“Up!” demanded the Emperor’s Justice.
Ariaeus was in a great deal of pain, but he still lifted himself onto his feet and waited as the tall figure of Artaxerxes approached. He bowed as smoothly as he could, but his bruised ribs slowed him down.
“Now, tell me again how my loyal subject Tissaphernes abandoned the Core Worlds, and has returned to the border with all of my regional forces?”
He took another step and then stopped just a metre in front of Ariaeus.
“Where are the Terran mercenaries?”
The mention of Tissaphernes was the single subject that was able to put fire into his heart. His back straightened as remembered his last view of the Satrap leaving the Core Worlds.
“My Lord,” he started, “Tissaphernes said nothing. He gathered up all the remaining Carian and Lelegian ships and left for his own domain.”
Artaxerxes remained expressionless and waited.
“As for the Terrans, they escaped our forces before we could catch them. They took a number of our ships with them as well.”
“You must have an idea where they are going?”
Ariaeus closed his eyes as the pain in his ribs tore through his body. He opened them again to reveal bloodshot eyes.
“My agents detected them leaving the Core Worlds and heading in the opposite direction they came from. Their course will take them through the Carduchian Pass and eventually on to our border worlds at Trebizond.”
The Emperor seemed satisfied with this news.
“Good. You have been a loyal, if unsuccessful commander, Lord Ariaeus. I understand a number of the Terrans offered you the chance to claim my throne. Why did you not take it?”
Ariaeus sensed a trap, but his mind and body were too shattered to give it more thought.
“It is not mine to take. I am yours to command.”
Artaxerxes considered his words carefully before speaking.
“I have other, more pressing concerns at this moment than worrying about a band of homeless Terrans wandering through my Empire. Now that you have shaken them from the Core Worlds, they are no more of a threat to me.”
He turned away and walked back up the steps where his entourage of generals and commanders waited. Ariaeus counted at least a dozen of them, including his newly promoted generals. He recognised few of them and none seemed particularly interested in him.
“The rebel Amyrtaeus of Sais is the only threat to the Empire that concerns me. This trifling matter with the Terrans is now over. They can wander home in their own time."
Ariaeus watched as he moved, noting with terror that the Emperor’s Justice had taken two more steps towards him. He sensed his life was coming to an end.
“My Great Lord. Let me punish these Terrans.”
Artaxerxes turned back and smiled.
“Why? They have been savaged and now they retreat like a wounded animal. Every time I have sent one of my generals to fight them, they have been bested by their own petty ambition. The Terrans are a violent race, and we will deal with them, but they are not to be underestimated.”
He tried to hide his feelings, recalling the moment where Cyrus had come ever so close to deposing him on Cunaxa. It was a risk he would never take again.
"Tissaphernes has wronged you greatly by letting them cause countless damage to our worlds and fleets. The citizens of the Empire deserve to see your will carried out."
He bowed and dropped to both knees.
"I will not destroy them in one battle as Tissaphernes or Phalinus tried, Great King."
It was an odd statement and seemed to get the interest of all of those watching. One laughed without thinking and received a curt glance from the Emperor's Justice. Artaxerxes waited and then moved back down the steps to stop in front of the battered, prostrate Ariaeus.
"Tell me, noble Lord Ariaeus. What would you do differently?"
Ariaeus knew it was his only chance. He had to appeal to the character of Artaxerxes, the Median who had almost lost everything to these Terrans, but no longer had the time or resources to concentrate on their elimination because of the new revolt under the command of Amyrtaeus.
"Just give me a single ship, My Lord."
"To what end?"
Ariaeus looked up at him and did his best to smile.
"I will bleed them out over weeks and months until just a handful will stagger out to their border. They will starve, suffer appalling deprivation and loss, and their only respite will come at the end when they think they have made it home."
Artaxerxes face lit up as he listened.
"Go on."
"Those last few will face an ignoble death at the hands of their own treacherous kind. I will use what little wealth I have remaining to assemble a small force of Terrans to finish the job, assuming they ever reach the border worlds."
The Great King nodded his acceptance and signalled for Ariaeus to rise to his feet. He held his hand up and turned his around to face the assembled officers of the Imperial Army.
"Noble Lord Ariaeus will be granted access to all worlds, bases, and ships as he continues his valuable quest."
He then leaned in closer.
"Do not return until every one of this so called Black Legion is away from my Empire. I never want to hear from them again."
* * *
Terran Titan ‘Valediction’, Tigrian Maelstrom
If Xenophon closed his eyes, he could believe it was five days ago when they had first arrived at Larissa to trade with the locals. At that moment in time, it seemed the fighting of Cunaxa and the dangers of the Imperial fleet were a thing of the past. Since then, they had been pursued and eventually trapped at Larissa, only to shatter the Medes once more before leaving. What had amazed him the most though, was that almost a thousand warriors from five different worlds had pledged themselves to him as elected Komes since the boarding action. It gave him a powerbase and the mandate he needed for a fuller plan to get home alive.
So much has happened, yet our numbers continue to fall and they never falter.
It was an unhappy thought, made bearable by the fact that all of his friends had made it through the fighting in much the same way it hard started. All of them except Roxana, who was still being looked after by the medics following her impressive encounter with armour piercing pulse rounds. A cool hand touched his forearm, and he shuddered a fraction. The fighting was days away, yet his body still betrayed him. He suspected it would be months, perhaps years before he would accept such a surprise as a welcome one, and not the prelude to something terrible.
"Are you ready, Komes?" said Lady Artemas, her voice quiet and smooth as silk.
He looked at her in her elegant fusion of Terran and Median clothing but still wearing the boots and armour that continued to mark her out as a warrior.
"My Lady," he said politely.
They both turned and looked out at the vast hall of the Titan Valediction.
"Stratiotes," he started.
It was the common vernacular for all the assembled warriors, and a term he had used specifically for this occasion. In theory, the term denoted the lighter armed infantry, although in the last weeks even they had been performing the same roles as the spatharii. In days long past the naval crew were known as the stratiotes. Xenophon used it as an inclusive term, one that would unite the factions of the Terrans.
"Larissa is a reminder to us about our strengths and weaknesses. When we work together as one people, motivated by what ails us all, we can do the unimaginable."
He nodded as he spoke, as if agreeing with himself.
"Yet when we split along familial or national lines, we fragment, and even the Medes can best us."
He pointed up to the ancient carved ceiling of the Titan's great hall.
"When we boarded the enemy flagship, we landed with warriors from a dozen ships in the fleet. There was no master, no Dukas, and no true leadership, just a desire to see the job done. I witnessed the power and dependability of our warriors, something the Medes can ne
ver match."
He paused and let this sink in.
"Even so, we left our worlds with a fleet of close to a hundred ships, including four hallowed Titans and over ten thousand of the best warriors ever seen. We can win a hundred battles and still the Medes will swallow us up whole."
This drew mutters of dissent from the Laconian ranks, but the rest remained silent.
"I therefore make this offer to you all. If you choose me as Strategos, I will lead this Legion out of Median territory and back to our own domains, and with as few casualties as possible. I will not throw away your lives on useless attacks. You will live to enjoy the wealth you have already attained."
He watched a small group of Laconians laughing at the rear but took solace in the fact they seemed to have little in the way of support now. Artemas leaned in and whispered to him.
"Your people have tasted victory and defeat, and they prefer what you have to offer. The results will confirm this."
He watched on as the next Komes from the Arcadians stepped out from the crowd and moved to the front to make his speech. Xenias smiled politely to the man before turning his gaze to Xenophon. At this distance they were too far apart to speak, but the simple nod of thank you was easy to see. Xenophon moved his head just a fraction in response.
Perhaps the vote will go the way I need. In any case, I'm sure Xenias will do his part to encourage his own people to make the right choice.
Artemas could see he was thinking something, but even she was unable to guess what it was. She followed the direction of his eyes, but the crowd had already moved, and Xenias had merged back into the surroundings.
"You keep your little secrets then, Xenophon."
She looked back at the crowd.
And I will keep mine.
* * *
There were always a good number of warriors in the gymnasium, but all of them had moved aside to watch the spectacle of the challenge. The voting had been dragging on for more than six hours now, and the last count had actually delayed the scheduled light-speed jump. Out of a mixture of boredom and frustration, Xenophon and his friends had headed down there to burn off some sweat, but instead the workout had turned into a challenge.
"This is what you want?" asked Glaucon.
Tamara laughed.
"Oh, yes, old man. It's time to explain a few things.”
Glaucon and Xenophon faced off against Tamara and Artemas with blunted training blades. All four were stripped down to their training clothes and wore neither gloves nor footwear. The only piece of protective gear was the thinly padded head covering that was actually more of a coif normally worn under combat helms. The weapons were metal but edged in soft plastic that would absorb most of the impact.
"I don't think so," growled Glaucon playfully.
It was a sparring match, nothing more, yet all four of them took it as seriously as an actual battle. As might have been expected, Tamara made the first move by hurling her weapon at Glaucon. He managed to beat it aside, only to find the teenager jumping up at him screaming.
"Xenophon!" said a loud, brash voice.
Artemas and Xenophon, both who had squared off against each other, paused for a moment and looked to the entrance. The armoured bulk of Xenias entered, along with a number of the newly elected Dukas for the Legion, including Timasion, Xanthicles, Cleanor, and Philesius. The last of them to enter was Chirisophus, and he seemed especially pleased with himself. Xenias spoke first before the Laconian could attempt to gloat.
"Xenophon, I am pleased to inform you that the Legion has voted for a traditional command with a single Strategos and Dukas for each of the major contingents."
Chirisophus nodded and then stepped ahead to block him off.
"I have been selected at Strategos due to my greater combat experience and leadership."
He then paused, as though he was trying to select the right words. His face even dulled a little, and it gave the impression he was being forced to do something against his will.
"The Legion has decided to reinstate the Topoteretes, and you and Xenias have been selected."
He took a short breath before continuing, even though Xenophon seemed numbed at the news.
"I do not always agree with either of you, but I can now see that to lead this Legion I will need both of your wisdom. Will you help me lead this...mongrel Legion?"
Xenophon looked to his friends, each of whom gave him the nod. Even Glaucon who lay on the ground with Tamara's elbow in his throat nodded.
"Very well. What are your orders?"
Chirisophus licked his lips before speaking.
"No orders, just a request."
"Anything," said Xenophon.
"What would you advise we do next?"
That was the first time he had heard the Laconian commander say anything he considered even remotely sensible. It surprised him so much that he almost forgot that he had now become both a Komes in the Legion but also one of the two Topoteretes.
"Just one thing, Strategos."
Chirisophus smiled. It was the first time Xenophon has used a title of his without his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"We should head home."
APPENDIX I: THE GALAXY
APPENDIX II: PEOPLE
Ariaeus
Median general and Cyrus’ second-in-command. The young rival of Tissaphernes but powerful and ambitious. He commanded a fleet that was double the size of the Legion as well as over 20,000 automaton stratiotes. Famous for leading a series of revolts in the border lands against central Median control. He was a loyal friend of Cyrus but never fully trusted by the Terrans.
Arkeisios
Second-in-commander to Dukas Phalinus, the trainer of Artaxerxes conscripts and responsible for establishing the defences of the Cunaxa Nebula. A Zacynthian, like his commander.
Artaxerxes (Emperor of the Medes)
The half-brother of Lord Cyrus and leader of the most powerful Empire in the known universe. Artaxerxes was a shrewd tactician and ruthless in ambition. His personal fortune and Royal Fleet were the envy of every Terran world.
Artemas of Caria
The beautiful daughter of Lygdamis, one of the Median governors of the independent Ionian Territories and niece of Cyrus.
Artemis (Komes)
Commander of the elite Epilektoi unit station on the Titan Valediction. Close friend of Kleandridas and famous for taking the Alliance battle standard at Aegospotami. One of the most experienced junior officers in the Legion.
Clearchus (Strategos)
Clearchus was a famous Strategos, possibly the most famous human leader in the last hundred years and the military leader of the Black Legion. Two metres tall, strong and an expert on space and ground combat. Like all Laconians, his body tough and strong through continuous training and conflict. He missed the end of the war with the Alliance and had been exiled to one of the League’s distant outposts until being found by Cyrus.
Crixus
Laconian politician and former general. Leader of the Thirty Tyrants on Attica during the occupation and considered both a hero on his homeworld and a tyrant on Attica.
Cyrus
Half-brother of the Emperor. Tall for an Imperial but still lithe and quick. Lived in self-imposed exile following the death of his father, rather than risk the wrath of his power-hungry brother Artaxerxes. Secretly arranged for groups of mercenaries to mass at the Cilician Gates. Their mission was the usurpation of the Emperor himself.
Erika Montoya
A Terran politician on the planet Attica. After decades of service for the state, she became one of the Thirty. One of the few officials to survive the pogrom following the reinstatement of democracy. Rumoured to have business dealings with the Laconians and born into one of the richest estates in the Alliance.
Ezekiel Manus
The Kybernetes of the Black Legion cruiser Vendetta, who took over command of the ship following the death of the kentarchos.
Glaucon
Friend of Xenophon. A playboy
from one of the richest families on Attica. A strong democrat that grew up with Xenophon. He joined the democrats on Attica and aided their revolt against the Tyrants prior to his exile. He escaped with Xenophon after being accused of helping one of the collaborators. Known for his bitterness towards Clearchus for the death of his brothers in battle.
Gryllus
Xenophon’s father, murdered on Attica. Member of the Thirty but fought publically for citizens of Attica. Considered a hero after being murdered by Xenophon. In reality killed by Montoya and her henchman.
Julius (Dekarchos)
Dekarchos of the elite 6th Spatharios on board the Arcadian Titan Olympia. Assisted in the evacuation following the disaster and commended for bravery under fire.
Kantos
Fencing instructor from Attica. Served with the Black Legion. Had not been heard of after having been exiled for sedition after fighting the Thirty Tyrants on Attica. His brother was killed prior to him leaving Attica to join the Legion.
Kybernetes Maxentius
The executive officer of the Terran light-cruiser Drakonis.
Meno the Thassalian (Dukas)
A scarred mercenary commander that commanded the Titan Poseidon. Rumoured to be one of the richest Terrans in the fleet, if not the entire Terran territory. He was violent, ill tempered, but a great tactician. His Titan was the most sophisticated and powerful in the Legion and led the vanguard to the climactic battle against Artaxerxes.
Menon
A disgraced Satrap that turned to piracy and slavery on the Imperial frontier. His politics were confused and his allegiance uncertain until his actions at the climax of the battle at the Khorram shipyards where he saved the life of Artaxerxes. Not to be confused with Meno the Thessalian, one of the commanders of the Black Legion.
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