by Lee Watts
No, he thought, dismissing the notion. That can't possibly be; there's no way he'd conspire to destroy the entire fleet. Edric kept running the scenario over in his head but kept coming to the same conclusion. It's all going according to plan. Salazar's plan. But that means he has planned for this too. If I turn on him now… He knew the harsh conclusion to that line of reasoning. The consequences of replacing Darius was far beyond anything the Councilor ever considered.
It's too late now. Salazar's the future... no, not the future, the present. I'll confront him later. I can control him. I've just got to keep a better eye on him - not underestimate him again.
Determined to be a part of the new regime, and ensure his value to its new leader until he could set things right, Edric was the first in the hall to speak up.
"I am with you," he proclaimed and rose to show his support.
After a moment, another Councilman did the same then another. Eventually, the vast majority of the hall was on their feet in support of Salazar and his proposal. The Marquis of Estrada was one of only a handful of Councilors who opposed the plan's ratification, but the majority ruled.
Due to the emergency circumstances, the Realm was granted immediate membership into the Hegemony. Within hours, fleets of Ramillie ships poured into Theera-Enty space, and tens of thousands of troops landed on Realm worlds. Immediately, they set about securing planets, patrolling borders, and shoring up depleted defenders.
That afternoon, Edric watched with trepidation as squadrons of Ramillie ships flew overhead, and a seemingly never-ending stream of landing craft brought more and more Hegemony troops to the planet. Within a week, the Chinix agreed to the Hegemony's terms for a ceasefire, and the conflict ended with the borders as they were at the start of hostilities. There was one exception, on the maps the area of Realm space was relabeled as "Hegemony Territory-Realm Province."
Salazar was seen as someone whose strong and decisive leadership came precisely when it was needed most. The media heralded him as the savior of the nation. This, plus a report Cheyenne was suffering from what the doctor described as "long term acute anxiety disorder," led the High Council to appoint Salazar as first ever Regent of the Realm.
At the break in the Council session following the vote granting Salazar leadership, the new regent stepped into the royal conference chambers behind the thrones. He wanted a moment in private to relish what he had worked so long to achieve, but as the door slid closed, he realized he wasn't alone. The room was unusually chilly and dimly lit. Silently waiting and seated at the far end of the chamber's long table, was Saqir Nexos, Ramillie overseer of the new province.
Salazar remained motionless, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkened room now set to Ramillie standard. Only half of Saqir's pale face was illuminated by the lone light source. Saqir, whose title had changed from ambassador to administrator, gave a disconcerting, wicked smile and slowly rose, the soft rustle of his heavy clothes the only sound.
"Congratulations, Salazar. The power is yours... but never forget who gave it to you."
"Somehow, Saqir, I don't think you'll let me. I've done my part. It's time for you to live up to your end of the bargain."
"All in good time."
Salazar's brow furrowed, but he remained silent. A crooked smile crossed the Ramillie's face, and he chuckled as he spoke.
"What? Did you think we'd give you everything you want right away? Then what assurance would we have of your continued loyalty? You are naïve, Salazar, but don't worry, we'll live up to our end of the arrangement, but at a time of our choosing."
"That wasn't the deal."
"It is now," Saqir sneered haughtily, "and before you get any ideas about double-crossing us, remember, we alone hold your hope for escaping the caryon. You make a few more concession, ensure things go as we require, and you'll get what you want."
"You underestimate me, Saqir."
"I don't think so. No, I think you'll do exactly as you're told. You're scared, Salazar, and we know it."
"We all have fears, Saqir, even the Ramillie."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, I imagine yours has something to do with this," Salazar quipped as he pulled out an egg-shaped, dark brown stone that began to gently hum. Thinly etched symbols on the rock's surface glowed with a soft yellow light seemingly emitting from the rock's core. The light intensified as Salazar extended the stone nearer the Ramillie who leaned away from the alien device. Saqir's eyes widened, transfixed on the rock.
"Where did you get that?!" he snipped.
"Oh, it's a little something my grandfather left me. Seems he found a trove of them. Some are quite enormous. It would be such a shame if they fell into the wrong hands wouldn't it?"
With the smile now transferred from Saqir's face to Salazar's, the regent withdrew the stone and replaced it in the folds of his clothes. It dimmed and grew quieter as he put it away.
"Now, Administrator, it seems we both have something the other desires, so let us… renegotiate. Perhaps we can both get a little more out of this deal."
Following Salazar's ascendance to power, dissenters claimed the Realm Charter, the government's ruling document prohibits the appointment of a regent and forbids joining the Hegemony because it gives up the Realm's sovereignty. Over the public communications broadcasts, the dissenters were portrayed as minor and temporary fringe-extremists groups. Their protests were mostly discounted, and it was assumed the groups would disband in a short time. The assumptions were wrong.
CHAPTER 18
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain…" - Proverbs 31:30
"There's a Lady Vivica Canton to see you, Regent," came a voice through the speaker on Salazar's desk.
"Vivica? Send her in."
The outer office attendant turned and smiled at the annoyed young woman.
"Only following procedure," he explained, trying to appease the prominent Councilman's daughter. "It's not you. It's the same for anybody."
"I'm not just anybody," she sneered then strode into the regent's spacious office. At the far end of the lengthy room, four people were silhouetted against floor-to-ceiling windows. Vivica knew Salazar and Duchess Yorin but not the two men with them. Each of the men rose as Vivica sashayed in, her flowing skirt, reaching mid-thigh, swished back and forth playfully as she approached. Salazar crossed in front of the desk to greet her.
"My Lady," he greeted with his good arm outstretched. She held her hand out, and he kissed the back of it. Noticing his bandaged arm, she asked if he was hurt.
"Oh, it's nothing that's going to keep me down. It'll be good as new soon. Let me introduce you. Dr. Nim-Gimmer, this is Lady Vivica Canton."
The milky-purple skinned T'lec surgeon nodded in polite greeting.
"Dr. Nim-Gimmer is an old friend of the family."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Doctor."
"The pleasure's all mine, Lady Canton," he replied as he forced himself from gawking at the stunning woman.
"It's nice to have you on Theera. Personally, I think it's a shame you can't practice medicine here."
"Actually," Salazar interjected, "that old prejudicial ban against T'lec medical advancements is no longer in effect. I've issued an executive order taking care of that. A few of the High Councilors complained that's not allowed by the Charter, but I've already done it, and that's that. I'm not going to let some paper stand in the way of doing what's best for the Realm. Besides, access to all Hegemony provinces is a benefit of membership. So our medical centers will be among the first institutions to benefit from our joining the Hegemony."
"Yes," Nim-Gimmer smiled, "we T'lec joined the Hegemony early on, and it's allowed us to advance our research greatly. I'm sure the Realm will be as pleased as we are with the arrangement."
"I'm sure they will," came the deep baritone voice of the Ramillie to Vivica's right.
Turning to the sharply dressed, pale-skinned man, Salazar announced, "May I introduce Province Administrator Saqir Nexos."
&n
bsp; Saqir, in typical Ramillie apparel, was dressed in dark colors that stood in stark contrast to his skin. White as snow, Ramillie skin was opposite of their jet hair and uniformly purple eyes.
"Greetings, Lady Canton. It's a pleasure to meet you in the flesh."
"Finally?" she inquired.
"Yes, Salazar's boasted of the 'Fairest Flower of Enty,' but seeing you… I think he was too conservative."
Vivica smiled in false modesty, then startled upon catching sight of the horrid looking creature leashed to Saqir's chair.
"Don't be alarmed," the Administrator assured her as he grabbed the leash attached to a choke chain about the animal's neck.
"This is a charuk dog. His name's Yeal. He tried to bite me once, but I've long since broken him of such behavior."
Repulsed by the appalling animal Vivica asked, "If it's vicious, why keep it around?"
"I'm sure you've heard of the saying, keep your friends close, and your enemies…," Saqir yanked on chain causing the beast to give a slight yelp, "…even closer."
"Ew," Vivica replied while taking a step away from the repugnant creature.
Salazar finished the introductions by gesturing to the still seated Duchess who was dressed in a trim-fitting, cream-colored pantsuit.
"And of course, you know Mother."
"Duchess," Vivica said with a nod.
"Vivica," she replied coolly.
"I'm sure you're busy with important matters of state," Vivica cooed, "and I don't mean to intrude, but-"
"Not at all," Salazar assured her. "We were discussing the doctor's work then we got off on the topic of the new station."
"Station?"
"Yes," Administrator Nexos informed. "The current Ramillie consulate building is insufficient. So, we are constructing a command station between Theera and Enty. It will be fully operational within six months."
"Wonderful," Vivica commented. "We ought to have a celebration for the opening, a gala of sorts. I love parties. We could make it the social event of the year."
"I don't think so," Mara said dismissively. "I'm sure the Administrator has more important things to do than throw a party. Why don't you leave these matters to us, Girl."
"I just thought it would be fun," Vivica snipped.
"And what," Mara quipped, "we'll cram everyone from the Realm onto the station?"
"We could set up events in each district so the people could be involved, call it Hegemony Day or something. But we have a special celebration on the station, very elite, very exclusive."
"I like the idea," Saqir said. "This will work to our advantage. It's good public relations. We might even invite the Hateeg."
"The Hateeg?" Salazar asked. "Wouldn't they'd use it as an opportunity to spy on us?"
"Yes, but they'll see what we want them to see," explained Saqir. He smiled while continuing. "The power of the station and a prominent display of strength should adequately discourage them. Plus, it'll give us a chance to get an up-close look of one of their new ships. We'll invite them as a… gesture of goodwill."
As the others discussed gala plans, Vivica grinned smugly and stole a glance at Mara. She relished outmaneuvering her. Vivica knew Mara hated her and chalked it up to jealousy. At least twenty-five years older, the Duchess looked Vivica's age. Learning Dr. Nimgimmer was 'an old friend,' Vivica figured Mara was using the T'lec's anti-aging methods that, up until today, were illegal in the Realm. Eventually, the meeting broke up. Vivica was the last to exit, leaving Salazar and Mara alone in his opulent office.
"I don't know what you see in that girl," Mara grumbled.
With a devilish smile, Salazar leaned back in his chair.
"Okay… I know what you see, but be careful. She's sexy and smart - a dangerous combination. I'm a woman; I know her type. She's conniving, and trust me, she'll step right over you if it gets her what she wants."
"Then I guess it's true what they say," Salazar retorted. "You do wind up with someone like your mother."
CHAPTER 19
"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong..." - Ecclesiastes 9:11
The beating wings of the enormous Gralla birds thudded loudly in the air. Shrieking as they took to the sky, they started moving toward the group.
"FOLLOW ME," Jaiden yelled as he started running toward the soaring cliff a short distance away.
"WHY ARE WE GOING THIS WAY?" Cale angrily shouted.
"To get Ichik," was the cryptic reply. Reaching the rockface, Jaiden gestured for someone to give him a gun. With no time to question, Marcus gave him his. To everyone's surprise, Jaiden didn't fire at the approaching Grallas, but instead at the cliff. Suddenly, from scores of holes, jutted thousands of insects nearly half a meter in length. They sported mandibles, scorpion-like tails, and three legs on each side.
Everyone had to cover their ears because of the deafening sound of the flying insects. Alexander noticed the bugs were swarming all over the screeching Grallas. Though far smaller, the Ichik were stinging, biting, and ripping the monsters to shreds. Using the distraction, Jaiden motioned for everyone to follow him and they sprinted away from the carnage.
The sun was low on the horizon when Alexander and the rest of the rescue party, at last, caught sight of the Jago village. From a hillside, they looked down on the clearing of wooden huts and a few stone buildings.
"There's more of than I expected," Alexander said.
"No problem," Cale scoffed. "Primitive weapons are no match for blasters. A few well-placed shots and they'll go running."
"Not likely," Merrick countered. "They're a relentless, brutal people. If you kill one, the rest will keep coming until either us or the entire village is killed."
"If that's how they want it," Cale said.
"Wait a minute," Alexander interjected. "Savages or not, we're not slaughtering an entire village."
"Why not?" Cale asked. "If it's between them and us, then I say it's no contest."
"Doing that might provoke the other tribes to start hunting us," Merrick pointed out. "We're greatly outnumbered here."
"Doesn't matter," Cale dismissed. "Blasters equal the odds."
"For now, but the power cells will eventually go dry."
"We're not wiping out a whole village, and that's that," Alexander stated.
"Then what do you propose?" asked Cale.
"I don't know. It's not like we can't simply go up and ask for them."
"Maybe we can," Merrick theorized.
Puzzled, the group turned to him as he explained.
"These people respect strength, so let's negotiate from a position of strength. The Morningstar survivors knew someone was coming because they saw smoke, so let's let the Jago see us coming too, but first, we're going to need to borrow a few things." He then moved his eyes to the side, and everyone turned to see what he was looking at. It turned out to be carts loaded with straw.
"What in the worlds are we going to do with them?" Alexander asked.
"Changing our appearance" Merrick answered. "There's an old adage, when you're strong, appear weak; when you're weak, appear strong."
That night, two bulky, shirtless men came in the hut where Aulani and Christina were bound. Gripping the women's upper arms, they forced them to their feet and outside. Green-skinned warriors baring torches lined the steps leading up the village's centerpiece structure. Atop the stone ziggurat was a blazing fire where barely clad natives were dancing around the flames. Next to the fire were upright stakes where the women would be bound then sacrificed to the Jago's god, Akaha. Centered between the stakes was the village's holy man who was adorned in an elaborate headdress. The upper half of a beast's jaw, complete with fangs, covered the savage's head, making him look more monster than man, which was the intent.
At the shaman's side was a long, curved dagger. Aulani's pulse quickened as she noticed the blade designed to cut her heart out. Christina screamed and struggled against the muscular native holding her. He tightened
his grip, forcing her toward the steps. Though the younger woman didn't scream, she also resisted, but her efforts were useless against the brawny savage's grasp. Drummers played as the sacrifices were brought. With each step, the thumping tempo and volume increased until finally reaching a deafening and feverous pace. The fire dancers thrashed widely about the flames of the flat-topped pyramid. Jago at the ziggurat's base chanted, spurring on the savage dancers. Aulani wasn't sure if her imagination was playing tricks on her, but the flames seemed to grow as the savages became more lost in the dance and overcome by the beating drums. The flames licked higher, and flickers of light cast grotesque shadows on the crazed Jago faces.
It seemed the girl's hearts were pounding as loud and quick as the drums. Christina screamed in terror and thrashed uselessly as her bulky captor pushed her against a stake, tying her wrists above her, which firmly secured her to the sacrificial beam. Aulani was tied to the identical post on the other side of the shaman. With each woman lashed, he raised the dagger high.
Immediately, the drums and dancers stopped, as did the shouting of the crowd. The shaman began his address by praising Akaha. Christina shut her eyes tightly while heaving from tears of fright.
"Christina!" Aulani called out. "Look. They're coming to rescue us."
"Thank the Elder!" Eyes blurry from tears, she couldn't see clearly. Who is it? Your father?"
"No, it's Alexander and-," Aulani stopped in surprise, "and Jaiden."
Eyes on the religious leader, the people of the village didn't notice the two newcomers. Alexander expected to be spotted quickly but was able to walk into the village without anyone noticing. Looking at Jaiden, the prince shrugged to express he didn't know the best way to get the Jago's attention.
Pulling his sling out from his belt, Jaiden bent over and picked up a small stone. Placing it in the sling, he twirled it a few times over his head then let it fly. Years of practice with the simple weapon allowed him to place the stone right where he wanted, which was smack on the nose of the holy man's headdress.
