GALAXY AT WAR - Book 4 - A Dark Time

CHAPTER NINE - February 2173 - Tranchilite

CHAPTER NINE

February 2173

Tranchilite

Zemer Putilnorphide pulled his robe tighter and tried to block out the incessant rapping on his chamber door. Why won't you leave me alone? he thought. She'll leave soon.

The rapping changed to a pounding. It was getting harder to ignore.

"GO AWAY!" he roared at the door.

"Zemer Putilnorphide. Get your green, scaly butt out here right now," Zenith's voice sounded muffled from the other side of the door which was impressive as only the loudest sounds could penetrate his chambers.

Why is she so pissed? he thought. I'm the Emperor. If I want time, I'll take it. But he slowly got up and walked to the door as the pounding continued to pierce his brain. He unlocked the door and with as fierce a face as he could muster, for he loved his sister dearly, he said, "What do you want?" in a raised voice.

"I've hurt my hand brother. Why did you make me do that?"

Zemer turned away from the door and dropped back onto his bed after pulling his robes around himself again, "I don't want any visitors." He stared at her, "Any!"

"You are the Emperor. You have to lead the people. You've let Hapilnorphille run riot around Tranchilite."

"He's more than capable."

"He's like a loose wrecking ball. He burns down houses to get his target. He almost took out 'Razor's Edge'!"

Zemer looked at his sister, "It still hurts so Zenith. Zermiten was... Zermiten was..."

Zenith sat beside him and placed both right arms around her brother, "He was my brother too. It still pains me, but Dwdoorian is dead now. Justice has been served. You need to pull yourself out of the prison you've made in your mind. It wasn't your fault and you need to stop punishing yourself."

"You're right. I know you're right. Just give me a moment to make myself presentable. I'll be out soon."

"That's the brother I know. Your advisors are waiting for you in the reception room. See you in there."

"Thank you Zenith. I needed that."

Zenith left the chambers. Zemer sighed before he rose, removed his robes, and said, "Bathroom – shower on." He heard the water begin to pummel the shower basin. After a few minutes, he stepped into the streaming jets of water. It felt relaxing and he let the water wash away his doubts and insecurities, at least for the moment.

In the next room, Zenith was preparing the political advisors for the Emperors imminent arrival. They all had copies of the various battle reports from the civil war and Zenith had taken it upon herself to summon Field Marshal Hapilnorphille to the meeting. After shuffling her own battle reports, she sat and waited for Zemer.

"He won't be long," she smiled at the others.

There was a knock and the door to the reception area opened. A guard stood to attention, "Lt Col Twochelope is here to see you, ma'am."

"Send him in," said Zenith.

Tchzor Twochelope entered and stopped just inside the doorway, "I can come back later if the Emperor's busy."

"What is it?" asked Zenith.

"I had something I needed to discuss with the Emperor."

"You can tell me anything you want my brother to hear. I'll relay the message."