“We’re spread pretty thin here,” Erlacher said to Comron. “I could use someone on tactical. Yaeger claims you’re not half bad.”
He glanced at Yaeger, who shrugged. “Can’t afford to be picky.”
“I can hold my own,” he said as he made his way over to the tactical station. “If I’m recognized, Nethic will be back in Thalonius’ crosshairs. Perhaps you have an extra blast shield helmet around I could use.” He began studying the schematics. His eyes rapidly scanned the readings as his mind efficiently processed the data. By the time DeOrchis approached with a helmet in his hand, Comron was confident he could operate the station as well as anyone else on board.
Vaush was talking to Erlacher, who led her over to an observation chair and requested that she wait there until called upon. Comron turned his attention to the technical readouts. The holographic field showed Erlacher’s fleet, which consisted of twelve galaxy-class battle cruisers, forty-five planetary cruisers, and 105 single fighters. Thalonius’ combined forces outnumbered them in every class at least four to one. What in the blazes was Erlacher thinking? They would be slaughtered.
But when Comron looked at the man, he saw a military commander fully confident in the belief that they would be victorious. He glanced at the Murkudahl who looked on calmly from the sidelines. It was as if the three of them knew exactly how this game would play out.
“We’re coming into the midst of the fire, sir,” DeOrchis announced. “Brace yourselves.”
“Give ’em hell, Yaeger,” Erlacher said with a raised fist.
Comron watched as Yaeger unleashed a hail of photon blast-fire, landing direct hits on everything he aimed at. The Emperor’s Majesty rocked gently as she received a few glancing blows.
“Shields are holding steady,” Comron announced as his fingers flew over the controls.
“Bring us around for another pass, DeOrchis,” Erlacher commanded.
In the midst of the commotion, Comron noticed that the enemy was extremely ineffective in landing any strategic blows. Thalonius’ men were all firing blind as if they couldn’t lock onto them. That’s when Comron remembered the stealth technology Yaeger had used on the tank during the rescue mission. Comron marveled at the massive energy required to camouflage Erlacher’s fleet, rendering the enemy’s radar systems virtually useless.
Comron scanned the schematics again as Erlacher’s men cut down Thalonius’ forces en masse. The readings indicated that Erlacher had only sustained losses of ten percent while cutting Thalonius’ by thirty. At this rate, Thalonius’ forces would be completely routed within the hour. Surely, the Generals Elite on the other side would realize what was happening and devise a way to compensate for it.
No sooner had he thought that when he caught sight of a massive, spider-like vessel emerging from the midst of Thalonius’ fleet. “I’m picking up unusual energy readings from an unfriendly at the following coordinates.” He grabbed the virtual image and stretched his arms outward, expanding the holograph for all to see.
He grew uneasy at Erlacher’s troubled expression.
“All ships open fire on these coordinates. Shields to maximum!”
It was something Erlacher had not anticipated or at least hoped he’d never see! A sick feeling tried to take hold as he watched their weapons fire futilely at the odd structure. Not only was it impervious to their attack, it seemed to be coming alive as enormous spidery legs spread out with some sort of solar webbing between them. At the apex of the extension, the wing webbing began to glow light blue as if absorbing power.
“What in the devil?” Comron said at the readouts. “The damn thing’s harnessing the power of the nearest star.”
“That’s what Star Harvesters are designed to do,” Erlacher snapped, clearly angered by the development. “When the hell did they build a bloody Harvester? Evasive maneuvers, Condit four, evasive maneuvers, Condit four.”
Comron witnessed the smaller ships reacting quickly but the larger ones were slow with the maneuver. His eyes remained fixed upon the charts as the birdlike structure began converting the energy into firepower.
“Get us the hell out of here!” Erlacher ordered.
The burst of energy erupted from the heart of the Star Harvester, sending a focused stream at the nearest galaxy cruiser. It exploded with such a brilliant flash of light Comron thought that they’d be blinded by it.
For the first time since the battle began, Comron acknowledged that they would fail to overcome the odds. They would not defeat Thalonius’ arsenal. He lifted his visor and glanced over at Vaush who stared back with the same expression on her face.
A full retreat was their only sane option, but he knew that once Thalonius tasted blood, he wouldn’t stop pursuing Vaush until he glimpsed her lifeless corpse.
He cursed himself for not leaving when they had the chance, when all of Thalonius’ attention was focused squarely on Erlacher’s band of mercenaries. I should have taken you away then, Vaush. But he wouldn’t speak the words not even telepathically. He didn’t want it to end with them dwelling on regrets or second-guessing.
The hideous vessel was relentless, firing on their ships with surgical precision. One by one, Erlacher’s battle cruisers were picked off in stunning flashes of light. The battle would be over within minutes, Comron lamented.
“Get us into that sun’s corona!” Erlacher barked.
The corona? Comron wondered if the man had gone mad. They’d burn up long before they reached the corona. But, from behind, the Star Harvester bore down on them. Either way, the end was near.
“Vaush,” he called and she was quickly at his side. The courage in her eyes reinforced his. They were together, if this was how it ended, so be it.
“Comron, I—”
“DeOrchis, we’re the only big target left,” he yelled, “Evasive maneuvers, man!”
Yaeger jumped out of his seat and forced DeOrchis out of the pilot’s chair. “Sorry, kid, I’ve got this,” he said, taking control.
Vaush’s fingers dug into Comron’s arm as Yaeger skillfully banked the ship at an impossible angle, causing the Harvester’s shot to fly right past them.
“All hands abandon ship,” Erlacher ordered. “I repeat, all hands abandon ship!”
In dismay, Comron imagined the crewmembers in engineering obeying the order and fleeing to their escape pods. But Yeager and DeOrchis made no such move. Neither did the Murkudahl.
As they flew toward the corona, the temperature rose precipitously and beads of sweat rolled down Comron’s brow and back. The whole view screen was now filled with the star’s corona.
“Take thermal shields to maximum, Van Laven,” ordered Erlacher.
“Shields at maximum,” he replied.
Erlacher turned to DeOrchis. “Give the escape pods some cover.”
“Aye, sir,” he answered as he opened a volley of fire, cutting a path for the pods passage.
“The Harvester has broken off pursuit,” DeOrchis announced as they plunged into the corona. A few of the foolhardy ships followed them in only to burst into flames.
“How is it that we’re not burning up?” Vaush asked. “This must be Murkudahl technology.”
“View screen off,” Erlacher shouted. The screen blinked to a bland gray. “Chaiyse, stand ready,” he called out.
Comron’s gaze fell upon Chaiyse. He felt a small glimmer of hope that she might yet play a pivotal role in turning the tide.
“Grandfather, how long do you think we can hide in the corona?” Vaush asked, wiping the perspiration from her brow.
“An hour at most.” He unbuttoned his collar as he strode up the ramp to the observation station. “We just need to give them confirmation that you’re aboard this ship.”
The plan unfolds, Comron thought as hope began to mount.
“I await your command, General,” Chaiyse said evenly.
“Good, then it’s time to set the trap,” he replied.
Comron saw the conspiratorial wink he gave Vaush.
/> “It’s time to negotiate the terms of your surrender, my dear.”
Comron shot a questioning look at Vaush.
“I haven’t a clue what he’s up to,” she answered. “But it had better be damned good.”
“Thalonius is aboard the Dynasty, just there behind the Star Harvester,” he said to Chaiyse. “That’s our target. Can you manage it?”
All turned to the Murkudahl woman as she closed her large dark eyes. In seconds her form became translucent, and then rematerialized fully. When she opened her eyes, they were several shades lighter.
“Yes, I can, General,” Chaiyse said.
“Excellent.” He glanced at Vaush. “We’ll have you on Novoxos before you know it. DeOrchis, open a com channel to the lead vessel.”
“Com channel opened and ready,” DeOrchis replied.
Erlacher motioned for Vaush to join him. Comron remained behind, choosing not to don the helmet again in the stifling heat. Making use of a small monitor at the captain’s chair, Erlacher allowed their image to be viewed by all under Thalonius’ command.
A visual of one of Thalonius’ generals appeared.
“Ah, General Bruen,” Erlacher stated casually, even as beads of sweat dripped from his chin. “I should have recognized your blunt style.”
“Erlacher? So it is you,” Bruen said, with a touch of surprise and awe. “That would explain the Emperor’s Majesty. You always had a thing for her.”
“You obviously know who I am,” he replied and placed his arm around Vaush’s shoulder, “But do you know who she is?
Bruen shifted uneasily and cleared his throat. “She’s of no consequence to me. I have my orders.”
“She’s our late emperor’s daughter and heir to his throne,” he declared. “If you destroy this ship, you will be guilty of assassinating the family you swore an oath to protect. Do you want that on your head?”
A cool veneer spread across Bruen’s face. “Why don’t you come out of the corona, and we’ll discuss it?”
“First, I want you to give me your word, as one of the emperor’s Generals Elite, that you will allow her safe passage to Novoxos.”
This was his master plan? Comron thought.
Bruen stared with eyes full of incredulity, but then sobered. “You have my word.”
“Can I still trust in that?” Erlacher asked.
“Trust it or stay in there and burn for all I care!” Bruen snapped.
“All right, here we come.”
“Erlacher, no!” Comron shouted. “He’s obviously lying.”
Erlacher waved Comron silent. “Ease us out Yaeger. Cut audio, DeOrchis.”
Yaeger spared a glance at Erlacher before complying. “Aye, sir.”
Comron’s heart thundered in his chest as they emerged to find themselves staring down the barrels of five galaxy-class cruisers and the Star Harvester, charged and ready to fire.
“Everyone, gather around,” he said with a sense of urgency. Comron, DeOrchis, Yaeger, and the two Murkudahl took up a position in a half circle around Vaush. Erlacher made a hand signal at Bhedrus. That’s when Comron noticed an orange orb glowing in his hands. “On my mark, not a second sooner.” Bhedrus nodded.
“I stand ready, General,” Chaiyse said.
“Return audio,” Erlacher said.
“Audio on.”
“Well, you don’t exactly appear to be standing down, General Bruen,” Erlacher accused. “I guess the word of a Generals Elite’s simply doesn’t mean what it used to twenty-five years ago.”
“Fire!” Bruen ordered.
Instinctively, Comron shielded Vaush’s body with his own, as he watched the Harvester emit its energy. Erlacher signaled Chaiyse his “Now” command.
But Comron only heard the thunderous noise as the white beam of light started cutting through the ship’s hull. Then he witnessed another burst of energy emanating from Bhedrus’ orange orb, pushing outward to envelop the small group. Comron held Vaush tighter, as the noise grew louder and the angry wall of fire roiled forward to devour them.
CHAPTER 74
And then there was dead silence, except for the beating of Comron’s heart. Vaush lifted her head from his chest and looked around in confusion. They were in what appeared to be the cargo hold of another spacefaring vessel. One that was considerably colder than the last.
“How did we get here?” she asked bewildered, “And where is here?”
“It was Chaiyse and Bhedrus’ idea,” Erlacher said, restraining a grin. “We’re in the cargo hold of the Dynasty.”
“Thalonius’ ship,” Comron said, sounding all at once impressed and concerned.
Chaiyse suddenly collapsed into Bhedrus’ arms. Alarmed, Vaush dashed over, praying Chaiyse hadn’t pulled that maneuver at the cost of her own life.
“Is she going to be all right?”
“Yes,” Bhedrus said, lowering Chaiyse to the ground. “We are of an age now where teleportation takes a heavy toll on our system. This state is only temporary.”
“Is this the best place for us to be?” Vaush asked, looking around. “Right in the lion’s den?”
“It’s the very last place he’d think to look, not that he would anyway, right, Erlacher?” Comron said. “He believes we’re all dead and his mission accomplished.”
“And now he unwittingly carries us safely to Novoxos,” Vaush said, casting a dubious eye at Erlacher. “This clever fox never intended to beat Thalonius in battle.”
Erlacher cracked a grin. “I’m good, but not that good,” he said with a wink.
“You might’ve let us in on the scheme,” she said with a mock frown. “You really scared the hell out of us.”
“Which was precisely the point, love,” Comron said.
“Your reactions had to look authentic in order for them to believe it,” Erlacher confessed and walked over to one of the storage crates. “Hand me an iron, Yaeger.” He proceeded to work open one of the boxes. “Not that I anticipate any visitors down here,” he said, reaching in to retrieve a military grade blast rifle. “But you can never be too sure.” He handed one to each of them and turned to Vaush. “Well, my dear, I say it’s about time we introduced Novoxos to its new Sovereign.”
Comron Van Laven stood alongside Empress Vaush Hrollaugr and General Erlacher as they awaited the news. Three days had passed since Erlacher had masterfully outmaneuvered Thalonius, and Vaush had undergone an invasive battery of tests to prove, indisputably, her hereditary claim. As was the tradition, the Royal Houses sent a delegation, consisting of members of their household and their chief medical officer, to ascertain for themselves the veracity of the alleged heir’s claim. One by one, they came forth and drew a small sample of her blood from her body—precluding any chance of chicanery. And Vaush submitted willingly, for after they all returned with the same conclusive results, there could never be any questions as to the truth of her royal lineage.
Comron had watched the order of acknowledgements. First, and most notably, came House Dredfort with their positive results proclamation and hearty congratulations. This was to be expected, as Grand Duke Dredfort had two available sons of marrying age and great aspirations for the imperial throne. With a powerful military machine to join to the imperial ranks, they would be a formidable force which none could rival.
House Barukan was next sending the male heir to their enormous diamond mines fortune. Vaush had never seen such a fine spread of sparkling jewels as was laid at her feet. Then came the political powerhouses led by Warbrenger, as if his ships hadn’t been recently on the battlefield seeking to take Vaush’s life. But Vaush handled the matter graciously and Warbrenger left feeling assured he had a legitimate shot at forming a marriage alliance.
Displaying the same diplomatic aplomb, Vaush left Houses Westasfell, Shen Mao, Vikhram, Presovach, Saruku, Cressmorg, and Ostengard all believing they were at the vanguard in the race for the empress’ hand. Still a quorum hadn’t been reached until ten of the thirteen most powerful and wealthiest houses
of the old empire acknowledged Vaush as the rightful sovereign.
So it was, on the third day, late in the hour, it finally came—House Nostrom’s reluctant acknowledgement and muted felicitations to the new empress. As expected, they didn’t miss the opportunity to insult her by sending an all-female delegation. Vaush mockingly marked, “We offer no male in hopes of forming a marriage alliance with the crown—at least not while it’s on your head.”
The official coronation and parliamentary ratification would take place in a fortnight at which time her court would be assembled and a High Chancellor appointed. But her real seat of power and influence would lie in her shadow council headed by Comron. And Vaush had insisted that a small task force be sent to extract Laney Hunner from Ti-Laros so that she and Captain Yaeger could take command of her proletarian guard.
But the thorn in Comron’s side had already begun to rankle. Lady Spira Van Laven, the consummate opportunist, was busy spreading rumors that Comron had taken a high-ranking advisory position in Her Majesty’s administration and, therefore, the two blissfully happy newlyweds would be relocating to Novoxos at the first opportunity, and Spira couldn’t be more delighted about her husband’s prestigious new role or the prospect of living in the capital city with him.
When Vaush heard the news, she’d been too exhausted from the day’s demands to vent her full displeasure. Instead, she collapsed into Comron’s arms and begged him to take her home away from all the clamoring nobles petitioning for an audience. During the interim, while Thalonius vacated the Royal Lion Palace, she and Comron resided at one of the imperial properties in the capital district. The luxurious suite of rooms overlooked the city with a view clear to the palace in the east.
As Vaush slept soundly in their bed, Comron stood on the balcony on the cool autumn night. It was no longer a farfetched dream or mad delusion as Crausin had declared. He was here, at the empress’ side, standing at what seemed like the top of the world, looking down over their vast empire. And it was their empire, to one day be ruled by their son and his son after that.