Chapter 124

　　A few weeks after the attack on Terra

　　Jack threw the metal collar against the wall of his quarters, where it hit with a dull clang and fell to the ground. Gareth watched his father struggle with his anger momentarily before reigning it in.

　　"All of them?" Jack asked, straightening his clothing.

　　They had returned to one of their hideouts on the edge of the Caledonian Sector, where no one would look for them. The starport could hold tens of thousands, and they had spent time renewing their contacts and reopening trade.

　　One of the first things Jack had purchased when he accessed his hidden accounts through the Imperial Bank was a new wardrobe. His opulent robes and suits were blindingly bright in orange, yellow and red. He was wearing a relatively tame business suit, pristine white with gold trim. He brushed away a fleck of metal and turned to his son to hear his response.

　　"We were tricked. There aren`t any explosives. I took over a thousand random samples. Aside from the single collar he used as a demonstration, they`re nothing more than collars with blinking lights. Augustus lied to us." Gareth replied.

　　"And there still has been no contact?" Jack growled out. His clothing fixed, he sat in his chair, placing his shining black boots on the top of his desk and crossing his arms.

　　"Nothing. All the transmission routes and connections bounce back. He`s left us to rot. I wouldn`t be surprised if he sells us out, parading our heads to the public and declaring that he has eliminated the culprits." Gareth responded.

　　"He`s not that stupid. I have enough evidence of his involvement to sink him. Regardless, we`re free now. We`ll wait to see how this conflict between Argyle and Augustus plays out. We`re still in the prologue. It could be years before things really heat up." Jack thought for a moment, tapping his finger against his chin in a steady rhythm.

　　"Ensure Amara is comfortable. She`s the only true leverage we have with Argyle." Jack ordered.

　　"You want to play both sides?" Gareth asked with surprise. It seemed risky to stay in the middle when you were an insignificant speck compared to the opposing forces.

　　"Bigger the risk, bigger the reward. We`ll stay quiet and make our offer when things look their most opportune."

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　　A year later

　　The spaceport was bustling. Jack`s Corsairs had reopened business, and people had flocked to their banner for illicit trade. With the Succession War, as it had been taken to being called on the Imperial Net, snowballing, the black market for items grew with it.

　　In his private quarters at the most secure location of the space station, Jack stared out of the large window impatiently. He had sent Gareth on a mission weeks ago but hadn`t heard from him since.

　　Augustus remained frustratingly out of contact with them, leaving Jack wondering if the Prince had deliberately wiped his memory of the event. Every shred of information Jack could glean about his cousin spoke of a man convinced that Argyle had been behind the attack.

　　Every overture Jack had made to the Prince, every discrete inquiry came back with hostile intent. Augustus would have nothing to do with him and his evidence. The document he provided stating that he was pardoned and his Imperial Title restored was worthless if Augustus refused to acknowledge it.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

　　So, Jack had pivoted, and the opportunity he had been seeking had finally arrived.

　　Augustus had made a deal with another Ducal House, splitting the support for the throne evenly between them. But more importantly, House Samira was a powerhouse.

　　Nearly equal to Havencroft militarily and economically, Duchess Samira`s support meant that the tide of the Succession War had turned in Augustus` favour. With Havencroft`s continued neutrality and Augustus` overwhelming force, Argyle would need a miracle to survive.

　　And Jack was about to sell him one.

　　"He`s back." One of Jack`s people came through the open door after a brief knock. Turning away from the window, Jack walked to his desk, sat, and waited for his son to return. He could barely contain his anticipation.

　　Gareth followed behind a few minutes later, greeting his father with a smile. Jack knew immediately it was good news. Jack leaned back in his chair, matching his son`s smile.

　　"He was amenable?" Jack asked, already knowing the answer. Gareth nodded.

　　"He`ll meet you at the rendezvous point. One Starship each. He wants you to bring Amara with you." Gareth said.

　　"Not happening. We`ll bring him proof of his sister`s good health, but he doesn`t get her back until he follows through with our demands. Get her ready." Jack ordered.

　　Two days later, a single Starship appeared in the middle of empty space. No stars or planets were nearby, ensuring that without the coordinates from Jack himself, no one would be able to find the place.

　　In a few minutes after their arrival, another Starship appeared from the Jump.

　　Jack stood on the Command Center, dressed in his finest and most eye-watering colourful clothing. The Engine of the Starship hummed throughout the vessel, ready to activate at the first sign of trouble. With the appearance of the Starship, a communication came through a private channel.

　　Prince Argyle looked healthier than ever. The ongoing war, which had entered its first year, had forced him to take steps to ensure his fitness. He had undergone the best rejuvenation procedures and had taken to training every day in his new Assault Class Mech, Judgement,` a replacement for the still missing Justice.

　　Wearing a uniform of the Imperial Guard but lacking all insignia or trappings of rank, Argyle frowned at the sight of his cousin. They had never gotten along, even when they were on Terra together. Johnathan was a troublemaker, and Argyle hadn`t regretted his father`s decision to banish him for his multiple indiscretions.

　　"Well, Jack. I`m here. Where is Amara?" Argyle asked, not bothering to make small talk or beat around the bush. Jack smiled, looking at ease as he stood from the Captain`s chair.

　　"She`s safe, cousin. And her location will be revealed to you at the conclusion of our deal. You are comfortable with our terms?" Jack asked.

　　"Comfortable? You`re a traitor, Jack. You deserve to hang for what you did to Terra, even if you followed my brother`s orders." Argyle growled, his face flushing red with anger before a whispered voice from off-screen calmed him.

　　Argyle nodded as he listened to someone speaking too softly for Jack to hear. He seemed to consider it carefully before nodding.

　　"Fine. Immunity for you and your Corsairs. I will also grant you land and title." Argyle agreed although he looked as if it would pain him.

　　"And Justice?" Jack asked, enjoying the feeling of power the negotiations were bringing him.

　　"You may keep it." Argyle looked slightly defeated at the words. A woman gripped his shoulder, comforting him, and Jack laughed at the sight. Her pale white hand had a ring on its finger, and Jack recognized the sigil of one of the Ducal Houses.

　　Argyle`s mistress was rumoured to be from one of the Ducal Houses supporting him, and Jack now had his confirmation. He filed away that tidbit for later.

　　"I believe I have your lovely companion to thank for the ease of their negotiations. I wish her all the best. On the word of your honour, so too will you have mine. Amara is at the following location, safe and sound. I believe Havencroft will be grateful for her return." Jack said, smiling. He nodded at one of his crewmembers to send the coordinates.

　　At the conclusion of their deal, Argyle jumped to the location provided, where Amara would be waiting in a small shuttle, alone and dreading what happened next.

　　For Jack, he returned to his hideout, eager to hear about the Argyle`s success. With the addition of Havencroft, the Succession War would reach an entirely new level, and Argyle would undoubtedly have an advantage. With two of the largest Ducal Houses involved, the others must pick sides or risk missing out on the benefits.

　　And if Argyle loses, Jack still has evidence to use against Augustus, ensuring that he will win, regardless of the outcome.