Wolf of the Emperor

Chapter 12

Seth was having way too much fun in his armor.  With this suit he was going ahead of Cleasal and clearing the way.  Now they could move at some real speed.  He was still scanning the movements nearby just to make sure they didn’t encounter anything.  It was mostly just to avoid having to fight his way out of a herd of raptor-rex’s or some other too-many-teeth things.  Since they were able to move faster chances were good that they would make it to the camp that evening.

They had been running for several hours when Seth and Cleasal were hit by a massive surge of fury and concern.  It blasted through their mental links and actually knocked Seth off his feet.  Though it didn’t hurt him he nailed a tree hard enough to knock chunks out of the bark.  Cleasal managed to stay on his feet but they were splayed out and he was shaking his head due to the mental shock.

Seth’s implant immediately released some chemicals to reduce the impact of the mental trauma.  Once it kicked in he stood up and checked the mental connections.  *Kleth are you okay?  Did something happen at the cave?*  It didn’t quite feel that way but he had to check their first.

*No, nothing happened at the cave.  That was from Big Daddy though I don’t know what it was about.*  He could feel her concern over the bond.  Something had happened at the cave.  *Lil’ Buddy collapsed and is fussing.  Leosafr is comforting him as best possible.  I have a feeling there was an attack by the bugs somewhere in this valley.*

He snarled slightly.  *Give me some time and I am going to see if I can connect to him.  If not I am going to send Cleasal back and go find him.  I have a fairly good idea where the bugs are coming from.  Do not come after me.  Your kittens are the most important thing right now.*  He closed the connection with her.  *Cleasal guard me.  I need to see what I can find.*

Seth didn’t bother waiting for a response since he knew they would obey him.  The first thing was to adjust the scanners on the pod towards the other side of the valley.  He had identified that side as where the bugs were most likely coming from.  While it was doing a detailed scan he tried to contact Big Daddy.  *Big Daddy what is going on?  Contact me and I will come and help.*  He tossed that thought out over the bond.

He didn’t really get thoughts back so much as feelings of fighting and anger.  Actually anger was an understatement; rage and fury was a far better impression.  That was mixed in with a sense of loss though it was not specific.  *I am coming.  I will be there as soon as possible.*  He sent a command to Cleasal before he turned and really moved.  Now he was using the full ability of the suit to move.  He had to find them and help.  It wasn’t so much as to protect the DamnThings as his small group.

~~~

The General was facing the Emperor and was looking pale.  “Your Highness surely you jest.  You can’t leave the home world on such short notice.  Especially not to go into an active battle zone since this will endanger the Empire.  You don’t have an heir to pass the empire to.”  Frankly he was terrified as he was facing the Emperor. 

“General I did not ask for your opinion.  I gave an order and I expect it to be followed.  I am going and I am going to lead the rescue of my cousin.  Your objection is noted and entered in the logs.  Now that we have solved this issue ensure my suit is in the morgue.  We leave in the morning.”  His voice was calm and quiet as he spoke which was usually a bad sign since it indicated he was at the end of his patients.

The general managed not to sigh.  “Yes your Highness it has already been taken care of.  Your personal retinue is mostly on board and their armor has been loaded as well.  Everything is ready to leave as soon as you are aboard sir.”  The general saluted the Emperor and he had a slight gleam in his eyes.