Read Online Sentience 1: Storm Clouds Gathering by Gibson Michaels - Free Book Online Page A

people. Right or wrong, it was needful.”
    Supreme-Master Xior studied the young Rak warrior before him, obviously in deep thought. Drik waited stoically for the pronouncement of his condemnation, firm in his resolve that what he had done, was both necessary and right . It mattered not what the records said of him. What mattered was that he had been true to himself and to his people. He had been taught all of his life to honor the ancient ways and the ancient god. Regardless of what Xior or anyone else said, or thought, Drik felt no prick of conscience that would indicate the Dol was displeased with him.
    After an indeterminable wait, Supreme-Master Xior finally nodded and said, “I agree. I will clarify the written injunction to formalize this exception. “I am curious, though… Drik, if it were up to you, how would you handle the Trakaan situation going forward?”
    Drik frowned in concentration before answering. “It would depend on my authority and what instructions were laid upon me by my superiors. If I were instructed to obliterate the Trakaan fleet and subdue what appears to be their home planet, I would first assemble at least five full fleets, so that we were at no worse than a 2:1 disadvantage in numbers to keep our casualties minimal. Then I’d scout the system thoroughly before attacking, so we knew exactly the what and where of Trakaan defenses. Attack would then come from multiple random angles at non-standard distances to avoid their self-homing missile swarm.
    “However, had I the authority to do so, I would choose to leave the Trakaan alone completely.”
    Surprise registered on the supreme-master’s face at that last remark. “After that disastrous defeat, you would allow the appearance to flourish that our defeat has made us too timid to attack there again?”
    “Supreme-Master, we have never cared what prey thought of us or didn’t, so I assume from your question that this ‘appearance’ refers to the image formed in the minds of Raknii. Our people are obsessed with appearances, but appearances are not fact, nor are Raknii opinions evenhanded. We scorn the Trakaan for not fighting well, but then we become incensed against them when they do? How can it be both ways? Has hypocrisy now mated with our arrogance?
    “The ancient ways taught us to reverence our prey… not exterminate them. Our problem lies less with Trakaan combat strategy, than with Raknii absurdity. Wisdom dictates that we should allow over-harvested prey to replenish its numbers, lest there be no prey left when we truly need to hunt again for nourishment.”
    Supreme-Master Xior smiled. “Varq has done well by you.”
    Drik and Raan were both astonished that the supreme-master not only knew of Drik’s body servant by name, but that he also broke tradition by referring to an untouchable, a stoneless one, openly.
    “Raan, you have done well in your handling of this matter... and in bringing Drik before me,” Xior continued. “You have earned mastery over Region-6. Prepare yourself this evening for your ascension ceremony on the morrow. I name you, Region-Master Raan. Govern my people well, in all wisdom and honor.”
    Raan bowed deeply to Supreme-Master Xior and spoke the traditional words, “I live but to serve you, Supreme-Master.”
    “When you return to Troxia, I will keep Drik here with me for a bit,” Xior continued. “But have no fear, I will return him to you at a more suitable rank. I have use for a young master who honors the old ways, is capable of employing cold logic and forethought in pursuit of wisdom, and who places the welfare of his people above his own.”

    Raan completed his ascension ceremony and was awarded his new diamond sunburst and ruby rank-stone, as the new region-master of Region-6. It was a solemn affair, attended only by the supreme-master and a cadre of imperial Dolrak who conducted the hypnotic reconditioning required for assumption of his new rank. Actual application of rank hypnotics