The Mullinix Book 1: Ascension

Prologue

The large meeting chamber had been the center of power in the Mullinix Empire for nearly two thousand years, but walking into it you often wonder why they didn't spend more time or money in trying to fix it up nicer. Instead, it was built from solid stone and mortar construction much like any permanent government building in the empire.

Unlike the opulent thrones other empire seats often used the main receiving chamber was set up with simple furniture. The three Mullinix seats were at the front of the chamber, sitting at floor level with tables to either side. This made it possible for them to be able to lay down files without hiding behind a desk.

Only two of the three chairs were filled most times, especially for the handling of standard criminal and civil claims. This duty was usually the province of the current Mullinix, often with the assistance or observance with the Mullinix-apprentice. The Elder tended to come and go as he pleased, being semiretired and only there for his experience.

No one person ruled the Mullinix Empire. There were always three of them, usually a generation apart, The Mullinix, the Mullinix-Elder and the Mullinix-Apprentice. This ensured a stable government that was able to withstand the ravages of time and transition.

The three Mullinix are never related by blood or by anything other than service to their nation. The existing Mullinix always recruit the new apprentice from the pools of young people who go every year to begin serving their country. They come from many different races, creeds, or sex but share one common trait. They are the last people who ever wanted the job.

The Mullinix, the one man (or sometimes a woman) who holds the final decision making power in the Empire is usually between thirty and sixty years of age, though they had been both younger and older at various times. They sit in the middle seat and have the pressure of the empire squarely on their shoulders.

Before one can become The Mullinix, however, a person must serve as an apprentice. This is the lowest ranking Mullinix, as the current Mullinix and the Mullinix-Elder conduct the training required to make a young person into a wise and fair ruler for a nation.

The Mullinix-Elder is the longest serving of the three Mullinix. On the death of the Elder, the current Mullinix gets to retire from active service and take this position of respect. Their job is usually to teach the apprentice and lend experience and knowledge to the current Mullinix. This is often an active role, but in cases where both the Mullinix and Apprentice have been long serving this often becomes a semi-retirement.

Whenever a Mullinix dies, be it Elder, Current or Apprentice, The ones below go up a rank. At most times, this goes smoothly, with the Elder being the one to go and the other two ascending. If a current Mullinix dies, as has happened in the past, the Apprentice ascends and a new apprentice is chosen. Because of travel restrictions, no more than two Mullinix ever traveled together and there had never been two deaths any closer than six months apart.

As stated before, they choose the apprentice from the hundreds of youths that begin their three years of service to the Mullinix Empire. These youths are always in their first six-month period of service, where they learn civic duty and responsibility as well as training for the jobs they will fill for the remaining months of civil service.

Candidates for Mullinix ascension are always identified before going to the service center. This is done with testing while in school and the candidates are observed during this six-month period. This is done regardless of expected death to always have a quick transition. In most classes, the preparation is fruitless and the candidates never know of the status that they are held in. It is not until the death of a Mullinix that these procedures are used.

The current Mullinix and Apprentice, both having served in their respective positions for an extremely long time at nearly twenty-five years, were sitting in their respective seats in the chamber, both looking tired and worn down by the constant string of cases they'd heard that day. They were the rulers, men who had the awesome responsibility of running the empire. They were also men who would rather be anywhere else.

The third chair was empty as of late, as the Mullinix-Elder had fallen ill several days before. The system was getting ready to work again, and as always, a young budding citizen that would rather have nothing to do with ruling will get put in the position of having to do so. It has worked this way for two millennia, and it is probably how it will work for many more…

Chapter 1 - Service Center

Listen up! the big man yelled, We need to line you up by last name. We've got a lot of things to get settled today, so let's get busy!

Several young men wearing the identical gray uniforms that signified they were in the last semester of their citizenship service period helped get the young men and women into their lines. There was a lot of chatter, something not unexpected considering all the young people were eighteen years of age.

Salmand, one of the young men in gray said, Stainway, Stalken, Steele, Sutcliffe, Suvorov. There are six of you so they will probably leave you as a group for now. Stay in order so we can get this organized.

Copeland Steele pushed his brown hair back and looked around at the people around him. He'd never been much for making friends, preferring to retreat inside and read. He'd been dreading his service requirement for several years, but knew that he had no choice. Everyone had to do it. There were no exceptions from that requirement in the Mullinix Empire.

Hey mate, the thin kid next to him said and offered his hand, I'm Simon Sutcliffe. Who're you?

Copeland Steele, he said, shaking the kid's hand, Do you get the feeling we're not in school anymore?

Sure as heck, man, Simon cackled, It'll be all right though. My brother said that his service period was fun, spent it in a mail facility. He must have liked it. He's still working for the post office, living in Immortal Park now.

I'm hoping for a simple civil service posting, Copeland smiled, I don't think I'd do well in the military.

Copeland Steele was not overly small, but he wasn't particularly well-built either. That was the one thing he truly dreaded, the mere thought of having to pick up a weapon in the military. In some ways, he envied Simon who was so small that it was unlikely they'd choose him for military service.

So where are you from, Steele? Simon asked him, deciding to ignore the burly one next to him that looked about as interesting as a bag of rotten cheese, You have to travel far?

I'm from Skolnik, Copeland said, About three leagues from the Northeastern border with Siraq. It was a four-hour train ride to get here.

Cool, cool, Simon nodded, I'm from right here in Mullinix Centre. Being up near Siraq I'd think they would have sent you to the Service Academy up north.

I don't know why, but I'm glad, Steele shrugged, If you are Military you go out to that one because a higher percentage of their people go military. I guess they wanted me here for some reason.

I hear that, Simon nodded, giggling a little, I hope they get this over with soon. I'm getting sick of standing out here.

Be glad you weren't born before June, Steele chuckled, beginning to like the small guy, Otherwise we'd be trudging through snow for this.

Nahh, Simon shrugged, Not here. We get snow, but not too much.

Must be nice, Steele told him, We get…

Quiet! the big man up front yelled, Listen up! Superintendent Strode will now address you!

Thank you, Superintendent Strode, a large and rather dull looking individual, said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, today you start to learn what being a citizen of the Mullinix Empire is really about. You begin a journey today that will take you from the children you enter today as to the men and women you will become in the future.

"The Mullinix Empire was founded nearly two thousand years ago and has maintained its stability by being both rigid in its traditions and fluid in its makeup. By the time you leave this campus, some six months from now, you will know what you need to know to be a good citizen.

"The future of the empire is in you, its young people. Today you will be assigned places to sleep. You have a lot of work in front of you, but I promise that someday you will look back and realize why we do things the way we do. Your lessons will start tomorrow in earnest, but listen and learn today. You will learn more from the people around you than you will in your classes.

Enjoy this time, young people. This is going to be the hardest and most rewarding three years of your life. You may not think so now, but things will never be the same again.

Superintendent Strode left the podium and walked off into the building leaving the new students alone with their handlers. Copeland Steele and Simon Sutcliffe looked at each other, both shrugging.

Man, Simon said, My brother wasn't kidding about how much a windbag he is.

Shh, Copeland giggled, You'll get us in trouble.

No he won't, a gray said, smiling, I said much the same thing when I went through it 18 months ago.

Who are you? Copeland asked, looking at the smiling Gray.

I'm Pete Lomax, the Gray said, Looks like I'm assigned to you guys for the duration.

When do we get to go to the range? Rav Suvorov asked, This is boring.

Later guy, Lomax said, his disdain showing, We've got to get our sleeping quarters before we do anything else. I'll answer questions when we get to our suite.

Suite? Copeland asked earning a shrug from Simon, I thought we got a bunk?

It's not much more than that, Pete Lomax said, You'll see in a few minutes. Let's go.

Chapter 2 - The Mullinix Chamber

Mullinix Insegniferro was a slight, frail looking man that with thick glasses and a plume of snow-white hair looked more like an aging schoolteacher than the ruler of a nation. He looked every one of his 54 years as he proclaimed a death sentence for a multiple murder. It was something he hated doing, but it was the job of the Mullinix to pass a proper sentence for the crime, in this case the heinous murder of three children.

Mullinix-Apprentice Massimaferro was on the opposite scale, a burly man of relatively dark coloration that was only beginning to look anywhere near his 48 years of age. His eyes were attentive, watching the reactions of the crowd to make sure that something didn't catch him that would mean they made a mistake. Seeing nothing, he kept his silence as the parties left the room.

Mullinix sir, the page said, There are no more cases waiting for today.

About time, Insegniferro said with a sigh of relief, I've had enough of this for today.

You will miss sitting in that chair, Massimaferro laughed, his booming voice carrying through the hall, You've been doing it so long staying quiet will be torture.

On the contrary, Insegniferro said, standing up and putting his ceremonial hat on the table beside him, I will be relieved that all I have to do is keep you in line.

We'll see, Massimaferro nodded, Unfortunately it looks as though we'll see sooner instead of later.

Page, Insegniferro said, Has the Medico said sent down word on Taliaferro's condition?

Mullinix-Elder Taliaferro is awake and alert, the page said, He wanted to come down and watch the session from the balcony, but the medico wouldn't let him get up.

Good, Massimaferro said, He needs to rest.

Mullinix-Elder Taliaferro did send down a request to see you, however, the page said, He asked for me to deliver the message when you finished with today's sessions.

Of course, Massimaferro nodded, Would you kindly let him know that we'll be there after we stretch a little and get some coffee.

Certainly Mullinix, the page agreed and bowed before he left to run upstairs.

Polite boy, Massimaferro said, watching him, Who is he?

He is one of the orphans, Insegniferro said, His mother died of the fever a few years ago. His father was one of our soldiers in the conflict down south.

We still need to deal with that encroachment, Massimaferro said, Facie is still pissed that we accepted Cirrus City's bid for freedom from Mavelan tyranny.

It's been twenty years, Insegniferro sighed, You'd think they'd just learn to forget about it by now.

The two men walked into the back part of the palace and went into the huge stone kitchen. Two of the young women from the house staff had already heard that the session was ending so the afternoon coffee was already brewing. There were two pots out on the stove for them, one weaker one for Insegniferro and one that was almost like mud, the same type that Massimaferro learned to drink on the fishing boats as a teenager.

You think the end is coming, don't you Iggy? Massimaferro asked the older man, using the informal version of his Mullinix name, Tali won't be around much longer, will he?

If there was ever a man with more of an excuse for a natural death it is Tali, Iggy shrugged, He's among the oldest Mullinix ever to live. Most don't make it much past seventy or eighty. Tali will be ninety-five this year. He's even outlived one of his successors, something that doesn't happen often around here, Massy.

You were brought in to apprentice Crianferro, right? Massimaferro, better known to his close circle as Massy, said as he nodded his head, But he had a heart attack of some sort, didn't he?

We think so, Iggy told him, He died young too. Not much older than you are.

I suppose we'd better go see him, Massy sighed, It's hard to see him wasting away like this.

Nothing else we can do, Iggy told him, Just make sure you keep upbeat. He's got enough to worry about without him being worried about leaving us to take over.

Optimism will be the name of the day, Massimaferro promised as he sucked down the last of his coffee, I promise.

As they walked up the winding stone staircase, they both wished they could feel that same optimism inside as they were trying to project to each other. It was hard when they knew that someone they had known and worked with closely was dying.

Chapter 3 - The Suites

This is your suite, Peter Lomax told the younger men, There are three rooms here along with a shared bathroom. One of those rooms is mine, the smallest one. The other two both have three beds each. This open area in front of the bathroom and my room is the common area. This is where we'll be conducting small group activities.

Gotta love shared quarters, Copeland Steele muttered, not liking the idea much.

Only three is going to be cool for me, Simon Sutcliffe grinned, I've had to share a room with four of my younger brothers for years. I'm glad to be getting out of there.

Ok, Lomax said, Steele, Sutcliffe, and Suvorov get the room on the right. The rest of you get the one on the left.

Great, Suvorov sneered, I get to room with these two pipsqueaks.

I assure you, Simon said, mischief in his eyes, We're nearly as thrilled about the prospect as you are.

Suvorov said nothing and went into the room, taking the bed on the right and moving it as far from the other two as he could. Neither Steele nor Sutcliffe really had any problems with that, as they didn't like Suvorov anymore than he seemed to like them.

Lovely fellow, isn't he? Copeland said to Simon as he walked in, So which side do you want?

I'll flip you for having to take the one closest to Suvorov, Simon offered, pulling out an empire stainless steel coin.

Deal, Steele said, You flip I'll call in the air.

Simon flipped the coin in the air and Copeland waited for half a second before calling what he wanted.

Mullinix, Copeland said just as Simon caught the coin.

The Mullinix Empire currency came in decimal units, with coins being the smallest of them. On one side of the coin was an image of the Mullinix that was in power when it was stamped, the other side was a generic logo for the empire, said to have been designed by Marcus Mullinix himself. Simon waited for a second to build up the suspense before raising his hand and showing Copeland the smiling picture of Insegniferro.

Good call, Simon grumped, I guess I'll get the middle bed.

While the three boys were getting their stuff unpacked Pete Lomax came into the room and looked at the way things were positioning out. He was slightly concerned about Suvorov's apparent isolation, but knew from what little he'd seen of the large man that it was probably for the best.

Looks like you're getting settled, Lomax said, nodding his approval, You three have got about thirty minutes before the evening meal. All of us in this unit will get to eat together at a table in the hall. Most of the time we'll just be coming back from classes and seeing each other for the first time that day.

Do we have to see each other at all? Suvorov asked hopefully.

Yes, Lomax nodded, Part of the training here is getting to know each other. That's how you learn to work with people.

Guess that lets Suvorov out, Simon muttered, catching a stern look from Suvorov and a giggle from Copeland.

Enough of that, Lomax said shaking his head, I'll see you guys in a few. Get ready for the absolute best in mediocre food.

Copeland and Suvorov looked puzzled at that remark, but Simon actually laughed. He'd heard about the food in the academy from his older brothers. It had its few proponents, but generally it was legendary in its mediocrity.

The food here is nothing to write home about, Simon explained, It is about as mediocre as it can really be without actually being bad. There are legends here about just how much work it takes to make something quite so tasteless.

You really know how to build up a meal, Copeland said distastefully.

Better than our boys at the front have, Suvorov sneered, What I wouldn't give to be out with them, sitting by the fire in the off time before the next fight.

You need some serious help, Copeland said, looking at Suvorov, You actually want to be out there where people are getting killed?

I want to be the one killin' em! Suvorov exclaimed, You don't win wars by dying, you win them by killing the enemy!

Why do you want to be in a war? Simon asked him, That's what I don't get.

My family has been in the army for generations, Suvorov said proudly, A member of my family has died in every major war we've ever had. I intend to honor their memories and be the best soldier for the Mullinix I can be.

I guess I can understand that, Copeland shrugged, More power to you, Suvorov.

Come on, guys, Lomax said, popping his head into the room, It's time to eat.

Suvorov was the first one up and ready to go. Simon, knowing the food would be only fair to middling was slower. Copeland, who had never eaten with more than four people at once in his life was not thrilled about doing it and dragged his feet. Simon almost had to drag him along.

Come on! Simon exclaimed, You'll be older than Taliaferro by the time we get there at this rate!

That was something Copeland Steele thought he could live with.

Chapter 4 - Taliaferro

Insegniferro and Massimaferro walked down the hallway and found the young medico who had been treating Mullinix-Elder Taliaferro sitting in a chair outside his room. She was a blonde woman in her late thirties pouring over a chart that indicated the progress of the old man.

Medico Rasten, Insegniferro said, offering a hand to the younger woman, Have you got any news for us?

It's definitely the wasting sickness, she said, nodding to Massimaferro as well, Either the lungs or one of the other internal organs. Considering his age it could easily be any of them, if not all.

They knew that this was a grave diagnosis, as the wasting sickness was still a disease that was hard to treat, especially in someone as old as Taliaferro. Neither one questioned Medico Rasten, as she was one of the brightest spots in the medical system. She split her time between specialized cases and high profile ones, taking time out to teach younger students in between.

How long does he have? Massimaferro asked, And how much longer is he going to be lucid?

He'll most likely be lucid to the end since it is in the lower body, the medico told him, As for how long he has, it could be days or it could be weeks. Whatever your process is for bringing in another Mullinix, I'd suggest you get it started. He's probably holding on by sheer will at this point.

How about his spirits? Insegniferro asked her, How much have you told him?

He hasn't asked directly, Medico Rasten said, shrugging, But he knows me and recognizes me. He's guessed by now. I'll leave it to you to do anything else.

Right, Insegniferro nodded, Can we go see him?

He'll start yelling soon if you don't, Medico Rasten smiled, I'm giving him pain medication when I can, but he gets mad if he gets too muddled.

He would, Massimaferro nodded, Thanks medico.

The two Mullinix entered the room to see the frail old man sitting upright in his bed. The wasting sickness had caused the once sizable man to lose over eighty pounds in a matter of months. His cheeks were sunken and he looked considerably older than his ninety-five years. The one thing that was still recognizable, however, was the fire in his eyes that had been with him all his life.

About time you two showed up, Taliaferro said, making eye contact like he always did, Anything interesting in the chamber today?

The natives down south are getting frisky again, Insegniferro said, ignoring the elephant in the room and deliberately getting down to business, Massy had to sit through the minor squabbles while I dealt with the latest batch of bullshit from the Mavelans.

You just wanted to get out of hearing cases, Taliaferro grunted, Did you at least listen to some?

He took the murder case at the end of the day, Massy said, coming to Iggy's defense, That was a nasty one.

Those usually are, Taliaferro said, nodding his head in satisfaction, So what did Blondie say about my condition?

She said you're sick, Iggy said, not beating around the bush, Badly so.

It's the wasting sickness, Taliaferro agreed, I'd been guessing it for months, just didn't want to deal with it.

You knew? Massy asked, Why didn't you get help sooner?

It wouldn't have helped, Taliaferro shrugged, My time is coming to an end. What are they going to do? Cut me open? I'm ninety-five years old. I'd never wake up. I'd rather die here in chamber than on a medico's operating table in the hospital.

You're not going to die that soon, Iggy protested, I want your job, but not at that price, Tali.

Bullshit, Taliaferro said firmly, You deserve this job. You got a raw deal when Crianferro died as young as he did. Nobody should have to be Mullinix for as long as you have with as little training as you got. It's Massimaferro's turn to deal with all the bullshit.

Gee, thanks, Massy said, his eyes rolling.

Now have you decided on a replacement yet? Tali asked them seriously, I want you to be ready to go when it happens. You have warning, I expect you to use it.

There are several candidates in the pool, Iggy said, They just arrived today so it will be a few days before we can start vetting them down.

Make it quick, Tali urged them, I don't know how much longer I have, but I'm guessing it isn't long. Don't get caught with your pants down. You need to have the new Mullinix ready to go within hours of my death. People get nervous if you don't.

It isn't that urgent is it, Tali? Massy asked him, You've been sick before.

As I said, I've known this was coming, Taliaferro coughed, I didn't want to face it until now. Now, I can't hide it anymore.

Why hide it? Iggy exclaimed, Why the hell didn't you say anything, Tali?

Because, Taliaferro said, If you knew you'd act like you are now. I didn't want to deal with that. I'm dying. I'm ninety-five. I should have gone years ago. The Empire will soon be in your hands, boys. I did my best to train you and I think I did well. Now it's time for my end to come. If I know Edwina as well as I think I do she probably has several candidates already. Talk to her and talk to each other. You'll have to work with this boy for many years. Choose well.

We will, Massy promised, You know that.

I know, Taliaferro nodded, his aged face smiling a little, I need to sleep now. When you talk to Edwina get the best candidates. If I'm feeling better I'll look over them with you tonight in front of the fire.

Let's just hope that it isn't needed too soon, Iggy said and stood up, We'll be back later.

Just be prepared, Taliaferro said, Don't get caught with your pants down like we did with Crianferro.

Right, Iggy nodded, Come on, Massy. Let him rest.

Later Tali, Massimaferro said as he dragged his large frame out of the room.

The two men walked down the hall, looking like a rather ordinary Mutt and Jeff team. Massimaferro towered a good six inches over his more scholarly looking senior. Insegniferro looked up at Massimaferro and knew that neither one of them had been prepared for this, despite Taliaferro's advancing age.

What did he mean caught with your pants down? Massimaferro asked Iggy, I thought Crianferro had been sick for years when he died?

We all turned a blind eye to that, Insegniferro explained, We all knew he had problems, but Crian kept to himself. He was always sickly, but the heart attack that killed him pretty much blindsided us. He doesn't want us to have to scramble for him like he and I did for Crian.

I can understand that, Massy sighed, So what do we do?

Talk to Edwina, Iggy shrugged, He's right. We have to be prepared. It may not happen tomorrow, but it will happen this session. We might as well pick the kid and be able to just pull him out of class.

You go talk to Edwina, Massimaferro said, I'm going to go for a walk. I need some time to deal with this.

No problem, Iggy chuckled, I was just about as dazed as you are, probably more so. At least you are getting some warning before you ascend. I was sitting in my chamber reading a book when Mariana came in to tell me the news. It was chaos because Crian was due to meet the King of Siraq in the chamber when they found him.

That asshole? Massy said, I can understand why Crian chose to have a heart attack rather than meet with him.

No, Iggy laughed, The current King's father. He wasn't so bad. That new guy is a pain in the ass.

Anyway, Massy said, I'll be with you in a bit. I'm going to the balcony to watch.

Don't let it eat you up, Iggy warned him, What we do is important. We have to bring someone in.

I know, Massy said and nodded as he walked off.

Massimaferro walked over to the balcony that overlooked the civil schooling area and watched all the young men and women heading over towards the mess hall to eat their first meals as Citizen Service Students.

He almost pitied them, for he remembered what that food had been like. He also knew that whomever they chose to take the Apprentice spot would be wishing almost immediately for the bland food again, for even though the food as a Mullinix was better, the job wasn't worth it.

Chapter 5 - After Dinner

Ahh, Suvorov said, patting his flat stomach roundly as he walked into the room, A meal fit for a soldier of the Empire.

Leave it to him to think that was great, Simon said, shaking his head and going to his bunk, The meal was everything my brother told me it would be.

Did he tell you that it would be bland, boring and tasteless? Copeland Steele asked him, 'Cause I can't see it being described as anything else.

You two don't know good when you have it, Suvorov said, The cook here is better than me mum's cooking.

I truly pity you then, Suvorov, Copeland said, I already miss the food back home. Everything is spiced, sometimes to the point where it will bring tears if you don't drink enough water with it.

Man, Simon told him, I don't know about that, but I'd settle for it not tasting like it came out of a cardboard factory.

Now, now, Peter Lomax said as he came into the door, That's no way to talk about the food here.

How do you stand that crap day in and day out? Copeland asked him, Simon is right. It tastes like cardboard.

Giving it too much credit, Steele, Lomax pointed out, That would imply it had some taste.

It's better than our boys get down south, Suvorov protested, They are fighting and dying to keep our freedom…

We know, Rav, Lomax said, cutting him off and using his first name for the first time, That is what this is about, to teach you about the freedom of the Empire.

I'm sure you'll get your chance to die in battle soon enough, Suvorov, Simon deadpanned, earning a glare from him, So what's on the agenda for tonight?

You've had your official orientation, Peter Lomax told them, It's time to learn a bit more informally what goes on here. I figured that we'd all talk for a bit.

Just the three of us? Copeland asked him.

All seven, actually, Peter said, It's time to meet the other people you'll be living with for at least the next six months. Come on out into the commons, we'll get to know each other.

All right, Simon said, Come on, Copeland. Let's see who we're going to be spending time with.

Hopefully they will be more suitable than you two, Rav Suvorov said as he passed by them.

Man, Simon said, This is going to be a long six months living with this guy.

Don't worry, Peter chuckled, He's just dealing with it differently. It'll be all right.

Simon and Copeland weren't so sure, but they went out and joined the others in the common area. The common area had two empire issue couches, the same type that you would find in most Empire offices. They were nothing special, simple cushions that you could sit on semi-comfortably.

All right, Peter said, sitting in a simple hardback chair, You all know that you're here to start your Empire service training. Do you all know why you are here?

There were some murmurs, ranging from the meek no to Simon's resounding yes. The same thing was going on in the other common areas all around the compound. Lomax had done the same thing when he had gone through this from the other end.

Since you seem adamant that you know, Peter told Simon, Go ahead and tell us why we're here.

We're here to learn how to be good citizens of the Empire, Simon said, We have to serve it in order to really become a part of it.

We're born here, isn't that enough? Suvorov asked.

There is no such thing as a birth right here, Rav, Peter admonished, This is a place where anyone can become anything they want to.

Why do we have to do it so far from home? Hale Steinway, a rather ordinary eighteen-year old asked, We go to school, why can't we do it there?

That's a good question, Peter admitted, Anyone have an idea?

Because the empire needs the service, Simon said, Without us there would be no empire.

That's right, Peter nodded, Every single one of you will perform a function that is important to the Empire. It isn't fun. The hours will be long and in some cases, probably yours, Suvorov, it will be dangerous. Without this service, however, the empire wouldn't be able to continue.

It also makes us realize why citizenship is so important, Copeland said, putting his two coins in, By serving the empire we come in contact with the people in it.

It also lets you know that everyone is different, but in some ways we are all the same, Peter said, Look around the room. You are all from different areas. Simon is from here in the capital city. Copeland is from the Northeast, up near Siraq. Suvorov and Salmand are from west coast. Stalken and I both hail from the east border section. I don't know where you're from, Steinway.

I'm here from Mullinix Centre as well, Steinway said, Born and raised.

I don't remember you from school, Simon said, You go to North Book?

No man, Steinway said, shaking his head, Southland Academy.

That's cool, Simon nodded, So we have a little of everything.

So why does this matter? Suvorov asked them, So we're from different places.

That's the way it is designed, Lomax said, They try to put people of different backgrounds together so you get to know that people are people. A citizen is a citizen. You are not alone, you are part of the Mullinix Empire.

That still doesn't explain why we're all in a central place, Stalken said, Why can't we stay home?

They do this so there is no ambiguity about being ready to move on, Peter explained, This process has been refined for centuries. Make no mistake about it. When you finish here you won't want to live with your parents anymore.

I didn't want to live with them in the first place, Rav shrugged, Why can't I join a unit now?

All in good time, Suvorov, Peter said, You have to make it through six months here first so you know what you're fighting for.

I know what I'm fighting for, Suvorov said, I'm there to kill the enemy.

Why? Peter asked him, his voice even.

There is another reason? Suvorov asked, his eyes slightly wide, I think that's enough.

Living only to kill, Copeland said, A sadder existence I cannot fathom, Rav.

You're a poetic little fucker, aren't you? Suvorov said, glaring at the smaller boy, Let's see how clever you'd be with my foot up your…

Rav, Peter said firmly, That's not constructive.

Man, Suvorov said, standing up and walking out of the room, This is going to be a long six months. Do you need anything more of me?

Not at the moment, Rav, Peter said, realizing he wouldn't learn, Don't go far though. We'll be getting up early in the morning. It's going to be a busy week.

I'm sure, Suvorov grumbled and left the room.

The remaining students watched him go and then looked at each other. Peter Lomax stretched a little and knew that he'd talk to Suvorov later. Simon and Copeland looked at each other and gulped, knowing that they'd be spending the next six months living with that cretin.

Ok, Peter said, deciding to take control back of the meeting, Tonight is about getting things straight. Do you have any questions about things?

I have one, Hale said, Is it true that there is an ulterior motive in having all students in centralized locations?

What do you mean? Copeland asked, It's just the way things are done, isn't it?

Everyone goes through it, man, Simon said, My father did, so did his father and his father before him.

He's right, Peter said, Everyone goes through this that becomes a citizen.

Yeah, Rolent Stalken said, But my dad said that some people are removed and do other things.

This is true, Peter agreed, Some people do leave the center for more specialized training. Most of the time it is to join the Mullinix Guard.

What exactly is the guard? Copeland asked, I have heard of them, but have never seen one.

The Mullinix Guard is the glue that holds the empire together, Peter explained, They are people chosen especially for their personality type for direct service to the Mullinix. They enforce policy and become the eyes and ears of the Mullinix.

Man, Simon said, looking up, Being a Mullinix must be great… Get to do what you want when you want.

I don't think I'd want that responsibility, Peter said, But someone has to have it.

Isn't the Mullinix chosen out of students like us? Raleph Salmand asked, I think I remember that from civics class in school. It's not a blood line like any of the other kings.

Yes, Peter nodded, That is true. When a new Mullinix is needed, one is chosen from the students, much like you. That makes sure that the Mullinix knows what it is like to be average. It's harder to oppress people when you know what it's like being on the low end of the totem pole.

Yuck, Copeland said, shuddering a little, I couldn't stand a job like that.

Why? Peter asked, intrigued, It could be anyone, you know.

I don't ever want that sort of power, Copeland said, I just want to serve my time and move on with my life, preferably something not service related. That only happens when a Mullinix dies, right?

That's right, Peter acknowledged, It last happened 25 years ago, when Mullinix Crianferro died of heart failure.

There's a rumor floating around town that Mullinix-Elder Taliaferro is dying as well, Simon said, My dad works over in the government building. Taliaferro hasn't been seen in a week or so and people are wondering.

He's still alive, Peter said, A new Mullinix would already have been chosen otherwise.

I pity the poor sucker that gets caught if he does die, Copeland said, That just looks like the most miserable job.

Probably much ado about nothing, Simon shrugged, They've been expecting Taliaferro to die for years now. Word is he's a tough old bird.

That's enough for now, anyway, Peter said, Go on to bed, guys. We gotta get up early and tomorrow will be a long day.

Peter, Copeland said, Sorry if I came off a bit strong.

Don't sweat it, Peter said, And let me know if you and Simon have any more problems with Suvorov. If I could have him put somewhere else…

It's ok, Simon shrugged, Could be worse… My brother's roommates were both Fey and spent half the night doing their thing when he was in service center.

You'll just have to keep your amorous thoughts to yourself, Simon, Copeland chuckled, Just be sure not to choke it too loud…

Too much information! Peter laughed heartily, Take it easy tonight. See you in the morning, bright and early.

Copeland and Simon went into their room, looking carefully and hoping to avoid Suvorov. This wasn't a problem, because Rav Suvorov wasn't there. Peter Lomax walked in to his room to see the large man sitting in his chair with a glass of clear liquid and a pad of paper.

Steele is as good as the tests indicated he would be, Suvorov said, looking up at Lomax, This is your second class worth of greenies. What do you think?

I think you're putting on the act really strong, Rav, Peter said as he grabbed a glass and sat down on his bed, grimacing at the cheap clear alcohol, So Copeland Steele is the one you're watching, huh? Why the personal treatment?

Edwina's orders, Suvorov said and drank a shot of the illicit alcoholic drink, There's one of us assigned to each of the possibles. She said we had to push faster than normal.

The rumors are true about Taliaferro then? Lomax asked, Is he bad off?

He won't be around much longer, Suvorov confirmed, Steele is looking like a solid bet so far. How did he do after I left?

You jolted him into talking all right, Lomax nodded, We talked about succession. He said that he pitied the poor sucker who gets the job.

I'll be sure to tell Edwina, Suvorov said, I'll be continuing like this for a bit, trying to get reactions from Steele and his little friend. I figure that the more worried they are about me the more friendly they will get with each other and you.

Man, Lomax said, Was there one like you in with my group when I went through this?

Probably not, Suvorov said, I'm a captain in the Mullinix Guard. Usually, we watch for candidates so we don't have our pants down, but not this closely. Unfortunately this year is different. It's a virtual certainty that they will have to choose an apprentice. So the best scoring candidates get one of us to help with the selection process.

Just turn it down a bit, Captain Suvorov, Lomax warned, It's not going to do any good to scare them both senseless, just enough to give them solidarity.

Duly noted, Suvorov said, downing the last of his drink, You know you're not supposed to have this, right?

Didn't stop you from drinking it, Lomax noticed as Suvorov chuckled.

Just make sure you keep some around for me, Suvorov said and made a face, I hate kids.

Watch your cover and make sure they don't smell it on you, Lomax laughed, Night Captain.

Same to you, Peter, Suvorov said as he left the room.

Chapter 6 - Mullinix Study

Good lord, Massimaferro said as he put a folder down on the floor, I can't believe that so many of our people are so wrong for this job.

You mean there is someone right for it, Massy? Insegniferro asked him as he sipped on a glass of water, That's the hard thing. The one person we do have to choose we will feel very sorry for.

We should be sitting with Tali, Massy complained, We shouldn't be mucking around in a pile of paperwork.

If we went up there we'd be feeling more helpless than we are now, Iggy reminded him, He's getting worse and you know it. There's nothing we can do but what we're doing.

He'd yell anyway, Massy nodded, stretching his oversized frame out, We need to make a choice.

Well, Iggy said, putting his glass down and standing up to put another log on the fire, We do have several good candidates according to the tests. I do wish this had come later in the session though. These kids have been there a day now.

How did you and Tali do it with me? Massimaferro asked him, What on earth possessed you to pick me?

You wanted it less than anyone else, Iggy shrugged, And it had been at least three generations since any Mullinix had been chosen from the Southwest port areas. We had those nasty Strikes happening…

I remember, Massy nodded, Was that why I was the lucky one? So I could tell you what was pissing them off?

Yep, Iggy agreed, It has worked well. There hasn't been a major problem in that sector in twenty years now.

Maybe that's the tack we need, Massy said, looking at the papers, I'm working it from the wrong angle. Where are we having problems in the long term?

Our biggest one is that damned Southern border, Iggy said, looking up at the large marble map of the empire on the wall, That is going to continue to be a pain in the ass as long as the Mavelans are launching raids. I'm from that area, though. We don't need another one from there.

Those idiots up in Siraq are giving their people hell again, Massy said, looking at the map as well, The refugees have been flooding in fast and furious. I had to authorize additional funds for language teachers up there to deal with it.

There hasn't been one from that area in a while, Iggy admitted, Taliaferro is from here in the capital, so the northern provinces were never his strong suit.

Where was Crianferro from? Massy asked him.

Eastern border, Iggy said as soon as he pulled it from his memory, That's quiet though. The Sotans have had no reason to attack us. That's the most peaceful border we have right now. Crian was chosen mainly because we hadn't had one from that area in better than three hundred years.

You and I know the capital well, Massy shrugged, So I guess the northeastern provinces would be the best place to grab one this time.

I was wondering when you two would start thinking about it logically, Edwina said as she entered the room, About time too.

Edwina had been in the palace for what seemed like forever. Her white hair framed a thin face that had once been very beautiful, though she was many years past her prime. One of the palace house staff in her youth, she had been there even before Taliaferro. Long since sent into semi-retirement by age, she still headed the yearly search for Mullinix candidates. It was usually a rather undemanding task, but this year it had taken on a new urgency.

Let me guess, Iggy said, looking up at her, You'd already deduced that?

Hard not to with all the time you've been spending on that area, Edwina chuckled, sitting her old body down on an easy chair, I figured you'd probably need one from that region and I knew that Tali was getting worse. I had them assign the top four in the tests to the Service Center here and put someone from the guard in with them to observe.

What would we do without you? Massy grinned, I swear we'd lose our heads without you.

This is the last one I'll be a part of, Edwina said, At least I hope it is. I'm a year or two older than Taliaferro.

You're too mean to die, Edwina, Iggy chuckled, You'll outlive us all.

I sincerely hope not, Edwina said, Anyway, the ones that are here are Red Brokaw, Miranda Studebaker, Kyle O'Reilly, and Copeland Steele.

Who is in with them? Massy asked her as he searched for the files.

Travis Costello is in with Red Brokaw, Edwina said, thinking about it for a second, Stacy Cossy is in with the Studebaker girl, only female guard we had that could fit the bill. Eugene Alvarez is with O'Reilly and Rav Suvorov is sharing a room with Copeland Steele.

Suvorov? Iggy said, recoiling at the thought, That drunken idiot? The same one that got two people killed on the border last year?

Suvorov may be a fathead, Edwina shrugged, But he's not stupid. Supposedly, he's cleaned himself up a bit. He was overanxious on the border and he knows it, the generous helping of alcohol didn't help either. He's also young and since we're shorthanded, we went ahead and used him. We're having him play the opposite from Steele since he took to his other roommate immediately.

Have someone keep an eye on him, Massy suggested, Suvorov has some problems and I don't want to be down a perfectly good candidate because of him.