Black Legion: Gates of Cilicia by Michael G. Thomas

understand?”
    Xenophon shook his head.
    “Not really. What does this have to do with me, and when did my father become one of the Thirty?”
    Crixus nodded.
    “Yes, a good point. Attica and Laconia have much in common but not governance. Your people have a desire, to the level of zealotry, with regards to an idea of democracy. I know of the desires such a system brings out, but it breeds contempt and mob rule. How many stable democracies exists in the Terran worlds? Your citizens demand a vote, and in hours you have made the decision. What about your experienced citizens, like your father?”
    Xenophon said nothing, but deep down he had to admit he couldn’t disagree with the man.
    “You’re still not telling me why you wanted me here.”
    The man stood and looked at Xenophon for a few seconds, saying nothing but looking for something. As he stood there, a few items of note caught Xenophon’s eye. First was a series of dots, almost like puncture wounds along the man’s neck, and the second was a gently covered up scar just below the man’s ear.
    “Come and look at this,” he said, the long pause finally interrupted.
    He walked to a table upon which stood a projected three-dimensional model of the city. The detail was impressive and evidently Alliance technology. He waved his hands and pointed at the equipment.
    “Few would argue the advances made in the Alliance with equipment such as this. Even now though, your own people plot to bring down the Thirty and aim to restore democracy. What are your thoughts on this?”
    Xenophon said nothing at first. The Thirty were not known as the Thirty Tyrants for nothing. Since the unconditional surrender of the Alliance, they had replaced all democratic functions. Each of them made life or death decisions that affected every single person on the planet. Some had been placed in charge of important positions of the state, while others just kept their position to debate and vote on matters of the day. It was a major humiliation for Alliance democrats, but incredibly, the state was performing more efficiently and in many ways better than before.
    “Well, democracy is one of the founding principles of the Alliance. The Thirty will only ever be seen as a temporary stopgap until the full restoration.”
    “Really?” answered Crixus.
    Xenophon caught the glance of his father who seemed to be trying to encourage him to change subjects. At the very least, he looked sweaty and uncomfortable. He knew his father would have nothing in common with dictators, so they must have made major concessions to get him involved.
    “Your father told me that both of you would do whatever was necessary to keep Attica safe and secure. Is that true?”
    “Of course,” he replied in a calm tone.
    What is he after, an informant?
    “Good,” answered Crixus with a slight smile forming at his lips.
    “We do not intend on staying here forever, just long enough to ensure we will not be turned on by vendetta and revenge. What we need is new blood, people that can take the place of the Thirty as a transitional stage.”
    “I...don’t quite understand you, sir. You want me to find people?”
    “No, no,” laughed Crixus.
    He pointed out to the skyline of the city.
    “I don’t want just anybody. Attica needs people who are conservative, those that understand stability and security, as well as growth and prosperity. The proletariat don’t know their own arses from their elbows, as I’m sure you know.”
    Xenophon shrugged in agreement. It was hard to argue against it.
    “Look, your father has already agreed, and I would like you to join him in replacing two of my compatriots in the Thirty.”
    Me, one of the Thirty? Is he mad?
    “Yes. I will stay as the senior member, but the two of you would take the place of the two youngest in my group. You will help liaise between the Attican bureaucracy and also vote amongst us.”
    “But why?”
    “You have seen the damage being inflicted by various