Publica Section 2 Part 5

Part 5

The cloth fluttered onto the bench as Lavendi threw it across the room. She crawled atop of Salene and cupped her head in her hands. The girl whispered something in her sweet voice readying herself. Lavendi kissed her strongly, thrusting her tongue into Salene’s mouth. She heard a faint but muffled squeal that only made her push harder.

With hasty hands, Lavendi undressed the girl throwing her clothes away carelessly. Lavendi was too preoccupied with the moment to consider anything else. The girl’s soft skin, ample breasts and pretty face enthralled her. Lust overwhelmed Lavendi’s senses and she took the girl into her arms. Barely a moment had passed before Lavendi realized another had walked into the room.

The section of the ship was assured to be empty by the captain but the promise was obviously broken. Lavendi cursed herself for forgetting the locks on the doors, knowing that any aboard the trade vessel could have entered upon this sight. Strangely, the figure did not speak. Instead, he chose to stand in the darkness as a silent silhouette.

Lavendi was to speak but held her tongue. Even through the dark lighting, and the heavy clothing on the man, she could see he held a gun. There was a simple rail pistol gripped tightly within his grasp, able to tear her in half with a single round. She stared at the man as she listened to Salene begin to cry.

Suddenly, two fully armoured soldiers burst into the room, wielding powerful accelerator lances. In a blinding moment of fear, she watched as the man raised his pistol before taking an accelerated round in the chest. The small piece of metal caved in his chest, splashing blood against the wall and killing him instantly. Without any armour to protect his bare human body, the weapon had decimated his entire form in a single blast.

“Are you alright, citizen?” one of the soldiers asked. Lavendi could see he did not approach because she was undressed.

“Yes,” she replied, noticing the serpents that adorned their armour. She ignored their pretty faces and thought on their allegiances. Lavendi helped Salene don her shirt before walking over the dead man. The man carried a weapon common to anyone with the wealth to purchase one.

“Fortunate that were here before the pirate harmed you,” the same soldier replied. “We are men from Valisus. It is most opportune we were armed at the moment.”

With a careful tone but playful face, she replied to the soldiers. “How long did you wait until you approached us?” she asked, walking up to the talking soldier. She placed her hands on his arm and smiled.

“We were waiting to confirm you were Lavendi, husband of the republic hero Hasitus,” he replied. “This incident brought us to action sooner than expected.”

She pushed herself close to the man and spoke more softly. “What has Valisus come to ask me?”

The man bent his head low to whisper into her ear. “You have little knowledge in the method of subtle travel,” he paused a second to view her reaction before continuing in a louder voice. “Valisus asks you not to interfere with him. He is conducting delicate matters of state with the humble but respectable barbarian nation of Practica.”

“Ah, so the Publica has decided to form a new treaty with Practica?” she asked, giving her best face for ignorance of state matters. “It would be appreciable for more friends in this war.”

“The Publica senatus has yet to confirm such a treaty will be formed but Valisus understood the need before the people will in the future. He had convinced the Imperator to allow him to travel to the barbarians to speak of terms before official negotiations,” he said. “I will have to leave you now.”

“Wait,” Lavendi said, pulling on his arm. “I do yet know your name.”

She kissed his cheek then, rendering him speechless a moment. “I,” he stammered, breaking his stone military face. “I am Julanus, a hastati infantryman in the Black Snake Serpen Legion.”

They left the room, but she did not know if she had become unprotected or less endangered. Still, she was not alone with Salene. Others had entered to remove the body and investigate the incident.

Lavendi took her comfort girl in her quarters, locking the door and hoping that little action was enough protection. She took a brisk walk to the command deck, finding the captain attempting to stay awake in his chair. As she approached, his face brightened and sat upright to give a more regal look. Clothing may have spoken of a trading vessel captain but his posture was of a king. He tried hard to impress her, hoping that Lavendi would divert some of her kindness from Salene to him.

“Captain,” she whispered into his ear.

He gave his best to look unaffected by her proximity but his voice was laced with effort. “My good Lavendi, I was so shocked and displease by the recent turn of events. I should tell you that I immediately checked upon your goods to ensure any of his co-conspirators did not steal them.”

“Why thank you, Antonius,” she replied. Lavendi sat along a railing beside the man’s chair to look more at ease. “I am so ill at ease these days. My husband is away at war, and I worry each moment that he may be caught by the Terra-born barbarians. Now, there was this attack upon my life.”

“Yes, pirates are so numerous these days, and the barbarians are at our very gate but we are still alive,” he said, touching her chin with his finger. He brought her face up a little and she rewarded him with a small pouting smile for the gesture. “I was so relieved to hear that Serpen soldiers travelling aboard my vessel had happened upon you in such a ready manner. I would hate for you to be lost. It has been a long trading relationship between us.”

Antonius carried the lust in his eyes but never his body. Still, Lavendi could sense it permeating through the small distance between them. She was always careful to be playful but within public locations. Lavendi detested the thought of sharing a bed with the man. “What news has there been in the Publica of late?” she said, changing the topic.

“The Imperator has been directly policy outside the senatus,” Antonius replied with a troubled voice. “Lately, he has been raising taxes in areas I think the Serpens would find most troubling. A levy was placed against us, the simple trading vessel captains to pay for more troops to send into the war. Other taxes were planned in the market and shops. Merchants across the republic frown at the mere mention of them.”

Lavendi nodded, realizing how strange it for Julanus to have said Valisus worked with the Imperator. Perhaps rumours of his imperialist views were truer than she had dared believe. “This does not sound like a task of the Imperator.”

“I find it a great hardship as it is to ship goods from Porta to the frontier worlds. Few merchants wish to trade their wares to a region so close to the battlefield. As brave and mighty as our military is, we citizens still fear the barbarians pillaging our worlds. Another tax levied against trade vessels only further punishes me for this task,” Antonius said.

“Perhaps the senatus needs to act within the interests of the people and give pause to these policies,” she replied.

“It would seem that many senators act only in the interest of the Imperator, or I should state that they act within the interest of house Lupus,” he stated flatly.

“Do you know the senator Valisus?” she asked thoughtfully playing the naïve child.

Antonius nodded his head, “He is a calculating man who wins his seat in the Hall with strategy not love. Still, I have not known him to endanger the wealth of merchants. I fear he may be the most sly and dangerous within the senatus.”

He brought an arm around her and brought her closer. Lavendi gasped in surprise but stalled her hands from pushing away from the old man. Antonius thrust his wrinkled hand into his pocket and pulled forth a small signet. It was a symbol for a wolf, a work of art with origins centuries old.

“I had found this within a hidden pocket of the pirate’s legging,” he whispered quietly, bringing his mouth disturbingly close to her lips. “What pirate clan carries this?”

“I don’t know,” she lied. It was a Lupus signet that few had seen. She had only chanced upon it when she bedded a Lupus centurion entrusted with matters secret to the public.

Publica Section 2 Part 4

Part 4

It was a new morning and Jacobi did not intend to waste a moment of it. He poured a tall glass of wine and breathed in every scent of the city. The reprieves in his life were few and short but he did not squander a single one. The senatus had become too tiresome to ponder in his leisurely moments and he had taken to reading his tomes for longer stretches each day.

He sat in his cushioned wooden chair to rest a moment before choosing a literary masterpiece within his large collection. Taking a sip, a golden spine of a book caught his glance. With his old arms, he lifted himself out of the chair. Suddenly, a desperate knock on his door stole away his peace. He hid his frustration before he opened the door to a distressed Lavendi.

Forgetting his distrust, he pulled her into his house to avoid the prying eyes of the public. The wine in his hand was immediately thrust onto a table. He placed a hand on her shoulder and looked the woman in her eyes. There was a genuine sadness floating in her pupils that Jacobi dared not disregard.

“What has happened, Lavendi?” Jacobi asked with a level tone. He did not intend to appear overly conciliatory to the girl.

She composed herself before speaking, but with no familiar faint smile. “I heard a messenger arrived today that the Federation had slithered an enormous force into the Gladius system. He requested reinforcements be brought to the recon base before it was overrun by the barbarians. He spoke as if there was no hope of any legionnaire surviving the battle.”

The brows on Jacobi furrowed to minor length. “Surely,” Jacobi whispered, “the Serpens would not have sent Germanicus into such danger as this. The Serpens always has knowledge of these matters, suspicious as it was.”

“Hasitus has survived a perilous battle such as this before, has he not?” Lavendi asked, ignoring his words. “Before you asked me to wed him, I heard many stories about his deeds.”

Jacobi knew she spoke of Londimin. For weeks, he had no word of him as the Federation had brought down half of his fleet. The centurion himself was brave or foolish enough to set down the rest of his ships, as if utterly destroyed, only to sneak Grandeur refugees aboard. He fought the barbarians where they were the strongest; on the land.

“Lavendi,” he said more sternly. Jacobi could not absolve himself of the suspicion for the girl. Even her watery eyes appeared as evidence toward her false sorrow. “I will know what the Serpens are conspiring. Travel to the frontier in secret and find what you will.”

She knew he spoke of the missing Serpen senator. Valisus absence was testament to the guile and deceit capable of the Serpens. “You do not believe the Serpens act within the bene principes?”

“Senators are only forced to act within the bene principes by the watchful eye of the people. When the plebs are distracted, who will know where a snake slithers?” Jacobi responded. “If there happens to be a serpent abroad, I am certain you will find it.”

“I do love him,” she whispered into his ear before leaving.

As he heard the door shut with a soft thud, Jacobi felt his mind wander once again. It was a feeling he had known once before. The feeling had come upon him during Hasitus campaign into Londimin and it had returned once again. This time, the perils his nephew faced appeared to stretch beyond that of politics. Gladius was a system held with little regard with in the Publica. It houses three hundred thousand in a poor city, without any terraforming done on the barren rock. Those who lived there, stayed only for the military men that were stationed at the lonely recon outpost.

It was impossible for the Federation to have slipped through republic forces so easily with such a great force. Even though the Publica had neglected the defences of the recon outpost, they were wise enough to send forces when the system was threatened. Losing Gladius to great host of barbarians may have meant attacks into populated Publica worlds. These were worlds that were terraformed; worlds that were central to the wealth, power and culture of the good republic.

Valisus percolated through his mind, but Jacobi could not think that a Serpen would risk allowing a Federation force to enter republic space to gain some political advantage. Unfortunately, his belief in the good of the Serpens was lacking foundation. Jacobi could not stand to think of such games being played with the Publica’s very survival.

He knew Lavendi was an advocate of a strong and whole republic with fewer politics and a senatus far closer to the bene principes. That was why he had her wed to Hasitus. Despite her flaws, it was her political undertones she carried that would protect his nephew.

Donning a sullen white robe, Jacobi took a brisk walk through the marketplace. The images of war and battle flowed through his mind but he had never lifted a sword in his life. It seemed to be simple for Hasitus. The enemies were clear and what had to be done was obvious. War was simple if perilous beyond imagination. The life of a senator was to serve the people, but the senatus carried its duties poorly of late. Yet, it was politics that drove war. Conflict did not drive the senators. The long standing hostilities with the barbarians from Terra did not begin with war but with politics, where individuals had chosen to trade peace for power.

“Senator Jacobi,” a deep strong voice bellowed from behind.

Slow from his age, Jacobi turned to give a face to the voice. A massive praetorian stood before him with a brown bag in his hand. Even without a single weapon on his form, he had a menacing figure. “Yes, praetorian?” Jacobi asked the Lupus soldier.

“You had dropped this,” the soldier said handing the item to him.

Jacobi picked the object from his hand and knew he was the owner immediately. Inside were trinkets of little value but that was not what troubled his mind. “I am glad you patrol this area of the market, soldier. I had not realized the Imperator had decided to dispatch soldiers into this section of the city.”

“The military must patrol many areas,” the praetorian responded before disappearing into the crowded market.

The bag was clasped tightly in his hand now as he watched the crowd. There were other praetorians, but they stood were they were busy with delivering rations to the plebs. It was only the one that patrolled the city and alone. Jacobi replaced the bag onto his sash and continued his walk through the market.

Publica Section 2 Part 3

Part 3

Over a hundred hastati fighters aligned themselves forming a great organized line. Principe ships weaved through them, rotating their flak guns as they moved. Behind the great array was another carefully assembled line of triarii fighters, heavily armoured and bursting with weaponry. Harma touched his controls lightly, feeling the awesome display of a Publica Battlewing in full formation, inching ahead in unison. There was nothing more civilized than fighting a horde of barbarians alongside other great and wise warriors.

“Let the centurion’s path be paved with the bodies of a thousand barbarians,” Harma announced to his comrade in arms. Blue fires pulsed from the anti-proton drive of each ship; a micro nuclear explosion that thrust each craft forward.

There was a thin constellation of enemy spacecraft waiting for him far away. Each was a great thinking metal beast driven at them and bred only for war. The barbarians sent at them not only the dogs in the sky but beasts on the ground. Inside those living ships were humans twisted with technology far beyond the scope of morality. Harma had no intention to let any of them set foot on Porta.

“Enemy fighters have been launched, squadrons are approaching,” a voice said beside him. Harma waited for the man to continue, “I can see four hundred enemy craft moving directly into our position.”

On the display lying in front, Harma could see the enemy approaching quickly. They covered the distance at the cost of organization. It was a messy display of Federation fighters moving toward their battle lines. The Publica Battlewing moved at a snail’s pace to the fluid motion of the enemy fighters.

As the enemy slipped beyond a comforting distance, Harma gave his next orders. “Begin firing solutions,” the wing centurion ordered and within a heartbeat of his request the blank void of space was filled with the lights of a thousand explosions. Every principes spacecraft lit up the path ahead with their flak cannons.

The leading enemy fighters approached too quickly and engulfed themselves in the explosions, tearing into pieces from the shrapnel filled fireballs. Others spun upward above the line and were blown away by precise firepower from the hastati fighters. Still other Federation fighters attempted to drive down the centre and brave the flak. Soon, the sheer number of enemy fighters overwhelmed them and the attack runs began.

A tight group of three barbarian fighters swooped down upon a principes squadron and blasted them with streaks of rainbow pellets. The rain of colour punched holes through the spacecraft, tearing them asunder. Gaseous atmosphere flowed out before heat from the engines became fire in the now oxygen rich space.

Three explosions tore through the line surrounding Harma leaving only the debris of a former hastati fighter group. Federation spacecraft cut through the debris at a blinding speed, ignoring the dangers of a collision with destroyed ships. More barbarians flowed into their formations, striking down several ships before arcing away again.

With the line shattered, Harma ordered his ships into scattered formation. Flak explosions began to erupt in every direction, staving off Federation attack runs, stopping each successive attack less effectively. A stray shot struck Harma’s command ship, rolling it toward the side. He tumbled toward the side but he kept his feet planted upon the ground.

“Wing centurion, there are more barbarians approaching,” a soldier reported aboard his ship. Harma wasted no time checking the battle display to watch another four hundred Federation fighters soar out of the hulls of the waiting Fed dogs.

Almost a fifth of his number had been cut down in combat but Harma did not loose his resolve. He spoke a few words of courage to his soldiers, before continuing the battle. Harma danced his eyes about the battlefield display directing ships to maximize their damage and to protect one another. The barbarians struck from every side and slowly drew out hastati fighters into deadly dog fights.

Suddenly, another stray hit struck Harma’s command ship and a console exploded behind him. The lighting shuddered in response, blinding his eyes for only a moment. On his display he could see three squadrons bearing down on his position from different angles. Although panic flowed through his body, he kept his face still as stone and pointed to a group of principes ships. Immediately, the communications officer connected him to the pilot’s frequency.

“Fire flak on my position,” Harma requested. He could hear a slight pause in the warrior’s acknowledgement but his orders were quickly understood. Inside, Harma felt proud that his pilots were intelligent enough to guess his plans so well.

As the Federation spacecraft sparkled with the glow of weapon bursts flak detonations engulfed the command ship. The first volley struck against the back of the command ship and rent holes across an engine. Within seconds flames burst out of the machine before the crew shut it off. Blinded by the brilliant display of flak the other volleys were far less accurate, striking the ship for minor damages.

With combat gone awry, Harma did his best to salvage the remainder of his fighters. It was not until Hasitus’ voice did his desperation halt to grow. The centurion ordered his slow retreat and even as the words were spoken, barrage cannons from the capital Publica ships opened fire. The great fireballs that raced out of the ships gave pause to the Federation fighters.

The shells thrust toward their targets leaving only a trail of plasma behind. They moved so fast it was difficult to watch them with the unaided eye. They swooped into their ranks and past, flying beyond their Publica fighters and the barbarian fighters. In that moment of confusion, Harma pulled his ships back and ordered flak to be fired behind their line to slow the quicker Federation fighters.

In a fearful dash, they pushed toward the capital ships. Even though Harma let no fear show on his face, he was deathly afraid of the chasing menace. Barbarians showed no mercy and knew no bounds. Still, fear had gripped the enemy far stronger than it did them, and they halt their advance to rejoin with the Fed dogs being bombarded.

“The barbarians overwhelmed our lines,” Harma reported to Hasitus as he approached the ships.

“Yes, yes, just combat land on the carriers,” Hasitus replied in quick manner. The capital ships were already retreating behind the two gas giants they had sat between. Harma landed his limping command ship on Hasitus’ galley as quickly as possible conducting a combat landing as requested. The ship hit the ground with a loud bang and a shower of sparks.

Harma brushed as much dust and ash off of his armour before standing to as the hatch opened. An impatient Hasitus stood outside alongside a pained Posydin. Harma slapped his fist to his chest before stepping out of the craft.

“Centurion,” he said, before nodding to Posydin. Hasitus mumbled some inaudible response before breaking into a brisk walk to the command deck. The centurion wasted no time in returning to the battle. As they approached the holographic display, Harma could see every Arma ship in retreat. “We fall back?”

“Not quite yet,” Hasitus replied.

Posydin walked around the display before slapping his arm across Harma’s shoulder in a painful manner. “He’s got a plan. Lucky you survived it so far.”

Hasitus pointed out his hand toward two heavy barrage ships. “These two,” he said pausing to allow Posydin to adjust the communications, “Unload all of your munitions into space.”

“Centurion,” the captain paused. “The Fed dogs are not so foolish as to fly into this hasty minefield.”

“Yes,” Hasitus responded exasperated. “Just release the damn munitions.”

“With haste, centurion,” the captain replied.

The fleet dispersed behind the gas giants, waiting for the advancing barbarians to overtake their position. Harma was content that Hasitus never wasted lives but he rarely divulged his plans after advice was given. So, he waited for the centurion stratagems to work themselves out.

“Where’s that damn Serpen pup,” Posydin cursed as they waited.

Harma looked upward at the loose tongued man. “Perhaps we should be more concerned with the time of arrival of additional forces.”

“We will have to keep alive for several days,” Hasitus replied. “However, I do suspect there’s a reason for an overly large force to attack a practically undefended recon outpost.”

“Gladius does appear to be a curious target for such attention,” Harma replied.

Posydin coughed aloud his discomfort and voiced his opinion in the roughest manner. “Curious target? It might as well be a scared Grandeur tree of uselessness. I want to know how they slipped a force of this size behind our defensive lines to this system. They can hit half a dozen Publica worlds from here.”

“If the Practica were to join this conflict, the Publica’s flank would not be exposed as such,” Harma said.

Hasitus made several noises that Harma could hardly attribute to a centurion, but he had been under the command of the man in far too many campaigns to find it wrong any longer. “Yes, well, they won’t be coming to help us right now. We will have to stave off the Feds for some time with what allies we have now.”

Posydin gave a short laughing grunt, “Fighting alongside barbarians to beat the barbarians at the gate.”

Silence came upon them as the barbarians came upon the hastily formed minefield. A single Fed dog struck a barrage shell, detonating it. A ball of fire burst from the container burning a massive hole through the hull of the beast. The barbarian craft’s yaw tilted violently spinning into another round, detonating a series of explosions that left only half a ship left. Fires spilled out into space as the ship’s atmosphere was heated by plasma and explosions.

The other spacecraft were quick to realize the dangerous corridor between the gas giants and immediately dispersed themselves around it. They flew above, below and to the sides of the mined area. Harma could see now the mistake the barbarians had made. Their force had scattered around the mines while Hasitus kept their ships concentrated. Superior Federation technology mattered little if they wasted every advantage they held.

Publica Section 2 Part 2

Part 2

Lavendi shuffled through the market crowds hunting for fine silk. She pulled Salene, her bed warmer, along tightly by the hand. The barbarian girl was not properly cultured, and Lavendi feared she may fall into trouble due to her ignorance. With the wealth Lavendi held both openly and in secret, she intended to turn the girl into a sweet image.

Praetorian guards stood out amongst the commoners. Their very presence made Lavendi feel ill at ease. They were the representation of the Imperator and he was a dangerous man. The Serpens felt simple, and merchant like. Greedy senators were all alike. It was the power hungry that were unscrupulous to the point of ruin. There was no doubt in Lavendi’s mind that Thracus earned his seat by subterfuge, and by that fact, every praetorian under his direct command was an extension of his deceit.

For now, she ignored them and shopped the exotic goods of the galaxy. It was the Rim Worlds that were renowned for their fabrics but now, any good from the Galactic Core worlds were incredibly valuable as well. The barbaric clothing that Salene wore troubled Lavendi. She did not know how her husband felt about foreigners, but if he was the good republican that he had been titled, he would have frowned upon her choice of woman.

“Here, let us dress you in these colours,” Lavendi said, picking out blue and white silks. “How do you find these, Salene?”

“Très jolie,” she replied in her light voice. Lavendi loved the sound of her voice for her body was not fully mature yet.

“Then I will make a dress of these for you,” she said, keeping a watchful eye on the praetorians. She feared they may have been watching her but she intended to outwit them at their game. When next her husband returned, she intended that he have prestige and honours given to him for every deed he has ever done and remain out of the Imperator’s clutch.

She waved her cashless card and handed the spools of cloth to her mistress, touching her soft hands by chance. In an instant she felt herself filled with lust. Knowing too many eyes watched her, she only smiled and pulled Salene along lightly. Lavendi took a quick pace back toward Hasitus property.

Despite whatever instinctual desires she held, Lavendi had to keep her wits. As a loving wife, she would live in her husband’s property and avoid sleeping too many nights in her great manor. Rumours were a despicable part of life.

“Let’s hurry,” Lavendi said to Salene’s giggle.

The two rushed up the steps into the house. Salene calmly put away the cloth while Lavendi rushed into the bedroom.

“Come to the bed,” Lavendi called out.

“Tu es trop ardente!!” Salene replied, offering some resistance to Lavendi.

Lavendi groaned out, “I didn’t take you in for your prattle.”

With her own soft painted hands, she lightly pushed Salene into the bed. She pulled her hands through the soft washed brown hair. Lavendi did not care if the doors were open, or the windows left gaping, she bent down and thrust her mouth onto Salene. The girl twisted about underneath, breathing heavily before pulling her inward. Her smaller hands slid about her body touching her where she needed to feel the girl’s warmth. Lavendi was not sure if she made too much noise, but in a matter of minutes it was over.

As she lay along side Salene, slowly brushing her hand against the girl’s hair, she thought aloud, “Perhaps Jacobi was right. My instincts are too overwhelming.”

“Non, tu es parfaîte,” she whispered into her ears. She was such a sweet girl. It was solace for Lavendi to have someone where politics did not enter. Perhaps, her husband may be another person she could confide but he was Jacobi’s nephew.

Jacobi was not so guiltless of breaking the bene principes as he always thought. He abused his influence with the people, getting what he want for much less than its value. As a senator he may have had a just hand, but even with her, he sent on perilous quests. This time, she entrusted her with finding Valisus.

She intended to fully use her marriage in a manner yet unperceived by Jacobi. Lavendi would test the strength of Hasitus commitment to her, and if it proved to be strong, she would truly become his political protection. For now, she would look into Valisus’ sudden vacation.

When a sigh, she sat up from her bed to gather her hastily cast clothing. Pieces of lingerie sat at every corner of the room. As she dressed to leave, Salene fell asleep. Lavendi would leave her be so that she could leave for the east markets alone. It would trouble her greatly if anything befell Salene.

Walking back into the city, she was flooded again with the sound of a thousand bustling bodies. It was both a welcome noise and a distracting buzz. A childhood in the city accustomed her to its usual workings but her dreams of a green paradise gave her desire for something else. Instead, she fed her desires with instinctual pleasures.

The east district was a street of only mansions and grand statues. Trees grew atop buildings and were surrounded by the most meticulously dyed and painted stones. Once these structures were of stone, but the Serpens had come and left it marble. The shops and stores used fine cloths to protect their goods from the sunlight, while fountains provided easy refreshments.

As a merchant, she frequented these parts many times. It was the best place to sell goods the affluent would desire. However, a merchant had to be wary of a Serpen shopping the stores. While others were easily fooled by inflated prices, and others protected from the prices by friendship, the Serpens showed no reserve in using political prowess to earn their discounted prices. They had friends amongst the merchants only because the snakes protected them from other senators who would frown upon wealthy merchants in their entirety.

Lavendi found a seat at a well known chef’s restaurant. The servers recognized her and let her be at the seat she had chosen. She greatly enjoyed the pheasants that were cooked her, and welcomed the meal despite its cost. Many others enjoyed the restaurant and some enjoyed it daily.

“Ah, what a coincidence, my young lady,” Lassus said, raising a glass of wine to her. He put down the paper he was read and swept his arms outward in a welcome gesture. The large fat man gave his very best exultant look from across the table.

“Yes,” she said giving a small hint of a smile. She appreciated the gesture of her mouth. Lavendi hinted at much, but gave nothing. “Might I enjoy a meal with you, Lassus? I find myself quite lonely without Hasitus.”

“Of course, of course!” Lassus proclaimed loudly. He turned his head and barked, politely but overly loud, “Server, a fine wine for this young lady.”

“How have your past days been? I find the senatus very intriguing,” Lavendi asked while giving her order to the server.

The man heaved a sigh, and his whole body shook. Lavendi watched as fat rippled about. She wondered what it would be like to grasp that much flesh at once. “It has been hard and I am not as fortuitous as Hasitus to have a fine woman to confide these problems within.”

“Oh, but do tell me,” Lavendi said, placing a hand on his. “I may already be married, but I help where I am needed.”

Lassus laughed aloud and pulled his hand away. He gulped the wine, accidentally letting a dribble flow from his chin. Every action irked Lavendi. She pondered Jacobi’s apparent friendship with this snake and yet his open distaste for her overly powerful lust.

“Ah, these things are no secret anyway!” Lassus said. “The senatus is being run by the Imperator’s tribune. It is such a disaster for the bene principes.”

“A disaster for merchants alike,” Lavendi interrupted.

The man laughed again, showing all his surprisingly white teeth. “I would only agree. It was a complete shame for the people that the senatus had let pass the new tax to be levied against the good Navis Eurus. The ship captains live on delivering goods to other worlds, goods that if not delivered would leave us destitute. It is not right for them to be have these extra taxes levied against them when our wealth has done so well so far in funding the military in its campaigns against the Federation,” he spit the last word out as if bile had entered his mouth.

“How did the senatus let such an imperialistic proposal be approved?” she asked, knowing the adjective was a dangerous one to use openly. However, there were no praetorians about here and the Serpens ensured that few Lupus affiliates would linger long in the east district.

“Ah, the Lupus has gained much support in the senatus since the new Imperator was crowned,” he replied unhappily. He paused as the servers returned bringing a fresh bottle of wine and her roasted pheasants.

As she chewed on the bird meat, she spoke in low voice to the snake. “I have heard Valisus took an unfortunate absence in that vote, and his supporters abstained in confusion.”

The snake did not reply immediately. He poured a fresh glass of wine and sipped it slowly. Lavendi watched his glossy eyes stare into the distance, seemingly lost from the conversation. She let him brood and ate more of her lunch.

“Valisus wished to visit some friends of his, off of Porta,” he replied finally.

“How far from Porta?” she asked, delving further. Lavendi wanted to see how far she could go with Lassus.

“Luna,” Lassus answered and took another draught of the red scented wine.

Lavendi paused a moment from chewing her food. “Luna?” she mouthed silently. The world was so far from Porta, it almost bordered the embattled systems in Grandeur. Luna sat at the crossing point of the Publica’s border with both Practica and Grandeur. It was also a barren world named after Terra’s only natural satellite. “What could there possibly be in Luna?”

“Perhaps some rare Galactic Core merchants, escaped from the hands of the Federation. Perhaps, they are distant relatives fled from Grandeur from the Trading Stations,” Lassus answered, giving empty responses. If he stated those, it was none of them. Lavendi now understood something was much more wrong than a simple manoeuvring of politics.

“That is unfortunate he is so far,” she answered. “I appreciate his company, as I do yours.”

She returned to idle chatter and as much silence as conversation could bear. The pheasant still tasted as it should but her curiosity was now fully engaged. A vacation of her own may be the answer to her problems.

Publica Section 2 Part 1

Part 1

Jacobi tapped a pen lightly on the table, pondering on his next sentence. He appreciated his surroundings and let it quicken his mind in thought. The extensive collection of literary works along the wall, the light breeze from his window and gentle wooden furniture reminded him of better days of the Publica like a distant dream. He tapped the pen again, ignoring what annoyances it caused his guest.

“It is not my intention for you to display yourself to be,” Jacobi paused again for effect, “in excess.”

Lavendi only smiled and cross her legs. She was polite and attractive but it was only a face to bury her overgrown instinctual appetites. It was distasteful to Jacobi, but he accepted the flaws for her subtle political prowess. He was old and afraid he could no longer protect his nephew from the political intrigues of the senatus. Already, the campaign to Gladius worried him. The Serpens never entered into any arrangement that earned them nothing.

“You should have waited at least a month before finding someone to satisfy your needs,” Jacobi continued. “I would not believe that Hasitus was not disappointed in this marriage.”

“I’ve been the loving wife,” Lavendi said, appearing sad for an instant but it was these false faces that Jacobi detested more. It seemed, each morn that the woman became a new person.

“What is the name of that little girl you’ve taken to bed?” Jacobi asked, tapping the pen again.

“Does it matter?” she replied.

He let out an exasperated sigh, unsure of this choice of marriage. “Very well, we can discuss this matter at another time. The Serpens fully intend to reward you with property for your husband’s future deeds. For now, they must worry about the Imperator.”

Lavendi leaned back in the chair, in a more relaxed fashion easily following the political banter. “I have heard Thracus has formed a tribune where he can place matters at the senatus’ door at will.”

“Yes, it seems Thracus is suddenly the people embodied into a single form,” Jacobi muttered angrily. The tribune was a power that only the citizens of the republic could enact. The Imperator confused himself as the Princep.

“What is it he has done now?” Lavendi asked in a light voice.

Jacobi tapped his pen to hear the metallic ring before he felt he could answer. “He has put forward an issue of taxes. Thracus wishes to place a new levy against all Navis Eurus transporting goods throughout the republic in order to fund the Publica’s fleets.”

“The Serpens will certainly detest that,” Lavendi said. “Their coffers are filled through the trade with the Rim Worlds.”

A small smile broke across Jacobi’s face as he thought of a new irony of the republic. “The Publica detests other cultures for their barbaric methods of living, yet our entire prosperity is based upon trade with these peoples. It is their exotic goods that we are interested in, even if we should think those cultures worthless.”

“Keep the barbarians at the gate but let their gold through,” Lavendi replied.

Jacobi stood up, and paced the width of his book collection. Rare works of literature sat on those shelves. Some were the original copies of works written by great scholars. Although all have since been copied over into more modern formats, Jacobi appreciated the effort and feeling that was crafted into the physical objects.

With a wrinkled hand he pulled a book from the shelf. It was a literary work of the Centurion’s Civil War. A romanticized novel of a civil war brought about by the commander of the Publica’s legions against a despotic Imperator. Corrupt curias were swept away and the senatus fled in the end, to be replaced by people chosen freely by the citizenry.

He placed the dusty tome on his desk in front of Lavendi. “It might pleasure you to read a great literary work such as this.”

Lavendi brushed the dust off the cover and glanced on the first few pages, reading quickly and skimming through a few parts. “This looks to be one of the original printed versions from centuries ago,” she said with a surprised voice.

“It is,” Jacobi replied. He watched Lavendi hold the book with gentle hands. She brought it to her lap and poured over words. It looked to be genuine interest, but Jacobi could never discern between that and her many guises.

“How did the Serpens take the Imperator’s proposal?” she asked.

In a quick response, Jacobi said, “They lost the vote.”

This time, real confusion spread through Lavendi slipping through her voice, face and body. “The Serpens have practical control of half the senatus. Why would they let the Imperator win on such a matter? It gives him credibility for the tribune. It’s,” she stammered, “not following the bene principes.”

“It seemed that Valisus had more important issues to contend with and his supporters were thusly confused and absented from the vote. It was by a slim margin, but Thracus had his proposal approved,” Jacobi said.

“The second time, isn’t it?” Lavendi replied. “Valisus appears to be apathetic to the problems the Serpens are facing. Their control over the senatus is slipping away.”

Jacobi placed a hand on the book, “Perhaps you could seek him out, and discuss the philosophical problems permeating through the republic with him. It may be an enlightening discussion. I have heard he supports more imperialist views on society.”

“Where might he frequent?” Lavendi said, smiling lightly as she looked upward at Jacobi. “He was quite the uneventful man since I’ve seen him.”

“Perhaps some friends may know where he has gone,” Jacobi said. “I have not seen him for several days now.”

Lavendi stood from the chair, lifting the heavy book away with some effort. She turned and kissed Jacobi lightly on the cheek. “I have heard there are some great barbarian dishes in the east district markets. Meals even snakes would eat.”

Jacobi nodded and showed her to the door. He waited patiently for her to step out of view before closing his door. With his aging legs, he paced back to his desk and poured a drink of fine wine. The old senator only took small sips, savouring the flavour. It was one of his last bottles of wine from the vineyards of Penser.

Publica Section 2 Prologue

Creating Heroes

Prologue

Spreading out underneath, like an overgrown tree, was the city of Gladius. Built by the families of the lonely garrison force stationed on this distant Publica planet, it had become a way station for fleets before passing into the war torn Grandeur lands. The world was still a barren rock. Terraforming had not taken place yet, leaving the citizens breathing air from great steam vents.

Over a hundred capital ships orbited the small planet, journeying for days from Porta. Already, the voyage returned Hasitus to a sombre mood. He commanded fifty of the ships in defence of the outpost, and Germanicus headed the other fifty. The duty seemed less of commanding a great battle than watching over a senator’s prodigy.

Orders were handed out in quick fashion. Hasitus positioned the Arma ships between two gas giants, waiting for the Federation ships. It had taken them a long time to arrive at the world and they had feared the Federation might arrive before them. Over three hundred thousand lives depended on their success.

“This had best be the boring assignment I was assured,” Posydin muttered, as the command staff peered over the holographic display of the battlefield.

“The scouts report fifty Fed dogs moving about outside this system,” Hasitus stated. He carried no assurances in his voice.

“What do we do now?” Harma asked.

Hasitus slouched his shoulders and looked at his officers. “We wait for them to bark.”

The Publica spacecraft floated in space, periodically firing their engines to remain in place. Hasitus felt they had arrived just in time. They were certainly not late, as the outpost still stood untouched and they were not early, for it took days for a Federation fleet to assemble an attack. Hours passed as the crew went about their basic duties.

A single flash permeated through space and was detected immediately by the fleet’s FTL sensors. The three commanders of the Arma fleet jumped to their feet, scouring the holographic display for details. Only one sphere appeared at the far edge of the Gladius system. A Federation probe.

Hasitus held his silence, watching the probe move forward several kilometres in a few seconds before blinking away from existence. It was seconds later that dozens of new hyperspace flashes spread across the display. There were far too many shapes materialized on the holographic display to match any report.

“Ten, fifty, hundred,” Harma counted in a hushed voice. Shock in his voice betrayed his calm face.

“Five hundred?” Posydin said in disbelief. “This place is a deathtrap.”

Hasitus remained calm and peered over the battlefield for strategy. He was here to fight a battle. The odds no longer mattered. He pictured ship movements, ambushes, bombardments and boarding raids but then he suddenly noticed one element missing.

“Where in Eres’ plane are Germanicus’ ships?” Hasitus muttered under a voice too angered.

Posydin gripped the edges of the holographic displays with his hands until his knuckles turned white. “They’ve halved our ships that barbarian.”

The Federation fleet was still assembling into formation, giving them time to think of strategy within seconds. For Hasitus, all plans collapsed once they marched onto a battlefield. Now, he had the choice of a heroic defeat or surviving an epic battle.

“It’s enough Fed dogs for a full fleet,” Hasitus said. “They are most likely planning some kind of new assault through Gladius system. We’ve got nothing but an irregular small fleet.”

“So, we’re not going in for a frontal assault?” Posydin said with a smile.

“No, you can die well some other day,” Hasitus replied. “We will fire our barrage cannons, it outranges their starlight missiles. Harma, send out your fighters here,” Hasitus pointed to a location halfway between the fleets. “Let them send out their slip fighters to engage you and slowly pull backward. Whatever you do, don’t fly into a barrage shell.”

“I will march with you,” Harma replied in a formal tone. He picked up his helm off the display and marched away immediately.

“What’s the plan?” Posydin asked.

Hasitus looked down at the display and answered, “I’ll think of something.”

Publica Section 1 Epilogue

Addressing the Senatus
Epilogue

The Imperator struck out his arms and called out in a loud booming voice, “Order my friends, order!” His words passed unheeded amongst the heckles and shouts of the many senators. Fury had grown in the senatus chamber, and such anger never wore away easily.

“There is no basis for this!” a senator shouted aloud. Many cheered his response with claps and more heckling.

Another man stood, able to hush to silence at least one side of the chamber. He spoke with a deliberate but calm, formal voice. “Senators, please! The praetorians distribute the food, why can it not be they who decide how it should be done?” In an instant, a roar of taunts exploded from one section of the senatus.

Jacobi leaned to his side and whispered to his long time friend in the chamber. “What do you think?”

“The Imperator has clearly overstepped his bounds,” he replied. “The bene principes disallows the military from intervening on civil matters. Food rationing should be handled by the people, and the people have elected us. No citizen of the Publica was ever given the choice for the Imperator.”

The man’s opinion, however, was clearly not shared by the other side of the senatus. “Wise are the words of the Imperator, senators. Only a man of the military knows how best to run a military. Let us give him the power to complete his tasks.”

“A vote!” another man amongst the ranks of house Lupus supporters shouted.

Whispers floated through the hall as the senators began to consider the proposal. Jacobi admired the chaos of the senatus, but he suspected the Imperator had secured enough support for his proposal despite the opposition. Thracus had cleverly chosen a time when many Serpens and their cohorts were away to meet with matters of the merchant.

It was rare for an Imperator to propose matters to the senatus and normally only of the gravest concerns, such as the official declaration of war or a cessation of hostilities. It never dealt with civil matters. A good republic was never run by a military or by an Imperator. Only an empire would be as such.

Jacobi deposited his vote against the proposal, fearing that if the Imperator should win this, he might be further compelled to bring the senatus to his will. The effort felt ceremonial to Jacobi. He understood the politics of the senatus too well. If it was proposed, then it was already decided. No politician proposed matters to be truly discussed within the chamber.

Several minutes passed before the votes were tallied.

“The proposal has passed. The praetorians, under Imperator Thracus, shall now take full responsibility of food rationing,” the speaker announced but his voice fell away to an angry roar before he could even finish his sentence.

The words left an expression on Jacobi’s face that was rarely seen in public.

Publica Section 1 Part 6

Part 6

The legionnaires of Arma stood rank and file on the stella tarmac. They waited for Hasitus to board the ship before they would crew it. It was an old tradition, almost reminiscent of the dark ages when militaries were too proud and ever present. It may have been that they were slipping into another great dark age, when war ran aloof and militaries were too powerful and funded with far too much wealth.

Hasitus raised his sword toward his troops and let blue air swirl about it like fire, emitted by the handle’s force field emitter. The soldiers tapped their staves against the ground and saluted him with fist to chest. With Posydin and Harma at his side, he walked to the boarding ramp of his flagship. Decorative displays hung about the arched entrance, along with a small wing of praetorian guards. The Imperator was sending his best regards.

At the foot of the ramp, Lavendi waited patiently with a face full of both love and concern. There was another figure standing at her side, smaller and with a much younger face. Hasitus maintained his facial expression as he realized she had already taken a girl to bed to substitute for his presence. Still, he walked up to her and recited words she asked him to speak. Lavendi kissed him lightly on the lips despite the growing laughter amongst the soldiers.

In a quieter whisper voice, “Don’t let the snakes bite you,” Lavendi said. She left him with a small smile and light footsteps. The girl never spoke a word with her. Hasitus was unsure whether she could even speak proper Latin or Dictum. The ornaments around her wrists and neck suggested barbarian lineage and upbringing.

“Nice wife, but who’s the girl?” Posydin asked.

“Shut up,” Hasitus replied, before stepping onto the ramp.

The centurion could hear Harma quipping at Posydin for his ill thought words but it was drowned out by the noise of hundreds of feet marching behind them. Under the fanfare of a new campaign set out by the Imperator, the soldiers boarded fifty capital ships to journey to the system of Gladius. There, they were to defend the outpost against a small fleet of Federation craft and secure the region.

Hasitus had prepared a large number of supplies, ever wary of political treachery by the Serpens. It was his non-involvement in politics that left him ignorant of the real circumstances, yet it was also his non-involvement that he intended to survive the senatus constant backstabbing and betrayal. For a republic deemed to be so enlightened and cultured by the greatest principles, it felt ironic they were suffered the worst of politics. He had never heard of a Grandeur chieftain betrayed by another clansman, as he had heard republican soldiers sent to the worst locations so that they may die and trouble a senator no more.

“I love the spectacle of leaving off to a new campaign,” Posydin commented, gazing over the military displays. “All of the banners flying, even my own, it’s quite flattering.”

“An expense that the Publica feels more willing to endure each year,” replied Hasitus suddenly wary of the republic’s survival.

“Ah, so long as we whip some Fed dogs in the end, I am well satisfied,” Posydin said.

“I would have believed you were well satisfied from hired women,” Harma said, one of the few moments he would insult someone and almost always Posydin.

Hasitus laughed aloud as they stepped into their command centre. In an instant they could recognize a hundred changes. Gilding appeared on the railings, new computers systems had been installed and the most advanced equipment placed about the bridge. They were expenses far beyond the capabilities of house Arma.

A plaque was hung against the back wall proclaiming his heroic title and naming his many deeds. The Imperator had inked his name personally onto the piece. There may have been more upgrades made unbeknownst to Hasitus but he did not care to search for them. It was enough for him to know the Imperator had done this much.

“It would seem the Imperator finds it expedient to spend on the military the riches of the republic,” Hasitus stated, still locked in using formal words and a level tone.

Harma gripped his hand on one railing and looked about the room. The man’s eyes were wide open drinking in the splendour of the precious metals that now lined every wall and corner. “Perhaps, he finds it expedient to spend the wealth of an empire.”

“Let’s just lift the ship off the ground,” Posydin replied carelessly, uncaring of the political prattle.

It took several hours for the crew of every ship to assemble into proper order. In an impatient voice, Hasitus ordered the fleet forward. The engines rumbled and roared as they ascended upward. Hasitus once heard that on Terra, they used great elevators to lift spacecraft into orbit, finding it too expensive to use spacecraft engines to do so. The Imperators of the Publica found the display a good show for the public, even if expensive. Before the war, such campaigns were rare, making space elevators a boring method of breaking into space.

The floor began to shake violently underneath before internal stabilizers activated. Slowly, the ground began to rush out from underneath. Turning the city from a great wall of towering architecture to mere coloured squares against a green backdrop. Soon, they were well above even the sky. Porta had become a marble of green, blue and white. It was his home, and it never ceased to be breathtaking view.

“How is the fleet?” Hasitus said, distracted by the sight of the planet.

Resting in a chair, Posydin turned lazily in Hasitus’ direction. “Well, we aren’t going to Durus province. They’re fine.”

“I have heard we’ve retaken the province,” Harma said.

Posydin snorted half a cough and half a laugh. “I have heard the Publica smeared the province with a fresh coat of bodies.”

“Hopefully, more Fed beasts than legionnaires,” Hasitus replied.

Posydin responded, “Hard to count when there’s over three hundred thousand new casualties.”

“There was only one battle in the past few days,” Harma murmured, always disheartened by the sheer number of casualties from the land. Hasitus always suspected he had lost relatives to the region, but Harma would never reveal anything of the like.

“Well, it will be another few days before we arrive at Gladius,” Hasitus said. “It may be wise for only one of us to stay here and keep command.”

The two men nodded and left hurriedly, leaving Hasitus the first to accept the responsibility. He set himself into a chair and waited. Officers murmured reports to him of inconsequential matters. It was the calm before the storm. Hasitus had been through it too many times. The journey into war was always uneventful. It left the mind unprepared for the rigors of Federation tactics.

Publica Section 1 Part 5

Part 5

Twirling in laces of blue and white, Lavendi danced about the courtyard with a subtle grace and welcoming face. Lithe arms caressed Hasitus body but they were too quick to let him grip her too tightly. In the centre of the gathered guests, they spun and danced. Hasitus was left breathless when they finished. Still vibrant and energetic, Lavendi gently pushed them onto a dais and quietly waited for the priest to step forward.

The old man was Lavendi’s uncle, an Agri priest who held a hidden but great influence amongst the clergy. Hasitus did not know his name, but many others did. It was a great honour that he perform their wedding ceremony. Few centurions were so well greeted by religious powers.

The words were said and they kissed. Lavendi pushed herself closer and her tongue into Hasitus’ mouth. She let go smoothly masking her whole kiss as a simple touch of lips. Smiling to hide his shock, Hasitus led Lavendi by the hand to a nearby table where a meal was already being prepared. On the table, a plate of lean cuts of a roasted duck beckoned them

Lavendi leaned over to Hasitus as they waited for the guests to seat themselves. She whispered quietly into his ear, “Love, would you like to know why you’ve married me?”

A piece of roasted duck sat between Hasitus’ fingers. He bit into the meat and savoured the taste before turning to his wife. “I guess it’s too late to marry a woman just for her looks?”

“Look, see there?” Lavendi pointed at two well decorated soldiers. “Those two are Lupus praetorians. They pay you a visit as a hero of the republic. Imperator Thracus has a great interest in you. A leader of the military might be powerful, but he needs an icon for the people to rally behind. You’re a perfect centurion.”

“Well, it is nice to know that my successes on the battlefield are well received by the republic,” Hasitus replied.

With a flirt of her eye, Lavendi threw Hasitus’s gaze across senators dressed in green silk. “There you see the Serpens, Lassus and his ever present companion, Valisus. The fat senator has a loud mouth but a large mind. He is ever plotting to gain his family more power and more riches. Valisus appears to do nothing, which means he is doing something. They may be opposites in political standing but their blood tie is far thicker. Of course, you already know they’ve taken a liking to you. You’ll be sent with Germanicus out to relive Gladius of the surrounding threats.”

“I cannot see the political gain from such a small mission,” Hasitus replied.

“There is a political gain,” she said. Carefully, she laid a hand on his arm and gave a look that appeared to be genuine concern. “Don’t waste your life for a Serpen. I’m always waiting in bed for you.”

“Gladius will not be so dangerous,” Hasitus said.

“There’s still one person left in this whole puzzle,” Lavendi replied. She pointed to another man, smiling and joking with the Serpen senators.

“My uncle?” Hasitus asked. “You think he has personal plans for me?”

“Why else has he married you to me?” she answered. “He will certainly not wish for you to be harmed, but that doesn’t forbid him from using you. Blood ties may be thick but only hold to a point.”

“Then,” Hasitus began warily, “how could I possibly trust you?”

Lavendi picked up a grape and leaned her whole body against her husband. Smiling and giggling, she placed the grape into his mouth and kissed him. “I married a hero of the republic already.”

For a moment Hasitus felt besieged by all sides. He let his disappointment show on his face for an instance but Lavendi was quick to notice. In the shade of a two orchard trees, she pulled him to the side as if to kiss him gently. As she kissed him, he looked down at her soft auburn hair. Enough sunlight had slipped past to light up the flowers in her hair. He felt uncertain, holding her as she caressed him with her hands.

“You only need to know the battlefield,” she whispered. “You just need to live for me. I will always wait for you here. The politics are nothing. It is only old men prattling endlessly and I will ward them off for you. I will be your wife. I will be a part of you.”

She spoke the soft words into his ears. As military man, Hasitus knew not a response. He simply let his hands lay upon her unmoving. A sudden tune began to flow from her humming mouth. The melody was slow and the tone serene. Lavendi was trying her best to comfort him, and he let her.

“The guests are waiting for us to greet them,” Hasitus said to finally break their embrace.

She smiled and skipped forward quickly, pulling Hasitus behind with her hand. With a certain energy she took him into the crowd to share his wine with the guests. They stopped first at his uncle’s table, greeting Hasitus’ relatives first. Then they moved on, drinking wine with the Serpens, the praetorians and Lavendi’s merchant friends and relatives. Hasitus could hardly sip the wine in his cup by the last tables.

The wife he had married took it as a game to be played and rather appeared to enjoy it all. She drunk in the relationships, the gossip and the rumours. Schemes and plans worked in the back of her mind, and she would whisper a piece to his ears from time to time. She would ask him to greet this man with these words, and to praise another for some achievement. The guests enjoyed Hasitus’s scripted words, not knowing he hadn’t the slightest idea why he had to say such things to people he had never met.

The praetorians gave Hasitus a surprise as they greeted him back with words of admiration of his exploits on Londimin. Few knew he had served in the campaign, and less still of his deeds. It filled Hasitus with pride to know the Lupus praetorians had at the very least studied his accomplishments and gave him sweet words for it. The Battle of Londimin had been terrible, and the Federation heartless. Yet still, Hasitus believed good culture would triumph over despicable war tactics.

A table seated all of his military friends at once, condensing the noise of the party to a single location. They were the rudest speakers and the heaviest drinkers. Even a few hours into the wedding party, Posydin had gotten himself drunk, singing lewd songs. Hasitus greeted them with a fresh cup of wine, and in a loud chorus of banging goblets, they shouted their congratulations to Hasitus. It was unknown whether they appreciated Hasitus’ marriage, or the wine that could be drunk at Jacobi’s expense.

Drawing him away from his battlefield comrades, Jacobi spoke a few quiet words to him. “Family is all important, nephew,” he said. “Never forget the ties that blood creates. Our culture is a good culture because of the strength we hold to such blood bonds.”

“There is something troubling you?” Hasitus asked.

“No,” he replied and broke into a smile. “You should always know that I will look over you in the halls of the senatus. So, never despair on the battlefield that some senator may be scheming your demise. I will stop them.”

Suddenly, Hasitus could feel Lassus watching him. The man’s eyes looked lazily upon the two of them, as if he was merely watching the sky beyond them. Hasitus knew he had already been locked into a plan of his. He was helping Germanicus, a man of unknown qualifications, for some equally mysterious end. The only hope was that it was not a perilous scheme.

“Do you know what he has planned for me?” Hasitus asked.

“No, but I do not suggest you risk your life to save this Germanicus if the situation should ever arise,” Jacobi said. “The loss of some unknown centurion means much less to me than your health.”

“Good health and family,” his uncle said, much louder for the guests to hear. He patted him roughly on the shoulder before turning away. For the uncaring, he was giving marriage advice to his nephew. The scheming would ponder all night what he had said.

Here, in Porta, Hasitus knew he was surrounded by both his friends and enemies. He had no true place to rest. The battlefield meant facing the unending waves of Federation forces. At home, it meant wading into the pool of politics. Hasitus wished to face a foe with sword in hand to cut him down and be done with war and politics.

After exhaustively meeting every person in the party, Hasitus sat with Lavendi to enjoy the meal Jacobi had ordered prepared. Meats, fruits, wines and breads were laid out in full before them. Each person reached out their hand to eat what they wished, in the old dictum style. It felt odd that dictum culture was revered as the best because it formed the republic, yet they still used bare hands to eat. Hasitus had always thought using utensils would seem more cultured.

Hasitus leaned back and bit into an apple when he had filled his stomach with enough meats. He let his muscles relax and mind empty. Dancing began to take hold around him. Lavendi took to the courtyard Lassus, and a Lupus praetorian but Hasitus remained in his seat, speaking comfortably with new relatives about nothing important. It was a wedding, and Hasitus felt justified he could simply do nothing and enjoy his time.

Publica Section 1 Part 4

Part 4

The senatus hushed to a silence with the raise of a single hand. Lassus stood, upright and rigid, with a face of stateliness little seen outside the chamber. In his hand was clasped a golden scroll with authentic yellowed paper. As the representation of the will of the people, he used no ceremonial weapons and wore no gilded armour. Instead, like every other senator, he wore the same white robes and brown sash decorated with the dye of sunlight. With a loud voice he filled the domed room with his speech.

Hasitus knelt down on the marble floor while the senator walked a circle about him. He knew that, just like a ceremonial blade, the scroll was of no real use. Lassus spoke from his mind and memory, not from anything written in the blank scroll. The ceremony was merely a matter of waiting and appearing to be intently interested.

“I present to you a hero of the republic,” Lassus said as he began to end. “I carry the honour to bestow the title of Vir. He may rise now and be known as Vir Hasitus, and any citizen who may walk near shall feel safe within his presence.”

A standing applause followed with a flurry of clapping hands. It was truly an occasion of gratitude. For only a second, Hasitus felt he was recognized for his sacrifices. He remembered the faces of each person he had lost, and every enemy ever slain. Both were mourned in his mind. A good soldier should care for all life, friend or foe, civilian or military.

“Thank you, senator,” Hasitus said as he clasped Lassus’ arm.

Lassus led him away from the centre of the chamber to the seats as the senatus began its discussions. “Come, sit, and listen to our endless prattle and constant bickering,” he said. The snake led him away from his uncle, and sat him amongst strangers. Even the other Serpen senators were not near. These were people of no notable family or origin. They were known amongst the plebs as the poor senators. A lack of wealth and influence only gave them more honesty and the people would elect them with clear votes. In the realm of politics, they only thought of the issue of policy but never of power struggles. For the major families, when they sat amongst the poor senators, it was the equivalent of sitting with no one.

“Hasitus,” Lassus began, slipping into a more informal voice. “I hear you are to leave for another campaign within the week. You barely have enough time to hold a wedding.”

“Dictum weddings are quick, and my wife will most like enter into a spartan marriage with me,” Hasitus said.

Lassus nodded and laughed under his breath, a sound lost amongst the shouting and arguing of the senators. They spoke of the policy of rationing food during the crisis of war. A dispute was erupting over the method of distribution.

“Military wives usually get into the spartan marriages,” Lassus said. “If they can’t have sex with the soldier they married, they’ll get sex somewhere else, male or female.”

“It is to be expected,” Hasitus replied. “Do you have a wife, senator?”

The fat man placed his sweaty hand on Hasitus’ shoulder, but he could barely feel the touch through his dress armour. “I do, but I keep her well away from these chambers. The sound of the talk would bring her to madness. The Lupus think that placing too many praetorians to hand out rations near the markets slows access for the poorer and needier plebs.”

Hasitus looked across the chamber floor and noticed many shouting their complaints vehemently. “It seems they have much support,” he said.

“They do,” Lassus replied. “The motion will pass. I will also vote in favour of passing the policy to reorganize distribution. It would not serve to have the rich handed their rations and the poor starve to death. One already has food while the other does not.”

“Wise vote,” Hasitus said carefully. He felt unsafe without Jacobi. It was no coincidence they sat away from everyone. There was something Lassus was building his way toward.

“Does the military already have you assigned to a particular campaign?” Lassus asked. Hasitus knew that was the question.

“No,” he replied, having nothing else to say.

The senator nodded, his chins bobbing. He shifted in his seat and shouted out a vote as the senatus continued their debate. Finally, he turned with a look in his eyes. “I have just thought,” he mused, “I have a cousin commanding his first fleet. I worry about him, much as Jacobi worries about you. It would be flattering if a hero of the republic would join his command.”

Hasitus mind raced, but he did not wish to give out an answer so quick. “What is your cousin’s name?” he asked politely.

“Germanicus,” Lassus answered quickly. He rolled out his words smoothly without mumbling his deft words but spoke too fast for Hasitus to interrupt. “He is a young commander, and I fear too inexperienced for such a command. You need only tell me you will give me this favour and I shall arranged for you to join his fleet with your ships. He marches to Gladius.”

With the name of the battlefield known, Hasitus spoke hastily breaking into the explanation. “Gladius? It is a reconnaissance base just within the Grandeur border. It is not even deep within the battlefield. Does Germanicus execute a mission of little importance?”

“Not at all,” Lassus said unoffended. “The base may be of little importance, but a Federation probe was detected flashing into the system and back out. It only means an attack fleet. The Terra-borns mean to send their dogs after the base but we will race there before them. It will be slow for them to bypass our forces and reach Gladius.”

“There’s a city of three hundred thousand there,” Hasitus said thinking aloud. “It will be important we speed there and ensure our defensive lines are not broken.”

“Then you will travel with Germanicus? A hero of the republic will surely get him through his first command,” Lassus said.

In a slow motion Hasitus nodded. He felt this was the beginning of the politics that would touch him. It wasn’t clear if Jacobi expected this to happen or that he had answered correctly. What did it matter to Hasitus if he travelled to a planet well away from the war zone to help an inexperienced commander, compared to being flung deep into the Grandeur worlds where the touch of the Federation turned grass to ash.

“Must they be so specific?” Hasitus asked as he listened to the senatus. Two men had stood shouting that the praetorians must be moved three streets deeper into a block of houses to make it a safe journey for the poorer plebs.

Tolerance was a trait well suited for a senator but Hasitus still coveted such a comfortable life. There would be no war to fight, only soldiers to thank. Life would be rich with luxuries and the people threw praises instead of orders. Hasitus relaxed on the stone bench and pretended for the next few hours, he was a senator and he was one of the voices shouting for better policy for the plebs.

Publica Section 1 Part 3

Part 3

“I apologize for my haste,” Jacobi said as they strolled through the market grounds. He wore a senator’s sash but his other clothes were plain and drab. The senator appeared a common person owning no great estate or accumulated wealth. Instead, he dressed as a pleb but yet still showed his status.

Hasitus did not immediately reply. He always wished to think before speaking with his uncle. Intelligent words were worth more to Jacobi, and it earned him a more informative conversation. “Why marry me now and who is this Lavendi?”

“She is a sweet girl,” Jacobi described, the words hinting at the undesirability of the situation. Arranged marriages were a custom unknown to the republic, but politically powered ones were not. “Although, I cannot vouch for her personality in the house, or in bed. I am sure you will understand what I mean when you meet her.”

They stopped in front a merchant waiting for the man to display bolts of foreign silks and cloths. He was clearly pleased with Jacobi standing at his shop and offered him discounts on every item. For nearly every price spoken, it was far too low to accept in good faith. However, only Hasitus of the three that stood at that shop held such faith.

With a bolt of silk dyed purple underneath his arm, Jacobi continued through the shops. They were wonders of the Publica or the Rim barbarians, yet nothing came from the worlds toward the galactic core. It was to be expected. The Federation would destroy any space lanes they discovered, steal from any trade ship they passed and put any world they captured to the fire or sword. It was the Terra-born way.

“Lavendi is from a common merchant family,” Jacobi continued describing the unknown figure. “She possesses an intelligence far beyond common, I find. Her dark eyes, brown hair and well proportioned frame should suit you just as well.”

“Ah, you found someone I would like to bed,” Hasitus joked lightly with his uncle. “I grow fonder of this woman every second. Would you care to tell me why you had this marriage arranged? My friendship with you is such that I would find it unpleasant should you leave me ignorant to the politics of anything.”

“Very well,” Jacobi sighed. Politics mixed well with him but it still took him effort to speak of it to Hasitus. “It might concern you in which the manner of the last Imperator rose to power. I speak nothing of treason, but there is a certain disturbance amongst the senators.”

“Snakes?” Hasitus whispered lightly as they pushed through a throng of hawkers.

Jacobi smiled as he always did and kept silent, never laughing. “I am sure you are aware of Julian’s reputation. He was a popular man amongst the military.”

“Any man who’s been to Durus province more than once and yet still lives is a popular man in the military,” Hasitus replied. “He has a certain trait in which he is always the sole survivor of an obliterated unit. It’s rumoured he’s invincible.”

“Now, he’s dead,” Jacobi said in a quick conclusion. “The Serpens had relied on him to become Imperator. They were strong as plebs being wealthy merchants, and they were strong in the senatus with their educated. Julian had been their sole chance at power in the military as well.”

Jacobi stopped to pick up a wood carving claimed to be from a renowned crafter on a planet whose lands were all desert. Being a foreigner, he had no intention of giving Jacobi any discount except false ones. Still, his uncle managed to bring the price down to a reasonable level.

“House Lupus controls a third of the senatus with members of their blood, marriage or loyalty. They now control the Imperator but they do lack the plebs. Other than a few wolves in the curia, there is no real like of them in public. There is a certain struggle for control,” Jacobi continued.

“What has this to do with my marriage?” Hasitus asked patiently. He knew the answer was still many words away, his uncle appreciated the long winded approach in giving an explanation.

In a strange change of expression, Jacobi said “All men are born equal.”

“But only some become senators,” Hasitus replied immediately, remembering the old saying Jacobi had taught him. For this he earned one of Jacobi’s rare soft chuckles.

“Yes, those in power want to stay in power and they’ll use any means to do so,” Jacobi said. “The senatus serves the people’s will and it so happens that senators are also people. It remains to be seen if the Imperator leads only the military and not the nation.”

Hasitus shook his head, “No one would value an empire, the military would defend the bene principes.”

“The military may,” Jacobi replied. The old man mused about some fruits with his wrinkled hand before taking in a final slow breath. “The Serpens will ask for your support in their endeavours, and you will accept it. I do not wish for anything ill to befall on the battlefield. I almost lost you when your campaign before last that took you to Londimin. The Serpens will ask things that will be benign, yet it will benefit them somehow. They want the Imperator. As for House Lupus, they may not make a move until they know of the Serpen plans.”

“Why would they wish the position of Imperator so much?” Hasitus said. “It has no power over the republic.”

“Under Couratus and his predecessors, it has not,” Jacobi said, finally picking a ripe yellow fruit to eat right in the market. He waved his cashless card and gave the woman the coins. “However, under each new Imperator in this war, there has been a subtle shift. The word of an Imperator carries strength in the senatus now. Thracus is known to be overly bold and it may be that the next Imperator leads more than the military. The republic grows more against its founding bene principes each year. The wolves raise you to a hero, and the snakes will turn it against them by using you.”

“Lavendi will protect me?” Hasitus said incredulously, before finally noticing they had been standing in front of the fruit stand for some time. He looked at the merchant woman, noticing her dark eyes and brown hair. Her breasts were large yet her frame slim and full.

“Which fruit would you like?” the merchant woman asked politely.

Hasitus could not recognize a single one of the oddly shaped fruits lying in front of him. Each was a shade of a different colour, creating a vibrant rainbow of confusion for him. He stood confused for a moment.

“Maybe you should pick the one that looks the best,” she said.

“Choose something based on appearance alone?” Hasitus replied. She smiled as she picked up an orange fruit and offered it to him. He picked the thing up and peeled the skin. A fresh but stinging jet of juice escaped it. The smell was pleasant as it entered his noise but the feel was painful as it washed over his eyes. He rubbed his eye but bit into the citrus just the same. The juice filled his mouth and he did find he liked it.

“That’ll be five coins,” she said with a wink. Jacobi waved his card again.

Hasitus grunted, expecting the offered fruit was a sample. Then he turned to his uncle and asked, “What have I to gain from all of this struggling?”

“Why, what do you ever do in war, Hasitus?” Jacobi asked. “You survive.”

Suddenly, lips touched the side of his face and arms wrapped around his body. He turned to see the merchant at his side smiling. “Lavendi,” he said at once. She smiled sweetly enough that he could not even tell it was true.

Publica Section 1 Part 2

Part 2

Odours of fresh delights filled the calm air in Jacobi’s garden. It was a pleasant delight to Hasitus. Certainly a stark contrast to the ash and brimstone feel of the battlefield. Wine, fruits and bread rested on a table. All of the luxurious were fully enjoyed by Posydin, but Hasitus ate lightly. It felt strange to eat such delicacies during shortages of food. Even the general populace ate rations. Somehow, Jacobi maintained their undying gratitude.

“How goes it, uncle?” Hasitus asked beginning the conversation.

Jacobi smiled and rested himself into a seat. He spread out his hands welcoming them to more food. “Oh, the senatus is as it always is; full of politics.”

“Too bad,” Posydin muttered through a mouthful of grapes.

“Ah, so there’s a new Imperator,” Jacobi stated suddenly. “What had happened to the old one, nephew?”

“He died,” Hasitus replied bluntly.

“It was unfortunate we could not save the Imperator’s life,” Harma said.

It was then the two guests entered the garden. Jacobi stood to greet them, clasping their arms in turn. One fatter man laughed heartily, while the other older and leaner senator carried a stone expression. He did not smile, and his lips parted only to mouth standard greetings. Jacobi talked to them as friends, wrapping his arm about the fatter man’s shoulders.

“This man is Lassus,” Jacobi said with a smile, while the fatter man’s name was revealed. Lassus chuckled and clasped Hasitus’ arm tightly, almost shaking it violently. He kept repeating the honour he felt in meeting a hero of the republic. “I present to you senator Valisus,” Jacobi said much more formally. They were both senators, but one demanded friendliness and the other formality. Jacobi bent to their will.

Valisus clasped his arm lightly and nodded. He spoke with a carefully picked tone yet but did not utter his words in a slow manner. “Hasitus, your deeds outreach your person. The title of Vir should have been granted to you much earlier.”

“I thank you,” Hasitus said, unsure of what words to say to the senator. He had never cared for etiquette, but it landed him with awkward feelings in the presence of important political figures.

Lassus sat with a thump into a wooden chair and grabbed a goblet of wine. He did not wait for the liquid to stop sloshing about before tipping it to his mouth. A dribble spilled, but he drank deeply before moving to wipe the mess from his chin. “Your uncle tells us how much he confides in you and trusts you. He also tells me of you two. He thinks you’re both too stupid to understand anything he says and so he trusts you as much as Hasitus.”

“It’s good to know we’re trusted,” Posydin responded loudly.

“I heard you speak of the new Imperator,” Valisus said in a level tone. “Thracus is a strong leader and a hard commander.”

“No doubt you like him to be emperor,” Lassus said before laughing. It seemed an odd joke to pretend a man an imperialist, but most likely Valisus carried some kind of reputation for being an imperialist. “Thracus is a wolf, and House Lupus had no Imperators-to-be until that little incident at Commodum. Wouldn’t you agree Hasitus?”

Jacobi nodded silently to him, away from the stares now concentrated on him. “Yes, I suppose that would be correct. After Couratus died alongside Julian, a wolf became the first choice in place of a snake.”

“Yes, you say it right,” Lassus declared before drinking another gulp of wine. “It is a doubly sad note for House Serpen, but today is one for celebration. A new Imperator!”

“May he live longer than a couple years!” Posydin joined in the cry.

Harma shook his head in dismay, but Hasitus laughed along with the others. As the wine filled his mouth, he let himself relax. With his uncle’s presence, he did not fear making an obscene insult or fall into a political trap. It never felt profitable for him to dabble in politics, despite his visits with his uncle.

“Do you happen to know the details of the alliance he forged with the Traciens?” Valisus asked.

“Details? You mean our troop movements and hidden transports to conduct the talks?” Hasitus replied confused. “That is information not given to the civilian citizens of the Publica. It would be detrimental should you ever fall into Federation hands.”

“Ah, of course,” Valisus replied and immediately fell silent.

“I think what my cousin means to ask, is deal formed between the good Tracien barbarian allies and our great republic. What was offered to them for their hand in war?” Lassus asked.

“The Traciens were promised little to nothing. The Federation planned troop movements against them, but Thracus must have convinced them to put pressure against the Terra-borns in the Grandeur lands. The main Federation fleets always claim the Grandeur worlds, and we always take them back. If it remains that way, our way will stay at those dozen worlds,” Harma said.

Hasitus looked the senators, feeling somewhat disappointed at the answer. It was truthful, but they were probing. Jacobi said nothing and Valisus had become silent. Only Lassus spoke with a loud voice, seemingly attempting to outmatch Posydin in rude jokes and crude language. Harma spoke when he could, when he was able to explain a situation in delicate detail.

“It is truly unfortunate,” Lassus began again of the Battle of Commodum. “that Thracus was unable to muster his forces mere minutes earlier to save Couratus from death. He led five thousand capitals against the Federation’s five hundred. Victory would have been assured and you would have not needed to suffer through an Imperator’s coronation.”

“I think Hasitus is a lot more eager for his own honour,” Jacobi interrupted.

“Yes, I understand the whole senatus will be present when the title of Vir is bestowed upon me?” Hasitus said nervously.

“Of course,” Lassus replied. “The people elect us, and so we are the people greeting you. Who else greets a hero of the republic?”

“Certainly, with Lassus, it will be the very wealthy greeting you,” Jacobi said with a smile.

Lassus chuckled like an old friend. “You still suspect I run a corporation?” Lassus said.

“I never suspect you of anything,” Jacobi answered, “It is always the people that have their concerns about us senators.”

“The senatus is but a bickering mass,” Valisus said.

“Isn’t it wonderful, cousin?” Lassus said, before laughing and spilling wine on his clothes. The stain did not ruin his mirth.

Hasitus walked to the food and helped himself to an apple as the senators chatted. The words eventually became a buzz and he relieved himself of the conversation. As the well worn soldier he was, Hasitus lay back in a chair and closed his eyes and opened his ears to the sound of summer. Birds chirped, wind flew by in a calm breeze and the gentle rustle of the city surrounded everything.

The serenity brought him close to sleep. Slowly, his breathing slowed and his muscles relaxed. Thoughts became more incoherent. Suddenly, he opened his eyes in a jerk and he brought his head up. A single sound pulled him from sleep.

“I would certainly like to meet a woman who had snatched Hasitus,” Lassus said, still chewing upon food.

“Lavendi is a beautiful woman. My nephew’s choices never disappoint me,” Jacobi said.

Hasitus sat confused as anxiety built in his chest. “Is it not rather sudden?” Valisus asked, seemingly as perplexed.

“Oh, as I understand, it is love by chance. Hasitus, is it not your intentions to marry Lavendi before you are sent on your next campaign?” Jacobi asked.

Hasitus could feel his throat constrict and he could not speak for a moment. He knew what had happened. Out of all the talk of marriage for years, Jacobi had finally found someone to force upon Hasitus. It was well planned for him. The choice would be to make Jacobi a liar in saying he had chosen to marry a woman, or to agree and be matched with a person he did not know.

“Yes,” Hasitus stammered. “Yes it was my intentions.”

“I certainly hope I am invited to your little ceremony,” Lassus said. “I’m sure it won’t be large. You military men never have enough time to make them the large festive things as they should be. Still I would love to attend.”

The fat man appeared drunk, but his wits still stayed about him. Hasitus nodded and smiled saying “of course” and his best manner. Valisus remained silent. The senator seemed to grow more dangerous as time passed.

A sudden gust of wind thrust a cloud of dust into the garden. Jacobi stood and offered more refreshments within his home, escaping the dirty smell. Fearful thoughts gripped Hasitus, leaving him standing a moment too long outside. He never thought to be married in such a hasty or deceitful manner.