The Phoenix Rising. Gary MDiv Caplan
in Galaxy Five. Only through your great efforts has the majority of that galaxy been placed under Accadian domination and Jiyarr rule.”
At this deliberate evasion, the image of Lord Kra’ag’s frown turned to a scowl.
“Yes,” he replied slowly after a ponderous second, “we were victorious. Have you been trying to adapt the Jiyarr weapons to our ships? It’s not so much stealing knowledge as it is furthering the Accadian Empire and, of course, our families.”
“They have been adapted,” said Mor’ag, with a smile. “Our Kad’jiah-class starships have already assisted our Varlon allies in attacks against the Betellians and the Saldron. Our engineers have even made a prototype antiparticle weapon. It is not quite as efficient as the original Jiyarr design, but it will soon be available on some of our Kadath-class ships in a few tzuras. Unfortunately, some of the Jiyarr systems are currently beyond our present available resources. Perhaps if—”
“Governor Mor'ag,” interrupted Kra'ag, “you should know that I prefer to keep to a schedule. My position in the Jiyarr Archon depends on our advance. As I advance, so will you and those who serve you. Tell me briefly about the opposition forces in that galaxy.”
Mor'ag nodded. “Our main opposition in this galaxy,” he stated, “will be from several of its most advanced races, some of which have banded together.”
“I see,” replied Kra’ag slowly, angered at the news.
Mor'ag made his next statements carefully about keeping to his exalted cousin’s schedule and a degree of confidence because of his already successful plans. He said, “Also, the Saldron Confederation is laying claim to several worlds in this galaxy that would be ideal for us. They, too, are a reptilian civilization and share many common planetary needs with us. We prefer similar worlds, and there has been competition for some mineral and colony worlds over the past few years with the Saldron.”
Kra’ag frowned.
“Umm …” continued Mor’ag, gathering his thoughts. “Then there are the Betellians. As you know, they too have a presence in this galaxy.”
Kra’ag’s scowl deepened at this, but he said nothing. However, he now looked as if he had swallowed some distasteful medicine.
“According to our most recent reports, they have completed two worldspheres around stable stars,” said Mor’ag, “and are working on a third. However, the additional Jiyarr ships you sent will help us, perhaps giving us the advantage we need in our attacks.”
“I should think so,” replied Kra’ag.
“Lastly, it is possible that a few of the more advanced races or those groups with large enough numbers will be able to resist our incursion,” said Mor’ag. Then, with sarcasm he added, “One of those groups, for the past two hundred lactar or so, have formed a federation of sorts called the Alliance of Worlds. This ‘Alliance of Worlds’ is composed of approximately 250 assorted civilizations, many with an impressive array of resources. They represent over a quarter of the space-faring races in this galaxy. The only consolation is that their technology is much less advanced than ours, and significantly less advanced than the Jiyarr.”
“Hmm,” intoned Kra'ag thoughtfully as he began scanning data from his console. “Several of these civilizations seem to be peaceful or neutral in nature. We will have them eliminated soon. Were you successful with the Varlon treaty?”
“Ahh! Yes, Milord,” replied Mor'ag happily. “Their xenophobic nature was … difficult to overcome, as I stated in my earlier reports. But, after several hostile interactions, we have since established a working relationship with many of the newer senators in their Imperium. Together we have been able to convince the Varlon ruling body, the Icarria, that an alliance between our peoples would be to our mutual benefit.”
“Good,” responded Kra’ag with a light, amused chuckle. “We will deal with them later, after all the others have been eliminated or subjugated.”
“By your order,” responded Mor’ag, “I shall continue with my plans.” He continued his briefing. “My officers have arranged the demise of several members of what might be organizations that could seriously delay our advance. For example we have made arrangements for high-ranking officers in that so-called ‘Alliance of Worlds’ to be eliminated and critical equipment to be sabotaged. I have arranged for Jiyarr equipment to assist in the endeavor, and I have also garnered the support of some of the Varlon senators who favor the use of sabotage. They are arranging cooperative agents to work with ours.”
Kra’ag nodded approvingly.
Mor’ag paused, and then decided this was as good a time as ever to confront his cousin on an issue that had been bothering him.
“Supreme Governor, I recently received a notice that you were heading to this galaxy. I had not realized you would wish to personally come here at this time … with all your other campaigns still being fought.”
Kra’ag sighed softly, as if in resignation. “Mor’ag,” he said. “I want a new challenge. The Talcon and Netharo bore me. Your earlier reports indicated the presence of several other advanced civilizations, and also possible Quellien deposits. You could say I am intrigued.”
“Well, if that is your desire, may I say there are several very advanced civilizations in this galaxy that might present a challenge to you if you desire to strike personally,” stated Mor'ag. “I did not include a great deal of information about them in my reports, since several of them are secretive or prefer to remain apart from the other, ‘lesser’ races and civilizations.”
Mor’ag began to look wary; he did not want to admit to Kra’ag that some of these civilizations were proving to be a problem. He continued, “The most advanced civilizations include the Cynz, the Estrians, the Karratin, and the Lyramenians. These races are probably among the most technologically advanced in this galaxy and are, to some degree, allied or affiliated with each other. But, they tend not to involve themselves with the other civilizations much, especially the less advanced ones. The remaining races include the Rhyn, who have been surrounded by the Varlon and yet have been able to hold them at bay. Another very technologically advanced group is known as the Ceyloom. They are, by all accounts, arthropod type life forms, possessing exoskeletons. However, these Ceyloom are currently at war with a rebel faction within their own civilization. The Ceyloom do have occasionally skirmishes with the Saldron, and on occasion with the Varlon, although the Varlon consider them kindred.
“Then there are also the Thurians and the Icorians,” continued Mor’ag. “Two races who have mastered ‘gate’ technology, practically to the exclusion of all other forms of transportation. It seems they are capable of moving from system to system via powerful ‘world gates’ or ‘travel corridors’ rather than using spacecraft.”
“Fascinating,” replied Kra’ag, still looking at the monitor at the information Mor’ag was sending.
Mor’ag continued, “It seems that the Thurians in the past moved whole cities from different worlds to their home world. However those two civilizations tend to stay in their territories and planets and should not cause any notable problems for our forces in space.”
“Though they are advanced,” interrupted Kra’ag, “they are no direct threat to the Accadian Empire. Continue.”
Mor’ag did, but carefully, to avoid upsetting his powerful cousin.
“One that will certainly cause problems,” he said, “is a very advanced cybernetic race known as the Tenoid, who merged with their organic makers to form the present race. This fusion is not across their entire civilization, as some of the Myroid progenitors prefer attempting to gain something called ‘ascension.’ Lastly, there are the Calyx, one of the oldest races, and possibly as advanced as the Jiyarr; however, their numbers have been dwindling, and I am not sure why. Speculation is that they are interested in alternate universes and dimensions, an interest they share with the Karratins. They tend to keep to themselves.”
“An excellent variety of