“Ser, General Elkay has been pronounced dead…”
High General Photeianos stood at his desk as his Ksa gathered around him, handing him information and asking for instructions. Outside, Rethans were knocking on his office door, trying to get more information. He did not want any of them in there right now. With a flick of his hand and a low growl, he orders for his Ksa to get rid of them all.
“I will make an announcement when I am ready. I must tidy this mess up first.”
The only Ksa not present were Thitavee-En and Emvee-En, the leader and deputy leader of the N-Class Ksa. In his place was Ayvee-En, whose first day as leader of the class had suddenly become incredibly hectic, he was struggling to keep everyone under control.
“Who will write it, ser?” Ayvee-En asked. “We need to get this right and get it out, right now, before anyone gets suspicious and calls foul play. The Vice General is dead.”
“You mean our super popular Vice General, who had been keeping us afloat for the last three years and was just thrown out of a window and killed in front of a crowd of citizens, is dead!” Kayel-En growled. “We’re in deep shit. Super deep. We ca-”
A smack around the face got Kayel-En to shut up. The youngest N-Class backed away awkwardly into a corner.
“My little Ksa, you worry too much and your panic is not helping me. Now shut up, go outside and tell everyone I will have a statement in ten minutes. Understood?”
Kayel-En hesitated, before doing as he was told. With the youngling gone, Photeianos addressed the rest of his Ksa.
“Alright. How many do we have injured, and how many dead, not including poor little Elkay?”
“Twenty. Most of them are bullet wounds.”
“Any potential suspects?”
Efgee-En suddenly burst into the room.
“Ser, ser! The Astynom shot down three suspects, seen flying out of the window that the Vice General was thrown out of. The fourth, apparently the shots went through the target, passing through harmlessly. Suspect is still at large. They’ve got the names of the three shot down suspects though, all K-Class Ksa.”
Photeianos gave Efgee-En a small smile. “Good.” He turned to Ayvee-En. “Get the R-Class to arrest the remaining K-Class Ksa, no matter their condition. Put them in the Kryan Catacombs.”
“Ser?” Ayveen-En stuttered. “One of them is off duty and another is in the KSA Hospital. Should I-”
“If three K-Class are capable of this, they all are. Put them in the Catacombs.”
“Ser… that is against their rights…”
Photeianos pulled Ayvee-En close. “You are Ksa. You have no rights. Do as I say.”
Ayvee-En nodded and noted down the High General’s command. “What will we say to the vok?”
The High General started pacing up and down the room. “Simple. One of you write this down, then refine it. I am deeply heartbroken by the sudden death of such a fine, powerful, young Vice General. General Elkay did a lot for Rethan society, and his death will not go unavenged. Those who are responsible for General Elkay’s death will be punished, swiftly and painfully. In the mean time, we will continue as normal, without fear or worry. Do not fret, I, High General Photeianos, will always be here for you. Sound good, Ksa?”
The Ksa all nodded faithfully. Photeianos smiled, then continued.
“My personal medical transporters have taken General Elkay to my personal morgue. For safe keeping. I shall arrange his burial plans personally. A simple ceremony. Elkay was never someone who had much pride in himself.”
“And after that, High General?” Esvee-En asked. “What do we do after that?”
“Once the dust has settled, we’ll arrange a new election for a Vice General. Preferably someone who will not stand in my way like Elkay did. Bless his little heart. But as the ancients always said, sometimes some blood must be spilt to keep things as they are…”