The years since the orphanage had blown by, and Commander Krennel, now 33 years old, had been forged into a full-fledged mercenary warrior. He was hardly famous, but in the world of the HSG, he was one step removed from the boss, the XO, the right hand of Titus Haijikioten. The fact that his feelings for the old murderous bastard switched from filial love to intense seething hatred from day to day was lost on no one. Titus was aware of it, and it pained him, but was tragically part and parcel of life on a ship whose missions ran along the border between paramilitary operations and outright piracy. Titus trued to stay legitimate in his business dealings, but he had a lot of personnel to pay. When the State was peaceful, he had to resort to less legitimate business to keep his company afloat. The Megacorps tended to recognize this reality, and so long as these activities didn't threaten their interests, so be it. Titus maintained good relations with Home Guard and Spacelane Patrol, and had friendly contacts in Ishukone, and routinely did business with all three.
Ryven was beginning to grow ambitious. Titus could see it in his eyes. He knew the young man was always after something better. Titus began forming a plan. Ryven was the last of the Haijikioten family, and seemed unlikely to settle down. Titus, being exceptionally wealthy, had the finances to help Ryven to become a capsuleer. If Ryven, a physically pristine specimen, were to apply, he would be almost certainly accepted. Titus knew he would die sooner or later, but probably sooner. He wasn't getting any younger. He began recording a message.
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