The Darkest Heart, Part 18

"Give me a status update, Commander," Kryla Zomulin said as she strode onto Decimator's bridge. "All ships are reporting in, Admiral," Hosken Venrel replied. "All captains are ready to go on your mark." "Excellent," Zomulin said, settling into the command chair. "As soon as we get the final word from the Emperor, we'll be ready …

The Darkest Heart, Part 17

"I'm glad you feel that way, sir," Peltoren replied. "I've done my best to live up to the expectations that go along with my new position." "Indeed," Lavatiel agreed. "That said, I do have some concerns about the command that the President has entrusted you with." "Oh?" Peltoren said, raising one eyebrow. "What sort of …

The Darkest Heart, Part 16

"Wait a minute," Lavatiel interjected, her eyes smoldering. "What are you saying?" "Exactly what it sounds like," Mandaila replied, growing ever more smug. "Iron Dragonfly is fully operational." "And how is it that I was unaware of this?" Lavatiel snarled through clenched teeth. Peltoren admired the woman's restraint. She was about ready to throttle Mandaila …

The Darkest Heart, Part 15

Chieria Peltoren's transition from captain of Heart of the Galaxy to Admiral of the Fleet commanding the entire Republican Navy went more smoothly than she had expected. Instead of quarters on a massive starship, she now had a posh apartment near the center of Argenyle, the capital city of the Republic, and an office in …

The Darkest Heart, Part 14

"I hear you recently had an unpleasant encounter with my former OCIA," Emperor Valador began, settling himself down behind his desk and peering at the person sitting across from over his steepled fingertips. "You could call it that," Kryla Zomulin replied dryly. "He admitted that he wants to succeed you as Emperor so that he …