Deep Space Processional

The Empire reborn, and spread out among the stars in the 25th century. The great plague of the 21st century devasted the world, and Britain, most advanced in immunology, survived with the least loss. The new Empire, with all humans as overlords and machines as the servants, is dedicated to spreading the survivors of mankind through space. As the tale opens, a plot is afoot in high places against the young Queen Anne II; it is linked with the Vronovian Empire, the first non-human civilization encountered. The Empire's pre-eminent battle captain, Manoeuvre Admiral the Lord Northumberland, lies deep in cryptobiosis in his shielded crypt aboard HMS Gloriana. For hundreds of years, after being recognized as a master tactician, he has lived his life in moments of crisis for the Empire, with long periods of cryptobiosis in between, watching history unfold in glimpses. This story gives him one such glimpse.