The Infinity Chronicles Volume 1

Act-17: Wrapping up loose ends...

Imperial Residence, Imperial City, Marrok 28-Feb-2329

Act 17: "Wrapping up loose ends.."

Alex walked along the garden path, looking at all the sweet smelling blossoms that had come into bloom earlier then anticipated. The last winter had been very mild here on Marrok, and it was already near 70 degrees at 1 in the afternoon. Onrad the III walked along beside him as they talked of the future of both the Gideons and of his people. Onrad had grown from a small child to a fiercely independent young male in the time span of only 6 years, a fact that Alex still had a hard time believing. When he was told that most Marrokians that aren't called on to fight the Garshans tend to die in their 20th year, it all sort of made sense to him.

"So, you believe an alliance of sorts would be beneficial to my people, Chosen One?"

"Yes. Though they will need a world of their own. I have scouted out most of the star systems close by and found a suitable system a short distance from here. It has a large world, plenty of water, and a thick yet breathable atmosphere. The climate is alittle more extreme then my Earth, but it will do fine for them."

"Very well then. After I have met with their new leader, see to it that they are directed to this new home. I look forward to building a strong empire." Onrad said with a smile to Alex. Alex simply nodded.

The meetings with Leo-1984, now simply called Leo the First, had gone far better that even Ashia had hoped for. The 'Gideons' were welcomed into the realm of Onrad the III, and given a home to boot.

"What do you propose we call this alliance, Chosen One?" Onrad asked of his most trusted advisor. After all, had it not been for Alex's intervention, he might still be living in the shadow of Onrad the II.

"Well, since they're coming to you hat in hand, seeking your protection and aid, and since I'll be orchestrating the defence of not just one world, but a whole sector from Tiberius the Bastard, I think an Empire is a fitting way to go, with you at it's head of course."

"By the way, how has that been coming along?" Onrad asked.

"Well, your Navy is up to 40 ships, all upgunned Commercants. The raw materials we keep sending to Center for the shipyards there have kept them busy. Delilah Saxon has a few refit ideas in the works for building upgraded versions of the Commercant, so we might see something on the order of light cruisers before long. The orbital yard is almost finished, which will speed things along quite nicely also. I have Tri-Tachyon Ltd building Cutlass II's as fast as they can from their yards on Taucente and Center. 'Soft Growl', the base I set up with General Cyban, has nearly 300 of the fighters now. It's just that it's taking forever to train your citizens to fly them. Which is why having the 'Gideons' as an ally is such a good thing. They have the skills and the high tech knowledge to get those jobs done quickly."

"Very good. Very good indeed. Come, I wish for you to meet with a few of my other aides..."

Pirate Cruiser 'Hammerfield', Orbiting Marrok, 2-Mar-2329

"So, what is this surprise you wanted to show me Alex?" Leo McShane said. They both lounged in his quarters, Cygna nuzzling Alex's hand as she knelt on a pillow beside him.

Clapping his hands twice, the door to Leo's room opened, and Ericka led in a stunningly gorgeous Marrokian Slave girl. Her soft tan fur rivaled Cygna's for color and texture. Cygna stopped nuzzling when this young pure girl was led in.

<I know her Master. She's from the village furthest to the south of your Duchy, yes?> She said mentally to Alex, still holding his hand. He merely nodded. The girl, upon seeing her liege-lord in attendance immediately knelt before Alex. He smiled to her. She was barely old enough to wear the collar, but her body told another tale. She had as many curves as Cygna.

"Behold your new Master, Reeva. Serve him well, and he will take good care of you." Alex said, lifting the girl's chin, and looking into her light gray eyes. She looked to Leo, smiled, and rose, moving to kneel beside him. He put his hand down to her, and she nuzzled it affectionately.

"Gods, she's so damned beautiful. I can't accept her Alex, she's got to be worth a fortune." He said. She looked alittle fearful at the thought of being rejected, but quickly subdued it. Only Cygna spotted it.

"Nonsense. You were there when we needed you. It's the least I can do. Besides, I think she likes you. Also, your XO and lead sensorwoman have requested a transfer of sorts."

"Flow and Jett want to leave me? Why?" Leo asked, as Reeva nuzzled his hand.

"Flow wants a shot at the new 'Cutlass II' and Jett wants to try out for General Cyban's new unit. She isn't a Psi, but she is compact enough and a hellion in hand to hand combat, or so I am told."

"Yes, she's quite the handful in a street fight. Ok, I'll let them go, but I only view this as a temporary duty assignment. If things go to shit with the Empire, and I need them back, I can come get them, right?"

"That's acceptable." He said, as Reeva's eyes became the deepest of blue.

"You may want to retire to your quarters, Leo." Alex said, looking at the way Reeva was eyeing him. She pounced him immediately, as she suddenly succumbed to her first bout of Marrokian Heat.

Alex and Cygna quietly left, returning to their temporary quarters.

"Master?"

"Yes Cygna?" He answered, as he began to undress for his shower before their dinner and meet and greet at the Imperial Palace.

"Did you expect Master Leo to try to turn down Reeva?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I know how he thinks. He doesn't much like slavers or slavery for that matter, but we have helped him in the past, so he tries not to be too judgmental. Besides, from what his exec tells me, he's been without a mate since he stole the 'Hammerfield'."

"Master?"

"Yes kitten?"

"What did the Emperor decide, about the new name for the Empire?"

Alex smiled. He hadn't had to twist Onrad's arm too badly about making their new empire as much a joint endeavor as an Imperial Democracy. Onrad would rule all, though the people would choose who represented them in both the Marrokian Parliament and on the Imperial Council. The 'Gideons' would also have a Parliament, which would answer to Chancellor Leo the First. He in turn would answer to Onrad. Smiling, Alex turned to his beloved life-mate and said,

"The MGE."

"MGE Master?"

The Marrokian-Gideon Empire."