'Yes, sire,' said Alkon to him, and then he turned back to Icek. 'I rallied my men at a safe distance from Waikor and sent in a negotiator. Seeing no defence, I assumed Waikor would realise they had to surrender to us.'

'A potentially powerful ally,' repeated Icek, 'as described by Mister Guyde, you believed would not have a means of retaliation?'

'All tests came back negative, sire. Waikor ignored all probes until we were committed to battle.'

'I see,' said Icek. 'And because of this, you lost nearly eleven thousand men and a respectable force of war apparatus?'

'It appears so, sire.'

Icek seemed confused still, but waved upward with his hand. 'I have no further questions,' he said.

Rihk spoke next, his voice fluent like Icek's without the strain of Elor's. 'Your story appears valid, General. Let us now hear from Kobin Guyde from the village Callibra.'

'Mister Guyde,' said Elor. 'You were given the task of reporting on General Zaccarah's abilities. The Council now wishes to hear your assessment.'

'Yes, sire,' said Kobin, but was interrupted by Alkon.

'Council, I mean no disrespect, but why was I not informed that I was under such observation?'

'Would it have mattered?' asked Icek.

'No, sire, but it is a question of ethics.'

'Silence, General,' Elor demanded. 'Your chance to defend your actions will come. Mister Guyde, continue.'

'Thank you, sire,' said Kobin, without turning to Alkon. 'Although General Zaccarah has many fine qualities, overall, I must conclude that he lacks the competence required for his position.'

'What?' asked Alkon, almost shouting.

Liet glanced quickly at Xosis with a nod as Alkon was scolded for interrupting again.

Kobin continued, 'I would advise demoting General Zaccarah so that his talents are not wasted. The only concern I have is for those who will serve under him in the future.'

'What do you know of war?' asked Alkon.

'General Zaccarah!' shouted Elor, coughing as his voice failed.

'I am sorry, sire, but I do not understand how a man with no military training is being allowed to comment on my abilities.'

'He is a capable observer,' explained Icek as Elor recovered. 'Please, Mister Guyde, continue. Why have you come to this conclusion?'

'First, sire, I think it should be stated and clearly noted that General Zaccarah appeared to have a vendetta against my being present. For what reason I am not aware, however, as a part of this Alliance, I, like all others, should be treated as an ally, not an enemy, especially during times of battle. Distrust among the ranks can prove damaging, and from my observations, I think you will agree that what is before us now is one such example that proves just how damaging it can be.

'Throughout the previous weeks, General Zaccarah has made continual threats that would result in my death if things did not go as planned. This not only indicates that the general abuses his power, but also that he is not willing to take responsibility for any mistakes that might occur under his command. These, among other things, are not qualities I would look for in a leader.

'Furthermore, I was placed in his unit not only as an assessor, but also as an advisor due to my intimate knowledge of Aurialis and its nations. I believe any other general would have recognised what an asset this was, but General Zaccarah chose on many occasions to ignore my warnings and advice, and on others never asked. I would like to now give an example, if I may, that not only demonstrates this, but also brings to light what I would call decisions not in favour of the Alliance.'

'Go on,' said Icek.

Kobin bowed in gratitude before continuing. 'There was a survivor from my home village, Callibra, that I suggested we allow to live for reasons I will elaborate on later. General Zaccarah shortly changed his mind on allowing the boy to live and sent scouts without my knowing to kill him. Following the boy, the scouts entered the Ukotan jungle where they were mauled to death by the beasts in the area.'

'Beasts?' asked Icek.

'Yes, sire, they are the danger, of which I warned,' said Kobin. 'They are said to be from the Forgotten Years. This is why I have plotted our course around it to reach Corsec. I believe the beasts that attacked us at Waikor were the same.'

'Yes,' said Icek, 'we have heard the reports.'

'General Zaccarah had me confined for many of the previous weeks, informing me only of major movements. I had tried to warn him of the defences at Waikor, as I knew of the hidden weapons and could have devised a way in which Waikor could have been defeated.'

'Then why didn't you speak up, Callibrian?' asked Alkon venomously.

'General,' scolded Elor, but Alkon's eyes were fixed on Kobin.

'Answer his question, Mister Guyde,' said Icek.

'If my life was not under continual threat by the general and I was sure that the defences would be used, I would have broken my silence,' said Kobin casually, ignoring Alkon's hate-filled stare. 'However, there was always the possibility that the general's plan would succeed. I did not wish to create further turbulence among our ranks, so I chose to allow him to do as he wished. He is a general after all.'

'Liar!' said Alkon harshly. 'My ranks have been of the best for years. I have always maintained a code above standard among my men. You didn't speak up because you wanted to see my men die!'

'General!' yelled Elor. 'If you speak without permission once more I will have you removed from the room and your fate will be decided without you!'

Alkon's eyes flashed wide open as he turned to the old emperor, and then he lowered his head and put his hands behind his back, remaining silent as Kobin was allowed to continue.

'There have also been occurrences that have placed doubts in my mind of the general's motivations,' said Kobin. 'For instance, the development of a weapon that could be capable of penetrating a Daijuarn shield.'

Icek nodded. 'We have heard of this weapon, now. I would like to know why this information has been kept from us for so long. Alkon, if you would answer, please.'

'It is complicated, sire. I did not wish for my team to be an embarrassment. I had every intention of revealing it to the Alliance when I was sure that it worked.'

'And did it?' asked Icek.

'Yes. We can be sure now; it was tested against the Daijuar at Waikor. It causes them to use a lot of their energy. If our systems were not shut down, I am confident the sentinel would have fallen. She had to be helped from the battlefield afterward.'

Icek nodded. 'I would like to see this technology later. General Zaccarah, I see no defence for this matter. From this point on, you will inform the council of all advancements, is that understood?'

Alkon nodded.

'Mister Guyde, continue.'

'The next matter is more personal,' said Kobin. 'For years I have been searching these lands for where the Daijuar hide. I have had my suspicions, but never any evidence to suggest exactly where they were. This is why I wished for the Callibrian boy to remain alive. The Daijuar are known to help wandering children. I hoped to have him followed so that I could gain insight as to the general location of where they were. Once their location was uncovered, there is a possibility of unlocking their secrets and using them in battle. It would be a great step forward for the Alliance.

'Unfortunately, General Zaccarah did not believe in my purpose and often made sure that he did everything possible to hinder my plans. The boy was later confirmed to be wearing Daijuarn garb. We now have an idea of where they might be, but General Zaccarah would not permit me use of his vehicles to search. He claimed none could be spared. Given that with Daijuarn technology our military would become invincible, it leads me to question General Zaccarah's motives.'

'You think him traitor?' asked Icek.

Kobin shrugged.

'General, your response to such allegations.'

'I am no traitor,' said Alkon. 'Sire, the fort at Callibra was attacked by unidentified fighter jets. With a doubled guard, my men would be able to get to their positions quickly. I could not spare the resources. I did not wish to risk another attack. Now I pose a question to Mister Guyde. How did this unknown enemy know where to strike?'

'Mister Guyde and others have told us of this attack, although this is the first I have heard you mention it, General,' said Icek. 'Mister Guyde, your response.'

'I have no answer, sire, except that I have no knowledge of where they came from or how they found us.'

'It is understood,' said Icek. 'General Zaccarah, I'm sure you would have been able to spare at least a small company. What is your explanation for not allowing a search for these places?'

'He lives in a world of dreams,' said Alkon. 'There has been no confirmation that the Daijuar are nearby, or that we could harness their power even if they were found. My scouts reported nothing from Callibra to Waikor. I do not like to waste time or energy, sire.'

'Council,' said Kobin, 'General Zaccarah sent men that would not have known what they were looking for.'

'Because they don't exist!' said Alkon.

'Silence!' called Elor. 'The council will now hear from Lieutenant-General Liet Revarn. Mister Guyde, you may step down.'

'Thank you, sire,' said Kobin, bowing as he walked to sit down not far behind him.

Liet took Kobin's place, and Alkon relaxed visibly.

'Lieutenant,' said Icek, 'you are the second highest ranking commander in General Zaccarah's unit. Of what has been said, how much is true?'

'Everything, sire,' said Liet.

'Everything?' asked Icek with a raised eyebrow.

'Yes, sire,' said Liet. 'There is little more here than a conflict of perception.'

'I see. And what is your perception?'

'As much as it pains me to say this, I will have to agree with Mister Guyde that a demotion may be in order for General Zaccarah.'

Alkon turned to Liet in shock. 'Friend,' he pleaded, 'you can't ...'

'Please, General,' said Icek, 'allow him to finish.'

'Yes, sire,' said Alkon.

'There is little else to tell on the matters visited so far,' said Liet.

'Do you have anything to add?' asked Icek.

Liet nodded. 'For the question of credibility on Mister Guyde's behalf, I think it should be said that General Zaccarah made orders for his constant supervision, but nothing was found to be suspicious. As for General Zaccarah, he has failed on several occasions to take responsibility for what happened in his unit, and I have observed him making decisions under the influence of ethanol. The scar you now see under Mister Guyde's eye could perhaps have been from General Zaccarah's fist after there was uncertainty over what had caused an accident. If not for my arrival, General Zaccarah may have killed Mister Guyde then, as he had held him at the neck. I believe he is a capable commander, but he might do well to serve under another for the next few years.'

Alkon said nothing as the High Council spoke quietly amongst themselves.

'Council, if I may add?' asked Kobin, and he stood to take his place next to Liet. 'After the accident, I visited a hospital wing separate from the others. Inside, I found Ethan Coride, a leading scientist to my understanding, recovering but with a casing over his arm.'

'How did you get in there?' asked Alkon, shocked. 'You were supposed to be confined in your quarters!'

'As you can see,' continued Kobin, 'General Zaccarah did not allow much freedom.'

'What is the significance of the casing?' asked Rihk.

'I had learned that Ethan Coride had lost his arm in the accident, but he seemed to be growing a new one within the casing. After requesting information on the technology, I learned that it did not exist anywhere else in the Alliance.'

'Growing a new arm?' asked Icek.

'Yes, sire.'

'Why have you not come forward with this earlier?'

'I did not think it was of much importance, sire. However, it now appears relevant, as it seems General Zaccarah has failed to abide by Alliance law for quite some time now.'

'You are correct,' said Icek. 'General, your response.'

'Council, I assure you that I too have only just recently learned of this technology. Ethan revealed many new achievements in the previous months that he himself has kept hidden over the years. I cannot be held responsible for his silence.'

'Is it not your duty to know of everything in your unit?' asked Icek. 'It was you that requested Ethan Coride specifically to accompany you here.'

'Council,' said Liet. 'I think it wise to add that I too have spoken with Ethan. It appears this technology could lead to greater works, but the general has not permitted it and has even called for its destruction. Ethan came to me in confidence, as he wishes to advance it further.'

'General Zaccarah,' said Elor, visibly furious as he was appalled by the idea that such technology would be kept hidden. 'Explain your actions!'

'Sire, we cannot make man into machine!' said Alkon.

'Machine? I heard nothing of making man into machine!'

'But that is where it will lead, sire, you must realise this.'

'How does this technology work, Lieutenant?' asked Icek.

'From what Ethan has explained,' said Liet, 'the metal casing is simply to maintain shape. It moulds the new limb into that shape after new flesh is grown from various injections. The only part that could be likened to machine is the titanium bone structuring, but there is no mechanical device installed.'

'This could aid thousands of soldiers who lose their limbs,' said Icek. 'You chose to hide, and perhaps even destroy it, General?'

'I questioned Ethan myself,' explained Alkon. 'He admitted to me that it would lead in the direction I feared. I could not allow it!'

'General!' Again Elor attempted to yell but failed, coughing loudly. 'These advancements should have been made known to us. You do not have the power to judge any different! It is clear now that you do not have any intention to abide by Alliance law. It seems this is not a trial of competence alone, but perhaps even of treason. General Zaccarah, you have made strange moves, and I am growing tired of debates. Lieutenant, as a close friend of the general, has there been anything said that would suggest he is a traitor?'

'Little, sire,' said Liet, 'but he often spoke of returning home. He wishes the wars to end, however, I do not believe he purposely set out to destroy the Alliance in any way. I believe he has genuine reasons for withholding technological gains and also that he simply was not ready for an enemy such as Waikor. From my observations, I would say that he has simply had enough and no longer wishes to fight.'

The High Council was quiet in thought, speaking to one another occasionally as they prepared their final judgement. After several minutes, Elor spoke again.

'We have heard enough,' he said. 'Lieutenant-General Liet Revarn of Xosuh, you are now promoted to the full rank of General for the Alliance.

'Thank you, sire,' said Liet.

'Kobin Guyde of Callibra,' said Rihk. 'You have permission to seek out the Daijuar where you think they are located. They are to be found as soon as possible. Take as many men as you see fit, but first you must give us a victory at Waikor, as you believe you can.'