Merging Stars: The Caelum Debacle

[Constantine Miltiadis]

The majestic prow of the Reborn Thunder emerged from hyperspace, closely followed by the remainder of the Nebulon-B frigate. It was a warship, but beyond that, it was a symbol of freedom and hope. The olive branch delicately painted on the vessel’s side clashed with the crimson blood stripe than ran along the hull in a portrayal of the duality ever present in the Alliance.

“Helm, half engines, take her in slow.” It was Constantine’s calm voice of leadership. He had led an entire planet to freedom from the tyranny of the Empire with his heavily accented words of liberty.

The hum of the hyperdrive died down as it settled into a cooling cycle. She presented herself for sensors to probe and examine.

“This is Captain Miltiadis of the Alliance contacting Caelum System Traffic Control, requesting orbital trajectory over the planet of Tellus.”

“Welcome, Captain, you’re expected,” the words were in basic but it took the officer a moment to decipher them through the intriguing metamorphosis from the man’s tongue.

Orbital information was relayed to the frigate and the helmsman performed his duties.

The system of Caelum had been on the Alliance’s watch list for some time now. The republic that flourished on their capital world of Tellus had established a well protected array of twenty worlds. Constantine was personally impressed by the democratic freedoms that were present. If he had known about their doctrines sooner, he might have used some of their written words in the drafting of his planet’s own constitution.

Freedom rang from the republic’s capital city of Licentia and flowed to even the most outlying planets under the well structured government’s domain.

Miltiadis smiled to himself. This visit would be a rare treat. Hopefully, with his passion and vigor, he would be able to convince the powerful government to promise its aid in the war against the devious Empire.

[Varius Troy]

”Senator?

The light on the woman’s desk comm unit flashed on, and she reached over to press her fingertips to the response button.

“This is she. Has our guest arrived?”

The voice crackled over the comm line once again. “Yes, Senator. His shuttle is to arrive shortly.”

The woman paused for a moment to check her datapad. “He is still set to arrive at the South Gate, correct?” The operator confirmed her inquiry, and she thanked him. The woman rose from her seat behind her desk, leaving the piles of day-to-day business behind. The mild stately affairs in which she dealt were of little matter to her on this day, for the man she had arranged this meeting with could change the course of Caelum’s future on the galactic scale.

She made her way through the halls of the vast Capital Building, lost in thought. She had never met a non-Caelan before. The only off-worlders she had encountered in her life were of Caelan blood, hailing from one of the dozens of planets settled centuries before her time. Even when the system was still an empire the borders were kept tight, and since the People’s Revolution in her very early childhood, the system was all but cut off from the rest of the Galaxy. This mandate stood even stricter at the fall of the Galactic Republic, when a deranged man rose to power as Emperor. The last thing the Senate wanted was for corruption of that brand to come into the system and usurp that which they worked so hard to establish.

Word had reached their system over the last few years about a rebellion spreading throughout the galaxy, with the intent of restoring the galaxy to a republic. This concept intrigued her, and she got to thinking of what the Caelan government was doing to help the rest of the galaxy. She went through a lot to get the Chancellor to allow her to hear out what a representative from this Rebel Alliance would have to say. It took months of rallying enough political support for the Senate to agree to it, though still hesitant in taking action. It helped, perhaps, that she was a long time friend of Chancellor Lucretia, herself.

The door to the lift slid open. The woman entered her destination on the keypad, and the door slid smoothly shut. The clear plexiglas of the elevating lift was designed to expose the passengers to a breathtaking view of the Licentia landscape. The city was full of its usual hustle and bustle, the massive edifices and public works spanning as far as the eye can see. Less than a kilometer away was Legion Headquarters, a structure nearly as grandiose and enormous as the Capital. She wondered momentarily what her husband was doing right now, what news was coming in from the various fronts and outposts of the system.

The Legions of Caelum, though perhaps not as vast as this “Galactic Empire” in numbers, was still debatably the finest. This she knew firsthand; her entire family was active in the military. The irony crossed her mind often; here she was, a proponent of peace in a seat of power in the Senate, while her husband was a decorated General, former Legate of the XIII Legion, now stationed on Tellus in a more political role. Her husband is no war-monger, though, and believes in peace as devotedly as she does. The Legions exist to serve and protect the people and to maintain peace in the system; no longer are they the conquerors of worlds as in the days of the Empire.

The lift stopped; the doors slid open so she could be greeted by two of the honor guard, decorated in their ornate armor, a culmination of classic Caelan adornment and the latest in military technology. Praetorians, they were called, part of the Praetor’s personal soldiers, culminated from the finest of the finest. After serving successful terms in the Legion, the Praetorian was assigned to the capital to protect those that governed, used only in combat under the most dire of circumstances. To be one was an honor most soldiers would give anything for. Though she always had respect for the men and women that kept the Capital safe, seeing them on this day brought on a certain level of pride she had not known before.

“Senator Troy,” they nodded in unison. She greeted them warmly and motioned forward. The two men walked her across the hangar bay area to the outer landing platforms. They escorted her to a long stretch of bridge which connected the building to the steel landing surface. Blocking the way to the bridge was six other Praetorians in a line, who split their line into halves and fell into formation behind her, the first two escorts led the way. The protection seemed a bit much. She felt that she could trust the man, but perhaps nothing could ever be certain. After all, it was better to go about things safely.

The shuttle was to arrive at any moment. She could do nothing now but wait, and contemplate on what to say to this stranger when they finally met face to face. He was possibly the only catalyst that could lead Caelum to open its doors to the rest of the galaxy.

[Constantine Miltiadis]

Constantine pursed his lips and made a concerned expression. “Christose, do I look alright?” It was a simple enough question, but the officer that caught the captain’s gaze remained stoic.

“Come on, Chris, it won’t kill you to say yes,” it was Maria’s voice from the back of the shuttle, she rolled her dark eyes and smiled with wine-warm lips.

Putting his nervousness aside, Constantine managed a grin and a small nod in Maria’s direction, “I knew there was a reason I kept you around.” He winked a jade eye and ran a hand over his dress uniform—it was only on rare occasions that he donned such apparel.

A hiss followed by a mild jolt through the cabin signaled the shuttle had touched ground. “Bravo, Costas,” he patted the pilot on the back and stood gracefully.

With left hand idle on his ceremonial straightsword, and a hand brushing aside a stray strand of caf-brown hair, Miltiadis stepped out of the shuttle and into the bright sunlight.

It had been a long time since he’d seen natural light on a planet not tainted by the taste of war. It felt warm on his olive skin and brought a sensation of life to the blood underneath. He took a deep breath of the non-recycled air and grinned broadly.

“Ah! Senator Troy,” his eyes grew bright and friendly, “how good to finally see you face-to-face!” His thick accent made the words sound overly joyful and a bit mumbled. Every atom of his being radiated goodwill and camaraderie.

[Varius Troy]

The man that walked down the platform was clean. Crisp. Respectable. He certainly knew how to make a first impression. The Alliance seemingly chose the right man to send.

"Captain Miltiadis." The Senator greeted the man with a warm grin and a gentle bow. The guardsman to her left turned and motioned to the other guards. In unison they turned in the other direction and marched back towards the building, one staying behind to look over the Senator and her guest.

"If you would, we'll make our way to my quarters here in the building. From there I can show you around. We have, after all, much to discuss."

[Constantine Miltiadis]

“Of course, of course!” Miltiadis smiled again. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been away from a battlefield. You’ll have to excuse me if my eye lags too long; there is so much beauty to admire here.”

It was true. Since the destruction of the Death Star, Constantine had constantly been raiding Imperial outposts, engaging in fleet activities, and dealing with military defense issues at home. It was the price of being an officer in the Alliance. They were short on manpower, and it was felt.

Constantine took in the exotic architecture of the city with awe and shot an excited glance at the senator before him, “please, tell me of your world, I’m particularly impressed by how democracy has flourished here! From what I understand, it is truly a model to be praised.”

[Varius Troy]

“Why, yes, our system has for many generations been for the people. Believe it or not, we were an empire even up to when I was an infant, close to almost fifty years ago…” she paused, seeing the way Constantine was temporarily taken aback. She laughed, softly.

“I assume your shock isn’t from learning of our imperial roots. Yes, I am in my late forties,” she grinned. “And I appreciate the compliment.” The young officer almost seemed to blush. “Where was I?”

The two turned and walked down the long stretch, the sun beginning to establish itself in a late afternoon position. They walked and spoke, side by side. She told the man of the former glorious Caelic Empire, which spread across Tellus and then through the entire system. Though ruled by an emperor, even then there was an elected senate. When the ruling family began to become corrupt, the people rebelled. Following a civil war came the establishment of the people’s republic. The Senate has been ruling the system of over twenty planets since then. Every two years, the Chancellor, first chair of the Senate, is elected to govern the proceedings.

They rode the same lift back up to the floor in which her office was on. She noticed the way the young Captain took in the view of the city. “It’s hard to believe the centuries that this city has built upon itself and expanded,” she spoke softly.

Upon entering her office, she beckoned that he take a seat. “We still have so much to discuss. The Chancellor is supposed to make a brief stop while you’re here this afternoon to meet you and get a chance to speak with you more closely. And, of course, you’ll meet my husband. If things go accordingly, you’ll be working very closely with him and his superior on the military actions. Can I offer you anything to drink?” She opened the door to her office’s small cooling unit. “My husband and I make our own wine. We own a vineyard many miles to the west of the city.”

[Constantine Miltiadis]

Constantine beamed, “It has been some time since I’ve had good homemade wine. I would love a glass.

“Your republic’s history sounds very, very interesting. Yet, I still wonder, how have you managed to create an Eden with the Galactic Empire so close to your boarders? It must be very difficult to maintain security towards the outer reaches.”

[Varius Troy]

As she poured two glasses of the thick, rich crimson liquid, she began to speak. "If anything, we can thank the efficacy of our Legions. Although we’ve been a system at peace, we’ve always kept in mind that war lurks right at the edge of our system. Border patrols are fierce and thorough. It can’t be said that they’ve never passed through, though. On more than one occasion they’ve made their mark…” her voice trailed off, and she gazed toward nowhere in particular. She regained her composure. “Of course, those were only border planets. The Empire has never been able to come anywhere near the center of the system.”

“We’re just that good, is what the woman is trying to say.”

Both turned their attention to the doorway. Standing there was a young man, leaning against the edge, his hand casually gracing the handle of the saber sheathed on his side. His grin let off a feeling of confidence that toed the line of arrogance but never truly crossed it.

“Varinius,” the Senator smiled. “I didn’t expect you to be at the capital building! What about training?” He walked across the office and kissed the woman on the cheek.

“Nothing but lectures and discussions today, Mother. The finest soldiers in the republic, and they sit us down and we talk. Sometimes I wonder…” He paused, realizing he was barging in on his mother’s work. “I’m sorry, am I interrupting?”

“Yes, son, you are. Varius, I’d like to introduce you to Captain Constantine Miltiadis. The Captain is here to represent the Rebel Alliance, to talk about a potential turn against the Empire.”

The word turned Varius deadly silent for a moment. He bit his lip and paused, turned away for a second, then regained his composure. “Then by all means, mother, don’t let me stand in your way. I’ll see you later this evening.” He turned to the Rebel officer and saluted him. “Captain, it was an honor to meet you. I hope that before your stay here ends we have a chance to talk.”

The man left the room, and the Senator took a small sip of her wine. “Captain, I assume that you’ve prepared your speech to deliver to the Senate tomorrow?”

[Constantine Miltiadis]

Constantine nearly choked on his wine. It was like trying to swallow a durasteel ball. Instead of a mild pleasant burn, the liquor agitated his throat—a byproduct of going down his windpipe.

He coughed until his lungs were clear, “I’m sorry, Madam Senator,” he contorted his visage into a questioning look, “you have me at a disadvantage. I, uh, am unguarded, as it were. I was not informed of any speech.” Miltiadis bit his lip and tucked a strand of hair back in place.

The Alliance captain took another sip of wine, this time finding it quite enjoyable and warming. Still, a speech? He had none prepared, in fact, he’d never given a prepared oration before in his life.

[Varius Troy]

“Oh, oh dear. I have to assume I wasn’t clear on you having to present to the entire Senate.” It wouldn’t take a master detective to see the uneasiness that came across the young Captain’s visage. “It shouldn’t be a problem, I promise you. I know politicians. A lot of Senators support the mobilization against the Empire. You have supporters. You simply need to catch their interest, and a bulk of the senate will be sure to follow in their steps.”

The woman paused, to contemplate the young man’s predicament. She suddenly felt awful to have to put this burden on him, but her voice had been heard enough in the Senate’s halls. It was time for a new voice, an outside voice, to be heard.

“I will, of course, do the best I can to lend assistance to you. You won’t be entering the Hall completely unprepared tomorrow. I have an offer to make,” she looked him in the eyes, and smiled warmly. “Stay with my family tonight. We live only a few minutes outside the city by airspeeder, and, not to offend you, but I’m sure our estate will prove to be more comforting than your starship. You can meet my husband, General Gaius, and can talk further with my son. Both can offer you testimonials on the Legion’s position on the Empire, and,” she smiled delicately for a moment, “well, I live in a Legion household, and I know how you boys love your war stories.”

Noticing the hour that read on the time unit on her wall, Aemelia suddenly remembered they had somewhere very important to be. The Chancellor wanted to meet her guest to speak with him before he appeared before Senate tomorrow, and she was waiting in her suite for their arrival.

The Senator did her best to make sure the young Captain felt comfortable in meeting the most powerful figure in Caelan government, but this was a part of the day in which she had been dreading all morning. The Chancellor did not obtain her position in the Senate by being passive, and for the last several months she has taken an adamant stance against mobilization. Their difference in views was driving a schism in their own long-standing friendship, a split that was felt whenever the two were in the same room that simply couldn’t be ignored. However, after the Legion suffered that crippling blow at the Massacre on Ferus, further tightening the borders simply wasn’t the correct path of action anymore. She knew it was time for Caelum to take aggressive action. The Chancellor could be persuaded, however unlikely. However, if this Constantine couldn’t offer what she wants to hear, she would chew him apart and spit him out so that even the buzzards wouldn’t pick at his carrion.

[Constantine Miltiadis]

Constantine had dabbled in politics; but, that was creating a nation, not changing one’s opinion. He had met leaders before, also. However, most of the leaders he knew were old time comrades or commanders of his. The soldier knew how to act around them. A chancellor was a different story.

Just relax and be truthful, he told himself somewhat reassuringly.

The captain had informed the officers aboard his vessel of his intentions to sleep planet side and they were not surprised—it would be odd to return to the warship and wait in orbit for the next day. Upon his crew’s urging, he promised to contact them in the morning.

Miltiadis was beginning to become uneasy with the idea of further envoy missions. Military engagements had a certain predictable rhythm and sense. He knew how to handle himself in a fight. This was unexplored terrain.

[Varius Troy]

The Chancellor’s office suite was massive. It was something of semi-circle in design, the entire curved back wall was a window to look upon the city itself. Detailed works of art, paintings and sculptures and abstract models, adorned the walls and floors; plants of all kinds, native to the many different planets of the system, brought a strong mix of life and color to the room. All the things on display demonstrated the diversity and identity of the many different planets that made up the Caelum Republic, a strong testament to the foundation of the System itself.

A long, straight red carpet led from the entrance almost forty meters to a few elevated steps which ended on something of an alter. In the middle of this “alter” stood a woman, her back turned towards the two visitors, as she gazed deeply into the cityscape, the sun beginning to set on the horizon.

The Senator and her distinguished guest approached the woman. Senator Troy bowed a long, delicate bow. Constantine, wanting to cause no disrespect, did the same. “Chancellor Lucretia,” she spoke to the woman.

The Chancellor did not initially turn to face her guests. She simply responded with, “Senator Troy. How pleasant of you to stop by.” She began to turn to face the two. Her white hair was worn very short; her face showed the weathering of both age and a life in politics, though the word to describe her that comes to mind would never be “old.” Wise, sophisticated, perhaps even regal: but never old. Her eyes were her most striking feature, sharp and deep, full of resolve. She was a stark contrast to the lovely and young Aemelia Troy, whose soft and delicate features complimented her vitality and charming charisma. It would be hard for most to imagine the two of them at one time sharing so much in so important of a friendship.

“And I see you brought our guest from the Alliance,” she spoke as she turned her piercing gaze to the young man to the Senator’s left. “Mister…?”

“Captain,” the Senator interjected. “Captain Constantine Miltiadis.” The Chancellor motioned with her hand, and a large, ornate chair hovered across to her, and she took a seat. Those eyes of her never released their hold on Miltiadis.

“Captain Miltiadis, it is my honor to have such a distinguished guest from outside of our system here in my presence. Tell me, Captain, since this is what you are here to do. Tell me why, when our people have remained safe from the Galactic Empire for so long by staying neutral in the galaxy’s affairs, should we now raise up our swords? You being here beckons me to send my people into a war, and we have not fought a war since the People’s Revolution. We have a stable and functioning system, and we’ve done our part of keeping the Empire out. What do we have to gain by lending our troops to a small rebellion when we’ve done our part in keeping out of the Galaxy’s business for so many centuries?”

The Chancellor pressed her fingers together in a contemplative manner and brought them to her lips, pressed tightly together. Her cold, commanding eyes looked right through the young Captain and Senator Troy felt so sorry for the man. She hated when Lucretia did her intimidation routine, but I guess this was just as good a test as any to show the young man’s resolve. He was chosen, after all, to be a representative of the Alliance, and if he broke before this woman, what use would joining the Alliance really be?

[Constantine Miltiadis]

Constantine narrowed his eyes slightly in resolve. He was a veteran of many confrontations, personal and otherwise. At this moment, he could feel the speaker in him begin to well up and take charge. Miltiadis was the founder of his planet’s constitution. In order to convince others of his ways, he had often spoken impromptu. It seemed these skills would again play a part in his role as a leader.

“The Empire does not just let democracies thrive so near its borders. It fears them; but, not for military reasons.” It might have been a slap to the face, but it was true. “The Imperials only have trepidation for that which they cannot control. Simply, freedom.

“Freedom, the essence of your society, makes you a target. The Alliance fleet recently killed the Emperor and destroyed the Death Star, but at a great personal loss. It wasn’t a crippling blow. Already new leaders are organizing; amongst them are more nefarious and devious men, ones that would see us all in chains.

“You may be able to stand against minor Imperial border skirmishers; but, the Empire will come in force. It is only a matter of time. I’m not speaking of a few hundred ships, but thousands. There will be a score of vessels for every one in your military’s possession!

“Alone, we all stumble and fall. Together, we can cast the light of liberty to all corners of the galaxy and drive back the shadow!

“That is why it is so important that we unite. Only a cohesive Alliance can hope to confront and defeat the dark devil that is the Empire.”

His stance and body language had become determined. During his oration, without even his noticing, he had gesticulated in both appeasement and fervor.