EVE Fiction

For the entire history of the Holy Amarr Empire the Council of Apostles ruled as equals with the Emperor they elected. Their Order was mostly representative of the higher tier of Constellation “Holders” in Amarr society. However they always maintained at least one member from common non-holder origins. Civil war seemed inevitable and perhaps the only way to stop this disaster from taking root.

Severian Astur, of the well respected House Astur, was the most vocal opponent of Heideran V. Severian had begun working the room from the time his shuttle landed. Darius sat at the head of the table discreetly monitoring the conversations in the great hall. The ancient setting worked wonders on loosening lips. The torches, bear skin rugs, and the finely woven Gomphothere fur tapestries had the effect of making the room seem primitive and low tech. Many guests falsely assumed in the vastness of the flickering torch lit hall speaking in a low voice was all that was required for privacy. House Gheinok's security office intercepted, recorded, and decrypted all messages sent and received. Video and audio sensors were integrated throughout the great hall, and most of the Winter Estate. A holder who did not know what was going on in his own estate might not be long lived.

Over the course of the meetings Darius would keep tabs of where and why loyalties shifted. Darius would have a complete accounting of who would commit what material, how many credits, pilots, ships, and soldiers to support the war. Darius was not himself completely convinced the civil war was in fact winnable by either side. He did however know he would have to find a way to moderate the furious energies emanating from Severian Astur or the civil war would be doomed before it began.

“The flames of passion, the tenderness of words, and the integrity of your intentions may win a Lady's heart, but a strong back, clear mind, and steady hand are required to build her a home.” was an old Amarrian saying that well fit this moment. The Holy Amarr Empire was the lady and her ardent suitor the traditionalists would have to build a new Empire to house their true love safely. Winning a civil war would take long years of hard fighting against those whom you broke bread with just last month.

Darius thought back, Heideran V had been a close friend, they had both joined the Council of Apostles in the same year, had spent time in the Imperial Navy as officers under the command of the same Admiral. Bought commanded dreadnought squadrons. Darius had always managed to stay just one step ahead of Heideran, “Because of that glory to the saints last name of yours!” Heideran had always laughed.

For decades Darius had thought it was a joke between friends and allies. But at his coronation after being elected Emperor Heideran V had whispered coldly to Darius, “That last name will never give you or anyone else advantage over me ever again holder.” the vindictiveness of the tone staggered and shocked Darius. His friend of decades was no friend at all. Darius recovered quickly and soothed his gloating Emperor by saying “Emperor I voted for the best man to ascend to the Imperial Throne. In all the Empire no one shall or should have any advantage over you sire.” Heideran regained his composure with a dismissive “Yes, yes indeed you did loyal holder, indeed you did.” all the while smiling like a predator closing in on its prey.

Darius had always bested Heideran V because he was far better then him in most things. Ironically Darius had removed himself from the balloting to be Emperor specifically because he carried the Gheinok name. House Gheinok had founded the Amarr. The legacy of his noble forebear Dano Gheinok was second to none.

Darius shook himself from his reveries his court cryer had come to the conclusion of the introductions all eyes shifted to him.

“Most faithful and devout fellow Amarr citizens we gather here today in this ancient hall, to rededicate ourselves to all that over the long centuries have made us Amarr. We are God's chosen people, the true and steadfast keepers of Amarr traditions. The true holders of our sacred Amarr faith with unswerving adherence to the word and will of God as revealed in our Holy Scriptures. Some of you have come to sound the trumpets of battle. To urgently press for the charge into honorable war against the Imperial Usurpers who have radically exceeded their boundaries under both our laws and our religion.”

Around the table forty percent of those assembled leapt to their feet cheering, “protect the faith”, “remember our traditions” and “depose Heideran” were shouted with pent up vigor. Darius allowed the enthusiasm to run its course. He watched Severian Astur whom remained seated seeming to take notice of those not reacting with enthusiasm.