The Friendly Ambassador: The Beginning of the End by David George Richards

Author:David George Richards [Richards, David George]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, women, adventure, action, fantasy, science fiction, dark fantasy, ethics, atlantis, science fiction romance, amazons, military science fiction, sci fi romance, science fiction fantasy, strong female lead
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The Undiplomatic President

Ares strode into The Great Hall of the Council War Room. It was filled with people, most of them gathered about the great globe. The majority of them were Senators. Ares could pick out Aetolus and President Aegina among them. Also present was Otrera, surrounded by three of her Royal Guards. Even with so many Atlantians in the great hall, the Klysanthians were easily seen. They towered above everyone like spindly giants. Otrera was standing right before the great globe, staring up at the coloured lights within. In contrast to her black clad guards, she wore a cloak that was made from a thick and shiny red material. It covered her from neck to ankle. As she stood staring up at the globe, she clutched the edges of the cloak together at her neck, as if cold.

Hephaestus was also in the Council War Room. He was busy with the other Atlantians who monitored the many control consoles that were positioned around the room. The stark appearance of the consoles clashed with the decorative columns and marbled interior of the great hall. When Hephaestus saw Ares enter, he quickly stepped forward to greet him, his expression dour.

“I have heard the news, Ares. Kel-Cid-An’s death is a great loss. But it was of his own choosing.”

Ares paused before his friend. Talk of the geneticist’s death made him angry and he replied in haste, his voice raised. “His own choosing or not, it is a waste! A crime!”

Hephaestus bowed his head.

Ares looked at Hephaestus in silence and his anger slowly subsided. “Forgive me, Hephaestus. My anger is due to my own lack of speed and guile, and not at your opinion. If I had been more attentive, or even an hour earlier, his life might have yet been spared. Now he is gone, and the Androktones will answer to no one.”

“They will answer to you,” Hephaestus replied, raising his head once more.

“You have more confidence than I.”

“It is well placed. Your handling of the war has been efficient and controlled.”

“There are others who think differently,” Ares replied, looking toward the Senators gathered in the hall. They were all looking toward him expectantly, some with less favour in their eyes than others.

Hephaestus allowed himself a brief smile. “You are proficient in judging the mood of your peers. There has been much discontent among those who have waited for your return. Otrera and President Aegina have had crossed words, and Aetolus has voiced his displeasure in the war with his usual vigour.”

“They all have reasons for their point of view, Hephaestus. But they have not seen the war and its progress as you and I have seen it.”

“Then maybe now is the time for their eyes to be opened.”

Ares nodded in acceptance. “Yes, maybe now is the time.” He sighed and moved passed Hephaestus, walking purposefully toward the gathered audience that awaited him.

For many months now, Ares had worked long and hard on a strategy that had born little fruit at great cost according to many of his opponents in the Senate.

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