The Burden of Command, page 16
part #14 of Empire Rising Series
“I like that,” Christine said. “I’m sure with Andrea’s help, I could put together a speech to address the Empire in the morning. If you can confirm we have the vote, we can announce we are moving ahead with this in light of the serious impact the actions of these traitors could have.”
“And then we arrest them,” James said. If there were no hope things could simply blow over, then he wanted to be as decisive as possible. In truth, he wanted to bring Teal to his knees. “We seize their assets, and we arrest them. If we move quickly, we could end this now. We could even have them arrested before you make your speech tomorrow.”
“But that would be illegal,” Marshall protested, concern filling his voice.
“And why would that concern us given what is at stake?” James asked. “Christine was right when she threatened them when they were here. If they can change the rules we’re all playing by, why can’t we?”
“And one could argue that by handing in an official request to secede, these politicians have voluntarily stepped outside of the legal protections of our system,” Ishida suggested.
“But that would mean we would be recognizing that their request to secede is genuine. If we start treating them as if they are not citizens, it means we think legally they have seceded,” Marshall countered.
“It also leaves them no room to back down or surrender,” Grimshaw added. “If they see no other way out, then they will resist us to the bitter end. That could make things harder. If we leave them an out, a way where they could back down and save face, then we might get what we want with less difficulty.”
“And yet, as has been said, if we let this drag on, we may allow more to flock to their cause,” Christine suggested. “If that happens, it will make it far harder to stop this from going into a movement we cannot control.”
“Then what we need is a two-pronged approach,” Havertz suggested. “On the one hand, we need to be decisive and wrest power from the hands of those who have started this. To do that, I believe our best option is to declare them traitors, strip them of their political ranks, and seek their arrest. At the same time though, we could introduce new legislation into the Houses to enact a constitutional amendment. We could add a clause regarding secession.” Havertz quickly held up his hands as it looked like several of the Inner Council were about to protest. “Hear me out. Perhaps it was an oversight that we did not include this to begin with. That is an admission we could even make publicly, for it would likely appease many who are on the fence on the issue. Yet, if we introduce the constitutional amendment, then we will control how things play out. For one, it would be absolutely necessary that any such world hold a referendum on the issue. And, it would be my view that at least sixty percent of the population would have to be in favor of secession. Then in addition, we wait and include a number of other clauses. For example, the whole process would have to take a number of years to make sure the citizens of said planet knew exactly what the consequences of their actions would be. In addition, if there is an immediate threat of war, then the process could be stopped or postponed. There would also have to be the orderly transfer of power over a set period of time if a vote to secede was passed. They should also be followed by a second vote a decade or maybe two later, to allow the planet’s citizens to confirm that they believe they have made the right decision. From my reading of the few I have met who have actually spoken of secession, I think these things would go a long way to appeasing them. It is my estimation that many rile against the Empire’s authority simply because they don’t like not having an exit. Yet if that exit was made available, I do not believe they would wish to use it.”
“I don’t know if that is a brilliant idea or one that could lead to our eventual ruin,” Fairfax said as he rubbed his hands together. “It would cut Patel and the others off at the knees. It would make them look like dictators trying to force their planets to do their will rather than let them choose. Yet if we open Pandora’s box, we might not be able to get it closed again.”
“But Havertz is right,” Christine said barely above a whisper. “Perhaps I didn’t see it before, but today’s events are demonstrating our folly. There should have been such a clause in the constitution from the beginning. We claim democracy to be the foundation upon which the Empire is built. Yet if planets cannot vote to leave just as they voted to join, then perhaps her claim is an illusion. Or at least, I can see how it may seem so to many. If we were to draw up a draft of such an amendment, I could include it in my address to the Empire.”
“That would give us little time to think through the suggestion,” Nicholls cautioned.
Christine nodded and gave James’ Chief of Staff a brief smile. “It certainly would, but sometimes, events get the better of you. I don’t think we have time to think through every possible scenario. Not when so much is on the line.”
“I’m afraid I have some bad news,” Alvarez said, holding a datapad in his hands. “As soon as we first discussed the possibility of freezing assets, I sent a request for each of the politicians you mentioned to be monitored. In the last twenty minutes, each and every one of them has boarded a civilian ship. Most have already taken off and headed out of the system.”
“They are fleeing,” Fairfax said.
“Not fleeing, I think,” Alvarez replied. “This was likely planned. They have to have guessed that we would respond swiftly.”
“Can we catch them?” Andrea asked.
Alvarez tapped his datapad, and the holo display built into the table they were all sitting around activated. It showed the Sol system with seven dots flashing. Each was headed towards either the Alpha or Beta shift passages.
James studied the star map for several seconds. “No,” he said regretfully. “We have no ships close enough. Those civilian vessels are moving at an impressive speed. They have to be as fast as a military frigate.”
“Another indication that their escape has been well-planned,” Alvarez said.
James nodded. “But we can send orders to the Alpha and Beta jump gates not to let them through. They’ll have to use their own shift engines to travel to Alpha and Beta. That would buy us several more hours. If Christine makes her address in the morning and we send our fastest ships to their colonies, we could have news of their arrest warrants and removal from their positions arriving just behind them. That is bound to impact what they are planning to do next on their own worlds.”
“Then do it,” Christine ordered. “I will not have them return to their worlds declaring themselves to be some kind of national heroes. And let the rest of us get to work as well, we are going to quench this fire before it spreads.”
*
A beep from Christine’s COM unit made her glance down at it. A message had just been received from Fairfax. It was only one word. Looking back up, she nodded to James who stood at her side. He knew what her gesture meant. The three Houses had held their votes. Putting a grim expression on her face, she stepped up to the podium. Every holo recorder from all of Earth’s news agencies were already pointed at her. She paused for just a second as a strong gust of wind blew her hair to one side. Her podium was in the middle of the nearest shuttle landing pad in front of the Palace. She wanted the large structure behind her for what she was about to say. It was a reminder to everyone of where they had come from and what they had all accomplished together. Taking a deep breath, she began. “People of the Empire, I have grave news to share with you all. Those of you on Earth will already have learned of it, for those outside the Sol system, this will be the first time you are hearing of it. This is not something I ever thought I would have to come to speak to you about. Yet here I am. It grieves me deeply that I must do this, but I have no other choice.” Christine paused to let her words sink in. She wanted everyone paying full attention to her.
“Last night,” she continued, “several political figures requested an audience with Emperor James and I. Claiming to speak on behalf of thirteen worlds, they declared their intention to secede from the Empire…. Yes, you heard me right. After everything we have achieved together. After all the blood that has been spilt. After the losses we have suffered. They have chosen to turn their backs on us. And to make matters worse, these worlds are all worlds in our southern sectors. Worlds that are far from the Karacknid Empire, worlds that have greatly benefited from the investment we have funneled into them to build up our military industrial capabilities. Worlds that enjoyed peace and safety while other worlds like Earth and New Shanghai were invaded and bombarded by the Karacknids.
“There is only one word that describes what these people have done: betrayal! These politicians have betrayed everything the Empire stands for, everything so many of our loved ones have given their lives to protect, and everything so many of you have worked tirelessly to build.
“Now, let me make one thing very clear,” Christine said as she raised her hands, placed them on the podium and leaned forward to emphasize her point. “I am not speaking here of the people of these worlds. They have played no part in this. These politicians have not consulted with them. There have been no referendums. Forsaking democracy, these politicians are seeking to set themselves up as a local dictator, where their worlds are beholden to their every whim. They think that by simply handing me a document they have written, they can speak on behalf of their people. Well, I am here to say this morning that I and Emperor Somerville, on behalf of all three Houses of Parliament, absolutely and categorically reject this attempted secession.
“Further, this very morning, emergency meetings of all three Houses were held. Two new bills were presented before them and accepted unanimously. Their full details will be made public within the hour; however, I can share with you their main contents now. The first bill removed each of the elected officials from their positions. The second introduced a new amendment to our Empire’s constitution. Our Third Amendment now lays out a democratic, peaceful, and respectful process for any planet that wishes to secede from the Empire. Neither I nor James wish to force any planet to be a part of our Empire against their will. Each and every one of you had a vote on whether to join the Empire, and you should have the right to be able to vote to leave. But what you should not have are petty tyrants who would betray you, to seize power for themselves.
“What has happened in the last few hours has been grave. I believe that is clear in the responses we have taken. I wish these politicians had tried to work things out with us. I wish they had sought to respect the desires of their own people and of all the Empire’s citizens. However, they have not, and so this is where we find ourselves. Both of these bills were passed unanimously, and so the Empire’s democratic system has spoken. This attempted secession has been seen for what it was, nothing but a naked power grab. And each of our Houses have dealt with it accordingly.
“There remains one final act that I, as your Empress, must carry out. Based on the authority granted to me by our constitution, I now declare each of these politicians traitors to the Empire.” Reaching under the podium, Christine took out a document and laid it on the podium. She took a pen out of her dress pocket and signed it. “On my written orders, each of the politicians involved in this sedition are now wanted criminals. On my orders, they are to be hunted down and brought back to Earth for trial.” Setting down the pen, Christine stared at the holo recorders for several seconds. “And let me make this clear, any who aid and abet them will suffer the same fate. We can have a diplomatic discussion about secession. I do not fear that. But what I will not tolerate are a group of power-hungry rebels whose actions threaten the very stability of our Empire when the Karacknids could renew their attacks against us at any minute. Anyone who seeks to split the Empire’s strength in the face of the Karacknids has made themselves an enemy of the Empire and an enemy of mine.”
Lifting up the document she had just signed, Christine began to read, “I hereby declare that all those listed below, and those who aid them, are now to be considered traitors and enemies of the Empire, they are to be apprehended and brought to Earth where they will face trial as enemy combatants.” Carefully, she then read out the list the eighteen politicians who they knew for certain were involved in the attempted secession. When she was done, she set the document down. Once again, she stared at the holo recorders. “I know that for some of you who have grown up since the Karacknid War, my actions today may seem disproportionate. I am sorry that you may feel this way. Yet for those of you who have lived through the Karacknid War, who have bled and lost to protect our species, you will know why such a betrayal cannot be tolerated. You know I will do whatever it takes to protect this Empire and our democratic constitution. To the rest, I trust that in time, you will come to understand why I, James, and the three Houses of Parliament have taken such decisive action.”
Without waiting for questions, Christine turned from the podium and strode towards James. She held out her hand and allowed him to lead her back into the Palace. She had said what she wanted to say. Now, it was time to see how the public would respond. The ball is now in your court, she thought towards the eighteen names she had just read out.
Chapter 15
According to the official statistics, the Empire has made first contact with three thousand four hundred and fifty-two other sentient species. Much has been learnt from these experiences and there are complex protocols in place to guide naval Captains who find themselves in such a situation. Yet rarely do such things go to plan.
-Excerpt from Empire Ascendant 3015 AD.
Python, 17th October 2508 AD, (four weeks later).
Jake’s nerves were frayed. For four weeks, Python had followed the new alien ship. A rhythmic pattern had developed. Slowly in stealth, Python would follow the alien ship until it jumped into shift space. Then as soon as it was gone, a mad dash would begin to the next shift passage to try and close the lead the freighter opened up while Python was stuck in stealth. Though rhythmic, the pattern was far from relaxing. At any moment, Jake had expected Python to be detected. Or worse, when jumping out into the next system, the alien ship to be gone.
Miraculously, neither had happened. Yet rather than diminishing, Jake’s concerns were growing as the chase lengthened. For another problem had begun to play on his mind. The alien ship had been plotting a steady course south, and then southwest around the southernmost tip of Human space. Each day brought Python further away from an inhabited colony and a source of fuel. As things were, engineering specialist McKay assured Jake they only had enough fuel for another two weeks. Then they’d have to turn around and set course for Swaraj, the nearest Imperial colony. Before that point came, Jake knew he would have another tough decision, an impossible one even. Whoever the alien race was that had taken the Karacknid cargo, if the cargo was weapons, he couldn’t allow them to keep them. Of that he felt certain. That meant he would have to capture or destroy the alien vessel. There was only one way such an act could be interpreted: as an act of war. And yet, Jake didn’t know for sure the alien vessel was carrying Karacknid weapons. It was unlikely the Karacknids were trading anything else, but not impossible. The ship could have a political delegation on board. Or some other commodities could be being traded. Though Jake felt he had to stop the freighter from getting away from him, he was dreading making the decision to bring it to battle. As long as he could, he wanted to keep putting it off.
One thing that wasn’t bothering him any longer, however, was his concern about what Captain Domingo would say when they finally managed to meet up with Resolute again. A Karacknid freighter delivering something to a new alien race was far bigger than chasing pirates or missing a planned rendezvous. However cross Domingo might end up being, Jake was sure she would have to begrudgingly accept he had made the right decisions.
“We’ll be exiting shift space in ten minutes,” an officer reported, drawing Jake out of his reflections.
“Thank you,” Jake replied. “Send word for the main watch to report to the bridge. Prepare Python to enter stealth.”
“Aye, Lieutenant,” the officer said.
Moments later, Lydia walked onto the bridge. “Ready to do this again?” She asked Jake.
Jake nodded. “And again after that,” he replied. He then watched as she moved to her seat and sat down. He hadn’t yet brought up the dilemma he knew was approaching them. He wanted to have considered it thoroughly before he did. Chasing an unknown alien ship that had contact with the Karacknids was one thing, attacking it was another entirely. He was sure Lydia, and the rest of the crew, would have some serious misgivings. Already, he could sense a number were growing concerned at how far they were moving away from Imperial space. Yet as he watched Lydia closely, there was no sign she shared such concerns. When she glanced at him and caught him staring, she flashed him a smile. Jake returned it. Her trust in him hadn’t wavered. Which means it’s time you better talk to her, Jake concluded. Once we locate the alien ship and lay in a course to pursue it, he decided. If she agreed with him, it would at least ease his conscience a little.
“Exiting shift space in twenty seconds,” the officer at Python’s navigation console announced.
Jake tensed himself as Python reverted to real space, and a tremor ran through the pirate vessel. When it passed, everyone’s eyes focused on the main holo display as Python’s passive sensors peered into the system. According to the Kulrean survey data, the system had three shift passages that led away from it, not counting the one Python had just used. That made it a crossroads of sorts. Which direction the alien ship took would tell them a lot about its final destination.
