As you  mention the Eye, Justin gives a coy smile, "No such organization exists anymore."

"The wedding is set for tomorrow. The only thing I cant figure out why the murder of Penelope would cause the overthrow the Emperor. If Penelope were to be murdered, who would be suspected of the murder. Surely not the Earl and Lady." Justin states with a more serious look.

"I think they knew it was an imposter, and that by investigating the murder, we'd find the real one, so that they could return her, and carry on with the wedding."

"Yes, we suspect their plan from the start was to find Penelope, then blame us until it was too late to stop them. Unfortunately, we also do not know how Penelope's death furthers their cause, we only know that we must stop the wedding and rescue Penelope."

"HHmm." Justin/ Tanner states, "Yeah, I think you are overlooking something. That doesnt fit the Augustine I know. What if they didnt realist it was NOT Penelope. That would make you the back up plan."

"Thats more in line with the Augustine I know." he states.  "But that begs to know, whom he would pin it on. Or was he going to hid it all along. That's not entirely uncommon. Keeping the death of a family member quiet for as long as humanly possible and then blaming it on a sickness. Nobles do things out of the need to hide scandal's."

"That's the truth," nods Alina. "I've had many a relative pass away 'after a long illness' - when it was really a quick dagger through the ribs."

Kato stands off to the side, listening to the conversation, examining the hanger and watching the front door.

"I don't claim to know much about the machinations of nobles, but I do know we have to rescue Penelope tomorrow before they kill her and stop whatever Augustine and the Kurgans are up to."

Salos looks as if he remembered something, "Another thing, they've got some serious firepower. When we found Penelope, they were planning to intercept her ship with two cruisers."

"Two Cruisers, that's impressive, even for a Nobles standards. That confirms they have a lot riding on this. So, they want to kill Penelope. But why, you stated it was bring down the Emperor, the act of killing her wont affect the Emperor." Justin/ Tanner states.

"I need to be able to connect the dots to bring equal or more firepower down on them." He states.

"What is the next step. What possible gain would Penelopes death give them." He asks.

"There's got to be a connection to Isaac. The marriage gives Augustine access to something Isaac has or Penelope's death gives an excuse for war. Maybe it's the disputed lands.

We also know the Kurgan connection goes way back. Penelope said that years ago, she saw a robed person wearing a Kurgan symbol visit her parents. Kato and Kalas also questioned one of the Kurgan soldiers who kidnapped Penelope from us. He said her marriage and sacrifice wouldn't lead directly to the Emperor's death, but would set off a chain of events that would result in the caliphate ruling the jump routes within five years. The leader of the men said that Penelope was the key and said her sacrifice would make her great martyr."

"Baron Issac? He has a great deal of trust with the Emperor." Justin/ Tanner states. "He helped him during the War and even declined some of the promises the Emperor made. Included a seat on the Emperors council. He has an open invitation anytime he chooses to join."

"A scandle such as this would completely tarnish his image with the Emperor." Justin states thinking out loud. "I imagine he would do anything to make that go away."

'If Baron Isaac has the Emperor's ear and a seat on the council, and this is a leverage play, perhaps Augustine needs Isaac to convince the Emperor or the council to do something that would allow the next step in their plan."

Kato listens while continuing to examine the hangar, and keeping an eye on the front door.

"I agree. That doesnt give us the target of Augustines attack yet. Sure he kills Penelope, but who is his patsy. The Baron would rather fall on his sword that accept a play like that against him." Justin states. "Hes a good man. So his target has to be someone else."

"He's already painted us as terrorists, so we're an easy target. Maybe he tells Isaac that the blame either goes on us or him, depending on whether he cooperates. He could also blame one of his other children, which would up the drama level, but also be embarrassing."

“All these political maneuvers are outrageous. If you want to advance your goals, pick up your axe and earn it.”

"I don't think Baron Isaac would sacrifice anything significant for you, even though you are innocent. It would have to be closer to home." Justin/ Tanner states.

"That's what I mean. I'm suggesting that Augustine would threaten to blame Isaac or his son unless he complied with whatever Augustine asks for. If Isaac does comply, Augustine would leave Isaac's family alone and blame us instead. There's also the fact that if Augustine put the blame on Isaac's house, he would also use it as a pretext for war."

"It'd be crazy if it was Abraham pulling the strings..."

"I think thats enough for my report. I will have a platoon of Brother Battle here by morning. That should give us a clear advantage." Justin/ Tanner states. "Also, it might behoove us to protect the children of Baron Isaac. Just in case. Give me an hour and Ill be ready to depart."

"So what about this hanger and my ship." Donavan asks.

"Yes Jacob." Justin/ Tanner begins.

"Just Jake sir." He interupts him.

"Of course Jake. These are seasoned Engineers on loan from the Engineer guild, they are at your disposal." Justin/ Tanner replies.

"I think that will work. Frank go get Vera and get her to direct these guys to make my ship shiny again." Donavan states

Frank and Gerry take off to find Vera.

"Thank you, Justin. We'll be glad for any help we can get, and I agree that we should also protect Isaac's children, if we're able. I'm sure Kalas will be especially glad to fight alongside his brethren."

We will rescue Penelope, Elisa, and Abraham, whether they want it or not.

“Yes. It will be very nice to have my Brothers help us bring Augustine to justice. If only we’d had them in the forest…”

"Indeed...

Kato, in light of the Brother Battle reinforcement, do you think you and Justin should review our plans?"

Kato checks all his weapons and gear to make sure that everything is in prime order.

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