Into the Uncertain (Rise of the Republic Book 9) by James Rosone & Miranda Watson

Author:James Rosone & Miranda Watson [Rosone, James & Watson, Miranda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Front Line Publishing Inc.
Published: 2024-02-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

The Zon Has Spoken

High Council – Chamber of Decisions

Drokanis, Zinconia

Standing alone outside the Chamber of Decisions, Mavkah Otro could hear the fast-paced activity in Drokanis—the capital city and beating heart of the Zodark Empire. Shifting his gaze in the direction of the translucent walls, he took in the beauty of the Vhalkar Gorvex—a serene garden in the heart of the city, attached to the grounds of the High Council. The garden had been built and maintained for dracmas to give Council members an oasis of tranquility amidst the daily business of governing an empire—an empire trapped in perpetual war.

Otro looked into the Great Hall just opposite the Chamber of Decisions. It was still early—people steadily arriving, milling about in conversation, likely about him and the change he might bring about. Deciding he needed to clear his thoughts before things started, Otro made for the door leading into the Vhalkar Gorvex, the pair of guards snapping to attention as he exited the building.

When he stepped into the garden’s ethereal beauty, the chattering of conversations ceased as the doors closed, and he headed further into the garden. He needed to clear his head. He needed time to think. Seeing the familiar bench he liked to sit on while his mind worked through problems, he walked towards it and sat down—taking in the luminescent flora and tranquil water features of the garden, a sharp contrast to the chaos churning within him.

His eyes closed as he sat back. His mind returned to Sol—the faces of the warriors he had lost flashed before him, a pain he couldn’t rid himself of. Then came the discovery of betrayal and his ascension to the High Council.

*******

Seven Months Earlier

Aboard the Rakthor Annihilator

En Route to Zinconia

The journey to Zinconia had been long and arduous. On more than one occasion, Mavkah Otro had wanted to divert their journey to Sector YC118—Planet Shwani, Groff headquarters. He wanted to speak to Director Vak’Atioth to find out for himself if the bastard knew he was sending him into a trap.

I will have my revenge. My warriors will be avenged…

“Mavkah, we have entered the Zinconia system. It will not be long now until we are in orbit,” NOS Damavik informed him.

“Excellent. Ensure my private message to Zon Utulf is sent,” Otro instructed Damavik. “Have we received word from NOS Vrax or NOS Zulon?” he inquired, hoping they had been able to decipher the coded message he’d sent before they entered FTL and started transiting the gates.

Damavik’s lips curled as a smile formed. “Yes, Mavkah, Vrax came through for us. His ships are waiting for us in orbit of the moon Volterax. He has brought his flagship—Vorzhok Dominator—along with the cruisers Talvorus Enforcer and Zoltrix Reaper, and the destroyers Varzok Avenger, KelVor Ravager, JaxVen Predator, and Niftar Eclipse,” Damavik explained, then added. “In fact, even that Astok, First Spear Zulon from the Dochuta tribe, answered your call. His squadron of six corvettes has linked up with NOS Vrax and his ships.”

NOS Griglag laughed at the mention of Zulon.

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