Empire Reborn (Taran Empire Saga Book 1): A Cadicle Space Opera A.K. DuBoff (guided reading books TXT) 📖

Kaiden. “It sounds like rejecting the offer of protection would make the world a target. So, when they accept, we cannot be confident that they are joining the Empire for the right reasons.”

Cris sat in consideration for a few seconds. “That’s a good point. As much as I’d like to see unity, we want to ensure we are taking a step forward in our relations.”

“So, what do you suggest?” Ryan asked.

“I believe we need to break the planets into two classifications: those aware of the Taran Empire and those who aren’t.

“For those who already know about our breadth and resources, we can simply offer a factual statement about the looming threat. If they ask for protection, we will grant it; otherwise, we can rest assured that we spoke of the danger and allow them the independence and freedom they desire. They will be easy targets for the enemy, yes, but we cannot force the will of the Empire on those who want nothing to do with us. They can decide their own fate, as is their right.

“In the case of Earth—for I believe it is the only known colony with next to no knowledge of Tarans, outside the highest levels of government—we must take a different approach. Speaking of a prospective galactic war would begin the relationship on a note of fear and dependence. Instead, I propose we approach the world with a message of peace and partnership and leave the external threat out of it. We can provide stewardship and protection to the world under the guise of first contact.”

Raena thought through her grandfather’s suggestion. Earth would be crazy to turn down access to this kind of tech. We could defend them without them needing to know there was an urgent need. They could enter the choice freely.

Ellen nodded thoughtfully. “I like that.”

“I could potentially agree to those terms,” Kaiden concurred. “How many planets fall into the first category—being independent but aware?”

Cris brought up a holographic map of the Empire in the space between the curved tables. “Here are the fifteen-hundred-odd member worlds of the Empire.” White dots appeared across the rendering of the galaxy, concentrated near Tararia, and becoming more intermittent further out. “Based on current information, these are the other known worlds.” Approximately a dozen additional dots showed up in red. “The good news is that those worlds are at the boundaries of the Empire’s territory at the edges furthest from the Rift.”

Raena spotted the location representing Earth, in the least populated area. Seeing the concentration of inhabited worlds on the opposite side of the galactic core, she could see how the Empire could have gone unnoticed for so long.

“So, fourteen,” Kaiden said, counting the red points. “Do we have the resources to offer planetary shields and other defenses if they accept our offer?”

“Emergency provisions aren’t an issue,” Liam Makaris stated on behalf of Makaris Corp, the overseer of food production and distribution throughout the Empire.

“We can re-task one of the DGE ship manufacturing facilities to construct orbital defense satellites, if needed,” Ryan offered.

“I know there’s a stockpile of shield generators, so they’d only require power,” Cris said.

“Most are powered by geothermal, right?” Eduard asked. Baellas, as a textiles and home goods company, didn’t have much to offer in terms of defense, but they would no doubt be pleased to have new sales markets open to them.

Cris nodded. “That’s a large construction undertaking, though. A PEM array would be much quicker to set up.”

Celine gave a prim nod. “Don’t some of these worlds already have planetary shields in place?”

They checked over the records in a data table next to the map. Almost half of the worlds did, but eight were defenseless aside from asteroid-spotter turrets.

“I think we can swing it in short order,” Cris assessed. “They’ve been staging materials on Phiris for a set of new colony worlds out that way, right?”

“Yes, DGE has been handling the shipments,” Ryan confirmed.

Celine was looking decidedly unhappy as the attendees waited for her to confirm that MPS could provide the necessary PEMs for the project. Raena didn’t understand her hesitation.

“What’s going on with her?” she asked her grandfather.

His outward expression remained neutral. “Shite, your dad might be right. Keep this to yourself—there’s concern that MPS’ production capacity is at its limits.”

She followed his lead and remained outwardly serene. “How is it possible this is only coming to light now?”

“This expansion campaign is the largest the Empire has undertaken in recent history. More ships, more shields, more cities. Their production limits might never have been tested before.”

“But don’t they have a stockpile?”

“I guess we’ll find out.” Cris returned his attention to Celine, though only a second had passed during the telepathic exchange. “When can you have the PEMs ready for delivery, Celine?”

“I’m not convinced this course of action is the right move at all,” the woman replied.

Eduard waved his hand dismissively. “Those worlds knew what the danger was when they stepped away from the Empire. Their fate is their own to bear.”

“My sentiments exactly.” Celine inclined her head. “I would, however, be happy to provide the PEMs to support a planetary shield grid for Earth. The situation of that planet—and its strategic importance to the TSS—make it the priority.”

“This is all a cover, isn’t it?” Raena said to Cris. “Celine has enough to help Earth but not the others, and she’s making it about political allegiance.”

“I fear that may be the case. And if that’s true, the worries about PEMs are far from over.”

“To a vote, then?” Kaiden proposed. “All in favor of bringing Earth into the Taran fold?”

The hands of the seven High Dynasty representatives all raised.

“The motion carries,” Kaiden stated. “We can revisit the matter of the other worlds at a future time.”

“Thank you all for meeting on short notice.” Cris bowed his