Names, outcomes, and discoveries from later histories are concealed in spoiler-light mode.
Claudius Sirister held the title Flaxus and ruled the Flaxens from the Hawk's Retreat on Venus. He struck an agreement with Avalon Brookes to defeat Echo and accelerate the conquest and extermination of Earth's remaining Human population.
Also recorded as: Claudius, Flaxus, Claud
Agreement with Brookes
Despite his revulsion toward Humans, Claudius accepted Brookes's assistance after Flaxen military losses. He agreed that Brookes could rule the distant cylinder populated with selected Humans in exchange for advanced ships and continuing scientific assistance. Brookes was given two months to complete the hawks.[1]
Policy and punishment
Claudius rejected the killing of prisoners without warning from orbit because he wanted them to understand who was killing them. He approved Brookes's proposal for a mega chamber after the hawks were completed. When Brookes failed to destroy Echo at Cylli, Claudius subjected him to the Torment. After the attack on Venus and another failed interception, he ordered one of Brookes's ears removed.[2][3][4]
Escalation and reprisals
Claudius ignored Eastcott's demand to halt the extermination chambers and expanded their operation into the night. After losing the orbital hawk and the remaining chambers, he revived a punishment in which soldiers drew stones and ten men were burned alive.[5][6]
Collapse of authority
When his generals turned against one another, Claudius blamed his senior officers, shot a general for describing Eastcott as a superior enemy, and ordered the destruction of Venus' cities. The orders were not carried out. Eastcott then announced control of the planet's sunlight through the nano mirrors.[8][9]
Final days
Claudius refused to submit even when Eastcott offered food to Venus' population. After ten days with two hours of sun a day, riots reached the Capitol and even his elite guard deserted him. Alone in the Hawk's Retreat, he killed himself with his pistol.[9]
Related records
Sources
Simon Evans, The Flaxen Tyranny, first edition (2023). Page numbers refer to the printed pagination of the source edition.
- Chapter 19 · pp. 157–162
- Chapter 22 · pp. 180–185
- Chapter 24 · pp. 194
- Chapter 26 · pp. 215–218
- Chapter 27 · pp. 219–226
- Chapter 28 · pp. 227–234
- Chapter 31 · pp. 247–251
- Chapter 34 · pp. 277–282
- Chapter 38 · pp. 316–324