A/N: Here it is! The start of Bleak Twilight is finally here, and it has been a long time since I have updated this last. I have been busy with work, school, and writing my original projects and it is finally good to return to the story that I started all these years ago. Enjoy and please leave reviews, comments, or questions. Nothing gives an author greater joy than to hear discussion of his work. And with all that said, here is the new chapter!
Stargate: Bleak Twilight
Chapter 25: Council
The Astraelis Sector. An otherwise unremarkable sector located in a distant spiral arm, it is the heart of the Alesian Empire. An empire of two hundred billion sentients and a thousand worlds, the Alesian Empire stretches across the northern edge of the Milky Way galaxy. A militaristic offshoot of the Lantean Empire, they have endured for nearly twenty two thousand years, evolving from a small group of exiles into the predominant superpower of the galaxy. Their military and technological might has gone unchallenged by the inhabitants of the galaxy.
Until now.
"Are we really waiting for him? Seriously? I've got a Healer Corps to run here." Alexis said in an annoyed tone.
"Patience, Alexis. My husband is sometimes late." Lucia gently reminded her.
"For a military man, he certainly isn't punctual." Diemos grumbled about his son-in-law. Taelira just smiled at the banter as a beam of light flashed in the center of the small room, revealing Amann and his bodyguard Magnus. Amann was dressed in white robes, his sword hanging at his waist as he took his seat.
"Councilors." He greeted the rest of the High Council and their aides. He gave a nod to his own chief aide Aramius as he gazed around the room, frowning at the Drow aide attending Taelira. She was unlike any of the other Drow he had ever seen. A distinct lack of red eyes betrayed her origins as a mix of Alesian and Drow parentage. Amann found himself taken aback by her high status as an aide to a High Councilor, knowing that many Drow were speciest toward mixed individuals. To have one in such an exalted position was nearly unheard of.
"A new aide, Taelira?" He asked.
"Yes. This is Taryn of the Una Pel." The Drow councilor said with a raised eyebrow.
"A member of your own clan." Amann noted. The Una Pel, or Moon People, were the ruling clan of the Drow Matriarchy, being the dominant force in their religion and control over the Drow worldship that orbited Alesia as one of her moons. Taelira was the current war leader of the clan and High Priestess to the entire Drow people, as well as their princess while her mother ruled the Matriarchy.
Taelira was also technically married to him as well, Amann reflected, although they had not consummated their marriage for some time. After their exile to Alesia, Amann and his followers first fought the nearby Una Pel, then helped Taelira's clan win dominance over the other clans. It took a decade to unify the Drow people, and Taelira had fought alongside him and his three Commanders. Amann suppressed his smile at the memories. Taelira was just as hot blooded in his tent as on the battlefield. Of course, they had drifted apart after the Reunification as their duties and interests diverged. He had the Empire to run, and she had her people to rule.
'It was for the best' Amann thought. Lucia was a far better wife to him, the bearer of his children and his equal in intelligence and politics. Not only was it sound as a political alliance to bring unity between their factions, they truly were one in caring about the fate of their people. While he and Lucia disagreed often, it was also cordial. Of course, it helped that more than a few political compromises were made in the bedroom. His smirk grew wider as Lucia slapped his arm playfully, knowing what was on her husband's mind.
"A pleasure to meet you, High Councilor Adar." Taryn said, her voice rich and vibrant as she greeted him with a bow. She was tall and slender compared to the shorter but curvier members of her race. Dark brown eyes met his own, her narrow face framed by snow white hair.
"And you as well, Taryn of the Una Pel." Amann said, giving her a nod.
"You're late."Alexis said waspishly. Amann merely smiled at his elder twin.
"I know. The meeting with the High Command ran late. Refitting the fleet for extended deployment away from any of our bases and the logistics to run a war, let's just say it required extensive planning.
"How many ships are you planning on using?" Lucia asked.
"Nearly two thirds of our military. Including the majority of our battleships and dreadnoughts. Over a thousand warships in total, not counting troop transports and supply vessels. In addition to the ships, we are taking half of the Imperial Militia as garrison troops.
"Half? In addition to how many Legions?" Diemos asked, rather stunned by the scale of the invasion.
"Over a thousand. I remember how the Wraith outnumbered us heavily last time. I have no intention of giving them time to use that against us. I have the list of ships and units involved right here." Amann slid the data crystal into the holo projector, bringing it to life with a blue flash.
"Leaves us a little thin at home, doesn't it?" Alexis remarked after a few minutes of study.
""Somewhat, but we still have a decent sized fleet at home. The Goa'uld could invade I suppose, but they won't get very far before being crushed." Amann admitted.
"Still, we would be thinly spread, and I am concerned that you understate the danger. An incursion would penetrate too deeply into our territory for my liking." Diemos remarked.
"Our armies are still superior, Diemos. They won't get to the Mid Region, much less the Core Worlds before we immolate them. And the Core worlds is where all of our important industry and shipyards are, not to mention the vast majority of our population." Amann remarked.
"Still, I would seek an outside opinion on this. In addition to the possible external security issues, I am also concerned at the reports of dissent throughout the Empire. The one I would call is experienced in security matters." Diemos said as Amann frowned.
"Very well. I'll hear their words." Amann sat down as the door opened. A 6'2 man entered, his brown hair and goatee framing a kind face, light brown eyes missing nothing as he strode to the center of the High Council chamber. Amann stiffened in his seat, his pale face flushed as his hands tightened on the armrests of his seat. A sudden surge of anger flew through him as Amann's eyes met those of his former friend and brother in arms.
"Aleus Ryos."He hissed.
"Amann." Aleus replied evenly. With a visible effort, Amann clamped down on his emotions, determined not to lose control as he replied.
"You have been brought before the High Council to advise us of the current security status of the Empire. It has been felt by certain members of this council that as Judicator Captain, you would be the best to advise us on this matter." Amann's tone was neutral, but Aleus could tell that Amann was not one of those members.
"I will do what I can to advise the Council on this matter." Aleus replied politely.
"What we tell you now from this point on is highly classified,. If you reveal any of what we tell you here, you will be shot." Amann declared, somewhat unnecessarily in Aleus's opinion.
"I was once an officer in the Lantean Fleet just as you were, High Councilor. I was one of the original three Commanders when the Alesian Empire was just a militaristic state. A founder of the Alesian Legions. You know I am fully capable of keeping secrets." Aleus said with a bite of annoyance as Amann waved him off.
"Yes yes. In two month's time, we will be launching the invasion of Lantea. Operation code name Reclamation. We will be using significant portions of our military in this endeavor to destroy the Wraith and all those who would deny us our place of birth. There are questions regarding the security status of the Empire while the main forces are away for an extended period of time.
"And what forces will remain in at home if this invasion is launched?"Aleus asked.
"The 2nd, 3rd, 8th, and elements of the 10th fleet will remain here under the command of Region General Arulia Galen." Amann said as he brought up a map of the galaxy, showing a wash of blue across the northern section of the galaxy indicating Alesian territory. Icons appeared displaying the various fleet deployments.
"Galen? Yes of course. The new Imperator. I've heard of his competence on the field. The fleet deployments appear to be fine to respond to trouble spots. I doubt the Goa'uld have the moxie to invade us successfully." Aleus said after a moment of examining the map.
"And what of internal security? I myself have heard reports regarding dissent from sources I trust." Diemos said, shooting a wry glance at Amann.
"While it is true there have been small pockets of rebellion and dissent, it is nothing substantial thus far. There is certainly no evidence of an organized Empire-wide resistance. Our security forces are sufficient to contain them without the need for military intervention. Our public relations and development of their worlds have done much to disarm resistance to the Empire, despite conquering them." Aleus's tone was disapproving.
""Well, there you have it. It seems that we do not compromise our security, Diemos." Amann said, giving Aleus a glare.
"Yes, I am forced to concur." The white haired man murmured as Amann stood up.
"Excuse me, High Councilors, but I must attend to the logistical matters regarding our upcoming operation. Aleus, if you would come with me. We have much to discuss." Amann said as he passed him. Aleus hesitated a moment before following Amann. Aleus caught movement out of the corner of his eye as Magnus moved to follow, careful to keep Aleus in view.
After a few moments, Amann arrived at his office, a large room that was presently empty save for an aide.
"Take a break for now and leave us. Close the door behind you. I will call you when you are needed." Amann said, going to the window to look out at the city, his hands clasped behind his back. The aide left quickly, shutting the door behind him with a hiss. Magnus stood near it as Aleus strode into the center of the room.
"It's been a long time since we've last spoken, Aleus." Amann said, his back still to Aleus.
"Yes. It has." Aleus said.
"How long has it been? A few thousand years?"Amann asked.
"Something like that. I've been busy."
"So i've heard. Do tell me what you've been up to." Amann said, walking over to his desk and pouring two glasses of wine, claiming one for himself as Aleus took the other.
"Maintaining order and advising the local governments on law enforcement procedures primarily."Aleus said, a bit uneasy at the line of questioning as he sipped his wine.
"Law enforcement procedures eh? Funny you should say that, given your role in, shall we say, recent events."Amann gave a dark chuckle as he set down his glass.
"I beg your pardon?" Aleus asked. Amann whirled on him, suddenly furious as Aleus took a few steps back in alarm.
"You would lie to my face?" The Alesian Councilor hissed, the expression on his face reminding Aleus of their last argument.
"It is clear that our resources must go into full production of these mighty dreadnoughts. As it stands, our fleet is decidedly inferior in both displacement, power, and technology in comparison to the Lantean Fleet. Our best designs are older Aurora class vessels, and while our destroyers are certainly newer and better than current Lantean designs, they are only destroyers. Their capital ships will stomp ours. And the Asgard, while we do have a few distinct advantages over them, have the numbers to steamroll us. If either of them were serious about crushing our Empire, they could do so with relative ease." Amann said to his advisors, dressed in the homespun white uniform as Lord Commander of Alesia. Many of them nodded as he continued, bringing up the schematics of the two warships under discussion.
"The Lanteans could attack next month for all we know. They certainly have no love for us. And while our contacts with the Asgard are friendlier, they will side with our Lantean cousins. At best, they are neutral. Our fleet is inferior to both parties. With these dreadnoughts, we can not only gain parity, but actual fleet superiority. For the first time in our history, we will have a ship that will make our enemies tremble in fear. Even the mighty dreadnoughts of the Lantean Fleet will hesitate to engage such a powerful warship."
"I'm sorry Amann, but I have to disagree. While your argument for building these ships is sound, it isn't necessary. The Asgard avoid us because we mean so little to them and the Lanteans are preoccupied with the Wraith. We are no threat to either of them. However if we build these ships and they discover us, it could be seen as an intent for war. We should focus our industrial capabilities into internal growth." Aleus said, striding forward to take his place across from Amann.
"Situations change, Aleus. I much rather have the weapons to hold them off than to trust temporary political realities to hold forever. If the Lanteans manage to keep the Wraith from actually attacking the human colony worlds, they might very well decide to deal with us once and for all. We already have proven to be a threat to them, since we have expanded from our home world to seize our destiny to bring this galaxy under our banner. It does not matter to them if we have our current fleet or our dreadnoughts when the time comes to attack us. The only way to stall or stop it entirely is for our fleet to have parity to theirs. I would prefer outright superiority, but I am willing to reduce the numbers of said ships temporarily for the internal development as a hedge bet. Parity would be dicey, but workable. We need more than a few to scare the Lanteans." Amann said, attempting to sound reasonable. Internally he was furious. Aleus had frustrated him to no end for the past several months with his advice, but he knew the value in a dissenting opinion at times. This was something else entirely though.
"A superior fleet won't stop your citizens from starving. It won't stop newly conquered worlds from living in wooden structures. These dreadnoughts won't comfort those who lose loved ones to disease because basic medical care isn't available." Aleus said as other advisors and department heads nodded in agreement while some frowned at him.
"And how would those citizens be helped if the Lanteans conquer and subjugate us to their whims again? Are any of you willing to bend the knee to those fools? I thought that we established that our independence is paramount to all other considerations. I swore to myself to never again will we bow before them. We can't help the poor or the sick if we are conquered. The Lanteans abandoned this galaxy already. They can't even police their own galaxy effectively. What makes you think they will intervene to help those under OUR banner?" Amann demanded, his face hardened in steely resolve. His gaze challenged the others to speak, a grim coldness in his dark eyes.
"Do you listen to yourself? The Lanteans conquer and subjugate? Everyone here knows the Lanteans aren't interested in such things. Are you so bitter and consumed by hatred and rage that you would twist your memory of them? When we founded this Empire we swore we wouldn't leave people to suffer like the Lanteans did. We promised the Ascended that we would bring peace and prosperity to all who joined us. But what use is a banner when it doesn't stand for the things it was created for? Aleus said, wincing internally as he threw the gauntlet down. This would not go well.
"And what use is a banner that doesn't have the strength to back up what it stands for?" Amann shot back as he continued.
"The Lanteans HATE us, Aleus. They sent us to this hateful little horror of a world to die. Fortunately, they underestimated our resolve to not perish. An oversight they will wish to correct eventually. They know how strong this harsh world has made us, and they fear that. What our kind hates, we destroy. It might be possible that they never attack us while we build your infrastructure, but they would have to be complete morons to let us build our strength so gradually. No! Let's build a mighty battle fleet that will make the stars tremble in awe, and incidentally make the Lanteans think twice about engaging us. We can always focus on infrastructure AFTER we have ensured our security."
"Do they hate us? Or do you resent them for what happened to her?" Aleus asked, gathering concerned looks from everyone gathered.
"We committed treason Amann, and we had to pay the price. We are here today not because of a fleet of warships, Not because of an army, but because of the ideas of the Alesian Empire." Gasps echoed around the chamber as Amann went shock still, looking as if he had been slapped.
"You. How. Dare. You." Amann hissed as he stood up, cold fury etched on his face. The mention of Vesara, his first wife, was still painful to this day. To have her used against him in such a manner incensed him.
"You blame us for their arrogance and negligence. We acted in defense of our people. It was our duty to overthrow them! It was only treason if we failed. Which we did. We won't fail again." Amann said, a loud bang echoing through the room as he slammed his fist into the desk, denting the metal.
"How dare I what? You forget Amann, she was my friend too. I was in that pit with you too. How dare I involve her in this? She was the reason we tried to overthrow the council. Her death was the spark that forged the Alesian Empire. Or do you not see it as a death? Have you become so blinded and warped by rage you blame the Lanteans? Do you think they murdered her? The innocent men, woman and children who fled from our worlds because of the Wraith, are they to blame for what happened?" Aleus said softly.
"The only reason you still draw breath is in memory of the blood you shed with me. If you were anyone else, I would cut you down for such an insult." Amann shuddered with wrath as he stared at Ryos. There was little in the way of humanity or warmth in his face, only a cold, murderous fury. It was easy to see why people called him the Winter King behind his back in mockery and derision.
Aleus was suddenly brought back to reality as Amann stepped up to him, grabbing him by his uniform and slamming him against the wall. Aleus' glass fell to the metal floor, glass and wine being sent everywhere as it shattered.
"I know about your role in the dissident movement. Did you really think you could fool me?" Amann snarled.
"If you think I am a part of the radicals, then I have fooled you indeed."
"Disagreeing with me was one thing. But you've committed treason against the Empire by doing this. Not only that, you betrayed me. We were brothers once. Why? WHY DAMN YOU?" Amann screamed, slamming him against the wall again.
"And how have I done that Amann? How have I betrayed you or the empire I helped build?" Aleus said, grabbing on Amann's wrists and slowly forcing them away with his greater strength.
"That isn't the only thing you founded. I've watched your movements for some time, Aleus. You were one of the founders of the dissident movement. A group intent on seeding insurrection and discord." Amann said.
"You're referring to ARM. Do you even know what the Alesian Restoration Movement stand for? Or at least, what they're meant to stand for?"
"Are you sure it doesn't stand for Alesian Resistance Militia? That's what I've heard it was really called." Amann said sarcastically.
"That was the radicals, which are no longer part of our movement. They were the more violent members, the ones that were disillusioned when many of our goals were achieved after the Lower Council was formed two thousand years ago. Your wife was instrumental in giving the people a true voice in the governing of their worlds. Our goals were political in nature, we were never meant to become an armed resistance intent on overthrowing the government. Instead, we aimed to reform the government in it's original purpose. Your original purpose. Helping the other worlds and protecting them. This is why we rebelled, Amann. What we were exiled for, and what we fought so hard to protect. You once understood that." Aleus said, his tone now hard as he looked down at Amann, who looked slightly less furious as he released Aleus and stood back.
"I once took you at your word, as I did with all those who bled with me. At one time, that would have been enough. But it can't be now. I'm sorry, but I cannot blindly trust in you anymore." Amann said heavily. Aleus was astonished to hear a note of sadness in his voice as the High Councilor continued.
"Aleus, I must know your thoughts. If you are truly no traitor, if your goals are as you said they were, then you will not face punishment." Aleus stared at Amann, their eyes meeting before Aleus nodded. He felt a probe as Amann brushed his surface thoughts, searching for duplicity before diving deeper into his memories. Faces flashed before Aleus, names and operations passing in a flash. Suddenly it was over as Amann withdrew, crossing his arms and pointedly not looking at Aleus. Aleus looked down at the floor, feeling the awkward distance between them.
"Where do we go from here?" Aleus asked. Silence reigned for a moment as Amann kept looking away.
"I don't know. I once considered you my brother, yet time and disagreements have driven us apart. Whatever you are now, you are no traitor." He said quietly in contemplation, old pain evident in his voice.
"I did as well. I still do. Even blood brothers quarrel with each other. Ascended knows your sister clashed with you more than once." Aleus said wryly.
"She misses you still." Amann said with a heavy sigh.
"I know." The room fell silent as the two men ran out of words to say. Amann broke the silence a few moments later.
"You were also the best destroyer captain I ever had the honor of commanding. I think it is time you returned to military service once more. Your Judicators can handle your former duties, you are needed here. Consider your commission as Commander reactivated." Amann brought up his holopad, the schematic of a ship on display as he handed it to Aleus.
"The AES Vanguard is the newest destroyer in our fleet, the first new design in a decade. She is currently in testing at our Tarsus shipyards. She is more heavily armed than our older designs, is faster and more maneuverable as well, and represents the future of Alesian security."
"But..." Aleus said, knowing it was coming.
"But there is one small problem. She has a number of issues, but it all boils down to the fact she is an overpowered ship. She has the firepower of a light cruiser in a destroyer package. Her engines nearly shook the ship apart during trial runs, and there were heat dissipation issues when she fired her laser turrets at full power. She has four double barrel turrets where the previous Sentinel class has three, and she has enough drones and antimatter torpedoes to wipe out a small fleet. If it wasn't for the structural integrity issues and the heating problem due to the larger power plant, she would be ready to put into full production." Amann explained as he poured another glass of wine.
"You want me to solve those issues? I'm not an engineer." Aleus protested.
"No, but I do not need an engineer. I need a tactics and doctrine specialist. You know the role of a destroyer far more than our engineers do. You will act as my personal representative, with all the power that entails. This ship is essential to the future security of Alesia and she must be ready as soon as possible. I trust in you to fix her problems and make her the most powerful warship of her size and class in the galaxy, able to fulfill her mission. You succeed in this, and she will be the flagship of a new destroyer group. Yours."
"Why?" Aleus asked. Amann grasped what he was really asking at once, but hesitated as he turned away from him, choosing his words carefully.
"I have been forced to do without your services for too long. Running the Empire is too big of a task for me alone, and I do not trust people easily. It was why I gave up absolute power. Why I allowed the Lower Council to form, and many of my advisors to become the High Council." Amann turned back around to face him.
"You were one of the people that I considered able to take my place. It is why you are called once more to serve." Aleus was stunned at the admission, which was most unlike Amann. Aleus knew his old friend was one of the most stubborn people in existence, and not one to give undue praise.
"I have been called. I will answer it." He said as Amann dismissed him with a nod, turning around and walking out as the doors closed behind him with a hiss.
"Councilor, I don't mean to disagree with you but you are far too lenient with Aleus Ryos. He sided with your enemies and betrayed you." Magnus rumbled, his huge bulk casting a shadow over Amann.
"I know him. You don't need to be concerned, Magnus." Amann said simply as he picked up his pad.
"Magnus is right. You are too lenient with Aleus." Lucia said as she leaned back in her chair, her fur lined dress hitching up to reveal bare feet as she sipped her wine. The window outside reflected the Alesian sunset, cresting beneath the trees that formed the boundary of their estate. Lucia once reflected on the fact that Amann's private country residence was smaller than so many other rich and influential people, but came to realize that Amann set little store in opulence, preferring a modest and comfortable lifestyle to decadence.
"I know him. He never truly betrayed me or the Empire. He followed the ideals we originally had. I was wrong in my assessment of the Lanteans, paranoia driving me to neglect those under our protection. " Amann said as he sat next to her, holding his own wine glass.
"Was it wise to give him command of a top secret project nevertheless?" Lucia asked as she crossed her legs. Amann's eyes darted down at the movement before glacing up at the amused sapphire eyes of his wife.
"He was the best screen commander I have ever known, and he knows the roles that ideally suit what a fleet destroyer is. The problem with our engineers is that while they know technology, they know little about tactics or what a competent commander wants in their ship. They end up over engineering a project and we have to cut down on what they put in. Aleus will sort the Vanguard out." Amann smirked as he laid his hand on her leg.
"Enough on the topic, I can think of a few things we can do." Amann whispered.
"Perhaps later if you behave yourself. Pretas and Cassandra should be here momentarily." Lucia chuckled at the look of surprise on her husband's face.
"Really? I didn't know Pretas had military leave, nor that Cassandra had time off." Amann said.
"I wanted to surprise you. We have had little time lately to be a family." Lucia held Amann's in hers as she leaned in for a kiss. Amann leaned back in annoyance as a knock sounded on the door.
"Come!" Amann said loudly. The door opened to reveal his son Pretas, still dressed in his military uniform, and his younger sister Cassandra who greatly resembled her mother in looks but inherited Amann's height and high cheekbones.
"Father." Pretas said as he held a fist to his chest in salute. Amann held out a hand to Lucia as they both got up to receive their children.
"Well met, my son. It is good to see you again. How are things with your unit?" Amann clasped his arm in greeting.
"Very well Father. We did not lose too many soldiers for my company, but other companies in the Legion have been nearly wiped out. It will take time to reconstitute their formations."
"Hmmmm. General Le'nae likely has that under control. Who replaced her as Legate of the 82nd?"
"Her executive officer Valana Adira, her progeny."
"Father!" Cassandra exclaimed in exuberance as she ran forward to give Amann a hug, Amann giving her a smile as he hooked his other arm around his daughter.
"You look as beautiful as ever, my daughter. How does the Lower Council?"
"Going well. The efforts to aid the other worlds in developing their worlds has been very successful. We expect more representation within the next ten years as the new worlds develop their resources and population." Amann nodded in approval at those words as Lucia came over with a smile, giving both of her children a hug. At that moment, Magnus came in with a smile crinkled beneath his red beard.
"Uncle Magnus!" She yelled as she ran over to hug the giant Terilian turned Alesian. Amann smiled at the scene. It wasn't always easy balancing his family with his work, and he was glad to have had an honorary number of "uncles" and "aunts" help him raise two perfect children.
It was moments like this where he was perfect ease, where his duty did not weigh heavily. It reminded Amann of what he fought for in a personal sense, what drove him to protect the Empire as if it were his own family. Aleus was right about their cause, he reflected. The universe has changed since their founding, and the Empire had to change with it.