Black Legion: 03 - Warlords of Cunaxa

by Michael G. Thomas

  What the hell are they doing?

  Xenophon assumed, like most of the others, that the ship had lost power and been pulled down through the atmosphere. Instead though, this one seemed to be slowing down, and her weapons systems were busy launching projectiles in all directions.

  “It’s Pleistoanax,” said one of the Laconian soldiers on board.

  They all watched as the burning craft unleashed a torrent of firepower that cut a swath through the enemy craft, giving the dromons the window they needed to blast up and away from Cunaxa. Every single pilot took advantage of the respite they had been granted and accelerated away. As the flotilla of small craft rushed past the burning ship, Xenophon looked back. He felt both anger and sadness at seeing the burning warship as she fell ever downwards, her guns firing continually like a fallen beast lashing out at its attacker. Hundreds of small explosions surrounded her bulk and it was clear, at least to him, that the ship had lost its ability to pull back into orbit. His thoughts were answered when the ship broke apart just half a kilometre above the city of Cunaxa itself. Fuel, ammunitions and burning chunks of metal rained down upon the city and its mighty Citadel. The flames and flashes vanished as they moved up and out of the atmosphere and to the fleet of waiting ships. The Titans and the escorting battleships were drawn up in a defensive formation with hundreds of small vessels moving soldiers, equipment and survivors to safety.

  “What do we do now?” asked Tamara, still nursing her injuries and until now, silent in the dromon. Glaucon looked over from his position at the gun on the flank and shrugged. Xenophon looked to Roxana and then to Artemas. Neither appeared particularly optimistic at their prospects.

  “I’ll tell you what we’re going to do,” he said firmly. “We’ll jump to safety, leave the Empire, and then rebuild the Legion.”

  “Leave?” asked Glaucon incredulously. “Do you know how many weeks, maybe even months that kind of journey will take?”

  Xenophon nodded slowly.

  “Yes, it will be long and dangerous. But, we either do that or we give up right now. We will have to work together. Laconians, Arcadians, even Thessalians.”

  They sat in silence and waited as their dromon followed a group of other Laconian craft to the port-landing bay on the Titan Valediction. The landing was fast, much faster than normal. Many more craft were coming in behind them, and the turn around by the crew was efficient and very smooth. Artemas stepped out first, followed by Glaucon and Xenophon who both helped the wounded Tamara down the ramp. Waiting for them were a group of Laconian commanders, including Dukas Chirisophus as well as Dukas Xenias of the Arcadians. Xenophon tried to salute, but he needed his hands to help Tamara. A group of medics rushed over with two moving to her, and the others moved inside to check the other casualties. Dukas Chirisophus stepped up to Xenophon.

  “Dekarchos. We heard about the Strategos. We will mourn him properly soon. I need to know, did he have a plan? What did he want to do next? Some of our people want to go back down, some want to leave for home, and some want to negotiate.”

  Dukas Xenias nodded in agreement.

  “My troops will follow the lead of the Laconians for this.”

  Xenophon looked to Artemas. She did her best to smile, turning away to speak with Roxana.

  “Dukas. Before he died, he said just one thing to me. He told me to protect the Legion.”

  Chirisophus looked confused at his answer.

  “Protect the Legion? How exactly did he propose this?”

  Xenophon was starting to become impatient. As the medics took Tamara away, the others moved to Xenophon’s side. Glaucon seemed especially annoyed at the Laconian’s tone.

  “He didn’t have much time to say anything else. He was busy dying.”

  Xenophon turned to Artemas and beckoned towards her.

  “This is Lady Artemas, niece of Cyrus. She has knowledge of this part of the Empire, detailed local knowledge. With her help, I’m sure I can project a route that will take us home safely.”

  The small group of bloodied and tired looking Dukas looked at each other and spoke in hushed tones. More craft continued to land, and the medics were hard pressed to get the wounded out and to the medical bays before another arrived. Finally, they stopped. Chirisophus took a step closer to Xenophon and looked down to the bloody weapon given up by his commander.

  “Until we convene a full military council, I have been chosen to lead the Legion. As one of Clearchus’ warriors in his last battle, you have a place among my people. From today, you may consider yourself a true friend of Laconia. Now, the Medes fleets are converging on our own forces, and our situation is looking precarious at best. You were there when our Strategos fell, and you heard his words. You carry his weapon, and every commander in the fleet will take heed of your words...for now.”

  That last part sounded almost like a threat, but Xenophon chose to ignore it.

  “So, Xenophon. What would you recommend?”

  Without hesitation, Xenophon answered.

  “Choose any destination that will move us away from this place, and jump. When we are safe, we can rebuild the Legion and plan our next step.”

  Chirisophus seemed satisfied with this simple proposal and turned away from Xenophon. He looked one last time, almost longingly at the damaged weapon of Clearchus and then marched back into the innards of the Titan. The other Dukas moved to follow him, with the exception of Xenias, commander of the surviving Arcadians. He placed his hand on the Dekarchos’ shoulder.

  “You’ve done well, Xenophon.”

  He then looked around to the others. Glaucon was cut and bruised all over, yet still carried his pulse cannon across his shoulder. Roxana’s was covered in grime and blood still dripped from a number of cuts to her scalp. Even Artemas, the beautiful Median woman was bruised and scratched.

  “I want you to know, you all have a place with Arcadia. You have friends here, and I suspect our journey home may be even more dangerous than the one that brought us here.”

  With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Xenophon cradling his prized relic and standing amongst the wounded warriors and dozens of medics. The great hulk of the ship shuddered every few seconds as Median energy weapons licked at her shields ineffectually. Xenophon opened his mouth to speak, but the rumble as the main engines powered up stopped him. Instead, he turned to his friends and then to Artemas. She looked just as bruised and exhausted as he was. None of them spoke until finally Glaucon took a step away.

  “I need a drink. Who’s coming with me?”

  Roxana smiled and moved towards him. Xenophon looked back to Artemas who took a slow breath and nodded in agreement.

  “Yes, I think we could all do with a drink, a very strong drink.”

  APPENDIX I: THE GALAXY

  APPENDIX II: PEOPLE

  Andronicus

  One of the senior commanders of the ground troops in the Arcadian contingent. He played a minor part in the action at Cilicia and was involved in the debacle of the Olympia.

  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.

  Kleandridas

  One of the two topoteretes of the Ten Thousand, deputy commanders of the Armada and close friends of Clearchus. He was from a poor mining family that were killed during the Mining Revolt, a famous event in Arcadian history. There were later rumours that the revolt was staged by the Medes under the command of Ariaeus.

  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.

  Pasion (Komes)

  Commander of the Night Blades. A strong supporter of Dukas Xenias and one of the first Terran officers to be involved in the fighting at the Cilician Gates. Quick to anger and very distrustful of the Medes, he was also an expert in the use of heavy weapons and explosives.

  Pleistoanax

  One of the two topoteretes of the Ten Thousand, deputy commanders of the armada. He oversaw the operation at the Cilician Gates while Clearchus and Kleandridas commanded the operation from the ground. An outstanding officer and the best in his class at the Arcadian Army Academy. Considered by many to be the finest tactician in the fleet. He might have even made it as commander of the Legion if it were not for his infamous womanising.

  Roxana Devereux

  Officer in the Alliance Navy, friend of Xenophon. Met on Attica before enlistment. A confidant and tall women with thick auburn hair and grey eyes. She was almost the same height and build as Xenophon and spent time both in the Alliance military and working as a mercenary prior to the expedition.

  Sharon Hughes

  Pentarchos on the Vendetta. Leader of one of the many spatharii units that served on the Arcadian Titan Olympia. Famous for being the only survivor of her unit following the calamity of the Olympia incident.

  Tamara

  A young teenage warrior with the Black legion. A runaway with experience of smuggling and black market dealing.

  Tissaphernes

  Median Satrap and high lord of the rich regions around the Cilician Gates. Close friend of the Emperor and major rival of Cyrus. His power and influence was second only to his scheming and politics.

  Xenias (Dukas)

  An Arcadian soldier and commander of the Olympia. He took a vast contingent of 2,000 mercenaries with him to join the Ten Thousand. His junior commanders included Komes Pasion, leader of the Night Blades.

  Xenophon

  A citizen of Attica and rumoured to be a pupil of Kratez. Saw limited service during the Terran Civil War. Prefect of the Inner Wards on Attica. Eventually forced into exile with Glaucon. Blamed for death of his father Gryllus, who fought for the rights of the citizens with the Thirty. Joined the Ten Thousand mercenaries that fought for the rebel Prince Cyrus against the Empire. Though an ardent Attica loyalist, he showed sympathy towards the Laconians and argued against continuing hostilities with them all his life. Famously single for most of his life, avoids getting too involved with any one person. He was tall and slender, with cropped blonde hair and dark blue eyes, and known for being introverted, highly conservative and intellectual.

  APPENDIX III: TERMINOLOGY

  Anusiya

  The elite royal military of the Median Empire. Known as Anusiya in their own language, it means something akin to immortals due to their large numbers that never dwindle.

  Arcadia

  A Terran world famous for its stoic warriors and weak stability. Many Alliance politicians would joke about the elections not being needed on Arcadia, this was apparently due to the number of coups.

  Asgeirr-Carbine

  Laconian close quarter weapon. Fits in the fist and lower arm of a warrior and combines a razor sharp blade and a cut down pulse carbine. The entire unit is compact and very light. Short ranged but very powerful, its blade can punch through most armour.

  Attica

  The heavily populated homeworld of the Atticans and the capital world of the old Terran Alliance. It was one of the earliest colonies established by the Terrans in their earliest years of expansion. Home of Xenophon, Glaucon and Roxana.

  Citadel of Cunaxa.

  Built on top of a natural peak in the centre of the capital, it was surrounded by a dozen star-shaped fortresses and joining walls of thirty metres in height. Behind all of this was the Citadel itself, a mighty structure covered in domes and pillars that reached up into the clouds. Landing pads, weapon turrets and shield generators covered the entire site. It was the most impressive defensive structure on the planet of Cunaxa Secundus, the second most important planet in the Median Empire and guarded the route to the Imperial homeworld of Babylon Prime.

  Combat Drones

  War machines built on the worlds of the robotic domains for defensive purposes throughout the
Medes Empire. The standard models were of a similar size to a Terran but much broader in the upper body. They lacked complicated hands, and instead were equipped with low velocity pulse weapons and blades. They were designed to be resilient, but lacked tactical awareness or planning capabilities.

  Dekas

  A small unit of ten soldiers, commanded by a Dekarchos.

  Doru Mk II Rifle

  Arcadian, standard weapon used by the light infantry for scouting and special operations. The Doru MK II used a high velocity pulse round and was capable of long distance interdiction and could penetrate most modern armours.

  Dromon

  Generic name for small transports, assault ships and rescue ships. One of the most popular types of craft used throughout the Terran planets. Most were capable of atmospheric flight.

  Elamite

  A Scythian Class heavy battleship of the Median Empire. Almost half a kilometre long, and frequently used as a command ship for Median fleets. One of the largest ships ever seen outside of the Median Empire’s own territory.

  Epilektoi

  The elite bodyguard unit of the Laconians used to defend senior commanders at home and on campaign. A full company of these warriors were stationed on the Titan Valediction under the command of Komes Artemis. The unit contained ten elite Dekarchos, each promoted from the ranks of Laconian bodyguard units.

  Fort Plymouth

  The most distant and powerful of the Alliance Olympus class outposts. It was situated within striking distance of the border worlds of the Empire. It was the home of the Armada during the last war with the Laconians. With thousands of personnel and hundreds of ships, it was impregnable to all but a full invasion. Stationed over 200 parsecs from Attica and nearly 230 parsecs from Laconia. 14 jumps were required for the trip, a journey that would take 2 weeks from Attica if stops were made at Alliance refuelling stations. With tankers, the trip could be conducted in half the time.