NationStates Jolt Archive

The Mandrake Class Colonial Destroyer moved lazily through The Draco System’s outermost planet, known official as Draco III, but more commonly referred to as The Forge. A planet with four times the mass Jupiter. To orbit it felt like circling a small star. The ship itself, a dark, cold looking vessel built not for aesthetics but for practicality, kept an orbiting course far from the planet, watching over as much of the space around the Forge as possible. The center of the ship rotated, creating artificial gravity for the crew on some areas of the ship. The engine areas and fighter bays were still zero-g. The ship looked mean and menacing, even alone in the cold expanse around it. Equipped with the latest the Eurydian Republic had to offer. Protecting the Republic Frontier was not easy, and it required a hard ship to get the job done. The Porthos was hard, and her captain harder.

Oswald Jukes sat motionless in his gray chair, surveying the outer space around the Forge. Basically a whole lot of nothing. A hardened captain and a hardened ship expected to be obliterating enemy forces. But the Colonial Navy’s task was to guard the Republic’s colony worlds from pirates and the lot. Loosely organized and quick to strike, Eurydian pirates proved to be a tough adversary to find. In the Draco System, prison ships carrying cargo to Oberon (Draco’s only habitable planet and the Republic’s planetary labor camp) were often seized by pirates. Jukes and the other captains assigned to the Draco System were to put a stop to this outrage.

Jukes furrowed an eyebrow. Boredom had gotten the better of him. He turned his attention to his lieutenant, minding the observation post with eager eyes. A young crew. They must be even more bored than I am. He cracked a slight smile. “Report, Lieutenant Young.”

Lieutenant Young shrugged. “There’s no sign of a Pirate stronghold. There isn’t much of anything out here, sir. A few vessels mining materials from the Forge’s moons. Other than that, this place is barren.”

No need to tell me that, boy. He rubbed his chin. “Keep up the hunt, Young. Our orders are to root out this menace. The pirates are costing the Republic a lot of money in lost and damaged goods. Oberon’s prison population is decreasing due to the lack of transport ships reaching the world. I don’t know how, but they snatch those ships right out from under us. If we don’t find these pirates soon, the Republic may need to call up the Royal Navy. Think of what that would cost.”

“Yes, sir.” Young responded mildly.

Captain Oswald Jukes resumed his stare as the crew of the Porthos continued its vigil over the massive Forge. Three other ships of the same class also patrolled this Jovian world, looking for something they did not expect to find.

After a week of patrols around the Forge, the Porthos and her sister ships, the Agrippa, Hammer, and Baydonwolf were ready to make their way back to Starbase Athena. They were in search of a pirate stronghold out in the cold, bitter wastes of the Forge, but they found nothing. The few mining ships that did venture this far out into the Draco Solar System didn’t seem to fear much the pirates that wreaked havoc on Oberon and the slave ships at the center of the four-planet system.

With their Jump Drives charged and ready to engage, Captain Jukes took one final look at the massive, omnipresent world. The fifty or so moons could be seen in dark outlines against the murky brown surface of the planet. The other three ships phased. He continued to stare. A slight glimmer caught his eye. Something faint, but noticeable.

“Excuse me,” Young said meagerly, “our jump solution is reached. Do you wish to jump, sir?”

He waved a calloused hand toward the lieutenant. No was his answer. His dark eyes probed the screen, looking for what he had seen. “Lieutenant Young, what is that moon’s name?” He pointed.

Young tapped a few buttons. “Faelis, sir.”

“Take us there.”

The Porthos began a slow crawl toward the moon, picking up speed as it went. The ship passed other, smaller moons; some no larger than an asteroid. The Forge’s presence could be felt –at the close distance all you could see was the brown planet. Bright flashes at the back of the ship indicated a stop. Now, they rested over the charred moon Faelis.

“Anything out of the ordinary, Young?”

Giving a slight shrug, “No, sir. All seems normal. The other ships are waiting for us to return to Athena, Captain.”

”I know that. We aren’t finished here. Begin orbiting the planet. There was something here, I know it.”

Before they could even begin, proximity alarms cried out along every console on the bridge. Young shouted frantically. “Pirate ship, moving away from us at high speeds!”

Jukes grinned. He gripped the armrests of his chair tightly. “Pursue, full speed!”

The Porthos picked up speed surprisingly fast for its kilometer plus size. The smaller pirate ship definitely had a speed advantage, but the large destroyer stayed behind it. The helmsman, a small, young man with buzz cut and serious look, spoke over his shoulder. “We’re losing them, sir. They’ll be out of firing range in twenty seconds.”

“Open fire.” Captain Jukes said calmly. “Try to disable them.”

Lieutenant young nodded, and the Porthos let loose her cannons on the much smaller pirate ship. It ducked, dodged, and weaved, but couldn’t save itself from the azure fire.

“Ship destroyed!” Young shouted, satisfied.

“Good. Take us back to Faelis. I want to know if there are anymore of them out there.”

Firm but graceful, the Porthos came to a stop, turned, and headed back to Faelis. After an intensive scan of the moon, nothing else could be found. The black planet, bruised and battered by the elements of outer space, merely sat, emotionless and unwavering. Faelis was a dead moon, Jukes felt assured in that. The Mandrake Class Colonial Destroyer moved out, back to open space, and commenced its jump to Starbase Athena over the desert world, Oberon.

After a few moments of hyperspace limbo, they phased back in over the small world. Oberon, the only rocky planet in the four-planet system, paled in comparison to its brothers, Draco II, Draco III, and the Forge. A very light, thin halo of rings circled the planet. The world itself was hot and barren. Here, on Oberon, the Eurydian prisoner internment camps resided. They mined Oberon’s mineral rich surface or were transported to various parts of the Draco System to harvest the gas from the Jovian worlds. The Draco System was under total military control. The other Eurydian systems were open for trade and commerce. Draco was not.

Jukes opened a channel with Draco’s only sanctuary, Starbase Athena. “This is captain Jukes of the Porthos, we got ourselves a bandit. Requesting permission to dock, Athena.”

A crackled voice responded. A woman. “Request granted, Captain. And congratulations on your kill.”

The Porthos entered one of Athena’s many, many docking bays. Dozens of Tradien Class Colonial Light Cruisers and a few Mandrake Destroyers moved about, either headed to patrol the Draco System, or just returning from a tour. A few sat over Oberon, keeping a watchful eye on transport craft making their way to the prison world. Slowly, the ship came to rest under the arms of Athena. A docking latch extended.

Captain Jukes opened a channel to the entire crew. He stood, stretched. Most of the soldiers on the bridge did the same. Shore leave was something not seen enough in this sector of space. “Attention. You all have two days to yourselves. Make use of it. After its over, we’re back out on patrol.” The comm. channel closed, and the crew left the bridge. Maintenance and repair crews were already making their way onto the ship. For the next two days, the Porthos was on leave as well.

Oswald strolled down the long corridors of Starbase Athena, still sporting his worn and rugged captain’s uniform. Dark lines under his eyes showed exhaustion, but now was not the time to sleep. He grabbed and pawed at his short, graying hair, trying to set it into a decent position. He approached a large door. It slid into the wall, allowing him through. Inside, light jazz music played. The room, with its ambient lighting and near panoramic view of Oberon, the star Draco, and the rest of the universe, provided a relaxing escape for those who needed it. This was the Captain’s Lounge, reserved for the highest ranked Eurydian soldiers.

At first Oswald didn’t see anybody. Then he noticed, across the spacious room, over the couches and chairs and tables, that two women were talking with each other over drinks. Oswald knew them both, and so he approached without caution. The two saw him enter, and rose when he arrived. Oswald saluted to one of the women, saying sternly, “Marshal Goran.” To the other, he smiled. “Captain Rhea Vasher, we meet again.”

The two women smiled. Marshal Goran motioned for Oswald to sit. “You know you don’t have to call me that.”

“Well, you never know what kind of mood someone is in. Better to be formal than yelled at.” Oswald said with a shrug.

Silence for a moment, then Captain Vasher spoke up. The woman was in her mid twenties with already apparent signs of wear from extended tours in space. Still, she would be attractive by most men’s standards. “Soooo… I heard about your kill. Well done, captain.”

“Eh. It was nothing. Just a raider.” Oswald stopped. “Any other ships with kills this week?”

Marshal Goran smiled. This woman was much older than Rhea or Oswald, but she still showed the vitality of someone youthful. “I believe there’s one other at this table who destroyed one of those damned pirates? What do you say, Rhea?”

Rhea smiled briefly. “It wasn’t much of anything, either. I guess, since we get so few kills these days, shooting down a raider ship is something to celebrate.”

Oswald nodded. They were silent again for a moment. Oswald looked out the expansive windows overlooking Oberon’s harsh, brown surface, and sighed. It’d been nearly six months since he’d seen the surface. Indeed, he’d almost forgotten what the sky looked like. Over three years on tour with the Colonial Navy didn’t leave much time for anything else.

Marshal Goran cleared her throat. “I’m glad you’re here, Oswald. There’s something we need to discuss.”

He turned his head swiftly, eyes attentive. “What can I do for you, Marshal?”

“How are we going to get rid of these pirates, captain? We’ve been fighting them for over five years now and they’ve only seemed to grow in strength. I feel like we’re beginning to lose the upper hand. Draco is more lawless than any other system. Yet, it’s under total military control.”

Oswald nodded. “But a solar system is an enormous space to patrol. We have what… forty-eight Colonial ships in this system? Do you think that’s enough to successfully blanket the system against pirates?”

Marshal Goran stayed silent, thoughtful. Rhea broke the silence. “Another thing. The more the pirates steal, the more powerful they get. We need to be effective at cutting their supplies off. We have to focus on protecting our transports. Then the pirates will have nothing to supply themselves with.”

“Good points.” Goran said. “The Magistrates Council has been mulling over our situation for quite some time. They aren’t pleased with the results the Colonial Navy has had on the Colonies in the thirty years we’ve been protecting them. Emperor Valeth has much more sympathy though, and the other Marshals and myself are trying to persuade him to give us support. If the Magistrates Council votes to disband the Colonial Navy, then we’re all through.”

Oswald and Rhea nodded slowly. Oswald stood, saluted both Rhea and Goran. “That’s bad news. I hope, for our sake, you’re successful in swaying Damen Valeth.”

Goran smiled. “As am I, Oswald. Are you leaving so soon?”

“I must tend to the ship.”

Rhea laughed, “Don’t you do anything else? Have you no life, Oswald?”

“Not really. If I don’t take care of my ship, it may be the end of me. Besides, I’ve struck out with all the women I know, she’s all I’ve got left.”

The two women laughed. Goran stood, shook hands with Oswald. “Well, I hope she treats you well enough, captain.”

“Oh, she does, Marshal. She does.”

Following the end of the Unification War, Eurydice and her colony worlds were once again a whole nation. The two warring military forces of the Eurydian Republic, the Imperial Guard and Royal Navy, came to an agreement: “Their bitter struggle for supremacy over Eurydice was slowly killing the Republic.” Their fight ended at the time of the Emperor’s death, which occurred during the Unification War’s final battle over Eurydice itself. After the devastating conflict, the Republic was complete again.

Subsequent to Emperor Reyburn’s death, a new Imperial Line was chosen by the people. Winston Valeth, a descendent of the original modern Eurydian Emperor, Lezard Valeth, took the reigns of Eurydian power at the age of thirty-seven. Young by most accounts, but not the youngest. The Royal Navy and Imperial Guard united under his leadership, and great, sweeping reforms changed both military powers. Their decimated forces were replenished. Also, due to the new and stable growth within the colony worlds, an independent space force was established to patrol and safeguard the colony worlds. The Colonial Navy received huge funds and manpower to fulfill the tasks set forth by Emperor Valeth. Eurydice and the eight colonies experienced now prosperity that hadn’t been seen for decades. The long and brutal Unification War’s cancerous struggle sapped most of the Republic’s wealth.

But that, my friends, is in the past. This is the future of the Eurydian Republic. Conconi, Corsica, Intari, Geneva, Oberon, Chaelon, Chyron. These worlds are the future of the Republic. New ships are being constructed at the Kastor Corps. Orbital Assembly Facility. New trade routes are established. New worlds colonized. And to watch over this progress will be the Colonial Navy, a force with the power to keep the Eurydian Republic united!

The two-day leave passed quickly. Jukes spent most of his time overseeing maintenance operations. He liked to make sure they got it right. He calibrated the targeting sensors, proximity detectors, and everything else himself. Lieutenant Young showed up early on the day of their departure and finished up the final diagnostics and repairs alongside Jukes. Jukes wasn’t much of a people person, but the youthful Arthur Young proved to be a capable second in command. It seemed he understood why Jukes spent so much time with his ship.

As the rest of the crew shuffled onto the ship slowly through the course of the morning, Jukes and Young sat in the captain’s study, sipping coffee and looking at the ships passing by. The red hews of Draco, the star gone red giant, a strange backdrop.

Young was humbled to be sitting casually with one of the most respected in the system, but he kept his cool. “Captain, where are we headed this time… back to the Forge?”

Oswald shook his head. “No, Draco II is our destination. Pirate encounters have tripled in the last few months. We’re commanding a small armada tasked with trying to root out the source of the problem.”

“I see.” Young said quietly. “Any word on the location of the pirate base? There must be one, right?”

“I suppose so. Pirate vessels, by nature, are salvaged wrecks. Old Republic cruisers and smaller scrap put together. They can’t survive long without resupply. I wonder how they are so effective at capturing our transports when they are such a disorganized group?”

“Perhaps they’ve changed.” Young offered.

Oswald looked out of the window, surveyed the space surrounding them, sighed. He stood, sat his drink down. Young followed suit. Captain Jukes motioned toward the door. “I’m sure the crew is assembled by now. The rest of our armada is waiting for us to lead them to Draco II. I think we’ll get lucky this time and find the root of our troubles.”

Young nodded enthusiastically, and followed the veteran out to the bridge.

The fleet moved nonchalantly toward Draco II. The gas giant wasn’t nearly the size of the Forge, but it still lingered around them. Oswald and the other fifteen ships (4 Mandrakes and 12 Traiden Class Cruisers) moved to enter standard orbit and begin sensor sweeps. Draco II was green, with subtle hues of blue, red, and yellow mixed in. The gas swirled ever so slowly, giving the surface a churning look. The winds of Draco II were recorded at over two thousand miles an hour. You could see its affects on the planets gaseous surface. Draco II had thirteen moons, the largest, Carthage, housed a large mining station with over thirty thousand workers and forty-one mining freighters. A single Traiden Class cruiser watched over the station.

Oswald opened a channel with the lone vessel. “This is Captain Jukes, we’re conducting searches of the Draco II region for pirates.”

The captain of the other ship, a woman with a friendly --if formal-- voice responded. “Captain Archus here. Starbase Athena told us you were coming. Welcome to our lonesome corner of space. I haven’t seen so much as a radar blip since we started the guard mission three weeks ago. I can’t wait to be done with it.”

Jukes smiled inwardly. I know what you mean. His outward appearance never faultered or changed. He was stoic in action and personality once on the bridge. “Thank you Captain Archus. If anything should come up, we’ll be in the area. Feel free to radio us about anything you might find. When dealing with pirates, no lead is to preposterous.”

“Understood.”

The small group of ships continued on, splitting up into four smaller groups of one Mandrake and three Traidens each. He found out a bit later that one of the ships under his command was the Baydonwolf. He’d have to pay Rhea a visit before too long. But business came first, and at any moment the pirates could spring a trap or come out of hiding. Vigilance was the only good defense against the menace. He hadn’t been sleeping well though, and since the mission had only begun, he needed to be rested for the coming days and weeks.

Oswald looked to his lieutenant. “Young.” He said flatly.

“Yes sir?” the lieutenant replied, looking up from a console.

“You have the bridge. I’ll be in my study getting some rest. We have a long tour ahead of us.”

Rhea Vasher’s battlegoup surveyed their designated search area for the fourth day in a row, the moon Tarsus and its surrounding area. The ball of white, lifeless rock looked like a sheet of blank paper folded perfectly into a sphere. With many moons around it being much larger and more massive,, asteroids and the like never really took much interest in Tarsus. There was the occasional blemish on the planets surface, but not much else. Still, the Baydonwolf and her smaller cohorts scanned the surface intently. I wonder if we’ll ever find anything using this method? Search and destroy hasn’t really paid off as a tactic. We do about ninety-nine percent searching, one percent destroying. We need a new plan to deal with these pirates.

Proximity alarms went off on the tactical console. Everyone jumped, including Rhea. She looked over her shoulder to Lieutenant Demetrius, a man older than Rhea by quite a few years, but content with second in command duties. He looked up, answering her without her speaking a word. “We have three pirate raiders lifting off of the planet surface. They seem to be a standard pirate war party. No other ships detected.”

“War parties usually have friends nearby, other raider groups scattered elsewhere. If we open fire that may give our position away. Watch for reinforcements, Demetrius. Have the Traiden class warships move in and engage the raider vessels. We’ll hang back and give them long-range support. Launch fighters.” The lieutenant nodded.

Raider ships were about a hundred meters long and ugly as hell. Designed for durability and practicality, it didn’t have the serene beauty of most Republic ships. Armed with four gravitic fusion cannons and three ion cannons, for its size, the Sunhawk Raider –as it is officially called – is a formidable ship for its size. They were extremely fast and surprisingly well armored for their speed.

The Traiden Cruisers were a kilometer long and much more powerful, but slower than the raiders who, upon detecting their enemies, sped away at high speeds. The cruisers opened fire as their fighter craft engaged the ships. The raider ships, confused by the fighters all around them, slowed enough for the Traiden cruisers to close and engage, firing all ports. The Raiders dodged and weaved, outmaneuvering every shot the Colonial ships fired. The fighters broke off to avoid being hit by friendly fire from the cruisers and the pirates were away again at full speed.

Rhea Vasher watched, not pleased by the lack of experience her subordinate captains had. The Baydonwolf picked its target and fired multiple azure beams, striking one of the raiders in the side, blowing one of its engines apart and sending it careening away from the others. The Traiden Cruisers closed in again, and this time managed to put one of the pirate ships down with a concentrated effort. The last ship, no longer needing to hold a formation, blasted away as quickly as possible. The Baydonwolf and her support tried their best to bring the ship down, but the maneuverable Sunhawk darted and weaved its way out of firing range.

Rhea called the other ships back, pleased with getting two out of the three raider ships. “Well done everyone. We bagged ourselves two Sunhawk Raiders. Not bad.”

Demetrius picked up a transmission burst. “Sir, a distress signal from the mining colony on Carthage. They’re under attack… multiple pirate vessels destroying the mining ships and the colony on the surface.”

Rhea Vasher nodded. “Get us there, now!” The battlegroup phased out, hoping time remained to save Carthage.

Captain Jukes surveyed the damage. His group arrived first at Carthage. They were surprised to find the pirate ships gone so quickly. Transport wreckage floated about, strewn across space for hundreds of kilometers. The entire mining colony on the surface of the moon was destroyed, all thirty thousand souls gone. His eyes squinted as he thought long and hard. “Pirates don’t operate like this. They want to free the slaves, not kill them. Why did they massacre the colony?” He didn’t know.

Rhea Vasher and her group phased in, gun ports open and ready for action. She saw Jukes’ ship and slowed the battlegroup. “Are they gone?” she asked, the excitement of the chase still in her voice.

“Yes. Everyone on the colony is dead, all the ships destroyed, including the cruiser protecting them.”

“It’s not like pirates to massacre their own kind...”

Oswald sounded grim. “These must not be normal pirates.”

Lieutenant Young picked up a transmission, this time from one of the other two battlegroups. He patched it through so everyone could hear. “This is Captain Butler of the Sparta, we’ve come under attack by pirate vessels! We need help now! They’re overwhelming us, send…” the transmission cut, either jammed by pirates or worse, they were already lost.

Jukes and Rhea looked at each other across the viewscreen. Pirates had never attacked a Colonial Navy attack force directly. “Find where that transmission originated and get us there, now!”

The two battlegroups over the destroyed mining station vanished, only a small glimmer of light indicating anything had happened. They reappeared close to Draco II, near the innermost of the thirteen moons, Memphis. The moon was a dull brown and marred with meteor impacts. Two thick sheets of ice covered either pole. Memphis was rich in minerals and ore, but survey crews were only beginning to give clearance for mining operations on Memphis.

The Sparta and her three support ships were locked in battle with a large pirate attack force. The enemies were using old State Navy warships abandoned over twenty years ago after the end of the Unification Wars. Two Dor’Lomann cruisers let loose on the three Colonial ships while a dozen Sunhawk Raiders flew circles around the capital ships. As Oswald and Rhea approached, one of the cruisers exploded in bright flames. Weakened and taking more and more damage, the Sparta began to move forward, desperately trying to escape the attackers.

The pirates noticed Oswald and Rhea’s arrival moments after, and the Sunhawks broke off from their pursuit of the damaged Sparta, heading back to their Dor’Lomaan cruisers. Oswald’s ship fired, but the two pirate ships were gone before damage could be done. “Captain Butler, are you all right?”

Butler responded. He sounded shaken. “I guess so. My god, they just came out of nowhere. I can’t believe we were caught off guard like that. I feel so…”

“Save it, captain. The mining colony on Carthage has been completely destroyed. Our priority is regrouping and destroying this menace. I’m going to contact Marshall Goran and inform her of the escalated pirate activity. We have to keep these guys away from the other mining stations. Butler, you take your ship back to Athena for repairs. We’ll continue the hunt without you.”

Butler acknowledged, disappointed, and phased out.

“If what you say is true,” Marshal Goran said with a very grim look, “then we have severely underestimated the resources of the pirates. To attack a Colonial Navy battlegroup…”

Oswald nodded, resting in the lavish chair behind his desk, eyes firm and unwavering. They’d lost two Colonial ships in the last hour. Unacceptable. “We need to strike hard and we need to strike now. We know there are at least fourteen ships around Draco II. If we quarantine the area, they won’t be able to escape. I say we put a Phase Dampening Field around Draco II. They can’t escape from here without their Phase Drive.”

“A good idea, commander. Do it.”

Oswald nodded. “We need more ships here, Marshal. My armada has been reduced to thirteen ships. If we are going to be successful, more firepower is it.”

Showing a worried look on her face, Marshal Goran responded. “I can’t do that commander. Our forces in Draco are stretched thin as it is.”

“Then request ships from other systems. Surely they can spare ships from areas with low pirate activity.”

“That kind of request would need deliberation from the Magistrates Council. It will take time, but I think we can get some support from the Diomedes system or Galloghnier.”

“How long will that take?” Oswald asked, growing impatient.

“One or two weeks, I think.”

“What?” Oswald asked, taken aback by her response. “Draco could be in the hands of the pirates by then. There must be another way!”

Marshal Goran nodded. “There is another way. But the other Marshals wont like it. They’re pretty bold and independent. Well… I admit I don’t like the idea much myself.”

“What is it?”

“I could talk to Emperor Valeth and see if he’d assign a few Imperial Guard battlegroups to the Draco system. They could be here tomorrow.”

“Marshal Goran, which is more important, Draco’s safety, or the Colonial Navy’s pride?”

Marshal Goran nodded. “I understand, I’ll talk to the Emperor and the other Marshals myself. Good day to you Oswald.”

“This meeting will come to order.”

The man standing at the head of a large, rectangular oaken table in a warmly lit and furnished meeting hall, raised his hands high into the hair. the twelve others in attendance stopped to look. Reamus Kastor lowered his hands, smiled, and sat. He wore his finest Highgrace outfit (black pants, white dress shirt, purple vest and coat) with dignity. The others in the room were equally dressed, adorning fine jewelry fit for the wealthiest Eurydians. And that’s exactly what they were.

This was the monthly meeting of the last Great Houses. Thirteen in all, they held each other together through cooperation and friendship. These twelve men and one woman constituted the leaders of each house, with Reamus Kastor being the leader of the wealthiest House, therefore sitting at the head of the table. They each held papers in their hands, jotted down notes, but kept very open to each other. These meetings solved problems that couldn’t have been solved between houses even a hundred years ago, keeping the houses from warring with each other. But with more and more wealth draining to middle class citizens, the Great Houses slowly declined, withering away as the time passed. With this safeguard, each house can keep up on the latest, and by uniting in their efforts, they can avoid collapsing.

Reamus Kastor, a middle aged man who looked as young as twenty-five, felt the few moments of silence, and commenced the meeting. “Greetings brothers.” He turned and looked to the only woman in attendance, Mia Traiden, “and sister.” He added. She smiled. Reamus continued. “This month is the anniversary of Winston Valeth’s coronation as Emperor. These last twelve years have been good to all of us, and that is due in no small part to Winston’s efforts. It is a shame he could not be here himself. But it is a pleasure to have you in his place, Paul.” Winston’s brother, Paul attended meetings in the Emperor’s absence. House Valeth was one of the last Great Houses, as are all imperial families, from the Traiden’s down to House Mar.

Paul stood. “Emperor Valeth wishes you all a good day and apologizes for missing another meeting. The damned Magistrates Council has him tied up often.”

The other members nodded, a few chuckled. Paul sat down and Reamus continued. “Anything happen in the last month worth noting? Anybody.”

Gaius Marius stood. “I have some news that everyone should know. It is something we have kept from you all for fear of retaliation.”

Feldor Balen, the eldest of the leaders, scoffed. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Reamus nodded. “Yes… what do you mean, ‘retaliation’?”

Gaius sighed. “For several months now, our family has been constructing an orbital assembly facility much like House Kastor’s. we intend to enter into the ship building industry with this state of the art factory.”

Everyone was still. They all looked to Reamus Kastor, who’s family’s business constituted 78% of all ship building in Eurydice. They became very, very wealthy off shipbuilding, and as far as they saw it, no one else could (or should.) “You have gone mad… Gaius.”

“Nevertheless, by months end we will be able to build up to one hundred and thirty five vessels at once. We now are capable of producing 42% of Eurydice’s spaceborn ships.”

Reamus stood up, eyes unwavering, smoldering beneath a façade of calm. “Your house is making a mistake, Gaius. Are you trying to provoke me and my family? Our houses have maintained a balance between one another for the last century. Why ruin that?”

“Because we all get bits and pieces of the wealth, while House Kastor lines its pockets. Even the greatest house under you pales in comparison to what your family has acquired.”

“We will not stand for this.” Reamus said, face flushed with anger. “If you do not voluntarily discontinue this project, we will force you to stop.”

Gaius smiled. “Just try it, Reamus.”

A single cough echoed through the chamber. The enormous fire crackled and flashed; orange and red danced around the room. Gaius Marius and Reamus Kastor stared coldly at one another.

Wayden Ultran, the youngest man there, stood. “Let us settle down, gentlemen. We have other business to attend to. This can be dealt with after the meeting.”

Reamus Kastor nodded to Wayden and sat. Gaius sat as well. The meeting continued without another outburst. On the inside, Reamus smoldered. Halfway through the meeting, Reamus left for a moment and contacted his brother, informing him of the news and suggesting that their forces be put on high alert.

Reamus Kastor’s wife and child waited out in the parlor, and he went to them and told them he’d be finished shortly. Back in the meeting, they went over profit margins, ship construction and repair (which House Marius would be getting in on very soon), and many other things. The meeting finished, and each house leader began to go their separate way.

Reamus stopped a few of the leaders as they left: Wayden Ultran, Feldor Balen, and Leto Atreides. These houses, whose loyalty to House Kastor was unquestioned, listened to Reamus. “What do you think of House Marius?” He asked.

Feldor Balen, one of the oldest In attendance, scoffed. “That Gaius has gotten some strange ideas in his head.”

Wayden nodded. “Aye. Somebody must have convinced him to make this treacherous of a move. He threatens to undermine our whole alliance.”

“I think that’s exactly what he’s planning.” Reamus said as they walked toward the shuttle bay. “He knows some of the Great Houses still hold grudges against us. he can use their hatred to his house’s advantage.”

“No doubt. How are we to handle this?” Leto Atreides asked.

They rounded a corner and came out into the open, where four or five shuttles sat fueled and ready for takeoff. The four stopped. Reamus sighed. “We must plan for the worst. Prepare our forces for combat against House Marius and anyone who would support him.”

Wayden looked startled. “You think it’s that serious?”

“I do.”

“Well then… I’ll prepare my forces at once.” Wayden said.

“Aye… my family as…” Before Leto finished, an explosion tore through the open shuttle bay. The men dove to the ground, metal wreckage went flying in all directions, fire and smoke seemed to consume the entire bay for a moment. After the explosion subsided, Reamus and the others stood. He looked around, finally spotting the explosions origin. His own shuttle was nothing more than rubble. While the shuttle bay crew and emergency personnel swarmed around, The four stared. Two words escaped Reamus's mouth.

“My family…”

During the trip home, Reamus Kastor contemplated revenge. It had been three days since the explosion and investigators still had no leads as to who planted and detonated the bomb on the Kastor Family transport. Reamus knew exactly who it was. Gaius Marius. Or at the very least he was behind this. He hoped to destroy the Kastor House covertly, without alerting anyone to his treacherous plans to overthrow the entire Great House system. By declaring war on House Kastor, he would declare war on all houses. So instead he orchestrated this “accident.” He forgot the most important part, though. Leave no one alive.

The transport came to rest softly on the landing pad. It sat on the top floor of the Kastor estate in Rigard City, some seven floors above the ground. As he stepped off, aides and workers for the house came up to him and gave their condolences. Some were crying, some shaking there head. He smiled weakly and thanked them all. The only thing running through his mind were the faces of his loved ones. His brother, wife, and son were dead, killed by House Marius. They would pay, he knew that for certain.

Inside his office, Reamus sat, looking over police reports and evidence. There was no evidence linking Gaius or his house to the incident, but he knew something was foul. Maximus Kastor, Reamus’s nephew, sat opposite him in the spacious room. It was dimly lit by a fire that purred to the left of Reamus. A giant picture of the original Kastorian family hung above the fire. Things in this room were very old. Many family leaders before Reamus sat in this office, mulling over reports such as these.

“Uncle,” Maximus started. He was a young man in his early twenties. Many considered him the up and coming leader after Reamus left. “The fleet is ready, as you asked. Your dreadnought is in low orbit now. Whenever you are ready to depart, m’lord.”

After a moment, Reamus looked up. His eyes were bloodshot and he could barely hold the papers in his hand. “Thank you, Maximus.” He choked the words out, fighting back more tears. “When… is the service for… Corin and my son?”

“One week from today, uncle. The Emperor sends his condolences and says the Great Temple in Rigard City is open to your use for the funeral. He will make arrangements, if you wish.”

Reamus nodded. “Tell Winston that I humbly accept.” Maximus nodded. “Now, I have a score to settle. Gaius Marius will regret ever existing after I’m through with him.”

“do you think the government will allow you to attack House Marius when we still have no conclusive proof?”

Reamus stood up and threw the stack of papers in hand against the wall. They scattered in all directions. “I need no more proof than my own two eyes, Maximus! Who else would do such an unthinkable act? House Marius has been a thorn in our House's side for hundreds of years now. But this time, they've gone too far!” he sat back down, more calm than before. “I will make him suffer. I will make them all suffer. Tonight we ride to Corsica and put an end to House Marius and there pitiful plan to overthrow this great house.”

“As you wish. I will inform the commanders at once.”

“We failed to succeed in killing Reamus Kastor, and because of that, we will surely perish.” The Taiko (meaning retired family leader) Arkturus Marius sat down, his old bones barely able to support his weight. Dull eyes behind drooping brows, the man still carried held his own at the family meetings. As usual, he summed the family’s predicament up.

The young niece to Gaius Marius shook her head. Helena ran a mining station on the far-flung Eurydian colony Chaelon, but because of recent events, she was called to the Marius House meeting chamber. “Surely it can’t be that bad. We still succeeded in killing Edwin Kastor, Corin Kastor, and Reamus’s son, Lucien. It’s a start.”

Gaius laughed. Helena looked startled and shifted in her seat, slightly embarrassed. “This is no start, Helena. This is the end for us if we don’t do something quickly. Reamus was the head of that family. No one else holds a flame to his leadership. To kill his brother and wife and child only gave him a reason to come after us. We must prepare for the worst. The plan failed, now we must brace for the reaction.”

“What do you think he’ll do?” Gaius’s uncle of fifty years, Quintus, grimaced.

“He’s probably gathered up his entire army and is coming for us right now.”

The family sat silent. Helena spoke up. “We’ve got to call upon our allies in the Corsican Government. They can stall Reamus long enough for us to escape to Chaelon.”

“Perhaps.” The Taiko said slowly. His voice was thin and old, but his words laden with aged wisdom. “I think we need to contact the other Great Houses. Reamus may have no problem with destroying us. But what of the Ancien, Brutus, and Hajod? Reamus has no quarrel with them. If they can take us in and shelter us against House Kastor’s retaliation, we may be able to weather the storm.”

Gaius thought for a long, long time. “I believe both ideas are sound. Helena, take your family back to Chaelon. Our mining colony there can serve as a shelter for other’s from our family should they come under attack from Reamus. I’m sure some of our extended family on the Fringe will be harassed. Let them know they can seek refuge with you.”

“What of protection, uncle?”

“Our resources are limited. I’ll see about one of the other Houses sending a few ships over to keep watch.” Helena nodded, and Reamus turned to Quintus. “My old friend, your skills in diplomacy will be needed now more than ever. Convince the Great Houses to come to our aid. Use any tactic you must to gain their allegiance.”

“I will not fail us, Gaius.”

“I know, uncle. Now go, all of you.”

Gaius and Arkturus remained while the others left. Arkturus shook his head. “I see dark times ahead for all Great Houses. This could destroy us all.”

“I hope not, grandfather. For all our sakes.”

Gaius watched the transports leave the Marius Estate, floating up into the orange sky and to the three warships Braodsword, Rapier, and Cutlass. Gaius looked all around him, brushing his hands against the soft, damp leaves of the bushes he passed by. The rest of his family had fled. Now, he would remain to pay his dues to House Kastor. Someone had to quench Reamus’s thirst for vengeance. Perhaps a sacrifice for the good of House Marius could save his family. The last transport pushed off. Lazy contrails followed up and into the darkness of space.

Gaius turned back to the manor, breathing in the cool crisp air. He took out his hand communicator as he walked, scrolled down to the desired number, and dialed.

After a few moments, a face appeared on the screen. A man in uniform. The man smiled. “Hello, Gaius.”

“Greetings old friend. The Colonial Navy keeps you busy these days.”

“I know. I don’t stay in touch as much as I’d like. So cousin, what can I do for you?”

-------------------------------------------------

the trip took all of about two hours. The forty-five ship Kastorian Fleet left Eurydice and passed through the Jump Gate, arriving at the colony Corsica (Marius’ home) ready for action. Reamus sat at in the captains chair of the lead Octurion Dreadnought, Deathguise. Behind him was the rest of the fleet. The blue green hues of Corsica sat before them. But first… the Colonial Navy’s outpost and battleships would need to be dealt with… violently if necessary. It was all the same to Reamus.

Reamus’s nephew, Maximus sat at the controls behind Gaius, operating the weapons systems of the Deathguise. He looked up from his console, watching the Colonial Navy outpost grow from a small blip to a full station as the fleet approached. “Gaius probably has his family embedded in the Colonial Navy stationed here. They won’t let us through.”

“Don’t let it concern you, Maximus.” Gaius replied in a distant voice. “I’ve taken care of everything. All we need to do is find those responsible and destroy them…”

Maximus tapped a few buttons. “Uncle, transmission from the CN outpost.”

A man appeared on the screen, stonefaced with unwavering eyes. “What is the meaning of this intrusion? Who are you and what do you want?”

Reamus laughed. “Don’t play games with me, pig! I know you’ve spoken with Gaius Marius. You know exactly who I am and why I am here. ”

The man looked startled. He regained his composure quickly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I told you not to play games with me! Your last name may be different, but you’re still one hundred percent Marius.”

The man scoffed. “Enough of this. Leave here at once, or we will be forced to destroy you.” Colonial Navy ships slowly moved toward the Kastorian fleet. Reamus laughed again. “Your loyalty is touching, albeit misplaced. This does not concern the Colonial Navy, Commander. Stand aside.”

“You will not make it through, Reamus.” The Colonial Navy ships came to rest in front of the Deathguise.

Reamus turned to Maximus. “Contact Supreme Admiral Neuventa. Tell him… it’s time.”

Within moments, an aged, strong face made contact with the Colonial Navy fleet. It was the commander of the entire Corsican Colonial Sector. “Greetings, comrades. You are ordered to stand down. Do not engage the Kastorian fleet.”

The station commander looked astonished. “No… this can’t be. Attack and destroy them! Now!”

Not a single Colonial ship moved. Reamus smiled. “Ahead full. “ The Deathguise lurched forward, leaving the rest of the fleet behind. It slowly approached the Corsican atmosphere, entering high orbit over the planet. Reamus’s smile turned cold. “Contact the Marius Estate. We need to speak.”

Gaius received the transmission from Reamus in his den, seated in a chair by a warm fire. He had accepted his fate. He only wondered if his family would remain intact.

Reamus Kastor wore stern expression. Gaius’s placid look was not what Reamus wanted. Reamus wanted fear in those eyes, not complacency. “Why did you do this tom y family, Gaius?”

“I did what I thought was right for the family. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“”You thought killing my wife and child and brother good for your family?” The rage slowly built up in Reamus’s tone.

“You know who the real target was, Reamus. You hold the Kastor Family together. With you out of the ways it would have taken some time for your family to rebound and try to put a stop to our shipbuilding.”

“I will find your assembly station and tear it to pieces…”

Gaius smiled and nodded. “I’m sure you will. Good luck finding it though. It is well hidden.”

The two sat for a moment. “I’m going to destroy our family, Gaius. You will be the first to die.”

“I know you will try. But can you succeed? My family has many friends.”

“Time will tell, Gaius. I hope Uther finds you at the Well of Turoth.” He looked up to his nephew. “Fire one missile. That should take care of the entire Marius Estate.”

Maximus nodded, and pressed the button.

Gaius could feel the end nearing. But really, when he thought about it, this whole thing was merely the beginning of something greater. With the help of the other houses, the Kastors could be driven out of the Eurydian Republic. But first, a sacrificed. In a sudden flash, Gaius and his home were gone.

As the missile streaked through space and entered the Corsican atmosphere, the station commander ordered his ships to move in and sieze the Deathguise. This time they responded. Reamus Kastor sat in his chair, Unmoving.

“The Colonial Navy Defense Fleet is on the line, Reamus.” Maximus wavered as he spoke.

Reamus nodded, and the channel opened. “This is Captain Tyrus of the Destroyer Icarus[. Stand down and prepare to be boarded. Reamus Kastor, you are under arrest.”

Reamus smiled. “Do you seek to take us all into custody? Good luck captain.”

“We want only you, Reamus. You fleet will be escorted back to Eurydian space.”

“Might I ask what your charges are?”

Tyrus nodded. “it is illegal to open fire over Corsican airspace. You ordered the attack, so you are under arrest.”

Reamus sighed. “Very well. You do not need to board the ship, captain. I will meet you at the main fighter bay. Your shuttle can dock and pick me up there. No need to use force.”

“Fair enough, captain.” Tyrus disappeared off the screen.

Maximus left his console and went to Reamus. “Uncle, we can jump now and escape. Don’t let them take you!”

Reamus smiled. “I can’t give them a reason to arrest the entire family. I had no idea there were such strong forces working against us. We may be to late to save Eurydice from what Gaius has done.”

“What do you mean, uncle?”

“There was word spreading through the Houses that House Marius already had their Assembly Facility up and running. You wonder why there has been such an influx of pirate and raider ships these last few years?” Maximus nodded, silent. “You see, Marius sold themselves to rebellion, and they’ve given the raiders enough firepower to destroy the Republic. I fear that the cancer of the Republic may not be gone yet. Listen to me Maximus.” Reamus lowered his voice and leaned in toward Maximus. “This house will be under siege while I’m gone. I’m leaving you in charge. Do what you must to keep this family intact. But do not stray from the right path. Don’t fall into darkness as the Republic is now.”

“I will, Reamus. The Kastors will not fade.”

I hope he’s right. By Keer’s wish I hope he’s right. Reamus Kastor sat in a cell on the Colonial Navy starship Odin. He’d been there for the last few hours, alone and unaware of the happenings outside. The room was small, with a bed and toilet. He could tell he was near some sort of power source. The room vibrated slightly and a loud hum filled the room. Suddenly, a door opened.

Reamus recognized him as another Colonial Admiral. This one, Piter Antonidus, did not hold Reamus in the same regard as Admiral Neuventa. Antonidus was in his fifties with short white hair and a hard face. He sat opposite the glass wall separating Reamus from freedom. Two guards stood behind him, clad in body armor and holding assault rifles. The General nodded to Reamus. “Hello, Reamus. Never thought I’d see you like this.”

Reamus smiled. “The things we do for the Republic, Admiral.”

“You did nothing for the Republic. Don’t give yourself delusions of grandeur. You’re nothing but a criminal now. Admiral Neuventa has also been arrested for Gaius’ murder.”

Reamus stood. “What! He only did a favor for me… he had no part in this!”

“More than likely he’ll just be stripped of his command. Bumped back down to captain or something. Vengeance has been placed on your head, not Neuventa's.”

“We shall see.”

Antonidus threw his head back laughing. “With what you’ve done you’re likely to be sent straight to Oberon. You’ve got most of the Great Houses up in arms against your family for what you did. Emperor Valeth is being pressured to just make you disappear. I know he isn’t brave enough to do that… but you will spend some hard time for killing Gaius Marius. He has friends in places you couldn’t imagine. He was personal friends with Lord Cador.”

Reamus’s eyes lit up. The Emperor’s new advisor? How would Gaius have known him. Lord Cador was brought in from one of the fringe worlds. How he even got to the Royal Court is beyond me. Perhaps…

Antonidus stood. “The Emperor has sent me here to ask you a question.”

Reamus nodded. “Say your piece, then.”

“Are you going to drag the Republic through the mud over this? Or will you plead guilty to the charges brought against you?”

“It depends on the charges.”

“Murder, Reamus. The murder of Gaius Marius.”

Reamus thought hard for a moment. “So long as my family is left alone, I will plead guilty to his murder.”

“No harm will come to your family. Your hearing will be in one week. you will be given a sentence and then transferred to the prison. Good luck to you Reamus. May Keer greet you at the Well.”

Reamus nodded and Antonidus left the room, guards following.

Emperor Winston Valeth sat in his private chamber. His long blonde hair was kept in a pony tail. He had sharp features. For a man in his thirties he looked quite a bit younger. Opposite him sat the behemoth of a man, Cador Valleri. At over seven feet tall and as thick as a solid tree trunk, Cador dwarfed all other Eurydians. He sat with a grin on his face. He would soon find out just how much mettle Winston Valeth had.

The Emperor nodded to his new advisor. “I’ve heard so much about your success on Cyprus, I just had to get you for my own. The magistrates say you were able to avert a large scale rebellion using only your words. Is that true?”

Cador’s grin widened. “I cannot take all the credit, sire. But yes, I did have a part in preventing the rebellion.”

“What did you tell them?”

“I spoke with the leaders of the rebellion alone. And what I said to them is between me and them, sire.”

Winston scowled, stood and looked out of the window behind his desk. “Very well, Cador. I want to get your opinion as to how I should handle this problem with Reamus Kastor.”

“I see.” Cador said softly.

“Being the most powerful family in Eurydice has made them the enemy of all those who haven’t been as successful. But I can’t burn him at the stake for their misgivings. Reamus is my friend.”

“He killed another man, sire. That is a severe crime.”

Winston sighed and turned from the window. He saw Cador’s eyes. They looked black as night. Winston felt a chill. “I… I know that. I’m going to have him sent to one of the safer resource satellites. He can serve his time without endangering his life…”

Cador shook his head. “No, Winston. He must be sent to Oberon for his crime. Three years on that rock should take care of him.”

Winston scoffed. “How dare you dictate to me what should happen to him. I am your emperor!”

Cador stood, overshadowing the much smaller Winston. Cador’s deep voice took on an otherworldly sound to it, a resonance that gave Cador another voice entirely. “My dear emperor, forgive me.” He chuckled, and walked up to Winston, grabbing him by the collar. “I had no idea you were so insecure. From now on you will do what I say.” Cador pulled Winston closer, up to his black eyes. Winston tried to keep his eyes shut, but he couldn’t, staring into the blackness of Cador. Winston tried to scream, but only an airy, dull sound escaped his lips. Cador grinned while Winston squirmed to get free, eyes widening the more he saw.

Cador dropped Winston. He wrapped his arms around Cador’s legs, shivering and sobbing. That was too easy. Cador thought. He looked down to the broken man. “You will obey my commands now, understood emperor?” Winston nodded. “Good, now get up and stop crying. We have work to do.”

Word of Reamus Kastor’s transfer to Oberon had taken over the airwaves of Draco for the last week, and Captain Oswald Jukes was getting tired of it. Who cared about some pompous noble? He committed murder and now he would pay. Jukes cared about other, more important things, like the escalating pirate problem. his task force had been rooting out the problem for a month now, but the pirates just seemed to grow in strength. And Colonial Navy resources were wearing thin.

The Porthos slid lazily through space over Oberon. His ship had been personally assigned by Emperor Traiden to watch over Reamus Kastor’s prison transfer. So far, nothing interesting had happened. Lieutenant Young talked casually with an ensign about Kastor Corps. Endeavors in the Diomedes system. Jukes shook his head, continuing to watch the viewscreen. Oberon’s surface could not be discerned, but he continued to look intently.

A voice spoke up through the comm.. channel. “The transfer is complete. Reamus Kastor has been successfully transferred to compound 297.”

Jukes nodded. “Roger. The Porthos is breaking off and heading back to Athena.” He sighed. After returning to base Jukes would find out that things would be changing around Draco. The Emperor was implementing new procedures, and that ships would be transferred from Draco to the other systems to fight the pirate threat. Jukes continued to plead with Marshal Goran, but to no avail. She had done all she could. Jukes would need to take care with what he had left.

On the bright side, he did have a date with Captain Vasher. Oswald was looking forward to that.

100,000 kilometers away, Reamus Kastor entered the underground hell of Prison Compound 297.

In his quarters, Oswald sat with Rhea Vasher over a finely cooked meal. He was proud of the fact he cooked it himself, but prouder to finally get to speak with Rhea on more casual terms. There was not much time for personal contact in the Draco System. They both enjoyed this night as their last. Both Rhea and Oswald (and their crews) would be heading back to the Forge in the morning. None of that mattered now. Oswald looked into the eyes of the beautiful woman seated opposite him.

While Oswald was fifteen years older than she, Rhea couldn’t help but like him. His eyes bred confidence, and his voice, clear cut and concise, relayed a message that he knew exactly what he was doing at all times. It wasn’t a warm voice, but still comforting, in a strange sort of way. Rhea couldn’t quite put her finger on it. She seemed to be drawn to his character. She’d been attracted to strong, surly men in the past, but Oswald was strong in a different way. It was in the way he carried himself. She knew that as long as he was there beside her, nothing bad could happen.

“How do you think this will end, Rhea?” The words startled her back to reality. Oswald just smiled.

“What do you mean, Oswald?”

“You know as well as I do that they are transferring thirty-two percent of our forces to other systems. We couldn’t control the pireate problem before. What will we do now? How will it end?”

Rhea sighed. “Well… I guess eventually the pirates will be bold enough to attack Athena, and eventually they’ll win. Then… who knows.”

“You really think we’ll receive no aid from the Emperor or the Magistrates Council?”

“I really doubt it, Oswald. You, me, and the ten or so Commanders are all that’s left of the Colonial Navy task force in this system. If we’ve had to wait this long for aid, I don’t think it’s coming. Frankly, I’m worried there’s something going on at the highest levels that we don’t know about. First this stuff about Reamus Kastor, and now the transfer of a lot of our task force. Things just aren’t what they should be.”

Oswald nodded, taking a few bites of his meal while mulling Rhea’s words over. “You’re right. We need to stick close together. I won’t let Emperor Traiden transfer anyone else out of the system. Marshal Goran still owes me a couple of favors.”

“What about us?”

Oswald stumbled, not sure what she meant. “I… I like you, Rhea. I like you a lot. I’m pretty sure you feel the same… or you wouldn’t be over here now listening to an old man talk about his war stories and such nonsense. Am I right?” Rhea nodded. “Good, I’m glad I’m not crazy. But ,we need to focus on our duty first. If we are caught up in our feelings for each other, then we’ll be clouded in our judgment. I believe it will take all of our resources just to survive what is coming. We must have clears heads to live.”

Rhea smiled weakly. She knew he was right. She just didn’t want to hear it. She stood up, and went to the window overlooking Oberon. Oswald stood also, and walked up behind her, at first trying to put his arms around her hips or hold her somehow, but decided against it. She turned, and the two of them found each other surprisingly close. Rhea and Oswald both leaned in and kissed, ever so lightly. It continued on for a few seconds.

Oswald pulled away, smiling. “I need your strength now more than ever, Rhea. I’ve been able to could on you these last few months. I want to spend so much more time with you. But… duty must come first, especially in times like these. After these pirates are dealt with, we can spend all the time in the world together. Until then, we should keep our professional demeanor. Agreed?”

She kissed him one more time on the lips. Rhea sighed. “you’re right, Oswald. I just hope this mess is over one day soon. I’ve been fighting pirates for way to long.”

Oswald nodded, and they both turned and looked out the window, watching Oberon’s brown surface pass below them.

The Warden of Compound 297 looked over his new batch of prisoners, standing in five rows, twenty prisoners long. A ragged lot, they were. Murderous drifters or rampaging lunatics, you could see the type they were by the way they stared back at you. This was the filth of the Eurydian Republic. But one among them caught his eye. A man in a blue jumpsuit (standard prison attire) looked cleaner than the others. He had long red hair that was pulled back in a ponytail. I’ll show Reamus Kastor where he is now. the Warden thought. The Warden wore black pants and a black jacket, with spots of body armor on his knees and shoulders. He wore a black cap; the SubCommanders flanking him wore the same. But the Warden had two silver stripes on the left side of his collar.

“Greetings, slaves. For the duration of your internment, you are property of the Eurydian Republic. You serve no other purpose than that of extracting minerals for our great nation. You will do this every day until you are released. Lights will go out at 10:00 every night, and you will be expected to be ready for breakfast by 6:00. you will work for thirteen hours per day, the rest of the time will be spent eating or sleeping. Any questions? ”

the hundred prisoners answered. “Sir, no sir!” all except a few. The Warden noticed which ones didn’t. He saw one in particular. He moved through the rows of prisoners until he reached Reamus Kastor. The Warden pulled out his riot baton and struck Reamus in the leg, dropping him to his knees. Reamus cried out in pain. The Warden struck him on the back twice, laying Reamus out on the floor.

After a couple of kicks, the Warden knelt down to Reamus, who breathed heavily and with a slight wheez. “I didn’t quite hear your response, Reamus Kastor.”

Reamus smiled, choking out, “sir, no sir.”

Cador sat in a lavish seat, just beside and slightly lower than the Emperor. His enigmatic smile flashed itself to various magistrates as they shuffled into the small chamber. The monthly meeting of the Magistrates Council was beginning. This was the first with Cador in attendance.

The hall was small by Eurydian standards, although a hundred people could easily fit. The thirty members of the Magistrates Council (three from each colony, plus three from Eurydice), found their assigned seats. The entire hall was covered in an expensive and rare Corsican wood. A fire burned.

Emperor Valeth, the referee and tie-breaking vote at the council’s private and public affairs, sat with dignity, surveying the crowd with the usual displeasure. He hated this time of the month. As the council members seated themselves, Winston leaned over to Cador. “You’re going to regret coming.” He said mildly.

Cador laughed under his breath. “in a very short time, they will regret coming.”

Winston leaned back, sitting silent. After a moment he coughed, clearing his throat, and addressed the group. “Greetings magistrates. This meeting will come to order. I have an announcement to make.”

The Emperor making a statement at a council meeting was highly irregular. They exchanged glances, quieting down until silence filled the room. Cador’s smile started to widen. And so it begins…

Winston cleared his throat. “These last few months have been trying on the Republic. The pirate threat seems to get worse, instead of better. Everyday we lose more ground to this menace. For quite some time now I have been conducting a private, thorough, and deep investigation at all levels of the government. The pirates must be receiving aid from somewhere. They could not sustain this kind of campaign on their own. They must be receiving assistance and supplies from within our government.” Winston’s face turned cold. “I’m afraid security at the highest levels of the Colonial Navy have been breached by pirate sympathizers. Certain Marshals have been giving aid to the enemy.”

The magistrates whispered amongst each other. One stood, a representative of Corsica by the name of Tersus Brutus, addressing Emperor Valeth. “This is madness, Winston. Why were we not brought in on this sooner?”

“This was a very sensitive investigation, Tersus. If the Marshals knew what I have found, they would surely turn on us. they know nothing. They will continue to know nothing until it is too late. As we speak, Royal Guard battegroups are being dispatched to Colonial Navy stations and command ships to take these rogue Marshals into custody. They will stand trial and be executed for their crimes against the Republic.”

Tersus stood bewildered. “You have no authority to command the Royal Guard without our consent. The Magistrates Coucnil was established to keep the Emperor’s powers in check. You cannot bypass us in your decision making. Where is this evidence damning the Marshals? Who is being arrested? Under what charges?”

Winston laughed. “Don’t worry yourself with the details of this investigation. All has been taken care of. The evidence is solid, and all will be able to see what they’ve done when the trials are held.”

Another magistrate stood. This one, a Eurydian representative, shook his head. “I cannot believe what I am hearing, Emperor Valeth. You’ve broken several laws against the use of Executive Power. This will not go unpunished. We are recalling the Royal Guard. There will be no arrests today, Emperor. Not without our consent. We will review the evidence, and then decide if arrests are warranted.” Other magistrates nodded, some mumbling under their breath.

Winston’s smile faded. He sat, motioning to Cador, who stood. His smile never faltered. “I believe you are treading on slippery ground, my friends. You see, the Royal Guard does not swear allegiance to you. Their duty is to protect the Republic. And the Republic starts with the Emperor and ends with the Emperor. You have no power over them. The only power you ever had was a joke, a simple façade that you all bought. I suggest you watch you step, magistrates. The eyes of the Emperor have not fall en on you… yet. Which among you may be pirate sympathizers? It would be very easy for us to decide which were guilty.”

Tersus sat down, astonished. “This is madness…”

Cador laughed. “Call it what you will. But Emperor Valeth nor myself will fear the likes of you old men. And if you speak of the secret investigations, You will be arrested for breaching the confidentiality of a criminal investigation. Those that you speak to about this will be arrested. Your family will be arrested. Your friends. Your children. No crime will go unpunished. And crimes against the Emperor himself result in only one thing: death.” The magistrates stared wide eyed at Cador. He knew who was in charge now. “So do as I say, and nothing will harm you or your family. Right, Emperor Valeth.?”

“Whatever you want, Cador. My life is yours.”

Cador’s laughter echoed through the entire hall. The magistrates knew what they had to do. Only one thing could save them.

Maximus Kastor sat in the chair once used by his uncle who now served a long prison term on Oberon. He shuffled through some papers, sighing every so often. Across the desk, a tall man with brown hair and a short beard sat, waiting patiently while Maximus finished.

The young Maximus glanced up, smiled, and let the papers fall back to the desk. “Zaphod, forgive me for keeping you waiting. Since Reamus has been… in prison, I’ve had some trouble keeping this family together.”

Zaphod smiled. The Kaitos family was one of the closer allies with the Kastors. Now, in the Kastor familie’s greatest time of need, Zaphod knew his family would be called upon to help keep the stability among the thirteen houses. The Kastor’s were the glue that held the alliance together. If the Kastors fell, the other houses would surely be swallowed up. “It is nothing to worry about.” Zaphod had very plain features and a voice just the same. Still, along with Gavin Deschain and Wayden Ultran, Zaphod managed to help Maximus keep the Kastors together. “You have a lot to learn, but I think you’re doing a good job so far.”

“Thanks, Zaphod. This all just happened so quickly. it doesn’t seem like it’s already been a month since Reamus was found guilty and sent to Oberon. The Republic has already forgotten about him. I wonder if he’ll ever make it out of that place.”

Zaphod nodded. “Of course he will. Reamus is one of the most cunning men I’ve ever met. If anyone can find a way off Oberon, it’s him.” Zaphod’s calm expression changed to one of slight worry as he leaned in closer to Maximus. “Tell me, is this room safe?”

“What do you…” Maximus’ eyes lit up with comprehension. “Oh… yes, it’s okay to talk.”

Zaphod continued. “Good. there’s some news from my brother, Rigel, that I think you should know. He’s a magistrate representing Corsica. He’s risked his life by telling me this… but, it appears Emperor Valeth has been conducting a hidden investigation for the last month, targeting high level Colonial Navy Marshals and other ranking members in the government. He’s using the excuse of rooting out pirate sympathizers. Winston told them that arrests were imminent, and the evidence was overwhelming. This was over a week ago, and my brother still hasn’t heard a word about it. He’s afraid this plot goes much deeper than just what Winston told them. My brother thinks there is no evidence, and Winston is doing something much worse behind closed doors. Even worse, it appears Winston’s new advisor, Cador, has affected the Emperor some how. Winston is following Cador’s command. Rigel also believes there’s a possibility that Winston is under Cador’s control. But… the Imperial Guard follows the Emperor, and he said that if the magistrates spoke a word about these hidden trials and investigations, they would be arrested and executed too.”

Maximus sat, astonished. “What does Rigel think we can do?”

“The Magistrates have all agreed among themselves. The Emperor and Cador must be stopped. With the Imperial Guard at his back, Winston wont be an easy target. What’s worse is that he’s manipulating the Colonial Navy and putting sympathetic Marshals into positions of power. He’s beginning to turn the Colonial Navy into his own navy, like the Imperial Navy. If he can keep the Colnoial Navy spread thin and on his side, there wont be much left to stop him from taking over the entire Eurydian Government. Except for the Great Houses. We are all that stands in his way right now. If we don’t stop him, ultimate power will be his, or more specifically, Cador’s.”

“So we’re to go to war against the Imperial Navy and Winston Valeth? This is madness.”

Zaphod nodded. “It is. But we must plan our moves carefully and strike only when the moment is right. I believe Winston … or Cador, tried to remove the Great Houses from the picture by enlisting the help of House Marius. Now that Reamus Kastor is out of the way, there isn’t a leader strong enough to unite the Great Houses against Winston. Gaius was supposed to kill Reamus in the explosion at the shuttle bay. Now he’s in jail. The job was done, one way or another. Our top priority is to break Reamus out of Oberon. Without him, there is nothing to bring the Houses together.”

“How will we do that? And who else knows about this plan?”

“I’ve got a friend in the Draco System that can help us get to Reamus. And as of right now, only you, me, and the magistrates know about this plan.”

Maximus nodded. “who is your friend in the Colonial Navy? Are you sure he’ll help us?”

“His name is Oswald Jukes. He is my brother in law. He married my only sister. We were pretty close before he was stationed in the Draco System, so I think he’ll be sympathetic to our cause. We only need to get Reamus out, but the hard part is knowing when to do. It could be months before the opportunity arises. We’ll just have to wait and hope Winston doesn’t arrest any of us.”

Maximus only nodded. he wished Reamus could help him.

Maximus Kastor sat at a small table in the den of the Kastor Family Estate. Around him sat the strong allies of the Kastor house, Zaphod, Wayden Ultran, and Gavin Deschain. The three looked over various bits of information. There were still no leads as to the whereabouts of House Marius’s shipbuilding facility. In fact, since the last meeting, the entirety of House Marius had vanished into the massive workings of the Republic. They could be in hiding anywhere, and so could the construction yard. Reports from Kastor family spies yielded nothing. If they could just get to the Marius family, perhaps Gaius Marius’s wife, they could get some concrete answers. Right now all they had was the hunch of the Magistrates Council. Even with their power, the Emperor’s word still carried the day.

On other fronts, confidential reports from the Magistrates Council detailed the preliminary results from Emperor Valeth and Cador’s investigation. In all thirteen Colonial Marshals were under arrest for acts of treason against the Emperor. Winston Valeth gave very little to the Magistrates, only enough to keep them quiet and quench their curiosity.

Zaphod still couldn’t get through to Oswald. Starbase Athena told him Captain Jukes was out on a patrol, and would be back in a week. Zaphod told the others that he would find another way through. He even suggested going to see Oswald in person. They just needed some sort of concrete evidence to give Oswald.

Wayden shook his head as they stared at the bits of information. “Colonial Navy Captains aren’t likely to turn on their emperor. Oswald will need something solid before he’s willing to commit a crime such as breaking out Reamus. I think House Marius is still the key. Emperor Valeth and Cador are impossible to get through. Their investigation is shut tight behind them. We won’t get anything from there. But if we can expose the plot to kill Reamus. Besides House Marius’s intentions. We may convince Oswald to believe the rest..”

Gavin nodded. “Yes, but they’ve vanished.”

“They can’t survive without help.” Zaphod said. “House Marius was very popular amongst some of the other Houses. They had strong friends in the Brutus and Albaan families. I bet you one of them is providing them support, if not harboring them outright. We need to lean on them to find out where the Marius are. I say we bring this up at the next Meeting… if they ever resume.”

Wayden sighed. “Yes, we haven’t had one since the explosion. With Reamus gone, the infighting has sprung up again. I hear House Balen is trying to provoke House Guilder into war.”

From the corner, Maximus chuckled. “This is exactly what Cador wants. The Houses are too divided to pose a threat.” He stood, face set and determined. “There will be no meeting of the houses. We will go to House Brutus and Albaan personally. They will hear from me, just what I think of their actions. I’m certain they know more than they let on. It’s time to skip with formalities and get some answers.”

Sextus Brutus strolled down the long, dimly lit main hallway of his families residence. The house was over six hundred years old, and to Sextus, it looked as though it had never been remodeled. He sighed to himself and ignored the drab wallpaper. Just a couple more turns and he’d be to his office. Home sweet home. Sextus knew he had to finish that paperwork concerning a new missing transport in the Draco system. To Sextus, those pirates were becoming a nuisance. He wished he knew why Cador demanded his family support their efforts when they turn around and steal House Brutus transports.

He sighed again and opened the door to his office. His eyes went wide. Seated in his chair was Maximus Kastor. Too his left stood a hulking man, a Swordweaver (bodyguard) known as Chase. On the other side of the desk, Gavin Deschain and Zaphod Kaitos sat. Sextus had not expected this. His voice sounded shaken, but firm. “What… what are you doing in here?! Get out!”

Maximus laughed. “We’re here to discuss the whereabouts of Gaius Marius’s wife.”

Sextus let out a shaky laugh. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. House Marius fled after your father blew up their home. I would have ran to get away from that madman. I have no idea where they are.”

Maximus nodded. “Oh, yes you do. You’re going to tell us what we want to know, or you’re going to suffer a fate as terrible as my weaver’s imagination. Chase has been my friend now for four years. I know how he thinks, and believe me, you don’t want to know what he has in store.”

Sextus looked to Chase, who only stared back with unflinching eyes. Sextus remembered the small pistol he kept at his ankle. The weaver may be fast, but not fast enough to stop him from this range. Sextus dropped to one knee and put his hand on the pistol’s holster. He undid the latch and began to pull it out. At the same time, Chase flew like an coiled spring, hitting the table in stride and bounding over it without a second thought. He hit the ground in front of Sextus, grabbing him as he tried to bring the gun up. Chase took hold of Sextus’s wrist and pinned it against the door, lifting him off the ground by the neck. The gun fell from Sextus’s hand.

Maximus watched to his amusement as Chase lowered Sextus back down, whispering something into the man’s ear as he did. Max could not hear, but the wide eyed look on Sextus’s face said it all. Chase picked up the gun and handed to Gavin, who looked it over. “I can’t believe you were going to shoot us, Sextus. We only wanted to talk.”

Sextus spoke a hoarse whisper, Chase’s grip still held firmly on his neck. “I don’t know anything.”

Max stood and walked over to where Chase had Sextus, leaning in to speak. “But you do, my friend. You see, if House Marius did go into hiding, someone must be siphoning them money to keep them alive. If they did it, then they’d raise alarms. But it you sent money to one of your outposts on Miranda, no one would think twice. Somebody is funding their escape. And it’s you.”

Sextus looked perplexed. “How do you know all this? What proof do you have?”

“We were at House Albaan just three hours ago. I must admit, Bitores Albaan put up much more fight than you. He was lucky to leave with his hand… even if it had no fingers anymore.” Maximus nodded. Chase brought out a small knife and, releasing his grip on Sextus’s neck, grabbed hold of his hand and bent it over, bringing the knife up to one of Sextus’s fingers. Sextus cried out in pain as Chase bent his hand up. Max looked stone cold serious. “You have one chance to tell me where they are. Albaan told me you knew where they’d be. You masterminded this thing from the beginning.”

Sextus cried out. “What did you do with Bitores?! How come no one told me you were coming?! I have spies!”

Maximus shook his head. “That’s one finger.” Chase made an easy cut through the index finger of Sextus. After the howling stopped, Maximus continued. “All I want to know is the whereabouts of House Marius! Tell me and you will be spared more pain.”

Sextus nodded and, blinking through tears, brought his eyes to bear on Maximus. “Cador will have you. He knows what your are up to and will destroy you all on his way to victory. I pledged my service to the Death Knight. I suggest you do the same, Maximus.” Sextus chuckled. “But I’ll amuse you for now. Although, hope will do you no good. House Marius is orbiting Miranda. They’re running a Baron operation for my family. You will find them on the Leviathan Davenport. I hope you find what you’re looking for.” Sextus chuckled.

Chase dropped him to the floor, and the four men left the office.

Maximus and his dreadnought, the Deathguise left orbit and headed to Miranda. Along the way they met up with a House Kastor battlegroup: one Primus Battlecruiser, five Vorchan Attack Cruisers. In less than ten minutes they were through to Eurydice, and in less than an hour they were through the jumpgate and orbiting Miranda. The seven ships surveyed their surroundings, most had never ventured to the frontier of the Republic. This was alien territory to them.

Maximus sat straight in his chair, stern-faced and emotionless. He called out to the lieutenant behind him. “Any sign of Baron operations in the area?”

“Yes, sir. Three Baron Leviathan’s are orbiting three different moons. They are broadcasting ID tags, sir. One is the… Ogre, the other is Youngtown, and finally… the Davenport.

Maximus nodded. “Davenport, that’s the one we want. I want gun ports open and full speed ahead. As soon as we’re in range to fire, open a transmission. Tell the other captains to expect resistance. Fringe Baron operations include some protection from pirates. So they may be well armed and ready for an attack.”

The lietuenatn nodded and the battlegroup took off toward the mammoth vessel. A few minutes later, they neared weapon’s range. Maximus sighed. “Lieutenant, what support does the Davenport have?”

The ensign tapped a few buttons. “Two Tratos Class Attack Cruisers and four Zenith Class Light Frigates. The leviathan shows no traces of weaponry.”

Maximus nodded. “Leviathan’s rely on their protection. If we can destroy the help… House Marius will be helpless.”

A few seconds passed. The ensign called out. “We are in weapons range, opening channel to all ships.”

Maximus stood. “Attention House Marius. You have ten seconds to surrender or we will open fire. Make your choice.”

Across open space, resting over the white pearl known as Umbriel (a moon of Miranda), the seven ships stirred. The captains of the Baron ships didn’t know what to do, and they had no time for a discussion. The captain of the lead Tratos cruiser gave a rallying cry and broke out to intercept Maximus. “For House Marius! For freedom!”

Maximus shook his head. The Deathguise an her subordinates charged their cannons and prepared to fire. The oncoming baron ships opened fire first, sending a volley of missiles and lasers at the House Navy ships. Some hit their target, but not enough damage was done to cripple or destroy any vessels. The Vorchan’s increased speed and distanced themselves from the much larger Deathcguise and the Primus battlecruiser Eclipse. The seven ships returned fire, sending a hard strike into the center of the fringe baron battlegroup. Three of the four frigates were totally destroyed, and one of the Tratos cruisers reeled from severe damage. The other two ships pressed on. They opened fire again, crippling a single vorchan. The Deathguise fired a return volley, pounding the final two ships into submission with vastly superior firepower. Maximus ordered his group to continue on, approaching the defenseless Davenport. Surprisingly, the ship opened a channel.

Maximus nodded to the lieutenant. A stern faced man appeared on the screen. He could not hide his look of worry. “What do you want with us, Maximus Kastor. Has your family not caused enough trouble for us?”

Maximus stood. “The man responsible for my family’s murder is dead. The debt is paid. But there are things that go beyond our feud. What goes on between us means nothing if the Republic shatters under the iron fist of Cador. Gaius Marius collaborated with Cador to bring my family down. Their plan was to destroy the Great Houses once and for all. I’ve come here seeking answers from the only one who may know. Helena Marius. Gaius Marius’s wife. I wish to speak with her.”

The man smiled. “She’s on the surface overseeing mining operations. A helluva place, Umbriel. seeing solid white in all directions is enough to drive a man crazy. If you wish to go down to speak with her, I have no power to stop you.”

“If you try to escape, we will destroy you. Stay here, be calm, and we will not harm your vessels. I wish your protectors had listened to my warning. I hope you do better.”

The aged face looked to the ground and the screen faded to a look of Umbriel.

Maximus turned to Zaphod and Gavin. “The legionnaires are prepared. Let’s head to the surface.”

Oswald Jukes watched the newsfeed for the last week along with the rest of the crew. He had been so busy these last few weeks, he’d missed the last two newsfeeds. A half hour program compiled every week by the news stations and sent to the military in the far reaches of the Republic, the newsfeed is a soldiers only glimpse of back home.

Oswald stared in wide-eyed disbelief. Things were bad back home, very bad. A woman spoke to the soldiers from behind a desk, her eyes showing what seemed to be genuine concern. “Admiral Neuventa of the Colonial Navy has been executed along with nine of his subordinates. The Admiral and Marshals were found guilty of treason against the Republic and were executed early this morning. Emperor Valeth warns everyone to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for those who would undermine the people.

“In other news, clashes with pirates in the Diomedes and Galloghnier Systems have sparked a rise in Colonial Navy warships. A CN spokeswoman told Newsfeed that civilians and commercial transport operations that they had nothing to worry about. She also had this to say.”

The image shifts to a gray haired woman in her sixties. “The CN is after pirates. We’re not in the business of hounding commercial transports. Just continue on with your lives. Business as usual.”

The Newsfeed woman reappeared. “Finally, in news concerning the Great Houses. Both the Colonial Navy and the Imperial Navy are looking for the whereabouts of these men.” Three pictures flashes up. “Maximus Kastor, Zaphod Kaitos, and Gavin Deshcain are needed for questioning in response to allegations by Houses Albaan and Brutus of physical assault. If you know the whereabouts of any of these men, please contact your local CN or IN headquarters. Thank you for watching Newsfeed, and goodnight.”

Oswald Jukes tried to laugh. He could only stare at the blank screen. What had his brother-in-law gotten himself into? Attacking another House leader? It seemed impossible. His thoughts involuntarily drifted to his wife back home, Karen Jukes… formerly Karen Kaitos. He didn’t think about his wife much when he was out on duty, and being stationed in the Draco system for so long now, it seemed like ages since she’d even crossed his mind. Oswald felt homesick. His courting of Rhea Vasher over the last month had kept his mind from his wife. Now he felt ill. He’d forgotten about his wife and almost started a relationship with another woman.

He opened the comm. Relay to the entire ship. “Good evening. I’m sure you’re just as disturbed as I am by the news coming from the feed. We’re heading to the jumpgate to open communications with the rest of the Republic. You will all have twenty four hours to contact whoever you need to contact. Find out if your loved ones are okay.”

Jukes closed the channel and headed to the bridge.

“What do you mean, ‘not allowed?’” Oswald was getting a little heated.

The young lieutenant in charge of communications at the Jumpgate nodded his head. “I mean what I say, captain. No outside contact is allowed at this time. Draco is in a state of lockdown. Unauthorized contact with the rest of the Republic could threaten the integrity of our operations here. We can’t risk it.”

Oswald had had enough. “Where is Marshal Goran? I wish to speak with here immediately.”

The lieutenant looked surprised at first, but then understood. “You’ve been out on patrol these last couple of months, haven’t you.”

Oswald nodded. “What of it?”

“The Marshal was executed along with Admiral Neuventa for treason against the Republic.” Oswald’s jaw dropped. He couldn’t speak. The lieutenat continued. “The new Marshal in charge of the Draco System has only just arrived. I can put you through though. One moment.”

The luetenant disappeared from the screen. Oswald couldn’t make sense of what was going on. Something wasn’t adding up. No other person in the Colonial Navy was as loyal as Marshal Goran. This was absurd… ludicrous.

The newly arrived Marshal appeared on the screen. A man with black hair, slicked back, and eyes to match. He wore a black suit with gloves. Oswald felt a shiver run up his spine as the man smiled. “Good to finally meet you, Captain Jukes.”

Oswald saluted. “A pleasure, Marshal…”

“Weston is the name. Albert Weston.”

“A pleasure, Marshal Weston. Now tell me marshal, what point is there to deny my soldiers access to their loved ones?”

The Marshal’s smile vanished. “I thought Lieutenant Charles made it perfectly clear, Oswald. The Republic is being overrun by pirates and rebels. In the time they’ve been away on duty, sentiments on Eurydice and around the Republic have changed. We are close to another civil war. We cannot risk exposing the only front in which we have total control over the area. The Galloghnier System is almost totally lost to rebellion. We’re afraid if people start to see what is going on, more will follow. We are partitioning the Five Systems until we can clean this mess up. That means Draco too.”

Oswald nodded. “I understand. I will inform my crew. My battlegroup is still engaging pirates on almost a daily basis. We’re scoring some major victories against them. Permission to return to the Forge and resume the hunt.”

“You are doing well here, Captain Jukes. See that it continues. Good hunting to you.”

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Back at the Forge, Oswald sat in his quarters with the three other captains in command of the imposing and powerful Mandrake Class Colonial Destroyers. The four Mandrakes and ten Traiden Class cruisers were all that remained in the Draco System. Captains Rhea Vasher, Samuel Butler, and Raymond Sadler, commanding the Baydonwolf, Sparta, and Manchester, respectively. They sat in a small circle, with Jukes behind his desk and the three captains sitting opposite.

Jukes had a grim look on his face as he eyed the three captains. “Something is going on here, something big.”

Captain Butler nodded. “What’s going on, Oswald?”

“I just finished a talk with the new Marshal in charge here… Weston. Apparently while we’ve been out on duty these last couple of months Marshal Goran has been executed along with Admiral Neuventa and eight other Marshals. The Republic is about to go to war with itself and we’re not allowed to contact the outside.”

Rhea looked astonished. “Why weren’t we informed of what’s been going on. The first I heard of anything going on was on the Newsfeed. Plus, they’re going after your brother, Zaphod, aren’t they? Something isn’t right.”

Oswald looked down. “Yes. I can’t believe he’s caught up in all of this. Zaphod is a bright man. He’ll stay clear of this trouble. I’m more concerned what Marshal Goran was doing to get herself executed. I don’t believe for one second she was treasonous.”

Butler nodded. “Neither do I. She loved her place in the CN. She loved the Republic.”

“What then,” Oswald said, “Did she do?”

before anyone could respond, Oswald’s comm.. relay flashed. He tapped a button, and the face of Zaphod Kaitos appeared on the screen. Oswald’s eyes brightened. “What are you… How did you… how are you holding up, Zaphod!”

Zaphod didn’t respond. He waited a few moments. “Hello Oswald. This is a recording I managed to piggyback on a trasnsport making its way into the Draco system. You are a hard man to get in touch with. Brother, you’ve probably been hearing some things going on in the rest of the Five Systems. Some of it is true, some of it is not. I don’t’ know what you know yet, but know that I’m fighting on the right side. I’m coming to you Oswald. My friends and I have found some information that will expose the truth behind what is happening. You have to trust me. The ship I’m on will be arriving in the Draco System tomorrow. We know this is against regulation and that we’re only supposed to use the Jumpgate for intersystem travel. What’s going on here calls for rulebreaking. Coordinates for my destination are embedded in this message. I hope to see you soon, Oswald. You may be the key to saving the Republic.”

The old man was right. Maximus Kastor looked out over the barren landscape of Umbriel and saw nothing but white in all directions. Gusts of wind blew chilling bullets of snow into his face. He pulled the mask down over his head and exited the large transport. Zaphod, Gavin, Chase, and twenty legionnaires followed. They were all clad in stark white winter clothing. They hit the snow and began the short walk over the ridge and down into the valley where the Baron operations took place. The legionnaires shouldered their weapons and rubbed their hands together. Even with winter gear on, this place was cold.

Zaphod caught up with Maximus. The two trudged through the snow with some effort. They neared the summit of the small hill. They walked side by side until they reached the top. They knelt down and crawled the rest of the way, finally spotting the large mining operation. Even in the storm, you could hear the rumble and crack of machinery burrowing through the ground… or perhaps the ice. The rest of the crew reached the top. Four Crawlers sat encircling the HQ of the operation, the transport that brought them down from the Leviathan. Crews worked around, on top, and under the behemoth Crawlers as they burrowed through the ground.

Maximus stood. “I don’t think they’ll even notice if we just walk right in. We jammed the Leviathan’s communications when we arrived. They don’t’ have any clue that something’s wrong. …let’s go.”

Chase got up and took the lead. The group followed, blending in perfectly with the white backdrop of the hill. Even their weapons were covered in a white sheet. They moved closer to the operation, and the bangs and crashes of the Crawlers became deafening. As they passed the Crawlers that towered thirty feet over them, they entered the center of the camp. Men wearing tan coats and uniforms moved about, either heading to a Crawler or back from one. The group sat, surveying the obstacles. Chase turned. “The less men we bring across, the better. If Maximus and I aren’t back within ten minutes, then follow us in.” The soldiers nodded. Maximus and Chase moved out, passing through the thin crowd. Not one man noticed , they were so used to seeing white their sense of sight became dull.

The two found a side entrance to the transport, and snuck in. The air seemed hot and muggy compared to the outside, and the two removed their helmets with a tap of a button. Another tap switched their jackets from white to a more subtle brownish color. Reactive Camouflage served it’s purpose well. Almost immediately, someone passed them by. Chase reached a hand out and grabbed the startled worker. He slammed the man up against the wall, pushing his forearm into the man’s neck. “How do we reach Helena Marius? How?!”

The worker stuttered. “I… I… she’s on the top level. Level Five.”

Chase nodded. “Good. You get to live.” Chase pulled out a small, single use needle from inside his coat. The contents plunged into the man’s arm on contact, through the clothes he wore. The man slumped over almost instantly.

They stowed him in a small storage closet. They tore a piece of the man’s jacket and pressed it against their coat. The Reactive Camouflage searched through its database of colors and selected a near identical match. Their coats changed accordingly, and they now looked pretty similar to the other workers at the camp. They exited the room and continued down the corridor, the grating beneath their feet clanging in a determined rhythm. A dull hum surrounded them. They passed by a couple of workers, who gave nods or ignored them. They reached the elevator, and began their ascent.

On the top floor, they were greeted by armed guards in brown uniforms carrying standard assault rifles. One of them furrowed an eyebrow. “How many times do I have to tell you guys… the Foreman doesn’t want any visitors.” He motioned with the barrel of his gun. “Shoo. Go on… get back to work.”

Chase and Maximus both nodded and Chase reached for the button to shut the doors. Instead, he grabbed the barrel of the weapon and jammed it forward, tore it back out of the guard’s hands, and swung it across the man’s face. The butt of the weapon broke the man’s jaw as it made contact, and he went headlong into the side of he corridor, slumping over. The other guard reached for his weapon, but a butt end strike to the face from Chase’s rifle put the other guard to sleep. They looked down the short hall. Two doors on either side and a single, large door in the center.

They headed toward the large door, which opened before they reached for the handle. Inside sat Helena Marius. She wore a beautiful Highgrace outfit with all the jewels and trappings of a terribly wealthy woman. She looked tired, though, and greeted the men with raised eyebrows. “I spent long and sleepless nights on this godforsaken rock, wondering when you would come for me. I know why you’re here. And I’m here to tell you what you want to know.”

Maximus hadn’t been expecting this. The doors shut behind the two. Maximus nodded. “That’s right… I want to know about your families involvement with a plot to help Cador secure power within the Republic. And… where the hell is your assembly facility?”

Helena let out a slight chuckle. She then sighed and shook her head. “My husband was a fool. A great man… but a fool nonetheless. Everything he did he did for the betterment of the family. At least he thought that’s what he was doing. Gaius was promised wealth beyond his wildest imagination. Cador told him that with the Kastor family out the way, the Marius family could rule the Great Houses as he saw fit. Gaius jumped at the chance. He did not anticipate the consequences, or the price, for his decision. What Cador asked of him, Gaius could barely bring himself to do. But, he signed himself over to Uther himself. The assembly facility we painstakingly built was to be used to construct pirate warships. These pirates answer to only one man. Cador. He played both sides against the middle. He has people everwhere, Maximus. He had Gaius within the Great Houses. He has Admiral Antonidus, among others, in the Colonial Navy. He even has Emperor Valeth under his complete control. He’s one step away from victory.

“If you die before this plot can be exposed, then all will be lost. The Great Houses are what stands in his way. The Royal Guard is under his authority through Valeth, most of the CN is caught up in a pirate war. You’re it. What my husband did was wrong. I understand why he did it, but I cannot go along with it.”

Maximus was a little stunned to hear this from the enemy. “Where… is your assembly facility?”

Helena sighed. “The fifth planet in the Chronus System. There is a moon that orbits, known as CSM112. the assembly facility is there. Be careful though, there are many ships just waiting to attack anybody who ventures there.”

Maximus nodded. “Thank you Helena. You said I was the only thing stopping him. But, without your help, I’d be at a dead end.”

“Perhaps, Maximus. Has anyone ever told you how much you are like your Uncle Reamus?”

“No.”

“Well, after he’s broken out of Oberon, tell him how sorry I am for what my family did to the Kastors.”

Maximus nodded slowly. “But… how did you know we were…”

Helena smiled. “Just go, Maximus. No one will stop you on your way out. Good luck to you. May Keer guide you.”

“Are you sure she can be trusted, Maximus?” Zaphod wore a scowl on his face. The three friends sat in the meeting room aboard the Deathguise as it made its way toward the Draco System and Oswald Jukes. Zaphod shook his head. “No one can be trusted these days. I mean, what if Cador is around the next corner?”

Gavin, who sat staring out of one of the small windows and into the depths of space, turned to look at Zaphod. “It’s a chance we have to take, I think. If we don’t do something, the Republic is lost. Trusting Helena Marius is a necessary risk.”

Maximus nodded. he played back the recording he took while she spoke, hidden in one of the buttons of the Coat he wore into the Baron Operation. “She’s pretty damn convincing if she’s lying. I think with this, Oswald will have no choice but to believe us. are you sure he received your message, Zaphod?”

“The informant said he delivered it. I can only assume…” Zaphod trailed off and shrugged.

Maximus sighed, and turned to look out into space. The Deathguise was moments away from making another Jump. Another twelve jumps and they’d be inside the Draco System. Maximus didn’t know if the Jump Engines would burn up before their arrival, and before each Jump, he mumbled a little prayer to himself. “I guess it will have to do.” Maximus turned and faced his two friends. “I think it’s time we called upon our other friends. We need to have a force ready to combat Cador when he decides to make his move openly. The Royal Guard has yet to enter the fray, but when they do, things are going to get ugly. I’m going to make some calls on behalf of my Uncle to Marshals and Admirals in the CN sympathetic to Reamus and Neuventa’s demise. Admiral Neuventa was well liked… I’m pretty sure there are plenty of captains waiting for a chance to get back at those who ordered his execution.”

Gavin and Zaphod both voiced their approval, and throughout the ship, a voice called out. “Ten seconds until Jump. Nine, eight, seven…” The engines powered up and released their energy in a flash. The ship vanished, then reappeared. Eleven more jumps and they’d be to Draco.

Sextus Brutus looked over those in attendance. The large Brutus family estate was playing host to a bit of dissension within the Great Houses. He looked to his hand that now had only four fingers, and his thoughts burned for the death of Maximus Kastor. He knew what he, Zaphod, and Gavin were planning. Breaking out Reamus Kastor would put a stop to all of his plans. House Marius had done House Brutus a great favor by eliminating Reamus. With him back, House Brutus would become nothing more than a servant to House Kastor once again. What did it matter about this whole Cador mess? That didn’t concern him. House Brutus deserved to sit at the head of the table, not House Kastor.

He called the meeting to order. Allies of the great House Brutus sat in attendence, and even some families more sympathetic to House Kastor. Obviously, Sextus’s plan was working. “My good friends, thank you for coming. As you know, Maximus Kastor and his… partners are trying to break Reamus Kastor out of prison and off of Oberon. Justice was served when Reamus was locked away, and now they’re trying to take matters into their own hands. They even went so far as to cut off my own finger.” He lifted his hand up, showing the missing index finger. “These men must be stopped. If we work together, Maximus will not succeed in breaking his father out.”

A staunch Brutus supporter, Hosue Ancien’s leader, Mia Ancien, stood. “I for one never liked House Kastor much. They always thought they were better than the other houses. I say this is the chance to change the pecking order here. House Kastor has run things long enough. I say put House Brutus in charge.”

Many in attendence nodded, a few murmured approval. One remained silent. Sextus’s eyes fell on Wayden Ultran, the only Great House with a sizeable navy that could match House Kastor’s. Sextus smiled at the young leader, who only stared back. “Something troubling you, Wayden?”

Wayden looked up, a scowl on his face. “I’m not joining your cause to bring down the greatest family Eurydice has ever known. I’m only doing this to stop Maxmius from doing the wrong thing. He’s breaking the law. He’s putting the entire Republic in jeopardy with this conspiracy nonsense. I’ve heard the rumors, I know you all have. The sooner Maximus is captured, the sooner these rumors will pass. If he’s allowed to go free, he could turn a lot of people against the Emperor. The fringe colonies don’t like much Eurydice meddling in their affairs. It wouldn’t take much to spark up some civil conflict. Maximus must be stopped for that reason. Your plan to supplant House Kastor is just as much nonsense as the things he says.”

Sextus nodded. “That may be. I just hope that when the day comes, you decide to join the side who has the moral ground to stand on. I hope you fight with us when the time comes.”

Wayden turned from Sextus, looking out toward the wall. “We shall see, Sextus.”

Sextus waited a few moments, nodded, and turned his attention elsewhere. “All right then. Are we all in agreement then?” Everyone but Wayden nodded. “Then we prepare our forces to stop Maximus. House Brutus, Guilder, Valeth, Atriedes, Ancien, Albaan, and… Ultran. We shall be the ones rembered for bringing stability back to the Republic.”

And for putting my house at the top of all Great Houses.

“What I have seen and heard these last few weeks has troubled me.” Oswald Jukes flipped a switch and the viewscreen slides back into his desk. Zaphod sat in the seat across from the captain. Jukes stood up and looked out the window and into the giant, swirling mass of the Forge. “My dear friend, Fayne Goran, was executed for treason. I don’t believe she betrayed us for a single moment.” Oswald looked back to Zaphod, who continued to sit, staring back. “I’ve been ordered by the new Marshal in charge of the Draco System to sever contact with the outside world. Why? The Republic is tearing itself apart and we can’t let anything jeopardize our mission here. Bullshit! My fleet has been reduced by over seventy percent in the last three months. The smallest Colonial Navy contingent is here in Draco. ‘jeopardize the mission.’ The entire system is about to fall to pirates!”

Jukes returned to his seat. “The funniest thing of all is that a recording of a woman admitting her families involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the Emperor, Great Houses, and the Colonial Navy, is the only thing I can believe. It all makes sense to me now.”

Zaphod nodded his head slowly. “There’s only one thing that can be done to save us now. We must rally the CN sympathetic to us as well as the Great Houses who will stand with us. Agreed?”

“Zaphod,” Jueks responded. “What you’re asking of me is almost impossible. You want to go to Oberon and break Reamus out without alerting anyone to what has happened until he’s safely out of Draco. The Marshal will have us all arrested if he even gets a whiff of something going on. I can just tell he’s itching to have me executed. He knows that I know to much. I’ll try my best to help.”

“That’s all you have to do.” Zaphod said. “Just play your part.”

Jukes sighed. “Well, I guess you already have a plan in mind.” Zahpod nodded. Oswald smiled. “Good, I’ll assemble the other captains.

The prison compound always reeked of metal. Everything was metal. Everything was dark. Even the guards felt like prisoners on Oberon. According to the schematics, there was only one way in and one way out of the prison complex. Two armed guards and an unexpected visitor stood at that very place.

The young prison guard looked the man over. He wasn’t wearing a standard CN uniform. Then again, supposedly he wasn’t a standard CN soldier. He slid the card through again. The only thing that popped up was his name… and not even a full one at that. Everything else said “classified.” Chase, huh? I guess it will have to do. The guard looked the behemoth of a man over again. “So, just who are you anyways, Chase?”

Chase continued to look straight ahead, towards the massive door that barred his entrance. He stood roughly a hundred feet below the surface. After taking an elevator down, this was his next obstacle. It was a blessing he’d made it this far, now his decades of training would have to carry him through. “It’s classified. If you look down at the bottom of my ID file, you’ll see my clearance.”

The guard scrolled down. His eyes widened a bit. “I… I’m sorry, sir. Forgive me. I’ll show you to the Warden at once.”

Chase nodded. The doors opened, and Chase was inside the prison. A few hallways down sat the Warden’s office. Inside, Chase stood before Warden Briggs, surrounded by more dark metal. The Warden sat at his desk, sipping tea from a cup. He gave a cursory glance to his guest. Behind Briggs was a single window overlooking the compound below. Men toiled with equipment, hundreds of guards looking on with rifles in hand. The Warden took another sip of tea and sat the glass down. “So, officer Henry tells me you are Chase. And that you have Black clearance, no less. Not many people this important come to visit my little corner of Oberon.” The warden smiled a wicked smile. “Let me guess. You’re here to see Reamus Kastor?”

Chase’s expression never changed. He looked down upon Briggs. Something the Warden didn’t seem to like. Briggs stood and turned to the window, picking up the communicator on his desk. “Sergeant Nicol, find Reamus Kastor and return him to his cell. Explain to him that any time he misses in the mines will be made up during his lunch period.” A voice squawked back, and Briggs put the communicator down. He turned to Chase. “I don’t know what you want with him, but he’s not likely to give you answers. Many have been here before you, and many have used tactics far worse than anything I do here. Still, he will not give up any information. I’ve often wondered if he even knows anything else. Still, giving the pompous asshole a good beating never seems to get old, you know?”

Chase stood motionless, hands held behind his back. “I’m not here for a friendly conversation, Warden. What Reamus Kastor knows is of vital importance to the security of the Republic. Do not delay me.”

The Warden held out a hand. “All right, then. If you’ll follow me, Reamus Kastor is just a few floors down.”

The cell door slid open with a loud clang. The small 6x6 cell had just enough room for a bed and a toilet. The green walls pressed in all around Chase as he entered the cell, the taste and smell of metal all around him. The warden stepped in as well. Reamus Kastor was on the bed, facedown, breathing lightly.

Chase turned to the Warden. “Give me some time with him to get acquainted.”

The warden nodded and left the cell. The large metal door shut behind him. Chase and Reamus were alone. Reamus wore a dirtied orange jumpsuit. It had tears and holes riddled throughout. The man’s long red hair was dirtied and matted. His breathing was still steady. He hadn’t even noticed them enter. Chase went over and touched Reamus on the back. “Sir?” he called out quietly.

Instantly Reamus was up and a small, metal knife was at Chase’s throat. The tool looked to have been filed down from a small pipe. It was crude, but sharp. Reamus held the weapon with a shaky hand, and his eyes looked at who he faced. Slowly, they widened. He held the weapon with determination, but his voice felt cold and soft. “Chase? Chase… are you here?”

Chase nodded. “Yes, m’lord. I’ve come to get you out of this place.” The smell of dirty metal became more apparent than ever. Reamus’s face was bearded and dirty. In the months he’d been on Oberon, he’d never showered. “Your nephew has come for you. His ship is orbiting Oberon as we speak.”

Reamus searched his memory. “Maximus? Maximus is here for me? I thought I was lost forever in this place. I knew no one would come.”

Chase nodded. “Come, we must get you out of here. Can you run, if necessary?”

Reamus nodded. Chase pulled a pair of restraints, and locked Reamus’s hands.

Chase banged on the door, and it opened immediately. Two guards greeted him. Good, no sign of the warden. Chase stepped out with his prisoner in tow. The guards looked Chase over behind black helmets. Chase stared back coldly. One of the guards pointed his gun towards Chase. “The warden didn’t tell us our guest would be leaving. You’ll replace him in his cell immediately. Once the warden gives the ok, then you can take him wherever you want.”

Chase remained still. “I don’t have time for this, boy. Emperor Valeth wanted this piece of shit back on Eurydice and in his office by tomorrow. Unless you want to answer to the Emperor for my lack of punctuality, I suggest you let me pass.”

The guard lowered his weapon. “All right. I’m going to the warden for clearance. Officer Riggs will take you to the main entrance. You’ll wait there until the warden clears you. Is that fair?”

Chase nodded. “Understood. Thank you, Commander.”

The guards, Chase, and Reamus headed out. After splitting up, Chase and his prisoner made it to the main entrance. The large doors stood before them, and two guards in their control station, not including Riggs. The guards waved to Riggs, who nodded, removing his helmet. A stern looking man faced Chase. “It should only be a moment now. The Commander should have your clearance anytime.”

Chase sighed. “It’s not really necessary.” Riggs looked to Chase with a quizzical expression. Chase pulled his gun with unbelievable speed and Riggs collapsed before the other two guards had a chance to blink. Chase turned and blasted each through the head. Reamus looked wide eyed as Chase entered the control room, and pushed the door release. The massive doors opened slowly. Chase took Reamus and walked through the doors, replacing his gun.

On the other side, the two other guards left their room, weapons in hand. “I thought I heard gunshots, is everything all right?”

“Everything’s fine.” Chase smiled, pulled his gun once more, and killed both guards with stunned expressions still on their faces. They pushed ahead and made it to the elevator. Just a hundred feet to the surface.

In the warden’s office, things were grim. “You did what?!”

The Commander looked worried. “He… said the Emperor would have my head if he was late. I let him go to the main entrance.”

The warden shook his head. A beep signaled a message on the warden’s communicator. He picked it up. “What is it?”

“Shots fired at the entrance, sir! All the guards are dead and the elevator is rising to the surface!”

the warden slammed his fists on the table. “Tell the surface station to disable the elevator.”

A few moments passed. “Sir, no response from the surface station.”

“Then do if from the control room!”

another moment passed. “The controls aren’t responding, sir! The elevator’s reached the surface!”

The warden slid back into his seat. He looked to the Commander. “Well, I guess we have ourselves an escaped prisoner. Commander, get in touch with Athena, tell them of our situation.”

“Slow down warden. I can’t understand a thing you’re saying.” The Commander in charge of Starbase Athena, Kyra Elrich, tried her best to calm the disturbed Warden Briggs.

Briggs would have none of it. “You listen here. A ship containing a fugitive should be lifting off of Oberon any second now. Reamus Kastor has escaped and is onboard. His only chance of eluding us is to escape into space. Please, you must help me Commander Elrich!”

Kyra looked back at the warden. “A prisoner escaped from a maximum security prison buried a hundred feet underground? How did this happen, Briggs?!”

The warden turned white. “That… that doesn’t matter right now. Shoot Reamus Kastor and his partner out of the sky! They’re escaping as we speak.”

Kyra’s face turned cold. “You don’t give me orders, warden.”

“Right… I’m sorry, Commander. Just… please, you must stop them. My reputation and career are on the line.”

Kyra scoffed. “You should have thought about that before you let someone waltz in and break Reamus Kastor out.” The warden stared blankly back at Kyra, who finally forced a smile. “But, I’ll do what I can, warden, to stop that ship.”

The warden’s face disappeared. Kyra looked up to her second in command. “Get me Captain Jukes, immediately.”

Within moments, Jukes was on her screen. “How goes the plan, Kyra?”

The commander sighed. “I’ve taken care of the warden’s suspicions. I will allow you safe passage out of here, captain. Take Reamus and leave this place before Marshal Weston catches on.”

Jukes nodded. “Thank you for helping us, Kyra. For that, you’ve committed yourself to whatever happens in the future. If you think Weston, Antonidus, the Emperor, or Cador won’t come for you now, you’re wrong. We’re staying to protect the Starbase. We need a base of operations for the Colonial Navy ships and whoever else may need assistance during this war. We cannot leave you to face Weston alone.”

Kyra smiled. “Thank you for your concern, Oswald. How are we going to stop Weston anyway? We can’t keep this up forever without someone above us catching on.”

“I have a feeling that Weston will come to us very soon. But we’ll be ready. It’s time we came out of the shadows.”

----------------------------------------------------------
Aboard the Deathguise, a weak and broken man is carried to the infirmary.

And on Eurydice, Cador finalizes plans to have the entire Kastor Family arrested for treason.

He’s right. It’s time to come out of the shadows.

[ooc: I figured if I’m continuing the story from where this thread left off… I guess I should finish the first thread itself. It just doesn’t seem right to leave it unifinished. Its been a year or two… but better late than never.]

With their precious cargo intact, the Deathguise made its way to the edges of the Draco System, hiding in the upper atmosphere of the Forge. Oswald Jukes and his battlegroup carried on with business as usual, while Athena kept up its “efforts” to find the escaped Reamus Kastor and his help. Things seemed to die down, with a break in the action a welcome change for all involved. The days and weeks passed with no word from outside the system. Marshal Weston kept a tight lid on transmissions. Even the NewsFeed was cancelled, all for the safety and integrity of the Draco System.

With Reamus finally healed and fit to lead his family once more, the Deathguise made preparations to head out of the Draco System. Seated in the chair of his personal quarters, the enigmatic Reamus sat with his nephew, Maximus. Reamus once looked like a hollow shell of a man. Since that time on Oberon his features returned. He looked as imposing a man as ever. He smiled at his nephew seated across from him. “I am proud of what you managed to accomplish here, Maximus.”

The young man nodded. “I did what you told me to do, Reamus. Above all else, keep the family together.”

“Yes, but you went well beyond that. You’ve uncovered a massive plot to wrest control from the emperor and the Magistrates Council. From what you’ve told me so far the entire republic is in a state of war. Now the question is what do we do about it?”

“we find a safe place and call a meeting of the Great Houses.” Maximus thought for a moment. “We bring them to our side by exposing the treachery of House Marius, Albaan, and Brutus. With the combined might of the House Navy and the allied elements of the Colonial Navy, we can storm the Imperial Palace and remove Winston Valeth and Cador from power.”

Reamus leaned back in his chair, long strands of red hair brushing across his face. A pale look washed over him as his eyes stared at the ceiling. His time on Oberon crept back in at strange times. While Maximus waited patiently, Reamus slowly brought his focus back onto the matter at hand. The horrors of Oberon would have to wait. “We have holdings on the planet Cyprus, if I remember correctly. Find a safe way to contact the rest of our family on Corsica and Eurydice. Tell them to prepare the fleet for movement to our outposts on Cyprus. Also, have them contact all of the Great Houses. With the evidence you have gathered so far, we may convince most houses to join us.

Maximus stood, and Reamus followed suit. “It’s good to have you back, uncle. I will begin preparations to contact our family. Hopefully by the time we reach Cyprus I’ll be ready. Rest easy, uncle. Oberon will be a distant memory soon enough.”

The journey back to the civilized world was slow and uneventful. The Deathguise made the trip back without much trouble or strain on the phase drive. The large ship now rested lazily over the surface of Cyprus, one of the smallest and least populated colony worlds. It was a perfect place for a meeting of the Great Houses. Maximus sent out his message to each of the Houses. Reamus Kastor wasn’t mentioned, only that an important event had taken place. All twelve houses were contacted. And after a day’s time the first of the leaders began to arrive, with their House’s retinue of ships in tow. Most Houses fielded a navy of about five or ten ships. However, the Kastors kept a navy of forty-two vessels. Also, House Ultraan, Balen, and Brutus carried a force of around twenty to thirty vessels with them. The other houses brought with them their small battlegroups.

Slowly, the space over Cyprus filled with ships. Primus Battlecruisers and Vorchan Attack Cruisers held distinct formations over the small world. The gathering of the entire House Navy was a sight to behold. Ships as old as the Republic herself. A fleet this size hadn’t been assembled since the days of the Royal Navy. Reamus Kastor nodded to himself as he stared out the window of his personal quarters and toward other ships that moved gracefully before him. Below, he serene pearl of Cyprus seemed to stare back at him. He smiled briefly, then winced in pain as a memory of Oberon overtook him. He ran his hands across his arms, still feeling the marks from the whips used on him so regularly. How many days he spent not knowing how long he’d live or how much more he could take of Briggs and his men.

Maximus entered the room. Reamus turned to greet him. “How goes the preparations?”

Maximus took a seat opposite his uncle. “The leaders are making their way over to our ship as we speak. All are accounted for. Even Helena Marius is here. When she got word of an important meeting between the houses, she came out of hiding. House Brutus and Albaan will be in attendance as well.”

Reamus nodded. “Good. Has our little meeting raised any eyebrows in the Colonial Navy?”

“A few ships have passed through asking our business here. I told them that we were having a special meeting and that they should mind their own business.”

“I’m sure Cador and Emperor Valeth know of this as well. Do you think they will risk an attack on us?”

“No.” Maximus said, shaking his head. “We are in mixed company right now. House Brutus and Albaan –among others—are firmly aligned with Cador. He has promised them wealth and control over the Great Houses for cooperating with his plans. He wouldn’t risk alienating his pawns within the Great Houses.”

“Fair enough. How long until everyone is assembled and we can expose this plot?”

A grin escaped Maximus. “the last transport is arriving as we speak. Now we just need to put the plan into action.”

“This meeting will come to order.” Maximus Kastor stood over those in attendance. The talking stopped, and Maximus took his seat at the head of the table. The meeting hall within the Deathguise bore a striking resemblance to the hall used during the last meeting. During the meeting which sparked startling events to follow. Most of the leaders looked attentively at the young Maximus. In obvious dissent, Sextus Brutus and Bitores Albaan looked straight ahead, smug looks of defiance on their face. Maximus ignored them.

Maximus used as commanding and authoritative voice as possible. “Thank you all for coming. I know this was on short notice and that you all took some risk in coming here. I know I am wanted for questioning by the Colonial Navy and Imperial Guard. When the time is right I will address those issues.” Maximus looked to see Bitores and Sextus still paying no attention. They even talked quietly amongst themselves. Maximus smiled. “Bitores, how’s your hand?”

Immediately Bitores shot a cold stare to Maximus, who only smiled back. The bandaged hand of Bitores showed through the sleeve of his coat. “It’s fine, thank you.” Sextus too paid closer mind to Maximus.

“Good to hear it. Now we all know in recent months the Republic has entered a turbulent time. The alliance of the Great Houses has been torn asunder. Pirates attack our cargo vessels daily and the Colonial Navy can barely handle the problem. Whats more, at least ten marshals and Admiral Neuventa were executed for treason. Am I leaving anything out?”

Feldor Balen, the oldest in attendence, spoke up. “How about the murder of Reamus Kastor’s family and his imprisonment on Oberon?”

Sextus Brutus shot back. “Or the murder of Gaius Marius at the hands of Reamus himself? A murder committed without proof. Lets not leave out the details, eh Feldor?”

Maximus quelled discussion. “I’ve spent the last few months searching for answers to why these things were happening. With so much going wrong within the Republic, there must be some central theme. Some kind of catalyst for this. I’ve learned some dark secrets on this journey. I’m here to tell you all about them.”

Sextus stood up. “This is absurd. You’re wanted by every branch of the Eurydian military for questioning in regards to serious crimes. You stormed our houses.” Sextus puts a hand on Bitores’s shoulder. With the other he shows everyone his missing limb. “You cut of my fucking finger! You’ve been on a witch hunt for the last month, Maximus. How can you expect anybody to believe you? Your uncle rots in Oberon’s prsions and the rest of your family are hunted by the Imperial Guard. Your house is dead and your kind need to learn your new place at this table. House Kastor will no longer run things around here.”

Maximus moved to speak, but something stopped him. Finally. “Wait… what did you say about my family?”

Sextus laughed. “Oh, didn’t you hear, Maximus? Just today Emperor Valeth ordered all of House Kastor placed under arrest for treason.” Maximus looked visibly shaken. Sextus laughed again. “Ah, how the mighty have fallen. Come Maximus, get up and let a true leader sit at the head of this table.”

Feldor Balen shot up from his seat. “He will do no such thing. House Kastor has lead our families for hundreds of years! Emperor Valeth will not change that.”

The others within the chamber stood and began shouting. As if on cue, the doors to the chamber opened. Reamus Kastor walked into the room. The leaders slowly turned to the man as he approached. All talking ceased. Those present stared in awe. Reamus wore a determined expression. “Sit down all of you. The Great Houses are great because of our alliance with each other. With the alliance broken each of our houses will perish.”

While the others took their seats, Sextus refused. “I will not follow the orders of a murderer. How you got out is beyond me, but this has gone on long enough. This meeting is a farce and I’m done here.”

Reamus smiled at the younger man. “You will take your seat, Sextus. The future of your family hangs in the balance. The choices you make in the next hour will determine the fate of you and House Brutus. Please, for all our sakes. Sit.” Sextus looked around a bit, then took his seat. “Good. Now, Maximus as well as Helena Marius will outline what we know so far.”

“My family put the bomb on Reamus Kastor’s ship.” Helena’s eyes fluttered toward Reamus for a moment, who only stared back at the broken woman, not out of contempt but pity. Helena stopped for a moment while all in attendance waited. She controlled the room with her soft voice. “My husband was a good man. Everything he did he did for our family. No matter what was called for, he did it without question. That was why he built the assembly facility. That was why he wished so badly for House Marius to be at the head of the Great Houses. And that was why he allied himself with Cador. Cador told him that if he could kill Reamus Kastor and put himself at the head of all Houses, then House Marius would be given dominion over more than we could imagine. He promised us the Republic for ourselves. Gaius believed him.

“Gaius told me of Cador’s plan. He knew Cador controlled the Emperor and that he was installing allies within the Imperial Guard and the Colonial Navy. Gaius figured he was on the winning side. This was his family’s chance to take control. Unfortunately, Gaius’s plan backfired. When Reamus was left alive Cador abandoned our house to the wolves. Only after all that had happened did Gaius realize what Cador’s true goal was.”

Wayden Ultraan sat next to Helena. He touched her hand with his. “What does Cador want?”

A tear fell down Helena’s cheek. “My husband didn’t know. Cador wanted the Great Houses out of the way. What better way to do it than pit the Houses against one another? With so much infighting, he would have no problem dispatching his forces to the corners of the Republic. We were all that stood in his way of domination. His alliance with the Pirates, the Colonial Navy and the Imperial Guard leaves him as the most powerful man in the Republic. The only other force is us, the House Navy. We cannot be swayed in the same manner as the other forces. So, rather than buy us off or attempt to bring us to his side, he just destroyed us from the inside out. His plan almost worked. As long as Reamus stayed on Oberon, the Great Houses posed no risk. But with the Kastor’s restored to power, we can face Cador and Emperor Valeth.”

Sextus scoffed. “How can we believe anything you say? You’ve been on some backwater planet for the last three months.”

Helena shot Sextus a cold stare. “You believed in my husband and the things he promised. Do not buy into the façade, Sextus. The promises are nothing but empty whispers of a cruel man. Cador will give you nothing for your treachery against us. We must stand united against Cador or we will all perish under his rule.”

“I’ve done nothing wrong…”

Helena stood, pointing a finger at Sextus. “The Marius, Albaan, and Brutus houses were in this plan together. Just because Gaius lead the charge does not mean you took no part in it. Cador has found your weakness. Power. He will tell you what you want to hear and when he gets what he wants you will be cast aside. All of you. We must stop this man before it is to late. My husband was led astray by Cador, do not let the same thing happen to you.”

Sextus shook his head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I had no part in this…”

As Sextus finished, a call came over the intercom. Maximus hit a button on the table. A voice responded. “Sir. The Terminus has just phased in over Cyprus. Thirty Colonial ships are with her. The Emperor demands to speak with you.”

The leaders of the Great Houses looked at each other uncomfortably. Reamus stepped to the table and responded. “Put it through in this chamber. We will address the Emperor now, together.”

Within moments the face of Emperor Valeth, flanked by Cador, appeared on a wall screen. The Emperor looked tired and distressed. Still, he commanded attention. “What is the meaning of this, Reamus. You have escaped from Oberon and now you plot rebellion with the Great Houses?”

Reamus smiled. “Good to see you, Winston. I’m doing fine myself, thank you. The guards on Oberon are friendly and helpful.”

Emperor Valeth scowled. “Look here. All of you listen. Reamus and Maximus Kastor are enemies of the state. Anybody collaborating with enemies of the state are subject to their crimes as well. You all made a mistake in coming here. All of you are under arrest.”

Sextus jumped up. “Under what charge?”

Reamus turned to Sextus and responded before Valeth could. “Treason, of course. We’re all enemies of the Republic. Don’t you know that?”

Emperor Valeth continued. “Tell your ships to stand down and prepare to be boarded. Do this the easy way and no one will be hurt.”

Reamus looked to Valeth, then to Maximus. He addressed his nephew in a soft whisper. “you had better go to the bridge. Inform all ships of the situation and prepare them for combat. If things get out of hand we wont have much time to prepare. Go!”

Maximus stood and left. Reamus turned to the leaders in attendance. “Do you see now? The lengths of madness Winston Valeth has fallen into? Cador stands beside him a cruel puppemaster. The fight for the Republic ends here and now. We put a stop to Cador and his treachery. Any of you wish to be arrested?”

No one spoke. “Good. Then we will prepare for combat.”

Winston Valeth shook his head. “You cannot stop him, Reamus. This ship is to powerful. The Terminus alone could wipe out half your fleet. Stand down, please.” For a moment the real Winston seemed to shine through.

Reamus chuckled, then cut the transmission. “We haven’t much time. They will begin the attack at once.”

Over the Forge, Draco System, three days previous…

“By Keer, I hope Reamus’s plan works.” Oswald Jukes paced back and forth in his office with a worried expression on his face.

Rhea Vasher sat on the small sofa in the corner of the room, watching with some amusement at the fretting captain. “Reamus Kastor knows what he’s doing. The best plans are fast and simple. This one fits the bill perfectly.”

“I know. But we’re talking about treason here. This is execution level stuff. If they capture and kill me, who will take care of the Porthos?” Oswald stopped pacing, looking out over the vast clouds of the Forge. The ten ship fleet that patrolled all of the Draco System rested over the giant of a planet.

Rhea smiled. “Oswald. What we need to worry about is the plan itself. We need to be convincing. I don’t know about you but I’m not a good actor.”

“That will be fine. Weston won’t know what hit him, and by the time he realizes the plan it will be too late. All he has to do is phase here and we have him. Forget acting.”

Rhea shrugged. “I guess.” She stood up and slowly made her way to Oswald. Their eyes met and she gave him a soft hug. “I’ve missed you Oswald. Things have been busy these last few weeks…”

Oswald embraced her. “Yes they have. Things have been hard for all of us. I’ve been in this damned system for so long I’m beginning to lose my mind. I’ve forgotten my family back on Corsica. I must tell you Rhea. I have a wife to go home to when I’m through with my tour.”

Sighing, Rhea let go of Oswald, taking his hand instead. “I know. I’ve always known you had a family back home. I just… don’t have anyone. I’m so lonely out here and I have nothing to return to when I get sent home. You’ve always been there for me Oswald and I guess I just couldn’t resist.”

Oswald smiled weakly. “Well I’m glad I could help you… but I’ve realized I can’t be there for you anymore. I must respect my wife and keep her in my thoughts. I wish things could be different for us, Rhea, but…”

“It’s okay, Oswald.” Rhea let go and turned to face the large window overlooking the Forge. The clouds swirled beneath them in a slow, meandering waltz. “You won’t have to worry about me anymore. I can take care of myself. Just focus on the mission, Oswald. We need to get Weston’s code if we hope to broadcast the video Reaus gave us.”

Oswald walked up and stood next to Rhea, putting his arm around her. “You’re right, Rhea. Thank you for being my friend and colleague, I could not have asked for better. Now, lets discuss the particulars of this plan…”

[ooc: no spellcheck where i'm at. lame.]

Marshal Weston and his small group of ships moved lazily through space, patrolling one of the largest and most valuable moons in the Draco System, Perseus. The mooon orbited Draco II and contained some of the most rare mineral deposits within the entire Republic. The lead ship in the battlegroup, a Ve'Iteri Dreadnought, commanded the presence of those who watched from the moon below. the ship was at least twice as long as a Mandrake Destroyer and bristled with weapons. A leftover from the long disbanded State Navy, the Ve'Iteri Dreadnought kept its usefulness as the command ship in the Colonial Navy. The ship imposed its will as it passed.

Weston sat in his office, looking over reports from Starbase Athena, Oswald Jukes and his group of ships, as well as news from outside of Draco. The reports from outside of the system were at least a week old, and considering communication was cut off between the systems, word traveled slow. This is certainly interesting, Marshal Wesston thought to himself. He shuffled through a few papers and found a message from Cador himself to Marshal Weston. He read through it briefly. The Great Houses and their leaders are under investigation for treason. Arrests will be coming soon. Cador's plan is moving faster than he ever thought. Whats this? Weston, contact the pirate leaders and arrange for the final act. This is it then... Weston leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.

An audible beep cried out in his office. Weston tapped a button on his desk and a transmission came through. "Yes?"

"Marshal Weston, a transmission from Starbase Athena indicates they are under attack from a large pirate force. The defenses are overwhelmed and the starbase will fall within a few minutes."

Weston furrowed his brow. What the hell do they think they're doing acting without orders? Pirates, fucking amateurs. Weston stood and made his way to the bridge. "Lieutenant, plot a jump to Athena, we must help them anyway we can." He took his seat in the captains chair as he spoke. "Inform Oswald Jukes of our situation, tell him to jump to Athena immediatly. Athena will not fall!"

What appeared on Marshal Weston’s viewscreen wasn’t what he expected at all. Instead of Colonial forces engaging a large pirate force, he saw only the Starbase Athena, the brown pearl of Oberon looming below. Immediately behind him sat another force. Oswald Jukes and his small fleet sat behind Weston and his own ships. Weston shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Report, lieutenant.”

“There are not pirate ships in the area sir. The space above Oberon is clear.”

Weston nodded, and opened a channel with both Oswald Jukes and Commander Elrich. “What is the meaning of this? Where is the pirate fleet supposedly attacking you?”

Jukes responded first, his voice cold and calculating. “We know of Cador’s plan, Marshal Weston. We know that you are in league with the traitor Cador and we are here to stop you.”

Weston laughed. “This is ludicrous. You will all be court marshaled for this.”

“Perhaps.” Jukes replied. “But for now, your ships still have a full half an hour until they are jump capable, and unless you plan on fighting Starbase Athena and my fleet, I suggest all your ships stand down immediately.”

Weston turned to his lieutenant behind him, who could only shrug. Weston sighed. “You leave me no choice. We will power down our jump drives at once. Mark my words, captain, you will not get away with this.”