On the Eve
© 2022 by Walter Reimer

Thumbnail art by  baroncoon, color by  marmelmm


In many places throughout the Empire, shlani gathered at homes and entertainment venues and prepared to celebrate the end of an eventful year.

On the Imperial homeworld of Gwath ka-shlal, the members of the government of the Empire also gathered, partly to celebrate and partly to prepare. The next day, the first day of the Year of Civilization 423113, was also Government Day.

The Sovereign would meet that day with the entire government. The events of the previous year would be reviewed, and priorities for the next year would be discussed; laws would be reviewed, changed, or eliminated, and those remaining would have their expiration dates advanced one year; and taxes would be adjusted based on the advice of the relevant ministries.

As the horologs moved past the twentieth cycle, a number of shlani arrived at the truncated three-sided pyramid that housed the Governing Council to meet with their superior. They represented a wide assortment of disciplines, including all three of the Combined Services. The kam greeted them warmly, inviting them to help themselves to drinks or snacks before the thirteen shlani took seats and waited for the Minister for the Political Monitors to speak.

The Ministry held a slightly anomalous position in the government. Ordinarily an appendage of the Foreign Ministry, which it assisted in maintaining good relations with the Empire’s neighbors, the vāērdug e’t ka mechazin yanaheki was also tasked with keeping an eye on the various non-shlanin races within Imperial Space. A light touch was part of their ambit, although stronger measures could be called upon if necessary.

The Minister was fairly new in his post, having replaced his predecessor after that kam had admitted his error in allowing the Terran Emperor’s child to be present when his father was beheaded.

“My friends,” the Minister said, a glass of diluted skrivat in one hand, “welcome.” He sat down and a holographic map of the galaxy appeared. Different colors identified the Empire and the two Terran political blocs. “All of our projections,” and two analysts gestured understanding, “indicate that our relations with these two entities will be our focus for the coming year.”

“Any difficulties with those Terrans within our space?” a trade analyst asked.

“No. Most of them have little idea of the conflict outside our border,” the Minister said.

“The Terran Colonial Union has reconstituted its government,” a member of the Foreign Ministry said. “Their idea of placing their new legislature on a mobile base is a sensible one,” and the three representatives of the military all gestured approvingly. “The Union has sought our protection.”

“Which does present us with certain opportunities,” the Minister said, “if the Sovereign wishes it. I will recommend, however, that we maintain a presence – just a claw’s tip – and take no action apart from watching our relationship develop.” The others agreed readily; the recent conflict had cost the Fleet and the Army quite a number killed and injured.

“The Terran Empire, however, may pose difficulties,” one of the Combined Service members interjected. The projection over their heads altered to show that part of the galaxy.

A vir with the Foreign Ministry gestured agreement. “Their Foreign Minister is their former envoy to the Sovereign’s Throne,” she said, “and it is no secret that she both hates and fears us.”

“Does she have any influence over their young ruler?” another asked.

“We’re not certain.”

The Minister took a sip of his drink, closing his eyes momentarily at the strong flavor. “We will tread softly. Until then, my friends, let us celebrate the end of the year, and the beginning of another.”

“With the Imperial Heir’s marriage as a good omen for the year,” a priestess of the Religious Affairs Ministry said happily, and everyone else agreed with her.