Scattered Suns - Kevin J. Anderson [91]
Finally, one of the crewmen said, “We have received word that Imperator Rusa’h has used our warliners to add Dzelluria to his ever-growing empire. Lens kithmen and soldiers are even now distributing shiing so that the population may join his network of thism.”
Zan’nh felt cold. Orra’h, the former Designate of Dzelluria, was a stubborn man who did not make impetuous decisions. “Why would they do that? And why so fast? Surely they must resist.”
The nearest pleasure mate smiled. “The Dzelluria Designate chose to give his life in order to pave the way for the Designate-in-waiting, who has voluntarily joined Imperator Rusa’h. With Designate Czir’h converted, the rest of the population is easily swept into the fold.”
The Adar remained stony, breathing swiftly. Far from Ildira, with a maniple of warliners overhead, their Designate murdered and his replacement forced to submit, the local Ildirans would be easy targets for Rusa’h. The disoriented people would not understand their peril and would grasp at any hope, even the wrong hope. Rusa’h would offer it to them.
Zan’nh scowled at his former Solar Navy comrades. They had informed him for no other reason than to twist the knife. Perhaps they felt that his resistance would crumble as Dzelluria had.
“I will not change my mind. Your effort here is wasted.”
“No effort is wasted,” the pleasure mate said. “However, Imperator Rusa’h informs us that you will accompany the warliners on their next expedition. The ships will return here soon. Once you witness it yourself, you will realize that the Imperator’s victory is inevitable and that your position is untenable.”
He closed his eyes and drew strength from recalling again how Adar Kori’nh had launched his wildly unexpected offensive against the hydrogue warglobes at Qronha 3.
“The only untenable position,” Zan’nh said, his voice steely with resolve, “is surrender.”
Chapter 42—DOBRO DESIGNATE UDRU’H
An unannounced warliner appeared in the skies over Dobro. Comm systems and orbital alarms lit up in the Ildiran settlement near the breeding camps. As soon as the first transmission came from the looming battleship, Designate Udru’h understood that this was no legitimate Solar Navy mission.
Lanky, sharp-featured Thor’h stood in the warliner’s command nucleus. “Uncle, I have come on behalf of Imperator Rusa’h to celebrate your inclusion in our cause against the false Mage-Imperator.”
Udru’h crossed his arms over his chest, but did not otherwise react. He struggled to find the right words with which to navigate this peculiar situation. Having just returned from delivering Osira’h to the Mage-Imperator, he knew of the troubles brewing on Hyrillka, but did not understand them. A cause against the false Mage-Imperator? Out-and-out rebellion?
He decided the situation called for noncommittal language that could elicit the reasons that this warship had arrived displaying threatening plumage. It appeared to be one of the war vessels formerly commanded by Adar Zan’nh. Very strange.
“You are always welcome here, Thor’h—”
“You will address me as Prime Designate!”
Udru’h bowed his head slightly, wisely choosing not to point out that Thor’h had been stripped of his title. “As you wish.” The young man had been raised in luxury and was an amateur at political intrigues, secrets, and schemes. The Designate was sure he would have no trouble manipulating his nephew. Still, Thor’h commanded the battleship overhead. “But why do you come here with an armed warliner and threaten my colony?”
“I have made no threats—yet. I hope I can convince you without violence.”
“Good, then we have a common goal.” The Dobro Designate smiled blandly at his nephew. “However, if you intend to convince me to join you in outright rebellion, do not hide your meanings or lie to me.”
The young man’s voice was sharp. “Jora’h is the one who lies, as did Mage-Imperator Cyroc’h before him. The thism is tangled and ragged, but Rusa’h has seen the true path. He will lead the Ildiran people