Final Answer, page 6
part #9 of The Descendants War Series
"The true purpose," Milna said, "right? The thing that the Prophet's been promising?"
"The Prophet hasn't promised much beyond freedom," Zali replied, "and a chance to live in peace with our neighbors. A lot of people are tired of the killing. Not just you. And because of that, they've even risen up. We've had protests. Riots. Violence in the streets. Quelled, of course, but that's not the point."
Milna sighed. "They're ready for the change. They just need a few pushes, right?"
"Exactly. Even now, there's a battle raging over the homeworld. We're about to join it. And in the midst of it, you'll swoop down to the planet. Deal with the Lord Marshal... while the others handle their parts of things. Information gathering and capture of the tower. I think for a crew like this, it won't be a hardship."
"Except we may all die," Milna pointed out, "because the surface won't exactly be the easiest place to navigate. And getting to the Lord Marshal in the middle of this will be next to impossible."
"He recalled you back to aid him," Zali said, "and yes, I'm sure you did use a secure channel. Unfortunately for you, I've had people working the tower who have access to the Lord Marshal's personal communicators. I've had his conversations sent directly to me several times, particularly the secret ones."
"Anyone could have heard that then." Milna clenched her fists. "And you've kept it secret?"
"I have. There's no reason to out you. Not when you can help us. To everyone else, you'll be assassinating the Lord Marshal. But you and I know how you'll get close. And that stays between us to my dying day. So long as we pull this off, the Kahl will be free and we can all get on with whatever we want to do."
"You make it sound easy."
Zali chuckled. "Believe me, it's not, nor do I mean to paint a false picture. It's going to be horrible. Even when we wrest control from the current government, we'll be in a difficult spot. Regaining control of our infrastructure, trade, ensuring supplies are still available... make no mistake, we're in for a tough time."
"Why did you decide to do it then?" Milna asked. "What's in it for you?"
"I'm surprised you'd ask," Zali replied, "but it's simple enough. Our people deserve a chance to thrive. To not die in endless wars. To not be the villains of the galaxy. If someone believes in Kahl supremacy, they'd deny what I'm about to say. Eventually, we will be overthrown. Whether it comes from the Prytins, the humans, or someone else."
"You think it's inevitable?"
"Of course it is. One scenario involves the remnants of cultures we've destroyed rising up together. We have a group of allies, genetically modified Kahl that will be deployed the planet as well. A group of zealots we inadvertently created some years ago will join them. Who knows how many more cultures are like that?"
"I know the last ones you mentioned," Milna said. "They proved to be a match for a fully armed force of Kahl military."
"Exactly. And so here it is. The internal downfall of our culture. Yes, the Prytins and their friends will help. But without them, we would've made our move soon. I just wanted more of a sure thing. Those people have provided it. Now, you have to do your part. Can I count on you, Milna? Will you do what is necessary?"
Milna stepped away, lifting her gaze to the ceiling. Past sins danced in her head alongside the fact the Lord Marshal gave her a chance. When no one else seemed ready to, he called upon her to do important work. Which turned out to be murderous... flat out wrong. Yet I did it without question.
Zali offered her the chance 'make it right'. But would it? Did another death mean anything at all? If any deaths do, this one would. She turned to look the general in the eye.
"I'm exonerated if I do this?"
"Of course. Any record I have will be lost."
Milna nodded. "Then I'll do it. When do we go?"
"As soon as we fuel your ship, muster the others, and have you depart. We are on a bit of a time crunch so it's imperative you leave immediately. You need to get to the area before our force. Get to the surface, make your way to your objectives, and succeed. Believe me, if he escapes, we will be in a difficult position."
"He will not." Milna clenched her fist. "I know his routine, know the people under his command. This is the kind of thing I've been trained for."
"I'm counting on it." Zali clapped her on the shoulder. "Good luck. I'll see you soon."
Chapter 3
Severan listened to the comm chatter from the battle raging in space. So far, the Kahl armada had managed to hold back the enemy ships from getting too close to the planet. Reinforcements from across the galaxy raced to help, but he doubted they'd arrive before the conflict ended.
I can't believe I've lost some of my best leaders to this resistance. Fortunately, the traitors hadn't jumped into the fight. They were hiding somewhere, probably waiting for the Prytins to do their work for them. Then show up to make an alliance or create a ridiculous peace. Bastards.
"My Lord?" Aeden shouted from the other room. "Are you watching the conflict?"
Of course I am, you dolt! Sev drew a deep breath before answering. "I am. I've let our forces know it seems they're being led on a bit of a chase. They're repositioning our weapon platforms to support the satellites. I suspect they would like to invade, but that's not going to happen. Not while we're still drawing breath."
"I'm manning the secure communication network. If someone contacts us... Cirilla, or Brahn, or even your operative, then I'll let you know right away."
"Thank you." Sev wanted him to go away. He wanted to focus on the fight, to watch events unfold. What Aeden didn't know was that the religious council had fled to a bunker. They were hiding from the situation, which wouldn't go over well with the people if they found out. When we win, I'll find a way to gloss that over.
So many small things required him to play games. Politicians turning on him, running off to join the resistance. A growing cadre of people in his inner circle turning out to be traitors. Some of his own bodyguards proving to be scum. When the fighting stopped, his work would be cut out for him.
Not to mention my son's funeral. I have to see him off properly. I didn't have time to mourn him before this attack. They were swift to take advantage of the loss, probably hoping I would not be at my best. Unfortunately for you, I have prepared for this day. And my resolve has never been stronger.
Sev had expected the enemy to bring more ships. Or have additional waves join in the fight. Thus far, they remained at a static number. Both sides experienced few losses as well. The exchange resembled two groups testing each other's defenses, neither willing to commit. Even he didn't order a direct assault.
Impatience now will cost one side everything. Why didn't they fully commit? Holding anything back made no sense. What set him off far more though was the lack of the Triton or Brekka. At least as far as he could tell. Those two need to pay for what they've done. Renz's death should be avenged.
Their tactic to overwhelm the listening posts saved them from an initial assault though only barely. He didn't think it a good use of their time, but then the enemy favored tricks over direct conflict. He felt ashamed of the fact his own people fell into similar habits, though not quite as overt.
Our prison camps for breaking enemy morale qualifies. Sev had agreed to it because of the passion his leaders showed toward the project. That didn't mean he thought it was a good idea. Eventually, at some point, I had to plan to step down. I hoped Renz might find himself ready for the role.
Sev had to admit, Renz did not show promise. When he went off to attack the humans, there was something about his attitude, his lack of vision, that cast doubt on his ability to lead their people. Much of that came down to his inability to look past his own glory. The whole point of pursuing the pilgrimage was to see the bigger picture.
And it never worked out. When I diverted them to attack the humans, he was elated rather than annoyed. He wanted back in the action.
Kivda would've made a better ruler. If only Sev could've traded sons. He'd thought about adopting the young man several times. If a case could've been made as to why, he might've proceeded. But it would've driven a wedge between Renz and his friend, one that may have been fatal for one or the other.
Even close friends aren't necessarily safe in our military. Not when they feel slighted. And because of that, the resistance came into being. The disgruntled stopped taking hurt feelings out on each other and put all their effort into overthrowing the government. Slowly, insidiously, like a wasting disease.
They nearly succeeded, but I'm on to them now. Knowing of their existence meant they could not harm him. He would tear down their infrastructure, execute their leaders, then show his people the cost of defying their rulers. Every single one of them will learn that I am their future. And if they have to die for me, then they should do so gratefully.
Sev had gotten over some of that feeling with Cirilla. But as he thought of her turning on him, becoming a resistance fighter herself, he lost faith in the young. She seemed so passionately interested in him... and a foolish boy working for him had turned her away. Why did Brahn change sides?
I hope we bring him in alive to ask him the question. I want to hear his lies in person before we kill him slowly. His won't be public because I intend for it to take days. When he finally passes, it will only be after he's lived with agony every waking second. I'll have medical professionals on hand to keep him going.
Betrayal from some didn't bother him nearly as much as one of his own doing it. Sev wondered if Brahn helped the resistance attack his house. Did he provide them the accurate coordinates? Another question to extract from his bleeding body. Along with all his compatriots. Names, locations... more victims for Sev's wrath.
"Long-range communication," Aeden shouted. "From Milna."
Sev sunk in his chair. At least I'm fairly certain she has not failed me. "What's she say? Does she wish to speak? Or is she finally almost here?"
"On her way," Aeden said, "as in she just popped into the sector. She'll make planetfall soon."
"Do we have any scanning?" Sev asked. "Or are the listening posts still shut down from their attack?"
"Only planetary. When she gets closer..."
"Yes, yes." Sev waved his hand. "That's enough. Make sure the complex is secure. We'll likely have her put down here." Or as close as possible. If necessary, we can use her craft to get to a safe location away from the city. The enemy won't bombard the other bunker. It's in the middle of nowhere.
The little doubt creeping into his mind filled him with rage. Such a feeling did not bode well for his leadership skills nor his faith in those men and women serving under him. There's always a chance one might lose a fight. His thoughts drifted to Renz. My son must've felt the same way before the end.
When things ended, if the men responsible for Renz remained alive, Sev intended to send Milna after them. She would exact his vengeance. No matter how long it took or where they hid. Kahl vengeance would be swift, initiated before the other cultures had the chance to repopulate their fleets or save themselves.
This ploy has cost them the galaxy. We will no longer perform in half measures. This is the end of all the others. Genocide on a universal scale. The time has come.
***
Milna leaned back in the copilot's chair. Her hand shook. It made her sick to her stomach. Sending the message to Sev made it all real. Part of her worry came from how he might react, if he'd try to speak with her. She had no idea if she had the capacity to convincingly lie to him about her intentions.
Jok took her hand. "Everything's fine."
"Is it?" Milna glared at him. "This is far from okay. What we're doing is insanity. And you're risking a lot being here. You could've stayed on the ship with Zali."
"And watched the battle?" Jok shook his head. "No, I've come too far. I'm here to the end. A participant. Besides, our friends need help getting to the temple. A lot's riding on our ability to get to the surface. Our cargo alone may turn the tide for the resistance... and the warriors fighting the armada."
"I don't know if I can kill him," Milna said.
"Prisoner works too, remember?" Jok squeezed her hand before letting go. "But you'll do the right thing when you have to." He cleared his throat. "Can you tell me how you were picked for this? What you're saying... a spec ops person wouldn't be this close to the Lord Marshal."
"I worked for him," Milna replied. "Many times. On special missions. To remove problems for the Empire. Because I seemed anonymous."
"Ah." Jok nodded. "Are you... were you..."
"Do you want to talk about this now?" Milna asked. "We're getting close."
"Maybe later."
Kivda stepped onto the bridge. They only spoke briefly before setting out. The commander wore full body armor. His task involved hitting the command tower, which Milna envied. Sweeping floor to floor sounded much better than trying to kill the man who trusted her, gave her purpose.
"We close?" Kivda leaned to look. "Yeah, getting there. How're we doing the landings?"
"You'll have to disembark close to your target when I slow," Jok replied. "Milna will take the controls so we can all deploy pretty much together. But you know how a hot drop goes. We'll be hopping out as low as she can take us. From there, we go our separate ways to finish the mission."
"Okay." Kivda backed away. "I'll inform the others."
"He's stern," Jok said, "very much like what I'd imagine all those commanders to be in person."
"He's atypical," Milna replied. "Serious, intense, but highly qualified. I've read about him many times. If anyone can take that tower, it'll be his unit. Providing they side with him. That's the biggest gamble we're taking I think."
"I'm heading back to get the humans ready," Jok said. "Essa thought he'd be able to stay on the ship but unfortunately, he has to come with us. I don't like it. The man's old. I'm fearful of how this will go for him."
Milna turned to meet his gaze. "If he dies, he'll do so for a cause he believes in. Whether we like that or not, I suppose there are worse ways to die. To be lost." She returned her attention forward. "I've got the coordinates. I'll inform you when we're close to the drop zone."
"Do you want--"
"No." Milna shook her head. "No affection until we're done. I need to focus."
"Understood. I... I'll miss you." Jok left her alone.
I'll miss you too. Milna had her doubts about any of them surviving. As she looked out at the battle raging in the distance, she wondered how the two sides were doing. I'd like to tap into comm chatter. It would only be a distraction. When the resistance arrived with their ships, the situation would turn.
The Kahl aren't prepared for that. Milna nudged the throttle forward, making up some distance. Alright, everyone. Today we make some kind of history. Either fading into obscurity or creating a brand-new universe. One way or another, this will change our lives forever. And my Empire may finally die.
The thought made her numb. Loyalty no longer bound her to the organization nor did it fill her with zeal. Instead, she felt sadness. A profound, deep shame for all the things she had done on behalf of the Lord Marshal. It seemed fitting that her last act with them would involve confronting him directly.
And ending his reign. Whether he dies or comes with me, that part of his life is over. Someone else will rise to take his place. Perhaps Zali... maybe someone else. Regardless, it will be for the better. Now, to make it all come true.
***
"Drop ships are hitting the atmosphere now," Kivda announced. He went over the briefing in the cargo bay. "You humans are aware of these individuals. We were unaware of their abilities when we fought you over their planet. They'll be taking on some military structures on the far northern side of the city."
"Distraction?" Uldin frowned. "Or is there a primary purpose for taking that area?"
Kivda replied, "we need to control those areas in order to prevent more fighting to break out when the situation ends. If they can occupy the space, that's one less location for the military to coordinate from."
"How can they do it?" Lysa asked. "They seemed scary when we met them, but they haven't been out in the galaxy for a long time. How are they going to contend with the weapons at your disposal? Better yet, did they handle the trip well?"
"They were fine. Apparently, when presented with the sort of weapons and armor we have at our disposal, they took to it without problem. They weren't as behind as you seem to think. They just needed the opportunity to try the equipment out. Anyway, I watched some video feed of their physical abilities. It's incredible."
"What about the zealots?" Orla asked. "I heard about them."
"They're hitting the eastern side of the city. A second front. The combined attack from both sides will grant us a chance to take care of our duties." Kivda motioned to Essa. "When we drop, the armor will reduce your velocity. Despite that, you'll have to roll when you hit the ground to avoid hurting yourself. I... hope you're ready."
Essa scowled. "I've been doing drops since before all of you were born."
Kivda sighed. "Which is why I'm worried about you getting hurt. Anyway, everyone do their best to take the descent properly. This isn't something we can play with." A noise caught his attention, coming from a crate to the left. He tilted his head. "Did you all hear that too or am I crazy?"
Orla stepped over to the container. She flipped the lid, letting out a grunt. "Are you serious?" Cirilla poked her head out. "You're absolutely insane. What're you thinking coming here like this?"
"I want to help," Cirilla said. "With Sev... specifically."
"I'm pretty sure you don't want to go there," Kivda replied.
"No!" Brahn advanced, "no, you really don't! Do you have any idea what Aeden will do if he sees you? It's going to be bad!"
"I don't think so." Cirilla smiled. "Milna can say she rescued me."
Brahn laughed while shaking his head. He backed away. "You didn't have to come here and yet, there you are. Thinking of asinine ways to ingratiate yourself into a dangerous mission. I thought you didn't like what we did with Ephir. You sure seemed annoyed by all the high-speed nonsense getting out of there."
