The Sweet Decay

An Argentrooper Chronicle Silvanus S-gar Prince

Works By S. S. Prince Nytheun Annals Ymd Eras Of Miashunes & The Epithecesh The Lay Of The Epithecesh Of Heynoch Thuntmutz Crimson Night The Crystal Tower Finishing The Job Exiles From Terror Possession Shadow Song Truths Weve Sold The Death Of A Duke Oracle Awakes Argentrooper Chronicles The Sweet Decay Virtuous Lies Catastrophically Content Philosophical Essays Rants From A Nihilist Existence - An Exploration Syllogisms For A New World Short Stories The Little House Behind My Old Garage

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you wanted this so sad to see the sweet decay of ecstasy and you want it all still you want it all ill give you something more when you fade away one last kiss before you fade away when you fade away so sleep tonight in idle dreams the pain will drown your silent screams and you want it all still you want it all ill give you something more when you fade away one last kiss before you fade away when you fade away when you fade away Psychopomp The Tea Party

The Plains Of Matthild Waltolf, Outer Rim Territory Imperial Date: Helma 17, 2276

Veldrich stood atop a small hill which looked out upon a plain which stretched for as far as the eye could see. There were a few small copse of trees and a few small hills, however the field was almost level and covered in grass and wild flowers. Veldrich turned to his right, seeing his reflection in the helmet of his second in command, Captain Kort. The trooper wore the standard armored uniform of the Argentrooper Corps, the silver full exo-skeletal armour with its distinctive diamond shaped eye slit. Unlike his subordinates, his helmet had a royal-blue coloured visor which kept the intense light from the planets two suns out of his eyes. Korts armour bore the royal blue chest and leg stripes denoting his unit and a black pauldron which hung from his left shoulder denoted his rank. The rest of Captain Korts century stood at ready in defensive positions around the top of the hill, their own silver armour shining in the sunlight. For his part, Veldrich wore the forest green robes of his order - the Fridu. His long brown hair was tied in a topknot and his brown eyes simmered with intelligence, though with a slight hint of tiredness. They had been hunting down the assassin for a month now and Veldrich was growing weary of the chase. See if you can spot him, Kort. the Fridu ordered in a pleasant tone which masked his weariness. Aye, General. the Argentrooper replied, his baritone voice crackling through the helmets external speaker. He opened a pouch in his utility belt and drew forth a pair of heat-sensing binoculars. Expertly, Captain Kort raised the lenses to the diamond shaped eye slit on his helmet and began scanning the plains below. General. another of the Argentroppers, Warinar by name, called from a position some five metres to Veldrichs left. Veldrich looked over and then made his way to the Argentroopers position. Once he arrived, Warinar pointed to the western horizon. The Fridu looked and began to see the movement of something large. It was a ground vehicle of some type, moving at a steady pace. Whatever it was, it was moving in their direction. Veldrich estimated that it was about ten kilometres away, but closing the gap.

Can you identify the vehicle, trooper? he asked Warinar. Ive never seen anything like it before, General. the Argentrooper replied in a matter-of-fact voice. Veldrich wheeled around calling out to his Captain: Kort! Dispatch a scouting party towards that thing. We need to know what it is and what its intentions are. Aye, General! the visored Argentrooper called back before turning and giving order to his men. Keep an eye on that thing, Warinar. Veldrich turned his attention back to the west. Aye, General. the trooper replied, pulling out his own binoculars and training them on the approaching vehicle. Veldrich returned to his previous position next to Captain Kort. Well, Captain? he inquired. I have dispatched the scouts as you have ordered, General. Kort reported. Also, I did not detect any heat signatures within the range of my view-finder. Veldrich scowled. He suddenly had a bad feeling about the current situation. Their mark had given them the slip and some strange vehicle was making its way towards them. The Fridu watched as three Argentscouts made their way across the plain on anti-gravity speeders. They were compact and rodynamic vehicles that sat one person. They each looked like hovering silver diamonds with a cockpit in the centre of their structure. The outer-diamond shape was more of a superstructure which wrapped itself around the main portion of the vehicle like a ring. The each Argentscouts booted feet hung below this structure and rested on two small pedals that controlled the speed of the vehicle. Short control bars rose up from the central consol of the speeder and controlled the vehicles direction. An Argentrooper named Hildard approached Veldrich at that moment. He was the communications officer of the century and had been monitoring all communications on and above Waltorf V. His armour had a specialized communication pack attached to his back which carried not only communications equipment but signal jamming devices to aid the protection of his fellow troopers. I am receiving preliminary reports from the Argentscouts, General. Hildard reported. The vehicle is approximately one hundred metres long, approximately twenty five metres wide and approximately ten metres high. Its motive technology seems to be anti-grav and it is somewhat

rodynamic. The scouts report that it is encased in a crystitanium hull and seems to have various armaments which are deployable in a variety of firing arcs. Veldrichs feeling of unease deepened. He turned his attention back to Captain Kort. Captain, order your troopers back down into the valley behind us. I want the platoon of Argentgunners deployed around the base of this hill on the far side ready to defend this position if need be. Aye, General. Captain Kort replied. He hurried off to issue the necessary commands. Hildard, the Fridu turned back to the communications officer, see if you can establish a comm link with that thing. Try to find out what they want. Aye, General. the Argentrooper nodded. The entire century began to retreat, save for the platoon of Argentgunners who advanced down the front slope of the hill and took up positions around its base. General, they are jamming our comm. Hildard reported. I have lost contact with the Argentscouts. Veldrichs premonitions seemed to be coming to pass. Keep working on countering their jam, Hildard. he ordered. If you do, get in contact with Imperial Defender and have them extract us as soon as possible. Aye, General. the comm officer replied. The Fridu looked out over the top of the hill. His worst fears seemed to be coming true.

Mok Vorlan gingerly peered up out of the crevice he had been hiding in. The Rashgani assassin had been attempting to elude the Fridu and the Argentroopers for over a month now. He had thought that he had been able to give them a slip back on Burh-don IV a week before. However Veldrich and his century of silver-men had suddenly appeared two days ago in Slecsele, the major spaceport on Waltolf. They had pretty much taken over the city, locking down the spaceport so that no vessels could arrive or leave. They then did a systematic search - building by building - for the Rashgani. Yet Mok Vorlan had been able to slip out of the city and into the wilds to the south. He had hidden himself within a cavern system which seemed to run below the Plains Of Matthild, out

of sight and beyond the range of the Argentroopers scanners. However, he had heard the rumble of a massive vehicle and now found himself peering out of his sanctuary in order to investigate the sound. To Mok Vorlans left was a steady moving vehicle. It was huge and it moved care of antigravionic pods which covered its underbelly in a complex geometric pattern. The entire craft was shaped like a giant wedge with what presumably was its cockpit or bridge in the top central portion of the vehicle. Its crystitanium hull gleamed in the light of Waltolf Vs two suns and Mok Vorlan immediately saw the vehicles vast array of laser and disruptor cannons. However, what attested his attention the most was the strange logo painted on the front of the craft. The main design was painted in gold with a black background. A nine pointed golden star was the central feature of the logo with a gold circle embossed in its centre. This golden logo was superimposed upon a black circle. The logo seemed familiar in some way to Mok Vorlan, yet he was quite certain he had never seen it before. Still, he could not shake the familiar feeling. The vehicle came to a stop approximately twenty five metres from the crevice in which Mok Vorlan was hiding. He watched, somewhat fearful for his safety, as nine humanoid forms materialized right in front of the vehicles peculiar logo. They wore black power armour, all bearing that strange logo on their left breast. The power armour was etched with gold and all nine wore black capes that seemed to shimmer as they fluttered in the gentle breeze. Their right arms were all cybernetic, having obviously been replaced as part of their acceptance into this militia. Each soldier carried a tall black staff in their left hand, which had a strange golden fixture at the top end. The staves were about a metre and a half long and Mok Vorlan could not determine what sort of material they were constructed of. The soldier in the centre of the formation - obviously the commander of the unit - had two golden stripes on each side of his helmet. These Mok Vorlan deduced were some sort of rank designation. Show yourself, Mok Vorlan. the commanders voice cackled through his helmets speaker. We know you are in that crevice and we are here to help you. I do not seek any aid. the Rashgani called back. Loners rarely do. came the amused reply. However, the Argentroopers have been tracking you for a month. Where in the galaxy will you go next in your futile attempt to evade them? Mok Vorlan made no reply, he simply crouched down into the crevice and weighed his

options. Come, Mok Vorlan. the commanders voice called. We do not have much time. The Argentscouts have already discovered that we have stopped. They will be here soon to find out why. I can leave you here for them to find you, or you can come on board and be safe. Why should I trust you? Mok Vorlan asked. What do you have to lose? The Rashgani quickly made up his mind and then climbed up out of the crevice. He ran toward the line of black armoured troops. He swore he could detect their commander smiling, even though the mans face was hidden behind the visor of his black helmet. Once Mok Vorlan was near, the commander made a motion with his right hand and then they all dematerialized. Shortly after, the large vehicle began to move again, slowly making its way towards the hill where the Argentroopers were located.

It is moving again, General. Warinar reported. Why did it stop? Veldrich wondered aloud. He could think of only one reason. The massive vehicle had stopped and picked up Mok Vorlan. In all probability, the Rashgani assassin was onboard right now. Hildard! Are they still jamming our comm? Aye, General. the comm officer replied. I have tried everything to counter it, but their jamming technology is quite good. The Fridu began to scowl - an expression he was rarely known to display. The situation was beginning to turn against them and he had very little information on the vehicle which seemed to be threatening them. Captain Kort, begin pulling back. Veldrich ordered. Have the Argentgunners cover our retreat. We will make our way back to Slecsele and reform there. Aye, General. the Argentrooper captain replied. He turned and began issuing the necessary orders to the troops. Veldrich watched as the Argentroopers began an orderly retreat. Just then, disruptor cannon blasts began hitting the hill side. The Fridu watched as the Argentgunners returned fire on the advancing vehicle, which was now only a kilometre away. Another disruptor cannon blast exploded not far from his position and Veldrich was forced to duck and cover his head from flying

debris. Blast after blast of Argentgunner artillery fire began to penetrate the vehicles shields as Veldrich began to follow his troops in their retreat. He reached a small copse of trees to the south of the hill just as he heard a massive explosion behind him. The Fridu wheeled round to see one of the vehicles cannons on fire. Standing nearby, next to a small birch tree, Captain Kort waited for his general. General, Hildard has regained contact with Imperial Defender. Captain Ruodhar has been advised of our situation and has launched a recovery craft to extract us from the surface. We are to rendez-vous with it in twenty minutes from a hill not far from here. That is the best news I have heard all day, Captain. Veldrich grunted. Continue our retreat to the extraction point then. Relay the information to the Argentgunners. Aye, General. Kort saluted.

The room in which Mok Vorlan found himself in was small, perhaps ten metres by eight. Its walls were of crystitanium - as were all the walls in the vehicle. He sat comfortably in a chair while two of the black armoured troopers watched him. He felt like he was being held prisoner, yet Legatus Tayt - the commander of the troopers - had insisted that he was their guest. Still, the Rashgani had been held as a prisoner many times in his life and knew what it felt like. There was one door to the room and it opened, admitting a tall black haired human male who wore a black jumpsuit. The golden insignia on his breast - as it was on every person Mok Vorlan had seen since coming aboard the vehicle. Behind the black haired man came Legatus Tayt who had taken off his helmet at some point. The trooper sported short cropped black hair and had green eyes. His chiselled face looked hard - as if he had suffered much during his lifetime. The black haired man sat down in a chair opposite the Rashgani and smiled warmly. His own face was softer then the soldier who now stood just behind his right shoulder. His eyes were brown and they had small dimples which could be seen when he smiled. Mok Vorlan, the infamous Rashgani assassin. the black haired man stated in a friendly tone. I am quite honoured to finally meet you. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Demefre Scaga - Prefect of this Legion. Never heard of you. the Rashgani replied in a controlled tone. No, I expect you have not. Demefre mused. Still, now we know each other. Shall we talk

a little business, then? What sort of business? The black haired Prefect smiled. I am in need of an assassin.

When Veldrich and Captain Kort arrived at the extraction point, the Weald class Troop Deployment Craft, or TDC as it was commonly called in the Imperial Space Navy, was waiting for them. Captain Kort supervised the embarkation of his men while the Fridu and Hildard monitored the retreat of the Argentgunners. Veldrich was hoping that Hildards communication with the Argentgunners commander - Lieutenant Holt - was not being jammed by the enemy. Lieutenant Holt has confirmed that his platoon will be here in two minutes, General. Hildard reported, much to the relief of the Fridu. Good. Veldrich replied. Get yourself on board the TDC. Tell Captain Kort I will be there as soon as the Argentgunners are here. Aye, General. Hildard saluted and then went to join his comrades boarding the craft. Veldrich turned his attention back to the direction from whence the Argentgunners would be retreating. He lifted a pair of scanning-binoculars to his eyes and was able to spy the first line of Argentgunners now retreating over a hill about half a kilometre away.. These artillery troops wore the powered exo-skeletal armour which allowed them to carry and operate the massive cannons they were armed with. It also allowed them to move at great speed. The Fridu watched as the first units began to approach, their retreat covered by disruptor cannon fire from the rear-guard. Beyond this rear-guard of fifteen Argentgunners came the massive vehicle, its own cannons blasting in an effort to stop the retreat. Just then, the front of the vehicle split in half, opening wide and revealing a large hanger-like room in which rows of black armoured troops stood at ready. At a order from their commander, these troops sprang into the air with the help of jets built into the backs of their powered armour. They spread out in fanning arcs of different altitudes and opened fire with disruptor rifles expertly aimed at the Argentgunners below. Veldrich watched in horror as his troops were cut down. The Fridu grimaced and then began to still his mind. Once calm, he envisioned himself standing within the hanger of the oncoming vehicle and then willed his body to follow the vision.

He then opened his eyes and found himself standing exactly where he had envisioned, much to the surprise of a number of men in black uniforms working in the hanger. Veldrich pulled back the left side of his robe, revealing an ornate metal rod, about thirty centimetres, long which hung from his belt. In one swift motion he pulled it free and aimed one end of it at a camera lense located near an access door which lead further into the vehicle. The Fridu then simply touched a button on the rod and a blast of electric-blue coloured energy shot forth from the rod and destroyed the camera lense. By this time, one of the black uniformed technicians had drawn a blast pistol and fired it at Veldrich. The agile Fridu dove to the ground as the energy blast flew past hi. Veldrich rolled along the floor of the hanger and then used his momentum to spring up into the air. While he somersaulted through the air, he pressed a second button on his metal rod which extended an one metre long blade of pure green energy. The Fridu landed on his two feet right in front of the blaster wielding technician and was able to slice the gun in half. Veldrich looked deep into the brown eyes of the man and spoke one word: Sleep. With his left hand, the Fridu took hold of the man by the shoulders and eased the now sleeping technician to the ground. Turning quickly around, he immediately noticed that the other technicians had fled the hanger. Veldrich touched the second button on his rod and the green energy blade dissipated with a sizzle. He quickly looked around the hanger, noting all the usual equipment one would normally find in such a room. Veldrich then turned his attention to battlefield beyond the hanger doors. He saw that those Argentgunners who had not been killed had finally boarded the TDC and that the craft was taking off. Its own weapons were firing at the black armoured troopers hovering in the air as well as the vehicle the Fridu currently found himself inside. The trajectory of the TDC was bringing it in an arc over the vehicle and Veldrich waited for the perfect moment to jump from the hanger and onto a small ledge that was found next to the main hatch of the TDC. Cannon blasts erupted around him as he pressed the door release mechanism and quickly climbed aboard. The hatch door closed behind him thanks to an Argentrooper standing guard at a position just to the left of the inside of the hatch. Captain Kort and Hildard were standing nearby, both had removed their helmets and wore identical expressions of relief on their chiselled faces. Were you able to discover the identity of these militants, General? Kort inquired. Veldrich stood up, dusting off his robes. No. he replied. However, they are well

organized and obviously have resources backing them. They are also well trained. Hildard noted. Yes. the Fridu agreed. Hildard, when we get back to Imperial Defender I want you to input their logo into the computer and search all Imperial databases for any information. What of the assassin, General? Captain Kort asked. The Fridu sighed. He is either on board their craft or he managed to elude us via another avenue of escape. Do not worry, Kort. We will find him.

Demefre Scaga sat in his office aboard the AG-66 Battle Platform which had engaged the Argentroopers for the first time since it had been built. An holographic display lit the room in shades of electric blue and the black haired Prefect was watching a scene repeat itself in a set loop. A cold smile crossed his magenta lips and his brown dimpled eyes were alight with joy. Within the holographic display, Demefre watched again and again Veldrich jumping into the AG-66's hanger and destroying the camera lense for which the holographic video had been created. The loop was perhaps ten seconds long and it looped over and over again while the Prefects brown eyes stared at it images. Well, Veldrich. Demefre mused aloud. You have now glimpsed what has become of me. Do you sense I am near and what I have planned? Almost absently, the Prefect pressed a button on the consol next to the holographic display and immediately it went dark. A split second later, the soft yellow lights of Demefres office turned on. He turned his chair round and began to gaze out a window which faced the front of the AG-66. He noted that the Battle Platform was moving in the intended direction at a faster pace then it had displayed on the battlefield a short time ago. He stood up and walked to a the door of the office and out into the command and control room of the AG-66. There were five black uniformed men working at various stations within the control room. The pilot and navigator sat in central positions while a communications officer and security officer sat at stations on the right hand side of the room. The left hand side was occupied by the weapons officer. Demefre sat down in the central captains chair which was located just

behind the pilot and navigators stations. Report, Beldene. the Prefect demanded of the communications officer. The Argentrooper TDC has reached orbit and will rendez-vous with the Imperial Defender in approximately ten minutes. Beldene reported. We lost six Legionnaires in the battle against the Argentroopers. Their bodies have been placed in stasis to be transported back to the base-world. Excellent. Demefre smiled. There have been no communications between the TDC and Imperial Defender. the comm officer continued. We have also kept radio silence as per your command, Prefect. Good. Continue to monitor the Imperial comm frequencies as well as the Fridu frequencies. Tell me the moment there is any communication. Yes, Prefect. Beldene nodded, returning to his task. How long until we reach our extraction point, Edgars? Denefre asked the navigator. Ten minutes, Prefect. Edgars informed him. Excellent. the black haired Prefect smiled. Beldene, inform Dark Reverence of our timetable. Yes, Prefect. the comm officer replied. Demefre Scaga looked out of the view screen in the front of the command and control room and watched the grasslands pass by. His mind returned to Veldrich. Would the Fridu know? And if he did, what would he do?

The doors to the bridge opened with a swish and Veldrich walked in. Captain Ruodhar swung round and greeted the Fridu formally, however Veldrich only nodded his head in recognition. The Fridu strode down to the sensor station and sat down next to the officer stationed there. Have you tracked that vehicle, lieutenant? Veldrich demanded. I have, General. the officer, who was named Hylltun, replied. He quickly pressed a number of buttons and a map was soon displayed on a nearby screen. The sensor operator pointed to a red spot on the centre of the map. This is where you were set upon by the enemy forces. he pointed to a blue circle not far away. Here is your extraction point. Once you and your troopers had been

extracted from the planets surface, the enemy vehicle turned and retreated in a southernly direction. The Lieutenant pointed at a black triangle which was moving down toward the bottom of the map. Their current position is here and I have been tracking it since you first reported your situation to us. Veldrich scowled, an expression he seemed to be adopting quite a lot lately. There was nothing to the south of the battlefield. No populated areas, not even any industrial zones. Just wilderness. Was there some secret base it was returning to? Captain, Eferhard, the communications officer, called suddenly, I have picked up a communication from the enemy vehicle. I can not decode it, but I have traced its destination point. Well? Ruodhar asked. The destination is a point on the far side of the planet. Lieutenant Eferhard reported. I have patched the coordinates into the nav computer. Veldrich stood up and walked over to the nav station. He looked at the nav display and made some quick calculations. There is obviously a ship in orbit there. the Fridu stated. And if I am correct, it is in a position exactly opposite of us. You are correct, General. Lieutenant Adalson, the navigation officer, agreed. What are you thinking? Captain Ruodhar asked. I think they are following our orbital trajectory, staying on the exact opposite side of the planet so that we are less likely to detect them. Yes, that makes sense. Ruodhar nodded. He turned and looked at the nav officer and pilot. Change our orbital heading by twelve degrees and increase our velocity. Let us see if we can intercept this ship. Aye, Captain. both men nodded. Veldrich could feel the sudden change of the ship as he stood next to the navigator. He watched out the ships forward view screen as it slowly changed course and began to speed up. Let me know when you have a sensor lock on the enemy vessel, Lieutenant. Ruodhar instructed. Aye, Captain. the Hylltun replied. They waited as Imperial Defender made its way toward the far side of Waltolf V on its interception course. The bridge was quiet, except for the usual hum of the ships instrumentation

and the steady sound of the engines. I have a preliminary sensor hit on the enemy vessel, Captain. Lieutenant Hylltun announced after a time. Veldrich rushed back to the sensor station and looked at the results now forming on the monitor. Any indication of the ships size or class? he asked the Lieutenant. Not yet, General. the man replied. We should begin getting that data in a moment. A few more moments of anticipation passed and then the sensor officer began to report again: Judging by the size of the vessel, it is a Cruiser Class capital ship. Our first sensor scans identify it as a Virlorian Battlecruiser. Hylltun looked up with a confused expression. I am sorry sir, I have never heard of the Virlorians before. Veldrich also wore an expression of confusion. The Virlorians once ruled the galaxy. he explained. Their empire collapsed at least a thousand years ago and they were thought to have died out. Then how could one of their warships be orbiting Waltolf V? Captain Ruodhar asked. I am not certain, Captain. the Fridu replied. However, our enigmatic enemies seem to be adding to their mystery. What should we do, then? Ruodhar asked. Veldrich thought for a moment. Open up a comm channel to the Virlorian ship. he ordered. See if they respond. Aye, General. Lieutenant Eferhard replied. He pressed a few buttons. Frequency open, General. Veldrich stepped over to the comm station and directed his voice toward the microphone. This is Imperial Defender, identify yourself and your intentions. It is so nice to hear a familiar voice, Veldrich. a voice from the Fridus past replied over the comm link. Demefre! Veldrich breathed. Surprised that I am still alive, Veldrich? Demefre laughed. Or surprised that I have gotten my hands on ancient technology? What are you doing here, Demefre? the Fridu demanded. Wouldnt you like to know. came the taunting reply. Perhaps I was just in the

neighbourhood and wanted to chat with an old friend. Maybe reminisce about that time on Mildthryth III. Veldrichs mind flashed back to those events in his past. He had just become a full Fridu after years of training in the orders academy. The mission to Mildthryth III had been one of his first and the traumatic events he had suffered then had been buried in a deep recess of his mind. Yet now, years later - like a ghost rising up out of the mists - all those dark memories flashed before his minds eye. Veldrich saw himself the prisoner in the ancient fortress of Burh Kelda. He had been captured by forces loyal to Duke Keldatun, a renegade Imperial Noble who had been conspiring against the Imperium. Demefre was, at the time, a Fridu who had been assigned to help Veldrich on Mildthryth III. He was a little bit older then Veldrich and had been a full Fridu for about two years when they arrived on the planet. At first, the two Fridu were treated as guests in Duke Keldatuns fortresspalace. However, after a series of events, Veldrich and Demefre found themselves prisoners of the Duke and imprisoned in the dungeons of Burh Kelda. Both men were tortured by the Dukes soldiers. Keldatun wanted them to renounce their allegiance to the Emperor and join him in his quest to rule the Galactic Empire. Veldrich did not waiver in his loyalties, however Keldatuns Telepath - an evil man named dwulf Dunstan - corrupted the mind of Denefre through the use of evil psionic powers. Afterward, Demefre only talked of ruling the Galaxy himself. He slew Duke Keldatun and fought in a ferocious battle against Veldrich. The young Fridu was able to escape only after knocking Demefre unconscious. The Fridu Order had carried out an investigation into the incident on Mildthryth III, however they could not uncover the whereabouts of either Demefre or dwulf Dunstan. Both men had seemingly disappeared. Now, Veldrich found himself facing the man who had once been a mentor but who had been corrupted by evil mind powers. What do you want Demefre? Veldrich demanded. A long laugh echoed over the comm link. Veldrich, you are still naive. came the mocking reply. I would have hoped that after all these years you would have grown up. Still, to be fair, I should fill you in on what happened to me after our last meeting. There was a short pause in the transmission. You put me into a coma, Veldrich. Demefre stated in a cold voice. I was basically a vegetable for ten years. All because of you.

So you are here to seek your revenge. Veldrich deduced. Again laughter cris-crossed the comm link. You are so naive, Veldrich. It is amazing to me that you are still a Fridu after all this time. Perhaps that is an indication of how sad and weak the Order has become. There was another short pause. Certainly, your death would be very pleasing to me. Yet I have moved beyond settling personal scores. I now have bigger goals in mind. In fact, right now - as we speak - various plans I have set in motion are beginning to unfold. There is far too much going on right now for me to lower myself in an effort to settle a personal vendetta against a naive whelp. Goodbye for now, Veldrich. Demefre Scaga called. I have greatly enjoyed our little talk. Do not worry, we will speak again soon. In fact, I think we might be talking quite a lot in the not too distant future. Demefre! the Fridu bellowed. General. Lieutenant Hylltun called. The Virlorian Battlecruiser has disappeared from our sensors. It is like it was never there. Veldrich pounded the comm console in frustration. What sort of technology allowed an entire warship to disappear. Lieutenant Eferhard, consolidate all the information we have on the events that have just transpired and send it all to my quarters. I will submit a report to the Imperial Navy Command as well as to the Fridu Order. Aye, General. the comm officer replied. Captain Ruodhar, Veldrich continued, set a course for Mildthryth III. Let me know when we arrive. I will be in my quarters if you need me. Very good, General. Captain Ruodhar nodded, turning and issuing orders to the navigator and pilot. Veldrich left the bridge, his mind going over everything Demefre had said. This recent development did not bode well and he had the feeling that he would be deeply involved in the renegade Fridus plots.