Chapter 4
October 24, 2241: Observation deck of Quin'Kwan, Narn Green Fleet flagship
It is unfortunate that most of the Narn one meets are soldiers or highly trained negotiators. It has led to the conceit that Narns only display one or two emotions: grimness, overbearing pride, and sometimes anger. This is not the case of course. Like all sentient beings, they have a full range of emotions and feelings. Most of the time they choose to keep any of the more tender feelings to themselves, reserving them for loved ones. It is a result of the Centauri occupation some say. Decades of having to serve without complaint forced them into a rather stoic mold. After the success of The Uprising they often exchanged this stoicism for arrogance.
But there was nothing stoic about the emotions of Narn Warleader G'Sten. His dreadnought had come out of the jumpgate in the Kotac system an hour ago, and after his initial shock, an apoplectic fury had risen in his chest. The Centauri had destroyed another Narn world. Once more the rancid cancer that was the Centauri had reached out and tainted another refuge for his people.
This particular Centauri House Lord seemed more determined and competent than most. G'Sten was quite frankly, shocked. Shocked and dismayed that only one Centauri House fleet had done this much damage. When the Narn Assault Expeditionary Fleet had wiped out Quadrant 17 it had been a rather even exchange. As far as warships were concerned, the Centauri had exacted an almost even price in Narn warships before the battle was over. Of course, then the station and colony had been bombarded, so in the end it was not quite so even. But here at Kotac was different; the destruction was far more vast. Battle recordings had shown the Centauri only losing a group of destroyers, a couple of Vorchans and a handful of fighters. Two more Centauri destroyers had been severely damaged but the thrice-damned Lord Jentavus Roglark had been able to spirit them away to safety.
How had he known? How had this Lord Roglark known that this particular depot had housed all of the fuel, parts, relief crews, and consumables for the imminent Ardun attack? Though the station could eventually be salvaged, what it contained could not, at least not for some time. "This loss will severely curtail our offensive," G'Sten concluded. They would have to cut back on the forces detailed for the offensive. As much as it pained him (and as much as Warcaptain Malroth, the offensive's originator, wouldn't like it) they just no longer had the munitions for the entire Ardun attack fleet. With some careful planning, a significant portion of the forces might still be part of the offensive, but by no means all. Malroth still wouldn't like it. He needed every ship and fighter if he was to push this Lord Roglark out of the Ardun system and reclaim the burial ground. Perhaps some forces and supplies could be pulled from the Drazi front. Perhaps it was time to let the Drazi stand more on their own. "We may need those ships if this Lord Roglark stays in command," he thought once again gazing out of the viewport at the utter destruction of his carefully laid plans. "The bastard is probably being given a hero's welcome while I sit here and try to salvage things for our future…"
As the jumpgate at Quadrant 1 opened into realspace, Lord Jentavus Roglark, the bastard in question, was pacing the Admiral's Walk on the battleship Terhali's Satisfaction. Because they had wrought such a tremendous destruction at Kotac, it would have been unsafe to follow the same jump routes back to Quadrant 1. The fleet had taken a rather roundabout way home, much of it through neutral space, adding two days to the trip. Lord Roglark chafed at the necessary delay. He was certain the Narn would not let his strike go unanswered.
As the jumpgate closed behind the fleet, a flash from beyond the view port caught his eye. He jerked his head upward and saw something he never would have believed would be done for him: all of the ships at Quadrant 1 were firing off their weapons and flashing their running lights in particular synchronization. It was an ancient display for a conquering Admiral returning home after victory. Lord Roglark had never actually seen it done outside of the Imperial War College, and there only as a recording in one of the Military History classes. It had been nearly a century since it had even been performed, back in Old Emperor Peraini's time. Centauri victories had been in short supply since then. Victories had been so rare, especially at the time, that Old Emperor Peraini had been disgusted enough to ban the practice, claiming in his mild madness that none of his Admirals were worthy. It had not been until just a few years ago that Emperor Turhan had reinstated the victory celebration to placate the Vorchan faction.
"They honor you my Lord," Captain Classion said. He had approached while Lord Roglark had been absorbed in the outside display. "None have been so honored in over eighty years. I never thought I would live to see a Gradicolco Erusalum Laurifice" Literally translated it meant 'March of the Victorious Sea-Lord', though the version of 'march' was more accurately used for 'trampled underfoot' in reference to the said Sea-Lord's enemies. It was a truly ancient tradition, dating back to when the Centauri had been an ocean-going race during the wars with the Xon. Back in that distant past the Centauri had been a naval power, using their vast fleets to bring the war to the foul Xon, the only other sentient species on Centauri Prime. In the end, it was Centauri sea power that won the day and allowed the Republic, the Emperor and the Great Houses to come into being after the eradication of the Xon. The Gradicolco was the highest honor that could be paid to any naval officer. Lord Roglark knew that besides the display from the ships, a parade and fete were also part of the celebration.
Captain Classion was speaking Lord Roglark's thoughts, "There will have to be a parade, and a fete. To do this properly, they must have sent a representative of the Emperor for the fete. I wonder who it is?"
Lord Roglark wondered himself. He spoke to Classion, "This is a surprise. Our victory probably shouldn't qualify for the Gradicolco."
"Nonsense my Lord," Classion said. "The victory will be taught at the Imperial War College for generations to come. It is only right to celebrate it in the highest manner possible. We killed the Narn almost ten-to-one!"
Lord Roglark shook his head saying, "I won't argue with you old friend. But we have no time for this. We have suspected an attack against Ardun is coming. If I were the Narn, I would advance my timetable. They know us well, and may anticipate us congratulating ourselves for some time. They will strike, and soon."
Captain Classion face grew angry as he reached out and grabbed Lord Roglark by the shoulder and forcibly turned him around hissing under his breath, "Nevertheless you will give the men their victory celebration my Lord, they have earned it! If they wish to have you march about in your full dress uniform and fete you while they drink themselves blind, you will do it for them Jentavus!"
Lord Roglark's sharp retort died on his lips as he realized the truth of Classion's admonition. He smiled while grasping the Captain's shoulder, "You are right Thendon of course. Thank-you. I must think of our loyal men first. It is they, not I that earned this honor." He glanced about the bridge, seeing no sign any of the crew had heard the interaction between the Captain and himself.
Lord Roglark continued in a louder voice, "I would be most appreciative Captain if you would hail the station and let them know we will dock immediately." A cheer broke out on from the bridge crew, to be followed by the rest of the crews across the victorious fleet. Lord Roglark strode off the bridge quietly telling Captain Classion, "Be ready for the parade in an hour my friend."
Nearly an hour later a group of officers had gathered on the flight deck of Terhali's Satisfaction, Captain Classion among them. All were in their full dress uniforms, medals and decorations glittering in the bright lighting of the flight deck. Their shuttle was ready to ferry them down to Haless IV, the main planet of Quadrant 1 as soon as Lord Roglark arrived from his quarters. Like a good flag captain, Classion ran his eye over the state of the flight deck: everything was in order. The short squadron of fighters was socketed into its launch frames, pilots in their cockpits, ready to escort the shuttle of senior officers to the surface as an honor guard. Classion sighed as he gazed at the sleek crescent-shaped fighters, momentarily regretting that he no longer flew combat missions. He had always enjoyed his service in House Roglark's fighter wings, racking up an impressive eleven kills before accepting a place on the Command track.
His musing on the past was interrupted by the arrival of Lord Roglark, precisely on time. He marched across the flight deck, his iron heels ringing. The quiet conversations that the officers had been having stopped as they came to attention and saluted Lord Roglark. Lord Roglark returned their salute saying, "Shall we depart gentlemen?"
The officers filed up the entry ramp to the shuttle in reverse order of seniority: least senior first, Lord Roglark last as was tradition. They all took seats as yeoman brought brivari and other drinks. Conversation blossomed forth as the liquor began to flow. The shuttle vibrated as its engines came up to proper thrust levels to launch. Just before the shuttle took off, the four fighters from across the bay launched, streaking out into the void of space. The shuttle then took off, flying out past the energy field that held the atmosphere in and the vacuum of space out.
Lord Roglark sipped his brivari yet hardly tasted it. He stared out of the front viewport as the shuttle swept past the orbiting station and down into the atmosphere of the main planet of Quadrant 1, Haless IV. He was distracted, wondering how the coming pageant would play out. "Who had the Emperor sent as his representative?" he thought. His mind barely registered the swooping fighters escorting his shuttle, or heard the bantering conversation of his senior officers. His friend Captain Classion noticed Lord Roglark's preoccupation and wondered briefly how to set his Lord's mind at ease. Lord Roglark caught Classion glancing at him. He cocked an eyebrow and raised his glass briefly in salute, which Classion returned. Lord Roglark dashed off his glass of brivari, and then signaled the yeoman, asking for something stronger.
The shuttle flew through turquoise skies, past the puffy grey clouds down to the surface. The four House Roglark fighters twisted and flew overhead as the shuttle set down on the landing field. Lord Roglark stood in the doorway as it groaned open. He squinted in the bright white sunlight. The color of the star here was slightly different than Centauri Prime, more white and harsh. As the door finished its travel upward, Lord Roglark caught a glimpse of two soldiers extending a purple carpet to the waiting shuttle ramp. Along both sides of the carpet was a double line of Imperial Guard in full dress uniform, their burnished silver breastplates and helmets reflecting the sunlight almost painfully.
Lord Roglark walked down the ramp followed by his officers, Captain Classion right behind him. As soon as his boot touched the ground, out-of-sight artillery began to fire in salute while military music played. The Imperial Guardsmen drew their swords, crossed them over their chests, and began to beat their opposite shoulder in salute. Each time they struck their chest they yelled out "Zu-ah!" As Lord Roglark walked down the carpet he began to perceive several figures standing at the end of the carpet in front of a large crowd of people: Emperor Turhan's representatives. They were flanked by masses of the Haless IV population.
He was surprised when the figures grew close enough to recognize. Lady Morella, third wife to Emperor Turhan, stood in the center position. She was flanked by two of the Emperor's Tetrapathy, their white dresses glowing in the bright sunlight. Admiral Lord Catus, his Patru, resplendent in his full dress uniform, stood to the right behind the women along with roughly half of his fleet commanders. To the right stood several leading members of the Vorchan faction. Some he knew, others not. With them also stood the remainder of his ship captains along with much of his senior administrative staff from right here on Haless IV. It was a shame his wives, sons, and daughters could not be here. After Lord Tesu had most of his household wiped out at Quadrant 17, Lord Roglark had moved his family safely behind the lines. He would not put them into harm's way unnecessarily. He sighed as he walked on. Once he was within arms reach from Lady Morella he stopped, bowing deeply from the waist. "Hail Queen Morella." As he rose from his bow the artillery salute ended.
Lady Morella was a Centauri woman of middle years just a bit younger than Lord Roglark. Though she was not a classic beauty by Centauri standards, there was something compelling about her. She inhaled deeply and spoke the ancient ritual phases for the Gradicolco Erusalum Laurifice, "Hail and well met Lord Jentavus Roglark, Erusalum! Thy victory shall echo throughout time as shall thy name!" She paused, gaining her first close look at Lord Roglark. She noticed the telltale rumple in his fan of hair that denoted he had been wearing a battle helm recently. The black uniform rather than the normal dark blue. She could see some of the older House bloodlines in his face, though she doubted many others could.
She raised the Gradicolco medal, a stylized spoked ship's wheel in bejeweled platinum on a silk ribbon in a rich blue color. Lord Roglark went down onto his right knee and bowed his head as Lady Morella hung the decoration around his neck. As Lord Roglark rose a vast cheer erupted across the landing field. Lady Morella extended her hand to Admiral Lord Catus while asking, "Shall we depart for the parade Lord Roglark?"
Lady Morella was led to a large waiting hovercar. Her entourage, along with Captain Classion, entered the vehicle. The remaining dignitaries climbed into other waiting hovercars. Lord Roglark remembered that the recipient of the Gradicolco was to walk behind any vehicles in the parade. Traditionally, it was from the quay where his flagship docked into whatever statehouse was handy in the port. Lord Roglark suspected he wouldn't have to walk all of the way to the Quadrant 1 Governmental Palace, just past the long double lines of cheering people to the Port Authority building.
Lord Roglark marched behind the hovercars occasionally waving or saluting to the cheering throngs on both sides of the impromptu road. The populace had really turned out for the celebration. The continuous line of Imperial Guardsmen kept the crowds away from the parade route, but it did not stop them from throwing flowers. Most of them were hrusko flowers, the traditional Centauri flower of celebration.
At long last the Port Authority building was in view. Lady Morella's hovercar had stopped in front to wait for him, while the others sped off to waiting shuttles. Lord Roglark turned to the crowds, waving a final time. The cheering grew deafening as he climbed into the waiting hovercar. Once he was seated inside, the hovercar sped off to another waiting shuttle, this one designed specifically for atmospheric flight. Those in the hovercar filed out and climbed aboard the waiting shuttle. Alcohol flowed again as Lord Roglark's group was in a celebratory mood. Lady Morella and her entourage had claimed the forward cabin while Lord Roglark's small group of men shared the aft cabin.
After a flight of only minutes they were circling the Governmental Palace while the others from the medal presentation landed and hurried inside for the fete. By tradition the recipient of the Gradicolco Erusalum Laurifice entered the fete last.
At last they landed. Lady Morella and her entourage exited first, rushing into the Governmental Palace. They were closely followed by Lord Roglark's group of officer's. Captain Classion stopped momentarily before exiting, "See you inside my Lord." He smiled and clapped Lord Roglark on the shoulder. Lord Roglark sighed, alone in the shuttle, again wishing his family was here. He deeply missed the company of his first wife, Chantra. Every time he returned home, it seemed as if his children had aged years. He waited for the Imperial Guard to signal that those inside were ready. They snapped to full attention as Lord Roglark stepped out of the shuttle and walked up the stairs inside the Palace.
Once through the main hallway, Lord Roglark proceeded into the grand ballroom. Here was the fete at last. In classical Centauri tradition, long tables of food and drink were set in the ballroom with everyone already partaking. The main overhead lighting was dimmed to star-light levels, yet the room was bright with terian wax candles in vast candelabrums. Though the terian wax candles gave off no smoke, the many braziers of incense did. Lord Roglark's sensitive nose detected two of his favorites: spicy essence of maltrix from the same named flower on Centauri Prime. It was well known that he required his wives to wear the same essence whenever he was home. He also detected the bitter perfume of Terran myrrh, his favorite offworld incense. That must have cost a few ducats to bring all the way from Terra. It showed the respect the Gradicolco garnered, though it also showed that the Emperor's people knew Lord Roglark's tastes intimately, a rather disturbing thought.
Lord Roglark's musings were interrupted by an Imperial Guard announcing him in a stentorian voice, "Lord Jentavus Roglark, Erusalum!" The crowd looked up to the top of the stairs where Lord Roglark was standing. Cheers and applause broke out as he descended the short flight of stairs into the room proper, drowning out the orchestral music. Partygoers bowed as he passed through them, nearing to where Lady Morella and her entourage sat. Nearby Admiral Lord Catus, his Patru, was speaking with Captain Classion. Lord Vezini, Lord Refa, two captains of his fleet, and a few Quadrant 1 bureaucrats were chuckling at some recent quip made by a fellow he did not know. The man was tall and vaguely familiar, but Lord Roglark couldn't place him. This disturbed him as his memory rarely failed. The man saw Lord Roglark approaching and bowed deeply. The others saw the bow and looked around, catching sight of Lord Roglark as well. All bowed, some from the waist and some from the neck as befitted their station.
Lord Vezini spoke, a smile splitting his bewhiskered face, "Ah Roglark, good to see you!" He gestured with his glass to Lord Refa, "Refa can't you see the man is parched?"
Lord Refa passed Lord Roglark a goblet of brivari saying, "For the man of the hour."
Everyone else in the circle raised their goblets shouting "To the man of the hour!" The toast was taken up around the room, everyone raising their goblets or glasses.
Lord Roglark drank deeply of his liquor before speaking, "Gentlemen, thank-you, thank-you very much. The men of the fleet really deserve your praise rather than me." He glanced about the room, seeing Lady Morella and Admiral Lord Catus were now sitting at one of the tables. "Please excuse me gentlemen, I must pay my respects to the Emperor's representative as well as Admiral Catus."
Lord Vezini waved him off saying, "Of course Roglark, you must make the rounds. Go pay your respects to the Emperor's wife and your Patru. Then come back and meet some friends."
Lord Roglark moved away from the group, approaching where Lady Morella and Admiral Lord Catus were seated. She inclined her head to him as he approached, with Lord Roglark bowing in return. His Patru, Admiral Lord Binlamar Catus, rose from his seat and embraced Lord Roglark. "Well done my boy, very well done," he said in Lord Roglark's ear. Admiral Catus had known Lord Roglark's father Quillan, and had been a frequent guest at their ancestral home throughout Lord Roglark's youth. He had watched as a young Jentavus Roglark had risen in ability and skill at matters military and political, finally to take his father's place ruling House Roglark. From his position in the Imperial Guard, Admiral Catus had looked out for the young Roglark as he went to war, making sure he had good and challenging assignments. All of the extra time and effort had paid off in the Kotac assault.
Lord Roglark released him saying, "Thank-you Uncle. The men fought hard. They earned this victory." Though he called Admiral Catus 'uncle' it was more precise to use the title 'Patru', the diminutive Centauri form of uncle that indicated a friend of the family rather than a blood relative. Though they were not related, neither would have been more pleased or proud to have the other as a blood relation.
Lord Roglark bowed again, "Greetings Queen Morella. I trust your journey here was uneventful?"
Lady Morella looked at Lord Roglark again. Her visions of him had accelerated ever since word of the victory at Kotac had come to the Emperor. It seemed clear to her sight that Lord Roglark's death was very soon. It was a shame really that he was doomed to die shortly. Even though he opposed her husband Emperor Turhan, Lord Roglark had much of what was to be admired about Centauri males.
She inclined her head to him. "My trip was as comfortable as possible Lord Roglark." She paused then vaguely gestured to her entourage of other ladies, Imperial Guardsmen, and the two members of the Imperial Tetrapathy. "It is most kind of you to ask after our comfort."
Lord Roglark straightened, "I could do no less for the Emperor's representative."
Lady Morella looked at him a moment more and said, "I bear congratulations from your family. They asked me to convey that they understand why it might not be safe for them to be here."
"Certainly Glaianna sent no word" he thought. His second wife left much to be desired, but politics had required the union of him. Chantra, his first wife and the only one he had allowed to mother his children, had certainly sent the greeting. "I thank-you for your conveyance of my family's support my Queen." He paused the continued, "Was there any other message from them?"
"No, nothing else. I am sure they will be most fulsome upon your return to Centauri Prime." She replied.
He saw Lord Vezini and Lord Refa motioning impatiently to him in his peripheral vision. "Well that is bold," he thought. "They must feel very secure to show such impatience in front of the Emperor's representative and wife." It took a moment of readjustment to realize it was his fleet's victory at Kotac that had given them such bravado. As a member of the Vorchan faction, he needed to see what they wanted to say to him. Their words carried weight as they were two of the leading members of the Vorchans. "I beg your indulgence Queen Morella. Though I would enjoy more time in conversation with you, many others desire to wish me well. I hope you will give me leave to attend to them?" It was a sideways attempt to take his leave, but he hoped it would succeed.
Lady Morella raised an eyebrow, but did not challenge him as she said, "Of course Lord Roglark. I cannot monopolize your time, as much as conversation may be enjoyable. Please feel free to accept your earned praise."
"Thank-you my Queen," he replied. Lord Roglark bowed to her from the waist while backing up the required three steps before turning away to face his Patru, Admiral Catus. A question was on his lips as the Admiral very slightly shook his head 'no'. Lord Roglark understood the subtle signal and did not ask his Patru to accompany him. He merely gave him a quick bow and a smile and went back into the crowd.
Lady Morella watched him go as thoughts from the two Imperial telepaths drifted into her musing. Adrella, the slightly older, more world-wise of the two (and the only one to view Lord Roglark before) projected, "So purposeful, as if now that his plans bear fruit he charges onward to harvest". Tamara, the younger and more naïve of the two projected, "Strong...manly." A brief glimpse of womanly desire slipped out from her, and Lady Morella kept a firm thought of disapproval in her head for Tamara. The younger telepath at least had the grace to feel shamed at her visceral reaction. Lady Morella addressed Tamara though she did not turn to face her. "None of that," she said. Though as Lady Morella watched Lord Roglark march away into the crowd, she really couldn't blame the younger woman. It really was too bad such a specimen wouldn't be around much longer...too bad for his family as well.
Lord Roglark accepted thanks and well wishes from many as he made his way back to Lord Vezini and his group. If they had wisdom or information to impart, he wanted to get it before the fete really got down to business. As he approached the group he again caught sight of the heretofore unidentified man. He was taller than Lord Roglark, though not as broad across the shoulders. His movements bespoke the elegance of a dancer. His brown hair was shot through with some blond, that alone unusual for a Centauri.
With seemingly preternatural awareness he turned to catch Lord Roglark studying him. His mouth turned up in a sardonic smile as he bowed shortly from the waist at Lord Roglark, raising his glass in salute. Lord Roglark was irritated that he could not place the man. He was certain that he had seen him at some point but just couldn't place where or when.
Lord Vezini spoke to Lord Roglark as he approached, "Ahhh, Roglark you have returned." In true Centauri fashion Lord Vezini was already deeply into his cups, as were most of the others in the small group. Lord Refa seemed relatively sober, but that wasn't unusual as it was a well-known secret that Refa's only vice was power. Lord Roglark wondered at the unusual friendliness of Lord Vezini as others in the group gave him congratulations and praise. Lord Vezini was not his biggest admirer in the Centaurum or in the Vorchan faction, seeing him as a bit of an upstart. A glass was put into his hand as his back was slapped repeatedly by the well-wishers. Though most knew he preferred to avoid that kind of physical familiarity (at least with those he considered associates rather than friends), all were already too far along into the fete to remember. Lord Roglark played along with good grace, laughing and responding in all of the proper places.
"You certainly put the Narn in their place Roglark," Lord Vezini admired. Several others put in murmuring comments of agreement. Lord Vezini had a penchant for wanting the Narn punished in any way possible. His House had suffered the loss of a great deal of wealth and prestige when 'The Uprising' had happened. Though he himself had just been a young man, he had seen House Vezini's losses to the Narn first hand. Lord Vezini had taught his children to hate the Narn from the cradle. He had been a founding member of the Vorchan faction back in his distant youth, and often its most vocal member. He was a true believer in Centauri supremacy.
"Yes, well done," Lord Refa added. Lord Refa, some said the shadow behind Vezini, used his position in the Vorchans to pursue his own agendas. Lord Refa was also a true believer... in himself. He had accumulated vast amounts of wealth in the short time he had been leading his House. Many of the sources for that wealth were…dubious at best. Lord Refa had exchanged wealth for influence, hitching his vast resources and considerable political talent to the Vorchan faction. Lord Roglark at times felt that they would perhaps be better off without Refa, even if it meant the loss of his wealth.
Lord Vezini introduced a few of the others in the group, minor House nobles, and functionaries in the convoluted Centauri system. All were a bit in awe at meeting Lord Roglark, and such worship made him uneasy. He was just a man; worship should be reserved for the gods and Great Maker.
At last Lord Vezini got around to the man Lord Roglark could not place. The man was speaking quietly with Lord Refa as Lord Vezini said, "Come meet Roglark." The man finished his comment then left his conversation with Refa. It was a subtle signal, one Lord Roglark caught but Lord Vezini did not: this man followed orders from Lord Vezini because he chose to follow, not because he had to follow. As he covered the short distance between them, Lord Roglark revised his assessment of the man. His every move was fluid yet tightly controlled. Here was a duelist, a fighter. As he drew closer, Lord Roglark saw his eyes and what was contained therein. His friends from Terra had a saying about how 'one's eyes were the windows of the soul'. If that was true, then here also was a predator. Lord Roglark had seen others like him before, members of the fighting societies that never went on to more sedate pursuits. The kill became most important. Often they joined mercenary groups to slake their thirst for blood, for violence, for carnage, never finding the bottom of the cup. That he was an associate of Lord Refa brought no surprise.
Lord Vezini stood aside to let Lord Roglark and the unknown fully face each other. Gesturing from one to the other he said, "Ahhh, the two warriors meet! Count Desdinova Tyrcos, I present Lord Jentavus Roglark, Erusalum." Tyrcos crossed his right fist over to his left shoulder and bobbed his torso, saluting Lord Roglark in the Imperial style. Lord Roglark bowed his head in acceptance and returned the salute. As Tyrcos had been called 'Count', Lord Roglark did not have to return the salute unless he chose. Lord Roglark noticed that though this Count Tyrcos held a glass he did not seem intoxicated, much like Lord Refa and Lord Roglark.
Tyrcos spoke, "A nice piece of work at Kotac my Lord." He gestured at the Gradicolco decoration hanging around Lord Roglark's neck, not a millimeter of action wasted even in so small a gesture, "And a pretty piece of metal there." His voice was dry and whispering. He had a slight accent Lord Roglark could not place, something vaguely alien, as if he had spent much time among non-Centauri speaking another's language. He seemed slightly younger than Lord Roglark, and affected facial hair. He wore a moustache and beard combination Terrans called a 'goatee'. The facial hair was somewhat marred by an old dueling scar next to the right-side of his mouth. "A left-hander gave that to him," Lord Roglark thought. Being left-handed himself, Lord Roglark had given out a number of those wounds during his fighting society days. Sometimes right-handers just couldn't think from the other side. Taking in this Count Tyrcos as a whole, Lord Roglark suspected that when he received that wound it was the last time he did not think from both sides of the conflict.
By the way Tyrcos had commented on the Gradicolco decoration, it could be inferred he was covertly insulting. Lord Roglark sensed a test but refused to rise to the bait. "A pleasure to meet you Count Tyrcos," Lord Roglark said smoothly. He sensed a menace off this Tyrcos, and did not want to be involved with him more than he must. Lord Roglark put a large foolish grin on his face, feigning more alcohol that he had imbibed, hoping the act would hide his disquiet. Tyrcos' eyes narrowed slightly and Lord Roglark knew his slight subterfuge had not been successful.
Tyrcos aped Lord Roglark's false grin while saying, "A pleasure to meet you at last as well my Lord. It is always a pleasure to meet someone with a…proper appreciation for the arts of war." Again, his comment and his own feigned intoxication hinted at insult, but Lord Roglark would not be baited. Seeing his eyes, his manner, this man was a killer, pure and simple. Calling him out would be suicide, Lord Roglark's considerable dueling skills notwithstanding. Tyrcos continued, "But I fear I have taken too much of your valuable time already my Lord. Perhaps in the future I might have the…pleasure of your company." He pursed his lips and gave a contemplating look, "Either on the field or off." He then drifted away, back to Lord Refa's circle. Lord Vezini went on speaking, though Lord Roglark heard very little of what was said. He was trying to shake off the disturbing meeting, and he was also tantalizingly close to remembering when and where he had seen Tyrcos. Lord Vezini's pomposity was not helping either endeavor.
Captain Classion approached, coming to attention with a clash of iron heels, bringing Lord Roglark out of his mental searching. Lord Vezini stopped his drunken babbling. Lord Roglark realized he had been listening with some part of his mind as he knew the babble had been mostly about destroying the Narn homeworld, preferably with mass drivers. "As if that would ever happen," Lord Roglark thought.
Captain Classion spoke, "My Lord, may I have a moment of your time? Some of the men wish to toast you personally." Good and faithful Classion had provided a reasonable excuse to leave the pompous Lord Vezini.
Lord Roglark briefly grinned and said, "Of course I cannot refuse such an honor." He turned and said, "Lord Vezini I hope we can continue our conversation at a later time. A commander must be available to his men."
Lord Vezini looked confused that something might be more important that speaking of the destruction of the Narn, but sighed and waved Lord Roglark onward. "Of course Roglark, go and see to your men. I plan on being here for a few days; we will have plenty of time to talk of breaking a few more Narn heads." Lord Vezini strode towards a group of lesser Vorchan nobles and began his diatribe against the Narn anew with them.
Lord Roglark let out a held breath as Captain Classion stood at attention, a humorous gleam in his eye. "Thank-you Thendon," he said quietly.
Captain Classion bobbed his head replying, "Of course Jentavus." They moved away into the crowd as Classion went on, "Some of the men do want to toast you, but I thought I would come get you now. You looked like you were about to wring Lord Vezini's neck, and as I didn't want to give testimony at your trial.. ."
Lord Roglark chuckled at the thought. He sobered quickly and asked Captain Classion, "Thendon, what do you know about the name Desdinova Tyrcos?"
Classion stopped and turned to face Lord Roglark. He was astounded that something had eluded his Lord's memory. "I don't know the name 'Desdinova' but there was a Minor House Tyrcos, back before the Dilgar War. They were a fifth or sixth-tier family."
Now Lord Roglark remembered where he had seen this Tyrcos. It was in a classified recording by the Imperial Intelligence Agency during the Dilgar War. During that war Emperor Turhan had kept the Centauri Republic from coming to the aid of the Dilgar, even though they had been allies in other times, mainly against their current enemy the Drazi. A few Houses, some Major and some Minor, had wanted to join the Dilgar in their conquering rampage across the League of Non-Aligned Worlds. But with the rising power of the Basif faction, they were too few to sway the Emperor's mind. It was rumored that one of the more vocal, Minor House Tyrcos, had sent some few of their sons to fight clandestinely with the Dilgar. These young men rose high in the Dilgar paramilitary Free Regiment. He had seen Desdinova Tyrcos as one of these mercenary commanders, though he was not named in the Intelligence recording, merely one of many unnamed mercenaries. Lord Roglark remembered the look in his eyes as Tyrcos killed for the Dilgar in the clip. Tyrcos would drink and drink yet never find the bottom of that cup.
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