They were taken outside of the main palace, to a rocky area just outside of the gardens, a flat area that was surrounded by a wall of rock.
Seven people were there representing the Earth Alliance, Patterson, Vintari, Keegan, and four surviving Marines.
The Centauri had two dozen soldiers surrounding the small EA group.
In the center of the Centauri group was the current Emperor of the Centauri Republic.
He was a regal looking man, dressed in white clothes that clung to him tightly, making it hard for him to move around. He looked young for an ruler of a people, especially for the ruler of the Centauri. Patterson estimated he was 10-15 years younger then the Royal Prince that was before him.
The Emperor moved to approach them, walking haughtily, easily, and slowly, considering them as if one who would consider some lower bug like life form.
"So Prince Vintari, this is what you have reduced yourself to, paling around with humans of the Earth Alliance?" He sneered.
"That is so." Vintari said simply and without any heat.
The Emperor turned to regard the humans in the room. "And this is the crew of the infamous EAS Gandalf." He said gesturing his arms wide.
"Captain Patterson your eminence." Patterson replied bowing slightly with his head trying to keep his voice even and respectful.
The Emperor turned back to the group in general and spoke to Vintari. "You stand accused of treason, the punishment is death, your friends will be taken as prisoners of war."
"Emperor, I do have the right to challenge you for leadership of the Republic, you did not show me the same when you took the throne, which makes my exile illegal." Vintari said his voice sounding bold and decisive.
"This is true." An elder member of the Centrum spoke up turning to face the emperor.
"So what do you suggest?" The Emperor asked sounding bored by the mere suggestion.
"A duel, under Centauri right any family can challenge any other family. I will challenge you for the rule of the planet."
"That is absurd!" The Emperor spat at Vintari, the spittle landing just in front of his feet.
"Actually there is precedent for this." The same member of the Centaurum said turning to look pointedly at the Emperor. "After all you wrested control from him for the planet that led to this situation. Its hardly improper for him to do it face to face."
"You have no say in this." The Emperor turned darkly to the minister.
"No, but the people do, who are wondering what is going to happen. If the ISA forces get here believe me there will be a reckoning. This has my support at least, and I doubt much of the Centaurum will back you."
The Emperor and the visitors looked around the faces of the assembled Centauri Council. All of them were stiff of back and were desperately trying to keep their faces impassive and neutral, all with varying degrees of success.
Everyone in the room knew what was going on. The Centaurum were being politically smart. Not willing to show support for either proposition in order to continue to serve and keep their jobs…and lives…if things went too far south.
Patterson imagined that if a similar situation would be brought before the Senate most of them would be acting exactly the same.
The only person bold enough was the old minister. Probably old enough not to care anymore what happened to his career which let him challenge the Emperor.
No one rose to his defense either, and no one rose to the Emperor's defense, but the ball was in the Emperor's court and it was only he who could decide.
Quite the coup, Patterson thought to himself, smiling.
"Very well." The Emperor said straightening himself and striking a regal pose, as he turned around with a swish of cloth. "We meet in an hour." he said receding back into the royal palace.
Awhile later Captain Patterson was chatting with his Captain of Marines, sitting in the gardens by Lt. Keegan who was badly injured and unconscious currently.
"Makes you wish that the message that we sent to the Gandalf could have been real." Patterson said sadly, his guard down.
"Nothing could have been done about it. Right now they cannot help us. We are in enemy territory and a lot more lives would be risked then just Keegan's if they came to bail us out. For no good reason either."
"I know, I have been at this a long time. Just I am so sick of this, having people die under my command." Patterson said slumping back lazily.
"I know, it never gets easier. I have not been at this awhile, but I have lost a lot of people. But with luck this will be over soon and we can go home."
"I know." Patterson said, and then he noticed Vintari and decided to go over to the Centauri, heaving himself to his feet, and hurrying over there, composing himself as he went.
"Hello." Patterson said, opting for the simple approach to start this conversation going.
"Greetings Captain." Vintari said bowing slightly.
"You ready for this?" Patterson said more business like, studying the reactions of the man with intense scrutiny.
"Yeah, as ready as I will ever be, its been a long time since I have had practice with the blade." Vintari said uneasily, not uncomfortable with the fight ahead, but with his ability that was lagging over the last several months.
"Can you beat him?" Patterson said, keeping the worry out of his voice and his expression.
"Probably, affairs of state keep one from really keeping up with the finer points of life." Vintari said, looking at the Captain sideways while delivering a twisted smile.
Patterson could not help but crack a smile at that, giving Vintari a good pat on the shoulder.
The Emperor, the Royal Court, Centaurum came out of the main palace, a flock of cloth and women and men following in the wake of the Emperor to watch the spectacle.
"Show time." Patterson said watching the procession enter the gardens and move towards the area where they were at.
"Indeed." Vintari said sounding grave and determined.
Patterson moved off to one side, hiding himself partially by a wall as he leaned out to watch Vintari rigidly approach the Imperial procession.
A young Centauri female laid out a white silver cloth on the ground, and then took a leather scabbard that seemed full of bladed weapons, laying them out carefully on the ground side by side, two by two.
Vintari looked down apprehensively at the blades, running a careful eye over each of the sets. Not having much knowledge or practice with any one of them, just hoping the one that he picked his opponent would not be an expert in, and choosing the one that would make the best for his chances to claim victory.
His hands flexed a couple of times and then chose a blade, picked it up, hefted it, and then nodded.
The Emperor's eyes sparkled considering the choice, intrigued by the choice. Vintari smiled to himself knowing that he was probably in good hands.
The two picked a position opposite one another in the arena, and stripped down as much as possible to their fighting clothes. The rest of the procession filled in around the circle curiously watching the two combatants.
Patterson filled in next to Jose on one side, and his CAG on the other. Keegan looked dazed and weak, but he wanted to witness this event in history.
Vintari bowed low, and then the Emperor followed up with one of his own. Vintari picked up a hint of ease and arrogance in the expression.
Vintari shook it off, trying to remain calm, serene, and not to tense up, making his movements fluid.
The Emperor attacked first.
Vintari blocked as the Emperor went swinging high from the top, cutting down, he blocked it with ease and then twisted his hand in order to push him off.
The Emperor then swung across his midriff, nearly severing him in two, Vintari used his sword to block off the path, and then swung at the Emperor's head wildly, backing off to get a better position.
The Emperor pressed his attack home.
Vintari continued to back off parrying and parrying the rapid fire blows that were being unleashed against him, working up sweat as he continued to retreat. Keeping his wits about him and blocking the blows.
Vintari picked up his strength, and kneed his opponent in the groin causing the Emperor to double over in great pain.
Vintari swung from top right down, trying to split the Emperor open across the chest. The Emperor blocked it and then spun out back towards the center of the ring, holding his arms out wide when he stopped, holding his blade point down low pointing at the floor. The Emperor was bouncing on his feet trying to stay out of the engagement zone.
Vintari approached cautiously, and slowly, catching his breath and analyzing his next move. His opponent let him come on, watching him like a hawk.
Vintari attacked, coming in with a sweeping stroke from his blade that was easily blocked, but he used that to transfer that to quick and precise strokes and jabs at his chest. Swinging for his opponent's waste, striking at it again and again. Then he transferred those attacks to the head.
The Emperor side stepped his attacks and then countered them with a slash that nearly pushed Vintari's sword out of his hand, and then the Emperor whacked him over the head with a backhand breaking Vintar's nose, causing it to bleed profusely.
He could taste the blood leaking into his mouth, it tasted of acid and full of iron. He glared at his opponent smiled in satisfaction and in victory.
Vintari spat the blood out at the foot of the Emperor in derision. And then he lunged at his opponent. Jumping off the ground and forward with all the strength of his legs, almost moving to tackle, but with his sword out in front pointed at the Centaui Leader's intestines.
The Emperor lunged to one side and then nimbly fell back on his feet, dancing out of the way.
Vintari slashed twice, one from high on the right, and one from high to the left, pushing down slow with one, and then with all of his strength on the next, intending to plough through his opponent.
The Emperor easily blocked these slashes, taking the sting out of Vintari's future attacks. Then he jabbed downwards, looking to open Vintari's stomach up and spill his guts over the cobblestone path.
Vintari saw this just in time and quickly dodged out of the way. The blade struck him on the side, opening a deep cut through his flesh just on the side of the body, his free hand went to the wound as he grimaced. His turn now overbalanced and dropped him to the ground hard in the dust. He found it impossible to get up.
Gasps and jeers of victory greeted him as he twisted to look The Emperor in the eyes. Vintari's opponent had an insane glint in his eyes, reveling in his victory as he was about to become the unchallenged ruler of the Centauri Empire. He would lead his people back to their place.
"You have lost Vintari!" He said, his voice cracking in glee. "Look at you now and behold your sovereign! The sovereign of the whole of the Centarui!" He screamed. "You shall die Vintari, and your blood will seal this empire." The Emperor approached the Crowned Prince easily, cockily, arrogantly.
"No it is you who have lost!" The old graying minister came forward, showing surprising strength of voice for someone so old.
The Emperor turned to face this new threat, mouth wide open in shock.
Vintari tried to get up and strike this mad man down, but he neither had the strength, or the will. Deciding that if he did he would lose the moral authority, he thought it best to let the drama play out.
The Emperor composed himself and smiled cockily at the petulant person before him. "And why is that?"
"Because Emperor Reese," the Minister said calmly, "while this spectacle has been going on the resistance has been working on getting the orbital and Military Defense Codes for the Planetary nexus."
This took the Emperor aback, the color drained from his face as he said deadpan "What?" And then the full weight of the Minister's words sunk into his head. His eyes bulged in anger and shock as he said with white hot rage, "TRAITOR! Arrest him!"
"It is too late for that. The Defense Grid has already been shut down and the proper messages have been sent." The Minister said coolly, suddenly menacing now that the plot had been revealed in full.
As if on cue the screaming of jet engines greeted the ears of everyone in the combat area.
The Earth Forces instantly knew what they were and looked up skyward just as a pair of Thunderbolts passed low overhead. Carrying the squadron markings of the EAS Gandalf.
There were yells of shock from the other end of the gardens. Followed by a rush of feet and boots that were approaching the battle arena.
The Centauri looked at the approaching storm with curiosity and bewilderment. In shock at the events that were unfolding before their eyes.
The Earth Alliance officers knew exactly what was happening, and grinned like predatory wolves who had just finished the slaughter of poor innocent pray. Their enemy had been beaten, they were outplayed.
They were safe.
Patterson saw Colonel Norman and a group of Marines and other members of the Gandalf crew come into view beyond some bushes. Entering the arena and then breaking into two lines, one crouching and the other standing.
"Gandalfs' aim!" Norman ordered. Fifty two PPG rifles came up in aiming position on fifty two shoulders.
Some of the Centauri procession bolted in an attempt to escape, mainly the women. But then they stopped, realizing that escape would be futile and if the Earth Alliance troops meant any harm that they would be dead by now.
Michael Keegan smiled relieved, his legs finally giving out, causing him to fall.
"Michael!" Stacia gave up her position aside James Norman and rushed forward, holstering her weapon as she went to attend to her CAG.
Patterson had to bite his lip in mild bemusement, absurd amusement and relief at that humble and very human action.
The war was over. Patterson could not be happier.
The Emperor felt broken and alone as he watched the fifty two weapons on him.
The Minister came forward and seized the situation and confusion. "I declare a temporary state of emergency and Vintari will become the next Emperor of the Centauri Republic."
Vintari was in a most undignified position for something as momentous as this, he was weakening due to loss of blood, but was finally gathering the strength to stand.
"Arrest him." Vintari said pointing a shaking finger at the form of the Emperor.
The guards looked relieved and happy at the change of leadership, but quickly transferred that energy into action as they quickly took the Emperor by both arms, before the dazed, confused, and broken man could react to their presence.
They heaved him up by both arms and lifted him off his feat carrying him towards the doors.
Vintari's weakened mind was now catching up to the events that were happening around him.
The Emperor screamed out, "You cannot do this! Its not fair! You promised ME!!!!"
Vintari knew that he was right. Vintari had broken his sacred and solemn oath on the field of honorable combat. He had committed an egregious crime, and that dampened his mood, making it black and he down casted his eyes. He felt ashamed in himself for what he had allowed himself to do.
He felt like his distant relative, taking the throne illegitimately
The old and wise minister came up to him smiling from ear to ear.
But he noticed the mood of his new Sovereign.
Vintari felt a gentle clap on his shoulder and turned to see the Minister standing there, looking solemn. "Its OK you know. I will take care of any of the fall out and probably take the blame for this myself. We need you."
Vintari was silent.
"Oh cheer up, this war is over and we have won."
Vintari turned to him looking somewhat dubious.
"Besides," the old Centauri who had seen way too much war and death turned the two of them around to face the small knot of Humans that were gathering, he smiled shrewdly at the Sovereign. "I doubt our new allies will mind."
Vintari allowed himself a small smile, finally letting himself feel relieved, and with that relief came comfort.
"I need medical attention." He said severely.
"Right this way," the minister said snapping his fingers and gesturing over to two Centauri girls who came over quickly.
They took their new Emperor under charge and guided him over to the medical wing of the palace. Pressing their bodies a little too close to him, trying to catch the Emperor's eye, and his favor.
He was not interested.
Captain Patterson watched the three of them leave, and then turn over to the rapidly growing knot of his crew that were greeting each other as if they had not seen each other in many months.
James Norman, his friend was approaching him, his white hair glinting in the sun.
"James!" Patterson said swinging his hand forward and grasping that of his friend, shaking it wildly, grinning like a stupid idiot.
Relief, triumph, glee, fatigue, and pure joy combined to strip him of military discipline.
And why not, this was a time for celebration.
"Sir." James Norman said simply, grinning as well, glad to see his Captain and his friend safe.
"Status?" Patterson asked having to get that one last piece of military out of the way.
"Ship and crew secure in orbit, we took no damage coming back in, the ships were nowhere to be seen and the defense grids did not fire. We launched a rescue mission, and here we are. The shuttles are gathered in a field about five kicks from here."
"Very good." Patterson said nodding at the information, his first officer had done well. "One moment." he said, leaving the group.
He approached the Centauri group, and the one figure that was separate from it. He was now a social Pariah, a person who had lost all of his reputation and all of his honor to see this plan through, to see his people safe. But now he was broken, never to serve again. But he was oddly content with his sacrifice.
Patterson approached him and made eye contact, saying simply, "Do you have transportation for us? Our assault team landed five klicks out in a field and we need transport to get their easily."
"With pleasure Captain. Incase there are forces loyal to Emperor Reese still around I have gathered a resistance squadron outside royal palace, they will escort you to your ships."
The Earth Alliance Forces got into the ground vehicles, being taken to the ships.
They quickly got into the shuttle and blasted off for the Gandalf. When they landed the ship instantly left orbit and surged into the hyper space, heading for home.
After this was done Patterson relieved the ship crew, and they partied, celebrating their good fortune and their place in history.
The war was now over, the future was safe again .