Page 64 of Zinnia and the Zombie
“Welcome, Zinnia,” the First Consort said warmly, and her smile was so genuine that Zinnia finally relaxed.
They had survived slavers and crash landings, ruined cities and religious zealots. They would survive imperial politics too.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“This 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 acoordinated 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.
