Heir to the Throne

By Gregg Brown

It was a time of peace and tranquility throughout the Plestion galaxy. The inhabitants had recovered from the wars of the past that once engulfed the galaxy. The harmony and prosperity they were enjoying was now being threatened by a menacing force under the control of a sinister leader. Under the direction of this leader, the Supreme Lord, a large armada is slowly moving through the galaxy invading the planets. His powers rival those of the greatest sorcerers that were hunted down and exterminated at the end of the Sorcery Wars.

One by one, planets are being seized and the defenseless inhabitants are forced to watch as their children are abducted. These attacks are part of the Supreme Lord's recruiting plan and the sole purpose is to build a fighting force large enough to dominate the galaxy. Rumors and accounts of these attacks start to trickle throughout the galaxy. The government from the planet Messasolinia recognizes the threat, and starts working to form a coalition that can stand against the Supreme Lord as his forces move closer toward the more populated planets. A coalition of planets united together with a common objective may be their only chance to stand against the Supreme Lord.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brighton Publishing LLC
• Release date: Aug 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781621834496

Gregg Brown

Gregg Brown is an entrepreneur, international speaker, and consultant on change leadership and building future-ready organizations. Over his 30-year career, he has advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, humanitarian organizations, and engaged thousands of people from the UN, NATO, the CDC, and many others. His ideas have been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and Entrepreneur. He is the author of Ready… Set… Change Again! and The Top 10 Change Hacks. He lives in Toronto, Canada.

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Heir to the Throne

Gregg Brown

Brighton Publishing LLC

435 N. Harris Drive

Mesa, AZ 85203

www.BrightonPublishing.com

ISBN13: 978-1-62183-449-6

Copyright © 2017

eBook

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Cover Design: Tom Rodriguez

All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. The characters in this book are fictitious and the creation of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to other characters or to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Chapter One

The inhabitants that lived throughout the Plestion galaxy had lived in a time of relative peace and prosperity. It had been eons since the sorcery wars. Those battles for dominance among the sorcerers and the battles that ensued to free the populace of their domination had engulfed the galaxy, leaving many planets devastated. Since that time, the residents of the planets had rebuilt what had been destroyed and established governments that ensured that they would live peacefully. Many had fled to the outlying planets in search of a new start in which they could live in peace. Only the pirates who attacked the residents’ cargo transports as they traveled to the outlying settlements disrupted their peaceful lives. Now that peace was quickly diminishing as forces attacked and conquered planets located in the outer realm of the galaxy one by one and forced the inhabitants into service. It was a time of growing unrest throughout the galaxy as rumors started to circulate. As the threat of impending domination loomed, leaders from the planet Messasolinia scrambled to form an assembly to stop the spread of this tyranny before it reached the planets positioned within the interior of the galaxy.

***

It was a day like any other on Verrana. Its location on the outer edge of the Biesen system had hindered its growth. There were very few transports that arrived on the planet each year. The people had developed a barter/trade system to survive on, so each settlement was set up around a large market area in the center. The people who lived in the Procyon settlement had been working diligently to transform their large settlement into a recognizable city. Off the center square, the people had pulled their resources together, and they were able to erect a small government building where their elected officials would meet. They had designed all their plans so that their buildings could be built in sections, and they would add a section at a time when they were able to. The government building was not their only accomplishment. They had built a small medical building to care for the elderly, sick, or injured. In addition, two schools were positioned on the east and west sides of the square, but centered between the market and the edge of the settlement in order to lessen the distance the children would to have to walk. It was the closest thing resembling a thriving city, which made it a viable target.

The market was alive with movement of those bartering for what they needed or wanted when two ships came streaking through the sky. The noise caught the people’s attention, and they stopped to look. No one had ever seen ships like those before. Then two more ships passed over, and they kept coming. The people in the square were starting to get nervous, and the vendors had begun to shut down their booths, when they heard the screams and an unrecognizable noise, which was the firing of the blaster rifles from those who had landed on the planet from the ships that had passed over the market. The people started to panic, not knowing what was occurring, and they began leaving the square to head to their dwellings for safety, but they ran into the squadrons of troopers who were quickly moving in from all directions toward the market. The troopers stopped those who were trying to leave and used the ends of the rifles to nudge them back in the direction of the place from which they were fleeing. The troopers herded the people into the center of the settlement like animals.

After observing the movements of the invaders and realizing what was occurring, Cruxis Itzel headed toward the government building. As one of the elected officials, he had access to their interplanetary communication equipment. Cruxis knew that there was no way that help would come in time, but he wanted to broadcast a message to every planet in the system to let them know about the attack. He just hoped that whomever was attacking wouldn’t think that they would have this technology and wouldn’t even think to block transmissions from the planet. As he headed to the building, a trooper intercepting stragglers stopped Cruxis and made him turn around and head back to the marketplace. One of the other elected officials had observed Cruxis and knew where he was heading. He quickly got some of the other men to help him create a diversion. They started a ruckus, and the trooper who was forcing Cruxis back suddenly moved around him and headed to squash the disturbance in the crowd. When the guard moved around him, Cruxis quickly turned and moved back toward the building. He only hoped that another trooper would not spot him as he entered the building. Once inside, Cruxis hurried over to the equipment, created the message, and set it to loop. Once the message was sent out, he headed to the door and cracked it to look outside. Cruxis was scared that if the troopers searched the building and discovered him, they might search the building further and find the equipment and his message. He had to go back out and somehow sneak past the troopers so that he wouldn’t be found.

Luck was with Cruxis. His timing had worked out well. None of the troopers had noticed him exiting the building. While the troopers were completing their search, Cruxis walked toward the square and blended in with those who were being forcefully moved. Once in the square, he noticed that the troopers were dividing their captives into three groups. Two of the groups, which consisted of the older adults and the younger children, were the smallest in size. The largest group consisted of the older children and the younger adults. After sorting the people into their groups, the troopers started moving the largest group out of the square and headed to the outer edge of the city where the ships had landed.

Several larger ships were now coming down from the sky and headed in the direction that the group was being lead to. The ships landed out of sight. Cruxis noticed a man had appeared while the troopers were sorting and grouping his people. From where he was standing in the crowd, Cruxis was unable to make out his face. He was dressed in red, and he had pale white skin and white hair. The troops paraded the youth and young adults past him to inspect. He occasionally had one pulled from the line and placed into a separate group. Once he’d inspected all the captives, the man in red and the troopers who were standing beside him retreated to their ship. The remaining two groups were held until the larger ships departed. The group that had been culled from the large group was moved back to the center of the settlement. When the troops observed the larger transport ships leaving, they retreated in the direction from which they came. Once they were gone, the adults and children rushed to each other to be reunited. Cruxis headed back to the government building. He had to change the message that was sent out requesting help to a message relaying the events that had occurred. The invaders were gone, and so were their children.

***

On the bridge of the Juggernaut, Captain Deyoshee approached a figure in a dark-red outfit with long white hair that extended down past his shoulders. He was looking out on the planet below. He had decided to personally observe the events that had taken place on the surface and removed those whom he felt were too weak or had a physical defect to become a part of his fighting force.

My lord, Captain Deyoshee said as he came into close proximity to the figure. I have the status of the mission.

Proceed, the figure replied without even turning around to face the captain.

The intel that we received from our reconnaissance team made this a very successful mission. We were able to easily acquire new recruits without any losses, Captain Deyoshee stated. He paused, not sure if he should ask, but he had to know. Why did you remove some of the candidates from the line?

They were weak and would not have survived the rigorous conditioning that they will be experiencing. Proceed to have the new recruits processed and start their reconditioning immediately, the figure instructed. Set a course for Theemin.

Yes, my lord, Captain Deyoshee responded.

***

The Starliner Endeavor streaked through space on its way to another planet. The ship was transporting an ambassador from Messasolinia. The young ambassador was on a very important mission and had been traveling to the different systems located throughout the Plestion galaxy. She was unyielding in her determination to visit each planet one by one until she had visited them all and secured their support. Her mission was of the upmost importance, and it was one that could have severe ramifications for everyone if she was unsuccessful.

As the Endeavor approached the planet of Corpias, Irena Padogin was mentally preparing herself, knowing the importance of her mission. She had her data pad out and was reviewing all the factual information that had been collected. She also reviewed the listing of rumors that were making their way from planet to planet until they eventually moved from one system to another. These rumors were being received more frequently than they had before. Too many of these rumors were consistent enough that they should no longer be ignored. Irena knew that she would have a battle on her hands dealing with the monarchy that ruled Corpias and trying to convince them to unite with Messasolinia and the other planets that had already pledged their help. Every possible planet was needed to face the force that had been attacking and abducting the people who lived on the outer planets. Now this unknown force was starting to move inward as it continued to make moves to dominate the galaxy.

A beeping sound went off in her cabin. It took a few moments for Irena to come out of the trance she was in. Not knowing if the lieutenant had spoken to her or not while she was in her deep thought, she decided to take a chance.

Yes, Lieutenant.

Ambassador, we will be arriving in Corpias’s flight space soon. You asked me to notify you when we were nearing the planet.

Thank you, Irena replied.

It was time for her to get ready. Appearances would play an important role when meeting with the king and queen. She knew that because she was young, not everyone would take her seriously, and that was why she sat in front of the mirror in her cabin primping more than she usually did. Her blondish-brown hair was pulled back from her face in a modest bun. She had it styled before she left Messasolinia. Many of the older women on her planet wore the hairstyle, which is exactly the reason she had selected it. She wanted a more mature appearance. The hairstyle was very becoming on her and accentuated her eyes, making it difficult for anyone to remove his or her gaze from her bright-blue eyes. Irena was not one to leave anything to chance, and she had applied much thought to every detail, including the outfit that she’d selected. She went over to the wardrobe in her cabin and removed the outfit. She chose to wear a gray double-breasted, long-sleeve jacket that had two sets of black buttons on each side that bore an insignia of her planet. It resembled the uniforms worn by Messasolinia’s planetary security force. The length of the jacket extended a few inches below her waist. The pants were several shades lighter than the jacket and tailored to fit inside her black boots, which stopped several inches below her knee. She was not wearing the customary dress or jewelry normally worn by diplomats. She was all business, and that was the message she had worked so hard to present. Irena changed her clothes and then went over to the mirror. She double-checked her hair to make sure that it had remained intact. Appearances were important.

There was a hail from the cockpit. Ambassador Padogin.

Yes, Lieutenant.

We have been granted permission to land and are currently entering the atmosphere of Corpias. We should be on the ground momentarily.

Thank you, lieutenant. Please contact the royal family’s secretary to confirm my appointment for today.

After the Starliner Endeavor set down on the landing platform, the ramp slowly lowered. Irena Padogin adjusted her outfit before she appeared in the doorway. She couldn’t help but notice what a beautiful day it was on Corpias. The sun was shining bright, and the air was warm. The trees, shrubs, and flowers were bursting with blooms. She started to descend the ramp when she spotted a familiar face waiting for her. It was Elbon Zegen, the royal family’s secretary. He was a short, chunky man with a bald spot on the top of his head surrounded by gray hair, which made him appear to be a cheerful soul. He wore his round wire-framed glasses, as was the current trend. Irena couldn’t help but smile when she saw him.

Greetings, Ambassador Padogin, he called out as she moved closer to the end of the ramp.

Hello, Secretary Zegen. It is such a pleasant surprise to see you waiting on me.

Please, Ambassador, call me Elbon, and the pleasure is all mine.

Only if you call me Irena. Besides, friends shouldn’t be so formal with one another, should they? And we are friends, aren’t we? She asked the question already knowing what his answer would be.

Why, yes, of course Amba… Irena. Please, this way. I have a transport waiting on us.

When they arrived at the transport, Irena suddenly stopped with a horrified look on her face.

Is something wrong? Elbon asked.

Yes. Most definitely, Irena responded as she reached up to touch her hair. It’s an open-air transport. I can’t ride in that.

It’ll be okay, Elbon told her.

No. I don’t think so, Irena replied.

Do you trust me? Elbon inquired with a fatherly look on his face.

Yes.

Then get in, my dear, Elbon instructed her, and I promise that there won’t be one hair out of place when you arrive for your meeting.

Irena hesitantly climbed aboard the transport through the door that Elbon had opened for her. Then he followed behind her, closing the door once her two escorts were seated. After Elbon took his seat, the driver pressed a button and a clear top extended out from the hard top that covered the driver. The windows from the doors also started to rise upward as the top extended backward. The windows had a clear stripping on them, and when they reached the clear top, it formed a weatherproof seal. Once the top and the sides were in place, the rear window started to extend upward, and it had the same clear stripping that the side windows had. Once it was extended fully, the passengers were able to see everything around them.

As the transport moved through the streets, Irena noticed that there was an excitement in the capital city of Erinome.

There’s a lot more activity than usual, Irena stated.

Oh yes, Elbon exclaimed. Citizens all over the city are busy preparing for the upcoming succession ceremony for Prince Calen. There is a lot to be done. There will be six different venues that will be set up. The succession ceremony is preceded by six days of different festivals. On the first day, we celebrate our ancestry in which we honor all our past rulers. The second day is a celebration of our history and the peace that was accomplished by the joining of the six continents under one king. The third festival is for our culture, which highlights our music and dance from the past to the present. Next, we celebrate our bountiful harvest of crops that help sustain us. The fifth day is when we have our parades that have floats that represent the themes from the first four days. The celebration on the sixth day is most people’s favorite. It is the day that we enjoy feasting on traditional foods. On the seventh day, Prince Calen will be crowned as the king and successor to his father, King Simeon, in the Great Hall following the tradition set centuries ago. Surely, you had not forgotten.

Yes, I had. I have had so many pressing issues to deal with that I completely forgot about it. Irena paused for a moment. Quietly she said, This will only make things more difficult.

The transport continued on its way through the city. Irena knew that the royal family would not want to hear what she had to tell them, especially not while everyone was in such a joyous and celebratory mood, but it had to be done. She already knew that it would be difficult compelling the king and queen to join the coalition, and now she dreaded the meeting that they were headed to even more because she was the bearer of grim news.

Chapter Two

The transport arrived at the government complex. Irena and Elbon exited the transport first and were followed by the ambassador’s two bodyguards. They were walking through the courtyard that the complex was built around when Irena’s data pad beeped. She stopped and removed it from her pocket and saw the lieutenant of the Starliner.

What is it, Lieutenant? she asked.

"We have received an urgent transmission from home. Would you like me to patch it through to you?

Yes, please do, Irena responded and looked at Elbon with a concerned look on her face.

When the file transmission completed, Irena’s data pad beeped again. She touched her data pad and the audio file started playing as Irena and Elbon listened. The message originated from Verrana and contained two different messages. The first message was a request for help from an invading force. The second message stated that the invading force had left and had taken their older children and young adults.

This is simply unimaginable, Elbon stated.

Yes, it is, Irena replied. I feel sorry for the parents. Forced to watch as their children are taken away from them, and there was nothing they could do about it.

The two started walking again while continuing their conversation about the attack when a couple of royal guards approached them and told Elbon that he needed to go with them. Elbon had a surprised look on his face, but turned to look at Irena regretfully.

Sorry, my dear, but I must go. I’ll meet up with you in the royals’ office suite. Elbon proceeded to follow the guards as requested. Irena continued on her way, not realizing that her two bodyguards were no longer flanking her as they usually did. Suddenly, a hand came from behind her and covered her mouth. Another reached around her waist. She was quickly moved into an alcove of one of the buildings. Panic was flowing throughout her body. She had always felt safe on Corpias and was now scared for her life. She wished she’d had a blaster with her, but diplomats didn’t carry weapons. Adrenaline pulsed through her body, and she decided to take a chance and try to get away. She thought about the self-defense classes that her father had insisted she take during her youth. Suddenly, without any warning, she raised her right arm and instantly brought it back down, plunging her elbow into the ribs of her assailant as hard as she could. She was released from her attackers hold. Irena immediately started to move forward, and then she turned her head around to get a glimpse at her assailant in order to be able to make a report to the authorities with as detailed a description as she could provide. Then she stopped dead in her tracks. She hadn’t known who would be so bold as to abduct her in the daytime, but now it was crystal clear. Her assailant was very handsome. He had dark-brown hair that was cut short, blue eyes, and a goatee that was neatly trimmed. He was wearing a dark green surcoat that had intricate designs woven into the fabric with gold thread, and it extended halfway down his thigh. He wore brown pants that were tucked into his dark-brown boots, which came up to right below his knees. One thing was certain, her would-be abductor was rich. Her captor turned out to be Prince Calen. He stood there holding his right hand on his injured ribs. He just looked at her and confessed, I thought I would play a little joke on you, but as it turns out, the joke is on me.

Irena stood there for a moment and then moved closer to the prince. What would you like me to do your majesty, apologize?

No. Not hardly. A kiss to ease my pain will suffice.

A kiss after you scared me half to death? Irena asked, not giving him any pity.

Yes, a kiss, the prince replied. He move forward, embraced Irena, and kissed her on her lips. Once the kiss was over, they looked into each other’s eyes. Each wanted to spend more time in their embrace, but they had to be careful not to be seen. Prince Calen had gone to great lengths to keep his relationship with Irena a secret. He didn’t want his mother to find out, not until he was ready. That was a battle that the two of them would eventually have, but now was not the right time. They moved out from the alcove to see the prince’s royal guards and Irena’s guards standing around waiting for the two to exit. Then Irena stopped and looked at the prince.

Was Elbon in on your little practical joke?

No, Prince Calen responded. "He is innocent, but I’m sure that he knows of my scheme by now, especially when he got back to his office and no one