Authority

“Not under my jurisdiction…”

The two men watched the Holo message. Both wore expressions of disgust.

“…Dominion… no viable power over splinter groups. Must… in all odds, order a retreat.” The transmission ended. A nearby navigator waited patiently for instructions.

The bridge of the Pegasus was sterile. All hands on deck wore impeccable uniforms. The two men looked at the planet beneath them. Squads of marines trooped over the landscape in formation, their Gauss rifles greased and ready.

One of the two men looked up at the clouds billowing over. The behaviour of weather on rebel worlds never seemed to favour the Dominion. Increased solar activity wrecked havoc on communications, storms hampered the large forces of the Dominion which was being wielding as a broadsword, sweeping from planet to planet keeping the rebels in line. But not anymore.

“Sir, we have been requested to make for the nearest core world.”

The two admirals ignored the navigator.

“Sir?”

“Keep the men searching. We don’t stop until we find their base.”

A brief expression of disbelief swept over the navigator but he quickly snapped his heels and said, “Consider it done sir.”

“You have trained your men well Admiral, they obey your every command.”

“As they should. Confidence inspires loyalty. And loyalty gained from respect is superior to loyalty gained from fear. It may be a tight line, but it is one I am willing to tread.”

“And the rebels?”

“We will find them, it is only a matter of time. Starships are expensive, they cannot keep up with the might of the Dominion.”

“I hope you’re right.”