The Indoctrination

by K. L. Bone

  A slight pause then, “Yes, my Lady, I can do that. Though if I may be so bold here, she will know he is forgiven for there is no higher glory than to give one’s life for the Empire. In fact not only was he allowed to do so, he was also given the privilege of giving his life for the daughter of Lord Kasar; his death is every Setian’s dream.”

  “Their dream is to die?” I asked.

  “To give their life for a higher cause, yes.”

  At first, the fact that others died for me kept me lying awake many a nights. The memory of the men who had taken the shots meant for me tore me up inside. Yet Lord Kasar came to my side and told me that, “Their deaths should be honored, not mourned,” a philosophy which would be taught continuously throughout my training. Over time, as instances such as this continued to occur, the constant death caused me to become withdrawn. With the exception of my already established friendship with Lord Kavra, I stopped connecting with people for fear of losing them. With my removal from outside relationships my emotions began to disappear, along with my guilt. Then one day, I don’t remember when, I found myself believing, truly believing, that they had died so one better than they could live.

  It was a few months later in the battle of Mesta that one of the guards knocked on my door. The battle had been won two days before and Lord Kasar had flown down to the planet, leaving me in charge of the ship. “Come in,” I said from the black chair in front of my desk where I was seated. Karagteon 27 entered the room and gave a low bow.

  “What is it?”

  “My Lady Kasar,” he began. “During the recent battle, Sectra 234 disappeared from battle. He was listed among the dead and would have received honors in tomorrow’s ceremony upon Lord Kasar’s return.”

  “I feel a ‘however,’ coming on.”

  He nodded. “He was found today by one of our commanders on the planet. He was brought in for questioning and I believe,” he cleared his throat. “He abandoned the battle, my Lady.”

  I straightened in my chair, surprised. “You mean he is a deserter?”

  “Yes, my Lady. I need your instructions on how to proceed. I can deal with the issue if you wish.”

  I shook my head, “No, I will deal with the issue. Is Sectra 234 on this ship?”

  “He is being transported here now, my Lady.”

  “Good,” I responded. “Have everyone on the ship assemble in the main interrogation room when the ship arrives. Have Sectra 234 escorted there as well.”

  My orders were carried out and half an hour later, everyone was assembled and awaiting my arrival. I gave a call to Lord Kasar for approval which was readily given. I left my room to enter the interrogation chamber. Sectra 234 was in a horde form standing between Karagtenon and another guard. His arms were chained behind his back. He wore a thin black shirt and a pair of black pants. At eight feet tall, he towered above me as I stepped in front of the waiting crowd. He was not from Kasar’s personal ship, so I had never actually seen him before.

  “Sectra 234. Do you know who I am?”

  He glanced around the room and then back to me. “The one in charge,” he said.

  “That would be correct,” I answered. “Do you know my name?” He shook his head in the negative. I motioned towards Karagtenon and asked Sectra, “Do you know who he is?”

  “Yes,” Sectra replied, “he is Lord Kasar’s captain.”

  “And if I am in charge, what does that make me?”

  “A Lord?” he guessed.

  “Close enough. Tell me, Sectra 234, did you desert the battle? A simple yes or no answer.”

  Silence fell before Sectra finally hung his head and said, “Yes.” When he started to say more, I cut him off.

  “Silence! Or are you unable to follow simple instructions as well?”

  I turned to the men standing behind me, arms at their sides, backs straight at perfect attention. “You all heard the confession,” I said firmly. “I want to make it clear to everyone standing here today that cowardliness and desertion shall not be tolerated by this Empire under any circumstances.”

  The two guards pushed Sectra to his knees. I leaned towards the captain and without a word, removed the sword from his side. The metal blade slid along the saber, ringing throughout the silent room. I raised the sword with both hands above the side of Sectra’s neck and then moved the blade down. “The penalty,” I said as the sword sank into Sectra’s neck, “is death.” Blood raced down his skin, into his shirt. His body slipped towards the ground. “May your sins haunt you for all eternity.”

  I wiped the sword on the body’s shirt and placed the blade back in the captain’s sheath. I turned back to the crowd standing behind me. “The next person to abandon battle shall not only die, but face inquisition as well. Are there any questions?” The room remained silent. “Take this,” I motioned towards the body, “off my ship.”

  Chapter XV

  During this time I was also trained in military strategy. Using amazing holographic technology, the best and worst battles in our history were played out as I was instructed in the ways of war. I was lectured, quizzed, and taught constantly. By the time I was done, I knew the best way to attack almost any type of situation, the most commonly made mistakes, and how to readjust battle strategies in a limited amount of time to obtain a given objective. I was drilled until I could recite the rules of war in my sleep and was thrilled the day Lord Kasar began allowing me to plan some of the smaller missions on my own which required such circumstances.

  When I was sixteen, Lord Kasar put me through the last, and what he considered to be the most important part of my training; it was the hardest and most awful thing I had ever done though the horror of it seems strange now, as it quickly became a part of my life that I not only came to see often, but to enjoy. I was taken to a planet that I did not recognize. The sky was a shade of sickly green and the ground was covered with coarse sand. As I stepped off the ship, I was hit by a wave of intense heat produced from the three scorching suns high in the sky. I was escorted to one of the clear Setian pools located on the surface of the planet. There, I was put directly in front of the pool and was instructed to watch as the helpless creatures on this miserable little planet were dragged to the pool and infested. I stood there for what seemed like hours watching the pure horror of the scene as it played out. As I watched, I came to a startling discovery that should have scared me, but did not. I realized that although what was being done was horrible to see, I was not horrified. I found myself thinking that it was okay for this to happen as long as it was for the good of a better species. These poor creatures lost their minds so that a more superior race could live. Lord Kasar saw this in my eyes, and as we looked at each other, a native of the planet was brought before me.

  “My Lady,” the guard on the prisoner’s left said, “this prisoner would like to speak with you.” I looked at the creature standing between the two guards. He was tall, had four legs, and was covered with grey fur. From a tiny mouth with four lips, the creature spoke in a language I did not understand.

  “What did he say?” I asked in basic Setian.

  “My Lady,” the guard stated, “he asks for death.”

  I blinked and took a step forward. “Would you please repeat that?” He did. I looked up at Lord Kasar and once again met his eyes. He simply stared at me, waiting. I looked at the creature being held before me. He was slumped between the guards; his fur was matted with blue blood which ran down his front left leg. His eyes held the sadness of utter defeat. The man said something else and I looked at the guard holding him.

  “He is begging,” the guard translated.

  I once again glanced at him, Lord Kasar, and back to the guards holding him. “Take him to the pool.” The guards moved the prisoner back to where the line of men waited to be infested. He screamed and tried to run, but the guards held him tightly. I watched in silence and continued to watch until long after he had been moved to the end of the pier, forced to his knees, held still, and enslaved. When I finally found
the courage to look away it was to look at Lord Kasar. As we stared into each other’s eyes, we both knew; my indoctrination was complete.

  That night when I went to my room, I was surprised to find a dazzling gown laid out across my bed. A red rose laid across the black silk of the gown with a note written in black calligraphy that said ‘I would be honored if you would join me for dinner tonight at seven in my private chambers’ signed with an elegant ‘K.’ I picked up the delicate rose and breathed in the sweet fragrance, closing my eyes to imagine they were all around. Then I gently placed the rose aside on the bed and picked up the gown. It was floor-length with a slight train down the back that would follow me as I walked. The sleeves were long and cut at sharp angles so the top of my wrists were only partially covered. The front of the gown was covered in sequin patterns that ran down in spiral designs. With full petticoats, it was breathtaking.

  I called my maid and had her help me put on the gown. I sat before a mirror with silver inlaid within the frame and allowed her to curl my long black hair before pulling it into an elaborate up-do. Ringlets hung down and framed my face. Ruby lipstick, pale blush, and deep blue eye-shadow brought just a touch of color to my otherwise dark attire. Then to my further delight, my maid placed a strand of rubies around my neck with a single strand hanging down to touch the top of my dress suggestively. I had never seen the necklace before, but knew that this to, must be from Lord Kasar.

  At seven o’clock, I entered Lord Kasar’s room. Everything was exquisite. He was dressed in a black suit jacket, red shirt, and black pants. The room was warm and the table had been set for two. The fire behind him was blazing, offering what little light the room held. Though places such as the control room were full of what he called ‘false light,’ Lord Kasar’s own room was lit only by flame. I was seated at the small square table while Lord Kasar opened a bottle of Champagne. “A toast my Lady; to you and to the Setian Empire.” I touched my glass to his before taking a small sip. “It is only a matter of time before the council declares you a leader on your own.”

  “I would be honored to have such a title bestowed, my Lord.”

  “Yes, and the council will be proud to bestow it.” He drank more of the champagne as dinner was brought into the room. I have little recollection of what we spoke of during the meal, as I could not seem to keep my mind from wandering.

  “Chrissa,” Kasar asked. “What is that saying? A penny for your thoughts?”

  I flashed a smile from across the table. “Kavra usually offers diamonds.”

  “Oh, does he now?” it was Kasar’s turn to smile. “How about an Empire?”

  I laughed. “No, he’s never offered me that.” Then in a more serious tone, “I was just wishing he was here.”

  Kasar nodded. “You have much love for our young Lord, don’t you?”

  I could not suppress a smile. “Yes, I do.”

  Kasar nodded again, before gazing at me in silence for several moments.

  Then, at some unseen signal, soft music began to filter into the room. Kasar stood from his chair and reached his arm toward me. “Dance with me, Chrissalynn.” I stood and placed my hand in his allowing him to lead me to the marble floor on the left side of his private chambers. I leaned my head against his shoulder and he pulled me close. I have no idea how long we were on that floor before Lord Kasar pulled back and gazed at me, his arms holding me tightly. Then he leaned forward and placed a kiss upon my lips so gentle that they barely touched. I stood there looking at him for several moments, curious and unsure of what had just happened.

  “Do you know that you are mine?” he asked softly.

  “Of course, my Lord.”

  “No,” he shook his head, then turned his sapphire eyes directly into my emerald ones. “I don’t think you do.”

  “My Lord?” I asked as though in a daze.

  “I love you as I love nothing.” He paused, allowing his words to wash over me. He leaned down and kissed me again; a deep, firm kiss filled with so much intensity it was almost fierce. “I will protect all that you love, my Lady. As long as you understand; you are mine.”

  My heart began to beat faster as he took my hand and guided me into the next room. A large bed stood in the center, draped with deep, burgundy blankets. He moved me to the edge of the bed, and sat down beside me. “Lord Kasar,” I whispered.

  “Edward,” he said. “Within these chambers, you shall call me by my first name.”

  “Edward,” I repeated the unfamiliar name.

  He leaned forward and kissed me repeatedly before slipping his arms around my thin frame. He unzipped my gown slowly. Then he leaned back from me and pulled the long sleeves down my arms and off my shoulders. He stood and moved me with him, my dress falling to the floor.

  “You are truly beautiful.” His voice sounded almost haunted as he moved his hand to touch my cheek, slowly raising my gaze to meet his own. “The most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”

  Chapter XVI

  The planet of Palta was under Lord Kasar’s jurisdiction. Not long after my seventeenth birthday, Lord Kasar and I were in the Cultra galaxy when a report came in that Sentile scouts had at long last been seen on the East side of the planet. The entire Sentile army was lying just two respecta away. The battle Savrick had foretold so many years ago was about to take place. Lord Kasar called three additional Setian Lords to his side. All together we had just over thirty-thousand ships. Lord Kasar split the army between the other Lords and himself. I was sent down to the planet to lead a ground-based group in order to protect the natives from any enemy ships which might slip through the outer defenses.

  The Sentiles came in full force with just over twenty-eight thousand ships. As you know, the Paltas are a peaceful species who, despite having a high level of intelligence, knew little of technology. The Paltas have three short legs and most were less than three feet tall. They are covered in fur that comes in a variety of colors, from dark blues to brilliant greens, bright pinks, and florescent yellows and oranges. A few of the lucky ones are born with colorful wings, but they were a select group. They were, and thanks to us still are, known as some of the greatest minds in the galaxy, famous for both their creative tales and relaxed state of minds. After hard battles, top commanders are often sent to this planet as a reward for their services. The planet is among the most colorful of any within the Empire; no cities grace its surface. The Paltas spend their days tending their flowers, playing in the sunshine, and telling stories on starlit nights. They are one of my favorite allies. The very idea that the Sentiles would ever want to harm such a wonderful species baffled me.

  When it was determined that the Sentiles wanted to destroy the Paltas, I began to fortify the inner defenses. Working by night in an attempt to ensure that what we were doing went as unnoticed as possible, I re-located the Paltas from open fields to trees deep in the forests which helped provide cover.

  We put high-powered force-fields around and placed well-armed guards in each of the thirty camps formed, holding about three thousand natives. When the Sentiles arrived we were as ready for them as we could be, and their initial reaction was to pull back a little and re-group. I highly doubt that the Sentiles expected such a force to be mobilized to help protect a species they considered so far beneath them.

  Now, what I did not know was that several weeks before our arrival, the Sentiles had sent a small crew of people. They landed in a deep, deserted valley on the south side of the planet. There, the Sentiles set up a communications jamming device that would cause us a lot of trouble later. Our own force’s arrival on the planet was as low-key as the Sentiles had been. We never knew they were on the planet and in turn, they did not know of our existence.

  Meanwhile, the battle began while my troops guarded the camps around the planets. Though the sound did not carry, the lights of the battle above us lit up the night sky, lasers streaking through the darkness like shooting stars. I spent much of my time in the communications room anxiously awaiting the hourly updates
that came my way. The Setian troops fought fiercely to prevent the Sentiles from bringing the battle to the planet, but on the second night, a small force broke through. The enemy ships flew over the open fields where the Paltas had built their small adobes. They burnt those into the ground. I had placed scouts near each of these major fields and they were quick to call in. “Sentiles ships firing on planet!” They reported over the planetary communications system. “I count twenty-two on the North side.”

  “More on the West!” another voice called, the screech lasers being heard in the background.

  “All scouts return to the nearest camp immediately! You have exactly four minutes to get behind those force-fields before they go up. Four minutes do you hear me? All troops prepare for battle. Commanders, I want outer perimeter sweeps every three minutes. Remember, the Sentiles don’t know that there are ground forces. We have a few minutes to prepare, maybe take a few ships down before they figure it out.”

  “The houses!” someone said.

  “Can be rebuilt,” I answered. “I want everyone back here, now!” Then I turned to my communications commander, “Contact the main fleet, let him know what’s going on.”

  “Yes, my Lady.”

  I ran outside to where the Paltas had gathered, many reading their books, attempting to sleep, or calming the younger children. I told them of the current situation and ordered that everyone was to stay by the command center for further instructions. Four minutes later, everyone was inside and the force-fields were up. I went back to the communications room. “More reports have come in. A total of eighty ships have been sighted, and I’m sure more have made it through.”

  I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. We had recently installed a new satellite-based system into this planet for this purpose. “Turn on planetary radar and uplink to the main system so we can track exactly where these ships are.”

  “Already done,” someone said. A three-dimensional hologram of the planet appeared in front of me. As I watched, small red dots began to appear on the screen representing all unidentified ships within the atmosphere. If the ship had been one of ours the computer would have recognized it and marked it bright blue on the map. I studied the map for several minutes. Between the thirty refugee camps we had sixty-five ships safely behind force-fields. According to our data, ninety ships had managed to break through battle lines and enter the planet’s atmosphere. “Contact High Command,” I ordered.