Rika Destroyer (Aeon 14: The Genevian Queen Book 3) by M. D. Cooper

Author:M. D. Cooper [Cooper, M. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Wooden Pen Press
Published: 2020-10-28T16:00:00+00:00

LAYERS

STELLAR DATE: 06.15.8950 (Adjusted Years)

LOCATION: Valhalla, Capitol

REGION: Pruzia System, Nietzschean Empire

Early the next morning, Hammond stood on the same docking platform high upon Valhalla’s spire, watching as a steady procession of shuttles marched down from the heavens, landing one after another on the tower.

Most of the shuttles contained various dignitaries who had come for the ceremony later in the day, but a few ferried the admirals of the High Command, as well as their small armies of aides.

“I’m still not sure which I’m more amazed by,” Zas said as she ambled toward Hammond, a dozen members of her command following behind.

“The options being?” he asked.

“Poulos’s gall or his moxie,” Zas replied. “Constantine’s not even a month gone, and he’s strengthened his powerbase to have himself proclaimed emperor.”

Hammond nodded. “Almost makes you wonder if he’d been planning this for some time.”

The other admiral shrugged as she settled in at Hammond’s side, her retinue forming up behind. “He’s a politician, he’s probably always been working at this.” She glanced back. “Where are all your people?”

“Busy,” he replied. “You forget that my offices are here in Valhalla. My command is already within the tower.”

The statement wasn’t meant to brag, but rather to inform Zas that his people were in place, ready to do what was necessary to preserve the future of Nietzschea.

“Of course,” she nodded. “You’ve worked in close proximity with the council for years.”

Hammond couldn’t tell if the statement was an insult, or recognition of the tactical advantage it gave him. It didn’t matter overmuch. Zas liked to posture, but she’d reached her pinnacle years ago. No one would follow her, which meant she’d always be someone else’s creature.

They stood in silence for a few minutes, nodding to a few dignitaries they knew as the politicians and businesspeople strode past, each one likely headed to meetings with other powerbrokers where they would solidify alliances, and scheme in advance of the new emperor’s advancement.

“They smell blood in the water,” Zas said, echoing Hammond’s thoughts. “Change like this always spells opportunity for their types.”

“If only it did for us as well,” he replied. “All we’re in for is more problems.”

“If it were an easy job, anyone could do it.”

Hammond grunted in agreement, then pointed up at one of the descending ships. “Yara’s finally here.”

Zas shot him a dark look. “You make it sound like she should have been here already. She doesn’t answer to you, you know.”

Despite the fact that he really wanted to tell the other admiral off, Hammond adopted a friendly smile. “Sorry, not what I meant.”

She gave him a narrow-eyed look before turning to look up at the ship, silence falling again.

Hammond busied himself with a few pressing matters over the Link as the pair continued to wait.

Siding with Yara only felt marginally more tolerable than joining forces with Poulos—assassination attempt notwithstanding. The high admiral had made a deal with him that, if the day’s events went in her favor, she’d carry out his plan for staged withdrawals in systems surrounding Genevia, so long as it wasn’t touted as the primary strategy for dealing with the rebellion.

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