anxious to know of your progress in Galaxy Ten. Make your report on the spiral galaxy that you are continuing to establish our recent colonies.”
Mor'ag knew that Kra’ag had obtained the rank of Archon amongst the Jiyarr for his additions to the empire, and sat with the Jiyarr ruling body at several of their meetings. He was not a senior Archon, but still it was an achievement few Accadians had matched.
Mor'ag raised his head and saluted his leader, arm across his chest.
“All is going as planned, cousin,” Mor’ag said. “The Vuldranaii problem is no more, and the Shug and Zuul uprising has been crushed since our last communication.” He laughed at the thought and added, “Thanks to Admiral Kor’eth and his mighty armada, who finally moved through their star system like a mighty Sloar, scattering and devouring everything in its path. The additional reinforcements you sent have arrived—on time, as expected. With their force added to my own, I believe we will soon be able to strike the remaining advanced civilizations.”
The image of Kra’ag’s three-dimensional face fell into the Accadian version of a frown as he said, “I had expected you to be further along by now, Mor’ag. There is much I must do, and my plans for that galaxy cannot continue until you and your forces have completed your tasks.”
“Apologies, Milord Kra'ag,” said Mor'ag, solemnly bowing his head. “But there have been ...” he stammered, “some minor setbacks … umm … delays to the schedule.” Then, as afterthought, he added cheerfully, “Oh, by the way, may I congratulate you on the completion of your campaign in Galaxy Five. Only through your great efforts has the majority of that galaxy been placed under Accadian domination and Jiyarr rule.”
At this deliberate evasion, the image of Lord Kra’ag’s frown turned to a scowl.
“Yes,” he replied slowly after a ponderous second, “we were victorious. Have you been trying to adapt the Jiyarr weapons to our ships? It’s not so much stealing knowledge as it is furthering the Accadian Empire and, of course, our families.”
“They have been adapted,” said Mor’ag, with a smile. “Our Kad’jiah-class starships have already assisted our Varlon allies in attacks against the Betellians and the Saldron. Our engineers have even made a prototype antiparticle weapon. It is not quite as efficient as the original Jiyarr design, but it will soon be available on some of our Kadath-class ships in a few tzuras. Unfortunately, some of the Jiyarr systems are currently beyond our present available resources. Perhaps if—”
“Governor Mor'ag,” interrupted Kra'ag, “you should know that I prefer to keep to a schedule. My position in the Jiyarr Archon depends on our advance. As I advance, so will you and those who serve you. Tell me briefly about the opposition forces in that galaxy.”
Mor'ag nodded. “Our main opposition in this galaxy,” he stated, “will be from several of its most advanced races, some of which have banded together.”
“I see,” replied Kra’ag slowly, angered at the news.
Mor'ag made his next statements carefully about keeping to his exalted cousin’s schedule and a degree of confidence because of his already successful plans. He said, “Also, the Saldron Confederation is laying claim to several worlds in this galaxy that would be ideal for us. They, too, are a reptilian civilization and share many common planetary needs with us. We prefer similar worlds, and there has been competition for some mineral and colony worlds over the past few years with the Saldron.”
Kra’ag frowned.
“Umm …” continued Mor’ag, gathering his thoughts. “Then there are the Betellians. As you know, they too have a presence in this galaxy.”
Kra’ag’s scowl deepened at this, but he said nothing. However, he now looked as if he had swallowed some distasteful medicine.
“According to our most recent reports, they have completed two worldspheres around stable stars,” said Mor’ag, “and are working on a third. However, the additional Jiyarr ships you sent will help us, perhaps giving us the advantage we need in our attacks.”
“I should think so,” replied Kra’ag.
“Lastly, it is possible that a few of the more advanced races or those groups with large enough numbers will be able to resist our incursion,” said Mor’ag. Then, with sarcasm he added, “One of those groups, for the past two hundred lactar or so, have formed a federation of sorts called the Alliance of Worlds. This ‘Alliance of Worlds’ is composed of approximately 250 assorted civilizations, many with an impressive array of resources. They represent over a quarter of the space-faring races in this galaxy. The only consolation is that their technology is much less advanced than ours, and significantly less advanced than the Jiyarr.”
“Hmm,” intoned Kra'ag thoughtfully as he began scanning data from his console. “Several of these civilizations seem to be peaceful or neutral in nature. We will have them eliminated soon. Were you successful with the Varlon treaty?”
“Ahh! Yes, Milord,” replied Mor'ag happily. “Their xenophobic nature was … difficult to overcome, as I stated in my earlier reports. But, after several hostile interactions, we have since established a working relationship with many of the newer senators in their Imperium. Together we have been able to convince the Varlon ruling body, the Icarria, that an alliance between our peoples would be to our mutual benefit.”
“Good,” responded Kra’ag with a light, amused chuckle. “We will deal with them later, after all the others have been eliminated or subjugated.”
“By your order,” responded Mor’ag, “I shall continue with my plans.” He continued his briefing. “My officers have arranged the demise of several members of what might be organizations that could seriously delay our advance. For example we have made arrangements for high-ranking officers in that so-called ‘Alliance of Worlds’ to be eliminated and critical equipment to be sabotaged. I have arranged for Jiyarr equipment to assist in the endeavor, and I have also garnered the support of some of the Varlon senators who favor the use of sabotage. They are arranging cooperative agents to work with ours.”
Kra’ag nodded approvingly.
Mor’ag paused, and then decided this was as good a time as ever to confront his cousin on an issue that had been bothering him.
“Supreme Governor, I recently received a notice that you were heading to this galaxy. I had not realized you would wish to personally come here at this time … with all your other campaigns still being fought.”
Kra’ag sighed softly, as if in resignation. “Mor’ag,” he said. “I want a new challenge. The Talcon and Netharo bore me. Your earlier reports indicated the presence of several other advanced civilizations, and also possible Quellien deposits. You could say I am intrigued.”
“Well, if that is your desire, may I say there are several very advanced civilizations in this galaxy that might present a challenge to you if you desire to strike personally,” stated Mor'ag. “I did not include a great deal of information about them in my reports, since several of them are secretive or prefer to remain apart from the other, ‘lesser’ races and civilizations.”
Mor’ag began to look wary; he did not want to admit to Kra’ag that some of these civilizations were proving to be a problem. He continued, “The most advanced civilizations include the Cynz, the Estrians, the Karratin, and the Lyramenians. These races are probably among the most technologically advanced in this galaxy and are, to some degree, allied or affiliated with each other. But, they
