Page 28 of Zinnia and the Zombie (Alien Abduction #26)

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

“ T his is Fleet Admiral Gernagan, my chief military advisor,” the Emperor said, introducing the stern-looking military officer at his side. “I have asked him to be present so he can hear your information first hand.

“Of course,” he said politely, giving the male a quick assessing look. A career officer, if he was any judge, and one who had advanced due to his skills rather than his connections.

“Shall we be seated?”

Karthajin nodded at an arrangement of chairs in front of the window but he didn’t make the mistake of assuming that the casual setting meant the Emperor was anything less than in complete control.

Once they were settled, the Emperor looked over at him.

“I understand you have some information about the Grorn.

He nodded, automatically falling into the formal stance of a warrior delivering a battlefield assessment. “Yes, Your Majesty. During our escape from captivity, we encountered evidence of a coordinated Grorn operation. They appear to be hunting specific individuals with unique biological abilities.”

He described their encounter with the Grorn on the ruined planet, the religious fervor of the hunters, and the intelligence provided by Captain va Korr regarding the “biological keys” and the precursor vault.

Tanaca and Gernagan both interrupted periodically to ask questions, but Karthajin simply listened.

“My own ability to enter cellular stasis appears to be one such key,” he concluded. “The Grorn believe these abilities, when combined, will unlock a vault of ancient technology hidden within a location known as the Serpent’s Maw.”

When he was finished, they sat in silence for a few minutes before the Emperor sighed.

“It appears you were correct, Gernagan. Please share what we know.”

“Over the past standard year, we’ve recorded a significant increase in Grorn activity throughout the Outer Rim,” Gernagan said grimly.

“Their raids appear to have become more targeted, focusing on specific individuals rather than general slave-taking. We’ve intercepted fragments of communications referring to a Prophecy but until now, we didn’t understand the context. There was also a reference to keys.”

Tanaca nodded. “The Grorn are not merely raiding for slaves or resources. They are executing a coordinated religious campaign to acquire power that could threaten the entire Empire.”

A heavy silence fell over the room. “There’s more, Your Majesty,” he said. “Captain va Korr believes they have located the Serpent’s Maw. If the Grorn complete their collection of these biological keys, they will move on the Vault immediately.”

The Emperor raised an eyebrow. “And where is this Captain va Korr now?”

“He departed on his own mission,” he replied carefully, not wanting to implicate Doren in any potential imperial displeasure. “He provided us with his intelligence out of shared concern for the Grorn threat.”

The Emperor studied him for a long moment, as if measuring the truth of his words. Finally, he nodded. “Thank you for your information, Commander Jaxx.” He turned to the admiral. “Move ships into position to intercept the Grorn if there is any major movement.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the admiral said, then bowed and left.

“Captain Athtar has also brought us the Grorn vessel, Commander Jaxx… acquired,” Tanaca said calmly. “I have a team going over it now.”

“Athtar?” the First Consort asked eagerly. “Is Faith with him?”

‘Yes, Your Majesty. Unfortunately, they had to leave immediately to return to the children, but Lady Faith promised they would return soon for a longer stay.”

“I’m sure you’re looking forward to that,” Karthajin said dryly.

“Indeed, Your Majesty. If you will excuse me, I would like to oversee the work on the Grorn vessel personally.”

“Of course.”

After Tanaca left, Karthajin turned to him.

“Please join me in my study.”

He hesitated for a second, looking over at Zinnia, but the First Consort gave him a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry. She’s safe with me.”

He believed her, but he waited until Zinnia nodded before moving to join the Emperor. Karthajin led him to his private study. Unlike the formal grandeur of the previous room, this was a more intimate space—still elegant, but clearly designed for work rather than ceremony.

Maps and holographic star charts covered one wall, and bookcases filled with ancient tomes lined the others. A large desk dominated the center of the room, covered in data tablets and actual paper documents, but Karthajin took a seat in the small sitting area and gestured for Jaxx to join him.

“Would you care for a drink?”

“Thank you, no,” he said, taking the offered seat, and Karthajin smiled.

“Straight to business, then.” He tapped a control, and the holographic display shifted to show a section of the Outer Rim. “These red lights indicate areas of Grorn activity.”

He studied the display. The activity was clustered along trade routes and around specific star systems.

“Tanaca could not find a discernible pattern before, but based on your information, I believe they are conducting systematic raids in search of these ‘biological keys’ you mentioned. If they succeed in gathering them all…” Karthajin said grimly.

“With respect, Your Majesty, we need to secure the Vault before they can.”

“I agree.” Karthajin nodded. “We’re dispatching scout ships to that area. But there’s another matter I wished to discuss with you.” He tapped another control, and the display changed to show a different section of space. “A Zathixian distress beacon was detected in this area.”

He leaned forward, his heart pounding. “You know of it?”

“Our deep space monitoring network detected a faint signal matching Zathixian protocols approximately three standard years ago. It was intermittent and disappeared before we could triangulate its exact origin.” Karthajin met his gaze directly.

“I have a suggestion. I would like to offer you a commission in the Royal Fleet. Your combat skills and tactical knowledge would be invaluable, especially given the growing Grorn threat. In addition, you would be able to use our resources to aid your search.”

He gave the other male a stunned look.

“That is… extremely generous, Your Majesty,” he finally managed.

“I consider it a strategic alliance.” Karthajin shrugged. “The Zathix were legendary warriors and fleet commanders. If any of your people survive, the Empire would benefit greatly from an alliance.”

He appreciated the Emperor’s honesty. Political matters were always transactional; it was refreshing to have the terms stated plainly.

But while the position would provide both status and resources, it would also mean obligations that might conflict with his primary duty.

“I am honored by your offer, Your Majesty,” he said finally. “But my duty is first to Zinnia, and then to the search for my people. I cannot in good conscience accept a commission that might require me to place other priorities above those responsibilities.”

He watched the Emperor carefully, but Karthajin merely nodded, looking satisfied rather than offended.

“I am not surprised,” he said. “Loyalty is the foundation of honor. The offer of our deep space network stands regardless. And should you change your mind about the commission, it remains open to you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Karthajin grinned, suddenly looking much younger. “And I am pleased that you understand that your mate’s happiness comes first. As it should.”

“Always. Zinnia brought me back when nothing else could.”

“I am pleased for you both.” Karthajin rose to his feet. “I believe Lord Tanaca has some additional questions for you. In the meantime, my steward will arrange quarters for you and the Lady Zinnia here in the palace.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he said politely.

But although he was grateful for the Emperor’s generosity, Doren’s words about a gilded cage rang in his ears.