Black Legion: 05 - Sea of Fire Read Online Free PDF Page A

he must have felt guilty because he instantly spoke up.
    “I...uh, I was just thinking.”
    “Yes?” Xenophon prompted.
    “Well, why are we taking this long route back? According to the maps, we’ll have to pass Carduchia, the Kentrites, and then the border worlds of the Taochians. I can’t image they will be pleased to see us.”
    A female Anticensor, one of the engineers nodded quickly in agreement.
    “And that will only take us to the border of Medes space and the territories of Trebizond.”
    Xenophon smiled.
    “Yes, all of that is true. But the alternatives are to travel back through the Core Worlds, past the entire Imperial Fleet, and then on to Khorram, and Tissaphernes.”
    The very mention of that Medes’ name sent a ripple of bitterness throughout the command deck. Lady Artemas looked to them all and took a step away from Xenophon. She was the perfect fusion of Medes beauty and Terran resilience. Her clothing and armor, even after all their time on the ship still looked new, as though they had never even been worn before.
    “The Satrap Tissaphernes has returned to his own territories. It would appear a minor insurgency has broken out that requires his urgent attention.”
    Xenophon laughed at that.
    “I think we can all imagine what really happened, can’t we?”
    There was no response.
    “Our victory over him and his forces has sent a shockwave throughout this Empire. They now know we are a force to be reckoned with, and that a full frontal assault is too costly for them. Tissaphernes has been sent home in disgrace, and the Emperor has washed his hands of us. This is our chance to slip away through areas he has little control over.”
    He pointed to the star map.
    “We will deal with each problem, one at a time. Traveling back through the Core Worlds would demand a full response from Artaxerxes, and for what? The loss of half, or all of our warriors?”
    “Kentarchos, we have something ahead,” said the ship’s auletes.
    “Good,” said Artemas, “This is what I was expecting.”
    She pointed at the yellow dots on the star map and then nodded to the ship’s Kentarchos.
    “These are Carduchian outposts. They are small and just able to sustain themselves on passing trade.”
    “Good. We will need food and provisions, do you think they will help?” asked the Kentarchos.
    “No, they will not help, but they will trade.”
    Xenophon smiled at her answer.
    “We have a fleet and are offering goods. Only a fool would turn us down when we could easily take what we need.”
    Xenophon walked from the others and alongside the auletes.
    “I need to speak with the Strategos.”
    The female office nodded and established a direct audio channel to the main fleet.
    “Topoteretes, excellent, I was about to contact you. Xenias and his scouts have located the hulk of a single Elamite battleship. I am sending a small force to investigate.”
    Xenophon tightened his brow.
    “Why, Strategos?”
    “The Dukas says it bears the insignia of the Imperial Fleet and had sustained damage in battle. There are markings related to Ariaeus. How about you? Have you found a way through yet?”
    Xenophon rubbed his chin as he spoke.
    “Lady Artemas was right. There are four routes through, but this is the shortest. We are nearing a Carduchian outpost. I was about to send a single ship to investigate.”
    “No,” came back the curt reply.
    The three senior officers had been on good terms since their lucky escape, but with each growing day he was sensing a return to the Laconian’s old ways. The standard answer was always to confront or attack, while Xenophon continued to express his preference for stealth or cunning.
    “The Titans are all running low of supplies. Valediction is on nothing but fumes. I have the energy for a single jump before we have to start making decisions on which ships to leave behind.”
    He considered his words carefully.
    “Get close, assess the location, and report back. If they have what we need,