RBO-29 kept the news to himself, but continued to implement Count Refsalot's plans, including one for the peaceful acquisition of Iranha: A colony ship prepared for just that purpose when a Meklar fleet was detected, moving in, waited at Reticuli as the Meklar glassed the world, and then raced in to establish a new Sakkra colony just as the machine-fleet departed.
The acquisition was peaceful, yes. But it was well understood that keeping the world would not be easy.
All available Sakkra ships, and countless more as yet unbuilt, were ordered to defend the world from Klackon transports and at least four - four so far - Klackon and Mrrshan fleets. It was hoped that one or even both of the Mrrshan starfleets would honor the recent peace treaty ... but as it was no longer fresh in the Mrrshan memory, and more time still would pass before they arrived, the hope was by no means guaranteed. Indeed, in 2449, the larger, trailing Mrrshan attack fleet - a Puma dreadnought, three Warcat cruisers, and an armed colony ship - demonstrated that the period of peace had expired. It was well for RBO-29 that he did not trust to words of peace; over 700 Sakkra fighters faced them down, and saved the planet - from starfleets and transports alike - by main force of NPGs.
Suitably impressed, when Orion's next transmission burst forth across the deeps of space, calling forth the galactic High Council, the Meklar, Mrrshan, and Alkari emperors voted that RBO-29 deserved the title of High Master - to rule over the whole of the galaxy! The Sakkra vote would be enough to push him over the top: To establish the New Republic, with himself as its permanent chief executive. Count Refsalot cheered and congratulated him, and declared their work complete.
RBO-29 said, "Oh ... but don't you think Kikitik is so much more deserving?" With an evil grin, he cast his votes against himself, and when the High Council dissolved, inconclusive yet again, he turned to his cabinet with eyes aflame. "High Master am I? Is that what they want me to be? When I don't even have a veto on Council proceedings? They mock at me! I don't want an empty title; I want all the galaxy!" And he grinned a grin of unabated greed.
With a hopeful look, Refsalot suggested, "At least you'll have pleased Kikitik, and diplomacy should go more smoothly."
The dragon rolled its fiery eyes. "That loony insect? Pah! She's as likely to attack us as not no matter what we do!"
Two years later, as if to prove his point, she declared war on him. His scientists taught Miamar their latest industrial tech improvements in exchange for a new battle computer - the Mrrshan-designed Mark III - and his people prepared to defend themselves as best they could ... and incidentally to take Galos by storm from the Darlok people, rejecting peace with Narzina when their troops were en route, but requesting and receiving it once the star system was theirs.
(Note: Click the map above for a much larger, true-scale map of the galaxy.)
Even Count Refsalot had to approve that course: The 'Loks might otherwise never have granted peace, and if a deal had been made with the transports still on the way, it would only have been shattered on their arrival. As well, Galos brought the Sakkra into contact with Skylord, the expansionist xenophobe who ruled the Alkari. Sadly for RBO-29 however, he made a grave mistake, establishing a large trade agreement with the bird people while under the misapprehension that he had even the slightest hope of holding the Galos colony. Perhaps he believed the Iranha fleet would be able to move down when that star had other defenses in place ... but if so, he was mistaken. Two thirds of the entire Sakkra star force was lost at Iranha the very next year before it could take out the latest Klackon attack fleet.
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Next: Losing Ground
