In this installment, plans and the threat of plot! As always, read, review, and hopefully, enjoy!

The Janus Campaign

Chapter 22: Where The Road Takes You.

Tybe Mountains

Leaving Lordom Valley, Nayu unrolled her mother's map and took out the jeweled orb that held the compass her father had given her mother so many years ago, she aligned the map facing the summit of Mt. Akesh, its distinctive features easily recognizable to every Dark Elf in the tribe. Checking that the compass was also aligned properly, she pointed out their current location to Yao.

"If we head due north, it's the most direct route to Alnus Hill. If the rumors we were told are correct, then these 'Men in Green' most likely came from there. Of course, the direct route takes us over Mount Akesh and will take a fair amount of time and effort. There are also, not surprisingly, no settlements where we can resupply if needed or hope to learn more about the Green Men. Added to that is the problem that without more information, we have no way of knowing whether they are still at Alnus."

Nayu then pointed to the west. "On the other hand, if we head west, we will reach this Domitia Way. It leads to the Appia Way which runs directly through to Italica, where some of the rumors say the Green Men fought. There are also numerous settlements along the way where we can resupply and possibly obtain more current information."

Yao paused. Nayu's reasoning was sound and her mother had been one of the tribe's best Rangers and Scouts before retiring relatively young to take a human husband and start a family. Nayu's mother had undoubtedly trained her daughter well. Still, Yao's instincts pulled her to take the shortest route possible so they could secure help as quickly as possible. In the end, it was her responsibility. And her decision.

"We'll go west. Depending on what we learn, I'll decide whether we head for Italica or head towards Alnus."

Nayu nodded. "Alright then, after you." Nayu gestured as the two began the long walk to points unknown.

Sadera- Palace of Zorzal El Caesar

Some Five hundred miles to the Northeast, rumors were also the fuel for the plans of another. This was Bouro. To Prince Zorzal, Bouro was a useful tool, a specialist in torture, interrogation, and spying, the halfbreed prized for having the skill and willingness to do those tasks that so-called moral Saderans could or would not. To Bouro, it was Zorzal who was the tool.

Bouro was the acknowledged leader of the Haryo, a people whose very existence was not even recognized by the Empire. The Haryo were not a race in the way Humans, Elves, Warrior Bunnies, Cat People, Sirens, or Medusae were. The Haryo were the mixed blood castoffs of society. Those children of mixed parentage who were accepted by none and who had come to see themselves as the creation of a new 'better' race, a new race born to the lands of Falmart and whose destiny was to supplant the lesser races who had kept them marginalized. But Prince Zorzal was no more aware of the Haryo than anyone else in the Empire and so in his ignorance, Zorzal had become the perfect tool for Bouro. Like the best tools, Bouro intended to take good care of Zorzal for at least as long as he needed Zorzal at any rate.

And Bouro did need Zorzal. For the Haryo could not hope to conquer the Empire from without. No armed rebellion could topple Sadera. But perhaps it could be conquered from within, compromised, consumed, subverted. As the Haryo were not recognized, how could they be considered a threat? The key to triumph was in Zorzal and his appetites, appetites that had, in part, been shaped by loyal Bouro. Bouro had seen how the reigning Emperor had come to view his heir, Prince Marcus with a wary eye, fearing the young man's confidence and strength of mind. Both Emperor Molt and Bouro saw Marcus as a danger. His character forged by his mother's careful guidance, the young man had developed a firm sense of his own self. Molt and Bouro both needed someone more malleable. Soon Molt had obliged Bouro and removed Prince Marcus permanently.

Now Zorzal stood as the leading candidate to succeed to the Imperial throne, provided he did not incur his father's wrath. Bouro carefully guided the Prince into a pattern of self-indulgence, creating a facade for Zorzal that soon became his truth. Only in such a state would Zorzal be properly prepped to fulfill his role in the rise of the Haryo. With a lust for women and the more exotic the better, Zorzal could be counted upon to sire an heir of Haryo blood, an heir who would always know his blood, an heir that would deliver the Empire into the hands of its true masters.

Unfortunately, Bouro had a serious problem. He could inspire Zorzal's appetites. He could supply his 'patron' with information. What Bouro could not do was manipulate Zorzal on a political level. He needed another tool to cajole Zorzal into place. He found one in Tyuule, The once Queen of the Warrior Bunnies was humiliated, defiled, and disgraced and Bouro had encouraged Zorzal in this, sensing the blind hatred rising in Tyuule, filling her with a single desire: To destroy the Empire and use Zorzal as the means to do so. Bouro would supply her with information and offer to act as her minion, another victim of the Empire seeking revenge. A very eager minion. Bouro grinned to himself. Tyuule was an attractive female and he would enjoy indulging as he convinced her that his loyalty was to her and her dream of watching the Empire burn… along with the liberties she allowed him, thinking it ensured his fealty. It would be a shame when he would inevitably find proof of Tyuule's plotting against Zorzal and sadly present it to him. But Tyuule was disposable. Soon after, Zorzal would be drowning his anger and disappointment at Tyuule's treachery in wine and women, both of which Bouro would provide and if anyone around Zorzal bothered to note that these women were all of mixed blood, no one would speak of it for only the most discreet and silent would be left at this point.

With the start of the Empire's latest war, there seemed to be an opportunity to advance their cause. If word was to be believed, the Empire had suffered staggering losses in its new campaign, leaving many in the Imperial Senate with increasing concern and doubt. The stone pillars of the Empire were developing feet of clay. Bouro knew that eventually, the newcomers would wear themselves out and the Empire would prevail as it always had. Bouro had naturally instead suggested to Tyuule that this war might break the Empire as she desired and so they had to ensure it continued. Bouro anticipated that this war would provide the excuse to 'purge' Imperial society of a great many 'enemies of the state' who would naturally be replaced by more loyal sorts.

The only problem was that the war had ground to a halt. Tyuule wondering why the armies who had reportedly shattered the best legions of the Empire had not advanced more aggressively. Buoro had no answer for this and unless something was done, a state of peace might take hold. This would be unacceptable for the Haryo, who needed the war as a catalyst.

For now, Bouro and his spies kept their ears open and watched for opportunities.

City of Italica

If there was one city in the Empire most Haryo loathed, it would have been Italica. While hardly perfect in its treatment of non-humans or mixed humans, the more tolerant and inclusive attitudes fostered by the ruling Formar clan over recent generations was anathema to the Haryo. The so-called inclusiveness was a danger to them, threatening to steal their very identity away. If Bouro had known of recent developments in the city, he would have despised it all the more, because where perhaps Italica ought to have been destroyed, it had been saved by the intervention of two forces Bouro could not have anticipated the strength of and now, despite the suffering Italica had endured, it had not fallen but was thriving! Even with the damage to the city's walls still under repair, Italica was bustling with growth. Like Alnus, Italica had become a magnet for people fleeing now destroyed homes in the wake of the destruction wrought not only by Imperial forces but from the still numerous bands of bandits and marauders roaming the countryside as well as the spread of panic caused by the reappearance of the Flame Dragon. Italica was not only a closer destination for most but was also more attractive to some people who were still not ready to put their full trust in the outworlders who had set up on Alnus. While the reconstruction of the city walls continued under closely supervised prisoner labor, the rest of Italica boomed with new construction. Plans were being made to build new walls on the far bank of the Tagus River which flowed on the other side of the two hills which comprised the North wall and from which the city and much of the surrounding farmland received its water. A bridge already crossed the Tagus, the new walls would not only encompass new housing for the massive influx of residents, but barracks for an expanded city guard and even docks for fishing craft, and trading boats. Lieutenant Taylor had some ideas for boat designs that the locals could build and use and possibly even equip a local River Patrol.

Upon entering Italica, new residents were questioned as to their trade and skills, skilled craftsmen getting priorities in constructing new dwellings but even unskilled laborers were welcome, providing additional workers to construct the new walls on the far banks. These laborers still receiving pay and better food than the conscripted prisoner labor. Others were being recruited into the new City Guard. Lady Panache had assigned instructors from the ranks of the Rose Order's Foot to train these people. In addition, Corporal Nakamura had begun to train volunteers, many among the city's women, in the art of Naginatajutsu. Many women had been eager to train under the 'Reaper's Herald." This was in addition to the self-defense lessons she was giving Lady Agrippina.

"So? How did the meeting with Countess Myui go, LT?" Chief Richardson was asking.

"It went well, Colonel Blake and Nurse Able gave her a physical… very carefully supervised by Kaine and Mamina. Kaine was quite grateful to learn that Myui is no longer in danger from smallpox. She also seemed to appreciate Colonel Blake's manner. Kaine told me that in some ways, he reminded her of Myui's father."

"That reminds me, did we ever find out what happened to Count Formar?" The Chief asked.

"From what I was able to piece together, it doesn't look promising. He hasn't been identified among the prisoners and so far, not among the more seriously wounded cases. I've pieced together that he was assigned to one of the Legions on the East flank of the invasion. Most of them were ordered west after being blocked at the Sumida. They each left a guard force to cover the flank of the invasion along the river. Say, no more than a century or so. The rest of those legions slammed into legions in retreat when Hazama's First Division counterattacked. From what I've heard, it was a tangled mess and the troops coming in from the east had no idea what was happening until their escape was cut off. Those units suffered over ninety-percent casualties. I don't think we'll ever identify all the bodies."

"Poor kid."

"Yeah. Her sisters aren't helping either."

"Sisters?"

"Yeah," Taylor replied. "She's got two older sisters but Myui is the legitimate heir. So sister number one and sister number two have been having a nasty little war over which one of them should be Myui's guardian. Fortunately, Princess Pina has put a stop to that for now by declaring Myui under her protection."

"So neither of Cinderella's stepsisters has the brass to go nose to nose with Her Imperial Highness, I take it."

"You got it, chief. Myui's got a lot on her shoulders right now. Lucky she's got Pina backing her up and Kaine watching over her."

Senior Chief Richardson nodded. "True, and then she's got you riding herd on all those scientists."

"Well, she's given them pretty fair leeway. All I do is make sure that when they want to see her, they actually have something to say. Otherwise, Kaine is liable to toss them out the nearest convenient window," Taylor shook his head. "Although Doctor Coulter looks to have some solid proposals to help increase the local crop yields. I'll set up a meeting with Kaine tomorrow. By the way, I know Kaine took care of arranging quarters for Colonel Blake's people. Any trouble setting up quarters for Lieutenant Mayer's platoon?"

"Nope, Sergeant Killian had them setting up prefabs this morning."

"Good, Lady Panache says she wants her people to get a demonstration of just exactly what the Corps is bringing to the table. I think she's also going to want a few marines to accompany some of her patrols. I'll talk to Mayer in the morning."

"Oh! That's right, she just got back today. So you and her Ladyship discuss anything else?" Richardson smirked.

Taylor raised an eyebrow. In fact, they had discussed a few things, such as how happy her mother had been to get a letter from the son she thought she had lost. Apparently the news that his son was still alive had even penetrated the stoic facade of Panache's father, Baron Kalgi who promptly ordered a feast in celebration and the second best bottle of wine in his cellars brought up, apparently insisting that the best bottle, a bottle of seventy-year-old Alguna Red would be opened when his son came home. It had been a pleasant surprise to Panache, who still was not quite ready to forgive her father entirely but had improved their relationship somewhat.

"Some family matters. Not much else."

The Senior Chief rolled his eyes. "Look, sir, everybody knows you two have some serious chemistry."

"Chief, chemistry or no, I'm dancing so close to the line as it is. As much as I might want to, I don't know if it's a good idea for us to get involved."

"About that, Lieutenant?" Richardson hesitated. Some might consider it out of line but it was his duty to make sure young officers didn't make bad decisions and Lieutenant Taylor was 'good people' in the Chief's book. "Can we talk sir...?"

That evening, Taylor returned to his quarters. It promised to be a quiet night. Aenaire had arranged for Galador to get a look through the big telescope the astronomy team had set up in exchange for Aenaire and Aurelia identifying and describing the local stars and constellations so at least for a few hours, he'd be home by himself. Somehow it felt not wrong, per se, but just off with no one else there. So he sat back, picking up one of his old novels, not really getting into it. He set the book down, looking up to see Panache standing in the doorway.

If there was a single word for the sight, that word would be breathtaking. She was Diana dressed as Venus and she smiled in satisfaction, the hunter having cornered her prey.

"Aenaire and Aurelia told me they were going to be busy this evening," Panache said simply.

"I think there's more to it than just that," Taylor replied mildly as his initial surprise mingled with realization and rueful amusement at how Aenaire and Aurelia had set him up for this. The three of them had probably discussed this night days ago.

"Yes," she said, "and I want you to know why." Panache strode over to the bed and sat down, taking a deep breath.

Taylor took a seat beside her, looking at her gently, casting his eyes to hers and waited.

"I was once very close to Prince Diablo," She began. "Perhaps, if things had gone differently, if the Gate had not opened, we would have wed. Certainly, I admired him in many ways. He has a sharp mind and is in his own way, attractive. Of course, as the Second Prince of the Empire, he wields not inconsiderable influence in the Empire. My family would have very much approved of such a union.

"Certainly, I thought he felt the same for me. He promised me anything in the Empire. All I would need would be to ask." Her face set hard at the memories. "And then the Gate opened and the Emperor proclaimed a great campaign to spread Imperial civilization and justice to the barbarian realms that lay beyond." Panache looked squarely at Taylor. "I won't say that my heart didn't pound with pride because it did. We believed it was our right to conquer."

He nodded. "I don't think any nation ever went to war thinking they were in the wrong."

"No, I'm sure that's true," Panache shook her head. "But war is not a game. My father forgot that when he decided my brother should go and 'prove himself as a man'. Whatever glory Tiberius might accrue, our father could cling to it but I wanted my brother safe. Her Highness Princess Pina assured me that Tiberius would have a place in the Order but once our father secured Tiberius a commission, he was beyond her reach. So that was the one thing I asked of Diablo. If he had given me that one thing, it would have taken only the slightest effort to have Tiberius reassigned to the Capital Guards, where he would have been safe." She lowered her head, cold hate in her eyes and a tone of betrayal in her voice.

"I would have given Diablo everything. My heart, my body, my soul. I would have never denied him anything in exchange for that single favor." She shook her head. "But he said that he could not. That to do so would suggest that he lacked faith in the army and the coming expedition. That it might tarnish my brother's name. He promised that everything would be alright. I just needed to 'have faith' and a little patience."

"And then Tiberius marched through the Gate and then we learned in quiet whispers among generals and senators that the army had been defeated and utterly destroyed. On that day I had no hope, only revenge."

"And then you came. I wanted to hate you so much. Why shouldn't I? You were the enemy. And I wanted blood for the blood of my brother. But at Italica, you showed me nothing but compassion and kindness. And then in Tokyo, you granted me my only wish, asking nothing in return." Panache looked up at Taylor again.

"And now, for the Prince who offered me everything but denied me the one thing that I cared about, I feel nothing. For the man who was obligated to grant me nothing and yet granted me what a prince would not, he already holds my heart." She smiled. "Everything I am is yours." She took his hand and held it in hers.

Taylor inhaled. Panache was beautiful, gorgeous. He had seen her dressed this way before but that was different. Then, it was clear she was acting out of a sense of duty, carrying out the mission she believed her culture required of her. This time she glowed, lit with a hope and a desire.

And yet, he paused, caught between two worlds with very different rules.

Panache frowned. Her eyes lowering in disappointment, letting go of his hand. "This does not please you."

"No!" Taylor objected. "It's not that. God knows. You're beautiful, strong, smart…"And I think I love you But is love even an option?

"As I said, My Lord. I will gladly give you anything. If you ask me to go, I will go and never vex your chambers again." It hurt Panache to say this but if in truth it was what Taylor wanted, then she could not force him to accept her feelings but she would accept his. And yet, she saw his face was not stone, his eyes reflecting pain that mirrored her own.

"But if you ask that I should stay, I would do so gladly. I would know you in every way it is possible and ask you to know me in return. I would cherish you more than my life near so as precious as my most sacred oaths. You have but to ask and I would gladly be your wife, accepting as sisters they whom you have already taken into your heart."

Don't be a dumbass, LT! Taylor heard Chief Richardson's voice in his head. People are gonna judge you no matter what. I know it, and so do you, sir. Do you think you're going to commit treason? Hell! You know history. You've got some language skills You might be able to teach them how to make gunpowder but you know you won't because that's not how you think. Beyond that, all you've got to offer these people is a sense of responsibility and the knowledge to point out some of the places where our branch of the family tree screwed up over the past two thousand years.

LT. morals are a great thing to have but don't crucify yourself on yours. So you got a lucky draw. So what? You've played every hand fair. You're gonna throw the game because you got too good a deal? People fall in love, even in a war. And now you gotta own up and make a decision: And you're the one who has to make it, sir, because you're gonna be the one living with it. So? What's it gonna be? Stand or fold?

"Please… Stay." He smiled, taking her hand in his. "Why don't we get to know each other? I mean before we try to know each other…"

A/N: In that last line, the second usage of the phrase 'To Know' is in the archaic sense of well... You can figure it out...