The Improbable Empire: The Improbable Empire, #2

By Richard R Lockwood

Ox and Snake, the first volume in the Improbable Empire series, jumped the line while I was writing the Moiraland series. They could not wait to get started and I could not ignore them until their book was done. I thought it was a stand alone novel and was happy with that. I finished up Moiraland and then the boys ambushed me again. Their story was far from over, they claimed. I could only agree since odd scenarios began filling my head. I had a great time writing it. I hope my readers will enjoy reading it and forgive me for the non-linear order.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard R Lockwood
• Release date: Mar 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224534692

Richard R Lockwood

Was born in Miami FL. Worked for the University of Florida until I retired. Been married to the lovely Cecelia for 40 years now, proof that I'm a lucky guy. Now living on the Nature Coast in Citrus County. Enjoy all kind of wildlife, especially reptiles and insects, so I'm pretty sure I'm in the right place. When I'm not writing I enjoy wood carving. Both of the heads beside me in the picture are cedar from the Chassahowitzka Forrest. I also love to walk my dog Bark Anthony. Probably need to go do that now. A Chronology of the Twins Alternate Universe novels and some thoughts and rationales - https://www.ricklockwood.net/Chronology.html My Books on Books 2 Read - https://books2read.com/ap/RaZ9Br/Richard-R-Lockwood  

Book preview

The Improbable Empire

1

Ox took Malcolm to see Negetai One, the Governor of Oxland.

I’d like you to work with Malcolm on some time missions, said Ox.

My Lord, said Negetai, Your will directs us, but my twins and I are not eager to travel in time again.

Understandable. These will be volunteer only. You said you have 14 battalions here with nothing to do.

The 9th Battalion has the best rifle scores. I volunteer them.

Alright. Ox looked at Malcolm to contribute.

We’ll be uncovering some cities around the Eastern Baltic, said Malcolm. I’m going to be sending your men after certain populations.

Women?

Women and families, insisted Malcolm.

How many women do you need? Ox asked Negetai. I hear the Governor of Snegurochka just sent you a present of 50 more!

Negetai Two is a fine man.

Hah! You multiples!

I will be able to give them away to my officers. All will love me, just like Lord Ox.

Is it something in the air in this timeline? asked Malcolm.

It’s my fault for spoiling everyone, said Ox.

And inspiring us, lord, said Negetai.

Come back down to Earth, Governor. I’m trying to plan for when the weather gets back to normal. We’re pushing back a lot of the cold and ash and we’ll be doing more of that. So, Oxland will get hot again, the Mongols already go around naked here, what will you do? You’ll dream of the Amur River and Lake Baikal, right?

As you say, my lord.

Just to dangle the bait a bit more, said Malcolm, the men who help us will get castles on the Amur. When the weather improves, they’ll sprout like seeds.

Like the taiga grass in the Spring, Ox added.

I used to be better at metaphors, said Malcolm.

I stole that one, replied Ox.

From me, said Negetai.

That wraps everything up nicely, said Malcolm.

One last detail, said Ox. The Khan of the Amur will get the biggest castle, since he will help us the most.

More than one castle if he’s a fucking multiple, said Malcolm.

I hear envy, said Negetai, from a Celestial Person. Could my life be any sweeter?

You’ve got it good, admitted Malcolm.

Will the missions go through Oxland or Snegurochka?

I’m not ready to put a permanent beacon at Earth, said Ox. You can leave from here but you’ll have to come back that way.

Because the Earth is not ready for multiples of multiples?

We may still be under attack. If our attacker changes his delivery style we could be hit again. I’d like to have that nailed down before I open us up. He hooked a thumb at Malcolm, That’s the new guy’s other job.

Malcolm looked at Ox, I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.

Ox was ready for a wisecrack now, he resigned himself to supplying the straight line and replied, Why not?

If I rescue another one of me, you’ll have two. You’ve seen what happens.

Someone fears the abundance of the multiverse, said Negetai.

Malcolm shook his head, I swear I’m going to get a lamp and search this timeline for a sensible person.

You mean, said Ox, instead of working?

I meant, at the party.

You’re going to add to the entertainment?

I guess it might be amusing. What’s next on the agenda today?

Against my better judgment I’m going to introduce you to my Governor of the North. You’ll have to work with them.

Another multiple? Great.

2

Ox and Malcolm spent a couple of hours surveying the Eastern Baltic and comparing towns to the likely historical record. Gdansk was Hanseatic Prussian at this time, while Riga was full of Poles and Lithuanians. Malcolm suggested disinterring both, but Riga would make a better place to start saving Poles in other timelines, and since he and Ox were both half Polish... I wonder if that explains anything?

No, Ox replied, it doesn’t.

Malcolm was allowed to produce a dozen of his own model factory seeds. He borrowed Ox’s cruiser Bào to burn away an ice field in the center of a large island guarding the way into the Gulf of Riga. As the ground lay smoking and jumbled he used a golem to set out the dozen in three wide rows of four and initiated them.

That’s enough work for today, don’t you think, Ox?

I think it’s time for Second Breakfast.

By now the Concubines knew a strange Celestial Person had arrived, which meant the ladies in Stockholm began hearing rumors. As the sun reached Stockholm and the ladies began their day, Ingeborg Tott, Governor of the North, received a request to join her at breakfast. She was not surprised, Ox had done it before.

Ox and Malcolm stepped off of Fat Lady’s pad at the reception terrace at Fortress Ingeborg. Vera Jernsdotter, the Captain of Ingeborg’s guard, hurried up to greet them.

Welcome, my Lord Ox, she greeted him, then looked suspiciously at Malcolm.

You’re always on duty, Vera, Ox commented.

There are four of me, my lord, though Ingeborg Two took one of me to Hàn Shìjiè.

That explains it, then, Ox smiled at her and then at Malcolm, Don’t you agree, Lord Malcolm?

What? Malcolm was taken back for a moment by the sudden respect from Ox but realized it made sense. He was certainly the equal to Ox in Celestial status, even though he had agreed to serve him. The ladies would never agree to treat him like a normal person, so why not make the best of it? I must observe, Lord Ox, when we are discussing multiple persons, the example of Vera here is quite attractive, while the example of your Mongol Governor is much less so.

He was our abductor, Vera observed as they walked inside. How could we be saved, if we were never taken?

The best question I’ve heard in a long time, Vera my dear, said Ox.

It appears we have something in common, Captain Jernsdotter, said Malcolm as they arrived in a large dining hall. The Ingeborgs had the best seats, of course, looking out over the water towards the northwest and reborn Stockholm, but now all feminine eyes were on them as Malcolm continued, I too was rudely captured and then saved by Lord Ox.

Vera looked at the Ingeborgs and judged they were waiting to hear her introduction, Lord Ox, our beloved Shield and Guardian, and Lord Malcolm.

Ox looked over at Ingeborg and all three had that satisfied look. Think you got me, don’t you?

Welcome, Lord Ox, the nearest one of her spoke, and congratulations on your recent successes.

Thank you, Governor. We have some new information about our attacker. A name, Herve Garcia. He kidnapped Lord Malcolm and used a Celestial Ship to fire him at Earth. He enjoyed being a monster so much that now he does it for a hobby.

All the Ingeborgs considered that information for a moment, trying to make sense of it.

Vera spoke, Surely this information helps you, Lord Ox?

It does, but we are still on the path to justice. We may not arrive for some time. Until then we will try to stay busy. Lord Malcolm will begin his work in Riga. You know it?

I do, Vera replied, The Livonians are pious people, ruled by their bishops. Is that what appeals to Lord Malcolm? She began to frankly inspect the newcomer.

Malcolm looked right back, If they are as lovely as you, my dear, I’ll overlook any flaws.

Ahem, said all three Ingeborgs. One continued, Lord Ox and Lord Malcolm, will you enjoy our hospitality?

Thank you, my dears.

Ox and Malcolm walked to the other side of her table, clear and empty to give the Ingeborgs the best view of the sea. Both men gestured and chairs rose up out of the floor. The Swedish women knew it could be done, but they had to ask the House voice to do such chores for them.

A pleasure to meet another Celestial Person, the middle Ingeborg said.

Ox thought they must have decided on a schedule of precedence for who would speak in what situation. Setting a good example for all the other multiples. We can’t keep going on like this, can we? Maybe I should put a quota on some people, but not on my lovely Swedes. Bring on the Ingeborgs!

I thought my story was about to end badly, said Malcolm, but if I am here among the angels it must have turned out alright.

There may be angels among us, Lord Malcolm, but they are not known to me. Will this work be the same as Lord Ox’s? Rescue and rebuilding?

It’s a good plan, my lady, don’t you think?

We will happily help you with it, Lord Malcolm, if there is any way we can.

Breakfast would be good.

You would be a welcome guest here any morning, Lord Malcolm.

You are an angel, my lady, whether you know it or not.

If you would like to investigate the validity of that statement, Lord Malcolm...

Woah, my Ingeborg! Throwing herself at a strange man!

Malcolm recognized the challenge, Could I stay for lunch? He gave her a friendly smile.

Do you skate?

Yes, I’d love to.

Malcolm looked at Ox with the same smile. Ox felt like visiting the rifle range and excused himself a few minutes later.

3

Ox’s thoughts were all over, his aim suffered. He retired from the range and settled into his office on Fat Lady. He summoned Myzisczovski, his builder. Find anything good in the new archive?

A number of designs might be useful to us, my lord. A few of their construction machines are more efficient, but the Pieszczoch archive has as many unique designs as the Kosciusko archive.

Good to know. I don’t want to be outshone by the new guy. What to do first?

Nanjing is almost completely de-iced, my lord. The tower is almost finished and an area cleared for new construction.

Lord Nanjing has to decide on anything more. He has particular tastes.

As you say, my lord. That would suggest a completely new city if your aim is to impress.

I don’t know who I need to impress. I should have just added Ingeborg to my harem, how hard would that have been? Am I being greedy? If I’m going to be High King, shouldn’t I have the best? Fuck, this feels like jealousy, better forget that shit and move on. What about the persona library? Any builders you’d like to work with?

There are a few with special expertise on space constructions, my lord, but they do not seem necessary at the moment.

I agree. I’d like to build something special on Earth where everyone can see and appreciate it.

We are getting closer, my lord.

Madame Biyu appeared on another screen on his office wall, May I suggest, my lord?

Of course.

Building something grand is an excellent idea, my lord, but giving a marvel away is even more impressive. Lord Malcolm is unlikely to be able to compete in that area.

That’s a good point.

Another point that may be germane, my lord, Malcolm does not seem that industrious.

I got that impression too, Biyu. So, I’ll outwork him.

I believe you are already outworking him, my lord, but construction should not be your only concern.

Thanks for reminding me. Weren’t we worried about one of my girls being pregnant?

Tilda carries a daughter.

Great, Malcolm can’t produce a princess. Or maybe he could if he stays.

She is somewhat anxious about your reaction to the news.

Consoling her would be a far better use of my time than worrying about this shit.

She is at the PBB, my lord.

4

The Palace of the Better Blonds was a lovely place, filled with beautiful artworks to complement the ladies’ own feminine charms. Ox looked with new eyes at everything now and was not happy. I’ve got to get this shit out of my system somehow. What would Dad say? Fuck him, what would the Cadet Commander say? That’s one I can answer. Get off your ass, Ox. Hard to imagine Dad saying anything different.

Tilda was of course pleased to see him, as were the other blonds. They had a large room on the first floor with a view of the main canal that now wandered over Peking. Comfortable couches and large pillows made it a popular place to converse, enjoy music, and employ the food or wine service.

The concubines gathered around him as he entered through the wide terrace doors. They all knew Tilda’s condition and had been reassured by Madame Biyu that Ox was happy, that was not the same as hearing it from him.

Ox could tell there was a bit of worry in Tilda’s eyes, matched by Ragnhild’s. He embraced Tilda, Another princess!

She smiled, So I’m told.

It’s not the perfect way to make one, but it’s good enough for me. I’m sure she’ll start causing trouble any moment. Isn’t that the true test of a princess?

My daughter will behave herself, my lord, or she’ll feel my hand.

Alright! A plan! Will she at least make unreasonable demands?

Define unreasonable.

Good thing we have some time to think about that one. A toast! And of course Tilda you are now on a mommy diet, just like Ren Ya Hua. Watered wine and not much of it.

Tilda gave a resigned smile. Ox sat on a couch and patted the seat next to him for an invitation and she sat. The other blonds pulled up some of the big pillows and sat near his feet, their usual practise for a group chat.

Ox looked around, enjoying their beauty and his possession of it, knowing there were a dozen more maids in the house, all eager to add their charms to the group but banished by the concubines from this room unless summoned.

As Senior Concubine..., began Ragnhild.

Ox took a wine glass from the tray floating by before responding, Yes, my dear?

I’m pleased that you wish to adopt a child not your own. However, to make it work, Tilda and the child should be treated the same as the rest of us if we conceive more conventionally.

Your demands are not unreasonable.

Is that why I’m only a Countess?

This conversation needs to move along. It seems to me that a county would be a suitable gift. You haven’t produced her yet, Tilda, but you’ve done more than the rest of these slackers.

Slackers! burst from more than one set of lovely lips.

Ox held up his hands to stall their objections, Just kidding. Tilda, do you have a favorite spot outside of Stockholm?

I’m a city girl, my lord, but I also like the seashore.

Pick out a spot, my dear. I’ll build you a castle.

May I keep my night, Lord Ox?

Tilda was Four in the rotation. Ox looked down into her anxious face. Why not? Might be a good idea to bring one of your maids with you to share the work soon. Might be a bad idea to suggest that now. Of course, my darling.

5

A highliner went back and forth from Hàn Shìjiè every twelve hours. Another highliner had been placed at the disposal of the Hàn Shìjiè government. Governor Tsu Fushan and First Minister Lord Nanjing arrived at Earth orbit in it and descended to the lower air in their yachts. Both yachts hovered above Nanjing, examining the reborn city. The city walls had been removed and replaced by canals with paved walkways and decorated footbridges. Any building that needed significant repairs was demolished, leaving large open areas. The streets were a clean resurfaced black and the canals sparkled blue with movement. The new city had a greater volume of water to move due to the constant rain. Ox was confident that would abate in a month or two, satellite data showed the North Atlantic volcanoes were already starting to weaken their steam output. For now Myzisczovski dealt with the extra liquid by piping it to the east, up over the surrounding ice hills, then letting it gush over the frozen Minjiang river.

Ox favored functional designs in housing but knew Lord Nanjing would want some Han flavor for his buildings. He solved that minor dilemma by building a three tower palace as tall as his own 20 floor tower in Peking. The smart skin of the outer surfaces could easily display any calligraphy or art desired, at the moment huge pictograms for Hongzhi, ‘Good Governance’, were repeated across it. High strength glass stretched between the towers at eight different floors to provide large landing terraces. Hologram projectors added stylish eaves to each level with Fu dogs and other creatures resting upon them.

The two yachts drew closer to the new towers. Both Governor Tsu and Lord Nanjing were now adept at stepping onto a landing pad. Both descended the short distance to the top terrace where Ox waited with his girls.

Seven concubines, two princesses, and two kids on the way so far, thought Ox, and I haven’t even been here half a year yet. He greeted his two officials and welcomed them. Now that they were here others could arrive. A team of transports began bringing the first families from the Refuge Castles to the streets below. Alright, said Ox, looking at his girls, Anyone who wants to fly can.

Most of them moved quickly to the row of dragonflies parked on one side of the terrace. Ren Ya Hua and Tilda stayed with Ox. They had not been forbidden to fly, they just felt the natural instinct of any expecting mother to treat their insides carefully. Perhaps in a few days they might be bored enough to risk it, Ox didn’t care, he had placed limits on the flies of 100 kph and one kilometer of elevation and didn’t think they could get in much trouble, internally or externally.

You will be pleased, I hope, Lord Ox, said Governor Tsu. Captain Tseng and Captain Liu both left on rescue missions this morning.

Your beacon is on?

Yes.

Lord Nanjing offered, I assigned our captains their own arrival dates tomorrow and the day after. I know we will accept our own people whenever they appear, but I thought we should try to control the flow.

That sounds like a great idea, Lord Nanjing.

Is this real, Lord Ox? asked Tsu Fushan, tapping with a toe on the clear landing terrace they were standing on.

Mostly, he replied, or you’d be falling through the air. He noticed Lord Xing landing with a group. One of them was his twin so Ox assumed this was the Refugee Minister and the Mayor of Nanjing, Xing Three. Xing Two had been appointed Mayor of the Capital City on Hàn Shìjiè, which was so far just a lovely set of hills by a bay.

The Xings came over. Another day of wonders, Lord Ox, said one.

Ox thought it was probably his Refugee Minister, if it mattered, What are you wondering about now?

I wonder what this building will be used for? It seems far too lovely and lofty for mundane purposes.

It’s your brother’s decision, Ox inclined his head towards Lord Nanjing.

The Mayor, Xing One inclined his own head towards his twin, is not allowed in it?

That was yesterday. This stuff, he stamped his heel on the glass and produced a slight vibration the others felt, needed to harden.

It was not hard when it was stretched between the towers?

Ox took a breath, When I say ‘harden’, I mean integrate and test its image processing circuits. He waved his hand and the glass below their feet darkened, then began to show scenes from the Chinese zodiac of tigers and dragons and other stylish creatures.

Too many wonders, Lord Ox, said Nanjing. I would be reluctant to land on such a surface.

This is the top terrace, Lord Nanjing, said Ox. People can land on the ones below, or you can make them all however you please.

I can?

Tower Mind, can you hear me?

A voice seemed to come from the air, Yes, Lord Ox.

Lord Nanjing is your new owner. Lord Nanjing, please say your name and titles so the Tower Mind can get a good sample of your voice.

Nanjing spoke, Zhu Youcheng, Lord and Prince of Nanjing, Chief Minister for Hàn Shìjiè.

Welcome, Lord Nanjing. I am ready for service.

You are the Owner, Ox continued speaking to Nanjing, You can assign Administrative rights, which would let the Mayor assign Resident rights or Guest rights to offices and apartments. The Tower Mind or your yacht can explain more detail if you like.

I will explore those avenues, Lord Ox, and thank you very much for the towers and the city.

You’re welcome. You heard Ren Ya Hua has conceived?

We have, and congratulations to you both.

I am naming her Countess of Fu Zhou to the south. It will be the next city we rebuild.

Lord Ox, the Governor and I sense a growing administrative structure. Is it possible to discuss it?

"You don’t want to