Thanx guys, here is another partial installment.
The Zax Society
THE LOCATION: ZAXXON’S BEDCHAMBER OF ZAX CENTRE
THE DATE: 2408.61
Zaxxon had just come out of a troubled sleep. He looked hollow-eyed and haggard. All night he had tossed and turned.
He was depressed. The troubles of the society were weighing him down and there was no relief in sight. Worse, his personal life was in a shambles. He had no news on his beloved Zaxxoness. He felt he should have heard something by now. There was just this awful silence.
He missed the comfort his Zaxxoness gave him. Many times each day he would blame himself for the separation. Often he would spiral into a deep depression and when he did, he was unrelenting in his condemnation of himself. In particular, he wished he had spoken up immediately to quash the proposal to combine the fleets to attack the CCCP. By not doing so, he had caused his beloved Zaxxoness to leave for Elstonile.
He only got out of bed when the High Chamberlain entered the bedchamber to announce that it was time to dress and prepare for the meeting with his department ministers.
THE LOCATION: THE SEMI-OVAL OFFICE OF ZAX CENTRE
THE DATE 2408.62
THE PEOPLE: Zaxxon, R2D2, Dip-low-Mac-Sea, Spii, Strong-of-the-Arm Custer and Cord-Il-Era.
The meeting had just convened.
“Good News, Mr Central Speaker. We have made contact with the Weyrlings!”
“Wonderful, Dip-low-Mac-Sea. But are you absolutely sure?” asked Zaxxon.
“Yes, there is no doubt about it. And I have sent the diplomatic message to Ruatha, the god-emperor as we had agreed upon.”
“Good, good. Have they replied?”
“Not yet. In diplomatic circles, it is unusual for a response to take so long. Puzzling in fact. I’m wondering if we should have been more direct in our message.”
R2D2 interjected, “Maybe Ruatha is taking stock of his resources to ascertain the help he can give us. Maybe he is thinking of gifting us cruisers or battle cruisers to teach the CCCP a lesson. That will explain the delay.”
“Hear, hear!” shouted the members of the meeting. Zaxxon spirits lifted.
He thought, “This would be good news. Why else the delay? That must be the reason for the it!” A smile came to his face. “Help is on the way!” he thought.
“We certainly could use their help!” said Strong-of-the-Arm. Warp points have been cleared of mines. Some warp points have been destroyed. So far we have won the skirmishes, but the true test will be if they come in force.”
“What is the condition of our fleets?”
“More than half have been upgraded! A few more months and they will all be upgraded. Also, significant numbers of modern battle cruisers are on station.”
Without hesitation, Custer stated, “Sir, I want to reiterate that we should combine our fleets and strike at the CCCP or one of their allies now!”
Zaxxon’s heart flip-flopped! To agree to Custer’s proposal would alienate his Zaxxoness even further. If only she were here so he could discuss it with her to get her agreement.
In his heart, Zaxxon knew something should be done, but he prevaricated with “Now is not the time. When we are stronger, we can implement your plan.”
Sensing the lie, Custor’s face momentarily showed his impatience and disgust. “Would it be in order for me to draw up detailed plans?”
Zaxxon felt he was being crowded into a corner out of which there was no escape.