Earth - Last Sanctuary (Definitive Edition) (Universe in Flames Book 1) by Christian Kallias

Author:Christian Kallias [Kallias, Christian]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2018-04-21T00:00:00+00:00

14

The flagship Dragon’s Claw was the jewel of the Obsidian fleet, a personal gift from their so-called allies, given to the Emperor as a sign of good faith for their alliance. Most of the crew was Zarlack and while they seemed to accept him as their commanding officer, the Emperor never really knew if he could trust them fully. A Zarlack officer entered the throne room. He advanced toward the Emperor and knelt quickly in front of him. Leaning on a wall behind the throne was a hooded man. He stood with a casual nonchalance, completely at ease despite his charged surroundings. It was most unusual. As far as the officer knew, all the major players had been accounted for. But try as he might, the officer couldn’t identify this new man; he was staying in the shadows with his arms crossed against his torso.

“What is it, Commander?” asked the Emperor.

“We’ve dispatched scout vessels to the last known coordinates of the fleet currently looking for the Alliance in the unknown regions. No ships were detected, but our long-range scans have detected debris from a battle and multiple Alliance signals. Shortly after arriving, the scout ships were destroyed.”

“So that’s where they’re hiding.”

“How come we’re only hearing of this now?” asked the shadowed figure.

The officer stared at him in disbelief, then turned his sights back to the Emperor.

“Answer the question!” ordered the Emperor.

The Zarlack hurried to comply. “Yes, master! We found a transmitting beacon. They must have reprogrammed it to send an ‘all good’ signal; that’s why we didn’t investigate any sooner. As per standard procedure, we had to wait for three failed transmissions before sending a reconnaissance party.”

“In times of peace perhaps, but this should have been brought to my attention sooner!”

“I apologize, master; I’ve only learned of it now myself.”

“You’d better be more careful next time, or it will be your hide.”

“I—I understand, master. Thank you for your leniency.”

The hooded man made a noise that sounded like a disapproving growl, but didn’t move.

“Commander, assemble the fleet, then jump toward the coordinates. We will crush the Alliance resistance once and for all.”

“Thy will be done, master.”

“Dismissed.”

The commander rose and left the throne room, not daring to look back. Once the door closed, the hooded human spoke again.

“You’re too lenient with your troops.”

“Maybe you are too harsh with yours?”

“You’re still alive, aren’t you?”

The Emperor bared his teeth and looked like he was about to say something, but he decided not to escalate the conversation.

“What message would it send to the universe if people knew the Emperor was dead?”

“I don’t really care. What does matter, however, is that we get to this fleet, find the Alliance, and finish them off.”

“Which is what we’re doing. I’ll report back to you once they are dealt with.”

“No!”

“What do you mean, no?” the Emperor asked.

“Not only will I be coming with you, but I will command the fleet personally.”

“Like hell! These are my ships and my troops. I am in command.”

“Caution, my old friend, or should I remind you that even emperors can be replaced.

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