An Empire's War
Copyright© 2012 by James Douglas
Chapter 12
Three days after telling his story, another visitor comes to see Ninian. Once again, it is a woman, but she is from the IIA. She appeared to be in her 30's, with black hair and a slight tan.
"Good Morning, I'm S. Korinna Alexandra. I am with the IIA. Can I ask you a few questions?"
The next few hours had Ninian answering questions about the missiles, what kind of equipment the Caliphate soldiers had, and how he knew how to blow up the missiles. Before ending the interview, Korinna asked Ninian if he remembered anything he did not mention before.
"Yeah, ah ... the last patrol, they spoke something different. I know it was not Arabic, as I have heard some little snippets here and there since being stationed in Mesopotamia. I don't know if that helps or not."
"It might. We'll look into it."
She left, leaving Ninian there with five more days of physical therapy.
Floriana walked into Ninian's room with a smile on her face.
"You can't be that happy to get rid of me tomorrow. What gives?"
"You have another visitor," she said laughing.
"OK, I take it this one is a little different?"
"Yes, he is wearing a black suit and the old Gladius Hispaniensis."
"Shit, Praetorian Guard."
Praetorian Guards only come to see you for two things, if you represent a danger to the Imperial family, or for an invitation to the Palace. Neither one sounded good to Ninian.
Floriana returned with the Praetorian Guardsman. He had a face for mid-twenties, and red hair. He wore the standard uniform of a Guardsman, a black suit and a Gladius Hispaniensis at his side. In his hand, he held an envelope that Ninian could guess the contents.
"Tesserarius N. Julius Brian, I'm Navarchus B. Helmfrid Baldovin. I come with a message from His Imperial Majesty Imperator Caesar Augustus Cornelius Domitus Paulus," he said in formal tones holding out the envelope.
Ninian took the envelope, opened it, and read the invitation.
"I am to appear at Palatine Hill, Rome, two weeks from tomorrow. I am to be knighted in the Order of Flamma," he read.
"May I tell His Imperial Majesty your answer?"
"Please tell His Imperial Majesty I am honored and shall be there."
"Very good, Tess. I shall leave you now, but on a personal note, thank-you. My sister is in one of the Legionems targeted."
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