Читать книгу The Phoenix Rising - Gary MDiv Caplan - Страница 5

On board the Accadian dreadnaught Kadath, orbiting the habitable world of Volsk, deep within the Delta quadrant, Mor'ag—the commanding governor of the Accadian military forces—stood before the ominous, towering, three-dimensional image projection of his senior officer.

Lord Kra'ag, the regional imperial high governor of the Accadian forces of the Jiyarr in this region of the universe, looked down upon his subordinate with amusement. The Accads were an ancient and technologically advanced race of space-faring reptilians that had begun colonizing and building up forces in this particular galaxy several decades ago. They looked like a cross between a crocodile and something human, with green to gray hide and a short partially snakelike snout. They were originally genetically engineered workers for the Jiyarr.

Recently, things had begun to go wrong. During the latest expansion, the Accadian colonial expeditions had begun to meet with marginal resistance from some of the other civilizations in the galaxy, and when they started losing territories they had already claimed in the name of the empire, Imperial High Governor Kra’ag decided to become more involved. Mor’ag was not overly thrilled at this prospect, though he did his best to hide his feelings. It didn’t help that the imperial high governor was also his cousin, a quirk of fate that he believed Lord Kra’ag possibly regretted.

“Governor Mor’ag,” boomed the image of Lord Kra’ag. “I am anxious to know of your progress in Galaxy Ten. Make your report on the spiral galaxy that you are continuing to establish our recent colonies.”

Mor'ag knew that Kra’ag had obtained the rank of Archon amongst the Jiyarr for his additions to the empire, and sat with the Jiyarr ruling body at several of their meetings. He was not a senior Archon, but still it was an achievement few Accadians had matched.

Mor'ag raised his head and saluted his leader, arm across his chest.

“All is going as planned, cousin,” Mor’ag said. “The Vuldranaii problem is no more, and the Shug and Zuul uprising has been crushed since our last communication.” He laughed at the thought and added, “Thanks to Admiral Kor’eth and his mighty armada, who finally moved through their star system like a mighty Sloar, scattering and devouring everything in its path. The additional reinforcements you sent have arrived—on time, as expected. With their force added to my own, I believe we will soon be able to strike the remaining advanced civilizations.”

The image of Kra’ag’s three-dimensional face fell into the Accadian version of a frown as he said, “I had expected you to be further along by now, Mor’ag. There is much I must do, and my plans for that galaxy cannot continue until you and your forces have completed your tasks.”

“Apologies, Milord Kra'ag,” said Mor'ag, solemnly bowing his head. “But there have been ...” he stammered, “some minor setbacks … umm … delays to the schedule.” Then, as afterthought, he added cheerfully, “Oh, by the way, may I congratulate you on the completion of your campaign in Galaxy Five. Only through your great efforts has the majority of that galaxy been placed under Accadian domination and Jiyarr rule.”

At this deliberate evasion, the image of Lord Kra’ag’s frown turned to a scowl.

“Yes,” he replied slowly after a ponderous second, “we were victorious. Have you been trying to adapt the Jiyarr weapons to our ships? It’s not so much stealing knowledge as it is furthering the Accadian Empire and, of course, our families.”

“They have been adapted,” said Mor’ag, with a smile. “Our Kad’jiah-class starships have already assisted our Varlon allies in attacks against the Betellians and the Saldron. Our engineers have even made a prototype antiparticle weapon. It is not quite as efficient as the original Jiyarr design, but it will soon be available on some of our Kadath-class ships in a few tzuras. Unfortunately, some of the Jiyarr systems are currently beyond our present available resources. Perhaps if—”

“Governor Mor'ag,” interrupted Kra'ag, “you should know that I prefer to keep to a schedule. My position in the Jiyarr Archon depends on our advance. As I advance, so will you and those who serve you. Tell me briefly about the opposition forces in that galaxy.”

Mor'ag nodded. “Our main opposition in this galaxy,” he stated, “will be from several of its most advanced races, some of which have banded together.”

“I see,” replied Kra’ag slowly, angered at the news.

Mor'ag made his next statements carefully about keeping to his exalted cousin’s schedule and a degree of confidence because of his already successful plans. He said, “Also, the Saldron Confederation is laying claim to several worlds in this galaxy that would be ideal for us. They, too, are a reptilian civilization and share many common planetary needs with us. We prefer similar worlds, and there has been competition for some mineral and colony worlds over the past few years with the Saldron.”

Kra’ag frowned.

“Umm …” continued Mor’ag, gathering his thoughts. “Then there are the Betellians. As you know, they too have a presence in this galaxy.”

Kra’ag’s scowl deepened at this, but he said nothing. However, he now looked as if he had swallowed some distasteful medicine.

“According to our most recent reports, they have completed two worldspheres around stable stars,” said Mor’ag, “and are working on a third. However, the additional Jiyarr ships you sent will help us, perhaps giving us the advantage we need in our attacks.”

“I should think so,” replied Kra’ag.

“Lastly, it is possible that a few of the more advanced races or those groups with large enough numbers will be able to resist our incursion,” said Mor’ag. Then, with sarcasm he added, “One of those groups, for the past two hundred lactar or so, have formed a federation of sorts called the Alliance of Worlds. This ‘Alliance of Worlds’ is composed of approximately 250 assorted civilizations, many with an impressive array of resources. They represent over a quarter of the space-faring races in this galaxy. The only consolation is that their technology is much less advanced than ours, and significantly less advanced than the Jiyarr.”

“Hmm,” intoned Kra'ag thoughtfully as he began scanning data from his console. “Several of these civilizations seem to be peaceful or neutral in nature. We will have them eliminated soon. Were you successful with the Varlon treaty?”

“Ahh! Yes, Milord,” replied Mor'ag happily. “Their xenophobic nature was … difficult to overcome, as I stated in my earlier reports. But, after several hostile interactions, we have since established a working relationship with many of the newer senators in their Imperium. Together we have been able to convince the Varlon ruling body, the Icarria, that an alliance between our peoples would be to our mutual benefit.”

“Good,” responded Kra’ag with a light, amused chuckle. “We will deal with them later, after all the others have been eliminated or subjugated.”

“By your order,” responded Mor’ag, “I shall continue with my plans.” He continued his briefing. “My officers have arranged the demise of several members of what might be organizations that could seriously delay our advance. For example we have made arrangements for high-ranking officers in that so-called ‘Alliance of Worlds’ to be eliminated and critical equipment to be sabotaged. I have arranged for Jiyarr equipment to assist in the endeavor, and I have also garnered the support of some of the Varlon senators who favor the use of sabotage. They are arranging cooperative agents to work with ours.”

Kra’ag nodded approvingly.

Mor’ag paused, and then decided this was as good a time as ever to confront his cousin on an issue that had been bothering him.

“Supreme Governor, I recently received a notice that you were heading to this galaxy. I had not realized you would wish to personally come here at this time … with all your other campaigns still being fought.”

Kra’ag sighed softly, as if in resignation. “Mor’ag,” he said. “I want a new challenge. The Talcon and Netharo bore me. Your earlier reports indicated the presence of several other advanced civilizations, and also possible Quellien deposits. You could say I am intrigued.”

“Well, if that is your desire, may I say there are several very advanced civilizations in this galaxy that might present a challenge to you if you desire to strike personally,” stated Mor'ag. “I did not include a great deal of information about them in my reports, since several of them are secretive or prefer to remain apart from the other, ‘lesser’ races and civilizations.”

Mor’ag began to look wary; he did not want to admit to Kra’ag that some of these civilizations were proving to be a problem. He continued, “The most advanced civilizations include the Cynz, the Estrians, the Karratin, and the Lyramenians. These races are probably among the most technologically advanced in this galaxy and are, to some degree, allied or affiliated with each other. But, they tend not to involve themselves with the other civilizations much, especially the less advanced ones. The remaining races include the Rhyn, who have been surrounded by the Varlon and yet have been able to hold them at bay. Another very technologically advanced group is known as the Ceyloom. They are, by all accounts, arthropod type life forms, possessing exoskeletons. However, these Ceyloom are currently at war with a rebel faction within their own civilization. The Ceyloom do have occasionally skirmishes with the Saldron, and on occasion with the Varlon, although the Varlon consider them kindred.

“Then there are also the Thurians and the Icorians,” continued Mor’ag. “Two races who have mastered ‘gate’ technology, practically to the exclusion of all other forms of transportation. It seems they are capable of moving from system to system via powerful ‘world gates’ or ‘travel corridors’ rather than using spacecraft.”

“Fascinating,” replied Kra’ag, still looking at the monitor at the information Mor’ag was sending.

Mor’ag continued, “It seems that the Thurians in the past moved whole cities from different worlds to their home world. However those two civilizations tend to stay in their territories and planets and should not cause any notable problems for our forces in space.”

“Though they are advanced,” interrupted Kra’ag, “they are no direct threat to the Accadian Empire. Continue.”

Mor’ag did, but carefully, to avoid upsetting his powerful cousin.

“One that will certainly cause problems,” he said, “is a very advanced cybernetic race known as the Tenoid, who merged with their organic makers to form the present race. This fusion is not across their entire civilization, as some of the Myroid progenitors prefer attempting to gain something called ‘ascension.’ Lastly, there are the Calyx, one of the oldest races, and possibly as advanced as the Jiyarr; however, their numbers have been dwindling, and I am not sure why. Speculation is that they are interested in alternate universes and dimensions, an interest they share with the Karratins. They tend to keep to themselves.”

“An excellent variety of adversaries!” bellowed Kra'ag happily. “It will be a glorious road to victory. I shall start planning our battle strategies.” He then turned to an officer on his left. “Summon Admirals M’agh and Rhiss.”

“There is one final item of importance, Milord,” said Mor'ag as he activated the computer screen imaging system. “As you can see, there are two Talcon starcities in hyperspace en route to this galaxy. Our telemetry was not complete due to their jamming systems and the distance, but we have been able to ascertain that their automated defense systems are operational and that they should arrive in about six zilakh.” At this, Mor'ag cleared his throat and added nervously, “During the Feast of Ji’toth, I believe.”

Kra’ag hissed by way of acknowledgment.

Mor'ag knew that his cousin enjoyed the Feast of Ji’toth and would prefer it not to be disturbed by an enemy’s arrival.

“They will most probably be arriving in that region of Alliance of Worlds space that they call the Beta quadrant,” continued Mor'ag. “The Talcon Starcities will most likely drop out of hyperspace at a distance of approximately sixty thousand light-years from any of our active colonies. It may cause a serious problem between the Talcon, who will be seeking territory and the Alliance of Worlds.”

The Supreme Commander seemed to ponder this news for a long moment, and then replied, “I will investigate this matter personally when I arrive. For the time being, Mor’ag, continue with your plans to disrupt our enemies. Also, I want you to continue attempting to locate and mine any Quellien crystals. They will be very useful for our dealings with the Jiyarr.”

“Understood, Milord,” responded Mor'ag, snapping a salute.

The communication ended, and Mor'ag was relieved. His cousin would not likely punish him, but there was the possibility Kra’ag could order a few of his officers’ executions. Mor’ag had to find a way to appease his cousin’s potential wrath, so as not to lose any of his well-trained personal staff.