The balcony overlooked the eastern mountain range, its peak crowned in perpetual snow. Even in summer, the wind carried the bite of sharp ice drifting down the heights.
Wein stood alone against the railing.
Below him, the landscape spread outward, quiet and uninhabited.
House Ulix was undermining Voss and Wein knew he could not allow for that any longer. One decree and the galaxy would acknowledge House Voss had chosen blood.
But simplicity did not mean wisdom.
House Ulix was a viscounty, older and more experienced. Their banners had flown for centuries, their fleets were seasoned and their officers were loyal. More importantly, Ulix was unified under a single leader, firm and seasoned.
Voss, by comparison was still stabilising, still healing and unaware of its new leader. If a war were to break out between the two, there would be many collaterals on both sides. And for Wein, he would be pushed further into disadvantageous position.
Wein's jaw tightened.
War would push him to a corner he was not yet ready for. He pressed a fist against his chest, feeling the dull, rapid knock of his own heartbeat. He was afraid. No matter what he would have to step up and the consequences of that would change him one way or another.
He would have preferred to remain passive but that was unideal, he needed to act. After what seemed to be a long time, he opened his eyes.
"Prepare a full audit on all activity linked to House Ulix," he said. "We will have to go to a standoff".
"Affirmative" replied Astra through comms.
"Effective immediately, House Voss is to be ready for confrontations".
****
Few months later
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Breaking news!
Velmora. House Voss Territory.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
The HalNet broadcast flickered onto screens across the domain.
From orbital habitats to mining dormitories, market plazas to military barracks, a deep crimson banner rolled across the bottom of the display edged in silver.
"HOUSE VOSS FILES FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST KEY HOUSE ULIX CORPORATIONS"
The familiar HalNet news anchors appeared, seated before a live feed of Velmora's northern hemisphere. The sigil of House Voss proudly displayed in the corner of the screen.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
"This is HalNet Report, with your hosts….
Tensions between House Voss and Ulix have reached a critical point following the release of classified findings emerging from recent military operations across key Velmora districts."
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
The screen shifted. Footage played replacing the background.
Different key locations appeared, all were the same, containers were being seized at spaceports, sealed cargo bays pried opened with armoured Troopers on guard.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
"According to official statements from the Voss administration, multiple criminal syndicates dismantled during the recent operations were found to be linked to the following corporations…
These corporates all have connections to House Ulix and their vassals."
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Pictures appeared on screen each highlighting the corporates involved, this highlighted the external connections as most were publicly known to be Ulix.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
"The findings include evidence of smuggling corridors, unregistered cargo transfers, and falsified trade manifests. Among the smuggling corridors include drug smuggling and trafficking.
Authorities state the smuggling is linked to many missing persons and the increase in arms attacks occurring throughout the territory.
Officials stress that while House Ulix is involved there is no direction to involve military retaliation despite the compiled actions. Talks between the two Houses will continue but the administration is committed to be vindicated in the actions".
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
A recorded statement played.
Prime Minister Vern Caldic:
"The increase in criminal activity across Velmora and our territory did not emerge naturally. They were all funded and made to grow so as to weaken House Voss. We will not tolerate this, this is clearly an act against our House.
If House Ulix is preparing to go against us, we will return the same else we expect answers".
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
The anchors returned, expressions measured yet grave.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
"In response, House Ulix has issued a brief denial on involvement. Arguing the accusations are politically motivated and asserting that all actions they take and mandate remain within Imperial law.
They issued a mandate to investigate the incidents to prove their innocence and affirm they will not be pressured to acknowledge wrongdoing they are not responsible for."
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
A video was displayed. There, a man standing behind House Ulix sigil appeared to be addressing reporters.
"House Ulix is not involved with the criminal happens in House Voss's territory. We reject their calling us involved and we will stand for it. House Ulix has remained loyal and follows the laws given to us by the Imperial family and we will continue to do so.
Though House Voss and us may not be close, it is unacceptable for them to lay unjust claims on us".
The roaring officer brought cheers from Ulix residents and scoffing from Voss civilians.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
…
The broadcast ended. Wein watched the darkened screen from the corner of his study. He said nothing, the broadcast was within his expected means and done what he needed it to do.
Across Velmora, reactions were immediate.
It became evident that there was bound to be a confrontation between the two houses. In the upper districts of wealthy families, investors whispered behind closed doors and were preparing for a war, the smart ones.
In the lower sectors, workers argued in bars. They were well aware a war would not benefit them in any way, it would drive up costs and might upend their way of living. They had nowhere to vent except at the bars and streets.
This reaction was felt across the entire territory, everyone was on the consensus a war was coming.
****
Inside the northern stronghold Wein began his preparation, not of war but for the gathering.
He stood before a massive clear mirror towering over him. In front was his reflection trying on a suit beside him was an older gentleman, a tailor who was helping him dress. Looking at the distinguished figure before him, he saw someone else, someone foreign.
The figure mimicked his movements but it felt like someone wearing a costume and not at all him. In all his life, he could not recall looking so proper. He felt uncomfortable.
He wore a grey suit, matching formal trousers and vest over a white striped shirt. The cut suited his build well, giving him the look of a man born to the nobility rather than still learning its rules.
"It looks well my lord" the older gentlemen spoke, his expression could tell the experience he had with men's fashion.
"It looks really expensive" commented Wein.
"It's made of the finest silk within Velmora".
"It'll do, please prepare similar others, I'll need a lot through this journey".
"Yes, my lord"
The older man bowed and excused himself.
"Astra, report"
Astra bleeped into sight.
"Everything has been prepared for the journey my lord".
"I'll need to leave soon".
He stared back his reflection one final time.