Reading Online Novel

When War Calls(97)



‘You have a bleak perception, General,’ said Ethan.

‘That might be, but it is a perception we must hold in the coming years. We may take this continent, but the nations around the world are growing stronger and our armies weaker. They will fight us, and when the time is right, the commanders who have sworn loyalty but wish for more will turn against us, and then what will we have left?’

‘With this technology, we will stand a better chance.’

‘Yes,’ said Alkon, ‘but not at the cost of those who would remain on our side.’

‘Then you may use the technology on slaves!’ said Ethan desperately, fear etching its way into his voice.

‘I am sorry, but I cannot allow this technology to go beyond these walls.’

Ethan looked away, and Alkon knew he had denied something more important than he realised for Ethan to defy him in this way. But he had to remain strong for the greater good of the world. He wished to reward Ethan for his service, but there must be another way. There must be something else he could give him. He thought of calling for early retirement, allowing Ethan to go home to his family, but the High Council would not be lenient. Ethan was still able to work on his projects, even with only one arm at his command. Still, there was a possibility he would be able to persuade them to think that Ethan could continue work from his homeland, Equa.

‘How would you like to return home?’ asked Alkon, now deeming it a possibility.

Ethan shook his head. ‘My family believe I am a hero doing great work. I do not want to return like this.’

‘But it would be an end to the war for you. You could know peace again!’

‘My war will never end, General. My place is here, with my team. The universe is my war. I fight to understand it each day, and with my understanding come the inventions you have witnessed.’

‘You could continue your work, at home, with your people there.’

‘They would not permit me access to the funds and resources as I am able to obtain here. My growth would cease or slow to a crawl.’

‘I do not know what else to say. I have nothing more to give,’ conceded Alkon.

‘Then allow me to use this technology in secret. Please, General, I have suffered enough. You have asked me what you can do, so I beg you, allow me to know what it is to have my arm again.’

There was a pause as both men stared at one another, hoping the other would give way and back down. But Ethan’s pain kept him strong, and Alkon knew he could not deny Ethan his right to use his research after so many years of loyal service.

‘I will allow it, for you only,’ said Alkon, ‘so long as I have your word that it will not go beyond you and your team.’

Ethan seemed to breathe again. ‘Thank you, General,’ he said, and let his head fall back into the pillow, the stress in his features disappearing as he closed his eyes to sleep again.

‘I hope your recovery is swift.’

Alkon stood up and left the medical unit. Outside, the night air chilled his lungs as he took in a deep breath. He almost decided to go to find Kobin and release some of his frustrations, but knew there had been enough confrontation among his men of late. A display of such behaviour in the higher ranks could prove costly, and there had been doubt of his abilities expressed by the High Council already. He knew it to be of Kobin’s doing. That was the only reason Kobin was still alive. If Alkon were to regain his absolute authority, he would need to find a method of discrediting Kobin, so that the High Council would recognise him for the traitor that he was.

Alkon made his way back to his quarters. He needed time to plot against Kobin, and for this, he would call for the help of his second-in-command. In his usual fashion, Lieutenant-General Liet Revarn entered the small room, which was furnished with little more than a desk and chair, a few minutes later.

‘I have just spoken with Ethan,’ said Alkon. ‘His injuries are severe, but he’s recovering.’

‘I have heard,’ said Liet.

‘I do not believe it was an accident.’

Liet raised an eyebrow. ‘You believe it really was sabotage?’ he asked.

‘I see no other explanation. Do you remember the last time Ethan made a mistake during a demonstration?’

‘I cannot say I do, General. It would be a very long time ago.’

‘No,’ said Alkon, ‘you cannot remember because there has never been a mistake.’

‘We are dealing with unfamiliar technologies now, General. They are much more complex than anything we have used before. A mistake was bound to occur.’

Alkon shook his head. ‘I saw a flash, a light of some kind before it happened. I have seen that light only once before. It had come from the hands of the Callibrian.’