Casgor saw Elder representative Wyllaver enter the chamber, along with his counterpart from the Maxima system, Elder Torshan. Behind them, Casgor spotted Amadeus Evenstar in the hallway, exchanging words with the Elders from Redwater, representatives Faulyde and Hyste. Casgor kept an eye on them as the other Directors arrived and took their seats. His gaze drifted to meet Wyllaver’s, whom he gave a subtle nod to before sitting down himself.
“Adjudicator,” Wyllaver said after clearing his throat. “The Elder from Maxima wishes to request a ruling.”
“Elder from Maxima recognized,” the Grand Adjudicator replied in its deep robotic tone. “State request.”
“Maxima would like to request the vote on offensive measure T-800 ahead of schedule, to be voted upon by the council immediately.”
“Request confirmed,” the Grand Adjudicator said. “Call to vote ahead of scheduled date must now be passed by simple majority of council. Voting clock has begun.”
Casgor steepled his fingers and watched patiently as Faulyde and Hyste made their way to the Redwater booth to vote. The Elder representatives all input their votes at the consoles in their booths. The results came up on the monitor above the Grand Adjudicator’s head. Casgor looked at it, and as expected, the Evenstar alliance was voting against the ruling, as the Skyborn alliance was calling for it. Then, after all the votes were in, the ruling passed by a simple majority.
“Ruling to immediately vote on offensive measure T-800 approved,” the Grand Adjudicator declared, “unless overturned by majority Directory vote. Are there any objections?”
“Aye,” said Jamerones.
“Aye,” said Phenberg.
“Nay,” said Casgor, Zersee, and Ridsco in turn.
“Directory opposition in minority, the rule has passed,” the Grand Adjudicator declared. “Voting on offensive measure T-800 will now proceed.”
Wyllaver got to his feet, observing the customs that typically went with a formal vote on a bill that was before the council. “Recognize Elder Wyllaver, of Maxima,” he said.
“Elder from Maxima, recognized,” stated the Grand Adjudicator.
“I vote ‘nay’ on the measure,” Wyllaver announced, before keying his vote into his console.
“Vote acknowledged,” the Grand Adjudicator confirmed. One by one, the Elders all stated their votes, the Grand Adjudicator validating them and entering them into the record. So far, every Elder was voting as Casgor had predicted. He sat, rocking slightly in his chair, a small smile on his face. When every representative from the systems in the Atreides sector had voted “present,” he wanted to cheer. Now he was certain there was no way Amadeus Evenstar had been able to rally enough votes to pass the measure. The rest of the voting was simply a formality. Casgor had, once again, won.
When the final colony representative from the Rim cast his vote, it put the “nay” category over the top by one, just as Casgor had anticipated. His gambit had worked, and he felt like getting a drink and celebrating. At least, until Elder Faulyde stood up.
“Voting will now be concluded,” the Grand Adjudicator announced.
“Point of order,” said Faulyde. “There is still one more Elder Representative who has not yet cast his vote.”
A murmur ran through the council chamber. Casgor was immediately alarmed, sensing some type of stunt. What is that little brat Amadeus playing at? he wondered. Casgor got to his feet. “I would like to point out to the Elder Representative from Redwater that by my vote tally sheet, every representative has been accounted for,” he said loudly.
“And I would like to point out to the honorable Director that his vote tally sheet is out of date,” replied Faulyde. “If it pleases the council, I would like to request the final vote on this measure from the Elder Representative from the planet Earth – Jack Finnegan.”
The double-doors to the council chamber opened and Jack entered the room, his attaché android at his side. There were audible whispers of astonishment as Jack walked down the aisle toward the floor of the chamber, taking a place beside the Redwater Elders in their booth. Casgor looked at Jack, dumbfounded, before he regained his composure. “Point of order!” Casgor announced. “The Council does not recognize this… child. The floor is reserved for official Elder Representatives only.”
“Point confirmed,” droned the Grand Adjudicator. “Only officially recognized Elder Representatives may address the Council.”
“Point of order,” shouted back Jack, subtly glancing at the palm of his hand. “Earth was just ratified as a full member world of the Empire, granting it equal representation in the Council of Juniors and Council of Elders. I am Earth’s official representative, and therefore, I legally have a seat on both Councils.”
“Point confirmed,” said the Grand Adjudicator. “Database shows Earth accepted as full member planet. Earthman Jack Finnegan is officially recognized as an Elder Representative.”
Casgor looked at the robot as though he couldn’t believe the ruling. “This is preposterous!” he said. “Those titles are nothing more than honorary! The Earthman cannot possibly be an Elder representative – he does not even have a planet left to represent!”
“If I’m not mistaken, Director, neither do your people,” replied Jack.
A murmur shot through the Council chambers as Casgor glared at Jack, insulted. “How dare you say such a thing!” bellowed Casgor. “The people of Regalus Prime number in the millions! They are deserving of representation!”
“As are the people of Earth,” retorted Jack, snapping his fingers. “Tell ‘em, Dan-o.”
“If it pleases the Council,” said Dan. “Amendment 289 of the Imperial Constitution specifically states that after the fall of Regalus Prime, the existence of member planets is no longer required in order to have fair and equal representation within the government. Thus, though the planet of Earth is no more, as a full member of the Empire, it shall enjoy the same representation as other member planets that now no longer exist.”
“Confirmed,” droned the Grand Adjudicator. “Earth representation is recognized under Amendment 289.”
Jack smiled at Casgor. Oh, so this is how you want to play it, do you? Casgor thought. Fine. Let us take it to a tie. “Very well,” Casgor announced. “The Council recognizes the Elder from Earth. How do you vote?”
“Earth votes ‘yay’ on the measure,” replied Jack.
“Vote acknowledged,” said the Grand Adjudicator.
“The vote from the Earth Representative has brought the ballot to a tie,” announced Casgor. “The measure will now fall to the Directory for a tiebreaker…”
“Point of order,” interrupted Jack, loudly. “Earth wishes to pledge both its votes to the measure, thus ensuring its passage, and not requiring the need for a tiebreaker.”
A roar went through the Council chamber as the different sides began yelling their support or displeasure at Jack’s announcement. Casgor felt his chest tighten, his eyes wide with shock as he glared at Jack. The Grand Adjudicator enacted an annoying beeping noise that started to quiet down the room. “Order, order, order,” the robot droned.
“Point of order!” shrieked Casgor. “Elder Representative Finnegan is one man. The law specifically states that one vote is allowed per representative! Not two!”
“Point confirmed,” replied the Grand Adjudicator. “Section 2389B of bill 007-R confirms, one vote per representative.”
“Danny,” said Jack, crossing his arms smugly. “Tell them what’s up.”
“If it pleases the Council,” said Dan. “Amendment G771 of bill 007-R, more commonly known as the ‘Bob Clause,’ specifically states that in the event a singular entity exists to represent its planet’s membership within the Empire, that entity is granted special privilege to have equal representation within the Council of Elders, thus granting it two votes, just like every other member planet receives. Elder Representative Finnegan is the last remaining member of his species, and thus, falls under the purview of the amendment, granting him con
trol of the votes of both Elder Council seats.”
“Point confirmed,” said the Grand Adjudicator. “Elder Representative Finnegan acknowledged under Amendment G771. Two votes granted.”
“And I vote,” shouted Jack as loudly as he could, “that we go out and kick some Deathlord ASS!”
With that, the council chamber practically exploded into commotion. Casgor looked at the Earthman, his brain still unable to fully comprehend what had just happened. His gaze moved to the observation gallery where Amadeus Evenstar stood, smiling smugly down back at him. Gebhard Skyborn wasn’t standing too far away from the young man, looking exceptionally angry.
“Votes recognized,” announced the Grand Adjudicator over the deafening noise of the commotion. “Proposal T-800 of offensive action against the Deathlord menace is hereby passed.”
Jamerones and Phenberg got to their feet, large smiles on their faces, shaking hands with one another. “I can’t believe that worked,” Casgor heard Jamerones say.
“Gotta hand it to the Earthman,” Phenberg replied. “He is certainly full of surprises.”
Casgor felt dizzy. He had to lean against the table for support. Anger was boiling within him so fiercely, he felt as though he wanted to vomit. Commotion was still raging within the chamber as heated debates were erupting between Elders of opposing factions. Casgor looked up to see Jack walking toward him, a smug smile on his face. Casgor sneered at him. “I bet you think you’re rather clever, don’t you?” growled Casgor.
“Well, considering I just got my ship back, kept my friend from getting exiled, and brought the fight to the Deathlords for a change… yeah, I’m feelin’ pretty freakin’ clever right now,” Jack replied.
Casgor raised his brow in bewilderment.
“Oh, didn’t you hear?” asked Jack in mock surprise. “All those amendments Amadeus Evenstar pushed through this morning? Yeah, they state that my ship is the sovereign property of its people – which is me, by the way – and that the Empire has no claim to it. Not to mention that all Rognoks within the capitol receive a full legal pardon for any and all offenses committed within the past two weeks. And wouldn’t ya know it? That bill just passed.”
Casgor’s face was flush with anger as he gazed at Jack, his eyes wide with rage. Jack stepped closer and looked directly at the man, not the least bit intimidated.
“That is why you should be afraid of me,” said Jack softly.
The brazenness of the statement took Casgor aback. Jack smiled and turned to walk away, throwing his fingers up in a “V” for victory sign casually as he did so.
“Peace out, loser,” he said.
The image of the boy mocking him played out in his mind the rest of the day, and Casgor found his mood turning more and more foul the longer he obsessed over it. How could this have happened? he kept thinking to himself, over and over again. No one has ever gotten the better of me! EVER!
Casgor retreated from his duties to his private quarters, avoiding all contact with those clamoring for explanations. The blame for this debacle was going to fall squarely on him, there was no doubt about that. It had, after all, been his idea to push for the vote. His message box was already filled with email messages from Gebhard Skyborn, as well as other members of his voting block to whom Casgor had given assurances, all of the notes angry and threatening. He did decide to have a drink after all, but now it was more for quelling his rage than for celebrating. He broke out an aged bottle of Halperion brandy, a booze he felt was appropriately strong for the occasion.
Casgor took a drink, gazing out the window of his quarters at the sprawling city below him. He normally looked down upon the capitol with disdain, but at that moment, he wished for nothing more than just to set the entire city ablaze and watch it burn to cinders. He was still seething inside, kicking himself for having been blindsided. He should have seen something like that coming. He’d dismissed the Earthman as a foolish child, but today, he’d proven himself to be a rather considerable annoyance. That was clever of you, turning my gambit to steal your ship away against me, Casgor thought. I hate people who are clever.
“You failed,” came the voice he’d dreaded hearing.
Casgor sighed. He’d expected the shadow would show up. His defeat today made that unavoidable. It didn’t, however, make the conversation they were going to have any less unpleasant. “Simply a setback, nothing more,” Casgor responded.
The shadowy figure to whom the voice belonged moved across the room behind him. “I am beginning to wonder about your usefulness, Director,” the voice said.
“Do not forget that we are where we are today because of me,” Casgor responded, testily.
“The success of the past does not excuse the failures of the present,” said the voice. “If the Empire mobilizes against us now when we do not have a primary fleet to fight them with, all will be undone.”
“You think I don’t know that?” grumbled Casgor. “I’ve been doing everything in my power to try and keep our militaries focused on holding this blasted house of cards together so your lot can have time to rebuild your blasted ships! By now, you were supposed to have your ‘invincible armada’ cutting through the galaxy, but instead, I’m left scrambling due to your incompetence!”
“It is not my incompetence,” the voice replied calmly. “I have delivered everything I said I would.”
“You, Zarrod, it makes no difference,” said Casgor. “The plan relies on all playing their parts. And when one fails, it makes it all that much harder for the rest of us.”
“So what do you propose?” the voice asked.
Casgor swished his drink around in his glass, watching the ice as it gently clinked at the sides. “The Princess,” he said. “How far along is she?”
“Far enough so that she hears my voice as her own thoughts. I’m even able to trigger certain emotions within her now.”
“Do you have enough sway yet to get her to take action if need be?”
The shadow was quiet for a moment. “I believe so,” he said.
“Good,” Casgor replied. “We must accelerate our timetable. It is time we made our move against the Directory.”
“That is risky,” cautioned the voice. “The stage is not fully set. We could run into… unforeseen obstacles.”
“Desperate times call for desperate measures,” said Casgor. “What the Earthman and Amadeus Evenstar pulled today has forced our hand. We cannot afford to take the slow and steady route any longer. If we do not strike now, we will not get another chance before the fleets mobilize. And by then, it will be too late.”
“Very well,” said the voice of the figure as it moved back to the shadows to disappear once more. “I will play my part. You make sure to play yours.”
“Don’t worry,” said Casgor quietly as he downed the rest of his drink, the alcohol burning his throat as he swallowed. He glared out at the city below him, his face a mask of loathing and disdain. “No one plays this game better than me.”
Chapter 47
Anna stared out the window of her chambers, once more looking down upon the capitol from a height so dizzying, it was tantamount to a god gazing upon all of creation. She gently laid her hands on her stomach, which was tied in knots over what she was about to do.
You are not worthy.
She steeled herself, trying to force the voice of doubt out of her mind. Instead, she willed herself to hear Shepherd’s voice in her head. Be strong, he’d said. His final words. Words to live by. She needed to be strong, now more than ever.
“Your Highness,” she heard Seqis’s voice say. Anna turned and looked at him, standing in the entrance to her room. “The Directory has assembled, per your request. They are awaiting your presence.”
Anna nodded and smiled at Seqis nervously. “Thank you, Commander,” she said. “Before we go, I wish to have a word with you.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” Seqis replied. “What would you like to speak about?”
“I am about to do something… that will n
ot be popular,” Anna said. “I do not expect it to go over well. And I am going to need your support if I am to go forward.”
“You do not need my support, Your Highness,” Seqis replied. “It is not my place to play in the politics of the realm. My only concerns are your safety and well-being.”
Anna sighed. She approached Seqis and took his hand in hers, looking him in the eyes. “Commander,” she said. “This is not about your duty. I know you and the other Vanguard are unwavering in your sacred oath. This is about… this is about something more.”
“More?” asked Seqis.
“I am the last member of Legacy Prime, Commander,” Anna said. “I am all alone. And yet, it would seem fate has chosen me to rule. I may not sit upon the throne yet, but I can no longer stand aside and watch as my Empire crumbles and my Legacy dies. Today, I plan to take the first step toward seizing my destiny, and when I do, I do not wish to be alone. You and the other Vanguard are the closest thing I have to a family right now. Without you and the others standing by my side, I am not sure if I will have the strength to go through with what I must.”
Seqis frowned. “I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking of me, Your Highness,” he replied.
“I am asking for you to commit to more than your duty, Commander,” Anna said. “Tell me, what made you decide to devote yourself to my Legacy?”
“For thousands of years, Legacy Prime has ruled most of the known universe,” Seqis said. “It has stumbled a few times, but it has always ruled with wisdom and compassion. It has fostered peace and enlightenment among its people. And when times have been at their darkest, Legacy Prime has been a beacon of hope that has guided those who were lost to safety. I devoted myself to your Legacy because I believe in it, Your Highness. With all my body, mind, and soul.”
Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army (Earthman Jack Space Saga Book 2) Page 52