Publica Section 2 Part 6

Part 6

Focused, Hasitus led his fleet of ships in a cone against the scattered Federation forces. They swung themselves back around the gas giants and struck them at their weakest point. With a volley of barrage shells, they came into the battle with a fresh display of glory. White fiery bolts thrust themselves through the hulls of three barbarian ships, tearing them to pieces. Blinding flashes exploded above the orbit of the gas giants as power cores breached.

The lead ships let rattled their repeaters renting gaps in a Federation carrier. First plasma burst from an engine before a power cell erupted. The flames spread through the Fed dog tearing it in half and leaving the rest a lifeless hulk of metal. Still more were felled before the barbarians could react.

Like a dragon awoken, the Federation reacted. A hundred starlights sprouted from their ships carrying dreaded hypernuclear weapons. Hasitus braced himself as flash after flash of radiation shutdown his sensors, only to return to life with a few less Publica ships on display. The ship began to groan as the hull was pelted by energy-chemical shells used by the Federation ships.

A direct hit struck the starboard antiproton drive sending the innards of Hasitus command ship slamming against the floor. More shudders reverberated through the ship, but none as intense. The sounds of officers, crackling fire and screams told Hasitus how well the battle fared.

“We’ve cleared through the Federation forces,” Posydin said as the tight formation of republican ships slipped through the hole they had punched in the barbarian fleet.

They had lost fifteen capitals from their first run but a second one would be suicidal. Hasitus was surprised that they had even lived through that quick foray. With an almost pleased voice, he ordered the ships to withdraw to the recon outpost. It was his full intention to fight a battle within the atmosphere of the planet. The better accuracy and firepower of the Federation ships would be nullified if he ambushed them as they descended on the base.

“Well, we’re still alive,” Posydin said as their ship raced toward the rendezvous point.

Hasitus looked toward Harma, realizing he had not informed him of his plan of action. The wing commander was the one command personnel that routinely slipped his mind in the passage of information. He beckoned the stalwart soldier closer to the holographic display.

“Harma,” Hasitus began. “We will ambush them at the recon base, but if the damn Serpens don’t help us there, we will be so sorely outnumber we may not even be able to withdraw. We have to buy time. We have to hit them somewhere where they’ll think to regroup and allow reinforcements to arrive.”

Harma peered over the display quietly. “Germanicus has split his forces,” he suddenly stated.

Hasitus and Posydin both snapped their necks to the Serpen force. One had positioned itself in the skies above the city and the other waited on the other side of the planet. The tactic baffled him while Posydin was angered. The man slammed his fist on the table and spit out curses but Hasitus remained quiet. He could not, as a centurion of equal rank, give any orders to Germanicus. Any attempt would insult the man’s prestige within the republic.

“Very well, he can do as he pleases,” Hasitus replied.

As Posydin whispered his distaste for Germanicus’ tactics, the Arma fleet positioned itself above the recon outpost in the ever present storm clouds. Below, amongst the barren brown rocks and craters lay the Publica recon outpost. Its insignificance was underscored by the utter lack of meaningful defences beyond a few symbolic guards. Thirty five capital ships were all that remained to defend it against over four hundred Fed dogs. Hasitus felt hopeless but he did not intend to be slain by cyborgs and living ships.

They waited amongst the lightning and thunder. Soldiers huddled close to their consoles, listening carefully as if they could hear the rumble of an approaching barbarian horde through the ship hull. Hasitus joined them in their wait. He pictured the enemy fleet descending upon them.

For many years he had fought these barbarians, alongside republican forces and the allied barbarian nations. Only now did he ever think that he rarely called the minor nations barbarians. When he stood side by side with their brave soldiers, he called them Grandeur, Tracien or Nutridian. Brutality spoke of barbarianism and the Terra-born were filled with such demented lust.

Suddenly, Posydin cursed. “Here they come,” he said under his breath.

On the display, a detachment of two hundred capitals descended into the planet’s atmosphere. The roar would have been heard across the planet, but they were within the confines of a spacecraft. They dropped from orbit and entered the storm clouds, oblivious to their presence. Hasitus braced for combat and readied his voice to order his fleet to open fire.

The ships came over them and pass them. The barbarians did not even glance at the recon base before flying off.

“The city!” Harma shouted, alarmed at the sudden vulnerability of the citizens.

Hasitus ordered his fleet to chase after the enemy but the Federation craft were far quicker than their own. Within seconds, the enemies came upon the only city of Gladius, to be ambushed by Serpen ships. Out of the towering black clouds came white bolts of energy to strike down the dogs of war. Explosions erupted amongst several Federation craft breaking their engines and the ability to remain in the sky. Leaving a trail of smoke and fire, the broken barbarian ships crashed into the city.

At their aft, Hasitus turned night to day with a shower of barrage shells. Caught unprepared, the Federation ships broke formation, as others were merely obliterated by the firepower. Twirling starlights carrying conventional Federation explosives struck back upon their ships, downing three or four. Hasitus did not have time to look at his losses.

They closed upon the enemy and switched to plasma torpedoes and energy repeaters. A satisfying thunk echoed through the ship as they fired the first missiles at the barbarians. The warheads struck dead on an enemy cruiser, slamming into its central spine. Green and blue plasma burst across its deck when it spun uncontrollably. Hasitus could see the ship writhed under the impact.

In an eerie display of unison, the barbarian fleet turned toward the Serpen ships and opened fire with their cannons. The republic ships were crushed under the fury. Fires burst from ships, holes were rent in armour and smoke filled the sky. After the first power core breached, the storm clouds turned a terrifying yellow, red and orange of fiery plasma. Curved trails of smokes were the only images left of many other ships.

Hasitus grimaced at the loss of so many ships. Too many had died in that one second of combat. All aboard those ships had lives, families and spent years learning in the military academies. In a single moment in the fury of war, they were all extinguished.

On the display, Hasitus could see the disorganized display of barbarian ships had only one consistency. They protected a single medium sized craft in the centre. Guessing it was a command ship, Hasitus pointed and his fleet opened fire. Outside, the burning heavens of Gladius masked the glowing trails of ever more plasma torpedoes being fired by the Arma ships. The barrage struck its target and those around it, splintering the ships into a thousand melted pieces.

The effect was immediately seen on the Federation fleet. Ships began to run about aimlessly for some minutes. Both the Arma and Serpen ships took the opportunity to down more of the barbarians but it was a short lived moment before they regained coherency.

Every Fed dog regrouped themselves into a tight formation. Once together, they ascended back into space. Hasitus smiled then but it was gone when he could see a single dot appear on the holographic display.

“Defiance of Eres,” Harma muttered and even Posydin shared the religious curse.

The dot moved without obstacle down to the air above the only city on Gladius. With a single flash as a warning it erupted in a great explosion. Fire reached out to part of the sprawling low level town. A second white explosion spread out underneath the orange flames of the original blast. Everything within was turned to ash.

With the skies burning, and the city destroyed, the Federation forces returned to space. A single hypernuclear device was all that was necessary for the barbarians to complete their task. Even as he had seen great brutality on the part of the Terra-born barbarians, this was crass disconcert for civilian life was unusual.

“Centurion, look at the other Serpen craft,” Harma indicated, pointing to a display of ships that had outflanked the remaining Fed dogs that had stayed in space. The Serpens assaulted a curious formation of infantry transports, destroying them with plasma torpedoes and dangerously close range barrage shell volleys.

After the troop transports were destroyed, the Serpen ships quickly retreated. The Federation did not follow. Regrouping was the option they had chosen. As soon as the second group of barbarian craft returned to them, they retreated back to the gas giants.

“Looks like those were hopper infantry transports,” Posydin reported.

Hasitus nodded slowly realizing the reason for the barbarian withdrawal. “Hopper infantry are only used for elite surgical strikes. They must have had a plan.”

“What plan could involve destroying a whole city?” Harma replied distressed. “How did Terra come to be inhabited by people so barbaric?”

Hasitus clamped his hands onto the display again, drawing up another method of survival for tomorrow’s battle. It would be a vain hope to believe life made of metal and wire would require rest before battling once again. The Fed dogs would strike soon enough and they needed to be able to survive it. He counted only twenty five remaining Arma ships and thirty Serpen ships. Despite his earlier reluctance to commit forces, Germanicus had sacrificed many ships at the city.

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.