ARMS Eden Lost: (Book 4) Page 6

  Tawn nodded. "I could see you taking an ass beating from one of these. Let me rephrase that, could I see you take an ass-beating from one of these? That might be kinda fun to watch."

  "I'll pass, thanks."

  The second set of giant iron doors opened. Ten meters of hall turned to the right and ten meters again to the left. The visitors entered a grand room where a diamond encrusted ceiling hung more than fifty meters overhead. The carriers stopped, standing in place for several minutes before proceeding. To the left, cascading fountains displayed multi-colored sheets of water. The water appeared to flow effortlessly from one cascade to another from the ceiling all the way into the floor.

  A pool of water bubbled out into a round pond in the center of the room. A myriad of colorful fish swam against a slow but steady current. On the right, a set of black marble stairs rose up to greet the throne of New Earth. Twin horns of gold spiked up from either side. The back edges of the throne and a bold head above appeared as if the emperor would be sitting in the open mouth of a fierce, giant bogler.

  Black, long-haired, bogler hides wrapped the sides and the base. The litters were carried to the bottom of the stairs and again set on the floor. An empty throne sat fifteen meters up the steps in front of them.

  Harris said, "Guess we weren't important enough."

  Tawn replied, "Hush."

  A figure emerged from behind the grand seat of power. It was the emperor in all his glory. Harris covered his mouth in an attempt to conceal his thoughts on the sight before him. The emperor of New Earth, the powerful being who ruled over half of humanity, was frail, with large ears, standing only a meter and a half tall.

  The emperor sat. "Dare I ask what you find so humorous?"

  Harris took a moment to contain his emotional response, wiping away a tear from one eye. "I must apologize, sir."

  "I'm not what you expected?"

  Harris took in a deep breath, letting it out slow as he looked over at a mortified partner. "No, sir. My expectations might have been set by the size of the brutes that carried us in. I apologize. I intended no disrespect."

  The emperor stood. "Mr Gruberg, I appreciate your honesty. Reports in the past have told me that while many guests remain respectful here in my presence, they snicker and make jest of my appearance once away. I know this to be a detriment to my rule, which is one of the reasons there are no images of my likeness anywhere in the empire."

  "Again. I apologize. I mean, look at me. I have the appearance of a barrel with arms and legs. And this mug. It doesn't exactly score points with the ladies. But it is what it is."

  "Mr. Gruberg. You, as each of us, did not have a say in your genetics. Yours were hastily put together for the purpose of fighting a war. Mine are from generations of incest, a deplorable practice among many of the prior emperors in my family. My own father is guilty of this as I am the offspring of his sister. Our genetic fates were set by those before us. But our minds are our own."

  "Wise reasoning, sir."

  "Yes. And that brings us to the next point, you have chosen to repeatedly attack our facilities on Eden. Is this a personal vendetta against me for the Great War?"

  Harris tilted his head to one side. "I suppose part of it could be that. Mostly it's out of concern that you will use the titanium there to rebuild your fleet and to restart the Great War."

  "I see. And thank you for being frank. Diplomats, and even my own staff, tend to tiptoe around such topics. Would it help to tell you that I have no current plans to restart the Great War? That my concern is over not being able to adequately protect my people from threats such as the Denzee?"

  Harris shook his head. "I think that's a stretch given you've been after that titanium for a while and the Denzee just showed up. Sounds to me like you had other motives and that attack was conveniently timed to offer a good cover story."

  "Hmm. I could see that being your understanding of the situation. Would it change your mind if you knew our first encounter with the Denzee was nearly a year before the Truce of Beckland was signed? And that we came to the peace table because we knew we would not be able to fight that war and protect ourselves in the event of a Denzee attack?"

  "Are you telling me you knew about the Denzee before the war ended?"

  "I am. And that our interest in Eden was and is for self defense. You may have forced the Denzee out, for which I am eternally grateful, but you have to also believe they will be back, and with a more powerful force. Am I to sit idly by while my subjects are left unprotected?"

  Harris rubbed the back of his neck. "If that's the underlying reason... I suppose not. But what assurances do we have that the titanium won't be used to build a fleet to attack us?"

  "You have a signed truce."

  Harris chuckled. "And what's the consequence for you breaking that truce? War? I don't see that as much of a deterrent if that's your intent anyway. The actions I take are in defense of Domicile. Our government officials don't see the danger in a powerful Earther fleet. I do."

  The emperor slowly paced back and forth. "I can see that your concern is genuine, Mr. Gruberg. Which is why I am willing to expand my offer to you here today. Would you be willing to join the royal family, spouse or not, and be willing to lead my military?"

  Tawn uttered. "Whoa."

  "You have already shown through your actions that you and Miss Freely are capable. And yes, I am offering this same position to you as well. The reports I have received on both of you say you are competent, determined, and even fair-minded in your dealings with others. And that you are swift and sure when dealing with your enemies."

  "Where does Baxter Rumford fit into all this?" Tawn asked.

  "Miss Rumford is too much of an unknown. Her work ethic is one of tireless determination just as yours, but her motives are uncertain. With the two of you I know your motives exactly. You wish only to protect your people. Which is admirable. And is precisely what I want to do for mine."

  "So you want him and me to run your military?"

  The emperor smiled. "What better way to ensure peace between our worlds and to make certain the Denzee or any other hostiles in our galaxy do not put an end to humanity? I am certain the two of you would bring with you a new era of peace and prosperity for all Humans."

  Harris took in a deep breath and let it out slow. "That's quite the bombshell you just laid in our laps, Emperor. We'll need some time to discuss it."

  The feeble leader of the New Earth Empire walked down several steps, taking a seat just in front of Tawn and Harris. "Tell me of some of your exploits during the war. I'd like to hear official accounts that have not been sanitized for some military or political purpose. What is it like to have the strength to fight in a battle?"

  Harris sat silent for several seconds. "It's horrifying. All of it. Knowing that you might die at any moment, or that your friends may find that end. Knowing that others, both military and civilian depend on you doing your job to the best of your ability, each and every day, day in and day out. It's as if you are under a constant pressure, not only to survive, but to win."

  Tawn added. "And all the time knowing that the Humans on the other side are just like you, fathers, brothers, sons, uncles... people with jobs and families. People that had they been born on Domicile instead of New Earth, would be fighting by your side instead of against you."

  "Yeah," Harris said, "people want to assign glory to the triumphs. And while those triumphs are often celebrated, it's not for the glory of the fight, it's for the resolution of whatever that conflict was. It's the coming out on the other side, still alive, and in possession of whatever the fight was over."

  "This is fascinating. And not the perspective I would have expected from a pair of Biomarines, the fiercest warriors known to man."

  "I don't know of a single Bio," Tawn said, "who prefers war over peace. We fight war because we are forced to. You know, when the truce was first declared, I was ecstatic. After being put out on my own and struggling to find work, I had more than a f
ew moments when I wished the war would return. I've since recovered my reasoning and understand it for the horror it is. Good people die. And for what? Somebody's dreams of conquest?"

  Harris stepped out of his litter, bending over to stretch his legs. Four of the enormous litter carriers jumped into action, securing his arms while four others moved to separate him from the emperor.

  Harris winced. "Sorry. Was getting a cramp in my leg."

  The emperor stood. "Release him. Allow him to do as he pleases."

  Eight brutish carriers bowed and returned to their prior positions.

  "Sorry about that, sir."

  The emperor again sat. "Understandable, Mr. Gruberg. And please, for the continuance of this conversation. Call me Mervin."

  Harris chuckled. "Mervin? Hardly seems like the name of an emperor."

  "Chaos Mervin Pertencik Dudikov Tallisjit of the House of Tallisjit. I'm the forty-third Tallisjit to hold this position. My eldest son, Riferek, will be the forty-forth upon my death."

  "We're told, as emperor, you have many sons and daughters."

  "It is not unusual for the royal house to have a dozen wives and dozens of offspring. I have but one wife, and three children. Two boys, feeble and frail like me, and one girl. She is the glory of my eye, having inherited her untainted genetics from her mother. Do you have children, Mr. Gruberg?"

  Harris shook his head. "Was designed out of us. There won't be any little slugs or stumps running around. We only have one shot to get it right and then we're done. Our legacy will be the legends that will remain once we're gone."

  The discussion with the emperor continued for three hours with Harris taking a seat on the steps beside him. Tawn walked the throneroom, taking in the sights before joining the men where they sat. Childhoods were discussed. The Biomarines talked of their training from a young age. The emperor of his roaming the palace with his only friends being his bodyguards. It was beneath the emperor-in-wait to have friends.

  The meeting ended with a repeat of the military leadership offer. The partners promised a response, but only after having time to discuss it in private. The litters were boarded and the trek back to the guest quarters was begun.

  — Chapter 7 —

  * * *

  Harris shook his head. "Was not expecting any of that."

  Tawn nodded. "How could we? And just so you know, I don't think we discuss this further until we're home. I have doubts any of our conversations here are private. And I would doubt they will be in the guest quarters or on the Gooch. Probably a hundred bugs on that ship already."

  "I would be in agreement with that. So what do we talk about between now and then?"

  "This palace maybe? It's spotless. I have to wonder how the commoner on New Earth lives."

  "We should have asked about that. Maybe gotten a tour?"

  "Let's not discuss anything about this planet until we're away. I don't want to leave an impression one way or the other. Nothing that would make them take action because of what they think we think or will do."

  "Fair enough. What do we have to talk about then?"

  "Food? Beverages?"

  Harris chuckled. "You getting hungry already?"

  "You can't tell me you're not."

  "I'm resisting the urge," Harris said.

  "When have you ever been able to do that?"

  "Since I drank that sheep's blood liquor. That was disgusting. I kinda feel sorry for the emperor in that respect."

  Tawn laughed. "You were just determined that you were gonna defy Bax. The face you made was priceless. What'd you think of the food?"

  "Different. The spicing was different. Not bad. Just not what I'm used to."

  "That's because you're a creature of habit. You always eat the same things. Predictable. Me? I like to explore and experience the unknown. I liked the foods they served. Would have to wonder what the commoners eat though. What are the staples on New Earth?"

  The litters were set on the floor in the guest quarters. The Biomarines hopped off. Baxter Rumford stood with a perplexed look.

  "Three hours? What happened?"

  Harris smirked. "I walked up the steps and put my arm around his shoulder and had a good long talk."

  "Pfft. You didn't come within ten meters of him. Those guards would have crushed you."

  Tawn said, "Would it bother you if I said we sat next to him on the steps for the last two hours and just talked?"

  Bax sighed. "Both of you are bad liars. Now what was it you spent three hours in there doing?"

  "We talked about you mostly," Harris said. "About how untrustworthy you are and about how you'd stab those you know in the back if you felt you'd benefit from it in some way."

  "You were with the emperor of New Earth. Somehow I doubt I was the topic of discussion."

  "You really want to know?"

  "Please. Enlighten me."

  "I think he likes you. I mean reeeaaally likes you. He was carrying your picture in his robe. Pulled it out and got all googly-eyed."

  Bax half scowled. "You can be a very unpleasant person, Goober."

  Tawn leaned forward. "As I'm sure you already know, we are not at liberty to discuss our dealings with the emperor. His conversations are private. And you'd be wise to ask no further about them."

  Bax glared for several seconds, undetermined as to the veracity of the statement made. "Fine. It's dropped. When will you be leaving? I need to get back to the mines."

  "We've been invited to stay a couple weeks. To look around. Meet the people and see the sights."

  "Two weeks? I can't be gone that long. I need to get back."

  Harris chuckled. "I guess you'll have to beg the emperor to let you go then."

  Bax stewed on the thought, turning away before walking off toward her room.

  "I think she's confused," Tawn said. "She detests not being in control of the situation."

  "She deserves a good shaking up. We are leaving today, right?"

  "As soon as we can."

  An angry and confused Bax was escorted to a transport with the others. A short flight had them boarding a shuttle that would return them to orbit where their ships were being held.

  Bax huffed. "That was not nice what you did down there."

  Harris nodded. "Wasn't intended to be nice. You messed with our heads enough during all this that I thought it might be fun to return the favor. Hows it feel?"

  "It feels like you're making decisions in the dark."

  "Us? We're making decisions, but it's you who's in the dark. Must be frustrating."

  "Dangerous is the better word for it. Dangerous for you, me, Domicile, and New Earth."

  Tawn scowled. "You are still so full of yourself. Well guess what... we're this party now. So enjoy the ride or get off. That's your choice."

  The Gooch lifted and was soon out into free space. A jump was made back to the Retreat where Trish came out in the Bangor to bring them home. Twenty minutes later, the Biomarine partners stepped down onto the grass in front of the bunker.

  Gandy came out to greet them. "How'd it go? What was it like?"

  Harris held up his hand. "Slow down there for a second if you would. Sharvie? Can you take Farker and scan this ship, and us, for Earther bugs? Once we're clean we'll tell you all about it."

  Fifteen minutes later the all clear was given.

  "None? Really?" Tawn asked.

  "Sorry, Miss Freely." Sharvie said. "The Gooch is clean."

  Harris waved the others into the supply hut. "You'll want to sit for this."

  "Yeah, there were a few shockers." Tawn added.

  Trish gave an annoyed look. "Just tell us already."

  Harris chuckled. "OK. So we sat down with Mervin for three hours."

  "Mervin?"

  Harris nodded. "That's his name, or at least a part of it. And please don't ever repeat that. It was told in trust. Anyway, he not only wants us to join the royal family, he want's us to command his military. He swears he has no interest in dominating the Domers
."

  "You weren't buying that were you?"

  "No, Trish, we weren't. But then he threw us a stunner. He claims the Earthers signed the truce because they had already had confrontations with the Denzee. He claims that many of our late victories were because resources had to be pulled to defend against the Denzee aggression."

  "Is that true?"

  Harris shrugged. "Don't know. We were winning big at the end and that is a possibility. If the colonel can confirm any of that it would give credence to his story. He says their interest in the titanium on Eden is for defensive purposes. They need a fleet to counter the Denzee threat."

  Tawn nodded. "He went on to say he was grateful for our assistance with the Denzee, and then offered us the command. I think we were both too shocked to give a decent response."

  Trish said, "If you took that job you couldn't take our technologies with you. He'd just take the tech, have you killed, upgrade his ships, and then attack us."

  "We realize that. And further, how could we go in and command a fleet that we know is inferior, while not trying to make the upgrades that would fix it? We of course won't be accepting the offer."

  The discussion continued for most of an hour before Gandy's bot walked into the room. "Mr. Boleman, may we talk? I'm eager to resume our last conversation. Your take on the history of Domicile fighting ships has been enlightening."

  Harris chuckled. "Once a nerd..."

  Gandy replied, "Call me what you want. I like the fighters. I wish I had one of the Banshees back."

  Reggie said, "Could we build one? Together?"

  Gandy stood and walked toward the door. "Let's go talk about that."

  Tawn said, "I think you were a little hard on him."

  "He'll get over it. So, ladies, you're now up to date on our trip to New Earth. Can't say I was intimidated by their leader."

  "He is smart though," Tawn added. "He might be physically frail, but not mentally. Harris held his own in conversation. I thought the two of you actually got along good."

  "Don't think we would be best friends outside of that meeting." Harris chuckled. "But he did seem to be reasonable. I expected more of an arrogant fanatic of sorts."