The Last Praetorian by Mike Smith Read Free Book Online Page A

Emperor’s final order stands, Princess Aurelius will be
escorted to Eden Prime where she will be placed under the protection of the
Imperial Senate.”  Jon was expecting the Commodore to bluster and threaten as
usual but instead he just sneered.
    “So noted Commander, I’ll enter it into the fleet log that
at this time you refused a direct command from the Fleet Commander to return
your squadron to the flagship.”  With that the communication was once again
cut-off. 
    Jon simply slammed his fist against the console in
frustration.  However, his attention was quickly diverted by a quiet sob coming
from the seat opposite.  With one final curse at the Commodore under his
breath, Jon turned to face the grieving Princess.  Jon had never been confident
around women; especially tear-filled ones.  What to say?  “Princess,” he
uttered softly, desperately trying to think of something to say.  When she did
not respond, he uttered a soft, “Sofia.” 
    Surprised at hearing her name uttered, as she had never
heard Jon refer to her by her first name before, she looked up at him with tear
filled eyes.  His gaze was filled with such sympathy and understanding that she
launched herself desperately into his embrace.  Having even less idea what to
say, Jon just made little reassuring sounds and gently rubbed her back in what
he hoped was a soothing gesture.  Of course as Jon ran his fingertips across
warm, silky soft skin he was abruptly reminded about her indecent dress, a
gentle sigh of breath against his chest caused such thoughts to flee from his
mind as he just held her in his arms until her tremors began to subside. 
    The tender moment was abruptly interrupted by a bleep from
the communication system.  Glancing towards the view screen Jon observed Elsie
closely observing the scene in the cockpit.  For once her expression was not
disdainful, but sympathetic for the younger woman.  Like many of the
Praetorians she had lost loved ones close to her before…
    “Commander, we monitored the communication from Harkov and
we are waiting for your orders.”  Jon experienced a brief rush of affection,
realising that they all risked court-martial together for disobeying the direct
order.  He quickly described his suspicions regarding the Commodore, Elsie’s
expression cooling then hardening during the re-telling.  By the time Jon had
summarised his concerns Elsie’s face was wearing a similar snarl to that of the
Commodore. 
    Turning her attention to Princess Aurelius she swore, “Princess,
I swear to you that while a single Praetorian still draws breath, your father’s
death will be avenged.” 
    Sofia, who had been embracing Jon ever more tightly during
the retelling simply offered a tear-filled smile and nodded her head in
thanks. 
    Confirming his original intent, Jon insisted, “Lieutenant,
our original orders still stand.  We are to escort Princess Aurelius to Eden
Prime and ensure she is under the protection of the Senate.  At that point we
will confirm the chain-of-command with the Imperial Fleet.”
    “Understood Commander,” Elsie confirmed, “we will continue
to hold position until you are ready to resume course.”  With a salute the
communication channel closed. 
    Jon was momentarily puzzled, as he did not stick with strict
fleet discipline within the squadron.  It was only when he noticed Sofia
glancing at the view-screen that he understood that the salute had not been
directed at him but Princess…no Empress Aurelius now.  Realising that their
situation had now changed, Jon gently eased himself from her embrace and
tilting her head-up so he could look her in the eyes asked in a gentle voice.
    “You ok?”  Sofia just nodded her head slightly in answer to
the question, before she asked what Jon had been dreading.
    “What…what is going to happen to me?  What do I do now?” 
While Jon had a fairly good idea, he did not think it wise to worry Sofia yet,
anyway they had more immediate