EPILOGUE IV. Sundered Stars

As the last skirmishes between the Queil war fleet and the Conglomerate’s mercenaries fizzled out above Aglostarros, the planet awaited a counterattack. Hours passed, then a day, then a week, and slowly it became clear that no riposte would come. The calm of everyday activity returned to the capital world’s streets, though the galaxy at large remained in tumult.

The silhouette of the CCS Fortitude haunted the skies of Aglostarros for a week. Rumour held that several Conglomerate ministers and the leadership of GLoW remained locked aboard the entire time, emerging with plans to formalise a Coreworlds Merchant Defence Fleet, with GLoW as its administrator. “Don’t mistake this for a reward,” Intelligence Minister Antra was overheard saying to Challe as the Conglomerate envoys departed. It was a lukewarm gesture to address the leverage now held by gangs and paramilitaries over the board, but it would sate their greed temporarily.

Though the aggressors now knew better than to attempt such a brazen assault, and though the Fortitude had been returned to its rightful place, neither party pursued peace. The Queils had suffered a shame only worsened by the disappearance of General Quril; when it became clear that he would not return, Empress Harke realised it was time to make concessions. Her people wanted change, and her vassals sought independence. Absolute authority was worthless if her subjects would not yield. Tensions flared at the border, but the greater war went cold.

And all the while, the Ele began to thrive once more.