Veronica’s eyes flashed briefly,
“And what would you like me to do with this information, Judge? Prepare my defenses? March into battle? The Third Circle does not act on baseless speculation.”
Heidrick stepped closer,
“It’s not baseless. Rud has likely begun discussions with Dark Sickle. The Frost Elves, too, are a likely ally. If they move against you, they will not come alone.”
Veronica crossed her arms,
“You underestimate the Third Circle, Judge. We are not so easily dismantled.”
Veronica was having a hard time understanding why Judge Heidrick was telling her all these things and assumptions.
It should be known fact for all that the Third Circle was on the ship to take revenge on their people from the Frost Elves.
It is known for almost all major powers that Blue Hope was going to be used as an arena, a free-for-all battle between factions.
“I do not underestimate you.”
Heidrick said, his tone steady.
Veronica’s smirk returned,
“You wish to know my intentions? Why? So you can intervene? The Blue Hope is your ship, after all. Perhaps you feel responsible for its balance.”
“I have no desire to control your actions,”
Heidrick said.
“But I will not allow chaos to reign aboard my vessel."
Veronica tilted her head,
“And if I refuse to answer your questions, Judge? What then?”
Heidrick met her gaze evenly.
“Then I will act as I see fit to maintain the order of this ship. But I would prefer cooperation over confrontation.”
Finally, Veronica let out a soft laugh.
“You truly are a fascinating man, Heidrick,” she said.
"I will not share the Third Circle’s plans with you or anyone else. Not out of fear, but out of principle."
Heidrick nodded.
“I expected no less from you.
She leaned forward slightly.
“Then why ask? What do you truly want from me?”
Heidrick stepped back,
“To understand. Nothing more.”
Veronica’s smirk widened as she watched him disappear.
“And did you?”
Heidrick’s voice echoed faintly as the void dissolved. “I did.”
BACK IN HEIDRICK’S CHAMBER
Heidrick opened his eyes, the dim light of his room greeting him once more. He exhaled slowly.
Veronica’s defiance was expected,
The Third Circle would not align easily, nor would they take the threat of the Dark Father lightly.
Heidrick leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the armrest.
he murmured to himself. “Let’s see who makes the first move.”
-
The air in Gareth’s quarters was heavy with tension.
Reports littered his desk,
Distantias, once a relatively contained group, has devolved into a rabid pack.
Their leader’s death had shattered their hierarchy, leaving them to lash out wildly at anyone and everyone.
Gareth read through the latest report, his face grim.
Members of Ferlo Boys had been slaughtered, alongside civilians and smaller organizations.
Slamming the last report onto his desk, Gareth stood abruptly. His decision was made.
He needed to take this to Heidrick.
MOMENTS LATER, OUTSIDE HEIDRICK’S QUARTERS
Gareth stood outside doors, his hand hovering near the handle.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
He couldn’t afford to appear rattled in front of the judge.
Heidrick was seated at his desk, a quill in hand as he made notes on a glowing parchment.
He didn’t look up immediately, his calm demeanor only adding to Gareth’s unease.
“Guard Captain Gareth,” Heidrick said finally, his voice as steady as ever.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Gareth stepped forward, bowing slightly.
“Judge Heidrick, we have a problem. A serious one.”
Heidrick set his quill down, folding his hands on the desk.
“Go on.”
“Distantias has completely lost control.”
Gareth began
“Since Alexander’s death, they’ve devolved into chaos. They’re attacking indiscriminately—Ferlo Boys, smaller groups, even unaffiliated civilians. It’s madness.”
Heidrick tilted his head slightly,
“And you believe this warrants my intervention?”
“With all due respect, Judge, we’re on the verge of losing control of the lower levels."
Heidrick leaned back in his chair,
“What exactly are you proposing, Captain? To disband Distantias entirely? To arrest every one of its members?”
Gareth hesitated for a moment.
“I’m proposing that we take swift action to reestablish order, deploying a show of force, or even dissolving the group altogether; something must be done.”
Heidrick kept his silence for a moment and started talking after some time.
“And what of the other factions? Do you believe they will simply stand by as we take such measures?"
Gareth met his gaze firmly.
“I understand the risks, but doing nothing is not an option. The ship’s stability is at stake.”
Heidrick rose from his chair.
“Chaos is a natural part of confined environments like this, Captain."
"But you’re right—allowing this chaos to fester will only lead to greater instability.”
Gareth stepped closer, his tone more urgent.
“Then you’ll act?”
Heidrick turned to face him.
“I will consider the best course of action. But understand this, Gareth: any move we make must be precise. If we appear too heavy-handed, we risk uniting the other factions against us. If we’re too lenient, we risk losing credibility.”
“What would you have me do in the meantime?” Gareth asked.
“For now,” Heidrick said,
“Focus on containment. Increase patrols in the affected areas, but avoid direct confrontation with Distantias unless absolutely necessary. Let them burn their energy fighting each other.”
“And if they target more civilians?” Gareth pressed.
“Then we will intervene,” Heidrick replied.
Gareth nodded reluctantly, though his frustration was evident.
“Understood, Judge. But I hope you’ll make your decision soon."
Heidrick gave a faint smile.
“I trust you to manage it, Captain. Keep me updated on any significant developments.”
As Gareth turned to leave, Heidrick’s voice stopped him.
“Captain.”
“Yes, Judge?”
“Do not let your emotions cloud your judgment. Chaos can be a tool as much as it is a threat. Use it wisely.”
Gareth bowed slightly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
OUTSIDE HEIDRICK’S QUARTERS
As Gareth stepped into the hallway, his guards snapped to attention. He gave them a curt nod, his mind racing with Heidrick’s words.
“Containment,” he muttered under his breath. “Easier said than done.”
Still, he had his orders. For now, he would do everything in his power to keep the chaos from consuming the Blue Hope. But deep down, he couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to spiral even further out of control.
-
The room was quiet except for the soft rustling of papers on Heidrick’s desk.
Heidrick sat in his chair,
The words he said to Gareth echoed in his mind. Chaos can be a tool as much as it is a threat. Heidrick knew that these words have meaning, but right now he believes and understands the point Gareth is trying to make.
A knock at the door broke his reverie.
“Enter,” he said, his voice calm but firm.
The door opened, and a young guard stepped inside, saluting crisply.
“Judge Heidrick, Captain Gareth left this report for you.”
Heidrick nodded, extending his hand.
The guard walked forward, placing the folder in his grasp.
Without another word, the guard turned and left, closing the door softly behind him.
Heidrick opened the folder and began reading.
THE REPORT
As his eyes scanned the first page, his expression remained unreadable, but his grip on the paper tightened slightly.
* Casualties in Last Two Days:
* Distantias: 200 deaths.
* Ferlo Boys: 300 deaths.
* Various smaller organizations: 500 deaths.
* Civilians: 300 deaths.
Heidrick set the report down, leaning back in his chair.
The numbers were staggering, even for a vessel as vast and volatile as the Blue Hope.
"1500 people…"
"%1.5 of the people aboard the Blue Hope died," Heidrick thought.
The door opened again, unannounced this time. Redel, stepped inside.
“You seem troubled, my Lord.”
Heidrick didn’t reply immediately, instead gesturing for Redel to sit.
“You’ve read the reports?” Heidrick finally asked.
Redel nodded, his face grim.
“Yes, my Lord. The death toll is... unprecedented. Especially among the civilians.”
Heidrick tapped his fingers on the desk.
“What do you make of it, Redel?”
Redel hesitated.
“It’s clear the situation is spiraling out of control. The power vacuum left by Alexander Distantias has created a feeding frenzy."
“And the civilians?” Heidrick asked, his tone sharper now.
“They’re caught in the crossfire,” Redel admitted.
“The lower levels are war zones. Even the guards are hesitant to enter.”
Heidrick’s eyes narrowed. “Hesitant? That’s unacceptable.”
Redel shifted uncomfortably.
“With respect, my Lord, the guards are not equipped to handle this scale of conflict."