Admiral Telemachus Rhade leaned back in his chair as Captain Falcon walked out of his office. For the fourth day in a row, no Neitszchean ships had been spotted in Tarazed's system. It was the longest stretch of no sightings since the Battle of Tarazed two months ago.

Perhaps the prides who had aligned themselves with the Abyss had finally decided to leave them alone.

Not that he was about to lower his guard. After all that could be exactly what they were hoping to achieve by the lack of activity. Admiral Rhade wasn't about to take that chance. The routine patrols of the system surrounding Tarazed would continue indefinitely. All incoming traffic to the system would continue to be investigated. It was the only way he could assure Tarazed's safety in the chaos that was still be sorted out following the destruction of The Abyss and the Magog World Ship.

Though the Restored Systems Commonwealth had come through the war this time, it was in tatters. The Collectors had attempted to destroy the Commonwealth from the inside while The Abyss and its allies had attacked from without. Tri-Laurent had eventually joined Tri-Lorn's forces and together they had gotten the upper hand on the Collectors. The two remaining triumvirs were trying to restore balance within the Commonwealth's government but they had a long road ahead of them. The fact that only two of the triumvirs had survived the war meant that soon a special election would need to be held to elect at third. Preparations for that were already underway.

Meanwhile, certain elements were attempting to take advantage of the chaos in the Commonwealth's leadership and were creating chaos among the member worlds even as other worlds were looking to join. Andromeda and other High Guard ships were out trying to police the universe and protect the member worlds that needed help. Rhade was determined that Tarazed would not be one of those worlds requesting help from the High Guard fleet. As the capital of the Restored Commonwealth, it was important that Tarazed appeared strong despite the losses they had suffered during one of the final battles of the war. So far, with the remaining Home Guard as well as Tri-Laurent and Tri-Lorn's personal fleets, they had been able to do so while the Home Guard was being rebuilt.

What it came down to, was there was a lot of work to be done, and Telemachus Rhade intended to do his part. As he scanned through the last of the reports that had found their way to his desk, what would be done today, barring an emergency, was about to come to an end and he would return home to his family. Returning home each night to his family was definitely one of the perks of being back in command of Tarazed's Homeguard.

As Rhade finished the last report, the door chime sounded.

"Come," Rhade called out, expecting to see one of his Homeguard commanders in the doorway. Instead, the door opened revealing Tri-Lorn flanked by several of his personal guards.

"You'll wait outside," Tri-Lorn instructed his guards as he stepped into Rhade's office.

As this exchanged was taking place, Telemachus Rhade scrambled to his feet. "Tri-Lorn, I was not expecting your visit."

Tri-Lorn smiled as he walked further away from the door, allowing it to close behind him. "No reason you should be as I didn't announce it."

"The system has been quiet again," Admiral Rhade reported, assuming that the triumvir had come looking for a report on the defenses of the planet. "I plan on keeping the patrols going though. We're still rebuilding our forces from the last battle, the last thing we need is to be taken by surprise."

Tri-Lorn nodded. "I'm sure that course of action is the wisest," the triumvir said. "However, our defenses are not what I came to discuss, as I know that if anything important had come up you would have reported it."

"Then, why are you here?" Rhade asked, motioning to the triumvir to have a seat in the chair across from him.

Tri-Lorn didn't answer the question right away as he took the seat indicated for him. It wasn't until Rhade had resumed his own seat that he spoke.

"The special election was officially announced today. Candidates have five days to announce their intention to run for the third triumvir position."

Rhade nodded. Though he hadn't yet heard the announcement, he had known doubt it was something he would have learned about at home that evening. As the special election had been expected, it also wasn't surprising news.

"While the election is important," Rhade said calmly, "I don't see how it would warrant a triumvir coming to the Commander of the Home Guard to relay that information."

"You're right. It doesn't," Tri-Lorn agreed. "However, my request that you consider announcing yourself as a candidate for the position I believe is something that should be done in person."

Rhade chuckled. If it wasn't for his superior Neitszchean hearing, he would have considered the possibility that he had heard the triumvir wrong. However, he knew that was not the case. What he didn't know was what Tri-Lorn's reasoning was.

"After the war we just came through, do you really think that the people of the Commonwealth would want a Neitszchean in a position of power?" Rhade countered. "Even without considering the Battle of Tarazed, the Neitszchean's have now betrayed the Commonwealth twice. Giving that fact alone, why would you want to put a Neitszchean in a position of power? I wouldn't in your place."

Tri-Lorn nodded, having expected to meet resistance to his suggestion. In fact, the resistence made him more confident that this was the right course of action. "Not just any Neitszchean - a respected commander of Tarazed's Home Guard turned Commonwealth Officer despite his protest to Tarazed's inclusion in the Commonwealth in the first place. A Neitszchean officer who served with Dylan Hunt in his quest to save the universe from the Spirit of the Abyss, the Magog, and the Neitszchean aligned with them. A decorated war hero from the Battle of Tarazed. The grandson, of a fallen Commonwealth officer from before the fall, whose family helped establish Tarazed and keep part of the Commonwealth alive for 300 years. Sounds like some good campaign points to me."

"Spoken like a true politician."

"It's what I am," Tri-Lorn said calmly. "Just as you are a warrior and another reason that I'd like you as the third Triumvir. Laurent and I are both politicians, which in normal times are qualifications enough to run a government. These aren't normal times. The Commonwealth Government needs to appear strong following the civil war and the threat from the Spirit of the Abyss and its followers. We not only need to show a strong front on rebuilding the people's faith in the ruling body of the Commonwealth but we need to show them that we have the strength to protect and police the groups out there that are trying to take advantage of the disarray the universe is in. Laurent and I both agree that we need a strong military leader ruling alongside of us. Now granted, that choice is still with the people, but if you declare yourself as a candidate, then we will publically endorse you. You will have whatever support we can give you without breaking any rules of the election."

"Even with your backing, there are still going to be plenty of people who will oppose my candidacy," Rhade countered as he leaned back in his chair, his steady gaze holding Tri-Lorn's over the desk.

Tri-Lorn nodded. "You're right. I imagine we'll hear of some protests. There might even be threats. It's not an easy task I ask of you, but I do believe that it is what is best for the Commonwealth. Perhaps even what is best for the Neitszchean people."

"As I told Tri-Laurent before the Battle of Tarazed, the Neitszchean people will never be unified. As much as that pains me to admit, I have accepted that realization. The Neitszchean people will forever fight among themselves, battling for supremacy and claiming that is evolution."

"And what is your position?"

"True evolution is keeping your identity while learning to coexist with other races, even those inferior to you, as the Majorum Pride and others have done here on Tarazed and other Commonwealth Worlds. To truly evolve, we need to learn to leave the old pride system behind and find a new identity within the Commonwealth."

"A Neitszchean triumvir of the Commonwealth might be just the person to convince other Neitszchean of that view, don't you think?"

Rhade allowed himself a small smile as he realized what Tri-Lorn was trying to accomplish. The Home Guard Commander had to admit though that the triumvir made a valid point. The only way any of the remaining Neitszchean Prides would even consider change would be to have a person in a position of power that they could respect, show them the way to change.

"I can't make that choice on my own. Running for the position of triumvir would affect my whole family. Perhaps even place them in danger."

"I understand. Though does this at least mean you'll consider my request, and discuss it with your wife?"

"I will," Rhade agreed, sitting forward in his chair. He offered his hand to Tri-Lorn.

Reaching across the desk, Tri-Lorn gripped Rhade's forearm, glad to have at least convinced Telemachus Rhade to consider the proposition. What the Admiral chose to do he would have to wait to see.


Admiral Dylan Hunt watched the blips that represented both the opposing ships as well as the ships under his command, move on the screen before them. Both sides were taking damage, though their tactics differed. While the High Guard and Than ships were aiming to disable their targets only, the opposing ships of the Drago-Kazov Pride were showing no such discrimination. The Bold Valor had been damaged enough that life support was failing. The Than's River of Red was trying to protect the Bold Valor and the Whisper of the Galaxy, who was assisting with evacuating The Bold Valor despite the fact that her weapons had been disabled. The rest of Dylan's forces were still protecting the Than colony that the Neitszchean had attack despite the damage they had taken.

"The remaining Drago-Kazov ships that are under their own power are breaking away and moving away from the colony," Andromeda announced even as Dylan watched the blips representing the Neitszchean ships moving away from the High Guard and Than ships.

"Order Commonwealth forces not to pursue fleeing ships," Dylan ordered, not wanting to risk further casualties on their side. They had suffered enough damage in this battle as it was. "Have the Blue Dwarf and Tarazed's Pride handle the unconditional surrender of the damaged Drago-Kazov ships. They are authorized to board and take prisoners by force if necessary."

"Orders realayed," Andromeda replied, the ship's holographic image appearing to be listening to something that no one else on the bridge could hear as she monitored communications. "Order not to pursue has been acknowledged by all High Guard ships. Blue Dwarf and Tarazed's Pride acknowledge their orders and are moving to comply. The Than commander is hailing us."

"On screen," Dylan replied, not at all surprised by the hail.

"Why are you not pursuing? You were sent here to help protect our colony," the Than Commander demanded. There was no mistaking the agitation in the alien's voice.

"I'm pretty sure that's what we just did," Dylan replied calmly. He understood the Than's frustration, and as much as he would like to put an end to the Neitszchean threat once and for all that wasn't a task for today. For now, the civilians down on the colony were safe, and though the Commonwealth would commit a few ships to keep watch in case the Drago-Kazov came back, the forces under his command had taken significant damage and they needed to regroup.

"You think this is over. They'll be back and angrier than they were before."

"I understand your concern, Commander," Dylan said, remaining calm. "But right now the Commonwealth is not in a position to go on an offensive against the Neitszchean. Now, we'll continue to patrol the area surrounding this colony. If the Drago-Kazov or any other hostile forces come back, we will help your military protect the colony. Those are my orders. Now, if you and your ships want to pursue, I can't stop you, but I do advise against it. If your going to take on the Neitszchean, you need to plan not go running after them on some kind of vendetta. I implore you to stand down for today, tend to your injured and damaged ships, and let the leadership decide what step to take next."

There was silence following Dylan's statement. He hoped that he had said the right words to calm the Than Commander down, but he wasn't sure. After a few moments though, the Than made a small noise, what might have been called a sigh in humans, before speaking.

"I will heed your advice for now, Admiral Hunt," The Than commander conceded. Without further words, the link with the Than ship went dark.

"Not big on pleasantries, is he?" Bekka commented from the pilot's nest.

"What bug is," Harper countered from his spot on the side of the bridge.

Use to their side quips by now, Dylan didn't pay much attention to his first officer and engineer's commentary. He did note Andromeda's announcement that the Than forces were taking up a defensive position near the colony. Satisfied that their allies weren't going to do anything rash, Dylan looked down at the screen in front of him and took in the damage report Andromeda was providing for both her systems and the other High Guard forces. Dylan was thankful that Andromeda hadn't suffered any major damage and that her nanaobots and maintenance droids were already beginning repairs. He was just finished checking on the evacuation estimate of The Bold Valor when Andromeda spoke up.

"Admiral, we have more ships dropping out of slipstream."

"Just great," Dylan muttered thinking that Neitszchean reinforcements had finally arrived.

"Incoming ships bear Commonwealth signatures," Andromeda continued. "Tri-Laurent and his escort to be exact."

"Every time a triumvir shows up its never anything simple," Bekka commented, all joking aside now.

"You can say that again," Dylan muttered.

"Tri-Laurent's flagship is hailing us," Andromeda informed them.

"On screen," Dylan said. He expected the face of the ship's captain to appear on the screen. He was surprised when Tri-Laurent himself appeared on screen. "Tri-Laurent, to what do we owe the honor?"

"I have new orders for you, Admiral Hunt."

"And they couldn't be relayed by courier?"

"I prefer to deliver them myself. May I come onboard?"

"Of course," Dylan replied, his curiosity piqued. It had been a long time since a triumvir had made a personal visit while he was out in space. Dylan could only hope that this meeting went better than that one had.


"Papa?"

The chorus of children's voices greeted Telemachus as soon as he opened the door to his home. It was the one thing he had missed the most while serving on Andromeda - coming home to his family at night.

Telemachus had only taken one step inside of the home when two sets of hand encircled his waist. He reached down to embrace his eldest daughter, Riley, and his eight year old son Sirius.

"Good evening," he told them, before letting them go, and looking toward his youngest, five year old Artemis. The little girl looked up at him from the wheel chair she had been in for the last three years. "Have you been keeping your older siblings in line?" Telemachus asked her as he knelt down to hug her.

"They don't listen to me," Artemis replied, as she hugged her father. "Mama says they're incorrigible, like you."

Telemachus smiled as he met his wife's gaze as she stood in the doorway between the living area and the kitchen. "And I guess you take after your mother, my little princess."

"I'd rather take after you," Artemis said, as she let go and sat back in her chair. "I want to protect people when I grow up."

"There are many ways to protect people," Telemachus told her as he stood back up. "You'll find your way when the time comes."

"Which won't be for quite a few years yet," Jillian interjected from her spot. "Now, how about you three go set the table so we can eat dinner."

"Yes, mama," all three children replied.

As the three children left the room, Jillian crossed the distance to her husband. "How was your day?" she asked as she stepped up to him and wound her arms around his waist.

"Interesting," Telemachus replied, his mind going to his meeting with Tri-Lorn. The triumvir's proposal had some good merits to it, but there were also drawbacks. Not to mention the risks of taking on such a public role, to both him and his family. He wrapped his own arms around Jillian as he continued. "You've heard of the special election."

"Yes," Jillian replied with a single nod.

"Tri-Lorn wants me to run for the third triumvir position."

"You sound skeptical, my love."

Telemachus smiled. "Am I really that easy to read?"

"No, I just know you well," Jillian answered. "But you've proved your leadership skills leading Tarazed's Home Guard. You could do a lot of good in a more prominent position within the Commonwealth."

"There are many who would not appreciate a Neitszchean in such a prominent position within the Commonwealth. It could put us all in danger."

"Your position already puts us in more danger than common folk," Jillian replied. "But when the Collectors were trying to gain control in the Commonwealth, when they attempted to use you as their scapegoat, it was Tri-Lorn who protected me and the children. I don't think we would have survived the chaos within the Commonwealth if not for him."

"So, you think I owe him?"

"No, that's not what I meant," Jillian replied. "I was only trying to point out that Tri-Lorn believed in you then. He couldn't protect you without giving up too much and so he protected us. He still believes in you, or he would not now ask you to lead by his side. Our people have done terrible things within the Commonwealth, but not all our people oppose it. Here on Tarazed, people understand that. They know that some of us don't follow the same belief system of our ancestors. That we understand that loyalty is more than just a blood tie to a Pride. Beyond this system though, we are still seen as conquers and destroyers. You would have an opportunity to change that. To show that our people can evolve."

"Show people the new Neitszchean," Telemachus commented as he thought about his wife's words. He saw the question on his wife's expression. "It was something that I said to Dylan when Andromeda took me onboard when the Neitzschean's destroyed the prison transport I was piloting. I told him that I was the new Neitszchean and that a true Neitszchean evolves. Learning to live within a democratic society while keeping our identity as people is part of that evolution."

"Sounds like this is an opportunity to not only show others that but lead our own people by example."

"And not worry about what might happen to you or the children."

"Of course you'll worry. That's what makes you such a good husband and father, but we can't hide. None of us can. If you want to enter the election, then I will proudly stand by your side and we'll deal with the consequences of that decision together."

"And if I don't want to run? If I'm content to just serve as the Commander of the Home Guard?"

Jillian smiled up at him. "Then I'm proud to be the wife of the Commander of the Home Guard."


"So," Dylan said as he sat down in his chair. Across the desk, Tri-Laurent took a sip of the drink that Dylan had placed in front of him. "Are you going to tell me what these orders are that are so important that you felt the need to deliver them yourself?"

Tri-Laurent smiled as he placed his glass down on Dylan's desk. "That's what I like about you Admiral Hunt. You always want to get right to the point."

"It saves the most time," Dylan replied nonchalantly.

"Fair enough," Tri-Laurent said with a nod. "As you are well aware of, the latest civil war and war with The Spirit of the Abyss and its allies have left things in chaos. Amongst that chaos is the distrust of the Neitszchean prides that are still members of the Commonwealth. The distrust goes both ways. There is talk amongst the Neitszchean, even the Majorum Pride on Tarazed who has lived in peace with the other citizens of Tarazed for three hundred years, that the Commonwealth is not the place for them because they'll never be trusted. The Ursa Pride is threatening to secede their membership with the Commonwealth while other worlds have threatened to secede if we don't revoke citizenship for every Neitszchean currently in the Commonwealth. Riots have broken out on worlds that Nietzscheans from some of the endangered prides have made homes on."

"It's to be expected I guess. People are scared. The Nietzscheans have betrayed the Commonwealth twice now."

"And this from someone who has befriended Nietszcehans."

"Your point, Tri-Laurent?"

"Despite your connections with the Rhade family, and your current friendship with Telemachus Rhade, even you distrust the Nietzscheans to some degree. Telemachus himself has told me himself that his people will never be united so, perhaps its time that we give up with the ideal of the Neitszchean as a whole being a part of the Commonwealth and start trying to get more people to see that there are some Nietzscheans that will be loyal to the Commonwealth. The hard part, is going to be to find those Nietzscheans."

"Well, I think its safe to say the Drago-Kazov are never going to be happy citizens of The Commonwealth," Dylan commented, thinking of the battle they had just come through.

"Among others," Tri-Laurent agreed. "However, there are some of the weaker prides, prides who've numbers have been cut down due to fighting amongst the Neitszchean prides that we may be able to integrate into the Commonwealth. There are rumors of what is left of the Atreus Pride having made a home on a moon in the Riza System. The Orca pride has sent several expeditions into the System, several of which according to reports have come away from the System with significant damage to their vessels. If it is the Atreus Pride, there is clearly no love loss between them and the Orca Pride which means perhaps they would be open to joining the Commonwealth. That's where you come in Admiral Hunt. You probably understand the Neitszchean better than anyone outside of their race. I want you to go to the Riza System and search out the Atreus Pride and gauge whether they are truly willing to join the Commonwealth. If they are, escort whatever representatives they choose to send to Tarazed for official talks."

"And all you're giving me are rumors in order to track them down?"

"You didn't have much more to work with when you set out to rebuild the Systems Commonwealth did you Admiral?" Tri-Laurent countered.

"Fair enough," Dylan replied, still wondering if perhaps the triumvir had more confidence in his abilities than was warranted. "I'd like to take Tarazed's Pride and the Astral Tide with me. I'd rather not go searching for the remnants of a Neitszchean pride on my own but we also don't want to send too many ships in if we want them to talk to us."

"Done, although are you sure you want Tarazed's Pride with you on this mission?"

"I'm positive," Dylan replied without hesitation, knowing where Tri-Laurent's question was coming from. "If I find the Atreus Pride, what better way to show them that they will be accepted into the Commonwealth than to have a Neitszchean Captain by my side. Besides, Telemachus trusts Captain Rangor and that's a good enough endorsement for me," Dylan told him, Rangor having been Telemachus Rhade's second in the Home Guard for years before taking over the Home Guard when Rhade had become a High Guard Officer. Following the Battle of Tarazed and Rhade's reinstatement as Commander of the Home Guard, Rangor had been offered the command of Tarazed's Pride. "It was why I wanted Tarazed's Pride in this battle group and I haven't regretted that choice yet. I think his knowledge and expertise could prove to be invaluable in the mission you're sending us on."

"I trust your judgement on this matter, Admiral Hunt. I will issue the orders to the other two ships to join you. Do you have a recommendation for who should assume command of the rest of the battle group?"

"Captain Eileen Vanguard, of the Bold Valor," Dylan replied without hesitation. "Her ship currently needs major repairs, but with the exception of Captain Rangor, whose coming with me, she has the most hands on experience. She can assume control of the battle group from another ship until Bold Valor is repaired."

"Very well," Tri-Laurent said. "I'll take care of the transfer of command of the battle group. I'd like to se your trio of ships set out within two hours, Admiral," the triumvir stated as he got to his feet.

"I'll see to it, Tri-Laurent," Dylan assured him as he stood up as well, even as he wondered if this mission would turn into something more than just a wild goose chase.