Vulcan Legion

"Commander Ysabella, tell me, how high is the morale among the warriors in the legion?" Zirkon asked.

Ysabella had led him to a space capsule which was now taking them back to the flagship of the Vulcan Legion.

The Vulcan legion had two heavy frigates as their spaceships that they travelled and invaded planets with.

As the space capsule rapidly elevated into the atmosphere of planet Voyyk, two huge spaceships came into view.

The dominant color on both ships was a malevolent red, trimmed with purple and black.

The insignia of the Voronoi race along with the emblem of the Vulcan legion, a huge V with two spears crossed in front of it, boldly displayed.

"They are primed and ready to go. I recommend that you don't leash them too much or they will rebel. We thrive on blood and war," Ysabella warned.

Zirkon nodded as rapid thoughts flitted through his mind.

Forcing a conflict might sound easy but forcing a war was never easy.

Point of correction: It was easy when the enemy was easily provoked, emotionally imbalanced, unhinged, lacked control and thought with their hearts not minds.

The human race excelled in biding time, bearing grievances quietly and patiently waiting for a time to strike when they were sure of it.

His task was to unhinge them to the point that they snapped and declared war out of intense provocation.

Even if they were able to hold back in the face of provocation, then it meant that public opinion, something humans loved, would be employed massively to force the hand of their leaders.

Earthlings were dangerous.

If the Voronoi didn't act now and waited for humans to initiate an attack of their own accord, chances were that the Voronoi would suffer heavy casualties and even their chances of winning would be slim.

Five years was a timeframe which would ensure earth wouldn't be able to develop too much before being forced to jump into a war.

That was why the Emperor was anxious to force their hand now, so that they would be inadequately prepared for the war, making it far smoother for the Voronoi to pick them apart.

This mission required intelligence and radical methods of provocation; something Zirkon excelled at.

Maintaining silence, the capsule slid into one of the open hatches of the main Vulcan heavy frigate and finally, Zirkon and Ysabella got down.

A group of warriors were waiting for them, holding spears and laser rifles, wearing black and red nano armor which had the emblem of the Vulcan legion.

"We welcome the commanders!" they saluted in tandem.

Zirkon nodded and glanced at Ysabella with a light smile. 

It was obvious that this was her idea.

Ignoring Zirkon's stare, she ordered the warriors. "We leave now. Begin the takeoff sequence and set coordinates for the fringes of the planet's airspace." 

The warriors saluted and left.

For male warriors to obey the commands of a female commander without hesitation, it meant that the female had proven herself beyond measure and possessed sufficient strength to earn their respect.

Clearly Ysabella had done same.

No wonder she was displeased when she was told that Zirkon would be temporarily taking over.

After all, it indirectly meant that she was still not found worthy to lead the Vulcan legion which was a big blow to her pride.

Zirkon wasn't going to foolishly antagonize her.

He would let her still wield power, pacifying her and making it easier for her to accept him.

"Let me show you the way to your quarters, commander," Ysabella said, beckoning Zirkon to follow her.

Silently, he followed her while looking about the interior of the ship.

It was well guarded and discipline was clearly evident as some soldiers were moving on patrol around the ship despite being in friendly territory.

It was plain that Ysabella wanted to make it clear to him that they were doing fine without him and that she was a competent leader.

"She sure is sensitive," Zirkon smirked inwardly while keeping an aloof face.

After a couple of twists and turns, they entered an area which was definitely a cut above the rest.

Ysabella led him into a spacious room which had a chair, holographic desk and various monitors plastered along the walls.

"This is your office, Commander," Ysabella said.

"Why is there only one chair? Where is your office?" Zirkon asked.

"It's also down this hallway," Ysabella replied.

"I would be glad if I shared the office with you or you shared it with me," Zirkon said lightly but his tone carried a subtle hint of firmness which showed he wouldn't take no for answer.

Zirkon was no fool.

It was clear as day that Ysabella wanted to isolate him right from the start and he wasn't going to allow that.

This mission was his task, his way of proving himself that he was worthy to be the future Emperor.

He wouldn't let a mere legion commander jeopardize it over such a petty reason as displeasure.

Just because he was going to give her leeway didn't mean he would stand by for her to always have her way, especially when it would be disadvantageous to him.

The tension in the room became palpable as both of them stared each other in the eyes for many seconds, not wanting to back down.

"Fine," Ysabella sighed and looked away.

It was clear that Zirkon wouldn't allow her to keep him in the dark.

With them in the same office, everything she would do will always be under his scrutiny and notice.

Ysabella couldn't help but feel stifled.

"Thank you," Zirkon said to her.

With a noticeable slump in her shoulder, Ysabella led Zirkon into her personal office.

Without hesitating, Zirkon rested his weapon against the wall and took the seat which was clearly meant for Ysabella, leaving her standing.

He had to prove his dominance to her that he was the one in charge now, if only temporarily. For now, she was but a commander in name and the true person in charge was him.

Once she got that into her head, it would be easier for them to work together.

He would then prove his capabilities and intellect to those in the Vulcan legion by demonstrating his wit and knowledge further cementing his position.

For now though, Ysabella would be the face of his plans while he directed her moves behind the scenes while letting those in the legion feel and recognize his presence and capabilities.

"Who does he think he is!?" Ysabella fumed inwardly as she glared at Zirkon who was resting in her personal chair.

She sent orders through her comm for an installation of a new holographic desk and chair in her office for this… Ysabella didn't even know what to call him.

Over privileged prince?

Nope. The emperor wouldn't pamper his scion.

Arrogant prince?

Well he had every right to be arrogant. He was a contender for the throne, a prince and a very powerful domain realm individual who walked on the spirit path, the path which was very rare amongst the Voronoi.

Usurper?

Yes! She would call him the usurper. After all, he had taken her place even if it wasn't personal or intentional.

"Commander Ysabella, can I get a breakdown of the strength of the Vulcan legion?" Zirkon suddenly asked, catching Ysabella off guard.

"Yes certainly," she replied.

Zirkon nodded at her to go on.

"There are 10,000 warriors in the Voronoi legion. 

Every warrior is equipped with an AMD 77 laser rifle, a spear or sword or any cold weapon of the warrior's choice, and two laser pistols.

Majority of those in the Vulcan legion are wearing the Mark IX nano armor and its accompanying protection helmet, all which support land and space battles," Ysabella began.

Zirkon resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

This lady was petty!

She was obviously annoyed with Zirkon taking her chair and was thus beating around the bush, dillydallying with the truly important info Zirkon wanted to hear.

Of course, against such childish attacks, Zirkon paid no heed.

If anything, it was rather interesting watching someone dare to play mind games with him.

Seeing how unperturbed and relaxed Zirkon was with her attempt at getting back at him, she felt embarrassed but didn't let it show.

"Out of the 10,000 warriors we have in the Vulcan legion, three thousand are low level Grand realm experts,

Three thousand are middle level Grand realm experts,

Three thousand are peak level Grand realm experts,

Seven hundred are low level Domain realm experts,

Two hundred are middle level Domain realm experts,

Ninety-seven are peak level Domain realm experts

And finally we have three Transcendent realm experts.

The Transcendent realm experts are all in seclusion and won't make a move unless the legion is in deep peril or they feel like it.

You have no control over them," Ysabella explained. 

Her last sentence was filled with gloating over the fact that Zirkon wouldn't be able to force the Transcendent realm experts to obey his commands.

Zirkon smiled wryly.

He hadn't met such a petty woman, who was a legion commander no less.

This explained the ruthless reputation of the Vulcan legion.

If you pissed Commander Ysabella off, she would stop at nothing to make your life a living hell.

Zirkon went over the information he had received in his head.

9,997 or 10,000 soldiers, it wasn't going to make much of a difference even if the last three were game changers.

He wasn't about to placate or fawn over the egos of these experts.

Especially when they would only show up according to their own whims.

Besides, there were so many things Zirkon could do with 9,997 warriors… a whole lot of things.

Ysabella was bound for disappointment.

"What do you suggest to be the next move we take? If I'm right, we should already be in space and far away from Voronoi's atmosphere now," Zirkon said.

Ysabella's eyes widened in shock. 

He was asking for her opinion?

What if he shamed her by not taking it?

She glared at Zirkon suspiciously who maintained his calm unwavering look, maintaining eye contact with her.

Finally, she sighed.

She was no longer the main commander in charge. She might as well get used to it.

"I think we should raid some Rexorian planets and bases to boost the morale of the warriors before we start this long campaign," Ysabella said.

Zirkon nodded. 

It was a good idea.

It was also the step he was planning to take.

He would use this to pacify Ysabella.

After all, it would be annoying if she went out of her way to make things difficult for him.

"Alright. Let's go by your idea, Commander Ysabella. Send a message to the various squad leaders and captains that there will be a meeting in the tactical room fifteen minutes from now," Zirkon said.

"Huh?" Ysabella was a little surprised.

She hadn't expected Zirkon to easily accept her idea without any hesitation.

Nodding absentmindedly, she began sending messages to the captains and leaders on her comm, all the while stealing glances at Zirkon.

"Maybe he's not so bad after all."