The Forgotten Empire: War for the Empire by Raymond Weil (ereader ebook .txt) 📕

the Morag to be telepathic. We believe the Morag have been using this ability for untold thousands of years to control the Great Council and, in turn, the entire Confederation. The attack against the Human Empire was instigated by the Morag when they discovered that Humans were immune to their telepathic manipulation.”

Damora looked at the other councilors. They stared at him in shock and sudden fear. He quickly began using his telepathy to calm them down.

“The Morag are responsible for much of the death and destruction in the Empire, as well as the countless worlds the Confederation has taken over. Over sixty thousand worlds are under Confederation control. On many of those worlds, the populations have been significantly reduced. The Morag want one thing and one thing only—total domination and control of the Confederation and eventually the entire galaxy.”

The view of Rear Admiral Carrie was replaced by that of the High Princess. “I’m speaking now to the Morag. Because of you, billions of Humans have died. There is no room in this galaxy for a race like yours. I swear today that the Human Empire and Earth will not rest until your species has been destroyed. You want a war of genocide? We will give you a war of genocide!” The screen faded to the insignia of the Human Empire, a large starburst on a background of stars.

Councilor Damora used his telepathy to control the growing rage in the other Confederation members. His abilities were strained as the different members fought against his control.

“Is what the Humans said true?” demanded Lormallian Ardon Reull, as he fought against the control from Morag Damora, which Ardon now felt in his mind. He had felt this before but had not realized what it was.

“What does it matter?” replied Damora stiffly. “We have control of over sixty thousand worlds. The seven members of this council control all the military.”

“You did not answer my question. Even now I can feel you trying to influence my mind. I demand that you stop it instantly.”

Damora stood, his huge form towering over the table. “This council is mine,” he said in a steady voice. “You will do as I desire or face the consequences.”

“Our combined fleets will crush yours,” uttered Ralor Conn, the Zynth councilor. “Even with your telepathy you can’t control all of us.”

“We don’t need to,” replied Damora. “We only need to control your leaders and the heads of your military. To resist us is futile and suicidal. With a mere thought, I could order any of you to leave this chamber and to take your life. I hold your lives in the palm of my hand. Is anyone here ready to die?”

No reply came.

“I thought not,” said Damora, satisfied. “Do not threaten me or any of the worlds of the Morag. You will not like the result.”

The councilors looked at one another. They knew, for the moment, they were helpless.

-

On many of the sixty thousand worlds controlled by the Confederation, the news that the Morag were telepathic and that the Morag were the secret rulers of the Confederation brought about widespread anger. On several thousand worlds riots broke out, even citizens of the seven races on those planets were attacked, and some were killed.

The Morag knew they had no choice but to deploy their massive fleet to bring those worlds back under control. Thousands of Morag ships were sent to bring about stability and an end to the rioting. The use of obsessive force, including the destruction of cities, was authorized.

-

On Morag Prime, the High Council was meeting.

It’s unfortunate the Earth Humans discovered our secret, sent Lead Councilor Addonis. Growing unrest currently in the Confederation has been caused by the broadcast. I fear we must delay any major attack on the Human Empire, until we have our own planets back in order.

Which is exactly what the Empire wants, pointed out Councilor Delann. While we deal with our internal problems, the Human Empire only becomes stronger.

We have no choice, sent Councilor Brant. If we don’t bring this rioting under control, it could easily spread to other worlds.

What about the other six races? asked Councilor Hiram. Should we send fleets to their worlds?

It won’t be necessary, replied Addonis. We’ll send large fleets to put down the uprisings. When the worlds of the Great Council see our true military strength, they will fall back into line very quickly.

I would suggest we order all our shipyards into full production, sent Councilor Brant. We may find in the near future that we’ll need the additional ships.

Councilor Addonis nodded. I believe you are correct. The other six races may now be more resistant to attacking the Human Empire. We should stand ready to do it on our own, if necessary.

-

Back on Golan Four, High Princess Layla listened as Chief Chancellor Stein reported on the results of the broadcast.

“We have unconfirmed reports of rioting on a number of Confederation-controlled worlds. We have intercepted a lot of communications between the various Confederation races. I suspect we have bought us some time.”

“How much time?” Layla hoped it was a lot. They still had much to do to get the Empire ready for all-out war.

“I’m guessing at least four to six weeks, maybe more. Not only that but forty-seven former worlds of the Empire have contacted us since the broadcast, requesting to join.”

Layla smiled. This was good news. “When do you leave to visit the other worlds we have chosen to come into the Empire?”

“Early tomorrow,” replied Stein. “Two other members of the Imperial Council are going with me. In all we plan to visit forty various star systems.”

“Let’s hope some of those agree to join us. I fear our time is rapidly running out.” Layla grew more concerned with every passing day that the fledging Human Empire would not be ready