At the lower command receptorium our lift platform finally ground to a halt with steam issuing forth like some tired engine. The safety locks clanked into place, a welcome development, and before us the open concourse leading to the various areas of the ship that the senior crew used to direction the ships affairs.

There was of course a welcome committee. Von Narimus had half-expected a troop of soldiers and a fierce fight. In truth I felt a little disappointed to observe a single officer, dressed in a long greatcoat with tall collars, marked with the symbols of the Imperia Commercia. He waited patiently for our arrival with a scroll held in hands, which he kept steady in full view.

The wrought iron gate slid aside with a metallic squeal. As a matter of precaution I raised my bolter and held a steady aim at the man.

"Greetings." He said in a polite if weary manner."I am required to make an announcement on behalf of the officers and crew of the Divine Reward. I would find it more helpful if that bolter was lowered."

I grunted in amusement. "I would find it more helpful if you would step aside."

He showed no recognition of my request. Far from it, his attention was directed solely at his former captain and he duly opened the parchment scroll from which he read "Be it know the individual known as Geter Von Narimus is no longer recognised as Lord-Captain of the interstellar merchant ship known as Divine Reward. Further, as an escaped criminal and known mutineer, all hands are directed toward the death or capture of this person and all who serve him, so that the misguided mutineers may be allowed the benefit of the God-Emperors justice by consignment to the vacuum of space.... I would also like to add a personal note that I deeply regret the action we are forced to undertake against a former master and colleague, and that I hope your suffering will end as quickly as possible. Incidentially, Geter, I should also explain that Oberon Halikos has been granted command of this ship by the express authorisation of a Battlefleet Commodore and that we are currently seconded to his service. Should you somehow gain control of this ship again you would therefore compound your offence by rebellion against the God-Emperors services."

I glanced at Von Narimus who pursed his lips in restrained fury. He looked up, pulled a stub pistol from his belt, and shot the man dead with no hesitation. He took a deep breath before he said anything.

"Under-Lord Janus was a loyal officer and I regret his passing." He said quietly, "But there can be no compromise in the exercise of authority aboard a starship. I am the Lord Captain of the Divine Reward and command will be restored. Let's go."

We stepped over the body of the former Under-Lord and continued onto the receptorium. Von Narimus led the way, fully familiar with the layout of the ship in these areas. As for our guttersnipe companion Lomas, he walked behind without a word. After all the many years he had served aboard this ship, not once had he ever been invited to these decks and for him it was as if a beggar had been ushered into a palace.

A council of war in the Officorium was interrupted by our arrival. The crowd of ships officers, some bedecked with insignia, some in smart dress, others in what might be described as colourful attire, looked over their shoulders and with some murmuring dispersed to the outside of the oval chamber. A hawkish man beneath a fur lined cloak sat behind an ornate whitewood desk, glaring at the interruption.

"You're sat in my chair, Halikos." Announced Von Narimus with all the appropriate venom.

He grunted. "I do not remove myself for wanted criminals, mutineers, nor failures. I am the declared Captain of this ship by right of Imperial Decree, and you, Geter Von Narimus, are not listed among the crew of this ship. However, since this mutiny has cost me a good number of my complement, I do have vacancies among the bilge-swabs for men of your calibre. Don't say another word! I shall not listen to you! Your petty mutiny is failing. Already we have recaptured fourteen compartments and we estimate only a quarter of your men still breathe. The rest are exhausted and close to defeat whereas I still have fresh forces, and..."

I could restrain myself no further. Halikos turned his withering gaze at me as I interrupted him. "And if you do not have control of this ship by the time the approaching imperial frigate docks alongside, your petty command is at inglorious end too. Brevet ranks are temporary, Master Halikos!"

He smirked and looked around at his officers in scornful amusement. "There was a time when slaves were not so bold. Well then Red-Code, since the matter of my former master is a mere formality, I must now turn my attention to you."

He stood and handed his cloak to a slave woman who'd stood behind him, held in place by a fine chain. I stopped in disbelief. This slave was dark haired and elfin, a worn edge to her appearance, yet nothing could disguise the Pale Woman from my sight.

She saw my suprise, advertised by the involuntary lowering of the bolters aim if my jaw was not evidence enough. With a discrete gesture she motioned me to stay silent. My attention turned to Halikos who had seen the expression on my face.

"Ahhhh.... You like this woman? Is she not fair to behold, despite her wretched condition?" He mocked me, pushing back her head with his powerful hand under her chin and kissing her in an act of blatant ownership. I could feel the fury mounting within me. Now I understood what the Pale Woman had said. Halikos pushed her gently aside as a spoilt child might with a toy. He stepped forward and drew a power sword, an expensive weapon of the finest manufacture, glittering with polished motifs and jewelled adornments, waving the sword through the air to warm his sword arm before he demonstrated his skills. He did so with practised arrogance. The whole display was intended to enforce his psychological superiority, and he knew exactly how to perform his role.