Conquest

         Jecan walked into the lavishly appointed, but dimly lit hall. On the walls were the trophies of numerous conquests. The floor was carpeted with the flags of defeated nations. At the end of the hall, surrounded be the heads of his enemies, brooded The General. "Greetings Sir!" began Jecan. "The last enemy city has fallen!" The General stared sullenly at him. "Good." he simply said. Jecan was concerned for The General. A dark cloud had settled over him since the start of this final campaign and had continued to grow with every victory. "Will you be attending the feast tonight?" "No, not tonight." Jecan furrowed his brow. "Is that wise sir?" A fiery rage swept over The General. "Is it wise to question me?!" Jecan, unaccustomed to such an outburst from his general, took a step back words. "I didn't mean to anger you, sir." He stammered. The stormed that covered The General's face receded, and he sat back down in his chair. "I am sorry my friend. You are right. I will make an appearance tonight."

         The General beckoned Jecan to sit at the chair in front of his desk. "What is bother you sir?" The General sighed. "I am a warrior. War is me life, but who will I fight now that all my enemies are dead?" Jecan was flabbergasted "Sir, you have done what no warrior has done before. You have conquered the world!" The General laughed. "I didn't fight these long wars to conquered! I fought because I need to fight! It would have been better for me to have died in battle then to have lived to see this day." That last comment alarmed Jecan. "surely there is other things for you to do?" "Rule?" The General sneered. "What for? I have no love except war. No heir to pass my rule to. What reason do I have to rule?" Jecan sat there quietly, considering his generals words. After much thought, he replied. "The men, sir. You must rule for the men. They have been with you at every victory and defeat. Every bead of sweat, drop of blood, or tear you have given, they have given back ten times over. If you must have a reason to rule, rule for your men." Now it was The Generals turn to sit in quite contemplation. Some time past before he let out soft chuckle. "How is it that I have been blessed with such a wise friend for so long?"

         In orbit around The General's planet sat a tiny survey vessel aboard which a decision was being made. Around a small table in the cramped captain's quarters sat three people, the captain, the XO, and the survey officer. "What's your report?" the captain asked the survey officer. "The planet is perfect for a new colony. The climate is ideal, with near perfect average temperatures planet wide. Mineral deposits appear to be abundant and rich. There is a preindustrial civilization, but I see no significant problems." "So, we're agreed?" asked the captain. The other two men nodded. "Very well." Turning to the XO. "Inform the fleet that N5-3 has been marked for sterilization."