Imposed Order
© 2023 by Walter Reimer

The Vicar, hooded and masked, appeared and bowed.  “I serve the Order, and the cause of Holy Terra,” she said, the masking protocols barely succeeding in keeping the diffidence out of her voice.
Three Bishops, leaders of the Order, faced her.  Only one was physically in the room, and this one said, “We acknowledge your duty and your service, Vicar.  How is His Majesty?”
“He is healthy,” she replied.  “I have increased the watch on him.”
“With the help of the Intelligence Director,” one on the noncorporeal leaders observed.
“That is true.”
“The continuity of the dynasty must be preserved,” the corporeal one said.  “It is for that reason, and only that, that will prevent us from taking action against the Emperor.  But, Vicar, you must impress upon him the necessity to remain silent about us.  We will not tolerate even the threat of exposure.”
“Understood, Bishop,” the Vicar said.
“The Emperor is an intelligent child,” the third Bishop said, “and the Empire can only prosper under his leadership.”  There was a pause.  “Where did he get the idea about cleaning Terra?”
“He told me that he thought of it based on a lesson he’d read, from Kashlanin history.”
The three images looked at each other.  What was known of their history immediately after the War of Unification, the Sovereign had cut a bloody swath through any group that stood in his way of repairing the damage to The Race’s home planet.  “I doubt that His Majesty will try to emulate Zrand I’s efforts.”
“Perhaps,” the Vicar ventured, “perhaps something could be done.  The Order wields great influence.”
“We shall confer,” the corporeal Bishop said, and the other two nodded.  “In the meantime, look to your charge, Vicar.”
She bowed.  “I will,” and her image vanished.
The three Bishops lingered, conferring.