Empire's Birth (Empire Rising Book 9)

by D. J. Holmes

  “I’m not playing,” James said with the same passion. “I’ve had my fill of career politicians. I don’t know how you think my support will fit into trying to bring this about, but you will not have it without making that amendment.”

  “Well… That is certainly something we can consider and discuss,” Fairfax said in a much more diplomatic tone than Christine had used. “You mentioned two points, what is the second?”

  “I still don’t see how you expect to bring this about. The Emergency Council can’t simply declare this constitution and bring it into force. Colonies would be revolting left, right and center.”

  Fairfax actually laughed. “You’re right of course,” he said after a few seconds. “We certainly don’t expect the Emergency Council to bring it into force. Could you imagine trying to pass this? It would make tonight’s meeting look like a family picnic by the seaside. No, that’s not how we see things playing out. Look around you though, who is here? Christine speaks for China, Koroylov for Russia. We believe we could convince Senator Nicholls to embrace this constitution as well. And… if we have the King of Great Britain on board, then we have the four most powerful Human nations. If we bring this constitution into force between our nations here on Earth and appoint an Emperor, then we would give every other nation a choice they could not refuse. Either they could join the Empire and benefit from the economic and military support joining us would bring, or they could refuse and find themselves facing the Karacknids and whatever else is around the corner on their own.”

  “You mean to simply abandon the Emergency Council?” James asked, he had no idea if Koroylov and Christine could do what Fairfax was saying, nor did he understand why Fairfax wanted to abandon the Council so quickly.

  “I believe the council has run its course,” Fairfax answered. “It has successfully navigated the aftermath of the Karacknid attack. Now something more, something stronger needs to rise from the ashes. A United Human Empire is the only way our species can face the future. The Flex-aor invasion should have taught us this, but it didn’t. Now the Karacknids have made it a necessity. If we continue to squabble among ourselves and view ourselves as separate nations in competition, we will be overrun by the alien species out there. If not the Karacknids, then something else will come along. As long as we are not united, we are weak. I believe that is clear now, what’s more, I believe our people see it. Many of the surviving politicians may not, but the people do.”

  “We can have a referendum then,” James suggested. “Here on Earth, or at least in our nations. What you’re talking about is founding a constitutional empire that may last centuries. Should it not be founded by the will of the people and not just several national leaders?”

  Christine smiled and winked at James. Fairfax rolled his eyes as he looked at the Chinese Empress. “You’re not the first to make such a suggestion Chairman,” he said.

  “I would be quite happy to simply declare that the Russian Star Federation is being folded into this Empire,” Koroylov said, “I believe my people would happily accept such a declaration given the rights and freedoms that they would subsequently enjoy.”

  “It would be a lot simpler to do it my way,” Fairfax said, “…but, I am willing to consider other options.”

  “Then if we founded the Empire here on Earth, we could have a referendum on every colony afterwards. They could all vote to join or not,” James suggested. “Given the unswerving commitment to democracy this constitution implies, I don’t see any other way to bring it into being.”

  “We…? So you are on board?” Christine asked. “I hardly believe it, but you actually sound excited.”

  James paused to consider his emotions. “This sounds like a government I would like to serve as an Admiral. One I would happily fight and die for. That has me excited yes… Bringing it about democratically seems far more appropriate. Plus, it means you do not need me as a King or Chairman, such titles would become meaningless if this was adopted. That I could get on board for.”

  Fairfax smiled a smile James did not like in the least. “I wouldn’t count on them being meaningless just yet Chairman,” he said as he raised his eyebrows. “If we were to found this Empire through a series of referendums, we would still need national leaders to embrace the idea of a referendum and to campaign for it. Having the rightfully crowned King of the British Empire formally endorse and vote for a combined Human Empire would be a very powerful image. And… If this constitution is to be embraced, an Emperor will have to come from somewhere. It’s not such a big jump from King to Emperor, not when said person has already made the jump from Chairman to King.”

  James tried his best to hide his expression but failed. He had had his suspicions about Fairfax’s ultimate aim for some time but it sounded absurd. And far more work than any sane man would ever contemplate, he thought as he imagined what it would be like to have such power and responsibility. Essentially the constitution gave authority for the Imperial Navy and diplomatic relations with other species solely to the Emperor. Internally he had veto power over proposed legislation, but little more than that. As though being in charge of the navy and diplomatic relations isn’t enough! The Emperor was intended to take the lead in times of national crisis and war, but there would be more than enough peace time responsibilities as well. Is that why they had me become Chairman? James suddenly found himself wondering. To set me up for this?

  “Have you nothing to say Chairman?” Koroylov asked. “Did you not understand? We would like you to be our Emperor.”

  James kept his face impassive as he thought frantically. Whether Christine was right about him or not, he knew he didn’t want the role. Not one bit. He would fight and die for such an idea, but he did not want the reins of power. He was an Admiral. “I understood,” he said in a neutral voice. “Though I think it a very bad idea. I will however make you a bargain. If I agree to discuss the idea of laying claim to the British throne, can we table discussions of who should be Emperor until a later date? Such a decision will have momentous implications for our species and how the role of Emperor is fulfilled by all those who follow after whoever takes the role first. It should not be entered into lightly.”

  Christine, Fairfax and Koroylov exchanged glances with one another then looked back to James. “We agree,” Fairfax said. “If you will allow us to actively pursue your ascension to the British throne then we will agree to consider other options for the position of Emperor. Though we are only agreeing to consider mind you,” Fairfax said as he raised a hand towards James. “You may have a hard time dissuading us. Our minds are already fixed.”

  As Christine nodded in agreement, James held back a smile. Though Fairfax, Christine and Koroylov probably thought they had just won one over on him, he hoped he had gained a step ahead of them. He didn’t mind becoming King for a short period if his position was going to disappear within months. And then when the right person to be Emperor takes the position, I can fade into the background, James thought as he imagined his candidate sitting on a large, ornately decorated throne. It wasn’t hard to picture at all. He just had to figure out a way to make it happen.

  When his three uninvited guests took their leave, James made a list of his closest friends. He would need to recruit their help if he was going to make his plan work. As sleep took him he thought of Becket. He hoped she was getting on alright, it was still weeks before she was expected back. Perhaps she would bring some good news, they certainly needed some.

  Chapter 23

  The history of our Empire shows us allies are hard to come by. In the early years, many of the species we now count among our closest friends were forced together with us. Friendships born of fire have proven to last the test of time. It is a pity so many other promising relationships have not borne similar fruit over the centuries.

  -Excerpt from Empire Rising, 3002 AD.

  UNS Unicorn, Varanni Prime, 25th October 2481 AD (eight weeks after the Battle of Earth).

  “They’re certainly in the mid
dle of a war,” Captain O’Rourke commented as Unicorn cruised into the Varanni Home System.

  Becket nodded. There were hundreds of shuttles fluttering between the warships and freighters in orbit around Varanni Prime. There were just as many shuttles ascending and descending through the planet’s atmosphere. Becket had seen more warships in the system on her previous visit, but there hadn’t been nearly as much activity. “I hope they haven’t been attacked too.” It had been a constant fear since James had dispatched her to Varanni Prime with news of the Karacknid attack on Earth. She was hoping to convince the Varanni Alliance to send ships and emergency supplies to help with Earth’s recovery and defense. Yet if they had been attacked as well, it was unlikely there would be surplus to go around.

  “Two Varanni destroyers are moving onto an intercept course,” Unicorn’s sensor officer reported. “It looks like they are targeting us.”

  “To be expected,” O’Rourke responded in a calming tone. “They want to make sure we are who we say we are before we are allowed to progress into the system.”

  Becket glanced down at herself to make sure her uniform was straight and tidy. “On-screen,” she said when the expected request came through. “Varanni Captain,” she said, recognizing the rank insignia on the Varanni in front of her. “It is an honor to visit your system once again. I am Commodore Becket, I bring news from Earth and Admiral Somerville.” Bowing, Becket held the pose until the Varanni Captain spoke.

  “Commodore Becket, you are welcome here. I am Captain Dami’ar, I will send news of your arrival to the homeworld. You have my permission to proceed to Varanni Prime,” the Captain responded. Then he too bowed. “You have my deepest condolences for the losses your people have suffered.”

  Becket’s eyes widened. “You know about the Karacknid attack? How?”

  “We do,” Dami’ar answered. “News reached us from the Kulreans four days ago. It saddened all of my species to learn of what happened. But we are glad you managed to win a great victory despite the losses. I’m sure my superiors will wish to hear all about the campaign your people have fought.”

  Of course, Becket thought. Mentally she did the calculations. Jil’lal had sent a ship back to Vestar with news of the battle. Tak’ar had likely sent FTL communication to Kulrea and Varanni Prime. It would have taken just a handful of hours for the tachyon beam to travel to Kulrea and less than a day to reach Varanni Prime. “That is why I am here,” Becket responded. “I bring news of the attack and a request for aid from your people. Many of those who opposed joining forces with your Alliance in this war are now dead or out of power. My species is fully committed to fighting the Karacknids until they are defeated. We hope that we can stand beside the Alliance until this war has been won. May I ask, have your border worlds come under attack? There seems to be much activity going on in system.”

  “There’s been no direct attack yet,” Dami’ar answered. “Though scout reports have been coming in that strongly suggest that the Karacknid fleets that have been amassing on our borders are preparing to move. We believe news of an attack is imminent. What ships we still have based here are preparing to depart to the front.”

  “Then I have arrived just in time,” Becket said. “Hopefully, the battle report and technical data we have collected will prove useful to your commanders.”

  “That is my hope as well,” Dami’ar responded as he bowed his head again. “I wish you swift passage to our homeworld Commodore.”

  “May you remain vigilant on your patrol,” Becket responded as she mimicked Dami’ar’s gesture before he cut the COM channel. “Set course for Varanni Prime,” she ordered. “Let’s hope the Varanni are better prepared than we were.”

  Four hours later Becket was filled with surprise when she stepped off one of Unicorn’s shuttles and recognized who had come to meet her. It wasn’t a Varanni, but a Crian in a Captain’s uniform.

  “I must apologize, Commodore Becket, for the lack of a welcoming party,” Captain Maleck said. “The Varanni Senate is currently holding an emergency meeting and the High Command is also meeting. I’ve been sent here to escort you to High Command headquarters.”

  “Do not worry yourself,” Becket replied. “I take no offence. I understand the difficulties of the times we face. It is good to see you again Captain. How is Handmaiden?” Handmaiden was Admiral Ya’sia’s flagship. When she had been James’s Flag Captain, she and Maleck had worked closely together on their campaign against the Flex-aor.

  “She is doing very well Commodore,” Maleck answered. “Better than ever in fact. She has been fully upgraded with the best Varanni technologies and we’ve included one or two human bits of tech as well. She is actually in orbit at the minute.”

  Becket shook her head as she smiled. “She must look very different these days. I didn’t recognize her.”

  Maleck smiled. “She has changed somewhat since you last saw her. Now, if you’ll follow me, the Admirals are keen to speak with you.”

  “And I with them,” Becket replied as she started to follow Maleck. “Ya’sia is among them I presume, how is she?”

  “Well but stressed as you may imagine. She’s been given command of one of the fleets that garrisons Delta Fort. It commands the approaches to Cria, so she feels the responsibility for protecting our homeworld. News of the attack on Earth upset us all, but her especially. The Karacknids have been building up large fleets all along our border worlds. We believe the initial phases of their attack plan will commence soon. Most of our senior Admirals have gathered here for a final briefing.”

  Becket nodded. To date, most of her experience with large intersystem wars focused on a handful of key systems that were fought over. Usually each side had one or perhaps two fleets to maneuver. The Varanni Alliance’s war with the Karacknids was something entirely different. There were more than thirty worlds along the Alliance’s border with Karacknid space. Whilst the Alliance had fortified six key systems that an attack was likely to come through, they were still spread out and it was quite possible the Karacknids would try to circumvent them and attack somewhere else. Either way, when the fighting broke out, there would be more than a dozen Alliance fleets operating independently of one another. The commanders would have to know each other’s minds intimately if they were to be able to coordinate their efforts over such vast distances.

  “Do you think there will be any ships that can be spared to help protect Earth?” Becket asked. “Our fleet has taken a serious battering. If the Karacknids returned with something even approaching a sizeable force, we would not be able to repulse them a second time.”

  “That is not for me to answer,” Maleck responded. “You will have to ask the Admirals about such things. Though I do hope you get the answer you are looking for. May I ask, how is your homeworld? The report from Kulrea said there were a number of nuclear strikes on the surface but no more than that.”

  Becket closed her eyes. She hadn’t witnessed the missiles striking Earth, Golden Hind had been too seriously damaged, but she had seen the recordings before she had left the Sol system. Like many naval officers and civilians, she knew the images would be ingrained in her mind for the rest of her life. When she opened her eyes again, she began to share all that she had seen and everything that had happened since the attack. The death toll had been in the hundreds of millions but every estimate when she had left suggested it would rise still further. And that didn’t count the follow-on deaths that would come from the diseases and famines that would likely result from the nuclear fallout.

  “You have my deepest sympathies,” Maleck said when Becket finally finished her story. “I would not wish such experiences on anyone.” Reaching into his uniform, he pulled out a small cloth. Without explanation he handed it to Becket.

  Taking it, Becket stared at it for several seconds before realizing what it was for. Her cheeks were wet, though she hadn’t noticed the tears coming. “I hope none of the Alliance species will have to witness such events,” Becket said.

&nbs
p; When she looked up at Maleck he had a steely glaze to his eyes. “Indeed,” was all he said in reply.

  Slightly embarrassed by her emotions, Becket changed the topic. As they continued to walk, she engaged Maleck in a technical discussion about upgrades Handmaiden had received, inwardly though, her mind raced through the various items and questions she had prepared during her journey from Earth. It seemed like the Alliance High Command would be short on time. She wanted to make sure she covered everything as succinctly as possible.

  “Admirals,” Maleck said after leading Becket into the room where the leading Admirals of the Alliance were meeting. “May I introduce Commodore Becket, she has just arrived from Earth.”

  As Maleck had instructed, Becket walked into the center of the room and turned to face the raised dais where three Varanni Admirals sat. Behind her, and to her left and right three other smaller platforms seated a handful of other Admirals, but it was the three most senior Varanni Admirals who she needed to pay her respects to. Stopping in front of them, she bowed right over until her back was horizontal. “I bring greetings from Admiral Somerville and my species,” she said as she straightened. “But also grave news of a Karacknid attack on our homeworld.”