The Gates of Hell

The Matriarch watched the swirling chaos of that distant system for a seeming eternity. To all around her, she burned a hole right through the space between. Whether that was vengeful or not, most didn’t know.

She herself roiled deep inside. The guilt at all those losses ate into her. It shook her to her core and threatened to bring her to her knees.

But thankfully, she held her will and remained firm.

“I hope that’s the only shot we ever have to make,” she said.

“You know as well as I do that they’re already calling our bluff right now,” replied the Grand Parliamentarian to her right. “I’ll bet a hundred ducats that both nations have already sent comms requesting for time. To get their business in order, or whatever excuses they come up with.”

“A fool’s bet,” said the Matriarch. “Of course they will. They know it’s an impossible demand. They might even think I’ve gone mad, or out of control. It doesn’t matter what they conclude, as long as they also stop.”