He paused and took a breath, but to Xenophon it looked like he was trying to make a decision, and it seemed to trouble him.

"For now, we need the protection of the Legion and the Titans. We cannot allow this aggression against Terrans to go unpunished. I have suspicions about Cyrus and certainly all Medes. As of now, we will not trust a word that ever leaves their mouths. There is even a chance Cyrus is leading Clearchus into a trap that will strip the finest of all Terran warriors to their deaths."

He stopped and looked about the old and worn interior of the cruiser. Vendetta was certainly far from the best ships he had seen, but she was solid, dependable and his home. He almost smiled at the sight of the crew moving about at their stations, and the sound of communications gear in use. It reminded him of Olympia.

Komes Pasion and Komes Andronicus entered the command deck. They were both in charge of sizable contingents in the Arcadian force and looked as if they had encountered heavy fighting. Dukas Xenias stopped and looked at them. He lowered the microphone so he could speak privately.

"Were you successful?" he asked.

Both men nodded.

"Good, it is an unfortunate thing but a necessary one."

He then lifted the microphone and continued speaking with the crew of the ships.

"The Olympia was a good ship. No, she was a great ship and the pride of the Arcadian military machine. She will not fall into the hands of the enemy, and in her death throes she will make the Medes suffer. Prepare yourselves for a long march, we will find our comrades and finish our mission."

He looked at the motley collection of crew, stratiotes and spatharii from multiple units and ships. Most were from the Titan but a small percentage hailed from the small number of escorts that had been unable to escape the ambush. He glanced at each of them before coming to Xenophon, Glaucon, Tamara and Roxana. It was to Tamara that he stopped near first. It was probably her blue hair that caught his eye, and for a second Xenophon regretted having even met her. In the commotion of the battle on the Titan, he had recognised her but been unable to give her or the others any more thought.

"You, we fought together at Cilicia, did we not?" he asked.

She nodded and tried to lower her head to avoid attention. He moved along and smiled when he spotted the others of her little group.

"Ah yes, the escapees from the Night Blades, it would appear our paths have crossed again. You were right, of course, the Legion is home and the only organisation we can trust in hostile space such as this. As of now, you are all reinstated into the Legion. I will be restructuring our detachment due to losses of both personnel and equipment."

"What about our agreement with the Empire, with the Emperor?" asked one of his junior commanders.

Dukas Xenias snorted in derision, and the very mention of the hated man's name seemed to twist and contort the commander's face.

"Agreement? That was torn up the minute Tissaphernes the traitor attacked us under a flag of truce," he spat out.

Komes Pasion looked at the gathered officers and stared at Xenophon and his group in particular. He had evidently not forgotten about their little incident on the Titan prior to the attack. He stepped nearer to Xenophon, and Glaucon moved a little closer; his body tightening up and expecting a fight. Instead the Komes smiled, confusing them both.

"I harbour no hard feelings at your escape attempt. It is not like you were trying to escape battle. As it happens, your wish will be answered."

He turned back to the Dukas, but one of the crew spoke to him.

"All passengers are aboard, and the escorting ships report they are charged and ready to jump."

Dukas Xenias nodded in agreement.

"Good, give them the fractal codes and start the clock. We jump in sixty seconds."

He looked about the ship, noting the number of wounded and those in great pain. It was a defeat, but not all was lost. What did concern him was the distance. Though he hadn't spoken of it with the others, he was aware they would need multiple refuelling stops if they were to make the long trip to chase after the Legion.

Assuming they are still on the same course and haven't altered their speed, he thought ruefully.

Laconian Titan *Valediction', Su'bartu Maelstrom The mighty warship shuddered once more as it ploughed through a cloud of dust. Most small craft or ships would sustain damage in such a place, but the thick armour and powerful shielding of the Titan kept it safe from foreign bodies. The Armada had entered the Maelstrom and it was living up to its name. It was a vast and dangerous region of space situated between the fertile border worlds and the rich inner systems. Survey ships and drones had tried to map the great collection of shipping obstructions, gases and nebula in the area, but as the years moved on, so did the shape of the Maelstrom. The famous navigator Randy Artis from Psidia had established a series of safe shipping lanes through the most dangerous parts of the Maelstrom. These Artis route lanes were like super highways connecting gas giants and space stations together. They were carefully calculated so that large ships could refuel and complete long journeys through these dangerous parts of space.

Strategos Clearchus stood in his customary position in the centre of the command deck. His personal guards were close, as was one of his two deputies, Kleandridas, who was busy checking the scans of the nearby system by one of the senior dekarchos. He finished examining the details and looked up to his commander.

"I don't like this, Strategos, not one bit. According to the Artis routes, we should be able to refuel the fleet at the Leonis 9713 star system."

"That's right, so what's the problem?" asked an irritable Clearchus.

"Well, it's pretty simple Strategos, it isn't there anymore. Spectral scans indicate the star went supernova three years ago. The three gas giants were obliterated."

He stretched out his arms and pointed at the view around them of dust and debris.

"This is it, no gas giants and no fuel for the fleet."

Clearchus took the small tablet-like device and examined the data himself. The images and scans were clear, as were the Artis routes on the navigation plan they had set out.

"This is correct?"

His deputy nodded but said nothing more. Kleandridas was correct, of course, but with such a significant problem, the Strategos needed to see the numbers for himself. They were stood on the command deck, the heart of the Titan and of the fleet. It was wide and large enough to house a hundred officers. Many of them were scanning everything within a parsec for raw materials the fleet could use. Banks of displays ran in columns, each attached to the ribbed inner skin of the ship. The light from the displays gave a bright shimmer to the command deck that was unlike any other part of the ship. It was the large-scale virtual observation system that really stood out. The entire inner surface of the deck was controlled at a molecular level to give it the characteristics of a flawless three-dimensional video display. Standing on the deck was like flying through space, and with the full ability to see outside of the ship, past the armour and into space itself.

"I never wanted to take these routes, but if we travel around the Maelstrom, we'll be forced to extend our journey by four or five times."

Kleandridas nodded in agreement and pointed to the starmap on the device.

"We'd also have to extend our time travelling through the border systems. The more time we spend there, the better chance the enemy will have of finding us and establishing our intent. We have to arrive in the Core Systems with the element of surprise on our side."

He moved the display on the device to show a map of the main star systems. The Core Worlds were a great cluster of hundreds of star systems that themselves contained scores of populated worlds. He enlarged the view so that it focused down on the capital planet and star systems within a short distance.

"We need to arrive here and in force. Even with our combined Median and Terran fleet, we could still find double or even triple the enemy numbers upon our arrival."

Clearchus looked surprised.

"You don't think they already know we are coming? Artaxerxes is no fool. Don't forget the information we have on him in our databanks. Cyrus was his mother's favourite to become Emperor, and still he ended up exiled and thrown to the borders."

Kleandridas nodded slowly in agreement. The information he had seen concerning Cyrus, the rest of his family and the constant intrigue between them, quite frankly irked him. It wasn't as though the Arcadians were perfect, but this level of interfamilial bickering and bloodletting left him feeling sick inside. He shook his head and looked back to Clearchus.

"Well, only Tissaphernes knows we have travelled passed his territories, but he knows nothing of our mission. Neither Artaxerxes or any of the other satraps even know we passed the Cilician Gates."

He stepped towards the nearest computer system and displayed the area of space between the Cilician Gates and the heart of the Median Empire. It was a fast gulf of more than a kiloparsec; an absolutely massive distance that would require over a hundred jumps. He pointed at each of the major Median starbases and naval commands, and a green line followed his finger as it snaked through the Empire. The route carefully avoided the major Median sites until making it to the edge of the Core Worlds.

"Surely, if we are careful and avoid any major Median settlements, we can make it through to the outlying worlds. At least this way, Artaxerxes won't be able to call in his border commanders in time to help his fleet."

"That is true, but with nearly Ten Thousand mercenaries, and double that number of Medes under Ariaeus, we have a lot of eyes and a great deal of mouths in this fleet. I can guarantee that at least one has talked already. If they've talked, Artaxerxes will already know."

Kleandridas scratched his cheek as he considered the comments by Clearchus.

"If he knows, then he will be calling in his major warships and assembling his Royal ground forces. He has to strike hard and fast before they can mobilise."

Clearchus nodded again in complete agreement.

"Yes, I have no doubt about the skill and expertise of our own forces, but even Terrans can only kill so many. We do not want to end up trapped in hostile territory with just our fleet to protect us. It will be a long and dangerous return journey if we are unable to achieve our objectives."

He thought of the Medes representatives he had encountered so far on this campaign. Lord Cyrus appeared honourable, and more importantly, had treated the officers and men of the mission with respect. He had kept the target secret, but that secretive trait was one common with all the Medes he had met. Tissaphernes was a plotter and a schemer. He had no doubts the man would turn on his own family if it might better his position. Then there was Ariaeus, the next most significant figure and a man with the ear of Cyrus himself. Even Clearchus had seen very little of this powerful and shadowy figure.

"What do we know of Ariaeus? Lord Cyrus says he is his most trusted assistant, but does that mean we can trust him on this operation? My files show he has a long and colourful career, including quite a few entanglements with at least a dozen Terran colonies."

Kleandridas brought up a detailed profile of Ariaeus, the second most senior Median commander in the Legion. Clearchus had only met him a few times, and the dislike they had for each other was obvious and unguarded. He snarled at the face, remembering the last time they had spoken. Clearchus watched him and remembered that his deputy and close friend had a painful secret; one only Clearchus and a few other high-ranking Arcadians knew of. He sighed, angry at himself for forgetting.

"I'm sorry, your family has had dealing with some of Ariaeus' people. I know it can't be easy for you to work with him or his force," he said, doing his best to be as sensitive about the issue as he could.

It was true and a cause of great resentment to the high-ranking Terran officer. An infiltration team under the orders of Ariaeus had managed to start a revolution on one of the smaller Plataean moons, two decades earlier. It seems it was part of a plan to try and wrest the minor colonies of the smaller Terran factions away from the Laconian League, upon whom they were dependent. It wasn't the first time it had happened, and it wouldn't be the last. The Terrans were notorious for their infighting and mistrust of each other, and a weakness that was often exploited by enemies such as the Medes. The Mining Revolution, as it was known, had personal significance to Kleandridas, however. The Medes agents helped instigate a workers' strike that quickly turned violent. Many citizens and workers had been killed while fighting government forces and atrocities had been committed on both sides. When the fighting was over, over nine hundred people had lost their lives, including both of Kleandridas' parents. The involvement of Ariaeus was only found out years later.

"Strategos, I have Topoteretes Pleistoanax on the link. He wishes to speak with you," said the ship's auletes.

Strategos Clearchus smiled at the news. Pleistoanax was one of the few commanders in the fleet that he knew could be counted upon to come through when times were tough.

"Excellent, put it up on my screen," he replied.

The video feed appeared instantly from the scout cruiser being commanded by the second topoteretes. The face of the man appeared, but his expression suggested bad news. From the angle of the feed, it was difficult to see what was going on inside the cruiser. He couldn't see the red glow of emergency lighting though, and there were no signs of battle or distress in the crew.

"Topoteretes, I assume by your expression you don't have good news for me?"

There was a short pause, but it wasn't clear if that was due to the distance, or simply down to the commander considering his response. Like Clearchus and Kleandridas, he wore his Laconian regalia, including full body armour and crimson cloak.

"No, Strategos, my scout group has performed a full scan of the area, and we can confirm the lack of resources due to the destruction of the planets. With most of the fleet down to less than half tanks, we need more before continuing much further into Median space. The next point is fifteen parsecs away, but there are no guarantees we will be able to refuel there, and that is a problem, a big problem."

Clearchus looked confused at his last statement. Their route followed the standard Artis routes, and each point should be between five and fifteen parsecs away. They should be able to make at least one more, perhaps two more jumps with the remaining fuel.

"I don't understand, why not?"

"The next location was being used as a stopover point for Median transports two years ago. There is a possibility that it is being used as a base of operations. The only other options are to expend all of our fuel in a single jump to one other sector. My estimates show that only half the ships in the fleet can make a jump of that distance. We'll have to leave the rest behind and risk the remainder in one movement."

"That isn't acceptable. I must have the full fleet and all the Legion if this plan is to succeed. The jump to the site with a possible base is our only way forward. But if we are discovered this early on, we will have problems. We will never have the element of surprise when we reach the Core Worlds and could end up facing an insurmountable enemy force."

"It's worse than that."

Clearchus sighed, bracing himself for whatever was coming next.

"Explain?"

"If we jump in and find the site contested, we will have enough fuel for a single short jump. We could make it back here, but for what? With this system lost, we will be unable to jump back any further and will be trapped, adrift in the wake of a destroyed star. Some of the ships could probably make it one further jump back, but we'd be strung out with some ships trapped here and around the dead star. It is a very big risk."

Kleandridas tapped the large screen next to him and the commander. It was semi-transparent and almost three metres wide. It changed to show the immediate area around the fleet and the three projected routes they could take. One returned to the previous sector and two moved ahead. A symbol at the closest destination showed the potential position of the Median transit point. He pointed at the transit point.

"If there is no fuel, or we are forced to withdraw, we will end up trapped right here. We could always fight our way out, though?" he added.

Clearchus liked the idea of being able to fight their way through, but memories of the gruelling fight at the Cilician Gates returned. It should have been a simple operation and instead tied up most of the forces from an entire Titan. If they lost ships or warriors out here, they would have no way of replacing their losses; whereas the Medes numbers were unlimited. He looked back to the video feed where Pleistoanax waited patiently.

"Go on."

"Yes, Strategos, assuming we can refuel at the next point, my staff have calculated three routes in case of future problems. We will have options that will allow us to work around such problems. For the duration of the journey, there will be only three more choke points that could be a problem. We can work around those when the time comes."

"I see," replied Clearchus. He considered but only for a few seconds. They could either go back and suffer no ill consequences, or push ahead with all the risks that entailed.

Kleandridas looked at the starmap before giving his opinion.

"If we turn back now, we could face mutiny. This Legion was assembled for the purpose of riches and adventure. If we return empty handed, our forces will have suffered a great humiliation."

Clearchus nodded slowly, in partial agreement with him.

"True, I don't like it either. But there is no glory in running out of fuel and being forced to stay in hostile territory. This is a fleet of warriors, not traders. I have a suggestion, however."

Both of his deputies waited for his idea but thought they knew what he would offer them. If they were going to continue on this path, they would have to send something or somebody ahead to scout the lay of the land. Clearchus cleared his throat and started.

"We send a single ship, one with a skeleton crew of volunteers. They will jump ahead of the fleet and signal back the status of the location and availability of fuel. If clear, we will jump in, resupply the fleet and then select a new, more cautious route across the Maelstrom."

His two deputies waited as they considered his suggestion. There wasn't time to think any further, as Lord Cyrus and two of his guards approached from one of the side elevators. They were greeted by the watch officer before making their way to Clearchus. Cyrus stopped in front of Clearchus and started speaking, without even checking if the Terrans were engaged in conversation.

"Strategos, I have just been informed by Ariaeus that our Armada is being held back by lack of resources. It is my understanding that the next jump destination is the home of multiple gas giants, and the perfect point to refuel and plan our next course. Is this correct?"

Clearchus hid his irritation from the Medes commander well, but it was clear to his two deputies that he didn't like being second guessed.

"Yes, that is correct. I am planning on sending a scout vessel ahead to assess the situation."

Lord Cyrus looked both annoyed and nervous at his words.

What is he hiding this time? Clearchus thought.

"That isn't necessary. I have already sent Ariaeus ahead with his forces to perform a full reconnaissance of the area. He will contact you when it is safe for your forces to make the jump."

The last line almost made Clearchus' blood boil with rage.

How dare this upstart think he can start throwing his weight around? This is a Terran operation, my operation!

He looked to Cyrus, but the expression on Kleandridas' face told him to slow and calm down. Clearchus was aware he had a tendency to lose his temper. He still regretted some of his decisions on the border world of Bissus prior to meeting Cyrus. The fortress city was part of an independent league of planets nestled between the Terran and Median territories. It had been in his charge until a riot inside the city turned violent. His crackdown had been severe, but it did stop the revolt. There were still a good number of citizens that blamed him for excessive force on that day. He thought of that city and remembered what he had to.

Be calm, think long term and control yourself, he said to himself.

"Ariaeus and his forces should not be dictating when and where my forces can go. Don't forget, this Terran Armada is under my control, and we will take orders from one person, and one person alone, and that is you, my Lord."

Lord Cyrus looked at him and immediately knew he had gone too far.

They really are a proud and arrogant people. Why has it taken us so long to claim their worlds as our own?

"Of course, my apologies, Ariaeus and his forces will report to you and inform you as to the status of the objective. In future, I will ensure communication travels directly through me."

The great Titan shuddered once more, and the Median nobleman was forced to recover his balance. Clearchus was well used to fighting or standing on unstable ground after years of training and war and simply grabbed the nearest pillar to avoid falling. He watched the Median noble alter his posture and was surprised, almost impressed, with both the speed and recovery of the man. He straightened up and turned back to Clearchus.

"I assume this is due to the debris in this area?" he asked.