his gaze out the viewport.

  "Not second thoughts; I still have my original concerns."

  "This will happen," growled the guard.

  "Nothing happens until I see what Darius does. Understand?"

  Easing his tone, the guard acquiesced.

  "I don't need to persuade you, Lord Canton. Darius will provide all the reasons you require."

  "And if he doesn't?"

  "Everyone goes home, and nothing changes."

  "We'll see."

  Departing, the guard went to the door but stopped to add a comment.

  "I await your order, Lord Canton," he added in a condescending tone.

  "You'll have it. To take one path or the other - you'll have it, Koraden; you'll have it."

  On the surface of Shinar, a small party led by Ambassador Yorin stood ready to greet the Realm delegation. Darius exited the Chariot first, followed by Alexander, Merrick, and a plump, middle-aged man named Professor Didymus Galbraith, the royal translator. Following them were some High Councilors and aides. The group headed through the passage connecting the ship to the bio-domed city.

  Salazar beamed a great smile as the party approached.

  "Greetings Majesty, and welcome to Assembly headquarters."

  The ambassador bowed slightly, his eyes leering at the bracer on the king's left arm. After short pleasantries, the delegation was escorted to the gargantuan main chamber of the Assembly.

  Gazing at the room filled with people of every color, height, and variation, Alexander pondered one of the great mysteries of the universe - why the only intelligent life was human. Shortly after their arrival, a chime sounded signaling the beginning of the summit. Since Alexander didn't want to look like an inexperienced youth, he sat back and tried to act as if he knew what he was doing. He wondered how many others were doing the same thing. All the while he was unaware his funeral would be next week.

  After a lavish opening ceremony, the five-day Executive Summit began, and the Chief Minister of the Assembly welcomed the delegates.

  Despite the Chief Minister's proclamation of the AOW as a place to work out differences in peace and civility, almost immediately there was conflict, and the veneer of civility quickly eroded.

  Trade disputes dominated much of the first few days. Eventually, the topic turned to border security, and the floor was ultimately given to the head of state for the Chinix Republic.

  Among the most ancient of races still prevalent in the galaxy, the Chinix were highly advanced and generally isolationist. Their ships tended to resemble sea creatures, as did their skin which was a mix of shimmering teal and hues like sea foam. Their representative, as all Chinix, had white hair. As he took the platform, there was notable grumbling from the Hateeg representatives, as there was a centuries-old territorial dispute between those powers.

  "Though markets and Hateeg expansion have dominated much of our agenda," he began, "we Chinix believe this is not the greatest threat to galactic peace and stability. No, a stronger and far darker power will we all soon face. We believe events foretold in the sacred writings even now are beginning to unfold, and we are entering a time called the end of the age."

  Hearing this, several delegations made no attempt to mask their moans of annoyance at having to listen to the Chinix spout their religious prophecies of doom. Undaunted, the speaker continued.

  "As it is written, the end of the age will coincide with the releasing of the imprisoned ones. Delegates, the Ramillie have escaped The Cloud. In the century since their emergence, more than forty nations have fallen to them."

  Mention of the span of years since the Ramillie's appearance caused a chorus of confused mumbles from the assembled delegates. Most learned of the Ramillie return at far different times.

  A century? Darius thought. That was nearly five times longer than the Realm knew about the return. It made him wonder how long the Ramillie were actually out of The Cloud before anyone knew.

  "ENOUGH" shouted the head of the Ramillie Hegemony, Potentate Kahira. "How long must we all endure this assault on our intelligence?"

  Most delegates welcomed the interruption of the Chinix's tirade, and so Kahira's words were met with light applause. The Ramillie's snow-colored skin made their representatives easy to spot among the sea of delegates. Indignant, Kahira stood while continuin
g.

  "This is an enlightened age. We no longer look to mystic writings of uneducated ancients who could no more see the future than any of us. A thousand years ago we Ramillie left the galaxy because we realized our advancements didn't allow the other races to mature. We wanted you to have time to develop on your own, and we put up The Cloud around our core systems to isolate ourselves. Now, we find the galaxy in turmoil. Of the nations who've joined us, not a single shot was fired. As you know, each of the member worlds petitioned to join our Hegemony. This was done freely and for their betterment. Even now there are worlds represented here with economic problems, threatened borders, and populations facing diseases we've long since cured. The Ramillie Hegemony offers unity and strength. We ensure security by providing planetary and space forces to guarantee against invasion. Openly we share our medical knowledge with members to ease the suffering of your citizens. This is the truth of the matter, and if an age is to end, it should be the age where superstition and prejudice dictate our actions."

  His words garnered applause from most delegates. After the delegates quieted, the Chinix man continued.

  "It is written, 'at the end of the age, the faithful are to lead their people in a new union, one that will stand against the dark forces. Those who do not will be removed.' If the Assembly is unwilling to take the necessary actions to stand against the Ramillie, Hateeg, and unholy powers threatening to overtake us all, then we say it is useless, and it is time to form that new union. The Chinix call for a vote for worlds to follow us in leaving this impotent assembly."

  Immediately, the room erupted into heated conversations. Astonished by the declaration, the Chief Minister rushed to the podium.

  "Delegates, delegates," he pleaded. "These are hasty words said in times of stress. Let us all calm down. May I call on you to withdraw your request?"

  "No," the Chinix insisted. "According to Assembly bylaws during the Executive Summit, any nation may call for an open vote to be held on a topic within one standard day."

  Bound by the rules, the Chief Minister knew he must let the matter proceed.

  "Very well. The vote will be the first item on tomorrow's agenda. I ask you all to consider the implications of this vote and what isolation from the Assembly would mean for your worlds. Until tomorrow, the Assembly stands adjourned."

  ***

  Darius, Salazar, and the rest of Realm delegation sat around the conference table aboard the Chariot.

  "I have my thoughts, but I want to hear yours," Darius said. "Mediator Wasi is back at Theera, so I can't get his counsel. Councilors, you're supposed to be here in an advisory role, so… advise."

  Edric, being the senior Councilor, spoke first.

  "Sire, this is madness. Leaving the Assembly? I can't believe it's even being discussed. It's out of the question."

  "It's not out of the question," Darius retorted. "It's a perfectly good question and one long overdue in my opinion."

  "If I may?" Salazar interjected.

  Darius nodded, so his eldest son continued with, "I believe withdrawing from the Assembly is a grave mistake."

  "Why?" Darius asked. "We send a lot of money to support AOW programs and receive little in return. The Realm could launch its own operations with far less hassle and gain equal, if not greater benefits. Why not withdraw?"

  "Because withdrawing isolates us," Edric emphasized. "We need allies now more than ever. You saw the reaction in the chamber. Only the most backward nations will do this. It doesn't have popular support."

  Seeing an opportunity to put himself on his future father-in-law's good side, Alexander added a thought.

  "Lord Canton, maybe the Chinix are misinterpreting the Holy Codex."

  Edric, completely ignoring the prince, focused on the king, "My Liege, the Chinix aren't doing this based on reason, but on the ancient prophecies of their religion. Are we really going to shape Realm policy based on the writings of some outdated book?"

  "The Realm was founded on the principals of that outdated book," Alexander quipped.

  Quickly, Darius interjected, "I've heard your counsel; you've presented your arguments. I'll consider your words and let you know my decision in the morning. Everyone get some rest; we'll leave for tomorrow's session together."

  With that, everyone rose and gave a slight bow to the king before heading out. The prince stopped in the doorway.

  "Father, when I was growing up, Caedmon said-"

  "I am king, not Caedmon," Darius grumbled.

  Knowing it was best to stay quiet, Alexander bowed and left.

  ***

  Late that evening, Lord Canton met with Salazar in his suite in the bio-domed city. Koraden was already there, causing Edric to wonder how far the discussion had progressed without him and who exactly was this bulky, dark-eyed stranger who was apparently more than he appeared. Though Edric conceded to Mara's insistence Koraden accompany him on this voyage, he disagreed with plans to eliminate the royal family. He only committed to considering it to be kept in the loop. But now, with the king leaning toward what Edric believed was the absolute worst decision he could make for the Realm, Edric found himself conspiring an assassination.

  "How will it be done?"

  "On the trip back to the Realm," Salazar answered. "As for the details, the less you know, the less you have to answer for. Be ready to move when word comes."

  "How will I know when it is time to move?"

  "You'll know," Koraden smirked.

  "What about the queen?"

  Salazar smiled wickedly.

  "Oh, I'm sure she'll be much too overcome to be of any concern to us. Don't worry about her. Now, we must be fully committed to this, once the decision is made, there's no going back. Can we count on you?"

  Edric let out a long breath, resigning himself to the act.

  "I never thought it would come to this, but Darius is going too far. I'm afraid it's the only way, but how will we explain it?"

  "The Chinix," Salazar answered.

  "The Chinix?"

  "Of course," the ambassador explained. "It makes perfect sense. They call for us to leave the Assembly, we refuse, in their anger, they carry out a vicious act of retribution."

  "But how will we keep Darius from casting the vote tomorrow?"

  "I'll take care of that," Koraden boasted.

  "Edric, you convince Alexander to hold off on making a decision," Salazar added. "You don't need to change his mind, only delay him until he's out of the way."

  "Very well. I can do that."

  "Excellent," Salazar replied, but the smile melted from him as he brushed the yellowish, pasty sore developing on the back of his right hand. He paused for a long moment looking at it then leaned forward. Salazar lowered his tone, speaking slightly above a whisper.

  "One thing more I need you to do, Lord Canton. There's something I require, and it's absolutely vital you retrieve it."

  The next morning, the Realm delegates assembled to go to the meeting, with one notable exception.

  "Where's his highness?" Salazar inquired innocently.

  The ship's doctor came and reported the king was in bed with a high fever.

  "Even if you woke him, I don't think he'd be very lucid in his current state," the doctor explained. "It's nothing life-threatening, but it's best to let him rest."

  Merrick, as captain of the guard, said he would be staying with the king. With Darius absent, it fell to Alexander to cast the Realm's vote. As the delegation proceeded to the main chamber, the unseen Dridmor Cyketh inundating the prince with thoughts of doubt.

  Edric is going to be your father-in-law, Cyketh said to Alexander's mind. What will he think of you if you chose wrong? What about the other High Councilors, and the people? How will they react if you choose to leave the Assembly? The Dridmor delighted as he saw the increasing heaviness of Alexander's mood. It could be the worst decision you ever make.

  Lord Canton knew Alexander was debating what to do. Figuring the prince might need a subtle nudge, Edric
made his move.

  "My prince, did the king mention his final decision to you?"

  "Regrettably, no, Councilor," Alexander admitted.

  "Most unfortunate. This is a tremendous policy decision. I've been in politics a long time, so allow me to give you some advice that will keep you out of the headlines. Simply wait. If the Realm is to leave the Assembly nothing is lost by holding off a day or two. A delay doesn't override the king's will; in fact, it ensures it's the decision he wants to make. Don't you agree?"

  Relieved at the thought of getting out of the difficult decision, Alexander nodded.

  All that morning, Alexander's thoughts kept returning to the ancient prophecy warning those who do not stand against the darkness would be removed. Each time the idea surfaced, Cyketh followed it with doubt and confusion. When the vote was called, Alexander hesitated. Not wanting to cross the king, and knowing this was his chance to build a bridge with Edric and the High Council, he abstained. The choice plagued him the rest of his life.

  CHAPTER 11

  "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." - James 1:15

  Stars streaked by as the Chariot and its escort craft continued their return voyage to Theera. Three days after the conclusion of the executive summit, Darius finally recovered. He assured Alexander it was the right choice to abstain from the vote though Darius intended to notify the AOW of the Realm's withdrawal upon returning to the homeworld.

  During the middle of the night shift, the corridors of the Chariot were all but vacant as Koraden made his way toward the engine room. Though his clothes and skin made him appear as one of the races from the Realm, he was no more a son of those worlds than an Edonian slug.

  He entered the main engineering compartment, and, as was when he checked the previous nights, only a few technicians were present. Crossing to them, he pulled his sidearm and quickly shot them all. Going to the main engine core station, he forewent any semblance of subtlety by simply blasting the control assembly to pieces.