Admiral Donan and Emperor Benaltep

Admiral Donan and Benaltep

     Admiral Hansal Donan peered thoughtfully out of the portal of his command shuttle as it approached the juggernaut NIS Cachalon, the flagship of the emperor's personal fleet. He'd been summoned to confer with emperor Benaltep. Meetings with the emperor were always trying for Donan. He never knew what to expect. At times the emperor just wanted someone to speak with to drive away the loneliness or to help focus his military genius. Donan and his colleagues had often been sounding boards for Benaltep, and so, witnesses to some of the greatest moments in the history of interstellar warfare. Benaltep could also be mean and petty, threatening even to shoot his officers for dereliction of duty when they had in fact been utterly courageous, if unsuccessful, in their mission. 

     Donan's last meeting with the emperor had been less than happy. The battle for the Durian starsystem, a star in Donan's area of operation, was going badly and  Benaltep was furious after Donau gave his report. 

     "What are you doing here?" He screamed, as though he'd forgotten that Donan was there at his command.

     "Do you think you can defeat the Audrians by hiding in my cabin? Get back to your squadrons! If Duria does not fall, it should be because you and your command have been wiped out!" 

Donau had left badly shaken. He did not relish the thought of another such meeting.

***

      The Emperor's cabin was cool and dark. The plush green furniture soaked up most of the light from the lamps and portals in the room. There were three Naplians in the room. The emperor, looking out of the main portal with his hands cupped characteristically in the small of his back; Opposite him, in the corner, stood Marshals Bessien, commander of the Guard, and Uegan, famed starfrigate leader. Marshal Donan stood at attention, hat in hand. No one moved. Long moments passed.

     "Marshal Donan" began the emperor.

     "My Emperor." Donan's voice was hard, anxious.

    "You have news of the Durian System?"

     "Yes, my emperor. The Audrians and Briddarri have been routed from the system."

     "Good." Benaltep continued to stare out of the portal. "Excellent." He turned to face Donan. "And your crews, your ships?"

     "Our losses were heavy, sire."

     "Don't be vague Marshal. What exactly were the losses?"

     "Fourteen capital warships, nine frigates, and two bombard vessels destroyed my emperor."

     Benaltep looked at the floor as he listened. If he had any opinion about the losses, no one in the room could tell what that might be.

     "I see, and the crewmen, what of them?"

     "Seventeen thousand dead. Twenty-six thousand wounded, emperor."

      Benaltep looked up. "I congratulate you Donan. You have done your duty," Benaltep looked him straight in the eye.  "Which is your reasonable service."

     "Thank you, my emperor."

     "I have another task for you, Marshal Donan." Admiral, Donan thought.

      "I am at your service sire." Donan began to feel a sense of relief.

      Benaltep stepped around his small desk, sliding a sharply manicured finger along the edge. "Yes, I believe you. You are hereby relieved of your division."

     There was stunned silence. Donan started to protest but was waived off by the emperor.

     "You are now in full command of the second and fourth corps. That is, if you aren't aware, nearly a third of operational forces in this theater."

     Donan nearly fainted. He couldn't believe it, a corps, no a corps group command!

    Benaltep smirked. Toying with the emotions of subordinates was a favorite pastime. He clapped Donan on the shoulder, handed him Marshal's pips, and pointed him to the steward who ushered him out. Donan turned smartly outside the doorway and stiffly saluted as the hatch closed in his face, and the emperor resumed his stance before the main portal.

Next…Naplian Allies

END TRANSMISSION

Artwork by Julian Schlottman
Ship Design by David Snodgrass
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