Micha stood at the window in the austere conference room. It was clear the space had been designed to be functional. The walls showed no sings of ever having had anything on them. Not that it was vital, just amusing to think of. It all boiled down to not wanting to think about the second half of the meeting or the upcoming executions. She was still able to hear the arguments over the fate of approximately three thousand lives. Micha sighed.

  She knew that discipline was essential, knew that without laws there was absolute anarchy. She was also aware that as an alpha there was no room to allow the attack on her to go unpunished. That, however, was not eliminating the small part of her that wanted to solve this with no further loss of life.

  That was not possible. Knowing that and feeling the truth had become a case of Godzilla versus Mothra. She intended to met out punishment. That was not in question. What she struggled with was whether she was able to live with the results and consequences? What choice did she have? Already she was the leader of thousands of lives. People counting on her to be the strong leader promised.

  She leaned her head against the cool glass. Behind her. the emperor sat silently as she worked through her existential crisis.

  Two days prior

  After Micha had resolved the potential partnership and the requisite payment that CARVER was due the meeting moved on to other matter. Micha motioned for Desohta give his update on the wounded.

  Desohta acknowledged Micha and the emperor before he began his report. “The majority of the wounded were easily treated. They consisted of cuts, broken bones, and concussion. Unfortunately, if the emperor was not here, we’d be in a grave situation. Our numbers were small to begin with and one third of them are inoperable and another third could assist if there was no other choice.

  “Given the severity of the injuries that the Purity fighters took we’re at capacity and there are many that are receiving limited pain relief. I know not everyone agrees that Purity should be treated at all, but if they are going to continue to live, I refuse to allow unnecessary pain.”

  Micha smiled as she nodded and encouraged him to continue.

  “Not including the people that never made it inside the compound we were lucky on deaths. Our side lost fourteen and Purity lost close to five hundred. An investigation into the behemoth that Ni’yell took down revealed a new drug. Safe to say I do not want this drug to spread. I asked Max to start a search for the compounds I was able to trace from the sample.

  “As for supplies, we are almost out and completely dependant on the emperor’s good graces. We also need to decide what to do about the dead. It’s only been a few day and already the smell is bad. If something is not done we risk the spread of disease or illness.”

  “Simple,” stated Ma’al. “They will simply need to be incinerated.”

  Micha saw no reason to argue. The emperor was right. It was the fastest way to deal with the monumental number of dead. Leaning her check on her fist she asked after the prince.

  Desohta remained quiet a moment before speaking. “Mikael is currently stable and healing.”

  “How long until he healed?” Ma’al inquired.

  Desohta shook his head, unsure. “Max was in the pod close to three months before he was fully healed, but his healing had had to focus on the spinal cord and other necessary nerves. While the prince was badly wounded, he wounds are potentially less complicated. My best guess is a month or two.”

  Ma’al sat pensively; saying nothing.

  Micha watched Ma’al out of the corner of her eye. She was not a parent and was not able to imagine the depth of emotion that went into it, but she knew loss cut deep. “Be at ease, eminence, rushing the healing is pointless and will likely lead to complications especially as we are dealing tech well beyond our capabilities.

  “For now the prince is safe and protected. No one can get to him without our assistance. We will protect him with our lives,” Micha vehemence resounded through the room.

  The worry on Ma’al face eased a little at her words. That was enough.

  Day of Executions

  A knock on the door informed Micha that it was time to deal with the two hundred leaders of Purity that had been rounded up. Some had had nothing to do with the attack, but had done nothing to stop it either. Their fates were tied together.

  Turning away from the window, she motioned for Ma’al to proceed her. She motioned for Endaar Etarendi to follow as he was emperor’s choice. Once they were through the door she followed to the surprise of the other alphas. Micha was not concerned with how they felt at the moment. She was focused on the task at hand. Kharmine, Hurley Sparr, Torik Angja and the Thannovheir brothers, Isis and Hotep were quick to fall in behind her.

  Their arrival had been a surprise. Apparently, the emperor had decided that a united stand was necessary. It was about making a point. A statement that left no room for questions.

  As they approached the courtyard, Max and two mercenaries appeared with two Leaders of Purity. Ma’al was immediately irritated, but Micha stepped passed the emperor.

  She considered the confidence the were-fox was showing and knowing it was going only garner more irritation, she sighed. “Max what have you got?”

  “These two are not leaders of Purity. It took me until an hour ago to prove it. They were sent to find out what they were up to. I’d have come to you sooner, but someone went to great lengths to hide anything to do with them. House Tavareign and Houe Madara’al were the one that sent them undercover.”

  “Why hide it rather than save their people?” Micha was starting to get irate. She held her hand out for the file Max was holding.

  Max hesitation was clear, but in the end, he handed it over.

  It was not long before Micha understood the were-fox hesitation. These two families were also among the ones that had been involved in the first place. “Tsk,” she handed the file to the emperor.

  The growl said everything as the emperor went through the file. It was evident in every line of his body. The fury palpable in the air that shimmered around Ma’al. “How accurate is this?”

  Max held his ground under the emperor’s fury. “I contacted CARVER for access to their net connection and had the assistance of another hacker name Shachar Chadash. Together we were able to uncover a whole lot more than just them pushing Purity to this insanity.”

  “None of that is in this file,” Ma’al growled.

  “No, sir,” Max agreed. I have that information on this it was too much to print and go through.” He held up a mini disk.

  No one spoke as they waited for Ma’al to decide their course.

  “And you stand behind your fox’s abilities?”

  Micha nodded. “Max is the reason that we had the right information for our missions. I trust his skill with my life.”

  Ma’al fury and indignation was not abating, but he was no longer broadcasting it. “Isis, Hotep, bring me the people in that file, as well as the leaders of both houses.” The brothers nodded and broke off after accepting the file from Max.

  “Is there another copy of that file?”

  Max nodded. “If we go back to the conference room, I can explain it all so that when your guests arrive you will know everything, if you wish,” Max gave a bow.

  With a grunt, Ma’al turned back the way they had come. Micha and the other alphas followed silently.

  True to his word, Max immediately outline the entire plot that had been revealed. The plot got progressively more complex. Along the way, he answered questions; any he was unable to answer he promised to look into immediately. The small orb that followed him often popped the information up. To everyones amusement.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  At its simplest, the plot was an attempt to make the emperor look incompetent with the intent to remove him and replace the royal family. The attack by Purity was only the first move. There were several others that were involved; such as the general commander that had the misfortune of encountering Micha and her team. He was not even the only highly place power.

  The more that Max explained, the more Ma’al’s face grew tight.

  By the time max finished laying out as much of the plot he had discovered the Thannovheir brothers had returned with both houses in tow. Neither how was pleased to be forcibly hauled about and were blathering about complaints to the emperor.

  Isis grinned with malicious glee. “Well than you’ll have your opportunity to present your complaints,” without waiting he opened the door to the conference room.

  Ma’al sat at the head of the table. Behind him was the emperor’s choice. On the emperor’s left sat Micha with Max standing behind her. On his right sat Kharmine, Hurley Sparr and Torik Angja. Ma’al motioned to the Thannovheir brothers to take their seat next to Micha. When the noble houses went to sit, the emperor growled a warning.

  “Your brutes hauled us about like some commoners. Their disrespect,” started the Patriarch of House Madara’al.

  Ma’al held up a hand cutting off any further comment. “You are in no position to complain. Especially, considering both your houses’ sins,” he gently set his hands, palms down, on the table.

  “I don’t understand,” the Matriarch of House Tavareign stated looking confused. “What exactly have I done?”

  Ma’al smiled ferally. “An excellent question. It has come to my attention that I have displeased several of my leading noble houses. So much so that they want me removed from power.”

  “Our house has always supported your eminence,” the Matriarch stated. “If such a threat had come to attention I would have brought it to you immediately,” the aged woman stamped her cane.

  Ma’al said nothing as he stared at her. “I do not believe that you were involved Maral, his voice was sad. “But members of you house are.”

  At first, she wanted to deny what had been said, but the looks on the faces of several of her house said it all. Faster than a woman her age was thought possible she slapped her oldest son. “Have you any idea what you fools have done?” she snarled. “We could lose everything!”

  “Its time for change, Mother.”

  “You are not my son. I do not know you,” Maral stated.

  Her son sneered. “You are guilty by association.”

  “Perhaps,” Maral agreed. “I am guilty of failing to raise this house properly. Have you considered the fate of your children? The fall of a noble house is not often done, but the fallout is…colossal.”

  For the first time there was hesitation on many of the faces.

  Ma’al feral in his fury. “And what, does House Madara’al have to say?”

  “I am unaware of such a plot and my house would not dare.”

  “Oh, shut it father,” a young woman snapped. “We all know how you feel about the emperor. I am not surprised to find my foolish house involved in a coup d’état.”

  Ma’al purred. “I was unaware I had displeased you Travayne. You who I have rewarded most.”

  Travayne sneered. “You sit there and act like you are so much better than the rest of us. We are what hold this empire up.”

  Ma’al laughed. “I am better than you in just about everything, but you are welcome to challenge me anytime.”

  ”Of course everything is a fight with you,” Travayne grumped.

  “I did not bring you here to reminisce. You are not the only houses who thought to overthrow me, nor will you be the last. You are here because of your involvement in the attack on an alpha.

  Everyone paled. There was only one punishment.

  “What remain of your houses after will need to be decided,” Ma’al glowered. “But we have executions to attend to first.”

  Micha stood by the emperor as the leaders of Purity were brought into the courtyard. their surprise at seeing the number of nobles waiting beside them only confirmed involvement. Blades were drawn and the guilty made to kneel. Special knives that reminded her of Japanese culture of seppuku were brought out and handed to each.

  “This is,” the emperor explained. “Your one chance to face death and go to the afterlife with your souls intact. Any who fail will be beheaded.

  Maral stood grimly next to Micha. “My house is done. The best I can do is plead for my grandchildren.”

  Micha nodded. “I will take them and teach them; give them purpose.”

  Maral nodded once.

  Soon the courtyard was littered in blood. A few had had the courage to end their own lives, most had help. The whole mess made Micha want to howl in fury. All this should have been prevented. She was going to find a way to catch hold of plots that were going to end with so much blood before they reached that point. She was certain it was within Max’s capabilities.

  Ma’al turned to the now diminished houses. “Alpha Micha will take what remains of both houses. For better or worse you are now members of a war pack.” Without another word he left the courtyard.

  Both houses looked at Micha. Of course, he dumped both on her. She sighed as she rubbed her temples. Doing it this way saved lives and gave the survivors a chance to start over under a new banner. This, of course, came with protection. He had done what he was able without looking weak or to have favored the survivors. She knew that. Understood it even. That did nothing to lessen the mess.

  “Come,” Micha started out of the courtyard. “It seems we have much to discuss.”

  Micha sat with Ni’yell, eyes closed.

  “I am not surprised,” Ni’yell supplied. “He cannot allow their houses to continue when so many of them were involved. It will be an adjustment for them, but it will not be difficult to find places for them.”

  “Where I come from, before Keliv III, had a similar tradition, but there the act absolved the family of guilt. It did not change how they were treated, just that they had the chance to redeem their honor.”

  “This is the same thing,” Ni’yell pointed out. “Except they will be treated no differently than anyone under your command.”

  “We did not reach an agreement with the rest of the prisoners and I do not want to face another argument. What I want to avoid is any further deaths,” Micha opened her eyes. “What do we do?”

  Ni’yell considered the issue. “There are seven packs, divide the remanning prisoners and go through them in groups. The pilots go Mitah he earned them. There were a few healers they can be given to Desohta or Medic; they can dedicate their lives to others. The rest can be sorted based on skill. As the smallest pack we get first crack at the warriors, except for the mercs that you promised to CARVER. The rest should be divided. You and the prince getting twenty percent the emperor gets thirty and the other alphas divide the leftovers.”

  “Where was this at the meeting?”

  Ni’yell shrugged. “No one really wanted a solution. Everyone was too busy posturing and I saw no point in getting in the middle of it.”

  “Next time,” Micha warned. “Do not hold back a valid solution,” she stood. “Come, lets present this to the emperor and see what he thinks. Maybe we can finally be done with this whole ordeal.”

  Ni’yell stood and followed her as she made her way to Alpha One. It was where the emperor ceased to be a ruler and was for a moment a worried father. She hated to interrupt. She moved passed the guard on the ramp and made her way to the small medbay.

  Ma’al stood with his hand on the pod. “He will make a good ruler.”

  Micha nodded.

  “But his sister, she has a fire in her when it comes to this empire that Mikael never showed. Until you arrived at the palace. Being emperor is not what he wants is it.

  “Probably not if he only just started. It is likely he was avoiding something that he saw in himself, which may or may not last.”

  “He gave no thought to his position as heir and came to your rescue,” Ma’al looked amused as he turned to face his newest alpha. “He has never done that for anyone.”

  Uncomfortable with where the conversation was leading, she cleared her throat. “As anomalous as his behaviour seems, it is not what I came to discuss with you,” she motioned to Ni’yell behind her. “We think we have a solution to the remaining prisoners.”

  Ma’al motioned from her to continue.

  “With the exclusion of the mercs that have been promised to CARVER, the pilots which Mitah earned, the healers Desohta earned and two that had been hired to spy, the remainder is divided between the alphas and assessed. We determine capability; their guilt has already been proven. That will quicken the division. You get thirty percent of the slaves, I get first pick at the warriors, the prince and I get twenty percent of the slaves and the other six alpha divide the remainder.”

  Ma’al sighed, then gave a nod. “It is well thought out and will serve. Proceed.”

  Micha gave a bow and stepped away.

  With the removal of the already promised slaves, Max explained to all seven alphas that there was twenty-five hundred to be sorted. He explained that the emperor got thirty percent of the twenty-five hundred, once he had made his choice the prince and Micha got their pick at twenty percent each. What was left was for the other alphas to divide.

  It was a slog filled with protests, please for mercy, and threats. None of it deterred the alphas from their task. Each alpha set standard for each group and under no mercy, ruthless sorted them based on capabilities. As each group was presented, they were informed that their actions had rendered them slaves and allof their families were also under investigation with the possible penalty of enslavement.

  Micha wanted to hold to compassion, but knew that was going to make the task in front of her monumental in proportion. Fortunately, she had Max and was able to assess each group before they were presented. This cut down a great deal of moaning from the slaves and saw her through her duty with relative speed.

  She knew that this was likely a massive case of mob mentality for all that it mattered. Luckily, Micha was able to present her portion and verify whether their families were aware. It made passing judgement easier for the emperor. So, she sent Max to slog through each of the prisoners’ lives and families.

  By the time all the alphas had completed their tasks, Max had somehow completed his. The three day affair was reaching its conclusion. Max handed his file to the emperor and he decided on the families. Several alphas sent pack members to collect the families. Of the twenty-five hundred, three hundred had the full support of their families. That added almost five hundred extra slaves.

  The division was very civilized. It was like deciding who got which crops. The whole sordid mess simply needed to be finished. She was long past wanting anything to do with it. So many lived ruined. Because some noble decided they deserved more then they had. What a waste.

  Micha left Ni’yell to ensure that whoever was going to Kè Lavi arrived.

  Ships were loaded, some families divided, and each alpha bid the emperor fair well. Soon all that remained was the emperor and his newest alpha.

  He was staring out at the horizon a resigned look on his face. With out a word he handed over a letter. “Give this to my son. I trust he will be well cared for on Kè Lavi.”

  Micha nodded. “He will be on his feet in no time. I will have him back to you as soon as he is released from healer’s care.”

  With that the emperor boarded his shuttle. Alone Micha wondered what mess she had been dumped in and just what she was going to do to prevent the chaos.

  Means new dawn