Chapter Twenty-One
Faidan, Faidar System, Gerash Sector, Gaashox Quadrant
The subjugation of Faidan and her two sister planets was progressing as well as could be expected. After having been fully manipulated, the Governor and Senators did all they were able to please the Empress and her sister. They broadcast over the planet’s holovid system the news that a new era had dawned upon the Faidar system: An era of prosperity and peace. There would be no more ships destroyed by Krelathan raiders, nor would there be any threat of invasion by races from beyond the Gaashox Quadrant.
This announcement produced a mixed reception from the citizens of the Faidar system. Many approved of the new regime along with the security and prosperity the new order would bring, and many believed it would not be as the Empress declared it would be. Some of those citizens started to prepare plans for their escape, but few would actually succeed in doing so. The rest were sceptical, unsure of whether it would be in their world’s best interests or not, and decided to wait and see what would become of their peaceful world.
Within the first week of the new order, the majority of leading influential citizens had been deceived into attending seminars on Imperial rule. Once inside the specially modified conference chamber they were hypnotised and subsequently manipulated. During the mind manipulation process, their memories were altered and additional ones implanted to make them believe they had all been in favour of the union with the Empire.
The change of heart experienced by those who had been manipulated had a profound influence on others, especially those whom they knew and later had contact with, resulting in a rapid spread of support for the Empire. This reduced the number of citizens passing through the manipulation process, and therefore speeded up the subjugation, bringing complete control and rule of the Faidar System to the Hebradon Empire within a few months.
During this period many of the leading politicians, military commanders and influential leaders disappeared from public view. The details released were that these individuals had either joined the Imperial Forces or Imperial Government Service, and travelled to the main Imperial centres for training or operational service. Some Fadarans were sceptical, but most believed it. Those that had left were subsequently replaced by faithful citizens of the Empire, personally selected by the Imperial Governors, senators and high ranking military commanders.
Treyanna and Roweyna stood at the forward viewport of the command ship gazing toward Faidan, and quietly discussing the future of the Empire. They were in good cheer, prospects were looking excellent, and not one shot had been fired in anger. Having been on the bridge for much longer than usual, their presence was beginning to cause some restlessness among the crew, many wondering why they remained present. The Empress sensed their nervousness at her presence and thought it was good for them to feel so; it would keep them wary of her and prevent them becoming complacent in their duties.
Admiral Jeffron approached the two sisters. “Ma’am,” he said coming to attention smartly, and stood patiently and motionless waiting for one of them to respond.
After having made the Admiral wait a few moments, Treyanna sensed he was becoming anxious, as if what he had to say was very important. She was convinced nothing was so important that it required immediate response, but it was most unlike Loprass to feel such anxiety. Nothing usually made him this way, not even an engagement where the odds were not in their favour. She then spoke without looking toward him. “What is it Admiral?”
“We have heard from our agents on Krelath, Ma’am.”
Treyanna turned to face him. “I trust they send information that will be of some use to us?”
“They have discovered information that suggests the Krelathan Senate is planning a major offensive against the neighbouring system of Mathea.”
“Do they now? And when is the offensive set for?”
“If the information is reliable, approximately twenty-eight hours.”
“We must act before they proceed with their conquest,” said Roweyna.
“You think so do you sister?” asked Treyanna.
“I do. It would be unwise for the Krelathans to take the opportunity in gaining more power than they already have. Not forgetting the fact that they have been losing a lot of their starfighters and pilots to the Mabraantans recently, which has weakened their defences. We should seize the opportunity in taking control of them now while they are at their weakest.”
“You have been taking more notice of the events unfolding around us than usual, Roweyna. The losses they are suffering at the hands of the Mabraantans is irrelevant to them. It is insignificant compared to the size of their battle fleet, but what of the treaty between the Krelathans and the Matheans?” she asked, wondering what her younger sister would have to say.
“It is obvious the Krelathans are willing to break it to gain the advantage over the Matheans. They are after all, a distrustful and hated species.”
She did not receive the answer she hoped for and sighed, but was never-the-less only slightly disappointed with her sister. “You miss one important factor dear sister. If we allow the Krelathans to proceed with their attack, it would make our task simpler and ensure the Matheans’ support for the Empire.”
Roweyna now understood why her sister had initiated the treaty in the first place. She knew the Krelathans would eventually break it, and then use their might to conquer Mathea and establish a greater position in the quadrant. “Yes, I see it now. We allow the Krelathans to attack and when it appears victory is in their grasp, we arrive and intercede on behalf of the Matheans.”
“Exactly. We must, however, be prepared for a surprise attack by the Matheans. They may still try to push the advantage.”
Roweyna smiled. “Indeed they might. The Matheans are as untrustworthy as the Krelathans.”
“Admiral, I believe our presence here in this system is no longer essential,” said Treyanna turning to face him. “The Imperial Governor should be capable of handling things from now on. What is the estimated time for us to reach Krela?”
“Twenty six hours, Ma’am, and the fleet is in full readiness for deployment.”
“Set course for a central point midway between the Krela and Mathea systems. We leave in one hour.”
“Yes Ma’am.” The Admiral saluted, turned on his heels and went to carry out his orders. ‘At last, the opportunity for some real action!’ he thought delightedly. From the moment the fleet left Hebradon, Loprass had been longing to see a military engagement, but so far, there had been nothing of consequence. He was, however, pleased the Fadarans did not pursue an aggressive stance against them.
His views were very different regarding the Krelathans. They were a race of violent warriors who loved conquest and war, much like the Seloans and Bartellans of the Ladorran Quadrant. The excitement and thrill of engaging in combat with those two races had been profound for Loprass, as it had for many others prior the demise of the Belocian Empire. There would be no sorrow at the forthcoming engagement, but there was always some regret for the fate of those innocent individuals who attempted to pursue a more peaceful existence, but failed.
Clasping her hands behind her back in typical male fashion, Treyanna and her sister strolled across the command walkway heading for the turbolift. When they arrived at their quarters, Treyanna opened a comm channel to her trusted Imperial Governor on Faidan. “We will be leaving the system shortly, Quartess, but two Hendara battle cruisers will remain here at your disposal.”
“Yes Mistress. Everything is proceeding well. There have been no reports of disturbances or uprisings, so Miss Marasenn and I should be able to deal with any matters that arise.”
“Excellent. However, I would like Miss Marasenn to join me.”
“I will inform her immediately, Mistress.”
“And you will inform me of any important developments?”
“Of course, Mistress.”
Treyanna terminated the comm link and settled back in her chair, relaxed and pondered the forthco
ming confrontation. About ten minutes later, she was disturbed from her peaceful meditation when her aide made contact. “Selayna, I trust you are well?”
“I am, thank you Mistress.”
“Good, so you will be joining us shortly.”
“I request your permission to remain here on Faidan for a while longer.”
Treyanna pondered the request, pressing her fingertips together with her first fingers resting against her lips. “Is there any particular reason why?”
“There is a lake not far from the Imperial Centre, where, for some strange reason, my ability to perform magic is enhanced when I enter the waters. I would like to spend some time investigating the long-term effects immersion would have. Anything that will help my adeptness in the art can only benefit the Empire.”
For reasons unknown to the Empress, Selayna’s abilities had been limited, and thus prevented her from enjoying the full benefits of being gifted in the art of magic. The Empress realised it would be very beneficial if her personal aide was able to develop her abilities. “Very well. You may remain on Faidan.” She terminated the comm channel without further word.
The Hebradon Imperial fleet arrived at their destination twenty six hours and fifteen minutes later, and four scout ships were deployed, two of which headed for Mathea and two toward Krela. Admiral Jeffron sat in his command chair facing the communications officer waiting for information. Half an hour later, the Lieutenant turned to face him.
“Admiral, the Krelathan fleet is holding position in striking distance of Mathea and is preparing to launch their attack. The Mathean fleet is on intercept course.”
“We have arrived just in time,” said Loprass.
“Set course for Mathea Admiral.”
The Admiral spun round and saw the Empress approaching. He stood and saluted. “Immediately, Ma’am.”
“I appear to have surprised you Admiral.”
“Yes Ma’am, you have not lost your touch.”
Treyanna smiled, turned on her heel and walked away.
Loprass watched her for a few moments before giving the order. “Captain Phellex, set course for Mathea at full sub-lightspeed.”
The Admiral was still amazed by his Empress and the way she treated her subjects. It was no wonder she could instil such loyalty without having to impose it forcefully upon people. She was so different to the former Imperial Marshals and other more senior leaders the Admiral had encountered during the reign of Emperor Belack.
Despite this, Admiral Jeffron was greatly troubled about whether she would eventually succumb to the dark magic, and become an evil dictator like Janus, ultimately bringing a reign of fear and terror, or would she be capable of bringing sustainable peace to the galaxy. He knew only time would tell. Jeffron wondered if he would be around to see that day.
When the fleet reached the perimeter of the Mathea system, Captain Phellex looked at the Admiral expectantly.
“If you would give the order Captain,” said Loprass.
Captain Phellex knew what had to be done, and was competent enough to direct the initial stages of the battle. “Yes Sir.” He turned on his heels and gave the orders. “All ships deploy into offensive positions and maintain full battle alert. Prepare to deploy fighters. Tell us what we’re facing Lieutenant.”
“The Krelathan fleet has engaged that of the Mathean, which is not faring well, Sir. Four cruisers are powering up engines and turning about, the other four are maintaining formation, approximately eighty fighters are on intercept course and will be in firing range of our lead cruiser in five minutes.”
“Confirmed Sir,” said the second operator, “but the number of starfighters is inconclusive.”
Admiral Jeffron listened to the exchange and walked to the communications station. He had seen this situation before. Two enemy ships fly so close they appear as one on the sensors and the identity details become obscured. Some ships not having recognisable id’s and pilots unable to maintain tight formations caused the sensor readout to keep changing. Even the most sophisticated sensor system could be fooled by clever individuals. Jeffron opened the comm system and announced their intentions to the approaching ships.
There was no reply from the Krelathan Forces; he did not expect one.
Phellex gazed at the Admiral who nodded once. “Deploy first wave of fighters, engage and destroy the Krelathan’s, but do not fire upon the Matheans unless otherwise ordered.”
Within moments, six squadrons comprising twelve Zilon fighters or interceptors per squadron were accelerating toward the incoming Krelathan ships. They opened fire as soon as they were in range. The Krelathans retaliated as expected and their senior commanders still refused to make contact. The Matheans, however, made contact the moment the first shots were fired. They informed the Imperial commanders that the Empire’s assistance was appreciated, and would join in the attack on the enemy ships.
“Deploy the second and third waves,” ordered Phellex, who was smiling. The second wave comprised another six fighter squadrons, and the third comprised six squadrons of gunships, whose primary mission was to attack and destroy the Krelathan cruisers.
The battle was over in less than an hour. The Krelathan fleet was decimated. Not one starfighter survived, and five of the six capital ships were destroyed. However, the captain of the remaining cruiser refused to surrender, preferring death in battle rather than humiliation in surrender. His ship did not survive long under the ensuing onslaught.
Pakrowask, one of Treyanna’s disciples, was a top class pilot who thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of ship-to-ship combat. He was disappointed at not being able to engage another pilot in combat who possessed sufficient skill to present him with a serious challenge. Even when he refrained from consciously using his magic, his ability was far greater than all of those he had encountered so far. Unfortunately for him, few Krelathan starfighter ace’s remained, most of them having been killed by the pilots of Kopaz Squadron.
When the battle was at an end, the Mathean Governor contacted the command ship to request an audience with the Empress. He and the Supreme Chancellor arrived on board the ‘Vindicator’ an hour later, made no requests nor demanded any formal conditions other than a peaceful transference of power.
The Imperial fleet had arrived in the system at a critical point in the attack, which allowed the Mathean forces an opportunity to consolidate their position, and subsequently assist in the destruction of the Krelathan fleet.
An Imperial delegation accompanied the Mathean dignitaries to the planet in a show of respect. They discussed other issues, processes and the expectations the Empire placed upon the people of Mathea. Arrangements were made for the deployment of a full garrison and occupation of a suitable building for use as the new Imperial Centre. Although it appeared unnecessary, Treyanna and her disciples manipulated the relevant dignitaries to ensure their full loyalty and service to the Empire. Only this would give the Empress some confidence and assurance of the Matheans’ continued subservience.
At seven o’clock co-ordinated galactic time the following day, the Imperial fleet arrived in the Krela system. They were welcomed by an armada of battleships and starfighters far greater than they had expected. The Admiral was unconcerned, having been in similar situations before, despite having seen how the Krelathans fought. It was only a matter of time before they were defeated.
The following space battle raged on for almost two hours. Krelathan losses amounted to six hundred and seventy starfighters, and twenty-five small to medium size battle cruisers. The Imperial fleet suffered losses of three hundred and eighty fighters, bombers and gunships, additional damage to the two cruisers damaged the previous day, and major damage to three cruisers, with minor damage to the ‘Vindicator’.
Despite suffering a humiliating defeat, Marshall Perakowan, the Commander of the Krelathan defences, refused to surrender, intentionally disobeying a direct order from Governor Pamarsdin and the ruling Senate. The Governor argued vehemently with the Marshall but to no avail. Re
alising there was no alternative if the inevitable was to be averted, he reluctantly ordered the Marshall’s execution, which was carried out by Vice Marshall Vorjaan.
With Imperial cruisers approaching firing range of the planet, and transports landing on the surface ready for the ground assault, the communications operator struggled to break the signal jamming the Marshall had set up, but managed to do so just as the first assaults began.
Governor Pamarsdin petitioned Admiral Jeffron to break off the attack, offered their unconditional surrender, and assured the Admiral that Marshall Perakowan had been removed from post for disobeying a direct order. The order to surrender was relayed to all outposts and defensive forces deployed, but failed to prevent several defensive positions from coming under heavy attack.
Admiral Jeffron agreed to suspend hostilities, but stipulated the fact that Imperial forces would still be deployed and would defend themselves if required to do so. The resistance offered by several divisions of the Krelathan army, before the order to surrender was received, was subdued quickly and efficiently. Fortunately, the fighting and destruction was limited to the battle areas only, thus minimising the deaths and destruction of property.
Even though Jeffron was unconcerned about the deaths of combat personnel, he was aware of the need to show compassion toward civilians, however brutal and violent the general populace may be. It had been a swift and decisive victory for the Imperials, but another humiliating defeat for the Krelathans.
By the following morning, Krelath was a full member of the Hebradon Empire. A full garrison had been deployed, and the required equipment was already being installed in the new Imperial Centre. Unfortunately, Treyanna was forced to consider delaying their plans to conquer the remaining systems within the Fazaal sector. Their supply of personnel, support ships, starfighters and other equipment was dwindling below acceptable levels.
Replacements were due to arrive in the Faidar system in forty-eight hours, so the Empress had to choose whether to remain in the Krela system and have the supply ships travel to their location, or return to Faidan. After discussing the next stages of their conquest with her disciples, and consulting Admiral Jeffron, she decided to press ahead with the conquest of Drolees. She issued orders for the supply fleet to meet them there.