CHAPTER 247: CHAPTER 247

Crushing the insectoid fleet in no time flat, my family and troops were a bit underwhelmed by their showing. We anticipated engaging a modernized, well-equipped enemy; instead, they were five to six generations behind what was standard issue in our region. Keeping the disappointment to ourselves, my forces began carrying out rescue operations immediately.

As they fished survivors out of the extensive debris field, my family and I took our vessels over to what remained of the Allied fleet. Hailing my ship specifically on approach, the fleet’s leadership cheered loudly upon seeing me.

"I told all of you!", a male Lumeris proclaimed, shaking his female aid with excitement. "That is the Spiritus Libertatis, making him Klordius Aremus, Emperor of the Caspiel Empire. He has finally returned to bring an end to this nightmare."

"You are correct; this is the Spiritus Libertatis. Unfortunately, I am not Klordius Aremus; I am his descendant.", I corrected him, much to their dismay.

Ceasing their celebration, they sheepishly began rubbing their hands together nervously.

"Which... Which branch of the imperial family do you hail from?", a male Vodyani inquired.

"While I may go by Victor von Stark now, my birth name was Leon Fou Bartfort.", I answered. "I am a descendant of Isabella Fou Bartfort."

Brightening up once again, the group was genuinely relieved to hear that news. Uncertain what my extended family had done to earn such fear, I was about to ask when Alexandria spoke up.

"Lord Stark, I beseech you, please help us!", Fourth Princess Alexandria von Syriaca begged, bowing her head to me. "Our main force is likely still engaged in a desperate battle to defend our throne world, Starvine. As our situation seemed hopeless, our families sent us away so our people would not be annihilated. The plan was for us to enter cryogenic sleep after exiting the galaxy, but we were attacked by a splinter fleet."

"We... We need to be perfectly honest with you.", another well-dressed woman spoke. "Aside from the Caspiel Empire and the Human Galactic Empire, all other territories have fallen. We have nothing to compensate you for your assistance, but... I swear to reward you in some fashion."

"I appreciate the sentiment, but there is no need for compensation. All your people have suffered greatly at the hands of the bugs; I cannot ask them to give up even more. My legion and I will lend you our full support in retaking your territories.", I assured them. "There is one thing I would like to request of you, though. What is the current status of the Caspiel Empire?"

"They have managed to escape this nightmare unscathed...", Alexandria said, in a bitter tone.

While the rest of the region banded together to survive, the Caspiel Empire retreated behind its impenetrable defense grid. Refusing to elaborate on why they were abandoning their allies and neighbors, every attempt to contact them was met with silence. Even now, as the last bastion of life was fading, they still refused to act.

As the only remaining haven in the region, refugee ships flocked to the Caspiel Empire seeking refuge and safety. When they arrived at the border, accepting fleeing people, the military commanded them to leave under threat of violence. A few foolish ships attempted to cross, but the defense grid obliterated them. Currently, millions of refugee ships cling to the border, hoping to weather out the ongoing onslaught.

"Several of my siblings are attempting to negotiate with the current ruler of the empire, but they are stonewalling them at every turn.", Alexandria stated, gripping the hem of her dress tightly. "The refugees cannot continue to hold out forever. Food supplies are running low, and fuel is becoming harder to source. Once one or both run out... those ships will become their tombs."

"On behalf of my imperial family, I sincerely apologize for their blatant disregard of your people and their plight. It is completely unreasonable for them to turn their backs on you in your darkest hour.", I spoke, gripping the arm of my chair tightly. "Tell me, who is the one making all of these decisions?"

"That would be Empress Temrance Ranon Anethum. She ascended to the throne a short time before the bugs arrived in our region.", the other well-dressed woman answered, with a saddened look. "The Anethum family once held strong ties to my homeland, but they have completely forsaken us now."

I forewarned Aremus that this outcome was inevitable. Nothing good comes from cutting deals with those damn Mezari. Ever since they came to this region, they have done nothing but sow chaos and destruction. The Anethum family was one of the Mezari noble houses that moved here with the colonists. They are ravenous wolves dressed as sheep! (Mythical Sword of Agamotto)

When I learned that the Anethum family had ties to the Mezari people, it didn’t surprise me that they abandoned everyone. The Mezari people founded the United Empire, a nation of human supremacists who pacified and enslaved primitive xenos they came across. In their minds, the resources of any galaxy are finite; therefore, by any means necessary, they must claim as much for themselves as possible.

’Aremus... What the hell, man?! Your galactic empire is multiracial; why would you intermingle with a human supremacist family? Nothing good was bound to come from it.’, I thought, lamenting my ancestor’s decision. "If they had close ties to you, does that mean you are a United Empire noblewoman?"

"Yes, my name is Eve Claudette Zelevas, seventeenth princess of the Unite Empire.", she sheepishly confirmed. "Before you jump to any conclusions, though, I am not like my family. I desire peace above conquest and expansion."

Wary of her imperialistic background, I used the Force to judge her character. Confirming she indeed wanted peace over war, it appeared the maids who raised her did so properly. Unlike her bloodthirsty, money-grubbing siblings, she was a kindhearted woman who wanted what was best for her citizens. Uncertain why her father would choose to save her over the rest of his children, I decided to ask him myself when we met in person.

"Sorry to interrupt, sir.", Commander Eagleson interjected. "Rescue operations have wrapped up, and we are ready to move out at any time."

"Understood, thank you for the update.", I replied, contacting the New Genesis. "Mylene, I am going to send the surviving vessels to dock inside the New Genesis. Have medical teams on standby to receive them, please."

"Of course, dear.", Mylene agreed. "Where are we off to now?"

"The Human Galactic Empire’s throne world, Starvine.", I answered. "From the sounds of it, the main allied force is still holding out there. We will head there and lend our assistance."

Lucoa and the other women on the bridge silently celebrated the news that there would be plenty more fighting to come. Opening the docking bays for them, Mylene took over the call to help guide their ships in. While they got squared away, Luxion and I charted our jump to Starvine.

---Ten Minutes Later, Throne World Starvine---

Descending upon the Starvine System with vengeful fury, we hit the unprepared insectoid fleet hard. Recklessly diving into a hailstorm of energy weapon fire, my wives led the charge, plowing straight through enemy lines. Using BFGs, Black Hole Cannons, and Drone weapons to obliterate their targets, the insectoids were forced to disengage the defenders to focus on us. Gleefully cackling with each confirmed kill they made, my wives kept one another apprised of their rising kill count.

While the bulk of our forces routed the enemy fleet, I led a small detachment to Starvine. Establishing a stable orbit, we commenced orbital bombardments to soften the enemy’s defenses. Once they were thoroughly battered, my forces began their descent on the throne world.

"So, what is the plan, Victor?", Momo questioned as our landing craft plunged toward the surface. "Do you want us to lend a hand or make contact with leadership?"

"Lala, Liara, Momo, Nana, and Samara, I want the five of you on search and rescue duty.", I stated. "The rest of us will focus on keeping the enemy off your backs and establishing a safe perimeter for you to round up survivors in. For now, refrain from interacting with local leadership. We can speak after the battle has been won."

"Oh, beloved pookie bear!!", Slaanesh giggled, grinning like a fiend. "Are we allowed to cut loose and use our powers here? I am super pent up and in need of a good- "

Looking to Azura and Mephala for some assistance, the two women slammed their elbows into Slaanesh’s head. As her skull was knocked through the hull of the landing craft, we could hear her muffled moans over the roaring winds. Watching this unfold with horror, Liara and Samara looked at me in disbelief.

"Lord Stark, how can you be so cruel to your loving wife?!", Liara chastised me. "Is this how you treat all your wives!? Are you ladies in danger?!"

As I opened my mouth to correct her, Slaanesh yanked her head back inside with an angry scowl.

"Shut your mouth, bitch! How my hubby and I express our love is none of your concern.", Slaanesh snarled. "For your information, he only treats me this poorly... and I absolutely love it! It is our love language, so stay in your lane."

"What she means to say is, we are not a married couple.", I clarified, shoving her head back outside with the Force. "In the Aeldari Empire and Imperium of Man, Slaanesh is a heinous criminal. She singlehandedly brought the Aeldari Empire to its knees, killing almost 40% of its total population. Since then, she and her former legions of lackeys have consistently razed Imperial Worlds."

Vigorously nodding their heads, my wives confirmed it was indeed true. Apologizing for the mistake, Liara and Samara looked upon Slaanesh with newfound disgust. Receiving the alert, we were thirty seconds from touchdown; we all braced ourselves for the battle ahead.