A WARHAMMER 40,000 NOVEL

ROGUE STAR
Andy Hoare
For Sarah

IT IS THE 41st millennium. For more than a hundred centuries the Emperor has sat immobile on the Golden Throne of Earth. He is the master of mankind by the will of the ods! and master of a million worlds by the mi ht of his ine"haustible armies. He is a rottin carcass writhin in#isibly with power from the $ark % e of Technolo y. He is the &arrion 'ord of the Imperium for whom a thousand souls are sacrificed e#ery day! so that he may ne#er truly die. (ET E)E* I* his deathless state! the Emperor continues his eternal #i ilance. +i hty battlefleets cross the daemon,infested miasma of the warp! the only route between distant stars! their way lit by the %stronomican! the psychic manifestation of the Emperor-s will. )ast armies i#e battle in his name on uncounted worlds. Greatest amon st his soldiers are the %dcptus %startes! the Space +arines! bio,en ineered super,warriors. Their comrades in arms are le ion. the Imperial Guard and countless planetary defence forces! the e#er,#i ilant In/uisition and the tech,priests of the %dcptus +echanicus to name only a few. 0ut for all their multitudes! they arc barely enou h to hold off the e#er,present threat from aliens! heretics! mutants , and worse. To 0E 1 man in such times is to be one amon st untold billions. It is to li#e in the cruellest and most bloody re ime ima inable. These are the talcs of those times. For et the power of technolo y and science! for so much has been for otten! ne#er to be re,learned. For et the promise of pro ress and understandin ! for in the rim dark future there is only war. There is no peace amon st the stars! only an eternity of carna e and slau hter! and the lau hter of thirstin ods.

CHAPTER ONE
'HELM, SEVEN DEGREES pitch to starboard! Number three's misbehaving again Dea! "ith it ' Lucian Gerrit, rogue trader, turned his bac# on Ra!di, his he!msman and resumed his vigi! at the bridge vie"ing port His vesse!, the heav$ cruiser Oceanid, %e!t co!d to him &he a%ter'e%%ect, he #ne", o% so !ong a vo$age through the emp$rean to reach this %ar'%!ung s$stem at the ver$ border o% the Emperor's domains ( )arring shudder ran through the dec# p!ate, %e!t in the bones more than heard '*% $ou can't compensate %or a gri++!ing p!asma drive, Mister Ra!di, * can a!"a$s disconnect one o% the "aste ingestion servitors and see i% it's capab!e o% ma#ing a better sho" o% it than $ou appear to be Do * ma#e m$se!% dear,'

*% the he!msman ans"ered, Lucian "asn't in the mood to hear &hough a ship to be proud o%, the Oceanid "as !ong past her prime Even in a space'%aring cu!ture in "hich vesse!s remained in service %or centuries, even mi!!ennia, she "as o!d Her homeport, (riadne Ha!o, had %a!!en to a!ien attac# in Lucian's great, great grand%ather's time (!! her sister ships "ere distant memories She "as the !ast o% a !ong !ine Much !i#e Lucian himse!%, in %act -here once a dec# cre" o% do+ens had attended to their stations in the cre" pit, no" ha!% o% Lucian's cre" "ere hard'"ired servitors, each mumb!ing an impenetrab!e catechism o% the Machine'God Vacant'e$ed and droo!ing, each monitored a sing!e aspect o% the vesse!'s running Vesse!s such as the Oceanid re!ied on their !i#e, %or man$ tas#s "ere be$ond the abi!ities o% a man to per%orm .et, over the $ears, the avai!abi!it$ and /ua!it$ o% competent cre"men had diminished to such an e0tent that Lucian "as %orced to re!$ on servitors &hough essentia! in man$ ro!es, the hideous machine'corpse custodians "ere no substitute %or a man "hen it came to obe$ing orders in a crisis Each #ne" on!$ its a!!otted purpose, and "ou!d remain tethered uncaring to its station even "ere it to burst into %!ames Ra!di, one o% the men o% %!esh and b!ood, rather than carrion and oi!, onboard the Oceanid, ca!!ed out 'Sir, "e're beginning our ran on the rende+vous point 1rovided "e don't pic# up an$ ionisation "e shou!d be "ithin hai!ing range ' '-e!! enough, he!m 2eep her even ' 3nce more, Lucian too# in the vie" be$ond the armoured port &he name!ess star, recorded mere!$ as 45'667'8 on the star charts, cast its "an !ight, bare!$ i!!uminating a thic# corona o% mist$ ste!!ar dust Some"here "ithin that be%ogged region !a$ Lucian's destination, the s$stem's on!$ inhabited "or!d9 Mundus :hasmata ;e%ore ma#ing p!anet%a!! on that %orgotten bac#"ater o% a port, ho"ever, Lucian had %irst to gather about him his %!oti!!a &he cruisers Rosetta and Fairlight "ere due to enter range at an$ moment, but an$ number o% %ates cou!d have be%a!!en them "hi!st traversing the unrea! dimension #no"n as the "arp &he !east o% such %ates "as de!a$< the "orst "as too terrib!e to ponder 'Surve$or return at three t"ent$ b$ nine sir!' ca!!ed a )unior rating Lucian strode to his command throne and sat, rec!ining in the "orn !eather seat %rom "hich generations o% his predecessors had directed the %ortunes o% the d$nast$ '1unch it up=

( servitor, its e$e soc#ets rep!aced b$ data ports %rom "hich bund!es o% cab!e sna#ed and "rithed, bobbed its head once in response Ha!% its cranium "as rep!aced b$ c$bernetic imp!ants, the right side o% its brain, associated "ith creativit$ and emotion, having been cut a"a$, deemed unnecessar$ b$ its creators (t an unheard command, the bridge !ights dimmed and a revo!ving green g!obe o% !ight, criss'crossed b$ motes o% static, sprang into being be%ore the command throne Grain$ points o% !ight reso!ved themse!ves into distinct %eatures (t the ho!ogram's centre sat the Oceanid, a!! around her ban#s o% pa!e green and )ade ste!!ar dust c!ouds Deep "ithin one such ban# the position o% Mundus :hasmata "as indicated b$ a crosshair, her moons dancing around her &o the Oceanid's stern, an indistinct smear indicated the distant return '(!! engines to id!e >ore thrusters to best speed &hirt$'second burn on m$ mar# ' Lucian's "ords "ere re!a$ed through the dec# cre" to the entire ship -ithin seconds, the omnipresent rumb!e o% the Oceanid's engines changed pitch, deepening to a subsonic drone as s"eating engineering cre"s nursed them to id!e 'Mar# ' ( mourn%u! siren pea!ed throughout the vesse!, echoing do"n dar# and ding$ companion"a$s &he might$ ban#s o% retro thrusters mounted either side o% the armoured pro" coughed into !i%e &he titanic %orce o% the dece!eration caused Lucian's head to pitch %or"ard Ra!di bare!$ "on his %ight to remain standing 'Station nine! -h$ aren't the compensators on !ine,' &he servitor at station nine, the position responsib!e %or monitoring the Oceanid's gravitic generators, opened its mouth and s/uea!ed a response in garb!ed machine !anguage &he engine pitch deepened and the bridge !ights %!ic#ered be%ore Lucian %e!t the gravit$ %ie!d %!uctuate, compensating %or the dece!eration ';etter= gro"!ed Lucian &he retro thrusters ended their burn, and "ith the main p!asma drives id!ing, the Oceanid "as eeri!$ /uiet 1revious!$ unheard, the groaning and crea#ing o% the ship's meta! s#e!eton "as no" p!ain!$ audib!e 'Station #eeping p!ease, he!m,' ordered Lucian, and stood once more, hands c!asped behind his bac# No" the vesse! "as sti!!, the ho!ogram gre" c!earer -here a sing!e, garb!ed return had indicated the presence o% another ship, or ships, that b!ob no" reso!ved itse!% into %ive, then %our, then t"o distinct points Hard machine !anguage $ammered %rom

the baro/ue gri!!es around the base o% the pro)ector, and in a moment, a stream o% te0t %!o"ed beside each o% the t"o points &he noise ended at the same instant the te0t %ro+e &he "ord 'Rosetta' %!ashed ne0t to the !ead return< 'Fairlight' ne0t to the second Lucian re!eased a breath that no one other than himse!% "ou!d have #no"n he "as ho!ding &hough the !ast !eg o% their vo$age had been upon a re!ative!$ sa%e course, "arp trave! bet"een s$stems "as rare!$ "ithout incident &hat bom vesse!s had evident!$ arrived simu!taneous!$ "as testament to the s#i!!s o% their Navigators, %or time "ithin the "arp bore !itde or no re!ation to that "ithin the ph$sica! universe Ever$ mariner, %rom the most veteran o% ships' masters to the !o"!iest rating, "as "e!! versed in the ta!es o% ships setting out, to arrive at their destination mere "ee#s !ater $et having aged decades 3ther ta!es to!d o% vesse!s that had arrived man$ centuries !ate, having spent mere da$s "ithin the "arp, "hi!e others sti!! to!d o% vesse!s arriving be%ore having even set out &he !i%e o% a space mariner "as one %i!!ed "ith superstition and ritua!9 the$ c!ung "ith nigh re!igious %ervour to an$thing that might be!a$ such bad !uc# 'Station three, open a channe! to Rosetta.' &he servitor at the communications station croa#ed a vague!$ human' sounding response, and angr$ static %!ooded the bridge address s$stem Machine noise bro#e through the static, a random staccato that "ou!d estab!ish a secure communications channe! s$nchronised "ith the s$stems o% the other vesse! ( second series o% harsh b!eeps cut in, the t"o streams %!ooding the bridge "ith arrh$thmic machine nonsense &he servitor at station three turned a brass dia!, and the t"o code streams converged unti! the$ burb!ed and garg!ed in s$nchronisation '...id. Repeat, this is Rosetta hai!ing Oceanid. Ho!ding station at primar$ rende+vous point, a"aiting $our response Repeat, this is'' 'G!ad $ou cou!d ma#e it, 2orvane,' Lucian addressed his son, the master o% the Rosetta, '* trust $our )ourne$ "as a p!easant one,' ( moment's de!a$ hinted at the sti!! vast distance bet"een the ships, be%ore 2orvane's voice bro#e through the static ?.es, >ather No ma)or prob!ems to report &he ne" !oading cre" gave us some troub!e as "e trans!ated, but once the$ rea!ised the$ "eren't going home, the$ re!ented 3ther"ise, a ver$ smooth )ourne$= 'Good .ou #no" ho" much is hanging on this mission (n$ more prob!ems, $ou #no" "hat to do, out= 'Station three Give me a channe! to Fairlight.' &he connection estab!ished< a ne" voice cut through the ever'present static and "hine o% the !ong'range

communication channe! *t "as that o% ;rie!!e, Lucian's daughter, and captain o% the Fairlight. 'Fairlight, receiving Go ahead, >ather ' '(n$thing to report, ;rie!!e,' &here "as a pause as the transmission beamed across a mi!!ion #i!ometres o% space, and then the simp!e rep!$, 'No, >ather &he vo$age "as p!easand$ unevent%u! ' 'Good= (ddressing both ships, Lucian said, .ou both #no" ho" important the coming negotiations are, so * "ant this to go "ithout a hitch -e begin our %ina! approach as p!anned >orm up in eche!on to starboard, %i%t$ #i!ometres separation %or the run, do"n to one on m$ mar# as "e c!ose -e have to ma#e this !oo# good ;rie!!e, %o!!o" $our brother in as "e practised Do $ou both understand,' His son rep!ied immediate!$ in the a%%irmative, but Lucian %e!t his daughter's terse rep!$ too# !onger than the communications !ag "ou!d account %or &he channe! c!osed, Lucian !e%t Ra!di "ith orders to proceed on their course inbound to Mundus :hasmata Leaving the bridge, he made %or his cabin He passed do"n i!!'!it passage"a$s that had once shone "ith !ight re%!ected %rom po!ished brass %ittings *n his $outh, smart!$ attired )unior o%%icers had hurried a!ong these ver$ com'panion"a$s, eager to %u!%i! the captain's orders< but a!! that had changed >or mi!!ennia, the (rcadius D$nast$, o% "hich Lucian "as the !atest scion, had penetrated the dar#ness o% the Eastern Rim His ancestor, the great Lord (rcadius Ma0im Gerrit, had earned the %avour o% none other than the High Lords o% the (dministratum His !eadership during the Easthead Nebu!a :rusade "as re"arded "ith a charter to e0p!ore and e0p!oit the b!ac# spaces on the star charts, to bring the !ight o% the Emperor to the benighted "or!ds be$ond the borders o% the *mperium *t "as "e!! #no"n that the charter "as intended to remove the Lord (rcadius %rom the circ!es o% po"er that orbited the High Lords o% &erra, !est his successes a%%ord him ambitions incompatib!e "ith those o% the (dministratum, but Ma0im "as ever a pragmatic man, and estab!ished a d$nast$ that "ou!d %!ourish %or the ne0t three thousand $ears &he d$nast$ had hit hard times *ts traditiona! area o% operation be$ond the eastern spira! arm had rapid!$ become untenab!e Lucian "as in the business o% trading, o% e0p!oitation, $et "here once virgin "or!ds a"aited his vesse!s, on!$ barren, !i%e!ess p!anets "ere to be %ound Something "as out there, %eeding on regions that the (rcadius D$nast$ depended upon %or its ver$ %uture

Reaching his cabin, Lucian heaved open the heav$ bu!#head door that "ou!d have been attended b$ a $oung rating, once He entered and crossed to an ornate!$ carved, "ooden cabinet 3pening its e0/uisite hatch, he "ithdre" a sma!! g!ass and a bott!e o% thic#, go!den !i/uid He poured himse!% a shot and #noc#ed it bac# in one motion Lucian had !itt!e time %or the a%%ectations o% high societ$, amongst "hich amasec "as the drin# o% the so'ca!!ed connoisseur Rogue traders, being a uni/ue breed, %o!!o"ed their o"n heading, and the (rcadius su%%ered pretension poor!$ &he coming negotiations "ou!d test Lucian's s#i!!s and, he #ne", his patience, to the !imit (%ter pouring a second shot o% asuave, Lucian crossed to his "ardrobe &he coming ta!#s "ou!d ca!! not on!$ %or dip!omatic and trading s#i!!s, but a!so %or a disp!a$ o% status (t his approach, a hunch'bac#ed and ca!!iper'!imbed servitor g!ided si!ent!$ %rom the shado"s, and a baro/ue' %ramed mirror as ta!! as Lucian rose %rom its hidden recess in the dec# Lucian shrugged o%% his outer )ac#et and !i%ted his chin &he servitor !i%ted a po!ished, deep crimson gorget edged "ith burnished go!d, %itting it around Lucian's nec# and %astening it across his bac# Ne0t, a heav$ breastp!ate "as attached, %o!!o"ed b$ the accompan$ing bac# armour -ith the addition o% simi!ar!$ burnished !eg, arm and shou!der guards, Lucian soon stood arra$ed in his ancestra! %iner$ He regarded himse!% in the mirror He "as ta!! at over si0 %eet, po"er%u!!$ bui!t and heav$ set His %ace sho"ed age, but %e" ever guessed his $ears (s "as ever the case "ith those "ho spent a !i%etime traversing the space !anes, Lucian counted t"o ages His ob)ective age, that counted b$ the ever'constant universe "as somediing approaching ha!% a mi!!ennia His sub)ective age, the $ears he actua!!$ noted die passing o%, "as one %i%th that Sti!!, he appeared no o!der than ha!% a centur$, %or despite the do"nturn in his %ortunes, he had access to surgica! treatments about "hich the common sub)ects o% the *mperium cou!d on!$ dream Regu!ar )uvenat courses he!d bac# the $ears and maintained strength, ensuring that he "ou!d guide his d$nast$ through another centur$ at !east, so !ong as the (rcadius survived die ne0t decade His %ami!ia! armour donned, Lucian nodded as the servitor bo"ed and !i%ted be%ore him a de!icate!$ carved, "ooden case Lucian "ou!d a!!o" none other to hand!e the contents Not even his chi!dren, unti! their inheritance granted them that right (s he !aid his hand upon the !id o% the case, cunning!$ "rought gene !oc#s con%irmed his identit$ "ith a rapid pinpric# Had the$ detected the b!ood o% an$one other than a son or daughter o% his !ine, dead!$ poisons

"ou!d, even no", be surging through his s$stem, cutting s$napses and para!$sing nerves -ith the !i%ting o% the !id, the stasis %ie!d "ithin the case deactivated He !i%ted the %irst o% the contents9 a meda! in the %orm o% a shining star, its sur%ace in!aid "ith the rarest o% precious meta!s *t "as &he -ard o% :adia< granted to his grand%ather, in recognition o% the aid he had !eant ha!ting an incursion through the :adian Gate He a%%i0ed the g!eaming meda! to his breastp!ate and, reaching once more "ithin the bo0, "i%hdre" a green disc in!aid "ith go!den %i!igree &he 3rder o% Voss, a"arded to his %ather b$ the tech'priests o% that great %orge "or!d in than#s %or his aiding their &itan Legions in de%ence against or# attac# Ne0t, "as a meda! o% ver$ di%%erent design and manu%acture, presented to Lucian himse!% b$ the -hite Scars :hapter o% the (deptus (startes, in recognition %or his assistance in the purging o% the 0enos presence beneath the tunne! "or!d o% (rat *t "as a hand'carved representation o% a snar!ing, bestia! %ace, a st$!ised !ightning %!ash bisecting its %eatures Ha!% a do+en more g!eaming to#ens o% might$ deeds %o!!o"ed, each a%%orded their p!ace upon his armour "ith utmost honour and reverence unti! but one remained Lucian's hand s!o"ed as he reached once more into the case Even he "as given pause b$ the signi%icance o% the !ast item -hispering a pra$er, he reached "ithin and brought out the pride o% his d$nast$ 3n!$ the :harter o% &rade and the banner presented to the d$nast$ b$ the Senatorum *mperia!is cou!d e/ua! this meda! in "orth ("arded to Ma0im Gerrit b$ the High Lords o% &erra themse!ves, %or his disp!a$ o% epic !eadership as "e!! as persona! courage at the height o% the East!ight Nebu!a :rusade, Lucian !i%ted the "inged meda! o% the 3rder o% 3!!anius 1ius ;earing the go!den %ace o% an ange!ic $outh, !aure! !eaves arra$ed across his nob!e bro", the meda! represented the ver$ highest honour a morta! man cou!d earn in the service o% the *mperium *ntricate scro!!"or# beneath the beati%ic visage bore an inscription9
'Amid the weeping and the woe, Accursed Daemon remain and rot, I know thee filthy as thou art, I know,'

&he "ords sent a shiver up Lucian's spine, %or the$ spo#e o% things %e" men "ere a!!o"ed to #no", but his position at the head o% his d$nast$ granted him #no"!edge that the authorities had %e" means o% barring %rom him >or most, daemons "ere the terri%$ing creatures o% nightmares Rea!, most certain!$, but #ept at ba$ b$ pra$er and the eterna! vigi!ance o% the God'Emperor o% Man#ind >or the !i#es o%

Lucian Gerrit, the$ "ere the deni+ens o% the emp$rean, %or vesse!s such as his must intrude into their rea!m "hen trave!!ing bet"een the stars &he meda!s a%%i0ed to Lucian's cro"ded breastp!ate, the servitor appeared once more *t bore a might$ c!oa# o% !u0urious %ur &he snar!ing head o% a beast o% terrib!e aspect "as mounted upon his right shou!der, its huge %ore'da"s draped across his bac# and over his !e%t shou!der Last!$, he opened an armoured hatch upon the "a!! He brought out an anti/ue !eather be!t (ttached to it "as a pair o% ornate ho!sters &he %irst he!d a heav$, b!unt'nosed pisto!, a p!asma "eapon created %or his !ine b$ the %amed master arti%icer Ernst Hec#!er, impossib!$ intricate devotiona! te0t carved upon its ever$ sur%ace Lucian !i%ted the "eapon, activating it "ith the press o% a stud and savouring the rapid!$ rising, near u!trasonic "hine that indicated that the "eapon's "ar spirit "as content &he second "eapon "as o% un#no"n manu%acture, a pisto!'si+ed device o% pure cr$sta! Vio!et and b!ue !ights danced "ithin as he he%ted it He #ne" not "ho or "hat had constructed die bi+arre "eapon, but on man$ occasions had had cause to than# their s#i!! &he "eapon un!eashed a b!inding ra$ that inter%ered "ith its target's brain %unctions, reducing him to a gibbering imbeci!e in seconds< ver$ use%u! in some o% the p!aces Lucian had visited He then s!id onto his %ingers a series o% rings, each a cunning!$ "rought, miniature !aser "eapon -ith !uc#, such "eapons "ou!d not be re/uired, but %e" authorities in the ga!a0$, short o% an *n/uisitor Lord or Space Marine :hapter Master, "ou!d presume to demand a rogue trader divest himse!% o% his arms Given the d$nast$'s standing, he "ou!d e0pect that even the$ "ou!d do so po!ite!$ He regarded himse!% in the mirror one !ast time, be%ore striding %rom the cabin He "ou!d ta#e to his command throne and guide the Oceanid, and "ith her, the (rcadius D$nast$, to a bright, ne" %uture &HE R3G@E &R(DER %!oti!!a s!id through ban#s o% pa!e green ste!!ar dust, %!ashes o% !ightning i!!uminating them %rom deep "ithin Such regions "ere the stu%% o% space mariners' superstitions, %or the$ a"o#e prima! notions, the %ear o% the un#no"n, and o% 'things' !ur#ing in the mist &he vesse!s navigated b$ dead rec#oning a!one, %or their augur ban#s "ere use!ess amidst the thic# c!oud *t "as a!! too eas$ to become )itter$, re%!ected Lucian, %or the surve$or reported a!! manner o% "eird returns Ghost!ights the$ "ere o%ten ca!!ed, %or the$ "ou!d appear so!id and rea! one moment, on!$ to %ade to nothing the ne0t :ommunications too, "ere troub!esome in such a region -here the c!oud thinned, short range, !ine o% sight transmission "as possib!e, but

ps$chic communication "as b$ %ar more e%%icient, e0cept that the vesse!'s te!epath "as near incapacitated at present9 burnt'out, Lucian suspected &he gui!d had so %ar been un"i!!ing to rep!ace him, a sore point that "ou!d need addressing once the current crisis "as reso!ved Lucian "atched as the c!oud thinned, the s$stem's star penetrating the green mur# &he dust parted, and the Oceanid g!ided c!ear, gases s"ir!ing at her passing &he vie" %rom the bridge "as sudden!$ one o% c!ear space, Mundus :hasmata visib!e as a b!ac# disc ec!ipsing its star Lucian stood, savouring the moment as he prepared to hai! Mundus :hasmata's outer de%ence monitor He g!anced at the surve$or, certain in the #no"!edge that his son and daughter "ou!d be ordering their vesse!s into %ormation astern o% his o"n &"o returns indicated the$ "ere ;ehind them, ho"ever, %our more returns %!ashed an angr$ red &he$ "ere set upon a head!ong dive to"ards the Rosetta as she emerged %rom the c!oud, their course indicating but one possib!e motive9 attac#! 'Genera! /uarters!' be!!o"ed Lucian as he too# to the command throne Sirens "ai!ed and the bridge !ights %!ic#ered o%%, to be rep!aced an instant !ater b$ the red g!o" o% the emergenc$ !ights emp!o$ed during batt!e Lucian "ondered ho" the he!! raiders had %ound his %!oti!!a in deep space -ere the$ betra$ed so soon, He "ou!d have to dea! "ith them %irst, and "orr$ about the detai!s !ater 'He!m, on m$ mar#, a!! engines to ten per cent, ne" heading thirt$ to starboard :omms, give me a channe! to m$ %!eet ' &he address s$stem chimed to indicate the channe! "as open 2orvane's voice burst %orth, ' ur o% them one %i%t$ to port, contact in nine * cou!d do "ith some he!p here= 'Do as * sa$, both o% $ou 3n m$ signa!, 2orvane, po"er up and come about to %ort$'%ive degrees to starboard ;rie!!e, maintain $our current speed and come about to %ort$'%ive to $our port Do $ou both understand,' ;oth 2orvane and ;rie!!e indicated the$ understood their %ather's instructions He g!anced do"n at the surve$or screen, paused, and ca!m!$ ordered9 'Mar#!' &he compensators cut in an instant !ate, as the Oceanid dece!erated Ra!di simu!taneous!$ veered the ship to starboard &he surve$or trac#ed the Rosetta as she increased her speed, crossing the Fairlight's bo" "ith the %our raiders in pursuit Vie"ed %rom the bridge, the manoeuvre "as a state!$ a%%air, but Lucian #ne", a potentia!!$ dead!$ one &he grace%u! manoeuvre brought the Oceanid to the attac#ers' eight

o'c!oc#, and the Fairlight to their %our 'Starboard batter$ a%t! 3pen %ire on !ead target!' ;e!o" dec#s, the might$ "eapons ban# !oc#ed onto its target9 the %ast' moving raider c!osing in on the position the Rosetta had occupied minutes be%ore &he master o% the sma!!er vesse! evident!$ sa" his coming %ate, but a moment too !ate &he batter$ erupted in b!inding %ire, !aunching huge, high'e0p!osive pro)ecti!es across the gu!% o% space Lucian "atched on the surve$or screen as the raider pitched to starboard, a !ast desperate attempt to avoid the Oceanid's "rath *t %ai!ed, as Lucian had seen it "ou!d &he sa!vo struc# the sma!!er vesse! amidships, robbing it o% %or"ard momentum "ith such vio!ence that it sp!it into t"o, its entire pro" tumb!ing %or"ards "hi!st its drive section sheered o%% at %ort$'%ive degrees Even at this distance, the spectac!e "as impressive, as the p!asma core at the heart o% the engine c!uster "ent critica!, creating a second sun %or a moment Lucian "inced as the e0p!osion %!ooded his bridge "ith harsh "hite !ight, the vie"ing port dimming a moment !ater to compensate -hen his vision had c!eared, he !oo#ed out once more to see the Fairlight opening %ire upon the second raider, but this vesse! recovered %ar more /uic#!$ than its recent!$ deceased comrade had, evading its %ormer pre$ "ith ease ( veteran o% a hundred such s#irmishes, Lucian read the raiders' manoeuvres "ith practiced ease His redep!o$ment had caught them at the moment the$ had anticipated eas$ victor$, but their captains "ere not %oo!s Even no", the$ "ere ra!!$ing, recovering %rom the shoc# o% their pre$'s counter'attac# &he$ "ere coming about %or a second attac# run Lucian per%ormed a menta! ca!cu!ation9 three raider %rigates, probab!$ up'gunned, certain!$ up'armoured, and there%ore s!o"er and !ess manoeuvrab!e than "ou!d ordinari!$ be the case< and his o"n vesse!s9 a heav$ cruiser and t"o !ight cruisers @nder norma! circumstances, his sma!! %!oti!!a "ou!d have !itt!e to %ear, but a!! three o% the rogue trader vesse!s "ere running at reduced capacit$, the sad resu!t o% the d$nast$'s deteriorating %ortunes No" o% a!! times, he cou!d not a%%ord damage to his precious vesse!s His decision reached, Lucian addressed his o%%spring '2orvane, ;rie!!e, as much as *'d savour the opportunit$ to smear these mother!ess bastards across space, "e have more important matters to attend to .ou both set course %or the Mundus :hasmata primar$ at best speed *'!! !ead them on to the outer p!at%orm Do $ou understand,' 2orvane "as %irst to ans"er '($e, >ather, * agree -e are best served reaching :hasmata intact '

';rie!!e,' '>ather, "e can ta#e them here *'!! ho!d bac# and dra" them onto $our guns *t shou!d on!$ ta#e a sing!e'' '.ou "i!! not!' shouted Lucian, surging to his %eet at his daughter's de%iance '.ou "i!! set course %or Mundus :hasmata 1rimar$ as ordered! Do * ma#e m$se!% c!ear,' His daughter did not rep!$, but Lucian had his ans"er as he sa" the Fairlight move to come around as per his instructions Grunting, he sat once more Lucian "aited unti! he "as satis%ied that both 2orvane and ;rie!!e "ere %o!!o"ing his orders, be%ore addressing his bridge '3n m$ signa!, po"er do"n to ten per cent, and burn port retros at %u!! %or %i%teen= Ra!di turned his head and opened his mouth as i% to spea#, but decided against protesting upon meeting Lucian's g!are &he Oceanid shuddered vio!ent!$ as the portside retro thrusters ignited, %oresta!!ing the vesse!'s %or"ard motion and s!o"!$ bringing her to starboard &he %irst o% the raiders passed, overta#ing Lucian's cruiser be%ore its o"n captain had time to react Lucian #ne" that it "ou!d have to enter a !ong, "ide arc in order to circ!e bac#9 it "as out o% the %ight %or some time at !east &he second raider did react to the Oceanid's ungain!$ manoeuvre, but its captain had evident!$ misread Lucian's intentions Rather than compensating %or the course change "ith a simi!ar move, this raider veered to port, the master %earing perhaps that the heav$ cruiser sought to entrap him as she had his erst"hi!e compatriot &he i!!')udged reaction cost the raider vesse! dear, %or she too "ou!d be out o% the %ight "hi!e she came about to intersect the Oceanid's course &he !ast raider a!tered her course, %inding herse!% bearing do"n on the "a!!o"ing Oceanid. *ts %or"ard "eapons batteries opened %ire, catching the Oceanid a g!ancing b!o" across the dorsa! shie!ds 'Station si0! Ho" are "e ho!ding,' Station si0 "as manned not b$ a servitor, but b$ a man, though the rating sported so man$ c$bernetic imp!ants that the e0terna! di%%erence "as minima! Lucian reasoned that the shie!ds "ere genera!!$ on!$ needed in an emergenc$, and had !earned through bitter e0perience that an Emperor'%earing man reacted to orders %ar better than a servitor under such circumstances, bene%iting as he did %rom a sense o% se!%'preservation that the servitor !ac#ed 'Nothing she can't hand!e sir, though the %eedbac# caused some casua!ties in coi! chamber beta ' Lucian "asted no time in mourning the press'ganged scum that toi!ed in the depths o% his vesse! Most "ou!d have been e0ecuted !ong ago had

not their sentences been commuted to his service '-e!! enough si0 He!m, come about to three nine three and a!! ahead %u!!! Go!' &he Oceanid shoo# as die %u!! po"er o% her p!asma reactor "as %ed to her drive s$stems She soon outdistanced the %irst t"o raiders to pass her, and on!$ the third remained, though c!osing, astern Lucian activated the ho!ograph, %ocusing on an area o% space on!$ a %e" thousand #i!ometres ahead He sa" "hat he "as !oo#ing %or 'He!m, "e're coming up on :hasmata's outer de%ence p!at%orm (t %ive hundred, $a" thirt$ so she passes us to port at around %i%t$ ' ( shudder trave!!ed up the !ength o% the vesse!, as the raider dogging her stern un!eashed a second vo!!e$ Lucian !oo#ed up, meeting the e$e o% the man at station si0 'Ho!ding, sir, %or no" ' 'Good :omms, signa! the p!at%orm Let them #no" "ho "e are No" "ou!d be a bad time %or a misunderstanding= (s the Oceanid p!oughed on, the de%ence p!at%orm came into vie" o%% the port bo" &hough not much !arger than the rogue trader vesse!, the p!at%orm brist!ed "ith "eaponr$, %rom !ance batteries to torpedo tubes &he comms servitor had evidend$ succeeded in transmitting the correct signa! Had it not, those batteries o% %earsome destruction "ou!d have been opening %ire on the Oceanid. *nstead, the$ opened %ire on the raider &he captain o% the raiding %rigate "as so intent upon his pre$ that he cou!d not have seen his death approaching *t came /uic#!$, in the %orm o% a might$ broadside, macro cannon she!!s ob!iterating the sma!!er vesse! in the b!in# o% an e$e Lucian g!anced do"n at the surve$or to see the rapid!$ %ading debris %ie!d spread across the screen &he !ast t"o raiders, visib!e as indistinct returns at the screen's edge, turned tai! and bo!ted 'Get me a drin#', he ordered no one in particu!ar M@ND@S :H(SM(&('S 1R*M(R. orbita! doc# %i!!ed the bridge vie"ing port &he three vesse!s had %ormed up as the$ c!osed on the p!anet, presenting a state!$ procession "orth$ o% the (rcadius D$nast$ Lucian had a"aited the customar$ pic#et escort an$ rogue trader "ou!d e0pect %rom the port authorities o% such a "or!d, but had been mi!d!$ surprised and not a !itde put out "hen none had appeared (s the ships c!osed on the vast, s!ab'sided orbita! doc#, its aged condition became apparent Lucian had visited man$ such insta!!ations, o%ten in a simi!ar state o% disrepair, but he thought this one appeared someho" more di!apidated than norma! &he armoured s#in o% the mu!ti' p!e, interconnected domes "as poc#mar#ed b$ centuries o%

micrometeorite impacts, and entire sections had evident!$ %a!!en into disuse 3ne doc#ing !imb appeared entire!$ open to space, its hatches hanging as i% crea#ing in a none0istent "ind Not on!$ "as the absence o% an escort notab!e, but Lucian's practiced e$e too# in ever$ detai! o% the doc# and its environs (!! si0 doc#ing !imbs "ere devoid o% cra%t No %reighters, no s$stem de%ence boats, no tan#ers, troop transports or ships o% an$ t$pe "ere tethered to the station's mu!tip!e doc#ing points No service cra%t or tugs "ent about the end!ess maintenance tas#s an$ other station "ou!d demand No shutdes transported goods and passengers bac# and %orth bet"een the doc# and the sur%ace &his %ar out on the borders o% the *mperium's space, Lucian "ou!d have e0pected some degree o% neg!ect, but not so much, he re%!ected "ith gro"ing unease, that the !oca!s "ou!d not be sent into a %ren+$ o% activit$ at a pirate attac# so c!ose to their capita! (s the Oceanid came a!ongside the station, Ra!di e0pert!$ guiding the heav$ cruiser to "ithin a mere t"ent$ metres o% the a!!otted doc#ing arm, might$ doc#ing c!amps reached out to grasp her &he meta!!ic c!ang echoed through the vesse! as cursing cre" chie%s harangued press' ganged cre"s to ma#e her %ast &he Oceanid became a hive o% activit$ as Lucian prepared to go ashore &he ta!#s "ou!d have to "ait< his %!oti!!a had been attac#ed ( %ine "e!come to the Eastern Rim, he thought

CHAPTER TWO
&HE (*RL3:2 13R&(L s"ung open, acrid gases venting %rom corroded gri!!es "ith an angr$ hiss Lucian stepped through, and set %oot upon the Mundus :hasmata orbita! primar$ &he ha!! ran the !ength o% the doc#ing !imb, air!oc#s identica! to that he had )ust e0ited situated at regu!ar points a!ong its !ength &he occasiona! !ongshoreman "ent about his business, but "here Lucian "ou!d e0pect to be con%ronted "ith heaving cro"ds o% doc#ers, an eerie /uiet "as a!! he %ound &he dec# be!o" his %eet "as rusted and uneven, and heav$ chains dripping "ith to0ic run'o%% s"ung, unused, %rom the high, vau!ted cei!ing His %ootsteps echoed the !ength o% the ha!!, and the !ighting %!ic#ered erratica!!$ &he stin# o% se"age and po!!ution assau!ted him He had sme!!ed "orse, he re%!ected, but not outside o% the grave'mires o% 4ui!!i# V ( high'pressure hiss and a tortured, meta!!ic s/uea! sounded %rom the %ar end o% the ha!! (s ban#s o% gases c!eared, Lucian caught sight o% him (!though out"ard!$ his %ather's son, 2orvane carried himse!% entire!$ di%%erent!$, his

mannerisms those o% his mother's peop!e9 studied and reserved, haught$ and co!d '>ather,' 2orvane bo"ed sti%%!$ at Lucian's approach '* greet $ou "ith g!ad heart ' *gnoring the %orma!it$ o% 2orvane's greeting, Lucian embraced his son in a vigorous bear hug, causing the $ounger man to stumb!e as his %eet "ere !i%ted %rom the dec# He had not set e$es upon either o% his chi!dren in !ong months 'G!ad heart indeed (re $ou "e!!,' '* am "e!!, >ather * spent the bu!# o% the !ast !eg stud$ing the archives :hasmata's ru!ing c!ass has a %ascinating range o% ceremonies -e "ou!d do "e!! to remain on our guard around these peop!e= 'Huh,' Lucian grunted '.ou're ne" to this business son, so *'!! give $ou the bene%it o% the doubt *'ve engaged in ta!#s "ith men and "ith abominations, and there's on!$ t"o "a$s o% dea!ing "ith either .ou ta#e contro! o% proceedings, b!ustering $our "a$ through as i% it's a!! second nature, or, $ou #eep $our e$es open and $our mouth shut unti! the moment comes to ta#e contro! Ho" do $ou thin# $our grand%ather got past the :ambro Huthans, Ho" do thin# o!d (bad sidestepped the (rgent 1rotoco!, or the H$burian *nterdiction,' 2orvane nodded, though he !oo#ed %ar %rom convinced '&hat's ho" business gets done out here son, and don't $ou %orget it= Lucian turned as he heard a second air!oc# vent its no0ious gases into the ha!! ( %igure emerged out o% the c!ouds -here 2orvane out"ard!$ resemb!ed his %ather, but mirrored his mother in comportment, Lucian's daughter ;rie!!e "as the e0act opposite (!though not ta!!, ;rie!!e carried herse!% "ith a con%idence bordering on aggression Her %eatures "ere brooding and dus#$, and she "ore her b!ac# and purp!e'd$ed hair in the comp!e0 braids o% her mother's peop!e9 the highborn c!ans o% the %era! "or!d o% :hogoris Her %eatures "ere her mother's, but ;rid!e's manners "ere a#in to Lucian's, %or she radiated the same air o% pro%essiona!ism that a rogue trader depended upon to prosper in their hosti!e "or!d Ho"ever much Lucian !oved his daughter, a gu!% e0isted bet"een them &he e!der o% his o%%spring, ;rie!!e had been raised to assume the !eadership o% the (rca'dius D$nast$ one da$ .et, "ith times so hard, Lucian had entered into his marriage o% convenience "ith 2orvane's mother *t "as a business dea!< one he had entered as he "ou!d an$ other transaction 2orvane's mother gained the status that marriage into a rogue trader d$nast$ a%%orded, and the (rcadius, through 2orvane, "ou!d, upon her passing come into a substantia! inheritance and thus

secure their %uture (!though the (rcadius "ou!d u!timate!$ be saved %rom s!o" e0tinction, ;rie!!e had been robbed o% her c!aim to the !eadership o% the d$nast$ &he terms o% the marriage demanded that the %irst ma!e chi!d o% the union "ou!d inherit bo%h his mother and %ather's tit!es, and so ;rie!!e had been passed over in %avour o% her stepbrother &he t"o bare!$ spo#e, and "hen the$ did, it "as inevitab!$ in "ords o% remonstration -hen angered, ;rie!!e had the temper o% her mother's peop!e as "e!! as their !oo#s, and combined "ith Lucian's directness, tension bet"een the sib!ings bubb!ed constant!$ be!o" the sur%ace ';rie!!e, *'m so g!ad to see $ou,' Lucian said She responded b$ p!acing a co!d #iss upon his chee#, but sho"ed no sign o% %ami!ia! a%%ection Rea!ising that he "ou!d get !itt!e more %rom his daughter, Lucian determined to continue regard!ess He had a d$nast$ to save, and no amount o% chi!dish sib!ing petu!ance "ou!d stand in his "a$ ;ut be%ore the trio set o%% %or the sur%ace, Lucian intended to pa$ a visit to the harbour master Someone "ou!d ans"er %or the attac# on his vesse!s, in the supposed!$ secure inner reaches o% an *mperia! s$stem '-H(& 3N S(:RED &erra do $ou mean ?outside $our purvie"?,' Lucian, %!an#ed b$ his o%%spring, dominated the cramped o%%ice o% the harbour master o% the Mundus :hasmata 3rbita! ' the space station through "hich a!! tra%%ic to and %rom the "or!d's sur%ace had to pass He !oomed over the adept's "ide des#, s"eeping aside ro!!ed parchments and topp!ing a stac# o% cargo mani%ests &he$ had arrived unannounced, Lucian pushing his "a$ contemptuous!$ past the attendant "ho had attempted to in%orm him that the master "ou!d not be receiving ca!!ers %or another three $ears at best *% he "anted to e0pedite the process, the %unctionar$ had sp!uttered, Lucian "ou!d need to comp!ete an (pp!ica' tion o% E0traordinar$ E0ception, in trip!icate Lucian had insisted, /uite %orcib!$, that the !ac#e$ contact his superiors on the sur%ace, be%ore con%ronting the harbour master himse!% '3ur s$stem monitor boat is current!$, er, out o% s$stem &hat $ou rec#!ess!$ dre" $our attac#er onto the de%ence p!at%orm's guns is not m$ responsibi!it$ &hat p!at%orm has not been re/uired to %ire its "eapons in three centuries, sir &he e0pended ordnance "i!! be rep!enished at $our e0pense ' -ait a moment= Lucian "as !osing patience "ith the harbour master &hat m$ ships "ere attac#ed in $our s$stem is not $our %au!t, because $our s$stem de%ence boat "as not present, de%ending its s$stem, *% * understand correct!$, $ou e0pect recompense %or the she!!s %ired b$ $our s$stem de%ence p!at%orm, She!!s %ired "hi!st per%orming its sacred dut$

o% de%ending its s$stem,' 'Sir, * suggest $ou %ami!iarise $ourse!% "ith the terms o% the 1a0 :hasmatus, chapter sevent$'nine, verse one hundred and thirt$'' 'Emperor's ba!!s! *'ve heard e!dar ma#e more sense than $ou! Give me c!earance to ma#e p!anet%a!! be%ore * do something $ou might regret ' '*'m a%raid, sir, that * cannot do that (s * said, it is outside m$ purvie" &he dictates o% the 1a0 :hasmatus state that $ou must a"ait the ne0t shutt!e .ou ma$ not trave! to the sur%ace in $our o"n vehic!e= Suspecting he "ou!d not care %or the ans"er, Lucian as#ed, (nd "hen is the ne0t shutt!e schedu!ed to arrive,' &hree months %rom no" &he "aiting chamber is !ocated on !eve! Gamma &"e!ve, Sector Nine, past the containment chambers, on the !e%t= Lucian's right hand moved to the ho!ster at his !e%t hip, that ho!ding the, non'!etha!, neura! disruptor He thought better o% the act, ho"ever His hand moved instead to the, high!$ !etha!, p!asma pisto! he!d in the ho!ster at his right hip ;e%ore his hand reached the ho!ster, a meta!!ic chime sounded %rom a brass gri!!e set into the harbour master's des# :autious!$, the man reached across to open the channe! (dept &e!si,' He c!eared his throat "ith a nervous cough 'Go ahead= ( tinn$ voice s/ua"#ed %rom the gri!!e *t "as the harbour master's %unctionar$, and he had received a rep!$ %rom the message Lucian had insisted he de!iver &he hint o% a smi!e appeared at the edge o% his mouth '* ta#e it the shutt!e's schedu!e is not /uite as in%!e0ib!e as it ma$ at %irst have appeared,' He !eant over the des# once more, ma#ing an e0aggerated sho" o% tid$ing the paper stre"n across it &he harbour master brist!ed at the sight o% the rogue trader inter%ering "ith his paper"or#, but he!d on to his composure es sir, ba$ (!pha Si0, three hours &he "aiting chamber is'' '1ast the containment chambers, on the !e%t= Lucian gro"!ed, be%ore turning on the spot and s"eeping out o% the harbour master's o%%ice ;rie!!e "in#ed at the man and turned to %o!!o" her %ather 2orvane snorted contemptuous!$ and %o!!o"ed diem both out &HE DES:EN& >R3M orbit too# on!$ thirt$ minutes, and soon the shutt!e "as screaming through the night s#ies o% Mundus :hasmata Lucian !oo#ed out through the armoured portho!e, seeing the distant hori+on !it smo#$ vio!et in a preda"n g!o" &he shutt!e "as shabb$ and i!!'maintained &he three rogue traders had been %orced to share its sparse passenger compartment "ith a hand%u! o% menia!s and pett$ administrators< second assistant'under'deput$ c!er#s, he )udged, no doubt returning to the

sur%ace %o!!o"ing their !ong, tedious and mind'numbing!$ boring "or# rotations aboard die orbita! (s the shutt!e crossed the "or!d's terminator !ine, the !andscape be!o" became visib!e (!though a "or!d o% m$riad terrain t$pes, %rom high a!titude, sub'+ero po!ar o0ide "astes to in!and seas o% stin#ing ammonia, the predominant %eature o% Mundus :hasmata "as the deep scars gouged out o% its crust in its distant pre'histor$ &hese %ormed #i!ometres'!ong, #i!ometres'deep gu!!ies, a!though most "ere !itt!e more than a %e" do+en metres across ?-ou!dn't "ant to get marooned here,' said ;rie!!e, her statement echoing Lucian's thoughts unerring!$ Even i% $ou survived a crash, he #ne", $ou'd never ma#e it to civi!isation &he dense!$ pac#ed chasms "ou!d c!aim an$one %oo!ish enough to attempt crossing mem 2orvane had been poring over a data's!ate, "hich he no" handed to his %ather (cross its monochrome green and b!ac# screen scro!!ed reams o% data Ever$ detai! %rom average rain%a!! to import=e0port %igures "as covered Lucian ca!!ed up a summar$ &he "or!d o% Mundus :hasmata "as co!onised, the data's!ate reported, at an unrecorded date prior to the thirt$'third mi!!ennium &hat hard!$ surprised Lucian, %or most such civi!isations he had visited predated die *mperium o% Man b$ man$ thousands o% $ears, a!though %e" records preserved an$ more detai!s than the name o% a %ounding d$nast$ &he "or!d's popu!ation "as )ust over die one bi!!ion mar#, a %igure consistent "idi man$ simi!ar "or!ds Lucian had visited agri'"or!ds %armed b$ machines "hose human popu!ations "ere counted in the hundreds, and hive "or!ds "here bi!!ions cro"ded into #i!ometres'high spires &he *mperium "as nodiing i% not diverse &he s$stem's !ocation at the borders o% human space put it at ris# o% a!ien predation, and this %ar out it cou!d count !itde on aid arriving in time to save it in the event o% attac# (side %rom the irregu!ar visits o% !one *mperia! Nav$ vesse!s on !ong'ranged patro!, Mundus :hasmata cou!d !oo# on!$ to itse!% %or de%ence 3ne in ten adu!ts "ere there%ore re/uired to serve in the "or!d's 1!anetar$ De%ence >orce, an institution diat had, on %our recorded occasions in the !ast three centuries provided troops %or the *mperia! Guard More te0t streamed across me data's!ate's screen Mundus :hasmata vied "ith its neighbour (rris Epsi!on, !ocated at the opposite e0treme o% die &imbra subsector, %or "hat !itt!e trade the region "ou!d support &he p!anets o% this !one!$ area "ere, b$ necessit$ it appeared, !arge!$ se!%' su%%icient &he$ had !itt!e contact "idi the *mperium, and !itt!e to o%%er it

in terms o% resources &hat "as "hat made die p!anet's ru!er's o%%er too promising to pass up ( hereditar$ nob!e c!ass, purporting to have its roots in the "or!d's %ounding, ru!ed Mundus :hasmata, the Luneberg %ami!$, headed b$ the present *mperia! :ommander, :u!pepper Luneberg the &"ent$'ninth, !ording over their "or!d as a private %ie%dom *ndeed, so !ong as the$ paid the *mperium its tithes once in ever$ generation, that "as e0act!$ "hat it "as Mundus :hasmata appeared to be the per%ect p!ace to do business o% the t$pe that the *mperium at !arge might not !oo# upon too #ind!$ (s &HE SH@&&LE ban#ed over :hasmata :apita!is, the "or!d's %irst cit$ and its seat o% government, da"n bro#e &he !ight "as the co!our o% hone$ed go!d and high c!ouds o% deep red scudded across the s#$ &he cit$ sat at the centre o% a "ide, %!at p!ain< Lucian had seen simi!ar sights, and ha+arded an in%ormed, i% unsubstantiated guess that it "as the ver$ spot at "hich the "or!d's %irst co!onists had made p!anet%a!! *% so, its origina! construction might have proceeded a!ong prescribed !ines, :hasmata :apita!is subse/uent!$ spra"!ing in a!! directions, as man$ such cities "ere "ont to do t"o or three generations a%ter their %ounding Lucian caught a g!impse o% distant h$droponics domes at the cit$'s outer edge, a!though the shutt!e changed course be%ore he cou!d e0amine the curiosit$ %urther &he shutt!e's %ina! approach brought it !o" over "hat appeared to %orm the cit$'s merchant /uarter Rendered the co!our o% tarnished go!d b$ the !ight o% :hasmata's star, Lucian identi%ied the bui!dings as representative o% the Late Dec!ivitous st$!e, a t$pica!!$ ornate schoo! o% architecture seen across the /uadrant and be$ond &he streets "ere tight!$ pac#ed together, ground vehic!es visib!$ competing "ith the pedestrians "ho cro"ded their mar#ets and ba+aars (top the ta!!est bui!dings nested might$ de%ence !aser batteries, a!though it too# Lucian on!$ a moment to decide that the$ "ere inert and neg!ected9 a sorr$ state o% a%%airs indeed, inviting to Lucian's mind pirate, or a!ien attac# (t the !ast, the shutt!e screamed in over the cit$ to circ!e its main !anding %ie!d *ts thrasters #ic#ed and buc#ed as the$ arrested the transport's momentum, the pi!ot easing it do"n to the armoured !anding p!at%orm "ith on!$ a s!ight )arring Lucian stood %rom his grav'couch as the ramp at the end o% the passenger ba$ !o"ered *t hit the !anding pad's sur%ace "ith a meta!!ic crash, the "or!d's air %!ooding into the cabin Lucian stood at the top o% the ramp, %!an#ed b$ his o%%spring ( c!oa#ed %igure at the head o% a co!umn o% heavi!$ armoured so!diers "aited at its

base Lucian stepped out to the top o% the ramp He sa" that the !anding pad "as one o% severa! do+en, raised high above the cit$ upon ancient sti!ts ;e$ond these, he cou!d see the ancient cit$, its bui!dings c!ustered together hapha+ard!$, and in the midd!e distance the great bu!# o% the *mperia! :ommander's pa!ace 'M$ Lord (rcadius= spo#e a %igure at the base o% the ramp, the mouth bare!$ visib!e beneath the hood '*n the name o% m$ master, * bid $ou "e!come to our "or!d= Having gained his bearings, Lucian strode do"n the ramp, the scant seconds it too# him to reach its base used to the %u!! He too# in the scene be%ore him &he %igure that "e!comed him appeared to be some %!un#$, %or he "ore simp!e %unctionar$'s robes, adorned "ith !itt!e in the "a$ o% %rivo!ous ornamentation< un!i#e the troopers arra$ed in t"o !ong !ines behind him &hese "ere, no doubt, the househo!d guard, %or their sturd$ carapace armour, probab!$ imported at great e0pense, mar#ed them above the common 1!anetar$ De%ence >orce conscripts -hite armour, edged "ith go!d, shone ha+i!$ in the thic# morning !ight &a!!, "hite %eathers "ere attached to the he!m o% each, and re%!ective visors covered an$ hint o% %acia! e0pression &he troopers bore !ong'barre!!ed ri%!es< a g!ance at the stoc# revea!ed to Lucian a po"er pac# o% un%ami!iar manu%acture, a!though he )udged the "eapons to be some %orm o% ceremonia! hunting ri%!e Ver$ prett$, and ver$ e0pensive, Lucian thought, but not a "ho!e !ot o% use in a rea! %ight -ith a thud, Lucian's heav$ boot hee! made contact "ith the p!at%orm's armoured sur%ace He stood be%ore the %unctionar$ and addressed him in the voice he !i#ed to use to impress the !oca!s '1!ease conve$ to $our master m$ than#s %or his hospita!it$ * greet $ou in the name o% the (rcadius ' &HE R3G@E &R(DERS had been !ed %rom the !anding p!at%orm, through the merchants' /uarter and to the outer reaches o% the vastness o% the governor's pa!ace, accompanied a!! the "hi!e b$ ran#s o% marching househo!d guard &he pa!ace itse!% must have been one o% the o!dest structures in the cit$ ' indeed, on the "or!d ' %or its ever$ sur%ace "as !a$ered "ith strata o% dust Hera!dic banners made tattered and threadbare b$ the passing o% mi!!ennia !ined its !ong passages E!ectro' !umen %!ic#ered and guttered in the high, vau!ted cei!ings, "here vat' gro"n c$ber cherubs capered in and out o% the shado"s 1archments and pra$er strips "ere a%%i0ed to ever$ sur%ace b$ great gobbets o% sea!ing "a0< end!ess votives imp!oring the God'Emperor %or His merc$ and b!essings (s the group neared the centre o% the pa!ace, the character o%

the p!ace changed &he atmosphere became thic#er, someho" heav$, as i% made s!uggish b$ the "eight o% ages *ncense c!o$ed at the nostri!s, but the scent %ai!ed to mas# the %act that the e0act same substance had been burned, da$ in and da$ out, %or uncounted centuries &he high cei!ings "ere "a0$ "ith its bui!d'up Statuettes and gargo$!es cro"ded point'arched recesses, go!d !ea% s#in pee!ing %rom their ever$ sur%ace :ab!es sna#ed across "a!!s and a!ong %!oors, !aid reverend$, but "ith !itt!e in the "a$ o% art or understanding Sma!! scrips attached to terminus points indicated the identit$ o% the technician, and the date he had attended to his !abour Man$ such cab!es had been !aid man$ centuries in the past, and "hen severed had had more pra$er sea!s app!ied, so that the most damaged %ormed riotous, %!uttering gar!ands draped across the "a!!s (s the group came upon the regions o% the inner pa!ace, a %!oc# o% servo' s#u!!s )oined them &he actua! s#u!!s o% the most %avoured o% the *mperium's servants, these "ere preserved a%ter death and imp!anted "ith a!! manner o% machine devices, in order %or the previous o"ner to go on serving his master !ong a%ter his passing ( rudimentar$ machine spirit guided each, causing it to hover at shou!der height upon tin$ anti' grav generators &he !ead servo's#u!! "as %itted "ith a heav$ bron+e be!!, "hich it visib!$ !aboured to ho!d a!o%t "hi!st it veered %rom !e%t to right, its ringing preceding the rogue traders as die$ progressed do"n the dust$ corridors (nother sported a !arge, mechanica! e$e that c!ic#ed and "hirred as its !enses ad)usted, hovering right at Lucian's shou!der and evident!$ recording or e0amining him %or some un#no"ab!e purpose (nother had attached to it a set o% miniature, crab'!i#e pincers, "ith "hich it dived to grab tin$, perhaps imagined, impediments to the group's progress, "hi!st the !ast appeared to sni%% at the rogue traders through its bon$ cavit$ o% a nose >ina!!$, the procession reached the atrium o% the inner ha!! &he might$ brass doors that !ed into the governor's audience chamber dominated this area, their tops !ost ten metres or more above in the incense'bound shado"s o% the vau!ted cei!ings Scenes %rom !egend "ere carved in bas' re!ie% upon the doors' sur%aces &he Emperor stood astride a g!obe, his s"ord arcing to hac# at the nec# o% a "rithing serpent Lucian had vie"ed man$ such scenes on his )ourne$s, but the$ never %ai!ed to move him9 the sight o% the most ho!$ o% men to have !ived, sacri%icing a!!, t%iat man#ind might survive in a universe set upon nothing !ess than his destruction Lucian "as a rogue trader< he "e!! #ne" the meaning o% this (s the !ast o% the househo!d guard %ormed up in parade ground precision

at either side o% the trio, the %unctionar$ addressed the rogue traders '(re $ou read$ m$ !ords,' Lucian turned to each o% his o%%spring, 2orvane indicating his eagerness %or the coming proceedings "ith a bo" o% his head, ;rie!!e hers "ith a "r$ smi!e '-e!! enough= Lucian inc!ined his head to the degree re/uired b$ protoco!, indicating to the %unctionar$ that the rogue traders "ere read$ to meet "ith the *mperia! :ommander o% Mundus :hasmata &he %unctionar$ activated a mechanica! device hidden in the depths o% his cavernous s!eeves (n instant !ater, might$ pistons at either side o% the porta! strained unti! the %orces re/uired to hau! open the vast doors "ere achieved :!ouds o% cho#ing dust bi!!o"ed at the doors' passing, a signa! to Lucian that the$ had not been opened in some considerab!e time ( sure message, Lucian noted, that the group passing through "as to be received in honour &he doors s"ung %u!!$ open, and Lucian and his chi!dren sa" %or the %irst time the audience chamber o% :u!pepper Luneberg the &"ent$' ninth, *mperia! :ommander, upon the soi! o% his o"n "or!d second in authorit$ on!$ to the High Lords o% &erra themse!ves &he group %ound itse!% stepping out onto a !anding, an e0pansive space to the top o% a vast %!ight o% stairs &hese s"ept do"n man$ hundreds o% steps to a "ide %!oor, and be$ond that another raised area appeared to house Luneberg's, current!$ empt$, throne &he entire area "as enc!osed in a chamber severa! times ta!!er than it "as "ide, and vast pi!!ars o% stone supported a roo% that "as entire!$ !ost to the e$e in shado" and incense ha+e Ever$ sur%ace "as ca#ed in pea!ing, tarnished go!d !ea%, dust o% count!ess centuries bui!t up in dri%ts and tumb!ing in po"der$ %a!!s %rom recesses Gossamer "ebs, presumab!$ those o% spiders, or some !oca! e/uiva!ent, stretched %rom one !eering gargo$!e to the ne0t, the !ight o% hovering e!ectro !umens t"in#!ing "here it re%!ected o%% the thin, si!#en strands Lucian strode to the top o% the stairs, ta#ing a moment to cast his g!ance around the vast space &he hovering !ights s"armed the chamber, their %!ight describing random patterns across the space and creating bubb!es o% %!ic#ering $e!!o" !ight "ithin the g!oom &he %!oor at the bottom o% the steps appeared cro"ded "ith %igures, a!though Lucian cou!d ma#e out scant detai!s %rom his position So %ar, !itt!e o% "hat Lucian had seen surprised him in an$ "a$ ;eing a rogue trader, he and his #ind occupied a uni/ue position "ithin the upper eche!ons o% the *mperium @n!i#e the teeming bi!!ions o% *mperia! sub)ects cro"ding the mi!!ion and more domains o% the Emperor's ra!e,

rogue traders had cause to escape the "or!ds o% their birth and go %orth to visit others Most "or!ds in the *mperium "ere !arge!$ se!%'su%%icient, or at most inter'dependent "ith others in the immediate region *t "as on!$ the most privi!eged "ho "ou!d ever !eave his "or!d, un!ess he "as conscripted into the *mperia! Guard and sent to %ight some %ar' a"a$ "ar, never to return home again Rogue traders carried their :harter o% &rade as a badge o% o%%ice, "ith it gaining entrance to p!aces others "ou!d be e0ecuted %or visiting Lucian had participated in the ritua! current!$ p!a$ing out on scores o% occasions &he p!aces and the peop!e di%%ered, as did the grandeur o% the surroundings, but "hether mud hut, rad'she!ter, chape!'cit$ or 0enos'nest, the pattern "as invariab!$ a %ami!iar one Ha!% "a$ do"n the %!ight o% stairs, Lucian "as ab!e to discern some detai!s o% the mi!!ing cro"ds at its base &he courtiers, %or Lucian cou!d no" ma#e out that these peop!e "ere at the !east minor nobi!it$, "ore e!aborate costumes o% the most rare o% materia!s, but the %abrics "ere %aded and tattered, as tarnished "ith age as the architecture a!! around (t his approach, peri"igs turned, sma!! c!ouds o% po"der or dust, Lucian "as unsure "hich, pu%%ing around the nob!es' heads and causing them to cough demure!$ &he "omen "ore their hair in e!aborate steep!es, but rogue strands !ent them a bedragg!ed appearance /uite at odds "ith the pomp and ceremon$ o% the event (pproaching the bottom o% the stairs, Lucian cou!d no" e0amine in c!oser detai! the nearer o% the courtiers Man$ "ore e0/uisite )e"e!!er$, tin$ gems that t"in#!ed and c$c!ed through a!! the co!ours o% the spectrum Lucian supposed the$ ma$ be some !oca!!$ manu%actured curio, but had an in#!ing the$ "ere procured o%%'"or!d, %or :hasmata "as not #no"n %or the manu%acture o% such %ine )e"e!!er$< had it been so, he "ou!d have #no"n Man$ sported brace!ets and nec#!aces %ashioned %rom some un%ami!iar resin or ceramic< again, un!i#e!$ to be o% !oca! pedigree He e0amined the %aces even c!oser ;oth men and "omen appeared bored, as i% the proceedings un%o!ding around them "ere in some manner tiresome -as this some highborn a%%ectation, Lucian had certain!$ encountered those "ho %eigned haught$ disinterest in the goings'on around them, but rare!$ in an entire cro"d o% peop!e He sought to ma#e e$e contact "ith those c!osest ( nearb$ man turned a"a$ %rom his ga+e as soon as he met it ( "oman %!uttered spider$ e$e!ashes be%ore turning pointed!$ to engage her neighbour (s Lucian and his o%%spring stepped on to the "ide, po!ished %!oor, the %unctionar$ sti!! %o!!o"ing a po!ite distance behind, the cro"d o% mi!!ing courtiers s!o"!$ parted, creating, as i% b$ coincidence, a c!ear route to

the podium housing Luneberg's throne De%inite!$ a%%ectation, Lucian decided< these peop!e "ere evident!$ masters o% high!$ re%ined, and comp!ete!$ manu%actured disinterest &hough the$ sho"ed no out"ard interest in the rogue traders, Lucian sa" that their movements betra$ed e0/uisite and, no doubt high!$ choreographed ritua! Heads turning a"a$ at their passing, the trio approached the high throne, and stood be%ore it, as a hush descended upon the chamber &he robed %unctionar$ stepped %or"ard, ascending a short %!ight o% stairs at the side o% the podium He pu!!ed bac# his hood, and turned to address the chamber at !arge 'M$ !ords!' his voice rang out !oud!$, pic#ed up, Lucian guessed, b$ the servo's#u!!s orbiting the podium, and amp!i%ied b$ spea#ers !ost amongst the statuar$ '(!! "i!! heed the coming o% our !iege, *mperia! :ommander :u!pepper Luneberg the &"ent$'Ninth!' (t these "ords, ever$ per%umed hairpiece in the chamber turned to"ards the podium 1revious!$ vacant %aces sho"ed sudden, near rapturous attention &he shado"s at one side o% the raised area stirred, and Lucian received his %irst g!impse o% the *mperia! :ommander o% Mundus :hasmata9 the man "ith "hom he had come to do business, the man on "hom the surviva!, %or the ne0t decade at !east, o% the (rcadius might depend ( massive %igure stepped %rom the shado"s :u!pepper Luneberg the &"ent$'Ninth "as a!most as "ide as he "as ta!!, and radiated a pa!pab!e aura o% authorit$ ':u!pepper Luneberg, Lord o% Mundus :hasmata and the three Dominions!' Lucian too# the measure o% the man "ho ru!ed this "or!d (s !arge as he "as, Lucian )udged it "as not a!! the %at o% the id!e rich ':u!pepper Luneberg, :ommander'in':hie% o% the Legions :hasmata!' He "ore a uni%orm o% e0/uisite cut Go!d braids edged his heav$, !ong, b!ac# ve!vet coat, its high co!!ars %!uted behind his ba!d head ':u!pepper Luneberg, t"ent$'ninth in the most nob!e !ine o% Harrid!' He "ore more meda!s than Lucian did, and the epau!ettes upon his broad shou!ders made p!ain that he he!d the highest possib!e mi!itar$ ran# ':u!pepper Luneberg, Son o% ;oni%ace the Aust= (s Luneberg approached his throne, ever$ step in time "ith the recita! o% his status, a cava!cade o% %o!!o"ers emerged %rom the shado"s behind him ':u!pepper Luneberg, De!iverer o% the 3uter Nine!' ( !ine o% "omen, courtesans Lucian sa" immediate!$, %o!!o"ed in the *mperia! :ommander's "a#e Each "ore !itt!e more than an e!aborate,

ta!!, teetering "hite hairpiece, their bodies accented b$ the same mu!ti' spectra! )e"e!s sported in %ar more modest /uantities b$ the courtiers ':u!pepper Luneberg, Scourge o% the outcast Aan$#ho!' Luneberg reached his throne, and !o"ered himse!% into it "ith a grace that be!ied his bu!# His harem arranged itse!% !anguid!$ at his %eet, each courtesan rec!ining "ith an e0pression o% studied disinterest that made the courtiers' appear positive!$ amateurish So distant "ere their e0pressions that Lucian brie%!$ entertained the notion that the$ might be drugged, or perhaps even !obotomised< it certain!$ "ou!d not be the %irst time he had encountered such Si!ence descended once more (!though mere seconds in duration, the interva! seemed to !ast an eternit$ E$es open, mouth shut, Lucian reminded himse!%, and "as re"arded %or his patience as, %or a second time, the %unctionar$ addressed the chamber 'M$ !ords!' &he cro"d's attention s"itched to the %unctionar$ once more Luneberg, "ho had thus %ar paid no visib!e attention to the proceedings, turned his head and nodded subt!$ to the %unctionar$ '* present to $ou, the Lord (rcadius, Lucian Gerrit!' Ever$ head in the chamber turned to"ards Lucian, sudden %ascination "rit !arge across each %ace *t "as as i% the cro"d had noticed them %or the %irst time Men bo"ed in sa!ute< "omen pouted behind /uivering %ans &he transition "as /uite start!ing, and Lucian strugg!ed to retain his composure !est the s!ightest hint o% surprise cross his %ace and insu!t his host Luneberg turned %rom his %unctionar$ to !oo# direct!$ at Lucian His courtesans, sudden!$ attentive, !eaned %or"ards, dar#, predator$ e$es and parted !ips betra$ing no'doubt %eigned attraction Luneberg spread his arms "ide 'Let the ta!#s begin!'

CHAPTER THREE
'(R:HE3&E:H, .3@'RE S@RE,'

Luneberg had !ed the rogue traders straight to his private audience chamber, disp!a$ing a haste to dive into negotiations verging on "hat Lucian considered impo!itic >urthermore, Lucian noted straight a"a$ that the *mperia! :ommander appeared un"i!!ing to trust even the s!ightest detai! o% the ta!#s to a chance!!or or attendant So be it, Lucian had thought< "e'!! do things his "a$ Lucian !eaned %or"ards in his seat, his e!bo"s resting on the ancient "ood o% the tab!e (cross %rom him, a gagg!e o% po"dered %!un#ies cro"ded around to attend their master as he he!d court Luneberg "aved o%% a %ussing servant '4uite sure M$ agents !ocated the source "hi!st pursuing privateers in

the emp!o$ o% a troub!esome neighbour * have since entered into an arrangement "ith the !oca!s, and opened up a trade route ' Lucian's interest "as pi/ued So, Luneberg had come into a supp!$ o% ancient techno!ogica! arte%acts pre'dating the *mperium 2no"n as archeotech, Lucian #ne", as on!$ a man o% his station cou!d, that such items "ere the remnants o% the %irst "ave o% human co!onisation o% the ga!a0$, !e%tovers %rom a go!den age !ong !ost to the men o% the %ort$'%irst mi!!ennium, and va!uab!e be$ond measure or imagination, even his He g!anced to"ards 2orvane, and then ;rie!!e, g!ad to see that both "ere #eeping a straight %ace, be%ore continuing 'So $ou have a supp!$'' Lucian said, ?but $ou need a bro#er< someone "ith the contacts to turn that supp!$ into demand ' Luneberg !i%ted a "ide, ba!!oon'shaped g!ass and too# a he%t$ s"ig o% "hat Lucian sa" "as imported amasec o% midd!ing pedigree '4uite so, m$ dear Lucian * o%%er $ou e0c!usive bro#erage Name $our rate ' No" it "as Lucian's turn to %eign indi%%erence ;ehind his neutra! %acade his mind raced, ca!cu!ating a thousand and more possibi!ities< a stead$ supp!$ o% archeotech that he and he a!one cou!d se!! on to those "ho had an interest in such things *t "as in tota! contravention o% the !a"s o% the *mperium o% course, but Lucian "as a rogue trader, and to a!! intents and purposes above such constraints 3n man$ occasions that an (rcadius had con/uered a ne" "or!d, certain items o% 'specia!ist' interest had %ound their "a$ bac# to the *mperium Man$ and varied "ere those "ho "ou!d pa$ e0treme!$ "e!! %or pre'*mperium or 0enos arte%acts, ranging %rom the arcane researchers o% the (dep'tus Mechanicus to the highborn di!ettantes %or their private co!!ections Such an enterprise might save the (rcadius %rom short'term ban#ruptc$, #eeping them a%!oat unti! 2orvane came into his inheritance &hirt$'three per cent, to be revie"ed a%ter the %irst shipment< * co!!ect' Luneberg p!aced his g!ass on the tab!e be%ore him, his movements ca!cu!ated and de!iberate He made a sho" o% stud$ing the vesse! %or a moment be%ore rep!$ing &"ent$'%ive, and $ou don't ' Lucian had #no"n that the *mperia! :ommander "ou!d never accept his opening o%%er, but "as curious as to ho" he "ou!d react to Lucian co!!ecting the arte%acts himse!% -ou!d he tr$ to protect his source, did he trust Lucian enough to %actor it into the dea!, &hirt$ * co!!ect ' Lucian heard 2orvane cough at this His son "as no doubt tr$ing, in his "a$, to "arn him against pushing Luneberg too %ar 2orvane #ne" as "e!! as Lucian ho" threatened the d$nast$'s %ortunes

"ere '* see $ou %or a man "ho trusts on!$ his o"n s#i!!, Ger'rit, and * can s$mpathise entire!$ &he burden o% command o% a "or!d o% the *mperium is perhaps not so di%%erent to $our o"n position as head o% $our d$nast$= *% Luneberg "as tr$ing to get a reaction out o% him he "ou!d %ai!, thought Lucian, a!though, despite himse!%, he %e!t his hac#!es rise Luneberg !eant %or"ard, !oc#ing e$es "ith Lucian &"ent$, and $ou ma$ co!!ect &hat's m$ %ina! o%%er ' Lucian he!d the *mperia! :ommander's ga+e, acute!$ a"are that his son "as s/uirming "ith discom%ort at the dea! on the tab!e &o be revie"ed upon the %irst co!!ection= Luneberg raised his g!ass &o be revie"ed upon the %irst co!!ection= '&H(&'S *&, >(&HER,' 2orvane a!most stumb!ed as he ran to #eep up "ith Lucian as he strode to the "aiting shutt!e &hat's the negotiations over,' Lucian ha!ted, turning to %ace his son in one %!uid movement '3ver, No son, that's )ust the beginning Even no", "e're deep in negotiations -hat $ou )ust sa" "ere on!$ the opening moves Luneberg's up to something * #no" that, and he #no"s * #no" that Depending on "hat "e bring bac# %rom the %irst run, that's "hen "e rea!!$ start doing business= &hat's "h$ $ou re%used to be dra"n on us co!!ecting the goods,' 2orvane as#ed as ;rie!!e caught up "ith him and her %ather ':orrect So !ong as he's open to revie"ing die dea! a%ter the %irst run, * don't care "hat margin "e ma#e at mis point * need to ascertain e0act!$ "hat "e're dea!ing "ith be%ore "e ma#e an$ commitments Luneberg #no"s that too, so he's !etting us do things on our terms %or the time being= 2orvane considered this, "hi!e ;rie!!e as#ed, 'Does he #no" "hat he rea!!$ has, "ith mis so'ca!!ed archeotech,' G!ad that at !east one o% his o%%spring "as pa$ing attention, Lucian said, '* suspect not Most !i#e!$ that's %or us to "orr$ about *% "e %ind he's on to something good, he'!! #no" that b$ our negotiating stance ' ;rie!!e nodded, her %ace thought%u! as a gent!e "ind stirred her !ong b!ac# braids >or an instant, Lucian "as reminded o% her mother He dismissed the image as soon as it appeared in his mind (s the bree+e bui!t, the three boarded their shutt!e, to return to the orbita! and their vesse!s Lucian hesitated %or a moment, ho"ever, be%ore raising the ramp, compe!!ed to cast a g!ance behind him at the brooding %orm o% :u!pepper Luneberg's vast pa!ace as it dominated the )umb!ed s#$!ine o% :hasmata :apita!is He "as struc# b$ the notion that a!! "as

not "e!! on the Eastern Rim, and that events might soon get interesting Not %or the %irst time in his !ong !i%e, Lucian savoured the thought that %e" !ed as remar#ab!e a !i%e as that o% a rogue trader He s!apped the ramp contro!, and sta!#ed %rom the porta! as the shutt!e !i%ted o%% L@:*(N RE:L*NED *N his command throne as he studied the star maps o% the surrounding region o% space &he %!oti!!a had e0ited the "arp, its Navigators maintaining %ormation "ith such s#i!! that "ithin ha!% a da$, a!! three vesse!s "ere inbound to the "or!d upon "hich the$ "ere to obtain Luneberg's archeotech ' Sigma 4'BB &he 4'BB s$stem !a$ upon the ver$ shores o% an area o% space re%erred to as the Damoc!es Gu!% >i%t$ thousand !ight $ears %rom Sacred &erra, the region had bare!$ been surve$ed, even ten thousand $ears into the (ge o% the *mperium Man$ s$stems a!ong the outer edge o% the eastern spira! arm "ere iso!ated and in"ard'!oo#ing, "rac#ed "ith se!%'interest and paranoia, as %ear%u! o% attracting the notice o% the (dministratum ' the *mperium's impossib!$ vast bureaucrac$ ' as me$ "ere o% hosti!e a!ien attention Lucian considered such a mindset per%ect!$ appropriate %or the teeming, p!anet'bound masses &he common man had no business "ith space trave!, Lucian he!d, and it "as certain!$ true mat a great man$ "or!ds "ithin the *mperium #ept their sub)ects in ignorance as to its nature Some popu!ations "ere so e%%icient!$ ru!ed that the common man had no in#!ing that the *mperium e0isted be$ond his o"n, p!anet'bound hori+ons Rogue traders ho"ever, had an Emperor'given right, indeed, a responsibi!it$ to pierce the outer dar#, shining the !ight o% civi!isation into the vast, uncharted reaches o% space, and, inevitab!$, to amass po"er and "ea!th be$ond measure a!ong the "a$ &he region into "hich Lucian and his %!oti!!a trave!!ed "as one rare!$ visited b$ the agents o% the *mperium >e" had an$ business mis %ar out, e0cept %or outbound E0p!orator %!eets and rogue traders such as he &hose mat did pass be$ond the *mperium's borders rare!$ returned, %or horrors be$ond imagining !ur#ed about the ancient stars at the ver$ ga!a0$'s edge &he archives o% the (rca'dius "ere %u!! to over%!o"ing "im accounts o% contact "ith creatures the !i#e o% "hich the preachers o% the *mperia! :reed denounced as utter b!asphemies .et Lucian's ancestors had a!"a$s returned triumphant %rom such encounters, their cargo ho!ds groaning "ith boot$ Some had con/uered through "ar, others through trade &o the (rcadius, each "as but one side o% the same coin Lucian $earned %or such da$s again, and

he!d on to the precious notion that his %ortunes "ou!d soon improve .et, out here, such dreams rang ho!!o", thought Lucian, as he cast his ga+e through the %or"ard vie"ing port &here "as something about the region that !e%t a chi!! in the sou!, a deep'seated impression that some' thing "as someho" "rong &he ste!!ar c!uster that contained Luneberg's "or!d, as "e!! as the domains o% severa! do+en other *mperia! :ommanders bordered the gu!% on its core"ard side &hen, to the ga!actic east, nothing, %or !ight $ears ' not even the most insigni%icant o% nebu!ae *t "as as i% the ga!a0$ itse!% shunned the depths o% the gu!%, on!$ the !ight o% the stars on its %ar side daring to cross it &hose stars "ere dense!$ pac#ed, but never surve$ed, according to the archives o% the (rcadius, a!though that did not mean an E0p!orator %!eet had not passed through at some time in the past mi!!ennia &he records o% the *mperium "ere simp!$ too vast, too spra"!ing, too incomp!ete to record a!! such in%ormation 'Entering upper orbit sir= ca!!ed the he!msman, snapping Lucian out o% his re%!ections (s the Oceanid came about, entering her station'#eeping orbit in as state!$ a manner as the most grand o% *mperia! Nav$ batt!eships, the "or!d o% Sigma 4'BB c!imbed into vie" &he archives spo#e !itt!e o% the 4'BB s$stem, and Luneberg had provided most o% the data that Lucian "as e0pected to re!$ upon &hat meant Lucian "ou!d not re!$ upon it ' not $et at !east &he records stated it "as a barren, !i%e!ess "or!d, "ith an atmosphere on!$ bare!$ capab!e o% supporting human !i%e -hat business !i%e had needed 4'BB to support there, Lucian cou!d not te!! >rom orbit, he cou!d see that airborne partic!es cho#ed the s#ies o% 4'BB, s"ept a!ong in #i!ometres'high streams &he dust storms raging across the sur%ace "ere so dense that not a scrap o% !and "as visib!e, not even the !anding +one, and that "as apparent!$ sited in the area !east a%%ected b$ the %ou! atmospheric condi' tions '3perations,' Lucian ca!!ed over to an o%%icer stationed in the cre" pit &he o!d man, Ranta#ha, had served three generations o% the (rcadius, and !oo#ed, to Lucian's e$es, more !i#e one o% the servitors each $ear He !oo#ed up %rom the cogitator ban# into "hich he had been entering a !ong stream o% data 'Have m$ shutt!e readied and coordinate a %!ight p!an "ith the Rosetta and the Fairlight. *'!! be there short!$ ' Ranta#ha sa!uted smart!$, and Lucian heard him e%%icient!$ issuing his orders to his operations cre" as he strode o%% the dec# 1assing his cabin, Lucian "a!#ed do"n the centra! companion"a$ o% his vesse! &hough not as vast as a Nav$ ship, the Oceanid had once been

home to severa! thousand sou!s, but the sou!!ess automatons that "ere servitors served increasing!$ more and more %unctions, and the numbers o% honest, %!esh and b!ood men in his service decreased in direct proportion Human cre" carried out man$ more< cre" press'ganged upon a number o% "or!ds, o% "hich the (rcadius he!d the ancestra! rite to ta#e its cut o% the varied %!otsam and )etsam that "ashed up there (s Lucian approached his destination, he "as given cause to curse the %ate that had %i!!ed his be!oved ship "ith men such as these (pproaching the shutt!e ba$ amidships, Lucian turned %irst to enter the batter$ ' that part o% the vesse! set aside to store the man$ thousands o% tonnes o% high!$ destructive ordnance used b$ its might$ "eapons &he batter$ "as situated in the ver$ heart o% the Oceanid. *t "as surrounded b$ man$ metres o% adamantium, the strongest, most resi!ient materia! #no"n to man Lucian's %ather had %re/uent!$ rega!ed him "ith the stor$ that shou!d the Oceanid be destro$ed, her batter$ "ou!d survive intact, to dri%t end!ess!$ in space unti! devoured b$ a void beast, or ensnared b$ the ine0orab!e pu!! o% a b!ac# ho!e Lucian had be!ieved him at the time, and even no", standing in %ront o% the batter$'s armoured porta!, it "as not such an eas$ ta!e to dismiss out o% hand ( gene'!oc# guarded the porta!, ensuring that no one other than Lucian, the master o% ordnance and his trusted under'o%%icers cou!d gain access to it Lucian inserted his hand into a "aiting recess, as %ar as his "rist, pa!m up He %e!t the sharp pric# o% the need!e that "as siphoning o%% a tin$ samp!e o% his b!ood ( moment !ater, a chime sounded and the armoured porta!s rumb!ed open amidst a burst o% steam and %!ashing red beacons Lucian entered the batter$ -ithin, vast rac#s o% ordnance receded severa! hundred metres do"n the ver$ spine o% the ship, dar#ness s"a!!o"ing a!! but the c!osest :!un#ing servitors, three times !arger than those serving on the bridge, pro"!ed the ro"s< on!$ their heads and upper torso betra$ed a human origin, %or pistons and po"er coup!ings had rep!aced much o% their bodies, enab!ing them to he%t the might$ she!!s onto "aiting gurne$s &hese paid Lucian no heed as he too# a cand!e ' part votive, part !ight source ' %rom a "aiting a!cove, and !it it, the better to navigate do"n a ro" o% p!asma coi! %uses He entered an arched noo# -ithin "as housed Lucian's persona! armour$ &he (rcadius had amassed, over the generations, the "eapons to e/uip a sma!! arm$, and had in %act done so severa! times in their histor$ &he "eapons and e/uipment housed "ithin the batter$, ho"ever, "ere o% an entire!$

di%%erent nature &he$ "ere rare in the e0treme, and in man$ cases, devastating be$ond compare "ith an$ "eapons in the *mperium's arsena! Man$ "ere the creations o% the most ce!ebrated o% "eaponsmiths, others "ere o% un#no"n heritage, some perhaps even pre'dating the *mperium itse!% Sti!! more "ere o% obvious a!ien manu%acture, such as the disruptor Lucian "ore at his be!t, and these "ere the most )ea!ous!$ guarded o% a!! (t the end o% the !ong rac#s o% e0otic "eapons, suits o% armour stood motion!ess &he$ "ere painted in the hereditar$ co!ours o% the (rcadius9 deep red edged "ith go!d, $et each "as ver$ di%%erent in design Some "ere o!d, their !oving!$ repainted she!!s pitted "ith scars "on in count!ess g!orious batt!es 3thers "ere covered in spider$ script, !itanies o% protection against the enemies o% man#ind Severa! suits "ere !ight"eight, designed %or situations "hen a degree o% protection cou!d be sacri%iced in e0change %or additiona! mobi!it$ 3thers "ere heav$ and cumbersome, riva!!ing the &erminator armour "orn b$ the e!ite o% the (deptus (startes, so heav$ "ere their armoured p!ates 3nce more, a ta!e %rom chi!dhood came unbidden to Lucian's mind &he stor$ to!d o% an ancestor "ho had %a!!en in batde, against the e!dar i% he reca!!ed correct!$< but this ancient (rcadius had not died, though his "ounds "ere indeed grievous (ccording to the ta!e, the tech'priests o% the (deptus Mechanicus had borne him a"a$, to attend to him in their machine temp!e, to minister to his bod$ and, the$ had promised, ma#e him one "ith the 3mnissiah ' the Machine'God His %o!!o"ers had a"aited his return %or man$ da$s and nights, pra$ing that the tech'priests might restore his bod$ to at !east a semb!ance o% its %ormer vita!it$ >ina!!$, having a!most given up hope, the retainers "ere astounded "hen a hu!#ing machine, t"ice the height o% a man, emerged %rom the temp!e, its meta! s#in painted deep red and go!d @nderstanding da"ned upon them on!$ s!o"!$, but "hen the meta! beast addressed them through !oud hai!ers mounted upon its armour, the$ heard the barest remnants o% the voice o% their master His bro#en bod$ "as %orever encased "ithin a dreadnought, an honour usua!!$ reserved e0c!usive!$ %or the mightiest o% Space Marines Lucian's ancestor had !ed his d$nast$ %or man$ decades to come He had %orged his p!ace in the histor$ o% the *mperium, !eading man$ more con/uests against the benighted "or!ds o% the eastern rim *n his dar#er moments, Lucian %eared such da$s might never return to his !ine Sighing, Lucian se!ected a suit o% armour He anticipated no troub!e on Sigma 4'BB, $et as head o% the (rcadius, he "as e0pected, b$ centuries

o% tradition, to "ear the hereditar$ s$mbo! o% his ran# ( suit o% po"er armour "ou!d su%%ice, one Lucian had "orn man$ times, one "hose "ar spirit #ne" him as "e!! as he #ne" it &he individua! parts o% the armour "ere cumbersome, $et Lucian dressed himse!%, pre%erring the additiona! e%%ort to the intrusion o% a servitor or rating aiding him (s he pu!!ed on the armoured g!oves, %!e0ing them to a"a#en the machine impu!ses, Lucian re%!ected on the suit's vintage *t had come into the d$nast$ during the time o% Mathan Gerrit, #no"n %or his 0enocida! crusade against the burgeoning Ree# E0c!aves, and sti!! bore the scar %rom the encounter that #i!!ed its %irst o"ner Lucian dre" strength %rom the %act that he "ore a suit in "hich an ancestor had met a vio!ent death, #no"ing that, a!though Mathan sat at the right hand o% the Emperor, some ttace o% his %amous!$ indomitab!e "i!! remained, %orever d"e!!ing "ithin his batt!e armour -ith his pisto!s at his be!t, and his armour %u!!$ po"ered up, Lucian %e!t a %ami!iar strength return to him &he armour "as too heav$ %or a norma! man to bear, re!$ing instead on a comp!e0 arra$ o% %ibre bund!es to move its "eight in response to its "earer's movements Lucian %ound the e%%ect embo!dening, !ending him strength and con%idence as he strode out %rom the armour$, ma#ing his "a$ a!ong the centra! companion"a$ to"ards the shutt!e hangar &he shutt!e id!ed upon the armoured dec#, the under!ighting o% the dec# !ights !ending it a threatening aspect amidst the shado"ed, cavernous ba$ >at cab!es sna#ed a!! around the shutde as its s$stems "ere made read$ %or the coming %!ight, its reactor primed and its machine spirit %u!!$ a"a#ened ( pair o% heav$ servitors and a po"er !i%ter p!odded heav$'%ooted around the ship, !oading e0terna! %ue! tan#s and cargo pods &he rear portion o% the shutt!e consisted o% a modu!ar component that cou!d be s"apped out, depending upon the nature o% the shutde's mission &his component "as con%igured to transport Lucian himse!% and a sma!! amount o% cargo, and it a"aited him in its !o"ered position, its open %ront accessib!e be!o" the b!unt pro" and s"ept "ings o% the ship He #ne" that both his chi!dren's shutdes "ou!d be con%igured in a !i#e manner, and "hi!st he "ou!d have !i#ed to have made the p!anet%a!! "ith one or both o% them, the$ needed to ma0imise the amount o% cargo the$ cou!d carr$ bac# to the "aiting vesse!s &he pi!ot, 3ria 2a$!e, stood "aiting beneath the shutde's "ings ( ta!! man in his thirties, 2a$!e "as the !atest o% a !ong !ine that had served the (rcadius %aith%u!!$ %or man$ centuries Lucian's %ather had a"arded the 3rias the status o% %reeman %or his part in saving the Oceanid %rom a!ien in%i!tration during the De'Norm E0termination 3ria's %ather had

accepted the promotion in status, $et remained to serve the (rcadius, p!edging his !ine "i!!ing!$ and proud!$ to vo!untar$ service Lucian "as grate%u! he had, %or the 2a$!es bred pi!ots "ithout compare 2a$!e thre" a smart sa!ute as Lucian approached, the bund!e o% cab!es hanging !oose %rom the !e%t side o% his %orehead sha#ing as he did so '*s she read$, 3ria,' Lucian cast a pro%essiona! e$e over the shutt!e, seeing %or himse!% in an instant that she "as '.es m$ !ord (!! preparations are comp!ete 3ur %!ight p!an is registered and "e can !aunch as soon as $ou give the order= '*t'!! be a rough drop .ou're sure she's up to it,' Lucian harboured no doubts regarding his pi!ot's s#i!! or the preparations invested in the shutt!e, but #ne" the ris#s o% the !anding the$ "ere about to underta#e &he atmospheric conditions "ere appa!!ing, and the data on the !anding +one incomp!ete 'M$ !ord, i% $our order is to !and upon the sur%ace o% Sigma 4'BB, then this "i!! happen * p!edge it upon m$ %ami!$'s honour .ou have m$ "ord ' Lucian nodded He needed no more< %or he #ne" the pi!ot's "ord "as as good as his o"n -hat are "e hanging about here %or then,' He smi!ed 'Let's go ' &HE S&3RM'-R(:2ED s#ies o% Sigma 4'BB %i!!ed the portho!e at Lucian's side, the vie" sha#ing vio!ent!$ as the shutt!e hurt!ed through the thin, upper atmosphere (!though compensated %or b$ the shutt!e's s$stems, the vio!ence o% the drop "as notab!e Lucian cou!d %ee! the heat bui!ding up, his po"er armour's o"n mechanisms %ighting to counter it 2a$!e's voice sounded in Lucian's ear, carried b$ the ships intercom $et crac#!ing and distorted as i% transmitted across !ight $ears o% space '1assing through the ionosphere no", m$ !ord &here appears to have been some recent so!ar activit$, so * e0pect some p!asma damage Nothing "e can't hand!e though &he Emperor protects ' &he Emperor protects,' Lucian echoed &he shutt!e buc#ed vio!ent!$, thro"ing Lucian's head against the padded seatbac# &he sha#ing increased and the temperature rose noticeab!$ &he upper atmosphere o% Sigma 4'BB no" comp!ete!$ %i!!ed the port, and Lucian cou!d ma#e out the patterns o% the raging storm c!ouds, angr$ "hite, vio!et and gre$ Might$ energ$ discharges arced across the s#ies, bac# !ighting ban#s o% c!ouds man$ hundreds o% #i!ometres across &he c!ouds !oomed, and rose impossib!$ %ast to s"a!!o" the shutt!e &he vie"ing port "as s"amped, the c!ouds so dense that on!$ the strobing !ightning "as visib!e &he sha#ing increased sti!! %urther, made vio!ent and )arring b$ the additiona! %riction generated as the shutt!e screamed

through the high c!ouds 2a$!e's voice sounded once more 'M$ !ord, "e're approaching a rough'' He "as cut o%% as the shutde !urched up"ards, on!$ to p!ummet "hat %e!t to Lucian !i#e severa! #i!ometres in the span o% mere seconds &his "as shaping up to be a rough drop, thought Lucian, perhaps as rough as the 2a!purnican *nter%ace He gritted his teem against a second !urch, and a %urther p!unge that e0ceeded even the %irst E0cept this second drop in a!titude brought the shutt!e out be!o" the c!oud !a$er, and Lucian "as a%%orded a vie" o% the sur%ace o% Sigma 4' BB @nder raging s#ies, a ground the co!our o% rust rushed up to meet them 2a$!e ad)usted the shutt!e's vector, bringing them in on a s!o", rounded dive %hat shed ve!ocit$ start!ing!$ %ast &he sha#ing and vibrating abated, !eaving the shutt!e bu%%eted b$ high a!titude "inds, but other"ise unmo!ested Lucian !oosened the harness that had #ept him secure during the "orst o% the drop, and activated the intercom 'M$ comp!iments, 3ria, ho" are "e !oo#ing,' Lucian cou!d hear the re!ie% as 2a$!e responded, the channe! no" c!ear o% distortion 'M$ than#s, m$ !ord &hat "as testing No appreciab!e damage, but the vesse!'s "ar spirit is much disp!eased "ith its hand!ing as "e crossed into the troposphere * %ear * ma$ be re/uired to ma#e contrition upon our return, m$ !ord ' Lucian grinned "r$!$ at 2a$!e's understatement He #ne" the pi!ot "ou!d be ministering to the shutt!e's machine spirit %or man$ !ong hours upon their return, see#ing its %orgiveness %or its mistreatment 'Do "hat $ou must, 3ria, but %irst get us bac# sa%e!$ ' '($e, sir, "e approach the !anding site no" ' '-e!! enough, Mister 2a$!e ;ring us do"n= &HE ME&E3R3S1E5 RE(D3@& in%ormed Lucian that the atmosphere outside the shutt!e "as, as Luneberg's in%ormation had stated, breathab!e *t contained a high !eve! o% airborne h$drocarbons ho"ever, and Lucian too# the precaution o% inserting miniaturised %i!tration p!ugs into the bac# o% his throat &hese "ou!d a!!o" him to breathe even i% the atmosphere became dangerous!$ to0ic, a!though the$ "ou!d be o% no use shou!d o0$gen !eve!s drop be!o" a breathab!e thresho!d :hec#ing his auspe0 "as operationa! and the coordinates %or the meeting "ith Luneberg's contact !oc#ed in, Lucian activated the !oc# &he sea! bro#e, and the ramp !o"ered, o0ide dust b!o"ing into the sma!! compartment be%ore the ramp "as %u!!$ !o"ered &he sur%ace o% Sigma 4'BB "as ever$ bit as inviting as it had appeared %rom orbit, and %ar above, deep purp!e and gre$ c!ouds trai!ed across the s#$, !ivid vio!et !ightning arcing bet"een them &he ground "as barren

and cratered, deep o0ide red, $et cast a ghost!$ hue b$ the !ightning ( co!d "ind ho"!ed, its touch chi!!ing Lucian's %ace and its shrie#ing %i!!ing his ears (!though hosti!e, the terrain bare!$ registered "ith Lucian, %or he had visited scores o% "or!ds in his career, man$ %ar, %ar stranger and more inhospitab!e than Sigma 4'BB 3ver the mi!!ennia, the (rcadius had deve!oped a si0th sense "hen it came to ne" "or!ds, an intuitive s#i!! passed do"n %rom %ather to son, demonstrated rather than taught, %e!t rather than reasoned Ever$ "or!d had a %ee! -hether $ou !anded %irst upon arid e/uatoria! desert, tropica! is!and chain or %ro+en tundra, Lucian #ne" that each "or!d had its o"n character, /uite apart and distinct %rom mere terrain or "eather Some Lucian had visited %e!t "e!coming, %ecund, and ripe %or e0p!oitation 3thers "ere instant!$ hosti!e, as i% a"are that the coming o% strangers "ou!d change its %ate %orever Lucian had read accounts o% "or!ds that his ancestors s"ore b!ind mani%ested an actua!, ma!e%ic inte!!igence, re)ecting their presence "ith ever$ asset at its disposa!, %rom "eather to %!ora and %auna Lucian paused be%ore stepping out onto the dust$ ground &he %ee! o% this "or!d immediate!$ struc# him9 it %e!t it %e!t "rong R3@ND*NG (N 3@&:R311*NG o% roc# "orn into a t"isted arch"a$ b$ aeons o% erosion, Lucian sa" that 2orvane and ;rie!!e had arrived at the rende+vous point ahead o% him He "as g!ad, %or the p!anet had about it a death!$ air, and ever$ moment he had spent trudging through the dust to"ards the meeting point had seen him gro" steadi!$ more i!! at ease 2orvane "as standing, scanning the hori+on through magnocu!ars, "hi!e his sister sat on a roc# some distance %rom him, her discom%ort obvious ;oth "ore armoured bod$suits in the co!ours o% the (rcadius, a!though neither "as as ornate as that he himse!% "ore as head o% the %ami!$ ;rie!!e !oo#ed up, hearing her %ather's %ootsteps crunching to"ards them She stood as 2orvane turned and sa" Lucian too &he three having e0changed greetings, Lucian as#ed his o%%spring, -hat do $ou ma#e o% this "or!d,' 2orvane ans"ered %irst, consu!ting his data's!ate as he spo#e '*'m surprised that Lord Luneberg's agents encountered natives here, >ather &he archives ma#e no mention o% a co!on$ here, and * can't imagine it harbouring autochthonic %orms un!ess'' ;rie!!e interrupted her brother &hat's not the point= She visib!$ shivered as she !oo#ed out across the "indb!o"n e0panses Lucian %e!t the same chi!!, and it "asn't caused b$ the temperature

Lucian addressed his daughter ?-hat is it then ;rie!!e,' '* can't te!!, >ather, but something isn't right &here's something in the "ind9 echoes o% something o!d ' Lucian he!d his daughter's ga+e unti! she !oo#ed a"a$, her dar# e$es cast do"n ( thought %ormed in his mind, and %!ed be%ore he cou!d grasp it, as 2orvane inter)ected !"ell, nothing's sho"ing up on the auspe0, so * thin# it's sa%e to move o%%= ;rie!!e !oo#ed as#ance at Lucian be%ore turning and sta!#ing o%% Lucian c!apped his son on the shou!der 'Let's go son, and #eep a "eather e$e out= 2orvane raised his auspe0, but Lucian pushed it do"n again '(n e$e= He pointed at his o"n &rust $our o"n senses, son= (s ;rie!!e c!ear!$ trusted hers, Lucian thought L@:*(N (ND H*S o%%spring trudged across a barren, !i%e!ess !andscape, the "ind steadi!$ increasing unti! the dust it carried became so dense that visibi!it$ "as reduced to ten metres and !ess &"isted roc# structures !oomed %rom the dust, si!houetted as angr$ !ightning i!!uminated the surroundings, and reminding Lucian o% rearing s!asher beasts His %ee!ing o% discom%ort had steadi!$ increased as the$ had marched to"ards the site at "hich the$ "ou!d meet Luneberg's contact He "ondered about his daughter's reaction to her surroundings -here he perceived the nature o% the "or!d as a spiritua! chi!!, ;rie!!e c!ear!$ interpreted it in an entire!$ di%%erent manner, spea#ing o% voices "hispering at the edge o% hearing 2orvane, on the other hand, apparent!$ %e!t nothing He "as either commendab!$ stead$ o% nerve, or stunning!$ insensate ' Lucian cou!d not, as $et, te!! "hich Either "a$, the bo$ "as %ated to inherit the mant!e o% the (rca'dius, and Lucian "ou!d ensure that he did Lightning strobed, and thunder crashed an instant !ater 2orvane turned and shouted over the rising storm 'Ha!% a #i!ometre to go, >ather, the meeting point is'' ;e%ore Lucian's son cou!d %inish the sentence, a dar# shape detached itse!% %rom a nearb$ roc# %ormation, dropping the three metres or so in the b!in# o% an e$e Lucian sa" this, but had no time to shout a "arning be%ore 2orvane "as bo"!ed to the ground amidst a b!ur o% thrashing a!ien appendages Lucian dre" his p!asma pisto! and charged %or"ards, reaching 2orvane as his son thrust out his !egs "ith enough %orce to prope! the beast %rom him, its man$'!egged %orm crashing into the roc# spire %rom "hich it had attac#ed Having hit the roc#, the creature dropped to the ground and tensed, read$ to !eap once more Lucian had never seen its !i#e, %or it appeared unnatura! in ph$sio!og$ ( !ump$ and misshaped bod$, a metre in diameter, sat at the centre o% at

!east a do+en !ong, mu!ti')ointed !egs, each ending in a c!uster o% ra+or' sharp ta!ons ( c!utch o% e$es scanned the scene be%ore it, each %ocusing on a di%%erent target *n an instant, the beast %ocused its attentions on ;rie!!e, "ho had arrived at the scene a moment a%ter her %ather *t !eapt through the air, prope!!ing itse!% "ith a %orce that "ou!d sure!$ decapitate an$one standing be%ore it ;rie!!e sidestepped the beast, a!!o"ing it to pass scant inches %rom her %ace She raised her right hand and dropped to a #nee!ing position in one %!uid motion &he beast hit the ground at the base o% another roc# spire and made to scutt!e up it ( )et o% b!inding %ame spouted %rom a miniature "eapon on ;rie!!e's "rist, !eaping through the air to stri#e the roc# &he %!ame sp!ashed across the spot that the beast occupied at the instant it !aunched itse!% c!ear, $et it ho"!ed "ith u!trasonic rage as the )et caught it a g!ancing b!o" across its torso ( screaming, %!aming comet o% %!ai!ing c!a"s, the creature arced through the air once more *t !anded beside 2or'vane, "ho ro!!ed aside as Lucian "as %ina!!$ ab!e to dra" a bead on it "ith his p!asma pisto! '2orvane, ro!! !e%t!' Lucian $e!!ed, seeing that the beast "ou!d be upon his son in an instant i% he did not intervene 2orvane's armour had ta#en the brunt o% the beast's attac# on him, but he "as stunned nonethe!ess Despite this, he obe$ed his %ather's order "ithout /uestion, %!inging himse!% bodi!$ against the roc# spire Lucian %ired, a ba!! o% b!inding p!asma erupting %rom his pisto!, to stri#e the %!aming, s/uea!ing beast &he p!asma bo!t struc# the creature's torso, causing it to e0p!ode in an eruption o% smo#ing gore and ra+or'sharp !imbs 3ne such !imb, tipped "ith diamond'hard chitin, "as prope!!ed through the air to score a deep scar across Lucian's shou!der armour, causing him to give brie%, but heart%e!t than#s to the suit's "ar spirit Lucian !o"ered his smo#ing "eapon, its vents shedding e0cess heat in ha+$ "aves He !oo#ed to 2orvane, on!$ to see that his son's e$es had %ocused upon something behind his shou!der S!o"!$, Lucian turned ;ehind him stood a ta!! %igure, %eatures entire!$ concea!ed amidst !ong, %!o"ing robes Ho" !ong had it stood there, he thought ' had it been "aiting the "ho!e time, to see "hether or not the$ "ou!d "in out against the beast's attac#, ( "hisper$ voice emanated %rom the depths o% the %igure's hood '.ou are, * ta#e it, the servants o% the esteemed Lord :u!pepper,' *** -*ND H3-L*NG 3@&S*DE, Lucian stood at the centre o% a !arge cavern o% obvious!$ arti%icia! construction, beside him 2orvane, his "ounds

hasti!$ dressed, and ;rie!!e ;e%ore him stood Luneberg's contact, and behind the ta!!, spind!$ %igure, a pi!e o% crates stac#ed to the cavern's roo% Having appeared at the site o% the a!ien beast's attac#, the ta!! %igure had spo#en on!$ to con%irm Lucian's identit$, apparent!$ caring !itt!e %or the %act that, as Lucian had e0p!ained, the rogue traders "ere not servants, but partners o% Luneberg Lucian had discerned "hat he too# %or a chuc#!e at this in%ormation, and the contact had mere!$ sta!#ed o%% into the storm "ith a gesture indicating that Lucian and his o%%spring shou!d %o!!o" (s Lucian had %o!!o"ed the %igure, his %ee!ing o% discom%ort had increased &he storm had c!osed in, unti! visibi!it$ "as reduced to scant metres< the$ had near!$ !ost the contact severa! times, but a!"a$s %ound him "aiting patient!$ )ust around the ne0t turn &he$ had been !ed a!ong t"isting path"a$s o% roc# spires, do"n "hich the "ind echoed and "ai!ed, on!$ serving to increase Lucian's unease ( g!ance at ;rie!!e to!d Lucian that his daughter %e!t !i#e"ise, %or her bro" "as %urro"ed and her e$es stee!$ 2orvane, b$ contrast, appeared "e!! at ease Lucian #ne" that he too# the situation %or a %orma! contact bet"een trading parties, and "ou!d proceed a!ong such !ines unti! %ate determined other"ise (t moments !i#e this, Lucian thought, 2orvane had the right idea *n short order, the$ had arrived at the entrance to the cave in "hich the$ no" stood Entering, Lucian had been greeted b$ the sight o% the crates pi!ed high &he contact no" crossed to the nearest and activated a contro! set in its side &he crate %!oated up ha!% a metre, to hover at "aist height Lucian concea!ed his surprise, %or anti'gravitic techno!og$ "as rare "ithin the *mperium, and genera!!$ con%ined to sma!! app!ications such as those generators %ound "ithin servo's#u!!s or to %ar !arger uses in starship construction Lucian had never seen it mani%ested in such a uti!itarian manner as to raise a simp!e cargo crate &he robed %igure activated a second contro! stud, and the crate's top !i%ted open "ith a s!ight hiss o% escaping, pressurised air ( "isp o% vapour rose and dissipated, as the contact reached into the crate to "ithdra" a meta!!ic c$!inder, "hich he pro%%ered to Lucian as he bo"ed Lucian too# the ob)ect, his ga+e !ingering on the ta!! %igure %or a moment be%ore he e0amined it &he ob)ect "as heav$ and so!id, "ith no obvious %unction that Lucian cou!d discern 3ne end appeared to house some %orm o% terminus, though )ust "hat t$pe o% machine it "ou!d inter%ace "ith "as be$ond

even Lucian &urning the ob)ect over in his hands, Lucian sa" that the other end "as adorned "ith some %orm o% script Lucian's heart missed a beat, $et he remained dispassionate, handing the ob)ect bac# to the contact 'Luneberg "i!! be p!eased= Lucian addressed the %igure '* am happ$ to ta#e de!iver$ o% these items= '(R:HE3&E:H M. (RSE!' &he three rogue traders stood at the ramp o% ;rid!e's shutt!e, the crates read$ to !oad Having ascertained the true nature o% the items the$ had ta#en possession o%, Lucian had instructed his chi!dren to activate the anti'grav motors in each crate, and had ta#en !eave o% Luneberg's contact in as hast$ a manner as he cou!d "ithout it appearing so &he three no" stood read$ to !oad the crates onto ;rie!!e's shutt!e, "hich "as !arger than Lucian's or 2orvane's ;rie!!e !aid a hand on a nearb$ crate, and as#ed her %ather9 '-hat then,' '-hatever's in these crates is not o% pre'*mperium manu%acture *n %act, * can't be!ieve Luneberg "ou!d thin# these cou!d be an$thing other than 0enos arte%acts= 2orvane bro#e in 'So he !ied,' ;rie!!e rep!ied, '3r he has no idea= 'More !i#e!$,' Lucian said, 'he #no"s %ar more than he's !etting on He ma$ not be a"are o% e0act!$ "ho, or "hat, he's doing business "ith, but he #no"s it goes "a$ be$ond the pa!e o% "hat the (dministratum considers acceptab!e behaviour %or an *mperia! :ommander &hat's "h$ he needs us -e're rogue traders -e can go p!aces he cannot, meet contacts he cannot Do dea!s he cannot= 'Dea!s "ith 0enos,' ;rie!!e said

CHAPTER FOUR
;R*ELLE -(*&ED @N&*L her shutt!e had c!eared Sigma 4'BB's outer atmosphere, be%ore %reeing herse!% %rom the grav'couch harness &he sma!! cabin "as cro"ded "ith the a!ien cargo crates She crossed to the nearest, perching herse!% on its edge and running a %ingertip a!ong the invisib!e seam around its top She had guessed immediate!$ that the so' ca!!ed 'archeotech' "as in %act 0enos in origin< in %act, she had had her suspicions the moment Luneberg's contact had appeared (!though her %ather had not remar#ed upon it, %or his o"n un#no"ab!e reasons, she had immediate!$ ta#en the ta!! %igure %or something other than human &hat "asn't to sa$, ho"ever, that it "as entire!$ a!ien, %or humanit$ "as a tru!$ diverse species, "ith stabi!ised mutant strains common, particu!ar!$ %ar %rom the *mperium's centres o% po"er ;rie!!e had served at her %ather's side since chi!dhood, and, %ar more so

than her stepbrother, had been %aced "ith a!iens be%ore She had conversed "ith the e!dar o% the Stee! E$e Reavers, stood be%ore the haunting :hanters o% Miras, and had even caught a g!impse, as %e" humans ever had and !ived, o% the near'e0tinct #hrave 2orvane had achieved none o% this, having studied the intrigues o% high court at his mother's side "hi!st ;rie!!e trave!!ed the stars "ith her %ather -hi!e 2or'vane's chi!dhood had been a time o% c!oistered stud$ and training, ;rie!!e had !earned the "a$s o% her mother's peop!e and her %ather's both, simu!taneous!$ dra"ing strength %rom the traditions o% :hogoris and the (rcadius (s she traced the crate's a!ien !ines, her touch reached the contro! stud set into its side She hopped o%% the crate's top be%ore pressing the stud do"n She #ne" she shou!d not do so Her %ather "ou!d disapprove She did so an$"a$ &he previous!$ invisib!e seam parted, and the !id rose "ith a gent!e hiss (s the vapour c!eared, she !oo#ed "ithin ( po!$hedra! ob)ect !a$ inside, a thin sheen o% %rost g!istening brie%!$ be%ore dispersing ( thri!! coursed through her as she considered that mere!$ to possess such an item "as, %or the vast ma)orit$ o% humans, to invite the "rath o% the *mperium's highest authorities .et ;rie!!e had !earned %rom her %ather's e0amp!e that such !a"s did not app!$ to such as her &o the common sub)ect o% the *mperium o% Man, the 0enos "as a ghast!$, s!avering beast gna"ing at the borders o% human space, "aiting in ambush amongst the stars to entrap, ens!ave or devour those %oo!ish enough to !eave the securit$ o% their o"n "or!d *n %act, most humans had no in#!ing as to the e0istence o% a!ien races, be$ond the %e" names that ranting preachers berated them "ith &he$ #ne" o% or#s, the barbarous green's#inned and utter!$ "ar'!i#e beasts that made "ar on the *mperium in ever'increasing invasions, but the$ had no idea as to the or#s' true nature ;rie!!e had visited the "astes o% Gommoragh and seen %irst hand "hat the$ cou!d do to a "or!d &he$ ma$ a!so have heard o% the e!dar, a race that "as o%ten he!d up as the u!timate "arning against intemperance and se!%' serving pro%!igac$ Such ta!es repe!!ed most peop!e, a!though others "ere strange!$ attracted to them Such "as the nature o% humanit$ She reached into the case, a thri!! o% danger passing through her &his "as dangerous, she #ne", %oo!ish in the e0treme, %or the case might contain an$thing %rom to0ic chemica!s to a !etha! "eapon She %e!t the co!d o% its unseen stabi!isation s$stems, but hesitated %or on!$ a heartbeat be%ore !a$ing her hand upon the co!d meta! o% the ob)ect she %ound "ithin She !i%ted it c!ear, ho!ding it up be%ore her %ace *ts man$

sur%aces "ere constructed o% some %orm o% du!!, hard meta!, and each %acet housed a sing!e, hemispherica! bu!ge o% a deep, green, )e"e!'!i#e materia! *ts purpose "as entire!$ hidden, and no contro! devices o% an$ sort "ere apparent ;rie!!e turned the ob)ect around in her hand, ho!ding it higher to catch the !ight o% the cabin's i!!umination &he sha!!o"est o% seams "ere etched across its sur%aces, tracing a de!icate !attice, $et sti!! she cou!d discern no "a$ in "hich the ob)ect might be activated or uti!ised She brought the ob)ect c!ose to her %ace and peered right into the g!ass$ depths o% one o% the green bu!ges She gasped, a!most dropping the ob)ect as a shiver ran through her Aust %or an instant, as she !oo#ed "ithin the )e"e!, she had the distinct and unp!easant sensation that something had peered right bac# out at her &he intercom bu++ed, a voice announcing, 'Mistress -e are beginning our approach on the Fairlight.' De!icate!$, ;rie!!e rep!aced the 0enos device in its crate, the bracing mou!ding itse!% around the ob)ect's bu!# She activated the contro! stud, and the !id s!id bac# on si!ent runners, sea!ing itse!% against the outside "or!d, its seam disappearing ;rie!!e !oo#ed across at her grav'couch, but decided against crossing to it She "ou!d trave! in the coc#pit *t ma$ be !ess "e!! appointed, she thought, but %rom there she cou!d vie" her cruiser, the Fairlight as the$ approached *t "as as "e!! to savour the trappings o% po"er ever$ no" and then &here "as a heav$ bu!#head door at the %ore o% the cabin, "hich ;rie!!e hau!ed open, passing do"n a short companion"a$ to the cabin Her pi!ot turned in greeting as she appeared behind him, his hard'"ired c$bernetics restricting the movement to his nec# and upper torso 'Mistress, "e doc# in %our point seven minutes,' Goanna the pi!ot said 'Good * thin# *'!! "atch,' ;rie!!e said as she c!imbed into the unoccupied co'pi!ot's position .es, mistress= he said, be%ore turning bac# to %ocus his entire attention on his tas# *% the man %e!t an$ discom%ort at his mistress's presence, he hid it "e!! ;rie!!e had troub!e reading o!d Goanna at the best o% times, %or, over the decades he had served the (rcadius, he had become increasing!$ at one "ith his vesse!, and had been %itted "ith ever more c$bernetic inter%aces and ports, a!!o"ing him to commune more c!ose!$ "ith its machine spirit (t times, she suspected that he "as in the grip o% some %orm o% re!igious ecstas$, such as the saints o% the scriptures "ere "ont to enter "hen at one "ith the spirit o% the Emperor Severa! $ears bac#, he had re/uested he be a!!o"ed to ta#e permanent station at the shutt!e's contro!s, and ;rie!!e had granted him his "ish Since then, he

had !ed the e0istence o% a servitor, $et he "as no !obotomised, mind' scrubbed mono'tas#er He "as a va!ued servant o% her d$nast$, and he honoured his mistress "ith his sacri%ice in her service ;rie!!e rec!ined in the grav'couch, strapping herse!% in as the$ began their approach on the Fairlight. (t %irst, her vesse! "as not visib!e, %or it "as !ost in the shado" o% Sigma 4'BB &hen, as Goanna ad)usted the shutt!e's course, a sma!! conste!!ation rose into vie", the tight!$ arranged running !ights o% her ship, the on!$ sign o% the cruiser that "as visib!e against the in#$ b!ac# o% space ( series o% red !ights %!ic#ered and strobed across Goanna's contro!s, but he spo#e "ithout sparing them a g!ance '>our minutes, mistress= &he shutde's manoeuvring )ets %ired, the contro!!ed b!asts rumb!ing through the sma!! cabin E0pert!$, and "ith !itt!e in the "a$ o% ph$sica! manipu!ation, Goanna nursed the shutde around onto a heading that "ou!d bring it into per%ect interception "ith the Fanlight's shutde ba$ ;rie!!e re%!ected "ith si!ent respect )ust ho" deep!$ her pi!ot no" communed "ith his vesse!, suspecting that the pairing "as b$ no" permanent &he manoeuvring comp!ete, Goanna gent!$ %ed po"er to the main drives &he shutt!e moved %or"ards again, and the Fairlight !oomed out o% the g!oom Sma!!er than the Oceanid b$ a /uarter o% a !ength, the vesse! "as a c!assic o% the ;a##an ship"rights' art, her pro" !ong and e!egant and her s"ept %ins a%%ording her the aspect o% a s!ee#, predator$ sea creature Her hu!! "as the co!our o% s!ate, ma#ing her harder $et to ma#e out against the in#$ b!ac# o% space, $et the %ins, mounted vertica!!$ on either side o% the pro" sported the co!ours o% the (rcadius 'deep red, "ith go!den chevrons, a device that even the most haught$ o% rogue traders #ne", and had once at !east, respected ( !ine o% dancing red !ights indicated the !anding ba$, a!though ;rie!!e #ne" Goanna had no need o% their guidance He brought the shutt!e in on a grace%u! course, the heav$, armoured !anding ba$ porta! !i%ting on!$ as the shutt!e c!osed to the !ast %i%t$ metres ;rie!!e g!anced to her side, "atching her pi!ot as he "ent about his "or# She !oo#ed up on!$ as the bright, cavernous ba$ s"a!!o"ed the shutde, the doc#ing arms reaching out to secure her as the porta! c!osed behind, and atmosphere "as pumped bac# into the vast space ;R*ELLE M(DE HER "a$ a!ong !o"'!it companion"a$s !ined "ith ancient, po!ished "ood pane!s Much !i#e the Oceanid, the Fairlight ran at a reduced cre" !eve!, the bu!# o% her ratings dra"n %rom press'ganged

scum given the choice bet"een e0ecution and service Specia!ised servi' tors, "ho "ere great!$ va!ued %or their speci%ic e0pertise, carried out much o% the "or#, but ;rie!!e shared her %ather's vie" that the %ami!$ had become too re!iant upon them 3n!$ a %raction o% the Fairlight's cre" "as made up o% %ree men, and these %ormed the o%%icer cadre aboard ship &he$ "ere the on!$ members o% her cre" "ith "hom ;rie!!e had regu!ar contact Having disembar#ed %rom her shutt!e, ;rie!!e had ordered the cargo o% a!ien arte%acts to be trans%erred to the most secure o% the Fairlight's ho!ds She had stood "atch as hu!#ing heav$ grade servitors had carried each crate a"a$ in piston'driven, mechanica! arms She had decided against in%orming the s"eating cre" that each crate had an anti'gravi drive %itted, evident!$ designed to a!!o" its e%%ort!ess hand!ing She #ne" the a!most !itera!!$ brain!ess servitors cou!d be trusted, but #ne" better than to tempt the press'ganged cre" "ith such potentia!!$ va!uab!e #no"!edge She had on!$ set o%% %or her bridge once she "as sure the cargo "as sa%e!$ sto"ed a"a$, "atching as the ho!d "as sea!ed, and app!$ing her persona! cipher to the !oc# No", she brooded as she strode the nigh' deserted companion"a$s, considering the state o% the dea! "ith Luneberg &he *mperia! :ommander had e0p!icit!$ stated to her %ather %hat the items to "hich he had gained access "ere archeotech Such items "ere %ar %rom common, but the$ "ere "ithin the area o% e0pertise o% the (rcadius, and shou!d have proved simp!e enough to trade %or a handsome pro%it Ho"ever, the arte%acts had proved to be not pre'*mperium human in origin, but something e!se entire!$ &he$ "ere, ;rie!!e "as certain be$ond a shado" o% a doubt, a!ien *n man$ "a$s, the (rcadius "ere the per%ect choice o% business partner %or such a dea!, $et ;rie!!e "as troub!ed that Luneberg had determined to concea! the true nature o% the items %rom them (s she had stated to her %ather, ;rie!!e "as o% the opinion that Luneberg "as not the cann$ p!a$er he pretended to be &he more she pondered on it, the more she came to be!ieve that Luneberg "as dea!ing "ith po"ers be$ond his #en, that he needed the (rcadius %ar more than he had !et on, %ar more, perhaps, than the$ needed him .et, her %ather had pinned a huge amount on the success o% this venture -ith 2orvane not due to inherit his mother's %ortune %or potentia!!$ man$ $ears to come, her %ather had used ever$ contact he had to scour the Eastern Rim %or some opportunit$, some dea! that "ou!d see the (rcadius through the ne0t decade or so &he resu!t had been the dea!

"ith Luneberg, $et ;rie!!e "as becoming ever more uncom%ortab!e "ith it -ere she the ne0t in !ine to the !ordship o% the (rcadius, as she had been raised to be, she "ou!d have been ab!e to cha!!enge her %ather on the issue, %orcing him to hear her concerns Since 2orvane had entered the %ami!$ ho"ever, she had !ost her %ather's ear on such matters She had been raised to !ead a rogue trader d$nast$, and no" she "as compe!!ed to remain in the shado"s, to "atch as others set that d$nast$ on a course she considered at best i!! advised *n the beginning, she had attempted to raise the issue "ith 2orvane, s"a!!o"ing her pride and hoping to appea! to him as a sister .et he had re)ected her advice, %or he "as raised in the "a$s o% the high courts, and perceived on!$ "ea#ness in her humi!it$ He had repeated, "ord %or "ord, their %ather's vie" >rom that point on"ard, she had reso!ved to %o!!o" her mother's teachings on such matters *% those around her "ere b!ind to their %o!!$, and that %o!!$ "as !i#e!$ to doom them a!!, then she "ou!d #eep her o"n counse!, "or#ing to reso!ve matters in her o"n "a$ She reached the bridge, and entered her cipher into the reader at the door *t chimed, and she hau!ed on the heav$ "hee!, app!$ing her scant "eight to the door and pushing her "a$ through She entered her bridge, a !arge, rich!$ appointed chamber !ined "ith the same "ood pane!!ing that adorned a!! o% the Fairlight's main com'panion"a$s -ide, curved dec#'to'cei!ing vie"ing ports dominated three sides, baro/ue brass"or# %raming each as i% it "ere a "or# o% art &he bridge cre"'s stations "ere arranged in ais!es, a!! %acing to"ards the %or"ard vie"ing port ;rie!!e's command throne sat atop a raised dais at the rear o% the bridge, %rom "hich the captain had a %ine vie" o% her cre" at "or#, and o% the immediate area o% space She mounted the steps to the dais, and as she reached its top, a %ace descended %rom the shado"s above it ( hard' "ired servitor, !itt!e more than head, upper torso and arms, and anchored to the cei!ing b$ "rithing meta!!ic tubing, it he!d in its emaciated arms a data's!ate, "hich it pro%%ered to ;rie!!e She too# the data's!ate "ithout ac#no"!edgement, and the servitor rose once more, to disappear into the depths o% g!oom above the command throne She sat, rec!ining in her throne, its shape reminding her that, despite the %ami!$ po!itics, she "as mistress o% a rogue trader vesse! She had at her command severa! thousand sou!s and ban#s o% might$ "eapons, "ith "hich she cou!d ta#e her "i!! to the stars She stretched, cat'!i#e, and p!anted her %eet upon a command conso!e in a manner she #ne" her %ather

"ou!d have %ound most unbecoming %or a rogue trader She grinned as she thought ho" her mother "ou!d have approved She !i%ted the data's!ate, reading o%% its tit!e *t contained a communi/ue %rom the Fairlight's Navigator, (dept Sagis ;rie!!e had never met the Navigator %ace to %ace, %or he occupied a sea!ed b!ister mounted )ust %ore o% the Fairlight's drive section, its armoured vie"ing ports a%%ording the Navigator a panoramic vie" o% space *t "asn't the space o% the rea! universe that the Navigator ga+ed out upon, ho"ever, it "as the rea!m o% pure spiritua! energ$ that "as the "arp, %or the vesse! "ou!d be !ost, adri%t upon the Sea o% Sou!s "ere it to attempt "arp trave! "ithout a Navigator (s a chi!d, ;rie!!e had once as#ed her %ather about the Navigators, but had %ound him un"i!!ing to discuss the matter in an$ detai!, mere!$ te!!ing her that the Navigator %ami!ies made "arp trave! possib!e, and that the *mperium "ou!d be no more than a disparate co!!ection o% iso!ated "or!ds "ithout them 3n!$ "hen she had come o% age, and commanded her o"n vesse! had she discovered at !east a part o% the truth o% the matter &he Navigators "ere an impossib!$ ancient arm o% humanit$, one that had arisen on 3!d &erra at the time o% the Emperor's rise to po"er &he$ "ere masters o% an e0traordinar$ gi%t, in that the$ cou!d see into the "arp, reading its currents, and thereb$ guide a vesse! sa%e!$ through it Such a gi%t came at a price, ho"ever, %or it "as rooted in the genes, and there%ore sub)ect to the vagaries o% breeding *n order to #eep their b!ood !ines c!ean, and their abi!ities intact, the Navigator %ami!ies "ere %orced to contro! their breeding, se!ecting matches bet"een Navigator c!ans that "ou!d resu!t in 'pure' o%%spring Even "ith such se!ective contro!s in p!ace, the Navigators "ere shoc#ing!$ prone to mutation, an a%%!iction that, ;rid!e had g!eaned, "as "ont to "orsen "ith age &he most po"er%u! o% Navigators en)o$ed a prodigious !i%espan, but man$ gre" increasing!$ mutated as their $ears advanced ;rie!!e had discovered that "hen this occurred, a Navigator "ho remained in service "ou!d retire to his chamber, hiding himse!% a"a$ %rom a!! but his peers, "ith "hom he had scant contact, to serve in iso!ation Sagis's c!an, the Locarno, had entered into partnership "ith the (rcadius be%ore the d$nast$ had received its :harter o% &rade, and the detai!s o% the a%%i!iation "ere un#no"n to ;rie!!e, a!though she suspected that her %ather #ne" the truth o% it She had guessed that o!d Sagis had become too mutated to !eave his b!ister, a!though he had served "ith the s#i!! and dedication %or "hich his c!an "ere reno"ned, despite this

(bsentminded!$, %or the a%%air "ith Luneberg's 0enos arte%acts gna"ed at her mind, ;rie!!e read the communi/ue &ransient conditions in the "arp had been %avourab!e %or most o% the )ourne$ to Mundus :has'mata, but had "orsened die c!oser to the Damoc!es Gu!% the$ had trave!!ed Sagis described the region as permeated "ith a tangib!e stain, an a%ter' image o% great spiritua! turmoi! and upheava! &he gu!% itse!% "as an area Sagis counse!!ed vehement!$ against attempting to cross, %or "arp conditions "ere such that an$ vesse! attempting to do so might be pu!!ed vio!ent!$ o%%'course, or !ost entire!$ to the raging tides o% the emp$rean Something in Sagis's "ords reminded ;rie!!e o% the voices she had ha!%' heard, "hispering )ust be!o" the "ind upon the sur%ace o% Sigma 4'BB *t "as as i% he "as describing a sma!! part o% the same phenomenon she had e0perienced, a!though in entire!$ di%%erent and sub)ective terms &he notion hit her that something had occurred in the region, something o% ste!!ar sca!e, something entire!$ a!ien and "rong &he %act that Luneberg had sent the rogue traders to the ver$ edge o% the a%%!icted region, to recover a!ien arte%acts, %i!!ed ;rie!!e "ith suspicion She %e!t the spirit o% her mother's peop!e %i!! her 'i% Luneberg's actions brought "oe to her %ami!$, Luneberg "ou!d pa$ ;rie!!e "ou!d see to mat ( harsh chime cut through ;rie!!e's reverie, and she he!d the data's!ate out to one side, the servitor descending once more to ta#e it %rom her 'Go ahead= ( moment !ater, her %ather's voice boomed %rom the spea#er gri!!es mounted above the command throne '2orvane, ;rie!!e, "e have "hat "e came %or -e'!! rende+vous at the prearranged point in Luneberg's s$stem M$ Navigator in%orms me it's a t"ent$'da$ vo$age, sub)ective, a!though he te!!s me that he and Sagis both have concerns about the tides in the "arp, so * "ant %ormation #ept as tight as possib!e &he chances are "e'!! arrive together, but * don't "ant to ta#e an$ chances on an$ un"e!come guests "aiting %or us at the other end &he$ #ne" e0act!$ "here to e0pect us !ast time * don't "ant us to be caught o%% guard again *s that understood,' 2orvane ans"ered be%ore ;rie!!e He a!"a$s did '@nderstood, >ather= ';rie!!e= ;rie!!e's %ather addressed her '*s the cargo sa%e,' '*t is sa%e, >ather *t's sto"ed in number three stasis Nothing can happen to it in there= 'Good No", * "ish $ou both a du!! and unevent%u! )ourne$ &he Emperor protects= &he Emperor protects= ;rie!!e heard 2orvane repeat &he Emperor protects= ;R*ELLE -(&:HED >R3M her command throne as the distant %orm o% the

Oceanid bro#e %ormation, moving to a sa%e distance %rom "hich she "ou!d commence her dive into the "arp Such a manoeuvre "as inherent!$ dangerous, and in popu!ated s$stems "as sub)ect to a p!ethora o% ordinances, each designed to minimise the impact o% an$ mishap on nearb$ vesse!s, or even "or!ds ;rie!!e had heard a!! manner o% gris!$ ta!es o% catastrophic "arp drive ma!%unction, and had even "itnessed the a%termath o% one, at the "or!d o% Radina V &here, a bu!# carrier had mistimed its trans!ation, sheering o%% the gravit$ pu!! o% Radina V's third moon &he carrier "as caught in a s!ingshot as it dived in to the "arp, pu!!ed in too man$ dimensions b$ %orces impossib!e to comprehend &he vesse! had bro#en up, and been smeared across space in a debris %ie!d that engu!%ed the moon and part o% Radina itse!% "ith %a!!out *t "asn't the sort o% %a!!out that cou!d be scrubbed b$ decontamination teams *t "as spiritua! %a!!out, the residue o% the three thousand sou!s !ost in the disaster, and it a%%!icted the minds o% ever$ man, "oman and chi!d upon the moon's sur%ace, and severa! hundred thousand more upon Radina V &he$ "ere driven insane "ithin hours, their sou!s touched b$ the "arp as it !ea#ed through the three thousand tin$ "arp porta!s created at the instant o% the carrier's destruction &he rogue traders had de!ivered an 3rdo Hereticus stri#e %orce to Radina V, and ;rie!!e had "atched %rom orbit as the Emperor's merc$ had been de!ivered to hundreds o% thousands o% a%%!icted sub)ects (n entire continent had been burned c!ean o% the unc!ean stain o% the "arp, those driven be$ond the !imit o% sanit$ b$ its touch de!ivered b$ c!eansing %!ame Radina V "as %ound to be the %au!t o% the carrier's master, "ho had ordered the vesse! to enter the "arp too c!ose to the "or!d's gravit$ "e!! (!though the o%%icia! investigation had !eve!!ed no criticism upon the vesse!'s Navigator, ;rid!e's %ather had voiced the opinion that the %au!t !a$ chie%!$ "ith him, because it "as his responsibi!it$ to override an$ order that "ou!d compromise the sa%et$ o% the ship Ho"ever, the Navigator %ami!ies "ere one o% the *mperium's most po"er%u! institutions and no b!ame "ou!d ever be !eve!!ed upon them ;rie!!e had %e" concerns that such an incident might occur "ith the Navigators o% the Locarno c!an guiding the %!eet (s the Oceanid acce!erated a"a$, ;rie!!e #ne" that her %ather "ou!d be ma#ing his vesse! read$ %or trans!ation to the "arp, "hi!e the Oceanid's Navigator entered a deep trance, in "hich he "ou!d guide the vesse! through the unpredictab!e Sea o% Sou!s &he Oceanid no" %ar be$ond visib!e range, ;rie!!e "atched as 2or'vane's vesse! manoeuvred onto a simi!ar

heading, a course designed to ensure a!! three vesse!s remained in as coherent a %ormation "ithin the "arp as "as possib!e ;rie!!e reached to her !e%t and pu!!ed bac# a heav$ !ever, ha!% a do+en pict's!ates descending %rom the cei!ing to surround her Static bu++ed %rom the screens, be%ore each reso!ved into a di%%erent rendition o% the immediate area o% space (cross one screen scro!!ed entire!$ abstract co!umns o% numerica! data, "hi!e anodier represented the Fanlight's environs in a riot o% machine'sight gradations ;rie!!e had ac/uired the #nac# o% reading a!! simu!taneous!$, %or her bridge !ac#ed the rare, three'dimensiona! ho!ograph o% the Oceanid. She noted ho" the Oceanid's number three drive b!ed "isp$ c!ouds o% superheated p!asma through its emergenc$ venting, a s$mptom o% the neg!ect o% the %!eet's vesse!s brought about b$ the d$nast$'s mis%ortunes Moving at incredib!e ve!ocit$, the Oceanid began her dive &he screens erupted in activit$, the machine devices attempting to describe that "hich shou!d not even be possib!e ;rie!!e sa" that the Oceanid's Ge!!er >ie!d "as raised, creating a de!icate bubb!e o% rea! space around her, "ithin "hich she "ou!d %ind she!ter %rom the raging energies o% the "arp Aust be%ore the Oceanid passed be$ond the %urthest e0tent o% the Fairlight's augurs, ;rie!!e caught the da++!ing e0p!osion o% metaph$sica! energies as the ship dived into the "arp Each "arp drive and each Navigator interacted "ith the "arp in a uni/ue manner, meaning that no t"o dives "ere identica! &he sight, rendered across ha!% a do+en pict's!ates in as man$ di%%erent %orms, "as something /uite beauti%u!, and /uite terrib!e to beho!d &he Oceanid's passing %orcib!$ ripped a gash in the intangib!e %abric o% the universe, b!eeding the ra" stu%% o% the "arp, %or an instant .et, even as /uesting tentac!es o% something unrea! seeped %orth, the scar "as hea!ed, the !a"s o% the universe reasserting themse!ves once more ( moment !ater, a %ami!iar "ave o% sic#ness passed over ;rie!!e and "as gone9 the spiritua! "a#e o% the Oceanid's "arp )ump Seeing that 2orvane's vesse! "as moving into position %or its o"n dive, ;rie!!e chec#ed that her ship "as prepared %or its )ump, and then addressed her bridge cre" -e ma#e "arp in three minutes (!! hands to station= (t her "ords, the bridge became a hive o% activit$ (!though her cre" "as "e!! versed in the manoeuvre, ma#ing a "arp )ump "as never ta#en !ight!$, at !east not b$ an$ cre" that "anted to ma#e it sa%e!$ bac# to port :hanting %i!!ed the bridge, and a !ine o% !a$ priests emerged %rom the chape! to the rear, b!essed incense bi!!o"ing around them as the$

anointed the Fairlight's s$stems "ith ho!$ unguents &hese "ou!d "ard o%% the evi! intentions o% the deni+ens o% the "arp and ensure the vesse!'s sa%e passage Ne0t, a dec# o%%icer passed /uic#!$ %rom one station to the ne0t, ensuring that each rating and servitor "as secured to his seat &his "as not %or their o"n sa%et$, but %or that o% the vesse!, %or it had been #no"n %or the "ea# to be driven to insanit$ at the moment o% entr$ into the "arp, and to ran amo# upon a ship's bridge, #i!!ing a!! "ithin reach ;rie!!e #ne" that it had happened to a member o% her %ather's bridge cre" !ong be%ore she "as born, the man #i!!ing three o% his %e!!o"s "ith his teeth a!one, be%ore her %ather had put a data'spi#e through his head Such en%!amed passions at the moment o% the )ump "ere, according to space'!ore, the resu!t o% the ca!! o% the "arp'bound daemon, and to heed its !ies "as to invite the !oss o% ever$ sou! on the ship &hus, ever$ precaution possib!e "as ta#en against it ( message %rom Navigator Sagis scro!!ed across a data's!ate He con%irmed that he "as read$ to enter his "arp trance, and "ished ;rie!!e the Emperor's b!essings &he "ords o% a pra$er began scro!!ing across the screen, '-e pra$ %or those !ost in the "arp ' and ;rie!!e #ne" that it "ou!d !oop over, repeated!$, unti! Sagis "as a"a#ened, and the Fairlight "as once again sa%e in the rea! universe She rec!ined in her command throne as she %e!t the deep gro"! o% the Fairlight's "arp drive steadi!$ bui!d ( bui!d up o% ps$chic po"er, %e!t deep in the sou!, accom'pan$ed the subsonic noise Ever$ space%arer %e!t it di%%erent!$, but to ;rie!!e it "as a #een !onging %or home, or to be an$"here other than "here the$ "ere about to go'(s the !ast o% the cre" assumed their stations, the dec# o%%icer strapping himse!% into his o"n chair !ast, the Fairlight began her dive (s her %or"ard ve!ocit$ increased e0ponentia!!$, the air pressure on the bridge rose and a vio!ent sha#ing set in ;rie!!e sa" %rom a nearb$ pict that the Rosetta had comp!eted her dive, and /uic#!$ scanned the surrounding area one !ast time &he order to dive perched on her !ips, ;rie!!e sta!!ed Despite the screen's )arring vibrations, she cou!d ma#e out a huge return !ess than %ort$ thousand #i!ometres o%% the Fairlight's port bo" She punched a comm channe!, connecting her straight through to her Navigator 'Sagis $ou see it,' She %orced do"n a rising sense o% panic, pra$ing that her Navigator had not $et %u!!$ entered his trance, but rea!ising that the$ "ere ine0orab!$ committed to the "arp )ump &he

Navigator's rep!$ scro!!ed across a data's!ate CC* see it ma'am. I shall attempt to compensate for its mass and pro#imity. $he %mperor protect us all&& ;rie!!e's mind raced &he other ship had emerged %rom no"here, and she cou!d read that its gravitic signature "as "e!! in e0cess o% its c!ass Her breath caught in her throat as she rea!ised "ith a start that it "as c!ear!$ a!ien in origin *t did not appear to be intent upon an$ hosti!e action, but its mere appearance at such a crucia! point in the Fairlight's )ump had put ;rie!!e's ship in incredib!e danger She sa" that she had but one option She must trust to her Navigator's s#i!!, %or to pu!! out o% the dive might tear her ship apart ' Gripping the arms o% her command throne, ;rie!!e issued her order 'Aump!'

CHAPTER FIVE
23RV(NE S&33D @13N the shutt!e pad at :hasmata :ap'ita!is, his %ather's bac# %acing him &he go!den orb o% :hasmata's star "as )ust beginning its s!o" descent, sin#ing be!o" the distant, )agged hori+on, si!houetting the master o% (rcadius against the dus#$ s#$ '-e cannot "ait %or her, %ather *% "e #eep Luneberg hanging on he might ta#e e0ception and cance! the dea! ' -ithout her, there is no dea! Most o% the arte%acts are aboard the Fairlight.' -here the he!! "as she, Lucian !oo#ed up into the rapid!$ dar#ening s#ies o% Mundus :hasmata, as i% he "ou!d see his daughter's shutt!e descending through the dar# c!ouds He #ne" that cou!d not be o% course, %or there appeared to be on!$ a sing!e shutt!e operating the sur%ace to orbit route, and the :hasmatans %orbade trave!!ers descending in their o"n vesse!s 'She must have mistimed her )ump She'!! ruin the "ho!e thing i% she's !ate= 'Hmm= Lucian turned to %ace his son -e have t"o choices9 beg that scat'hound Luneberg to "ait unti! ;rie!!e arrives "ith her cargo, or b!u%% our "a$ through *% "e !et him #no" she's been de!a$ed, he'!! sense "ea#ness and the "ho!e dea! "i!! go ahead on his, not our, terms -e can certain!$ de!a$ %or a short time ' even Luneberg #no"s ships don't trave! through the emp$rean in per%ect %ormation *% "e proceed as i% ever$thing's %ine, "e'!! earn ;rie!!e time to catch up= 'Do $ou thin# she'!! arrive at a!!, >ather,' Lucian brist!ed at his son's "ords He had %aith that his daughter "as sa%e, but he had been concerned enough to see# the counse! o% the Oceanid's Navigator

'*'ve consu!ted (dept ;aru He in%orms me that conditions became rough immediate!$ %o!!o"ing our trans!ation, but he %e!t con%ident that Sagis and the vesse! he navigated had come to no harm= DEru had actua!!$ said more than that, but Lucian "as %ar %rom #een to repeat his "ords &he Navigator had stated that, had the Fairlight come to harm "ithin the "arp, he "ou!d have #no"n immediate!$ &he beasts that d"e!! "ithin the Sea o% Sou!s "ou!d have ho"!ed "ith such desire at the prospect o% devouring a Navigator that ever$ one o% his #ind in the sector "ou!d have %e!t their brother's sou!'death 'So "e continue "ith the ta!#s as i% nothing "as a"r$ @nderstood,' '@nderstood, >ather= '* &R@S& .3@R mission "as success%u! m$ dear Lucian, &he goods "ere transported "ithout incident,' :u!pepper Luneberg spra"!ed upon his throne, a courtesan !eaning !anguid!$ at each shou!der Lucian stood be%ore him, his son at his side &he vast throne room "as empt$, si!ent and eerie, s"a!!o"ing up the sma!! group in its deep g!oom Luneberg had summoned the rogue traders to his court the instant that the$ had !anded< t$pica!, Lucian thought, o% the man's manners '*t "as most success%u!, m$ !ord= Lucian "ou!d remain po!ite on the e0terior, but inside he %ound himse!% %ee!ing more irritated b$ Luneberg each time the$ met &he man presumed himse!% to be Lucian's superior, and addressed him as such Did he not #no" that the (rcadius he!d a mandate as "eight$ as that o% an$ *mperia! :ommander, ;$ their :harter o% &rade, granted b$ the authorit$ o% the High Lords o% &erra, the (rcadius had the right to demand an$ service the$ re/uired %rom the !i#es o% Luneberg "hen going about their business *t "as on!$ at times such as these, "hen not direct!$ pursuing that business, that Lucian "as compe!!ed to be po!ite to those he considered the pett$ nobi!it$ o% a bac#"ater "or!d that had not once, in a!! the recorded anna!s o% the *mperium's !ong, "artorn histor$, contributed an$thing o% an$ "orth to the race o% men '*'m so g!ad to hear it .ou must )oin m$ court in a ce!ebrator$ %east, this evening= -e'd be de!ighted= he demurred, "hi!st thin#ing9 she'!! never be here in time, "e're s#e"ed ( courtesan put cherr$'red !ips to Luneberg's ear, "hispering so%t!$ to him Luneberg "ent to shoo her a"a$, but !oo#ed at Lucian as he !istened to her mu%%!ed "ords She regarded Lucian smug!$ as Luneberg addressed him (!! three o% $ou "i!! be )oining us o% course,'

@tter!$ s#e"ed '3% course, m$ !ord, m$ %ami!$ and m$se!% "i!! be honoured= 'Good M$ %actor "i!! ta#e care o% our business= Luneberg's ever'present %unctionar$ bo"ed to Lucian He hadn't noted the man's presence be%ore it "as mentioned '* have arranged= the man no" said, 'to have our cargo !ighters conve$ the goods direct!$ %rom $our ships &he$ are doc#ing "ith the Rosetta, even no", and "e on!$ re/uire $our authorit$ to comp!ete the trans%er '@nderstood= Lucian rep!ied to the man, noting that, on!$ no", "hen it suited them, "ere the :hasmatans capab!e o% disp!a$ing a degree o% e%%icienc$ Lucian bo"ed as Luneberg stood, the courtesans arranging themse!ves demure!$ around the *mperia! :ommander as he did so -ith the s!ightest o% reciproca! nods, the *mperia! :ommander !e%t, !eaving Lucian distracted!$ "ondering "hat the he!! had become o% his daughter, and the cargo she carried ;R*ELLE S&33D *N the centre o% her cargo ho!d, opened crates scattered around her %eet &he chamber's stasis %ie!d had %ai!ed during the )ump, and once the Fairlight "as bac# in the rea! universe, in the :hasmata s$stem and sa%e!$ inbound to :hasmata itse!%, ;rie!!e had come to inspect the damage Severa! o% the crates had %a!!en open, and "hat she had %ound "ithin the %irst %e" had driven her to open them a!! -eapons, the crates contained "eapons &he (rcadius had been reduced to gunrunners Seeing that each item "as uni/ue, ;rie!!e had immediate!$ rea!ised that the shipment represented a co!!ection o% samp!es *t "as nothing more than that ;rie!!e simmered as she he%ted a !ong ri%!e *t "as something approaching t"o metres in !ength, but "as a!most too eas$ to !i%t *ts business end housed a meta!!ic sphere that rotated in three dimensions, a!!o"ing, ;rie!!e guessed, %or its smooth hand!ing She braced the "eapon at her shou!der, marve!!ing at the "a$ its bu!# rotated around the g$roscopic sphere, and c!osed one e$e (s she dre" a bead on a non' e0istent target, a sma!! bo0 rose %rom the bod$ o% the "eapon She started, pu!!ing her head sharp!$ a"a$, but sa" that the bo0 housed some %orm o% sighting device She p!aced her e$e to it, cautious!$ peering through 3n the tin$ screen "ithin, b!oc#$ a!ien te0t %!o"ed around a centra! crosshair, pic#ing out a!! manner o% ob)ects "ithin the ho!d ;rie!!e cou!d not read the te0t, but she #ne" such a "eapon %ar

surpassed the vast ma)orit$ o% those o% human manu%acture Granted, those such as the might$ (deptus (startes had access to e/uiva!ent techno!ogies, but "hat might Luneberg "ant "ith them, She cou!d dra" on!$ one conc!usion Luneberg meant to ma#e "ar ' but on "hom, (s %ar as ;rie!!e "as concerned, Luneberg had dishonoured the (rcadius grave!$ He had made them pett$ smugg!ers, and her %ather had %ai!ed to see it coming She %e!t her rage boi! to the sur%ace as she remembered ho" 2orvane had simpered, certain in his vie" that "hat he sa" as a respectab!e )oint venture "ith the *mperia! :ommander "ou!d bring both parties pro%it and honour She e0pected more o% her %ather, but "ou!d he !isten to her i% she "arned him, Shou!d she tr$ no", Most !i#e!$, he "ou!d accuse her o% medd!ing in matters outside o% her concern ;etter to bide her time, she decided, be%ore contacting her %ather She #ic#ed an open crate, hard &his "ho!e dea! "as rapid!$ spira!!ing out o% contro!, and she seemed to be the on!$ one "ith an$ idea )ust ho" bad!$ L@:*(N, *N H*S stateroom, stood be%ore a mirror that magni%ied his image three%o!d, stud$ing his re%!ection His re%!ection g!ared straight bac# at him, his discom%ort and anno$ance "rit !arge on his %ace He "ore the %inest %ami!ia! rega!ia, armour, meda!s, c!oa# and a!!, intent as he "as upon distracting Luneberg %rom ;rie!!e's absence -hi!st his son had been ca!!ed a"a$ to dea! "ith the business o% authorising the cargo trans%er %rom the Rosetta, Lucian had contacted the Oceania!, spea#ing to the vesse!'s Navigator once more (dept ;aru had restated his ear!ier opinion that the Fairlight had not been !ost upon the tides o% the "arp, and had appeared con%ident that ;rie!!e had not been great!$ de!a$ed Lucian "as tense nonethe!ess, %or a Navigator "as, in his e0perience genera!!$ p!eased enough "ith a "indo" o% severa! "ee#s, so !ong as no harm came to his vesse! DEru "as undoubted!$ a cut above the average Navigator, i% such a thing "as possib!e< $et Lucian sti!! %e!t his grasp on events outside o% his navigation b!ister "as vague at best Not %or the %irst time during this venture, Lucian regarded the meda!s cro"ded across his chest Each meant so much, $et might be rendered meaning!ess shou!d the d$nast$ %ai! So much re!ied upon the dea! "ith Luneberg, and so much had a!read$ been invested in simp!$ vo$aging to the Eastern Rim, that Lucian cou!d see precious !itt!e o% a %uture %or the (rcadius shou!d the dea! %ai! He "as reminded o% the ta!e his %ather had to!d him o% o!d (bad Gerrit, the great (rcadius "ho had paci%ied the Sca!!arn :!uster (ccording to

his %ather, (bad had ris#ed much to raise an arm$, entire!$ at his o"n e0pense, "ith "hich to ta#e bac# the do+en "or!ds o% the c!uster %rom the $o#e o% or# ens!avement He had purchased scores o% troop transports to carr$ his ne"!$ risen armies, and hired on innumerab!e au0i!iar$ vesse!s and cre"s to service his con/uest %!eet &he paci%ication attempts o% )ust the %irst "or!d o% the c!uster had %aced %ierce resistance, and had ta#en three decades to comp!ete ;$ then, Lucian's %ather had to!d him, o!d (bad "as a!! but stripped o% resources, his %!eet do"n to ha!% a do+en vesse!s and his armies a mere %raction o% their %ormer strength Ho"ever, (bad had a tric# up his s!eeve He had used a!! his contacts and in%!uence to reinstate the %ormer ru!er o% that sing!e !iberated "or!d, presenting to him a %ree, i% some"hat "artorn domain &he ne"!$ insta!!ed !eader had ban#ro!!ed the remainder o% the re'con/uest, the ru!ership o% each !iberated "or!d going to those o% his choosing, "hi!e (bad "as re"arded great!$ %or his services Lucian's %ather had insisted that there "as a !esson in (bad's ta!e Lucian had a!"a$s thought the on!$ rea! !esson to be g!eaned "as that (bad "as an o!d, mercenar$ bastard "ith the scrup!es o% an e!dar 1erhaps, he no" pondered, (bad had been onto something ( rap at the apartment door interrupted Lucian's chain o% thought 'Enter!' &he huge, gi!ded porta! s"ung in"ards, a "hite'robed servant bo"ing deep!$ as he entered 'M$ !ord, m$ master re/uests the compan$ o% the (rcadius this night= No point sta!!ing, Lucian thought -ith a %ina! g!ance at his re%!ection, he strode %rom the chamber, and 2or'vane )oined him as he returned %rom his business "ith the cargo trans%er &he servant c!osed the great doors at his passing ;R*ELLE 1L(N&ED HER hands on her hips and too# a deep breath >or the second time, she %ound herse!% standing in the sma!! o%%ice o% the harbour master o% the :has'mata 1rimar$ 3rbita!, a!though on this occasion she, and not her %ather, "ou!d be the one to dea! "ith him She "as rea!!$ going to give the %oo! a piece o% her mind '1!ease ma'am, $ou must understand * cannot authorise a shutt!e to the sur%ace "ithout a counter'signed dec!aration amounting to a !eve! epsi!on e0ception .ou do not ho!d such a dec!aration ' 'Listen to me $ou space'damned rim%!u#e *% $ou can't organise a shutt!e, *'m simp!$ going to ta#e m$ o"n Do $ou understand me,' &he pa!e'%aced harbour master brist!ed sti!! %urther, gathering up a pi!e o% nearb$ papers, presumab!$ some ingrained nervous reaction to being ba!!ed out b$ the angr$ daughter o% a

po"er%u! Fas %ar as he "as concerned at !eastG rogue trader !ord '*'m a%raid, that is simp!$ out o% the /uestion &hree hundred and nine ordinances e0press!$ %orbid it Shou!d $ou attempt an unauthorised inter%ace the :hasmata S$stem Lev$ is re/uired to shoot $ou do"n be%ore $ou even brea# orbit ' 'Rea!!$, and ho" "i!! the$ do that,' 'Ho" "i!! the$',' 'Ho" "i!! $our s$stem de%ence %orce stop me, "hen it has no vesse!s,' 'M$ !ad$, that is entire!$ academic &he point is that the$ are empo"ered and re/uired to do so &hat in itse!% shou!d be su%%icient reason= :@L1E11ER L@NE;ERG'S ;(N4@E& ha!! "as !i#e no venue Lucian had ever visited, a!though he did not a!!o" his impressions to sho" upon his %ace (s "ith the ma)orit$ o% the pa!ace he had thus %ar seen, the ha!! "as vast in e0tent .et, converse!$, it %e!t c!austrophobic, %or Lucian and his son moved through sma!! havens o% !ight cast b$ hovering !umens, be$ond "hich impenetrab!e dar#ness s"a!!o"ed a!! He caught g!impses o% an impossib!$ high, vau!ted cei!ing, bats or c$ber'cherubs ' it "as too g!oom$ to te!! "hich ' capering amongst rope'thic# cob"ebs &he chamber "as incongruous!$ narro", bare!$ "ide enough in %act to accommodate the tab!e that ran %rom one shado"ed end to the other &he tab!e a!so grabbed Lucian's attention (mongst e!aborate cande!abras %rom "hich trai!s o% mo!ten "a0 over%!o"ed, "as !aid a veritab!e riot o% gastronomic e0cess Ever$ manner o% p!ate, dish, pot, tra$, container and mu!ti'tiered service he!d ever$ manner o% %oodstu%%, %rom cau!drons o% bubb!ing, "eird!$ co!oured !i/uids to the e!aborate!$ dressed, roasted carcasses o% a!ien beasts the !i#e o% "hich not even Lucian had seen be%ore &he aroma o% a!! this assau!ted Lucian's nose, causing his bod$ a moment o% doubt as it decided "hether to order his stomach to "retch or his mouth to "ater (n impossib!$ e!aborate arra$ o% cuder$, drin#ing vesse!s and p!ates, each manu%actured %rom the most e0/uisite o% materia!s and decorated b$ the most s#i!!ed o% artisans, made up each p!ace setting, !eaving bare!$ a s/uare inch o% the vast tab!e's sur%ace unc!uttered &a!!'bac#ed chairs %inished the p!ace settings, a servant hovering behind each one, read$ to "ait upon the diner's merest "him 3ne such attendant, a hunched and "i+ened o!d man, stepped %or"ard, bo"ing deep!$ to Lucian Lucian "aited "hi!st the man strugg!ed to heave the heav$ chair %rom its p!ace at the tab!e Lucian sa" that 2orvane "as no" entering the dining ha!!, being o%%ered a seat severa! p!aces do"n %rom him &he servant %inished manoeuvring the seat into position, and Lucian nodded his gratitude to him, be%ore ta#ing his p!ace

at the tab!e He a!so noted that a seat severa! p!aces do"n %rom 2orvane remained empt$ He assumed this "as intended %or ;rie!!e, and hoped that it "as su%%icient!$ %ar removed %rom "herever Luneberg "ou!d be seated so as not to announce her absence too !oud!$ More guests %i!ed into the narro" ha!!, passing do"n either side o% the tab!e Lucian cou!d bare!$ ma#e out those at its %urthest e0tent, %or the %ar end "as shrouded in shado", but those seats %!an#ing his o"n "ere soon occupied &he other guests "ere evident!$ die great and the good o% Mundus :hasmata's ru!ing c!ass, each diner's ran# communicated not b$ insignia, but b$ the sheer amount o% portab!e "ea!th on disp!a$ &o Lucian's !e%t sat a man o% indeterminate age, both his e$es rep!aced b$ gaud$, )e"e!!ed prosthetics, each pu!sing as the$ c$c!ed through the spectrum He "ore a "hite peri"ig and a !ong coat o% the %inest go!d thread, and, to Lucian's mind, sat at the centre o% an intense c!oud o% c!o$ing per%ume Lucian nodded po!ite!$ to the man, ta#ing the opportunit$ to stud$ the !enses that rep!aced his e$es &he$ "ere o% the same t$pe so strategica!!$ sported b$ Luneberg's harem, a!though the courtesans "ore them upon %ine go!den chains that did !itt!e to hide their non'e0istent modest$ &hese "ere %ar !arger, but obvious!$ o% the same t$pe Lucian "as no" sure the$ "ere o% 0enos manu%acture, but tuc#ed the suspicion to the bac# o% his mind, unti! such time as it "ou!d prove use%u! to act upon it (n e!der!$ "oman "ith the ta!!est hair Lucian had ever seen too# the seat to his right He nodded to her too, causing her to !i%t a pair o% intricate !enses mounted upon a de!icate, bone hand!e to her e$es She peered bac# at him, the !enses "hirring and her e$es magni%ied disturbing!$ &he "oman !et out a high pitched, nasa! sound be%ore turning a"a$ %rom him Lucian sa" then "hat "as coming9 introductions Ever$ cu!ture had its o"n manner o% introducing strangers into its midst, and Lucian had %ound that, the more re%ined the cu!ture in /uestion the more invo!ved, and o%ten ridicu!ous the detai!s o% those introductions &he spectac!e in the throne room had to!d Lucian an enormous amount about Luneberg and his court, and he had noted that he appeared not to e0ist unti! he "as introduced to the court members &here, he had been introduced to the court as a "ho!e b$ Luneberg's %unctionar$, te!!ing Lucian that in this particu!ar cu!ture it "as customar$ %or the !o"er ran#ed members to do the introducing, to the higher ran#ed Lucian had seen, and parta#en o% severa! hundred variations on such a custom, and #ne" that the best "a$ to avoid insu!ting one's host "as to remain

attentive, $et si!ent, unti! addressed Soon, ever$ seat "as ta#en, e0cept o% course %or ;rie!!e's, and the one immediate!$ opposite Lucian &his "as c!ear!$ Luneberg's, %or it "as t"ice the "idth o% the others, and the de!icacies pi!ed be%ore it $et more e0/uisite Luneberg's %unctionar$ appeared %rom the shado"s, and stood beside his master's empt$ seat Ever$ head at the tab!e turned to the %unctionar$, a reverent si!ence descending *n a moment, on!$ the hissing o% cand!es "as audib!e 'M$ !ords, !adies and gent!emen, p!ease stand %or the Lord and Master o% Mundus :hasmata Lord :u!pepper Luneberg the &"ent$'Ninth!' Lucian stood on!$ a %raction o% a second a%ter the other diners, %o!!o"ing their !ead in giving po!ite app!ause as Luneberg entered the dining ha!! &he *mperia! :ommander "as %!an#ed not b$ his harem but b$ a gagg!e o% scraping servants, each intent upon attending to a sing!e aspect o% their master's "e!!being Lucian sa" that these "ere Luneberg's bod$ servants< each "ith a tas# no doubt ranging %rom cutting up their master's %ood and drin#, to tasting it Luneberg reached his seat, his servants %ussing around him 3ne !i%ted a massive gob!et, samp!ing a tin$ portion o% the deep red !i/uid "ithin &he man made to ta#e a second taste, )ust to be sure, Lucian thought, be%ore Luneberg grabbed it %rom him Luneberg raised the gob!et, go!den cand!e!ight g!inting %rom its %ine!$ engraved sur%aces &he servant stationed behind Lucian's seat appeared, pro%%ering a gob!et o% the same t$pe that Luneberg raised, a!though some"hat sma!!er 'M$ dear and !o$a! sub)ects, * "e!come $ou to m$ tab!e Let us %east!' ( resounding chorus o% a%%irmation %i!!ed the dining ha!!, echoing %rom the high cei!ing Luneberg drained his gob!et in one motion (n instant !ater, the guests did !i#e"ise, "aiting %or Luneberg to !o"er his bu!# into his seat be%ore sitting themse!ves 'No" then= said Luneberg, !oo#ing across at Lucian Lucian met his ga+e, noting ho" it %!itted %or an instant to ;rie!!e's empt$ seat '3ur esteemed (rcadius %inds himse!% at a disadvantage, and * m$se!% remiss as a host Naa!,' Luneberg's %unctionar$, seated ne0t to his master, nod' ded, and stood Lucian had noted ho" this Naa! appeared to %u!%i! the ro!e o% advisor or chance!!or to the *mperia! :ommander, and "as curious as to ho" much po"er he rea!!$ he!d Lucian had met "ith men "ho he!d tit!e over "or!ds, over entire s$stems, "ho nonethe!ess devo!ved po"er to their advisors, to their mi!itar$ chie%s, to their %avourite mistresses or, in one

memorab!e case, to a %avoured pet ptera's/uirre! He #ne" that Luneberg "as no %oo!, but determined to gain the measure o% his inner circ!e Naa! bo"ed deep!$, %irst to his master, and then to the diners as a "ho!e His hood "as bac#, revea!ing him to be a man perhaps in his thirties, "ith High Gothic script tattooed across his !e%t chee# and the e!aborate coat o% arms o% Luneberg's d$nast$, the Harrid, upon his %orehead Naa! turned to his !e%t, c!earing his throat be%ore addressing the man seated there, 'M$ !ord, * introduce to $ou the Lord (rcadius, Lucian Gerrit, rogue trader ' &he grandee, a sto!id man %orma!!$ attired in "hat "as, ver$ obvious!$, a mi!itar$ uni%orm denoting the highest ran#, nodded impassive!$ to Lucian 'M$ Lord Gerrit, High :o!one! Hugost &reve!$an':onstance the &hird, Genera! 3%%icer :ommanding the Legions :hasmatus= ;$ the man's uni%orm, Lucian deduced that the genera! sta%% o% the Mundus :hasmata 1!anetar$ De%ence >orce thought ver$ high!$ o% themse!ves Lucian had dined "ith Lords Mi!itant "ho "ore %iner$ that "as %ar more restrained He "as the t$pe o% man, Lucian thought, "ho "ou!d use ever$ po!itica! tric# in the boo# to avoid service in the *mperium's armies, pre%erring instead to remain on his o"n "or!d, !ording it up over his sma!! mi!itar$ #ingdom Naa! turned his attention to a man three seats do"n %rom Lucian, repeating his ear!ier introduction o% the rogue trader 'M$ Lord Vo!temoth, Supreme High :omptro!!er to the House o% Luneberg= &he man "as "i+ened and ascetic, one e$e, his nose and an ear rep!aced b$ c$bernetic imp!ants that no doubt %aci!itated his ro!e "ithin Luneberg's bureaucrac$ Vo!temoth regarded Lucian do"n his might$, ha"# !i#e nose, his bush$ gre$ e$ebro"s creasing as he appeared to Lucian to consider "hether or not ac#no"!edging the rogue trader "as an e%%icient use o% his time He evident!$ decided some ac#no"!edgement "as in %act re/uired, crossing his hands across his chest in the sign o% the a/ui!a ( third introduction %o!!o"ed, this time to the %e!!o" sitting on Lucian's !e%t &he Lord 1rocreator Genera!, &heodu!% Ra%%ens"ine= Lucian sti%!ed a cough Had Naa! rea!!$ )ust introduced the man as "hat he thought he had, He remained impassive, bo"ing po!ite!$ as Ra%%ens"ine nodded bac#, his )e"e!'!i#e c$bernetic e$es t"in#!ing Lucian's estimation o% the court o% Luneberg "as being re%ined "ith each introduction &he *mperia! :ommander appeared to have surrounded himse!% "ith the e%%ete and the ine%%ectua!9 highborn autocrats, a!!, to Lucian's practiced e$e, !ords and masters o% their sma!!

"or!d, $et u!timate!$, entire!$ subservient to the "i!! o% their over!ord *t appeared to Lucian that either Luneberg, or perhaps some ancestor "ho had instigated such a s$stem, had concocted a ver$ good "a$ o% contro!!ing his "or!d's ru!ing c!ass (nother introduction interrupted Lucian's chain o% thought 'M$ Lad$, Madam :!arimonde Vu!viniam':!anc$= Lucian "as unsure "hether that "as the "oman's ran# or her name, but bo"ed po!ite!$ to her nonethe!ess She nodded bac#, her ta!! hairpiece threatening to topp!e as she did so ( round o% introductions to diners o% apparent!$ !esser ran# %o!!o"ed, Naa! passing over each "ith increasing brevit$, unti!, %ina!!$, Lucian "as introduced to ever$ guest he cou!d at !east see, %or the %ar ends o% the tab!e "ere sti!! obscured in g!oom Lucian had noted throughout the introductions that at no point had even the !o"est'ran#ed diner been introduced to him< it "as a!"a$s the other "a$ around He pondered "hether this "as an intentiona!, conscious snub on Luneberg's part, or a more genera!ised condescension to"ards outsiders mani%ested in the court's customs Luneberg snapped his %ingers, and Naa! bent at the "aist to attend his "ords >rom his position, Lucian cou!d not hear the e0change, but it resu!ted in Naa! standing straight once more, and c!apping his hands together once ( tangib!e sense o% anticipation s"ept the ha!! &he shado"s behind Naa! stirred, and a procession o% servants appeared, each ho!ding a si!ver dish covered b$ a ta!! dome &he train sna#ed around the tab!e, unti! a servant stood at the right side o% each diner (t some unspo#en command, each servant bent %or"ard and !i%ted the heav$ dome, ho!ding %orth the si!ver p!ate %or the diners' inspection &he guests !et out a co!!ective gasp, part thri!!, part horror Lucian studied their %aces Each diner bore an e0pression that sat some"here bet"een rapture and pain, "hi!e Luneberg regarded Lucian intent!$, see#ing, Lucian deduced, an$ sign o% uncertaint$ that might be turned to the *mperia! :ommander's advantage Luneberg spread his arms "ide and addressed the tab!e 'M$ !o$a! %riends, "e have the honour o% the presence o% a great guest, and it is m$ intention to honour him and his #in in return b$ serving the ver$ %inest o% de!icacies! M$ agents, at prodigious e0pense to m$se!%, and e0treme persona! danger to themse!ves, have procured %rom the distant "or!d o% :atachan= ' a murmur o% appreciation ''the most e0/uisite dish in the /uadrant9 &he :atachan %ace eater!'

&he servant at Lucian's side pro%%ered him the p!ate Lucian !oo#ed do"n @pon it "as a co!our!ess, shape!ess s!ab o% t"itching musc!e &he servant "aited %or a response -hen none "as immediate!$ %orthcoming, he addressed Lucian '*s the creature to m$ !ord's satis%action,' Lucian nodded to the servant, "ho covered the dish once more, and "ithdre" He s"a!!o"ed hard< these peop!e "ere utter!$, irredeemab!$, mad ;R*ELLE SEE&HED (S Goanna brought the shutt!e do"n upon the !anding pad at :hasmata :apita!is She had %oregone the :hasmatans' p!anetar$ shutt!e, boarding her o"n and ordering her pi!ot to breach the non' e0istent b!oc#ade &he )ourne$ to the capita! had ta#en !ess than an hour, but she had %a!!en into a deep brooding during the %!ight, during "hich she had come to the conc!usion that her %ather and her stepbrother must be stopped %rom dragging the d$nast$ into ob!ivion She #ne" the$ "ou!d not !isten to her "arnings, so she had determined to impress her "i!! in an$ "a$ she "as ab!e She unbuc#!ed her sa%et$ harness, and "as out o% her seat be%ore the shutt!e had %inished touching do"n She struc# the ramp re!ease, stri#ing it a second time "hen it %ai!ed to engage &he shutt!e sa%e!$ do"n and the !oc#outs disengaged, her third stri#e caused the ramp to !o"er, and she stormed do"n it, into the co!d evening air o% Mundus :hasmata 'M$ !ad$, * must as# that $ou ha!t immediate!$!' ( s/uad o% Luneberg's househo!d guard stood b!oc#ing ;rie!!e's path %rom the pad, their "hite armour ghost!$ in the dim !ight o% the dus# She stopped, and stood be%ore them, !oo#ing them over moc#ing!$ '-hich o% $ou c!ones is in charge,' ( "hite and go!d'armoured trooper, "earing armour as "hite and go!d as the others, stepped %or"ard '* am, o% course Ma'am, $ou do not have c!earance to !and= '3h dear, si!!$ me, * seem to have done so an$"a$ -hat do $ou propose to do about it,' ?.ou must obtain the proper retroactive c!earance ' '>ine, *'!! do that * "as on m$ "a$ to an audience "ith the *mperia! :ommander an$"a$ He is empo"ered to grant me a retroactive !anding permit * suppose,' &he trooper's mouth opened and c!osed %or a moment, be%ore he came to an obvious decision '.es ma'am, * suggest $ou do so ' ;rie!!e "as a!read$ pushing through the s/uad, her course no" c!ear in her mind

*N -H(& >EL& !i#e entire!$ too short a time, the dish had returned Lucian had spent the intervening period engaged in meaning!ess sma!! ta!# "ith those on either side o% him &he man introduced as the '1rocreator Gen' era!' "as, despite Lucian's initia! misgivings, a !i#eab!e enough %e!!o", despite the %act that conversation "ith him "as some"hat a"#"ard because e$e contact "as not made "ith human e$es but "ith his mu!ti' spectra!, arti%icia! ones Lucian had been mi!d!$ curious as to Ra%' %ens"ine's position "ithin the ru!ing e!ite, but had thought t"ice about broaching the sub)ect, #no"ing that man$ cu!tures %ound such topics vu!gar Lucian suspected this might be !itera!!$ true in the 1rocreator Genera!'s case &he e!der!$ "oman to Lucian's right turned out to be one o% the most unp!easant individua!s Lucian had ever had the mis%ortune o% meeting, and he had in his time spo#en "ith some high!$ unp!easant beings &hough she %eigned an air o% disinterest in her surroundings, she reminded Lucian o% a haemoncu!us o% the 0enos e!dar that he had once had cause to meet She shared the e!dar's apparent distain %or other beings, c!ear!$ being o% the opinion that a!! such !o"er creatures "ere a simp!e "aste o% %!esh Lucian "as /uite p!eased "hen the :at'achan %ace eater "as p!aced be%ore him Luneberg tapped his gob!et t"ice "ith a si!ver spoon, the diners immediate!$ hanging on his coming "ords 'M$ %riends, our %inest che%s have prepared %or us a dish o% supreme de!icac$ .ou have a!! seen "ith $our o"n e$es that the creatures "ere in good condition, i% necessari!$ sedated "hen presented to $ou &he$ have no" received the tender mercies o% our #itchens, and a"ait $our p!easure En)o$!' &he servant !i%ted the dome covering the dish, p!acing the %ace eater on the tab!e in %ront o% Lucian He !oo#ed around at the other diners, seeing that ever$ one "as nodding in appreciation, $et none seemed "i!!ing to eat %irst 'M$ dear Lucian= Luneberg ca!!ed %rom across the tab!e, '* trust such a dish is nothing e0otic to one such as $ou= Ever$ diner in the ha!! !oo#ed up at him, p!eased, he )udged, b$ the distraction Lucian sa" immediate!$ that Luneberg sought to test him >ine, he thought, better men than him had tried '* have eaten man$ such dishes, m$ dear :u!pepper= Lucian said, using Luneberg's %orename de!iberate!$, "eighing up the ris# in terms o% breaching eti/uette, 'though never so e0/uisite!$ prepared as this variant= (n appreciative murmur emanated %rom severa! nearb$ diners Lucian had the distinct impression that the$ "ere en)o$ing the spectac!e

?-e!!= Luneberg !eaned bac# in his seat, '$ou "i!! have to demonstrate the correct manner in "hich such a dish is consumed -e are but a %rontier "or!d, and the "a$s o% high court are s!o" to reach us ' No" Lucian #ne" Luneberg "as upping his game -hat did the *mperia! :ommander have to gain %rom doing so, Did he see# some prete0t under "hich to ta#e o%%ence at Lucian's deportment, -ars had certain!$ been %ought over such trivia! matters as "hich direction the svort "as passed a%ter dinner, so such a motive "as certain!$ not out o% the /uestion ':ertain!$' Lucian !oo#ed do"n at the dish be%ore him &he %!esh$, trans!ucent meat o% the :atachan %ace eater !a$ on a bed o% de!icate green shoots Lucian #ne" a !itt!e about the creature's habits, and #ne", %u!! "e!!, ho" it had come b$ its name -hen %irst o%%ered %or the diners' inspection the creatures "ere ver$ much a!ive, though as Luneberg had stated, sedated enough to stop them %rom !aunching themse!ves at the guests &he creature spasmed, indicating to Lucian that he "as e0pected to eat it a!ive >ine, he thought, he'd eaten %ar more repu!sive, though !ess dangerous creatures be%ore, and "ou!d do so again "ere it to aid the surviva! o% his d$nast$ &hat thought in mind, Lucian reached %or an eating imp!ement, )udging e0pert!$ "hich o% the score o% utensi!s at his p!acing "as set aside %or the tas# at hand He chose "hat he too# %or the %i!!eting #ni%e, guessing that he "ou!d need to ma#e an incision that "ou!d incapacitate, as opposed to a"a#en, the dead!$ creature He raised the #ni%e as a, !itera!!$, dead!$ si!ence gripped the ha!! &he %ace eater t"itched once more *n one %!uid motion, Lucian san# the #ni%e into the part o% its %!esh that had moved, s!icing a"a$ a thin morse! o% sti!!'convu!sing musc!e and popping it into his mouth He che"ed, as a po!ite round o% comp!iments ripp!ed through the diners -e!!, * must sa$, that's one "a$ o% going about it * pre%er to "a!!op the b!ighters "ith a ma!!et m$se!%!' &he diners !et out a nervous titter, pic#ing up the miniature hammers set amongst the cut!er$, and tapping the %ood upon their dishes nervous!$ Lucian chuc#!ed in"ard!$ as he sa" that, in man$ cases this )ust served to ma#e the %ood angr$ Lucian noted, ho"ever, that Ra%'%ens"ine, seated ne0t to him, "as eating the dish as Lucian had, and "ithin minutes ha!% the diners in the ha!! "ere doing the same .ou've made /uite an impression upon m$ court, m$ dear Lucian', said Luneberg '* hope the meat is to $our taste,' Lucian nodded '.es m$ !ord &he dish is /uite e0/uisite= he !ied *n %act,

it "as /uite taste!ess He sa" immediate!$ that Luneberg had served such a dangerous dish not %or its taste, but %or its entertainment va!ue :!ear!$, some %orm o% ennui had descended upon the court, driving it to ever more contrived distractions, %rom its h$per'cu!tured mores to its cu!inar$ eccentricities &HE EN&REE :3NS@MED, Naa! had ordered the main course to be served Lucian had scant chance to discover "hat manner o% dish this might be, ho"ever, be%ore a commotion at the %ar end o% the ha!! caught his atten' tion He !oo#ed around the tab!e, catching 2orvane's e$e His son appeared pained, $et none o% the diners appeared to have noticed Loo#ing c!oser, Lucian sa" that the other guests appeared to be concentrating especia!!$ hard upon their neighbours, heads nodding eager!$ in determined agreement "ith the most insigni%icant o% statements (s the commotion gre" !ouder, the diners turned their heads a"a$ %rom the direction %rom "hich it emanated, assiduous!$ ignoring its source Lucian heard a raised voice, and #ne", an instant be%ore she appeared, that it be!onged to his daughter Re!ie% %!ooded through him, %or his daughter "as sa%e (s she stepped %rom the shado"s, e0asperated servants trai!ing behind her, he made to stand to greet her ;e%ore he cou!d ho"ever, 2orvane coughed, dra"ing his attention to his son -ith the s!ightest o% motions, 2orvane shoo# his head, and indicated Luneberg, "ho "as staring, red'%aced, into his gob!et &he *mperia! :ommander's servants "ere in some distress, %or the$ appeared not to #no" "here to !oo#, so obvious "as their master's disp!easure ;rie!!e "a!#ed straight past him, and then past 2orvane, and sat, be%ore the attendant servant had the chance to pu!! out her seat %or her She s"ung her !egs up onto the tab!e, and crossed them, resting them on its edge &he movement caused price!ess cr$sta! gob!ets to tumb!e and smash upon the stone %!oor, and the crimson !i/uid "ithin spi!!ed across the tab!e's sur%ace She reached across the tab!e and !i%ted a cr$sta! decanter, pouring herse!% a g!ass o% its contents Lucian stared straight at his daughter, unab!e to %athom her behaviour &he room "as no" utter!$ si!ent< ever$ head turned discreet!$ a"a$ %rom ;rie!!e, $et, ever$ e$e g!ued to her She !i%ted the g!ass to her !ips Luneberg surged to his %eet His servants scattered in a!! directions and price!ess gob!ets topp!ed, spi!!ing their contents across the tab!e 'Lucian!' Lucian stood, guessing "hat "as coming ne0t

'Lucian, this is a travest$! &a#e her a"a$ this instant!' Lucian did not sa$ a "ord He mere!$ "a!#ed over to his daughter and pro%%ered her his arm She too# it demure!$, and together, the$ "a!#ed, heads he!d high, %rom Luneberg's dining ha!!

CHAPTER SIX
'-H(& ;. V(ND*RE'S ho!e is "rong "ith $ou, gir!,' ;rie!!e remained si!ent She "ou!d "eather the storm o% her %ather's "rath 3n!$ once she had a%%orded him the opportunit$ to %u!!$ vent his sp!een "ou!d she be ab!e to act He had remained si!ent a!! the "a$ %rom Luneberg's dining ha!! bac# to the stateroom, but ;rie!!e had sensed his boi!ing, inner rage %rom the moment the$ had !e%t the chamber He had not said a "ord, even to 2orvane, "ho had caught up "ith them having made his apo!ogies to Luneberg, unti! the door o% the suite had c!osed behind them ?.ou #no" ho" much is hanging on this mission, and $et $ou stro!! into Luneberg's court "ith abso!ute!$ no concern %or eti/uette Have * taught $ou nothing,' ;rie!!e brist!ed at that, %or she he!d dear the memories o% the !essons !earned at her %ather's side, be%ore 2orvane had arrived She remained impassive regard!ess, determined that an$ damage done "ou!d not be caused b$ her, despite the %act that her %ather "as /uite correct Her actions had been contrar$ to a!! she #ne" o% court!$ eti/uette, and de!iberate!$ so '*% * didn't #no" better, * might have thought $ou'd done it'' '>ather,' 2orvane bro#e in, ca!m in the %ace o% his %ather's "rath Eas$ enough %or him, thought ;rie!!e, %or it "as not directed at him *n %act, ;rie!!e thought, he probab!$ sought to turn it to his o"n advantage '-hat,' Her %ather he!d ;rie!!e's ga+e %or a coup!e o% seconds be%ore turning to %ace her stepbrother '>ather, * thin# "e need to p!an "hat to do ne0t *'ve been stud$ing the :hasmatans' traditions, and there's precedent to suggest the$ might have grounds to cance! an$ contract "e might have entered into ' Lucian too# a deep breath, be%ore addressing both his chi!dren '2orvane, ;rie!!e, $ou both need to understand something about the nature o% our dea! "ith Luneberg (s * e0p!ained a%ter the initia! ta!#s, this is not the t$pe o% contract recognised b$ high !a" and en%orceab!e in the courts &his is not simp!e trade &his isn't even a transaction, and Luneberg is neither our partner nor our customer He "anted something %rom us, and as much as he needed us at die beginning, "e're as good as competitors in the !ong run= ;rie!!e %ought hard to ho!d her tongue, %or as much as she agreed "ith

her %ather's assessment, she %e!t even more strong!$ that he shou!d never have entered into the venture in the %irst p!ace 'Luneberg needed us in order to gauge "hether or not he "as on to something good &he %act that "e signed up, and have returned here, te!!s him he is,' Lucian said ';ut sti!!= 2orvane spo#e up, 'he needs us to move the goods on -ithout us, he's sure!$ )ust sitting on "orth!ess merchandise= ;rie!!e thought bac# to the cargo sti!! sitting in her ho!d She #ne" it "as %ar %rom "orth!ess She had seen it %or "hat it "as ' a mere samp!e o% goods to be provided in the %uture She "ou!d #eep this in%ormation to herse!% though, and on!$ revea! at a time most suited to her o"n ends Her de!iberate behaviour at the dining ha!! "ou!d pa$ dividends in the !ong run, but had !e%t her stoc# !o" in the short term '* need to spea# to Luneberg= said Lucian &r$ to patch things up and %ind out "hat he rea!!$ "ants %rom us * #no" * can turn this to our pro%it, but * need both o% $ou= he !oo#ed straight at ;rie!!e, 'both o% $ou behind me -e are, in case $ou have %orgotten, (rcadius= ;rie!!e nodded, a vision o% contrition, and her %ather visib!$ ca!med '2orvane and * "i!! get bac# to Luneberg .ou= he s/uee+ed her hand, 'sta$ out o% troub!e= 3NL. 3N:E HER %ather and stepbrother had !e%t the suite did ;rie!!e a!!o" herse!% a "r$ grin She had succeeded in comp!icating the dea! to the point "here it might co!!apse entire!$, but "as unsure e0act!$ "here to go %rom there -hen she had discovered the nature o% the items in her ho!d, she had intended mere!$ to steer her %ather a"a$ %rom the dea!, souring it to the e0tent that it "ou!d co!!apse !arge!$ o% its o"n accord She thought o% this as entire!$ unse!%ish, but had come to rea!ise that her %ather, and certain!$ her stepbrother, "ou!d hard!$ see it that "a$ *% she "as to be damned, she thought, she "ou!d be damned %or good reason *% she succeeded in ruining the dea! "ith Luneberg, she "ou!d need to ma#e some #ind o% po"er p!a$ against her stepbrother, %or he "ou!d never %orgive her, even i% her %ather did &hat made 2orvane a !ong'term enem$, and no", ;rie!!e rea!ised, "as the best time to dea! "ith him ;rie!!e crossed to the ta!!, g!ass doors that %ormed one "a!! o% the stateroom, hau!ing them open upon corroded runners She stepped out onto the high ga!!er$, and !oo#ed out on a panoramic vie" o% Luneberg's capita! cit$ &he sun "as a!most set, the !ast o% its ra$s turning the s#$ a deep bron+e, and casting the air in a thic#, go!den ha+e &he cit$ spra"!ed %or man$

#i!ometres in ever$ direction, distant, cragg$ mountains )ust visib!e on the hori+on ;e!o" her, the pa!ace grounds "ere arra$ed She noted ho" these appeared overgro"n and untended, not !i#e the !oving!$ maintained ornamenta! gardens she "ou!d have e0pected to grace Luneberg's estates ;e$ond the grounds, the merchants' /uarter spread as %ar as the distant "arehouses at the cit$'s edge, its street mar#ets a!ive "ith activit$ even at this !ate hour ;rie!!e %e!t a sudden urge to be %ree o% the shac#!es o% responsibi!it$, i% on!$ %or a short time Luneberg's court "as a c!austrophobic and sta!e environment, and !itt!e advantage "as to be had s#u!#ing in the dust$ guest suites She !oo#ed out at the cit$, and then bac# to"ards the door o% the apartment She came to her decision -hi!e her %ather and stepbrother "asted time "ith Luneberg and his pet %ops, ;rie!!e "ou!d go out into his domain She #ne" not "hat she might %ind, but she reasoned it had to be better than "hat she had here &HE H3@SEH3LD G@(RDS made no attempt to cha!!enge ;rie!!e as she strode through the main gates &he$ reso!ute!$ ignored her in %act, staring straight ahead, out into the cit$ streets be$ond She reasoned that their tas# "as to cha!!enge those attempting to enter the pa!ace Her thus %ar !imited e0perience "ith the :hasmatans' bureaucrac$ suggested that their vigi!ance did not e0tend to those attempting to !eave (n interesting observation, and one that might prove "orth remembering, she thought &he cit$ streets outside the pa!ace "ere narro" and o!d, the bui!dings over!oo#ing them o% pre'*mperia! vintage, b!oc#$ and pre'%abricated to some !ong'!ost pattern ;rie!!e stood outside the gates, !oo#ing %irst !e%t, and then right do"n the empt$ thorough%are She #ne" the mercanti!e /uarter !a$ to the east, and so turned !e%t, headed %or the )unction at the end o% the street Reaching the )unction, she noticed ho" the %urther %rom the pa!ace she trave!!ed, the more peop!e "ere out on the streets She sa" no signs o% !a" en%orcement, "hich on most o% the *mperium's more popu!ous "or!ds "as conspicuous, and proactive in #eeping the sub)ects in !ine Here, the en%orcers "ere conspicuous b$ their absence -as the popu!ace so "e!! behaved as to ma#e en%orcement unnecessar$, She doubted that, %or she #ne" that rebe!!ion and heres$ !a$ )ust be!o" the sur%ace on ever$ "or!d o% the *mperium Not a sing!e "or!d, !east o% a!! sacred &erra itse!%, "as untouched b$ "ar, and most such con%!icts "ere interna! in nature, even "hen triggered b$ e0terna! %actors &hough rogue traders popu!ated a rare%ied "or!d be$ond the norms, i% such a thing cou!d even be said to e0ist, o% human societ$, the$ on!$

e0isted in re%erence to that societ$ -hi!e the$ con/uered the stars and commanded vast private %!eets and armies, the$ did so u!timate!$ %or the bene%it o% man#ind as a "ho!e &he$ cou!d on!$ bring the ru!e o% !a" to the stars i% the$ #ne" that ra!e "ou!d be uphe!d once estab!ished &o ;rie!!e and her #ind, the !a" "as something that app!ied to others, but it "as vita! nonethe!ess &he thought that "or!ds such as Mundus :hasmata might %ai! in their God'Emperor'given dut$ to upho!d the 1a0 *mperia!is "as, to ;rie!!e, unsett!ing in the e0treme She chec#ed the miniature "eapons "orn as )e"e!!er$ on her %ingers, )ust to be certain that she cou!d en%orce her o"n authorit$, shou!d she need to >o!!o"ing no particu!ar course, she rounded a corner .et more peop!e "ere about their business as the da$ dre" to a c!ose She "a!#ed casua!!$, so as not to dra" attention to herse!% No doubt, man$ "ou!d mar# her as a stranger, $et ;rie!!e had !earned %rom her %ather that it o%ten paid to #eep a !o" pro%i!e in such surroundings She studied the men and "omen trave!!ing up and do"n the streets &here "as something about them, something a!so evident in Luneberg's court, "hich made her cautious She #ne" her %ather had noted it too, though she doubted the !ess "or!d!$ 2orvane had &here "as a tiredness about the peop!e, and the p!ace in "hich the$ !ived, as i% the$ had simp!$ !ost interest in their o"n !ives -h$ shou!d this be, ;rie!!e as#ed herse!%, Man$ o% the *mperium's sub)ects !ived their !ives in hardship and toi!, or in constant threat %rom marauding enemies &hese peop!e su%%ered no such circumstances< their "or!d "as prosperous and in no immediate danger o% invasion 1erhaps that "as the prob!em, ;rie!!e thought 1erhaps the peop!e o% Mundus :hasmata had gro"n !a+$ and comp!acent "ithout the crucib!e o% "ar and povert$ to unite them against an u!timate!$ hosti!e universe ;rie!!e sa" that she "as approaching the merchants' /uarter, the streets ahead !ined "ith covered mar#et sta!!s and thronged "ith stro!!ing peop!e ( gru%% voice interrupted her thoughts She !oo#ed do"n, to see a man s!umped against a door"a$, !oo#ing up at her He had addressed her, though she had not caught his s!urred "ords &he man repeated himse!%, and she rea!ised he "as not mere!$ s!urring his "ords, but spea#ing a heavi!$ accented, !oca! dia!ect, as opposed to the High Gothic spo#en b$ rogue traders and b$ Luneberg's aristocratic court '.ou rea!ise that upon an$ civi!ised "or!d o% the *mperium $ou "ou!d be shot on the spot %or begging thus,' she said, more a statement than a

/uestion She made to "a!# a"a$, !eaving the man !$ing in his o"n %i!th, be%ore noting that, a!though heavi!$ soi!ed, the c!othes he "ore "ere o% a ver$ %ine cut and materia! Loo#ing c!oser, she sa" that this "as no dere!ict beggar, but a gent!eman o% some means &he man spat "hat ;rie!!e cou!d on!$ ta#e %or a stream o% particu!ar!$ insu!ting !oca! invective She cou!d decipher on!$ one "ord in ten, and that re!ated to an improbab!e bio!ogica! %unction she "as not prepared to underta#e She shoo# her head, deciding to "aste no more o% her time on the man She carried on to"ards the bus$ mar#et p!ace, !eaving the !oca! in a poo! o% his o"n ma#ing &he street upon "hich the mar#et "as being he!d evident!$ mar#ed the border o% the merchant /uarter, %or ;rie!!e cou!d see cro"ds o% shoppers %i!!ing the streets be$ond She came to the %irst sta!!, !oo#ing bet"een the shou!ders o% the customers be%ore it Nothing o% particu!ar interest, mere!$ !oca!!$ made eating vesse!s She moved on to the ne0t, pushing into the ever more dense cro"d &he ne0t sta!! stoc#ed a!! manner o% spices, a variet$ o% pungent aromas greeting her as she approached -ide'brimmed pots and sma!!er, stoppered bott!es contained a!! manner o% bright!$ co!oured po"dered substances, sma!! parchment scrips detai!ing the source o% the contents ;rie!!e read the hand'"ritten !abe! on a sma!!, g!ass container ho!ding a bright, b!ue substance E0tract o% !eg'%ish proboscis, it read ;rie!!e !et out a sma!! snort o% amusement '-ou!d madam care to samp!e some snout po"der,' &he sta!!ho!der appeared at ;rid!e's side, c!utching her arm obse/uious!$ She sti%%ened, mi!d!$ insu!ted b$ his approach to se!!ing, and snatched her arm a"a$ %rom his grasp 'No She "ou!d not= She sta!#ed o%%, hearing the se!!er chuc#!ing to himse!% behind her bac# :rossing the street, ;rie!!e noticed that the sun had entire!$ gone do"n, !ights coming on a!! around the mar#et Li#e those in Luneberg's throne room, these "ere %ree'%!oating, supported b$ some manner o% arti%icia!, anti'gravit$ generator She studied one, her interest pi/ued, %or such techno!og$ "as comparative!$ rare on most "or!ds o% the *mperium, and she had certain!$ never seen it uti!ised %or mere street !ighting ( coup!e dressed in merchants' %iner$ "a!#ed beneath the %!oating !ight, and ;rie!!e "atched as it %o!!o"ed a%ter them at a short distance, be%ore the$ entered the poo! o% !ight cast b$ another (t that point the second %!oating !ight too# over, the %irst gent!$ %!oating unti! it came upon another pedestrian in apparent need o% i!!umination She !oo#ed around at the %aces o% the peop!e in the street None o% them

appeared to ac#no"!edge the presence o% the %!oating !umens She studied the upper store$s o% the overhanging bui!dings, noting, as she thought she "ou!d, that o!der street %urniture adorned their %aces, static, conventiona! street !ights rusting a"a$ unnoticed and un!it >eigning an air o% noncha!ant disinterest /uite at odds "ith "hat "as going through her mind, ;rie!!e approached another sta!! &his one o%%ered a staggering variet$ o% sma!!, decorated via!s, each containing a minis'cu!e /uantit$ o% oi!$ !i/uid &he sta!!ho!der, a robed "oman "hose %ace "as a!most entire!$ shrouded, addressed her in heavi!$ accented, but understandab!e Lo" Gothic 'Loo#ing %or something specia! m$ dear,' ;rie!!e !oo#ed do"n her nose at the "oman, but curiosit$ temporari!$ got the better o% her '.es .es, * might be ' '* thought so ' &he "oman gave ;rie!!e a /uic# appraisa!, and then reached in amongst the mass o% containers, pic#ing out a sma!!, unassuming bott!e &his= the "oman gent!$ !i%ted the stopper %rom the tin$ bott!e, 'is "hat $ou "ant, * thin#= &he sta!!ho!der !i%ted the bott!e to ;rid!e's nose She hesitated %or an instant, and then gent!$ inha!ed ( scent !i#e none she had ever e0perienced struc# her ;!ood rushed to her head, and the sound o% her heart pounding %i!!ed her ears Her e$es "atered and her #nees tremb!ed, be%ore the sensation /uic#!$ passed and the "or!d came bac# into %ocus be%ore her 'Good, no,' ;rie!!e cou!d on!$ nod .ou shou!d see "hat it does "hen $ou drin# it= -(NDER*NG DEE1ER *N&3 the cit$ streets, ;rie!!e came upon a "ide, open p!a+a Here the cro"ds thinned, unti! she stood a!one, ga+ing at crumb!ing statuar$ She !oo#ed up at the night s#$, noticing, as an$ space%arer "ou!d, that the stars appeared absent on "hat "as an other"ise c!ear, c!oud!ess night 1u++!ed, she !oo#ed around, rea!ising "ith mi!d surprise that the patch o% s#$ she had, b$ chance, !oo#ed up into "as not s#$ at a!!, but a vast, b!ac# si!houette against the night &he si!houette described an impossib!$ ta!! to"er, a c!uster o% spires at its summit piercing the night s#$ &his must be the cit$'s cathedra!, ;rie!!e rea!ised, %inding herse!% dra"n to"ards it (s she crossed the empt$ s/uare, she became increasing!$ a"are o% her iso!ation Not a sing!e sou! "as to be seen an$"here near the cathedra! &he %ee!ing gre" more intense as she crossed the s/uare, and she cou!d not he!p casting a g!ance over her shou!der as she neared the vast structure &he cro"ds appeared a ver$ great distance a"a$ She turned

bac# to"ards the cathedra!, craning her nec# to !oo# up at its bu!# *t "as dar# No !ights shone %rom "hat shou!d have been, !itera!!$, a shining beacon o% %aith Such bui!dings "ere to be %ound on ever$ ma)or "or!d o% the *mperium, man$ hosting one in ever$ cit$ Her discom%ort deepened as she re%!ected on ho" such a centre o% spiritua! authorit$ shou!d have been heaving "ith activit$ 3%%icers o% the *mperia! :reed, "orshippers, penitents, petitioners, pi!grims< the cathedra! shou!d have been cro"ded "ith peop!e, but it "as si!ent ;rie!!e approached the vast steps, at the top o% "hich stood might$ doors o% cast bron+e She began to c!imb, her unease gro"ing "ith each step she too# She reached the top and studied the doors &he "ea#est o% %!ic#ering cand!e!ight shone through the gap at the base, and %or the brie%est o% moments, something approaching hope pu!!ed at her ( sma!! hatch "as set into the vast doors, and she tested its hand!e *t s"ung in"ard, its hinges groaning so !oud!$ that she "inced as she heard the noise echo bac# %rom the depths o% the cathedra! She stepped through, to be greeted "ith in#$ b!ac#ness (%ter a %e" moments, her e$es ad)usted to the dar#ness, and ;rie!!e cou!d discern her immediate surroundings -an cand!e!ight %!ic#ered and guttered b$ the door, but be$ond it, she cou!d scarce!$ see .et she %e!t the vast, co!d emptiness o% the cathedra!, sensing the huge space that seemed to s"a!!o" her up, bod$ and sou! She too# a step %or"ards, coughing as dust bi!!o"ed up %rom the %!oor, disturbed b$ her tread Ho" !ong had the cathedra! stood abandoned, and "h$, Such a /uestion "as be$ond her e0perience, %or a!though she had %aced a!! manner o% a!ien monstrosities, she had never had to dea! "ith such heres$ upon a !o$a! "or!d o% the *mperium Ho" cou!d a civi!ised "or!d e0ist be$ond the constraints o% %aith, She started %or"ards into the dar#ness, her e$es ad)usting %urther as she moved a"a$ %rom the circ!e o% !ight cast b$ the %!ic#ering cand!es She began to discern other, tin$ pinpric#s o% !ight against the a!!' encompassing vei! o% dar#ness She c!osed in on one such cand!e, %inding it guttering and hissing, a!most entire!$ spent (s the sma!! %!ame %!ic#ered and died, a chi!! s"ept through her bod$ (n invo!untar$ gasp escaping her !ips, she turned, and sa" a terrib!$ misshapen %ace !ooming to"ards her %rom the dar#ness ;rie!!e dived to her !e%t, a bu!#$ %orm moving through the space she had )ust vacated She %ro+e, read$ to de%end herse!% against attac#, but none came *nstead, a second %!ame ignited, !ighting the %orm and revea!ing it

to be!ong to a decrepit mono'tas# servitor She sa" that the %!ame emanated %rom a no++!e that rep!aced the servitor's right hand She "atched as the servitor rep!aced the d$ing cand!e %rom a stoc# carried in a !arge sac# strung around its shou!der, !ighting the rep!acement b$ "a$ o% its o"n %!ame *ts tas# comp!ete, ;rie!!e e0pected the mono'tas# to shu%%!e o%%, but be%ore it did, it !ingered a moment She "atched in si!ence< she cou!d have s"orn it mumb!ed a /uiet pra$er as it ga+ed into the ne"!$ !it %!ame &hen it did shu%%!e o%%, its sac# o% rep!acement cand!es dragging at its %eet ;rie!!e "aited unti! she cou!d hear the servitor no !onger, determined to continue :autious!$, %or despite the trai! o% rene"ed cand!es !e%t in the servitor's "a#e, the cathedra! "as sti!! dim and the dust thic# She %o!!o"ed a c!oistered "a!#"a$, statues o% ancient saints ensconced a!ong its "a!!s, unti! she reached the entrance to "hat she #ne" "ou!d be the cathedra!'s inner sanctum She stood be%ore the entrance, and hau!ed upon the brass doors &he$ gave on!$ s!o"!$, the grating o% meta! on stone pain%u!!$ !oud in the vast emptiness &he doors open enough to a!!o" her passage, ;rie!!e stepped through She "as greeted b$ a vast, he0agona! space, man$ times ta!!er than it "as "ide Massive co!umns supported an intricate!$ "or#ed g!ass cei!ing &hrough the g!ass, sha%ts o% si!vered moon!ight beamed straight do"n, i!!uminating the a!tar at the centre o% the chamber ;rie!!e stepped %or"ards, her head ti!ted up She stepped into the !ight Loo#ing do"n at the a!tar, she turned her head sharp!$ as the moon!ight g!inted %rom a meta! statuette set upon it She "aited %or the retina! burn to %ade, be%ore cautious!$ !oo#ing upon the a!tar once more &he statue represented a mart$r she did not recognise, a!mough the st$!ised tears running do"n its %ace "ere a common enough moti% She !oo#ed around, seeing that the cathedra! must have %a!!en into disuse man$ $ears ago &he tears o% unnamed saints had not #ept the %!oc# %aith%u!, she mused, a bitterness rising unbidden "ithin her (s incredib!e as it "as to her, she sa" that the *mperia! :reed had simp!$ %aded a"a$, as %orgotten to the peop!e o% Mundus :hasmata, as "as their "or!d to the *mperium Such a thing ran contrar$ to ever$thing she had been brought up to be!ieve .et she stood in the ver$ centre o% an abandoned and %orgotten cathedra!, the peop!e given over to their o"n se!%ish %o!!ies and a%%ectations Verses %rom the :reed ran through ;rid!e's mind, c!ashing and contradicting "here once the$ had soothed @n%ami!iar teachings stabbed at her, unti! she rea!ised that she "as hearing not her o"n, inner voice, but distant "ords echoing through the night outside the camedra!

Ho!ding her breath so that she cou!d hear "e!! enough to determine the voice's direction, ;rie!!e stepped out o% the sha%t o% moon!ight cascading %rom above She ghosted do"n dust$, cob"eb'stre"n corridors, the voice gro"ing !ouder a!! the "hi!e (%ter severa! minutes, she came upon a sma!! porta!, and stepped through it She "as in the p!a+a once more, on the opposite side o% the cathedra! to "here she had entered, and she cou!d c!ear!$ hear the voice, across the s/uare %rom her ( cro"d c!ustered on the p!a+a's edge, the voice c!ear!$ audib!e No" that she "as in the open, ;rie!!e cou!d hear that the voice "as an angr$ one, that o% a preacher haranguing a cro"d She !oo#ed behind her at the vast, empt$ cathedra!, curious as to "h$ such an e0pression o% %aith "ou!d be mani%ested outside o% the institution o% the :reed She started to"ards the cro"d, the "ords o% the spea#er becoming c!earer (nd there sha!! be a great apoca!$pse! ( great "ar "hose might and c!amour sha!! d"ar% a!! the "ars that have come be%ore= &he %ami!iar verse dri%ted to"ards her, and she instinctive!$ raised her hands to her chest to ma#e the sign o% the a/ui!a, but something made her hesitate Some deep!$ hidden doubt rose to the sur%ace, a %ee!ing o% tension that on!$ increased as she neared the cro"d -e bring upon ourse!ves the doom o% a!! that "as and a!! that is!' Reaching the nearest o% the cro"d, ;rie!!e stood upon the tips o% her toes in order to see over the shou!ders o% those be%ore her She caught a g!impse o% the preacher, and "as surprised to see that he appeared not to be a robed priest, but a trader or a merchant '"e the masses hudd!e in our hove!s, una"are o% the "ar %ought on our account= ;rie!!e did not recognise this segment, a!though there "ere so man$ thousands o% variations o% the boo#s o% the :reed that that a!one did not concern her 'Ho" !ong sha!! the masses toi! in si!ence, Ho" !ong must "e !abour in ignorance,' ( chorus o% agreement s"ept the cro"d .et their reaction "as not one o% anger or o% %ervour, but o% curiosit$ ;rie!!e studied the %aces o% those nearest her Each man and "oman appeared to !isten intent!$, as i% a spectator at a theatrica! per%ormance Sma!! /uips and "itticisms abounded, ripp!es o% app!ause sounding at "hat the cro"d perceived as particu!ar!$ "e!!'constructed verses She raised herse!% up once more, intent upon a c!oser !oo# at the spea#er

-hat is our %ate, i% not to adapt, to evo!ve,' (%ter each verse, the spea#er !eant %or"ard, stud$ing the cro"d as i% reading their reaction He caught ;rie!!e's e$e, and de!ivered his ne0t !ine straight to her '(re "e not uncounted individua!s, striving %or a common purpose, -h$ must the$ den$ us our %ate, -ho are the$ to contro! and direct %rom a%ar, "hen "e #no" ourse!ves as the$ never can,' &he man's "ords struc# a chord deep "ithin ;rie!!e's heart, $et she #ne" he trod a path at odds "ith the teachings o% the *mperia! :reed, and he did so open!$, in the shado" o% an abandoned cathedra! &he o!d "a$s ho!d no meaning %or us!' He "as pointing straight at ;rie!!e '3n!$ "e can avert doomsda$, and on!$ then b$ uniting %or the good o% a!!!' &he o!d "a$s have no meaning ;rie!!e "as shoc#ed to hear such "ords spo#en on a "or!d o% the *mperium, $et she %ound the$ spo#e to her more than a thousand sermons o% the t$pe she had gro"n up "ith &he peop!e here !istened, and considered the spea#er's "ords, the$ did not ma#e ho!!o" and meaning!ess responses !earned b$ rote but never tru!$ understood She "as beginning to understand the apparent ennui evinced in the behaviour o% Luneberg's court 1erhaps the$ "ere not simp!$ bored, casting around %or distraction as she had assumed 1erhaps the$ "ere simp!$ %ree o% the constraints that bound so man$ "or!ds o% the *mperium .et, "hat remained once obedience and %aith "ere stripped a"a$, Ho" deep did the teachings o% this man, and his !i#e, cut, ;rie!!e cou!d s$mpathise "ith a "ish to be rid o% the shac#!es o% ru!e, a%ter a!!, she "as a rogue trader and e0isted outside o% such !a"s, but sti!! she he!d on to a core o% %aith in the Emperor &he boundaries o% that %aith "ere being rede%ined as she !istened, but she a!so #ne" that nothing die spea#er cou!d ever sa$ "ou!d ma#e her re)ect the God'Emperor o% Man#ind Nothing "ou!d change her be!ie% in Him ':hange is the on!$ constant!' the man be!!o"ed, bo"ing to his audience be%ore departing "ith a %!ourish &he cro"d cheered, mighti!$ impressed at such a "itt$ turn o% phrase &he "ise adapt,' ;rie!!e "hispered, standing in si!ence as the cro"d bro#e up around her ;R*ELLE H(D >3@ND herse!% "andering aim!ess!$ a!ong the cit$'s streets, the cro"ds thinning as the night dre" on She headed in the vague direction o% Luneberg's pa!ace, $et she cared !itt!e to return to the compan$ o% her %ather and her stepbrother Her "anderings brought her

bac# through the centre o% the merchants' /uarter, "ere she s!o"ed, id!$ !oo#ing %or some distraction that "ou!d de!a$ her return to the pa!ace &his part o% the cit$ remained bus$ :ommerce, it appeared, never s!ept Merchants in their gaud$ dress paraded the streets, ostentatious in their disp!a$s o% persona! "ea!th &he sounds o% drun#en merriment emanated %rom the estab!ishments that cro"ded the streets, signs above each announcing their specia!ised vena!it$ ;rie!!e "as in no mood %or sha!!o" vices She "andered on, unti! she heard the rumb!e o% shouting and $e!!ing %rom an entrance ahead Reaching it, a sign above the door dec!ared that it "as an auction house, and b$ the sound emanating %rom "ithin, she had no doubt that a sa!e "as in progress, even at such a !ate hour She entered, a pair o% bur!$ guards !etting her pass "ithout /uestion, and %o!!o"ed the sound o% the shouting up a "ide set o% stairs, a threadbare, though once e!aborate carpet running its !ength (t the top o% the stairs, an arch"a$ o% crumb!ing stone !ed to a ga!!er$, through "hich ;rie!!e cou!d see cro"ds o% peop!e up on their %eet, "aving their hands in some agitation She stepped through the arch"a$, and pushed past the rear ran#s o% the cro"d 'So!d to the representative o% the Dre%us :arte!!' ( "ave o% disappointed )eering s"ept the cro"d, and severa! men, "ea!th$ merchants b$ their dress, thre" papers to the %!oor, cursing co!our%u!!$ ;rie!!e !oo#ed to the %ront o% the ha!!, and sa" that she stood upon one ga!!er$ o% man$, arranged around a centra! pit &he auctioneer sat on a podium, opposite, and appeared to have a !arge spea#er gri!!e %or a mouth and a peri"ig that trai!ed a!most to the %!oor &he auctioneer "aved chubb$ hands, his distorted, arti%icia! voice shouting, '3rder p!ease gent!emen, order!' through his spea#er'mouth ( modicum o% ca!m %i!!ed the ha!!, the merchants chattering e0cited!$ nonethe!ess '3ur ne0t sa!e is an e0/uisite e0amp!e o% out'rim 0enocana ' (n attendant stepped out onto the %!oor o% the pit, and a hush descended over the cro"d as he he!d a!o%t a "hite sta%% capped "ith an e!aborate arra$ o% mu!ti'%aceted )e"e!s and %!uted pane!s &he attendant circ!ed the pit, the sta%% he!d high %or the c!osest o% the bidders to e0amine &his %ine item comes to us %rom man$ !ight $ears a"a$, and man$ brave men perished to capture it *t "as once the sta%% o% o%%ice o% the &error o% the &rident Nebu!a, "ho "ie!ded it against the or#s o% the :hra+hg#e# tribe ' &he cro"d cooed in a"e at this, a!though ;rie!!e had to strugg!e to sti%!e a !augh (s much as she "as amused at the b!atant!$ %raudu!ent description, she "as even more surprised to "itness such an arte%act,

"hether or not it "as genuine, on vie" and %or sa!e on a "or!d o% the *mperium She sighed, beginning to en)o$ the %reedoms she "as "itnessing around her -hat am * bid %or this %ine, rare item,' ( comica!!$ over"eight merchant, ha!% o% his bu!# spi!!ing over the ga!!er$'s rai!ing, thre" his hand in the air &he bidding "as on ;rie!!e "atched in "r$ %ascination, her incredu!it$ gro"ing as the bidding increased She noted that the bidders tendered trade bonds, promissor$ notes she guessed, mat tied them to a common, !oca! mar#et Such tender "ou!d be meaning!ess outside o% Mundus :hasmata, and appeared a de!iberate po!ic$ to ensure that the trade did not attract the attention o% outside authorities (s the bidding reached its %ina!e, so the bidders became more unru!$ ;rie!!e rea!ised that up to this point, she had not seen the :hasmatans e0hibit much in the "a$ o% emotion be$ond studied disinterest She "ondered "hether the ac/uisition o% 0enos arte%acts, even ones that "ere !i#e!$ to be %a#es, "as mere!$ a ne" distraction that temporari!$ sated their apparent !anguor &he auction reached its conc!usion, and the auctioneer hammered his gave!, the cro"d erupting once more into bed!am E0cept that one person stood /uite sti!!, and ;rie!!e %e!t his ga+e upon her be%ore turning to see him !oo#ing in her direction %rom the ne0t ga!!er$ ( moment !ater, the robed %igure nodded, and duc#ed into the cro"d ;rie!!e %ro+e, her %ather's advice coming to mind9 "hen in doubt, e$es open, mouth c!osed ( minute or t"o !ater, and )ust as the cro"d "as beginning to /uieten, the robed man appeared at ;rid!e's side, as she had suspected he "ou!d She turned to %ace him as he pu!!ed do"n his hood, to revea! a shaved head, and a s/uare')a"ed %ace, %!o"ing Gothic script tattooed across the chee#s and a hera!dic device upon the %orehead 'Naa!,' ;rie!!e as#ed
&he man bo"ed, a smi!e creasing his sombre %ace '*ndeed m$ !ad$ *t is an honour to be remembered= 'Not at a!!= ;rie!!e demurred, "incing as the auctioneer be!!o"ed the detai!s o% the ne0t item to be so!d, the cro"d e0p!oding into raucous chaos once more Naa! indicated the arch"a$ "ith a s"eeping arm 'Sha!! "e,' She nodded, and "a!#ed b$ his side out o% the ga!!er$ '*% $ou don't mind m$ as#ing, madam, do $ou "ish to be escorted bac# to the pa!ace, or might * be permitted to sho" $ou the rea! sights o% :hasmata :apita!is,' &he rea! sights,' ;rie!!e !i#ed the sound o% that '-h$ not,' S-*RL*NG, D*S:3RD(N& RH.&HMS %i!!ed the ha!!, driving ho"!ing cadences into ;rie!!e's s#u!! as she rec!ined upon a !o" couch o% e0/uisite brocade &he

highborn e!ite o% Mundus :hasmata passed the night a"a$ on simi!ar seats, a!! around Gossamer drapes suspended %rom !o", carved arch"a$s a%%orded the courtiers a ghost!$ aspect, their %eatures obscured behind the rich, diaphanous %abric Naa! had !ed ;rie!!e through the bac# a!!e$s and side streets o% the capita!'s o!d to"n, in amongst the ancestra! pi!es o% the !anded ru!ing c!ass &he$ had made sma!! ta!# a!ong the "a$, Naa! revea!ing himse!% to be something other than the subservient %unctionar$ he had appeared at court ;rie!!e had %ound herse!% intrigued, $et "as "i!$ enough not to !et her guard do"n She "ou!d see "hat this hidden side o% :hasmatan societ$ had to o%%er, and "hether she might %ind pro%it there &he estab!ishment to "hich Naa! had !ed her "as !o" and spra"!ing, g!oom$ $et intimate (t %irst, it appeared to be some private, aristocratic borde!!o, a!though ;rie!!e soon sa" that it "as something more than that Sma!! groups o% nob!es and "ea!th$ merchants hudd!ed in a!coves, some %ocused upon intent discussion, others observing the other patrons &his "as a p!ace, ;rie!!e /uic#!$ rea!ised, to see and be seen in 3n!$ an id!e'rich, highborn ru!ing c!ass such as this cou!d sustain such a p!ace, %or it evident!$ re!ied upon the sort o% mutua!!$ assured discretion that on!$ an entrenched, nigh incestuous ru!ing c!ass cou!d maintain Heads had turned as ;rie!!e and Naa! had entered, duc#ing !o" through the arched door"a$ and ho!ding aside si!#en drapes as the$ passed :ushions "ere scattered across the stone %!oor, and !o" cand!es provided scant i!!umination b$ "hich to navigate the scene Naa! had !ed ;rie!!e to an arched a!cove, and bade her sit amongst a group o% "hat "ere evident!$ high'ran#ing courtiers &hen he had pardoned himse!%, departing to %ind drin#s, and !eaving her to observe the scene 3ccup$ing the a!cove a!ongside her, the courtiers "ore c!othes o% the most e0/uisite cut, a!though ;rie!!e sa" that here, as in Luneberg's court, the %abric "as aged and "orn, as i% the "earer had !ost the means, or the "i!!, to maintain or rep!ace it 3n the other hand, perhaps the men and "omen had simp!$ !ost interest in their appearance, mere!$ sporting the trappings o% "ea!th and status, "hi!st evincing !itt!e concern %or its substance &he courtiers, both men and "omen, "ore po"dered "igs and prodigious amounts o% ma#e'up, and "hispered conspiratoria!!$, the men smir#ing "hi!st the "omen gigg!ed behind %!uttering %ans ;rie!!e caught them casting %urtive g!ances her "a$, more !o" !aughter emanating each time< she sighed, %inding such behaviour %oo!ish 'M$ apo!ogies %or !eaving $ou, ;rie!!e= Naa! had returned, and p!aced a cr$sta! decanter on the !o" tab!e in the centre o% the a!cove be%ore !o"ering himse!% onto the p!ush seat beside her He produced a pair o% ba!!oon g!asses, and poured a sma!! amount o% the s$rup$ !i/uid %rom the decanter into each, be%ore handing one to ;rie!!e

She raised the g!ass, inha!ing the rich aroma (!though no connoisseur o% %ine spirits, she #ne" enough o% such things to te!! %rom the thic#, "ood$ scent that this "as a !i/uor o% the %inest /ua!it$ She sipped, the

comp!e0, po"er%u! %!avours "ashing over her Naa! "as spea#ing, but ;rie!!e's attention "as distracted, as the area at the centre o% the room %i!!ed "ith sudden activit$ ( group o% servants, previous!$ unseen, "as c!earing the %!oor o% cushions and t$ing bac# drapes, creating a sma!!, open area, into "hich a ta!! %igure attired in a scar!et robe stepped &he %igure bo"ed to the on!oo#ers, "ho, !i#e ;rie!!e, craned their nec#s to see "hat "ou!d happen ne0t 'M$ %riends= the man announced, '"e have %or $our edi%ication this night, a guest o% the utmost singu!arit$ * present to $ou, the virtuoso!' ( chorus o% gasps and %!uttering %ans %i!!ed the room, and the a!read$ !o" !ighting dimmed even more, !eaving )ust the centra! space bathed in a so%t g!o" &he robed %igure retired to the shado"s, and an indistinct %orm g!ided on %rom the opposite side ;rie!!e had e0pected some e0otic dance or song, and shi%ted her bod$ around on the couch to gain a better vie" o% "hat promised to be something e!se entire!$ *t most certain!$ "as something e!se ( sphere o% g!ass, !ess than a metre in diameter, %!oated into the !ight in the open area ;rie!!e !i%ted herse!% on her arms, e0hi!aration %!ooding her Something moved "ithin the sphere, something dar#9 something a!ive '*t is per%ect!$ sa%e, m$ !ad$ Have no %ear,' said Naa! '* don't= said ;rie!!e, turning her head sharp!$ to"ards him, uncaring o% the irritation in her tone '*'m curious -here is it %rom,' '1!ease e0cuse me, * meant no o%%ence -e #no" not %rom "here the creature hai!s, e0act!$, but it is one o% severa! o% its t$pe to have come into contact "ith our merchants "or#ing the eastern domains *t has, as $ou "i!! see, a ver$ specia! ta!ent= ;rie!!e turned bac#, a!! her attention %ocused on the sphere *t bobbed a metre or t"o above the %!oor %or a moment, and then began to spin s!o"!$ ( deep, bass note droned at the edge o% hearing, vibrating through the spectators' bodies, and something /uite ama+ing too# p!ace Ever$ !oose item in the room !evitated a metre into the air ;rie!!e sat bo!t upright, her #nees dra"n up under her chin She !oo#ed bac# at Naa!, "ho "as chuc#!ing to himse!% /uiet!$ He !eaned %or"ard, p!uc#ed ;rie!!e's ba!!oon g!ass %rom the air, and handed it bac# to her She hesitated, and too# the g!ass %rom him &he air o% the room "as no" cro"ded "ith !evitating ob)ects, ranging %rom other drin#ing vesse!s, to !oosened hairpins, coins, ornate %ans and a!! manner o% persona! e%%ects &he courtiers c!apped demure!$, some retrieving ob)ects as Naa! had, "hi!e others seemed /uite de!ighted to see their possessions %!oating a"a$< and this the$ did, the items gent!$

gravitating to the centre o% the room, "here the$ began a s!o" orbit around the g!ass sphere, "hich ;rie!!e cou!d bare!$ ma#e out once it had pu!!ed in a!! the ob)ects &he bass hum deepened sti!! %urther, the !o" tab!es rat'ding as vibrations passed through them ( "oman opposite gigg!ed, but ;rie!!e caught the nervous g!ances that she cast around her, and c!ear!$ heard the edge o% de!irium in her !augh ;rie!!e cou!d see that most o% the id!e aristocrats had en)o$ed this spectac!e be%ore, but those that hadn't "ere c!ear!$ uncom%ortab!e and unsure as to "hat might happen ne0t (s "e!! the$ might be, thought ;rie!!e, "ho #ne" %u!! "e!! that the 0enos "as not to be made sport o% 3ne "ith such po"ers as those on disp!a$ might conceivab!$ cause enormous !oss o% !i%e i% it happened to turn on its captors, Masters, 1artners, -hat "as the re!ationship bet"een the man "ho had announced the sho", and the a!ien itse!%, &he bass drone dropped a tone %urther, hovering at the ver$ !imit o% human hearing &here it sta$ed %or severa! minutes, bui!ding s!o"!$ in tone, an air o% tension, or e0pectation gro"ing "ith it ( sudden e!ectric pu!se burst out"ards %rom the sphere, causing the "oman opposite ;rie!!e to gasp in shoc# &he m$riad ob)ects orbiting the sphere increased their speed, and the bass tone too# on a rh$thm, modu!ated, ;rie!!e discerned, b$ the speed and bu!# o% those ob)ects &he sma!!er items s"ung out, orbiting the sphere at a greater distance (s their course changed, a high'pitched counter'rh$thm gre", the movements o% g!inting hairpins generating sharp, darting notes at the upper edge o% hearing &he !arger items orbiting the sphere then c!osed in to it, their course s!o" and grace%u! &he bass note a!tered its pu!sing to match the movements o% s!o"!$ tumb!ing ba!!oon g!asses, their s$rup$ contents s!oshing, $et never /uite escaping &he remaining items each too# up a comp!e0 orbit, some remaining constant in speed and course "hi!st others moved into %igure o% eight %ormations, some orbiting each other "hi!e others moved in re!ation to the sphere (s each ob)ect moved into its uni/ue position in the dance, a corresponding rh$thm mani%ested itse!% Severa! hundred ob)ects o% var$ing si+es spun in per%ect, da++!ing %ormation around the room, the spectators utter!$ entranced ;rie!!e g!anced side!ong at the "oman sitting opposite, not surprised to see that she had ceased her co$ disp!a$ o% shoc#, and "as no" staring "ith open'mouthed rapture at the sight be%ore her ;rie!!e /uite !ost trac# o% time as the disp!a$ continued, the comp!e0,

inter"oven movements and their corresponding rh$thms bui!ding to an e0p!osive crescendo (t the !ast, the rh$thms s$nchronised, !oc#ed in per%ect union %or a %!eeting, moment in time &he ob)ects %ro+e, hanging motion!ess in the air &he music ceased, the so%test o% echoes %ading to the edge o% perception, and then evaporating into nothing &he ob)ects gent!$ san# to the %!oor, the %orce ho!ding them re!easing its grasp ;rie!!e turned to Naa!, surprised to note that a tear ran do"n her chee# (s her senses returned, she "iped her e$es and shoo# her head to c!ear it She "atched the g!ass sphere bob %or a moment, catching %!eeting movement "ithin, and then it retired once more to the shado"s &hose around the room "ere s!o"!$ a"a#ening too, !oo#ing around as i% roused %rom a deep s!eep Murmurs o% appreciation s"ept the room, and in a brie% moment drin#s "ere being ca!!ed %or and raucous !aughter rising Naa! too# ;rie!!e's g!ass %rom her, and she a!!o"ed him to re%i!! it be%ore accepting it bac# She sipped, !oo#ing around the room Diaphanous voi!es mu%%!ed the sounds o% merriment and cast bodies in si!houette, but it "as c!ear to ;rie!!e that the %estivities had no" ta#en on a #eener edge &he "oman opposite, "ho had evinced such shoc# at the appearance o% the virtuoso, had apparent!$ cast o%% her e!aborate out%it and "as stradd!ing her neighbour's !ap ;rie!!e too# another sip o% her !i/ueur &he remainder o% the night passed in a ha+e

CHAPTER SEVEN
L@:*(N 1(:ED &HE %!oor be%ore Luneberg's empt$ throne, "hi!e 2orvane stood rest!ess!$ nearb$ &he hour "as !ate and the vast ha!! "as abandoned Lucian's %ootsteps echoed in the dar#ness, the on!$ other sound the %!uttering o% arti%icia! "ings high above :$ber'cherubs< Lucian hated the damn things Vat'gro"n pets %or sha!!o"'minded men '&his might be our !ast chance, 2orvane, so $ou !eave the ta!#ing to me .ou "i!! "ait "hi!e * engage the *mperia! :ommander Do $ou understand,' Lucian addressed his son, the on!$ other human in the ha!! '* understand, >ather ' His son hid his disappointment "e!!, thought Lucian '-hat do $ou have p!anned,' Lucian resumed his pacing, addressing his "ords as much to the !ooming shado"s as to 2orvane '1!anned, .ou can't ma#e p!ans "hen $ou're dea!ing "ith this sort= Lucian "as rapid!$ going o%% this entire dea!, but "as determined to sa!vage some semb!ance o% pro%it,

even i% it did mean bringing himse!% do"n to "hat he sa" as Luneberg's !eve! '*'m going to %ind out once and %or a!! "hat he "ants %rom us Ma#e him revea! his cards, one "a$ or another '

'>ather, i% $ou push him, he'!! ta#e o%%ence &he :has'matans' ru!es o% eti/uette are /uite speci%ic on the sub)ect ' &a#e o%%ence,' Lucian thre" his head bac# and !aughed a sing!e, bar#ing report &he sound echoed into the shado"$ eaves, setting o%% a commotion amongst the creatures roosting there 'He might "e!! ta#e o%%ence *% that's the on!$ "a$ then that's ho" "e p!a$ mis= '>ather, p!ease 1!ease #eep $our voice do"n= 2orvane made an obvious sho" o% !oo#ing around die dar#ness, be%ore !o"ering his voice &here'!! be monitoring devices p!anted a!! over die pa!ace= Lucian regarded his son He had a !ot to !earn '3% course there are *t's a!! part o% the game= Lucian said, !oo#ing up to"ards the dar# cei!ing once more He sidestepped smart!$ as a "e!!'aimed do!!op o% cherub dung dropped, !anding "ith a "et sp!atter on the %!agstone %!oor He chuc#!ed, a"are o% the note o% appreciation in his o"n voice '(!! part o% the game= '>atiier,' he !oo#ed up at die tone in 2orvane's voice 2orvane nodded to"ards the shado"s, and a %igure emerged, crossing to the poo! o% !ight in %ront o% the dirone, to stand be%ore Lucian and 2orvane 'Gerrit= Lucian recognised the man "ho addressed him as the High :o!one!, &reve!$an':onstance, "ho had been introduced to him at the mea! as the head o% the Legions :hasmata &he man "as a mode! o% mi!itar$ deportment, ta!! and sti%%, his shou!ders "ide "ith gaud$ epau!ettes '* understand $ou go be%ore m$ Lord Luneberg presend$= &he co!one! stood a %e" centimetres ta!!er than Lucian did, and a!diough he appeared %ar o!der, he !oo#ed do"n his ha"#'!i#e nose, as i% si+ing him up &hat is correct m$ dear high co!one!,' said Lucian, stud$ing the man %or an$ reaction or o%%ence he might disp!a$ at the %ami!iarit$ ;$ the "arp, thought Lucian, in some t"isted "a$ *'m starting to en)o$ these peop!e's games '* trust a!! is "e!! "ith die *mperia! :ommander,' &he co!one! made no response other than a s!ight rising o% the right e$ebro" '3h $es, /uite "e!!, /uite "e!! indeed He "i!! be ab!e to receive $ou present!$ *n the meantime, as m$ !ord's chie% advisor in matters o% "ar, * "ish to consu!t "ith $ou, regarding the "ider mi!itar$ situation in the region= &his too# Lucian abac# He had )udged &reve!$an':onstance to be a !ac#e$, a!beit one "ith a particu!ar!$ impressive uni%orm, so "hat "as he a%ter, -as he acting above his station, ( %!utter o% "ings in the shado"s above reminded Lucian that their conversation "as un!i#e!$ to be private, and i% an$one understood tiiat, it "ou!d be the head o% the Mundus :hasmata mi!itar$

&he co!one! shot a %urtive g!ance overhead, and !o"ered his voice '.ou must understand, Gerrit, the !ast time "e received an o%%icia! de!egation o% an$ standing %rom the (deptus &erra "as over three decades ago, and that "as the %irst in ha!% a centur$ Don't misunderstand me, Mundus :hasmata is as !o$a! a "or!d as an$, but "e are a great distance %rom the ma)or trade routes .ou $ourse!% #no" this better than * do * mere!$ as#9 "hat o% the "ars against the 0enos,' '-e!!= Lucian's mind raced as he sought to %i!ter the ha!%'trudis he "as sure he "as hearing, %rom the !ies he guessed inter!aced them &here is, as $ou #no", no peace amongst the stars @!tima Segmentum %aces man$ threats, not the !east o% "hich is the 2urtoum @prising .ou "i!! have heard o% the great victor$ "on at 3rman V**,' Lucian as#ed this b$ "a$ o% a test ;$ no standards "as 3rman V** a great victor$ &he high co!one! %ai!ed .es, $es indeed, and "hat o% die or# menace,' Lucian considered %or a moment be%ore ans"ering -hat i% the high co!one! #ne" he "as being tested, -as he that bright, He "ou!d %ind out &he (rch'arsonist gro"s more cunning "ith each passing c$c!e, a!though * doubt he "i!! threaten $our borders %or some time to come ' 'M$ inte!!igence "ou!d tend to agree, Gerrit, but it is good to hear it con%irmed ' :on%irmed m$ arse, thought Lucian &he empire o% the se!%'tided or# "ar!ord, the (rch'arsonist o% :haradon, "as !ocated on the "estern e0treme o% @!tima Segmentum, over thirt$ thousand !ight $ears a"a$ Man$ other or# domains o%%ered %ar greater, though !ess impressive!$ named, threats '(nd "hat o% ' the high co!one! hesitated %or a moment, 'the *mperia! Nav$,' No" things are getting interesting, Lucian thought to himse!% He's de%inite!$ up to something, but "hat is he rea!!$ as#ing, &he Nav$ is, as ever, %ighting a "ar on man$ %ronts, against m$riad %oes .et, b$ the grace o% the Emperor, it $et prevai!s ' &he high co!one! bo"ed, ma#ing the sign o% a/ui!a as he did so '* am grati%ied to hear that is the case, sir -e hear too !itde o% such things this %ar out -hat, ma$ * as#, is the state o% the Nav$'s operation in the &imbra sub, and the "ho!e Ring,' Lucian #ne" that the Ring "as the !oca! name %or a group o% stars at the heart o% the ;orea!is :!uster, the appendage o% the great Eastern Spira! arm in "hich Mundus :hasmata "as !ocated &he high co!one!, Luneberg's chie% mi!itar$ advisor, "as as#ing him %or in%ormation regarding Nava! operations in the area surrounding his o"n "or!d &hese peop!e rea!!$ "ere iso!ated

-e!! ' Lucian decided to te!! &reve!$an':onstance the truth in this matter, %or he cou!d scarce!$ be!ieve the /uestion "as an$thing other than a test, de!ivered in the same manner that he himse!% had attempted to test the high co!one!, on!$ a moment ear!ier &he !ast Nav$ vesse! "e encountered "as the batt!eship (ord )athek, three da$s out o% (! (dhara, and she "as heading %or the 2!eist co!on$ &he route "e too# to Mundus :hasmata "as not one a!ong "hich regu!ar Nava! patro!s are made, un!ess the Nav$ has a reason to do so= &his !ast "as Lucian's o"n !itt!e test, a subt!e "a$ o% goading some reaction %rom the high co!one! He got none, or &reve!$an':onstance hid it "e!! i% he did react '4uite, /uite, and (! (dhara is ho" man$ !ight $ears distant "ou!d $ou sa$,' &he high co!one! "as tru!$ iso!ated i% he genuine!$ had no #no"!edge o% (! (dhara, the !argest Nava! "a$ point %or three sectors 3nce again, the thought that &reve!$an':onstance might be testing him crossed Lucian's mind He reso!ved to himse!% that, no matter ho" tempted, he "ou!d not %a!! %ou! o% mista#ing this man %or the ignoramus he gave ever$ impression o% being 'Given a good run at the eastern tai!, seven *% not, the ne0t best route adds up to nigh on ten, i% $ou're prepared to ris# the Straits o% 2ephus= &he high co!one! appeared to thin# upon this in%ormation, mu!!ing it over as i% it "as con%irmation o% a !ong'he!d suspicion rather than so!id %act &hen he visib!$ shoo# himse!% out o% the reverie he had entered, and stood straight, tugging at the "aist o% his uni%orm )ac#et in an e0aggerated disp!a$ o% trimness '-e!!, Gerrit, * than# $ou %or $our time, a most %ruit%u! discussion .ou must %orgive me %or detaining $ou, %or * am /uite sure m$ Lord :u!pepper must be "aiting 1!ease, %o!!o" me ' &he high co!one! bo"ed and indicated Lucian shou!d precede him up the steps to die podium 2orvane bo"ed to the high co!one!, and nodded to his %ather, remaining "here he "as as Lucian had instructed &reve!$an' :onstance !ed Lucian through the side door through "hich he had appeared, and into the corridors o% the private /uarters be$ond *% the throne room and the passages !eading to it appeared neg!ected and dust' stre"n, these "ere someho" "orse ( pa!pab!e atmosphere o% abandonment pervaded the !one!$ "a$s *t "as not that the$ "ere in an$ "orse condition, but that the impression o% deca$ "as more apparent the more sumptuous that "hich deca$ed had once been Statuettes o% once stunning beaut$ graced g!oom$ a!coves a!ong the passage, their pee!ing or crac#ed sur%aces even more obvious because o% the /ua!it$ o% their origina! cra%tsmanship

*n minutes, the$ reached "hat "as obvious!$ the antechamber to Luneberg's private /uarters ( "hite'c!ad househo!d guard stood on either side o% the meta! door"a$, the "hite %eathers mounted upon their he!mets bent against the arch"a$ above ( g!ance to!d Lucian that simi!ar!$ attired guards had stood "atch here %or count!ess centuries, %or above each trooper, a sma!! area o% the !o", stone cei!ing "as "orn smooth "here the %eathers touched &he high co!one! nodded to the guard standing on the right, and he si!ent!$ sub'voca!ised into the communicator mounted at his throat ( moment passed, and the guard nodded bac# to &reve!$an':onstance &he high co!one! p!aced a hand on the iron porta!, and !eaned his "eight against it unti! it s!o"!$ s"ung upon massive hinges 1assing through the arched door"a$, Lucian "as greeted "ith a sight that suggested a!! the deca$ed %iner$ he had thus %ar "itnessed "as but a tin$ portion o% the "ho!e, sad truth Luneberg's private chambers "ere dar# and g!oom$, /uite in !ine "ith the remainder o% his pa!ace, $et the e%%ect here "as mu!tip!ied one hundred%o!d Ever$ sur%ace o% ever$ "a!! "as crammed "ith price!ess arte%acts, %rom %ar and "ide in time and distance ( s"ord that Lucian estimated to be o% second era @!tramar in origin, possib!$ even dating to the time o% the great primarch Gui!!iman himse!%, "as mounted on one "a!!, its once g!eaming b!ade encrusted "ith centuries, even mi!!ennia o% dust and grime ;eside die b!ade stood a ta!! 0enos beast, stu%%ed, bad!$, Lucian noted, and preserved %or a!! time as testament to the s#i!! o% the hunter that had brought it do"n Lucian had no in#!ing %rom "here the beast might have come, but "as sure it "as not %rom Mundus :hasmata, and neither "as the hunter %rom Luneberg's "or!d Lucian stepped %or"ard, !oo#ing around %or a sign o% his host He sa" none, so resumed his perusa! o% the bi+arre disp!a$ *% Luneberg intended to #eep him "aiting, he "ou!d happi!$ participate in his !itt!e game ( might$ banner stood nearb$, tattered and scorched b$ chemica! burns, and !eant against a "a!! "here it appeared to have rested %or man$ centuries ( st$!ised %!ameburst surrounded a circu!ar %ie!d, the numera! 'HH=7' sti!! visib!e Lucian did not recognise the unit Ho" cou!d he, %or it "as but one bod$ amongst mi!!ions that had served the Emperor Served and died %or, b$ the state o% the banner, %or its bearer must sure!$ have su%%ered simi!ar "ounds to his charge ( painting, bare!$ visib!e amongst the shado"s, hung beside the banner Lucian stepped c!oser, and sa" that a !a$er o% %ine, gre$ dust obscured the sur%ace o% the "or# He gend$ b!e" on it, revea!ing die portrait o% a

bright!$ armoured man, his nob!e chin he!d high and !aure! !eaves gracing his haught$ bro" (nother arrogant bac#"ater !ord, thought Lucian, %ee!ing nothing but disdain %or die "atered do"n b!ood!ine that ru!ed this poindess "or!d 'M$ dear Lucian!' Luneberg emerged %rom the shado"s at the other end o% the room '* see $ou've %ound great unc!e Nappiermor *mpressive !oo#ing man, don't $ou thin#,' Lucian suppressed a grimace at being caught una"ares, !oo#ing side"a$s at the high co!one!, "ho made a great sho" o% ignoring the *mperia! :ommander '4uite so, m$ !ord -as he c!ose,' ':!ose, M$ no, the %ami!$ hated him Heard he pre%erred the compan$ o% %i!th$ mutants to honest men 3nes "ith e0tra bits i% $ou #no" "hat * mean ' Lucian remained stoica!!$ impassive, be%ore a!!o"ing the s!ightest o% grins to touch the corner o% his mouth Luneburg's po"dered %ace sp!it in a might$ smi!e in return, "hich soon trans%ormed into side'sp!itting !aughter Evident!$, Luneberg "as a great %an o% "it, his o"n, at !east Mopping his s"eating bro" "ith a daint$ #erchie%, Luneberg %ina!!$, and "ith some e%%ort, reined in his hi!arit$ '* do hope the high co!one! hasn't bored $ou too much,' Lucian smi!ed po!ite!$, not a!!o"ing himse!% to be baited -hen he %ai!ed to rep!$, Luneberg hu%%ed, poc#eting his #erchie% "ith a %!ourish Lucian "as struc# once more, as he had been upon %irst meeting the *mperia! :ommander, b$ the apparent contradiction bet"een %oppish bu%%oon and ph$sica! presence Luneberg might present such an air, but there "as much more to him, !ur#ing )ust be!o" the sur%ace Lucian "as reminded, as he had been on each occasion the$ had met, that he must a!"a$s be upon his guard around Luneberg '(n$"a$,' Luneberg continued, '"i!! $ou )oin me %or a stro!! in the ro$a! gardens,' ':ertain!$' Lucian rep!ied, '* "ou!d be happ$ to do so ' Luneberg turned, but ha!ted, as he appeared to remember that &reve!$an':onstance "as sti!! present '.our counse! "i!! not be re/uired, co!one!= Lucian cou!d hard!$ %ai! to catch the ic$ tone o% the command, and "ondered i% it "as %or sho" or i% indeed the *mperia! :ommander rea!!$ %e!t such evident disdain %or his chie% mi!itar$ attache -hether or not the high co!one! himse!% "as concerned "as impossib!e %or Lucian to te!!, %or he simp!$ c!ic#ed his hee!s smart!$, bo"ed and turned on the spot, departing smart!$ and !eaving Lucian and Luneberg

a!one Lucian "as the %irst to spea# '.ou mentioned $our gardens,' Luneberg had apparent!$ been considering something e!se entire!$, %or Lucian's "ords evident!$ bro#e his chain o% thought ?-hat, .es, the gardens 1!ease, do %o!!o" me m$ dear Lucian ' Lucian "atched Luneberg's bac# %or a moment as the *mperia! :ommander "a!#ed o%% to"ards a porta! at the %ar end o% the troph$' stre"n chamber He shoo# his head, the rea!isation that Luneberg "as not entire!$ stab!e beginning to sett!e there 1ushing the notion aside, he %o!!o"ed a%ter 'Do &ELL ME,' Luneberg as#ed Lucian as the$ stepped out into the ro$a! gardens, 'about the (rcadius d$nast$= Lucian !oo#ed around him "hi!e gathering his thoughts &he ro$a! gardens "ere not as he "ou!d have e0pected *nstead o% the meticu!ous!$ maintained %!ora appropriate to the setting, the gardens "ere overgro"n and untended &"isting, a!ien "eeds pushed their "a$ through crac#s in marb!e paving, and creepers sporting "ic#ed!$ sharp thorns "rithed across the path, around %ine statuar$, cho#ing the remaining !i%e %rom ornamenta! trees &he sun had !ong since set, but sma!! !umens bobbed a!ong the path a %e" steps ahead o% Luneberg, ensuring that his "a$ "as a!"a$s !it &he overa!! impression "as one o% neg!ect and deca$, %ar %rom the impression a man such as Luneberg "ou!d ordinari!$ see# to give a visitor '-here to start,' Lucian said, bu$ing himse!% time ?-e are but one d$nast$ amongst man$ granted a :harter o% &rade to e0p!oit and to e0pand the %rontiers o% the Emperor's domains -e have done so %or man$ centuries, not "imout success= '3h come no"= rep!ied Luneberg, not turning his head as he "a!#ed s!o"!$ a!ong the dar#, overgro"n path 'Such %a!se modest$ is unbecoming &e!! me o% the "or!d in "hich $ou !ive= (s had &reve!$an':onstance be%ore him, Luneberg appeared no" to be see#ing in%ormation regarding the "ider *mperium, o% the vast ga!a0$ be$ond the borders o% his o"n sma!! %ie%dom &he "or!d in "hich * !ive,' said Lucian, %o!!o"ing Luneberg's !ead in not ta#ing his attention %rom the path ahead 'M$ "or!d is one o% contrasts ( rogue trader moves in man$ circ!es, %rom the ver$ highest, to the ver$ !o"est= (t present, he %e!t himse!% moving in one o% the !atter, but re%rained %rom imbuing his "ords "ith such a notion, so as not to cause Luneberg undue insu!t Luneberg nodded, c!ear!$ o% the opinion that his o"n compan$ /ua!i%ied as one o% those highest circ!es 'Do go on Lucian Have $ou, %or

e0amp!e, much in the "a$ o% contact "ith the *mperia! :ourt,' Lucian sa" !itt!e harm in rep!$ing honest!$, %or Luneberg "as c!ear!$ a man obsessed "ith status '* have, though in%re/uent!$, %or m$ ca!!ing ta#es me %ar %rom &erra Nonedie!ess, * !i#e to maintain contact "ith the Senatorum, and visit in person "henever possib!e= Luneberg appeared to consider this, nodding to himse!% s!o"!$ He ha!ted, his hand raised to his chin as he !oo#ed out, into the dar#, overgro"n e0panse o% the ro$a! gardens &e!! me o% &erra, "ou!d $ou Lucian,' Lucian no" detected the s!ightest hint o% mania in Luneberg's "ords He determined to tread even more cautious!$ than he had intended, %or there "as evident!$ something more to Luneberg's !ine o% /uestioning than "as apparent He stopped beside Luneberg, !oo#ing out into the same dar#ness, $et not seeing "hat he!d the *mperia! :ommander's attention '&o set %oot upon sacred &erra is to tread the ver$ same ground as "as once "a!#ed b$ the Emperor= Lucian made the sign o% the a/ui!a ( side!ong g!ance to!d him that Luneberg did not He continued &he ver$ air o% &erra is ho!$, !aced "ith the scent o% incense burned man$ centuries, mi!!ennia, be%ore Each time * have returned, * have been restored, %or m$ ca!!ing ta#es me %ar %rom the !ight o% the Emperor= Lucian turned to regard Luneberg, and sa" that he had dipped his head &he *mperia! :ommander spo#e, his "ords ever so s!ight!$ s!urred &hat !ight at times seems !i#e bare!$ a guttering cand!e to us, so distant are "e %rom its source= Lucian %e!t his hac#!es rise 'Sir, $ou must not spea# thus= 'Do $ou )udge me heretic, Lucian,' Sti!! Luneberg's head "as !o"ered, his "ords muted '* do not= &hen "hat,' Lucian too# a deep breath be%ore ans"ering, tasting deca$ upon the sta!e air '* have trave!!ed %urther into the dar#ness than $ou can imagine, Luneberg .ou be!ieve $our "or!d estranged %rom Ho!$ &erra, * have "a!#ed upon "or!ds in the s"a$ o% such beasts as "ou!d curd!e $our b!ood, and * have never %e!t that the Emperor did not "a!# beside me= Luneberg's head rose, and he turned to %ace Lucian '&e!! me o% them ' &hem,' Lucian "as con%used %or a moment as to the *mperia! :ommander's meaning, caught o%% ba!ance b$ the manic g!eam in the other man's e$es '.es, o% them! -hat beasts, -hat "or!ds, &e!! me o% mem!' '* ma$ not spea# o% them sir *t is %orbidden '

';$ the (dministratum, .ou %ear the 1riesthood o% &erra,' ';$ the *n/uisition, m$ !ord * %ear the 3rdo 5enos ' ;$ Luneberg's reaction to their mention, Lucian "as grati%ied to see that the *mperia! :ommander had #no"!edge o% one o% me *mperium's institutions at !east Luneberg visib!$ tremb!ed at Lucian's "ords, disp!a$ing a hea!th$ %ear %or the agents o% the *mperium's highest po"ers, those "hose tas# it "as to hunt do"n the vi!e a!ien, and those "ho "ou!d consort "ith them, and issue due punishment No" Luneberg turned to"ards Lucian ';ut $ou are a rogue trader .ou have no cause to %ear the 3rdo 5enos, sure!$,' '* am a rogue trader, as $ou sa$, and $ou are indeed correct in that die po"er vested in me b$ die High Lords o% &erra grants me certain advantages &hat does not put me outside o% die po"er o% the *n/uisition ho"ever 3ne in m$ position must tread a %ine !ine >ortunate!$, "e o%ten do so be$ond the sight o% diose "ho might ob)ect ' '* see * be!ieve "e are much a!i#e men, $ou and * ' Luneberg "as no" staring into the dar#ness once more, his voice subdued as be%ore 'Ho" so,' as#ed Lucian, !oo#ing into the dar#ness too, and once again %ai!ing to see an$thing mere '* am an *mperia! :ommander, and m$ po"er too is passed do"n %rom the High Lords -here $our charter compe!s $ou to discover and e0p!oit man$ ne" "or!ds, inine compe!s me to ho!d onto )ust one, b$ "hatever means * deem necessar$ ' Lucian considered die other man's "ords, a"are that the$ contained undertones not c!ear to him He considered his ne0t "ords cautious!$, be%ore as#ing, '*s $our ru!e here disputed,' -ith a sudden motion, Luneberg p!oughed %or"ards be%ore turning to Lucian, a shado" amongst the dar#ness 'Disputed,' he shouted, a ver$ de%inite edge o% mania edging his "ords ':ertain!$ it is disputed= Lucian had not e0pected to hear this, but pressed on, as#ing, -ho disputes $our right to ru!e here,' 'Ho" !itt!e $ou #no" o% our corner o% the *mperium m$ dear Lucian,' Luneberg ca!!ed bac#, a "r$ gigg!e entering his voice Lucian "as tiring o% Luneberg's nonsense, but "as acute!$ a"are o% )ust ho" much hung upon the dea! bet"een mem He needed mis madman, and he )ust hoped Luneberg needed him an e/ua! amount He reso!ved to push on, intent upon getting to the trutii o% the matter Lucian repeated his /uestion '-ho disputes $our right to ru!e here,' Luneberg turned and resumed his stro!! a!ong the overgro"n path"a$ Lucian strode to catch up, and !oo#ed side"a$s at him as die$ "a!#ed

'*n trum, no man disputes m$ ru!e Not as such= 'Not as such,' '* %ind m$se!%, m$ "or!d, in a "ar, a !ong and bitter, "ar= Lucian stopped, ris#ing o%%ence b$ gripping Luneberg's arm '* see no sign o% a "ar here &e!! me straight!' Luneberg gigg!ed once more, and e0p!ained 'Not mat sort o% "ar, m$ dear Lucian, not that sort &he "ar in "hich * %ind m$se!% engaged is one $ou $ourse!% shou!d understand!' (t !ast, Lucian began to %ee! he "as getting some"here, a!though he #ne" that Luneberg's cooperation "as tenuous 'En!ighten me, i% $ou "ou!d ' Luneberg !et out a deep, e0aggerated sigh, as i% about to !aunch into a pro!onged e0p!anation %or the bene%it o% an ignorant chi!d &rade "ar, Lucian, trade "ar= (nother piece in the pu++!e s!otted into p!ace, and Lucian !oo#ed around "ith %resh e$es &he deca$ that ran so deep through Mundus :hasmata sudden!$ began to ma#e sense, as did Luneberg's apparent "i!!ingness to enter into a potentia!!$ dangerous dea! "ith a rogue trader "ith "hom he had had no previous contact Sti!!, Lucian #ne" there "as more, some under!$ing stain upon the peop!e o% Luneberg's "or!d Lucian pressed on '( trade "ar "ith "hom,' 'Lucian, $ou ma$ #no" much o% the breadth o% the *mperium, but * suspect $our #no"!edge !ac#s something in the "a$ o% depth ' Lucian did not ta#e o%%ence at the statement, %or he #ne" it to be true, at !east in part ( rogue trader might trave! %rom one end o% the ga!a0$ to the other, visiting hundreds o% "or!ds a!ong the "a$, but he #ne" a "or!d had %ar more to it than a space port, a trade mission, or a governor's mansion Luneberg continued 'M$ !ine has ru!ed this "or!d, this s$stem, and indeed three other nearb$, uninhabited, s$stems, %or !onger than the archives record &here are documents in our !ibrar$ that re%erence the granting o% mat ru!e, and it is #no"n that the (dministratum has %orma!!$ rati%ied our authorit$ at !east three times in the !ast seven centuries *n %act, the$ do so !ess %orma!!$ each time the$ accept our tithe, each time a regiment is raised %or the Guard= Lucian nodded, %ee!ing that he #ne" "here this "as heading, but sa$ing nothing that might distract the other man %rom his e0p!anation '* ma$ ru!e in the name o% &erra, Lucian, but there are other ru!es b$ "hich "e must !ive 3ur neighbours have !ong sought to en%orce their o"n !a"s, see#ing to dominate "hat !itt!e trade e0ists in this region and e0tend their o"n po"er &he (dministratum can do !itt!e or nothing to

stop this -ere another "or!d to !aunch an actua! assau!t upon Mundus :hasmata, it is !i#e!$ &erra "ou!d not hear o% it %or decades or even centuries &he Nav$ has other %oes to batt!e< so !ong as it "as /uic# and c!ean, and tithes "ere uninterrupted, no one "ou!d care, or comment 3r even notice= 'So= ventured Lucian, 'others "ou!d ta#e advantage o% $our great distance %rom the centres o% *mperia! po"er, e0tending their o"n in%!uence b$ means o% !o" !eve! !a"!essness and %isca! ma!practice,' Luneberg chuc#!ed once more< that edge o% mania sti!! ver$ much evident '3thers, .es, $ou might sa$ that, but most!$ that bastard, Droon= Luneberg's voice a!tered in tone as he voiced the name o%, Lucian guessed, the individua! he he!d responsib!e %or his "or!d's mis%ortunes 'Droon,' 'Droon!' Luneberg shouted, as the pair reached an ornamenta! ga!!er$ that a%%orded a moon!it vie" o% a great e0panse o% deca$ed, %orma! gardens &he *mperia! :ommander !eant his "eight against the stone rai!ing, sma!! chun#s o% !oose masonr$ tumb!ing a"a$ to the "eed' cho#ed !a"n be!o" 'Droon He ru!es (rris Epsi!on *t's a stin#ing ho!e )ust about ' Luneberg !oo#ed up into the night s#$, and pointed to"ards one end o% a deep purp!e band that spanned the entire vista, ' there, at the end o% the ;orea!is Ring= Lucian %o!!o"ed Luneberg's gesture, )ust ab!e to ma#e out the star to"ards "hich the other man pointed (rris Epsi!on * #no" it %rom the !oca! star charts, but have not had cause to visit it= Visit (rris Epsi!on,' Luneberg !aughed, ';e!ieve me Lucian, $ou "ou!d not "ish to do so= '-h$ not,' '* to!d $ou didn't *, *t's a stin#ing ho!e *ts peop!e are boast%u! and arrogant, and entire!$ se!%'serving No dignit$= Suspecting he #ne" the ans"er, Lucian as#ed, '.ou have visited then,' Luneberg !et out another !augh, this one more a#in to a bar# than an$ sound a man, particu!ar!$ an *mperia! :ommander, shou!d ma#e 'Have * visited (rris Epsi!on, M$ dear Lucian, $ou rea!!$ are do"nright ignorant about some things aren't $ou,' *ndeed, thought Lucian, #no"ing the ans"er '* most certain!$ have not * am proud to sa$ that * have never had the mis%ortune o% visiting (rris Epsi!on, or an$ other "or!d be$ond m$ o"n domains 3% that %act * am immense!$ proud= Lucian sighed in"ard!$ &he notion that a man might not have had cause to !eave his o"n "or!d "as %ine "ith him, but that an *mperia! :ommander might %o!!o" the same tenet "as some"hat outside his

e0perience Luneberg "ent on '* am entire!$ proud to state too that not one o% m$ !ine has ever, since records began, had cause to !eave Mundus :hasmata *t is m$ %irm!$ he!d be!ie% that since m$ unnamed predecessor stepped o%% the co!on$ vesse! that carried him %rom &erra ho"ever man$ mi!!ennia passed, no descendent o% his has had cause to !eave= Luneberg turned to"ards Lucian, his chest pu%%ed out "ith pride, but mania c!ear!$ g!eaming in his e$es '-hat do $ou thin# o% that,' @tter!$ mad, "as "hat Lucian thought, but he #ept his opinion to himse!% &his man and his peop!e are as scared o% the greater *mperium as the$ are o% the m$riad e0terna! %orces that "ou!d assai! them (s scared, he rea!ised, o% men as o% a!iens He !oo#ed into Luneberg's e$es, and sa" that %ear embedded deep "ithin >ear, Lucian #ne", made men unpredictab!e, even dangerous :ertain!$, it made them the "orst t$pe o% business partner '* thin#, * thin# $ou have given me much upon "hich to ponder, Luneberg= ';ut $ou "i!! )oin me, -i!! $ou aid me against that bastard Droon, .our ships, $ou have the means= Not i% the High Lords ordered me to, in person, thought Lucian, bac#ing a"a$ %rom the other man 'Not that it matters= Luneberg pressed on '* have the means no", than#s to $ou! *'ve got other %riends $ou #no", %riends "ho'!! he!p me, even i% $ou "on't Such prett$ to$s $ou cou!d be m$ contact, m$ voice .ou cou!d spea# %or me Lucian! .ou cou!d bring to me a!! the$ o%%er!' (s Luneberg disintegrated into a %it o% manic gigg!ing and muttering, Lucian made his e0cuses and !e%t &he *mperia! :ommander appeared not to notice Lucian's departure, %or he "as addressing a rant to the %!oating !umen bobbing above his head Lucian !istened %or a moment, his gorge rising at Luneberg's ha!%' garb!ed "ords, be%ore !eaving the dar# garden Luneberg's mad !aughter echoed behind He "ou!d re)oin 2orvane and head bac# to their suite Lucian had some serious thin#ing to do

CHAPTER EIGHT
:3NS:*3@SNESS :(ME &3 ;rie!!e on!$ s!o"!$, and she "as %ar %rom sure it "as "e!come She opened her e$es nonethe!ess, b!in#ing severa! times unti! her vision came into %ocus She !a$ upon some un%easib!$ com%ortab!e %abric, and above her, %!oated a number o% the sma!!, g!obe!i#e !umens that she vague!$ reca!!ed seeing the previous evening &he$ "ere evident!$ set to give o%% on!$ a !o" i!!umination, the !ight the$ emitted so%t and "arm She studied them %or a moment, "atching as the$ bobbed si!ent!$ in the air She "as content to !ie sti!!, %or the moment, "aiting %or the moment o% c!arit$

that she #ne" "as coming, "hen she "ou!d reca!! e0act!$ "here she "as and have to do something about it She moved her head a %raction to the !e%t, see#ing to gain a better vie" o% her surroundings &he !umen c!osest to her brightened and homed in to"ards her, causing her a moment o% mi!d shoc#, be%ore the notion that the device "as no threat appeared in her mind -here that

thought had emanated she "as unsure, a!though she %e!t con%ident that it "as connected to the, as $et, unremem'bered events o% the previous evening She sat up, gent!$, %or her head "as sti!! %ar %rom c!ear She recognised the chamber in "hich she had spent the night, the memor$ o% the bi+arre a!ien entertainer F,G coming bac# to her She paused to reca!! the incredib!e disp!a$ she had "itnessed, sha#ing her head in be"i!derment She turned to scan her surroundings more %u!!$, b!in#ing at the sha%t o% harsh sun!ight %!ooding in through the gri!!es o% an arched "indo" behind her (!! around the !o" chamber "ere scattered p!ump cushions and crump!ed %urs &he recumbent %orms o% do+ing nob!es "ere arra$ed amongst them, a!though she cou!d not see Naa! an$"here Someho", that %act neither surprised nor disturbed her Empt$ bott!es, g!asses and via!s "ere abandoned c!ose b$ each bod$, and she !oo#ed c!oser at those nearest, seeing ho" the e!aborate!$ app!ied ma#eup and po"der, on both men and "omen, no" appeared so soi!ed, and even ug!$ 3ne man, "ho had the previous evening, appeared to ;rie!!e a handsome and charming individua!, !oo#ed b$ the "an morning !ight an ine%%ectua!, painted %op, his ma#e'up smeared ha!% across his %ace and ha!% across the rump o% the "oman upon "hose bod$ he s!ept &he "oman, ;rie!!e noticed, "as draped in %ine chains, hundreds o% sma!! )e"e!s dang!ing %rom them Each )e"e! "as !it %rom "ithin b$ a s!o"!$ pu!sing !ight, !ending the "oman's s#in a mu!tihued aspect that appeared /uite sic#!$ and unnatura! in the !ight o% da$ ;rie!!e had a sudden %!ash o% reca!!, a vision o% those same chains spinning, the !ight merging into b!urred strea#s as their o"ner danced She "as unsure "hether the vision "as a memor$ or a dream She !eant over, reaching out an arm, cautious!$, to"ards the "oman, and ta#ing one o% the tin$ )e"e!s bet"een her %ore%inger and thumb She pu!!ed gent!$ unti! the chain gave "a$, s!ipping %rom the "oman's thigh (s ;rie!!e !i%ted the )e"e! to e0amine it, it too# on a deep, green hue, reminding her o% something she had seen be%ore Something she had seen in the ho!d o% her vesse! returning %rom 4'BB &he a!ien device she had e0amined had g!o"ed "ith the e0act same green, inner !ight &his "oman "as "earing items o% )e"e!!er$

obvious!$ o% a!ien manu%acture, $et someho" this rea!isation neither surprised nor outraged ;rie!!e &his entire "or!d, she rea!ised, "as enamoured o% the e0otic, enamoured, /uite !itera!!$, o% the a!ien &he "oman groaned so%t!$ in her s!eep, ro!!ing !anguid!$ onto her side &he man s!eeping ne0t to her grumb!ed in response, %orced to reposition his head !est it ro!! %rom its resting p!ace ;rie!!e %ro+e, %or some un#no"n reason not "ishing to a"a#en an$ o% the s!eeping nob!es ;$ the number o% empt$ g!ass via!s beside them, she doubted the$ "ou!d "a#e %or some time &he coup!e's do+ing having resumed, ;rie!!e !et out a breath, and !oo#ed around %or the c!othes that she had, evident!$, discarded at some unremembered point during the previous evening S&E11*NG 3VER &HE do+ing %orms o% the guards, ;rie!!e !e%t the estab!ishment She cou!d on!$ imagine it "as some private borde!!o, reserved %or the use o% the id!e and decadent rich She stood in the "an morning !ight, b!in#ing against the g!are, unsure o% her !ocation in re!a' tion to Luneberg's pa!ace >ractured detai!s o% the previous evening came to her, unbidden She reca!!ed having met Luneberg's %unctionar$, Naa!, at a trading house in the merchants' /uarter &hin#ing o% Naa!, she reca!!ed snatches o% conversation, made b!urred and incoherent b$ the evening's e0cesses No matter< it "ou!d come to her in time, "hen her head had eventua!!$ c!eared Standing in the centre o% the narro", empt$ street, ;rie!!e turned s!o"!$ around, her head pitched up"ards to"ards the morning s#$ She rea!ised she had no c!ue in "hich direction the pa!ace !a$, and so continued s!o"!$ revo!ving unti! instinct, or %o!!$, to!d her "hich direction to "a!# in East, she decided, and set o%% &he street do"n "hich she "a!#ed "as b$ a!! appearances rare!$ trave!!ed, at this time o% the da$ at !east, %or a!though it contained the detritus o% an$ cit$ the si+e o% :hasmata :apita!is, it "as deserted o% Luneberg's sub)ects Reaching a )unction, ;rie!!e !oo#ed around, gro"ing increasing!$ a"are o% the %act that %e", i% in %act an$, peop!e "ere out and about &he thought struc# her that perhaps a!! o% the citi+ens o% this "or!d "ere as pampered and id!e as the nob!es "ith "hom she had passed the night :ou!d it rea!!$ be that an entire societ$ cou!d %unction thus, -hat o% the "or#ers and the indentured ser%s, -hat o% the ever'present and !arge!$ invisib!e underc!asses upon "hich most "or!ds re!ied, Did the$ !ie abed too, do+ing in a drug'induced ha+e upon the so%t be!!ies o% their !overs, She considered this notion, b!in#ing against the sun!ight as a %!oating !umen hovered s!o"!$ b$, its !ight no !onger re/uired as the da$ began She studied it /ui++ica!!$, "ondering "ho per%ormed the m$riad duties

she, in her o"n !i%e, had a!"a$s ta#en %or granted as being carried out b$ others She considered the hundreds o% cre" serving upon the Fairlight, the thousands serving under her %ather in the %!oti!!a as a "ho!e Man$ "ere the scions o% %ami!ies indentured to the (rcadius generations previous!$< others "ere press'ganged at those ports "here the d$nast$ "as granted the right to recruit Sti!! more "ere even !ess "i!!ing, convicted o% pett$ crimes, death sentences commuted to service aboard Nav$ or merchant vesse!s 3thers "ere servitors, !obotomised creatures, part man, most!$ machine, and despite being consecrated b$ the o%%icers o% the :reed, and high!$ va!ued, unthin#ing things o% co!d %!esh -hat i%, she "ondered, as she avoided a pi!e o% stin#ing rubbish on the ground, "hat i% a!! those hundreds and thousands o% men, "omen and machines "ere o%%ered the choice o% "hether or not the$ "ou!d serve, -ou!d the$ continue to serve, %or the good o% a!!, or "ou!d their o"n se!%ish desires "in out, as the$ appeared to here upon Mundus :hasmata, &he thought occurred to her that the peop!e o% this "or!d, or the ru!ing c!asses at !east, "ere "ea# and %oo!ish, $et there "as undeniab!$ an under!$ing hint o% coherent dogma in their apparent!$ mind!ess hedonism Snatches o% conversation %rom the previous night came to her once more, a vision o% Naa!'s %ace as he e0pounded upon the nature o% !i%e upon Mundus :hasmata She shoo# her head, mi!d!$ %rustrated "ith herse!% %or having such troub!e reca!!ing the detai!s o% "hat "as dear!$ an evening o% some importance -andering do"n an avenue !ined "ith c!osed up drin#ing dens and estab!ishments o% no doubt i!! repute, ;rie!!e at !ast caught sight o% Luneberg's pa!ace, ta!!, gi!ded spires si!houetted against the sunrise She rea!ised "ith a stab o% apprehension that she must soon %ace up to her actions, and ma#e her p!a$ once and %or a!!, but "hat "as it she needed to achieve, She %orced herse!% to %ocus on the situation at hand, to address the tas# that she must no" underta#e *% she rea!!$ "as to ta#e a hand in the %uture o% the d$nast$, she must do so no", she pondered &he dea! "ith Luneberg "as against the interests o% the (rcadius, o% that much she "as sure, and she "as gro"ing increasing!$ con%ident in her be!ie% that it "as she, and not 2orvane, "ho shou!d be preparing to ta#e over the d$nast$, and "ho shou!d have their %ather's ear unti! doing so Hadn't Naa! to!d her as much, He had, she rea!ised, another sma!! part o% the previous evening coming bac# to her in a %!ash She had spo#en at some !ength "ith Luneberg's %unctionar$, and he had shared, even %ostered, her opinion that 2orvane "as "ea#

*% she "ished to usurp her stepbrother's position, she "ou!d need to ta#e a hand in the immediate, short'term %ortunes o% the (rcadius She "ou!d need to undermine him to such an e0tent that he "ou!d never be ab!e to recover his in%!uence 1erhaps she shou!d go %urther, she thought *n %act, hadn't Naa! said that she shou!d, She ha!ted, sudden!$ shoc#ed b$ her o"n train o% thought Had she rea!!$ discussed such things "ith a stranger, She rea!ised she had, and much more besides She reca!!ed Naa! promising to !end her aid (!! she need do, she remembered him sa$ing, "as to give him the "ord, "hen she )udged that the time "as right Her mind set upon a con%rontation "ith 2orvane, ;rid!e turned her thoughts to her %ather's ongoing ta!#s "ith the *mperia! :ommander, Luneberg 1art o% her "as sti!! %urious that Luneberg had attempted to turn the (rcadius into !o"!$ gunrunners .et, she "as no !onger so disposed to"ards undermining the dea! entire!$ Her perspective had shi%ted, and she no" considered herse!% in a %ar more %avourab!e position She had made po"er%u! %riends, Naa! being a %ar more in%!uentia! man than she had supposed, at %irst -ith his aid, she might rede%ine the terms o% the dea! entire!$< i% she cou!d convince her %ather that Naa! and his associates o%%ered a greater opportunit$ than did the *mperia! :ommander (ssociates, She started "a!#ing once more, but s!o"er, her %ootsteps !ess sure Her %rustration gre" more intense as she tried to remember the detai!s o% her conversation "ith Naa! He had made it c!ear, she "as sure, mat he had some po"er over Luneberg, and cou!d in%!uence him to change the terms o% the dea!, so !ong as it had not $et been %ina!ised She rea!ised that this imp!ied she must act soon, sooner than she might !i#e, sooner perhaps than she "as read$ %or She /uic#ened her pace as she reached a reso!ution *t "as c!ear to her that she must st$mie the ta!#s, ensuring that her %ather and Luneberg did not reach a %ina! conc!usion that "ou!d !ead to the (rcadius submitting entire!$ to his service, and destro$ing themse!ves in the process 2orvane, she #ne", "ou!d attempt to b!oc# her in this, and so she must time her intervention care%u!!$, since it "ou!d inevitab!$ !ead to a con%rontation "ith him She #ne" that she must manage a!! this "ithout %a!!ing so comp!ete!$ out o% %avour "ith her %ather that he "ou!d never again p!ace his trust in her, or consider her a "orth$ inheritor o% his mande She brie%!$ "ished %or the ob!ivion o% the previous night, or even the re!ative simp!icit$ o% ship'to'ship combat

;R*ELLE S-E1& *N&3 the apartment, to %ind 2orvane "aiting %or her, a t$pica!!$ superci!ious e0pression on his %ace ?-here is he,' she demanded, s!amming the door behind her and striding into the chamber She "as not in the mood %or %orma!ities '*'d as# "here $ou have been, but * can see it's not a sub)ect %or po!ite conversation= 2orvane re)oined Litt!e %oo!, thought ;rie!!e, her hac#!es rising &his isn't die :ourt o% Nan#ir#, 2orvane, and $ou have no right to )udge me -here is >ather,' 2orvane visib!$ brist!ed at ;rie!!e's mention o% his mother's court '*t certain!$ is not,' he said, ma#ing a sho" o% surve$ing his surroundings, 'and nei%her is it die annua! triba! gathering= He made a %urther sho" o% !oo#ing her up and do"n, e0aggerated disgust on his smir#ing %ace '(!though $ou certain!$ appear to have attended it= Hatred %!ared in ;rie!!e She had a!"a$s #no"n that 2orvane considered himse!% vast!$ superior to her in more "a$s than the order o% inheritance He had cast a s!ur upon the cu!ture %rom "hich her mother came, that o% the %era! "or!d o% :hogoris &he "or!d %ormed a !arge part o% her o"n identit$, despite not having been a%%orded much time amongst her mother's peop!e ;rie!!e stepped to"ards her brother, bare!$ resisting the urge to %orcib!$ remove the smug e0pression he "ore across his stupid %ace '*'!! as# $ou once more and then * "on't be /uite so po!ite= she snar!ed '-here is >ather,' 2orvane stood his ground, but indicated, "ith a nod, the door to the private con%erence room 'He's in c!osed session "ith Luneberg .ou'!! have to "ait unti! the$ have conc!uded business= Damn them, she thought, the$'re in there no", c!osing the dea! She "ou!d have to ta#e drastic action and "orr$ about the %a!!out !ater 'Get out o% m$ "a$= ;rie!!e said as she pushed past her brother She caught him o%% ba!ance and he stumb!ed to one side be%ore catching himse!% and spinning round He grabbed her at the e!bo" '*'m not going to !et $ou mess this up, ;rie!!e, so don't even thin# it Don't get invo!ved in matters that are be$ond $ou= ;rie!!e snapped -ithout thin#ing, she !ashed out, %ee!ing her %ist stri#e her stepbrother's %ace and something britt!e brea# beneath the impact 2orvane cried out and stumb!ed bac#"ards, a%%ording her a c!ear path to the door She %orged on, %!inging the door "ide "ithout pause %or thought ;e$ond, a "ooden, ova! tab!e dominated the "ide con%erence room, the bac# "a!! made entire!$ o% g!ass, "ith a might$ eag!e, s$mbo! o% the *mperium, mounted

upon its outer %ace Luneberg sat at the %ar side o% the tab!e, courtesans arranged demure!$ around him Seated at either side "ere a do+en or so hooded scribes, %eathered /ui!!s scratching across dr$ parchment in unison Her %ather sat, a!one, on the other side o% the tab!e, his bac# to"ards her Luneberg had been spea#ing, but stopped as she entered, his mouth %!apping in outrage &he /ui!!s ha!ted too, and the scribes !oo#ed up, their %aces bare!$ visib!e beneath the deep hoods the$ "ore &he courtesans "hispered %urtive!$, covering mouths "ith be)e"e!!ed hands '>ather= she said, sudden!$ unsure "hat to do Her %ather's head turned, and he !oo#ed straight at her, con%usion in his e$es ';rie!!e, "hat are $ou doing here,' '* need to spea# to $ou, >ather, "e need to'' &he door behind ;rie!!e %!e" open even %urther, s!amming against the "a!! "ith a crash 2orvane burst through it, b!ood pouring %rom his ruined nose '>ather, don't !isten to her, she's gone mad! She's tr$ing to rain ever$thing!' ;rid!e's %ather opened his mouth to spea#, but Luneberg pre'empted him, be!!o"ing in rage, -hat, b$ a!! that is ho!$, is the meaning o% this,' He turned on Lucian, pointing a %inger at him, &his upstart gir! has interrupted us t"ice, Gerrit, t"ice she has perpetrated such breaches o% protoco! as "ou!d ordinari!$ earn a %!ogging -e!!, * te!! $ou this, $ou ma$ have sought to "rigg!e out o% our dea!= ;rid!e's mouth %e!! open at this, 'but * am inc!ined to thro" $ou a!! in m$ dungeons!' '-rigg!e out o% the dea!', ;rie!!e !oo#ed to her %ather, "ho "as addressing Luneberg 'M$ !ord= said Lucian, 'p!ease %orgive m$ daughter * "i!! spea# "ith her present!$, but p!ease, ma$ "e conc!ude matters,' '?:onc!ude matters?, *% b$ that $ou mean "i!! * a!!o" $ou to run out on me "ithout a shred o% compensation, then abso!ute!$ not .ou "i!! %ind the terms o% our origina! contract /uite speci%ic in this regard= '?Speci%ic?,' Lucian surged to his %eet '-e had no such dea! Luneberg -e can !eave "henever "e p!ease!' 'Ho" !itt!e $ou #no" o% !i%e, $ou "ho consider $ourse!% so "e!!' trave!!ed * re/uire neither contract nor treat$ Lucian, %or * am master o% this "or!d and ma$ do as * choose * deem $ou beho!den to me and $ou ma$ not bac# out o% our arrangement Not "ithout substantia! pena!t$ ' '.ou're mad= said ;rie!!e, interrupting Luneberg's tirade Ever$ head in the chamber turned to"ards her, a stunned si!ence descending Luneberg stood, straightening out his uni%orm as he did so 'Lucian, $ou "i!! punish $our daughter, or * "i!! *% $ou re%use to, * "i!! have ever$

one o% $ou arrested Do $ou understand,' Lucian stood %acing the other man across the "ide tab!e He !eant %or"ard '* "i!! not punish m$ daughter, Luneberg, %or she spea#s the truth= &he co!!ective inta#e o% breath %rom around the chamber "ou!d have sounded comica! "ere it not %or the tension o% the situation ;rie!!e "atched as her %ather's #nuc#!es turned "hite, a sure sign, she #ne", o% his anger &hen $ou are condemned b$ $our o"n "ords Naa!, have them arrested= ;rie!!e had not seen Naa! standing behind his master, but "as grate%u! %or his presence, as he stepped %or"ards &heir e$es met, and she reca!!ed the promise he had made the previous night She had on!$ to indicate she needed, and "anted his he!p, and it "ou!d be hers She nodded, the s!ightest movement, so that on!$ he "ou!d see He did !i#e"ise &hough he appeared not to be armed "ith an$ %orm o% pro)ecti!e "eapon, as "ou!d have been the case "henever pa$ing court to such as Luneberg, Lucian no" proved he "as most certain!$ not unarmed *n that brie% moment, Lucian raised his arm, the concea!ed digita! "eapon he a!"a$s carried upon his right hand ring %inger pointed straight across the tab!e, at the *mperia! :ommander '.ou "i!! a!!o" us to "ithdra" to our vesse! and to !eave in peace= '.ou "i!! never !eave here, Gerrit= Luneberg rep!ied ;rie!!e cou!d on!$ assume that the man had never be%ore had the business end o% a digita! "eapon pointed at him She chuc#!ed in"ard!$ as she sa" that the "eapon her %ather pointed "as one that "ou!d not #i!!, but "ou!d instead have a %ar more interesting e%%ect upon the target's nervous s$stem Luneberg, ;rie!!e rea!ised, had entire!$ %ai!ed to grasp the gravit$ o% the situation '* had a %ee!ing that "ou!d be $our ans"er= said Lucian '&hese ta!#s are at an end= He %ired the tin$ "eapon, a b!inding "hite stream o% !ight arcing across the space bet"een the t"o men and stri#ing Luneberg s/uare bet"een the e$es &he *mperia! :ommander stood trans%i0ed as actinic !ightning p!a$ed around his head, be%ore !osing contro! o% his bo"e!s, e0p!osive!$, and co!!apsing to the %!oor &here he !a$, "ai!ing and pu#ing !i#e a ne"born, "hi!e his harem recoi!ed in horror 1andemonium descended ;e%ore she cou!d react, ;rie!!e %e!t her hand caught b$ her %ather's as he ran past her, pu!!ing her a%ter him as he rapid!$ !e%t the room 2orvane, b!ood streaming %rom his nose, caught them up in the corridor outside, and the three "ere soon racing do"n the

c!austrophobic passage"a$s, unab!e to spea#, because the$ "ere desperate to get a head start over their pursuers Her %ather in the !ead and her stepbrother behind, ;rie!!e raced do"n the dar# corridors o% Luneberg's pa!ace :!ouds o% dust bi!!o"ed at their passing and cand!es guttered, ma#ing the "a$ hard to discern &here "ere no !umens in sight &o the !e%t, >ather!' ;rie!!e heard 2orvane shout %rom behind, !oo#ing ahead in time to see her %ather veer o%% do"n a side corridor '* remember this area %rom our %irst visit &his is an access corridor used b$ servants= Lucian "as !eaning against the "a!!, catching his breath ;rie!!e did !i#e"ise, %or a!though the %!ight had not been !ong, it had been sudden and she "as in no %it state %or such e0ertions -e!! done m$ son= said Lucian, c!apping a hand on 2orvane's shou!der He too# another deep breath and !oo#ed across at ;rie!!e, ho!ding the contact %or a %e" seconds -hatever that "as about "i!! have to "ait= he said, turning a"a$ be%ore ;rie!!e cou!d ans"er She %e!t the situation s!ipping rapid!$ %rom her contro!, and cou!d see no immediate "a$ o% regaining it -hich "a$, 2orvane,' Lucian as#ed, pushing himse!% %rom the "a!! once more '* thin# "e continue on this corridor unti! it meets the main spine again &hen "e need to "or# out ho" to get past the guards, to ;rid!e's shutt!e= (ssuming *'!! !et $ou on m$ shutt!e, $ou pompous idiot, ;rie!!e thought, staring daggers into her stepbrother's bac# as the$ moved o%%, her %ather !eading the "a$ (N (NGR. SH3@& sounded %rom behind, the dea%ening!$ !oud report o% a !arge'ca!ibre handgun %o!!o"ing a moment !ater &he househo!d guard had %ina!!$ got its act together, and "as c!osing "ith each passing minute 'Right! Right!' shouted 2orvane as the three c!osed on another )unction &he$ had been %!eeing %or "hat ;rie!!e )udged "as no more than %i%teen minutes, $et it %e!t !i#e hours 'Ho" %ar to the gate,' she heard her %ather shout, %!inching as another shot "as %ired some"here behind them So %ar, the$ had been %ortunate, %or the guards had not ta#en proper aim be%ore shooting She pra$ed that remained the case '* thin# it's the ne0t passage on the !e%t= 2orvane ca!!ed 'No!' ;rie!!e inter)ected be%ore she cou!d stop herse!% 'No, it's the ne0t right= &he three s!o"ed, Lucian duc#ing bac# "hi!e 2orvane peered around the ne0t corner -hich is it,'

&he !e%t= 2orvane repeated, at the same moment ;rie!!e said, &he right= her tone no" assured '* remember %rom !ast night * passed this "a$ on m$ "a$ out into the cit$= 2orvane sneered, but her %ather on!$ nodded '.ou're sure,' She "as '*'m sure= ;R*ELLE S*GN(LLED S*LEN:E, edging around a corner '*t's here 3n!$ t"o guards -e can ta#e them= -e cannot ?ta#e them?= said 2orvane, '"e've committed grave enough crimes a!read$ "ithout adding murder to the !ist= -e ma$ have no choice, m$ son= Lucian said, moving ne0t to ;rie!!e %or a vie" o% the corridor do"n "hich she "as !oo#ing (s i% to punctuate his "ords, more shouts sounded %rom behind &he househo!d guards "ere c!osing ;rie!!e rea!ised the$ "ou!d need to ma#e a decision here and no" -e do it no", >ather, or "e %ight both groups= Lucian patted ;rid!e's shou!der be%ore turning to 2orvane ';rid!e is right, 2orvane (re $ou read$,' 2orvane sighed, over dramatica!!$, ;rie!!e thought, and dre" his po"er s"ord He chec#ed the charge, disengaged the sa%et$, and said, '(s read$ as can be= 'Good= said Lucian -e don't have time %or subt!eties, so !et's #eep this simp!e -e need to get as c!ose as possib!e and ta#e them do"n be%ore the$ #no" "e're on them, understood,' ;rie!!e sighed "ith impatience and %rustration She stepped around the bend and simp!$ ran to"ards the guards (s she did so, she sa" the e0pression o% shoc# on her %ather's %ace, but she #ept going nonethe!ess She #ne" the$ had no time to snea# up on the guards at the porta!, but she #ne" something e!se too, a %act o% "hich her %ather and her stepbrother "ere entire!$ ignorant She ran on do"n the corridor, her vision %i!!ed b$ the bac# o% the nearest guard (s she had noted the previous evening upon ta#ing her !eave o% the pa!ace, its guards stood "atch against strangers attempting to gain entr$ &he$ e0pressed no interest "hatsoever in events "ithin the pa!ace &hat "as their undoing (s ;rie!!e c!osed on the %irst guard, she made a %ist, raising her arm and bringing it do"n in a "ide s"ing across the bac# o% the guard's head &he rings on her %ingers made %or bruta! "eapons, and she bit bac# the %ee!ing o% revu!sion that "e!!ed "ithin her as she %e!t the man's s#u!! crac# beneath her attac# *n some detached part o% her mind, she conso!ed herse!% that the guard "ou!d !ive, given

ha!%'decent medica! attention ;rie!!e's attac# had ta#en on!$ a second, but the other guard "as a!read$ reacting He turned as the momentum o% her charge prope!!ed her past him, shoc# and surprise "rit !arge upon his %ace ;rie!!e came to a ha!t and spun to %ace the man, the rea!isation that she ma$ have ta#en on more than she cou!d hand!e da"ning as he advanced upon her ';rie!!e, duc#!' ;rie!!e thre" herse!% to the %!oor ( high'pitched "hine %i!!ed the corridor, %o!!o"ed an instant !ater b$ the screaming report o% an energ$ "eapon discharging at c!ose /uarters ' another o% her %ather's hidden, digita! "eapons, she guessed &he roi!ing bo!t raced the !ength o% the corridor, its !ight b!inding in the enc!osed space, be%ore s!amming into the guard's !e%t shou!der &he man's shou!der disintegrated, !eaving nothing to attach his !e%t arm to his bod$ &he catastrophic "ound "as cauterised be%ore the b!ac#ened arm %!opped to the %!oor, to be %o!!o"ed a moment !ater b$ the rest o% the guard ;rie!!e !oo#ed into his %ading e$es as !i%e !e%t them, the part o% her that had re)oiced that the other man "as not %ata!!$ hurt no" strange!$ si!ent 'Damn!' she shouted '* had him .ou didn't need to kill him!' Lucian reached ;rie!!e, o%%ering her a hand to stand up &he hand, she noted, that bore a !etha! arra$ o% hidden "eaponr$ ';e!ieve me, ;rie!!e, i% * cou!d have avoided it * "ou!d have -hen it comes do"n to it, $ou mean substantia!!$ more to me than he did= ';ut ' she said as her %ather he!ped her to her %eet '3% course, *'m sorr$ ' ?IJK shou!d be, but "e can save that %or !ater No" !et's get to the shutt!e be%ore "e !ose our !ead= (& L(S&, &H3@GH& ;rie!!e, as the three charged up the tread boards to the shutde pad &he$ had, a%ter "hat seemed !i#e hours, but no doubt "as !ess than one, reached the spaceport Having dea!t "ith the guards, the remainder o% their %!ight had been s"i%t, and no one, than#%u!!$, had cha!!enged them (s the$ gained the top o% the ramp, she sa" her shutde standing proud "here she had !e%t it, si!houetted against the hone$'go!den s#$ o% Mundus :hasmata She had harboured a nagging doubt throughout the chase to the !anding pad that Luneberg might have had it tampered "ith '*s ever$thing in order,' Lucian ca!!ed to ;rie!!e %rom the steps behind He "as covering the rear, one ring'%estooned hand raised as 2orvane came in beside her '*t is= she ca!!ed bac#, hard!$ ab!e to be!ieve it herse!% &he$ "ou!d ma#e

it a%ter a!! 'Don't be so sure= said 2orvane, pointing across the pad to a %igure standing at its %ar edge, its %eatures invisib!e against the g!o" o% the s#$ ;rie!!e %o!!o"ed his gesture, raising her hand to her e$es to shade them %rom the g!are '( %riend o% $ours,' as#ed Lucian, arriving at his daughter's side She !oo#ed c!oser, rea!ising that her %ather "as correct .es, $es * thin# so ' '*n that case move it, gir!!' said Lucian, and started to"ards ;rie!!e's shutt!e, 2orvane %o!!o"ing c!ose behind She hesitated a moment !onger, her ga+e !ingering on the hooded %ace o% the %igure *t "as Naa!, she had no doubt, %u!%i!!ing her re/uest %or aid She ran a%ter her %ather and stepbrother

CHAPTER NINE
'>@LL :H(RGE, (LL drives! 1repare to ma#e "a$ "ith a!! haste= Sirens "ai!ed and the !ights changed to %!ashing, deep red, as 2orvane !eant %or"ard in his command throne, the bridge o% the Rosetta a riot o% activit$ be!o" him '* "ant a!! "eapons batteries operationa! "ithin %i%teen minutes= &he bridge %i!!ed "ith shouts o%'($e sir', )unior o%%icers, dec# cre" and do+ens o% servitors going about the business o% getting the Rosetta under "a$ and c!ear o% the space station ' the :hasmata 3rbita! 2orvane, his %ather and his stepsister had raced %rom the sur%ace aboard ;rie!!e's shutt!e, each rende+vousing "ith their o"n vesse! No one had pursued them< a %act that 2orvane put do"n to the !a0it$ o% Mundus :hasmata's securit$ %orces >urthermore, the$ had gamb!ed that the sta%% o% the orbita! "ou!d be !a0 in their securit$ and "ou!d not to attempt to intercept them &o 2orvane's huge re!ie%, such had been the case &he cargo !ighters dispatched, "hat seemed da$s be%ore, to o%%!oad the goods co!!ected at 4'BB, had sti!! to comp!ete their tas#, but had %!ed %or the orbita! as 2orvane had ordered the Rosetta to genera! /uarters He gave them no more thought, because getting c!ear o% the orbita! "as !i#e!$ to re/uire a!! o% his attention 'Disengage, a!! points,' 2orvane ordered ( dec# o%%icer stationed nearb$ !oo#ed up %rom his conso!e, concern "ritten across his %ace 'Sir, the umbi!'ica!s aren't made %ast, "e'!! !ose'' '* said, Mister &aviss, ?disengage a!! points? Do so no" or * "i!! order $ou !e%t behind= &he man nodded, be%ore spea#ing into a %!uted horn at his station He gave the order &he rogue traders had no time to "aste in the protracted process o% brea#ing doc#< his %ather had made it c!ear to 2orvane that

the$ shou!d disengage "ith a!! haste, regard!ess o% the conse/uences ( shudder rumb!ed through the vesse!, her bo" thrusters a"a#ening (n$ moment, the$ "ou!d c!ear their throats, and the Rosetta "ou!d move s!o"!$ side"a$s, c!earing the orbita!'s doc#ing arm '&hruster burn in thirt$ seconds, sir= ca!!ed the he!msman, and a brass' rimmed c!oc# %ace mounted above the %or"ard vie"ing port began to count do"n the seconds 2orvane "atched the c!oc#'s hand as it moved, #no"ing that even no" men on the !o"er dec#s "ou!d be racing %or the sa%et$ o% the inner chambers Not a!! "ou!d ma#e it, some "ou!d su%%ocate as the outer chambers depressurised, and a %e" "ou!d be suc#ed out into space through the unsecured outer porta!s, as the umbi!ica!s "ere&ipped a"a$ %rom their mountings He gave them no more thought &he c!oc# hand reached LM &he port bo" thrusters coughed into !i%e, their po"er staggering as the$ !aboured to move the vast bu!# o% the cruiser >or "hat seemed an age the Rosetta "a!!o"ed, unmoving despite the vast energies un!eashed &hen, ine0orab!$, the scene outside the vie"ing port shi%ted, the doc#ing arm receding as the Rosetta s!id grace%u!!$ to starboard 3nce moving, her speed increased, and a moment !ater a terrib!e grinding sound trave!!ed a!ong her dec#s, the unsecured umbi!ica!s, and b$ the sound o% it, severa! mounting p!ates, being ripped %ree ( moment !ater and the he!msman ca!!ed, -e're %ree sir, %u!! speed ahead,' '>u!! speed ahead, Mister E!!i# >orm us up on the Oceanid.' 'Sir= the Rosetta's Master o% 3rdnance ca!!ed, 'augurs are detecting a po"er surge %rom the orbita!! * be!ieve it
1S,

;e%ore the o%%icer cou!d %inish his report, a b!inding %!ash %i!!ed the %or"ard vie"ing port 2orvane he!d his breath, but the impact he e0pected did not materia!ise 'Report!' be!!o"ed 2orvane, sudden!$ %i!!ed "ith anger at the thought o% someone daring to %ire upon his vesse! &he Master o% 3rdnance bent over his conso!e, his hands "or#ing a mu!titude o% dia!s and !evers, his screens %i!!ed "ith scro!!ing gibberish '&he cogitators can't identi%$ sir *t "as e0treme!$ high po"ered, but !e%t no etheric "a#e= Deciding not to ris# a second vo!!e$, 2orvane ordered, 'Shie!ds to %u!! capacit$ He!m, get us moving right no", at %u!! speed * "ant to put some distance bet"een us and that orbita!= 3nce more, the bridge %i!!ed "ith shouts o% ?a$e sir?, as the cre" hurried

about its tas#s 2orvane scanned the vie"ing screens cro"ded around his command throne, see#ing an$ c!ue as to the t$pe o% "eapon the orbita! had emp!o$ed, i% indeed it "as a "eapon at a!! 'Sir, a second po"er surge!' &his time 2orvane g!anced across at his screens as the surge spi#ed, reams o% machine code !anguage screaming indecipherab!e "arnings ( second %!ash, but this time accompanied b$ the unmista#ab!e sensation o% the Rosetta's shie!ds absorbing an impact &he bridge !ights %!ic#ered and dimmed as ever$ !ast #i!o)ou!e o% avai!ab!e po"er "as diverted to the screaming shie!d generators ( patch o% space, a section o% the %ie!d pro)ected in %ront o% the vesse!, g!o"ed "hite'hot at the point "here the "eapon had struc# >ear stabbed co!d in 2orvane's chest -hat b$ the Emperor, had the orbita! )ust %ired at them, -hatever t$pe o% "eapon it "as, it had, a /uic# scan o% the cogita'tor screens to!d him, stripped the Rosetta's shie!d arra$s to !ess than ha!% o% their capacit$ 'He!m,' 2orvane shouted '@se ever$ unit o% po"er not re/uired %or the shie!ds to get us out o% range o% that "eapon, no"!' '($e sir= ca!!ed bac# the he!msman, s"eating at his "hee! and !abouring on a might$ !ever, %eeding as much po"er to the main drives as he dared 'Shie!ds,' ( servitor at the shie!d contro! station turned its head to"ards him, spitting a ream o% parchment ro!! %rom its rictus mouth ( nearb$ rating passed the paper to 2orvane ( cursor$ scan con%irmed "hat he had %eared &he shie!d arra$s "ere severe!$ damaged< he doubted the$ cou!d ta#e a second impact ' 'Sir,' the Master o% 3rdnance ca!!ed &he cogitators observed the second discharge in %u!! &he$ have %ormu!ated an ana!$sis &he "eapon %ired some %orm o% h$per've!ocit$ pro)ecti!e *t "as so!id, not energ$ based 3ur shie!ds absorbed its %orce, but are not con%igured to convert such high've!ocit$ partic!e impacts 2orvane's mind raced He #ne" nothing o% such "eapons, %or the ma)orit$ o% human vesse!s used either high e0p!osive pro)ecti!es or energ$'based !aser "eapons He #ne" the other space %aring races %ie!ded a "ide range o% e0otic "eapon t$pes, but "ith the e0ception o% those o% the e!dar such "eapons "ere rare!$ o% undue threat He !oo#ed once more to the ban#s o% nearb$ screens, see#ing some c!ue as to the actions o% the Oceanid and the Fairlight. He /uic#!$ sa" that his %ather's vesse! had disengaged and "as manoeuvring a"a$ %rom the

orbita! ;e$ond, his stepsister's vesse! had $et to separate %u!!$ %rom the doc#ing arm &he monotone voice o% the servitor at the comms station intoned, '*ncoming ship'to'ship transmission Source9 Oceanid* 2orvane stood '1atch it through ' (ngr$ static %i!!ed the air, interspersed "ith random c!ic#s and pops '2orvane, ;rie!!e,' His %ather's voice cut through the static 'Here, >ather,' he rep!ied, hearing his stepsister do !i#e"ise a%ter a short de!a$ 'Listen care%u!!$ both o% $ou *'m transmitting )ump coordinates ' ( g!ance at his screens to!d 2orvane the$ "ere being received -e scatter here, and ma#e the )ump as soon as "e're c!ear @nderstood,' 2orvane scanned the coordinates scro!!ing across his screens &he$ indicated the destination as the nearest inhabited s$stem, (rris Epsi!on &he$ gave an outbound )ump point on!$ t"o astronomica! units out '>ather, are $ou're sure it's sa%e,' he as#ed ( sma!! de!a$ "as %o!!o"ed b$ his %ather's rep!$, 'No, but m$ augurs are sho"ing that "e're not )ust up against the orbita! :hec# near space trac#ing= 2orvane ca!!ed up the !ong'range augur returns -hat the ,' He stared %or a moment as a group o% signa! returns appeared at the e0tent o% his augur range '* don't #no" "ho the$ are 2orvane, but *'m not prepared to sit here and %ind out the hard "a$ -e )ump as soon as "e're dear ' '@nderstood= rep!ied 2orvane 'Good !uc#, the pair o% $ou,' he heard his %ather sa$, be%ore a ho"! o% %eedbac# screamed %rom the spea#er gri!!es, and then si!ence &he Master o% 3rdnance spo#e up, 'Sir, another surge ' '(!! hands= 2orvane ca!!ed, preparing himse!% %or the catastrophic damage he #ne" "as about to be done to his vesse!, 'brace %or impact= None came He !oo#ed to the ban# o% screens, seeing that it "as not the Rosetta that had been the target o% this attac#, but the Oceanid. Having manoeuvred his vesse! a"a$ %rom the doc#ing arm, his %ather had not ordered her a"a$, but had come around to engage the station in a dead!$ broadside :atac!$smic energies p!a$ed across the Oceanid's d$ing shie!ds, secondar$ %ires raging across her port as atmosphere b!ed into space 2orvane stood %rom his command throne and crossed to another vie"ing port, %rom "hich he cou!d ma#e out the epic con%rontation un%o!ding on!$ a %e" hundred metres distant He "atched in a"e as %ire b!ossomed across the Oceanid's side, the

discharge o% her port "eapons batteries un!eashing a %earsome broadside at e0treme short range &he orbita! station "as "reathed in %ire as the devastating attac# struc# home, and severa! doc#ing arms sheared o%% as e0p!osions gutted the centra! core .et the station "as %ar %rom dead, despite the terrib!e damage done b$ the Oceanid's broadside 2orvane "inced as another, b!inding %!ash indicated that die station's dead!$ pro)ecti!e "eapon "as sti!! operationa! &hough the pro)ecti!e itse!% "as invisib!e, he sa" its passing etched upon the smo#e and %ire bi!!o"ing into space %rom both the Oceanid and the station *t struc# his %ather's ship a g!ancing b!o" to a dorsa! augur arra$, the structure shearing o%% and spinning into space Stunned b$ the %erocit$ o% the batde raging be%ore him, it too# 2orvane a moment to rea!ise that he "as hearing his %ather's voice addressing him over the communications s$stem ' peat, get moving the pair o% $ou, no"! Good !uc#= 23RV(NE 31ENED (N intercom channe! to (dept M$#e!o, his Navigator ("aiting $our order adept .ou have the vesse!= ( pause, be%ore the adept rep!ied '&his is against m$ better )udgement sir, but given the circumstances * sha!! underta#e the manoeuvre 1ra$ %or us a!!= 2orvane c!osed the channe! and !eant bac# in his command throne, "atching as the bridge cre" made the %ina! preparations %or the emergenc$ "arp )ump &his "as the second time the vesse! and her cre" had undergone a "arp )ump recent!$, and it appeared as i% M$#e!o "ou!d re)ect 2orvane's order *t "as entire!$ "ithin his rights as a Navigator to do so, 2orvane #ne", %or an$ and a!! matters re!ating to a vesse!'s passage through the "arp "ere entire!$ the province o% its Navigator, b$ ancient decree M$#e!o had considered the situation, rea!ising that the$ had !itt!e choice i% the$ "ere to avoid a con%rontation "ith the un#no"n vesse!s, "hich "ere bearing do"n on them "ith obvious!$ hosti!e intent ( mourn%u! pea! sounded %rom the ship's address s$stem, the signa! that a "arp )ump "as imminent 2orvane #ne" someho" that this "ou!d be a bad one, a!though he had no idea in "hat "a$ He had heard the ta!es &he signa! ended and a!! o% the !ights on the bridge died 2orvane cou!d hear his o"n pu!se thundering in his ears, and he gripped the arms o% the command throne a!! the tighter ( distant sound became audib!e, an atona! drone, bui!ding in vo!ume to the scream o% a bi!!ion, bi!!ion sou!s adri%t upon an ocean o% pain and chaos 2orvane's o"n voice added to the terrib!e din, as did that o% ever$

man and "oman onboard the Rosetta. &he$ "ere )oined together in a terrib!e communion, sharing the damnation o% the deni+ens o% the ab$ss &hen there "as si!ence 2orvane opened his e$es, and then vomited &he bridge !ights %!ic#ered bac# to !i%e, one b$ one He heard coughing and moaning %rom the bridge cre" Having pain%u!!$ voided the contents o% his stomach, 2orvane !oo#ed around his bridge, breathing heavi!$ as he %ought to ma#e some sense o% "hat had )ust occurred Something had gone terrib!$ "rong, that much "as c!ear His cre" "as scattered around the bridge, or s!umped over conso!es, groaning or si!ent, unconscious, insensib!e, or "orse 3n!$ the servitors appeared to have escaped unharmed &he Master o% 3rdnance sat up and !oo#ed to"ards 2orvane "ith madness in his e$es 2orvane sa" "ith a start that the man's hair "as no" entire!$ "hite, "hi!e it had been mere!$ gre$'shot be%ore the )ump Litter shoc# threatened to over"he!m him, and he strove to maintain contro! o% his %acu!ties in the %ace o% "hat had happened ?-e pra$ %or those !ost in the "arp,' 2orvane mumb!ed, the "ords o% the space%arers' pra$er coming unbidden to his !ips &he pra$er gave him some com%ort, and he %e!t himse!% ca!ming He g!anced at the ban#s o% screens surrounding his command throne (!! "ere dead Rea!ising that he "ou!d need to ta#e visib!e contro! o% the situation, 2orvane stood, sha#i!$ at %irst ( )unior o%%icer appeared nearb$, o%%ering aid, "hich he "aved a"a$ ';ridge cre", !isten to me * need a %u!! situation report and * need it no" ' He straightened as he spo#e, %ee!ing con%idence return as he p!a$ed the ro!e %or "hich he "as born and raised ' that o% !eader &hen * need to #no" "here the he!! "e are= '($e sir= came the mumb!ed rep!ies %rom the cre" Men straightened themse!ves out, smoothing creased uni%orms as the$ returned to their stations -ithin minutes, the bridge bore some resemb!ance to its norma! state ' men, and most!$ servitors, going about their business .et sti!! the screens "ere dead He turned to the )unior o%%icer hovering nearb$ '>ind out i% (dept M$#e!o is in need o% he!p= &he man nodded and hurried a"a$ 2orvane crossed to the %or"ard vie"ing port Loo#ing out, he "as con%ronted "ith un%ami!iar conste!!ations, but at !east, he thought, it "as space out there, and not some"here e!se He shoo# the thought o%% and studied the vie"< a nearb$ star g!o"ed "hite through the ha!o o% a comet's debris, $et he had no c!ue i% it "as (rris Epsi!on, or an entire!$ di%%erent s$stem

&he rating appeared at his side once more 'Report= he ordered 'Sir, "e're being hai!ed= Leaving the /uestion o% the Navigator's state to one side, 2orvane as#ed, '&he Oceanid+ He doubted, even as he as#ed, that either o% the other t"o rogue trader vesse!s "ou!d be nearb$ '* cannot te!!, sir= -h$ can't $ou te!!, !ieutenant,' 'Sir, the comms s$stems appear to have sustained some damage -e have cre"s "or#ing on getting them %u!!$ operationa! -e have short' ranged hai!ing, but !itt!e e!se= '>ine= 2orvane %e!t at a ma)or disadvantage "ith his ship's s$stems running under capacit$, but he "ou!d have to ma#e the best o% the situation '3pen a channe!, and contact M$#e!o= '($e sir,' the o%%icer said, be%ore ordering the servitor at the comms station to patch through the transmission ' vesse! Repeat (ctivate identi%ication transponders immediate!$ or be %ired upon .ou have entered sovereign space and "e "i!! %ire i% $ou do not identi%$ $ourse!% Repeat'' 2orvane c!eared his throat, be%ore announcing, &his is the rogue trader vesse! Rosetta, o% the (rcadius * am 2orvane Gerrit o% the (rcadius, son o% Lucian, heritor o% the (rcadius &o "hom do * spea#,' &he channe! burb!ed and "hist!ed %or a second or t"o, be%ore the rep!$ came bac#, 'Rosetta, this is Epsi!on s$stem de%ence boat ,amma Secondus.-ou "i!! !oc# onto our signa! and %o!!o" us in &hen $ou "i!! be %erried to the sur%ace, is that understood, 2orvane sighed He "as intense!$ re!ieved that the$ had reached their intended destination o% (rris Epsi!on -ith man$ o% the ship's augur s$stems sti!! incapacitated he had no c!ue as to "hether his %ather and stepsister had $et arrived &hat, to his mind, put him in a position o% authorit$ 1erhaps, at (rris Epsi!on, he cou!d repair some o% the damage his stepsister had done at Mundus :hasmata 'Do as the$ instruct,' he ordered the he!msman, be%ore retiring to his /uarters to prepare to board the other vesse! (RR*S E1S*L3N, M. !ord ' 2orvane !oo#ed through the shutde's coc#pit port as the sma!! ship s"ept through the upper atmosphere o% (rris Epsi!on9 vast, bio!uminescent c!ouds g!o"ed acid $e!!o" and )ade green, casting the !andscape %ar be!o" in an actinic, mur#$ ha!%'!ight He nodded to the captain o% the securit$ cutter, his mind engaged b$ con%!icting distractions9 the need to p!an %or the coming meeting "ith

this "or!d's !eaders, and the need to gather as much in%ormation on this "or!d as possib!e &he vie", "hich "as rea!!$ /uite stunning, "as another distraction Spotting the smudge o% "hat he assumed "as a distant conurbation, 2orvane turned to the captain, 'Ho" %ar to $our capita!,' &he man bo"ed his head as he communed "ith the shutt!e's machine spirit, his sou! interming!ing "ith that o% the machine via the consecrated mind impu!se cab!es threaded %rom the bac# o% his head to the ports behind him &he captain raised his head, &hirt$'seven point %ive ' 2orvane raised his e$ebro"s, ho!ding the man's e$e 'Loca!,' he %inished, 2orvane nodding 2orvane setded bac# in his seat, deciding to use the time "ise!$ He had gathered, %rom "hat !itde conversation had ta#en p!ace bet"een the securit$ cutter's cre" and himse!%, that an *mperia! :ommander named Nachar$ Droon ru!ed (rris Epsi!on His ancestra! seat !a$ in a range o% mountains that bisected the "or!d's main !andmass, his capita! named (rra!o" :it$ ;e$ond that, 2orvane had scarce!$ g!eaned an$thing, %or the Epsi!on securit$ personne! "ere tight !ipped, even %or the natives o% such a bac#"ater "or!d *t "asn't that the$ had a prob!em communicating, %or their Lo" Gothic "as uncommon!$ coherent &he$ simp!$ didn't communicate ver$ much 2orvane sighed, in"ard!$, %or to do so out !oud "ou!d be, to him, an un%orgivab!e rudeness He !oo#ed once more out o% the coc#pit's port, his e$es tracing the patterns in the vast c!oud %ormations Man$ hundreds o% #i!ometres ta!!, the$ %ormed pi!!ars that connected the various strata o% (rris Epsi!on's atmosphere &he incredib!$ comp!e0 convection currents "ithin each supported entire "or!ds o% microscopic !i%e, or so the captain had in%ormed him (pparent!$, it "as the on!$ sub)ect on "hich he "as capab!e o% ho!ding %orth 2orvane's mind "andered, casting bac# to the "arp )ump %rom Mundus :hasmata ;e%ore !eaving his vesse! to board the securit$ cutter, 2orvane had ensured that he #ne" about his Navigator's condition &he adept had been ab!e to spea# to him on!$ brie%!$, but had communicated to him the enormit$ o% "hat had transpired during the )ump 2orvane #ne" that the adept "as ta!#ing do"n to him, spea#ing in !a$man's terms, but he had been chi!!ed to the bone b$ the Navigator's report &he Rosetta, M$#e!o had croa#ed through parched !ips, had been struc# a g!ancing b!o" b$ something in the "arp He #ne" not "hat, but !i#ened the event to a sma!! boat cast adri%t upon a raging ocean, on!$ to be caught b$ the passing o% a might$ !eviathan &he !eviathan might

have been entire!$ ignorant as the tin$ vesse! "as dashed b$ its %ins, caught in its "a#e, s"ept across the ocean, and cast up on un#no"n shores *t "as on!$ than#s to the s#i!! o% (dept M$#e!o that, so 2orvane gathered, the Rosetta had escaped the thing's embrace, the Navigator dumping the vesse! bac# into rea! space ;$ some bi+arre chance, perhaps because the$ "ere, !itera!!$, caught up on the !eviathan's bac#, the$ had emerged on the outs#irts o% the s$stem %or "hich the$ had been ma#ing M$#e!o had cautioned 2orvane against "e!coming such an event, ho"ever, "arning him that the cost might have been higher than an$ cou!d imagine M$#e!o had shivered as he had e0p!ained )ust ho" %ortunate the$ had been not to have been s"ept up entire!$, to be carried across space and time to the ver$ ends o% the universe He shoo# his head, attempting to c!ear the memor$ o% those terrib!e seconds "ithin the "arp (t !east, it had appeared mere seconds, but it might have been minutes, hours or "ee#s He might have been !oc#ed in his sou! scream %or decades, his morta! mind on!$ ab!e to comprehend the sma!!est portion o% damnation 2orvane shoo# his head again, %ocusing on the vie" outside the shutt!e in an e%%ort to shed the co!d that had descended upon his sou! &he vast c!oudban#s "ere receding, and an impossib!$ ta!! mountain chain that stretched %rom one hori+on to the other dominated the vie" He sa" that the !ine mar#ed the "or!d's current terminator !ine, the dar#ness o% rapid!$ descending night a!! that "as visib!e be$ond &he shutt!e s"ept on, ban#ing to gain height over the rising mountains be!o" &he copper green roc#s soon rose to meet them, and 2orvane sa" that the shutt!e "as %o!!o"ing the meandering course o% a va!!e$ man$ do+ens o% #i!ometres deep, the bottom o% "hich "as "reathed in pu!sating si!ver mist >o!!o"ing the course o% the va!!e$, 2orvane sa" that it came to a head amid the mountains above &he shutt!e rose, %o!!o"ing the va!!e$ to its termination in the mountain's crags More o% the si!ver, in"ard!$ g!o"ing mist "reathed this ta!!est o% mountains, but 2orvane soon made out the unmista#ab!e pattern described b$ racing !anding !ights &he shutt!e thrott!ed bac#, b!eeding ve!ocit$ as the pi!ot brought it e0pert!$ in through the coi!ing mist *t setded upon its !anding gear, the captain thro"ing a ban# o% s"itches and disengaging its engines 2orvane rea!ised as the$ touched do"n upon the sur%ace o% (rris Epsi!on that the %uture o% the (rcadius D$nast$ might rest entire!$ in his hands

He grinned (RR(L3- :*&., SE(& o% po"er o% *mperia! :ommander Nachar$ Droon, "as an ancient stone structure, perched precarious!$ atop the highest pea# o% the mountain range &he chain stretched %rom the eastern to the "estern hori+ons, %orming a might$, )agged and unbro#en spine &he va!!e$ a!ong "hich the cutter had approached ran to the south, receding %rom vie" as it descended to the mist' "reathed %!ats be!o" (n immense p!ain stretched to the north, the bio!uminescent c!oud %ormations dancing across its end!ess sur%ace 2orvane sa" a!! this as he stood on the "inds"ept !anding pad, a"aiting the approach o% a ceremonia! guard He %e!t a mi!d, but p!easant surprise that such had been ordered, %or he had given no advance "arning o% his visit and "as not #no"n to the *mperia! :ommander *t "as a good sign, he )udged, going b$ his e0perience o% dea!ing in matters o% court!$ eti/uette He stood in po!ite si!ence, %!an#ed b$ the captain and %irst mate o% the cutter &he shoc# o% the e0it %rom the "arp "as c!earing, and he "as struc# b$ the unusua! scent upon the air, a vague!$ no0ious combination o% chemica! sharpness and deca$ He rea!ised that it must be some b$' product o% the e0otic eco's$stem at p!a$ "ithin the c!ouds, and guessed that the natives "ere entire!$ una"are o% it He sti%!ed a cough, and determined not to mention it &he ceremonia! procession approached, 2orvane ab!e to ma#e out the detai!s o% the guards' uni%orms and "eapons &he$ o%%ered a )arring contrast to Luneberg's househo!d guard, "ho had "orn uni%orms o% star# "hite "ith ta!! %eathers at their bro"s &hese "ore rough spun, un'd$ed c!oth, and carried simp!e, sturd$ !asguns in p!ace o% the over!$ ornate and entire!$ impractica! !ong ri%!es that Luneberg's men had carried &he procession reached the edge o% the !anding pad, and an o%%icer, bare!$ distinguishab!e to 2orvane %rom the other guards, stepped %or"ards and bo"ed '* "e!come $ou, Lord Gerrit o% the (rcadius, to the "or!d o% (rris Epsi!on M$ master, the *mperia! :ommander Lord Droon bids $ou attend him= 2orvane "as struc# b$ the c!arit$ o% the man's Lo" Gothic, )ust as he had been b$ that o% the cutter's captain *t "as most unusua!, in his e0perience, to %ind a dia!ect this %ar out on the Eastern Rim that "as so understandab!e So c!ear "as it, in %act that 2orvane guessed it "as a derivation o% High Gothic rather than one o% the h$brid dia!ects used on most "or!ds (!! this passed through his mind in the span o% time it too# the o%%icer to spea#, 2or'vane's e0pert

instincts g!eaning potentia!!$ va!uab!e in%ormation %rom ever$ aspect o% his situation '* g!ad!$ do so,' he rep!ied, bo"ing ever so s!ight!$ at the "aist and reading the other man's reaction a!! the "hi!e Seeing the other bo" $et !o"er to!d him that his conventions "ere correct "hen it came to ac#no"!edging comparative socia! ran#ing &he o%%icer turned, his s/uad doing !i#e"ise in per%ect unison 2orvane stepped %or"ards, and the guards marched o%% as he passed them He %ound himse!% "a!#ing a!ong a ta!!, thin access'"a$ crossing a vast gu!% to a roc#$ spire severa! hundred metres a"a$ He g!anced over the rai!' !ess edge, g!ad that the ground "as not visib!e, the mist bubb!ing a"a$ %ar be!o" Loo#ing ahead, 2orvane sa" the bu!# o% "hat he too# to be *mperia! :ommander Nachar$ Droon's pa!ace, perched upon the highest pea# o% mountain to"ards "hich the "a!#"a$ !ed *t consisted o% a mu!titude o% pea#ed turrets, verandas and ga!!eries, each connected, he guessed, b$ a hone$comb o% tunne!s cut into the roc# o% the mountain &he "a!#"a$ terminated in a ta!!, thin porta! in the roc#, %!an#ed on either side b$ !ong, %!uttering pennants &he doors opened on "e!!'oi!ed hinges, s"inging in"ards to revea! a bright!$ !it passage !eading into the mountain &he procession passed through the porta!, %o!!o"ing the passage cut through the ra" stone %or a hundred metres or so, to a second set o% ta!!, thin doors &he guards no" changed %ormation, %orming a per%ect !ine behind 2orvane (t some unheard signa!, the doors s"ung open and a bright !ight burst %orth, brie%!$ da++!ing 2orvane He "as so determined to avoid causing o%%ence that he stepped %or"ards, regard!ess that his vision had $et to c!ear (s his sight ad)usted to the brightness, 2orvane sa" that he stood in the centre o% a "ide, ta!! space cut into the side o% the mountain &he "or!d's sun entire!$ %i!!ed the vie" be$ond the cave's mouth, its centre the brightest "hite, its ha!o a serene )ade Si!houetted against the sun, 2orvane cou!d )ust ma#e out a ta!! %orm, "hich stepped to"ards him &he si!houette reso!ved in 2orvane's vision, %orming into a ta!!, thin' %aced man, his hair receding, "earing a !ong robe o% p!ain !inen &his "as Nachar$ Droon, )udged 2orvane, an ascetic, b$ his appearance, a!though 2orvane reca!!ed the numerous times his %ather had "arned him against acting on %irst impressions -e!come to m$ court, Lord Gerrit ' Droon made an e0pansive motion "ith his !ong, thin arms 2orvane %o!!o"ed the gesture, noting the courtiers arra$ed upon either side, dressed in the same, simp!e garb as

their master ?-e so se!dom receive guests, and "hen "e do, "e are never %ound "anting as hosts .ou arrived unannounced, Lord Gerrit,' 2orvane caught the in%erence immediate!$ ' Droon "as si+ing him up, "hi!e simu!taneous!$ hedging his bets !est 2orvane prove to be a potentia! a!!$, or a potentia! threat &he *mperia! :ommander appeared to have accepted that 2orvane "as, as he had identi%ied himse!%, a rogue trader, %or "hich 2orvane "as grate%u! He guessed that Droon "as prepared to be!ieve him, %or no", but "ou!d re/uire a more so!id indication at some point in the not too distant %uture .es m$ Lord Droon, %or "hich * beg $our %orgiveness ' ( !itt!e contrition "as hard!$ inappropriate at this )uncture, 2orvane thought Evident!$, Droon thought the same thing, %or he nodded sage!$ at 2orvane's rep!$ ( mishap "hi!st traversing the emp$rean brought us to $our domains in this manner, a!though "e "ere bound %or (rris Epsi!on in an$ case ' Droon's e$ebro"s rose 'Rea!!$, -e e0pected no such visit 1!ease, do go on= 2orvane %e!t hot pric#!es rise at his nec#, %or Droon appeared more inc!ined to press his guest %or an e0p!anation than "ou!d ordinari!$ be po!itic He "ent on, 'No, m$ !ord, and again, * must as# $our %orbearance M$ vesse! and t"o others "ere %!eeing an attac# at a nearb$ s$stem *n our haste to escape, "e determined that this "as the sa%est destination= @pon hearing this, the *mperia! :ommander turned his head to one side, considering, 2orvane guessed, the !i#e!ihood o% 2orvane's stor$ '.our attac#ers "ere raiders, 1irates,' 'No, m$ !ord, un%ortunate!$ not, "e "ere engaged in a trade negotiation upon Mundus :hasmata'' 'Luneberg,' Droon inter)ected, his previous!$ b!an# e0pression sudden!$ one o% anger '*ndeed, m$ !ord= '-hat cause did he have to attac# $our vesse!s, -hat "as the nature o% $our negotiations,' Droon's manner had shi%ted, %rom one o% detached civi!it$ to something bordering on hosti!it$ 2orvane thought /uic#!$, )udging that Droon's reaction "as caused b$ some under!$ing enmit$ to"ards the *mperia! :ommander o% Mundus :hasmata &he ta!#s "ere to ascertain the pro%itabi!it$ o% opening up a permanent trade route bet"een :hasmata and a number o% core"ard mercanti!e concerns= a minor !ie, but 2orvane "as i!! disposed to"ards revea!ing the true nature o% the dea! &he con%rontation "as caused "hen Luneberg attempted to %orcib!$ impose un%avourab!e terms=

'Luneberg attac#ed $ou because $ou re%used to accede to his authorit$,' 2orvane hesitated be%ore ans"ering, a"are that his rep!$ might shape events to come in "a$s that he cou!d not $et predict ?.es, m$ !ord= he said, '* be!ieve the Lord Luneberg is not entire!$'' 'Sane,' *nter)ected Droon '.ou're sa$ing that :u!pepper Luneberg is dangerous!$ unstab!e and un%it to ru!e his "or!d,' 2orvane had said no such thing, a!though he certain!$ he!d that opinion ;e%ore he cou!d ans"er, ho"ever, Droon cut in -e!!, $ou'd be abso!ute!$ correct Luneberg is a sin%u! "aste o% s#in, and $ou can consider $ourse!% %ortunate to have escaped his c!utches He's been attempting to ma#e dea!s "ith the !i#es o% $ou %or man$ $ears *'ve had m$ suspicions %or some time, but * be!ieve $ou have con%irmed them &he man has crac#ed He's on the verge o% ta#ing his "or!d, and this entire sector, to the brin# o% rebe!!ion ' 3h God'Emperor preserve us a!!, 2orvane thought, another mad *mperia! :ommander 'Lord Gerrit,' 2orvane %orced himse!% to return his attention to the *mperia! :ommander 'Lord Gerrit, * need $our he!p ' 3nce more, 2orvane's mind raced Had he rea!!$ escaped the c!utches o% one madman, on!$ to %!ee right into those o% another, He "ou!d not a!!o" it &he (rca'dius stood on the brin#, and he "ou!d ensure their surviva! .ou need m$ he!p,' '*NDEED .3@ (RE, as $ou sa$, a rogue trader o% some means * am but a humb!e *mperia! :ommander, m$ o"n means !imited * have been a"are %or man$ $ears that Luneberg's madness has driven this entire region into the grip o% recidivism, and * be!ieve he is on the verge o% entire!$ %orsa#ing his oaths to &erra= '.ou be!ieve Luneberg is a rebe!,' '*ndeed * do, Lord Gerrit, indeed * do His po!icies, and those o% man$ generations o% his !ine prior to him, have p!unged this sector into iso!ation %rom &erra He be!ieves himse!% above the 1a0 *mperia!is -e must bring him into !ine, or there "i!! be a terrib!e price to pa$ >or us a!!' 2orvane's instincts sensed an opening '* see, and ho" ma$ * be o% assistance in averting such a disaster,' Droon bo"ed, turning as he did so and indicating "ith another e0pansive s"eep o% his !ong arms an arch"a$, be$ond "hich a side

chamber "as visib!e '1!ease, !et us retire to discuss the detai!s= '.ou RE(L*SE,' S(*D Nachar$ Droon, 'that $our name "i!! be spo#en in a"e b$ generations to come= 2orvane stood beside Droon, atop a cragg$ promontor$, "atching as the !egions o% the Epsi!on 1!anetar$ De%ence >orce marched b$ in per%ect %ormation &he$ %i!ed onto t"o "aiting transports, "hich "ou!d ta#e them to orbit >rom there the$ "ou!d be pac#ed onto the Rosetta, and, 2orvane hoped, and had promised, onto the Oceanid and the Fairlight, as soon as the$ arrived .ou %!atter me, m$ Lord Droon= 2orvane rep!ied, not ta#ing his e$es %rom the spectac!e be!o" '* "ish on!$ to serve= Droon chuc#!ed at this, but did 2orvane the #indness o% not commenting %urther &he t"o had come to a dea! ( %ar better dea!, 2orvane be!ieved, than his %ather had attempted to enter into "ith that madman Luneberg He "as sure that he had secured the immediate %uture o% the (rcadius, b$ p!edging the three vesse!s to aid Droon in his righteous "ar against the recidivist Luneberg &o start "ith, a!! the$ need do "as transport Droon's 1!anetar$ De%ence >orce troops to Mundus :hasmata, "here the$ "ou!d !aunch a devastating and entire!$ un%oreseen assau!t on Luneberg's centres o% po"er &he "or!d "ou!d %a!! in short order, o% that 2orvane "as positive, and the (rcadius "ou!d reap the re"ards o% their !o$a! service to the %orces o% !a" and order 2orvane smi!ed to himse!% as he "atched the troops parading b$ His da$ had %ina!!$ arrived His %ather "ou!d cede contro! to him, and %orce his bitch o% a stepsister to to" the !ine or !eave 3h $es, he thought, his time "as coming

CHAPTER TEN
&HE 3:E(N*D'S -(R1 drive ho"!ed a p!aintive "ai!, disturbing!$ human in tone, as the vesse! crashed through the non'e0istent barrier bet"een the rea! "or!d and the emp$rean Lucian opened his e$es, mouthing a pra$er to the a!might$ God'Emperor, a pra$er o% than#s that his vesse! "as de!ivered once more to the ph$sica! universe &he "arp drive continued its screaming, the terrib!e, sou!'"renching sound audib!e even on the Oceanid's bridge, hundreds o% metres %ore o% die drive section Lucian #ne" it indicated that something had come ver$ c!ose to going incredib!$ "rong "hi!st the$ "ere "ithin the "arp, but #ne" better than to d"e!! on "hat disaster might have been c!ose to be%a!!ing his vesse! *nstead, he reso!ved to see# his Navigator's counse! on the matter as soon as the adept had been given time to recover %rom the vo$age

Lucian !oo#ed to the head o% his bridge, seeing nothing o% note or out o% the ordinar$ through the "ide vie"ing port that dominated it, 'He!m, situation report i% $ou "i!!= He!msman Ra!di consu!ted the conste!!ation o% b!in#ing !ights, g!ass dia!s and scro!!ing readouts c!ustered around his station be%ore rep!$ing '-e're "ithin point %ive ( @ s o% the mar#er, sir= 'Stress points,' .es sir, severa! * cou!dn't sa$ %or sure, but * thin# that )ump might have ta#en its to!!= 'M$ thoughts too, Mister Ra!di Station ten,' ( rating at one o% the dec# stations stood to attention 'Do "e have a re%erence,' &hough he "as unsure as to its nature, Lucian's e0perience to!d him that a!! "as not "e!! "ith the "arp )ump He "as re!ieved in the e0treme that the Oceanid "as in more or !ess the correct position< she "as where she shou!d be Ne0t, he needed to ascertain that his vesse! "as when she shou!d be &he "arp "as capab!e o% p!a$ing some e0treme and crue! tric#s "ith re!ative time, particu!ar!$ "hen conditions "ithin it "ere rough &he rating bent over his station, %everish!$ "or#ing the dia!s and !evers, be%ore turning bac# to Lucian '(stro'graphicus indicates "e have arrived ahead o% schedu!e sir &ransient conditions "ithin the "arp, * "ou!d surmise= 'Ear!$,' Doubt gripped Lucian's heart 'Ho" ear!$,' '3n!$ point +ero %ive sir, "e're'' 'Good,' interrupted Lucian *t "as a %act that the "arp did odd things to time and space and his i!# had to !ive "ith that &he conse/uences o% some particu!ar!$ e0treme distortions ho"ever "ere scarce!$ "orth considering 'Station three Scan %or the Fairlight and Rosetta* &he servitor hard'"ired to the instruments at station three gave %orth its e!ectronic contra!to, a disturbing mi0ture o% human and machine generated sound &his continued %or severa! minutes, Lucian %ee!ing more unsett!ed as time dragged on 'Ho!o= he ordered, the ho!ograph disp!a$ reso!ving be%ore him (t %irst grain$ and b!urred, the image became more detai!ed as the augurs gathered more and more in%ormation on the area o% space immediate!$ surrounding the Oceanid. Lucian cursed as one third o% the image remained empt$ ' the resu!t o% !osing a scanner to"er in the con%rontation "ith the :hasmata orbita! 'Station three, no !uc#,' &he servitor at the communications station ceased its machine gibberish,

sha#ing its head in a motion that Lucian might have ta#en %or sadness in a %u!!$ human cre"man OIPHH enough= *% the Oceanid's )ump had been a%%ected b$ adverse conditions "ithin the "arp, it stood to reason that the other vesse!s might have been too Ho"ever, given the circumstances o% the )ump, Lucian "as determined to be sure 'Mister Ra!di,' &he he!msman turned '*'m going to spea# "ith Master 2arisan .ou have the bridge= ($e sir= Lucian heard the he!msman rep!$ as he sta!#ed %rom the bridge *% conventiona!, machine'guided communications cou!d o%%er no c!ue, perhaps the ship's astropath might have more !uc#, he thought &HE (S&R31(&H'S :H(M;ER "as situated amidships, on the !o"est dec# Lucian's )ourne$ too# him through an area o% his vesse! that had ta#en damage during the s#irmish "ith the :hasmata orbita!, and he "as %orced to doub!e bac# on himse!% severa! times to avoid areas made inaccessib!e -or# gangs and H'grade servitors pac#ed the g!oom$ companion"a$s, their )unior o%%icers "or#ing them around the c!oc# to get the damage repaired, or at !east contained (s Lucian "a!#ed, he cast his mind bac# over the con%rontation, and subse/uent emergenc$ )ump into "arp space He cou!d %ee! a pattern emerging, %ragments o% an overa!! picture that "as not $et read$ to revea! itse!% to him Luneberg had concea!ed the true nature o% the dea! he had sought to negotiate< that much "as obvious Lucian suspected that the *mperia! :ommander had sought to tie him do"n on some point o% contract, but that, %or some reason or other he had changed his mind ;rie!!e had certain!$ had some part to p!a$ in that, %or she had apparent!$ sabotaged the ta!#s /uite de!iberate!$ He "ou!d %ind out "h$, "hen he %ound out "here she "as He reca!!ed the %!ight %rom Luneberg's pa!ace &he man had tru!$ crac#ed "hen ;rie!!e had burst in on their %ina! negotiations, and the rogue traders had on!$ bare!$ escaped "ith their !ives -hen the orbita! had opened %ire on them "ith a "eapon that Lucian #ne" "as o% a!ien origin, things had begun to ma#e more sense to him &he "eapon, "hat Lucian too# to be some manner o% u!tra'high ve!ocit$ mass driver, too# its to!! on the Oceanid, a!though she had su%%ered %ar "orse in her time &he /uestion that begged to be ans"ered, "as )ust "here Luneberg had ac/uired the "eapon He had a!! but admitted that, at the ver$ !east, his "or!d "as estranged %rom the mainstream o% the *mperium Lucian suspected that the *mperia! :ommander had "avered on the thresho!d o% heres$ %or some time, and the %act that he had obtained, and used, 0enos "eaponr$ suggested that he had decided to ta#e that %ina! step

(s he "aited %or a p!odding cargo'servitor to pass, Lucian "ondered "ho Luneberg's a!!ies might be, and on "hat part he had e0pected Lucian to %u!%i! in the venture Lucian cast his mind over the archives he cou!d reca!! o% this region, but he cou!d not thin# o% a sing!e 0enos race that might have entered into such an arrangement *ndeed, he #ne" o% no 0enos this side o% the Damoc!es Gu!% that had an$thing !i#e the !eve! o% techno!og$ e0hibited b$ the orbita!'s "eaponr$9 a previous!$ untrac#ed e!dar cra%r"or!d, perhaps, He "ou!d be surprised in the e0treme i% a man such as Luneberg had e0tracted an$thing out o% the enigmatic and un%athomab!e race, %or the$ "ere notorious!$ se!%' interested and on!$ dea!t "ith others i% the$ "ere !i#e!$ to bene%it most %rom the arrangement 1erhaps, thought Lucian, there "ere other races out there, in the dense and bare!$ charted regions be$ond the gu!% Loo#ing up %rom his thoughts, Lucian rea!ised that he had reached his destination9 the chamber o% Master 2arisan He e0tended his hand to #noc# on the %rame, but "ithdre" it as the door "as pu!!ed open %rom "ithin, and he "as greeted b$ a must$, incense'!aden scent 'M$ master, p!ease enter= said a voice %rom "ithin the dim!$ !it chamber Lucian stepped through, into the domain o% the %!oti!!a's astropath &he man "as ancient, having served a !ong series o% vesse!s %or man$ decades He "as !ong past his prime, in Lucian's opinion, and he rare!$ ca!!ed upon his services un!ess it "as vita! He had reso!ved to see# a rep!acement "hen he "as ab!e, but the gui!d had thus %ar been un"i!!ing to retire Master 2arisan Lucian suspected that the$ "anted the ancient te!epath out o% "a$, and it "ou!d ta#e a substantia! disbursement to change their minds *t "as )ust one more un"e!come reminder o% the %ai!ing po"er o% the d$nast$ &he chamber "as "ide and !o", ta#ing the %orm o% a b!ister upon the Oceanid's underbe!!$ 3ne entire "a!! "as a might$ vie"ing port, be$ond "hich the vesse!'s underside and the b!ac#ness o% starr$ space "ere visib!e &he room "as cramped, but not %or "ant o% avai!ab!e space *nstead, ever$ sur%ace "as crammed "ith "hat Lucian too# %or )un# Long'burned cand!es, crump!ed parchment, dr$, dead things and other unidenti%iab!e rubbish !ittered the p!ace Master 2arisan appeared entire!$ at home in this environment, %or his o"n appearance "as e/ua!!$ disheve!!ed ( ha!o o% "isp$ un#empt gre$ hair %ramed his cragg$ %ace, %rom "hich his empt$ e$e soc#ets stared b!an#!$, his e$es having been burned a"a$ b$ the rite o% Sou! ;inding He "ore a soi!ed robe o% "hat "as, once, !ustrous dar# green ve!vet &he te!epath bo"ed as Lucian entered '.ou have need o% m$ services, m$ master,'

'* do, Master 2arisan= a!though * "ish * didn't, thought Lucian '4uite so,' said 2arisan '1!ease, be seated ' *t too# Lucian a moment to determine e0act!$ "here 2arisan e0pected him to sit, be%ore the te!epath indicated a soi!ed cushion in the centre o% the rubbish'stre"n %!oor He sat, disturbing something !iving as he did so, "hich scutt!ed o%% into a dar# corner 'Rats= said 2arisan '&he$ are ever attracted to the !o"er dec#s= Lucian suppressed the thought that the vermin "ere a!so attracted to chambers %u!! o% stin#ing rubbish 'Master 2arisan, * need $ou to attempt to reach the Rosetta or the Fairlight. * %ear the$ ma$ be'' '(dri%t,' 2arisan cut in *rritation %!ared in Lucian at the man's interruption '3r de!a$ed, disp!aced .ou #no" "hat might occur "ithin the "arp, Master 2arisan= &he other man !et out a high'pitched gigg!e, '3h $es m$ !ord, "e!! do * #no" "hat a"aits "ithin the Sea o% Sou!s -e!! do * #no"= &he te!epath reached up and c!utched a dried %etish %rom "here it dang!ed on a !eather thong He sni%%ed it, and rubbed it a!ong his chee# "ith a de!icac$ that Lucian %ound /uite disturbing to "itness '* am as#ing $ou, Master 2arisan, to do "hat $ou can to contact them (re $ou ab!e to do so,' '(b!e, .es m$ master, * am ab!e= &he te!epath cast about him to c!ear a space on the %!oor, and then dre" his !egs up under him into a crossed' !egged pose '-i!!ing, $ou might sa$ $es, &he ob)ect o% our search might $et be be$ond our reach, traversing, as $ou sa$, the emp$rean Never mind, %or even there, the$ "i!! be #no"n to us= Lucian had "itnessed severa! rites o% astropathic communication in his time No t"o had ever been the same, but he #ne" better than to interrupt the man, and so sett!ed bac# to a"ait the resu!t Master 2arisan began to mutter under his breath, the "ords )ust about audib!e, but entire!$ uninte!!igib!e to Lucian &he man's breathing deepened, and he appeared to enter the opening phase o% some %orm o% trance &he muttering became more guttura!, and 2arisan's head ro!!ed bac# (t the same moment, the temperature in the chamber dropped sharp!$, a creeping sensation passing over Lucian's sca!p &he shado"s in the g!oom$ chamber dre" in, and Lucian %e!t the unmista#ab!e notion that something hosti!e !ur#ed "ithin them, !oo#ing out, straight at him &he$ cannot hurt $ou, master= muttered 2arisan, Lucian %orcing himse!% to #eep his e$es on the other man, and not to %a!! to the instinct to !oo# behind himse!%

&he temperature %e!! sti!! %urther, a thin s#ein o% ice creeping across the vie"ing port, obscuring the vie" o% space be$ond 2arisan groaned, opening his mouth a number o% times, as i% attempting, but unab!e to spea# &hen he burst out, '&he$ are there!' &he te!epath's head ro!!ed bac# to its norma! position, and he !oo#ed straight at Lucian through empt$ e$e soc#ets &he$ are not "here $ou %eared m$ master, or at !east, $our son is not= 'E0p!ain= &he "arp is ca!m no", but it "as "rac#ed as "e crossed it &he Rosetta is certain!$ not "ithin the emp$rean, o% that * am certain, a!though * cannot spea# so sure!$ o% the Fairlight. * sense that the Rosetta is nearer, in rea! space, in the here and no" * sha!! see# her out ' 2arisan san# into his trance once more, much /uic#er this time He muttered "hat sounded to Lucian !i#e nothing more than nonsense &he temperature dropped sti!! %urther, and Lucian caught the %!eeting scent o% something sharp and acidic Voices!' 2arisan ca!!ed, a chi!d!i#e, "ondrous e0pression appearing on his "i+ened o!d %ace 'Man$ voices m$ brothers &he ether is a!ive "ith them!' '(!ive "ith "hat, Master 2arisan, E0p!ain!' 2arisan !eant %or"ard and too# Lucian's e!bo"s in his gnar!ed o!d hands, sha#ing him '(!ive "ith the Song o% the Ever':hoir, m$ master *t's /uite beauti%u! * have not heard it sung so e!o/uent!$ in man$ $ears, and never at a!! this %ar out on the Rim= Lucian %ought to #eep contro! o% his rising temper 2arisan "as rapid!$ becoming a !iabi!it$< that much "as c!ear He had been %or some time in %act Lucian too# a deep breath nonethe!ess, determined that he "ou!d not !ose contro!, not $et at !east, not unti! he "as in a position to negotiate "ith the gui!d %or a rep!acement astropath '2arisan= no" Lucian !eaned %or"ards, tr$ing as hard as he cou!d to engage the man in meaning%u! conversation '2arisan, !isten to me * need to #no" "hat, b$ Saint Q:atherine's ho!$ arse, $ou are going on'' '(stropathic messages m$ master! &he ether is a!ive "ith them &he$ are so'' '>rom "hom, 2arisan,' as#ed Lucian, a dread%u! idea a!read$ %orming in his mind '>rom "hom,' '>rom ever$one, m$ master!' No" 2arisan began to !augh, a genuine!$ g!ee%u! sound, not the manic !aughter o% a madman that he had voiced ear!ier '* sha!! add m$ ca!! to theirs= '>rom ever$one,' Lucian "as prepared to stri#e the astropath, despite the

severe censure %rom the gui!d that such an act "ou!d earn him "hen it "as discovered ?-hat are the$ sa$ing 2arisan, &e!! me this and * sha!! !eave $ou to add $our voice to $our %e!!o"s'= 2arisan !eaned in to"ards Lucian, norma!it$, even sanit$, apparend$ returning once more &he voices be!ong to m$ brother and sister astropaths, m$ master, and the song the$ sing is o% such beaut$ because the$ a!! sing the same message Ever$ astropath %or ten, t"ent$, thirt$ !ight $ears sings the same message= Lucian nodded his encouragement, determined not to interrupt the man no" that he "as %ina!!$ ma#ing some sense &he$ sing "ords o% %reedom!' Lucian sat bac#, roc#ed to his core b$ the ne"s &he$ sang o% %reedom ' a re!ative notion in the *mperium o% Man, he #ne", and invariab!$ one much c!oser to heres$, recidivism or revo!t Ever$ "or!d "ithin an$thing up to thirt$ !ight $ears, that might be do+ens, scores even o% civi!ised s$stems, each "ith a popu!ation o% man$ mi!!ions Ho", -ho cou!d have instigated such a thing, More to the point, he rea!ised, "ho cou!d have coordinated it, &he !ogistics o% the treacher$ "ere tru!$ staggering, the possibi!ities stretching out be%ore Lucian as he strugg!ed to imagine them His reverie "as bro#en b$ a ne" sound, that o% 2arisan chanting *t "as not the insane muttering that he had voiced as he had entered his trance, but something entire!$ di%%erent &he temperature in the room began to rise once more, the %rost %i!ming the vie"ing port me!ting in the space o% scant seconds, to run in rivu!ets and to co!!ect at the base Lucian stood, and pic#ed his "a$ across the )un# stre"n chamber He !e%t "ithout pausing to !oo# behind, certain that the astropath "ou!d no" be use!ess %or some time to come He had in %act been use!ess %or some time past, but Lucian had had no choice other than to to!erate him and his strange "a$s Duc#ing through the porta! to the corridor be$ond, Lucian "as surprised to %ind a )unior dec# o%%icer standing to attention, and a"aiting his emergence "ith obvious discom%ort Lucian #ne" immediate!$ that something "as "rong -hat, -hat is it,' Lucian g!anced at the man's epau!ettes, 'second !ieutenant,' 'Sir sir, $our presence is needed on the bridge immediate!$ ' &he $oung man "as /uite obvious!$ in some distress and had run %rom the bridge to 2arisan's chamber, his voice competing "ith the need to dra" breath -hat is it man, :a!m do"n and te!! me ' &he the augurs, sir, the$'ve detected '

'Detected "hat, !ieutenant,' 'Detected a a %!eet, sir ( massive %!eet, inbound on our position= L@:*(N S&33D 3N the dec# o% his bridge, the ho!ograph rotating be%ore him &he static'!aced, green'!it representation o% surrounding space "as incomp!ete, %!ic#ering in and out o% %ocus, but despite this, he cou!d c!ear!$ ma#e out the augur returns o% a number o% capita!'sca!e vesse!s as the$ c!osed on (rris Epsi!on &imes three, magni%$ ' &he ho!o b!urred out o% %ocus %or a moment, be%ore reso!ving into a tighter vie" o% the incoming %!eet Lucian studied the vesse!s, reams o% te0t scro!!ing ne0t to each, as the Oceanid's cogitator ban#s strugg!ed to ana!$se "hat scant data the augurs cou!d provide (t !east seven vesse!s, a!! o% un#no"n pattern (!!, Lucian )udged, o% un#no"n origin &he$ "ere a!ien, he "as certain o% that, but "here had the$ come %rom, He #ne" o% no a!ien civi!isation "ithin one hundred !ight $ears capab!e o% putting to space at a!!, !et a!one in such obvious!$ space'"orth$ vesse!s He "as a rogue trader, and it "as his business to #no" such things, hence he had ordered his vesse! onto si!ent running, augurs restricted to passive mode on!$, !est the 0enos detect their /uesting spirits 'S$stems,' &he operations o%%icer at station %our turned, rep!$ing, '(!! stead$ sir She's disp!acing !ess titan ten per cent Not a bad turn %or an o!d gir!= Lucian a!!o"ed himse!% a s!ight grin at the operations chie%s obvious a%%ection %or the Oceanid. He shared his appraisa! that the o!d vesse! "as maintaining herse!% "e!! She had not been re/uired to run on such a !o" !eve! o% operation %or $ears, decades even, Lucian rea!ised, and her continued e0istence ma$ no" re!$ on her being ab!e to do so &urning bac# to the ho!ograph, Lucian "atched as the 0enos %!eet moved into a high orbit over (rris Epsi!on, the augur returns brea#ing up against the bac#ground o% the p!anet He didn't #no" %or sure "hether his son "as on the "or!d, or "hether 2orvane's vesse! orbited it, perhaps "a!!o"ing in the dar#ness o% the %ar side, but he o%%ered up a si!ent pra$er to the Emperor that he "ou!d be a%%orded some "arning o% their coming, that he "ou!d have time to go to ground be%ore he "as discovered Rea!ising there "as nothing he cou!d do %rom his current position, Lucian came to the decision that it "ou!d be better %or a!! i% the Oceanid retired to the (rris s$stem's outer reaches, "here he "ou!d run !ess ris# o% detection, and %rom "here he cou!d a"ait the arriva! o% his daughter 3n!$ then might the$ be ab!e to p!an their ne0t move

He turned to sit on his command throne, and a harsh e!ectronic siren "ai! screamed through the bridge address s$stem, be%ore it cut out )arring!$ Lucian turned, instant!$, #no"ing that something "as a%oot 'Station %our,' &he servitor at the communications station s/uea!ed machine nonsense as its imp!anted appendages "or#ed the dia!s and !evers across its conso!e *ndicators !it, te!!ing Lucian that the servitor had iso!ated and intercepted a "ide band broadcast %rom nearb$ ( moment !ater a voice rang out across the bridge, the signa! per%ecd$ c!ear, the "ords %!a"!ess High Gothic ?-e come as a!!ies to the Domains o% (rris, and invo#e the %riendship o% comrades in arms &his "or!d, as per previous concords, is dec!ared a protectorate .our "arriors are granted the honour o% service to the >ire :aste .our messengers and pi!ots "i!! soar under the "ings o% the (ir :aste .our scientists "i!! gain !earning and purpose under the supervision o% the Earth :aste .our !eaders and merchants "i!! !earn "ords o% "isdom and mutua! pro%it under the tute!age o% the -ater :aste< and a!! "i!! endeavour to"ards the u!timate Greater Good, under the guidance o% the ;!essed 3nes9 under tbe protection o% the tau empire ' Lucian stood, stunned Not at the %act that an a!ien race "as see#ing to gain in%!uence over a human "or!d, that much he had seen be%ore No, it "as the sca!e o% "hat he "as "itnessing &his "as mass betra$a! 2arisan had reported that do+ens o% s$stems %or !ight $ears around "ere dec!aring their independence %rom the *mperium o% Man Here, he #ne" that he sa" the instigators o% that treacher$ (!ien %!eets, no doubt c!osing in on do+ens o% "or!ds, dec!aring that the p!anets "ere under their contro!, and, presumab!$, being "e!comed "ith open arms b$ the treacherous !eaders o% those "or!ds He spat on the co!d, meta! dec# Someone "ou!d pa$ %or this, he promised

CHAPTER ELEVEN
'.ou SEE &HE Mar# *!!s o% >ive :orps,' *mperia! :ommander Droon as#ed 2orvane, turning %rom the rai!ing to !oo# bac# at his guest, !o"ering the magnocu!ars as he did so 'Nine entire brigades, a thousand batde tan#s9 the pride o% the (rris De%ence >orce!' 2orvane !oo#ed through his o"n magnocu!ars, %o!!o"ing the e0pansive gesture that Droon made to"ards the va!!e$ %!oor be!o" He "as stunned b$ the enormit$ o% the procession un%o!ding be!o", a!though he "as humb!e enough to rea!ise that it "as not %or his bene%it< it "as !ong in the p!anning, that much "as c!ear, and 2orvane "aited patient!$ %or its

u!timate purpose to be revea!ed Man$ thousands o% troops having paraded b$, a co!umn o% might$ armoured vehic!es cruised past, ten vehic!es "ide and a hundred deep, command tan#s "ith their characteristic antennae !eading each &he vehic!es "ere a spot!ess, %actor$'app!ied ':ode0' gre$, each bearing not a vehic!e, p!atoon or compan$ designation, but a mu!ti'digit seria! number 2orvane "as not a man o% a mi!itar$ bac#ground, but he #ne" these vehic!es must have been produced "ith some haste ( thought occurred to him 'M$ !ord= he addressed Droon, "ho "as bac# at the ga!!er$ rai!ing en)o$ing the spectac!e un%o!ding be!o" 'M$ !ord, m$ %!eet's vesse!s "i!! be hard pressed to berth the in%antr$ and their e/uipment * am unsure ho" "e "i!! accommodate the armoured units= '3h, don't "orr$ about that, 2orvane &he %act that $our ships "i!! be capab!e o% transporting the troops and !ight units is service enough &he tan# companies "i!! %o!!o" the initia! drop -ith them "e sha!! overran an$ o% Luneberg's dogs that dare stand against us *'!! grind the bastards beneath our trac#s< sho" them the %o!!$ o% starting a "ar "ith (rris Epsi!on= 2orvane !istened as he "atched the !ast o% the tan# companies grind past, %o!!o"ed b$ an entire recon regiment o% gang!ing !ight "a!#ers, each o% "hich s"ive!!ed and dipped its coc#pit in sa!ute to Lord Droon as the$ passed Droon had, on severa! occasions, hinted at some ongoing and bitter enmit$ bet"een the "or!ds o% Mundus :hasmata and (rris Epsi!on, a!though 2orvane #ne" better than to press him %or detai!s High court eti/uette demanded that such matters "ere on!$ divu!ged at the discretion o% the host, and it appeared to him that the mores b$ "hich Droon !ived "ere simi!ar enough to those he himse!% observed %or that to be the case here (s the "a!#ers sta!#ed past, their pi!ots sa!uting smart!$ %rom open cabs, the throat$ gro"! o% $et more armoured vehic!es %i!!ed the air once more, a!though this sound "as noticeab!$ /uieter than that o% the batt!e tan#s '(h! See here, Gerrit= Droon nodded his head to"ards a co!umn o% armoured transports sna#ing its "a$ across the va!!e$ %!oor, 'the >irst Hussars, in their ne" vehic!es no !ess= 2orvane !oo#ed as instructed, and sa" the vehic!es ':himeras,' he as#ed, easi!$ recognising the ubi/uitous personne! carrier, uti!ised b$ securit$ %orces, 1!anetar$ De%ence units and the *mperia! Guard the ga!a0$ over *n %act, severa! do+en !anguished in the Rosetta's ho!d, adorned in the deep red and burnished go!d !iver$ o% the (rcadius, but unused %or severa! decades

':himeras, $es, most certain!$, but o% a pattern * doubt $ou "i!! have encountered be%ore= 2orvane cou!d not he!p but note the pride evident in Droon's voice, and considered it po!itic, even e0pected, to press him %urther 'Ho" so m$ !ord, M$ #no"!edge o% mi!itar$ vehic!es is some"hat !ac#ing= Droon chuc#!ed, "e!coming the opening to e0pound on the merits o% his %orces &his pattern is dra"n %rom a rare!$ used temp!ate, one that on!$ "e o% (rris Epsi!on ma$ uti!ise * am to!d that their po"er cores are entire!$ uni/ue, in that the$ are motivated not b$ %ossi! %ue!, but b$ some manner o% co!d atomic reaction= 2orvane !oo#ed straight at the *mperia! :ommander, "hose e$es "ere %i0ed %irm!$ on the vehic!es be!o" (s a rogue trader, he #ne" that such a thing "as indeed rare, and much sought a%ter across the *mperium &echno!og$, he #ne", "as a dar# art more a#in to archaeo!og$, and it "as unusua! %or a ne" device to be uncovered and uti!ised *% Droon's peop!e had access to some une0'p!oited techno!ogica! resource, then the possibi!ities %or trade and e0p!oitation "ere potentia!!$ staggering Droon "as addressing 2orvane once more, pointing to"ards the !ead vehic!e *t appeared to be some command variant, %or in p!ace o% an enc!osed passenger compartment and %or"ard turret, the entire rear o% the vehic!e "as open ( group o% men stood "ithin that section, their uni%orms mar#ing them out as high'ran#ing o%%icers, a!though even these "ere p!ain in comparison to those "orn b$ the !o"est ran#ed troopers in :u!pepper Luneberg's househo!d guard Ho"ever, it "as not the o%%icers' uni%orms that Droon "as indicating, but a banner one o% them he!d &he standard o% the >irst Hussars,' Droon announced, his tone indicating that the banner carried particu!ar signi%icance 2orvane turned a dia! on the side o% his magnocu!ars, increasing die magni%ication, "hich a!!o"ed him to ma#e out the banner *t "as a simp!e standard, %ar simp!er in %act than man$ that 2orvane had seen Having "a!#ed the approach to the Eternit$ Gate on Sacred &erra, the !ong avenue !ined "ith count!ess thousands o% banners bearing "itness to ten thousand $ears o% tota! "ar, 2orvane cou!d not he!p but %ee! distincd$ unimpressed b$ the decided!$ p!ain standard o% the >irst Hussars '.ou see the honours !isted upon the standard,' Droon as#ed, 2orvane s/uinting to ma#e out the detai!s on the %!uttering banner 'Each is a victor$ over our pernicious enemies< but the !ast honour has $et to be

"on ' 2orvane sa" that at the bottom o% the banner's %ace a scro!! devoid o% te0t a"aited the embroider$ that the others shared Each !isted the tit!e and date o% some note"orth$ batt!e in the histor$ o% the >irst Hussars, probab!$, 2orvane rea!ised, in the histor$ o% (rris Epsi!on itse!% &hat honour "i!! be "on no", 2orvane, do $ou see,' '*ndeed, m$ !ord= 2orvane ans"ered, reading o%t the !ist o% batt!es Each one, he rea!ised, had been %ought against the %orces o% Mundus :hasmata, and each had been given a grandiose tide such as the 'Siege o% the &hree Dominions' or the 'Re!ie% o% the 3uter Nine' 2orvane cast his mind bac# to the introduction given to his %ami!$ and himse!% "hen the$ %irst "ent be%ore *mperia! :ommander :u!pepper Luneberg &he tit!es given to the ru!er o% Mundus :hasmata matched those mentioned on the Standard o% the >irst, a!though each "as presented in a decided!$ di%%erent !ight '.ou SEE, 23RV(NE, that the attac# "e !aunch is %ar %rom some pett$ border c!ash= 2orvane said nothing, conscious that Droon "as on the verge o% communicating something o% great import 'Epsi!on and Mundus :hasmata have been !oc#ed in ongoing disputes %or centuries, mi!!ennia perhaps ' it is hard to sa$ e0act!$ "hen things started to get unp!easant= .our records are incomp!ete on the sub)ect,' 2orvane as#ed, #no"ing that man$ historica! archives "ere missing great s"athes o% in%ormation, so !ong and %ractured "as the histor$ o% the *mperium '*ncomp!ete, 3h no, 2orvane, not incomp!ete= Droon "atched the passing personne! carriers "ist%u!!$, the standard o% the >irst receding into the distance '3ur histories are ver$ speci%ic on the matter o% the grievances bet"een our t"o "or!ds< each has been recorded in great detai! *t is more a case o% trac#ing the esca!ation, %or each time Epsi!on's %orces have !aid a debt o% honour to rest, mose o% Mundus :hasmata have reta!iated once more, and so die debt is rene"ed= '* understand= said 2orvane, beginning to appreciate the nature o% the con%!ict bet"een the t"o "or!ds and their ru!ing d$nasties He !et Droon continue his e0p!anation .ou see, 2orvane, this region has !ong been sett!ed b$ man#ind, but has never attained die status o% diose sectors c!oser to me centres o% po"er &he &imbra Subsector, and the entire ;orea!is Ring !ie at the %urthest e0tent o% @!tima Segmentum -e !oo# to the Segment >ortress at 2ar Duniash %or aid in times o% stri%e, $et "e "ou!d do as "e!! to petition &erra herse!% %or he!p, %or bodi are so distant diat "e "ou!d be !ong in our graves be%ore an$ arrived &hus, "e ma$ !oo# on!$ to ourse!ves, or

to third parties, such as $ou, "hen times are hard= &he gro"!ing o% the engines o% armoured vehic!es %i!!ed the va!!e$ %!oor once more 2orvane #ne" that the regiment o% se!%'prope!!ed arti!!er$ cra"!ing b$ "ere ca!!ed basi!is#s Droon "as %orced to raise his voice over the roar '(nd that, 2orvane, is the reason %or a!! this!' &he *mperia! :ommander spread his arms "ide, the gesture encompassing the vast parade and the entire va!!e$ %!oor '.ou see,' Droon shouted, 'Luneberg's %orebears o"e m$ o"n a debt o% honour, and the interest has gro"n /uite considerab!$= '-hat debt m$ !ord,' 2orvane as#ed, his o"n voice raised &he debt o% ages, 2orvane .ou see, man$, man$ generations past, m$ o"n ancestors and those o% Luneberg entered into a partnership &he$ %ormed the core o% a trade consortium that the$ intended "ou!d in time gro" to encompass a!! the "or!ds o% the subsector, and eventua!!$, the$ hoped, bring prosperit$ to the entire Eastern Rim= '( nob!e ambition= 2orvane rep!ied, seeing the sense in the region's "or!ds uniting in a common purpose &he intentions o% m$ o"n ancestors "ere indeed nob!e, but this "as sad!$ not so in the case o% Luneberg's *t appears that, severa! $ears a%ter the carte! "as estab!ished, the$ decided to renegotiate its terms .ou see, Mundus :hasmata and (rris Epsi!on had estab!ished a pro%itab!e partnership, and "ere on the verge o% bringing other "or!ds in the subsector into ta!#s Ho"ever, Luneberg's %orebears "ished to dominate the emerging b!oc, and disp!a$ed no /ua!ms in reneging on the terms o% the carte!'s creation &he$ "ished to cut us out, 2orvane, and to estab!ish themse!ves as the preeminent po"er in the &imbra subsector .ou $ourse!% have seen this propensit$ to dishonour, have $ou not 2orvane,' 2orvane thought bac# to the ta!#s bet"een his %ather and the *mperia! Governor o% Mundus :hasmata, rea!ising that indeed, Luneberg appeared to be!ieve he had some Emperor'granted right to change the terms o% the agreement upon a "him '*ndeed, m$ !ord, * have seen it, and it he!ps to e0p!ain some o% "hat Luneberg "as attempting to gain %rom dea!ing "ith the (rcadius= .es, he "as a!most certain!$ attempting to revive the ambitions o% his %orebears, to estab!ish himse!% as a ne" po"er Ho"ever, * have good reason to be!ieve he p!anned to do so not to bui!d uni%ication o% trade interests, but %or entire!$ se!%ish reasons * be!ieve Luneberg sees himse!% as superior to his neighbours, and "ishes to estab!ish direct po"er over the entire region &he man is a traitor and a bastard, the !atest in a !ong, !ong !ine o% traitorous bastards=

2orvane nodded, raising his magnocu!ars once more, and !oo#ing do"n to"ards the va!!e$ %!oor He sa" that the !ast o% the (rris Epsi!on 1!anetar$ De%ence >orce "as %i!ing b$, ran#s upon ran#s o% troopers, each bearing a!o%t a pennant sporting the crest o% the House o% Droon ' an eag!e's "ing upon a go!den circ!e, against a b!ac# %ie!d Droon had good cause to !aunch a pre'emptive stri#e against his neighbour, %or Luneberg "as c!ear!$ mad, and more than !i#e!$ to drag the entire region into madness "ith him '(nd so, 2orvane, * have ta#en steps to curtai! his ambitions, here, and no"= Droon !oo#ed to the s#$ as he spo#e .ou see, "e do not have our o"n %!eet, such is the hardship imposed upon us b$ Luneberg's se!%' interest, but * have initiated a p!an in "hich $ours "i!! p!a$ a !eading ro!e= 2orvane %o!!o"ed the *mperia! :ommander's ga+e, craning his nec# to !oo# up into the s#$ Droon continued, '.our coming here "as une0pected, but %its m$ p!an "e!!= He turned as he stared up into the s#$ '.our %!eet "i!! transport m$ troops, "hi!e theirs ' Droon pointed into the s#$, '"i!! utter!$ destro$ Luneberg's pun$ s$stem de%ence %orce= 2orvane %o!!o"ed Droon's gesture, b!in#ing against the g!are and initia!!$ unab!e to see )ust "hat it "as he "as pointing at '(%ter the$ have bombed his cities %rom orbit, m$ armies "i!! !and &han#s to $ou 2orvane, this "i!! not be a mere raid *t "i!! be a %u!!' sca!e invasion ' 2orvane's vision ad)usted to the g!are as he s/uinted into the bright s#$ ( dar# spot appeared, s"ooping out o% the sun's corona! ha!o *t separated into a number o% sma!!er %orms, moving at speed and in per%ect %ormation &he$ gre" in si+e as the$ approached, and "ithin !ess than a minute, 2orvane cou!d see that the$ "ere vesse!s 'M$ !ord,' he said, !oo#ing to Droon %or some e0p!anation o% this ne" deve!opment &he *mperia! :ommander mere!$ chuc#!ed, not ta#ing his e$es o%% the incoming ships 2orvane gathered his thoughts, %orcing himse!% to adopt an out"ard ca!m that he did not entire!$ %ee! "ithin (s he "atched, he sa" that there "ere %ive vesse!s inbound on their o"n position, each some"hat !arger than the shutt!es the (rcadius made use o% %or inter%ace operations &he ships "ere "ide and %!at, "ith the distinct appearance o% some bi+arre sea creature ( "ide, curved de!ta "ing brist!ed "ith "eapons turrets, a doub!e hammerhead shape %orming the pro" 2orvane sa" instant!$ that these vesse!s "ere o% undoubted 0enos origin, %or no

human ship he had ever seen moved so smooth!$ through the air, or, he rea!ised "ith a shoc#, so /uiet!$, %or the vesse!s made bare!$ a sound as the$ s"ept in '&he$ are /uite beauti%u!, in their "a$, are the$ not, 2orvane,' Droon as#ed, sti!! not ta#ing his ga+e a"a$ %rom the sight o% the a!ien vesse!s' approach 2orvane had seen a!ien ships be%ore, been onboard them in %act, and spo#en "ith their masters, but nonethe!ess, he cou!d not identi%$ the origins o% these vesse!s '*ndeed, m$ !ord Might * as#'' ?-ho the$ are,' Droon no" turned to %ace 2orvane &he$ are m$ ne" a!!ies, or more accurate!$, the$ are mercenaries, "i!!ing to %ight %or our cause against the !i#es o% Luneberg= &he$ "ere better e/uipped than an$ mercenar$ compan$ 2orvane had ever encountered, but at !east that put them in Droon's emp!o$, he thought, "hich might serve to #eep them under contro! '(nd their origin,' he as#ed &he ga!actic east, so * am to!d, be$ond the Ring,' Droon said, his tone dismissive (cross the Gu!%,' 2orvane as#ed, unsure %rom Droon's ans"er "hether the *mperia! :ommander "as being evasive, or "as mere!$ ignorant o% the issue '* cou!d not sa$ "ith an$ certaint$, 2orvane, and * "ou!d scarce!$ e0pect them to divu!ge the !ocation o% their "or!d * do not care %rom "here the$ come, mere!$ that their service "i!! enab!e me, us, once and %or a!!, to curtai! Luneberg's treacherous ambitions Do $ou condemn me, 2orvane,' '3% course not, m$ !ord= 2orvane ans"ered Droon evident!$ %e!t some unease "ith the %act that he "as %orced to emp!o$ hire!ing 0enos to prosecute his "ar, but 2orvane "as the scion o% a rogue trader d$nast$, and above such concerns '* mere!$ as# out o% curiosit$, %or * !i#e to #no" "ith "hom * dea!= ':ommendab!e, *'m sure= rep!ied Droon '>e" men "ou!d understand the p!ight "e on the Eastern Rim must %ace >e" "ou!d understand the means "e must go to in order to de%end ourse!ves %rom those "ho covet "hat !itt!e "e have (h! Loo#, the$ !and= &he %ive a!ien vesse!s had comp!eted their approach run, and no" !ingered in a!most comp!ete si!ence over the va!!e$ %!oor 2orvane sa" that the$ hovered over the on!$ area o% ground not occupied b$ the precise!$ arra$ed de%ence %orce units (s he "atched, the air beneath each shimmered, the te!!'ta!e indication, 2or' vane #ne", o% po"er%u! gravit$ drives in action &he$ "ou!d have to be

po"er%u!, he thought, to ho!d a!o%t the bu!# o% these cra%t *n a sing!e, per%ect!$ s$nchronous manoeuvre, the %ive vesse!s descended the !ast one hundred metres, !anding gear dep!o$ing %rom the be!!$ o% each at the !ast possib!e moment, and sett!ed on the ground "ith bare!$ a sound ( si!ence sett!ed upon the scene, 2orvane sensing Droon's anticipation, and the de%ence troopers' unease at their pro0imit$ to the a!ien vesse!s &urret'mounted "eapons atop each o% the cra%t s"ive!!ed, s"eeping the area around the vesse!s, but than#%u!!$ not !ingering on an$ one target (s seconds stretched into minutes and no other activit$ "as evident, 2orvane envisaged the s!aughter that "ou!d ensue i% vio!ence "ere to erupt bet"een the %ive vesse!s and the ran#s o% troopers, tan#s and arti!!er$ arra$ed on the va!!e$ %!oor &he damage "rea#ed upon each "ou!d be terrib!e, he sa", a!though he cou!d not sa$ "ith an$ con%idence "hich side "ou!d come o%% the "orst >ina!!$, a !arge section o% the underbe!!$ o% each ship detached, descending s!o"!$ on "hat appeared to be pneumatic arms &he "ide, rectangu!ar p!at%orms o% a!! %ive vesse!s simu!taneous!$ touched the ground >rom the ga!!er$, 2orvane cou!d bare!$ see "hether an$ pas' sengers rode on the p!at%orms, but a moment !ater, he sa" a number o% disc'shaped ob)ects g!ide out %rom under each vesse!, spreading out and %orming a perimeter around each &he discs "ere around a metre in diameter, and co!oured a pa!e, o%%' green, insignia in the %orm o% red stripes adorning their pane!s Some %orm o% antenna protruded %rom the discs' upper %ace, and a sing!e !ens "as mounted in an unders!ung, armoured housing &he discs hovered severa! metres above the ground, another indication, 2orvane sa", that this race, "hoever the$ "ere, had attained a !eve! o% master$ o% the anti'gravitic arts surpassing those o% man#ind (!though the discs bore no obvious "eaponr$, their pro0imit$ to the troops "as causing obvious tension, and 2orvane noted ho" the N:3s issued gro"!ing threats to their men to remain stead$ and to sho" no sign o% disorder or dissension &he discs having ta#en station around each vesse!, 2orvane sa", through the sights o% his magnocu!ars, that the e!evator p!at%orms did indeed carr$ passengers ( procession set out %rom the nearest vesse! &he %irst %igure to come into vie" as it emerged %rom beneath the vesse!s "as more or !ess man si+ed, thin, and sporting !ong, %!o"ing robes o% a %ine, si!ver$ materia! '(h! He has come, as the$ said he "ou!d= e0c!aimed Droon, some re!ie%

evident upon his %ace 2orvane remained si!ent< he "ou!d no doubt discover "hat concerns Droon had had in due course (s the ta!! %igure stepped %or"ards, more emerged behind it &hese "ere o% an entire!$ di%%erent bui!d, and it too# 2orvane a moment to ascertain that in a!! !i#e!ihood the$ "ere some %orm o% motivated armour or !ight vehic!es, %or the$ "ere ta!! and s/uare, "ith "hat cou!d on!$ be "eaponr$ mounted upon each arm ;ehind these, more %igures emerged &he$ "ere more !i#e the %irst, a!though shorter and broader o% shou!der, each he!'meted and bearing a !ong, s!ender ri%!e -arriors, no doubt, thought 2orvane, an honour guard %or the %irst %igure 2orvane !oo#ed to"ards the other a!ien vesse!s and sa" more "arriors, ta!!, armoured %orms as "e!! as those on %oot, marching out %rom beneath each vehic!e 3nce arra$ed, he cou!d see that each vesse! had disgorged something in the region o% %i%t$ "arriors E0cept the process "as evident!$ not $et comp!ete, %or no" a huge ramp !o"ered %rom the rear o% each vesse!, and be%ore it had even touched the ground, a number o% armoured vehic!es disembar#ed, each borne a!o%t upon shimmering anti'grav %ie!ds, and each sporting "hat appeared to be /uite %earsome "eapons mounted on smooth!$ rotating turrets (t the !ast, the hovering vehic!es moved into %ormation "ith the ran#s o% a!ien in%antr$ Each o% the %ive %ormations appeared to 2orvane as !arge as a compan$ o% the (rris Epsi!on 1!anetar$ De%ence >orce, though granted %ar greater %irepo"er than#s to their armoured gunships &he ta!! a!ien, his si!ver robes %!o"ing e!egant!$ in the gent!e bree+e, stood at the head o% the %ormation ;ehind them "ere the !o", "ide vesse!s in "hich the$ had arrived, and to either side and behind "ere arra$ed the end!ess ran#s o% Droon's o"n %orces >rom the ga!!er$ upon "hich he stood, the sight "as nothing short o% spectacu!ar, thought 2orvane Standing beside him, Droon appeared a!most drun# "ith the vision o% po"er be!o" him, evident!$ re!ishing the opportunit$ a%%orded to him %ina!!$ to end the ancestra! "ar "ith Mundus :hasmata Droon turned to 2orvane ':ome, 2orvane, and meet the tau= 23RV(NE S&33D *N the centre o% the apartment given over to his use, donning his %orma! attire, %or he "as e0pected at the *mperia! :ommander's court in mere minutes &here he "ou!d be introduced to the a!iens that Droon re%erred to as mercenaries :ou!d the$ rea!!$ be mercenaries, 2orvane had come into contact "ith a!! manner o% hired guns and se!!'s"ords in his career, and the$ had ranged %rom high!$ pro%essiona! out%its to near'brigands, but the$ had never, in his

e0perience at !east, ta#en a %orm such as these a!iens *t "as not the %act that the mercenaries "ere a!iens that bothered him, %or he had spo#en the truth "hen he had to!d Droon that it did not concern him *t "as more that this particu!ar race appeared possessed o% a high !eve! o% techno!og$, and combined "ith the %act that Droon appeared ignorant o% their origin, 2orvane "as %ar %rom sure that the$ "ou!d be as cooperative or as trust"orth$ as Droon had stated (!though nervous, he reso!ved to ho!d o%% )udging them, but to remain cautious and on his guard nonethe!ess &hese a!iens "ere, he )udged, "e!! organised and possessed o% high!$ advanced techno!og$ &he$ might prove a threat to more than the &imbra Subsector, he thought &he$ might prove a threat to the *mperium (s he buttoned the go!d brocade across the armoured breast o% his %orma! )ac#et, 2orvane's thoughts turned to "hat course o% action his %ather might ta#e in such circumstances No doubt, he "ou!d bra+en his "a$ through, 2orvane thought, #eeping his cards characteristica!!$ c!ose to his chest throughout, be%ore someho" coming out on top Having been brought up in the rare%ied atmosphere o% high court, 2orvane %ound such an approach deep!$ ir#some, despite the %act that it "as more o%ten than not success%u! Success%u! in the short term, 2orvane thought, but not in the !onger term< the %uture o% the (rcadius D$nast$, no", more than ever, !oo#ed grim Granted, his %ather commanded a %!oti!!a o% cruisers and o"ned other, si+ab!e interests on a string o% "or!ds bet"een the Eastern Rim and &erra, but %or ho" !ong, *% the d$nast$ cou!d not be maintained those interests "ou!d be so!d o%% one b$ one, unti!, at the end, )ust the three o% them remained, commanding a %!oti!!a o% cre"!ess vesse!s, their ho!ds empt$ and their reactors co!d &his e0pedition had been intended to secure the d$nast$'s %uture, unti! the point, no doubt sti!! man$ $ears o%%, "hen 2orvane "ou!d come into the inheritance guaranteed as part o% the terms o% marriage bet"een his mother and his %ather ;ut his mother, Emperor b!ess her shrive!!ed sou!, had, than#s to count!ess re)uve courses, !ived t"o centuries a!read$, and appeared !i#e!$ to !ive %or another t"o at !east 2orvane had a!read$ reached the conc!usion that on!$ he cou!d u!timate!$ save the (rcadius, and here and no", he #ne" that to be truer than ever (s he %astened his be!t, he%ting the sancti%ied %a!chion gi%ted him b$ his great unc!e, the Hierarch o% &errabe!'!um Nine, 2orvane determined that "hatever came o% this encounter "ith the a!iens, he "ou!d ensure that, b$ his actions the %ortunes o% the (rcadius "ou!d be revived, %or a!!

time ( #noc# sounded at the apartment door, and 2orvane #ne" it "as time to pa$ court &his, he thought, smi!ing to himse!%, "as "hat he "as born and raised to do &HE D33R &3 Droon's audience chamber s"ung open, and 2orvane stepped through into the cavernous space carved into the mountainside &he chamber thronged "ith courtiers and the setting sun, visib!e through the open cave mouth, cast the scene in a deep, )ade !ight (h! 2orvane, step %or"ard and meet our ne" associates !' &he head o% ever$ courtier in the chamber turned to"ards 2orvane Droon addressed him %rom his throne at the cave mouth, and beside him stood the ta!! a!ien "ho had !ed the procession %rom the 0enos vesse!s &he a!ien too# a step %or"ards, and paused be%ore 2orvane &he %igure "as s!ight!$ ta!!er than an average man, his spind!$ arms and !egs engu!%ed in the %!o"ing robes o% shimmering, si!ver %abric His %ace "as visib!e beneath a "ide, %!at hat, and that %ace "as "ithout a nose and dominated b$ b!ac#, a!mond shaped e$es &he s#in "as a pa!e, b!uish gre$, and the mouth "ide, %!at and e0pression!ess 2orvane noted a vertica! s!it in the centre o% the %orehead, on!$ bare!$ discernib!e beneath the "ide hat 'an o!%actor$ organ perhaps, or something more e0otic, thought 2orvane &he %igure stood be%ore 2orvane and made a s!ight bo" 2orvane's court!$ upbringing to!d him instant!$ that here "as a being s#i!!ed in the po!itica! arts &his "as no commander o% mercenaries, thought 2orvane, but some manner o% ambassador or dip!omat &his might be an a!ien, but some things varied !itt!e bet"een races '* present= Droon announced, '2orvane Gerrit o% the (rcadius, trader and master o% the (rcadius %!eet ' 2orvane remained si!ent, a"are o% his part in the un%o!ding ceremon$ Droon had introduced 2orvane to the a!ien, in a!! !i#e!ihood indicating that the *mperia! :ommander at !east considered the a!ien o% higher ran# than 2orvane He "ou!d !et that s!ide, %or no" at !east &hen, his voice booming "ith evident pride, Droon introduced the a!ien, '1or'o'Sar, envo$ o% the tau ' 2orvane dipped his head in greeting, "aiting to see "hether the a!ien "ou!d address him direct!$, or "hether Droon "ou!d spea# on his beha!% 'Master Gerrit,' the a!ien said in %!a"!ess, smooth High Gothic, surprising 2orvane "ith the c!arit$ o% his speech '* am honoured to meet $ou Lord Droon te!!s me $ou are a trader o% some means * hope "e can ma#e our re!ationship pro%itab!e to a!!=

-ith practiced ease, 2orvane covered his surprise that the a!ien spo#e the High Gothic tongue so per%ect!$, rep!$ing, &hat is so, and * share $our hope= 'Good!' Droon c!apped his hands once and stood %rom his throne, descending the steps to stand beside 2orvane and the a!ien '* be!ieve then, "e can a!! go into this venture bo!d!$, "ith common purpose ' '*ndeed= rep!ied the a!ien &he %orces o% the tau stand beside $ou, read$ to aid $ou in casting o%% the shac#!es o% oppression .ou agree to the price %or our aid,' 2orvane %e!t a sudden dread at the a!ien's tone, and !oo#ed to Droon as the *mperia! :ommander gave his ans"er '* agree to $our price, 1or'o'Sar ' 2orvane %e!t the urge to interrupt, to demand to #no" "hat Droon had agreed to pa$ in return %or the services o% these a!iens His court!$ training asserted itse!% ho"ever, and he maintained his out"ard ca!m, despite the rising doubts he %e!t "ithin 'Good,' the a!ien said &hen *, 1or'o'Sar, Envo$ o% the :ounci! o% the Highest, Ne0us o% the &hird Sun, Voice o% 2ari'La, p!edge to $ou, Droon, o% (rris Epsi!on, ca!!ed Epsi!'$e'2a!, the %riendship and a!!iance o% the tau, in this time o% adversit$= &he a!ien produced %rom his vo!umi' nous robes a pendant, a round icon o% a substance un%ami!iar to 2orvane Droon !o"ered his head as the envo$ !i%ted the pendant over it '(nd b$ $our "ords and $our deeds, do $ou p!edge $our "or!d and $our peop!e, %or no" and %or a!! time, to the service o% the tau empire,' &he court %i!!ed "ith a dea%ening si!ence 2orvane %ought to remain out"ard!$ unmoved, despite the %act that grand treason "as un%o!ding be%ore him, the !i#es o% "hich he had never be%ore "itnessed He rea!ised that he too "as right at the heart o% it, his immediate %uture, as "e!! as that o% the (rcadius, entire!$ re!iant on "hat occurred here, toda$ '* do so p!edge= rep!ied Droon, the a!ien !o"ering the pendant over his head &he %ormer *mperia! :ommander raised his head once more and !oo#ed around him, the e0pression in his e$es suggesting that he "as vie"ing his court and his sub)ects "ith entire!$ ne" e$es He !oo#ed direct!$ at 2orvane &oda$, histor$ is "ritten No !onger "i!! (rris Epsi!on ' Epsi!'$e'2a!= the a!ien nodded s!o"!$, '!ive as some !ong' %orgotten orphan, at the merc$ o% a hosti!e universe and an uncaring *mperium No &his da$, "e ta#e our p!ace a!ongside our %riends the tau, "ith "hose aid "e sha!! sett!e our debt o% honour "ith Mundus :hasmata, %or a!! time=

Mercenaries indeed, thought 2orvane, the price %or "hose service "as the casting o%% o% ten thousand'$ear o!d vo"s Droon had bought the service o% the tau at a terrib!e, unthin#ab!e price9 secession %rom the *mperium o% Man &he *mperium "ou!d hear o% mis, 2orvane #ne", no matter that it might ta#e $ears %or retribution to come :ome it "ou!d, o% mat he "as sure, %or the "ages o% such treacher$ cou!d on!$ ever be death Ho"ever, that might not occur %or some time, 2orvane rea!ised, so "hat o% the here and the no", His agreement "ith Droon sti!! stood, despite the %act that Droon himse!% had changed !o$a!ties :an * rea!!$ aid this man and his 0enos a!!ies masters in his attac# on Mundus :hasmata, he "ondered :an * a%%ord not to, &he brie% ceremon$ comp!ete, Droon and the a!ien envo$ no" turned to"ards him as one, the *mperia! :ommander addressing him '2orvane, $ou "i!! )oin us, and p!edge the service o% the (rcadius to the= he !oo#ed to the a!ien, and then bac# at 2orvane, 'to the greater good,' Damn them, thought 2orvane &he$ don't )ust "ant m$ he!p in the attac# on :hasmata &he$ "ant me to revo#e m$ !o$a!t$ to the *mperium

CHAPTER TWELVE
'(LL S&31!' L@:*(N ordered, his bridge a hive o% activit$ as servitors responded to orders and human bridge cre" re!a$ed them to the other dec#s '(!! stop, a$e,' ca!!ed bac# He!msman Ra!di, 'ho!ding station at one, one ten ' -e!! enough, he!m,' responded Lucian, !eaning %or"ards in his command throne '* "ant tota! surprise, or so he!p me *'!! void ever$ !ast one o% $ou out o% the sub'space crap'per :!ear,' &hose o% the dec# cre" capab!e o% comprehending Lucian's threat nodded, Lucian heartened to see the terror "rit across their %aces Good, he thought * mean it, too Lucian studied the ho!ograph, a green g!o" against the red o% genera! /uarters &he Oceanid had shado"ed the a!ien vesse!s as the$ c!osed on (rris Epsi!on, Lucian ordering the distance #ept to a ma0imum !est their pre$ detect their presence He no" "atched as the$ disgorged a number o% !anders to the sur%ace He had been %aced "ith a star# choice, a!though there "as on!$ a sing!e possib!e course o% action -hi!e ;rie!!e "as evident!$ $et to arrive in s$stem, 2orvane "as do"n mere no", he #ne", stuc# in the midd!e o% an a!ien invasion -e!!, he "asn't prepared to !et these a!ien s"ine ta#e an *mperia! "or!d %rom under his nose, not "hi!e one o% his o"n "as do"n

there at !east '3ne hundred #i!ometres,' ca!!ed the he!msman Lucian !eaned %or"ards sti!! more, intent upon the %ormation o% the a!ien vesse!s He !oo#ed %or an$ sign that the$ might have detected the Oceanid's presence, an$ sign at a!! that he might have revea!ed his hand too soon Sti!!, the a!ien vesse!s "a!!o"ed in orbit, more interested, Lucian guessed, in "hat "as going on do"n be!o" than "hat "as coming at them %rom behind He'd never %a!! %or such a tric#, Lucian thought, not since that privateer attac# at 2r$s!a V**, at !east ':omms, is ever$thing set,' Lucian addressed the servitor at station three, receiving a garb!ed burst o% machine noise, accompanied b$ a sti%% nod 'Good, stand b$ ' 'Sevent$'%ive,' ca!!ed the he!msman, a note o% tension creeping into his voice 'Ho!d stead$' Lucian rep!ied, re%erring as much to the vesse!'s course as the he!msman's nerves &he range counter on the ho!ograph counted do"n, and there "as sti!! no response %rom the a!ien %!eet '>i%t$ #i!ometres ' 'Good ' Lucian stood, ad)usting die ho!ster at his be!t '>u!! po"er to secondar$ arra$s ' &he red !ighting dimmed %or a moment as the secondar$ communications arra$ b!ed o%% the po"er it needed to go %rom co!d to %u!!$ read$ in mere seconds Lucian #ept his e$es on the ho!ograph, #no"ing that the a!iens "ou!d pic# up the po"er surge at an$ moment 'Station three, open a'' the green ho!ographic icons representing the a!ien vesse!s sudden!$ shi%ted, brea#ing %ormation as Lucian had #no"n the$ "ou!d &"ent$'%ive,' ca!!ed the he!msman 'Station three, open it no"!' &he bridge %i!!ed "ith ho"!ing static as the servitor at the communications station opened a broadcast on a!! channe!s on "hich the secondar$ arra$ "as capab!e o% transmitting &his had better "or#, thought Lucian '(!ien %!eet,' he said, #no"ing that his "ords "ou!d be %!ooding the ether across ever$ conceivab!e %re/uenc$ '(!ien %!eet, this is the Oceanid, %!agship o% the (rcadius Grand >!eet 1!ease respond immediate!$' &he bridge address s$stem ho"!ed "ith %eedbac# as the communications servitor ad)usted the gain, s"eeping the channe!s %or an$ sign o% a response Lucian had hoped to get as c!ose as possib!e to (rris Epsi!on

be%ore announcing his presence, !oo#ing to gain an$ advantage possib!e over the a!iens He strained to %i!ter out the random noise %!ooding the bridge, !oo#ing %or an$ sign o% an inte!!igib!e response 3% course, even i% the a!iens cou!d, and did respond, there "as no guarantee the$ "ou!d be ab!e to communicate "ith one another No matter, he thought %or that "as "h$ he had been so care%u! to gain the upper hand *% the$ cou!d not or "ou!d not ta!#, he "ou!d sett!e things the o!d'%ashioned "a$ ( high'pitched "ai! burst %orth, modu!ated b$ an arrh$thmic pu!se &he communications servitor opened its mouth and gave out a s/uea!, turning its head and !oo#ing straight at Lucian, a!most accusing!$, as it did so &he pu!se continued %or ten seconds or so, be%ore the channe! "ent comp!ete!$ si!ent, and a c!ear voice cut through 'Oceanid,' the voice said in per%ecd$ enunciated High Gothic '&his is the -ater :aste starship +ior'la'.,al'(eath'Shas'el. 1!ease state $our intentions= Lucian stepped %rom his command throne, to"ards the %or"ard vie"ing port &he distance bet"een the Oceanid and the a!ien vesse!s "as too great to a%%ord visua! recognition, but Lucian !oo#ed to"ards the area o% space "here he #ne" the a!iens' position !a$ as he rep!ied '(!ien vesse!, m$ intentions depend entire!$ upon $our o"n 1!ease stand do"n and a!!o" me to approach ' (s he a"aited an ans"er, Lucian !oo#ed side!ong at Ra!di &he he!msman mouthed 't"ent$'%ive' bac# at him (t their current speed, Lucian "ou!d e0pect the a!ien vesse!s to be visib!e in the ne0t %e" minutes &hen, and on!$ then, he "ou!d be ab!e to gauge the re!ative odds 'Oceanid, it is not in our nature to see# meaning!ess con%rontation .ou ma$ approach, but be "arned, our vesse!s are heavi!$ armed, and "i!! %ire i% threatened ' Lucian chuc#!ed to himse!% be%ore rep!$ing, '@nderstood Stand b$= *ndicating to the communications station "ith a %inger dra"n across his throat that the channe! shou!d be c!osed, Lucian turned bac# to the ho!ograph (s the range shortened, the seven vesse!s too# on more detai!, the Oceanid's cogitation ban#s providing detai!s o% si+e, mass and appro0imate po"er !eve!s &he minutes passed, Lucian absorbing the data presented in the readouts He !oo#ed to ma#e an estimate o% the a!ien vesse!s' capabi!ities re!ative to the Oceanid's, but the cogitators simp!$ cou!d not discern enough data, never having encountered this race, or their vesse!s, be%ore ':oming up on ten #i!ometres, sir= ca!!ed He!msman Ra!di, Lucian !oo#ing to the vie"ing port once more

&he $e!!o"'green g!obe o% (rris Epsi!on dominated the vie", but Lucian cou!d )ust ma#e out the g!ittering conste!!ation o% !ights that he #ne" to be the a!ien %!eet &he seven vesse!s had dispersed their %ormation, entering a pattern %rom "hich the$ cou!d a%%ord one another mutua! support "ere things to get ug!$ *t "as no surprise to Lucian "hen he sa" that the vesse! that had ans"ered his transmission, the '+ior'la something'or'other', had ta#en position at the centre o% the %ormation * "ou!d have done the same thing in their p!ace, thought Lucian, his suspicions that he "as not %acing idiots con%irmed Dra"ing c!oser to the a!ien %!eet, the Oceanid passed the %irst o% the a!ien vesse!s He studied it as it s!id si!end$ b$ to starboard, its !ong, b!oc#$ %orm %i!!ing the sma!!er portho!es as it passed *t "as !arge, Lucian sa", o% greater !ength than his o"n vesse!, that much "as immediate!$ evident *t too# the %orm o% a !ong, centra! spine "ith a !arge drive section at the rear 1art "a$ a!ong the spine "ere mounted !arge, s/uare structures, !oo#ing to Lucian !i#e some %orm o% modu!ar cargo space, and at the %ore a !arge pro" %eatured "hat appeared to be a command to"er brist!ing "ith antennae 3% most interest to Lucian "ere the !ong, rectangu!ar barre!!ed "eapons protruding %rom mountings )ust be!o" the curved pro" &hese he had seen be%ore (!though %e", Lucian )udged these "eapons capab!e o% in%!icting severe damage upon his vesse! *n his )udgement, the Oceanid cou!d certain!$ ta#e on severa! o% these a!ien ships at once, and provided she got a good broadside on them cou!d, in a!! !i#e!ihood, put them out o% the %ight -hat Lucian too# %or cargo ba$s appeared to have been %itted at the e0pense o% heavier or more numerous "eapons batteries, and he guessed that other, up'gunned con%igurations e0isted (!though !arger than a manmade cruiser, Lucian )udged these vesse!s o% e/uiva!ent capabi!it$ -e!!, he thought, he'd ta#en on p!ent$ o% cruiser' si+ed enemies, and !e%t b!a+ing hu!#s dead in space behind him *% it came to it no", he'd do so again '3rdnance= Lucian ca!!ed to the servitor at station t"o '* "ant a!! batteries made read$, but #eep the ports c!osed unti! * give the order= &he servitor gave a mechanica! bu++ in ac#no"!edgement, its mu!tip!e, imp!anted appendages moving across the %ire contro! conso!e as it re!a$ed Lucian's orders to the "aiting "eapons cre"s (nother o% the a!ien vesse!s "as no" b$ on the port side and Lucian noted that this one "as con%igured in the same manner as the %irst Emperor "i!!ing, he thought, a!! seven vesse!s "ou!d be o% a simi!ar, or even identica! c!ass ':!osing on target,' ca!!ed the he!msman, Lucian seeing that the vesse!

"ith "hich he had communicated no" !oomed in the centre o% the vie"ing port He grinned, admitting to himse!% that he !ived %or moments such as these, despite the seriousness o% the situation -e!! enough, he!m ;ring her a!ongside and reduce to station #eeping ' &he a!ien %!agship, %or that "as "hat Lucian too# it to be, "as pro" on to the Oceanid, its %ore'mounted "eapons batteries %acing to"ards Lucian's vesse!, but evident!$ not, $et, trac#ing her &he Oceanid's drives gro"!ed as the he!msman reduced the ship's ve!ocit$, a ratt!ing vibration running through the dec# as the a!ien vesse! !oomed to starboard 'Number three again,' said Lucian in response to the )uddering, grating sound &he he!msman nodded, though he did not turn to ma#e e$e contact "ith his master '2eep an e$e on her Mister Ra!di *% she misbehaves no" "e'!! a!! be "a!#ing home= '($e sir= rep!ied the he!msman, his right hand pu!!ing bac# on a !ever, coa0ing po"er %rom the misbehaving drive, "hi!e the other #ept the he!m stead$ '(n$ second there "e are Mister Ra!di, station #eeping i% $ou "i!!= &he Oceanid s!o"ed to a near dead stop as she came a!ongside the a!ien vesse!, the starboard portho!es entire!$ %i!!ed "ith its s!ab'sided bu!# Lucian c!asped his hands behind his bac# as he c!eared his throat and then nodded to the communications servitor '(!ien vesse!, this is Oceanid. 1!ease ac#no"!edge this signa!= 'Oceanid, +ior'la',al'(eaih'Shas'el ac#no"!edges 1!ease state $our business= 'M$ business= Lucian smir#ed ever so s!ighd$ as he spo#e, 'is to receive $our immediate and unconditiona! surrender, in the name o% the (rcadius Grand >!eet and the Emperor o% Man= He turned and nodded to the servitor at the ordnance station, "ho activated the contro!s that "ou!d raise die "eapons ports on the Oceanid's %!an#s He shoved to the bac# o% his mind an$ doubts mat the a!iens "ou!d not %a!! %or his b!u%%, counting on them not being ab!e to ta#e the ris# that, as he had imp!ied, his "as the !ead vesse! o% an incoming, and $et to be detected, %!eet 'Oceanid, p!ease con%irm $our !ast transmission,' the rep!$ came %rom the a!ien vesse! 'Did $ou state that $ou e0pected to receive our surrender+ Lucian's smir# no" turned into a dirt$ grin He rea!!$ did en)o$ his "or# too much sometimes, he thought &hat is correct= he rep!ied '* e0pect $ou to heave to, po"er do"n and prepare %or boarding= Lucian g!anced across at the ho!ograph, seeing that the outermost o% the a!ien vesse!s "ere coming around, as he had e0pected the$ "ou!d

'Do $ou surrender,' he as#ed ( momentar$ de!a$, and then the terse rep!$, 'No, Oceanid, "e do not surrender= '* had a %ee!ing,' rep!ied Lucian, crossing to his command throne and sitting, 'that $ou "ou!d sa$ that= '>ire!' &he Oceanid's starboard "eapons ban#s opened %ire as one, their might$ roar %i!!ing the ship, their report vibrating through the dec#s 'Hard to starboard, Mister Ra!di, cross the &= ordered Lucian "ithout even !oo#ing to see "hat, i% an$ damage the broadside had in%!icted upon the a!ien vesse! '($e sir= ca!!ed bac# the he!msman, hau!ing on the "hee! as he brought the Oceanid around 'Damage,' ca!!ed Lucian 'Signi%icant, sir= the o%%icer at the operations station ca!!ed bac# in rep!$ Lucian g!anced at the ban#s o% screens a!! around his command throne, seeing that, indeed, the suc#er punch o% a broadside had in%!icted %earsome damage upon the a!ien &he other vesse! "as !isting to its port, thic#, oi!$ smo#e bi!!o"ing %rom its mid' section, %!ic#ering p!asma %ire !ighting the c!ouds %rom "ithin '3rdnance, prepare a second vo!!e$ ' Lucian "atched as the vie" %rom the %or"ard vie"ing port sho"ed the a!ien ship's drives to starboard -ait, he steadied himse!%, sensing a #i!! i% he timed the vo!!e$ e0act!$ right 'Lined up sir!' Ra!di ca!!ed, strugg!ing "ith the might$ "hee! o% the he!m &han# $ou, Mister Ra!di,' rep!ied Lucian, "aiting one, t"o, three seconds more be%ore ordering 'Starboard batteries, %ire!' &he Oceanid "as once more %i!!ed "ith the might$ roar o% the cannons' discharge &his time, Lucian "atched the other ship as the broadside s!ammed into its rear section ( hand%u! o% the pro)ecti!es e0p!oded premature!$ as the$ "ere s"a!!o"ed in the superheated "a#e o% the vesse!'s vast engines, but the ma)orit$ struc# the superstructure, smash' ing through the metres'thic# armoured engine casings and e0p!oding deep "ithin >or a moment, the t"o vesse!s continued to g!ide past one another, the Oceanid having crossed the & and carried on past &hen, as Lucian "atched, the a!ien ship's drive section "as rent asunder as a might$ sp!it appeared a!ong its !ength, b!inding "hite, atomic %ire !ancing out o% the crac# ( second !ater the entire drive section came a"a$ %rom the spine connecting it to the bu!# o% the vesse!, )ettisoned, Lucian )udged, b$ the

ship's captain in a !ast ditch e%%ort to save his cre" &he e%%ort "as "asted, though, %or the damage to the drive section "as such that it entered a critica! chain reaction be%ore it cou!d entire!$ separate, disappearing as it "as s"a!!o"ed in a rapid!$ e0panding ba!! o% the purest, most b!inding "hite !ight Lucian turned his head a"a$ as the vie"ing port dimmed to compensate %or the b!ast, bracing himse!% against the b!ast's "ave %ront that bu%%eted his vesse! !ess than a second !ater He "as shoc#ed, %or a moment, at me vio!ence o% the a!ien vesse!'s death He g!anced at the ho!ograph, "hich "as sti!! recovering %rom the inter%erence created b$ the vesse!'s demise &he outer ships "ere comp!eting their manoeuvre, and he /uic#!$ chose his ne0t victim, reading o%% its coordinates to the he!msman '-hat ne0t, sir,' ca!!ed Ra!di &he$'re c!osing on us!' 'No",' Lucian ca!!ed bac#, '"e ma#e %or the Rosetta and pra$ that 2orvane has the good sense to ta#e advantage o% the !itt!e distraction "e've )ust created, and gets bac# to his ship= '(nd then, sir,' '&hen it's )ust a sma!! matter o% %ighting our "a$ c!ear= '3% a!! si0 a!ien ships, sir,' 'Stop as#ing a"#"ard /uestions and do $our )ob, Mister Ra!di (!! po"er, on previous heading, i% $ou p!ease= Lucian !eant bac# in his command throne, in"ard!$ sti!! /uite shoc#ed at the manner o% the death o% the a!ien ship Despite the po"er o% its primar$ "eapons batteries, its c!ass "as evident!$ incapab!e o% "ithstanding a coup!e o% good broadsides He #ne", ho"ever, that the sca!es "ou!d soon be evened, as the other a!ien ships "ere inbound and scarce!$ !i#e!$ to a!!o" him to get as c!ose to them as he had to their %!agship '>our minutes, sir= said the he!msman, Lucian seeing %rom the ho!ograph that the a!ien vesse! onto "hich he had !oc#ed "as coming around, attempting to bring its %or"ard "eapons batteries to bear on his ship '&his is going to sting= Lucian said, addressing no one in particu!ar 'Shie!ds to %u!!, he!m, bring us in on our port 1ort "eapons, stand b$= &he Oceanid !ined up its pre$, the gu!% bet"een the t"o vesse!s c!osing rapid!$ (t ten #i!ometres, the a!ien ship opened %ire, its %or"ard "eapons %!ashing as the$ thre" h$per've!ocit$ pro)ecti!es across the void &he %irst vo!!e$ "ent "ide, than#s to the %act that the Oceanid "as pro" on to the other ship, but mere seconds !ater it un!eashed a second, this one %ar more accurate, and dead!$

Lucian %e!t the Oceanid stagger beneath him as the enem$ "eapons hit home, b!asting great chun#s out o% her armoured pro" &he bridge "as p!unged into a!most tota! dar#ness, !it on!$ b$ the strobe o% a third vo!!e$ %ired b$ the c!osing ship &his vo!!e$ struc# the port superstructure a g!ancing b!o", an entire %in tearing itse!% %ree o% the hu!! and spinning cra+i!$ into space ( series o% secondar$ e0p!osions sounded through the dec#, and Lucian )udged that these "ere the %or"ard conversion p!ants -e can survive "ithout them, he to!d himse!%, i% "e can survive this 'He!m! >u!! retros, ten second burn :ut mains to %i%t$ per cent,' Lucian ordered, as the distance bet"een the t"o vesse!s passed the one #i!ometre mar# He #ne" he "ou!d get on!$ one sa!vo in against this enem$, and even that might be bought at too high a price He "ou!d not sit id!$ b$ and abandon his son to an a!ien invasion o% (rris Epsi!on, ho"ever< he "ou!d do a!! he cou!d to a%%ord 2orvane the opportunit$ to escape &he Oceanid shuddered once more, the retro %hrusters strugg!ing to arrest her %or"ard momentum (s the bridge !ights sputtered bac# to !i%e, Lucian sa" %rom the read'outs that the a!ien vesse!'s second vo!!e$ had damaged one o% the thrusters, and %e!t his ship veering to port under the uneven thrust ':ompensate< p!us %i%t$ to the starboard primar$, p!us t"ent$ to the secondar$,' he ordered the he!m, %ee!ing the Oceanid coming bac# on course No sooner "as his ship brought bac# under contro! than the t"o vesse!s "ere right on top o% each other, and as the a!ien cruiser passed to starboard, Lucian roared, '3pen %ire! (!! port batteries!' &he range "as not so great, and the ang!e, no"here near as good as the broadside on the %irst a!ien nonethe!ess, the vo!!e$ "as a good one &he might$ cannon spat death across the void, macro'she!!s crossing the gu!% bet"een the t"o vesse!s in seconds &he a!ien vesse! had been preparing a %ourth shot "hen the Oceanid's broadside hit, its %or"ard batteries caught in the process o% turning to trac# and ac/uire their target Ha!% o% the broadside mere!$ g!anced, or missed the target entire!$, but the other ha!% struc# home &he a!ien vesse!'s shie!ds "ere smashed asunder, bare!$ registering on Lucian's read'outs &he macro'she!!s impacted at an apparent!$ "ea# point bet"een t"o o% the modu!es s!ung under the ship's spine, dis!odging a protruding section o% superstructure, "hich crashed into the %or"ard o% the modu!es (s Lucian "atched, the modu!e e0p!oded vio!ent!$, secondar$ e0p!osions b!ossoming %or"ards to engu!% the !o"er portion o% the vesse!'s pro" (t the !ast, the three

remaining modu!es e)ected, spinning o%% into space as the cripp!ed vesse! disengaged, evident!$ see#ing to put as much space bet"een itse!% and the Oceanid as possib!e, in as short a time as it cou!d Lucian !aughed out !oud %or the )o$ o% it a!!, scarce!$ ab!e to be!ieve that he had seen o%% a second a!ien vesse! in one da$ '-ho "as it once said $ou never %ee! more a!ive than "hen someone's )ust shot at $ou and missed,' he as#ed no one in particu!ar, reve!!ing in the %ami!iar %ee!ing o% victor$ He !oo#ed to the ho!ograph %or the ne0t target 'Sir= ca!!ed the he!msman 'Sha!! * ad)ust,' '-hat,' Lucian as#ed, !oo#ing to the ho!ograph in search o% "hatever Ra!di "as ta!#ing about '* see nothing -hat is it,' '>ort$'%ive high to port, sir, inbound ' Lucian sa" that the area o% space to "hich Ra!di re%erred "as invisib!e to the augurs and b!ac# on the ho!ograph, and "ou!d remain so unti! the augur arra$s "ere repaired, %o!!o"ing the damage done to them in the %!ight %rom Mundus :hasmata He surged to his %eet and crossed to the vie"ing port, immediate!$ seeing "hat his he!msman "as ta!#ing about 'Damn,' he said ( %!eet o% capita! ships, a!! *mperia! in design, "as c!osing in on the Oceanid's position Lucian immediate!$ sa" %rom their heading that the$ "ere %ar %rom %riend!$ *n %act, he #ne" immediate!$ "ho the$ be!onged to 'Gerrit!' &he communications arra$ burst into angr$, hissing !i%e 'Gerrit, this is *mperia! :ommander :u!pepper Luneberg * order $ou to #i!! $our engines and surrender no" Do so and * sha!! sho" $ou merc$ ' '2eep $our merc$,' gro"!ed Lucian, turning to the servitor at station three ':omms, open a channe! to 2orvane, "herever he is, right no" ' He sat once more, his mind racing "ith the possibi!ities He had %aced tough odds "hen it "as )ust the a!ien vesse!s he had to %ight through, to !in# up "ith the Rosetta, but no" he %aced Luneberg's %!eet too, things !oo#ed decided!$ grim .et sti!!, he "ou!d not abandon his son 'He!m, best speed %or the Rosetta, b$ die %astest route, i% $ou "i!! ' Lucian ordered &hrough the',' He!msman Ra!di started to rep!$ ':entre o% Luneberg's %!eet, $es, i% that is the %astest route ' Lucian inter)ected 'Shie!ds to %u!!, main drives to %u!!< a!! secondar$ s$stems to stand b$ ' 3nce again, servitors "or#ed their conso!es "hi!e the %e" men in the dec# cre" hurried to ensure that Lucian's orders "ere enacted *n times such as these, it "as evident that the servitors "ere more e%%icient in the prosecution o% their tas#s, $et he sti!! mourned

%or an age "hen the Oceanid "as cre"ed b$ men and "omen o% courage and sou! Lucian "atched the read'outs and dia!s as the$ reported the Oceanid's main drives bui!ding to %u!! po"er &he shie!ds too "ere dra"ing as much po"er as their might$ generatoria cou!d provide, the m$riad o% non'critica! s$stems across the vesse! po"ering do"n %or the duration Lucian hoped the$ "ou!d have the opportunit$ to po"er up again He studied the nature and dep!o$ment o% Luneberg's vesse!s (!though sti!! some distance a"a$, he )udged that the$ "ere not !arge ships, most about the si+e o% an escort &"o, ho"ever, "ere o% greater mass, Lucian estimating them e/uiva!ent to !ight cruiser sca!e 3rdinari!$, the Oceanid, being e/uiva!ent to a heav$ cruiser "ou!d have !itt!e troub!e seeing them o%%, but in her current condition, and "ith the a!iens in the %ight too, he "as not /uite so con%ident Neverthe!ess, he had set himse!% on this course o% action, and he "ou!d see it through Stud$ing the positions o% Luneberg's ships, Lucian sa" that the$ must be under the *mperia! :ommander's persona! command, %or the$ "ere dep!o$ed in such a "a$ as to %o!!o" behind the !ead cruiser, providing a dense escort, $et i!!'prepared to provide one another "ith an$ e%%ective %ire support He grinned, seeing in Luneberg's dep!o$ment a means o% gaining some, much needed, advantage 'He!m, set $our intersect at p!us nine, seventeen to port ' He!msman Ra!di hesitated as he ca!cu!ated the course, and then rep!ied, 'Right through the midd!e o% them, sir,' Lucian sa" the hint o% a grin touch Ra!di's !ips as he turned to con%irm the order, rep!$ing, ($e he!m, right through the midd!e -e'!! scatter them to the so!ar "inds= Lucian !eant bac# in his command throne, gripping the arms as he %e!t the Oceanid's drives reach the pea# o% their potentia! output ( g!ance at the data'screens around the throne and suspended %rom the cei!ing above him to!d Lucian that his ship "ou!d pass through Luneberg's %!eet at e0act!$ the point he intended >urthermore, the manoeuvre "ou!d carr$ them through to !in# up "ith the Rosetta, a!! going "e!! Lucian counted do"n the distance bet"een the Oceanid and Luneberg's %!eet, his ga+e %i0ed on the point in space !ess than ha!% a #i!ometre to port o% the vesse! that he )udged to be Luneberg's %!agship &rim point t"o %ive to port, Mister Ra!di= he ordered, reducing the distance at "hich the t"o ships "ou!d pass to an absurd t"o hundred and %i%t$ metres :!oser even than o!d Ae!i#o stra%ing the traitor grand cruiser at the ;att!e o% Van Goethe's Rapidit$, he guessed, a!though his ancestor did end his

career b$ ramming an or# ship, so ma$be he "ou!dn't beat his record /uite $et (%ter a minute, he noted ho" the vesse!s o% Luneberg's %!eet reacted to his bearing straight at them (t %irst, the sma!!er escorts began to move a"a$, but then returned to their previous headings *% on!$ "e cou!d !isten in on Luneberg's command channe!, Lucian thought No doubt, the *mperia! :ommander "as turning the ether b!ue "ith his orders to his escorts to protect his %!agship %rom the Oceanid's mad course &he range reduced sti!! %urther, and in no time at a!! the Oceanid "as bearing in on Luneberg's %!eet &he enem$ vesse!s %u!!$ "ithin visua! range, Lucian sa" that the sma!!er vesse!s "ere, as he had estimated, escorts &he$ "ere o% a c!ass he had on!$ rare!$ seen, being more common amongst s$stem and subsector reserve %!eets o% the southern reaches &he$ "ere o!d b$ an$ accounting, and i!!'suited to even the sma!!est o% %!eet actions &he$ "ere better suited to convo$ duties, "here the$ "ou!d art as a reasonab!e deterrent to opportunistic raiders, "ho "ou!d be un!i#e!$ to ris# even a sing!e sa!vo %rom their pro" torpedoes Spea#ing o% torpedoes, Lucian #ne" that on!$ the Rosetta carried such a "eapon, the arsena!s o% the other t"o rogue trader vesse!s having $ears ago e0hausted the !ast o% their stoc#s and their rep!acement un!i#e!$ in the current situation ( sing!e torpedo might cost as much as a !ight cruiser, and so Lucian had p!aced his son under the strictest instructions on!$ to %ire their !ast one under his direct orders *t had become something o% an iron$ that the most va!uab!e heir!oom his son possessed "as a "eapon he dared not use (nother minute passed, and Lucian sa" that the escorts "ere turning %rom the Oceanid's path once again, their captains evident!$ deve!oping some sense o% se!%'preservation, or perhaps serious but temporar$ communications prob!ems (s he had hoped it "ou!d, the :hasmatan %!eet scattered, a!most in s!o" motion, be%ore him, each escort choosing its o"n heading Lucian !eant %or"ards in his command throne as he studied the enem$ movements, )udging each captain's s#i!! %rom the manner in "hich he hand!ed his ship &"o o% the escorts came peri!ous!$ dose to one another as the$ veered desperate!$ to starboard, causing Lucian to bar# out a harsh !augh as he )udged the enem$ captains' s#i!! on!$ s!ight!$ higher than those o% a drun#en or# (t the !ast, the Oceanid c!osed in on the !ead cruiser, g!iding past it so c!ose that the discharge o% its manoeuvring %hrusters spra$ed across her bo" as the other vesse! sought to steer out o% her path &he sight o% Luneberg's %!agship %i!!ed the portside vie"ers She "as so c!ose that Lucian cou!d read the vesse!'s name painted in %i%t$ %oot ta!! !etters a!ong

her pro" &he /orealis Defensor, Lucian read, )udging the tit!e t$pica! o% the ego o% its master (s the Oceanid comp!eted her manoeuvre, Luneberg's %!eet "as scattered, its constituent vesse!s spread over an area o% space up to t"ent$ #i!ometres across, and each on an entire!$ di%%erent heading *t "ou!d ta#e even a s#i!!ed admira! some time to conso!idate his %orce, thought Lucian, and he "as damn sure that Luneberg "as an$thing other than that He "atched on the %!ic#ering ho!ograph as the :has'matan %!eet attempted, in vain, to #not itse!% into something resemb!ing order *% on!$ he had been trave!!ing at a speed at "hich he cou!d have un!eashed a broadside (s much as he "ou!d have savoured the opportunit$ to damage Luneberg's %!agship, that had not been the ob)ective o% his manoeuvre *nstead, he had hoped on!$ to bu$ time %or his son &he enem$ %!eet did not redep!o$ in the manner he had e0pected it to He had been certain it "ou!d be %orced to spend some considerab!e time bringing its vesse!s around and regaining its previous %ormation, be%ore po"ering a%ter him to"ards the Rosetta0 but that "as not "hat the$ appeared to be doing Lucian "atched intent!$ as the escorts c!osed in once more on the t"o cruisers (!though ragged and ungrace%u!, the %!eet soon regained some semb!ance o% order, continuing on its previous course Lucian reached %or"ards and turned a dia! on the p!inth o% the ho!ograph, the static'%i!!ed, grain$ pro)ection above it b!urring, be%ore regaining %ocus, having +oomed out severa! do+en #i!ometres Lucian sa" immediate!$ the course on "hich the :has'matan %!eet "as engaged Luneberg "as ta#ing his ships against the a!ien vesse!s, "hich had %ormed up on one another and "ere !i#e"ise homing in on the other ships He cou!d scarce!$ be!ieve his !uc# His enemies "ere going to pumme! each other to the "arp "hi!e he made good his escape! &he t"o %!eets c!osed on one another "ith state!$ e!egance, and Lucian %e!t tempted to pour himse!% a drin# as Luneberg's %orce manoeuvred %or "hat the *mperia! :ommander obvious!$ intended to be a %earsome e0change o% %ire -ou!d the a!iens rea!!$ a!!o" themse!ves to be dra"n into such a position %or a third time, (ma+ing!$, it appeared to Lucian that the 0enos vesse!s "ere indeed heading %or another pasting, a!though he noted that this time the$ c!ustered together %or mutua! de%ence He ran the coming action through his mind, estimating that the t"o cruisers o% Luneberg's %!eet "ou!d have the better o% a broadside, i% the$ cou!d pu!! one o%%, a!though the$ "ou!d pa$ a high price as the a!iens

converged their %ire in reta!iation &hat, ho"ever, "ou!d have to "ait, Lucian rea!ised, as the servitor at the communications station had evident!$ been success%u! in opening a channe! to 2orvane ' ahead Oceanid', 2orvane's voice sounded amidst a riot o% static !aden inter%erence &his is 2orvane= '2orvane,' rep!ied Lucian, %i!!ed "ith a sudden re!ie% at the sound o% his son's voice '2orvane, "hat's $our situation,' '>ather,' 2orvane's voice came bac#, made distorted and tinn$ b$ inter%erence on the channe! '* am inbound to the Rosetta, e t a ten minutes ' 'Good to hear 2orvane,' rep!ied Lucian, rea!ising that his de!a$ing attac# against the a!iens had indeed bought his son the time to ma#e a dash %or the Rosetta aboard his shutt!e '* ta#e it $ou evaded the invasion %orces,' '*nvasion %orces,' 2orvane's rep!$ came bac# '>ather, * don't thin# $ou'' &hat'!! have to "ait, 2orvane,' cut in Lucian '>or no" "e need to concentrate on not getting invo!ved, in %inding ;rie!!e and getting c!ear o% this'' 'No, >ather,' cut in 2orvane, Lucian rea!ising instant!$ that something must be severe!$ amiss %or his son to spea# in such a manner -e are invo!ved= Despite the ho"!ing %eedbac# and static %!ooding the communications channe!, Lucian pic#ed up on his son's tone instant!$, and he didn't !i#e it one bit 'E0p!ain,' he said &here "as a moment's de!a$ as on!$ angr$ static ans"ered Lucian, and then 2orvane's voice came bac# -e are invo!ved &he Rosetta arrived une0pected!$ ear!$ at (rris Epsi!on, >ather, and in $our absence * made contact "ith *mperia! :ommander Nachar$ Droon ' '(nd,' '(nd, * to!d him o% Luneberg's treacherous actions at the ta!#s, and Droon to!d me o% the ongoing con%!ict bet"een the t"o "or!ds ' '*t's )ust a bush "ar, 2orvane, nothing "e need get invo!ved "ith ' .es, >ather, but he as#ed me %or he!p, and he o%%ered to pa$ /uite a considerab!e'' '.ou've signed us over to some border prince!ing,' Lucian %e!t his gorge rise, and %ought to #eep his temper in chec# despite the %act that he "as /uite sure he #ne" "hat his son's ans"er "ou!d be '* have p!edged Droon our aid in ending the "ar against Luneberg ' Lucian stood, anger %!aring "ithin him .ou ma$ not have noticed, 2orvane, but it appears that Luneberg has the same idea ' -h$ the he!! cou!dn't 2orvane have #ept out o% it, he thought, tr$ing, despite himse!%, not to condemn his son %or his actions

($e, >ather, so * see, but * have negotiated a high!$ %avourab!e dea!, one that "i!! recoup the !osses incurred thus %ar -ith the aid o% the tau "e "i!!'' &he a!iens, * ta#e it,' Lucian interrupted his son .es, the a!iens * had no choice, but the dea! ma$ recoup our !osses ' Lucian #ne" 2orvane re%erred to the co!!apsed dea! "ith Luneberg, as i% that "as the %au!t o% an$one other than the mad *mperia! :ommander He sighed, #no"ing that his son "as, i% nothing e!se, an e0pert in such matters, and "ou!d have the dea! se"n up so tight that he "ou!d have !itt!e choice other than to honour it -e!!, he thought, !oo#ing to the ho!ograph "here he sa" the t"o %!eets about to c!ash, !oo#s !i#e "e're stic#ing around %or the %ight 'Right then,' announced Lucian, decided upon his course 'Listen, 2orvane, = am the (rcadius< not $ou, not ;rie!!e, and not some s/uabb!ing pett$ nob!e * sa$ ho" our %ortunes are made or !ost * sa$ ho" "e !ive or ho" "e die Do * ma#e m$se!% c!ear,' Lucian !istened %or 2orvane's response, "hich came a%ter a short de!a$ '>ather, * understand, but * had no'' .ou "i!! do as * sa$ or * "i!! denounce $our c!aim!' Lucian be!!o"ed, determined no" more than ever to rein in his son's good intentions Good intentions never got an$one an$"here, not in the ga!a0$ in "hich he !ived 'No" !isten,' Lucian said, %ee!ing a measure o% ca!m returning no" that he had put 2orvane in his p!ace &his is ho" "e're going to get the he!! out o% this mess $ou've negotiated us a!! into ' &HE >(*RL*GH& ;@RS& out o% the *mmaterium, ;rie!!e immediate!$ scanning the surrounding space %or signs o% her %ather or her stepbrother She %ound them straight a"a$, as she had e0pected to do, but she "as some"hat shoc#ed to see t"o entire %!eets o% vesse!s, apparent!$ c!osing in on one another, as "e!! (Vhat the he!! has he got us into no",' she as#ed herse!%, deciding immediate!$ that something must have gone terrib!$ "rong She activated the data's!ates surrounding her command throne, a do+en and more screens !o"ering %rom the shado"s above &he screens sputtered to !i%e, the Fairlight's cogitator ban#s pumping reams upon reams o% data across them -ith practiced ease, she separated out the super%!uous in%ormation, homing in on that "hich she needed &he Oceanid and the Rosetta, her %ather's vesse! c!osing %ast on her stepbrother's, "hich appeared at anchor 3ne hundred and ten #i!ometres %rom their position, t"o %!eets 3ne human, Luneberg's, she #ne", and one not She smi!ed Reaching up to ad)ust the data's!ates' settings, ;rie!!e homed in on the

other t"o rogue trader vesse!s, pic#ing up a signa! %rom' ';rie!!e,' &he communication gri!!es set in the bac# o% her command throne burst into !i%e, causing her to )ump in shoc# She spat a spacer's curse, be%ore ans"ering s"eet!$ '>ather, this is ;rie!!e, "hat's happening, (re $ou a!right,' '.es, ;rie!!e, no" !isten, as * "on't repeat m$se!% ' He "asted no time in p!easantries, she thought, t$pica! o% him to get straight to the point 'Rosetta and Fairlight are to converge on m$ position and %o!!o" m$ orders to the !etter .ou "i!! not deviate %rom the course * give $ou, and $ou "i!! not %ire upon an$ targets unti! * order $ou to do so Do * ma#e m$se!% comp!ete!$ c!ear,' >or a moment, ;rie!!e "as speech!ess -hat the he!! "as his prob!em, '>ather,' she rep!ied '* am per%ect!$'' 'Do * ma#e m$se!% comp!ete!$ dear,' her %ather repeated, his tone angr$ and broo#ing no argument ':omp!ete!$,' she said, s!amming her %ist do"n on the conso!e and c!osing the channe! Ho" the he!! cou!d he spea# to her !i#e that, -ho the he!! did he thin# she "as, Had 2orvane poisoned him against her to such an e0tent that this "as ho" it "ou!d be %rom here on out, -e!!, she diought, her stepbromer had had his da$ She'd a!read$ seen to that

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
L@:*(N S&33D *N the centre o% his bridge, stud$ing the %!ic#ering image pro)ected into the air b$ die ho!ograph &he green g!obe "as incomp!ete, a!most ha!% o% the space invisib!e to him dian#s to a damaged near'space augur arra$ &hree groups o% icons dominated the remainder, die one representing die Oceanid sitting dead centre, die movements o% the others re!a$ed re!ative to her position Some one hundred #i!ometres to the Oceanid's %ore, t"o o% the groups o% icons danced, reams o% data scro!!ing ne0t to each &he !arger o% the groups represented die a!ien vesse!s, and there "ere %ive o% diese Lucian noted, "ith a pro%essiona!'s appreciation, die %ormation diat the a!ien ships had assumed, dieir "eapons' %ie!ds o% %ire over!apping in such a manner as to ma#e approach %rom an$ ang!e other than direct!$ to stern a!! but suicida! *n contrast to the a!iens' dep!o$ment, the other group disp!a$ed on!$ disarra$ Lucian sneered as he regarded its arrangement, one cruiser and a do+en or so sma!!er escorts c!ustered around the vesse! that he #ne" to be *mperia! :ommander :u!pepper Luneberg's %!agship *t "as t$pica! o% the man's %!a"ed character that he shou!d den$ his captains the bene%it o% a

mutua!!$ supportive %ire p!an, instead concentrating so!e!$ on his o"n protection He sought to destro$ his enem$, the %orces o% the *mperia! :ommander Nachar$ Droon, but "as evident!$ determined to minimise an$ ris# to his o"n, persona! sa%et$ -e!!, thought Lucian, space batdes "ere no respecters o% sa%et$, persona! or other"ise &he a!ien %!eet and that o% *mperia! :ommander Luneberg "ere current!$ engaged in the opening moves o% "hat Lucian "as /uite sure "ou!d prove to be the !ast batt!e %or one o% them Luneberg's %orces had sought to engage their %oe, but had been evaded no" on severa! passes &he a!iens "ou!d %ight, o% that Lucian "as certain, but the$ had been hurt b$ his o"n broadsides, and "ou!d do so on!$ on their o"n terms &he ba!!et continued9 the humans unab!e to c!ose on their target, and the a!iens thus %ar un"i!!ing to be c!osed upon &he !ast group o% icons visib!e in the ho!ograph's g!obe o% !ight represented his o"n, sma!! %!oti!!a &he Oceanid "as a capab!e heav$ cruiser, despite the damage she had su%%ered in recent engagements &en #i!ometres to the Oceanid's port side !a$ the Rosetta, the cruiser captained b$ Lucian's son, 2orvane, "ho, on!$ minutes be%ore, had returned b$ shutt!e %rom the sur%ace o% the "or!d be!o" *nbound on their position, a mere %i%teen #i!ometres distant, "as the third and !ast o% Lucian's %!eet, the cruiser, Fairlight, captained b$ his daughter, ;rie!!e Lucian %o!ded his arms as he considered his position, pro"!ing around the ho!ograph, see#ing to e0amine the situation, !itera!!$, %rom ever$ possib!e ang!e He had been pitched into this batt!e b$ the actions o% his son, "ho had negotiated an a!!iance "ith *mperia! :ommander Nachar$ Droon &he on!$ prob!em "as, he had destro$ed one o% the a!iens' vesse!s and cripp!ed another be%ore his son had in%ormed him that these a!iens "ere, b$ dint o% the agreement bro#ered b$ his son, a!!ies &he !i%e o% a rogue trader "as never a simp!e one 'Fairlight,' Lucian said, the servitor at the Oceanid's communications station patching him through to the bridge o% his daughter's ship 'Go ahead, >ather= came the response Lucian noted instant!$ that his daughter sounded even more uptight than norma! He had no time to "orr$ about her state o% mind ho"ever 'Rosetta.' &he servitor opened die channe! to the bridge o% 2orvane's ship Lucian reached do"n to the conso!e at the base o% the ho!ograph and depressed a contro! stud '* am transmitting the approach p!an to $ou both .ou "i!! note $our positions "ithin that p!an Do $ou receive and understand,' He "aited, a%%ording his son and his daughter the time to re!a$ the

headings to their respective he!msmen ( minute !ater, his son "as the %irst to respond '@nderstood, >ather= Lucian "as p!eased to note that his son o%%ered no %urther response 1erhaps he "as suitab!$ chastised %o!!o"ing their ear!ier con%rontation on the sub)ect o% 2orvane's negotiating the a!!iance "ith Droon in his %ather's absence He "aited a minute more, be%ore as#ing, ';rie!!e, (re $ou c!ear as to $our ro!e,' '* am c!ear, >ather= came the response, a%ter a de!a$ that Lucian #ne" "as ca!cu!ated to communicate ;rid!e's disp!easure Aust !i#e her mother, he thought, a!!o"ing himse!% a "r$ grin at his daughter's "i!%u! behaviour '-e!! enough= he said ?.ou both have $our orders Good hunting, and good !uc# ' 'Good hunting,' 2orvane echoed, %o!!o"ed a moment !ater b$ his stepsister Lucian too# his seat at the command throne, ta#ing a deep breath be%ore issuing his order, 'He!m, time to get under "a$' '($e, sir= responded He!msman Ra!di, sa!uting his captain be%ore turning and !eaning his "eight to the might$ "hee! Lucian !oo#ed to the ho!ograph, seeing that his son's vesse! "as manoeuvring into her a!!otted position ( coup!e o% minutes !ater and the Rosetta "as in position He "atched the Fairlight, his studied e$e seeing instant!$, and "ithout recourse to his instruments that his daughter's ship "as out o% station b$ at !east a #i!ometre He sighed ';rie!!e= he said, the communications servitor patching him through the ship'to'ship arra$ instantaneous!$ 'Go ahead= the c!ipped rep!$ came bac# ';rie!!e, $ou're out o% position :!ose up on the Rosetta, no"= ( de!a$ "as %o!!o"ed b$, ?.es, >ather, * "i!! *'m simp!$ pic#ing up some %!are * can ride it out, but * don't "ant to ris# the compensators, not no"= Lucian sighed %or a second time He had never been ab!e to te!! %or sure "hether his daughter "as simp!$ being evasive or "hether she "as outright !$ing (nother characteristic she had inherited %rom her mother and her peop!e *t certain!$ "asn't passed do"n %rom his o"n side o% the %ami!$ '-e!! enough, ;rie!!e Aust ma#e sure $ou've sha#en it b$ t"o point %ive @nderstood,' '@nderstood, >ather= the rep!$ came bac# He smi!ed to himse!% ;rie!!e never cou!d do things the simp!e "a$ 'Ship to %!eet= Lucian ca!!ed to the communications servitor *t nodded an

instant !ater to indicate that he "as spea#ing to both ships '2orvane, ;rie!!e -e begin our approach run no"= He nodded to the he!msman, "ho hau!ed on the huge, %!oor'mounted !ever, %eeding po"er to the main drives &he dec# vibrated as engines roared into !i%e, a!though than#%u!!$ the$ sho"ed no sign o% troub!e %rom the misbehaving drive unit ?-e %ind ourse!ves on the same side as these a!iens, the tau as 2orvane ca!!s them No"= Lucian continued spea#ing so as to %oresta!! his son's inevitab!e inter)ection, 'this cou!d prove troub!esome, given that not a coup!e o% hours ago * persona!!$ sent severa! thousand o% them to the depths o% the seven he!!s Despite that, * did so %or entire!$ p!ausib!e reasons, but * %ee! that the remaining vesse!s ma$ not share our ne"%ound %riendship &here%ore, i% "e are to honour the ob!igations entered into on our beha!%, "e are %orced to ta#e a some"hat unusua! approach &his then, is m$ p!an -e must dra" the tau onto the guns o% Luneberg's %!eet= He sat bac#, #no"ing "hat "as coming ne0t *t came '>ather!' 2orvane's voice came bac#, Lucian's son's anger obvious, even over the static'%i!!ed and distorted ship'to'ship channe! '>ather, * negotiated our agreement in good %aith, and even though $ou disapprove, "e are honour bound to abide b$ it &he tau might be a!iens, but the$ are Droon's a!!ies, and "e cannot be responsib!e %or their demise= Lucian grinned ;$ the Emperor, he rea!!$ had spa"ned a coup!e o% humour!ess "he!ps '2orvane, * am not as#ing $ou to do so Aust %o!!o" $our orders and shut the he!! up= he said, s!amming his pa!m do"n and cutting the channe! He chuc#!ed, imagining his son's sp!uttering indignation at his "ords He "ou!d have some e0p!aining to do, !ater
Mean"hi!e, ho"ever, the t"o cruisers o% Luneberg's %!eet had reached the optimum point at "hich to open %ire, and did so at e0act!$ the moment the (dmira!t$ Sta%% te0tboo#s to!d their captains the$ shou!d Lucian "atched, his breath caught in his throat, as the moment o% truth %ina!!$ arrived Nothing happened Lucian s!ammed both pa!ms do"n on the arms o% his command throne, his !aughter %i!!ing the bridge '* #ne" it!' ;R*E*5E SM*LED DEM@REL. to herse!% as she rea!ised the tric# her %ather had )ust pu!!ed He had, she sa", gamb!ed that Luneberg's vesse!s "ere out%itted "ith "eapons provided to them b$ the tau, as the orbita! station at Mundus :hasmata had been >urthermore, he had surmised, again correct!$, that the tau "eapons "ou!d not %ire upon their o"n, !eaving Luneberg's vesse!s sudden!$ he!p!ess at the crucia! point in their con%rontation He "as a "i!$ o!d bastard< she had to give him that, but he hadn't %oreseen this She tapped a code into the communications readout beside her command throne

&his= she said a!oud, hitting the #e$ !abe!!ed &ransmit', 'is %or the greater good= L@:*(N -(&:HED >R3M the starboard vie"ing port as e0p!osions b!ossomed across the !engths o% Luneberg's t"o cruisers He had seen that the /orialis Defensor "as e/uipped "ith 0enos'supp!ied "eapons "hen he had passed her ear!ier, and rea!ised instant!$ that these "ere the same, high ve!ocit$ pro)ecti!e "eapons that had been un!eashed against him b$ the :hasmatan orbita! He had gamb!ed upon their not %iring on their o"n, but something e!se entire!$ "as occurring here ( do+en points o% rapid!$ e0panding orange studded the !ength o% both enem$ vesse!s, the e0act !ocations, he #ne", o% the a!ien "eaponr$ Luneberg had sought to p!a$ them a!! ' the rogue traders and the tau both ' %or suc#ers, but appeared to have been p!a$ed himse!% &he /orealis Defensor !isted to port, her captain, Lucian guessed, attempting desperate!$ to manoeuvre his vesse! out o% the a!ien ships' #i!! +one &he other cruiser responded b$ opening up her engines, the enormous po"er bui!ding ine0orab!$ to prope! her %or"ards and a"a$ %rom danger Neither vesse! had even the s!ightest chance o% escape, ho"ever, %or the$ "ere %irm!$ trapped "ithin the a!iens' most dead!$ %ire arc &he mu!tip!e, pro"' mounted turrets on each o% the %ive vesse!s turned as one, trac#ing the name!ess cruiser as she attempted in vain to pu!! a"a$ &he mu++!e o% each spat b!ue %ire, the h$per've!ocit$ pro)ecti!es prope!!ed across space in the b!in# o% an e$e &he cruiser "as struc# to starboard, amidships, a !ine o% e0p!osions b!ossoming across its spine Even !arger e0p!osions appeared on the vesse!'s port %!an#, the pro)ecti!es having passed entire!$ through its vast bu!# Lucian stood speech!ess, too stunned even to order his he!msman to steer a"a$ %rom the a!most tragica!!$ uneven batt!e Vio!et p!asma ge$sered %rom the cruiser's e0it "ounds, !ending it the appearance o% some gargantuan sea creature b!eeding its guts into the churning ocean ( series o% secondar$ e0p!osions spread "ithin the d$ing vesse!, and its ravaged midsection bo"ed as %ires danced a!ong its !ength, %ed "hite'hot b$ the ship's rapid!$ escaping air &he %ate o% the %irst cruiser sea!ed, the tau vesse!s turned their attention to the /orealis Defensor. 'Hard to port, %u!! po"er to mains!' Lucian snapped out o% his trance as the b!a+ing "rec# o% the %irst cruiser dri%ted %rom his vie" -ith the a!iens intent on Luneberg's %!agship, he sa" on!$ one "a$ o% ending this in an$thing !i#e a %avourab!e position

':omms!' he shouted, the inter%erence'!aden ship'to'ship channe! bursting to !i%e 'Fairlight, Rosetta, this is Oceanid*' 'Go ahead, >ather, * read $ou= came bac# ;rie!!e's rep!$ &hen si!ence '2orvane,' Lucian said, !oo#ing across to the communications servitor '2orvane, do $ou read me,' &he on!$ ans"er "as the angr$ ho"! o% the open communications channe! &HE R3SE&&( SH332 vio!ent!$ beneath 2orvane's %eet, the scream o% t"isting stee! audib!e %rom some"here %ar be!o" dec#s

'-hat the he!! "as that, Damage report, no"!' be!!o"ed 2orvane, %i!!ed "ith a sudden dread &he sound had come %rom a part o% his ship %rom "hich no such sound shou!d ever come, even in the event o% ma)or batt!e damage His ga+e raced across the ban#s o% data'screens c!ustered around the bridge, each cho#ed "ith reams o% rapid!$ scro!!ing %igures ;e%ore he cou!d even begin to decipher the data ho"ever, a second e0p!osion sounded %rom the guts o% his vesse!, the bridge !ights cutting out, !eaving on!$ the i!!umination that came %rom the static'%i!!ed screens '-here's that report,' he ca!!ed, standing, and grabbing the nearest bridge o%%icer, a )unior rating, b$ the co!!ar '.ou, go %ind out "hat's happening to m$ ship!' (nother e0p!osion sounded, this time even deeper in the Rosetta's innards 2orvane #ne" immediate!$ that it "as the drive section and his %ears "ere con%irmed a moment !ater as the ship began to !ist severe!$ to port 'Damage contro! parties!' 2orvane ordered 'Get the secondaries on !ine, no"!' '.es, sir= rep!ied a hooded )unior tech'adept, hau!ing open an access hatch in the dec# p!ate, and c!ambering in to the cab!e'cho#ed cra"!space 2orvane e0perienced a moment o% utter he!p!essness, the "orst %ee!ing a captain cou!d ever have &hen, b$ the grace o% the Emperor, the ban#s o% screens %!ic#ered, "ent dead, and then a"o#e entire!$, the machine spirit deep "ithin the Rosetta's cogitation ban#s rea"a#ening them He strode to the main ban#, !eaning over the command !ectern and gripping its edge hard as he %e!t the arti%icia! gravit$ %!uctuate >or an instant, he stumb!ed as the gravitic generators %ought to maintain their norma! output, their %orce doub!ing be%ore returning to something resemb!ing their norma! !eve! He %ought to concentrate on the end!ess %igures scro!!ing across the main screen, sudden!$ gaining an in#!ing into "hat had happened *so!ating the data committed b$ the Rosetta's main ban# augur arra$, 2orvane revie"ed the minute immediate!$ preceding the e0p!osion Luneberg's vesse!s had c!osed in on the tau %!eet, but their "eapons had %ai!ed to %ire upon their targets, that much "as c!ear More data scro!!ed across the screen, unti!, there! ( signa! had burst across !oca! space and Luneberg's turrets had detonated So too had something deep "ithin his o"n vesse! 'Sir!' ( shout came %rom a rating in the bridge pit 'Sir, damage contro! parties report %ires on dec#s seven through nineteen, %ore, spreading

%ast!' 'Damn it= he cursed 'Get me'' (nother e0p!osion roc#ed the Rosetta, the dec# p!ate buc#!ing beneath 2orvane's %eet &he %orce thre" him bodi!$ against the main conso!e ban#, s!amming the breath %rom his !ungs and !eaving him "inded He co!!apsed to the %!oor, ro!!ing over and gasping to dra" breath (s he did so ho"ever, his !ungs burst in agon$ as the$ dre" in hot %umes, the stin# o% burning cab!es assau!ting his senses :oughing vio!ent!$, he !oo#ed to the open access hatch in the midd!e o% the bridge, %rom "hich a %ountain o% %!ames "as erupting He staggered to his %eet, crossed the dec# and hau!ed shut the meta! b!ast hatch His hands "ere burned as the$ c!osed on the superheated meta!, but he gritted his teeth and s!ammed the hatch do"n, the %!ames spi!!ing around its base %or an instant, be%ore the$ died 'Damage contro!!' he be!!o"ed, s!amming his %ist upon the nearest intercom p!ate, pra$ing it sti!! %unctioned 'Damage contro! to the bridge!' He !oo#ed around the nightmarish scene &hic#, b!ac# smo#e cho#ed the space, spar#s spitting %rom conso!es and servitors both, "hi!e ban#s o% static'%i!!ed data'screens provided the on!$, %!ic#ering, source o% i!!umination >or an instant, the smo#e c!eared and 2orvane caught sight o% the scene through the main vie"ing port &he Rosetta "as !isting drastica!!$, and "as dri%ting "e!! out o% station She "as moving, he sa" "ith star# horror, right across the bo"s o% the tau vesse!s &he$ "ere supposed to be on the same side, but he "as %i!!ed "ith the sudden rea!isation that the a!!iance might "e!! have been revo#ed in the !ight o% his %ather's actions against the a!iens -ou!d the$ respect the pact he had made "ith Droon, His ans"er came an instant !ater, as the turrets o% the nearest o% the tau vesse!s rotated to"ards the stric#en Rosetta. He sa" "ith a rush o% e!ation that, someho", his vesse!'s shie!ds remained raised, and "ere in %act ho!ding strong at near %u!! capacit$ &he tau vesse! evident!$ sa" this too, %or it he!d %ire, not "asting its shots 2orvane "atched in mute %ascination as armoured b!ast doors opened a!ong the tau vesse!'s %!an#s Si!houetted against the pure, b!ue !ight that shone %orth %rom "ithin "ere ro"s upon ro"s o% armoured %igures (s the distance bet"een the t"o vesse!s c!osed to !ess than %ive hundred metres, the %igures !eapt into sudden movement, b!ue )ets at their bac#s and an#!es bursting into !i%e and prope!!ing them into space 2orvane stood trans%i0ed, bare!$ noticing the damage contro! servitor stomping passed him, great )ets o% %ire retardant gas spra$ing %rom the

e0tinguisher units that rep!aced its arms (s the %igures c!osed, he cou!d see that the$ "ere some %orm o% heavi!$ armed and armoured suit, evident!$ bui!t %or e0tra'vehicu!ar activit$ -hat he cou!d see "ere essentia!!$ torsos occup$ing the suits' centra! masses< sma!!, head'!i#e b!oc#s perched atop them &he arms "ere great c!amps, intended, he sa" immediate!$, to attach themse!ves to an$ avai!ab!e structure, and hang on "hi!e the t"o great "eapons mounted under each c!amp burned through an$ but the most resistant hu!! @pon the suits' bac#s "ere mounted comp!e0 manoeuvring )ets, sma!!er c!usters o% "hich "ere a!so visib!e at the an#!es and shou!ders He had never be%ore seen their !i#e, and t"o great "aves "ere heading straight %or his bridge &rac#ing their inevitab!e course snapped 2orvane out o% his shoc# 1ra$ing that the communications arra$s sti!! %unctioned, he staggered bac# to the main command !ectern, coughing as the po"der$ spra$ %i!!ing his bridge seared his a!read$ damaged !ungs He punched the con' so!e, a"a#ening its machine spirit, and scanned the readouts %or an open channe! He %ound one ';rie!!e!' he ca!!ed, #no"ing that the ship'to'ship channe! "as open and that his stepsister's vesse! "as nearb$ 'Listen, ;rie!!e, * need $ou to'' ';rie!!e,' he turned the dia!, boosting the signa!, and "as greeted b$ an e0p!osion o% angr$ static ';rie!!e, i% $ou can hear this transmission, this is Rosetta, ;rie!!e &his is 2orvane *'m cripp!ed, and * have mu!tip!e %ast moving c!ass nines inbound on m$ bridge *% $ou can hear me, ;rie!!e, * need $ou to c!ose to point de%ence range ;rie!!e,' 'Damn it!' he cursed, certain that the channe! "as open and that his stepsister shou!d have been ab!e to hear his transmission, and to rep!$ to it He !oo#ed once more to the vie"er, seeing that the tau suits "ere ha!% "a$ across the gu!% bet"een the t"o vesse!s Aust one chance, he thought, activating the intercom p!ate &orpedo dec#, mis is $our captain Do $ou receive,' &he intercom hissed and ho"!ed %or a moment, be%ore a voice rep!ied, 'M$ !ord, .es sir, this is Second @nder'&echnician 2aer#, sir, the cre" chie%s dead sir, but *'' ':hie% 2aer#,' 2orvane rep!ied, promoting the man on the spot %or his simp!e act o% ans"ering his master's voice 'Listen to me care%u!!$ 2aer# -hat is the status o% the torpedo,' 'Sir,' the voice rep!ied, the noise o% a crash sounding be%ore it returned '*t's in tube one sir, as it a!"a$s is Shou!d *'' 'Good!' rep!ied 2orvane, o%%ering a brie% but heart%e!t pra$er o% than#s to the God'Emperor o% Man#ind 'Do $ou have %ire contro!,' 'Last thing the chie% did sir, be%ore he "as a"a#en the torpedo's

spirit said it !oo#ed !i#e it might %ina!!$ get its da$!' &han# the Emperor %or the non'commissioned ran#s, 2orvane thought 'Listen 2aer#, * "ant $ou to !aunch the torpedo, on a ten second %use &hat's a!!, do $ou understand,' 'Launch the torpedo sir, Launch ?&he? torpedo,' '.es! No"!' ';ut it's the on!$ one "e've'' 'Launch it no" or Emperor he!p me *'!!'' the intercom sputtered, an e0p!osion sounding in the distant torpedo dec# and cutting the connection dead &hat's it then, thought 2orvane &he torpedo had been his !ast chance, a !ast chance that the Rosetta had been hau!ing around the ga!a0$ %or over a decade< and no", he sighed, he "ou!d never %ire it He "atched as the %irst o% the tau suits c!osed on the "ide vie"ing port, brie%!$ debating "ith himse!% "hether to !o"er the armoured b!ast shie!d Litt!e point, he decided, the$'d be through it in seconds< it "ou!d on!$ de!a$ the inevitab!e ;etter to die "ith his ship, he decided, straightening his )ac#et and standing proud at the command !ectern< as a!! good captains shou!d &he %irst o% the tau suits c!osed on the armoured g!ass o% the vie"ing port, its might$ c!amps attaching themse!ves to protrusions on the vesse!'s outer hu!! &he under's!ung "eapons %ired into !i%e, b!inding "hite !ight arcing %rom the short, rectangu!ar barre! o% each *t began to cut, "hen 2orvane %e!t the Rosetta !urch vio!ent!$ to starboard, causing him to stumb!e and grab ho!d o% the !ectern to maintain his ba!ance &he movement "as not that o% the vesse! su%%ering another e0p!osion, but something e!se entire!$, something he had not e0perienced since he had stood upon the dec# o% his %ather's vesse! and "atched in chi!d!i#e "onder as the Oceanid un!eashed upon a 0enos vesse! a %earsome torpedo attac#! &he !ast torpedo in the (rcadius %!eet p!oughed through the dense %ormation o% tau attac#ers, sending them scattering in ever$ direction 2orvane bar#ed the !aughter o% the insane, the !aughter o% those "ho #no" the$ have "on, even as the$ "e!come death He !oc#ed his ga+e "ith the sing!e !ens o% the tau suit as it cut through the armoured g!ass, great gobbets o% superheated, !i/uid materia! sp!ashing across the meta! dec# o% the bridge '>ive,' he counted, "atching the huge %orm o% the torpedo as it dived into space '>our ' He sa" manoeuvring )ets %!aring into !i%e across the %!an# o% the

tau ship, !ess than ha!% a #i!ometre distant &hree= &he suits turned, to race %or their mother ship He #ne" the$ "ou!d never ma#e it &"o ' &he pressure on the bridge dropped sudden!$ as the attac#er breached the g!ass '3ne Emperor b!ess $ou, :re" :hie% 2aer# ' &he torpedo detonated, scouring the space bet"een the Rosetta and the tau vesse!, burning the sur%ace o% 2or'vane's vesse!, instant!$ vaporising ever$ !ast one o% the tau batt!esuits, ra#ing the Rosetta "ith the c!eansing %ires o% ob!ivion '&R. (G(*N, D(MN it!' Lucian paced the !ength o% his bridge, desperate %or an$ response %rom his son's vesse! His ear!ier e!ation at having out"itted Luneberg turning to he!p!essness as he sa" the Rosetta %!ounder, "rac#ed b$ interna! e0p!osions 'He!m!' Lucian ca!!ed ';ring us a!ongside the Rosetta. 3perations, a!! avai!ab!e hands prepare to receive survivors= &he Oceania' p!oughed on, the he!msman bringing her about to approach the Rosetta %rom astern &he manoeuvre "ou!d bring Lucian's ship into c!ose pro0imit$ "ith the a!ien %!eet, but he had no choice Mean"hi!e, he !oo#ed on as the a!ien vesse!s turned their attention %rom the %irst o% the t"o :hasmatan cruisers to the /orealis Defensor. Luneberg's %!agship "as attempting to escape, but the a!iens "ere evidend$ not about to !et that happen >our o% the %ive tau vesse!s began a s!o" turn to starboard, their intention obvious!$ to bring their pro"' mounted "eapons to bear against the /orealis Defensor's rear section &he %i%th a!ien vesse!, Lucian sa", veered o%% to port, c!osing on the Rosetta. ';est speed, Mister Ra!di, the Rosetta needs us,' he said, "i!!ing, i% it "ere re/uired, to put his o"n vesse! bet"een the tau ship and his son's '1ort "eapons, prepare %or %iring ' (s the Oceanid c!osed on the Rosetta, Lucian "atched as the %our a!ien ships caught up "ith Luneberg's %!agship 1ro" turrets spitting b!ue %!ame, the invisib!e, h$per've!ocit$ pro)ecti!es !anced across space and s!ammed through the vesse!'s shie!ds ( second sa!vo tore a ragged !ine o% punctures across her armoured drive section, breaching a secondar$ p!asma conduit at a do+en points, superheated gases venting into space &he tau vesse!s c!osed in %or the #i!!, their turrets !oc#ed on their target's "ound Lucian he!d his breath, scarce!$ ab!e to be!ieve the destruction "rought this da$ Ho"ever, the coup de grace "as never de!ivered ( searing, "hite !ight erupted to the %ore o% the Rosetta, Lucian

thro"ing his arm across his %ace be%ore the vie"er even reacted b$ dimming automatica!!$ :audous!$, he !o"ered his arm, and sa" the remnants o% a detonation o% stunning magnitude, roi!ing energies spreading out in a searing bo" "ave &he Rosetta "as scoured b$ the e0p!osion, the might$ vesse! prope!!ed a"a$ b$ the b!ast "ave and spinning s!o"!$ c!ear &he tau vesse! too "as caught in the e0p!osion, its entire starboard side erupting in secondar$ e0p!osions as it "as pushed b$ gargantuan energies across space Lucian "atched as the tau vesse! spun c!ean through its %our sister ships, each veering desperate!$ to avoid it (t the !ast, the tau vesse! co!!ided "ith the /orealis Defensor, die t"o ships grinding ine0orab!e together, t"isting and me!ding together to %orm a terrib!e ama!gamation o% human and tau starship *ncredib!$, neither vesse! e0p!oded outright, a!though p!asma %ires danced cra+i!$ across the sur%ace o% both, "e!ding them together %or a!! time, ma#ing a b!ac#ened tomb %or thousands o% men and a!iens even as the$ perished "ithin Lucian "asted no time mourning the 0enos tau or the treacherous dogs o% Luneberg's cre" He "as more concerned %or his son &he Rosetta "as dri%ting, her drives c!ear!$ dead, and a hundred %ires had erupted across the side o% her hu!! that had borne the brunt o% the e0p!osion -orse, she "as dri%ting across the bo"s o% the remaining tau vesse!s Lucian "eighed the odds, immediate!$ deciding upon his course o% action 'He!m, cross the Rosetta's stern at ninet$= he ordered '($e, sir= He!msman Ra!di rep!ied, a savage grin on his %ace, and Lucian sa" that his he!msman had understood the order %u!!$ &he Oceanid po"ered on, Lucian seeing that the remaining tau vesse!s "ere coming around %or a sa!vo against the Rosetta's a%t section -ithin minutes, his vesse! "as dra"ing across the Rosetta's stern, crossing the & "ith the other ship's drive section '(!! stop!' Lucian be!!o"ed 'Starboard batteries, prepare to %ire on m$ order= Lucian crossed his hands behind his bac#, counting o%% the range to the tau vesse!s He #ne" the$ "ou!d open %ire an$ second 'Sir!' the he!msman shouted, co!!ision'"arning sirens screaming into dea%ening !i%e across the Oceanid's bridge &he ship pitched beneath Lucian's %eet, thro"ing him to one side as he %ought to #eep his ba!ance 'Report!' he shouted '*t's the Fairlight, sir= Ra!di rep!ied through gritted teeth as he "rest!ed "ith the Oceanid's he!m 'She's crossing our starboard bo"= Lucian turned to see that the sight o% the Fairlight coming a!ongside,

entire!$ %i!!ed the starboard vie"ing port He turned, !oo#ing to the ho!ograph, to see that the a!ien %!eet "as veering o%% &han#s to ;rie!!e's untime!$ and ine0p!icab!e manoeuvre, the a!iens had escaped the "rath o% the Oceanid's broadside Lucian %umed His daughter might have thought she "as aiding him, but she had cost him the potentia! opportunit$ to catch the entire a!ien %!eet in one, devastating vo!!e$ She "ou!d have some e0p!aining to do, once he had seen that his son "as sa%e '(LL S&31,' ;R*ELLE ordered, the Fairlight coming to a state!$ ha!t t"o hundred metres to the Oceanid's starboard She stretched, cat!i#e, in her command throne, and turned to the hooded %igure standing beside her '3ne good turn deserves another, eh Naa!,' she said, crossing her !egs across the arm o% the throne '*ndeed, m$ !ad$= the man rep!ied 'M$ masters "i!! have much %or "hich to repa$ $ou=

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
'SH(LL -E, &HEN= Lucian said, standing centre stage be%ore Droon's throne, %!an#ed b$ his son and his daughter 'discuss pa$ment,' '1a$ment,' rep!ied *mperia! :ommander Nachar$ Droon, his courtiers and advisors %ussing around him 'H diin# $ou "i!! %ind that the terms o% the contractua! arrangement bet"een $our son and me'' '* thin#,' interrupted Lucian, a %inger he!d out be%ore him to si!ence the *mperia! :ommander, 'that $ou "i!! %ind diat * have decided to, a!ter, the terms o% that arrangement ' Droon's advisors erupted into outraged sp!utters o% indignation, the reason not entire!$ !ost upon Lucian He chuc#!ed in"ard!$, savouring die iron$ that, once again, a partner had a!tered terms on them 'No",' continued Lucian, 'this is ho" "e are going to set'de this ' He "aited %or an$ sign o% dissension %rom Droon, continuing on!$ "hen he sa" the *mperia! commander sit do"n upon his %hrone, resignation on his ascetic %eatures 'M$ son= he p!aced a hand upon 2orvane's shou!der, his son standing to his right, 'p!edged the service o% the (rcadius in the de%eat o% the traitorous %orces o% Mundus :hasmata &hat p!edge has been de!ivered upon, has it not,' Droon nodded in rep!$, Lucian continuing be%ore he cou!d go an$ %urther '>or that service a!one * )udge that $ou are in m$, not inconsiderab!e, debt Ho"ever, there is the matter o% the harm done to the person o% m$ son,' he turned to 2orvane, "hose %ace and bod$ bore

the dread%u! "ounds done as, Lucian had since discovered, the %ami!$ torpedo had detonated 2orvane's "ounds "ou!d hea!, o% that Lucian "as certain, but the$ "ou!d !eave behind severe scarring, even dis%igurement 'Not to mention,' he continued, 'the !arge sca!e damage in%!icted upon the Rosetta and the Oceanid during the course o% the action ' &hat "as hard!$ ' Droon spo#e up, about to ob)ect to the %act that the damage to the Rosetta had been se!%'in%!icted, and that done to the Oceanid had been caused in no sma!! part b$ the "eapons o% the Mundus :hasmata 1rimar$ 3rbita! '.our %au!t,' Lucian gro"!ed '*t "as ?hard!$ $our %au!t? that $ou conspired "ith 0enos to re)ect the )ust ru!e o% the (deptus &erra, *t "as ?hard!$ $our %au!t? that $ou did so entire!$ to setde an ancient grudge "ith a neighbour "ith "hom $ou shou!d have been cooperating in harmon$,' ?-hat, then, are $our terms,' Droon rep!ied 'G!ad $ou as#ed,' Lucian grinned, handing a data's!ate to a nearb$ page, "ho carried it across to Droon Droon read the s!ate, his e$es "idening as he too# in the enormit$ o% the %igures !isted there &he *mperia! :ommander s"a!!o"ed, hard, be%ore handing the s!ate bac# to the page '(nd i% * cannot sett!e on these terms,' ?-e!!, m$ dear commander, there are a number o% reasons "h$ H rea!!$ thin# that $ou "i!! >or one, m$ astropath has been monitoring the dec!arations o% independence issued b$ ever$ "or!d in this region .ou have been %oo!ed, Droon9 the tau "ere not %ighting %or $our cause ' the$ "ere %ighting to stir the !i#es o% $ou to rebe!!ion * can guarantee $ou that ever$ other *mperia! :ommander on ever$ other "or!d in die &imbra Subsec'tor and be$ond has been approached, in one "a$ or another, b$ these a!iens' agents Evident!$, most have %a!!en to the temptations o%%ered to them *n Luneberg's case it "as e0otic goods ' his "or!d "as cra"!ing "idi them ' and "eapons "ith "hich to e/uip his vesse!s *n $our case it "as mercenar$ service= 'M$ astropath has pic#ed up a ne" voice= Lucian continued &he *mperium, Droon, has a!read$ heard o% the situation out here= He paused, a!!o"ing diat to sin# in, grati%ied that Droon's entire court had %a!!en to abso!ute si!ence '3n m$ "ord, he can in%orm the ver$ highest o% authorities o% die part $ou had to p!a$ in a!! this .ou #no" "hat "i!! happen then, Droon,' -hen Droon did not rep!$, Lucian "ent on '*% $ou are !uc#$, a Guard arm$ o% occupation "i!! arrive and $ou "i!! be e0ecuted /uic#!$ *% $ou are un!uc#$, it might be the (startes &he$ don't do occupation Droon,

the$ go straight to the head and cut it o%% *t might even be the *n/uisition *% it's them, $ou "i!! not be e0ecuted /uic#!$ &he$ "i!! e0ecute ver$ s!o"!$, and ver$ pain%u!!$= Ver$ "e!!, Lucian Gerrit= rep!ied *mperia! :ommander Nachar$ Droon '* "i!! have m$ %actors dra" die necessar$ bonds= Lucian suppressed a grin, c!apping his son's shou!der, and catching the "r$ g!ance cast his "a$ b$ his daughter >o!!o"ing her manoeuvre9 the manoeuvre that had a!!o"ed the tau %!eet to escape, he had threatened to ship her o%% to ta#e contro! o% a gro0'!ard processing p!ant on :hogoris in "hich he o"ned a contro!!ing interest * sti!! might, he thought &he (rcadius had emerged triumphant, and the price he had e0acted upon Droon %or his not turning the *mperia! :ommander over to the %irst *mperia! Nav$ "arship he encountered "ou!d go a ver$ !ong "a$ to restoring their %ortunes .es, Lucian thought, the (rcadius are bac# &HE R3SE&&(, RES&3RED to a semb!ance o% running order, to the Oceanid's port and the Fairlight to her starboard, Lucian stood upon the bridge o% his vesse! He had been about to issue the order to ma#e "arp, "hen his astropath, Master 2arisan, had rushed onto the bridge, breath!ess, and interrupted him 'Spea#, 2arisan,' Lucian ordered distracted!$, 'but ma#e it %ast and get bac# to $our /uarters -e ma#e "arp an$ moment= &he astropath stood be%ore Lucian, b!oc#ing the %or"ard vie"ing port &he o!d man %idgeted and "rung his hands, a motion that instant!$ irritated Lucian 'Report, man= Lucian bar#ed -e!!, it's this ' 2arisan c!eared his throat be%ore continuing 'Not on!$ has ever$ "or!d %or t"ent$ !ight $ears announced its secession %rom the *mperium o% Man= 2arisan said, evident!$ catching his "ind, and bare!$ ab!e to contain himse!% '(!most ever$ such "or!d has announced its )oining o% a ne" ' he paused ' empire= 'Go on= &he astropath no" had Lucian's comp!ete, undivided attention &he %orces o% these a!iens are even no" %!ooding the entire region ' ever$"here to the ga!actic east o% the Damoc!es Gu!% &he secessionists are announcing, to a!! "ho "i!! hear them, their )oining o% this a!ien empire9 this tau empire= ';ut= 2arisan continued be%ore Lucian cou!d interrupt, 'but, * have been monitoring the distant voices o% the *mperium= '-hat o% them,' Lucian as#ed, sensing that !i%e in the &imbra subsector "as about to get ver$ interesting indeed '( crusade!' &he astropath's voice crac#ed as he $e!ped "ith something

resemb!ing re!igious ecstas$ Lucian had never be%ore seen the o!d man so animated ( crusade is being preached even no" m$ master :ardina! Gurne$ preaches "ar against the tau He denounces their !ies and a!read$, others have p!edged aid or service to him= '-ho,' Lucian's mind raced as he considered the possibi!ities un%o!ding be%ore him 6Vho p!edges aid to this Gurne$ against the tau,' '-h$= rep!ied 2arisan, 'the %!eet, o% course, and ;rim'!oc# musters even no" >ive regiments and more= '>ive regiments o% Guard have no hope o%'' 'Not )ust them= 2arisan interrupted Lucian !et him continue '*n/uisitor Grand o% the 3rdo 5enos! &he (startes! &he *ron Hands! &he Emperor's Sc$thes Even= and here the astropath !eaned to"ards Lucian, 'the -hite Scars= Lucian !eaned bac# in his command throne, %ee!ing an e0hi!aration that he had not e0perienced %or man$ $ears "ash over him &houghts o% the ta!es o% o!d (bad and the others came to him, ta!es o% his ancestors penetrating the outer dar# at the head o% vast, a!!'con/uering %!eets, Nav$, Guard and Marines ra!!ied to their Emperor'given banner Here, no", he, Lucian Gerrit o% the (rcadius %ound himse!% uni/ue!$ p!aced to ma#e such a thing a rea!it$ once more &his preacher, this :ardina! Gurne$ might prove troub!esome, but Lucian cou!d scarce!$ be!ieve his !uc# that a contingent o% the -hite Scars :hapter "as present &he -hite Scars, those savage sons o% :hogoris, "ho ca!!ed the ver$ same "or!d home, as had ;rid!e's mot%ier, and he "as not "ithout contacts there sti!! 'Master,' He!msman Ra!di turned to"ards Lucian, his hand sti!! gripped upon the Oceanid's ti!!er '(re "e to ma#e "a$,' '-hat,' Lucian's attention "as brought bac# to the here and the no" He !oo#ed to his he!msman, be%ore addressing the "ho!e bridge ';e!a$ m$ previous order -e are not to return to the "est= ?.our orders then, m$ !ord,' Ra!di as#ed Lucian sa" the g!int in his e$e 'East= He g!anced at a star map, ta#ing in those s$stems that 2arisan had indicated "ere no" in the s"a$ o% the a!ien tau He pic#ed one '2!eist= (s the bridge cre" "ent about the business o% enacting their ne" orders, Lucian smi!ed to himse!% 1erhaps the (rcadius "ou!d sta$ around %or a "hi!e *t !oo#ed to him as i% the Damoc!es Gu!% "as about to become a ver$ interesting, and ver$ pro%itab!e, p!ace %or a man such as he A OUT THE AUTHOR

(nd$ Hoare "or#s %or Games -or#shop as a games designer, "here he "rites and deve!ops games s$stems and inte!!ectua! propert$ His previous tit!e %or the ;!ac# Librar$ "as $he 12th /lack )rusade bac#ground boo# He !ives in Nottingham, @2