THE ANTHEMS OF THE OUTSIDE WARS THE FALL OF THE MERENMERE   This is the tale of the ending of the Merenmere during the Civil War and of their sending into exile.     For centuries the Merenmere had been the protectors of the planet of Ophistar. They were an order that became a people and then a class. For hundreds of years they had made up the bulk of the planets military officers in the navy and army. They had never held political power nor sought it even though could in effect rule the planet themselves. They were devoted to service and were honourable thinking only of their duty. They were proud, mighty and highly respected. And that was the seed of their fall. So easily could the failings of humans be highlighted and used to the advantage of wickedness. None so a failing as envy and greed could see the end of a great race so easily and quickly. The war that raged through the galaxy was only a distant rumble of thunder to the ears of the Ophistar. They knew it went on, as it had done for years, out there in the blackness of space. This was the great war and Ophistar was a ally of the Bond of Seven Kings, that great union of free systems who were all kindred sons of the Ethereals that fought and died together under the banner of the Sangreal, the Emperor of the Anueth. These were the systems who had joined as one to take on the might of the Dark Lord Kaw, who had crept anew from his hidden black cave with his servants and disciples to wage war on the worlds that he believed belonged to him. With metal and flesh he came with fury eyes and twisted mind. He had learned from his past defeats and had grown patient and cunning. With his new vicious allies from the Dark Worlds he struck down those who opposed him, with sweetened words with poisoned lies at their core, he deceived nations to his cause. So it was with Ophistar. The many battles had taken place far from the planet and life went on as best as good be. Casualties had been heavy, so many Merenemere had been killed that few were left in the cities and provinces. The white uniform of regular Ophistar police were now a common sight manning check points and guard houses. In the past few years drafts had been flooding in from mainstream Ophistar society and had gone to battle. Too few remained now and the ones that did returned were crippled broken men and woman who shook and cried at the sound of loud noise. The Bond were barely holding their own against the seemingly endless resources of Kaw. After years of the tides of battle the Anueth systems of Oneum and Kiam finally all fell and the battles now focused on Jashir. While the remaining planets of Dane, Marmai and Anueth itself still were free. With each planets fall seemed the symmetrical death of a Sangreal and the throne of Riannah seemed barely warm when the next one would take his or her place. The death of so many of the brightest and spiritual of the ancient order of Rianne drained the hope of the Anueth and with it her allies. Now the news had swept over the remaining loyal systems that there would be no more Sangreal but an Regent who would hold power until a new Sangreal to emerge and claim victory rattled many of the Ophistar who now talked of peace and an armistice. Great masses of protestors openly questioned Ophistar’s involvement in the war and some blamed the Merenmere for their warlike sense of duty and their support of the war. Too many of Ophistar’s leaders were fooled by heart, fooled by facts and figures or were too frightened to see the black magic being woven through parliament and the people. All this being controlled by Kaw and his agents who disguised themselves as simple, peace loving men and women who spoke of only wanting peace and loyalty to Ophistar. In the middle were the Merenmere, torn between duty and fact. Never had they interfered in politics but now many saw the signs of the work of the Dark Lord and in secret rooms talk quietly and in tense tone of what they should do. Their Chief, Aberon, bade them keep vigil, obedient and stay clear of politics as he knew neither side could wage a long war without the Merenmere and any further talk of treason would make matters worse. Now Aberon was a wise man and had been Chief for many decades. He had been wounded in the Third Battle of Jashir and was resting in his homeworld with many of his soldiers. He needed time to find a solution as he felt deep down within his own self that he would soon be ordered to crush the pro war groups by the Premier who now openly advocated leaving the Bond. Then one night Aberon was summoned to the Premier’s quarters within Parliament House within the capital of Ophinor. It was unusual to be summoned so late in the day but had expected the time would come soon. Tensions had been high for weeks within Parliament and on the streets and with it the Merenmere as the Chief had been voicing his concerns of a number of government initiatives to the Premier. Namely the use of Merenmere forces as riot breakers, this was not in the Charter of the Warrior. The unauthorised command of detachment of his troops in hunting down political orators and leaders of pro war groups and when he had complained Merenmere forces had been removed from guarding military bases and government buildings. Aberon realised that his forces were stretched thinly and needed to be rested and reorganised but he couldn’t help think there was some other motive for removing the guards. All of these things had reduced the respect that the people held for the Merenmere and in cases they were verballed and abused by civilians. Now Aberon was annoyed as he paced about the waiting room. He had been summoned but then made to wait. He took the time to try and control his temper and think diplomatically and find out what exactly was going on within these walls. Many new faces with shifty eyes had greeted him as he walked about on his arrival. There were no Merenmere guards anywhere only the white guards of parliament. That worried him. “Say your office.” A slippery voice commanded him from the shadows. Aberon stopped his pacing and looked around. “I am Master General Aberon. Chief of the Merenmere and commander of all forces of Ophistar. Are you satisfied?” ”Perhaps.” The wily voice answered. “Papers?” “Papers?” Quizzed the Chief. “I gave you my office and high it is, I do not need to give you further proof from a man who hides in the shadow and had not identified himself to me.” The man stepped forward. He was short and pale and wore only black. “I am Quisto. The Premier’s aide.” “You are not familiar to me.” “I am new to his service, having completed a stint in the Krean province with Governor Tate. Are you satisfied?” The Chief did not like the arrogance of the man and walked away without answering. “From now on Master General I will inform your staff that all visitors to Parliament must carry papers and not be armed.” Quisto called out louder than was necessary so all those about could hear. Aberon turned about quickly and stared at the little man with short oily hair that clung to his scalp in long slippery strips. “On who’s authority?” “The Premier’s of course. I do know that you office must evaluate all security measures and advice but I must remind you that the Premier can make decisions on his own.”     The Chief turned away again eager to get away from Quisto. In the corner of his eye he saw the tight twist of a satisfied smile on the face of the man. A guard came out and called the Chief to the Premiers office. Aberon was glad to get away and walked with forceful angry steps.     Aberon and Premier Culan talked heatedly behind closed doors. Aberon put forward his concerns about the misuse of his troops and there lack of numbers in case of further trouble. But all of these concerns were brushed aside by the Premier. Again and again Culan demanded that the Merenmere stay loyal to Parliament and swear to defend him and his wishes. But the Chief would not commit, telling the politician that the Merenmere could not be ordered about, could not be used to attack fellow Ophistar and were not under the direct orders of the Premier. But he would obey all reasonable directions when or if he would be given any.     For hours they argued. The Chief argued that they must stay in the war and help their brethren against the Dark Lord who had made it clear he wanted all of the systems within his grasp and would not stop until he had them. The Premier thought otherwise and stated Ophistar would be crushed if it stayed but if it became neutral than it would be spared. Aberon was dumbstruck at the words and even more so when he saw that the Premier was deadly serious on leaving the Bond.  Again the Premier ordered the Merenmere to take his side or else. Once again the Chief would not commit.     They parted on bitter terms and the Chief hurried back to his apartment in the capital. He was worried, right now both sides were deadlocked. Parliament still needed the army of the Merenmere to protect it. Aberon weighed up all his facts. The Premier had gained full control and was ordering Merenmere about as his own troops. The Premier was now using white guards more and more, he was building up his own strength. Authority was being stripped from Aberon in his own homeworld. No doubt spies had infiltrated the highest echelons of society and security and had gained the ear of the Premier who had been fooled into believing what he was doing was right. And there was little Aberon could do. Civil war was the last thing he wanted.     In the nest few days he called meetings between his Generals on system and those in the fleet far away. The Generals Kalor, Manowar and Myistom were all spoken of harshly as they had spoken openly that Merenmere wished to continue the fight and would not be told what to do by Parliament. This had set off a chain reaction and in a matter of days since the Chief and Premier had met the situation had spiralled out of control. Mass rallies and the open call for the return of the fleet and removal of all Merenmere from all offices, were all being preached by politicians and activist alike. Many soldiers refused to obey the orders of their Merenmere officers and had even fled in some cases. Admiral Muthlien had informed them he was receiving orders directly from the Premier banning him from combat missions and even training with Anueth forces. Even new officers were stated they were on their way to be attached to his command.     General Kalor argued his point that now or in the very near future the Merenmere must come to a decision to which side they belonged, they would become involved no matter what they did. Whether by their actions, non actions or as had been happening in the capital, someone was giving out orders in the name of Chief Aberon which he had not signed or had knowledge of. In the region of the Imperial Bond the fleet was in uproar. Great armies and fleets that had been joined with their allies of Anueth, of Chene, of Fhadur and of Trystal were all ordered to make preparations to return home for ‘refitting’. These orders had come from the Premier. Many of the crews and soldiers knew of what was happening on their home world and were confused. Never had they received orders directly from the Premier. What had happened to the Merenmere? Then the deed was done. Quietly and secretly. The Premier proclaimed Ophistar’s neutrality and the end of the Bond. The withdrawal of all military forces under the command of the Anueth Empire was to happen immediately. All who disobeyed would be arrested by any means necessary. The fleet was in disbelief. Frantic messages were sent back to headquarters asking for clarity and orders. The reply was for the fleet to return at once. Many of the officers were suspicious and delayed their departure for word from Aberon. Many troops broke down in rage and tears. These were highly disciplined and seasoned troops who were fiercely loyal to the Bond. But sprinkled in were the new drafts, who were not as seasoned or loyal. Though many were good souls, too many were weak minded. Those rose up in support of neutrality and demanded they go home. When the news of the orders of Culan, Aberon retreated into his office within the ancient Merenemere stronghold of Myr Edele. He was burden by grief and indecision. There were small bitter battles on the streets, his troops who resisted had been arrested some killed. He could not abandon his people nor could he let them make the decision of leaving the Bond when he knew that it would mean nothing to Kaw and only gave him time to conquer the remainder of the loyal systems. Should he let this fool of a politician be the cause of so much death now and the future? The great Chief made his decision. He sent a communiqué to the fleet giving the soldiers a choice, to take a side. The Generals and Admirals acted quickly and transferred those who wished to leave and put them on ships then sent them home. The loyal commander Stophen had been preparing for just this time and was given command by Aberon of all Ophistar forces still willing to fight. For their safety from Axis forces, rebel Ophistar and the Premiers orders, Aberon ordered the now much reduced fleet to leave the system and hide in the far outer reaches of the galaxy and return when called for. On Ophistar the Merenmere activities had been discovered and the Premier was furious. The Merenmere were declared an obstacle to peace, for there could be no peace while they made up most of the military. They were now obsolete and all who resisted would perish. Some went quietly. Some fought. All across the three continents of Ophistar civil war erupted. Those of the Merenmere who refused to lay down their arms were then joined by many soldiers and politicians who did not believe the promises of eternal peace. They knew the source of all this misery. The dungeons of Tere Kaw, the domain of the Dark Lord, hidden somewhere within the Dark Worlds where no one goes. In some places the war was over quickly as many Merenmere did not have the heart to fight their fellow race and their high level of honour and service bound them so. For some surrender meant internment and for others it meant a laser bolt to the back of the head. Word of these atrocities leaked out and those of the Order put away any thought of surrender and fought on with more resolve. Choosing death rather than the dishonour of surrender and abandoning their allies still fighting for survival beyond the great sun that was called Grotfer, the great fire. One by one the sanctuaries fell. As the Merenmere paralysed by the lack of ammunition, reserves and provisions met their end. In weeks two continents were controlled by Parliament. The Parliament armies of the isolationists marched south on the continent of Aplide along the Sea of Lynia and to the west they reached the North Bolt that was an arm of the Great Adwene River that rushed south down from the Adwene Lake in the Mountains of Peril and met the Ficia Ocean at the Bay of Calm. From the Adwene Lake an eastern river, this was the East Adwene River. It ran through the North Ende Wood and met the Sea of Lynia. Here within these great rivers formed the natural border of the home of the Merenmere, known then as Merelsemor. The city of Star Mun that sat on the coastal delta of the East Adwene River fell to Parliament and with it the river was forged. To the west the armies waited at the North Bolt. The main thrust was south from Star Mun as further south was the capital of the Merelsemor, Myr Edele. Their fate was certain, Aberon knew this and with his remaining soldiers he waited at the Enendom Downs, thereafter known as the Battle Downs, that twisted north west just near the sea and melted into the hills at the southern end of the Mountains of Peril. To the south of the Downs was Elsenmere Ridge which guarded the western edge of Myr Edele that itself sat on an island. So Aberon waited with a worried heart and teary eyes. He had heard little more from the other posts around the globe except they had fallen. Hopefully he thought to himself that some had left the planet as had many in Merelsemor on his orders. His daughter he had ordered to leave and find refuge with the fleet and let her brothers stay but she refused. Now, Lillaron, young and beautiful with not the cares of a troubled galaxy spoiling her spirit but facing them yet before her time, stood with him. His two sons, Aberune and Elerun also stood with him being loyal to the end. His youngest son not yet 12 years old and his wife Kathel, he bade leave for he did not want all to perish in this fire. Let a seed be set free and find refuge in virgin soil and grow proud once more. Their parting was of sorrow, as were many on that day for families were torn apart. Some left the planet others hid in the Gate Of Unimorse, the great cave at the base of the mountains. All had the fear of not knowing if they would see each other again. As Grotfer hung low at the end of a long day battle was joined on the Downs. A strange time for war as men and machine are tired and worn and ready for leaguer. An impatient Parliament general eager to end it bore down on the pass that was at the edge of the sea and the Battle Downs. It started with the rush of bombers from the sky followed closely by the running of soldiers and carriers. Classic Merenmere tactics. Seeing quickly the plan of the Parliamentarians to open the pass, Aberon held on and waited for the soldiers to come closer. When they did his troops opened fire and there was a melee of men and woman in a great mass of struggling figures all bent on killing each other. Special commando troops evaded the parliament scouts and managed to strike against the command personnel and their equipment but there were too many and though greatly wounded the parliament beast still struck out with massive power and destruction. In hours the Downs were transformed into a bloody field of twisting wounded soldiers as long ago the fractured command structure of both sides collapsed and with it order and direction. The battle had turned into man on man as each looked out for his enemy and sought to kill him one by one. By sheer numbers and firepower the isolationists had cleared the Downs and were streaming south towards Myr Edele. Their column split in two the further they advanced. One took the road that lay by the sea, the other ran parallel but on the western side of Elsenmere Ridge. For the remaining Merenmere on the Downs there was nothing but retreat. For Aberon and Lillaron held the rear guard while the remaining troops withdrew. With wounded heart the Chief watched as a wounded Elerun lay dying by his brother’s corpse by the pass where the fighting had been   fiercest. Around them were the dozens of bodies of both their brothers in arms and old friends now enemies. The withdrawal went on into the night. Aberon and his rear guard had reached Elsenmere Ridge that protected Myr Edele. He put his remaining heavy equipment on the pass near the sea and his remaining thousand troops dug in all the while harassed by bombers and snipers and beat off leading elements of the pursuing army who was gathering its strength for one final blow. Before sunrise it came. Its intensity rattled Aberon who quizzed how his foe had still the strength to attack. Again the bombers came on and caused great chunks of dirt to be blown from the smooth rolls of the ridge. Many died there without coming to grips once more with the enemy. As the Parliament troops closed in the last pockets of resistance were extinguished until they reached the top of the ridge where Aberon waited for them. While he waited he pleaded with his daughter to flee to the city and bequeathed to her all his possessions and power. But she refused to leave him saying she would not abandon her father while he still lived. So without word Aberon made his decision. The Parliament troops came on. They were dirty and dishevelled but they smacked their lips with blood lust at a victory that was close to the final kill. There atop the ridge on its highest peak, Aberon, last Chief of the Merenmere, fought the last battle of the free warriors. His shots were deadly and his bombs thrown at the right distance. And when his enemies came too close they were cut down by his sword, for Aberon was one of the few who still bore the steel of the warriors of old. His enemy was afraid of its blade and fired madly at him as they ran. Then in the midst of all this dust and smoke a single shot blazed through the swirling haze and struck Aberon fair in the middle of his mighty chest. The old warrior went down to one knee but held in his cry of pain. Lillaron saw this and went to her father’s aid but was struck down in the arm by the same bolt from the blue. “Stay back Lillaron!” The Chief bellowed. None of the soldiers came near to the two wounded, the last on that ridge. Then from the darkness stepped a figure encased in black armour with a demon’s hideous head engraved on its chest. The figure was not tall but carried a mighty rifle, which he had in his hands at hip level ready to fire once more. When this figure stepped closer Aberon saw that it was Quisto and he led the armies here.     The Chief was overcome by hatred and anger but deep inside he was wary of the sly grimace on the man’s face and his unnatural grey eyes that stared at him intently. “Stand and face deliverance!” Quisto called. Aberon said nothing but got to his feet and held aloft his sword. Quisto smiled wildly and revelled his rotting jagged teeth. He too drew a sword of black metal that glimmered in the night light, it was long and broad and at the end were two teeth on each side of the blade.     The two rushed at each other and fought blade on blade as in the tales of old. Lillaron could do nothing but watch as not having a sword of her own, she pondered shooting the black warrior and levelled her weapon to do so but the two men swirled and moved too fast for her to get a clear shot.     In the dance and crash that were the arms and swords of the men there was sudden stillness as Quisto dug his sword deep into the side of Aberon who cried out in pain. His enemy smiled in delight at the sound and his eyes widened in excitement. But the Chief was not done for. With one final thrust he too sliced deep into the chest of Quisto, his sword tearing through the armour and its point coming out through the back. With that the two fell into a heap and moved no more. Lillaron ran to her father’s side but he no longer breathed and had fallen into forever sleep. She took her father’s body and hid it under a tree and sat beside him and cried out her grief and weariness. The sounds of battle were dying down and the calls of wounded coming from below the ridge wavered up on the wind. A white guard came to her and placed her under arrest. He took her to the sea side of the ridge where there were many Merenmere prisoners.  A Parliament General greeted her on sight. “Lady Lillaron. I am General Rook. I will make this very simple. Your army has been defeated, your father and leader have been killed, as too your brothers. Your city is but across this bridge and I will surely destroy it to end this war. But if we can barter a surrender then we can end anymore suffering.” To Lillaron the choice was simple but heart breaking. There was no point in destroying their loved city and killing more people. She mused in her mind of what to say, no Merenmere had ever surrendered before. “General Rook, as daughter of Master General Aberon, Chief of the Merenmere. I wish to end this battle, we will lay down our arms and offer no more resistance, if we will be treated fairly.” ”It will be done my Lady. I accept your surrender.”     With that the civil war ended and Parliament troops entered the city of Myr Edele. For many Merenmere the future was full of gloom and worry and many asked what would happen to them now?     In days Lillaron and many Generals and officials were brought to Ophinor to sign a treaty. There Premier Culan demanded she contact fleet and bring it out of its hiding spot. But Lillaron refused, stating she knew not its location nor how to contact it as all equipment was held here in the capital at command headquarters. Culan knew she was either lying outright or that she had no knowledge yet of the secret war room of the Merenmere. He let the matter drop for he had got mainly what he wanted. His peace, the Culan Peace and his name forever known to the ages.     Further to the ending of Merenmere resistance on Ophistar a treaty was signed. The Merenmere would be gathered up and exiled to their sacred land and be bound by the Great Adwene River, its lake and the Mountains of Peril south through the Lacey Range and then the sea. The Battle Downs, Elsenmere Ridge and Myr Edele would be denied to them. It would be called the Land of the Exiles. All Merenmere would be stripped of rank, of office and position and forced to live in the new Land within this boundary. Never could they hold any of their former positions, they were not free to leave the Land and they were to become memory while Ophistar bathed in her new neutrality and peace.     Though the treaty came as shock to Lillaron. She was able to barter down the expulsion of all of them from the planet, from being forced to work as slaves and as double agents and propaganda tools against their kindred still with the Bond.  She had to give away their capital and battle grounds which Culan wanted to deny them as a memorial and possible icon of resistance. Her protest as the massace at the Gate of Unimorse where Nix gas was used to kill hundreds of civilians was ignored. The greater shock was seeing Quisto healed and smiling at her with an all knowing smirk.     In the days of removal many more Merenmere left the planet to join up with their brothers still loyal to the Bond of Seven Kings. Within the Bond there was great sadness at the loss of a great ally and anger at the working of Kaw and his agents. There was pity too for the people so easy to believe lies.     Lillaron lead her people back into their sacred lands to dwell with an oath not to break free of the treaty. Her father was buried within the Forest of Phantoms and the people cried openly at his loss and all that it stood for.     Though her people were angry, ashamed and bewildered she bade them not into revenge but into building a new life for she was wise in military matters and many agreed with her plan for the future. They would stay out of the way, resting and waiting for they knew with sorrow in their hearts that somehow no matter what Ophistar believed war would come again to their planet and then treaties would mean nothing.                                                                                    End