Resistance: A Storm Hawks Story

Chapter Thirteen - Loss Of Favor

As the Resistance prepares for their raid Chancellor Kraton's estate, Kraton could see it all falling part. Terra Skavis was on the brink of civil war as uprisings broke out all across Terra Skavis. As Chancellor Kraton ponders his next move, he was contacted by Count Ulric in his private office. When the holoprojection of Count Ulric took form, Chancellor Kraton bowed his head.

Kraton: Count Ulric.

Count Ulric(Holoprojection): We have been getting reports of uprisings all across Terra Skavis.

Kraton: These uprisings are being dealt with as we speak. My men are....

Count Ulric(Holoprojection): What's troubling is that we are getting reports of Resistance involvement. You said that they were dealt with.

Kraton: I can assure you that reports on the Resistance's involvement in these uprisings are greatly exaggerated. The Resistance won't be....

Count Ulric(Holoprojection): This is most disappointing, Chancellor. When we appointed you the ruler of Terra Skavis, you promised that you would maintain a firm control of Terra Skavis for the Cyclonian Empire. Now it is clear to me that you have lost control of the situation. You have allowed these rebels to incite chaos all across Terra Skavis.

As Count Ulric talks down on Kraton, the Chancellor becomes defensive.

Kraton: The situation is well under control, Count. The Resistance will be crushed and order shall be restored.

Count Ulric(Holoprojection): Master Cyclonis has run out of patience, Chancellor. You offered to uphold Cyclonian interest on Terra Skavis and you reward our generosity with incompetence. This is most disappointing, Chancellor Kraton.

Kraton: I will soon have the situation contained! The Resistance will be crushed! As we speak, my men are preparing for a counterattack. I will wipe out the Resistance off the face of Terra Skavis!

Count Ulric(Holoprojection): The decision has been made, Chancellor. In light of your latest blunder, Master Cyclonis has deployed a small fleet to Terra Skavis to contain this rebellion. As for your leadership, consider this your resignation.

Upon hearing this, Chancellor Kraton was enraged. He could barely contain himself as he attempts to speak in his defense.

Kraton: I can still maintain order on Terra Skavis! I simply need more time to.....

Count Ulric(Holoprojection): We have been patient for long enough. The Cyclonian Empire does not tolerate failure. I act out of interest for the Cyclonian Empire.

Kraton: Master Cyclonis is making....

Count Ulric(Holoprojection): You would dare question Master Cyclonis's judgement? I would chose my next words carefully, Chancellor. The decision has already been made. Transmit the landing coordinates for the fleet.

Humiliated by this, all Chancellor Kraton could do was follow Count Ulric's orders. As he transmitted the landing coordinates, Kraton found himself humiliated beyond words. He had been effectively stripped of power and there was nothing he could do about it.

Count Ulric(Holoprojection): Your orders are simple, Chancellor. Maintain some semblance of order on Terra Skavis until the fleet arrives. After that, we will take control of the situation. Glory to the Cyclonian Empire.

Kraton: Glory to the Cyclonian Empire.

As the holoprojection of Count Ulric dissipates, Chancellor Kraton was seething in rage. Humiliated and stripped of power, Chancellor Kraton could see it all falling apart before his eyes. For years, Chancellor Kraton ruled over Terra Skavis with an iron grip. Now his control over Terra Skavis was slipping through his fingers. Now he had been disgraced ad a result of the Resistance's recent victories. As the disgraced Chancellor seethed in rage, the Cyclonian Intelligence Minister walked into the room. 

Kraton: What is it?

Cyclonian Intelligence Minister: Chancellor, I have analyzed the Resistance's attack patterns and there is a danger. They may be preparing to launch an attack on this estate. Should I order an evacuation?

Kraton: Where is that goddamn mole we planted in the Resistance?!

Cyclonian Intelligence Minister: We've....we've lost contact with Fuse several hours ago. We believe that he's been compromised.

As the Intelligence Minister informed Kraton of this, it became clear to the disgraced Chancellor that the Resistance was closing in on his estate. It was only a matter of time until the Resistance attacked.

Kraton: Who is leading the Resistance?

Cyclonian Intelligence Minister: Based on Fuse's last report, it would appear that Havelock's daughter and Rourke have taken command of the Resistance.

As he was informed of this, it became clear that Kraton's plan to destroy the Resistance by eliminating Havelock had backfired. Now it was obvious that the Resistance had new leadership.

Kraton: Arm the artillery guns. I want anything that isn't Cyclonian destroyed! The Resistance has been a thorn at my side for far too long! I will personally see to it that the Resistance burns! Send the order to all Talon Legions stationed on Terra Skavis. All members of the Resistance is to be shot on sight. Any man, woman and child who offers any support to the Resistance are to be executed for treason. These rebels believe hope will save them. It's high time we showed the Resistance that the might of the Cyclonian Empire is unrivaled! I will not have a band of rebels be the end of me! I will show that fool Count Ulric that I still hold power on Terra Skavis! Terra Skavis is mine!

In that moment, his humiliation and lust for power had driven Chancellor Kraton over the edge. His cruelty would increase tenfold as desperately clings on to what little power he had left. In that moment, a collision course was set between the Resistance and the Cyclonian controlled Loyalist Government under Chancellor Kraton. The battle to decide Terra Skavis's future was about to begin.