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

the core worlds. We are now producing an excess of defensive grid components. I want to send envoys to selected worlds and offer our protection, if they will join. We are stronger as one Empire and not hundreds of separate worlds.”

“I agree,” said Derrick. “Some very heavily populated worlds nearby have considerable resources. We need to speak to those worlds.”

Chancellor Stein nodded his agreement. “Those worlds have been hesitant to join the Empire for fear of retaliation from the Confederation. If we can offer complete defense grids with ODPs, there’s a good chance some of them will change their minds.”

Layla looked thoughtful and then spoke to Chancellor Stein. “Chancellor, I want you to pick out a dozen of those worlds to travel to. You will have a full flotilla of warships, as well as cargo ships carrying defensive grid parts. Let’s see if we can persuade a few of those worlds to commit to the Empire, before this war breaks wide open.”

Stein nodded. “I’ll make the arrangements immediately. I can leave toward the end of this week.”

“Excellent,” answered Layla. “Now to the important question. In order to sew discord in the Confederation, we must alert the other races to the Morag’s telepathic ability. When should we do that?”

“Within the week,” suggested Fleet Admiral Marloo. “By now the Confederation fleet that attacked Earth has returned, and they are no doubt in the process of repairing their battle damage. The sooner we make this revelation, the better chance we’ll have of postponing any immediate attacks upon our worlds.”

“How is Earth doing on rebuilding?” asked Governor Littrel.

“We sent a fleet of vessels to help,” replied Fleet Admiral Marloo. “We’ve had a lot of experience on rebuilding after Confederation attacks. The fleet is already there, and everything is proceeding pretty rapidly. The Earth government estimates it will take them three to four months to repair their damage. They’re also building a number of new shipyards. I suspect that, at some time in the future, they’ll come after the Confederation.”

“Have we sent all of Earth’s ships back?” asked Governor Able Marsk of Lamora Seven.

Fleet Admiral Marloo shook his head. “No, we still have Third Fleet here, as well as parts of Fifth Fleet and First Fleet. The Earth crews that remain of Fifth Fleet and First Fleet are all volunteers. Third Fleet will return home in about two more months. By that time we should have sufficient warships to hold back the Confederation.”

“Will any Earth ships be returning to the core worlds?”

Fleet Admiral Marloo nodded. “As soon as their crews are rested and as soon as they have their new shipyards up and running, then they plan on sending two full fleets to help defend the Empire.”

High Princess Layla looked around the room. “I would like to see an Earth representative make the announcement about the Morag to the Confederation. Let’s see if we can shake up the Confederation some.”

“How about Rear Admiral Carrie?” asked Derrick. “She’s a high-ranking Imperial military figure and is from Earth.”

Layla nodded. “That should work. Now, when exactly should we make the announcement?”

“As soon as possible,” suggested Fleet Admiral Marloo. “We don’t know when the Confederation will become more aggressive against the Empire. It could be any day.”

“Very well, let’s schedule the announcement for the day after tomorrow. That should give us enough time to get everything together that we need. Let’s hope it buys us another four weeks or more of time.”

The meeting continued for another hour, as various items were discussed. Layla also spent some time outlining the additional powers she was giving the Imperial Council and how she expected it to work. “In a time of war, one person or one family can’t be expected to make all the decisions. I’m placing my trust in this council and in the military. Don’t let that trust down.” She knew that Chancellor Stein would do more explaining after she left.

-

After the meeting, Derrick, Andrew, Krista, and Layla conducted a tour of the newly finished House of Worlds for some of the visiting members. Already a number of member planets of the Empire had moved delegations into their sets of offices. More planets planned on doing the same over the coming weeks.

“We need more time,” said Layla, as she folded her arms over her chest. They had stopped in the main House of Worlds’ chambers, which could hold nearly ten thousand people. Here the business of the Empire would be conducted. Even now a few delegates were busy discussing various proposals.

“Revealing to the Confederation that the Morag have been manipulating them since the beginning might do that,” said Andrew. He was becoming more at ease in his role as a Prince of the Empire.

“Maybe,” replied Derrick, as he watched two delegates in a heated argument. “It’s the Morag’s damn telepathy that’ll be a problem. If any of the member worlds of the Confederation get out of line, the Morag may use it to bring them back under control.”

Krista turned to face Derrick. “Those worlds won’t be happy when they realize what the Morag have done.”

“The Morag can’t control everyone in the Confederation,” pointed out Layla. She was curious as to what the two delegates were arguing over, tempting her to join them and find out, but she had to learn to allow the members of the House of Worlds to solve some of their own problems.

“I believe it will cause enough unrest across the Confederation that any large united attack on the Empire will be delayed by weeks,” said Derrick. “Every day we’re turning out more warships and attack interceptors. The defensive grids around our main worlds are being made stronger, and we’re preparing for the coming attack.”

Layla looked thoughtful. “I wish we had the resources to put together a fleet aimed at attacking the Confederation forces in the Empire. I would like