Superiority Chapter 8
#9 of Superiority
Superiority
Chapter 8
The Emperor tapped his claws on the surface of the marble table in his ornately decorated War Council Chamber, listening to General Freeman drone on about mobilization.
"All reports suggest imminent mobilization, Your Majesty," said Freeman. "Yet, attempts to acquire an explanation from the canadian government have resulted in failure, once again."
"As was expected, Anthony," replied The Emperor. "They know, we know their intentions, and that we won't attack first. Which gives them the ability to fortify their position before they attack. Now, tell me about the spies you mentioned earlier."
"Yes, Your Majesty," said Freeman. "Three small groups of canadian spies were found more than ten miles inside our borders. In one instance, they even killed a wolf. All groups of spies have been taken care of, and provide no more threat. There was no communications equipment found with any of them, which indicates they weren't able to report their findings back."
"Excellent," replied The Emperor. "Dimitri, I want you to use this as leverage when attempting to discern their intentions, is that understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," replied General Nosov.
The meeting went on for another few hours, discussing small details, much to the annoyance of The Emperor, who was finding the depressing room even harder to deal with.
"Your transport is here, Your Majesty," said Daniel, after meeting The Emperor in the hall outside of the War Council Chamber.
"Thank you Daniel," replied The Emperor, pleased that the errand boy was coming out of his shell. After a few minutes Dimitri joined him, and they went for lunch in town.
"A little much, don't you think?" asked Dimtri, referring to the amount of protection The Emperor brought with them.
"Never too much, Dimitri. There are people in the world who don't like me very much," replied The Emperor.
"With that in mind, Your Majesty, have you given much thought to a successor?" asked Dimitri.
The Emperor sighed. He needed to choose a successor, but had no heir. His beautiful wife, Agatha had died many years ago, and he had no children.
"Did you have anyone in mind, Dimitri?" asked The Emperor with a smile. Dimitri was his Brother in-law, and was nearly guaranteed the throne, if something should happen to The Emperor.
"Not at all, Your Majesty," replied Dimitri. "Although, if I may be so bold, if I were you, I'd select someone who helped build the nation."
"We aren't in the palace, Dimitri. Call me Blake," said The Emperor. "And yes, Dimitri, you will be my successor."
"I'm honored, Your Majesty," replied Dimitri. "I thank you, for trusting me with your dream."
They continued eating, ignoring the stares from everyone in the restaurant, surprised to see The Emperor out, and about.
After they ate, they drove back to the palace, at the insistence of the Imperial Guard.
"The governor of Utah is on hold, Your Majesty," said Daniel, as The Emperor returned to the throne room.
"Thank you, Daniel," replied The Emperor, who immediately picked up the call.
"Hello, Your Majesty," said The Governor. "I have some news concerning the riots."
"Please, continue," replied The Emperor.
"All small town riots have ceased," said The Governor. "And the large riot in Salt Lake City is almost dealt with."
"And what of your suspicions of Rebellion assistance, Governor?" replied The Emperor.
"Unfortunately, those suspicions were confirmed. Which is one of the reasons I have contacted you," said The Governor.
"That reason being?" replied The Emperor, in an impatient tone.
"One of the Rebellion members we captured was a higher ranking member," said The Governor. "After some 'questioning' he has admitted that the riots were an attempt to weaken us from the inside, so that resources would be tied when Canada attacked."
"Thank you for the information, Governor. You no doubt see the implications of this," replied The Emperor, attempting to hide mixed waves of fear, and anger. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must ponder my reaction."
"Yes, your Majesty," said The Governor, before ending the call.
The Emperor just sat in his chair, staring around the Throne Room. "I have less time than was previously determined," thought The Emperor.
This was much too soon. He wasn't ready. Maybe he should attack first. No, that wouldn't end very well.
Maybe he should seek help from another country. No, that wouldn't work, his country didn't belong to the UN, he would be hard pressed to find someone to help him.
Maybe if he set off one of his bombs in Toronto. That might work. But he would wait for them to attack.
"Daniel, could you fetch General Nosov for me?" asked The Emperor.
"Yes, Your Majesty," replied the errand boy, before quickly leaving the room.
The Emperor pondered his situation for a moment longer, before Dimitri entered the room.
"You have requested my presence, Your Majesty?" asked Nosov.
"Yes, Dimitri," replied The Emperor. "I have some troubling news. I've just been informed that the riots in Utah, were attempts by the Rebellion, to weaken us internally, before the canadian attack."
"Troubling news indeed, Your Majesty," said Dimitri. "And what, might I ask, will your reaction be?"
"Nothing right now, Dimitri," replied The Emperor. "But this is the proof I need, to accuse them of an act of war."
Their conversation was halted by a call from the emergency line.
"Your Majesty!" said General Freeman, fear in his voice. "AYFD bases three, five, and nine have been attacked by canadian forces."