(Posted on behalf of Syrrthus Nadir)

(Aboard the Imperial Battle Cruiser Rhiden; Cordellina Sector; 15 parsecs from the Anden/Dorthin border)




Kirael had just showered and drying off when the comm link chirped. Wrapping the towel about her, she crossed to the console.


"Nadir here."


"Commander, we have an incoming message from Imperial Headquarters. Secure channel. Priority One."


Her brow arched. "I'll take it here." She reached out to switch on the screen.


Begin message:
Anden Empire Imperial Fleet Headquarters. Admiral Tamas Nuryan commanding.
By command of his Excellency all previous orders are rescinded. IC Rhiden is to proceed immediately to Sector 3301. You are ordered to hold position on the Anden side of the border and await further instruction. The Emperor wishes to speak with Commander Nadir on a matter of some urgency. Contact to be established at your discretion.
End Message.


Reading the communique once more, she shut down the screen. Kira activated the comm link to the bridge. "Navigator, plot a course for Sector 3301. Sonya, assemble the command staff for a briefing at... " she glanced at the chrono, "...19:30 hours."


Acknowledging the reply, she finished drying off and quickly donned a fresh uniform then initiated a message to her brother. She sat at the console wondering what had precipitated the change while she awaited his reply.

Thane wakes with a start just as the incoming message indicator alerted with its? sleep interrupting buzz. A quick glance at the chronometer shows her that she only slept two hours. Running her fingers through her short, dark, auburn brown hair, Thane rolled out of bed. Her hazel green eyes turned to the terminal as it mindlessly binged for her attention.

Padding across her Spartan room, Thane slid into the seat before the terminal; activating the screen.

The terminal screen emblazoned with the seal of the Royal House of the Anden Empire flashed repeatedly waiting for acceptance. Encrypted, the message would only display upon entry of the correct code.

A surprised arch of a fine brow as Thane forces herself even more away upon seeing the Imperial sigil. Keying in the proper and currently active code, Thane reads.

Begin message:

Dorthin has demanded the return of Sector 3301 which has been under the Anden umbrella for more than 900 years. Long before the once loosely aligned systems united to form the Consortium. In the past, this area was claimed by the Selarus system. During the Expansion of 2789 under my ancestor Calrin Nadir, Sector 3301 petitioned the Empire for citizenship as is their right. After a lengthy review process demanded by Anden custom in such matters and upon conclusion of formal negotiations with Selarus Prime, Osslyn and its neighboring worlds (Sector 3301) were admitted to the Empire. But enough history.

To the matter at hand.

Dorthin is no match for Anden might. The seizure of the freighters and their demand is an attempt to draw attention away from another goal. With the closure of the border, information as fallen to a trickle. We need more recent intelligence. It will be difficult to get inside given the current state of affairs between Anden and Dorthin. Diplomatic negotiations have broken off. Few emissaries remain within Consortium space and those will be leaving should a military solution become the last resort. Work here continues on the Restoration. We are currently researching a slim connection between the Usurper and Dorthin.

IC Rhiden is patrolling Sector 3301. Kirael Nadir commanding. They will lend assistance if required. Exercise the usual caution. Report only to Brel Atrin via the usual channels. I have already appraised him of the situation. He'll be waiting to hear from you.

Syrrthus Nadir

End message.

Closing he communiqu?; Thane considers the implications and possible courses of action. Taking a moment, she creates and encrypts the following message to Brel Atrin. It is simple and direct and containing the code long worked out providing instructions on how to contact her:

?Message received. Sten-Dar-763.Z?

Once sent, Thane executes a query for all information in her systems on the Dorthin Consortium, power brokers, allies, enemies and agents already in place.

A few days after the Megreth capture when the immediate furor surrounding it had died down, the Emperor invited him to dinner. As always the food was excellent but the conversation was entirely small talk. The Emperor had not touched upon the recent arrest or the findings of the investigation. General William Konnor was a little surprised by this for he assumed this was the primary reason for the invitation and he was prepared to give a full accounting of their findings. The evidence clearly implicated Megreth. Other noble families as well as some former government officials had also fallen under suspicion. He had taken no action yet preferring to defer to the Emperor's will.

With dinner over they had adjourned to one of the balconies for drinks. The night air was clean and crisp. He watched as the Emperor sipped his brandy while looking out over the city.

Syrr turned to Bili. "I've decided a tour of Sector 3301 is in order. How soon can the Fury and the Scimitar be made ready?"


"Ready the Fury for departure? The Scimitar as well? I'm fairly certain final preparations could be finished in just a few hours." The general pursed his lips a moment then continued. "May I speak frankly?"

"Of course Bili." Syrr swirled the liquid in the glass gently then took another sip of the brandy.

"Why now? At this specific time? I thought you would recall the Rhiden for leave then install the new flagship under proper ceremony. I know the Scimitar was promised to Lady Kirael but wouldn't it be better for her to come home?"

"First, you know my dislike of ceremony. Second as you know, the Rhiden is patrolling the Dorthin border. I prefer to have the Scimitar delivered to Kira."

"Yes your Grace, I understand but a new ship; the new systems usually require some time for adjustment. Her crew might use a portion of the downtime to get acquainted with the layout. And I strongly suggest now is not the occasion for a goodwill tour of Sector 3301. Your attendance at Megreth's tribunal hearing will show leadership in this unsettling interval. Princess Kirael's presence would exhibit the deep commitment you both have to the Restoration."

Bili picked up his own glass and walked to the edge of the balcony. "You have something more in mind, don't you?"

Syrr gave Bili an easy smile. "You always were able to read me better than most. You're aware of the independent shipyards located in the Pisces Cluster?"

Bili took a first taste of the Saurian brandy. "This is quite good. Yes, I'm familiar with them."

"One is a Megreth property. This has been seized. Most are owned by one man. Draevan Myrr. A cursory check of his holdings throughout the Empire have shown them to be rather extensive. While those shipyards of his aren't directly under the Empire's control, they are subject to specific regulations. Myrr has contracts with the Fleet. But it's come to my attention he also has contracts with Dorthin. On the surface it may seem unimportant and under normal circumstances this would be of no concern. However the border is closed. No trade is permitted yet Myrr products seem to cross it with impunity. I want a more complete profile on Draevan Myrr."

"Your background in Special Ops and Intelligence has served you well your Grace. I'll get started on it immediately." The General took a final sip then placed the glass on a nearby table.

"Bili, finish your brandy. You have time. I'd prefer to put Kalen's group onto this investigation." Syrr raised a hand as the commander of his guard started to voice a protest.

"Your Grace?" Bili gave the Emperor a confused look.

"I need your skills with me. Thane is unavailable."

"What about the tribunal? Hearings are scheduled to start the day after tomorrow."

The Emperor turned his gaze back over the city. "The hearings will be postponed. Lord Megreth and his family will remain in custody until I return."

The Emperor then returned their conversation to the earlier lighter tone. When General Konnor left an hour later to see to the final preparations, he had to admit he was impressed by the Emperor's proactive involvement.

Syrr entered the communications center and dispatched the message to Kira about their arrival in Sector 3301.

"I will require transport to the Scimitar before the second jump Admiral."

Jochen Chan's head swiveled to the man standing to the right and slightly behind his command chair on the bridge.

Chan emphasized the words with a jab of his finger at the deck before him. "Come stand in front of me Major!"

"At your command." Major Atrin moved around and stood before the Admiral at attention.

Chan studied the man's face. One green eye looked past him. He knew the eye patch concealed an old war injury. The scar which streamed down from the patch along Atrin's left check and ended behind his ear was a lasting testament to the Battle of Daedlus and the man's will to survive. According to the records, Atrin had continued to lead his small force against overwhelming odds even after the shrapnel had pierced his eye. Why the Major had chosen not to have the eye repaired and the scar removed was not as well known. Reportedly in honor of those who had served under his command in the battle, his very appearance was a constant reminder of the fallen.

Jochen softened a bit. "At ease Major. This is most irregular. Where are your clearances? And what is your purpose in going to the Scimitar?"

Brel clasped his hands behind his back. "Accept my apologies sir for I have assumed wrongly. I thought you were aware of my mission. My orders come from His Grace. Emperor Nadir himself. If you check the my personnel file in the ship's computer, I believe you'll find a full explanation along with the proper clearance."

The bridge crew were going about their duties in seeming disregard for the conversation taking place in their midst. However several glanced over at the pair when the Emperor's name was mentioned.

"I intend to do that Major. But why don't you tell me yourself?"

Brel glanced around the bridge before returning his gaze to the Admiral. "Sir, you're aware I'm not at liberty to discuss this openly. I urge you to review the documents ... privately." Then he added. "At your leisure of course." This wasn't going as he had hoped.

Chan gave him a measured look as he rose from the command chair. "Helm, how long until we arrive at the second jump point?"

"Thirty five minutes Admiral."

"Wait here Major." The admiral moved away toward the door which led to his private conference room.

After Chan departed, sigh of relief passed through his lips and he glanced around at the various stations. Few if any had given him a second look. This crew was efficient and well drilled. He moved a little closer to the main viewscreen, placing himself next to the helm. Watching the stars stream by, he thought about his mission. The interlude was interrupted by the quiet voice of the woman who occupied the helm.

"The old man is a little irritable right now."

Brel flashed a quick grin then replied. "It's not everyday one has the Emperor aboard. With the heightened tension between Dorthin and Anden he has reason." He glanced down at the officer. He recognized her from the files. "Lieutenant Jamie Tydel. You served aboard BrightFlare under Admiral Sondar didn't you?"

"Yes sir!" She had enjoyed her tenure on BrightFlare. "I was proud to be part of the GreyHawks. It was extremely gratifying to be selected by Captain Nadir. There's no finer pilot in the Fleet in my opinion. Piloting a Stinger was the thrill of a lifetime but to fly with the best the Empire had to offer was a dream come true." She couldn't keep a smile from blossoming.

"No regrets?" When the lieutenant appeared to be bewildered by the question, he added. "I mean piloting an imperial cruiser is a far cry from soaring with the fleet's finest."

"Oh no sir! It was Princess Kirael who recommended me for this position. It was an honor to be selected. Who wouldn't want to serve on the Emperor's personal flagship?"

"Point well taken Lieutenant. "I wanted to ask..." Atrin paused when her com signal chirped.

"Excuse me Major." Tydel activated the com. "Helm here."

"Have Major Atrin step into the conference room." The tone of the Admiral's voice indicated he was clearly not pleased.

"Yes sir!" Tydel shut down the link and looked up at Atrin. "His mood hasn't improved."

Brel nodded. "Indeed. It's been a pleasure Lieutentant. I hope we have the chance to continue our conversation at a later date."

"I would welcome it sir." She watched him enter the conference room with a little smile then returned to her duty.

The main conference room on Fury was a spacious area designed for staff meetings and diplomatic summits. Three long tables were lined with chairs on both sides. A viewscreen at the far end could provide a glimpse of Fury's exterior from various angles or be controlled by the ship's computer to access information then displayed for wider distribution. A pair of doors on either side of the main viewer opened to provide entrance or exit. The right wall was comprised of large clear panels affording an excellent view of deep space. The left wall contained a holographic image of Fury's current position which was updated every minute when the ship was in flight. Brel's attention was drawn to the viewscreen. The documents containing his mission status were currently upon it. He glanced at Admiral Chan.

"Your orders are verified Major. I've spoken with His Grace. You will be accompanying the Emperor to the Scimitar."

Brel looked surprised. "You spoke with Him?"

"Not directly but it seems He anticipated my questions concerning your mission. Luckily for you His Grace made a holo as means of explanation." Admiral Chan rose from his seat. " You'll report to Bay 3. The transport is being prepared as we speak."

"Yes sir. Thank you sir." Brel saluted and turned to leave.

"One more thing Major."

"Yes sir?" He turned back to see the Admiral coming toward him.

"The next time you come aboard my ship, you report to your mission to me immediately or I'll throw you in the brig. Your friends in high places won't save you that embarrassment. Is that clear?"

Brel's face paled slightly. "It is Admiral!"

"Good. Dismissed!"

Brel left the conference room and exited the bridge. It wasn't until he was outside the transport bay that he allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction.

Avery R?neth greeted Thane as she exited her quarters. He, as always, was impeccably dressed in his tailored suite of black, crisp white shirt set off with a subtle weave of silver and gold. The materials expensive, the cut perfectly suited to his lean and muscular frame yet loose enough to allow him free movement should sudden forceful and quick movement be necessary.

Icy blue grey eyes took Thane in critically as she stepped through her door, ?Good morning, My Lady.? A slight smile and inclination of his silver haired head, ?Breakfast is ready.?

?Morning, Avery.? Her eyes darted to him at the mention of breakfast, ?I don?t have time for it this morning?but thank you.? She nods her appreciation, ignoring his slightly quirked smile at her words and starts toward her private office.

Avery falls into step with her; barely a pace behind and to the left, ?The shipments have arrived at Ansit and the Gitari bases. As anticipated we had some minor difficulty with the Gitari Satrap but it was handled with a minimal outlay. We ended up with a much larger profit than anticipated however, sources indicate that the Satrap is in a hurry to leave. Our agent in the Gitari Emirate reports an audit of import duties. The report is in your queue. With the pending change in Satraps, this might be the maximum profit we make for a while as bribes will surely go up.? Avery proceeds with his morning update as they walk. ?The hostilities at Ipperada came to a sudden conclusion after you retired or so it is initially reported. The rebels have apparently sued for peace upon learning that we had been engaged to assist the government in maintaining the peace. Information is still preliminary and if it proves factual, we may have difficulty with the Ipperadadians in collecting our fee since we are not yet on the ground there.?

?If they don?t pay us, we will be on the ground there. Do they understand that?? Thane asked stepping into her office. Her eyes sweep over the light working breakfast on her desk that Avery had arranged. She resisted a smile at how he?s able to anticipate her. It?s been the rare occasion that she?s managed to escape breakfast since Avery had been assigned to her during the War of Restoration.

?I do not doubt it, my lady. The contract terms are standard but I do not think it will come to that. The rebels will still have to be disarmed and their bases rendered unusable. Even if the rebel command has thrown in the towel, there will still be pockets that have to be cleared out. Colonel Karde will renegotiate the terms very successfully, I think.?

As Thane sat at her terminal, Avery started pouring out her sweet, spiced tea, ?Everyone has arrived and will breakfast together before your meeting.?

?I am going to have to keep my remarks short. Something has come up. I will have to go for a while.?

?The high priority message??

Thane nods, not phased that he knew that she had received that message, in fact she would?ve been disappointed if he hadn?t known. ?I can?t go into details but it involves Dorthin.?

Pouring himself a cup of tea, Avery listens. Every Anden with access to the governmental news feeds is aware of growing tension with Dorthin.

?I need you to review the results of the queries I started. There?s too much information for me to analyze in the time frame I need to work in.?

?Of course, my Lady.?