GALAXY AT WAR - Book 4 - A Dark Time

CHAPTER NINETEEN - March 2173 - Osolieus

CHAPTER NINETEEN

March 2173

Osolieus

Zeb' Zeptre opened his eyes as his mind returned to his body. "Honestly, Tor' Thrum — these Osolites are practically useless. I am beginning to think we should leave them alone and conquer them later. I could probably do it on my own."

"What did you see, master?"

"They are not equipped for war. They jerk around as they walk. It looks like they are going to fall over every time they move. And, holding weapons. Do not get me started on that."

"Are we leaving then, master?"

"No. We have started so we will finish this."

"May I ask why we are bothering with this system?"

Zeb' Zeptre faced Tor' Thrum. "Of course. I can reveal that." He floated towards his subordinate. "Because they are building a StarGate to link them to the Sol system. The one those humans come from. These Osolites may be next to useless but the humans are not. They have already helped to stop my takeover of the tranchillions who would have been extremely useful to us. Controlling this system will be vital to any future assault against them."

"Are we going to conquer them later?"

"I was just being sarcastic, Tor' Thrum. This takeover could take years or just months. I want to make sure these humans can not interfere until we are ready. They already have someone with similar powers to us."

"So, we can destroy them as they come through the StarGate."

"Precisely. But first, we have to control this system."

"Then perhaps I could go out and help these osolites to win the war quicker, master."

"No, my friend. I do not wish to reveal us yet. Those grelites are strong and difficult to control. They are currently looking in all the wrong places but are tenacious. I do not want to lose you to them."

"Very well, master,"

"Now, leave me while I instruct these simple creatures in the art of tactics." Zeb' Zeptre closed his eyes again and reached out for the military leader's mind. With some gentle prodding in the right direction he could take the palace within days. Then he could leave this planet to concentrate on other matters.

~ ~ ~ ~

Iveasid Ozao'haep stared at her daughter who had just entered her chambers. "Don't be afraid, Efacihip. Your brother is out there defending the palace."

"But they get closer every day. How long can we hold out?"

"The troops we sent to Tranchilite have been back for nearly three weeks now. They are advancing towards us as well. The rebels have been pincered between us."

"Then why haven't we been liberated yet?"

"Because there are more of them and they seem to be well organised, according to your brother."

Efacihip started pacing the room. "What will happen to us if they reach the palace?"

Iveasid stalled for some thinking time.

Efacihip stopped her pacing and looked at her mother. "Do you know?"

"Every loyal subject within the palace will be evacuated to the bunker until they can be rescued."

"What about you, mother? You're connected to the birthing tube. Can you separate from it?"

"You know the answer to that, Efacihip. But they won't kill me."