“Once again I've been cheated of victory.” Daimos petted Nightshade as he made the holographic feed go dark.
“One war rocket did all that damage,” said Nightshade in a tone of false concern. ”The ruin, the devastation, the horror. Do it again! Do it again!” She clapped and cheered.
“Quiet.” she lowered her head in silence. Opening up a new screen he got in contact with Burai in the city of Basilisk. A domed city surrounded by a radioactive desert created from a glitch in the planetary machinery. Completely isolation from all other city-states made it an easy choice for the landing point of the invasion.
“Ave, Dictator.” Burai placed a fist over his chest and bows his head.”
After exchanging pleasantries they got to the business at hand.
“Status
update on the Dragon objective.”
“Nightwatch's
interrogators have learned that the dragon is dormant and can not be
awakened without a ritual that involves a songbook located in the
township of Myrsida.”
“Nightwatch? You let the organics handle the interrogation of such a vital objective?” There was no condemnation in Daimos's voice. Simply curiosity.
Nightwatch is the name for the Enforcement section of the Political Security Office. In simple words, they were the Domain's secret police. Made up of loyal organics from various worlds that were conquered somewhat intact or joined without a fight. Many members were from worlds that lacked space flight before the Domain uplifted them.
They never appeared on worlds such as Aetherium where the population was to either be killed or processed. But in places where actually governance was needed, they were effective in keeping the civilians in line. While the SWAT-bots could be kept in reserve and used for more critical tasks.
“Indeed,” said Burai. “They presented an argument that they could establish a rapport and gain the information without physical coercion.”
“Excellent.
Pass on my congratulations. Now is Myrsida under our control?”
“Affirmative. We are using the city as a forward operating base for our activities in the Greenfield region. Resistance is being led by a mercenary company that commits operations on winged beasts. Designation: Bright Wings.
“I will deploy reinforcements to the township. They will take over guarding the songbook while you send forces to secure the dragon. In the meantime ready another core and deploy it against the Greenfield rebels.”
“Another mech core so soon,” Burai asked.
“It will not be long before the Star Warden learns this information and moves to interfere. He must be killed or failing that delayed as long as possible until the dragon is under our control.”
“There is a danger that an uncontrolled rift could open somewhere on the planet if we another device is used so soon.” That was Sonia interjecting in the conversation. “Shall I prepare your protocols?”
“Yes. Burai you have your orders.”
“By your command, Dictator. There is one more item to report.”
“Continue.”
“A news broadcast reported of a local excavation claiming to have uncovered Dragon bones. A SWAT-bot team has confirmed the reports as genuine.”
“Dragon bones! An interesting discovery. Yesss! Have them recovered at once.”
“By your command, Dictator.”
The holoscreen went dark.
I know what Sister Nyx would do with those dragon bones. I imagine the Dictator and friends have equally horrid plans.
ReplyDeleteWait till you find out what a Dragon is.
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