Robotech: The Ashes of Empire

by GVincent

The Robotech Masters have abandoned their control of empire, their war with The Invid, and the slave Zentraedi forces still fighting it in an attempt to capture Zor's Battle Fortress directly. In this sudden power vacuum, a rogue leader from a caste of Zentraedi whose function is to enforce the will of The Masters on the warrior caste will attempt to seize power and rule herself.

5. Chapter 5: Trusted Comrades

Chapter Five

Trusted Comrades

"Luck… Providence…. Fate…"

"These are words I will use as a tool when necessary, but ones I speak with a deep-felt revulsion. I find these words distasteful because they are abstract constructs erected by feeble minds to explain and excuse the consequences of their own inability to direct and govern their own destinies."

"To be fair and objective however I must also admit that there are times and circumstances in which the random element of chance does play more heavily into the determination of events."

"At these times an individual defines his or her self into one of two categories-. There are those who see an opportunity to determine their own course, and there are those who toss themselves to an abstract construct."

"I sense an opportunity too great to be ignored."

"Let others who will not benefit curse luck or Fate."

General Krymina

Commanding Officer,

7th Grand Army of the Te'Dak Tohl

Destroyer 741

Chief Engineer Gerrok stood dutifully and as at close to full attention as he was ever known to come in the doorway of the domain over which he was normally master- the ship's maneuvering room.

Commander Pach made his rounds slowly by each station. In every way and respect, Pach as the vessel's commanding officer had the right and the obligation to inspect any facet of the ship's systems, infrastructure, or company at regular intervals or at will. From The Chief's perspective, this did not lessen the nuisance it was to make ready for these events with the details of cleaning and polishing to a shine control panels and fixtures whose slight dinginess had null impact on the operation of the (his) ship.

Only the fact that it was Pach assessing the mostly inconsequential made the process bearable for Gerrok. After all, Pach was as attentive to the needs of the ship (almost) as the engineer in acquiring what Gerrok required to maintain it when at all possible. This, and of course their long-time friendship curried some understanding and tolerance from Gerrok.

Inspections were still a nuisance though.

Technicians and specialists stood by their posts whose consoles and displays were now dark and quiet as the commanding officer studied each briefly in passing. As a matter of formality Pach made an apparent inspection of each station, seeing that the all elements complied with the level of maintenance expected. Note was made of adherence to regulation in these areas by the commander while other details, such as crew in their cleanest uniform tunics as opposed to clean ones, were consciously overlooked.

Though their rigid stances did not change in the least, the engineering staff went nonetheless through a notable change with the passage of their commander: from quiet apprehension in his path to equally silent relief in his wake. They likely did not know of the "understanding" Pach and Gerrok had on inspections- but neither officer had ever seen harm come of that.

Pach completed his circuit of the maneuvering room at the same measured, methodical pace he'd begun it at. The air in the cramped space seemed stiller for the breaths held in place by the anxious staff.

"Things appear to be in order.", Pach said agreeably as he passed Gerrok and stepped out through the maneuvering room door into the corridor which led aft directly to the machinery spaces of engineering. A soft rush of air could almost be heard to follow out the compartment door as many a set of lungs released their contents at last.

The main reactor room- normally alive with sounds of the ship's heartbeat- the regular thrum-thrum-thrum of the Zorelev Type 470-7.2 Protoculture Tri-Cell Matrix Reflex Furnace, the high drone of the cooling system, and the whine of energy converters and power transformers- was now eerily quiet to ears accustomed to these sounds. Instead, Pach's voice carried impressively through the enormous compartment and was successful in finding every niche in the machinery from which to resonate in echo. Only the sharp, metallic clap of The Factory's repair droids' feet on deck plates was to be heard as they moved about the compartment and scrutinized every detail of the power plant with the perceptiveness of artificial senses coupled with the meticulous nature of a robot. Similar automated inspections were now occurring throughout the ship, even as the crew tasked with routine maintenance stood idly by.

For the number of times they had put in to a Factory, Pach had never witnessed even a deriding remark directed by Gerrok at the virtual army of droids that invaded his realm. It was possible that he recognized that they were capable of providing a level of service that mortal beings were incapable of. Pach suspected that it was more likely that Gerrok, cantankerous as he was prone to be, preferred the gratification of a living target for his pointed verbal salvos.

"And this is different, how-?"

"True as that may be, regular inspections by the commanding officer are mandated by-."

If Gerrok regarded inspections by Pach as a nuisance, then those in which Sub-Commander Dychi participated were reacted to by the engineer as something close to a personal violation- which The Chief made no great effort to conceal.

Such was the case as he cut him off, "Do you hear a loud buzzing, Pach-?"

"Commander Pach.", Dychi corrected without fear of counter by his superior as protocol was clearly on his side, "-Or, lord, if you prefer."

Gerrok did not skip a beat to say again to Pach, "There it is again- do you hear it?"

"Easy, Chief.", Pach said, expertly skirting the issue on which Dychi had caught Gerrok dead-center in his sights on, "No one enjoys inspections, but they're necessary."

"No one critical at least.", was Gerrok's reply directed at Dychi with a sideways glance that could have pierced the reactor vessel had it missed its target.

For a tense moment, Pach worried that Gerrok now fully engaged in rant mode would challenge the necessity of inspections with the ship undergoing rehabilitation under the supremely capable watch of a Robotech Automated Factory. This would have been a difficult argument to win had Gerrok tried to advocate his side and were Pach foolish enough to be drawn into the contest.

Fortunately the debate did not emerge as Gerrok showed remarkable restraint (for him) and allowed the moment to pass.

"The Factory will still be there when you disembark, Chief.", Pach assured him, "Patience."

Gerrok made his best effort to argue his point without it sounding like a grumble, though in part it was, "True- The Factory will be there- but the time sensitive activity I need to participate in may not. A force this large in port- it's a great opportunity that's evaporating."

Gerrok could see as clearly in Pach's eyes that he understood him to be speaking of a meeting with The Exchange as he saw in Dychi's expression that he did not. The executive officer's baffled look was a reward in and of itself- but not the one Gerrok sought. Gerrok understood his friend's reason for wanting to keep the crew in general aboard as long as possible- but a meeting with The Exchange carried a greater weight of importance than a warrior's liberty and could therefore be argued as an entirely different issue.

Pach apparently recognized this too as he surprised Gerrok in ceding more quickly to Gerrok's protest than the engineer would have dared to hope for. Whatever reason Pach had was his own, and Gerrok trusted it to soundly balance the ship's security and its needs to have him meet with The Exchange.

"Dychi.", Pach said to the executive officer who had followed he and Gerrok through the passageway without additional comment, "I'm satisfied with this section."

"Yes, Lord.", Dychi replied, turning to Gerrok as prescribed by protocol, "Sub-Commander Gerrok, have your detail stand down and fall out for liberty rotation by assignment."

"I did hear him, you know.", Gerrok replied. Somehow, even after the earlier exchange, Dychi still appeared shocked by the bite in Gerrok's words. It was of no matter to the engineer- he had the leave now that he wanted. If his curiosity about Pach's accelerated releasing of him to The Factory still lingered later, he could bring it up in private.

More likely, Gerrok knew in knowing himself- he wouldn't.

Without another word, Dychi withdrew in the wake of his superior leaving Gerrok the undisputed master of his domain once again.

"You could get into serious trouble with insubordination like that.", Jerl warned his own superior boldly.

"Possibly.", Gerrok admitted as the engineering staff filed quickly by him.

They too had heard the commander's instructions given and relayed, and like their immediate supervisor did not feel rigidly bound to the rigors of protocol. This was an area in which Gerrok allowed some latitude to his subordinates- or more accurately, where he paid less attention. The key to surviving long on Gerrok's staff, all found, was knowing what precisely The Chief (not necessarily regulations or procedures) expected of you, what aspects of control he was lax on, and those he held tight. Jerl had found that the signs and indicators from Gerrok were not always clear, but he did have a way of letting you know when you had erred. Thanks in no small part to this, warriors in the engineering division seldom erred twice.

"But then who would take care of the ship?"

Jerl was quick to reply with equal parts of wit and foreboding, "Me, unfortunately."

This gave Gerrok pause.

"Maybe I should take it down, just a little."

"You think?"

Gerrok could not prevent the escape of a brief, snorting laugh- "You have been learning from me. Get my notes. If we're lucky, The Exchange will still be in session when we find them."

"How do we find them?"

"That's part of the trick of it all, Jerl."

Trendok 145 Robotech Factory

There was nothing at all remarkable about the corridor to which Marosa and Etmal had been posted for their turn of sentry duty.

The question could have been begged of what required "guarding" by sentries, let alone elite Quadrano shock troops- but Point Lieutenant Tuissant's briefing had provided the only vague justification for 2nd Company's present assignment that they were likely to receive. Strictly speaking, an order was justification in and of itself- but one accompanied by an explanation was always easier to receive and obey.

Smooth, gray metal ceiling panels melded into gray walls of the same composition that in turn had their base in floor grating of the same color, and were punctuated by the bulge of reinforced bulkheads at regular intervals. Only the periodic markings which denoted the corridor's unique identification, stenciled in red block letters and numerals, broke the monotony of the perfect, dull surfaces.

Multiple corridors of this general description and of varying size led back to the rear area of the posted sentries to connect with the expansive dockyard floor of the jetty that served the 417th's flagship, Silhak, and two female destroyers that bore only hull numbers for names. From the standpoint that these corridors were approaches to an army's critical asset, a justification for the sentries could be reasoned. Still, in the posting of Quadranos there was an implication that the agreed-upon harmony between the females of the 417th and the males of the 604th went no deeper than the thickness of the shell of unity that bound them.

Or so Lt. Marosa was inclined to speculate.

Standing sentry within the isolated confines of a Queadlunn Rau combat suit at the intersection of two desolate corridors that had recently only seen foot traffic outgoing into The Factory had a way of giving the mind license to wander. Not forbidden, conversation with fellow keepers of the watch was discouraged and as Marosa had drawn Etmal by lot as her company at this post- quiet thought was preferable for as long as that could last. If the duty did become too boring though, she could always stoke Etmal's inextinguishable fire for gossip on all subjects paranoid and pass the time that way.

She wasn't that bored yet, and therefore the silence would be allowed to stand.

Standing facing one another across the corridor like decorative statues of functional power armor, the combat suits looked like mirror images of one another with no one to appreciate their symmetry.

The corridor as it stretched to Marosa's left and disappeared left at a sharp angle led back into the ready storage areas common around the jetties and docking slips. Further on lay the "common" areas as the term had come to pertain to the sharing of space and facilities with the males. Any notion of creating a security buffer for female assets without appearing overtly defensive and raising the suspicions of the males ended there.

Beyond that point, only the scruples and discipline of the individual warrior, and of course the watchful eye of their monitoring superiors were the deciding factor between coexistence and disunion.

Before reporting for sentry duty in discussion with Marosa and Vala, Etmal had latched on to the notion that without a concerted effort by the female forces that the males would claim for themselves and monopolize The Factory's best facilities and offerings.

This was nonsense Marosa knew.

he Factory's Hypercomp had not even been given the ability to show preference between the genders by The Robotech Masters- to the best of Marosa's knowledge. Etmal had rambled on about this possibility at some length though as she was prone to do (a trait of Etmal's that Marosa had learned to block out- mostly) until she had exhausted the topic.

Meandering as Etmal's monologue had been, it was contagious in that it had sparked thoughts that Marosa had of her own. It was not an issue or question of equity in access to The Factory's ample resources. It was the thought of what lay around the corner where the corridor bent- just beyond sight- beyond her battle suit's ability to sense. Somewhere further on where male sentries stood in defense from some indefinable phantom that someone higher on their chain of command felt the need to defend against. It was the thought that armed males stood at posts not unlike she and Etmal having similar thoughts; only about the female forces.

Because- what would these thoughts have them do?

The answer to this question was the potential threat against which the Quadranos were guarding- much as the males guarded against the reciprocal argument.

Suspicions.

It was unusual for Marosa to allow such thoughts to spin about in her head this way- Etmal did that enough for the platoon as a whole with extra to spare. It was in bringing the tempest of thoughts under control that Marosa came to the realization that just beneath the distraction of her own thinking, she was feeling that odd combination of fear and curiosity that seemed to intertwine during battle.

How many times had she felt it in clearing an Invid Hive, or negotiating tight and irregular terrain that promised sudden and violent action in every nook and around every corner? The dread that something awful was looming and that driving need to meet it if for no other reason than to defeat it and have it over with.

The sensation was duller, less acute- but it was of the same breed. The dark side of Marosa's imagination, the part that in Etmal often ran amok, told Marosa that males were likely closing aggressively on her position just beyond sight.

Enough! Enough, enough, enough. Enough.

Marosa focused on the tangible. Suspicions without form at best could only be puzzled over, at worst gave way to paranoia, and in either case would make for a very long watch.

"Marosa-. Post Five-."

Marosa realized that she must have reacted physically to the call of her name as Etmal's combat suit took a half-step forward as though the pilot thought she was going to have to catch her superior in a fall.

Vala's voice was loud inside the confines of the armor suit, or at least seemed that way as it snatched Marosa back into her surroundings.

"Yes?", Marosa replied to her friend who was posted to a corridor not dissimilar to the one that Marosa guarded with Etmal.

"We've been probed.", Vala said, "Actually, we're being probed"

"I don't follow you.", Marosa replied, "Probed by who? Males?"

"Of course, males.", Vala replied, frustrated with Marosa's apparent dullness of perception, "I've got a handful of them- squad strength maybe, and they're making an effort not to look interested in what we're doing. I thought I'd pass the warning on to you to be on the look-out."

"I don't think-", Marosa began to say as she turned to face the direction of the "common" areas. A brief glimpse of a Zentraedi form made her start as it slipped back into an intersecting corridor.

"Marosa?-", Vala asked, concern in her voice, "What's your status?"

"We have visitors too.", Marosa replied, "I'm not sure how many- I only saw one."

"We need to report this.", Vala insisted, "They're slipping too close to areas they have no legitimate reason to be in."

"Or their sentries are letting them slip.", Etmal suggested, "They could be looking for a way in-."

Marosa cringed to think of the hours of intrigue the junior lieutenant would derive from this and did her best (too late she feared) to cut it short, "Enough, Etmal."

Marosa switched her communications system from the unit frequency to the command frequency as she armed the weapons systems of her battle suit, "Command, this is Post Five. We've got contact with male warriors just outside of our perimeter. Post Four has reported the same."

"Post Five, this is Command.", came Point Lieutenant Tuissant's voice in reply. There was an edginess to her words that was uncommon to the commander of the Quadranos. Marosa had known Tuissant for some time, and known her in her disposition and conduct on the battlefield for even longer. More times than she was able to count, or perhaps more than she cared to remember, Marosa had occasion to observe her superior at the leading edge of her unit in combat. Decisions came quickly and coolly, with never a hint of indecision or hesitation.

Tuissant's tone spoke something different altogether now, something that made Marosa wonder momentarily whether Etmal's earlier interpretation of the single male's appearance had not been accurate.

For whatever the reason the males had for being about, Marosa imagined the whole of Silhak's Quadrano complement rushing to assemble on the flagship's jetty in fully armed combat suits in response.

"Go ahead, Command.", Marosa felt the pause growing too lengthy.

"Post Five, would you categorize the male activities as hostile?"

"Negative.", Marosa replied, "Not yet. But they are definitely just outside of the established bounds of our perimeter. I'm unsure of their numbers, and of whether they are armed."

Another pause.

Marosa noticed the strange side-to-side sway of Etmal's battle suit directly across the corridor from where she stood post in her own. The Queadlunn-Rau power armor, true to its design mimicked the movements of the pilot enclosed in its mechanized form- both actions deliberate and inadvertent. It was clear that Etmal was not immune to the tension of the moment. She would not panic or react rashly under the stress Marosa knew, but she would be looking to her platoon leader for the next step.

Marosa would have felt better had she had any idea of what Tuissant would have that be.

"Posts Four and Five", came Tuissant's voice, steadier now with the comfort that came with decision, "Units are on the way to reinforce your position. Displace and advance beyond your perimeter. Give the males a nudge back to the common areas, but do not, I repeat do not engage the males unless directly provoked. Is that understood?"

"Clearly.", Marosa said, releasing the master safety catch on her suit's weapons systems, "We're displacing now and moving forward of Corridor 224."

"Post Four, likewise.", followed Vala's voice with the same clarity as if she had been standing directly behind Marosa.

At this moment Marosa thanked Fate for the Quadranos posted with her for sentry duty. The instruction from Tuissant to not engage unless "provoked" did still allow some latitude in its interpretation, and the cost of "engaging" could quickly become high with tensions being as they were. Vala was steady and reliable- not at all prone to overreact. Etmal, covering Marosa as lead would restrain herself and act only in her role as support.

Things could still go badly though. With luck, the sight of four Queadlunn Rau combat suits charging up the corridor at them would be incentive enough for the males to scatter and fall back. If not, the appearance of the bulk of 2nd Company following on likely would.

But if the males had weapons-.

These were random and unknown elements though- possible factors that would either rise or not. Orders had been issued though, and the Quadranos were instantly in execution.

Marosa moved aggressively toward the bending of the corridor behind her raised and readied heavy particle beam assault rifle. The weapon was only one of many available to her, should the need to start shooting arise- but the brutish, ugly weapon had an intimidating air about it whose message Marosa hoped the males would read clearly and disperse.

She realized at that moment as the corridor shrank before her with each of her combat suit's rapid and heavy steps how little use her Queadlunn Rau was to her at that moment. Certainly it provided for a quantity of menace and firepower that she could not have projected without the suit, but that required her to trade her natural senses. The suit's enhanced optics were not needed, radar was of no use, and Marosa found herself wanting only the concrete connection to her surroundings that only came from the unfiltered experiencing of them. Valid or not, a seasoned warriors invariably believed that they could feel what lay around a corner with only their instincts and natural senses. Within a combat suit, this perception was deadened.

Still, in the end- combat suit or not- the only way to see, was to see.

"I'm coming up on the junction.", Marosa said as her next step put her three paces from the intersection of the corridors, "There doesn't seem to be activity through the next three junctions- though off this passage I can't be sure."

"I concur.", Vala said, "Same here. They could be piled twenty deep off on a connecting passageway and we wouldn't know. Marosa, let's not get too far outside of our own perimeter. There are just too many places to get put into a crossfire around here"

"Did you see any weapons on the males?"

"Not sure.", Vala said, "I only got a glimpse of them, and I'm not even sure of how many..- I'm at the intersection now. Do this together?"

"On three.", Marosa agreed, motioning to Etmal that she would be responsible for clearing the area of Corridor 224 to Marosa's rear as she and Vala closed off the hall between the two posts from either end.

"One, two, three!"

Marosa's combat suit spun on its toe out into the corridor as agilely as had it been she alone- the result of the suit's well refined, responsive design. As smooth as the movement was to the pilot, the appearance from the outside was equally jarring as the four male warriors who had pressed their bodies to make as much surface contact with the corridor wall all sprang free with the same start.

Marosa found herself staring three down, the fourth frozen facing the other direction as Vala advanced from her end. Marosa stopped short of where the males stood in what seemed some form of paralysis.

The Quadrano noticed immediately that though the uniform tunics and trousers worn by the males were identical in design and construction to those of the female ranks, they hung differently on the forms of the males. The males filled their tunics more consistently from shoulder to hip- appearing to have more constant mass of body through the chest as well as the limbs.

The combat suit, despite its shortcomings that Marosa had felt moments before, was now a shell of security as it was clear that in individual, hand-to-hand combat the males would likely have had the advantage. In their size and raw physical power, Marosa was unable to determine the cause of their terrified expressions until she remembered herself, her power armor, and the large energy rifle being seen by those same wide eyes.

It was an advantage that Marosa intended to retain for at least a few moments longer.

"Warriors!", Marosa snapped sharply, the external speakers for her Queadlunn Rau turned up to the maximum volume for effect in the confined corridor space, "What is the purpose of your presence here?! You are well outside of the common area!"

"We became disoriented and lost in the passages.", explained the senior warrior amongst the males- a battle-worn individual whose badge of third grade in the warrior ranks showed itself to have been earned by hard combat experience. Yet there was fear in that same scar-etched face; the kind normally reserved for newly awakened warriors discovering the nature of battle for the first time. It wasn't the particle beam rifle, it took Marosa a moment to realize, or wholly the hulking, menacing form of the Queadlunn Rau suit.

It was her.

Despite her relative frailty in the flesh, Marosa realized that it was she that evoked the response she found so puzzling. She, Etmal, and of course Vala and her sentry partner wasted no time in further shrinking the space that the wayward males had to them by closing on both sides.

"Somehow I doubt that, Warrior.", Marosa replied making every attempt to sound skeptical, "Lost all the way to the security perimeter of our flagship? What do you think, Vala?"

"Sounds like the only thing they've lost to me is a good explanation.", Vala asserted, "There are deck plans every sixty paces. I say they were probing us."

"I agree.", added Etmal- her opinion not being solicited, but being given regardless, "And if they're lost, they likely won't be missed-."

"So, what do we do with them, Vala?", Marosa asked, appreciating the sinister implication aired by Etmal's last statement- assuming of course that she wasn't serious. There was really no doubt about releasing the males- this encounter would serve better than a thousand sentries at keeping them at a comfortable distance from any critical asset of the 417th.

"You will release them to our custody.", came an unwavering male voice.

Marosa returned to her surroundings and nearly kicked herself for becoming so absorbed in her act of intimidation- deserved as it was. They had been joined from a joining corridor now to their rear by a male officer in power armor, and two, then four Regult Combat Pods bearing markings of the male fleet.

Despite the multiple sensor systems at work in all of the Quadranos' combat suits, no alarm tone had sounded as their power armor had simply acknowledged the approach of the male mecha as "friendly" activity. A cruel irony given the confrontation.

Marosa studied her counterpart quickly. The male combat suits lacked many, if not all the refinements of the Queadlunn Rau armor. They were capable neither of autonomous flight, nor of the agile movement that the female combat suits were renown for. What they lacked in sophistication, they compensated for in brutal firepower and combat survivability. They were not an opponent to be tangled with in close quarters, and especially not with the support of Regults.

"They slipped our sentry posts- intended to keep the wanderings of the curious from raising just such an alarm as it seems to have done here.", the male officer, a lieutenant as well by the badge of rank stenciled on the armor suit, said, "They will be returned to their command and punished accordingly."

Fate saw that the 2nd Company, dispatched to support Marosa and Vala's advance arrived at almost the same moment as an equal number of Regult Combat Pods that had apparently been tasked to follow on the male force.

Fate also saw fit that no finger grew itchy on a trigger on either side- both forces simply massing in the face-off that had grown from nothing in the corridor in a matter of seconds.

"You brought a lot of ordinance with you, Lieutenant", Marosa replied not allowing herself to show the least hint of fear or submission to the male- it was rumored to be the only way in which to deal with them- and her experience thus far proved the rumors to hold some kernels of truth. "A lot of ordinance to track down four unarmed warriors. Odd that it wasn't enough to keep them where they should have been."

"You are marching heavy as well.", the male lieutenant replied, "A lot of ordinance indeed to monitor an empty corridor."

Marosa was comfortable that a balance of principle had been achieved- both sides could walk away having saved face.

A nervous shuffle amongst the male Regults told the lieutenant also that the surge of bravery that had emboldened the male mecha units to charge to the aide of their lieutenant was beginning to wane now in the reality that they were hopelessly outgunned and outmatched one for one. The males stood their ground admirably though, their realistic apprehension not budging them a single pace back. Undoubtedly aware of the outcome should it come to a fight, the males would still not back down from it.

The situation, Marosa knew, had to be defused quickly- or explode.

"There's no need for this.", Marosa said lowering her own rifle in a gesture of good faith, "We're here for the same purpose. I think we've had enough misunderstandings for this day."

The particle beam cannon on the male power armor's shoulder slid back on its swivel mount to rest in the storage position as the other lieutenant lowered his rifle as well.

"Yes, enough misunderstandings.", he agreed, "We will take our warriors and go now."

Marosa motioned to the Quadranos who had assembled behind her to support to stand down which they did eagerly. Apparently no one was eager to cause an unfortunate event that would doubtlessly result in foregoing liberty on The Factory. The males demonstrated the same sentiment with the speed in which the original intruders and then the Regult units withdrew.

"Lieutenant.", Marosa said as the officer in power armor began to make his exit.

"Yes?"

"Be more careful with your warriors. We'll be watching."

Mimicking crudely in miniature planetary bodies that could be found commonly throughout the cosmos, the Trendok 145 Factory had developed in the time since the arrival of the 604th and 417th Grand Armies "rings" of a sort.

In keeping with being off scale (the Factory qualifying at best as a planetoid) the primary components of the "rings" were inversely far larger than the dust, ice, and rock that planetary rings were normally made of. Space cruisers clumped into formations by unit formed irregular valances about the Factory, keeping station rather than orbiting as rings were expected to do.

The majestic spectacle of mimicry was a direct result of a material fact.

The Trendok 145 had accepted cruisers to its capacity to service and would accept no more until units within the first rotation were refitted and restored to The Factory's automated satisfaction and ushered politely yet insistently back into their element of space to make room for the next vessel requiring the facility's attention. The process could be expected to repeat at intervals of several days, cycle after cycle until both fleets were serviced and ready to part company with their host. Until that time the crews of the vessels in port would enjoy the benefits afforded by the facilities and those whose ships stood off of The Factory either having had their turn or awaiting it would look on enviously in remembering or in anticipation.

The movement of a Zentraedi fleet via spacefold was a cumbersome exercise, but with the rare exception of hasty retreats from an operational area ("rare" as Zentraedi Army commanders seldom if ever shied from a fight) a mass unit movement was nonetheless highly organized. Vessels capable of making the spacefold jump were accounted for before and after its execution, while stragglers that may have been initially counted among the unfortunates that would simply be left behind because of damaged or non-functional fold systems were wise to announce their approach to the fleet that had abandoned them prior to their arrival or face the possibility of a less than friendly reception.

For this reason alarm was understandable within the elements of the 604th and 417th Grand Armies standing off from the Trendok 145 as three destroyers emerged from hyperspace without the slightest warning of their approach.

Alarm was nearly instantaneous, but the response of guarding destroyers assigned to the circumstantially quiet duty of picketing was almost as quick. Defenders outnumbering the intruders ten to one raced out to meet the outnumbered like a swarm of angry hornets.

The "intruders", being Zentraedi, were not fired upon, but the aggressive maneuvering of the guarding destroyers said that that course of action was also a real possibility.

The defending destroyers while secure in certain victory in their numbers should an exchange of fire begin tempered the boldness of their closure with an element of caution. The distance between their picketing positions and the intruders was not closed in a straight line but rather by a dance that grew in intricacy as the destroyers converged on their anonymous counterparts. Ships wove paths to encircle the intruders, radically altering their courses through both the horizontal and vertical planes with the intention of dividing the attention of their adversaries' fire control and weapons systems.

It likely struck more than one of the intercepting destroyers' commanders as odd that being outnumbered and outflanked as the intruders were that their commanding officers made no similar maneuvers in their own defense. Their motion stayed slow and true on a steady course even as the snare of the defenders began to close around them.

Then the zig-zagging and aggressive maneuvering of the interceptors ceased.

The motion of the defenders- now nearly forty in number- did not halt, but rather uniformly ceased to change. Warships that had closed the range on the three intruders, throwing their bows onto radically changing courses at irregular intervals suddenly began to maintain a true line on their last headings. The "snare" they had been creating, complex in its weaving, retained its tactically advantageous form for a few moments before the ships that it had been composed of slipped woefully out of their positions and their formation collapsed from an advancing net of destroyers to a rapidly dispersing gaggle.

An observer with only the sight of what had transpired as explanation could have been excused for being perplexed. No exchange of salvos had been made, no damage had been inflicted to either side by the other, but the defenders and their weight of numbers were clearly and inexplicably adrift.

Or so it would have seemed to observers had there been any in the units of the 604th and the 417th fleets with the ability to still observe. Though it could not be communicated between the vessels of the two fleets, aboard every ship chaos was on the rise.

The three destroyers that had arrived unannounced and who had been treated as intruders continued on a leisurely approach course toward the Trendok 145 Automated Factory, making only minor course adjustments as needed to avoid the destroyers that had been sent to intercept them and who were now helplessly adrift.

Destroyer 741

"Well, that can't be good-."

Jerl had found that when they were not being spewed caustically against him, Chief Engineer Gerrok had an economical way about him in his use of words. Economical but effectve.

If it had happened as little as forty-five seconds later the senior and junior engineers who had been hurrying to disembark with their bundles of Gerrok's technical notes for The Exchange might have gone without noticing.

As it happened though, they had been almost to the threshold of one of the vessel's midship airlocks that connected it to The Factory by gangway tube when the power had gone out.

More specifically and arousing Gerrok's concern more directly, Destroyer 741's power went out while the lights of The Factory continued to burn brightly as seen through the other end of the gangway.

As battery operated emergency lights flickered to life, illuminating the destroyer's passages dimly and a similar emergency power supply maintained artificial gravity, Jerl risked voicing the speculation, "A failure in the power umbilical- or maybe the internal distribution nodes-?"

The guess was as good as any which Gerrok had to concede to himself.

Whatever the cause of the power failure, it had been at a point near if not at the source of the ship's power distribution as the air circulation system had ceased its soft hiss at the same moment the lights had gone out. The two systems were on different circuits, and the chances of them failing both independently and simultaneously were slim at best. Another fleeting thought was that the Trendok 145's repair droids had somehow disrupted the power flow in the course of their work- but this was even more unlikely as an error had never been made by a repair droid in carrying out its function to the best of anyone's knowledge.

It was at the moment when Gerrok thought it best to contact the command deck for any insight that Pach might be able to provide that he noticed that the intercom panel (found commonly and at regular intervals throughout the ship's passageways) was dark as well. Tying into several of the ship's systems, and drawing power from yet a third circuit that was independent of both the lights and life support it suddenly became alarmingly clear to Gerrok that whatever was occurring was not an accident.

Pach's warning to him days before about Sylas and the possible dangers he and his crew posed began to take a very tangible form.

"We should get back to Engineering.", Gerrok decided for himself and his lieutenant. His mind raced with uncertainty at the plausibility of being able to do what clearly needed to be done. The ship needed power again, but both the main reactor and its supporting systems had been cold for the better part of a day now. An emergency start- assuming that the repair droids were not in the process of overhauling vital components- could still take between a quarter and a half an hour depending on how many safety procedures Gerrok was willing to ignore and how many corners he wished to cut.

The other side of the argument of course, if this was the dire situation Gerrok thought it might be, was that almost anything was better than sitting defenseless for lack of power.

Three warriors happened into the passage near to where Gerrok and Jerl stood. They had apparently accessed an emergency supply locker when the lights had gone out as two of the warriors carried hand lamps whose beams cut back and forth across the deck in the darkness as they approached. The third, Gerrok was pleased to see, had opted to pick up an infantry rifle instead.

"Warriors-.", Gerrok called, gaining their attention immediately as they recognized him as an officer if not for who he was, "Stand guard at this airlock until you are relieved. No one is to come aboard unless you are directed otherwise by an officer. Is that understood?"

The senior of the three warriors nodded his understanding, "Yes, Lord-. What's happening?"

Gerrok shook his head as he rushed aft along the passageway with Jerl close behind, "I don't know."

Pritan Cardun

The sweeping expanse of the command deck pulsed with the frenzied activities of preparing for battle a ship that was in no position to invite or pursue it.

Beams from hand lamps augmented the glow of the command center's emergency lighting, but for no practical benefit. Rows and rows of workstations and control consoles stood dark before the futile activities of the ship's crew. Procedures and checklists to prepare the flagship quickly for battle were arrested at the first instruction line for lack of a response from the systems they were intended to make ready. Even the doors to the command center had needed to be manually cranked open in order to allow the comings and goings of junior staff to allow the reporting of ship's status to the nerve center.

The reports arriving to the command center were slow in coming, but shared one commonality.

Nothing was working.

Pritan Cardun had become a case study in ineffectiveness in preparation for battle as it was battle that all who were in the command center were expecting to descend momentarily upon the paralyzed flagship. It had been with the appearance of the intruders, the probing element of three destroyers from a command yet unknown whose arrival had immediately preceded the paralysis of Pritan Cardun.

As report after report of failure to achieve even minimal operating status reached General Alzyha in the command bubble, he found it difficult to not reflect if even just for a moment on what had transpired only minutes before. Beside the broadly applied notion that all aspects of an Army's operation and conduct eventually fell on its commander, Alzyha was quick to recognize that there was nothing that he had or had not done that could realistically be blamed for what was now taking place. Prudence had warranted establishing a destroyer picket to guard the fleets in port, and both he and General Bohen had tasked units accordingly.

The destroyer pickets had been well within their rights and within the bounds of expectations placed upon them to make challenge to the intruders upon their emergence from hyperspace. This was not in question. Their actions had not required nor had they been prompted by a single additional order from the army commander.

What baffled Alzyha was whether the complete collapse of his ship's systems was in some way a response to the actions of his guard units by the intruders.

And if so, how?

Sub-General Brenik stood to the rear of the command bubble acting as equal parts buffer and filter to the officers who were rotating through to deliver reports. This unusual flow of traffic through the command bubble was as much a result of the ship's internal communications failing (breaking the link between the command bubble and the command deck) as a need for the senior officers to be able to quickly exchange information with and ask questions of their division heads.

Brenik forced a lull in reports from below in the chain to confer with Alzyha.

"Lord, all attempts to restart the ship's systems have failed. Efforts are continuing, but-."

Having heard what he needed to hear on the matter already, Alzyha cut his executive officer short, asking, "Status of the females? Is General Bohen's fleet operational?"

Brenik was blunt in his reply, "We have no idea, Lord. We have dispatched runners to communicate directly, but we can't expect a response so soon."

Brenik was correct, Alzyha knew- it was too soon to expect the return of the runners who had been dispatched to contact General Bohen's command with initial failure to restore communications. Instinct or perhaps old prejudices had caused Alzyha to dispatch the runners with some reservations- admitting vulnerability to the females did not sit well with him. He was still not certain of the wisdom of this course of action, but the same instincts told Alzyha that the cause of his ship's (perhaps his army's) paralysis did not lay with Bohen as its cause. If she was operational and could act in their mutual defense, then she would need to know that the fleet of the 604th would be more of a liability to her than an asset as things were.

Would Bohen act in their mutual defense though? Another valid question.

"What is the status of The Factory?", Alzyha asked.

"It still appears unaffected.", Brenik replied, "It still has power at least- though I cannot speak to the functional status of its command center."

"Power is a start.", Alzyha resolved, "Prepare to transfer my flag and my command staff to The Factory. If we should find a suitable vessel in the fleet that is still operational, we will transfer my flag there. If not, we will conduct operations from The Factory."

"Yes, Lord.", Brenik complied.

"At the very least", Alzyha added hopefully, "We will be able to determine with whom we're contending-."

Destroyer 741

Gerrok and Jerl arrived at the maneuvering room just forward of the main engineering spaces to find a paradoxical mix of calm and near-panic.

"Calm", as could be expected, was being uniformly exhibited by the automated labor force of twenty or more repair droids tasked to the detail of inspecting and performing scheduled or required work on Destroyer 741's power generation systems. By the dim emergency lighting, they continued their labors either unaware or unconcerned by the loss of power to the ship. Theirs being a "task oriented" existence, nothing in their world had changed and lacking the capacity to experience fear- the change to their environment did not affect them in the least.

The Zentraedi engineering staff, many of them specialists of the warrior grades and a small number of junior officers who Gerrok had left with the instructions to "supervise" the work of the droids- for training purposes- and to "commandeer" critical parts wherever possible (a practice similar to the widespread one of scavenging a battlefield for viable mecha components- and a harmless one as the meticulous droids would replace any part taken without frustration as often as the engineers saw fit to take them) for "replacements", were not as immune to anxiety as their mechanical counterparts.

There was no overt panic, but as the engineering staff attempted fruitlessly their emergency checklists there was a strong edge of distress that could be felt.

"Chief Gerrok-.", a junior lieutenant of acceptable competence on Gerrok's staff said to his superior as he and Jerl arrived, "We have been unable to determine the cause of the power failure, or why the system did not fail over to emergency power-."

Too preoccupied to be abrasive, Gerrok settled for curt, "First, organize everyone who's fidgeting around with dead control consoles into teams to visually inspect the power grid lines from the external feed interfaces into the main distribution hub and then out to the subsystems feeds."

"Yes, Lord-."

"Jerl-.", Gerrok continued, motioning his ranking lieutenant closer, "Take a team of three who know better than to touch power leads with their bare hands with you and get over to the power umbilical receiver. We could have a burn-out after the flow regulator, which could account for why the emergency power didn't trip. Manually disconnect the couplings and we'll see if that gets the emergency power to engage-. If not, go to the battery compartment and open and close the breakers- that could get the failover system to recycle too-."

"Yes, Lord.", Jerl replied, having nodded his understanding of each directive.

"-And Jerl, don't burn yourself to a crisp-."

"No, Lord."

"Are you still here?- Go-!"

At what point Sub-Commander Dychi had arrived in the maneuvering room, Gerrok could not say. Seeing him though did successfully pierce his shell of concentration to introduce mild annoyance into the mix of processes at which his mind was working.

"I know you can't be here to help, so I won't ask-.", Gerrok said, indulging for a moment in the acidity of his words.

Dychi's face remained dutifully stoic as he ignored the engineer's salutation and replied, "Commander Pach was concerned that you had already left the ship-."

"Well, I haven't."

"Do you have an estimate on the time required to restore power?"

"Restore power?- What a great idea! Why didn't I think of that? We're working on it as quickly as possible. It would help if I knew why it failed first. Where were you when the power went off-line?"

"On the command deck.", Dychi replied, "-Collating work detail reports."

"Well, there goes one possible cause."

Gerrok's second attempt at stinging the executive officer met with more satisfactory results than his first as a twitch in the muscles of Dychi's neck and face told the engineer he had hit the mark.

"Keep us apprised of your progress.", Dychi instructed before withdrawing from the domain of The Chief.

"I'll do that.", Gerrok said after him, "I'll let you know if there's something you can not do-."

Rotation for liberty had been within reach, at hand almost in that other units had been granted their leave.

For whatever unknown offense had been committed against Fate, for whatever reason that Koso was not privileged to- Hedra's platoon had not. Instead, they had received one additional, inane task that given the standard turn-around practices of a Factory now at work on the warship seemed more like punishment than a needed application of labor.

The platoon, in a conjunctive effort with another had been tasked with the moving of a hangar's complement of Regults from that hangar to its counterpart on the other side of the ship. No explanation had been offered, only the enticement that once the task was completed, the Regults secured, and the approval of the hangar's deck officer received that the platoon was free to disembark.

It was punishment- Koso was certain of it.

Possibly fallout from the argument he had had with Hedra over a day before that had been observed by an officer whose identity had slipped the two infantry warriors with his slipping the scene upon being observed observing. That was the only explanation, and thanks be to merciful Fate that neither Hedra (who was more visibly put out than Koso who had learned the lesson of the other day and had decided to suffer this latest injustice in silence) nor any of the warriors of the platoon had made the connection.

It had to be punishment.

Still, even that did not pan out when Koso thought it over at any length. Other units- entire units had lost their liberty privileges as a result of either fights or even disruptive disagreements between their warriors. Commander Pach, for whatever reason had discovered a taste for absolute and unwavering discipline, and many a warrior was having a bite (or being bitten by it) as well.

This didn't feel like a retaliation from above though- not really, which brought Koso back to Fate. Perhaps Fate was not as merciful in this instance as Koso would have normally given it credit for.

Perhaps.

All of this was irrelevant though. The work detail, the platoon's last (probably) before liberty had been handed down and as such had to be executed. A hangar's full complement of Regults to be moved and properly stowed by two woefully under-strength platoons was still several hours of work though and grumbling over it would make the work go no faster or be more pleasant. It did have its placating benefits though, so both Hedra and Koso allowed mild forms of griping to go unchecked- and after all, they were guilty of it too.

Koso had been making his way by foot back to the hangar to be emptied with Hedra by way of a transverse corridor spanning the breadth of the ship when it had happened.

Hedra had been in the middle of making what sounded like a forming complaint about potentially dying of old age before seeing the inside of the Factory when the lights had gone out. So uncommon an occurrence was this- especially in spacedock- that it caused Hedra to fall silent- no easy feat. A moment later the emergency lanterns lit in time to cast their glow onto the incredible sight of a Regult toppling over to its left.

Koso had seen a good many Regults "fall" in his time out of the stasis tube- but these incidents had always been clear in cause. A leg clipped away by enemy or even errant friendly fire, the collapse of what both pilot and computer had taken to be solid footing- but all had been immediately explainable. What made this particular "fall" incredible in the brief span of time between when Koso's eye caught sight of the motion to when the corridor echoed loudly with the heavy metallic thud of the Regult's bulbous pilot's compartment striking the bulkhead and squeal of metal rubbing metal as it slid to a rest on its side was that there was no visible damage to or obstruction of the Regult's legs. The left leg had simply frozen in mid-stride, foot raised and leg bent at the knee. The machine, suddenly paralyzed in a moment of transitioning balance had no choice but yield to the forces of gravity.

As the fallen Regult rolled slightly on the rounded side of its pilot's compartment, Koso noticed that a pair of combat pods that had been following this first were still standing, but apparently wracked with the same paralysis- frozen in the act of walking as though captured in a video freeze-frame. There was also the odd commonality that the sensor eyes of all three were dark.

Hedra must have noticed the same detail as Koso was seeing it as he spoke Koso's thought exactly, "This isn't a power failure-."

"What is it then?"

Koso felt himself flinch, not having expected a voice from behind. Fortunately for the concern of saving face, it was only Ulstik- and by the sound of his voice he was too transfixed by the peculiarity of the situation to have noticed.

There was a second, less pronounced bump of metal on metal which Koso recognized with a third as the hatch of the fallen Regult opening from within and meeting the bulkhead. Even as the trailing pair of Regults opened to allow their confused pilots to partially emerge to voice protests of the obvious, the pilot of the first was trapped by the position in which his machine lay.

"I couldn't start to guess.", Koso said moving toward the fallen Regult, taking Ulstik in tow by the elbow and tapping Hedra as he passed him, "Here- help me shift this thing-."

Together, the three warriors positioned themselves around the fallen Regult and with a concerted effort were able to budge its body mass away from the bulkhead in three small motions- enough to allow the hatch to open sufficiently for the pilot to worm out.

"What happened?"

The question from the Regult pilot- a warrior that Koso recognized on sight but not by name- was a natural one, but one for which there was no credible answer.

"We're all trying to figure that out.", Hedra said, "It must be some kind of attack- three Regults and an entire ship's power don't fail at the same time on coincidence."

"Maybe we were struck by a solar burst?", suggested the Regult pilot who had just been freed, "It's very rare, but it has happened-."

Koso was skeptical, feeling in his warrior's core that in some way Hedra's assertion of attack was the only answer that made sense, "No- any radiation surge powerful enough to penetrate a Factory, the ship's hull, and the shielding of a Regult would have burned us all to cinders where we stood."

"That one's not damaged by whatever happened-."

Koso had to half-turn to understand what Ulstik had meant by his statement. Almost as baffling as watching the first Regult fall without cause was the sight of another- one from the hangar to which the mecha was in the process of being transferred to- moving about freely around its statue-like siblings, bathing the deck in the powerful glare of its spotlights. The sweep of the spotlights cast long shadows of stricken mecha and of the forming groups of the confused.

"We should get to the nearest armory for weapons.", Hedra announced, deciding in effect a course of action for all around him, "We'll gather all the warriors we can find between here and there and arm ourselves- and bring that Regult as well."

"But who's attacking?", Ulstik protested- the nubile warrior's desperate for an explanation it could not render itself.

"Hopefully someone we can fight with rifles-.", Koso said hopefully- as much for himself as for Ulstik.

Artoc

From General Krymina's seat within the flagship's command bubble and as shown on both the viewer image and the tactical display, there was little outward evidence of the distress the norghil fleets in and around the Trendok 145 Factory must have been feeling at that very moment.

An insignificant number, a mere handful of the norghil cruisers had attempted to maneuver against Krymina's probe element before their systems had been neutralized, resulting in several collisions. Beside these inconsequential casualties, the remaining vessels of the two fleets floated helplessly in perfect station as dictated by the laws of physics, not having had the opportunity to affect a change in their own velocity.

"Remote attack successful, General-.", Sub-General Caldettas announced having just received confirmation from Artoc's weapons control officer, "The norghil fleets have had their internal systems shifted to failure mode. What are your orders?"

Darius had requested to be present for the arrival at and putting in to the Automated Factory, but had not expected to be granted permission given the tenuous state of trust that existed between the senior officers and he. To his surprise though, General Krymina had allowed him not only to be present, but present within her sanctum of command for the event. The discovery of norghil at the Factory and what was likely to follow was an unexpected bonus to Darius. He would have naturally preferred an command eye's view to an engagement with a comparable force of Tirolian regular units under the command of Robotech Masters- but the annihilation of a substantial norghil Zentraedi force would be a suitable glimpse of what Darius hoped to see play out eventually against the Masters caste- even if the fight in this case would be one-sided.

Darius had never been much interested in nor had he claimed to be well-versed in the inter-related aspects of military technology and tactical methodology, but the material tool that ensured the supremacy of the Te'Dak Tohl caste over their norghil cousins and the utility of its application was known and clear to even a novice to the military arts.

The "failure mode device" as it was commonly known for lack of a better name to those in Tirolian circles who had need to know (and even some like Darius who did not) was the instrument that allowed the Te'Dak Tohl to offset the vast numerical superiority enjoyed by the norghil. On a basic conceptual level, the device was a force-reducer system that rendered norghil vessels and equipment helpless- contributing to the victories of the enforcers more substantially than even the rigorous training and discipline of their warriors.

So simple in concept and complex in implementation was the device that to see it used was somewhat anticlimactic to Darius. There were no signs of the blow that had been dealt- but lethality was not the end-goal of the failure mode device. That goal was achieved more traditionally, and Darius trusted more spectacularly as well. With the fleet of the 7th Grand Army now completely secured from hyperspace and poised to strike its helpless prey- that moment seemed to be at hand.

"All units, weapons hold."

"Command, Weapons Control- weapons hold, affirmative.", came the reply from the command deck below, to which was added by the communications officer, "All units have been ordered to stand by in weapons hold."

"We're not attacking?", Darius asked- drawing attention to himself from the only other occupants of the command bubble, likely mostly as a result of him speaking out of place or perhaps it was the intonations in his voice that sounded of a man robbed of some cherished expectation.

"Obviously not.", Krymina replied bluntly.

"May I ask why?", Darius pursued, "At the least, they're an impediment to our plans."

Krymina glared coldly down at the Tirolian where he stood on a control console, "First, we do not have plans, but are developing them. Control your bloodthirst for the moment; I sense an opportunity here-."

"What opportunity is that?", Darius asked, eliciting an expression of apprehension from Caldettas that had he seen it would have likely warned him he was approaching the real danger of being squashed for his insolence.

"My second point", Krymina continued, no longer affected by the Tirolian, "Keep to your sciences and leave operational details to me."

Darius, apparently now sensing exactly how far outside of his scope he was venturing, relented- but offered a final protest as a parting shot.

"Any interaction with norghil can only complicate what we are attempting and invite additional risk."

Krymina considered the valid statement briefly, but was quick to reply, "What we are attempting invites the greatest risk. A lesser risk here may offset the greater later on. Calm yourself."

"Your orders, General?", Caldettas asked, cognizant that while immobilized, two entire norghil armies were coming to feel the full weight of the dangerous combination of being both trapped and helpless. If they were not to be destroyed outright, then Krymina meant to confer with them on some level which would mean restoring the functionality of their vessels. The longer they took to restore the norghil's false sense of security, the less predictable their response when their systems came back on line would be.

Caged animals were not immediately soothed by release.

"Let them sit in the dark a little while longer and give fear the time to start to gnaw at them.", Krymina instructed with every sign of calculation, "In the meantime, I want to know who is commanding these armies and their recent operational history."

"Yes, Liege-.", Caldettas complied- comfortable now that Krymina's mind, as ever, was at work, "I will have the information for you immediately."

Pritan Cardun

"General Alzyha", Sub-General Brenik reported with an edge of deep concern to his voice, "Engineering is unable to restore power and cannot report the cause of the failure."

Alzyha scowled, the creases in his face exaggerated by the dim glow of the ship's emergency lighting, "Impossible. Have them make another attempt."

"Visual inspection has yielded nothing, General.", Brenik explained further, "And all automated diagnostic systems are inoperative."

Alzyha's demeanor was unimpressed as he snapped, "This is unacceptable- we could be under full scale attack and would not know in our present condition! They will make another attempt or…."

A perceivable surge ran through the deck plates of the ship followed by an electric crackle and hum as the ship's lighting came on-line. Signs of electronic life returned to the command ship's computer and duty stations, sweeping like a swell of lights across the bridge like a wave crashing on a shore of instrument consoles. Holographic viewscreens reappeared hovering in their place, but yielded only a uniform blue in the absence of information as their underlying systems restarted. The return of power and control to the ship was of such relief to the crew overall, that few noticed the gentle circulation of air that had resumed as well- taking away the first hints of stale, breathed atmosphere from the command area.

"Apparently the problem has been resolved.", Alzyha announced, "I want an immediate situation report. We will need readiness reports from all squadron commanders on their units. Re-establish an uplink with the Factory's sensors.- I want a clear picture of this operational area."

"Yes, Lord.", Brenik replied before seeing to the execution of the issued orders.

A singular gasp rose from the command deck as though electric current had passed beneath the feet of the crew. Alzyha half-turned to face forward, catching a glimpse of distress- near terror- on the face of his lieutenant as he did so.

A numbing shock seized him as his gaze swept across the main viewscreen.

The general's composure, hardened by the horrors of countless battles and desperate situations fled him with a sensation like cold fluid draining from his spine down through his legs to pool on the floor around his feet. A reflex, like recoiling from a burst of flame, caused Alzyha to start and draw sharp breath like his subordinates had a moment before.

Floating centrally in the field of the main viewscreen was the unmistakable Zentraedi Imperial Chevron with an additional feature that had never been seen by any member of the crew present. At the junction of the chevron's design, a single, unblinking, penetrating eye of blue stared through all present.

Alzyha could not place the symbol, but in its simplicity there was an air of menace that filled Alzyha with dread. He had never seen the symbol, but recognized it immediately for what it was.

"Te'Dak Tohl."

The words felt as alien coming off the tongue as they sounded to Alzyha's own ears, they being words infrequently spoken if ever. So outside of the scope of normal conversation was the name of the hereto unsubstantiated specters that in uttering it Alzyha feared briefly that he would be misunderstood by Brenik or thought to be rambling incoherently.

Quite to the contrary, Brenik's response to those simple, three syllables showed Alzyha that his immediate and visceral reaction was not a unique one.

"Impossible- they do not exist."

"Or", Alzyha replied, voicing the grim alternative, "-no warrior having met them has survived the encounter to speak of it. In either case, someone is exercising great effort to capitalize on their lore."

"I would suggest standing ready for battle, Lord.", Brenik said, diligently proactive in his duty as always.

If Brenik's proactive qualities measured high on the scale, the suggestion showed his memory ranked somewhat lower. There was no direct evidence that the loss of power had been caused by the arrival of the new force that with the return of the link between Pritan Cardun and the Trendok 145's sensor systems showed to be at least a full army's strength, but likelihood weighed heavily in that favor.

"I doubt that would serve much of a purpose, Brenik.", Alzyha replied simply. The sensation through his spine had shifted from one of cold to tingling. It was the tension of coming to grips with the helplessness of his position. At the same time there was a sort of comfort that came with neither being able to better or worsen the situation- perhaps it was something akin to trusting in Fate.

The chevron of apocalyptic implications dissolved and was replaced by the image of a female officer. Her sharp, angular facial features in pale blue offset by the raven locks of hair had none of the reflexive menace produced by the chevron that had preceded her appearance, but carried one that was distinctly her own.

Her dark eyes were penetrating, and fixed as they were on Alzyha he felt the same sensation of peril he would have expected had her eyes been twin barrels of a loaded weapon instead. Amorphous as it was, there was an aura of danger about this officer that Alzyha could not dismiss as merely residual panic from the symbolic allusion to the myth of the dreaded Te'Dak Tohl.

"I am General Krymina.", the female said plainly, flatly, and with a hint of contempt borne of a superior being explaining itself to a lesser one, "I command the 7th Grand Army of the Te'Dak Tohl."

"I am-", began Alzyha, feeling the discomfort of the officer's intense stare more acutely than he wanted to admit to even himself.

The general, identifying herself as Krymina, interrupted him with little concern, "You are Alzyha, and you, Bohen."

Alzyha realized that the transmission was being received by Bohen on her command ship as well. Though a moot point now, this seemed to answer the question of whether the forces under Bohen's command had fallen victim to the same power loss that had crippled the Pritan Cardun only moments earlier. It became that much clearer at that moment to Alzyha that the "power failure" was not a failure at all but rather the result of a deliberate act. This leant credibility to Krymina's claim to Te'Dak Tohl affiliation, and seemed to justify some of the distress that it inspired.

"I'm aware of who you both are.", Krymina explained, again with the shadows of contempt that came with explaining what she felt to be obvious, "And I am aware of your recent operations. You have performed your functions well, both of you- but the greater strategic situation with the Invid has grown beyond the ability of the Warrior caste to contend with alone. It is for that reason that the existence of the Te'Dak Tohl is being revealed to you, and why I am here."

"It would be inappropriate to discuss specific details over com-link, so we three shall have a command-level meeting. In one hour's time you will transfer from your command ships to my vessel alone and aboard your personal shuttles. At that time you will receive specifics on your new tasking."

"Fighter escort will be provided by my forces, as will all patrols of the space immediately surrounding the Factory facility. You will instruct your forces to stand down to a passive stance, and ground all small craft traffic until further notice. I look forward to receiving you both. This transmission ends- now."

Krymina's image vanished as suddenly as it had appeared and was replaced once again by the Te'Dak Tohl chevron which in the span of a few moments dissolved away as well.

The command deck of the Pritan Cardun was back in fully functioning order now- leaving no residual trace that it had ever been otherwise. No tangible trace of the Te'Dak Tohl remained, but their presence was felt heavily still- most of all by the army commander and his lieutenant isolated in the ship's command bubble.

"This is not possible.", Brenik muttered in a haze of mild shock.

"Circumstances seem to contradict that statement, Brenik.", Alzyha replied as one who had awaken into a nightmare instead of from it.

"Have you ever?-"

"No."

Brenik paused before resuming with the questions that saturated his thoughts, "The Te'Dak Tohl are a warrior's story- to keep discipline in the ranks."

"Yesterday I would have agreed with you.", Alzyha admitted, "Today, I'm not as certain. Warrior's stories often build upon a single grain of truth. The fact remains though that hey crippled us without a shot fired. How would you explain that? I cannot."

"That alone does not make them Te'Dak Tohl, Lord."

"No, but it does make them a formidable force- legitimate Te'Dak Tohl or not..", Alzyha resolved, "And to think- a female beside-."

"Your orders, Lord?"

Alzyha nodded in resignation, "For now, we obey. We have little choice. I will attend this meeting as instructed. First though, I must speak to the commanders in our army. They will have questions, and we must foster and preserve order. Give me a moment to collect my thoughts and I will address them on the priority command channel."

Destroyer 741

The design and layout of the command bubble aboard a Zentraedi warship reflected the hierarchal nature of the culture as dictated to it by the Robotech Masters. The chamber, the seat of authority and control over all aboard the vessel, was ideal for one; less so, but still comfortable for two.

For four, as were now packed into the confined space, the design was in all senses unsuitable.

Four occupied the chamber though as a simple necessity.

When power and normal function had returned to the ship, the communal confusion and fear at the reason for the failures had remained. Gerrok and his assistant Jerl had appeared at the command bubble at the time of Dychi's return. It was both strange and unsettling for Pach to see Gerrok away from his assigned and preferred post at the moment when there was the direst need for him to be there. The issue was not dereliction of duty- this thought hadn't even crossed Pach's mind in applying to Gerrok, but spoke volumes of how inconsequential Gerrok's presence in Engineering had been that he should feel at liberty to leave his domain.

Gerrok's normally grim expression made grimmer by what he had to share had prompted Pach to usher them all inside the command bubble upon their meeting. The same minds that were fearing and speculating at the unknown were also attached to ears and mouths. Whatever information was disseminated among the crew, Pach wanted control of its first release.

What information was to come from Gerrok had been superseded in priority almost immediately by a flash communication from the flagship, indicating that General Alzyha would speak to all unit commanders shortly. As a matter of custom, the determination of whether the army commander's words would be piped into the common areas of the ship for full dissemination to the crew was left to the individual unit commanders.

Normally, Dychi would have expected Pach to have ordered the rarely occurring event of the army commander's address made available to the crew and complement- but to the executive officer's surprise he elected not to. A brief and unnecessary explanation from the commander justified the decision with the simple reason that the crew had already been subjected to too many irregularities. This being the case, it would be better for all concerned if the command staff first heard what their superiors had to say and then decided the best way to present the information to those lower on the chain. The transmission could always be replayed internal to the ship if the commander decided on that course.

Commander Pach had never met General Alzyha and made no pretenses about knowing either the officer or his mannerisms, but as the army's commander appeared on the screen it was not necessary to know him to see the unease in him. The muscles of the general's face were visibly tight and his words clipped as they began to come at a calculated and measured pace.

"This address is for informational purposes with the intention of offsetting the potential damage of unsubstantiated rumors.", Alzyha began without formality or polish to his words.

Pach's concern grew as to what the message would hold. Even on the eve of significant action with the Invid, Alzyha had never been known to personally address the 604th - and to preface it in such a way as to lend the listener to believe that they should brace for what was to follow-. This was indeed extraordinary what the general had to say, and though Pach could not say with certainty yet whether it was to be good or bad- he was now sure that he was glad to have temporarily excluded the crew from its dissemination.

Alzyha continued, "As you are no doubt aware, a short time ago we, and the forces of General Bohen's command, were stricken with a complete and unexplained power loss. What may be unknown to many of you up to this point was that at around that time we were joined by a third Zentraedi force in army strength of numbers, that at the time were unidentified. In the interest of maintaining a uniform situational awareness, I must confirm that the two occurrences were related."

"Shortly after fleet function was restored, General Bohen and I were contacted directly by the unidentified army's commander. The commander identified the army as being a unit of the Te'Dak Tohl.-"

Breath caught in the throats of both Dychi and Jerl. Pach heard Gerrok shift his weight against the bulkhead at the rear of the bubble where he had been leaning, and the commander's own pulse quickened for a moment. All were reactions of varying degrees to the same words, and whether they were well concealed or not Pach knew they all spoke to the same gut response he was still feeling to the simple speaking of the horrid name.

Alzyha's likeness continued on the viewscreen, unaffected by the reactions provoked by his words, "We all have notions from stories of the role served by Te'Dak Tohl for The Robotech Masters, but despite the implications of their presence, I assure all of you that their commander has told me that there is no reason for concern."

"In our short exchange with the Te'Dak Tohl commander I have been told that we are not the object of their operations. While the nature of their operations has not yet been revealed to us, both General Bohen and I are to be briefed shortly. All relevant information will be disseminated to you at the appropriate point."

"As Warriors, regardless of your rank or posting, I remind you of your obligations to Duty and to maintain calm and order. Disciplinary infractions, whatever the cause, will not be tolerated and will be punished harshly. For this reason and for reasons of general security, I am ordering all personnel to return from the Factory to their base ships immediately until the nature of this visitation by the Te'Dak Tohl can be determined. Rotations will be resumed if and when deemed prudent, based on the contents of the Te'Dak Tohl commander's briefing."

"That is all for now."

The viewscreen winked out automatically, dissolving into the thin air in which it had been suspended as soon as the transmission ended leaving the four occupants of the command bubble in ponderous silence.

"That explains a good many things.", Pach said finally after sensing that no comments would precede his own voluntarily.

"Rubbish.", Gerrok grunted from the rear of the compartment where he still leaned against the bulkhead, "Te'Dak Tohl…. Someone with a little creativity and a lof of audacity has us jumping at tall tales."

"What part exactly do you consider rubbish?", Dychi asked sharply. It was a hint of fear rather than anger that gave edge to his voice. His composure returned slowly with each word.- "The part where they shut us down like they threw a master switch, or the part that has General Alzyha packing our warriors back aboard our ships like he expected the whole of the Invid race to drop on us?"

"You're going to leave a puddle on the deck, Dychi..", Gerrok replied dryly, "And if you're of the mindset to retreat, I know of a few good airlocks through which you can make your escape."

"That's enough, Gerrok.", Pach intervened, "Te'Dak Tohl or not, Dychi has a point. Whoever they are, they did render our entire fleet helpless with little or no effort. That makes them a force to be taken seriously, whatever their affiliation may be."

"I didn't believe they were real.", Jerl said nervously. Dychi's composure may have returned, but the engineer's lieutenant was slower to recover.

"They don't. It's a hoax. Te'Dak Tohl are a story told to keep you obedient. ", Gerrok said dismissively and then in an inflated, dramatic tone added, "Follow the orders of the Masters and you may die… Disobey and you will die. The Te'Dak Tohl will crawl out of the dirt from under your very feet and pull your brains out of your left ear… Rubbish, I say. I've never seen one. I've never met anyone who has."

"Have you ever met a Robotech Master?", Dychi asked analytically.

"No, but-."

"But it's a reasonable assumption that they exist.", Dychi said, allowing a smug expression to briefly cross his face in his moment of small triumph.

"Now why do you have to go and be like that?", Gerrok grumbled- aware that he was snared .

"Someone among the senior officers besides Commander Pach should think before he speaks-."

"Why you little-."

Pach stepped in again as Gerrok's face darkened in indignation at having been outwitted by the younger Zentraedi. The exchange had gone beyond reasonable argument and was entering the outer regions of a verbal brawl in which Dychi was seriously outmatched.

"Enough, both of you."

The melee ended, but Gerrok's hateful glare remained telling Pach that it was probably a good idea to check regularly on Dychi for the time being lest The Chief weld him into a storage locker in some dark, removed portion of the ship.

"Regardless of what we believe, we still have the facts to consider.", Pach said, motioning to both officers that he wanted a peace between them, "The fact is that whether they are who they say they are, they have the ability to render us defenseless."

"Which proves nothing", Gerrok said, skirting the fringes of the argument he still had every intention of winning, "Flagship class vessels have the ability to override the navigational systems of mecha under their command. With modifications and enough knowledge of a ship's systems, it could be possible to override automatic functions. The Exchange could probably come up with a way to do it if we collectively put our minds to it. That doesn't make us Te'Dak Tohl."

Dychi received Gerrok's own smug look without comment, but for a split second wished for nothing more than for Pach to catch a glimpse of the engineer and to correct him.

"We'll agree to set the identity issue aside for the time being.", Pach resolved for all present, "I don't much care about who they are as what they can apparently do. However they came upon the ability, they do have the ability to make us ineffective in operation. That constitutes a threat to this ship, and makes it a concern to us as officers in charge of that ship."

Jerl's head raised in a jerky bob from where it had sunken chin to chest- as if he had roused abruptly from a doze.

"Lord?"

The three senior officers in the command bubble shifted their attention to the engineer's assistant, whose speaking did not violate protocol- but was unusual in that he was well removed from their region in the chain of command.

"Yes?", Pach asked, seeing the junior officer's mind working frantically behind his eyes.

Realizing himself dangerously extended, Jerl blurted out quickly the thought that had put him into that compromising position, "We weren't completely rendered ineffective."

The attention of the two senior command officers was now firmly captured. Gerrok nodded slowly as common memory with Jerl revealed to him the point the junior engineer was about to make.

"When everything shut down on the ship, we- Sub-Commander Gerrok and I-."

Gerrok snatched disclosure of the memory from Jerl's lips impatiently, "We passed a Regult on the way here that was functional. Every other one we saw on the hangar decks and in the passages was dead- but there was one still functioning."

"Just one?", Pach asked.

Dychi said pensively, "I hardly want to hang our hopes for potential defense on a single warrior's mecha."

"Neither do I.", Gerrok agreed, "But something was different about that particular pod that made it immune to the- whatever it was that happened to everything else. If we can isolate the difference and reproduce it-."

Pach gave an approving nod, "Then we negate their immediate power over us. Excellent. Gerrok, this is your top priority for the moment. Within our ranks, aboard this ship, take anyone you need- but no word of this is to leave the ship."

Gerrok's displeasure was clear, but he kept his tone with his superior civil, "Why? With us working the problem alone, it could take some time. If I took it to The Exchange, we could probably solve it much sooner."

Pach shook his head sympathetically, "I understand, Chief, but no."

"May I ask why not?", Gerrok persisted in a way that only one who had a lengthy friendship to lean on could have and hoped to get away with.

"A judgment call, Chief.", Pach replied, his voice saying that there was no latitude for discussion, "I distrust those who claim friendship, but feel the need to demonstrate a position of power. If Alzyha finds that there's nothing to fear from our comrades, then our discovery will be of little significance. If their interests and ours are not mutual though-. I would prefer to keep the possibility that we have the means to undermine their best advantage over us a secret for now. I have faith that you can handle this, Chief. When you do, I'll be much more comfortable about you distributing that knowledge through The Exchange. Something doesn't feel right about this situation with the Te'Dak Tohl though-. For that reason, I want to keep our secret just that- a secret. For now."

Gerrok nodded his understanding, "Fine- I see your point. Everything about this situation feels odd. Just let us make sure that we have a discovery to work with before you start making grand plans on how to use it."

Pach tried to sound hopeful, "With Fate's favor, I'm wrong and we won't need it."

Gerrok rolled his eyes, "Fate's favor?- Well that just doubled my motivation to work this out."

Silhak

The words, Te'Dak Tohl, from the lips of Point Lieutenant Tuisant had a similar effect on the assembled company of Quadranos that would have come from a sudden increase to the ship's artificial gravity. Forms slumped slightly in their chairs as the weight of the words and their implication bore down on the officers. The strange loss of power to the ship and to the combat suits of the Quadranos unfortunate enough to be in their power armor at the time, the urgent recall to the ship- all of the questions that had formed in the past hour now had an answer, and it was perhaps the one that anyone wanted the least..

"Your collective reactions tell me that I need not elaborate.", Tuisant said, pacing the width of the briefing room at its head, "But your reactions, your reservations, and your fears are not to leave this chamber. You are all Quadranos, and the warriors will be looking to you for leadership and guidance. Fear is not a base to build a defense on."

Defense-. It was the logical and prudent reaction to the appearance of the Te'Dak Tohl, particularly given the method in which they had announced their arrival to the allied 604th and 417th Armies at the Trendok 145 Factory. There was a greater implication to the word though, and especially in the way that Tuissant had chosen to use it in a phrase. The word spoke of suspicion that there was something to be feared in the appearance of the formerly mythical enforcers. It also said that cooperation at the highest levels of command while open and voluntary, were quietly grudging as well.

Marosa was inclined to stop Vala as the other platoon leader made a motion to ask a question. The gesture was too sudden though, and Tuisant had seen it before Marosa could intervene.

"Defense?", Vala said repeating Tuissant's words with naked skepticism, "Our combat suits went as dead as if you had pulled the power cells, Point Lieutenant.- How do we defend without weapons?"

Tuisant nodded, "A valid question. We do have weapons, Lieutenant. Infantry weapons were unaffected by the power loss. We will base any defensive strategy on the assumption that only they will function reliably. And additionally, we are Quadranos."

Etmal, who had taken a seat close to Marosa, shifted uncomfortably. Marosa could hear her mind working furiously at all of the dark possibilities of catastrophe. The condition must have been contagious because Marosa had been thinking along the same lines as well .

"Then we have reason to think defensively against the Te'Dak Tohl?"

Tuisant paused in her movement back and forth at the head of the compartment, "We don't know what to think yet. As such, in the face of just that question, General Bohen thinks it advisable to at the least plan for defense- minimal as those preparations may be. Additionally, it will give our warriors something to occupy their time and suppress understandable anxieties in the doing of it. Preparation will produce a sense of security, which will maintain order in the ranks- regardless of how well founded the sense of security is."

"And the males?", Vala inquired. Of those assembled to hear Tuisant's briefing, attention bounced back and forth between the point lieutenant and the two squadron leaders who were asking the questions on the minds of all.

"What of them?", replied Tuisant.

"What is their position?"

"Communication has ceased with the males- temporarily..", Tuisant said without concern, "For the time being, what they do is their own concern. Communications have been severed to offset the possibility that they are being intercepted by the Te'Dak Tohl for malicious purposes. However, we can assume from limited courier dispatches that they are making similar provisions for defense. General Bohen will determine when the time is to re-establish communication. Until then, we will outline and initiate our own security plans."

Artoc

General Alzyha paused at the head of his shuttle's gangway ramp where it joined to the edge of the hatchway. The pause was simply a physical reaction to surprise, and not intentional in any way.

It was Alzyha's first breath where the air from the Te'Dak Tohl flagship mingled with that provided by his shuttle that caused the reaction. Unlike the air he was accustomed to aboard Pritan Cardun, the atmosphere aboard Artoc lacked the slight but ever-present staleness and the faint synthetic taste about it. Not that the life support system of Alzyha's ship did not meet established quality standards, but the air alone aboard the Te'Dak Tohl flagship told Alzyha that the enforcers benefited from better maintenance if not better support and equipment than he and his warriors. Hangar decks shone and were unscuffed by the wear of constant operations that afflicted vessels of the warrior caste. All lights in the hangar glowed brightly and evenly against bulkheads that were unmarred by the accidental occurrences that so often left their marks in an area of such high use.

But the air, the air said the most. The smell of the Artoc revealed nothing of its history the way that the odors of other ships did. Here there was no trace of smoke to the air, nor blood, nor the grime and sweat of seasoned warriors.

Similarly the shuttles, transports, and smaller number of Gnerl fighters visible on the hangar deck showed limited signs of use, and none of the cannibalization required to keep Alzyha's forces functioning.

Stepping out onto the gangway was like stepping into an alien world for the general. His surroundings had the feel of a hardened combat unit, but showed none of the signs that normally spoke of it. It aroused in Alzyha distant, deeply buried memories of the scent of a new ship- freshly constructed in a Facotry not unlike the one in which his own ship now stood moored.

It also aroused contempt and suspicion.

Contempt for favoritism so clearly shown this caste in things so basic and yet of towering importance.

Suspicion for whatever favors still undiscovered that the Te'Dak Tohl were recipients of from The Robotech Masters.

"Artoc welcomes you, General Alzyha."

Engrossed in his surroundings, Alzyha had not even noticed the male officer waiting for him quietly at the foot of the gangway until he had almost tripped over him. Of medium build and unremarkable features under medium-blue skin, the Te'Dak Tohl officer remained in a stance somewhere between attention and ease. The left breast of the officer's tunic bore the same insignia as every other object bearing a unit marking aboard Artoc- the same that still sent cold ripples through Alzyha.

The image of the Te'Dak Tohl chevron was almost enough to distract Alzyha from the officer's badge of rank, which identified him as a sub-general; a step below Alzyha's own grade. Like all else around them, the junior officer was unsoiled in his neatly appointed and well-maintained uniform, smelling almost antiseptic like the rest of his ship to Alzyha.

"I am Caldettas, General.", said the Te'Dak Tohl officer cordially. The tone carried all of the indications of respect, but to Alzyha there was still a hint of condescension whose formless presence was beyond clear origin. Things being as they were, Alzyha allowed the issue to pass.

The issue was all around though. Deck crews worked at their various tasks almost as diligently as they worked to be inconspicuous in their study of the newly arrived flag officer. Their quick stares were heavier than mere study though- there was again that weight of condescension and judgment on something that these crew members of the warrior grades saw as inferior.

"Permission to come aboard?", Alzyha requested formally.

"Permission granted, General.", Caldettas replied, "General Krymina is anxious to meet you face-to-face."

Alzyha stepped down to the flagship's deck, confirming with touch the existence of what had seemed so improbable. He glanced over the officer again, and then at the escort party of warriors- two male, two female- who had assembled to escort the visitor. Another glance around the hangar deck revealed with closer inspection warriors of both genders present- many even working or congregating with one another.

"Your ship's company-", Alzyha said, providing amusement to Caldettas in his statement of the obvious that the sub-general was able to successfully hide, "You have both males and females."

"We all perform our function.", Caldettas replied, "The females have never been a cause for concern to us."

Alzyha nodded, stunned by the absurd, "And General Krymina?"

"A gifted leader and warrior.", Caldettas said without reservation, "As you will see, no doubt. Many things about Te'Dak Tohl may confuse or even alarm you initially, but you will find more in our operations that is similar to you than different. In time, I suspect you may even grow accustomed to our ways. It is what I've always known, of course."

"And you have never had- difficulties- serving under her?"

"No.", Caldettas said bluntly, "Please, General, follow me.- You are expected."

Alzyha followed the sub-general across the hangar deck, noticing for the first time as he went that there was another shuttle transport on the deck, not of the ship's complement. The shuttle was from Silhak, bearing the standard of General Bohen's command as Alzyha's shuttle bore his.

"General Bohen is aboard already?", Alzyha asked, his shuttle's chronometer having told him that he had arrived exactly at the appointed time.

"Yes, General. She has been here for some time. She has been meeting with General Krymina since her arrival."

"For what purpose?", Alzyha asked as a twinge of panic and suspicion fluttering in his gut fueled by a lifetime of mixed experiences, "Were we not due to arrive at the same time for the same briefing?"

"I cannot say.", Caldettas replied, "I was not privileged to their discussion. –If I may discretely offer you some advice about General Krymina that I've come to know as true from my service beneath her-. Expect to not be included in all of her thinking or all she does as a commander, General Alzyha. A good many things she will do seemingly without reason, but be assured she has one even if it is not readily apparent to you. Some things will develop into actions that involve you, and you will see connections. Others will not, and you'll be left with only questions. I suppose a follow-on piece of advice would be to trust General Krymina to include you where your inclusion is required. You will see in time. -Please, this way to the lifts, General."

General Krymina set her cup down on the table before her. In the course of her conversation with General Bohen, she had barely consumed half the vessel's contents, whereas General Bohen had twice emptied her own cup of the stimulant-laden beverage and was working on her third. Whether it was the y'hoyt driving Bohen's mind into frenzied thought, or her thoughts driving her to consume more of the sole luxury afforded to norghil, Krymina could see the other officer's mind furiously at work.

The seeds she had planted were already in the early stages of germination. Krymina did not flatter herself to think the accomplishment was solely hers- the field was quite fertile.

"It's good to see that we can agree on such things, General.", Krymina said approvingly, "It's not that I feel the males are not without their place.- Quite the contrary. They can be very accomplished warriors, and when the circumstances of battle are right, they can be an effective tool. However, as you will soon understand, there is a certain discretion and obedience to discipline that I will require for our upcoming task that the males may not be quite fit for."

"My officers and warriors are quite reliable in those areas, you can rest assured, General.", Bohen boasted, "Though I wish you could clarify some of the details."

"Soon, General Bohen, soon.", Krymina assured her, "Those details are of equal concern to General Alzyha- though I would like to keep my reservations about the males between you and I alone. We will speak more to this as needs dictate."

"As you wish, General.", complied Bohen.

The chime to the briefing room door sounded, causing an immediate change in Krymina's demeanor. The relaxed, almost casual, informal air about her disappeared before Bohen's eyes making it clear that the caution Krymina had implied before the males started here and now.

"Come.", Krymina said.

The door to the senior officers' briefing room slid open and Alzyha stepped through with Caldettas leading dutifully.

"General Krymina, General Alzyha of the 604th Gran Army.", the sub-general announced as though introductions were required.

Alzyha put his clenched right fist to his heart with a small nod of salutation to his host., "General Krymina, an honor."

"Please, be seated, General Alzyha.", Krymina invited, "I take it Caldettas provided you with an adequate reception?"

"Most adequate.", Alzyha replied, "Though I did not come for ceremony. Apparently, I also arrived late. My sincerest apologies."

"No need for apology.", Krymina said, "You were not late, General Bohen was early."

Alzyha shot Bohen a look with just a slight edge of reproach to it, which the other officer ignored. Krymina was unaffected as well, having for all intents and purposes told a clear lie to Alzyha's face. Flag officers did not habitually arrive early- especially when their destination was the command vessel of another flag. Besides clear breeches of protocol and procedure, it was simply ill-advised when tensions were already high. Shuttles, even those of flag officers, had been known to get shot down by fighter patrols that way.

"Admirable initiative."

"Quite.", agreed Krymina, "But a minor point, truly. We have considerably more important issues at hand. To that end, I wish to begin. Caldettas will lay the foundation, and I will provide detail and direction after. Caldettas.-"

Caldettas allowed Alzyha to take his seat opposite Bohen and to the other side of General Krymina at the head of the long table before he began. His fingers found their way around the buttons and switches of a control console which he used to dim the interior lighting of the briefing room and to bring his hastily created but well-rehearsed presentation to the holographic display that appeared centrally over the table at which the flag officers sat.

A stellar chart appeared in three dimensions marked with a reference header that identified a general region of space that had no particular significance to either Alzyha or Bohen save that it was of interest to Krymina.

The chart zoomed at Caldettas's command to a single star system whose identification tag had no more meaning than the sector's. At the center of the system an unremarkable red giant star stood as the hinge point around which twenty-three planets, as well as a dense asteroid belt passing between the orbital paths of the tenth and eleventh planets revolved. The chart also began to display in a repeating scroll, basic information about the particulars of the system that could be viewed in greater depth at the press of a button.

Caldettas opted to deliver the information himself.

"This is the Murhan'Thade star system residing some one thousand and fifty parsecs from our present position, just within the outer boundaries of the Thade Nebula.. As you can see, the system's star is a declining red giant given to frequent and violent solar storms. Existing survey information tells us that only six of the planets of the system possess a stable atmosphere, none of which are capable of independently supporting life."

Krymina interrupted with a motion of her hand, "I will take the briefing from this point, Caldettas."

The army's executive officer dipped his head dutifully, causing Alzyha to shift uncomfortably with a new disapproval of the gesture. Bohen appeared to receive Caldettas's small bow as though it was directed at her. If she noticed Alzyha's reaction, it did not show- but something in addition to her rank was making her quite comfortable with Caldettas's submission.

"What I am about to reveal to you is highly classified and sensitive.", Krymina began cautiously, "For reasons that I am not at liberty to discuss, this level of intelligence is normally reserved for only Te'Dak Tohl and the highest levels of the Zentraedi warrior caste's command hierarchy. The simple act of sharing this information with the both of you could bring serious retribution upon me- though in light of present circumstances, I have taken it upon myself to do it anyway in hopes of achieving a greater good."

Krymina paused for effect, sensing the attention and interest of the two army commanders was now securely in her grasp.

"I must begin by confirming some frightening and unpleasant rumors that you may have heard and pondered. During the time of your last operational assignments, the central campaign against the Invid was escalated in both scale and intensity by both sides. Supreme Commander Dolza, on behalf of The Robotech Masters commanded the Zentraedi forces personally from a forward-deployed position."

"In the early stages of executing an offensive, a well-staged and massive Invid counteroffensive effectively shattered the forces under Dolza- killing both he, and regrettably Supreme General Breetai and a number of other critical commanders in the process. What forces were not destroyed outright scattered for lack of cohesion and a clear chain of command."

"Since the decimation of the Zentraedi Imperial Fleet, and the diffusion of the survivors, the Te'Dak Tohl have been serving a dual purpose at the behest of The Robotech Masters. We have been tasked with regrouping units of the warrior caste into combat-viable units, as well as taking on prosecution of the campaign against the Invid in their known sectors of occupation."

"Unfortunately it has become clear that the Te'Dak Tohl lack sufficient numbers to both rally dispersed warrior caste units and effectively conduct operations against the Invid. We have been unable to gather warriors in sufficient numbers to do little more than hold our ground against the Invid, and even there we are beginning to falter."

"Desperate as the situation is becoming, there still are tactical opportunities that can lead to strategic gains. The weight of Dolza's offensive campaigns against the Invid, though costly in numbers to the warrior casts, was comparably devastating to the Invid. Even with their apparent advantage achieved through Dolza's destruction, the Invid lack sufficient numbers in concentration to exploit it. In fact, almost contrary to common wisdom, it would appear that the Invid have even spread themselves thinner in an attempt to locate a substantial number of Zentraedi to mass against. To some degree they have evened the odds for us on and engagement-by-engagement basis."

Krymina sensed in the two flag officers to either side of her a shift to a more somber mood. Veterans of many battles, and indeed a lifetime of attrition with the Invid, she felt in them the ache of hearing that victory- that after successful campaigns must have felt within their grasp, was at best proving to be a stalemate on the strategic level.

They wanted, needed, the alternative that Krymina was all too prepared to offer.

"However.", Krymina said, pausing again to set an edge on Alzyha and Bohen's discomfort, "Fate seems to be working with us. Following battle in a nearby sector between a large Invid garrison and the 34th Te'Dak Tohl Army, I ordered a survey of the surrounding systems out to four kiloparsecs to ascertain Invid presence and strength to prepare for the possibility that subsequent battles would have to be fought in the area. During that survey, it was found that a massive Invid Hive existed on the fourth planet of the Murhan'Thade system. This discovery was made without the knowledge of the Invid. Most importantly, we have been able to monitor from a distance the massing of Invid forces on the planet, which has been considerable. Given the remote location of this Hive from any area of strategic importance to the war, and the high level of Invid activity we have observed there- the analytical conclusion seems relatively clear if not foregone."

Krymina leaned forward over the briefing table, placing both hands palm-down on its smooth surface, "It is my belief that we have stumbled upon a major Invid staging area in this sector. Because of the sudden reduction in Invid activity in other known sectors of the conflict, it is my belief that this staging area is a critical one for future enemy operations. Also, given the massive assembly of Invid, and working under the assumption that this Hive will be the origin of future Invid operations- I personally believe that one of the leaders of the two Invid factions may be present- either the Regent or the Regis. This cannot be confirmed at this point though."

Krymina pushed back from the table at this point and allowed a moment of silence to hang leaden about the officers present.

Alzyha and Bohen sat transfixed; lost in the possibilities of what could be.

"Now the complications that hinder us.", Krymina said heavily, "The battle in which the 34th Te'Dak Tohl Army was engaged was savage, even by standards held to battle with the Invid. Their numbers were so reduced that they became combat ineffective, save for the purpose of supplementing my army. Other Te'Dak Tohl armies are scattered across the universe, either regrouping the warrior caste forces or battling Invid on their own fronts. To try to rally them would take time that the Invid will use to increase their strength exponentially. If my conclusions and assumptions are correct, there is now a window of opportunity to make a real difference in this war- but that window is rapidly closing."

"Fate has smiled upon us again by placing you and your armies here- with the additional resources of a well-provisioned and fully functional automated factory. At this moment, we have a decided advantage over the Invid. I wish to exploit that advantage."

"Caldettas, will you continue with the particulars of the planet profile?"

"Yes, General.", Caldettas complied. Under the sub-general's direction, the holographic chart zoomed in on the fourth planet of the Murhan'Thade star system. The general information being scrolled through changed to reflect the data on record about the planet itself, including rotational and orbital cycle, gravity constant, and atmospheric composition.

"Murhan'Thade Four was clearly chosen as an Invid base of operations for its factors of concealment. This would seem to bear out General Krymina's theory that it is intended to host an important member of the Invid command hierarchy. Specifically, the unstable nature of the system's star, combined with interference from the enveloping Thade Nebula, and the planet's own atmosphere which is prone to prolonged and violent electrical storms- all of which combine to seriously reduce sensor effectiveness. The site was clearly chosen to conceal the Hive that has been constructed there."

"Fortunately for us, with our understanding of Invid sensory abilities, it would seem that the shroud works both ways. Murhan'Thade's solar instability is captured by the surrounding Nebula, generating significant interference and effectively limiting the ability of Invid in the system to sense the protoculture that fuels our vessels and mecha at any great range. Essentially, their defense is based on concealment- a concealment that they do not know has already been compromised."

"General Krymina believes it possible to insert a massive assault force including landing ships and all the necessary supporting cruisers via space fold, on the other side of Murhan'Thade without detection- using the star's mass and solar interference to screen our arrival. Then, proceeding to the fourth planet by standard propulsion, achieve an offensive posture at striking distance before the Invid are even aware we are there."

"In concept, a simple surprise attack."

"The difficulty", Krymina continued, taking the briefing back from Caldettas, "will be that though the Hive will not be expecting an assault, we cannot assume that they will have their guard completely lowered. A hive of the size that we are speaking of will have a formidable defensive infrastructure in place. While our cruisers can provide initial suppressive fire to support troop landings, it will be up to the warriors on-world to carry the brunt of the battle to the Invid. This is where your involvement and support becomes crucial to our success, Generals."

Alzyha shifted forward in his chair. His tone was hesitant, but the message important enough that he had no choice but deliver it.

"General Krymina- While I agree and support the concept of the plan overall, there are certain facts that cannot be ignored. For instance, my army has just come away from a prolonged chain of engagements with the Invid. They are hardened to the rigors of battle, true- they are eager to join battle again, true. The fact remains that many of my units are not battle-ready. Much of our mecha is in disrepair, and barely functional, as are many of our cruisers. Bringing us up to even a moderate level of readiness will take weeks. To a lesser degree, I believe I am correct in saying that General Bohen has similar concerns."

Bohen nodded solemnly, "Regrettably so. While my units are not as worn as General Alzyha's, our battle supplies and provisions are low. Replenishing them alone will take some time."

Krymina's response was sharp and urgent; "Time is a luxury that we do not possess in great abundance. Fortunately, there are alternatives."

"Such as?", Alzyha inquired.

"You are assuming that we will need all of our available cruisers from the onset of the battle.", Caldettas said.

"Are you suggesting that we not attack with our full combined forces?", Alzyha asked.

"No.", Krymina said, "Caldettas is suggesting that we stagger our offensive operations to apply prolonged and increasing pressure on the Invid."

"How exactly do you propose we do that?", asked Bohen.

Krymina replied, "I suggest this. Right now, I have a fleet of fully functional cruisers that can support the landing on Murhan'Thade Four. With a resupply of mecha, you both have the power in numbers of warriors to affect the ground assault. If we supplement those forces with my own ground units, acting as shock troops- we can deliver a devastating initial blow to the Invid with sustainable combat endurance. You both will at the same time use the resources of the Factory to return your cruisers to combat-ready condition, and draw from stasis the warriors that will constitute the follow-on phases of the battle."

"You are suggesting that we transfer our forces to your command?", Alzyha asked, the apprehension strong in his voice.

"To operational theater command- which, yes, happens to be my flag..", Krymina corrected, "I understand that your warriors may have misgivings about serving under Te'Dak Tohl field commanders, so I would suggest we not break up that chain of command. I would provide overall theater command to be executed in the field by the joint efforts of our field commanders. In this way, all remain comfortable with their familiar command structure, and consequently all function more efficiently as combat units."

"And in the meantime we leave our space cruisers, stripped to a minimal complement, in dock?", General Bohen asked.

"Left in reserve.", Krymina corrected, "Repairing, reprovisioning, and taking on new warriors as the initial phases of the battle with the Invid take place. There are elements of this plan that put all of us outside of our comfort zones, but we do not always enjoy the ability to operate within our comfort zones, do we?"

The plan took form in Alzyha's head suddenly, causing him to nod in agreement with the logic of it all.

"Yes, it could work.", Alzyha agreed grudgingly, "But the new warriors, straight from Awakening, will not be as skilled in combat as the warriors we are sending into battle under your command. They will all be fresh- their knowledge of battle, theoretical."

General Krymina folded her hands into one another, "Generals, my plan is not without its risks. It depends on stealth in its approach to Murhan'Thade Four. It relies upon delivering a devastating first strike on the Invid. Finally, it depends on being able to bring reinforcements to bear- inexperienced though they may be- in a timely fashion. However, if the first two dependencies of the plan are met, we shall require little of these new warriors besides sheer, brute force in numbers. Also, given the potential that this action holds for overall victory against the Invid, I see little choice but to proceed- despite the risks. We may not have another such opportunity."

Alzyha sighed heavily, "I do see your point, General Krymina.- Still, you ask much."

"I do.", Krymina admitted freely, "But- How to put this delicately?.. I am

Te'Dak Tohl- You are of the warrior caste. We both hold the rank of general, but you know as well as I, that I need to ask nothing of you. I am asking regardless. This operation is far too critical to allow it to be jeopardized by squabbling over social position. The Invid will not make any distinction if they should gain an advantage over us. We must strike while we hold the initiative. There is no choice but for you to reconstruct your armies while I carry out the first stages of the operation. We have all of the pieces available to make this operation work, but we must use them exactly so. Therefore, we must trust one another in doing the right thing for the common good of all."

"That is our best and only chance."

"We will require more details of the operational plan.", Bohen said firmly, but with care not to offend Krymina and incite the same response that Alzyha had, "And we will naturally need to brief our field commanders. But speaking for myself, you can depend upon the support of my army, General Krymina."

Krymina's attention turned silently to Alzyha and the pressure began to build.

"Yes.", agreed Alzyha, "Naturally this is the only course to follow given time constraints. As General Bohen does, I will require time to brief my commanders. This is an unusual arrangement, but my warriors will adhere to The Warrior's Code and perform their duty well."

"That's all I ask.", Krymina said, "And I believe that is all we shall need. That concludes our discussions at this time. I'm sure you are both eager to return to your own vessels to begin preparations. I will forward my operational plans and timetables as they are developed by my staff and myself- for your review. In the meantime, I encourage you to allow your warriors full use of the Factory and its facilities. They will need to become comfortable with one another, and to recuperate before we begin this operation. Also, I feel it is important that they be exposed to my warriors as well."

"If we are to be cohesive on the battlefield, then we must break down the walls between us."

"Naturally.", Bohen agreed.

Alzyha simply nodded.

"Then please, return to your vessels.", Krymina said, dismissing the two generals informally, "The escorts in the corridor will see you back to your shuttles."

Without further comment both Alzyha and Bohen rose and exited, their minds clearly reeling from all that had transpired in their brief meeting.

The door slid shut, securely sealing Krymina and Caldettas off from the ears of unsolicited listeners. Caldettas switched off the holographic projector and returned the room to full illumination.

"Well?", Krymina asked her executive.

"Masterful, General.", Caldettas praised without overextending, "They'll gladly march into the jaws of certain death after you. They believed every word."

"March into sure death they will.", Krymina mused coldly, "But not after me. Alzyha- how does he strike you?"

"As you expected, General.", Caldettas reported, "He is distrustful of the females. Especially after discovering that Bohen had met with you outside of his presence and knowledge. He is somewhat distrustful of you for the same reason as well- but he seems to trust me. Our gender binds us, it seems. If I am careful and make no errors, that trust should be enough to keep Alzyha in line."

"Make no errors then.", Krymina instructed, "Bohen trusts me as well.- Mostly because she thinks I am distrustful of the males. So long as she believes that we feel the same way, she will be easily managed."

Caldettas hesitated before continuing, "General Krymina, far be it from me to disagree with you- but you made no mention to me of encouraging the norghil to return to the Factory- especially not together."

"You doubt the wisdom of this, Caldettas?"

"Not doubt the wisdom, per say, but question it at least.. What if hostilities erupt between the male and female norghil? If it should happen too soon-. Well, that would not work in our favor."

"True, Caldettas, true.", Krymina admitted, "Another risk on top of many. However, our warriors will be there too. Their presence should keep order. The Te'Dak Tohl on the Factory should provide a sufficient seal to hold in all of the pressure that will build between the males and females. With any luck, it will build to volatility just about the time that we remove that seal. We'll see. Norghil are fairly predictable. The point is moot though- they'll soon be out of the equation."

Destroyer 741

Twelve Regult Pods squatted in a neat line along a cleared section of the third deck, aft hangar- removed intentionally from the activities of the rest of the deck. A thirteenth pod, no different in appearance from the rest stood out ahead of the line. Nothing about the thirteen pods assembled at stand-down on the deck would have seemed the least bit unusual to the casual observer, save the attention being given to them- and by whom.

Sub-lieutenants and lieutenants from the ship's combat complement- warriors familiar with the Regult's systems through a lifetime of exposure to the machines- worked side by side with individuals not commonly seen in that area of the ship- engineers. Oddest of all- not for seeing him around the ship, which was common given his nature for personal attention to details, but rather for seeing that attention given to as insignificant a thing as mecha- was the sight of Sub-Commander Gerrok occasionally appearing through the narrow crew hatch of the thirteenth pod that stood alone.

Gerrok shifted the expansion band of the camera unit he wore on his head. Identical to the cameras built into warriors' helmets, this unit was freed of the protective headgear for duties that did not involve the risk of combat. Such was the purpose being served now as the unit transmitted on a secure, short range frequency to portable receivers. The occupant of each of the other twelve Regults had one of these receivers with them in the cramped mecha cockpits and by this link they could each follow Gerrok through a step-by-step analysis of the pod's systems.

"Jerl, hand me a number seven probe.", Gerrok instructed as he bent his torso at an odd angle in an attempt to look back beyond a mounted component of the pod's open communication systems panel.

A long circuit tester probe was handed in to Gerrok, who in receiving it realized immediately that it would not allow him to reach the areas he wished to examine. A familiar frustration overcame the engineer as it became clear that some of the difficulty lay in the fact that the design of the pod was not drafted with the intention of the user performing a task such as the one Gerrok now attempted. It was the frustration of being thwarted by a nameless individual who had been dead for countless generations whose indifference was still able to touch the living across that span of time.

"No….", Gerrok grumbled, tossing the probe he held aside as his agitation with the long-deceased continued to develop an edge, "Something with a finer shaft to it- and a flex neck-. We're going to have to pull this whole, wretched heap of metal filth apart, I can feel it now…"

"No progress then?"

Gerrok looked over his shoulder, as the voice was not Jerl's. Commander Pach looked down into the mecha at him. Gerrok's need to say something caustic was offset somewhat by the fact that Pach was holding the very type of probe he needed.

"In a word- No.", Gerrok replied as he took the probe and returned to his work.

"I came up because I had been expecting progress reports."

Gerrok shrugged as he tried to work in behind the panel and found that he could not, "Well, when I have progress to report, I'll report it."

"You're sure this is the pod then?"

"Quite sure. I talked to the pilot face-to-face."

"And you're sure that the variable that you're looking for is in the hardware itself?"

Gerrok paused, turning to share his expression of sincere displeasure, "No, I'm not. I'm not sure it's in the hardware. If it is some flaw in the hardware to this particular pod, I'm not sure it's in the communication system. It could be any one of a thousand things that prevented this mecha from being susceptible to that… whatever you want to call it that the Te'Dak Tohl used on us. Let's say we're narrowing the possibilities right now. Zor help us if it's a code component inserted into a system or subsystem's operating software- we could never find it."

"That's not an acceptable answer, Chief."

Gerrok tapped the probe on the pod's control panel, his patience dwindling but temper held in check by consideration of his friend and of Pach's position in the chain of command above him.

"I know. There's a whole system devised by The Robotech Masters specifically to work against us- but we're working the problem."

"Keep after it Chief.", Pach said, grasping Gerrok's shoulder reassuringly, "If anyone can figure this out, I believe it's you."

"I'll get it.", Gerrok promised, "But here's my concern. We're assuming that this- failure mode, we'll call it. We're assuming that once we isolate its source in these Regults, that everything else is going to be wired to fizzle out in the same way. Something as complex as a warship? Say, this warship? I have difficulty believing that."

"Well", suggested Pach, "Let's hope that The Masters' philosophy of uniformity in design holds true with this system as well. Their obsession for consistency may work to our advantage for once."

"Only if our luck changes significantly."

"Keep lucky thoughts on your mind as your working on this then, Chief. Keep luck in mind."

Pritan Cardun

Sub-General Brenik was able to read volumes in General Alzyha's expression before he had crossed half the distance of the gangway from his shuttle to the deck- and what it told Brenik was not good.

Alzyha passed his executive without comment, his face knotted with thought whose particulars he was not yet ready to reveal. Brenik took his place at his commander's side, keeping half a step back as the general led at a brisk pace toward the lifts that would take him back to his flagship's command deck.

"I can tell that the briefing was not what you had hoped for, Lord.", Brenik said cautiously, "Though at risk of tearing a fresh wound, I am curious as to what brings the Te'Dak Tohl to us?"

"Treachery, Brenik.", Alzyha snorted as he plowed through a mass of junior officers and warriors congregated by the lifts, barely giving them time to avoid being walked over, "Treachery, Brenik- mark my word this very moment!"

"Treachery?", Brenik repeated, his concern equaling Alzyha's contempt and anger in degree, "How so?"

"Never trust a female, Brenik.", Alzyha advised as a lift car opened and the general stepped on with Brenik behind.

Wisely, no others attempted to follow.

As the doors to the lift slid shut, Alzyha turned to the executive officer and explained the torment that was the root of his lack of composure.

"Remember this always, Brenik- warrior caste or Te'Dak Tohl, infantry warrior or flag officer, females are not to be trusted. What they lack in physical ability and fortitude, they compensate for in sly craftiness."

"General Krymina?", Brenik clarified.

"And Bohen.", Alzyha replied as the lift car rose rapidly through the decks, "Two products of the same genetic strain, I'd wager my eyes on it."

"How does this mean treachery though, Lord?"

Alzyha nodded, "Our new assignment. We are to conduct a joint assault on an Invid Hive in a nearby system- a hive of some importance, possibly even the Regent's lair it's believed."

Brenik's eyes widened with the implications, "This is an incredible opportunity, Lord-. To eliminate the Regent would cripple all the Invid under his control. We could bring an end to this war with a single blade stroke."

"Yes, Brenik", Alzyha said, stopping the lift in its progress, "the war could come to a conclusion in a few blade strokes, though I doubt if they'll be ours.- I have doubts if many of our warriors- our male warriors- will be left to see that day."

"I do not understand, Lord.", Brenik admitted.

"General Bohen's arrival on General Krymina's flagship was not precisely synchronous with mine. I suspect she had been there for some time when I arrived at the appointed hour. My sense was that my two female counterparts had a great deal to discuss that was not intended for my ears."

"Troubling, Lord- but hardly conclusive.", Brenik pointed out.

"No, not at all conclusive.", Alzyha agreed, "But ask yourself this-. How easy would it be to decimate an army in an assault on a major Invid Hive? Fate can put an army in a bad position and see it ground to dust, or an army can find its self there by cunning and design."

"And who would ask questions? Not The Masters. Not if the victory meant the end of the Invid Regent. No one would ask how the battle managed to consume an entire army. Our army. And what favor would that victory win General Krymina and General Bohen in the eyes of The Masters? A great victory lends itself to larger shares of prestige if there are only two to split it between. I can see it all too clearly, Brenik."

"I hope you are wrong, Lord- but fear you may be right.", Brenik said, his voice hollow and distant.

"Right now, I only have suspicions.", Alzyha told his second in command, "But as Krymina issues her battle strategy, we may be able to deduce more. Until then, we will proceed as she rightfully dictates. That begins with briefing you and the command staff on what I have been told."

"I will assemble the officers immediately, Lord."

256