31
The emperor watched the Planet Eaters transform Defestus into a black, swarming ball.
“Yes,” he said, crazed. “Yes! They are truly the power of the empire personified!”
His eyes burned with passion as the Planet Eaters gorged themselves on the prison planet. Patches of atmosphere shone through the dark shadow, but slowly they began to disappear.
Florian wriggled in his chains to get the emperor’s attention.
“So do we have a deal or what?” he asked.
The emperor held up his hand.
“I am not done watching this ceremonious activity.”
“We had a deal,” Florian said. “It's time to let me go. What do you say, Mr. Emperor?”
A voice crackled on the communication radio.
“This is Macalestern Twelve,” a skipper said. “Please proceed with transferring Florian, Tatiana and Huxley. We will lin
