Between the time that Demos ordered Admiral Portman to dispatch a portion of his fleet from Port to Near Port on 29 Aut'gin, and the time that the fleet actually began its journey on 1 Aut'mo', the admiral and General Middlebury spent many hours discussing exactly how many ships should be sent. There were a few considerations, the first being how many troops should be transported to First Village. It was estimated that their enemies in that village numbered about fifty-five hundred, whereas Colonel Woodman's regiment now numbered thirty-seven hundred, and obviously some of those must be left behind to guard the base and their thousand prisoners of war. But if they could count on the twenty-two hundred prisoners the enemy was holding, per Colonel Muttonchop's plan, they would have at least a slight advantage over the enemy. That advantage would likely be greater still, given that the enemy would undoubtedly be sending a portion of their forces to Near Port. Demos spent some time listening to the debate, but it soon began sounding like a silly game of tug-of-war, or some vicious circle, trading villages back and forth ad infinitum. Finally, he left them to it, and went to find some way of amusing himself.

Aside from the question of how many troops to send versus how many to leave behind, there was the question of possible battle at sea. It was known by now that the enemy had twenty-four ships en route to Navy headquarters at Port, whose own fleet consisted of twenty-nine ships, several of which were rated higher than any of the ships in the rebel fleet. There was little question that the Port fleet would win, if all of their ships remained. Which cycled back to the question of troops: however many soldiers Woodman might care to send, Near Port's fleet would be sufficient without help from Port's fleet, though that might lead to rather cramped quarters. Besides which, Admiral Portman was no keener to leave Near Port undefended by sea than he was to reduce Port's fleet. Moreover, if Near Port's fleet did send its own ships to First Village, and was intercepted by the rebel fleet, it wouldn't stand a chance. So regardless of how many troops were to be sent, it would be necessary for a joint fleet to be sent from both villages. Ultimately, it was decided that Near Port's fleet would send four galleons and one dreadnought, while Port would send one destroyer, two cruisers, two dreadnoughts, six frigates, and two galleons. This was still a few less than in the rebel fleet, but aside from the fact that the Navy's ships were mostly higher-rated, there were also several ships that had been pursuing a separate rebel task force, which had attacked a few naval ports earlier in the month, and even commandeered a few of the Navy's own ships. (This task force included ten ships, which Portman counted as part of the total of twenty-four in the enemy fleet.)

When Admiral Portman led thirteen of his own ships in their departure from Port, a naval officer working as a spy for Stavros Supprus wished to report the Navy's plans. But since Supprus himself was currently imprisoned in Colonel Woodman's dungeon, he wasn't sure whom to tell. Nor was he immediately free to act at all, as he had regular duties he couldn't neglect. It wasn't until the following day that he managed to contact Gregory deCamp, who was currently commanding the rebels' secondary task force, aboard the Java Junk V, the same civilian merchant ship that had so recently helped Supprus and his platoon escape the last time they'd been imprisoned in Near Port. The task force had rendezvoused with the main portion of the rebel fleet yesterday, at nearly the same time the admiral had left Port. Now that the two groups had become a single fleet, command of deCamp's ships had been assumed by the pirate in charge, whose name the spy had never heard.

When Lt. deCamp shared the spy's news with Admiral Teach, the pirate was more eager than ever to reach Port; for the first time, he actually believed they had a chance of winning their battle there. However, deCamp also insisted on informing General Inco, who was still in First Village overseeing plans to fly as many troops as possible to Near Port, to liberate Primus, Supprus, and the rest of their allies there. At the time he received the call from deCamp, just two days had passed since the battle there had ended in victory. There were as yet many more enchanted wagons to be gathered before they'd have enough to transport so many soldiers. Alec had had discussions with his own colleagues quite similar to the one Portman and Middlebury had had, concerning number of troops to send versus number to leave behind. The working plan was to take about four thousand, leaving fifteen hundred to guard the village. And considering each wagon could carry far less people than a ship, it wasn't going to be nearly as easy to find the necessary transports as it was for their enemies. He now decided it would be far simpler if they could defeat or at least blockade the enemy fleet, so he asked Cameron to translocate him to the Woodsorrow, to discuss the matter with Admiral Teach, leaving Colonel Orthodox to deal with the matter of organizing an escadrille of flying wagons. Alec finally convinced Teach to change course for Near Port, but decided to remain on the ship rather than return to First Village... just to be sure the admiral didn't change his mind.

Portman expected his fleet to reach Near Port between one and two days sooner than the enemy fleet (the progress of which was constantly scried by military Sorreters). However, two days out from Port, his fleet encountered a fierce, unexpected storm, which they had to sail around. It covered a wide area of sea, and caused them to lose their advantage over the pirate fleet. After recalculating the estimated times of arrival for both fleets, it seemed likely that they would cross paths when both were a day from Near Port, so Portman ordered Rear Admiral Romana Offshore to prepare her own fleet to depart in time to meet his fleet at sea rather than awaiting their arrival, which had been the original plan. The new plan's timing ultimately worked out better than Portman could have hoped, as on the morning of 7 Aut'mo', the fleets commanded by himself, Offshore, Henry Portman of Ship (one of the admiral's cousins), and Samantha Wen II of Ristar, all came together to surround the enemy fleet.

'Surround,' of course was a relative term; Admiral Teach and the captains under his command all had extensive experience dodging ships of both the Navy and the Coast Guard. Admiral Portman himself was well aware of that fact, but he counted on not only his fleet's superior numbers and firepower, but also the fact that pirates were used to working alone, whereas the Navy was used to working as a unit. To his surprise and dismay, it seemed the pirates he now faced were quick studies; they'd obviously spent some time learning to coordinate their efforts. While there was no chance of any of the enemy ships escaping, they at least assured themselves of ample room to maneuver. Which was unfortunate for the Navy, as maneuverability was always the one advantage pirates had, with their smaller and more lightly-armed ships.

For the past five days, Alec and Cameron had done their best to stay out of the way of the crew of the Woodsorrow. They had spent as much time as they could getting better acquainted with Admiral Teach and his first mate, Flynn Sharpblunt, but the majority of the crew had avoided them; whether out of respect or disdain, Alec wasn't sure. One crewman they'd gotten to know, however, was a crusty old cook named Pike (who, they noticed, still referred to the admiral as "cap'n"). They never managed to ascertain whether 'Pike' was his first name, last name, or a nickname, but he'd talked their ears off about nearly every other aspect of his life. ("Probably," Cameron had said to Alec once in private, "because everyone else on board has heard his stories often enough to get sick of them.") It had taken them a few days to get used to the fact that he talked somewhat more like their idea of a pirate than any of the others; it was an obvious affectation on his part, which doubtless amused him and annoyed his shipmates. ("At least he doesn't say "Arr!" said Alec.) Now, as they hung back and watched the action in which they could play no immediate part, they were once again joined by Pike.

"You know," said Alec, "when we were passengers on this ship a month ago, Darius was always complaining of boredom, and of feeling useless. At the time, I found it a bit irritating, but now I'm starting to know how he felt."

"I know what you mean," said Cameron. "Although if he disliked sea travel so much, I wonder why he was so eager to come with us, this time, and so disappointed when you ordered him to stay in First Village."

Before Alec could respond, Pike said, "I reckon there's lots o' bodies need burying, back there. Boredom must surely trump a job such as that."

"Perhaps," agreed Alec, "but I think it's more that he was hoping to take part in a battle at sea. After all, he does think pirates are cool."

"Still a bit o' a child, be this Darius?"

"You might say that. But it's more that he's a dreamer... and he loves to read, which is something I have in common with him. It may be because he's still young that he sometimes has trouble separating fantasy from reality, though now that I think of it, he himself did say he was looking at things more realistically, now. Well, I guess he has a ways to go with that, but he has made some headway."

"In any event," said Cameron, "it seems to be not just the three of us who are hanging back from the battle, but the Woodsorrow itself. This is the flagship, isn't it? Oughtn't we to be in the lead?"

"In the old days, aye," said Pike. "But t-mail makes fer some interestin' new possibilities, in terms o' on the fly strategizin'. Well-laid battle plans be bonny, but reality don't always conform ta those plans. So the ability ta easily and precisely communicate betwixt all the ships in the fleet comes in mighty handy. One o' the ways Cap'n Teach be availin' himself o' this is to allow the enemy ta concentrate on other ships. No doubt they're used ta the idea that the bigger ship, the more important it must be. Sure 'nuff that be the way they do things, fer the most part. So, I reckon they'll be focusin' on the cruiser and dreadnought we liberated from the Navy, last month. Also likely our two junks. Next most important in their eyes would be our galleons. Meanwhile, the bulk o' our fleet be frigates like the beauty we're standin' on, and corvettes. So it's convenient that we look just like ten other ships in our fleet, none o' which are particularly remarkable. Course, I'm sure we'll get in on the action before too long, but there be a good bit ta be said fer anonymity."

Pike suddenly began walking to the other side of the ship. Alec called out, "Where you going?"

"Starboard, where's it look like?"

Alec and Cameron followed. They'd heard cannon fire from somewhere off the starboard, but there was plenty of that going on all around them. Alec asked, "I meant, why are you going there?"

"More interestin', ta me. Way we be angled now, port side be facin' the northern ships, which be unknown ta me. But I know many o' the southern ships, since those be the waters we normally sail. So them's the ones whose fates I care more about." Reaching the starboard railing, he took out a spyglass and scanned the various ships. "Funny thing about respectable ships, they've all got names painted on the sides. That don't happen much with pirate ships, o' course. So ye gotta learn ta reco'nize 'em by other features. Take those two frigates yonder," he said, pointing. "One o' 'em says Zutara, and I can tell ye the other used ta say Kataang, til it were captured by pirates, last year, and they scrubbed off the name. But I still reco'nize 'er. The two were sister ships, so it can't be easy for the Zutara crew ta fire on her." But they could plainly see both ships were firing at each other, and it soon looked like the naval vessel was winning.

"I don't recognize those names," said Cameron. "Subwords, are they? I do wish Emma was here..."

"Aye, clever lass, that one. Liked her a good bit, I did. And ye're right, subwords they be, from a planet called Xallambriad."

"Hey, our band does a song from that planet! Those words aren't in it, though. At least not the mostly Landian version we do. ...Wait. You met Emma? How is it you didn't also meet Darius? I mean, the way you talked earlier it sounded like-"

"Oh, I seen 'im around. The lad kept ta himself, though. Mostly stuck with yer friend Emma and a few 'rats. And sometimes 'is cousin, young Cara. Never spoke more'n a few words, ta me."

"Well, you know, social anxiety..."

"Aye, the lass said as much. I don't hold it against 'im, but it did mean I didn't get ta know- what's this?!"

Pike once again raised the spyglass to one eye, but even without glasses of their own, Cameron and Alec could see a corvette entering the battle, and firing on the Zutara. "Why it be the Maiko! Interestin' story 'bout that one, let me tell ye. Her captain, unlike most pirates, didn't steal the ship, he actually commissioned it, posin' as a merchant. O' course no shipwright woulda built it fer a known pirate, so that took some, what's the word... chutzpah, on the captain's part. Remind me ta tell ye the whole tale, later."

Cameron asked with surprise, "Is... is the frigate retreating from a corvette?"

"No, it be retreatin' from a corvette and the frigate it was already fightin'. Two on one ain't good odds, fer the Navy. Not that smaller ships like corvettes can't take larger ships on their own; pirates excel at such tactics, and the Navy bloody well knows it." As he said that, the Kataang and Maiko gave chase. "Not that running'll do the Zutara much good. Her fate, I think, be sealed."

It didn't take long before his guess was proven correct. With the Zutara sunk, the two pirate vessels moved on to join another fray. While Pike mostly stayed starboard, Alec and Cameron moved about the ship, watching several other battles over the next few hours. As many cannonballs as they saw and heard, they were surprised at how few ships were actually sunk, though it didn't seem that any ship survived unscathed. Finally, Teach ordered a coordinated assault on the enemy's flagship, the destroyer-class Anidala. Leading the attack was one of the junks, the Darkfather, which clearly did the most damage. Cheers went up on all the pirate ships when the Anidala sank, though there were still plenty of naval vessels to worry about.

Soon after this small victory, Teach called Captain Prowess of the Darkfather, to congratulate him not only on taking down the enemy's flagship, but the Admiral of the Navy. However, Prowess informed him that in his experience, Admiral Portman almost never sailed aboard the flagship. Owing to his pre-Navy days serving on his family's merchant vessel, the Victory, Portman preferred dreadnoughts. Between the various naval fleets in the current battle, there had been five dreadnoughts, one of which had already been sunk. Teach now gave word that the crews of every ship in his own fleet should concentrate on the remaining ships of that class. Meanwhile, Lt. deCamp called Stavros's spy in Port to see if he could tell them which ship the admiral had been on. The spy was currently on duty, but chanced to be alone at the moment he received the call, otherwise he wouldn't have answered it. He told deCamp that Portman was aboard the Greenbell, which was captained by Moira Peterson. DeCamp thanked him for the information, which he immediately conveyed to Admiral Teach.

When Teach ordered his fleet to converge upon the Greenbell, the Woodsorrow took the lead, for the first time in the day's battle. However, Captain Prowess beseeched the admiral to refrain from destroying the enemy vessel, as Admiral Portman was his wife's cousin. (Teach had heard the tale of how such an unlikely marriage had come about, but it had slipped his mind.) And so, he ordered his fleet to grapple the enemy vessel and board her for close combat. He also instructed his crew not to kill Portman, if they could help it.

The Woodsorrow approached the Greenbell along her starboard side, and the Darkfather along her port. Surprisingly, the naval vessel fired no shots. Instead, a bubble-speaker aboard the Greenbell blared to life. "Attention pirates, this is Captain Moira Peterson. I don't know what your rebel allies may have told you to entice you to join their cause, but I do know that their cause is not yours. Perhaps the idea of the chaos they've brought to the world appeals to you. Without a stable government, there will be no more Navy, and for all we know they'll proceed to dismantle the Coast Guard as well, if they should assume power. I can well see how you might think that would make your lives easier and more profitable, but I assure you, such chaos will ultimately lead to the collapse of civilization. Whatever the rebels may believe, they are not returning the world to its pre-Coming state, but to a state it has never known. A state of such lawlessness and confusion that no sane person would dare travel by land or by sea. When that happens, there will be no merchant ships left for you to plunder, and your way of life will be over forever. Abandon their cause. Turn back the way you came, bow out of this foolhardy war of theirs, and we will not pursue. If you persist, you may take this ship, but you will surely lose the battle. Do you really wish to sacrifice your lives to a cause that would spell your own doom, even if you won the day? Which, I reiterate, you will not."

There were a few moments of silence. Then Admiral Teach shouted, "Pretty words, and aptly timed, this beauteous We'ginday morning! But I'm afraid we're not in church! My friends, did we come to hear a sermon about our wicked and foolish ways, or did we come to fight?!"

"To fight!" shouted his crew.

"Then let's get on with it!"

As pirates began leaping onto the Greenbell from both sides, Alec said, "Finally, we can make ourselves useful." Turning to Pike, he asked, "So... are there ropes we can use to swing onto the other ship?"

"Swing? What're ye, barmy? Blimey, what sort o' malarkey ye been readin'?"

"Presumably the same malarkey from which ye derived most o' yer vocabulary," suggested Cameron.

"Har! Fair enough, lad, fair enough!" To Alec he said, "But come now, Gen'ral, do ye nay see all the fine lads 'n' lasses jumpin' across?"

"Yes, but-"

"If you don't feel like jumping, I could just translocate us over," said Cameron.

Alec sighed in annoyance. "No, no. I'm perfectly content to jump. It's just, when that enemy captain addressed us as pirates- and I know she wasn't talking to you and me specifically, but rather all the actual pirates we find ourselves amongst- I imagined Darius saying something like 'The lady called us pirates, so let's be pirates.' And I expect to him, a big part of that would mean swinging from ship to ship. I figured since he couldn't be here in person, he could at least be here in spirit."

"'Tis a bonny sentiment," said Pike, "but time's a-wastin'. If ye two be joinin' the fray, ye best do as the cap'n said, and get on with it."

"Fine, we're going. ...By the way, Cameron, I trust you won't be using any fireballs, in the battle."

"Blimey, on a wooden ship? Do ye think me barmy?"

"Oi, don't be stealin' me shtick!" admonished Pike.

"Sorry, mate." To Alec he said, "Shall we?" and drew his sword.

"Let's," Alec replied, drawing his own sword. And together, they leapt into the fray on the Greenbell.

The complement of a dreadnought such as the Greenbell was about one hundred and thirty; between the Darkfather and the Woodsorrow, there were around one hundred and sixty. Of course, not everyone on the rebel ships boarded the naval vessel, nor did everyone on the Greenbell take part in the fray. Even so, what ensued could only be described as chaos. The upper deck was so crowded that it often became impossible to swing a sword effectively. The problem was alleviated to some extent when some of the boarders made their way to the lower decks. It was also alleviated by numerous combatants on both sides of the conflict being thrown overboard.

Alec and Cameron had initially leapt to the stern of the Greenbell, and it took them a considerable amount of time to work their way forward. As they got closer, Alec overheard one of the pirates complaining about the enemy admiral being locked in the bridge, safe from the battle. "You'd never see Teach actin' so cowardly." This opinion annoyed Alec, as it ignored the fact that the admiral must concern himself not just with the ship he was aboard, but the entire fleet. No doubt Portman was currently engaged in vital communications with the other naval ships, likely arranging reinforcements for the Greenbell while simultaneously directing other intership conflicts. That didn't make him a coward, but it did mean it would be vital for the rebels to reach him and stop him.

It was just as he was about to begin his assault on the locked command cabin, when his way was suddenly blocked by a woman of about his own age and height, whom he immediately realized was both strong and skilled with her sword. He assumed she was likely the captain who had previously addressed the pirate crews, and this was confirmed by the sound of her voice when she spoke a few moments after first crossing swords with him. "Alec of Kimrin," she said. "I've been wanting to meet you for years. Shame it had to finally happen under these circumstances."

"You have me at a disadvantage, Captain. I'm afraid I'd never heard your name, before today. But if I may ask, why did you want to meet me?"

"I've heard great things about you, both during and since the Coming. I've also heard not so great things about you, mostly from Admiral Portman, with whom you served during his brief stint in the Army, back then. He says General Middlebury liked you far more than he himself ever did... Or I should say, Major Tovan. Yes, the three great majors: Alec, Tovan, and Althis, each of you second only to then-general Poss. I'm sorry to say I've never had the honor of meeting General Middlebury, but I know through both Portman and Poss what he thought of you. So I've always wanted to meet you, in part to judge for myself who was right, the general or the admiral. But mostly what I wanted was to ask you why you deserted, at the Battle of Triscot."

"Well, as to the former, I can assure you, Tovan was right about me. As to the latter, that would take some time to explain. If we both survive the day, I'd love to tell you all about it."

"Then you'll have to surrender. If you don't, one or the other of us shall die this very hour."

"As you say, then, shame about the circumstances."

With that, they commenced their battle, which raged on for several centhours, with neither of them gaining a clear advantage. Finally, their swords clashed overhead, and the two warriors paused, locked in that stance as they both tried to catch their breath. Just as they were about to resume the fight, the ship's bubble-speaker issued a resounding "Stop! All combatants, stand down at once!"

Naturally, none of the pirates were inclined to obey this command, but they were curious about it, so they paused, to see how the naval sailors would react to the order. The crew of the Greenbell immediately ceased fighting, though they stood ready to defend themselves if the pirates pressed the attack.

The door to the bridge swung open, and Admiral Portman walked out, followed by General Middlebury and a Sorreter who must have translocated him to the ship. "Ah, Captain, there you are," said Portman. "And, ahem, General Inco. It's been a long time. We must have a conversation in a moment." Turning to scan the now-silent deck, he shouted, "Admiral Teach! If you would be so kind as to join us? There's an urgent matter we must discuss!"

Teach was confused, but nevertheless made his way toward the assembled officers. When he reached them, he said, "Well, what's this about?"

Before Portman could answer, Middlebury said, "We'd like to propose a truce."

"What?" asked Alec. "Now? Why?"

Middlebury said, "One of my colonels has brought some shocking evidence to my attention this morning, and I've just shared it with Althis." The general's expression became uncomfortable. "It... has to do with the Cabal. Both Althis and I joined in 904, about three years after it was first formed. As you know, most members of the Cabal are unaware of one another's identities, so that if any one of us is discovered, we can't betray more than a few other members. But the two of us have always known each other to be members. Well, I can get into all that later. For now, the point is that... there were always things we did, as cabalists, about which I was uncomfortable. I can't speak for Althis about that, but I was uncomfortable, anyway. Still, I always felt that the ends justified the means. But now we've learned that neither of us was ever aware of the full extent of those means. Certain things were hidden from us, even though we were 'senior members.' Things that certain people knew we'd never agree to, both before and after we joined. And now that we know... we can no longer support the Cabal. So as far as we're concerned, the war is over, and we'll be sharing what few names of other cabalists we do know with InterVil."

At this point, Alec and Teach both noticed that the sound of cannon fire from other ships had ceased. Had in fact done so shortly before the admiral and general had emerged from the cabin. Portman said, "I've already ordered a ceasefire, not only to the fleets engaged in the present battle, but to every fleet in the Navy."

"Perhaps I'd better do the same," said Teach. "Although it sounds like they've already stopped firing."

"Yes, perhaps you'd better had," agreed Portman. Teach walked off a short distance and took out a t-mail bubble, to confer with his captains.

"How do we know this isn't some kind of trick?" asked Alec.

"You don't," said Portman, "but my ships will be withdrawing from the conflict, each fleet returning to its home port. You may do as you wish: follow any one of our fleets, break your fleet into task forces to follow each fleet, or simply return to Shanty, or where you will. Naturally, if any of my ships are fired upon, they will respond in kind, but they will not initiate battle."

"What about Poss, and the rest of your prisoners in Near Port? I can't imagine Colonel Woodman will be keen on releasing them."

"Indeed not," said Middlebury. "In fact, I talked to him about that very matter before I left headquarters, to talk with Althis. As I expected, he called me a traitor and refused to accept the order." Middlebury smirked as he continued, "Then I told him he misunderstood. I wasn't ordering him to release the prisoners, I was relieving him of command and having him arrested. Because he was one of the people implicated by this new evidence to by guilty of various crimes. Most likely he will stand trial before the High Court, though I would love the irony of his being tried in a military court, which only exists because of the law he himself proposed, earlier this year. But I suppose it wouldn't be fair to deprive Chief Magistrate Justicar of the fun of presiding over Woodman's trial. That is, once Justicar is released from prison and reinstated, as I'm sure he will be. Meanwhile, I have people I trust rooting out anyone loyal to Woodman among his regiment. I can't imagine there will be that many."

"What about Demos?"

"As of yet, he hasn't been accused of any crimes, so he is still king. Althis and I, and I suppose Commissioner Gothic, will be poring over the evidence provided to me by Colonel Grandview, to see if it implicates Demos or anyone else in any crimes. So far we haven't had time to examine the whole of it, just a small part. I haven't seen or spoken to him since receiving this information, so with any luck he doesn't even know about it, yet. You should know, however, that we were fighting on behalf of the Cabal, not Demos. And the fact that we've now turned against the Cabal does not mean we've turned against him, even though he supported them... I mean, us. Whether he continues to enjoy our support depends upon his own actions, as well as whether we find evidence against him. I trust that unless and until we do, you will be satisfied with that."

Alec sighed. "I don't like it, and I will remind you that, even though I can't prove it, he tried to have my friends and me killed."

"You mean after you broke through his magical barrier and stormed into the throne room uninvited?"

"Well... yes. But Poss Primus was there, by invitation, and he was the one Demos chiefly wanted killed."

Middlebury paused, and glanced nervously at Portman. They both knew there were things they'd have to tell Alec, and Gothic, but there were also things they still wanted to hide, to protect themselves. Or at the very least, things they didn't want to reveal here and now. But there was one thing he felt he should admit to, even if it led to questions he would be unwilling to answer, just yet. Finally, he said, "Listen... I said before there were things I did as a member of the Cabal that I didn't like, but felt were necessary. One of those things was supporting the plan for Demos to remain king for life." Alec's eyes widened at this, but he let the general continue. "Or... for however long. In fact, Althis and I had had our own private arguments about that, numerous times. I don't really think either of us wanted him to be king indefinitely, but the larger plans of the Cabal, which seemed at the time to be in the best interests of the world, required it. At least a little longer. So, yes, the rumors were true: we would have kept him on the throne by force, if necessary. Actually, we had rather thought the war wouldn't start until next year, but we knew it would come. It seems certain people took steps to make it come sooner. Meanwhile, Poss became a liability."

"Are you saying you were in on the plan to kill him?"

"We... didn't oppose it. We disliked it, we wished there was another way, and in fact Demos tried to find another way. But Poss himself made that... unfeasible."

"So you are complicit in a conspiracy to commit murder." A thought struck. "Wait, what about the attempt on Tiejo's life?"

"Not our idea."

"But you 'didn't oppose it.'"

Middlebury sighed. "I was hoping not to get into this, but no, we didn't. He killed two of our people, that we know of, and you were all plotting rebellion. Or had been. Alec... I don't know what to tell you. No, wait, I do. We were once allies, you and I. Even friends." Alec glanced for a moment at Captain Peterson, when Tovan said that. "We both sympathized with the Protestants, in the last war, but only one of us became one. I spent a lot of years after that wondering what had happened to you, but now I see you made the right choice. Well, now I'm making the right choice. I'm sure you still have regrets about many of your past actions, just as I do. But I still believe the goals of the Coming were good, and you yourself admit it made the world a better place. That's why you gave up your plan of rebellion. But having once supported the Plan yourself, can you really not understand why I would have supported the Cabal, and opposed anyone who opposed it?"

Alec took a few moments to think about this, and realized Tovan was right. He couldn't possibly expect forgiveness for his own mistakes if he wasn't willing to forgive Tovan's. And the fact that the deaths his old friend had tacitly supported hadn't actually come to pass made that at least slightly easier. "Fine. But even if I don't hold you or Althis, or even Demos, accountable for attempted murder, the fact that he was going to ignore the election results is a crime."

"Well, sort of. But a crime that hasn't actually happened yet. As I said, we're going to wait to see what he does. With the Cabal having lost most of its military support, he'd have to be an imbecile to even try to hold onto the throne, when his term expires." Middlebury paused, then said, "So, back to your previous question: Primus and the others will be released as soon as I can guarantee their safety, once we're sure we've uncovered all of Woodman's supporters. And then I expect you'll be releasing your prisoners in First Village."

"Naturally." Alec felt the conversation had veered off the course it had originally been on, and now found it a bit disconcerting to try to get back on course, but he quickly put that thought out of mind. "So... have you given the ceasefire order to the other regiments?"

"I haven't had time. I dealt with Woodman straightaway because I was there, but I didn't want to waste any more time before contacting Althis, to put a stop to this battle. In fact I fear lives may have been lost that might have been spared, if I'd waited until later to deal with Woodman. But if I had, he might have somehow gotten wind of it, and absconded, just as Durell Turner did. But, while I'm here, I think I'll call Colonel Major, in Port. Althis, I may need your help with this, which is why I want to do it now."

"He won't like it," said Portman.

"Hence the help."

"I meant, I'm not sure he'll like it even if I back up your order."

"I may need you to do more than that."

"Ah."

Middlebury took a bubble from his pocket and said, "Tovan Middlebury for James Major."

A few moments later, a response came. "General, what can I do for you, sir?"

"Nothing at all, Colonel, I simply called to inform you, as I already have Colonel Woodman and will be soon informing the other colonels, the war is over. It has come to my attention that the Cabal is guilty of various crimes, and must be disbanded, and any of its members known to have been complicit in those crimes, arrested."

"What?! No... General, I know... people say they've done bad things, or are simply paranoid about the group's very existence, but surely whatever they've done has been in the best interest of the people. Of the world."

"I thought so, too. But I was mistaken, and I regret... all that I have done because of that mistake. You, of course, are personally blameless in all this, but I intend to turn myself over to InterVil, once things have gotten sorted out, so that the High Court may determine my own culpability. Admiral Portman will be doing the same."

"Althis? That doesn't sound like him. I can't believe he agrees with all this."

"But I do," said Portman. "And while I don't particularly like the idea of turning myself in for having done what I had every reason to believe was right... I think the authorities will see that I have committed no crimes. Meanwhile, General Middlebury has told you the war is over. He is your C.O., so I suggest you not question him."

"No. I refuse to accept this. And I'm sure there are others who will refuse. Woodman-"

"Has been arrested," said Middlebury. "You should count yourself lucky you're not a cabalist- as far as I know. In any event, as I said, I'm not telling you to do anything. You have, thus far, taken no part in the war. All you need do now is continue doing nothing."

"I'm sorry, General, but I can't do that. Even if mine is the only regiment left to see reason, I will take it to First Village, and free the prisoners there. I'm sure they-"

"They will be released before long," said Alec. "By my order. Oh, sorry- I'm General Inco."

There was silence for a few moments, during which time everyone standing around Middlebury could sense the colonel's panic. "Well, I... I'll call the others. I'm sure some of them will agree with me."

Portman sighed. "In that case, James, you leave me no choice."

"What do you mean by-"

Before the question was even completed, Portman had out a bubble of his own, and said, "Althis Portman for Scott Botanical."

They soon heard, "Botanical, here, Admiral. How goes the battle, sir? And... how fares the Marshlily?"

"Well enough, Commodore. At last count, we'd lost six ships; three from our own fleet, including the Anidala. But the Marshlily was not among them. That is, however, not why I'm calling. I must inform you that, for reasons I can't get into at the moment, General Middlebury and I have declared an armistice. The war is, in effect, over."

"That's gr-"

"However, the general has contacted Colonel Major, who has refused to accept this turn of events. He plans to continue the war; on his own, if he has to, or with as many allies as he may gather. I am ordering you, if he refuses to stand down, to arrest him. And any of his people who likewise refuse to accept the general's order."

"What?!" hollered the colonel, over the general's bubble. "Admiral, you can't do this! You wouldn't do this! Surely, they must have brainwashed you, or be coercing you, or... something."

"Believe what you will, Colonel. Your commanding officer has ordered you to stand down. For the last time, I implore you to comply. I don't want to have you arrested, but I will if I must."

Without another word, Colonel Major ended General Middlebury's call. Portman said, "Commodore, you have your orders. Do you have any questions?"

"No, sir."

"Good. Close." And the second call was terminated.

Admiral Teach had completed his own conference call and returned to the group about the time Middlebury had called Colonel Major. Now he spoke up. "Well, I suppose my sailors and I should return to the Woodsorrow, and Captain Prowess and his sailors to the Darkfather. I mean, as many of our sailors as may still be alive. Incidentally, Admiral, you might like to know Prowess had asked me, before the battle, to have my people refrain from taking your life, if possible. Now I'm glad we did, though I suppose it's moot, since we hadn't managed to get to you before Middlebury did, anyway."

"Yes, well, I'm not surprised. Helen wouldn't have been happy if Earl had allowed me to die. Oh, I'm sure she wouldn't have really blamed him, but still." He sighed. "But still, you might thank him for me."

Teach glanced around the Greenbell, saying, "I'm sure he's here somewhere, if you want to thank him yourself."

"No... in spite of our longstanding pact against killing each other, for my cousin's sake, Earl and I have never actually been friends, as you can well imagine."

Teach nodded. "Reckon not. Anyway... sorry about those six ships we sank. Especially your flagship."

"Yes... terrible shame about the crews, of course. But as for the Anidala herself... somehow, I've always known that ship was doomed."

"Oh?"

"Couldn't possibly say why, just this strange feeling I had. Frankly, I'm surprised she survived the last war. In any event, I suppose I should express my sympathy over the loss of your own ships and crews... though at some point we'll have to discuss the return of the ships your people stole from our fleets at Olek and Ship, last month."

"Yes, I suppose we will. But not today, I think."

"No, not today." Turning to Captain Peterson, he said, "If you would join me on the bridge, we've matters of our own to discuss."

"Of course, Admiral."

She turned to follow him, but turned back to Alec when he said, "Oh, Captain... you and I should figure out a time to discuss those questions you had."

"Yes, I'm sure we will. But not today." She turned again, following Portman into the bridge.

When the door had closed- and locked- behind them, General Middlebury said, "Well, I should get to Port, check up on Colonel Major and Commodore Botanical. And then I have a number of other calls to make. Farewell, Admiral Teach." Without looking at Alec, he added, "General Inco." Then he laid a hand on his Sorreter's shoulder, and they vanished.

Alec looked at Teach and said, "Well, I suppose I should find my own Sorreter, and get back to First Village." Glancing around the deck, where many sailors lay dead or injured, he said, "I hate to leave you without helping with the unpleasant task that lays immediately before you, but-"

"Understood." Teach looked out over the deck, himself. "It's not your responsibility, but you do have plenty of responsibilities that are yours, which need attending. Farewell, General. We'll meet again soon, I trust, under more pleasant circumstances."

"Yes. Farewell, Admiral. And... say goodbye to Pike, would you?"

Teach nodded, and went to find Captain Prowess.

Alec turned around, and was startled to see Cameron right behind him. "Oh, there you are!" He noticed that Cameron's sword was sheathed, and only then realized he was still holding his own. He put it away and said, soberly, "Well, let's go."

Cameron nodded, placed a hand on Alec's shoulder, and a moment later they were in First Village.

On We'ginday morning, a memorial service was held in First Village for all the fallen combatants, on both sides, who had died in the battle that ended a week ago. Ginger herself presided over the service, though words were also spoken by Protestant Arch-bishop Virginia Regent and Orthodox Arch-bishop Talak Archman, as well as First Village's own Bishop Dalin Bishop. Everyone was relieved that the last of the dead had finally been buried the day before, after a week of hard and very unpleasant work by a great many people, including those who had survived the battle and many who had not taken part in it. After the service, Ginger joined Emma, Darius, Tom, Tiejo, and Vallus. There was some discussion about where they should go for lunch, but they soon decided that none of them were really in the mood to eat. Unsure what else to do, they returned to the Army base, where Colonel Orthodox informed them that he expected the final escadrilles from Tonad and Plist to arrive any time, thus completing the air group he'd been assembling. There was then some discussion as to whether the air group should begin its flight to Near Port later today, or wait until tomorrow. By now they had heard that Admiral Teach's fleet had engaged the enemy, and it was agreed that they should wait to hear something from Alec or Cameron before making any firm decisions.

They left the colonel, and went to the barracks to talk. While none of them were looking forward to more fighting, they were all eager to get the war over with as soon as possible, and they knew that would require another battle. They were also eager to rescue Poss, Stavros, and the rest of Woodman's prisoners. Darius said, "The new mission gives me a sense of deja vu. It's just so much like our original mission: fly to Near Port to free a prisoner." He glanced at Vallus, adding, "Except this time, we actually know who it is we're going to be rescuing. And the previously unknown rescuee will be among the rescuers."

Tiejo said, rather more somberly than usual for him, "Not all of the rescuees are we knowing. Not for sure. Knowing we are that the prisoners number about a thousand, but... more than twice as many are being dead."

Emma put a consoling hand on Tiejo's shoulder and said, "I'm sure Taryn is one of the prisoners." Tiejo looked at her gratefully, and did his best to smile. He knew she couldn't really know that, but he appreciated her concern.

"I think so, too," said Darius. "Although this is probably the first time anyone's ever hoped a friend was locked in Woodman's dungeon."

Vallus said, "Of course, even once we get to Near Port, releasing the prisoners is going to be tricky. We need to be realistic about this. If Woodman sees he's going to lose the battle, he'll have all his prisoners killed before we can breach his inner defenses. So I suggest that before we even reach the village, we should send in a small, covert strike force to free them. Maybe a team of Sorreters can translocate in, though I would want them to take me with them. I've killed far too many people in my lifetime, but Woodman is the first person I've ever actually been eager to kill. And I have no intention of ceding that pleasure to anyone else."

Darius said, "I don't blame you for that. Though I hope I'm never so eager to kill anyone."

Emma turned to Darius, remembering the discussion they'd had a week ago, about his distress over his actions on the battlefield. "You know, Darius, there was something I meant to tell you... but I didn't get the chance because our discussion was interrupted by those rogue soldiers... and since then, I just thought we'd all rather not talk about it." She sighed deeply. "But maybe we should. So... I just wanted to let you know that I understand how you feel about that whole berserker thing."

"Oh?"

"Yeah." She was quiet for a few moments, and everyone could see she was troubled by what she was about to say. Finally, she began. "Near the end of the first day of the battle, there was a moment when I was losing a fight... and I really thought I was about to die. But suddenly I thought of Captain Des'Yoshi and his people. As grateful as I was to have inspired them, I didn't feel like I deserved their admiration. I'd never really done anything... inspirational. In that moment, I was overcome by an intense desire not to let them down, and suddenly I felt a kind of strength I'd never felt before. I overcame my opponent, and every one after him. Every day for the rest of the battle, I fought... well, ferociously. Probably just the same as you. I didn't enjoy killing, but I did feel sort of proud to have discovered I was stronger than I thought. And that pride led to the same kind of self-reproach you said you were feeling."

"Huh. So... I suppose when you were consoling me, you were also consoling yourself. You know, you really need to let others help you with that. I feel bad that I'm always the one being consoled, even when others may be hurting just as much. Not that I'd have any idea what to say to make them feel better, and that would just make me hate myself even more. And then I'd hate myself for making it about myself again... and, oh, look, I'm doing it right now! Gosh, I suck!" But he said it with a grin, and that made Emma grin, too.

"Oh, hush."

"But seriously, there was something I meant to tell you that day, too. But I got distracted by my depression."

"Oh, right. I think you started saying something, and I shut you down. Because I was in a bad mood, all of a sudden. I'm sorry."

"What? Oh, that. No, I'm talking about something else. To be honest, I can't even remember what I was about to say, so don't worry about it. It's funny how easily I can forget something that at one point feels downright soul-crushing. But the other thing I meant to say was, I was really impressed by how badass you were in that fight."

"What about the rest of us?" asked Tom. "Tiejo, Ginger, Cameron, and me."

"Yeah, you guys were alright, too. It's just that it was less surprising than Emma's combat prowess." His grin suddenly turned to a frown, and he turned to Ginger. "Although, come to think of it, it seems strange that that skirmish was probably the only time in the battle that any of us fought together. I had kind of assumed that once Alec, Tom, Emma, and I reached First Village, we'd rejoin those of you who had been in Plist. Any idea why we didn't, Lieutenant?"

"Actually, it was Alec's idea to assign each of us to separate companies... except for Vallus and Tiejo, who were together. There were two reasons for that. One, all of us in the Chaos had become recognizable figures, and a lot of people thought of this as our war, whether or not we felt that way about it, ourselves. So he thought if we were more spread out, a larger number of our allies would get to see at least one member of the Chaos taking part in the battle, and perhaps serve as an inspiration to those around us. The other reason was that if we were all together, we might become too tempting a specific target for our enemies. Not to say we weren't all targets, anyway; it is a war, after all. But he thought we'd have a better chance of surviving apart than together."

"Oh, sure," said Darius with feigned sarcasm, "like we'd really be singled out just because we were together."

Tiejo snickered. "Seeing I am what you did, there. Because, because... that is being exactly what did happen!"

The others started to join in Tiejo's laughter, but a moment later they heard a commotion outside, and went to see what was going on. The Tonadian and Plistian escadrilles had both just arrived; Darius wondered if it was a coincidence, or if they'd coordinated their arrival. Either way, it was clear that all the soldiers who'd been waiting for them were eager to depart on their new mission. Darius wondered if they, like he and his friends, were really just eager to get it over with. Of course, it would be at least a four day flight to Near Port, and meanwhile, Vallus would have to discuss his strike team idea with Orthodox.

As he was thinking these things, he suddenly heard Orthodox's voice booming over a bubble-speaker. "I commend you all on your excellent timing," he said, "but I'm afraid you've made the trip for naught. I've just received word from General Inco that the war is over, and the enemy will be releasing their prisoners in the near future. Details will follow... when I find out what in the hell is going on." The speaker fell silent.

Darius and his friends all looked at each other in confusion. Before anyone could think of anything to say, they heard a familiar voice. "Hi, gang. Did you miss us?" It was Cameron, accompanied by Alec. They had apparently just come from Orthodox's temporary office (which was really Colonel Muttonchop's office).

"Cameron!" exclaimed Emma, running to him and hugging him. Then she punched Alec softly on the arm and said, "Hey, you. What's all this about the war being over?"

"Long story," said Alec, "and even I don't have all the details, yet. But basically, General Middlebury and Admiral Portman declared a truce. They've decided not to support the Cabal anymore, for reasons."

"What reasons?" asked Darius.

"Did you not just hear me say I don't have all the details?"

"Well, yeah, but... I thought you might have more than that. You did say it was a long story, after all."

"You're right. I'm sorry. We'll tell you all we can."

"Wait," said Vallus. "Does this mean I don't get to kill Woodman?"

"I suppose it does. But perhaps you'll take some small comfort in knowing he's been arrested."

"I'll take greater comfort if he spends the next nine years in his own damn dungeon."

"I wouldn't be at all surprised. But let's find someplace quiet to talk about it." By now, the other soldiers had noticed Alec and Cameron's return, and were beginning to crowd around and cheer them. Alec turned to them and raised his voice. "Thank you, all. If you don't mind, we've just returned from a trying battle, and could use some rest." The soldiers seemed disappointed, but they dispersed. Alec and Cameron followed their friends back to the barracks.

Demos Royal and René Deadzone had been staying in Near Port for just over a week. For Deadzone, this was comfortable enough, since he'd lived there for years, but for Demos it was a considerable step down in the quality of life to which he was accustomed. Of course, he could have returned to First Village, as he was still king, even if the rebels now controlled the capital. In part, he genuinely feared what they might do to him, but mostly he'd "fled" from his home for purposes of propaganda. He wanted the public to believe the rebels had forced him into exile, in flagrant violation of the law, thus supporting his assertion that the war really was nothing (or little) more than the very rebellion the Chaos had planned all along.

Demos had found countless ways to amuse himself over the past eight days, his favorite being to visit former marshal Primus in the dungeon. Deadzone had also enjoyed numerous trips to the dungeon, where he visited a number of ex-Sorreters who'd been captured during the Battle of Near Port. Unlike when Cameron had been a prisoner, however, he wasn't allowed to torture them. In spite of such amusements, both Demos and Deadzone often found themselves terribly bored, so they were glad when General Middlebury informed them, on 7 Aut'mo', that battle had commenced in Port Sea. They left the general to do "general things," and went to Deadzone's quarters, where the Sorreter had a scrying mirror they used to watch the battle.

It was all quite enjoyable, up until it all suddenly stopped. At the time, there was a shipboard skirmish taking place on one of the Navy's dreadnoughts. When it had started, Demos had requested Deadzone focus the display on that ship, as a change of pace from the ship-to-ship battles they'd been watching for the past few hours. It was because of that focus that they saw both Admiral Portman and General Middlebury emerge from the bridge. Which surprised them, because as far as they knew, Middlebury was still in his office, here on the base. Obviously, his presence on the ship must be related to the sudden cessation of battle. Demos ordered Deadzone to focus the display directly on them, and to raise the volume so they could hear what was being said.

After they saw Middlebury and his Sorreter disappear, Demos told Deadzone to mute the display. He reached into his pocket and took out a t-mail bubble, but quickly put it back. Thinking aloud, he said, "No, better use bittrickle. Dammit, I don't have one of those bubbles with me, I'll have to stop into my own quarters."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No, you should return to the command center and wait for Middlebury to return. Make sure he knows I need to talk to him as soon as possible... no, not. Just keep an eye out, and let me know when he's back. I may not yet be ready to talk to him, by then. Also, see what you can find out about Woodman's situation."

"Yes, Sire."

They both left the room, and when Demos reached his own, he unlocked the chest that contained his most valuable and/or secret possessions, including the bubble that would allow him to connect to the Cabal's private bittrickle network. "Mr. Gold for Mr. Yellow," he said.

It wasn't long before the exasperated reply came, "Yes, Demos, what is it?"

"Well, Phineas, I was hoping you might have a word with Mr. Cyan and Mr. Magenta. It seems they've decided to turn against the Cabal, end the war, and tell everything they know to InterVil."

"Why on the Land would they do that?"

"Apparently they got hold of some evidence that the Cabal had been keeping secrets from them, and they clearly didn't like those secrets."

Mr. Yellow sighed. Sanguine, I expect, he thought. He'd long ago figured out that Zeke had been recording various meetings within the Cabal, and was surprised no one else seemed to figure it out for themselves, as he thought the crazy Sorreter was ludicrously obvious about it. Because of that, he'd always been careful to avoid saying anything self-incriminating, when Sanguine was around. So however damning the evidence might be of the Cabal, he himself should be safe. Still, too many cabalists knew (or suspected) his identity, regardless of whether they could prove he'd personally committed any crimes as head of the Cabal. The fact that he was a member would be enough to end his political career, and probably his business career, as well. He'd have to take steps to ensure no one revealed his status, and at the top of that list was Demos Royal. "Well, whatever this evidence may be, I very much doubt it poses a threat to me, personally. But what about you? Do you know whether it includes anything that could hurt you?"

"I'm not sure. Cyan said he and Magenta have examined only a part of it, and that part didn't mention me. So for the moment, they still accept me as the legitimate king, but who knows how long that will hold true? He also said they'd be sharing the evidence with Mufasa Gothic, and looking to see if it included anything about me. But that's not what worries me, right now. Did you not hear me say they've ended the war?"

"I heard. But if this evidence was compelling enough for them to do so, I doubt anything I say could change their minds."

Demos narrowed his eyes, and while the call was audio-only, the tone of his voice caused Mr. Yellow to picture his current expression very much as it was. "You don't seem troubled by that."

Mr. Yellow sighed again. "Demos, do you recall when you first shared with me your desire to use the Cabal to help you become king-for-life?"

"Yes. And at the time, you shared your own plan with all its 'phases,' including the establishment of other countries, and the supposed demise of the Cabal. You said the two plans might very well work in tandem. But then I said your plan was ridiculous- or perhaps I used some more tactful word. Whatever I said, you finally agreed that it would be best for the world to remain whole."

"So I did. Well, then, let's call your plan, 'Plan A.' That makes mine 'Plan B.' And I'm afraid it's beginning to look as if Plan A has failed."

"I don't see what-" but suddenly he stopped, and truly contemplated what Mr. Yellow was saying. "Wait. You wanted this all along, didn't you? You wanted to lose the war. If this mysterious evidence hadn't come to light, you probably would have found some other way to ensure- or... did you supply them with that evidence?"

"It's as much a surprise to me as it is to you. And no, I didn't have any other plan for losing the war, either." This, of course, was a lie, and he was exercising great restraint by not telling Demos the truth. He would have taken great pleasure in doing so, but for just a little while longer, he'd have to keep Demos on his side. He was hoping that would require nothing more than lying, though he doubted he'd be so lucky. And he was right.

"I don't believe you. Maybe you didn't give them whatever it is they've got, but I feel certain you did want to lose the war, one way or another. Because winning the war would mean keeping the world whole, whereas losing would leave the door open for the Chaos to make their secession plan a possibility, if not a certainty. You never really intended to go along with my plan, at all."

"Now, Demos, that's just not true. I admit, it doesn't bother me as much as it does you, because I don't think Plan B is such a terrible thing. True, it means you only have a few more months as king of the world, and we won't have the power to prevent Darkstrider from assuming the throne, but we- the Cabal- will still have some power. And we'll be able to help you in other ways, in the future. Assuming there is no damning evidence against you, you could even run for monarch in the next election."

"But not monarch of the world."

"One can't have everything."

"But I did have everything!"

"Well, then, you're luckier than most."

"Dammit, Phineas, I order you to fix this! If you refuse, I'll expose you as the head of the Cabal."

Now Mr. Yellow narrowed his eyes, and his voice became quite stern. "You order me? Don't you dare forget, I have as much on you as you have on me, probably more. For starters, I can provide InterVil with proof that you eliminated those associates of Adam Lonewander who disappeared a few months ago. That alone would be enough to make you a prisoner for life. But then, it does have 'for life' in the title, so perhaps you'd like that?" He could practically hear Demos snarling, but the king didn't respond. "No? Then let me make this plain: we can remain friends, or we can become enemies. The choice is yours. Good day, Mr. Gold." And he closed the connection.

Some time later, there was a knock on Demos's door. "Enter," he said.

Deadzone entered the room, closing the door behind him. Demos was sitting on the edge of his bed, his head bowed, lost in thought. He seemed almost unaware of the Sorreter's presence. Deadzone asked, "Sire, are you alright?"

It was a few moments before Demos looked up at him, and a few moments more before he spoke. "You know, René... I have many secrets. I've sort of collected them, over the years, both before and since becoming king. But one especially I've been keeping from everyone, something I learned ten years ago. It's really juicy, but I've been saving it for a rainy day, so to speak. And it seems that one day very, very soon, it's going to rain harder than it ever has in my life. To prepare for that day, I'm going to tell you that secret; you'll be the only one with whom I've ever shared it. And then I must ask if you're up for what I have in mind... It could very well be my one and only chance for survival, but it will be dangerous, and even if it works, it could mean a great sacrifice, on your part." He smiled, and shrugged. "Or, you could see it as the greatest adventure of your life. Either way, the choice will be yours...."

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