Claudius

[claudius-ttd]

Causing Miner Problems

Claudius:

Gaius beats me to the central control, curses! ;) I step over to the weapons console, like that was my plan all along.

“Where shall I aim first, Gaius?” I ask. I find a silver lining in the idea that, if he’s on the control panel, any failure will ultimately be attributed to him and not me. Of course, I do not plan to fail, but it helps ease my fear of disappointment just a little.

Perhaps as a condolence for taking charge, he offers me the chance to name the ship. I ponder on the name Tiberius chose for the other hive, wanting the two to relate… Though come to think of it, ‘Charon’ was a strange choice (NOT that I would ever make such a thought known to him). The ancients considered his ship to transport souls from the world of the living into the underworld… I stop myself from overanalysing that- we are mid-battle, after all- and instead try to remember other famous inhabitants of the underworld…

“Tantalus. May we forever remain just out of reach of the ‘king’.” I explain my reasoning, hoping it’s inspiring enough and all.

Before I can gauge Gaius’s response, Tiberius’s message to the planet comes through.

(Tiberius): “Prisoners of the cobalt mining world, I address this message to you. Today is the day that you reclaim your freedom from your oppressors.

For too long, the kingdom has profited from your suffering. Your blood sweat and tears, your very lives, are treated as mere commodities by those in power. How many have you seen die in these mines? How many times have you feared injury or death yourself? And for what? So that the king and his followers can run ‘best minion’ contests and upload ‘selfies’ onto ‘Mhy Space’. They hold such trivialities as having more value than all of your lives combined!

They justify your demise by calling you ‘criminals’, yet many of you, I’m sure, are innocent of the charges brought against you. The guards who arrested you- who keep you here- know this! They tore you away from all you hold dear; family, friends… Simply to keep their own privileged position. But no longer do they hold such power over you! I have already defeated their hive ship, and as we speak I am destroying their guard towers. All that remains is for you to overpower those few guards down in the mine shafts with you, and you will be free!

I urge you, kill the guards and flee the mines, so that I may obliterate them! Let those who have prospered from your agony KNOW what it is to lose something precious!”

Tiberius sends us mental orders to begin the attack, so I fire on the targets Gaius chose.

[claudius-ttd]

Causing Miner Problems

Claudius:

As he goes to check the pods, Quirinus sends me a mental high five for having the highest body count ;)

When we return to the bridge, Tiberius asks Gaius what we should say to the prisoners below. Before he answers, I tilt my head, worried he may have gone too ‘hybrid’. Will he discuss actual comradeship with whatever alien savages are down there? Thankfully, his answer seems reasonable, and Tiberius nods in approval.

(Tiberius): “From what I researched, the conditions on the planet are deplorable. It should not be difficult to arouse anger in the prisoners. Firing would also be prudent; there are a number of guard stations we can destroy from space. That should help to convince those below that we are ‘on their side’.”

Well, until we start blasting the planet to kingdom come. Tiberius must have heard my thoughts, since he adds.

(Tiberius): “I will give them forewarning to evacuate the mines. This galaxy is filled with sycophants devoted to the Abomination’s cause, I see no harm in leaving alive those who do not fall into that category. They may even manage to kill a few of the loyalists, should Michael attempt to retake the planet.”

I nod, accepting his reasoning.

“Should we begin charging and aiming weapons, Commander?”

(Tiberius): “Yes. I leave the bridge- and the ship- to you and Gaius. I shall return to our hive… ‘Charon’… with half the crew, to charge weapons there. I shall also deliver our message from that ship. Then, once we are finished with this world, I will give you a final set of instructions, before we part ways.”

He leaves the bridge, headed for the dart bay, and I immediately begin to feel nervous. I quickly put up a confident front, not wanting Gaius to sense any weakness. However, I look awkwardly over to the central control station, designed to be used only by one Commander/captain. Who’s going to be the one to operate it?

[claudius-ttd]

Causing Miner Problems

Claudius:

I put my swords to good use ;)

I work together with Quirinus- he acts as bait to distract the hybrids, and I use the side corridors to sneak ahead and catch them from behind. First I slice off their stunner hands, then go for the lethal blow.

When the bugs come out, I try to keep them off everyone nearby. Luckily, there doesn’t seem to be too many [I think a lot got ejected from ships that time Michael died and lost control, right?]. Soon enough my swords are covered in yellow as well as red, and I can’t see any more bugs nearby.

Nevertheless, they are replaced by large pink mammals- swine?- that appear stampeding down the corridors. Tiberius sends out an order to ignore them, they are not a threat (and indeed they run right past us, showing no aggression unlike the bugs.) He does seem irritated at their presence for some reason, though…

Back on the bridge, I sense he has closed the doors to both the bridge and the dart bay, leaving the hybrids essentially trapped. It almost reminds me of the old wraith tradition of runners. It wasn’t a tradition we had participated in for a long time- Tiberius convinced Father that it was wasteful, and there were better ways to train. Nevertheless, I can feel my natural hunting instincts kicking in at the thought, and it is good to know that part of me still feels wraith. Quirinus must feel it too, since he calls out a taunt [trying to act like a tough guy in front of his older bros].

(Quirinus): “If you’ve run out of beasts to launch at us, why not come out and fight like real men?”

I am tempted to join in, but stay silent and keep my guard up. The hybrids are hardly worthy opponents themselves, but they do have some tricks up their sleeves, it seems. With not many left now, I wonder what they’ll try in desperation…

[claudius-ttd]

Causing Miner Problems

Claudius:

Just before the meeting finishes, Gaius asks me whether I am fasting.

((I am.))

It is true that I have not eaten anything since I awoke. Although my reasoning up until now was disgust at reverting to childish habits, rather than concerns about what the food contains, as I sense is his motive. I worry for Quirinus, though, if anyone is going to be tempted to take a risk with the food, surely it will be him…

Tiberius tells us all to prepare. Tacitus immediately rushes off to work on the life support system. I’m glad I trust the man at his job, otherwise I might be worried about him actually causing damage rather than simply making it appear that way. Tiberius and Hypnos also depart, but Quirinus lingers, wanting to prepare with me rather than alone.

“You’re… also welcome to join us, Gaius…” I warily invite him, though I expect him to reject the offer.

[claudius-ttd]

Causing Miner Problems

Claudius:

I follow the logic of Tiberius’s plan, but blink in surprise when he pairs myself and Gaius together, to take command of the new ship. At first I am a little put out at not being given full command- I am the right hand, does he not trust my abilities? But then I remember, of course he doesn’t, not after the other day… And Gaius has done remarkably, in fact, if anyone should be annoyed about not getting full command, it should be him. I eye him warily, wondering how he received the news…

I sense his reluctance, and for a second wonder whether his question about ‘doing our best’ is some veiled way of voicing his doubts about my competence. But no, it is wrong of me to think such thoughts about my brother, it’s probably nothing… probably…

“Of course.” I answer his question, putting on an air of absolute confidence.

Quirinus, as oblivious of politics as I used to be, sends us both mental thumbs up at being given such an honour. I hide my awkwardness and send him one back, and he grins at me. Wanting to quickly move on, I raise a question with Tiberius.

“How do you plan to take the first hive, Commander? If we are to use it later, I presume you will not wish to damage it too badly in the fight?”

(Tiberius): “Indeed you are correct, Claudius.”

I block my mind and mentally sigh in relief that I’m not yet completely inept!

(Tiberius): “In fact, I believe we may be able to avoid a fight entirely. From what I have seen of Michael’s online… information… [I hear him think the strange phrase of ‘Mhy Space’] It appears he is unaware that I am no longer onboard Reign Storm. Therefore, when we arrive at the cobalt world in what appears to be an allied hive, I do not expect the other hive to be overly concerned. Should our life support system appear to have taken battle damage (a job for you, Tacitus), there is every possibility that they will gladly beam us over. From there, we can deploy stun rods to take out the crew in the immediate vicinity. So long as we quickly disable the beaming system- to prevent guards from the planet from assisting- all that will remain is hunting down the few remaining crew members.”

I supress a grin, excited at the thought of getting into some melee combat against real enemies! A few hybrids probably won’t present much of a challenge, of course, but it’s better than nothing (or fighting my own brothers)…

Tiberius waits to see if there are any further questions.

[claudius-ttd]

Alba Nix is a small solar system of 7 planets orbiting a (snow) white dwarf star. The planets include:

·        Stulta

·        Somnolentus

·        Sternumenta

·        Malevolum

·        Felix

·        Medicus

·        Timens

[claudius-ttd]

Quirinus’ Report (by Tacitus, Claudius and Quirinus)

Life Support System:

Key features: Produce O2, remove excess CO2, remove toxins

-O2 Production: Performed via electrolysis of water into hydrogen and oxygen. Requires electricity and basic lab equipment. No key weaknesses to exploit.

-CO2 removal: Separated from the air using the compound zeolite, then ejected into space.

Zeolite is rarely found naturally in its chemically useful form

However, zeolite can be manufactured on a large scale from silica and alumina (both commonly found). Complex laboratory equipment and multiple specific conditions (temperature, pH, silica: alumina ratio) required.

Only small amounts of zeolite are needed for life support. Consequently, only two laboratories exist with the purpose of producing zeolite

Weakness

-Toxin removal: only requires activated charcoal (commonly found), no weaknesses to exploit.

Weapons System:

Key features: Store a large amount of electrical energy, quickly release energy, direct energy at a specific target.

-Store a large amount of electrical energy: Requires a powerful capacitor, which in turn requires a material that can maintain its electrical properties at high temperatures and voltages.

Material currently considered the best for making capacitors is sheet mica

Sheet mica only forms naturally in extremely high temperatures, and is subsequently very rare. Only two planets have been found in the kingdom that have high enough levels of sheet mica to set up mines.

There is currently no known method of producing sheet mica in a lab

Weakness

-Quickly release energy: (Also requires a powerful capacitor, see above)

-Direct energy at target: requires reasonably basic circuitry, no weaknesses to exploit.

Hyperspace and Engines Systems:

These systems have been upgraded with extremely advanced alien technology. Further time will be needed to understand the science underlying these systems, and hence their weaknesses.

Bonus- Portable Technologies:

The Kingdom uses portable technologies, such as tablets, for both research and entertainment purposes. These devices can be solar-charged, but require lithium-ion batteries to hold this charge when away from direct sunlight.

Cobalt is needed to produce these batteries

Cobalt is almost never found in its natural form, and must be mined from its oxides. This is a notoriously difficult process.

80% of the kingdom’s cobalt supply comes from one planet.  

Planets ·        The zeolite laboratories are located in the Tulco system that Gaius described. I couldn’t put it in better words than him, so I won’t. ·        One mica mine is located in the Tulco system, the other is on a world called Malevolum in the Alba Nix system. This is relatively close to the ‘resort worlds’ system. ·        The cobalt mine is located on a planet in the south east of the galaxy map. I think that’s because it was the only place where cobalt could be found in such large quantities.

[claudius-ttd]

Be Prepared

Claudius:

I am just preparing to go to bed, when I sense Quirinus’s extreme stress. I go to check on him, only to find him overwhelmed by the task Tiberius has set him. He seems relieved when I offer to lend a hand.

… It turns out to be much more difficult than I could have imagined. The list of components for a modern hive ship is extremely long! Not only that, but most components can be further broken down into their elemental constituents. There must be hundreds, if not thousands of raw materials that go into making these things! I try to think of a way to narrow it down…

“Ok, Quirinus, if we were fighting a space battle, and you had the opportunity to destroy any of the enemy hive’s systems, which would you target first?”

(Quirinus): “Weapons! Then hyperspace… engines… er…”

“Life support?”

(Quirinus): “That too!”

I narrow the search down to just those four areas of the ship… There are still MANY parts! Finding key weaknesses will require a fine eye for details, which I fear neither myself nor Quirinus possess… There’s only one man I can think of that would enjoy a task such as this…

Tacitus is not at all happy when I summon him so late, but his eyes actually light up when I show him the list. I sense in his mind he views it as a large puzzle, something ‘fun’ to solve. I also sense that he believes he will make better progress alone, so we leave him to it.

After a couple of hours of friendly sparring with Quirinus in one of the training rooms, Tacitus summons us back to show us his findings. There’s a LOT, he really felt the need to list everything! But he at least thought to highlight the areas where he found weaknesses. I try to ‘summarise to Quirinus’ (i.e. make sure I understood Tacitus’s report correctly while he’s still here).

“So the zeolite labs are the weak link of the life support system. The sheet mica mines are the weak link of the weapons system. And the cobalt mine is the weak link of portable technology production.”

(Tacitus): “Precisely. Now I will sleep.”

He walks off without so much as a ‘good night’.

“Well, Quirinus, all that’s left to do is find the locations of these worlds on a map.”

(Quirinus): “I can handle that part! Thanks for the assist, bro! Teamwork really does make the dream work!”

I nod at the wisdom of that old traditional wraith saying, before bidding Quirinus farewell and going to get some sleep.

[Quirinus waits until the morning to finish his report, and luckily sees Gaius’s report about many of the labs being in Tulco. This saves him a LOT of time! He sends a mental shoutout to Gaius, and says he ‘owes him one’ if he needs anything in the future. He finds the other planets he needs and adds them to the end of ‘his’ report.]

[claudius-ttd]

Be Prepared

Claudius:

Tacitus twitches as Gaius addresses him. I don’t think he’s used to getting so much attention off the soldiers, since most of the recent research against Michael has been biological. I sense nervousness from his mind at the thought of failing and being attacked, as Hypnos almost was earlier.

((It will be fine, Tacitus, any information you can find will be more than what we have now.)) I try to calm him.

I nod along at Tiberius’s plan, relieved that we do not need to reach out to the hybrids for them to do what we wish. Gaius asks him whether he has targets in mind.

(Tiberius): “Not as of yet. However, with full access to Michael’s database and maps, it should not be difficult to find the information we require. That is my task for all the soldiers, to research and find the most suitable planets to attack. We must ensure that the first two planets we damage are critical targets. After all, the more we attack, the more likely the Abomination is to become aware of our pattern, and send extra security to these worlds. Gaius, you will lead the investigation into which worlds are key in the cloning process. Quirinus, you shall do the same, but for planets essential in hive ship production.”

He rewards those of our brothers who have contributed the most to this meeting.

(Tiberius): “Once I have your answers, we will move to strike. The sooner we can limit the Abomination’s resources, the better for us.”

And hopefully better for those brothers we had to part with too…

(Tiberius): “Are there any questions?”

[claudius-ttd]

Be Prepared

Claudius:

As my mind begins to stir, my first instinct is to reach for my blade. However, I feel a familiar presence ordering me not to draw weapons.

((Tiberius..?))

(Tiberius): ((Be calm, Claudius, you are in no danger.))

I open my eyes to find I am lying on a couch, in what appear to be personal quarters. The room is unfamiliar, however.

(Tiberius): ((I brought you to the new hive, along with a number of others.))

I reach out with my mind to sense who is here; no enemies or strangers, some of my brothers, but not all of them…

((No, no, no… Where are the others?! What happened, did Michael’s forces find us?!))

The last thing I recall is listening to Hypnos’ confession, keeping Tiberius behind me to ensure no brother used the distraction as an opportunity to attack…

(Tiberius): ((Thankfully not, although it would only have been a matter of time had I not interceded.))

((YOU did this?!))

My mind… I put my head in my hands, not sure how much more of this I can take…First I learned that he killed our sister, and now he… attacked us..? Left some of us behind… again..?

(Tiberius): ((I did what was necessary; you were never going to reach an agreement. What a pathetic end that would have been to the wraith empire- caught arguing amongst yourselves, without having fought a single battle against the Abomination.))

Before he can begin one of his speeches, I cut in, wanting to know what happened to our brothers that aren’t here. Surely he didn’t…

(Tiberius): ((No, they are not dead. I gave them all-except the one who demanded my head, of course- a choice; to either follow me or be left on the old hive. For those who refused… I do not expect them to live for much longer. But if they are to die, let it be by their own actions, and not by my hand.))

I blink, stunned at what I’ve just heard. The way he talks of our brothers dying… Since there are no others in the room, I feel a little freer to express my emotions.

((How can you be so… so callous?! It is one thing, to lose a brother on the battlefield, but another thing entirely to purposefully leave them behind!-))

I catch myself mentally yelling at him! Despite everything that has happened, it still feels disrespectful, to address him so… I try to stand my ground, but feel my resolve begin to waver…

((I just… I fear that… that you are not yourself, Commander…))

I sense Tiberius’ mind turn even colder, as he levels me with an icy glare. His thoughts drip with venom.

(Tiberius): ((If I were you, Claudius, I would save your concern for your own state of mind. Ever since our parents’ deaths, have I not trained you, so that you would be able to take my place as Commander? Yet when the hour of need arose, what did you do, but declare you had ‘no wish to lead’, that you were ‘scared’. Such an inspiring sight for our brothers to bear witness to… Is it no wonder that one such as Brazen Torch was able to poison so many minds? Minds I was forced to leave behind because of the extent their corruption… Not only did you fail me, Claudius, but you failed your brothers and you failed yourself.))

I wince at the memory of the debate, and any anger I felt towards Tiberius rapidly dissolves to guilt. He’s right… perhaps if I had been stronger, I could have convinced the others to follow me… Perhaps we would all still be together now…

((I’m sorry, Commander. I… I was weak… and I… let you down… I let everyone down…))

This is hardly a new experience for me. Despite my physical strength, I’ve always known that my mind is weaker than it should be, for a man of my position. Always felt like Tiberius promoted me beyond my abilities. I’m not like him, or Father, or even Lastlight; not a leader. That’s why I need someone to guide me. If not my Queen, then one of them, and of course the rules.

((Do you still… plan to exile yourself, Commander?))

His mind has softened since my apology, and he no longer addresses me with malice.

(Tiberius): ((I am afraid we are beyond that now, Claudius. After… what happened…))

He is merciful, and does not think ‘your failure’, but I wince again nonetheless, as the implication hangs there for a moment.

(Tiberius): ((I must stay, to ensure that we are victorious in this war. Once we are finished here, I will call a meeting of the Zenana. All of the men attending chose to be here, I do not expect trouble. Nevertheless, after the chaos of the ‘debate’, I think it imperative that the two of us present ourselves as a united front. It will inspire confidence, as well as a sense of much-needed stability. And despite your earlier shortcomings… I still have faith in you, as my right-hand man.))

I feel confused, SO confused. Of course I don’t want to break faith and let him down, of course I don’t… But what about my loyalty to my other siblings, that he left behind? Is it disloyal to them if I follow Tiberius? Disloyal to my sister’s memory? Brazen Torch seemed to think so, and he convinced a lot of our brothers… But then it seems many also chose to come to this new hive with Tiberius… Would I be betraying them, as well as him, if I said that I disagreed? How can I possibly decide who is right? This goes beyond even what the ancient Queens could have anticipated when they wrote the laws. I suppose… perhaps I should think on… how I feel myself-

(Tiberius): ((I also trust that you will not repeat your previous error- will not put your personal feelings above your duty to this hive…))

…He is right. There are so many questions I cannot answer… But all the brothers here on this ship chose Tiberius, and I am still a loyal servant to my hive. It is not up to me to doubt the Commander, simply to follow him.

((I will obey any and all of your orders, Commander.))

I salute him, and he rewards me with a rare smile.

(Tiberius): ((I knew I could count on you Claudius. It is your loyalty that makes you the man you are, after all. Now, let us begin the Zenana.))

[claudius-ttd]

Wraithlike Stirrings

Claudius:

EVERYONE reels as Tiberius shows us ALL that has taken place within the last two weeks! So much chaos! I see giant wraith queen heads floating in the sky (hot air balloons), infected porcine beasts running amok, and Tiberius… cartwheeling..? Just to name a few of the many HORRORS. I also see our siblings; Marcellus, Caelus, Nala… and Michael… I have never interacted with him personally since the exile, it is strange indeed to see him after so long. He’s so… pale… and clearly still bitter against the wraith if this ‘King Day’ celebration is anything to go by. So different to Lastlight… But Nala, Marcellus and Caelus, they still seemed themselves, not utter freaks like Michael… Is it possible that Tiberius was… wrong about them..?

Such thoughts are confusing enough, but as I come around, I hear Brazen Torch yelling at me. I try to clear my head so that I can respond. Much of the crew seem to have a newfound wish to ally with ALIENS. WHEN will my family learn that when things are forbidden by law, there is often a REASON! I try to explain the rational behind the rules, since clearly they are no longer swayed by the law alone.

“How could we possibly trust any who are not us? They are just as likely to steal our supplies, turn us in or kill us as they are to help us against Michael. Such ideas are too risky! This war will not be a short one, but with stealth and the right tactics, there is no reason that we cannot prevail!”

Tiberius’ mind is already broken, but Brazen Torch barbs him further. He insists that Michael was not a threat to us, and I almost expect Tiberius to further snap, but he seems beyond that. Instead he laughs to himself before replying.

(Tiberius): “So, you’re even calling him ‘Lastlight’ now... I’m sure our parents would be so proud, to hear you defending their killer… But if my memories have inspired you so, Brazen Torch, why not return to him? If you kill me, I’m sure he’ll even throw you a ‘party’, and you can go back to having a comfortable life where someone else makes all the difficult decisions for you. You-“

I mentally plead with Tiberius to stop before he can add even more insult to injury. I must also temper myself as Brazen Torch insults my swords- wraith carry blades, this is not unknown [legacy and The Queen episode], mine are just very BIG ;)

I use my very big swords when Brazen Torch finally draws his weapon, but only enough to stop him from attacking Tiberius. I bash the hilt of one sharply against the weakest part of his wrist, forcing him to drop the stunner. I then press the other lightly against his throat, not enough to draw blood, just to ensure he knows he is beat.

“This is madness! I will not kill my own brother!”

I withdraw my blades, and look into his eyes. Then into the eyes of Aellius and Gaius. These are the men I've helped to train, my friends who I have laughed with many times over games, my greatest allies on the battlefield. They are not my opponents, they are my brothers… My brothers… My voice goes quiet as I address them all again, with a much softer tone than before.

“There is much we disagree on, but surely there is one idea that still unites us all; Marcellus and Caelus should be here with us, not in the hands of the enemy.”

(Tiberius): ((Claudius, no, this is folly! You will all die!))

For once, I ignore him. I understand his logic better than any, after what he went through with Queen Vipsania, but I will not let one defeat cause me to give up on those who may still be saved.

“Who knows what horrors Michael is putting them through, as punishment on our behalf, but they’ll be counting on us to come and rescue them! And I’m sure they would be ashamed, if they saw us now…”

I drop my front of trying to be the strong leader Tiberius wants me to, and address my brothers sincerely.

“I don’t know what is right or wrong in this galaxy anymore! I don’t know which rules to follow, I don’t know how we win this war, or who should take command- I don’t want to be in command! I am scared… terrified, for what is to come, as I’m sure many of you are too. But if there is one thing that I still know, it is that I am a soldier! I am not afraid to die, if it means that my brothers can live a brighter future! So Aellius, Gaius, Brazen Torch, I beg you… let us put aside our differences for now, and work together so that we may free Marcellus and Caelus! Tiberius’ fate need not be decided today, we can put him in a cell for the time being. Let us turn our attention to those brothers who need us the most!”

[claudius-ttd]

Wraithlike Stirrings

Claudius:

I let the debate flow for a time, hoping that it will help us all to reach a consensus. However, some very extreme opinions are put forth. Gaius would have us forget the law altogether, as if we can just come up with ‘new rules’ ourselves! ;O

Not only that, but Brazen Torch begins openly besmirching Tiberius in front of us all! It… would be a lie to say that what Tiberius did sits well with me… I even… disagree *winces*… with his assessment that we should not attempt a rescue mission for Marcellus and Caelus… However, I am not Commander, and so I have no place to question his decisions, except in cases where it goes against our laws. Brazen Torch certainly doesn’t seem to think that way; if anything, he seems to be putting his need for vengeance ahead of what the law would have us do. I… do worry that way of thinking is partially to blame for what Tiberius did to Alana… Although such a thought is disloyal to the both of them. Brazen would not kill an innocent in order to hurt his true target, and Tiberius… if he says he did what he did for our sake, and not for vengeance against Michael, then I must believe him.

When Brazen Torch’s deadly anger starts to spread through the minds of the crew, I decide that I can no longer stay silent.

“I have heard enough. This talk of abandoning our ways, changing the punishment to what we see fit… disturbs me deeply. Who is any man here, that can say his own ‘feelings’ on a matter should be placed on a higher pedestal than millennia-old edicts written by the wisest among Queens? We are ALL compromised now, perhaps in mind as well as in body. Without a Queen, or even a wraith, to guide us, then it must be the law! How else can we avoid becoming what Lastlight turned into? He considered his circumstances ‘extreme’ enough to pick and choose which rules to follow, and that led him to committing regicide. Now Tiberius has done the same…”

I cast a sad look in his direction, pained that I must compare him to Michael. He’s been silent for so long, and with his mind blocked to us all, it’s… troubling…

“If we also ignore the rules- either to show leniency or to execute him when the punishment is exile- then how are we any different? So, I ask again, are there any among you who object to the ruling of exile?”

I sense our brothers who are scientists are keen to see this matter settled. Those in charge speak up, even the notoriously quiet Tacitus (head of physical sciences).

(Hypnos): “That… does sound like the most reasonable decision to make…”

He mutters sadly. Tacitus is more logical and blunt.

(Tacitus): “Yes, let us be done with this. If our main objective is to fight Michael, then we should turn our attention to that.”

I cast a wary but stern look to Brazen Torch, waiting for his response. I have no wish to battle him, but my hands are ready to go for my knives, should he attempt to carry out his own verdict on Tiberius.

[claudius-ttd]

Wraithlike Stirrings

Claudius:

My mind is still reeling from all that I have learnt, but I must put aside my own doubts for now. I trust Tiberius, more than any other living wraith (or whatever we are now). He always knows the best decisions to make; the fact that we are all alive when all the others, even Death’s alliance, have failed is surely testament to that. Yes there have been sacrifices… HEAVY sacrifices… Marcellus, Caelus, Alana… BUT surely they must have been beyond hope for Tiberius to leave them as he did! Because… if I lose faith in Tiberius, then what else is left? Sheer madness, it seems, as I look around at my brothers.

I am asked by Aellius whether I forgive Tiberius for what he has done.

“I-“

I begin to answer in the affirmative, but Tiberius mentally orders me to stop. He addresses me alone amidst the chaos.

(Tiberius): ((Claudius… I am grateful beyond words for your loyalty, even after all I have done… But you must cast me aside. The men are in need of strong leadership, and many will no longer expect it from me.))

It pains me to admit to myself that there is truth to his words. Half of my brothers have minds like Aellius, bitter and angry at what they have woken up to, whilst half are like Gaius, scared for what is to come. The former may never follow Tiberius again, and the latter will most likely only do so for the sake of survival. However…

((You think they will expect it from me?! Leading men into battle, that is one thing, but I am no Commander! I am no you!))

(Tiberius): ((That is the point, is it not? In any case, you are the most capable man here; I fear the others would get you all killed within a week if any of them attempted to take charge. Assuming responsibility is no easy task, and especially without a Queen to serve, believe me I understand. But I have prepared you all these years, in the event that something were to happen to me, and you are ready. Now, do what needs to be done, for the sake of the hive.))

I stare at him dumbfounded for a moment, before trying to pull myself together. I attempt to sound STRONG as I answer Aellius, and not reveal the absolute terror I feel inside as I speak.

“I sympathise with Tiberius… However, the law is the law, and Tiberius broke one of our most sacred rules while he was compos mentis. We may no longer be wraith in body, but whether we are still wraith in mind is down to us. Therefore, I say that we remain faithful to the old ways, and punish Tiberius accordingly; remove his title of Commander, and sentence him to exile. Any who disagree with this ruling, speak now.”

((Brother, I am sorry!))