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people.”
    “I know nothing of politics, Rylon. My mother had a distaste for it.”
    “That is why she relied on me. As you too can rely on me. I am ever your humble servant.” Rylon bowed in an effort to appear humble.
    “Find a way to destroy the humans, and you shall have anything you desire.”
    “I serve my King not for want of material possessions, but for the good of all Saarkturians.” It was a lie, and Rylon was playing up to the child’s growing ego. “But I can assure you, the humans will be destroyed.”
    “How?”
    “Now may be the time for a strategic alliance.”
    “With who?”
    “The Decluvians.”
    Valinok’s face twisted up. “Never. I will not conspire with our enemy. An inferior one at that.”
    “Don’t underestimate their potential. They have proved a worthy adversary. Their continued existence is proof that we have failed to eradicate them. My sources tell me their capacity for war has grown.”
    “Their technology is inferior.”
    “But adequate. It is only a matter of time before they challenge us again. And we are no longer prepared to address the threat.”
    Valinok scowled.
    “An alliance could be made. Though, it would require concessions.”
    “What kind of concessions?”
    “Relinquish the Thelovian sector.”
    “No.”
    “It is of little strategic or economic value. The Decluvians have laid claim to it for centuries. It would be a gesture of good faith.”
    Valinok pondered this. “No.”
    “I would urge you to reconsider. Have you ever been to the Thelovian sector?”
    Valinok shook his head.
    “Perhaps we should arrange a visit. You could see for yourself how insignificant the region is.”
    The boy was quiet for a moment. “If I do choose to relinquish the sector, how can you be so sure that would be enough to convince the Decluvians to become our allies?”
    “Oh, that won’t be enough to convince them. That is just what it will take to get them to the bargaining table. For the Decluvians to fight and die on our behalf, it will take a far greater gesture.”
    The boy’s curious eyes stared at Rylon. “Like what?”
    Rylon pondered how best to present his plan. “A union between the two species.”
    Valinok was a smart boy. It didn’t take him long to see where Rylon was going. “Absolutely not.”
    “Sometimes, rulers must make personal sacrifices,” said Rylon.
    “It’s a little more than a sacrifice. It’s a nightmare. The Decluvian’s have tentacles. I will not marry the princess.”
    “Merely a symbolic gesture. And the ceremony will not take place until you come of age.”
    “The Saarkturian people do not want a Decluvian queen.”
    “It will be years before the actual marriage takes place. There are many things that can happen in the mean time.” Rylon’s tone was devious.
    “Tentacles, Rylon. Tentacles!”
    Rylon shrugged. “Such are the sacrifices one must make in order to rule the galaxy. You do want to rule the galaxy, don’t you?”
    Prince Valinok sighed. “I want my mother back.”
    Rylon looked at him with sympathy.
    “I want to be a child and play games and be irresponsible. When I grow up, I want to rule the galaxy.”
    “My dear boy, none of us want to grow up. But one day we wakeup to discover that we have. Today was that day for you. You can never go back to being as you were. Remember your childhood fondly, for today, you must become a man and lead your people.”
    The Prince eyed Rylon for a moment. “You have always been a friend to my mother. I trust you, Rylon. I will defer to your judgement.” Valinok grimaced. “Contact the ambassador. Offer the Thelovian sector in exchange for a meeting.”
    “As you wish, my Lord.” A slight grin curled on his treacherous lips. The boy was going to be easier to control than he thought.

10

Slade
    T he shuttle was filled with a dozen killers. Hardened criminals with soulless eyes. Slade was shackled at the wrists and legs. The prisoners were sizing each other up. All eyes