Gabatrix: The Batrice Crisis

About the Author

 

 

Hello everyone, my name is CMed. I will make it brief and quick about me. I was a college student who got a Major in History before going into the realm of the military. I am a Navy Veteran that has served for six years and wanted to become an author and book writer near the end of my military contract. 

Serving aboard ship was a long and challenging life. It is not for the faint-hearted, but after being taken off of it, I now had more time than ever. I used my time wisely to begin writing books. Writing had and continues to serve as therapy for me. It helped me through my times, even way before diseases or social unrest ever became the main headlines of modern media. 

Writing is something that does not come overnight. Most writers require at least two years of writing before they are even going to be marketing. Needless to say, make sure that you set the time to do so if you wish to be a part of that hobby. If you know somebody that wishes to become an author, make sure to give them that support. Writing is an extension of us and our imagination. Without imagination, our civilizations would never exist. Without imagination, we would have no empathy towards the next person. We all come from different walks of life. Each one of us can tell a story, and it all comes down to our will to survive through the best of times to the worst of times. 

I have designed Tales of Heroes and Gabatrix to be a system that expands itself. If people like my stories, then they can help out that cause. With the help of you, the audience, the system will get bigger and bigger. If you like my stories, then come and support me on my Patreon. Thank you, and enjoy my stories. :)

 

https://www.patreon.com/TheUniverseofCMed

https://www.gabatrix.net

 

Disclaimers

 

Tags: Science Fiction, Future, Sex, Love, Swearing, Action, Fighting, Violence, Interspecies, Male Human, Female Aliens, Anthro, Scalie, Human/Alien Sex, Intercourse, Consensual Sex, Birth, Pregnant, M/F, M/F, M/FF

My books are available on Amazon Kindle, Bookapy, and Google Play. Money made from that also goes into the universe too. All books are now available for Print on Demand for hardcopies as well.

Disclaimer 1: This story is meant for adults as it contains sex, violence, fighting, and cursing. The sex scenes depicted are of a consensual variety. There is a clear division between the sex and the violence.

Disclaimer 2: This book is an erotica, action, and science fiction rolled into one. Expect scenes of human/alien or human/anthro sex and love. Gabatrix is an ongoing series. It’s highly recommended that the audience reads the earlier stories to enjoy the overall arc of this story.

Disclaimer 3: The opinions stated in this story do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the author. Remember, this is just a story. Treat it as such. 

Artwork by Piero Painter.

Special Thanks to my Patreon supporters:

Johndewey, Quintin Martin, Joshua Nelson, Nindahr, Mr. Darknut, TBCoW, Darklord Sengir, Mike Nixon, Nightsound, Anthony Kestle, Vlad Emanuel, Russell Mead, and Lynn A Sines, for their generous donations.

And, of course, the other patron supporters for allowing me to write and supporting the universe that I write. :)

By CMed 

Prologue

 

 

“We have hopes and fears, dear counselor. My hope is that mankind never turns on itself, that we’re never driven by its politics, rhetoric, and desire to push agendas and ideologies that result in bloodshed. As we push further into the 24^th century, the divisions will begin. It isn’t about protecting us from the unknown. It’s about ensuring that we willingly work together for a common goal, to figure out our problems, resolve them, and find cohesion before it’s too late. My only fear is that the partisanship and breakdown in communication are happening sooner than ever. If it doesn’t happen in my time, then it will most certainly be our children and their children that will feel it the most…,” Gabatrix, at the Batrice Parliament Building, 2295 AD.

 

…….The UWA and the T’rintar clan share an alliance, one of cohabitation, necessity, and love. With the alliance, humanity has a chance against the Aksren and Shal’rein clans. Time has already proven its worth as humans and Itreans work together to share their lives in makeshift harmony against the unknown…. 

 

…….But the past can be a terrible foe. Historical feuds and the struggling present have finally met on the battlefield. Fear, hatred, confusion, and deception run amok. People rarely forgive, and even fewer will forget…..

 

…….Time is up. The Colony of Batrice is ready. Civil War is brewing, and all it needs is a spark. Bloodshed is all but inevitable. It will be up to the children of mankind to work together and find a solution, where only the best will walk away to tell the tale….. 

Chapter 1: Schism

 

Sometime in 2295 AD…..

 

Forty light-years from Earth lies one of humanity’s greatest colonies. From the dark vacuum of space, we return to look upon the brown surface of Trappist-1e. The planet is one that we all know too well. From the wave of small purple lakes and reddish glowing surface is that of New Phnom Penh, the Capital of Batrice. Being the first city, it would serve as the center of administration for the colony’s government for years to come.

The only difference is that we must look into the past to understand the present. 

We are immediately moved to witness the interior of the vast mobile mining dome of New Phnom Penh. Inside, we see the partially transparent dome ceiling that lies above. Many of the building structures on the surface seem to be new in construction. Stores, apartments, and other facilities have been built, with room to expand the available habitable land space. We zoom through the many streets towards the central capital building. Shaped similarly to the great Angkor Wat, the structure consists of five multi-colored domes that rise towards the overhead dome ceiling. Statues of famous individuals line the concrete stairs that lead to the central structure. Various reporters and civilians stand near the stairs as we proceed further up.

The sounds of talking can be heard in the distance. Stair speakers process and spill into the interior chambers like a never-ending wave. Onlookers listen in as another great speech resonates through the entrance. Deeper inside the marble columns, through the grand entrance, lies a narrow hallway filled with crowded individuals. The humans carry features similar to those of former Southeast Asia and Australia. Past the door is a set of guards, dressed in formal royal attire, rifles, and body armor. 

Further past that entrance is the great red, green, and blue amphitheater. It has at least two hundred seats and countless chairs that line its half-elliptical curved walls. Hundreds of individuals, politicians, spouses and wives of those politicians, kids, and more fill this great chamber. A large podium stands to the rear, accompanied by sets of hovering cameras, microphones, and lavish tables nearby. From the podium is a single short man. Dressed in a formal red and blue retired pilot jumpsuit and a sash that lines over the shoulder of his uniform, he has a mostly pale complexion and facial features reminiscent of someone of former Italian descent. His white beret sits over his gray hair. The signs of aging, most likely a man in his 80s, stands next to the podium. Despite his age, the individual appears relatively healthy, full of energy, spry, and jovial during the speech. Many of the individuals seem enamored with the man because of how he spoke, along with the hint of his aged, yet dashing appearance.

“It's why I believe that Batrice and Gillian will be the future of the UWA,” the man said with much spirit. “It's why I believe that your achievements will outshine even that of Mars….or Cebravis……”

The man relaxed as the countless individuals began to applaud together. From one of the walls was a statue of a man pointing to the sky, holding one finger in the air. Surprisingly, the very statue was reminiscent of the man behind the podium, albeit a younger rendition of him. He continued letting the audience of politicians applaud in unison, seemingly enjoying the moment. The figure turned to his left to see the other close figures that sat not far from the podium. One was an elderly lady, a woman who appeared to be much older than even the man himself. She was dressed in a red and blue officer’s uniform. Her dress attire was adorned with medals, golden sashes, and a metal silver flower that sat atop the old woman's gray, stricken hair. Numerous wrinkles on her skin marred her pale complexion, but one that was softened by the firm lisp and hardened look on her face.

Sitting beside the woman was a younger man and woman with facial features reminiscent of individuals born in former Cambodia. The man appeared to be in his 50s, dressed in a white formal tuxedo and pants, while the woman, who seemed to be in her 30s, sat beside him. Her silk dress was extravagant. All the individuals continued to clap before the applause in the room finally died down.

“I’m sure that many of you have questions,” the older man happily said to the audience. “I’m here for your pleasure. Ask away….”

“Mr. Gabatrix!” One of the politicians called out from the crowd. 

“Ciro Gabatrix,” the man sitting at the table introduced the politician. “Prime Minister recognizes Representative Oakley from the CBA Party….”

“The Batrice Conservative Party, right?" Gabatrix asked. 

“Yes,” Oakley answered.

“Go ahead….,” Gabatrix replied to the standing Representative. 

Oakley seemed pleased to ask. “Are you going to be making annual visits to Batrice now that we’ve narrowly finished completing our shipyards?” He questioned him.

“Well,” Gabatrix happily remarked, placing his hands on his hips. “That wasn’t my reason for showing up here, but I won’t lie that seeing your colony build Fort Darwin did play a role in me making a visit. The rate things are going, I might end up ordering a yacht from you guys in no time…..”

Laughter could be heard primarily from the right side of the room. Some of the politicians appeared to enjoy the joke. However, Gabatrix could sense the mild hint of agitation. The other side of the room didn’t appear to enjoy the joke. Instead, the old man pointed at the next politician, someone on the right side. Another man, a person with a mixed complexion in his 50s, stood up. 

“Prime Minister recognizes Representative Zakaria, CEO of Cancri Mining Corporation,” the man from the table introduced him.

“Cancri Mining Corporation, huh?” Gabatrix smirked and nodded. “I heard a little bit about the companies getting started on Batrice. What is it, Zakaria?”

“Gabatrix,” Zakaria said with a hard Chinese accent. “How do you feel about Batrice expanding its mining outside of Batrice and Gillian?”

“I’m all for it! I suppose you want me to give a little bit of an endorsement for you, right? CMC, if it's got diamonds, we’ll tap first!” He pointed both his fingers at him. “My name is Ciro Gabatrix, and this is my favorite mining corporation in the sector....”

Zakaria smiled and nodded. “CMC will take your slogan under advisement. We have the first set of mining ships ready to leave the system in less than a year.”

“Heh...,” Gabatrix looked at the others. “Everyone looks like they’re having to ask permission for me, like I’m your father or something. Just because I discovered folding space doesn’t mean that I’m your overseer. Besides, I know you got Auntie Samantha sitting not far from me. I’m sure she would probably kick my ass if I got carried away….”

The old woman sitting at the table shifted with a hint of agitation. More laughter could be heard on the right side of the room. Gabatrix could continue to see that the left side of the auditorium wasn’t laughing or finding his comments entertaining. If anything, their stares grew more intense in each passing second.

“….If looks could kill….,” Gabatrix said. “I thought at first my speeches were boring, but the other half of the room looks like they’re ready to throw my ass out of here.”

“It’s the IRONLADY!” one of the female politicians called out on the left side of the room, trying to correct Gabatrix aggressively. She gave a smirk and an angered look at the man.

“Prime Minister recognizes Representative Socheata of the SBA,” the man at the table added.

“SBA?” Gabatrix questioned. “The Batrice Socialist Party, right?”

“Yes,” the female politician stood up. “You have no right to make fun of our great founder. YOU MOCK HER!”

“Mock her? Heh,” Gabatrix looked over at the old lady sitting by the table. “I can promise you that if we're both covered in wrinkles, I have all the right in the galaxy to make fun of her. Besides,” Gabatrix wiped the gray hair from his jaw. “If I were mocking her, you would absolutely know it. It’s your goal in life to look like me at my age. Eventually, before you know it, they’ll turn you into a statue as you’re trying to bust out of the copper paint….”

There was more laughter on the other side of the room. Gabatrix could see that the left side of the room was hopeless to please. He briefly looked over to the table to see that the Prime Minister was being muddy and neutral. Samantha Batrice remained cold and annoyed. It seemed to transfer over to the people on the left, which Gabatrix took note of. Ciro remained confident and unfazed before looking over to the crowd. The female representative sat down.

“Ladies and Gentlemen….,” Gabatrix said, getting serious. “I don’t care what party you represent. I’m not affiliated with any of your political movements. I make goodwill tours for the UWA. Me and the…..‘Ironlady’ of Batrice, and your Prime Minister, all stand together. Your colony has made incredible achievements over the course of 20 years. I’m standing in it. Your people built this, not me....”

“And why is that?” A man stood up on the left side of the room. The anger could be seen on his pale face. “Why does it matter to you, Ciro?”

“Prime Minister recognizes Representative Tasman of the SBA,” the Prime Minister continued. 

“What matters to me, what, Tasman?” Gabatrix continued. 

“Our feelings….” Tasman berated him. “You actually care? You barely show up at Batrice in the last twenty years… suddenly, it becomes important, and you show up at our parliament for the first time ever. Funny that you did this when Fort Darwin is nearing completion. You even admitted it….”

“Alright…” Gabatrix showed his serious face. “I’ll bite….What is that you’re getting at?”

“UWA….Goodwill tour. Admit it, you’re afraid of Batrice. We’re going to surpass Mars, aren’t we?.... And they know it….”

“You’re the first operational shipyard since Deimos.” Gabatrix tapped his fingers on the podium. “What do you want me to say, representative? All that dirt went into your head? You think I did my experiment just to sit in a retirement home? I may have slowed down due to my age, but that doesn’t mean I’m out of the fight, yet. Batrice and Gillian represent the future of the UWA. You’ve become the leading exporter of raw materials. That was your doing, not mine.”

“You’re a puppet!” Socheta stood up and condemned Gabatrix. “You’ve become little more than a figurehead for Martian Chairman.”

The parliament room began to break out in conversation. Whispers were being exchanged between representatives.

“Order!” the Prime Minister stood up and silenced everyone. “Socheta, sit down. That’s enough!….”

Socheta sat back down. Gabatrix resumed his conversation with Tasman.

“I’m curious,” Gabatrix questioned the man. “Why the hostility?”

“Do you think we’re fools, Gabatrix?” Tasman replied. “You know nothing about our hardships, mock our glorious founder before all of us, and belittle all of us at the same time. Don’t think we haven’t noticed your comments about us back on Earth?”

“And what was it?” Gabatrix asked.

“That Communism was dead…..it had no future at all….Nor did you want to see it come back….”

Gabatrix narrowed his eyes at him as he thought back. “Communism…..That was back in the ICDA conference at New Beijing, on Earth. Yes, I do remember saying that….The Imperial Chinese Dome Alliance has been recovering ever since Communist China left it behind. Why does that matter to you?”

The anger grew on the left side of the room. Gabatrix continued to briefly look at Samantha Batrice.

“Because you know nothing about what those corporate groups will do to us,” Tasman continued. “They don’t care about the miners that dig for your precious raw materials.”

“And you believe your ideology will save the people of Batrice?”

“Yes…., I do, Gabatrix.”

“Funny….” Gabatrix grabbed his beard. “I recall someone on Mars telling me that….a member of the Martian Communist Party who ended up telling me that I couldn’t launch my ship,…..the very experiment that put you all on this planet….before he lost his popularity and ultimately resigned years later….But, I suppose you’re going to tell me that I’m wrong, aren’t you?”

On the right side of the room, individuals nodded and grunted, seemingly happy to see that Tasman had been put in his place. Tasman didn’t want to say anymore before he sat down again. However, Gabatrix noted that there were fewer members of the supposed CBA than the opposing party. It appeared that the members of the SBA and other supporting groups held the superior numbers. The words seemed to weigh heavily upon the old man before he braced his hands against the podium.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Gabatrix explained, looking at everyone. “My purpose is to learn more about you, not judge you. I don’t know about the hardships that the population goes through. Besides, I’ve already seen some of it as it was with Oshun. We all have our demons. I believe in peace and prosperity between the colonies. I haven’t forgotten about Mars. I haven’t forgotten about Cebravis. I haven’t forgotten about Earth. And, I haven’t forgotten about you. I plan on staying for a few days, touring your facilities….your mining tunnels, the workers, all of it. If something seems wrong, then I’ll point it out. If there’s a human rights violation, I bring it up to the UWA. If those changes aren’t made, then I’ll toss the politicians in my aircraft and fly somersaults over and over again until the guy pukes or makes those changes. My point is that we stand at a turning point for humanity. We all have our part to play. The UWA….the UHN is the beginning of our unity. It serves as the hope for all of us. Together, we are stronger. I may be up there in age, but even I see the wisdom of our great alliance. Let’s journey to the stars together….”

There was a pause. The Prime Minister finally began to clap from his desk, followed by more representatives who also broke out in applause. Even the ones on the left side of the room finally began to clap, although their clapping seemed more like forced applause, as if they were not enjoying the process. Gabatrix smiled and held his hands out, seemingly happy to receive the praise. When he looked over to Samantha, the old woman gave an annoyed clap....

 

*******

 

It had been ten minutes later. Gabatrix, Samantha Batrice, the Prime Minister, and his wife entered into a large lobby. The luxurious room was filled with extravagant furniture fit for kings. The flags of Batrice lined the walls, along with various artifacts from Southeast Asia and Australia, all from former Earth. A large display and computer console lined another side of the room. Gabatrix was the first to storm into the room. The hint of the harpsichord music could be heard in the distance. The press and other media officials were trying to hover around the four individuals before the doors closed, separating them from the group. The guards would further push any media officials from entering or even trying to force their way into the room. Seeing that he was alone with the other three, Gabatrix turned and looked at the others behind him. 

“What’s the meaning of this?” Gabatrix asked, giving a stern, angry look at the Prime Minister. “I come here and this is their response?”

“Relax, Gabatrix,” the man replied. “A few politicians are just upset and voicing their opinion. It’s not like you haven’t faced opposition before.”

“Opposition? Heh…,” Gabatrix shook his head and gave the hint of a chuckle. “Chanvatey, you’re SBA. Those are your own party members! Your own supporters were ready to crucify me! At this rate, I’m going to be touring your mines and debating if I’m going to have a bullet in my head before I finish my tour....”

Samantha Batrice coughed and hacked some before she recomposed herself. She seemed sternly preoccupied with her thoughts, ignoring the exchange of words. The prime minister held his hands up to dismiss Gabatrix’s accusation. 

“Gabatrix, I understand your frustration…..”

“Frustration?” Gabatrix shook his head again. “I’ve seen my share of frustrations. I can read a room pretty well. I can understand one side. Your Conservative Party at least pretends to like me, and I can pretend to like them, but the SBA is like looking at some of the Martian politicians. Their attitude isn’t going to get them far.”

“I know you better than they do,” Chanvatey explained. “I may have helped forge the SBA, but I’m a moderate at heart. Sometimes you just have to speak softly and let the historians decide. Once they get to know you, I’m sure they’ll open up. I’m pretty sure they’ll even apologize. Besides, you know they’re only trying to appease their voters.” 

“I’m not here to stir the muck, Prime Minister,” Gabatrix countered. “But, I know that something is off. The tension in there was enough to outdo a laser drill. I know I’m not the world class entertainer, but they would at least look at every statue of me on this building and know it was me standing up there. Some of the Batrice people look at me like I’m a murderer.”

“Does that matter to you?” Samantha finally asked Gabatrix.

“Wow, she finally speaks…,” Gabatrix said, briefly looking at her. “And here I was, standing out there as your own politicians are ready to berate me. Excuse me that I didn’t address you as the Royal Highness, The Ironlady of Godhood. You got other names that I don’t know about? Huh? Both of you did almost nothing. You did nothing in prepping your own people for my arrival.” 

“Prepping….” Samantha seemed to scuff at the man.

“Yeah….Prepping…..as in have them swallow their own pride and show just a tiny little more respect, especially to the person that many see as the father of the UWA. Just because I may have opinions in one place doesn’t mean that it’s going to be the same exact in another, or that I’m here to gut your society's ideals either. It’s about knowing your audience a little bit and not overstepping on them. I’m not expecting to be showered in roses, but just enough that the press isn’t going to take our discussions and dissect them for the talking heads to objectify us.”

“Sometimes it’s good that the politicians are honest,” the Prime Minister replied. “I didn’t want to flex too much….let them vent and ask the serious questions.”

Gabatrix shook his head. “And what’s that going to accomplish, Prime Minister? Your press is going to show all of that to the UWA. I might be no politician, but I know what’s going to happen. The other colonies are going to be seeing the Batrice people berate and belittle the man who founded Gate Folding Technology. It’s going to start vilifying Batrice when I know that isn’t your colony’s intentions…..right?”

Chanvatey waved his hands. “I’ll have a word with them, Gabatrix. Even I know that Socheta and Tasman stepped a little bit overboard in being verbose. I’m sure they didn’t truly mean it. Besides, it’s an honor to have the man who pushed us to the great beyond.”  

“You’ll get over it,” Samantha remarked. 

Gabatrix gave a mean look at the old woman. Chanvatey seemed to sense the frustrations from both Gabatrix and Samantha. He took a deep breath before looking at the door.

“I suppose you two need to have a moment to discuss,” Chanvatey said. “I’ll leave you two to talk. Come and see us at the Angkor Festival when you two are done. We have the best foods ready and plenty to share.”

Gabatrix and Samantha both gave a faint nod. Chanvatey and his wife were in the process of walking out the door.

“Planning on having children?” Gabatrix asked Chanvatey’s wife.

“Yes….,” the woman stopped and replied to him, patting her stomach. “I want to be forty before having a kid. I was thinking, Heng, if it’s a boy or Kahna for a girl.”

“Ah, you’re one of those space boomers where 40 is the new 30. Well, don’t wait too long. Your husband is going to be as gray and wrinkly as I am before you get your wish…...”

“You like kids, Mr. Gabatrix?” Chanvatey asked. 

“My brother did. My wife and I tried to have kids a while back. Unfortunately, she couldn’t conceive. I blame the Orange Muck for that one. Of course….” Gabatrix looked at Samantha. “One look at the….Ironlady and she would be enough to sterilize any man she looked at.”

Samantha seemed to ignore the mocking joke before Chanvatey and his wife left the room. The door opened as the two left. The brief sign of a sinister smile could be seen on the Prime Minister’s face, while Gabatrix remained focused on the older woman. Once the door closed, Gabatrix gave a firm look at Samantha Batrice. She also gave an annoyed look at him before Gabatrix straightened his suit.

“You seem to have made quite an impression on your own people,” Gabatrix remarked.

“I would say the same with you,” Samantha replied, making several restrained coughs.

“Still didn’t get an answer from you, though.” The man walked up and looked at the retired female officer. “Trying to make me look bad?”

“Can’t take a little criticism?”

“I don’t give a damn about the criticism. It’s the purpose behind it, though. You know damn well that isn’t my goal to derail your colony, but I can definitely sense that something ain’t right. The politicians here almost seem like….I’m an outright stranger, an outsider asked to leave before the festivities even began. Then, there’s you….Miss Ironlady. Is every street corner named after you now?”

“Almost….,” she gave an angered look at Gabatrix. “You want to know why they call me the ‘Ironlady?’”

“Because you like to stand and….”

Before Gabatrix had a chance to say anything, Samantha Batrice stood next to the man, quickly raised her hand, and swung hard into his face, delivering a hard slap onto his cheek. 

SLAP! The strike rattled Gabatrix, causing him to recoil a bit backwards. Despite her age and seeming frailty, she managed to deliver a rather hefty strike. It wasn’t enough to take down the man in any way, but it caused Ciro to re-shift himself.

“You Son of a Bitch!” Gabatrix reacted at the hint of pain. Angered, he took his hand, raised it back, and backhanded Samantha, hitting her in the cheek. The woman also recoiled back. Despite the blow, she lost her footing, but quickly regained it, standing back up and looking at Gabatrix. 

“Ugh….,” Gabatrix grunted. “Just because a man doesn’t have the right to strike a woman, doesn’t give the woman the right in return.” 

Blood dripped from the old woman’s lip, a small cut inflicted by Gabatrix’s wedding ring. An insidious smile could be seen on her face as she wiped the blood away. She almost seemed unfazed, even for a woman of her age. Gabatrix gave an even angrier look at her.

“Heh….heh,” Samantha reacted. “Such….soft hands…..the hands of a man who works behind a console and keyboard in the last twenty years.”

“It’s called retirement, Samantha,” Gabatrix replied.

“Exactly,” she said. “You can learn a lot from a man’s hands. On my planet, there’s no such thing as retirement. You work…..you dig until you drop dead…..”

Gabatrix could see that she was testing him when she slapped him. Samantha seemed partially impressed by him hitting her back. The man pressed forward.

“Sounds a little like….slave labor,” Gabatrix replied.

“Hard labor,” Samantha replied. “Batrice was founded on digging…..we dig and we dig. You know why? Because we’re the first colony that realized what humanity needed the most: raw materials. Mars won’t be able to keep up with it. The day I came to Trappist 1, we had numerous worlds at our fingertips. Earth had been tapped, Luna had been tapped, Mars had been tapped. Here, it’s a treasure trove….nothing but expansion. I came here because in the end, humanity would have to face the reality….without ore, without those rare metals and materials, the UHN, the UWA, everything, will dry up. So, I decided to put our feet down onto this barren rock and make this civilization a reality. Good leadership and a firm hand, and your colony will rise from its roots…..”

“You almost make it sound like you’re a dictator, one that sits by as your people drop from sheer exhaustion.”

“Of course not, you idiot. You think that I’m merciless? I made sure to work down those mining tunnels myself…..alongside those workers. I dig, they dig. I stop, they stop. If they stop before I do….then there’s consequences….”

“Not everyone can work at your own pace.”

“And what choice is there? What is it that you do? You push the other colonies to build. We agree….a strong foundation is the beginning of any civilization. You may have your golden paradise of Cebravis, but how are you going to build your structures? Are you going to dig the Cebravin soil that you so generously try to protect….ensuring that Cebravis doesn’t fall into the same fate as Earth’s environment?”

“It’s not a matter of disagreeing with you,” Gabatrix said. “Cebravis and Oshun are the breadbaskets. Mars is the Administration and Industry. However, it’s becoming obvious that there is one enormous difference between us. Just because you work hard doesn’t mean they have to.”

“Unfortunately, as I reach 102, it's becoming all but true,” she held back a cough. “But, experience is wisdom….I made sure to have sweeping reforms and improve the working conditions after finishing up Fort Darwin. The political parties will balance those ideologies…”

“That might not excuse what you did.”

“Who’s the villain in this, Gabatrix? ‘Reach to the stars together?’ Said so well…..sung in every kid’s book. You have statues everywhere, wild orgies on your golden planet of paradise, an audience that looks at you like some prophet…..”

“There’s statues of you as well, Samantha. But, I think it’s pretty well obvious that the people who put up the statues of me do it because they actually like me. In your case, they put up the statues of you because they don’t really have much of a choice.”

“Respect works in many ways, Gabatrix. However, here, my colony, my world, the people do worship me, and know that hard work pays off. Meanwhile, they’ll see you as the man who sits back and watches the old woman who never quits.”

“Ah, I knew it,” Gabatrix countered, narrowing her eyes at her. “This is the part where you ask, ‘Gabatrix is great, but what has he done for me lately?’ Nah,” Gabatrix pointed at her. “In some instances, I can have a little bit of respect in living by example. You’re not some petty CEO corporate exec that orders his workers around and sits on his fat ass watching TV, but there’s such a thing as being a ruthless egomaniac as well. You give the elderly like me a bad name. You may have coerced and pushed the people to idolize you somehow, but that doesn’t excuse what you did. You’re guilty of the same thing Oshun did. They jumped into a world and didn’t think about the landscape, the limited space available. Its environment became their undoing. You jumped the gun, Samantha. What do you think I’ve been doing? I encouraged the UHN to start building as many ships as possible, find worlds, find other future worlds like Cebravis. Cebravis doesn’t have to be the end-all eco green hippie world where environmentalism fills its every lawbook. The only reason why it happened is because it's our only truly habitable world, a place where we can kick back, and say ‘God I’m proud to be naked and alive!’”

“And where has that gotten us?” the old woman replied. “It still gets back to the same question. How did those cities sprout up, Gabatrix? Those colony ships made good building materials, but in the end, you needed raw materials somewhere, fast. The people grew desperate, eager to leave Mars because they wanted to live that same dream. However, we saw the reports….basic building materials….gone. Mars would be mined into a hollow husk to get every city built as the population exploded. You may have done a great deed for us, Gabatrix. You may have saved the human race, but you would have only delayed it. Economic collapse would have been inevitable. The Cebravin population would have clawed the dirt to put up mud huts as they ripped their environment, starving to put roofs over their heads.”

“You don’t know that.”

“And it won’t matter anyway…..I gave humanity its next step, one way or another. I wasn’t going to make Batrice like Oshun. Planets….planets everywhere…..too many places to mine. Jobs for everyone. The UWA needs ships, then you have it, but don’t question my practices in how you got it.”

Gabatrix didn’t seem wholly impressed. “A hint of truth, but an excuse to commit to other actions using that excuse as leverage. I imagine that after I get done touring those mines and questioning the workers, somebody is going to admit to what you did. The UWA may hold you for possible violations against humanity. My only mistake is not learning about this sooner. Perhaps retirement has been a flaw in me after all….”

“Too little….too late. I’ve already made the corrections,” the old woman answered. “Besides, you still need Batrice and Gillian if your UWA is going to continue. The foundation has been set….and your homes are built upon it. You would have to rip down the structure first before you reset those foundations. Go after me, ruin me, and you would only anger my colonists further, till your precious UWA crumbles to dust. Meanwhile, my colony will remain. And….as for your sense of justice…..”

Samantha Batrice reached up to her gray hair and pulled the silver rose from the top. With a firm hand, she took the hair and pulled it off her head, revealing that it was a wig. She tossed the hairpiece aside and onto the floor. Her head was completely bald, scarred, and destroyed, while her aging deteriorated her body. She slowly walked up to the console by the wall and began to activate it as Gabatrix looked at her in surprise. Her coughing began to hit harder than ever before. Her fingers pressed against the buttons on the panel, turning on the display in front of her.

“Well, I guess age hasn’t been too kind to you, after all,” Gabatrix remarked. “What happened?”

“Sickness….,” the old woman said. “Brought upon by the laser drills that I used alongside the workers. ‘Batrin Silocosin,’ as we call it. We’re still trying to figure out the cause since it appears to be more random in where it happens.”

“Is it contagious?”

“No, but I’ll be dead……a year at most…... There's no cure…..augments don’t save you….it's the sacrifice of a good foundation….”

“How many others have it?”

“Enough for it to have its own name. They’ll wither and die, like I have…..”

“But, you have the convenience of being old. Death is expected for people of our current generation. I’m sure those others affected, though, are much younger.”

“Yes…..the places where it breaks out have been placed on hold as we find other safer places to mine…..by the time you eventually erode my legacy, I’ll be dead and buried….”

Gabatrix shook his head, trying to put away his thoughts and opinions, being partially understanding of Samantha, while changing the topic.

“Ehh…." the man said. "You know what I remember? I remember a tough Captain who challenged the Martian military when the Martian Government arrested me after my flight. You were among the first few who spurned the other military leaders to have me released, making their voices louder. Soft spoken, insidious, but stubborn, you wouldn’t take no for an answer. I’m not here to erode your legacy, Samantha. I meant what I said that your people have managed to accomplish much. It’s only a matter of highlighting the mistakes made in one’s society, instead of burying them,” He turned to look at the door. “You’re leaving an impact on Sambath Chanvatey, along with your hardened followers. Whether the results are more negative than positive will only be answered in time…..”

Samantha Batrice remained stoic, almost quietly embracing what Gabatrix had to say. She tapped a few buttons before the display revealed a massive floating structure. The projection highlighted a large pill-like object consisting of two spinning drums on the top and bottom. On the drums were rings with a series of weapons mounted upon them. The center structure looked like a boxy, cylindrical frame capable of housing freighters and smaller craft. It almost appeared to be some sort of spacecraft or space station schematic that he had never seen before. Gabatrix grew curious.

“What is that?” he asked.

“My last creation,” she explained, continuing to look upon it. “In the wake of your foolishness to explore…..” She coughed and hacked hard. 

“I’m a fool to encourage others to explore?” Gabatrix gave a stern look at her.

“Yes…..We may find other worlds, but we’ll likely end up finding something else….something that won’t like us very much. We’ll need a strong defense if we’re going to survive against whoever it is…..I saw the need to design a powerful space station….one that would protect this colony….perhaps others if more can be built….”

“I agree….A good navy can do wonders in protecting our worlds. But, you’re…..proposing that we build some sort of military space station.”

“Not just a space station…..a dual city…..a force of projection…..capable of stopping entire fleets of warships…..I’ve been working on this design for three years. If every colony built one of these, then I see no harm in you…..your family, your people, my people, explore the galaxy….”

“It would be better than the gate array stations that we use…..but, there’s an obvious problem that you probably already know. This looks extensive…. The dimensions for this are enormous. The price of building this would take…..,” he shook his head and looked at her.

“I know....,” she said, lowering her head.

“We need to keep building our fleets,” Gabatrix said. “I doubt the UHN would even dare try to build this.”

“It will work,” she assured him.

“I don’t doubt that, but even with your colony’s resources, this would be an enormous undertaking just to make one. And,….let me guess….this space station would carry your name as well, wouldn’t it?”

Samantha sighed. “Spaceships will not be enough. We need to fortify our worlds. I know Cebravis. You have nothing there….your people embrace pacifism too much, and in the end, your future enemies will slaughter us all.”

Gabatrix looked back at the schematic. “No matter what, there’s only so much that we can do, Samantha. I’m afraid that our age is catching up to us. Our economy is still trying to revive since our people long abandoned Earth. We’ll find other worlds to settle upon, keep building, and make more ships. Besides, the UHN Marines are finally starting to build their numbers.” The man narrowed his eyes as he looked at her. “But, I suppose there’s something else that’s all leading up to this, right?”

The old woman seemed reluctant to answer. “…..I want to see this station built,” she told him. “It’s my dying wish, Gabatrix. Help me build it…..”

Ciro seemed to think about it. “What are the projected times for the station’s construction?”

“35 years working nonstop. It can be done…”

“Yeah, but unfortunately, you haven’t considered the fact that everyone on this planet is human. 50-55 years is the true time. Are you asking me to convince the UHN to begin funneling money to a project you’ll never get a chance to see?”

The old woman nodded her head. 

“Heh….,” Gabatrix got a chuckle. “Well, that’s a first….Samantha Batrice, the great Ironlady, is begging the founder of the UWA for a little bit of help. Gee, if your people got word of this, it would become the greatest scandal in your colony’s history.”

“You would deny my dying wish to see this built?”

“Oh, relax….” The man tapped the old woman’s shoulder. “I’m not against this project. Actually, I think it’s an amazing design. Revolving ring emplacements to provide continuous fire, having two cities in one complex, and it would push our technological advances to their limits. It’s actually good to provide motivation for companies and the population to make something, keep them busy, active, and strive for a common goal. There are a lot of good things that can come out of this. Yeah, I’ll see if I can talk to the UWA and the UHN and push them to get started on this….”

The man could see a sense of relief fill across the woman’s face. Samantha was seemingly pleased and caught off guard that he accepted. 

“What?” he asked her. “You’re actually surprised that I like your little toy project?”

“I was….expecting you to say no to this altogether,” Samantha replied.

“Well, don’t thank me yet….” Gabatrix walked over and picked up the old woman’s wig, seemingly disgusted by doing it. “I might be able to encourage them, but it’s going to be up to everyone else to accept it, too. There’s something that we all have called a Democratic Republic. Just make sure that your people try to follow the same path instead of using any….fear tactics on them. Learn to live a little, it might give you some extra time in your life….”

“Sleeping is for the dead, Gabatrix. We’re remembered for our actions, not our deaths, and especially not for our wishes either….”

“….I like that….” He handed the wig over to her. “I’ll make sure to tell the others that when you kick the bucket, but there’s also such a thing as making good choices in life. Unlike you, I choose to live on Cebravis. You choose to live here. I probably still got another….30, 40 years of life in me yet. There’s such a thing as letting things go and letting them happen. It’ll be up to our younger generations to take up the mantle.”

The old woman looked at the wig and slipped it back on her head, pressing the silver rose back onto her scalp to help keep it pinned in. Ciro was growing bored and pointed his thumb at the door.

“Well,” the man said. “I’m going to head back out there and see how many of your cult followers go stark raving mad that it wasn’t you that came out of that door instead of me….” 

Samantha coughed a little bit and mumbled something under her breath. Gabatrix was in the process of leaving when the old woman spoke out.

“….There was another name that I had,” she said, causing him to stop. “A long time ago, besides the Ironlady….”

“Oh, this is going to be rich,” Gabatrix replied, turning back to look at her. “Please don’t tell me that it was ‘The Night Hag.’”

“No…….,” Samantha shut off her console, turned, and approached Gabatrix. “…It was ‘Ballcrusher’…..‘Sam Ballcrusher…’”

“Heh….,” Gabatrix got a big laugh. “Ha, ha…..” He stifled his laugh and gave a surprised look. “Wait….You’re Sam Ballcrusher? That can’t be…..I always heard of that name when the young enlisted officers came to the piloting school on Mars. That name stuck in the list of the highest chain of officers on Mars. That was actually you?”

“Yep. A little over 80 years ago…..Just before I became an officer…..I went and worked in the adult film industry…..did shows involving the….dominatrix genre. Sometimes, men enjoyed seeing the…..violence and strong woman troupe in their porn.” She gave a hint of a smile. “Of course, it was to pay off for the tuition. I did everything that I could to keep that information on the down low in service. Kept the bloody wankers off of me. But…,” She sighed and gave a cough. “In the military, somebody found out…..word began to spread about me, before a lieutenant began to whisper that damn nickname. I had to do everything that I could to silence it before they almost kicked me out due to learning my prior record in such a…. perverted business profession. Thankfully, my hard work in the Martian Fleet and determination made them decide otherwise….”

“So that whip on your wall…..The whip you’re holding in your portrait….”

“A souvenir from those days. My supporters look at it as a source of Batrice’s strength. My opponents think it was because I beat the workers like slaves…..I would prefer that they keep thinking that way…..”

Gabatrix chuckled as Samantha continued to give a hint of her contented smile in return. It was the first time the man could see the hint of joy from the Ironlady, regardless of her past. But her smile left as she gave a hard, stern look at the man before pointing her finger at him. 

“That,” she said, “Is my gift for you for supporting my final project. If you tell anybody about what I just told you….”

The old man held his hands out. “Don’t worry,” Ciro happily replied. “My lips are sealed,….Sam Ball….”

Samantha lightly smacked Gabatrix’s arm to stop him before he said it. Before the old man had a chance to say anything more, Samantha Batrice moved Gabatrix’s arm over to the side, before using her arm to wrap around his. She began to guide him to the door as the two walked together in haphazard unison.

“What are you doing?” he asked her.

“Silencing our critics,” she told him. “They see us together, it’ll keep the politicians at bay…..Batrice follows the UWA and stands with the UHN….at least while I’m still alive….”

“I see….Lead the way, Ironlady of Batrice….”

With that, Gabatrix and Samantha Batrice proceeded to leave. The doors opened as the two walked out to face the press together…..

 

*******

 

May 1st, 2351 AD

 

Fifty-six years had passed….

Much would change…. 

From the main auditorium, the political shift in New Phnom Penh’s capital was significant. The press was no longer present, replaced by the few camera drones that would record the upcoming events. New generations had replaced the old. Politicians were different, all dressed in the same black and yellow attire. No longer were there two political parties, but that of one, the absolute one and only one. 

While much of the auditorium remained the same, the statue of the great Gabatrix had long been removed, and the divots where the hard screws had once held it were still visible on the hard slab where the copper statue originally stood. A new set of statues had been added in the background. One was a marble statue of Sambath Chanvatey placed on the far left. The former rendition of the Prime Minister stood, with his hands splayed open almost as if he was looked at as a great mediator, ready to embrace the welcoming soul that came near him. The next statue was on the right side of the room. The great marble rendition of Samantha Batrice stood in her officer’s uniform, hand placed over her curled whip, a symbol of strength and hard work.

The last statue resided behind the current Prime Minister, a complete copy of him. The marble rendition of Heng Chanvatey stood in place, stoically, both sad, defiant, and ready to defend his home. In his arms held wide was the rendition of the current Prime Minister’s deceased daughter, the crumpled remains from a terrible attack, and well recorded for all to see. The statue alone was awe-inspiring, designed to invoke sympathy, embracing the martyrdom of the daughter’s demise due to the great evils that lay beyond her. 

Between the three statues, Batrice's former flags were also replaced. No longer was the red and blue slanted triangular background present. No longer were the five green domes of New Phnom Penh’s capital in place. Instead, the flag consisted of a crutched white cross placed in the center. The black and red, triangular, slanted background effectively highlighted the center.

The politicians, mostly of the familiar shades of mixed complexions of former Southeast Asia, resided in the auditorium. Men wore black and yellow suits, with a badge of the current Batrice flag wrapped around their arm. Women wore black and yellow dresses, wrapped with the same badge on their wrists. All seemed pleased to see Heng Chanvatey march to the center podium. The prime minister stood in the familiar uniform, just as his father had. His white clothing almost made him appear like a saint. He approached the main microphone and stopped at the podium. Everyone applauded in unison, giving an ovation clap before Heng Chanvatey finally waved his hands to lower it down. When everyone came to complete silence, the prime minister decided to proceed with his speech.

“In one year, we have accomplished much,” Chanvatey explained in a familiar Batrician accent. “We have made a safe and secure society, one where one party, the Kampuchea Party, a true Communist utopia, can thrive. In the time since we have encountered the Itreans, we have brushed away the threats. We have built the great Fort Batrice. We have dissolved the heartless, greedy corporations that took advantage of the Batrice people. We have made a more powerful government. Our solidarity is stronger than ever before. Brothers and sisters, you have all made this possible…..”

The politicians cheered in uproar. A loud applause erupted as everyone was in lockstep with the Prime Minister. Not one single voice of opposition was made. Heng Chanvatey remained stoic and polite as the applause died down.

“In this time, we make the great leap forward,” he continued. “Since my daughter was killed by the heartless savages, the Itreans, the T’rintar clan, have festered in the UWA like a cancer. They breed with the humans, spread their perversions, and work their way through every heart and crevice of the UWA government. We have made the great step in expelling every Itrean, every human lover who dared bed with these vile creatures that spread through our space. Because of this, we have made our space safer for our people…..”

The applause continued as Heng remained in position, pressing his hands to the podium. The politicians were relentless with their applause till it finally died down.

“Since the colony has been founded, it has been Samantha Batrice, the Ironlady of Batrice’s goal in ensuring that we remain the heart and soul of the UWA. We hold the foundations that set the precedent for the human race, just as the Khmer Alliance forms the foundation of our history and society. Communism has once again been restored, and it is here that it will stay. Rest assured, Brothers and Sisters, that your children will rest well tonight. What I have been denied as a father will be given to all of you. Equality, fairness, prosperity, a society where we will be able to spread our influence throughout the galaxy will remain strong. Batrice will be the stepping stone for our new era…..” 

The applause broke out again. However, it was here that Heng needed to push forward and reach what he needed to say. The politicians could see it and stopped applauding.

“However, we still have one last step to take,” he continued. “The UWA, the alliance that holds humanity together, has stricken us. Day by day, month by month, the Itreans strip their soul. They gave Earth to them. They give their bodies to them. They give their technology to them. It makes them vulnerable. Humanity fights against the other clans as they willingly surrender to the other. This is unacceptable to us. They try to strip our resources, our income, our blood, and our finances to fuel the very Itreans that would destroy us. Since then, we have learned to say no……no more. Batrice cannot fall into this vile path. It has become obvious to us that we can no longer operate under their jurisdiction. With our military might, our great defenses, we have the right to assert our sovereignty. It is hereby announced that today, we make the final step, the great leap forward. Voted unanimously by our delegates, Batrice secedes from the UWA, GLORY TO BATRICE!…..” 

“Glory to Batrice!” the other politicians replied. Everyone, including Chanvatey, enclosed their hands, tapped their chests, and extended their fist forward. 

 

*******

 

In orbit, in the vacuum of space, lies the surface of Batrice below. The perpetual side of light continues to beat against one side of the planet, and the twinkling stars in the great distance dot the entire spectrum. 

When we turn, not far is that of the great Fort Batrice. It is enormous, consisting of two gray, vast drums connected to the central hangar facility in the center. Much as the design specifications revealed from 56 years ago, the space station retains its signature look. The artificial structure is a beacon in space. Numerous lights could be seen all throughout the frame. 

In the center, a single freighter is in the process of departing. From the vast hangar facility, structures could be seen all throughout the internal room. The large transport slowly departs before reaching the emptiness of space. 

Besides Fort Batrice are a series of four powerful battleships. Three of the cylindrical frames are over 400 meters long, lined with rows of AIO weapon turrets. In the center of the warships are box-like missile launchers mounted on the dorsal and ventral midsections. On top of the launchers is a single heavy railgun turret. Behind the launchers is a vast box-like rotating habitation module, along with the main reactor and aft thrusters. 

These behemoth UHN warships are dwarfed by the even larger dreadnought that lies to the far right of the line formation. It is an enlarged version of the three battleships. However, its front bow section consists of a plethora of small launch doors and antenna arrays near the front bow. Its enlarged size allows it to carry even more powerful weapons. Altogether, the line of warships serves as a dedicated frontal shield for the great battle station. 

Upon zooming into Fort Batrice, we zip through to find the great interior where the city of New Sydney resides. Here, induced artificial gravity has been obtained due to the continuously rotating drum. Countless civilians and military personnel fill the streets. The buildings house numerous apartments, offices, facilities, and other essential control networks. Many of the people seemed to have come to a halt as they listened in on the overhead announcements. Meanwhile, flags of the crutched cross hang from many of the street corners. Many of the human beings share optimism, while a few others remain quiet, seemingly disturbed, without showing it on their faces. 

“Our military forces will vacate all UWA installations that are not under the Batrice Banner,” Chanvatey’s speech could be heard from the street speakers. “No more, will we fight for the UWA, because they no longer represent mankind or our home…..I will grant the UHN personnel who belong to other worlds free passage to return to their homes. In exchange, we have requested that all Batrice personnel stationed in other systems be advised to return immediately. Rest assured, Batrice, that this new transition will be met with open arms. Failure on the UWA’s part will be met with consequences…..”

Further through the streets, past a set of apartments and other large structures, was a large central building. Its structure was so large that it stood as the highest building among all of them. It consisted of three rectangular black and gray walls interconnected into one frame. It was armored, consisting of numerous metal plates. Sets of large conduits stretched forth from the main building and into the ceiling. Guards, dressed in black and red jumpsuits, carrying the black banner of the white crutched cross could be seen on their arms. In their hands were rifles. The patrols were constantly navigating around the complex with great care. On the structure, the words “Fort Batrice CIC/Admin” were written in English and Chinese and placed near the main entrance. 

Through the entrance and up the multitude of floors was the main hall that led to the great bridge of Fort Batrice. The passageway led to a glass door. A middle-aged man with a pale complexion reminiscent of a person born in former Australia approached the CIC room. He wore a black and red uniform, black cape, red and black cover, holstered pistol on his right, and a swagger stick tucked beneath his armpit. Beside him was a female officer with a mixed complexion and short black hair similar to a woman born in former Malaysia. The familiar red, white, and black badges were on their arms. Their boots pressed hard against the metal floor before they reached the CIC room. The glass doors slid open.

“Fleet Admiral on deck!” the female officer announced in the room. Every officer and enlisted personnel came to attention.

The vast interior of the CIC room was impressive to behold. It was circular in shape. Vast computer processors are connected to a plethora of consoles and networks. Pipes, electrical stations, tables, and chairs lined the compartment. A set of stairs led to the main central station, from which the Fleet Admiral and the female officer walked up to look at. A large blue light glowed and flowed through the center, down to the conduits below. There were mounted displays everywhere, and the center station had one enormous overhead projector. Four sets of consoles also surrounded the center. The cape flowed before the Fleet Admiral turned to look at the others who remained at attention.

“Resume your stations…..,” the high-ranking officer stated to everyone, causing everyone to sit back down and continue with their work. The female officer stood next to him.

“All stations report full operation,” the woman stated.

“Excellent,” Baxton said in his Australian-accented voice. “Commander Sreyleak, open a channel to Fort Rangoon to Admiral Fitzroy. Let’s see if our brothers on Gillan will follow along and respect the Great Leap Forward…..”

“Understood….,” Sreyleak replied as she placed her augmented hand against the nearby console panel. The officer’s artificial ligament glowed bright blue as she relayed the signal. The fleet admiral remained patient as seconds continued to pass.

“It’s taking time,” she said. “So far, there’s no response…” 

“I’m sure that Fitzroy is still processing the Prime Minister’s broadcast,” Baxton said sternly. “Check in on all Batrice System fleets and bases. Report on each ship and any issues as we go through the transition.”

“Aye, Fleet Admiral.” The woman looked at the various specs and internal ship communications. There was a pause for ten seconds.

“Observation Outpost Alpha-G, reporting in….” Sreyleak explained. “Loyalty secured. Fleet Obsidian reports all ships, loyalty secured….Fleet Felsite reports the same….There is a delay with Fleet Granite, Patrol Pumice, and Fleet Emerald…..” 

Baxton looked at the data. “Fleet Granite and Pumice are in communications blackout for the next ten minutes,” he told her. “Focus on our closest ships first. There is one ship still not reporting in.”

“Yes, sir. The UHN....," she quickly corrected herself. "The 'BNS' Cancrinite, Widado, and Rama have reported in. However, the Barton has not.”

“Open a communication channel to the battleship Barton, audio only….”

“Yes, sir. I have Captain Manaia linked to our console.”

“Fort Batrice,” another male voice echoed on the comms. “This is Captain Manaia responding to your communication.”

“Manaia…..,” Baxton’s voice echoed to him. “Why have you not responded to our call?”

“I apologize, sir, we appear to have an internal communications glitch in processor 3. We have cleared up the malfunction.”

“Sir,” Sreyleak looked at Baxton and quietly shook her head, denying what Manaia had just said. Baxton could see it as well.

“A malfunction?” Baxton addressed him. “Our reports show that your ship operations are functioning normally. I need an explanation….”

“It must be a mistake, sir,” Manaia replied. “We were simply trying to resolve a malfunction. It delayed our ability to report in….”

“Sir,” Sreyleak muted the comms and spoke to the fleet admiral. “Their internal communications indicate a mutiny in progress….”

“I see,” Baxton replied. “It appears that we’ve found our first set of traitors for the day.”

“Should we establish a boarding party? We can recapture the Barton, secure the mutiners…”

“No….,” Baxton replied. “I know her Captain. He’s stalling. There are loyal Batricians that are trying to stop the ship from leaving, but most of Barton’s crew consist of traitors….they’ll overpower the rest.”

“Most of the crew are Gillanite transferals.”

“Including Manaia. Begin spinning up Fort Arm Ring 4 and 5. Power up its weapons and target the Barton. Hold fire until I give the command.”