Plotting Revenge
Following the disaster of the 'Seed Realm,' General Ameba was brought before the head representatives of the Imperial Council of Lords. The concerns regarding his conduct and the aftermath in the 'Seed Realm' had been less than sentimental. His four judges, Lord Scythe, Lord Crepes, Lord Malico, and Lord Verliotz, conducted the interrogation step by step, pointing out some of the misdeeds and necessary actions decided by him during the campaign.
"And you say that you deliberately fired the grand destroyer's beam cannon?" asked Lord Verliotz.
"I did." replied Ameba.
"Without any regards to the orders you had been given by the Imperial Council and His Excellency, Master Arakis?" said Lord Scythe.
"That is correct."-
"But why would you carry out with such a deed? Your only objective was to subdue the inhabitants of the 'Seed Realm.' I don't think there was any need for you to have to obliterate half of the planet's population."-
"Was it because you had declared vengeance against them?" asked Lord Verliotz. "From what accounts said, you quoted 'Next time, you will feel the full force of the Dark Empire.' But soon after you state 'Let that be a lesson to those who defy me.' In my opinion, it was more of a message regarding your personal pride."
"Yes." said Ameba. "I was doing it for the sake of my pride. Had those fools in the 'Seed Realm' not have been so defiant, the outcome would have been different."
"But those people were also defending their world from being overrun and oppressed." Lord Crepes pointed out. "You should know by now that there will always be opposition towards expansionism when one power enters another's territory. History shows that to us constantly."
"Had you decided to withhold your rage, the outcome might have been different." added Lord Malico. "However, because of what you have done, it is most likely that retribution against the Empire will be swift and furious. We are trying to establish commerce with these people. And because of the your immediate decision to obliterate half their population, they would be reluctant to ever settle peaceful terms with us."
"From what my memory points out," said Lord Verliotz, "You said that you could attain victory swiftly and without necessary actions to shed innocent blood. You could subdue them by destroying their military capacity. As a promise, we would authenticate your success and grant you position as Lord. Thus, your status would increase within the Empire. However, the only thing that you have proven is that the mobile dolls are most effective in battle. His Excellency, Lord Arakis, has claimed the mobile dolls would be sufficient for attacking the Alliance fleet and you yourself have proven his theory of their effectiveness. However, your part of the bargain had not been fulfilled. Thus we, the leaders of the Imperial Council have decided to terminate your application."
"This meeting is adjourned!" said Lord Scythe. They dismissed Ameba from his trial and the general went off in sympathy. However, his sympathy did not last for long. Returning to his quarters, he slammed his fist against the wall.
"Damn that boy!" he uttered in rage. "I completely underestimated him! Well, I'll soon get my retribution sooner, or later!" Ameba sat in his chair and poured himself a cup of brandy. "And I know exactly how to do it. Knowing the Imperial Council, they would never allow me to pursue my own agenda. So I can't go in pursuit of them personally. However, I can always send someone in my place." General Ameba rang for one of the attendants. Before long there was a knock on the door and the attendant walked in.
"Did you summon me, Sir?" she asked.
"I did, my dear." Ameba said. "Send a message to the Asphyxia Twins. I wish for an audience with them. Tell them it's urgent and they should come to my request as soon as possible."
"Of course, Sir." The young attendant withdrew from the room, leaving Ameba alone with his brandy.
"If there is anyone who can stealthily get rid of Sora, they can."-
For a full hour, he awaited the arrival of his guest until there was a knock on the door.
"Enter." Ameba said. The door opened and the attendant came in with two young people about twenty, or so. A young girl, fair and beautiful and you young man who was equal in attractive looks. Dressed in tight, dark spandex jumpers, they came in side by side.
"General Ameba." the attendant announced. "May I present Stifle and Smother Asphyxia."
"Excellent work." said Ameba. "You may leave us."
"Yes, Sir." The attendant left the room leaving them to their business.
"You beckoned us, General?" asked Stifle.
"Of what can we be of service?" added Smother.
"It's quite simple." Ameba explained. "I need you to assassinate a certain someone. You up to it?"
"It depends on the target and how much you'll pay."-
"Very well. The keybearer, Sora. I'm sure you've heard of him."-
"I understand that young boy is fighting off the members of the Cavendish Shinobis."-
"I hear he's ever so handsome." Stifle giggled.
"Not as handsome as your brother though." Smother objected.
"His looks aren't important right now!" said Ameba. "It's his continuous interference that's getting on my nerves! And I want you to get rid of him! As for your payment." Ameba took from his coat a large sack of gold coins and threw it on the table. "You can expect the next half of it after you finish the job."
"Your wish is our command, General." said Stifle. She greedily took the bag and opened it, gazing upon the shiny gold coins.
"You couldn't have chosen a better pair of assassins, Sir." added Smother. "But may I ask why you have not decided to go after them yourself?"
"I cannot pursue my own agenda without the consent of the Imperial Council." Ameba uttered. "Besides, I know how you two always like to make your victims suffer. Once the deed is done, inform me of how he died in complete detail." He sipped his brandy and sat down in his chair. "Well, I believe that's enough for now. You may go and fulfill you mission."
"As you wish, Sir." The twins dismissed themselves from the room, closing the door behind them.
"Soon, Sora. You will meet your sorry end."-
