In years yet distant
The people shall be scattered
Despised and without a home
But a child shall lead us home
Abandoned to the stars
She shall unite The TwoA woman of wisdom and compassion
Who will restore our world
She shall revive the Ancient Ways
And bring esteem to the People
In love she shall bear a son
Who shall gather the People to their homeA man not of the People
Who shall be our Champion
A man of war born of peace
His sword will free millions
He shall endure great suffering
Meeting death before his destiny
Kassia went over the scroll again and again. The language was at once cryptic but yet unmistakable. Her people -- what few were left -- were scattered, on the run or enslaved. Until Tiyanna appeared she had no idea who or what she was.
"Raktajino," she ordered from the replicator. She turned around to see Tiyanna standing in the doorway in her feety pajamas holding a stuffed dog.
"What are you doing up, young lady? It is a school night!" Kassia scolded.
"I had a dream," Tiyanna said solemnly.
Suddenly Kassia crouched to Tiyanna's level. "Was it another nightmare?" she asked, although something was telling her it wasn't.
"No, it's something wonderful. You are The One. Daddy is The One. Together you are The Two."
This is just too crazy, Kassia thought. She knew Tiyanna hadn't been in her mind; Kassia had laid down very firm rules about probing the minds of others without their (or her) permission.
"Honey, what are you saying?"
"It was the Prophecy. I learned it from the Holy Teachers before my first parents died. Everyone is supposed to learn it," Tiyanna said matter-of-factly.
The Vulcan Science Academy ran across a 10,000-year-old Sunday School lesson! Kassia thought. "What makes you think that Daddy and I are The Pair?"
"The angels told me..."
Suddenly Kassia became very ill, for no discernable reason.
Military Governor Mazar looked over the latest orders from Mullura Prime. "Increase food production for export??? The people are already just barely getting by! Another cut and even the children will be on half-rations!"
"Nonetheless, those are your orders, Mazar." Order Police Commandant Zalkar Avax replied. Mazar had quickly learned that his position was little more than that of a whipping boy for the Order Police, who were the true hands of the Emperor.
"But every available body above the age of twelve is already been press-ganged! We don't have the people to spare for extra food production -- we can't even meet the demand for domestic production anymore, let alone export!"
"Then you shall use your Eugenics Authority to decide who is expendable."
Mazar was silent. He would gladly shed his blood for the Empire. But was the Empire worth it?
"I sense... trepidation on your part, Governor. Need I remind you the penalty for disobedience?"
"No, you need not remind me. But please remind me again, Commandant Avax, where your valiant Order Police shall be during the next food riot?"
"Your insolence borders on treason, Mazar. Do not press us. Just meet the quota." With that, Avax stalked out.
As Avax left the office an aide rushed in, almost trampling the secret policeman. Mazar made a note to chastise his aide later... for not running over Avax. "Sire, all production has stopped! Every major manufacturing and food production facility is on strike!"
As if I could blame them? Mazar thought. "What are their demands?"
"Immediate cessation of hostilities beyond Mulluran borders, along with the usual demands for fair wages and a shorter work week."
"Call up the Civil Police at once. All units, on-duty or off. Have them report to their local precinct headquarters and await my direct instructions."
And may the gods help me for what I'm about to do.
Command Log, stardate 63179.9
Our alliance with Mulluran dissident groups appears to be working. A full general strike has been reported in Vassarovia Province, the Empire's second-largest province and industrial core, and three minor provinces. Our intelligence indicate upheaval and borderline revolt, with Order Police units being pulled off the lines to suppress. The Swarva Fleet has initiated offensive operations against Demetor Province. G'kra intelligence has informed us of the presence of a major Order Police base and detention center on the planet Dalcor, approximately ten parsecs from Mullura Prime. The Order Police appear to be making a stand there. Fleet elements are engaging the Order Police armada while the Patton and the second MacArthur-class transport, the Zhukov, land troops on Dalcor itself.
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