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Superiority

Chapter 11

"AYFD bases three, and nine suffered severe casualties," said Freeman. "However, base five only suffered twenty seven Lupine casualties. Thanks to the Spider Hole Artillery, the Canadian infantry presence was decimated, and the rest of the attack made a hasty retreat."

"Excellent," replied the Emperor. "I want the artillery installed on all other bases."

"Yes, Your Majesty," said Freeman. "Although, it may be difficult to install while under attack."

"As was expected, Anthony, do not question my orders. I am fully aware of the difficulties associated with it," replied the Emperor. "But I cannot hold those bases without them."

"Terribly sorry, Your Majesty," replied Freeman, head hung low.

"Now, Dimitri, what is this about a naval assault?" asked the Emperor.

"Fort Barrow is under a full siege by the Canadian naval fleet, by way of the Beaufort Sea. The fortification is holding for now, but they are slowly breaking through," answered General Nosov. "Command at the fort has requested air support to destroy the offending ships."

"Give them what they need," replied the Emperor.

There was a knocking on the door, which was unusual. Nobody was supposed to interrupt a War Council meeting. It must be important.

"Let him in," said The Emperor, and the door was unlocked. General Wharton walked into the room.

"So glad you could join us General," said The Emperor, as the door shut, and locked behind him.

"I come bearing disturbing news, Your Majesty," said Wharton, a worried look on his face. "Reports I have just been briefed about, confirm Rebellion soldiers accompanying the Canadian forces."

The Emperor leaned back in his chair and scratched his chin,

"Disturbing news, indeed," he said. "How large is the force?"

Wharton sat down at his assigned chair.

"Estimates place the figures at fourteen percent of Canadian infantry," he replied.

"This is certainly troubling," said The Emperor. "Dimitri, are the Toronto bombs ready to detonate?"

"Not quite yet, I'm afraid," replied Dimitri. "A crucial part has malfunctioned on one, and we are currently attempting to smuggle a replacement part into the city. The second bomb is nearly capable of firing, however. Diagnostics are being run now, and we expect to be able to fire by tomorrow."

"Excellent," said The Emperor. "Maybe that will give pause to their assault."

If he could detonate in a major city, maybe his earlier bluff would hold out a little longer.

"Is there anything else to discuss, Gentleman?" asked The Emperor.

"Just a small matter, Your Majesty," answered Freeman. "Base Five's commander has requested that you attend a ceremony honoring the marines who died defending it, and the other bases. It would be viewed by wolves at all bases, and would do wonders to increase morale."

"I suppose," replied The Emperor. "But it must be quick, I'm very busy, as you well know."

"It shouldn't take but a couple of hours, Your Majesty," said Freeman, as they all got up to leave the room.

.....

"Humans just don't know when to give up," thought Dimitri, looking over a report about the Rebellion support. "Roger, tell the Intelligence Department I need to know where the Rebellion is operating out of."

"Yes, Sir," replied Roger, his assistant, before running out of the General's office.

Dimitri had taken it upon himself to end the Rebellion. It was an enemy that was growing by the day. Recent intelligence had now suggested they also had some connection to the now removed United States government.

"If I can remove the head, maybe the body of the Rebellion will fall," thought Dimitri, trying to think of a logical place for the Rebellion leadership to hide. Were they in Lupine territory? No, they're probably safe somewhere in Canada. That was more likely, why would they stay behind?

"Computer, call the War Department branch in D.C., I need to speak with them," said Dimitri. There was a green confirmation light from the box under his desk, and the Fort Armour Commander showed on the screen.

"You requested to speak with me, General?" asked the Commander.

"I don't request, Commander, I demand," replied Dimitri, annoyed at his lack of respect.

"Sorry, Sir," said the Commander. "What is it you would speak with me about?"

"I need a detailed report of all Rebellion activity in your jurisdiction," he replied. "I need it soon, The Rebellion is getting troublesome, and I need to eliminate them."

"Yes, Sir," answered the Commander, before saluting, and ending the call.

Dimitri made several similar calls to other military jurisdictions, before sitting back down at his desk. Hearing a sound, he looked up to see Roger entering the room.

"Sir?" asked Roger.

"Yes, do you have any information?" answered Dimitri.

"Yes, Sir. The Intelligence Department claims it is working on a lead that may discern some information," said Roger. "Until then, they suggest focusing on Toronto, if you want to search for yourself."

"Thank you, Roger," replied Dimitri. "I'll do just that."

Dimitri brought up his satellite imagery program, and focused it on Toronto. He stared hard at the screen, before deciding he wasn't going to do this.

"I could sit here for months, and not find anything," he thought to himself.

.....

The Emperor stared out the window of his study. He loved staring at his city.

"Your Majesty?" asked Daniel, more confidently than usual. He was getting over his fear of The Emperor.

"Yes, Daniel?" asked The Emperor.

"General Freeman is on hold," he answered.

"Put him on," replied The Emperor. Freeman instantly appeared on the screen.

"Yes, Anthony?" he asked.

"The ceremony will be held later today, are you prepared to go?" asked Freeman. "Your jet is standing by."

"I suppose," replied The Emperor. "When do I depart?"

"Three o' clock, Your Majesty," answered Freeman.

"Thank you, Anthony," replied The Emperor. "You are excused."

The Emperor turned his chair around to face Daniel.

"I'm sorry, Daniel, I forgot to tell you," said The Emperor. "We're going to an AYFD base, for me to give a speech."

"Oh, that's quite all right, Your Majesty," replied Daniel. "I don't need to be given notice of anything."

"I know," said The Emperor. "But it still feels right to inform you."

It was a long walk to the Imperial Palace Airstrip. Daniel was reading The Emperor a briefing of the planned appearance during the whole walk, making it go that much longer.

After finally reaching the airstrip, Daniel's jaw dropped.

"Is that the jet?" he asked, referring to the enormous aircraft in front of them.

"Yes it is," replied The Emperor. "Being an Emperor at war, I have to display a sense of power wherever I go."

The jet was about one hundred meters in length, painted a deep glossy black, and bore an image of the Lupine flag on the rudder. Six large jet engines could propel the craft at speeds of up to six hundred fifty knots, close to the speed of some slower fighter jets. The whole jet was armored, and covered in a radar absorbing material.

"This is amazing," said Daniel, as they boarded.

The Emperor, and Daniel were met in the main hallway of the craft, and were shown to their respective quarters for the remainder of the flight.