Maybe he’d win some favor with his father, but what would it matter? He began to consider the possibilities some of his entourage discussed… assassinating the Lord Marshal to take over. I need to discredit him before he dies. The church continued to back the man because he gave them so much power.
He practically allowed them to do whatever they wanted providing he remained in charge of the military. Their goals aligned, the subjugation of the universe to the tune of religious zeal. That meant people continually looked to their religious leaders for guidance and encouragement in their ordeals.
How can I possibly offer them something greater? The truth was he couldn’t. They had everything they wanted. Short of sharing rule with them, he had nothing more to give. So unless his father proved incompetent or somehow undermined them, then he had to wait his turn. And take care of the dissidents that his spy uncovered.
The fact someone aboard his ship, someone close to him had the nerve to turn on him burned his gut. He wanted more than anything to get his hands on them. The satisfaction of his vengeance might even be worth the betrayal. However, Kivda was right. Attacking them would be unwise.
Knowing who they were, on the other hand, may well benefit his cause. Feeding misinformation to his father might give him some leeway to act on his own. I need more allies if I’m going to take over, even if he dies naturally. That had been one of his greatest weaknesses. He didn’t play well with others and as a result, he didn’t have many friends.
“Sir?” Porth interrupted his thoughts. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but a strange vessel has just entered the system. Their silhouette is not in our database. We have no idea what culture it belongs to.”
“What?” Renz stood, moving to get a better look at the viewscreen. “Odd. There’s nothing at all in the databanks?”
“No, sir.” Porth shrugged. “They’ve hailed us. Said something about a rescue mission.”
Renz stiffened. “They’re with the criminals stealing from us. The ship on the surface had been unfamiliar as well. This makes perfect sense.” He turned to Inda. “Are they as pathetic as the other vessel?”
“No, sir. Expected power generation. Shields are…” Inda turned to him with wide eyes. “Prytin design.”
“Those scum!” Renz slapped his leg. “How have they managed to develop a new line of ships without us knowing about it? Mark that down for Imperial intelligence. They should be ashamed of themselves. Put them on the screen. I want to see these Prytin bastards before we wipe them from the face of the galaxy.”
Inda tapped at her console. A man appeared, dark hair, deep eyes… not at all like a Prytin. Similar bone structure but that could be said of the Kahls as well. Renz narrowed his eyes as he took the man in, peering at the blue-black uniform jacket. It didn’t look like anything he’d seen before.
“State your designation,” Renz said, “and your point of origin.”
“My name is Captain Titus Barnes of the TCN Triton. We’re on a rescue mission from our own solar system. Who are you?”
“The translator called that a form of Prytin,” Inda said, “though it’s ancient. I’m sorry, this information is confusing. The compute says the translation is ninety-six percent accurate.”
“I am General Renz Divol. We are investigating trespassing on one of our temples. If you are rescuing the criminals, then you are in violation as well. You shall surrender to us and prepare to be boarded. We have never seen a ship like yours nor do we know what the TCN is. We will learn.”
“We’re not surrendering,” Titus replied. “And you’re not boarding this ship. The people on the surface meant no disrespect. They were under the impression they were studying an ancient site. It was a scientific mission. I can assure you we will take them back to our space right away so they don’t cause further harm.”
“But you cannot do that because they’ve destroyed the temple they invaded.” Renz took another step toward the screen. “I will not repeat my order, Captain. I see that you are still on an approach with your shields raised. If you do not surrender, then we will be forced to engage you in combat.”
“That would be unfortunate,” Titus said, “but we’re not going to let you take our people.”
“You may not know our culture. When we enter battle, we do not stop until the conflict is concluded. Until our opponents are destroyed. Do you wish to risk this? Bring it on your crew?”
“Better than the alternative. But none of this is necessary. If you’d just listen to what I’m saying, we can come to a peaceful solution here. Please. There doesn’t have to be bloodshed today.”
“I’ve lost a dozen men,” Renz replied, “an ancient temple sacred to my people. All the artifacts within have been desecrated. Your people, as you call them, came into our domain without permission to conduct these acts of sabotage. And now they are going to pay for it. As will you. For the last time, stand down for boarding.”
“Give me a moment to confer with my crew,” Titus said, “it’ll only be a moment.”
Renz huffed. “We will open fire momentarily. You have until the first shot is fired to make up your mind.” He waved at Inda to kill the connection. “Porth, prepare for combat. Break orbit.” He hurried back to his chair, slapping the comm. “Kivda, get your men down to the surface immediately.”
“What’s going on?”
“We’re about to engage in combat with an enemy ship. You need to find those people before they do. I have a feeling they’ll be sending a party of their own. Be on the ready. I believe you’ll encounter some real weapons from these people.
