Free Warpath by Randolph Lalonde Page B

promises
your best and brightest an eventual place in paradise.”
    “Do I have to
sacrifice a world for that purpose? Every place I govern has at least
a little of its territory used for production,” Governor Tate
asked, hoping that he wouldn’t have to ruin the balance he’d
worked so hard to create across his Regent Galactic worlds.
    “No, you are
fortunate in that regard. Knowing that I will eventually lead my
fleet around the Ironhead Nebula, I have studied your worlds. I am
impressed at how money in Regent Galactic territory can change lives.
So few people have a surplus of credit, and the few who do live like
kings and queens. Offer them near limitless credit in your little
Empire, then they can decide where paradise is for them, on one of
your worlds.”
    Governor Tate was taken
aback by the suggestion, it made so much sense and it was so simple.
“I’m embarrassed that I didn’t think of that myself, thank you,
Grand Admiral.”
    “You’re welcome,
I’m sure you would have thought of it eventually. Make sure you
offer these things and give a little before the Priestess of the
Order arrives. I cannot stop her from visiting your worlds, nor do I
suggest you do. In the meantime, I have new orders for you.”
    “Yes, Sir,”
Governor Tate said, straightening.
    “You will also
officially take Doha, Myrrin, and Chunu for your own. These worlds
are too well civilized and politically powerful to exist so near your
territory without being owned by Regent Galactic or you. I have
reviewed your assets. I know you can do this within the week.”
    “Yes, Grand Admiral,”
Governor Tate replied.
    “One more thing. Keep
forces from Rega Gain contained. My intelligence tells me that their
forces are growing, ships flock to the Triton Fleet.”
    “Let me be clear,”
Overlord Patterson said, raising a finger. “Contained. You are not
to take the solar system. Maintain a reasonable perimeter and keep
them within it. I know you have the resources to accomplish this.”
    “I will keep them
contained, but leave the solar system itself alone. No bombardments
or invasions,” Governor Tate replied.
    “It has been good
speaking with you, Governor Tate. I look forward to your next
update.” The transmission ended.
    Governor Tate was on
his feet, pacing in the next instant.
    Wheeler stepped into
the room with a knowing grin on his face. “That went well,
Governor.”
    “I thought so,”
Governor Tate said. “I can’t believe it, he even gave me useful
advice when I thought I had everything here taken care of. You’ll
earn that battle group yet, Lucious.”
    “It won’t be long,
you report to him again in three days, and you know what to do now.”
    “Absolutely. I have
the Overlord’s leave to purchase one of those planets, he as much
told me to do it with my own funds. The other two can be squeezed
through the supply line, I shut down all of Spacerwares operations
for a week and people begin to starve. I blame their local
governments and the people will look to me to solve the problem.”
    “Be careful, if one
of those worlds turns on you, there will be ports filled with ships
and people ready to join Triton Fleet, or start a revolt all their
own.”
    The Governor dismissed
his comment with a wave. “Don’t worry, I’ve been planning this
for years, I just needed approval from the board. Now I don’t need
to so much as send them a memo before the fact.”
    “Don’t forget to
appoint a few Order Knights and give them the right enhancements, the
Overlord will be expecting that.”
    “Of course, I’ll be
happy to reward some lucky soul for great service,” Governor Tate
said. “Publicly, there will be a parade somewhere.”
    “Careful,” Wheeler
said. “Work on it, find the right person, someone who has made
sacrifices, obeyed the rules of the Order and has climbed the
organization’s ladder, but still believes in you. Then propose your
choice to the Overlord before you give them unlimited