Dawn of the Mad Read Online Free Page A

your troopers, and your mere presence can swing the odds in your favor. You give them one thing they so often lose sight of.”
    Chuikova looked at Von Jesonik, still unable to hide the disgust and disbelief in his eyes. “And what would that be, marshal?”
    “That would be hope. Hope in victory and faith in their world.”
    “Your words are flattering, but I cannot see how being relieved of my command is a reward.” He almost spat the words out. Von Jesonik’s glare reminded him that he should not push too far. Chuikova’s voice calmed. “I apologize.” He paused and poured another drink. After throwing it back, he relaxed. The two shots of liquor now worked quickly in unison, calming his nerves to a more appropriate level. Surprise at the effects of the liquor overtook him briefly, as he realized that his tolerance had diminished greatly since he had been on the front, devoid of spirits.
    “You brought me up like a son when I was field commissioned as a lieutenant,” Chuikova noted. “I trust you, but I do not see how replacing me at such a critical time as this could be of any benefit. If we take Elohim Prime, we have control of that entire sector.”
    “Your concern is noted.” Von Jesonik rose out of his chair and turned back again to the window overlooking the massive industry below, his gloved hands now clasped behind his back. The last rays of the setting sun somehow found a break in the polluted clouds that lasted long enough to send shards of orange light bouncing off the dozens of shiny medals hanging on his dark emerald tunic. “What is below us will be gone in a few short years if we lose this war, perhaps even sooner,” he said quietly. “We only have four allied planets left in an empire that at one time stretched for three star systems. If the 1st is destroyed on Elohim Prime, our only recourse would be to sue for peace. The Auger-Lords have foreseen this in their visions.”
    “I have never believed that group of outcast wizards,” Chuikova related to Von Jesonik’s back. “They have never done anything for our people except predict what is already known,” he continued, unable to mask the contempt in his voice.
    Von Jesonik ignored the response. He next spoke in a soft, fatherly tone. “The supreme chancellor himself has planned a special mission based on intelligence we have received from our state security agents, as well as guidance gifted to us from the Auger-Lords. He has entrusted me to select a competent and capable leader. The mission is bold and daring, which is why I chose you. The enemy is developing a new weapon, and we must have it or destroy it. The chancellor demands success, and you are the only one that I feel can achieve what the chancellor wants. You see now that this is much bigger than Elohim Prime. If you succeed, Johann, you will be an immortal hero in the eyes of the people. What we need in these turbulent times are heroes. This righteous conflict will soon come to an end, and we will herald a new age of peace and prosperity!” Spittle spewed from Von Jesonik’s mouth as his voice reached a crescendo.
    Chuikova stared at the floor, seemingly lost in thought when Von Jesonik ended his oratory. Von Jesonik turned toward his desk and activated a keypad. A holographic image appeared, showing a large complex with many rooms and passages, formed in the side of a rocky plateau surrounded by a strange looking forest. “Our intelligence agents as well as stealth satellites obtained these plans, as well as technical information detailing the experiments within this desert planet located in the outer fringes of known space.”
    “I don’t follow. The outer fringes? That is hostile territory. Pirates and mercenaries rule that sector. I am used to leading armies on fields of battle, not special operations,” Chuikova interjected as he watched the images rotate above the desk. He put his half-smoked cigar into a gold ashtray on the marshal’s desk. He knew fringe space