For Immediate Release
A Thursday Prompt story
© 2022 by Walter Reimer

Prompt: announcement



The Information Minister took a few deep breaths to calm his nerves. Slowly, very slowly, his tail ceased its agitated jittering and coiling around things.

Of course, the prehensile appendage settled for wrapping around the kam’s leg tightly enough that the Minister wasn’t certain if he could stand up without first getting his circulation back. Still, it was far better than having it thrash about while he faced the imagers.

Even after so many decades of working in journalism and for the government, he still had trouble.

A few more breaths, and he gestured. There was a subtle glow of the imagers, and he began to speak.

“Zogat. I am Yezhren k’Daf, the Minister of Information. This statement is for immediate release to all government, private, and cooperative networks throughout the Empire.

“The Sovereign is pleased to report that the Heir and Heiress anticipate the birth of their first child in the next year. The Family Council has expressed their congratulations, and the High Priest has directed that all temples give thanks for the continuity of the dynasty.

“Thank you.” The soft glow faded, and k’Daf sat back in his seat, sighing gratefully at having gotten through his ordeal.

And very grateful that he didn’t have to read the other announcement made at the Sovereign’s direction today.


***


“Forgive me if I don’t get up, Admiral,” Captain h’Schen said, “but the Surgeonmaster has threatened to injure me further if I tried to stand.”

Admiral k’Daridh laughed and patted the kam’s shoulder. “Aka, we don’t want that. You are a good commander, and we can’t have the surgeons keeping you in here.” The other officers, Varan among them, laughed. They had glasses of henal in their hands, although Varan was drinking water; a straw stuck into one glass enabled h’Schen to drink while the regen units worked on the burns on his hands and arms.

“All of you,” Vesan said, “have done very well. True, you have taken losses, but what is important is that you withstood the Terran attack until the rest of us could arrive.” She bared her teeth. “You made them fear you. Be proud of that.” She gave Varan a glance as she sipped at her drink.

Varan took the hint. “I am proud of you all as well,” she said. “I would be proud to fight beside you again.” She opened her mouth to add something, but shut it as the infirmary intercom sounded.

“Admiral k’Daridh?” the repair ship’s captain asked.

“Here,” Vesan said.

“We’ve received a message from the High Admiral, for all units in the Combined Services.”

K’Daridh’s ears went back. “Relay it to the nearest monitor here, please.”

“At once, Ma’am.”

H’Schen was moved so he could see, and the others clustered around him as Garfrelen t’Klar appeared. A caption appeared with authentication codes. The vir’s expression was neutral. “All units in the Combined Services, Army, Fleet, and Support, hear the words of the Supreme Marshal.”

Varan felt the base of her tail clench.

Tarval XXI, in his dark blue uniform, appeared. “All units, greetings. I am aware of the Terran attack near Lalande, and I have heard the Terrans’ explanation of their actions. Aware also that you have suffered much, I am not inclined to send you into battle again. Therefore, the watch on the Terran Empire will be increased and reinforced, and I have made it clear to their government that I shall not tolerate another provocation.” The kam gazed out at them. “This is my will.”

The image was replaced by another string of authenticators before the screen went blank.

“Aka, we do nothing?” Varan was the first to ask, and was hard-put to keep the indignant tone from her voice.


***


“This is my will.”

The image was replaced by another string of authenticators before the screen went blank.

Anulka-Mei Balakrishnan reached out to shut off the monitor, and froze when she saw her paw shaking.