Chapter 33: "Doma is empty and abandoned?  Not anymore!"
         --------------------------------------------------------

"So, what is your latest report, McArthur?" questioned Akfek.

"The Defiant has been sabotaged with Lady DelAubre on it.  The perpetrator
has not been caught yet and we are sending a repair crew to fix it."

Akfek's face became shallow and anger swept across his cheeks.  "The
perpetrators will be dealt with after our investigation.  How dare anybody
oppose our Empire?  The saboteurs must pray that they will stay out of our
hands!  If they are caught, I will promise them a painful death!  Any news
from the Black Hand?"

"It is rumored that a rebellion is forming," answered McArthur.

The sterness evaporated from Akfek's face and a smirk developed instead,
"You jest!  Is Banon leading the rebellion?  Who is the leader of this
rebellion?"

"We have very little information of the rebellion.  Our sources have been
unable to identify their leader but our progress continues."

Kefka's voice could be heard behind Akfek's laugh.  "A ha ha ha haaaaa - a
rebellion?  I see.  What is the other news from the Black Hand?"

Mcarthur grabbed a letter from his pocket, unfolded, it and replied, "Doma
has been surveyed by the Black Hand as you ordered.   They report it is
abandoned and empty.  Beta 3 is heading towards Doma but we do not expect
any resistance."

"Very well. Send Alpha 4 over there as well.  They will serve as backup in
case any problems arise.  I will be there myself but first, ready a ship,
for I must visit Sascha and personally witness the wreckage of the Defiant.
Also, increase security on all ships - naval and aerial.  I will meet you
again at Doma."

                              *  *  *

As the meeting ended, Akfek boarded a prepared airship and headed towards
the Defiant.  As the airship reached the Defiant, smoke could be seen
rising from the flagship, and a crew of repairmen had already arrived and
were working on the damaged flagship.  The airship, called 'The Prince',
with Akfek onboard, landed, and Akfek was escorted out of the ship to the
wreckage.  There, Akfek approached Sascha and questioned her about the
incident.

"I see you have encountered a most unfortunate incident.  I am
disappointed but let us learn from this incident.  May this not happen
again.  Brief me on the incident," said Akfek.

Sascha was surprised at Akfek's mild temper - she guessed that perhaps his
temper had subsided but probably on his first hearing of the incident, his
temper was not quite so.  Sascha spent the next half hour explaining to
Akfek about the incident.  "... The repair crew is working on the engine
room and is making repairs to the other damaged areas.  An additional
investigation team will arrive later and aid the current one.  They will
begin their work once the smoke has settled.  The repair crew is uncertain
on the time needed to repair the Defiant due to the excessive damage as
well.  That is all I know for now."

"Very well.  I will need you with me at Doma.  Doma is empty and has been
abandoned now and we will head there now.  Finish any necessary work now.
I will meet you on 'The Prince' after you have finished your business."

Sascha nodded and as Akfek left, she motioned to Garek, who was supervising
the repairs, and Garek headed towards Sascha promptly.  "Garek, send us a
report periodically on the investigation and repairs.  We will be in Doma."
Garek bowed and resumed his original work.

                          *  *  *

Sascha boarded 'The Prince' and the airship left for Doma.  On their
arrival, soldiers could be seen inside Doma, some of them moving Magitek
Armor, others hauling in other equipment and material of various sorts.
The airship landed beside a group of other airships and Sascha and Akfek
left towards the castle.  McArthur was there to greet the two and he
informed them on Doma's current situation.

"There was no resistance when we arrived.  The castle has been abandoned
and was completly empty on our arrival.  The castle needs major repairs but
it is ready for our disposal."

"Excellent," responded Akfek as his tone was much brighter than on his last
chat with McArthur.  "Finish up the repairs and assign posts to the other
extra soldiers.  Sascha and I will head towards the throne room to discuss
other matters.  Continue with your work."