The Martian Anthology [Maintenance][Closed][FT]

[Lady Scylla]

Queenstown, Anseris Province, Mars

The Security Council had convened to discuss national security with the Empress, this was something of a routine occurrence for them all, but Nerys had always taken a keen interest in them. Once the boring discussions about border incidents and some terrorism concerns were addressed, the topic moved along to the various projects Her Imperial Majesty had commissioned.

The Martians had been busy with their military matters with the same energy as they had been with the revitalization of their economy. The country was in a considerably better position financially than it ever was before the war, and the budget had expanded to permit greater spending on defence. Notably, military research. Policy changes also affected much of this, with the Empire turning away from trying to compete against the Big Three, and instead, focus this energy on regional obligations it had with its various territories.

Mars' foreign policy had helped shape this, as well. There was greater interest in the many circles around the Empress to align the Martians with more comparable nations like the Phoenix Domain. The bureaucratic machine had begun to churn and push out policy through the State Department and use its connections throughout the government to bring this interest to fruition. Thus, the Empire was now taking a more active and interventionist role in regional politics and shoring itself up with possible allies. Maintaining a modern, capable navy was a priority.

''We've constructed several thousand new warships over the last few months from the various shipyards, which unlike previously, are fully automated, Your Grace,'' Serano, the Minister of Defence informed the Council, ''We're also increasing production of our automated combat units like the tachikomas and androids. Secretary.''

Serano's gaze settled on Howard Grant, who had been put in charge of the newly reformed Martian Army, as the Secretary of the Army. He wore a green uniform unlike the blues and greys currently present in the meeting. He adjusted his tie and stood up to address them, ''Your Grace, recruitment has greatly increased, as my colleagues will agree, and the Imperial Army is already integrating the use of drones, androids, and other equipment into our ranks. The MK VIII hardsuits are undergoing field tests currently in Martian Occupied Narthis, and so far are yielding promise. Secretary.''

D'kanni stood up next, the nalari was the only non-human present in the Council, and was wearing a white uniform to signify that she was also the Grand Admiral. ''We are closer to making a breakthrough with Project Titan,'' she said, stepping around the table to create a hologram where everyone could see it. ''As you know, we examined the Apophis weapon system and considered the possibility of an anti-ship weapon on a smaller scale. Originally, this project was designed to counter Menelmacari battleplates, which our advisors had informed us would be effective against, but that's no longer our main concern.''

''What's the new concern?'' Grant asked, tapping a pen against his lip has he mused over the hologram.

''Frankly, we were barking up the wrong tree. The Treaty of Queenstown has removed that threat, and we're developing policies to bring us more in line with those nations to avoid further hostilities. That being said, the Titan system will involve a laconium-based power plant for our battleships, this will enable us to contain the necessary neutronium to then fire at targets using wormhole generation. We will be able to strike targets at considerable distance on a platform that is entirely mobile, it'll greatly increase a fleet's firepower. The implications of this new weapon system is that we will no longer be just a local power,'' D'kanni said.

Serano interjected, ''We have considerable naval projection thanks to our phasegates and FSD upgrades, and we have the firepower and technology to better defend our territories. We can exert ourselves in areas of interest now where the Conglomerate couldn't.''

''Which brings us to a major concern, the Eridani,'' Nerys spoke up, clicking a pen on the desk idly as she looked at everyone. D'kanni took a seat as the Empress stood and pulled up a map in the Delta Quadrant, highlighted was the Martian Delta and the Imperium's locations. ''This region of the quadrant is in two competing spheres of influence, and our intelligence has not ruled out further conflict with the Imperium. We have some troubling reports, but nothing we can act on, at least nothing worth breaking the treaty over. Ideally, it'd be in our best interest to avoid conflict if at all possible, but be prepared for it if it comes our way. I've already increased naval presence in Delta, and I've moved research sites elsewhere.''

''If you want peace, prepare for war,'' Serano quoted.

Nerys nodded, ''It's better to be cautious. I want the Bureau of Naval Intelligence and our other agencies to begin working on gathering information about Eridani capabilities, we need information about their fleets, their research, and any other intel that'd be of value to us. That being said, I've instructed the Prime Minister to maintain a degree of transparency with the Eridani and the Forum, so that we aren't in violation of the treaty. It's imperative that if war were to break out in the future, we maintain our defence internationally.''

''There are rumours that the Menelmacari either shared technology or sold ships to the Eridani,'' Serano mused, looking at D'kanni and Grant. Whether this was true or not was anyone's guess, though. Nerys wasn't one to act on such rumours.

''There's also the string of non-aggression pacts the Eridani signed with other Solarian powers,'' Ria spoke up, who was the Secretary of State. ''From an outside perspective, it looks like they're gearing up for war, and the others know about it.''

''This is speculation,'' Nerys scolded, ''I don't want speculation, I want intel and confirmation. For now, we need to continue developing these programs. We're fielding considerably more automated technology and AI in our armed forces than ever before, and we've been mobilising sectors of the economy to increase our industrial output.''

[Lady Scylla]

Queenstown, Anseris Province, Mars

Sometime after the Security Council had convened, the Prime Minister and Empress found themselves in the personal office of the latter, lounging on the balcony. Nerys sat in a chair with a small knee high table next to her that had a tray and an assortment of biscuits, two cups of tea, and a teapot. Rowland, the Prime Minister, had rested against the railing with her arms supporting her as she felt the breeze and the rays of the sun beat down on her.

Now the question that had been asked was lingering in the air like the steam wafting from their cups of tea, and Nerys, who was known to be reticent, did not readily answer without a forethought. Instead, she stirred her tea gently after having adding a modest pinch of milk and sugar. Once the liquid was of an acceptable colour, the Empress gently took her cup and tendered a sip.

''I do not deny,'' the Empress began to speak, her tone even and slow, ''that from the outside looking in, it would give the impression that there was war coming. There's a tension in the air, Rowland. It serves us best, if we are cautious.'' Nerys sipped once more and then rested the cup on a saucer in her lap. She rubbed her thumb along the handle of it, picking at it with the nail.

''Well, the recent string of treaties prevents the others from interfering. That's either a disadvantage or an advantage,'' Rowland mused as she crossed her arms and sighed.

Nerys smiled, ''Now you're beginning to think like an Admiral, Rowland. You have to take a situation and try to use it to your advantage, even if it seems like folly. It's better, sometimes, to do the unexpected and absurd than to be predictable. Other times, it's good to have caution. You may not think it, but we have managed to set everyone else in Sol off-balance. For a generation they have had to deal with a reactionary Martian nation, but now they don't know exactly what to do with us.''

''How do you mean?''

''The new administration, in some ways, concerns them. Not because we are a threat, but because they can't properly put us in a position of predefined notions like they had in the past. Their foreign policy has had to be rewritten and redrawn over what is an unknown to them,'' Nerys spoke, taking another sip of her tea. ''We have the advantage here, in that we can continue to surprise them. Let them think we are weak, that we are still the chaotic and unstable mess that we were. The longer they don't take us seriously, the easier it is for us to rearm, to mobilise, and to make ready in case the winds ever do turn against us.''

[Lady Scylla]

Jackie's Keep, Martian Military Exercises

The IMN Sheffield had joined formation, the battleship was experimental and eagerly being observed by naval officials. Unlike past battleships, the Shieffield had the Titan Mk III prototype weapons system, and was mostly autonomous save for a small crew that was running diagnostics. As the other fleets continued on their own missions, the Shieffield's battlegroup prepared for the test.

The warship had aligned with its targetting coordinates and was now in the process of charging. The ship's laconium powered core whirred to life as the countdown began. It's target was a derelict station at considerable distance that had been decommissioned. What it would do, and if it would work was anyone's guess. The countdown entered the last few seconds, and Martian naval warfare changed.

''Direct hit!'' the announcer for the battlegroup said. A superluminal neutron beam had been fired from the Sheffield, warping to its target and slicing into the multi-layered, armoured hull of the station. The Martians had finally succeeded after several failed tests, but thanks to technology they had learnt from the Nicean, they had developed a new weapon.

[Lady Scylla]

Hypatia City, Republic of Hypatia in the Martian Delta

Ayaru was on her way home. School had been a drag and she was exhausted. Like many kids, she walked to and from school, the government had such extensive CCTV and other surveillance that parents were never all that worried. As she crossed the Germaine Bridge that spanned the river by the same name, she stopped and took a moment to reflect.

A gentle breeze came in from the valley up river and brought with it a mild chill. The double suns were still setting towards the east, just over the Jagged Range, and the colour of the sky had taken on a new palette of purples and reds. The mighty Germaine, one of the largest rivers in the Riu Province, gleamed in pale silver. The Martians had named it after a folk hero known for her strength and resolve in battle, at least that's what her parents had taught her.

Ayaru continued on. She opened her HUD and selected a playlist of music to listen to while she walked. Her family lived outside of Hypatia City, in a small area known as the Clarksford. It was quieter than the immensity of the regional capital, and it meant they could own their own house instead of being stuck in a flat. Her mother would likely still be out working til late, she always was.

A military checkpoint was set on the bridge near the shore that Ayaru was approaching. The self-driving cars that'd come across had to stop there to be checked out, and so did the pedestrians. Ayaru got into line behind three others and stared at the imposing soldiers in their black uniforms and tinted helmets. She always wondered what they looked like behind the black visor, their voices were always robotic to protect their identity.

As she got closer, she could see the giant walker-tank, called a tachikoma. It was never the official name for them, but some obscure media reference that had stuck. Nonetheless, the vehicle in its matte green and the orange seven pointed star of the Empire was a palpable sight. Androids were also present, standing guard along the road and carefully watching the traffic.

''Next,'' one of the soldiers called. His voice was deep, and it echoed through the speaker in his helmet. Ayaru stepped forward cautiously as the man asked her name. Soldiers had access to the criminal database and could just look at a person's face and be in proximity to get personal details. Her face was scanned confirming her name and displaying other info.

Her shard, which sat in the cortical implant in her neck, was remotely accessed and pulled up further data such as her parents, where she went to school and so on. Not all of this was available to the soldier, indeed if he tried to access it, it'd ask him if he had a warrant ID, but it did allow him to identify who she was with the basic info and whether she had any connections to terrorists or other troublesome groups.

''Business?'' the soldier asked.

''I'm heading home from school,'' Ayaru spoke hesitantly. The soldier waved her on through and she began to walk. The tachikoma turned and looked at her with its red, bleak eyes and its main gun as she did. As she passed through the checkpoint she took several deep breaths. She was always shaken crossing through there, many of the other kids thought she was a baby, but the soldiers always made her nervous.

She arrived at last in Clarksford. A fence along the road marked out her family's land, it wasn't large but had a comfortable yard. Her neighbour, Ms. Gertrude, was out tending to some magnolias that she had been growing since last year. When Ayaru arrived, the old lady in her straw hat sat down the clippers she had and waved. ''Ayaru! Welcome home, Ayaru!''

''Kia ora, Ms. Gertrude!'' Ayaru smiled and waved. Her neighbour had come from an old New Zealand colony back on Mars, and Ayaru had made a note to learn the greeting in Maori. Ayaru pushed open the gate and latched it shut then stared at the small gravel path to her home. The house was a prefab that was shipped in a few years ago, it was quite pretty with its dark burgundy paint and large windows.

As she came closer to the door, the doggie door came flying open and Ayaru was quickly acquainted with gravity as Spark pounced. Ayaru's mum was allergic to dogs and cats, so when Ayaru wanted a pet, they got her a robot companion. Spark resembled a dog, and indeed, his neural matrix was mapped from a dog a long time ago, but he was completely machine. It was him or a large spider bot, but her mum wouldn't have any of that.

''Heya, Spark!'' Ayaru laughed, she pulled a stone from the path and tossed it, ''Go get it!'' Spark jumped off and sped towards the stone as Ayaru climbed to her feet. She continued into the house and hung her bag up beside the door. ''I'm home!''

''Welcome home, Ayaru,'' came the robotic greeting from an android as it rounded the corner. Ayaru nearly jumped.

''What the..''

''Your mum rented a cleaner,'' her father spoke up from the living room, ''She said she's working later today, so she wouldn't be able to clean the house. How was school?''

Ayaru moved past the dust-cleaning android and into the living room. Her father was sitting on a recliner watching television. He was an older man with a balding head. He had lost his legs in the Colonial Wars, and also his arm though it had been replaced with a prosthetic. A few cans of beer were piled up beside him on the coffee table. He had his trousers tied in knots at the end of his knees, and red suspenders kept them up. A white undershirt sat beneath the straps.

''It was fine, I did really good on my civil service exam,'' Ayaru said.

Her father nodded and looked back to the television, ''That's good, good.'' He pointed towards the kitchen, ''Your mum made you some dinner before she left for work, said she was sorry she wasn't around when you left this morning. It's.. uh.. I think she said it was mealworm soup.''

Ayaru nodded and walked into the kitchen. There was a note from her mum on the fridge that read much the same thing that her father had explained. A small device magnetically attached to the front of the fridge displayed a list of bills in augmented reality via Ayaru's HUD. She didn't say anything and fetched herself a glass of water.

When she entered the living room again, her father was fast asleep in his chair. She waved her hand and the television shut off as she headed upstairs to her room. Spark had joined her and curled up on her bed as she changed out of her school uniform. She was glad to be rid of it. She hopped on the bed in a set of pyjamas and a cardigan and flipped through the news in her HUD.

There'd been a bombing on Caracalla, news of a string of brain-hacks, and a story about the Empress. Ayaru pulled up the last one and began to read over what was an expose of the Martian Empress' life. The image depicted above the article was of the sovereign, Nerys, standing in her military uniform against a dark background of blue. The image conveyed a sense of power, and Ayaru was in awe.

She read through the short biography and began to wonder about what sort of life the Empress had. Her likeness was everywhere in the colonies both in cyberspace and the real world. Posters hung on government buildings depicting her in much the same stance with catchy phrases like 'We build together.' She was depicted with workers and soldiers. Civilians were always smiling and praising her in this same imagery. She was a national hero, but also an icon of Martian strength and identity.

Her parents weren't as attuned to this sense of pride. They had lived in the years before Nerys became Empress, during the time of the Conglomerate. They had a sense of resentment, of pain that she could never quite place.

She got up with this thought in mind and quietly embarked down the stairs into the living room where her father was still soundly sleeping. She muted Spark so he'd not make a sound and searched the bookshelf. Beyond the dusty old books and holotablets were a few trinkets but most importantly her father's photo album. She had always found it odd that he would keep something so old, but this wasn't a new thing with Martian society. Classical forms of media were still popular among collectors.

She daintily withdrew the album, stopping for a moment as her father shifted, then pulled it out more quickly and hurried up the stairs. Once she had returned to the safety of her room she laid out the album on her bed and flipped through the laminate pages. She found what she was looking for, images of her father when he was still in the armed forces of the Conglomerate. He stood happily amongst unfamiliar faces in a lush jungle.

They all looked so exhausted and filthy. The caption written beneath the photo in pen read ''Victory Day, March 25th, 2170''. The day the Martians dropped the bomb on the city of Rta. She flipped through more pages carefully, stumbling on one of her father and Uncle Ben. She didn't know Ben, but she remembered being told about him when she was younger. Her father chose to leave service and settle down after the Colonial Wars, but her Uncle stayed in and died during the Great War.

She flipped the page over and looked over a few more photos. They were images of some of the battlefields he had fought in. History class told her about the Colonial Wars, arguably the Martians' first civil war. Millions died over twenty years of conflict across dozens of systems in the galaxy. Hypatia was an outpost back then, servicing Martian spaceships.

So much was changing and so quickly.

''What are you doing?'' came her father's voice as Ayaru looked up in surprise. He was standing in the doorway with a beer in hand and an empty almost pained look in his eyes. Ayaru closed the album and retreated on the bed as he stepped forward and snatched it up.

''I told you,'' he pointed sternly, ''to stay out of this, Ayaru.''

''I'm sorry, papa. I just wanted see your military photos,'' Ayaru apologised.

Her father heaved a sigh and pointed again as his lips twitched, the stench of beer was unmistakable. He then stepped back without a word as he prosthetic legs clanked and just stared in silence.

Ayaru sat up and wiped away a tear, ''I'm sorry. We were learning about the Empress and the Colonial Wars today and —''

''What the hell are they teaching you in school, Ru? Huh?'' her father almost shouted as he approached her and jabbed her with the album. ''All of this crap. It doesn't matter! For Mars' sake. Just listen to me, will you? You want to see what war looks like, well look no further, Ru. I've got two legs and an arm to show you what it's like, look what my sacrifice got us!''

Ayaru began to cry as there came a quiet shuffle behind her father. Her mother was standing in the doorway.

''Honey,'' she said.

He stormed past her as she stepped aside and looked at Ayaru curled up on the bed. ''Ru — y'know your father doesn't like it when you go through his album,'' she softly spoke and sat on the edge of the bed.

''I know, it's just — we were learning about the war. I just don't understand,'' Ayaru sniffled as her mother gave her a squeeze.

''Your father is stressed. He doesn't see the world like you do, what they teach you in school bothers him. The banners and posters in the city bother him. Y'know how he is, he's very prideful and so much has changed in ways for him that you and even I can't fully understand,'' her mother gently said.

[Lady Scylla]

Hypatia City, Republic of Hypatia in the Martian Delta

The automated taxi pulled up beside the kerb as a man in military khaki lumbered out of the vehicle. The boot opened and he retrieved his ruck before the vehicle pulled away. It was late in the evening and the sultry air was like a coarse wool blanket rubbing against the skin from all sides. The man grunted as he slung his ruck onto his shoulder and meandered his way to his front door.

''Welcome home, Bronson,'' he was greeted by the house's AI as the door unlocked. He stepped inside the dark living room as he ran through bills on his HUD, producing a light glow from his eyes. With a flip of the switch, he was greeted by a room full of people.

''Surprise!'' they shouted in unison, as Bronson quickly stepped back. About a dozen family and friends had gathered in his living room, standing under a banner that read 'Welcome Home'. Cornellia, his sister, greeted him with a kiss to the cheek and a hug as he stared at the room in silence.

''Welcome back, Bronson. Dad!''

Their father took the bag off him as Bronson looked around with weary eyes. They presented him with a cake as Cornellia shut the front door. Bronson was handed a small plate with a slice of cake as everyone began to converse. He stepped into the kitchen and pulled open his fridge to get a beer, leaving the slice of cake on the island in the kitchen.

Cornellia walked in, setting her glass of champagne down and rested against the counter. ''Are you okay, Bron? You haven't said a word,'' she spoke while tapping her fingers on the edge of the counter. The light to the kitchen hadn't been turned on and was only lit by the incoming glow from the living room and the fridge before Bronson shut it and stared at Cornellia for a moment.

He pulled up the tab on the can of beer and took a hearty swig then closed his eyes and raised his head in relief. The clock on the wall could be heard ticking as Cornellia waved away their parents. When Bronson opened his eyes, he looked at her absently, ''How'd you get in?''

Cornellia watched as he pulled open a cabinet over the stove and retrieved a bag of peanuts. He noisily opened it as she tried to speak, popping a salted peanut in his mouth and crunching it loudly. His sister pursed her lips and looked out at the gathering, ''We talked with Sam about it.''

''The landlord? Of course, you did.''

''Bron,'' she said as he walked out of the kitchen.

The party-goers opened a bottle of champagne with a loud pop, and Bron instantly dropped his bag of peanuts, sending them flying across the floor to everyone's surprise. They all stared.

''It's best you all leave,'' he said taking a few deep breaths as he picked up the bag. Cornellia had come out after him and went to help but he swatted her hand away. The room had gone silent as everyone stopped eating, Bronson then vanished into the hallway leading to his bedroom amongst exchanging glances. Cornellia was going to follow but stopped at the shake of her father's head.

Bronson sat on the floor in the dark, sipping from his beer as he ate what remained of his peanuts. He could hear the sound of cars pulling up out front and doors as the guests left. There was a gentle knock at the door, barely audible, and then followed by the click of the handle turning.

''What d'you want?'' Bronson said, not looking at the figure that emerged from the hall.

''Don't blame Cornellia, it was my idea. She wanted to do something special, and I suggested —''

''Thanks, but no thanks,'' Bronson spoke, loudly biting a peanut with a sigh.

The figure stepped closer into the moonlight that had cut across the room and bathed Bronson in milky silver. The man rested his hand on his son's shoulder as he felt him sigh deeply, painfully. ''I know you don't want to talk about it, son. The galaxy is a cruel, cruel place and there's a lot in life that we just can't make sense of. I know,'' he gave a gentle squeeze and presented Bronson with an unopened bag of peanuts.

Bronson looked up at him, and he could see the subtle glimmer on his face. His son took the bag and sat it beside him quietly as his father carefully sat down next to him, ''Didn't think I wouldn't at least bring my own, did you?'' His father held up a can of beer with a gentle smile.

''We don't need to talk if you don't want to, that's not what is important right now,'' his father said, opening the can and taking a sip as the two sat quietly in the dark. The sultry air had begun to cool and a gentle breeze rustled the branches of the tree outside. Bronson shared his bag of peanuts and the two snacked as the light of the moon slowly grew brighter.

[Lady Scylla]

Hypatia City, Republic of Hypatia in the Martian Delta

Ayaru moved along the bustling streets of Hypatia City. Skyscrapers of silver and aqua towered overhead like a titan's fingers reaching out towards the large, puffy clouds of white which floated aimlessly in the ocean coloured sky. She had come to a zebra crossing, as a red warning flashed in her HUD to warn her to stop. Others had gathered around her as the traffic began to move.

A ship entered the atmosphere with a loud bang overhead that drew her attention. As it slowed down, she watched it disappear over the buildings. It was likely heading to the nearby shuttle port where it would exchange passengers before taking off again to Breda Station. Breda, as she had learnt, was the port-of-entry for Hypatia, and all traffic was required to go through it.

She always wanted to travel on a shuttle. She'd seen pictures of her blue planet that influencers had taken on social media. She'd seen pictures of Breda Station as well, and she looked for it often at night. Occasionally, one could see a very faint silhouette of the station high above, but only if it was on their side of the planet. It was strange that something so large could seem so small.

A message flashed in her vision that she could walk, and indeed the crossing signs indicated as much as the cars pulled to a stop. Ayaru crossed the street and continued on, working her way through the crowds of people. She had come to another crossing and stared at the blind man standing at the corner. He was a tall fellow with a cane and dark sunglasses. She didn't mean to stare, but the sight was peculiar.

''You shouldn't stare,'' a man said next to her. She looked up at the man who had a faint shadow of stubble and a brimmed hat. He was wearing a long coat and slacks, and a dark brown vest over a shirt. He eyed the blind man for a moment and then looked back down at Ayaru. She wasn't terribly short, but the man was definitely above average height, at least for a Hypatian.

''You're Martian?''

The man nodded, ''I am. Everyone makes their choices.''

Ayaru stared confused at that as the crossing updated and everyone began to walk. She'd forgotten to move herself until it donned on her and then hurried after the stranger. ''Wait! Tell me about Mars!'' she exclaimed.

''What d'you want to know?'' he asked while she caught her breath. She was an odd sort, he thought. But that was how the Hypatians were, the 'Don't talk to strangers' wasn't a common utterance heard here. Mars was very different.

''What's it like? Are you all so tall?''

The man nodded, ''For the most part. The average height is around two metres on Mars, because of the lower gravity. Hypatia is more Earth-sized if I remember correctly.''

Ayaru's eyes grew bigger, ''Isn't that painful for you?''

''It's certainly not comfortable, I have to take medication for the first few months to ward off the gravity sickness. You get accustomed to it eventually, but I'm also cybernetic.''

''Wow, just like me!'' Ayaru said, stepping aside as they passed a vendor. ''So what's Mars like?''

''You have a lot of questions,'' he said, taking a moment to pull up a schedule in his HUD. He looked down at Ayaru as they came to another crossing, she'd grown quiet. ''It's green. Not as green as Hyp, but most of the country is settled along the Hellas Sea, so there's that. It's also colder and rainier. Hypatia City is pretty modern, more sleek to the older looking sprawls on Mars. You see a lot of red. It's a favourite colour in architecture, and there's a lot of Old World influence from Earth, notably Roman and East Asian influences that you don't get here.''

''I've always wanted to see it. I'm Ayaru,'' she said with a smile.

He nodded, ''Bronson. Nice to meet you.''

''I'm going to the Waygarden, since the Empress is supposed to be arriving sometime later today. I've always wanted to meet her, what about you?''

Bronson shifted on his feet, the crossing had changed and they hadn't walked, and now it was too late as it had changed again. He watched the automated cars move along past them. ''I've heard great things about her,'' he said quietly. He pulled up the schedule again in his HUD and checked the times. ''I'm actually heading to the Waygarden as well.''

''No way, really?'' Ayaru asked, to which Bronson nodded. At last the change came and they kept walking again. ''Are you going to see the Empress too?''

''That and there's a Martian tea shop on Bickwent that has the tea I like to get, plus a few sweets. How about it? My treat.''

[Lady Scylla]

Hypatia City, Republic of Hypatia in the Martian Delta

Cornellia sat at the small dining room table, it was circular and made of a light wood. She kept a warm mug of tea in her hand with the packet still seeping in the hot water and the string lying across her hand. She picked at the brim of the mug with her thumb as she stared at nothing. Her husband, Surrey, came in with the groceries and sat them down on the counter. He had stopped only for a moment to get a quick peck from her and then begin to put the items he'd gotten from the market away.

''It's bloody hot outside, I tell ya what,'' he huffed. ''Carmichael's didn't have the milk you were after though, so I got a slightly more expensive one. Honey?''

''Sorry,'' Cornellia said, setting her tea aside and twisting in her chair to look at Surrey. She gave him a faint smile, which he returned with a confused glance. ''He looked broken,'' she quietly said, letting her eyes fall to the floor. Surrey put down the groceries and wrapped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head as he felt her shake.

''I know, I know,'' he sympathetically said, pulling her face up and taking a moment to wipe it with his shirt.

''This damn war,'' Cornellia cursed, ''I know my brother, and he was not like that. Did you see his eyes? It was like there was just — nothing.''

Surrey held her closer as she began to sob again and clenched his shirt tightly. There wasn't much else he could do for her right now. After sometime, she finally stopped and he could step away and fetch her some tissues. She wiped her eyes and nose and took a few minutes to collect herself. The steam had stopped wafting from her tea, so Surrey pulled the kettle from the stove and made her a new cup.

''Why don't we go for a walk? After I finish putting away everything, does that sound good? We can go to the Waygarden,'' Surrey suggested.

Cornellia nodded, ''His favourite tea shop is there actually, on the Bentwick.''

[Lady Scylla]

Hypatia City, Republic of Hypatia in the Martian Delta

Ayaru climbed onto the chair and took a large bite of the doughnut nestled in the white wrapper. It was filled with strawberry, her favourite, with vanilla icing. Bronson had joined her with his own and relaxed in the chair as he looked out towards the river. A few boxes of tea were sitting on the table next to his arm in a small bag. The two quietly enjoyed their doughnuts as the bustle of the city became little more than background noise.

''I've always wondered why they call it the Waygarden,'' Ayaru mused aloud.

Bronson swallowed what he had in his mouth and wiped his face with a napkin as he thought about it, ''I think it's because of the river. This whole part of town is built along paths that run alongside it.'' It was as good a guess as any, he thought. It's like how they came up with the name Bickwent for the river. There's no town of that name, but it was probably named after someone.

That being said, the Waygarden was massive. The shuttle port had many pads for incoming craft and thousands crossed through the area just about every hour. Tram lines ran both above ground and underground and linked up much of the city. Shops and attractions lined the streets and large hotels were nestled in strategic locations. It had a very garden like feel to it as well. The streets were cobbled instead of paved and canopied with hanging plants like vines.

''So why'd ya come to Hyp?''

Bronson was torn from his musings by the question and stared at Ayaru blankly for a second. ''The Great War. I lived in Queenstown, at the time it had a different name. It wasn't safe for us any more so my family moved here during reconstruction,'' he said, clenching his jaw for a moment.

''I've heard my papa talk about the war, I was too young to remember it,'' Ayaru said, staring at her half-eaten doughnut. The street had quieted down now as many of the tourists that frequent the area had moved on for the moment. The area around them darkened under shadow bringing with it coolness much to their relief as Bronson leaned back in his chair.

''What flavour is that by the way?'' Ayaru asked as she stared at the second doughnut tucked away in the bag with Bronson's tea. He looked down at it and then retrieved it. It looked unassuming, like any other éclair, but it had a word attached to it that Ayaru didn't know.

Bronson carefully unwrapped it from its film and tore off a piece. A purple, almost glittery filling spilled out onto the wrapper and was very aromatic with an almost acrid smell. Ayaru covered her nose though she accepted the offer for a piece from Bronson. ''This is called a r'wokuora éclair,'' he chuckled as Ayaru took a bite and immediately made a face.

''Ugh!'' she spat, ''Er—wa—coo? It's disgusting, so spicy and weird!''

''R'wokuora. It's a nalari fruit, one of the few humans can eat. It's also called the Purple Gemfruit,'' Bronson smirked.

''It smells like vinegar but tastes spicy, and sour, and sweet. How d'ya stand that?'' she said, stretching her face out in a wide frown of disgust as the after-taste lingered. She stuffed the remainder in a napkin and pushed it as far from her as possible. This was much to the amusement of Bronson who took a bite of his half without so much of a wince.

''Generally, gemfruit works best when you've got something to pair it with. It's definitely not for everyone, the nalari love it though. They like to make a salted tea from its leaves,'' Bronson said, finishing his half by stuffing the rest of it in his mouth, making his cheeks bulge out like a chipmunk. Ayaru laughed at the sight, and soon Bronson was laughing.

''Hey! Look!'' Ayaru pointed as a loud rumbling echoed overhead. Bronson looked up and could see a shuttle being escorted by several others of the local marshals as they rocketed across the sky. The Empress had arrived. ''C'mon! I don't want to miss it,'' Ayaru said suddenly, grabbing Bronson by the coat as he slid off the chair. The pair hurried off Bickwent and towards the shuttle port.

They headed to the botanical gardens that sat beneath a massive glass dome. A shuttle pad was nearby within the garden's entry area. The location was chosen to maintain the crowds which had already started to swell in great number. As the pair arrived at the east entryway, they could see marshals and soldiers turning people away except for a few.

''Sorry folks, we're already near capacity. Unless you've got a pass to enter, you're going to need to move to the convention centre!'' one of the marshals said loudly.

Ayaru, whose enthusiasm had been hardly containable, was now having such wane at the announcement. Bronson approached anyway as the marshals stared up at the Martian. ''Sir, you'll need to move to the convention centre,'' the man repeated.

''Sergeant Rivens,'' Bronson said, ''You can access my credentials, Marshal.''

The marshal did, which Ayaru could tell only from the light that lit up in the man's eyes. After a moment, he stepped aside and gestured for them to enter. Once the two had moved past the checkpoint, Ayaru looked up at Bronson, ''How d'ya manage that?''

''I was a soldier, a marine to be exact. So, we have some perks regular civilians don't,'' Bronson grinned as he looked at the tightly packed crowd. He slid his hands into his pockets and checked a schedule in his HUD again. There were at the very least a few thousand people inside the gardens, it was perfect, he thought. Ayaru grabbed ahold of his coat as they started to navigate the crowd towards the front.

The sound of the Empress' shuttle could be heard roaring overhead as it circled over the Waygarden, likely awaiting clearance. Bronson's size meant most people weren't willing to argue about him trying to get past them towards his goal. Ayaru stayed close behind, still holding onto his coat since she couldn't see anything other than a wall of people.

At last though, Bronson had brought them as close as he could. Everyone had gathered tightly at the front, and he was in the best position he could be. Not straight out in the front of the crowd, but not too far back he couldn't see. He looked around the large glass dome with its metal frame. Plants hung from the rafters around the giant opening for the shuttles, and banners of the Empress hung down with various messages.

The shuttle had got its clearance and began its descent into the dome as everyone stared up in awe and cheered. People began waving flags and shouting as the large, four engined craft carefully manoeuvred onto the pad. Everyone began to sing now.

''From gracious Mars to glorious lands
Our Queen and Empire, by Her command
O say, thee Mars, mightily proud!

That our Empire strives o'er gracious seas
O' stars and lands far between
O say, thee Mars, who guards us still!''

The shuttle touched down and the vibrations of the powerful engines could be felt through the ground before they were cut. A door opened on the side of the sleek looking craft as several marshals and marines exited the vehicle first, and then the Empress. A new song had begun, Mars save the Empress as a band had started to play the tune. Bronson gripped the pistol in his pocket and stepped forward.

[Lady Scylla]

Hypatia City, Republic of Hypatia in the Martian Delta

Bronson could feel the blood pumping in his head. He gripped the gun tight in his pocket and moved with determination forward. His eyes were on the Empress. Every breath was quick. The music faded. One quick motion and it'd be over.

''I can't see,'' Ayaru said, tugging on Bronson's coat. He stopped. Every muscle in hid body was stiff, rigid like a viper in coil and ready to strike. He looked down at Ayaru and back towards the platform. He loosened his grip and tapped on a man's shoulder in front of them.

''Excuse me, sir. She's too short to see,'' Bronson said apologetically as he smiled at the man. The older gentleman, who looked to be well in his eighties stepped back to let them stand upfront. Ayaru didn't need any convincing and immediately took a spot by the barricade with Bronson beside her. He loosened his grip on the handle as Ayaru stared in awe.

''It's really her! Check it out, Bronson!''

''I'm not blind, I can see that just fine,'' he smiled. The Empress waved to the cheering crowds as she stepped off the platform and began to walk towards their direction. People were stretching out their hands and trying to get her attention as flashes from cameras illuminated the walkway. As she drew near, Bronson removed his hands from his pocket and perhaps in a stroke of genius nudged Ayaru who was leaning on the barricade.

''Ah!'' Ayaru fell over towards the walkway, and there was some commotion as guards rushed towards the Empress. ''Ow!'' Ayaru spoke, brushing herself off and then staring at a pair of boots. She slowly looked up and could see the Empress staring down at her. She had her hand up behind her, which had stopped her security.

''Are you alright?'' Nerys asked, stepping down from the raised metal causeway into the small trench between the barricade and it. The Empress outstretched a hand and helped her up as Bronson cautiously crossed the barricade to get Ayaru. He kept his hands visible for security who were watching them and reached out to take Ayaru by the arm.

''Sorry about that, Your Majesty, she got excited,'' he apologised. Ayaru came to her feet and stared misty eyed at the sovereign. The entire incident seemed to have amused the monarch who looked at her with a soft, warm gaze.

Nerys then pleasantly smiled and nodded, ''What's your name?'' she asked.

''Ayaru,'' she answered, like all Martians, Nerys was exceptionally tall. The Empress was wearing a pearly white naval uniform decorated with medals and a sabre strapped to her side. A shouldered cape covered her left arm and she wore white gloves.

''Well, Ayaru. It's very nice to meet you, you should be a bit more careful. Here,'' Nerys said, taking a moment to pull the Order of the Stag pin from her uniform. She presented it to Ayaru, who cautiously accepted it. ''This is a very important symbol of my authority, the Stag is the King of the forests, whose role is meant to protect it and all the other animals living within its bounds. It's a symbol of great courage and responsibility, and I hope you'll find it useful, Ayaru,'' the Empress smiled.

''Thank you, Your Majesty,'' Ayaru said, staring at the silver and gold medallion which had a stag's head with antlers depicted on it in a star. Nerys ruffled Ayaru's hair for a moment as she stood and looked at Bronson.

''Where did you serve?''

''I'm sorry?'' Bronson said, stepping back at the question.

Nerys tilted her head, ''I was a Grand Admiral long before this, I know a marine when I see one.''

''Narthis, Your Majesty,'' he said. Nerys nodded and looked down at the man's attire, his hands trembled by his sides as she looked up at his eyes again. He could see the brown in hers, like deep pools of honey but eagle-eyed with a sharp gaze. There was a momentary flash of light from them as the two stared quietly.

''We all carry our burdens, Sergeant Rivens. I think you know that more than most, but don't let them define you. You always have a choice,'' Nerys said, looking down at Ayaru. One of Nerys' security stepped up behind her to say something, and the Empress gave a smile and a polite bow before walking away to continue to the convention centre.

As she left, Bronson heaved a sigh as his complexion went pale and he stepped back with Ayaru over the barricade at the direction of the marshals. Ayaru held onto his coat as they carefully navigated out of the crowd and back onto the street. ''Are you okay? You don't look so good,'' Ayaru aid as Bronson leaned against the brick wall.

''Bron!'' Cornellia called out, running to them with Surrey walking behind. She had a bag hanging from her arm as she gave her brother a hug. ''What are you doing out? Has Mars frozen over? You look like you've seen a ghost!'' She stepped back and looked at the two curiously.

''Cornellia, this is Ayaru, I met her earlier. Ayaru, this is my sister, Cornellia and her husband, Surrey,'' Bronson pointed as he caught his breath.

''Nice to meet you, Ayaru,'' Cornellia greeted with a bow. Ayaru returned the favour as Surrey finally caught up to the gang in no real hurry. ''Now tell me, what are you doing out? Especially here of all places!''

''I could ask you the same thing, actually,'' Bronson said, looking at the bag.

''I got some of your favourite tea from that shop on Bickwent, I noticed you were out at home. I also got those disgusting things you'd dare call a doughnut,'' Cornellia spoke, looking at the bag Bronson pulled from his coat pocket. ''Well, now you've got extra,'' she pouted.

''She was worried about you,'' Surrey spoke up. ''We were thinking about doing dinner, wacha say, Bron?''

Cornellia looked at Ayaru, ''You can come too, if you'd like! If your parents are okay with that, hell, bring them along. The more the merrier!''

Bronson looked at Ayaru with a shrug, ''You did follow a stranger around all day,'' he chuckled.

''My mum's super busy, and my papa isn't big on company. I can ask though, he'll probably want to know a bit about you first,'' Ayaru said.

Cornellia nodded, ''That's understandable.''

''She's always inviting people over for dinner, she wanted to be a chef once upon a time. Asking strangers over for dinner is like her thing,'' Bronson said, getting a firm punch in the arm from Cornellia for the remark as he laughed.

''Hey! I don't hear you complaining about my cooking!''

''That's because I'm too busy trying not to vomit,'' Bronson laughed at his sister's protest, with Ayaru joining in.

''Well, here,'' Cornellia said, sharing her shard ID with Ayaru virtually. ''Your parents can look that over, dinner will be at 6. Maybe you can convince your old man to join us, I'm making ratatouille and a glazed roast,'' Cornellia smiled. She then looked at Bronson, ''Take care, I need to get home and get things started now, enjoy your nasty doughnuts.''

As the couple walked off, leaving Bronson and Ayaru on the corner again, Ayaru looked at the time herself. ''I need to get home now,'' she said, calling for an automated taxi remotely.

''Alright, Ayaru. Well, take care of yourself, hopefully my sister didn't scare you. She can be a bit —''

''Like a Hypatian? I like her. I'll give my parents her info and they can look it over. Thanks for the doughnuts, Bron,'' she laughed. A white car pulled up beside them and the door opened as Ayaru climbed in. Bronson gave her a wave which she returned before the door shut and the car pulled away.

He watched the vehicle drive off and stood from the wall as he grew pale again. He took several breaths and walked towards the rail that ran along the river. He wrapped his fingers around the cold railing and stared intently at the water below as he shook for a few minutes. The foot traffic along the street had died down considerably now as the botanical gardens emptied and others moved on towards the convention centre. Soon, Bronson was alone on the street.

He reached into his pocket and felt the handle of the pistol he had stowed there early in the morning. His mind went over the events in the botanical gardens over and over again as he stood there in silence. Nerys' words hung in his mind as he carefully looked around the street. He pulled the firearm from his pocket and looked at it. It had a silver finish with a white grip.

He methodically pulled the slide off and quickly removed the trigger assembly and firing pin. He dumped the magazine in his pocket and tossed the disassembled thing into the water with a plop. He watched the ripples slowly expand outward from where he had tossed it and idly played with the trigger assembly in his hand before placing it in his pocket.

He looked up at the sky, the suns were behind buildings, casting the entire river into shade. He stepped away from the railing and took a breath as his hands topped shaking and the colour returned to his face. ''My nasty doughnuts,'' he chuckled, walking down the path as he started to whistle.

[Lady Scylla]

.H..M..G. Her Majesty's Government Official Communique : PM Summary Report STATUS : CLASSIFIED; Security of Communication Act, Section 5.3 VERIFICATION : Verified by State Security Intelligence Check — Token [REDACTED] Sen : N 17 Ardern Street, Prime Minister's Residence, Queenstown; Prime Minister Rowland's Office — Key [REDACTED] Rec : 7500 Hebrides Road, Palace of Northminster, Northminster; Crown Office of Communications — Key [REDACTED] This is an official summary of national affairs by the Prime Minister; National Security Briefing Any urgent matters of interest or on-going events such as military operations Naval Intelligence continues to monitor the ongoing Welded threat in the Fenvarian Republic. It has been 41 days since the start of the Welded-aligned rebellion in the Sror system. Initial reactions by the Fenvarians were swift but reports have indicated that the advance has stalled into trench warfare. Casualty estimates put the loss of life at 4 billion since the conflict began, a concerning development. The planet of Ratzu II has reportedly been destroyed. Casualties of a relief fleet are estimated to be around 40-50%. Naval Secretary Serano has recommended continued caution regarding the situation and has suggested a relief effort for civilians caught in the conflict. Because the Welded pose a significant biological threat to the health of Martian personnel, the Ministry of Defence has advised against any deployment of personnel to aid the Fenvarians. The MoD recommends that if a relief effort is to be conducted by the IMN then it should be done by fully automated craft and droids that can be destroyed after deployment. So far the Fenvarians have refused any offers of aid. The IMN is making preparations for long-term deployment of military forces in the Nicean Reach to safeguard Martian interests in the region for the sake of national security. Counter-terrorism operations are expected to begin in earnest by both State Security and Civil Defence who will coordinate on the ground with Naval Intelligence operatives to combat potential insurgencies by Nicean sympathisers. 1,200 sympathisers have reportedly been apprehended on Narthis and taken off-world to a secured location for enhanced interrogation according to State Security. Diplomacy Briefing Report on any developments in diplomacy or intrigue The Fenvarians and Domain have recently signed onto the Beta Economic Security Agreement, bringing them under the umbrella of the Mutual Prosperity treaties that have been signed with the Californian Empire, Auracexian Hegemony, and the Free Republic of Free States. The Office of Foreign Affairs has recommended reaching out to the Menelmacari for a similar treaty as well as the Nimatojin, the latter of which they believe will be imperative to maintain cordial relations with ahead of the Northern Expansion into the Reaches. Economic Report Covers economic developments in each quadrant such as trade and internal commerce ALPHA The Northern Expansion is underway with several megacorps making preparations to begin surveys into the Northern Corridor of the Solarian Reaches. Naval Corps of Engineers are working on mapping out neutron stars in the region for possible starways. A new phasegate expansion plan is also being considered to connect more areas of the Reaches, but will be pending the budgetary discussions in Parliament. BETA Travel restrictions have been placed on the Nicean Reach for all Nalari and Niceans currently residing in the military dominion as mandated by Governor-General Alexander Peterson. This will allow the government to conduct the necessary economic surveys of resources and capital in the region, notably that of laconium. A travel program has been suggested by the State Department to permit travel out of the region if so many hours are worked, requiring Nalari and Nicean to reach certain quotas. The National Security Committee has this proposal under review. Estimates of laconium in the region suggest that the Empire may meet its current demand but will need to look elsewhere for future deposits. An assessment of infrastructure has revealed a disparity that will require significant investment but the Department of Commerce estimates that the gains from such will be worthwhile. DELTA The economies of the Martian Delta are growing strongly, with the recent economic report from the Treasury showing that growth has tripled. The Empire is on track to become one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. More concerning has been the effects of the Automated Revolution, causing large numbers of unemployment. Social services report that the claims are within their limits but may suggest more funding. The Department of Commerce expects a transitionary workforce to develop in the region as workers leave the last manufacturing jobs into service sectors. Intelligence Report Reports from intelligence services in each quadrant about rebellions, matters of interests ALPHA There have been no major developments in the Alpha Quadrant at this time. Civil Defence and Naval Intelligence continue to monitor Nimatojin and Menelmacari assets and movements in the region but are determined low risk. BETA The Welded threat remains a concern, posing a medium risk according to Civil Defence. Astropolitically, the Domain and Fenvarian have both shifted more favourably towards Martian interests. The security threat presented by the Domain in the region has been downgraded to low risk. DELTA Naval Intelligence is monitoring the Eridani Imperium's movements, but notes there has not been any significant change. Still, the Security Council has not downplayed the threat the Eridani still pose in the region. The chances of conflict remain low currently but tensions are still high in the region, with Delta colonies remaining cautious. Increased naval deployments in the region have helped assuage these concerns from the frontier. Piracy has reportedly dropped by 3% since last report, the main focus of State Security and the IMN has been Kadrian raiders coming into the Martian periphery. With the Anti-Brigandry Bill coming up for a vote soon, Naval Intelligence recommends increasing surveillance once quadrant wide anti-piracy operations begin. Recommendations Actions recommended by the PM Increase surveillance on Eridani movements to align ourselves with the concerns of the Security Council. Support a humanitarian relief effort for civilians in the Fenvarian Republic. Reach out to the Nimatojin and Menelmacari for a potential trade agreement.

Credit to Macisikan for the initial format code.

[Lady Scylla]

Aquila Rift, Northern Corridor, Solarian Reaches

Emblazoned by the light of the cosmos, the steely body of the Minerva drifted silently against the backdrop of space. She was a sleek explorer frigate whose designer and owner spared no expense on form or function. That owner being one James Moore Pierce, a retired captain of the Imperial Martian Navy.

Captain Pierce had quit his retirement the moment the first contracts went out, and his personal ship was especially attractive to DuVal Industries who needn't furnish him a vessel required for the task at hand. But there was another reason they immediately swept up his application. So attractive was the opportunity that Pierce offered that DVI paid Pierce an advance of nearly half a million Martian pounds.

The Minerva was fast. Pierce hadn't wasted time or thought about whether he wanted to be conventional when he poured his retirement into this ship. Outfitted with omnispectral scanners and a multi-million pound holographic situation room that could provide data in real-time meant the ship would first be thought of as very conventional. But there was also a tiki bar and virtual environment centre for recreation. Plus a swimming pool.

Pierce was as much about the mission as he was about the luxury, and the Minerva balanced both. But perhaps the most important part of the ship was not the scientific equipment he had invested in or the large cinema he had installed, but the DuVal Industries' experimental Hermes V frameshift drive — something that far outclassed the competition in both efficiency and range.

But it really wasn't the drive that was so spectacular. Sure, the fuel efficiency was top of its class, but the real bread and butter were the two Wolfgang dual-cycle laconium integrated fusion reactors made by DuVal. They put Yokohama Corporation's Fenrir to shame. And that was why DuVal threw so much money at Pierce that it would have been nearly impossible for him to refuse.

Word had come at last that the imperial government was going to award colonial charters and that the northern corridor was now up for grabs. In something as simple as a proclamation, the Empress had conveniently drawn a wedge in the Reaches between two major trade routes and stated, "Have at it." And it wasn't a bad thing.

Truth was, the Empire was strict on land ownership. The bureaucratic tape involved was a nightmare and for a century now the Martians had refused to expand any further. This proclamation changed all that, the opportunity for staking one's claim and founding a legacy was very attractive to men like Pierce.

"Captain Pierce," the ship's onboard intelligence drew Pierce's attention away from the large windows of his bridge.

Pierce held a cup of coffee in his hand as he looked towards the small camera in the ceiling that quietly observed in return with its dull light. "Yes, Darling?" Pierce asked with a smile.

"You have a comm request from Danielle of DuVal Industries, she has flagged it as urgent," Darling responded.

Pierce cracked his neck and sipped his coffee with the contentment of his view from the window. The glow of the system's A-type star with its bluish radiance was nothing less than beautiful. "Alright, Darling. Put 'er through, let's see what the dams wants," he spoke in his typical Martian accent.

A hologram appeared on the bridge in a large rectangle with the video feed of Danielle Morrison, Pierce's handler for the contract. It was Danielle's job to assess his performance and ensure that he was meeting the company's expectations. The brown-haired woman did not return the smile Piece greeted her with, her cold dull eyes stared back instead.

"G'morning, Ms Danielle," Pierce said in a more chipper tone than he would generally give. In reality, he was probably about as apathetic as this woman looked. If DuVal had learnt how to make a corpse talk, that'd be Danielle.

"Mr Pierce."

"Captain Pierce," Pierce interjected, a muscle poking through his skin along the jawline of his face.

"Riight. As you understand, DuVal Industries, in meeting with the requirements of its shareholders, will be routinely reviewing your performance for the duration of your contract. In doing so, this will involve interviews and inquiries into the operational decisions you partake in. The company will also routinely request observational data from your surveys and overall exploration, as well as a monthly report detailing your assessment of the systems you have surveyed that can be looked over by our analysis and colonial acquisition team. Do you understand?"

Pierce sipped his coffee and smacked his lips with a sigh, "I do. I've just finished my scans of the system marked 1A in the Picus sector."

"And what do you have to report?"

"Well, unless you're planning on geneering a bunch of folk into breathing sulphur, this is not the colony you are looking for," Pierce said.

"Right, that concludes this interview," Danielle responded as the transmission closed.

"She has terminated the communication," Darling announced.

Pierce sipped his coffee again and focused back out on the distant star. "I guess the dams isn't one for small talk, no matter. Darling, set us on a course for the next system in our itinerary, we have a lot of work to do."

"Yes, Captain Pierce."

[Lady Scylla]

.H..M..G. Her Majesty's Government Official Communique : PM Summary Report STATUS : CLASSIFIED; Security of Communication Act, Section 5.3 VERIFICATION : Verified by State Security Intelligence Check — Token [REDACTED] Sen : N 17 Ardern Street, Prime Minister's Residence, Queenstown; Prime Minister Rowland's Office — Key [REDACTED] Rec : 7500 Hebrides Road, Palace of Northminster, Northminster; Crown Office of Communications — Key [REDACTED] This is an official summary of national affairs by the Prime Minister; National Security Briefing Naval Intelligence reports indicate a continued build-up of Nyteborne military forces and a growing refugee crisis along the Gamma-Delta demarcation. Recently, the Nyteborne have loosened their restrictions on artificial intelligence and continue to bolster their fleet numbers. Our observations have concluded that Nyteborne hostilities will enter a new phase that shall expand their theatre of war over a wider area of space. The Security Council has determined that decisions made during the onset of the Marto-Nyteborne conflict ensured that combat losses were minimal in exchange for the tacit ceding of Gamman territories. This decision has predicated the Martian Delta's security and bought enough time for the Empire's military to recover from the Great War by otherwise removing its most vulnerable territories and assets from the equation in order to consolidate its strength. At last report, the Martian military by numbers alone has already surpassed the full combat strength of the Martain Conglomerate, the Empire's predecessor. To date, the use of automation in the armed forces now outnumbers our personnel by 3-1 and will continue to grow as more facilities are finished and begin production. The MoD has already finalised its agreement with the Yokohama Corporation for 1,200 Leviathan-class Citadels, the majority of which will be moved into the Delta Quadrant to reinforce the frontier. While Project Titan was intended to be a counter to the Menelmacari's modernisation program and the continued development of their battleplates, it has become apparent to the Security Council that the Sovereign-class battleships now utilising this weapon system will prove useful in future conflicts with other foes, such as the Nyteborne. In short, years of planning and development have ensured that the Martian Delta remains secure against future Nyteborne excursions, and the Security Council is confident that any such incident would be repelled. The question of renewing hostilities with the Nyteborne, for which peace has not yet been signed, is still under review, but that such a treaty seems unlikely without a clear victor. That being said, total fleet strength in the Martian Delta now sits at 11 stationed fleets comprising nearly 165,000 warships, representing now nearly half of the Empire's total naval capacity. As well, nearly a billion personnel and automated units have now been deployed to the frontier in the Martian Delta. Yokohama and DuVal Industries continue to meet schedules for production from their autofactories which have greatly expanded. DVI's Ewanport is now fully operational as is Yokohama's Makemake Naval Facility. Sato has also announced a 17.9 trillion pound expansion of its naval production for the IMN with over a dozen new foundries now planned in the Solarian Reaches as a part of the Great Northern Expansion.

Credit to Macisikan for the initial format code.

[Lady Scylla]

Professor Greene rested against his desk with his fingers wrapped around the edge. He was a mid-30s graduate of this very university — Vela Heights. He’d become the primary professor of the History and Civics class, and for the last several years had done so admirably. He was passionate about the subject, and the question he had posed had just stumped his students.

“What is a Martian?” he had asked them. “We’ve spent the last several weeks learning about our nation’s history from the Compromise of 2050 to the Congress of Navaal. We’ve learnt about the rise and fall of the Conglomerate. We’ve studied the Colonial Wars and the Great War. We examined the Martian Revolution and its impact on our society and culture. So now I ask you all, what is a Martian?”

Their blank stares instilled a sense of failure that showed as a slightly puffed lip and droop of the eyelids as Greene looked over the room. But at last, a hand was raised and he called on Jerome Finkle.

“That’s just it though, professor. We don’t have a common heritage like other civilisations,” Jerome answered.

“An astute observation, Finkle. Martians!” Greene bellowed as he slid from his desk with hands outstretched for a moment as if to encompass the whole room by words alone. He continued, Martians,” he said now quieter, “do not share a common heritage beyond the fact we are from the Old World. But our backgrounds are as diverse as the stars. What we do share is a common identity. I’m not so much asking what a Martian is, but the idea, what is behind a Martian that makes them, well, Martian!”

“We’re an empire?” Anna suggested with a raise of her hand.

“There are many empires in the galaxy, Anna. What divides us is what is important,” Greene sighed, and then thought for a moment.

“Martians persevere?” Finkle spoke up.

This answer drew the professor’s attention who grinned at the answer, “Now, we’re getting somewhere. What I am talking about is the concept of Martianity. The Via Martis — The Martian Way. Look around you, right now, what about you all do you share? That is what a core identity is. That is culture.”

“We’re industrious,” one student said.

“Good! Good. That is very good,” Greene said as he summoned a hologram to write the word down.

“We’re secular,” Anna commented.

“We’re strong.”

“We’re inquisitive.”

“We’re dignified.”

“We’re respectful.”

By the end, more than a dozen things had been written down as Greene stepped back and stared. “This, right here. This is what defines you as Martian,” the professor pointed, looking at his students. “We’re democratic. We persevere, we’re formidable, we’re industrious, we’re all these things. They are the foundation of Martianity. Because a Martian is a citizen of an idea. We don’t always get it right, sometimes we’re downright arrogant about our achievements. But at the very core, this is who we are as a people.”

“The Menelmacari have their long lives and cherished history, the Nimatojin have their technology, but we have our traditions and a drive not just to survive but to face down adversity as a people. And we see that time and time again. Mars is the very cornerstone from which we built an empire, and it has embodied the very values with which we enjoy today. Democracy, Citizenship, Rule of Law, Prosperity, Stability. These are important to us. That is what separates a Martian from everyone else.”

[Lady Scylla]

.H..M..G. Her Majesty's Government Official Communique : Her Majesty the Queen of the Martians and Empress of the Martian Empire STATUS : CLASSIFIED; Security of Communication Act, Section 5.3 VERIFICATION : Verified by State Security Intelligence Check — Token [REDACTED] Sen : 7500 Hebrides Road, Palace of Northminster, Northminster; Crown Office of Communications — Key [REDACTED] Rec : The Imperial Cabinet and all Executive Departments — Key [REDACTED] This is an official proclamation of the Empress; The New Society The modern Martian State exists as the cornerstone of our achievements. Tireless work and an unwavering sense of duty has led to the unprecedented recovery of this great nation against all odds. The Martian Empire has regained its strength and now stands at a crossroad that shall determine its future, and the road softly beckons our answer. It is thus by this proclamation that I have chosen a response. We shall endeavour ourselves on the path of building a New Society that shall secure this nation's future as a participating galactic power in the overall astropolitical theatre of the Milkyway. For generations, our people have sought to build an empire but shied away from the responsibility. We have a duty to govern justly and fairly; and to provide safety, stability, and prosperity to all corners of our great nation and beyond. Our Empire should be governed by the ideas of a civil society encompassing civic virtue and civic duty. While we enjoy the position of imminence upon a mighty hill, we must not forget the forging of community that defends our position and repells the would-be assailant who'd seek to rob us of our liberties and independence. Martians must remain unwavering and formidable against such detractors, but not so blindly bent at the knee to be obedient to those atop the hill who rule them. Democracy is at the forefront of our New Society, and while impractical at the highest levels of government, necessary at the lowest to ensure our national stability. For without democracy, our Empire crumbles from the foundation. The Martian State, whose battlements defend both people and ideals, shall come tumbling down off the hill from where it stood. And like the bricks of this foundation, the very structure of our traditions and principles are made up of the Martian citizen, who require the dedicated maintenance of our policy. Properly maintained, the fortress shall withstand a hundred sieges, but left to weather incompetence and negligence, it too shall bring down those mighty walls. We have sought to define our path in this great cosmos but have never taken the time to reflect on what must change for the betterment of our people. Martians are hard-working people of a special calibre uniquely their own, whose unbreakable focus and perseverance remains unmatched against even the greatest of empires that have ever graced the stars. And yet we have been felled by the folly of our own arrogance by always pushing ahead towards a lasting legacy deserving of bards and poetry but forgetting to foster the arts required. We are over ninety billion strong. We are neither the largest nor the strongest, and yet we have already faced many tribulations that have brought down far greater empires than our own. It is best we do not squander the opportunity we have been given to succeed where others could not. And so the Empire shall undergo the changes necessary to usher in this new society, and it shall become adaptable to the future and secure itself the fruits of its labour so that our successors may enjoy such prosperity. A model citizen is one who cares for their community, their nation, and their traditions. They cherish the rule of law and our democratic process. They are tenacious and prudent. They are dignified and honest. They are merciful and humane. These are the qualities that should be instilled in our society to set it on a better path. This is how we set a better example.

Credit to Macisikan for the initial format code.

[Lady Scylla]

.H..M..G. Her Majesty's Government Official Communique : PM Summary Report STATUS : CLASSIFIED; Security of Communication Act, Section 5.3 VERIFICATION : Verified by State Security Intelligence Check — Token [REDACTED] Sen : N 17 Ardern Street, Prime Minister's Residence, Queenstown; Prime Minister Rowland's Office — Key [REDACTED] Rec : 7500 Hebrides Road, Palace of Northminster, Northminster; Crown Office of Communications — Key [REDACTED] This is an official summary of national affairs by the Prime Minister; The Nyteborne Question The Security Council has concluded its review of an in-depth threat analysis of the Empire of Nyte and determined that a peaceful resolution to the ongoing state of war between our two civilisations remains unlikely without a clear and unequivocal victor. Whereas the Martian State was able to reach a peaceful settlement with the Eridani, the motivating factors behind the Nyteborne's unprovoked attack on Martian Gamma territories in 2175 expose a deeper and more profound issue at the centre of this conflict. For years now, the Martian military has been taking precautions to fortify systems in the Delta Quadrant, the region known as the 'Martian Delta' which lies just a few thousand lightyears away from the Empire of Nyte near the Gamma-Delta Demarcation. An earlier assessment has determined satisfactorily that these defences are not only capable but formidable against a repeat of 2175 and would thus repel any incursion of the Nyteborne. However, the defences of the Martian Delta are not the scope of this review but are relative to the topic of this correspondence. The Security Council has made a determination regarding the utility of these assets and fortifications given their proximity to the Nyteborne and has thus concluded that there are only two courses of action: The Martian Empire shall remain in a heightened security status within the Martian Delta and increase surveillance of Nyteborne movements. The Martian Empire shall utilise the resources at its disposal now in the region and carry out pre-emptive, and coordinated strikes against Nyteborne assets. As it stands, the Nyteborne are undergoing a modernisation and rearmament during a lull in their campaigns elsewhere in the region. As the Nyteborne consolidate their strength, they will continue to present a threat to Martian interests in the region. While it is unlikely that the Nyteborne will risk an incursion during this time into the Martian Delta, the Security Council has strongly expressed the inevitably of such an incident. Likewise, a pre-emptive strike on Nyteborne assets in the region would undoubtedly provoke them into launching incursions into the region against Martian naval forces and territory, which would ultimately reignite the conflict on a new front. However, these strikes could also, if coordinated successfully and with the full weight and planning of the Imperial Martian Navy, force a delay in response by the Nyteborne providing the Martians valuable time in preparing for counter-attacks or launching further strikes elsewhere. Since we are already in an official state of war with the Nyteborne, it is unnecessary to call a session of Parliament to renew hostilities, and the National Security Committee has affirmed such. The Security Council thus has provided a mobilisation order for the IMN in the Martian Delta to conduct such strikes if Your Majesty feels it prudent.

Credit to Macisikan for the initial format code.

[Lady Scylla]

.H..M..G. Her Majesty's Government Official Communique : Her Majesty the Queen of the Martians and Empress of the Martian Empire STATUS : CLASSIFIED; Security of Communication Act, Section 5.3 VERIFICATION : Verified by State Security Intelligence Check — Token [REDACTED] Sen : 7500 Hebrides Road, Palace of Northminster, Northminster; Crown Office of Communications — Key [REDACTED] Rec : The Security Council — Key [REDACTED] This is an official proclamation of the Empress; Denial of Strikes against the Nyteborne The report regarding the Nyteborne has been received and been carefully reviewed. After much consideration, I've elected to deny the need for the mobilisation order.

Credit to Macisikan for the initial format code.

[Lady Scylla]

Queenstown, Capital of the Martian Empire, Mars

The Empress sat at the end of the table, her hands clasped together and resting comfortably on the tabletop. Prime Minister Rowland sat opposite of her, reclining in the chair with a pen in hand. Between them sat the cabinet ministers that made up the Imperial Cabinet, as it was known. This was a routine meeting, and one of the few times where the entire executive was in attendance.

"How is the Northern Expansion doing?" Nerys, the Martian Empress, asked.

All eyes settled on the Ministry of Colonisation that was chaired by a Fredrick Garson. Garson was the newest member of the cabinet, hand-picked by Rowland who had been given more discretion for her government by the Empress, unlike her previous term. Garson was a solid choice though, while he had some controversy having served in DuVal Industries' Colonial Initiative as an administrator of their surveying department, his experience seemed invaluable for the position.

"Several of the megacorps have launched expeditions into the Aquila Rift and other regions throughout the Northern Corridor. We've identified several hundred candidates for possible colonisation, these are currently being explored by those companies. Likewise, the Naval Corps of Engineers are surveying neutron stars in the region as I understand," Garson stated, getting a nod from the Minister of Defence, Livia McPherson.

Nerys looked satisfied with this report, as it would imply her judgement was correct. Shortly after she had signed the Colonisation Act into law, the Imperial Cabinet had become split during Rowland's first term as to which strategy to choose — the so-called 'Southern Strategy', or the 'Northern Strategy'. There were merits to both, but Rowland was particularly preferential to the Northern Strategy mainly for two reasons.

For one, stellar density decreased the further one moved towards the galactic rim. While this wouldn't have been a significantly noticeable decline in the Solarian Reaches, at least not enough to stop such an expansion from being worthwhile, it was also towards the rimward edge of the Orion Spur. So there would be a reduction in some density.

Secondly, most astropolities in the Solarian Reaches inhabited the rimward or 'southern' region of the Solarian Reaches. This would mean greater difficulty in establishing a significant foothold in the region, on top of opening the door for future conflict with neighbouring powers.

Rowland believed that the greater stellar density and smaller astropolitical presence in the Northern Corridor would allow greater flexibility for the Empire's colonial strategy, as well as be more commercially viable. Nerys agreed with this assessment, and this is what separated the Empress from her predecessors. While she never lost sight of the short-term, she was capable of focusing on long-term goals and strategy.

"Where are we on starways in the region?" Nerys followed up, looking at Garson.

Garson cleared his throat and opened up a hologram that was displayed over the table. The image displayed the 'Wedge' that made up the Northern Corridor, which was situated between the Solarian Trade Corridor and the Eucer Corridor, two very important trade routes to Sol. A number of systems were highlighted in the hologram as Garson manipulated it to bring them more into focus for everyone to see.

"The Naval Corps of Engineers have suggested establishing a bridge between the two trade routes that run along the borders of the Nothern Corridor, assuming they can map out a suitable neutron highway. This bridge could then act as a tributary to a network of smaller routes leading from our colonies, and also other astropolities in the region," Garson answered.

The goal was simple. The Martians wanted trade-dominance in the region, this had always been their Solarian Strategy, and what made the Martian Expeditionary Perimeter so important. The Northern Expansion would extend this boundary and take advantage of what they saw as a gap in the market. Literally. If they could direct trade, they could tap into the wealth indirectly by setting up stations and outposts along the route like they had in the MEP.

"Moving on," Nerys said, rubbing her thumb over the other as she looked towards the Defence Secretary. Like Garson, McPherson was new, having replaced Carter of the previous administration. Nerys liked Carter, but Rowland hadn't, as the woman was originally a pick of Roth's and the Prime Minister felt she couldn't ever be fully trusted. The Empress didn't know what to make of McPherson, however.

Garson closed the hologram as the Defence Secretary stood and gave a polite bow to the Empress, the gesture was unexpected to everyone at the table. She remained standing after her display of respect and opened up a new hologram, this time of the Martian Delta. The map displayed anchorages, outposts, and important patrol routes in the region that the Imperial Martian Navy were using.

"As you know, the Delta territories have been concerned about the Nyteborne and Eridani in the region, given that the Delta is wedged between them. It's mainly been for pirates with the Eridani, and of an invasion by the Nyteborne. For many months now, Naval Intelligence have been watching both intently. We've now got twenty-two fleets in a standby rotation within the Martian Delta, putting our quadrant strength over one-hundred and sixty thousand warships," McPherson said.

"And I understand that the new fleets are of our new designs, correct?" Nerys asked pointedly.

McPherson nodded, "They are, Your Majesty. We're slowly rotating out the older designs in the other fleets as well. We've increased the number of carriers, and the battleships of the Sovereign-class. We've also been conducting passes in international space with our corvettes and using the Valkyrie Array to monitor movements and other developments in both astropolities. We've identified a few possible targets for our automated warfare systems that these fleets utilise in case conflict ever does arise."

"And how likely d'you think that is?" Nerys asked.

There were some glances, it was the way Nerys said it that drew them, "We're not expecting a conflict anytime soon with the Eridani. They appear to be consolidating their forces but have their attention focused elsewhere, for the time being, I suspect we aren't considered a threat to their interests."

"And the Nyteborne?"

"The Nyteborne from what we can tell are doing something similar. We've kept the bulk of our forces outside of the galactic plane, however, to help avoid detection. We've pushed a number of citadels out into dark space as a part of the IMN's new fleet deployment scheme. Rather than deploying these fleets or citadels from the Martian Delta directly, they were sent to the core and then dispatched into dark space to continue the journey where EM radiation should have interfered with long-range surveillance. If an attack were to come, our response would not be through the plane. We're moving other assets into this region as well, notably those of Project River to provide a strategic weapons solution if conflict were to break out," McPherson answered.

Nerys reclined in her chair, satisfied with the meeting, "I think we'll wrap it up here, thank you all for attending. I want routine updates on the situation in the Delta Quadrant," she said, looking at the Prime Minister.

[Lady Scylla]

.H..M..G. Her Majesty's Government Official Communique : Her Majesty's Proclamation STATUS : UNCLASSIFIED; Security of Communication Act, Section 5.3 VERIFICATION : Verified by State Security Intelligence Check — Token [REDACTED] Sen : 7500 Hebrides Road, Palace of Northminster, Northminster; Crown Office of Communications — Key [REDACTED][REDACTED] Rec : Great Civilisation of C'tan; Martian Forum; International Community This is an official proclamation by the Empress; Condemnation of the Great Civilisation of the C'tan It has recently come to the attention of the Martian Empire of the recent proposal for a number of significant agreements between the 'Ctan and the Nyteborne, as submitted and proposed by the Great Civilisation of the C'tan. This proposition for formal ties between these nations is a detriment to the relationship between the Martian Empire and the Great Civilisation of the C'tan, and; a concerning development that threatens the astropolitical stability of several regions across the galaxy, and; potentially puts billions of lives at risk through gross negligence and misconduct on behalf of the Great Civilisation of the C'tan. The ill-advised desire of the Great Civilisation of the C'tan to strengthen ties with a nation that is currently embroiled in a conflict with the Martian Empire cannot be understated as both foolish and unequivocally unprecedented. By this simple act, the C'tan have demonstrated a reckless abandon for the good-faith relationship they enjoy with their neighbours by inviting such diplomacy with such a controversial power. The Martian Empire is forced to condemn this proposal res ipsa loquitur, and; is forced to condemn in the strongest possible terms the aforementioned actions conducted by the Great Civilisation of the C'tan. Effective immediately, the Martian Empire shall sever all ties with the Great Civilisation of C'tan until this proposal is unilaterally withdrawn. Any attempt by the C'tan to further this proposal will result in punitive measures including formal sanctions by the Martian Empire.

Credit to Macisikan for the initial format code.

[Lady Scylla]

Northminster Palace, Northminster, Mars

Nerys pinched the bridge of her nose. What was meant to be a simple gesture to acknowledge the Empire's displeasure with the C'tan had turned into something larger, and the Empress' administration, despite all of its best intentions, was still only as strong as its weakest link. And for Nerys, this seemed to be her own State Department.

"Put me through to Belmont," Nerys stated, her tone was serious and dry.

Ria Solomon, the Secretary of State, was on the other line. She had been in damage control all-day, making calls with Nerys routinely to either apologise or provide updates. And though Nerys had long trusted Solomon's counsel, she needed not a middleman but to hear what had gone wrong straight from the horse's mouth, as the old world saying went.

"Your Majesty," Belmont greeted.

Nerys cut Solomon from the call abruptly and there came a sigh on the line. Belmont was now wondering if she would be out of a job, and to be honest, she had considered resigning her post.

"Madame Ambassador, I need to know what happened, what went wrong?" Nerys asked.

---

.H..M..G. Her Majesty's Government Official Communique : Executive Order STATUS : CLASSIFIED; Security of Communication Act, Section 5.3 VERIFICATION : Verified by State Security Intelligence Check — Token [REDACTED] Sen : 7500 Hebrides Road, Palace of Northminster, Northminster; Crown Office of Communications — Key [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Rec : State Department; Prime Minister — Key [REDACTED] This is an official proclamation of the Empress; Executive Order: Discretionary Action of the Department of State EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY — Secretary of State Ria Solomon will be resigning her position as head of the State Department. Ambassador Guinevere Belmont will be serving as acting Secretary of State. Ulfric Ironshield will be replacing former Ambassador Belmont as the acting Ambassador to the Martian Forum. Policy changes will be conducted by the Imperial Cabinet.

Credit to Macisikan for the initial format code.

[Lady Scylla]

Dulles Anchorage, Dulles System, Martian Delta, Delta Quadrant

Annette Farley was an inspector for the Naval Weapons Research and Development department. She'd been in the navy for over a decade now and took her job seriously, though her tense expression as she stepped out of the shuttle in the dusty bay made clear that she didn't enjoy having her vacation time pushed back. Nevertheless, being the good navyman that she was, she dutifully took her assignment without protest.

"Chief Warrant Office Farley," Major Burton greeted. Burton was a stocky fellow standing about a good foot over Farley and dressed in the typical white uniform of the commissioned officers of the navy. This was in contrast to Farley, who was wearing a dark blue naval uniform with red markings along the sleeve to indicate her status.

"Major Burton, I trust you know why I'm here?" she asked as Burton began to walk with her by his side. They exited the bay into a corridor that linked up with a series of lifts to take them up to the command centre. Technicians moved about the station, though none were allowed through the lift without the proper authorisation. The two stopped at the door to the lift, where an android with a rifle was standing guard. Its black paint didn't reflect much light, and its heavily angled face hid the small red sensors it used to see.

"Authorisation," the android spoke in a very robotic, crackly tone.

"Major Burton with Chief Warrant Officer Farley of the Naval Weapons Research and Development department. 201-3391-314751"

A blue plane materialised and quickly swept their bodies. Once they had been scanned, the android stepped aside as the lift doors opened. "Proceed," it said.

Farley had seen the androids before as she stepped into the lift with Burton, what she hadn't counted on was just how many there were these days. The military had seriously stepped up production of them, and now they were as prolific as actual servicemembers.

"So, tell me about this device, Major," Farley said.

"Our researchers have figured out how to use the laconium to generate a gravitational field around a vessel, and this has resulted in a rather interesting application we hadn't considered," Burton answered. The lift arrived at its destination as the two stepped out and were immediately challenged by another android. Once they got through security, they arrived in the command centre.

A large hologram was depicted over a table in a section of the room that sat lower from the rest. The hologram itself depicted what looked to be an Avenger-class cruiser, though the ship had been modified. Several domes could be seen along its ventral and dorsal sides, and at first glance, Farley considered if it was some kind of new omnisensor array.

"How are we on the test?" Burton asked as he descended the steps into the lower division of the room. Scientists were scattered around at a number of consoles in their characteristic white labcoats. One of them, a brunette woman, broke from her station and greeted the Major.

"Major Burton, and you must be the inspector," the woman said.

"This is Chief Warrant Officer Farley, she's been assigned to verify the results for the Department. Farley, this is our lead researcher Sarah Lynn," he introduced.

"We are just about ready to begin," Lynn said with a smile.

Lynn quickly returned to her station to coordinate with her colleagues as the Major and Farley walked towrds the hologram. He changed the image to display the firing range showing another ship down range by several hundred kilometres.

"Such a short distance?" Farley noted inquisitively.

"It's important to determine the reaction of the automated systems aboard the ship," Burton said.

"Begining test. Powering up the device," Lynn said aloud.

Small probes nearby the cruiser activated their floodlights, illuminating the warship's white body. A live feed was broadcasted on a screen in the command centre of the anchorage as everyone watched. The data about the warship hovering over Lynn's head in a holoscreen on the wall showed the powerplant charging up as the warship came online. The device in question was listed simply as 'Project Levee' in the onboard processes of the warship.

After a moment though, the purpose of the domes became apparent to Farley as the light of the stars that formed the backdrop of the warship began to bend and warp like a heatwave on a hot summer day. Power was slowly maxed out and this effect became apparent across the entire ship, not just bending the background but also the foreground. The entire vessel was now a shifting shape of light making it difficult to ascertain visually its features.

"Firing railgun," Lynn announced.

The other warship down range quickly fired its railgun that accelerated a projectile across the distance in seconds. While they couldn't see it, they could detect it on their sensors and it was displayed in the hologram. It reached the cruiser and then to Farley's surprise, the projectile was flung around the cruiser's body at immense speed and thrown back towards the warship that had fired it. After another momentary traverse, there was an impact that ripped through the warship that had launched it, perforating its hull.

"What... just happened?"

Burton smirked as he looked towards Farley, "The future of combat."