Free Schism of Blood and Stone (The Starfield Theory Book 1) by Brian Frederico Page B

cannot afford to be sidetracked by the Administrators.”
    “But the Azuren's control over humanity must be brought to heel. What use is your throne if you overthrow one overlord for another?” Reyna asked almost soothingly.
    Damien paused, considering her words.
    “I can better fight the Azuren from the throne on Magdeborg than I can isolated on the border,” Damien justified slowly. “Even if the Azuren discovered my identity through Darren they will have far more trouble reaching me as sovereign of an independent state. I can muster the full might of the Commonwealth's armies to crush Azuren influence here and across the entire Core if it comes to that.”
    Reyna smirked at him. “There is that idealism in you again,” she said taking his arm gently. He felt his enthusiasm and vigor drain at her touch. “You were never a revolutionary zealot before. Do you really think the Commonwealth can stand against the Azuren and their allies? We can barely keep the Dominion at bay.”
    “We are not defenseless,” Damien breathed, suddenly feeling weaker.
    “The war with the Dominion has left us depleted. We can barely keep adequate garrisons on the border let alone every world on which the Averi are stationed.”
    “Then we have to end the conflict with the Dominion as soon as possible, crush them on Goteborg and call for a white peace, long enough for me to assume the throne and consolidate the Commonwealth's power to-”
    “Damien, you dream too big,” Reyna said softly. “Always strive for the best, but be content with what you get. It will take generations for the Commonwealth to regain its strength and we still have to defeat the Dominion here.”
    Damien repressed a loud sigh and allowed only for the barest slump of his shoulders. He felt Reyna squeeze his arm reassuringly though it did little to sooth him.
    “Perhaps you're right, my dear, one step at a time. First we must stop the Dominion at Goteborg.”
    As Damien stepped toward the doors with Reyna in tow a younger officer wearing the uniform of Damien's personal unit from Hidelborg rushed in.
    “My Lord!” He cried and managed a hasty one-kneed bow. “Message from the Sørensens.”
    “I've grown tired of Sørensen missives of late. Leave it in my quarters,” he said waving his hand as if dispelling smoke.
    “But, my lord,” the officer heaved, clearly distressed at disobeying his liege. “It is about Lord Pershing.”
    Damien snatched the the data reader from the officer and read it quickly, his eyes stumbling over the words like a frantic escapee through dense underbrush.
    Reyna glanced at Damien and saw real fear in his eyes that lasted only the briefest of moments. Finally he crumpled up the piece of paper and tossed it into the fire.
    “Pershing is loose,” he said.
    “Impossible!” Reyna breathed. “He was secured!”
    “Apparently not. The worst enemy the Commonwealth has seen in a hundred years is going to be rejoining his armies soon. Goteborg was in danger before, but now I don't know if we can hold it.”
    “What are you going to do?” Reyna asked carefully.
    Damien took a deep breath, his brain whirling through problems and possible solutions. He needed his fire to calm his mind, help him think.
    Finally, his voice nearly quivering, he said, “Perhaps we ought to pray, maybe only the Azuren's deity could help us now.”

Lady Salena Teton-Sten
    Duchess of Danvers

19 February, 23,423
    Stargate, Danvers, Magdeborg Commonwealth
    ______________
     
    “Do you understand the enormity of what you are asking? Such a delay could crash local economies, important medical transfers would have to be put on hold resulting in countless deaths. I cannot stress the impacts enough,” Thessilony the Azuren Legate to Danvers and the Teton family breathed loudly through his nostrils. His face sagged like sack on the verge of ripping and he stooped so badly he appeared deformed. The strand of beads in his hair barely reached beyond his ears,