The Grey Chronicles Part One: New Declaration of An Old War

Chapter 31: Romance and Politics.

The Anarchist, outer space above Onyx Eight, June of 8096 AL.

Salem stepped onto the bridge, immediately hurrying up the ramp to the helm. He took his seat, gesturing for his family to take their own. He called out to one of the guards, asking him to bring an extra chair up to the helm for Octavian.

The guard obliged, setting it beside the semicircular table where the others were already seated. Octavian thanked the soldier and sat down, setting his hands on the end of the table. Salem cleared his throat and shuffled a few sheets of paper in front of him.

"We briefed the Stonehaaryns on what you found at Apostle Four, including the contents of the computer you recovered and sent to us," Salem started slowly, "They've sent us a transmission, practically begging us to get to Stonehaara as soon as we can."

"Why?" Briarios asked, "Is that where Gargantuan's set up?"

"Seth wouldn't say over a transmission," Salem said, obviously frustrated, "He wants to meet us somewhere so we can discuss a plan of action."

"Did he have a preference about where to meet?" Octavian asked, "If not, I know just the place."

"He didn't," Salem said, smiling, "And where are you suggesting?"

"Well, you were looking for the Archangel, correct?" Octavian smirked.

"Yes, in fact I was," Salem raised an eyebrow, "And where might I find it?"

"Athena Nine," Octavian sat back in his chair, "It's relatively central, and has plenty of caverns and caves suited to hide a large ship."

"So, you stashed it underground?" Alex asked, smiling, "It's definitely the last place I'd look for a starship. Especially one that huge."

"That was my reasoning," Octavian chuckled, "Shall we go dig up a warship?"

"Yes, we shall," Salem smiled, "I'll send a transmission to Seth, we'll arrive at Athena Nine in roughly..."

He trailed off, looking to Jaeger and Hyde, who stood on either side of the helm.

"Eleven days," they chorused. Hyde looked at Jaeger with a smirk, while Jaeger glared at him. Hyde chuckled and blew smoke out at his virtual companion. The small puff of smoke took the shape of a heart and the words "Daddy loves you, son," earning an angry huff from Jaeger. Salem heard him mutter "I am NOT your son."

"Eleven days it is then," Salem said loudly, glaring at his AIs. He stood and walked to the helm, depressing the intercom button on his console, "All non-essential personnel organize your work areas and report to the cryogenics bay for slipspace travel."

Salem turned and looked at Octavian, his expression serious, "You should return to the Rapture, I'm going to call in the Heretic so that we don't leave the fleet weakened. I would very much appreciate it if you would stay here until it arrives, then join us at Athena Nine."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Octavian smiled, "I'll hold down the fort until the cavalry arrives. Who all should be at this meeting?"

"All of Demon squadron," Salem answered, "You, your vice admiral, the M. Fleet admirals, and Seth and his warlords. He'll probably have someone from Archirian there."

"Sounds like a party to me," Octavian smiled, "I'll bring the snacks."

Salem chuckled, grinning. "You do that."

Octavian shook hands with everyone, hugged several people, then started walking down the ramp. Halfway down he turned around and called back, "By the way, I took the liberty of having your armor suits and exoskeletons brought down to the hangar. You may want to distribute them among your troops."