Celestial kingdom a tal.., p.13
Celestial Kingdom- A Tale of Blu, page 13
“Well, I guess that’s a load off my shoulders. I thought I would be dead for having an AI.”
“No. Maybe the King’s Shield before me but not I. Let’s get down to the other issue,” the King’s Shield said.
“And that issue?”
“Rebuilding your Legion.”
016
“Rebuilding it? That would take years, right?” I asked.
“No, just a few months.” My eyes widened.
“But I would need tens of thousands of Marines. Most of my remaining legion are taking honorable discharge deal y’all gave us. Where would I find them?”
“We built 500 cradle worlds to breed humans for situations like these. And 300 Fortress Worlds to train armies for depleted militias. You have a large pool of recruits to gain, but I’m going to tell you what planet to travel to. That’s because I need you to reinforce a planet,” the King’s Shield said.
“What? I can’t go to another war-torn planet so soon and lose most of my legion. I can’t watch that many Marines die at once again,” I admitted.
“It won’t be like that, at least I hope not. Let me show you something,” he said. A galaxy map appeared and then I saw a cluster of stars divided into tiles.
“Each tile represents one of the quadrants of the kingdoms. The center is Heart Realm. It’s where the Throne World Eve is located. Here in Sigma Quadrant at the edge of our claimed territory we see a nasty trend of planets going dark in a linear fashion. The problem is, when these planets are attacked, we can no longer communicate with them.”
“That sounds like Metas.”
“That’s what we all thought but take a look at the attack pattern.”
I examined for a few minutes, I could not understand what he wanted me to find. Based on my basic knowledge Metas have always attacked either core worlds or worlds with great strategic importance. A real Paladin could probably figure it out. I glanced back at the map. These were just backwater worlds. Kyra told me the Metas only attacked worlds that could cripple the Kingdom.
“The Metas did not do this.”
“Right. The Metas attack key worlds because they know our infrastructure. These attacks move in a linear path as if whatever’s attacking them is on a warpath.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying, there’s a new threat within our borders and it’s heading to the world you’re being ordered to assist within a year at current pace. The world is called York. It’s a Metropolis World. It’s far from here. I set up a route for you to go which will prove to be fastest.”
I studied the route on my omniwatch. It felt so surreal, I would be building my own legion. I would command my own battlecruiser and fly the stars. I wanted to freak out but that would look silly in front the King’s Shield.
“So I’ll stop at Nero, a Foundry World?”
“You need to rebuild your war machines,” he said. “Then you’ll stop at Hyperion. A Cradle World dedicated to people of color.”
“You mean people like me?” I asked. He raised one eyebrow. Sweat started to form on my brow.
Did I say something stupid? In my gang darkies like me were seen as colored and first in line to die. I thought I learned everything I needed to know during reeducation…
“I’ll let you see for yourself,” he said. “Once you restock your manpower, you’ll take them to the Fortress World Ironheart. There you’ll train them for six months. While there, the active members of your legion will take a much needed break—fulfilling passive low workload roles while you train. Then finally you’ll go to York.” I stared at the map, so this was the Paladin’s job.
“Sounds good,” I said. “What about officers, can I just pull them from my own soldiers?”
“It’s your Marine Legion. You can promote whoever you want,” the King’s Shield said. His background was beginning to get rowdy with objects being thrown accompanied with yelling. It seemed as if he needed to get back to things.
“Anyways, you can recruit them from the Fortress World or keep it all in house. But be warn, your Knight Generals will be in charge of thousands of Marines each. They could get them all killed if they don’t know what they are doing and ruin any or all your strategies. So don't be hiring friends just for the sake of it if you want to be successful.”
My mind instantly raced back to the scene of Jerry freezing up again and causing my entire three trench defenses to break before I even got settled. Jerry was my best friend and I wanted to keep him close but how could I put him in the position to lead again?
Alicia was a no-brainer. She was competent and capable. She held the line while I reinforced the late Paladin Noxic. She knew about Kyra and didn’t rat me out. Plus, I genuinely cherished her company.
“Anyways, if that’s all I need to go. My little brothers and sisters need a lesson in respect,” he said, grinning and cracking his large knuckles through armor.
“Honor and Eternal, King’s Shield,” I said, saluting.
“Honor and Eternal, Paladin,” the King’s Shield said. He saluted me back.
Before I went to bed I wanted to see the bridge and give out my first commands as a Paladin. I ran to the tram and pressed the button that said bridge. Within three minutes I was there. I opened the door and saw the bridge room. It was just how I imagined.
There were only seven people, their hands inserted in gauntlets attached to the ship’s console. They did not even know I was there. I watched Shipmaster Summers, with a heat torch and a rod. She had eye covers over her eyes.
“Shipmaster,” I called. Even with all that going on she managed to hear me. She lifted her face covers and approached me.
“I told you I need more time. It’s a delicate process.”
“No. I just wanted to know what do I do when I want to set a course for where we need to go? We just received new orders.”
“Ah.” She pointed over my shoulder. I turned to see a silver throne. Not a captain’s chair but an actual throne that would be given to a king. I ran to it like a child runs to a seat that spins.
As soon as I took my seat, a holographic keyboard and screen appeared over my lap. Many other components appeared over me. One of the biggest buttons was “Set Course.” I loaded the map that was given to me from my omniwatch and set the course to Nero, Hyperion, and then Ironheart. After those worlds I would set it to York.
“Preparing ship for sub light speed. Trigger the sirens for all Marines to go to their sleep cells,” one of the navigators at the bottom said.
“Done,” another answered.
“Informing all personal,” another said. “Done.”
“We will be prime for sub light speed in thirty minutes, Paladin. After that it will be a two-week long trip through the Wormhole gate to planet Nero that is approximately one hundred light years away. Three weeks until we hit Hyperion and only one week for Ironheart.”
“Uh, um…good work,” I said, nervously. They did not seem to be affected by it. “So this is what it’s like being a Paladin? I wonder how it must feel to be a Vindicator.”
017
The two weeks were amazing. I’d never lived in such luxury and I was in the military of all places. It was surprising that Paladins and generals in the army lived better than the everyday citizen. I’d never enjoyed so many movies, famous TV shows, all I could eat buffets, and some of the best books one would ever pick up. It was like living the life of a billionaire for the first few weeks. However now it was time to go back to the real world. My travel had stopped and we were now at the planet Nero.
I stared at the world through my window in my room. The large window captured my whole body and could see for ten more feet down my left and right. The world had a purplish tan to it. It was strange and interesting to see other worlds, especially ones that were not already at war. Rarely did Marines get to see the worlds before they were up in flames in war.
I threw on my garments, the finest garments I’ve ever worn in my entire life. High black fabric pants and blue polo shirt with steel toe black boots. Over the top it I was wearing a large grey stylish trench coat. I commanded Alicia to escort me along with her company. She had remained an acting knight for now until I could rebuild my legion.
Everything seemed familiar now. Since I was a Paladin, I took the liberty of seeing the entire ship. The weaponry, entertainment center, the crew quarters, the knights who chose to stay and much more. The Paladin in Knight General had a separate diner room which I regularly visited. I enjoyed the respect I’d gotten as well. Everyone treated me as a King.
Doubt: “But you’re no real king, you’re just a punk who got lucky that everyone in front of you died.”
“Lord Paladin,” a voice said to me in a mocking tone. I knew the voice.
“Kyra, you know we are closer than that, don’t be so formal with me,” I said. She projected herself around me as a small child. I now wore a necklace, that allowed Kyra to project herself in front of me whenever she desired.
She was hardcoded into hardware that was attached to the ship computers. With this, she was unable to pass through technology without being directly connected to it. It gave her digital essence physical limitations.
“Sorry, Blu. I just like the gleam in your eye whenever someone call you that as you walk around,” she said. I rolled my eyes with a grin that snuck on my face.
“When we get down there, I’m going to use some of budget money to buy some more books and games for you.” Her projected-self jumped for joy.
“I can’t wait!” Kyra said.
I made my way to the docking bay. My Shipmaster Summers was awaiting me.
“Paladin, we need five hundred tanks, two thousand mech battle suits, forty thousand coil gun rifles—”
“Write it down. There’s no way I’ll remember all that. How long do you think they’ll take?”
“If we hand them the order, they’ll double the time. We’re looking at maybe three months. We should send one of our escorts ships ahead with you to begin drafting at Hyperion,” she said while writing on a touchpad.
“Have it done. Send another escort to Ironheart. Make sure they’re prepared for our coming within two more months.”
“Will do. Your company is sitting in your dropship. I’ve compiled our order here. You’re all ready to go,” she said, handing me the tablet. I placed it in my robes and began moving to the shuttle.
I entered the back of the dropship. I saw my soldiers sitting there. They all jumped to their feet and saluted me as I approached. I sat by Alicia who had a flash of red on her skin. Then Kyra popped from my amulet on my neck. The entire ship room stared and gawked.
“Hello, Alicia!” Kyra said, “I had not seen you for fourteen days, seven hours and thirty-two minutes.” Alicia stared at Kyra as if she was a ghost. Then she stared at me. I spoke loud enough for those to around to hear me.
“She’s a hardware AI. She will be forever connected to me and the ship. She’s a little more enthusiastic than most hardware AI,” I said. Everyone relaxed a little after that information. Alicia leaned back.
“Now you’re a Paladin, you can get away with anything huh?” Alicia said.
“I just got more pull,” I said, popping my collar. Alicia giggled as well as some of the other troops. I lowered my voice to a regular tone, as the ship closed its doors.
“How's knight life treating you?” I asked. Alicia’s eyes glowed.
“I love it. It’s much better than sleeping in that stuffy pod. I get a bed, five meals. I can even watch TV, play some games. I love it,” Alicia said. “What’s life like living as a Paladin?” Excitement rushed through me.
“Aw, it amazing. It’s like being royalty. You should see my room, it’s like an entire house.”
The shuttle took off as we spoke and descended through the atmosphere. I could feel the ship rumbling a bit as it made its way through the atmosphere. There was a slight heat rise while they made planet fall.
“What will you do about your empty general slots?”
“Well when I get to the Fortress World, there will be a ton of knights waiting to be assigned.” The light in Alicia’s eyes dimmed. Those same eyes and her whole body shifted slowly the other direction of me.
“Oh…” she mumbled.
Drama queen.
“I was also thinking of making you one,” I said. Her face illuminated. She reached out and hugged me. I did not want her to let go. She smelled like fruits. Alicia seemed to share the sentiment. Kyra, however, would find a way to break that.
“Are you two about to procreate? I would very like to see how the Creators procreate, it’s always been a fascinating subject among us AIs. What’s it like? Why do you make noises why bashing your bodies together? Do females ejaculate as well? Can females impregnate males?” Kyra said.
My heart stopped. I instantly felt the sweat on my head, as most of the Marines heard Kyra. I was still stuck on procreate, I couldn’t even ponder the other questions she asked. My Marines nearby turned the other way, blanketing their laughs with their hands. I glanced at Alicia, whose face hid in her hands.
I’d never really thought about sex while on duty, because it was against the rules. However, as I glanced at Alicia, I watched how the suit hugged Alicia’s thighs, breast, and curves. I felt a shortness of breath. My mind rushed back to all the times we’d changed and I could see her body. I be a liar if I didn’t say that she made me hot with lust, especially on those hard nights.
Ever since I saw that Vindicator, back before I joined the military, I’d always had it in my mind that she and I would end up together. I guess it really does not matter since polygamy is legal. If they were up for it I could marry both of them and settled down with them. The problem was convincing them. Shoot, what was I thinking at a time like this anyways? Damn it, Kyra. Alicia pulled away from me.
“Thanks a lot, Kyra,” I said. She tilted her head to the side slightly.
“What did I do to earn your gratitude?” Kyra asked.
“Nothing.”
When the dropship landed on a docking strip I was relieved. The ride down had gotten awkward since Kyra made that comment. I stepped out my dropship, and my company stepped out around me in full attention. I could only imagine what it would feel like when I had a full Marine Legion at my back. The power would be intoxicating.
“Kyra,” I said. She popped up from my amulet.
“Yes, master?”
“I want you to stay quiet. No outbursts like you usually do. Stay to yourself and just watch. Not all humans are accepting of Meta AIs,” I said.
“Aw, okay,” she said, hanging her head dejectedly and going back to my amulet.
Alicia came to my side. “She’s like a little child,” Alicia said.
“Yeah, she told me she was only created two years ago,” I explained. I learned all there is to know from Metas society from Kyra. Now I was a walking Meta encyclopedia.
“That’s kind of cute.”
“Oh, you want to share her with me? Be mama?” I teased. She lightly shoved me. Even though I’d risen in rank by a great deal, I did not want Alicia treating me too differently. Whether she shared my interests or not she was still a special person in my life. Most of the people who meant anything to me died on Kronus, I didn’t want to lose anyone else.
I noticed a man in fine purple and white robes marching forward. He had his own company of soldiers marching with him. I glanced at Alicia.
“It’s an Imperator,” she said. Imperators, ranks given to those who ruled entire worlds. They were pretty much monarchs but they had an elected council who ruled next to them. They still answered to the King. They were like feudal lords and had to follow certain laws.
“How can you be so sure?”
“I know that smug smile anywhere. Once you meet one Imperator you know from the first words they speak. When you meet hundreds at parties thrown by your father, you can spot them from a mile. Something about ruling an entire planet that gives you this attitude like you’re invincible.”
The Imperator reached speaking distance and as he made his stop, he stared at Alicia. His skin for an old man was well managed. His grey hair long and his beard longer. He sported orange fire eyes—a artificial color to be sure.
“Not invincible, just powerful. When you rule a planet someday with ten million soldiers at your command and a billion subjects who cherish you, you’ll understand.”
“Me rule a planet?” Alicia echoed in amusement.
“Oh I know future lords. You have that defiant look in your eyes, a look I once carried. I did not want to listen to anyone. So I worked hard to be at a place where I only had to take orders from a few,” he said. Alicia halfway grinned, probably thinking about ruling her own world.
“Hello—”
“Ah. If it isn’t the famous heroes of Kronus.” I arched my eyebrows.
“What do you mean?” I asked. He snapped his fingers and a servant appeared from behind him. He began tapping buttons on his omniwatch and a screen popped up. My face was on it. There was a commercial broadcast going,
“The Steel Marines, one of the most famed Marines Legions in the entire Kingdom has done what many would call impossible. They defeated three Meta motherships. Yes that’s right, three! They did this all to defend the Earth Vengeance—the first of its kind titan class ship—from being captured. Not only did they defeat this, but their own Paladin Noxic sacrificed his life to destroy the Metas Mothership in his Goliath Mech.” The commercial went on.
“This is a bit exaggerated,” I said. “It—”
“Shh. It’s getting to the best part,” the Imperator said. I focused back on the screen.
“Yes, we are all sad about the Paladin’s death but do not worry. He left his Legion in the hands of Blu! In case you’re wondering if that’s a good thing or not, let me give you a little info on Blu’s heroics. Blu is an orphan who grew up on a world invaded by aliens. He joined the Marines so such a thing would not happen again. On this world alone, Blu took one thousand Marines and held off a hundred times his number of Leones, so that just a few hundred citizens could be saved.”
