Initiation Series: Series One Compilation (Terran Chronicles)

by James Jackson

  Voknor monitors the progress of Waazh’s craft, and is excited to learn that all eight construction docks have vessels at various stages of construction. True to their word, the Regents present Waazh with the first vessel, with Sharz and two others receiving theirs in short order.

  The four Regents no longer debate if they are going to see the Emperor, it is now simply a matter of when. They decide not to wait for too long, and to depart as soon as the first few craft are ready. Though reluctant, they each leave a considerable number of engineers and miners to continue the rebuilding efforts. In an uncharacteristic move, the Regents also agree with Voknor, that Cindy is to be placed in charge of all vessels, until their return. Once they are back, the Regents will decide what to do with the vessels, if any are built.

  Chapter Sixteen – Emperor Yoolon

  Lilpax is nervous, yet excited, as she stares at the main viewer. They rush to meet the Emperor, and the closer they get, the more excited she is becoming. She can only imagine the surprise to anyone paying attention, when all craft reactivate their navicons.

  Regent Voknor’s flagship spearheads the force, flanked by a cruiser on each side. On either side of these are the flagships belonging to Regents Jukalore and Hemlax, making the leading force, one to be reckoned with. Each clan’s fleet fans out behind their respective leader, and brings the number of vessels to eighty-three. Lilpax smiles as she realizes that although Waazh only has a single, standard craft, he is still a Regent in the eyes of the Empire.

  Skylow breaks her thoughts when he states, “Regent, I have received a communication from a Regent Novik. He wishes to join our forces.”

  Voknor frowns, then asks, “How would he know of our plans?”

  Skylow glances at his console, then says, “Regent Jukalore has just informed me that he knows of this Regent, and others who will be joining us!”

  Many Regents accompany Voknor’s forces, if for nothing more, than to be present at this historic meeting. What was eighty-three, soon becomes one hundred, one hundred-twenty, and then one hundred-fifty.

  The ever-expanding fleet approaches the official marker for the inner clans, and passes beyond unchallenged. Two hundred and fifty vessels belonging to many clans, now travel as one force. Each Regent brings their flagship to the front, some above, and some below the first three, creating a spearhead for the impressive armada.

  Skylow turns and says, “Regent, we have company. Three inner fleets are on an intercept course.”

  “Understood.” Voknor replies. He reviews his own data, becoming more apprehensive as he does so.

  The approaching fleets each number more than one hundred vessels, and with their intentions being unknown, the periphery clan leaders become anxious.

  Voknor taps on his console, thinking, then orders, “Contact the approaching forces.”

  Moments later an aging Gamin stares at Voknor from his main viewer. He demands, “Regent, what are your intentions?”

  Voknor replies, “I was going to ask you the same question.”

  “Don’t play games with us, Regent. Now answer my question.” Demands the old Gamin.

  “Very well,” Voknor replies, then states authoritatively, “I seek an audience with the Emperor.”

  “Go back to where you belong, you have no right to an audience, and none shall be granted!” Responds the aging Gamin bluntly.

  Voknor stands, then strides closer to the viewer and states, “I have been reviewing our laws, and they state quite clearly that we are equals, Regent. Secondly any clan represented by more than one hundred vessels is entitled to an audience.”

  “Your clan is not one hundred vessels strong!” laughs the older Gamin.

  Voknor sneers, “I stated the exact wording of the laws governing an audience, and at last count I have more than double that number with me.”

  “You twist the intent of the laws!” Replies the older Gamin.

  “As do you!” Enforces Voknor, who then states, “So, unless you’re going to fire on your own kind, I suggest you escort us.”

  The main viewer goes blank, and stays that way.

  Lilpax monitors the approaching forces, then gleefully announces, “All of them have stopped, and…” She pauses as she receives an update, then grins as she relays her findings, “and it would seem we have escorts!”

  A short time passes, then a Gamin wearing a long flowing robe, appears on the main viewer, and states, “I am the advisor to the Emperor, and understand that you seek an audience.”

  Voknor nods as he replies, “That is correct.”

  “I grant you the right to an audience, Regent Voknor, and look forward to seeing you, and those who escort you, on the Emperor’s flagship.”

  The second the advisor’s image disappears off the main viewer, Lilpax shares her fears, “It’s a trap.”

  Voknor ponders the situation, then says, “If it is, then there will be a bloodbath to rival any Atlan attack.”

  Skylow reports, “Regent, we are approaching the Emperor’s fleet. Thanks to the support of the Regents, all craft have provided me access to their navicon units, allowing us to disengage all main drives simultaneously!”

  The sight of the massive armada all slowing to sub-light speeds in unison, sends a clear message to those monitoring. They face a coordinated force, and not some rag-tag assembly of ships, as they first thought.

  Voknor smiles at the thought of how their fleet’s arrival must have looked to the Emperor, and then reminds himself to thank Hemlax for the idea.

  Skylow reports, “The Emperor’s fleet is three hundred-twenty strong, including eleven cruisers.”

  “Impressive,” states Voknor, who then adds, “I seriously doubt there will be a fight, but if there is, destroy the Emperor’s vessel, then disengage!”

  Lilpax stares at the main viewer, disappointment evident in her voice as she observes, “The Emperor’s flagship is not bigger than this one!”

  Voknor turns and replies, “There was a limit to the size of the vessel that could be constructed on our home world, and then lift off into space.”

  Skylow feels a chill run up his spine as he exclaims, “That must have been a sight!”

  Voknor recalls what he has read of their history and shares his findings. “Forty clans launched that day, some small like ours, others larger, a few much larger. We can be thankful for one thing; most clans have a flagship of this size and were intended to be the only vessels with a hatchery.”

  Lilpax questions, “Some clans do not have a flagship?”

  “Not of this size,” Voknor replies, “their clans were too small to build one.”

  “So even back then, it was each clan for themselves?” She spits out in disdain.

  “I hope to change that!” Voknor states, though his confidence is waning.

  Skylow interrupts their talk, “Regent, we are approaching the Emperor’s craft.”

  Voknor nods, then says, “The fleet is yours Skylow. If the Emperor attacks, destroy his flagship, then get everyone out of here.”

  Lilpax cries out, “No! You will be on board that ship!”

  Voknor stands and stoically replies, “If the Emperor attacks, then I will already be dead.”

  Skylow bares his teeth as he declares, “And if that happens, they will pay.”

  Prytec arrives at the bridge and states, “Your shuttle is ready, Regent!”

  Voknor strides past Lilpax, reaching out and touching her as he passes, then without a word he leaves.

  The small flotilla of shuttles travel from the fleet to the flagship. Many of them wonder if they are going to be destroyed, or welcomed. Prytec has never seen so many ships in one place in all his life. He is anxious; the short trek feels as though it is taking a long time. Finally, they arrive at the Emperor’s vessel, and land inside its hangar.

  A regal guard awaits them, then escorts the group to a vast hall where the Emperor is waiting, seated on a massive, ornate, raised throne. Close to fifty Gamin stand in the hall, also waiting.
Their robes vary in style, but each is ornate, indicating they are Regents, or have other positions of great authority.

  Voknor nods to Regents Jukalore and Hemlax, then acknowledges the other Regents who follow. There are six supporters that Voknor does not recognize, yet they are putting their clans at risk by coming and standing with him.

  The Emperor stands, then states commandingly, “It has been a long time since we were visited by any of the outer clans.”

  The room becomes quiet as all expect Regent Voknor to reply, and when he does not an uneasy murmuring fills the chamber.

  The Emperor glances around, as if confused, then queries, “Regent Voknor, you are here, seeking an audience, are you not?”

  “Emperor Yoolon, now that you have addressed me directly, and by my title, protocol has been satisfied.”

  A low hush fills the room as many turn to each other in surprise. Voknor’s statement, though correct, still comes across as slighting the Emperor, and that is a risky move.

  Emperor Yoolon stands and shouts, “You dare talk to me of protocol! Me?” He runs his gaze up and down Voknor, then sneers, “You’re the one wearing an Archon’s robe, and yet that position is far above your status.”

  “Yes! I wear this robe in respect for that time, and the Archons of past.” Voknor replies in a measured tone.

  The Emperor waves an arm at those gathered and states, “I granted Regent Voknor this audience out of respect for his deeds and accomplishments, and yet here he is, insulting us with his robe.”

  Voknor strides forward a few paces, stops, then states, “I am not here to insult, I am here to inform you of events which have transpired, events which will have far reaching consequences for us, all of us!” He adds as he casts his gaze around the room.

  “You came all this way to tell me of events!” The Emperor states mockingly, “You could have saved yourself the trip, and sent a message, as you have done in the past.”

  “This is too important for a mere message, Emperor.” Voknor counters as he turns his full attention to the Emperor; determination showing clearly on his features.

  The Emperor glances around, as if bored, then states, “By being here, you have weakened our position, and exposed us to an attack!”

  Voknor scoffs, “An attack! I would welcome an attack now. We number better than one thousand strong; usually my fleet numbers in the mid-twenties, and yet we fight!”

  The room fills with murmurs as many agree with Voknor’s statement.

  “We?” Sneers the Emperor, “You make it sound as if we would automatically fight? You have no vision for the future, Regent.” He adds condescendingly.

  Voknor turns his attention to those gathered, and then boldly states, “It is my vision of our future which brings me here!” He pauses as he makes eye contact with many in the room, then continues, “How many eggs are produced each cycle? How many hatchlings? You in the core have been protected from battle losses, but I can tell you. We are a dying race, and,” Voknor turns and points to Yoolon, as he finishes, “he knows it!”

  Spit flecks from Yoolon’s mouth as he rages, “How dare you address me in such a manner!”

  Many in the room wait for their Emperor to step forward and strike Voknor down, but when he simply stands where he is and postures instead, it causes many in the room to wonder how strong he is.

  Voknor turns his back to the Emperor, then shouts, “We are a dying race, but I have a plan, one that will save us from ourselves.”

  The Emperor shouts over Voknor, stating, “You have no right to present any plans. Guards, remove this petulant Regent, his presence annoys me.”

  “Let him speak!” Shouts one of Voknor’s supporters.

  “You granted Regent Voknor an audience,” Jukalore shouts, “or do you fear his words?”

  The Emperor sits down, then as he picks at his teeth, states, “Say what you came here to say, then be gone, Voknor!”

  Regent Voknor waits for the room to go quiet, then states, “I have forged an alliance with two races; these Humans, and Kord survivors, have a planet, far from here, where as we speak, Gamin craft are under construction.”

  The Emperor shakes his head as he states, “We do not ally ourselves with anyone.”

  Regent Waazh steps forward and bravely states, “My clan only survives, thanks to these Humans. We were left for dead by the Emperor!”

  “Which clan are you?” States one of the finely robed Gamin.

  “Regent Gordok was my Regent!” Waazh replies proudly.

  A few of the older Gamin in the room turn and glance at each other, then one shouts, “Impossible!”

  Regent Voknor strides toward the older Gamin and states, “I have proof that the Empire knew his fleet was under attack by the Atlans, and yet was not provided assistance. In fact, the Atlans found his clan, over and over again.”

  The older Gamin demands, “What are you saying?”

  Voknor smirks, “You know more of this matter than me. Perhaps you would share your knowledge?”

  The noise in the room increases as old rivalries surface. Many demand the older Gamin say what he knows, others that this is old news and not worth mentioning.

  Regent Voknor raises his voice over the bedlam, “My point is that the humans saved Waazh’s clan, then came to my aid, which cost them their home world.” He pauses to let that sink in, then states, “In addition, the Atlans have attacked many Kord outposts, and must be stopped!”

  The Emperor claps his hands slowly, condescendingly, then as the noise reduces in the room, he states, “Thank you for your update Regent Voknor, you may leave now.”

  Voknor immediately replies, “We need allies like these to defeat the Atlans. All we ever do is retreat, while they build up!”

  The Emperor ignores some of Voknor’s statement, and states, “As the leader of your clan, you can do as you wish, but the Gamin Empire will not ally itself with them. They have nothing to offer us.”

  Voknor passionately counters, “I disagree!”

  A low murmuring immediately fills the chamber with Voknor’s comment.

  Yoolon shouts, “How dare you challenge me!”

  “It is not a challenge, it is my opinion. One based on what our clans have experienced during the years of surviving on our own.” Voknor replies as he motions around, indicating the Regents who came with him.

  Yoolon glares as he orders, “I should have your clan exiled, and let the Atlans finish you off!”

  Regent Hemlax steps forward and boldly states, “Then my clan shall join him in exile.”

  “Mine too!” Jukalore states venomously, adding, “None of you have sent ships to support us anyway. So, what’s the difference?”

  Another steps forward, and states, “I am Regent Drake, and if it were not for Regent Voknor, my clan would be lost. He saw to it that new technologies were shared amongst the peripheral clans.”

  Voknor frowns; he has never heard of this Regent. Jukalore catches Voknor’s attention, and lifts a fist, indicating that he knows Drake.

  A voice shouts from the crowd, “When was the last time our Emperor saw battle? Wait, he never has!”

  Yoolon glares in the direction of the voice. The noise of the chamber increases, with many shouting their agreeance. Yoolon steps back in fear as the mood in the chamber suddenly swings to one of anger and hostility, and is directed at him.

  Regent Voknor shouts to be heard over the noise, “I did not come here to divide us! I came here to unite us!”

  Yoolon glances to his body guards and is stunned when one takes out his weapon, and then tosses it to the ground. The room goes quiet as all watch the rebellious guard.

  The guard strides toward Voknor, then stops and proclaims loudly, “My family has served both Emperors since the exodus! But no longer will I stand idle while my clansmen are left to be slaughtered. I offer my services to one who knows how to rally support, not by gilded words, but by his actions.”

  A Gamin, whose ornate robe indicates that he is of
powerful standing, raises his fist and states, “There can be no legal challenges. The days of the Archons are long gone. If you continue along this path Regent Voknor, you will only plunge us into a war amongst ourselves.”

  “I will join Regent Voknor’s cause!” states another equally robed Gamin, who then adds as he strides forward, “And my fleet is two hundred strong!”

  A hush fills the room, as another shouts, “Emperor Yoolon, I do not see any of the outer clans supporting you, and now one of your inner seven can see the way things should be.”

  A Gamin walks to Emperor Yoolon and whispers in his ear. The Emperor stares wide-eyed, visibly shaken. The advisor then walks away, and as he does, mutters, “That fool had better make the right decision!”

  Emperor Yoolon considers what is happening, and realizes that his advisor is correct. In one visit, Regent Voknor has gained the backing of almost one quarter of the Gamin Empire, and he is not even trying to do so. He shudders as he imagines what would have happened if Voknor had actually attempted to rally support from the other clans first, instead of coming straight to him.

  The meeting area is in bedlam as Regents shout at each other, many demanding that their oaths of loyalty to the Emperor must stand, others stating that the Emperor has failed the outer clans.

  Emperor Yoolon lifts his fist and shouts, “Listen to me. Listen!”

  It takes a while for the room to go quiet, and when it finally does, many wait apprehensively. The next few words could very well plunge them into civil war.

  Emperor Yoolon calls out, “I hereby reinstate the position of Archon, and would have Regent Voknor be the first.”

  The room fills with cheering, but many notice the Emperor’s narrow eyes, and begin to go quiet once more.

  Yoolon grins devilishly as he shouts, “Any who wish to challenge Voknor for the position should do so now, as is the right of all Regents!”

  The room goes deathly quiet, clearly Yoolon is hoping for one of his supporters to challenge Voknor, and kill him. When none step forward to challenge Voknor, the Emperor glares angrily at his advisor.

  The Emperor’s personal advisor calls out, “Regent Voknor, as Archon, you have the legal right to challenge the Emperor, and in doing so, there will be no war. All must accept the outcome of such a challenge, as is our way!”