《Ti Lepus Dies, A Dark Lord Story》Chapter Fifty Seven.
Advertisement
The giant spaceship flashed into existence in the outer reaches of the stars system. A command ship by design, it was twice as large as any other battleship built. Its escort, six heavy battleships and twelve light cruisers followed, all in a standard arrival pattern. Scanners came online in all the ships, first passive, and then active. Readings flashed back and were consolidated to a report to the commander of the escort.
“All ships reported in sir.” The communications officer reported.
“Including the Maiden Constance?” Vice Admiral Hojo enquired.
“Yes, sir.” Commander Gallis, Hojo’s senior staff officer, along with everyone else in the task force was aware of who was aboard the large battleship, so the question was simply the Admiral being careful. While all were aware, none talked about it.
Admiral De Johnston’s escort force, was already waiting in the system, the giant planetoids spread out in a protective pattern.
“Sir, message from flagship. Requesting status,” the communications officer reported.
“Send message to flagship, all in order, proceeding in system.” Admiral Hojo ordered.
“Sent, sir.”
“Send a message to Maiden Constance requesting confirmation of intentions.”
“Yes, sir.” No one even raised an eyebrow about the message.
*********
On the bridge of the Maiden Constance, there was tension. Captain Thompson was uncertain of what the future was going to entail, but she knew what the answer to this particular question was.
“Send to escort flag with copy to covering force flag. ‘Proceeding in system to confer with Empire’s representatives.’ Send immediately.” Turning to the First Officer she ordered him to rendezvous with the Empire space station.
At a sound behind her, she turned. Emerging onto the bridge was General Major Dennus, accompanied by his staff. There was no sign of any of the Ambassadors, the Captain noted thankfully.
“General.” As captain of the battleship, she did not rise from her command seat.
“Captain, we are here. Now the hard work begins.” Dennus smiled. “Please send the message to Commissioner Flores and Major Hunt Van Houser advising our arrival as instructed. Let me know when you get a response. Also, send a message to Admiral De Johnston and Vice Admiral Hojo, requesting a conference regarding disposition of the fleet. A holo conference will do.”
“Of course, General.” Captain Thompson turned to the communications officer. “Send messages as instructed.” She turned back to the General. “Is there anything else, sir?”
“No, thank you Captain.” Dennus left the bridge to return to his suite of offices.
*********
While walking down the corridor to the stairs leading down to the next level, Dennus ruminated over the last twenty three days. The hardest had been before they left. It was fortunate that the Ladies had been on their best behaviour during the trip, making it much easier for their guardians. The difficulty had been before they left.
The meeting between the Dark Lord, the First Councillor and the Marshal had clarified matters so far as Dennus was concerned. While Dennus was not present, the Head Steward had been and there had, in his words, been ‘a bit of a scene’.’ As he was not sure what that meant, apart from the meeting with Vice Admiral Hojo, Dennus had kept away from all involved for a day. The next day, Lieutenant Colonel Etic Gunnly and Captain Feli Duaris arrived. Finding them suitable, he presented them both to the Dark Lord, a sobering time for both officers, their Master not being in the best of moods. The introduction to the ambassadors had not gone much better. The Ladies had been upset as well, so had been rather less than cooperative.
Advertisement
The next day, the meeting between Dennus, Nita and the Ambassadors and his new staff had taken place. This went smoothly, the Ladies showing that they were remarkably self-sufficient, stressing that anything they needed, they could easily carry with them, and were adamant that no one should touch any of their possessions. The ships’ supplies were sufficient to take care of any of their other needs. Dennus and Nita hid their surprise as best as they could.
Another delicate problem was solved by the Ladies themselves as they agreed to each share a room. Ladies Andrea and Dana in one, Lisa and Savanna in another, with Jasmine and Lakeisha sharing the third. They had even picked out their rooms. Much to Dennus’s surprise, they showed remarkable knowledge about the Maiden Constance. Indeed, more than they could possibly know or should have known. It underlined to Dennus the need to never underestimate the powers that they hid from view. Later, he underscored this with his staff.
Nita De Posse at least was relieved. Away from the Ladies, she made no attempt to hide her relief. Both Dennus and Horris took it well. The other two officers watched on, somewhat bemused.
After sending a message about the berthing arraignments to Captain Thompson, who also was thankful, he turned to his staff.
“Well what did you think of that?” He enquired of his new staff.
There was a pause. “They seemed very well informed.” Captain Feli Duaris was being careful after his introduction to the palace.
Lieutenant Colonel Etic Gunnly also was still processing her observations and feelings. “The Ladies seemed less, how should I say it, daunting today, than I thought they would be. I wasn’t disappointed, just curious.”
“Never ever underestimate the Ladies. Never!” Dennus spoke with emphasis. “They rarely leave the Palace, at least not openly or with anyone other than our Master knowing it. But they have powers that they seldom show, but are there. They may not be as openly dangerous or powerful as our Master, but do not underestimate them. Ever.”
The two officers sat silent as Dennus drilled the lesson into them. Used to difficult tasks with all that implied, they realised that this was a different order of danger and that they would never be likely to run into anything so unpredictable again.
“You will be on call all the time and you have to be ready. Captain Dule had been my adjutant for not even two periods when our Master walked in that door in a towering rage and disappeared somewhere and did something that I still do not know all the details of. Also, our master has sent Dule to Ti Lepus with orders to brief the staff there. He will also be looking at the overall situation and preparing a brief for me.” Dennus paused for a fraction. “You understand?”
They both nodded.
“Good. Now I want you both to sort out what you are going to need for this trip. Have the palace store what you are not going to take. Assume that we are going to go into a war zone. Remember our primary responsibility is going to be protection of the Ladies. That will come first and guide all my actions.” He paused and gave them both a hard look.
‘Very impressive,’ Horris thought.
Dennus turned to Horris. “Colonel, while I have the time, I want to put on record, and my report to the Marshal will reflect this, my appreciation and thanks for all your hard work in this matter. You have gone above and beyond the call of duty for me and my task. Effectively, you have acted as my Operations Officer, as well as carrying out many other tasks for me. I thank you.”
Advertisement
He stood and the two officers shook hands. Their eyes met and they nodded.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Back to business, Lieutenant Colonel Gunnly, I want you to draw up the details of our departure from the palace and transit to the ship. Including security arrangements. Talk to the Head Steward, find out what, if any, protocol is involved. Captain Duaris, get hold of Vice Admiral Hojo and find out what, if anything, he needs from me at present. Details of what to do when we arrive in system as well. I don’t want to go in blind.” He paused. “Any questions?” They shook their heads. “No, sir.”
“We will leave within four periods,” he nodded, “on your way.” The two officers departed.
“Colonel, I want you to brief the Marshal and bring her up to date. Also, find out if she has any concerns that need to be dealt with or any suggestions.”
“I will, sir. And you?” Colonel Horris asked.
“I am going to see if I can get more information from our Sovereign. There are things I need to know about what He expects of our Ambassadors.” Dennus gave a grim smile. “Wish me luck.” They both left.
*********
The Dark Lord was not in His usual room. Neither were any of the Ladies. This was most unusual and disconcerting. It also meant that Dennus had to go in search of Him. The floor on which Dennus’s office was located could be considered the main floor. The next floor was where the Ladies were quartered. Dennus had never been up there. Searching each room, one by one, was the only option. He did not even consider paging the Dark Lord.
All the rooms on the ground floor were empty. Dennus considered that he had no choice but to proceed to the next floor. Slowly and carefully, he climbed the stairs. At the top, sitting at a window alcove he found, to his relief, The Dark Lord.
“You are courageous or foolish, to hunt me down like this, General.” Came in the Dark Lord’s soft voice, this time with an undercurrent of menace.
“If you wish me to leave, sire, I will,” Dennus replied, determined to at least try.
There was a long pause.
“No, you have questions for me, I see.” He waved at the window. “Come closer, enjoy the view.” He waved Dennus to a chair.
Moving over Dennus looked out into the palaces garden. Although it was a weekday, there were many people moving through the grounds, admiring the many different flowers, plants and trees, some from different planets. The view was spectacular.
“Beautiful, isn’t it? I occasionally come here to watch and refresh myself.” Dennus stared. This musing, almost relaxed figure, was a complete turnaround from what he had expected. “You want to know where the Ladies are.” The statement almost caught him off guard.
“I am curious, but so long as they are here in the next four periods, as I wish to leave as soon as possible that is all what matters.”
The Dark Lord smiled, a satisfied smile, but made no comment. They sat in silence for a space, then the Dark Lord stirred. He pointed to the gardens. “One of the stewards, many years ago, wanted to have a portion of the garden dedicated to plants from every planet in the Empire. I had to point out the impossibility of his dream due to the numbers concerned and the fact that some could never grow here. Also, some would become positively dangerous out of their natural habitat. He was crushed, but accepted the reality in the end.” The Dark Lord wore a reminiscent look. Dennus forbore to ask just how long ago the incident had taken place.
“I often walk at night and early in the morning.” The Dark Lord smiled. “Few are up then and none recognise me anyway. Actually some take me for the gardener. They ask questions about the various plants.” He gave a quiet laugh. “I always answer as best I can.”
Dennus nodded, he realised what the anonymity would mean to someone as legendary as the Dark Lord. He did not speak, not wanting to lose this time, almost magical to him. After a fraction, he was not disappointed.
“I find it helpful to just walk in the garden and watch people sometimes. Even when you have been doing it for as long as I have, there is always more to learn. Even with no people, I find the gardens, especially the forested parts, soothing.”
Dennus waited for more, in any case, he was as a loss as to what to say. After another fraction, the Dark Lord stirred.
“You wish to know what instructions I have given to the Ambassadors, is that not correct General.”
“If I may, my Lord. It would be a guide to me in my duties.”
The Dark Lord laughed. “Apart from telling them to try their best, I have given no detailed instructions, it would not help even if I had.” He smiled, was silent, then spoke again, “You must have noted by now how allergic to being told what to do the Ladies are, correct?” He said giving the General Major a sideways look along with a raised eyebrow.
Dennus gave a rueful look back and nodded. The Dark Lord looked away, seemly content.
“The Ladies have been my Ambassadors before. They know what the situation is, what the stakes are and what I can do. They know …” The last came in a whisper.
“If they are unsuccessful, then what, sire?” Dennus blurted the question out he could stop it.
“Hellfire and Damnation, General. Hellfire.” The Dark Lord rose, walked over and stood at the window. “Terrible things will happen. I will do terrible things. Then even more will happen.”
He turned, looked at a stunned General Major Dennus, who had also risen.
“Was there anything else, General?” The Dark Lord was now stony-faced.
Dennus took the hint. “Nothing, sire.” He bowed and left, he had a departure to organise.
Advertisement
Kingdom Come: Archemi Online Chronicles Vol.3
Kingdom Come is the third book in the Archemi Online Chronicles, a LitRPG Epic Fantasy series starring a dragon and her pet rider. ***DRAGON SEED IS FREE ON AMAZON BETWEEN 16TH-21ST APRIL 2019*** Kingdom Come (Archemi Online #3) As reward for stopping a serial killer and restoring the Kingdom of Vlachia to its rightful ruler, Dragozin Hector and his queen dragon, Karalti, have earned a noble title, a castle, and land of their own.There’s only one problem – it’s occupied. By a freaking elder vampire.Not only has the vampire unleashed the blight of undeath across the land, but a crazed ex-developer is on the warpath. His mission? To take Hector’s dragon, free the Void Dragons, and use their combined power to become the Dragon-God Emperor of Archemi.Hector never wanted to go back to war, not even in a video game. But now, he must fight to claim his territory from Ol’ Fangface before everything is taken from him - including his beloved dragon. You can pre-order Kingdom Come on Amazon here: Kingdom Come on Amazon. Previous Installments in the Series: Dragon Seed (Archemi Online #1) What would you give to be a dragon rider? Before being conscripted to fight in the Total War, Private Hector Park had a shattered family, a collection of old videogames, and a promising career as a motorcycle stuntman. Now, he is dying from a virus threatening humankind with extinction. He has three days to live.When Hector’s brother contacts him after years of hostile silence, Hector goes to try and make peace. But his brother has an offer even more unbelievable than reconciliation: the chance to cheat death by joining him in Archemi, a full-immersion fantasy VR-RPG videogame. Determined to forge a life worth living, Hector undergoes the experimental upload process and chooses the difficult path of the Dragon Knight. To achieve his dream, he must prove himself worthy of imprinting a dragon, a being with whom he will share a telepathic bond more intimate than any human relationship.But at what cost? This book is live on Amazon: click here to go to Amazon Trial by Fire (Archemi Online Book #2) is the sequel to Dragon Seed, the first book in the Archemi Online LitRPG/Gamelit series. It is largely standalone, but I highly recommend reading Dragon Seed first! One man. One game. One adorable baby dragon. Two weeks ago, Hector Park cheated death by uploading his mind to the ultra-immersive fantasy RPG game, Archemi. After exposing the rotten heart of an order of dragon knights, he’s now on the run with a young queen dragon who could one day become the most powerful mount in the game. To get strong enough to face their enemies, they need a quest – a big one. Fortunately, trouble has a way of finding Hector, and it does – in the form of a series of brutally murdered priests, a king in desperate need of a hero, and a beautiful, fiery berserker. The risk? Huge. The payoff? More gold than a dragon’s hoard. There's only one problem - Archemi is haunted by the ghost of a mad developer bent on making the game his personal playground. And now that the world outside has vanished in a storm of nuclear fire, there's no one left to stop him. Or at least, that’s what he thinks. Because Hector isn't the kind of man to take this shit lying down, and neither is his dragon. You can find Trial by Fire here: Trial by Fire on Amazon
8 98The Adventures of BLUE EAGLE
"Herald City. A great American metropolis, with gleaming towers and bustling streets. Never before has there been a safer place to live and work, because the citizens know that when disaster strikes, they can count on the protection of BLUE EAGLE. Blue Eagle--also known as David Dufraine--was born with incredible strength, powerful eyebeams, superhuman senses, and the amazing ability of flight. Possessing a strong sense of justice, he seeks to protect the city from criminals who prey on the innocent. Having taught these values to his son Jack, who possesses similar abilities, they protect Herald City as Blue Eagle and Switch the Blue Eaglet! Together, the Father-Son Duo wages a war on crazy criminals and notorious ne'er-do-wells, including the powerful perverter of plant life, QUEEN VENUS. These are the adventures of BLUE EAGLE and SWITCH THE BLUE EAGLET." Welcome, everybody! This superhero adventure is a nostalgic return to the good ol' days of the Filmation and Hanna-Barbera superhero cartoons of the 1960s and 70s. With Super Friends, The Adventures of Super Boy, and The Adventures of Batman and The New Adventures of Batman as inspiration, I hope to take you back to the olden days of wacky stories jam-packed with superhero action and excitement! This is actually a leadup of a much larger project I'm working on (which will be played straight, have a darker and more serious tone, and will be a multi-season serialized epic). I've been itching to publish something with my characters for some time, and this 8 episode miniseries just scratches that itch. So while my main series is being written, I hope you find some enjoyment in some good old fashioned superhero fun.
8 190Rise of the Green
This is set three hundred years before my other fiction, Journal of an Adventurer. With the age of disbelief coming to a close, people shoved to the side and rejected from mainstream sociality came together to form an organisation. If they worked together, they would protect their way of life, which conflicts with their technological mindset. In Favinonia, a place of learning and advancement. Where the world’s new technologies are created and studied. University Engineers reworking various new designs of past do-dads and gismos to serve the need of the populous. In a world still filled with magic, the Favinonian people have turned away from magic to embrace this new reasoning. Deprived of faith, the populous was yes advance but lacked humanity and needed to move onto the next step, losing emotion and losing touch with the higher realm. These cause some to fall for other means, pursuing that need to fill with devil and demon cults. In the chaos and ignorance came a community of healers with ancient knowledge before the Massacre of Magic. These few will eventually found the church of the Trinity whose three aspects of Green, life and death with healing and agriculture, Orange, retribution and protection with the flame of passion and Blue, knowledge and law with the clarity of the mind.
8 130Pokemon Castaway
A failed league challenger retires to live his days out in relative quiet until a lie and a storm lead him back to Unova to embark on a new journey.
8 153Loose Screws
It started once my 'realisticly' Husband, a man that I love, come out from 3D and start stabbing me. And somehow that turn me into a 'Hero', A dimentional hopper, where I pop to each fictions world to gain power to beat up 'The Virus'. The Monster that will not stop eating the entire planet and the being itself until nothing is left behind. And scarily enough, The Virus will be coming to my planet soon. I just hope the Heroes in my planet is enough to stop them, as my power is still not strong enough to beat this unkillable Monster that are called 'The Virus'. Oh, and I also just hope that my clones is enough for me and my love life, call it Narcistic, but I like myself better that the real one now. [ This will be include a Naruto fictions and etc, an x-over to other world. ] Warning: Blood and Gore are included in some of the chapter,
8 752you tricked me (namjoonxreader) Ambw
you may think its about namjoon tricking someone bc of his personality. no,no,no he is geting tricked. ill give you a sample of the story."no,no,no,no!!! you cant do that!! you.... you tricked me i shouldve never trusted you."Jasmin role is base off of my bff @bitch_jungshookAlso go to me and my bff Twitter jimjinjamsGo check out my bff page @bitch_Jungshook her book is called "she's out idol btsxreader" it's a really awesome book
8 116