"Richard Allen Stotts - Empire 3 - Majesty" - читать интересную книгу автора (Stotts Richard Allen)

It was "one hell of a weapon" that would not be needed. The Snakes wouldsoon offer surrender without
conditions, they were beaten. Three days after Ian'smishap in the laboratory the Admiral of The Fleet
came in person to deliver themomentous news to his Emperor. The portly officer found Daniel in the
rosegarden near the south entrance. The boy liked roses, his mother had alwayscarefully tended a few of
the plants in Gryphon's hydroponics section.

"Your Majesty, it is over."
"Admiral?"
"We have received an official communications from the Home Nest (theclosest translation for the Snake's
home world)."
"That says what?" Daniel asked.
"They have ceased all resistance, the Snakes have surrendered totally andwithout conditions."
"Good God." Daniel's response was almost a whisper.
"Indeed, Your Majesty."
"Can this be a deception, some sort of ruse?" Daniel had no trust in anythingthe Snakes said or did.
"They have grounded and abandoned their few remaining capital warvessels, we now have a
reconnaissance squadron in orbit around their home worldwith no offered resistance or hostilities. They
have indicated that they havecaptives, human captives, and that they wish to return them to our forces.
They alsorequest to send a delegation here to make their case for mercy. This has allhappened quite
suddenly, our intelligence people believe that some sort of internalrebellion or uprising has overthrown
their leadership."

Daniel sat down on the garden bench where the Admiral had found him. Somuch suffering had occurred,
so many had died, his family had died. He hadnearly died, so had Ian. Now it was over. There was
peace. No war.
Mankind's Emperor wept, the Admiral of The Imperial Fleet stood beside hisEmperor and felt moved to
do the same. After some time both were composedenough to continue, there would be much to do.
"Has this news been released to the public yet?"
"No Your Majesty, that is properly your decision to make. The consensus atFleet is that we should wait
a short while for things to stabilize, to see if the Snakesare as sincere as they appear to be."
"Agreed. Instruct your forces to make the freeing of our people held by theSnakes their first priority.
Don't take the Snakes word for anything. Let's give it twodays, then if things seem to be holding together
I will address the Empire."
"Very well, Your Majesty. This day has been long in coming."
"Too long, Admiral, far too long."

After the Admiral had taken his leave instinct guided Daniel to find Ian, therewas something he needed to
say to him. As predicted the Emperor's friend couldbe found fussing over his soon to be tested 'gadget'.
The new masonry had justbeen completed on the lab, perhaps in another two-hundred years it would
blendbetter with the surrounding stones.
"Ian, knock off for a bit."
Sir Ian Murphy turned at the sound of Daniel's voice, he could sense thatsomething had changed.
"What's wrong? I'm not going to power up this thing." Ian still felt like a totalass for blowing a large hole
in the Sun Palace.
Daniel just motioned his friend to come close, Ian was taken by surprise when hisEmperor grabbed him
in a bone crushing hug.
"Thank you," Daniel said quietly.
"Huh? For what?" Ian was wondering if Daniel had finally snappedcompletely.
"For winning the war. The Snakes have surrendered without conditions."
"Oh. Oh my!"