major_explosion AU Prompt Challenge The Empire - Part One
Title: The Empire Part One
Author: stella_pegasi
Fandom: AU…based on characters from Stargate Atlantis
Rating: PG (Part One)
Character/Pairing: Evan Lorne, Laura Cadman
Het/Slash/Gen: Gen
Word count: 4,781
Disclaimer: I do not own them, I would have treated them better.
Prompt: amathela's prompt suggestion: Some kind of futuristic AU. Maybe Lorne and Cadman, space Marines.
Summary: Colonel Evan Lorne of The Corian Alliance Star Command suspects the Chancellor is betraying the Alliance. Now it’s a race against time to stop him, an unexpected ally at his side.
Author’s Notes: I normally write the SGA team (I’m a Sheppard fan), including Lorne as a major character as much as I can. I also haven’t written a lot of AU, but am finding that I enjoy it more than I thought I would. This story was never intended to be more than around 4000-5000 words. It’s that long, but it’s Part One. I have a tendency to write really short stories or very long stories (my last was about 62K). So, I offer Part One in response to the prompt challenge and will complete the story. I promise, most likely after the first of the year. I am an action/adventure genre writer, but I don’t a mind a little romance; will heat it up a bit down the road. Also, Lorne's a bit serious in this first part, I will have his witty, dry humor show up in the future. Hope you enjoy, especially you amathela. I would love to hear what everyone thinks.
THE EMPIRE
Part One
By stella_pegasi
The young soldier was hurrying down the long, stark corridor leading from the spaceport to Star Command headquarters. He was surprised, and a bit unnerved, at how many personnel were still in the building despite the late hour. Slowing to a normal cadence as he neared the sliding glass doors leading to the security checkpoint, he hoped no one could hear his heart pounding in his chest. If the guards knew the real reason he was there, and the contents of the communications chip he carried, they would kill him on the spot. The doors slid open as he approached. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his back and headed for the checkpoint.
The corridors inside Star Command were anything but stark. The walls were covered with a polished stone, deep gold with veins of black and amber flowing across the panels. The floors were made of wood from the haramark tree, grown in Dulosia, dark chestnut in color and hard as stone. The checkpoint was an imposing structure covering the entire width of the corridor. As he approached, the young guard could see the shimmer of the security shield covering the pass through. He pressed his face against the optical scanner for identification, then stood at the counter. One of the security guards on duty, a lieutenant, looked up from the transparent display screen in front of him, “State your name, rank, and business, soldier.”
“Sergeant Mar Evecon. I have a delivery for Colonel Lorne, sir.” Evecon hoped his voice sounded very matter-of-fact although his knees were shaking. The guard stared at the display screen for a moment, then nodded to him.
Extending his hand to accept the small leather case Evecor clutched in his left hand, the guard grumbled. “Hand it over, I’ll see that the colonel gets it.”
“Sorry, sir; by order of General Comian, I am to personally place this in the colonel’s hand.”
The guard stared at the young sergeant, decidedly annoyed, then pressed a button on the control panel before him. The shield covering the opening in the checkpoint dropped and Evecon stepped through. As he did, a bright light scanned across his body, the tingling sensation lingering for a few moments.
“OK…wait over there,’ the guard pointed to a wooden bench along the wall, “an escort will be here shortly.”
Evecon sat down, his breathing a bit calmer. His task was almost done.
~~ooOOoo~~
Colonel Evan Lorne had stared at the same display on his screen for the last twenty minutes. His mind wandered far away from the review of troop numbers that the High Council had ordered. The monthly audit of troop numbers was to commence only ten days. The fact that the High Council had requested an immediate audit of troop deployment was enough to send chills along his spine.
The Corian Alliance had enjoyed centuries of peace and prosperity, but they had not been without strife. However, the quality of life for the majority of citizens of the Alliance had fortunately been good throughout of the history of the Alliance. Good, at least, until Jeran Memira was elected as the chancellor of the High Council. Memira was from Prova Prime; the Provia system was located close to the Hargon Empire border.
Lorne shuddered and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his hands across his face. As a child he had first learned about the Hargons, about their superior technology attained by ravaging world after world. There had been many planets to seize with more technology than those in the Alliance, but as time passed, their growth had become worthy of the Hargons interest. Now, Lorne was positive that Chancellor Memira was allying with the Hargon Emperor. Rumors of rogue operatives within the government, and Hargon sympathizers within Star Command had been flying for months. He had decided to find out if it was true.
Lorne approached a handful of people whom he trusted, men and women who attended the Star Academy with him. Fellow members of Star Command that he had known for over twenty years. One by one, he enlisted their help and put together an intel network to uncover what they could. He was now impatiently waiting for an answer.
The door chime startled him from his reflections. He tapped the viewcam to display the corridor; outside his office stood one of General Comian’s aides, Sergeant Evecon. His answer had arrived.
~~ooOOoo~~
As the transport from Star Command slid into the docking bay beneath the new High Council building, Lorne was still thinking about the information he had received the night before. Comian had obtained confirmation that Hargon operatives were working within the government and Star Command. There was proof that Memira was meeting with Hargon officials, but none to show if he was orchestrating the infiltration of the government.
There certainly was enough information to prove Memira’s enormous ego. Ego that was clearly on display as the Star Command leaders stepped from the docking bay into the lobby of the new government building. Memira had abandoned the Central Compound, where all divisions of the government, including Star Command, were previously located. Now, only Star Command headquarters remained in the Central Compound.
Memira had ordered the construction of a new government center along the south seawall of the capital, Invera. The building was chalk-white, trimmed in ornate panels infused with peridium, the precious golden-hued metal found on his home world. The chancellor now lived, and governed, from the new government center.
The building was ostentatious and did not match the carefully planned, sleek city with its dark buildings and spartan jewel-toned trim. The ‘palace’, as it had been nicknamed, was furnished with overstuffed upholstered furniture, carved wood tables and chairs, and paintings by a Provian artist depicting graphic, ancient battle scenes. Lorne was disgusted at the display of power and disregard for the citizens. He realized the chancellor couldn’t be removed from office for bad taste. He was, however, convinced more than ever by the information he received that the chancellor had to be stopped.
Lorne made his way to his seat at the front of the opulent chamber where the High Council meeting was to take place. His position as Operations Commandant placed him on the dais with the senior members of Star Command. As he approached the raised platform, a council member from the Coldari system grabbed his forearm. Demorta S’vey had served on the council for many sessions. A normally calm, stoic elder statesman with a wicked sense of humor, Lorne was shocked to see how agitated S’vey appeared.
“I must speak with you, colonel; it is very important.” The councilman’s voice was low, tremulous.
Lorne remained expressionless, “Is there a problem, sir?”
S’vey leaned forward, lowering his voice further. “I believe you are aware there is, colonel. Danger lurks everywhere; the Alliance is facing grave times.”
“If I agreed with you, councilman, what do you suggest we do?”
“Many of us are trying to determine what we should do, colonel. We are meeting at Tenaran’s retreat outside the city this evening. Come, we need your help.”
“Meeting is dangerous, councilman.”
“No more dangerous than the course you are taking, Lorne.” S’vey’s eyebrow rose slightly.
Lorne was acutely aware of the chill that ran down his spine. If S’vey knew he was poking around to uncover what was happening, Memira’s minions could as well.
Seeing the look that crossed Lorne’s face, S’vey continued, “I see you understand; we will expect you around 1900 hours. Now, laugh as if I have told you a naughty joke. I’m known for those, you know.” His eyes twinkled, the only indication of the S’vey that Lorne knew.
Lorne laughed loudly, slapped S’vey gently on the shoulder, “Good one, councilman. I will pass that on when I return to Star Command, making sure a certain, female colonel doesn’t overhear me.”
S’vey chuckled, “You must mean the lovely and grouchy, Colonel Marue. Yes, don’t let her hear you, or we will both be in trouble.” He walked away toward his assigned chair.
Lorne continued on to the dais, while he contemplated S’vey’s words. He wondered if his associate knew what he had learned from the communiqué he had received the night before. If they did, things were most likely as bad as he feared.
He climbed the thickly carpeted stairs leading to the large u-shaped polished wood conference table. Many of the Star Command leaders were already in their seats, including Colonel Marue. Marue was the head of troop deployment and was often in the chancellor’s presence. Rumors flew that they were more than chancellor-colonel, but lovers. Marue was certainly beautiful and Lorne had fantasized about her, but she was way too volatile for him. Once someone made her enemy list, life as they knew it no longer existed. He decided to stick to his fantasies.
Lorne exchanged pleasantries with his fellow Star Command members, and had just taken his seat when the rich intonation of a horn sounded. Lorne groaned soundlessly, the flourish to announce the chancellor’s arrival was thoroughly disgusting. However, he forgot about the horn when the chancellor walked in.
Jeran Memira was a tall, ruggedly handsome man in his mid-forties, his dark hair, thick and wavy. His beard close cropped. His eyes were decidedly the most piercing Lorne had ever seen. Dark mesmerizing pools, as if from the depths of the mythical evil world of Padon, he used his eyes to intimidate; it usually worked.
Dressed in a dark blue high-necked jacket and trousers, Memira wore a single heavy gold chain that fell below his mid-chest. Attached to the chain was a round medallion with the crest of the Alliance set in colorful jewels. The adornment was of his design. Prior chancellors had forgone wearing such a medallion.
The chancellor’s appearance was not what made Lorne ignore the pomp and circumstance. Something else, or more precisely, someone else garnered all of his attention. The chancellor traditionally entered accompanied by his executive secretaries from the various branches of government. This day they preceded him, and Memira entered, surrounded by guards. Shock spread quickly through the chamber. The Chancellor Guards, who provided protection for the High Council, were not the guards with him. He was surrounded by Sentinel Guards, commonly called the ‘Black’ guards. They were considered the elite of the elite, trained in covert operations and deadly force. Their appearance in public with the Chancellor could only signal one thing, trouble.
Lorne’s attention was focused on only one Black Guard. His heart was pounding, his breath shallow; she was as beautiful as always, maybe more so. The contrast of the black uniform against her ivory complexion and pale red hair only highlighted her beauty. He had hoped to never see her again, but had known he would. Now she was here in front of him, guarding the chancellor, his former lover, Commander Laura Cadman.
The chancellor sat in the large ornate chair in the center of the conference table. He nodded to an usher who struck an enormous metal gong, and a melancholy tone wafted across the chamber. Normally, the spectators would become quiet at the sound of the gong, but they had fallen silent as the Black guard appeared. The Secretary of Records stood, announcing the opening of the session. Chancellor Memira gazed out at the assembly, a bemused look on his face. After several seconds, he rose from his 'throne'.
“My loyal Alliance members, it is good to see you all here today. We are suspending most of the normal session’s business, because I have an announcement, an announcement that will change all of our lives.” He paused, as a nervous twitter swept the room.
Lorne noticed a dark look cross the chancellor’s face for the briefest of seconds before his face settled back into a mask of gentility. The hairs were standing up on the back of Lorne’s neck; the intel he received had to be correct. He had proof of clandestine meetings between Memira and Lord Begon, a representative of the Empire. Memira was going to sell them out.
Memira raised his hand and the crowd quieted again. “I am pleased to announce that we are being honored with a visit by the Emperor of the Hargon Empire.”
Not a sound followed his announcement. As Lorne glanced around the room, he saw only shocked faces. He knew his looked the same. As he pivoted his head back to look at the chancellor, he realized Laura was watching him. For brief moment, their eyes locked and Lorne was lost in them. He forced himself to look away, but could feel her gaze linger on him. He wasn’t certain what unnerved him more, the chancellor’s announcement or Laura watching him.
The chancellor continued to extol the exciting event, as he called it, of the emperor’s visit for another ten minutes, then adjourned the session. As he departed the dais, he ordered the military to his private chambers. As they rose to follow the chancellor, Lorne noticed not a single member of the military leadership present looked at each other. The distrust had begun.
~~ooOOoo~~
Chancellor Memira pulled Marue aside when she entered the chamber and they left the room. Lorne was standing next to Colonel Rodi Vesura, who commanded the fighter wings. A veteran of 40 years in Star Command, he had been a part of many changes in Alliance policy. Lorne could tell from the look on his face that he was as troubled as they all were.
Vesura spoke quietly, “What’s your take, Evan?”
Lorne sighed, not sure how to reply, not knowing who to trust. “I think we need to wait and see, Rodi. Jumping to conclusions can get us into trouble.”
“Well, I can tell you one thing, I wish you were still in the pilot corp. Taking that operations gig was the wrong move, Evan. You should still be flying. You could have my job, I’d like to retire now and get a small place on the seashore on Guia III. Not sure I want to stay around here any longer.”
“Guia, III sounds good…” Lorne’s voice trailed off. He was distracted by Commander Cadman walking toward him. Vesura quietly moved away.
Nearly seventeen months had passed since he had seen her, not that he was counting. He should be able to deal with seeing her, he wasn’t. She stopped a few feet away.
“Evan, it’s good to see you.” Her voice was soft, her normally mischievous eyes were wary, distant.
He smiled slightly, “Good to see you, Laura. I didn’t know you had joined the Black guards.”
She was quick to reply, “The name is Sentinel Guards.”
He shrugged, “Oh, sorry; so when did you join? The last time I saw you, you were following Colonel Pe’sac to the Dreun Colonies.”
She scoffed, “You never understood did you? I went to Dreun because I discovered that was where my family was from. You remember, the family I never knew. I wasn’t following Pe’sac.”
He was trying not to get lost in her azure eyes, but he was fighting a losing battle. “What happen?”
She dropped her head, “I didn’t go on that mission to follow Pe’sac, but somehow he got the impression I had. I wonder where he got that idea. Perhaps from you, when you confronted him, demanding to know if we were having an affair.” For a moment, her eyes began to glisten then cleared. “Things got difficult and I asked to be reassigned. The Sentinel Guards were recruiting, I applied and was selected.”
He ignored her comment about his confrontation with Pe’sac; he’d just as soon forget that little episode. She had never forgiven him. “Impressive, they don’t take many recruits. How did you end up on the chancellor’s detail?”
The door to Memira’s private quarters opened, and she turned to walk away but stopped. Looking over her shoulder, she replied, “Because I’m good.” She then resumed her post near the chancellor.
Memira took a seat in a large chair near the enormous glass wall that provided a panoramic view of Invera’s skyline. Bright sun glinted off the dark facades of the city buildings, the tall round commercial towers with their bulbous bases were impressive against the deep blue sky interspersed with fluffy clouds. One tower housed the university, one held the city space port, sleek residential buildings covering the ground of the peninsula the city set on.
When Memira spoke, the bright sun seemed to dim, “I have called my Star Command officers here to give you this warning. I will not tolerate any resistance to our developing relationship with the Hargons. I know that many of you feel that the Corian Alliance is the moral superior to the Empire. I am giving you fair warning. Treason is punishable by death, and I will not hesitate to have that sentence carried out to anyone who tries to interfere.”
He stood up, “You will receive your assignments shortly. I expect them obeyed. If they are not, you know the price. You are dismissed.”
~~ooOOoo~~
Lorne left Star Command at 1730 hours, stopping by his quarters for a quick shower and a change into civilian clothes. He exited the CASC underground garage at 1825 hours in his personal transport. Once he was through the city’s underground tunnels and had crossed the sky bridge to the mainland, he engaged the booster engines and the small transport lifted into the night sky. He had logged a flight plan with Invera Flight Control, telling them he was going to Vynar for dinner. There was a great little restaurant along the river in the green zone where he liked to go for a quiet meal. He thought it would be a good cover for what he was really doing. He was going to meet with Councilman Demorta S’vey.
The flight to General Tenaran’s retreat took about twenty minutes. Lorne landed the transport in a clearing along the road to the lake, about a five minute walk from the rambling lodge. He had been to the retreat many times before and was familiar with the grounds. Tenaran had opened his country retreat to many young officers, especially when they were still in the academy. He remembered many good times just relaxing in the beautiful green zone, the only area of pristine forest and meadow on the planet.
He used one of the marked paths to climb the gently sloped terrain to reach the lodge. Lights embedded in the ground sensed his movement, lighting as he approached and dimming after he passed. He was about to step through thick woods into the clearing around the lodge when he heard voices. Thinking it must be Tenaran or one of the others, he started to announce his arrival when he realized that the voices were not coming from the men he was coming to meet with. The voices were coming from Black guards who were coming out of the lodge. Lorne jumped off the path, hiding behind a thick group of bushes, in order to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Two male guards were descending the steps coming from the large front porch on the lodge. Both seemed uneasy.
“They’re all dead?” One guard asked.
“That’s what she said.” His companion replied.
The front door opened and three more guards exited the house . As the last guard reached the ground, Lorne felt his heart stop. It was Laura. He watched incredulously as she spoke to the others
“There’s nothing more we can do here. We need to leave before anyone else comes.” She led the group down the stone drive, through the gate to the general parking area, and out of sight.
Lorne was having difficult time breathing. He didn’t move a muscle until he heard the whine of a Star Command planet transport as it took off. Satisfied that he was alone, he slipped across the open lawn to the steps. Taking two steps at a time, he reached the porch and flattened against the stone wall between the heavy wooden front door and the large window to his right. He peeked into the window, in the soft glow of small lamps scattered across the room, he saw Tenaran sprawled across the floor, and a pair of feet visible behind a couch. He tried the door and it opened; he entered the lodge.
A quick tour through the lower level uncovered the bodies of four others, two current and one former councilman and another retired ASC officer, all shot with plasma weapons. The weapon used by Star Command. He took the platform lift to the second floor to check for more bodies but found nothing. As he descended, returning to the first floor, he wondered about the whereabouts of Councilman S’vey. He wasn’t at the lodge as he said he would be. So that left a few choices, S’vey hadn’t arrived yet or he arrived and fled when he realized what was happening. The other alternatives were very unsettling, and Lorne hoped neither was true. S’vey had either been kidnapped, or he knew what was going to happen at the lodge.
Pausing in the front room, Lorne contemplated his next move. He knew once the police arrived that the forensics scanner would detect traces of his DNA, revealing his presence at the lodge. He also knew that the scanner was only able to predict that someone was in an area during a four hour timeframe, but could not pinpoint the exact time. He quickly slipped out the house, running toward his transport, time for dinner.
~~ooOOoo~~
Two hours later, Lorne stood on the porch of the lodge with Chief Investigator Gregor of the Urban Security Force. The USF had jurisdiction over all civilian crimes, but Gregor and Lorne both knew it was only a matter of time before Alliance Security descended on the scene. The lone woman who was murdered was Kieeni A’Ban, daughter of the Supreme Ruler of Cor Mafavi. Her family had ruled for thousands of years and was extremely powerful and influential. Kieeni had been named the council representative for her people and her death alone would create an interplanetary incident.
“Colonel, I believe you told the first officers to arrive on the scene that you had dinner at the River’s Edge, that organic joint in the Green Zone over in Vynar.”
Lorne nodded, “Yes, one of my favorite places to go for dinner.”
“Why tonight? Did you have reservations, ‘cause I hear it’s a tough place to get a table unless you have reservations.”
“Eat there a lot, I usually don’t need a reservation.” Lorne didn’t want to tell Gregor that the owner was a ‘friend’. He had had a serious relationship with her prior to meeting Laura. They began a casual relationship after Laura left.
Gregor pursed his lips, “So, after you finished dinner, you just decided to come here?”
Lorne’s voice remained steady, “No; I didn’t just decide. Councilman S’vey invited me this morning at the council meeting. He said that General Tenaran was having a tavo game tonight. I had partnered with the councilman before and he wanted me to play with him tonight. The tavo rivalry between the two is well known. “
“He must think you’re pretty good at tavo, colonel.” Gregor’s voice sounded more skeptical than observing.
“I would suppose so, chief.” Lorne tried to look a bit embarrassed by the comment. He had thrown the tavo cards on the game table before he contacted the police, hoping to give a plausible reason for the gathering.
“So you finished dinner, and headed over here. Tell about when you arrived.”
“I landed the transport down the hill and followed the marked path up to the lodge.”
“Why down there?”
“Well, it’s gets crowded around the lodge sometimes with all the transports; I got in the habit of parking down in the clearing next to the lake road and walking up the hill. When I got to the lodge, I rang the chime but no one came to the door. There were lamps on, but I couldn’t hear anything inside. After ringing the chime one more time, I tried the door. It was unlocked so I went in and that’s when I found them, all dead.”
“So you didn’t see anyone lurking around the lodge.”
Visions of Laura flashed through his mind, but Lorne answered, “No, I didn’t see anyone.”
Gregor’s mouth drew tight before he spoke, “Colonel, forensics also shows there a few other people here during the last four hours. You sure you didn’t see anyone?”
“No, I didn’t.” Lorne looked the police investigator directly in the eye.
Taking a deep breath, Gregor was about to ask another question, when a commotion erupted near the gate leading to the large landing platform. Both men turned to look, and saw Councilman S’vey pushing his way through the two policemen attempting to hold him back. Gregor motioned for them to let him pass.
“Colonel, what is going on here. I was running late, I contacted Tenaran and told him I would be late and that I had invited you. Why are the police here?”
Gregor started to answer but Lorne interrupted, “Councilman, Tenaran and four others are dead, killed by plasma weapons. It looks like they were about to start the tavo game when it happened.” He was hoping that S’vey got the message. He wasn’t certain if S’vey was involved or not, but if he wasn’t, then he was still a target. Lorne needed to know.
“That’s enough, colonel. I’ll do the talking around here. The two of you may have more authority than me out there,” pointing pass the gate, “but at this crime scene, I’m in charge. Colonel Lorne, please step off the porch while I chat with the councilman.” His eyes narrowed, the inspector was not happy.
Lorne waited, he was impatient, but gave no outward indication. He wanted to talk to S’vey, but shortly after Gregor began to interrogate him, the Alliance Investigation Division, appeared and took control of the scene. Gregor and his men stood to the side while the A.I.D. interviewed him and S’vey. By the time he was released, S’vey had left the lodge. Lorne was tired and he headed for his transport and headed home.
~~ooOOoo~~
Lorne walked into his private quarters in the residence building, deciding he needed another hot shower, but this one would be longer, much longer than his earlier quick shower. He tapped the light pad and dim light glowed from recessed light bars in the wall of the long hallway. Two doorways led from the hall, one to his bedroom suite and another to a small office. He started to head straight for his shower, but decided that he was thirsty. He headed to the end of the hall where the room widened into a large living area, a small kitchen to the left side. He absently tapped the light pad and proceeded to nearly jump out of his skin. Sprawled on his black leather couch was Laura Cadman.
“How the hell did you get in here?”
“Not happy to see me?” She was smiling, this time, her eyes were sparkling. She took her time sitting upright, she had always loved to tease him.
“Laura, I am not in any mood for your jokes, but I do have a lot of questions for you.”
“No doubt, you do. I know you were at the lodge. We left microcams everywhere before we left. You were there when we were.”
“I arrived a few minutes before you departed. I overheard two of your fellow guards say they were all dead, then you came and said there was nothing else to do there. Did you kill those people?” His eyes were steely, but his nerves were anything but.
Laura gazed at him, her eyes searching his, then she shook her head, “No, we didn’t. We were there to protect them from a threat we had uncovered. We were too late.”
“I don’t understand, you’re a member of the chancellor’s private guards. Why were you trying to prevent the deaths of people who most likely opposed the chancellor.”
“Because she is working covertly for us, colonel,” a deep voice spoke from behind him.
Lorne spun to find Councilmember S’vey and General Comian standing in the hallway opening. It was the general who had spoken to him. He looked at Laura who was grinning, the grin he loved. He tore his eyes away from her and looked back at the two men.
“I need an explanation, sir.”
Councilman S’vey replied, his voice somber, “Want to join the rebellion, colonel?”
End of Part One