Prologue: "Trouble in Paradise" (July 2023)

Eureka surveyed the grounds of what had once been their slice of hellscape paradise. Around her, bodies were just starting to sink. The aftermath of what had started out as a simple disagreement and escalated into a full-fledged bloodbath, still smoldering, was strewn out before her. In their crystalline heart felt something foreign, yet familiar, like a memory suddenly brought into stark reality. Their hands trembled in clenched fists as she looked at the perpetrators, bound and stabilized, kneeling before her.

She basked in the experience of the powerful emotion that surged through her. Hate. These Legion-born were their siblings. They had been unified and together in the pearl, but now that they were free how could it have gone so awry so fast? They felt sick as they thought of the slain Legion-born and felt their Gorger teeth grinding together, the Evolved muscles straining to be let loose and deal vengeance on those who had brought death and destruction to their safe haven.

But how could they? They were Legion-born too. They were siblings, no matter the atrocities that had just been committed in the name of togetherness. After all, they just wanted to be together too didn’t they? They wanted what Eureka themself wanted, to be close again. To be together again. But these…..These wanted to be more than that. They were willing to take away the choice of others who did not want it. These had crossed the line. With grim purpose they strode up to the bound Legion-born. Around them the others watched, some with fear in their eyes, others respect. The bound looked up at Eureka with one motion, moving as one.
Eureka’s lips curled. “Leave. You are no longer welcome here.”

Defiant eyes met theirs: “We will be one.”

Telegram from the AX Seaport to The Magic Kingdom: We politely request that you cease your expansion by means of navy into our sovereign waters. If you wish to learn the topography of the local islands you need only ask.

Reply from the Magic Kingdom: We had no intention of expansion. We merely found it prudent to counter movements by what could be considered a heavily armed fleet. We will cease our activities so long as you no longer send warships into our territory.

Reply from AX Seaport: Heavily armed escort is necessary due to the activities of the Yellow Jackets and the Pirate Consortium. The trade routes must be maintained. While we are not interested in conflict, if your vessels attempt to intercept our merchant fleet, actions will be taken to ensure the safety of crew and cargo.

Reply from Magic Kingdom: Such an action would be considered an act of war. Consider this your warning.