This is a fan translation of Emperors of Illusions (Императоры иллюзий) by the Russian science fiction and fantasy author Sergei Lukyanenko. The novel is a sequel to Lukyanenko's Line of Dreams (Линия грёз) novel and can be considered a fan fiction of the original Master of Orion game.

Chapter 6

Only the elite was present at the meeting. Eight hours remained until the Emperor's departure for Gorra. Enough time for some to rise to the top and others to fall into disfavor.

"I trust everyone has had a chance to discuss Curtis's announcement?" Gray inquired. He saw forced smiles in reply. "Whatever shining paradise Curtis paints… we've got problems in this world."

The President of Tauri nodded rapidly. His personal security had already informed him about Gray's increased interest towards his persona. However, the President did not know of any reasons or the Emperor's decision.

"First, about Curtis's speech," sitting at the head of the table, Gray scanned everyone present with his gaze. Ministers, ISS co-directors, military commanders, and several high-ranking Tauri officials. "I have spoken with him yesterday. He confirmed the general meaning of his address and informed me that the Line of Dreams technology is the result of further developments of aTan. As a result, it is under Curtis's full control. Does anyone wish to say something?"

Dan Sathano, in charge of fleet logistics, stood to speak, "Curtis's announcement is extremely interesting, my Emperor…"

Cathano had been at his job long enough to learn to adjust his opinion to match Gray's. However, just then, he was in a difficult position, as the Emperor had deliberately avoided stating his opinion on the Line of Dreams.

"Our analysts foresee a number of unpleasant consequences. The primary one might be the flow of officers and enlisted men and women out of the military. Military service allows one to afford aTan, but how does single-use immortality compare to an entire world… a dream world?"

The Emperor nodded approvingly.

The President of Tauri added hurriedly, "The same problem is possible with all the qualified personnel, Emperor. The standard of living on Tauri—"

"I know that your entire population can afford the Line of Dreams," Gray interrupted him. "Recommendations?"

"Establish a minimum age for using the Line of Dreams!"

"An excellent idea. Too bad Curtis refuses to implement this restriction."

Gray stood from the table and walked past the others, tapping his hand on the backs of the chairs, "A hundred, a hundred and forty, a hundred and seventy… right, Dan? Which of you hasn't gone through aTan?"

Silence.

"Who is happy about the Line of Dreams? No one? I'm glad. Which of you will refuse aTan?"

Silence.

"Curtis is destroying the Empire," Gray summarized dryly. "I don't understand the reasons for his actions… but it's a fact."

"My Emperor…"

Gray glanced at Sathano.

"I am prepared to refuse aTan."

"Thank you, Dan. But that's not going to help," the Emperor resumed his place at the head of the table. "I have taken other measures… and I think they're going to justify themselves."

"The ISS—" one of the co-directors of ISS rose.

"Submit your recommendations in writing. The operations will be undertaken by another department, but your opinion could prove useful."

No one else risked speaking.

"Now for the main issue," Gray once again looked at the President of Tauri. "I am extremely disappointed with my stay on this planet."

The President's ruddy face went pale, "The ISS office on the planet is ineffective, my Emperor! I have no authority to interfere in its operations!"

"The conspiracy against me is merely a consequence of the general moral atmosphere," Gray went on, as if he didn't hear the words. "When people like Wanda Kahowski take part in an attempt on the Emperor, this is a sign of a general distrust in the government. And I have sufficient information about the man representing me on Tauri… unpleasant information."

The doors opened silently, and the movements of those who had entered were precise and quick. The President of Tauri was dragged out of his chair, and he hung limply on the hands of armor-clad guards.

"Who says the ISS is ineffective..." Gray shook his head ruefully. "I am removing the President of the Tauri colony from his office. I am also accusing him of amoral activities, damaging the image of the Empire, and in forty-three murders, committed at his order to satisfy his perversions. The Imperial Supreme Court will start reviewing the case tonight. The motion to declare the former President a 'person without immortality' has already been sent to the local aTan facility."

The guards were dragging the numb man out of the room. The former President was twisting his legs aimlessly, and his heels were tapping out a peculiar drumroll on the hardwood floor.

"Well then…" Gray leaned back in his chair with a satisfied look. "Any more questions? I am planning on paying a visit to my little friend… I'd had to keep her waiting."

It was an excellent end to a lecture on morality. None of those present had any more questions, at least those they were willing to voice out loud.