HFB-Polyphemus

[Charos]

The shuttle arrived several hours later on Fort Leniex, the Lord Commander was welcomedf by high-ranked officers, among them the previous Lord Commander -now Fleet Marshall- Dane Kinnaird. Markus sensed a small tension in the hangar, but that wasn't a concern for him as they proceeded to the High Command meeting hall. "-It's been a while, Dane. How've you been holding?" Kinnaird with a dull expression, side by side with the Lord Commander nodded "-I've been very busy doing my part for the Legion as always." "-You're still the same I see." The two leaders remained silent for the rest of their walk.

When they entered the meeting hall, the members spread left and right in the amphitheatre with the Lord Commander in the centre, ready to address the issues that seem to become a nuisance to the Legion. "-Good day gentlemen, I'm here today to discuss important matters. As you all know the Legion is growing day by day, our ships are getting stronger and we're receiving more aid from Legion supporters. However, our enemies are getting stronger aswell and with a new enemy at our doorstep, the Gallic Navy, we need to decide how to approach them.' said Markus and gave the word to the member of the High Command. "-The gallics are not our greatest concern, their main force is battling the combined forces of Bretonia and Liberty along with Kusari fleet remnants. Those who manage to bypass Leeds are destroyed by our patrols." With that answer, the Lord Commander continued "-Very well. Our next subject is ally support. The Hessians and Mollys appreciate our Hull Panel, Deuterium and refined ore shipments and the ships we've dispatched for their use are bringing positive results. Anyone has something to add?" Markus looked around and saw not one
willing to take the word, "-That'll do. Next and final subject are the recent rumours that poison the minds of legionnaires. They believe that there's another coup d'etat coming this way from an unknown-as-of-yet member." Markus paused for a little while the High Command were staring at him.

"-That's enough Markus." The silent Marshal, Kinnaird finally spoke. "We are all aware of those rumours or maybe they're not rumours after all?" said with a hyronic tone. Markus, suprised by his words, started to understand what was going on. "-What do you mean by that Dane? From your words I suppose you know more than we do? Speak up."

"We believe the Legion has overextended it's reach during your leadership, Lord Commander. In you time, you have attempted to establish several new stations and annex Humboldt without positive results, only more resource-needing warfare. You've even made the Gallics our enemies, who might have aided us in our goal to defeat the Liberty Navy and free Liberty from it's hidden tyrany if you have used a different approach. There is more to this but I will stop here. The rumours that have been spreading were partially true." Markus glared at Dane and his palm were getting sweaty, anxiety seemed to take over him but he managed to stay calm "-And I suppose you're behind it? You-" Before Markus could say anything else, Dane stopped him. "-Let me finish Markus. Now that you are here you can help fix things. Declare a temporary cease of any and all combat operations and focus on system development and trade relations with our allies. Then, resign from Lord Commander and leave Legion ranks. We'll a ship for you to leave Vespucci entirely. That, or we'll force you out." Dane finished his proposal with a smirk. "-Exile or internal strife is it? Do you really want to do this? Change how the Legion worked for years now, put down our arms and live peaceful lives or force the men and women of the Legion spill the blood of their brothers and sisters? Untill when will you manage to live peacefully?" Dane answered swiftly and without hesitation, he knew what it would take to achieve his goal, overthrowing Markus. "We will use all of our forces to fortify the jumpholes and the economic and system development will allows us to construct more ships. I will say no more, it's time to make your decision and it would be for the best if you made one without bloodshed." Dane looked at the rest of the High Command, with most of them agreeing with him. Only those who have fought side by side were against him and were ready to act on the Lord Commander's orders. "So you've managed to attract the majority to your side. I still insist your way is wrong. There's no easy way for real bliss, Dane and our goal can only be achieved through battle. That's why we are who we are. I won't stand down as Lord Commander and I won't enforce your ideas. I'll give you a day to cease the rumours and send a written apology to my chambers and I will forget about today's incident." The chamber was filled with noise from everyone's chatter. Markus's mind was in imbalance because for the first time in a long time he couldn't know the consequences of his actions.

Later that day, while Markus was in his chamber he was called to the High Council room once again for a meeting. They were standing inside, the majority of the council still along with Kinnaird but something was not right in the room. "Why did you call me here? I don't suppose it's to apologise for your words earlier?." The room is vast and there was a large gap between the two sides, Markus couldn't shake the feeling that something's about to go wrong. Dane, immidiately took the word "We have decided. We have decided to arrest you and dispose of you after your trial. Cease him!" Armed guards that were hiding jumped and attempted to arrest him but as soon as that started, Markus's guard that was waiting outside entered the room. A firefight started between the two sides resulting in serious injuries and casualties for both. Markus was injured and captured, moments before that however, Polyphemus and the rest of the ships were signaled to escape.

After the Lord Commander was captured, he was moved to a high-security cell to wait for his condemn. What would that be he didn't know since he didn't leave quietly. The members of the High Council that were on his side were pardoned and finally joined Kinnaird's side.

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Remember our fallen, we are the Legion.