Chapter Three: The Admission Order from the Stars

A woman in a dark blue uniform stood beside the pod. Three silver stars marked her shoulders. She looked around forty, black hair tied behind her head, eyes as sharp as a targeting lens. Leon recognized the uniform. Solar Federation Fleet. Admiral. "Selene Ardent," the woman said. "Commander of the Ninth Frontier Fleet." Leon was silent for two seconds. "Am I under arrest?" Admiral Ardent raised one eyebrow. "You privately operated an unknown war frame, destroyed a Void scout ship, damaged half an abandoned mining zone, and caused Federation Intelligence, the Armaments Bureau, the Frontier Fleet, and the Academy Committee to argue for thirty-six hours. Procedurally, arresting you would be simplest." "In reality?"