"I suppose the vague epitath of 'the great enemy' does not suffice." I muttered, allowing myself a brief moment of frustration to take hold before I returned to my steely resolve. It was entirely selfish, petulant even, but I could not help but feel vexed at the reality my vacation and nominal honeymoon was being interrupted by this. Throne help me, I felt it. However, it gave me a cold anger that granted me clarity and resolve, and I thanked the Emperor he could turn my provincial flaws into a weapon to be harnessed. Emmaline was right, however. It was imperative we needed to find out who was conducting this terror operation I looked around at the assortment of frightened and bemused faces. The assault on the Zephyr had been calculated, and though I could rightly assume it was targeted at Emmaline and more specifically myself, I did begin to consider other possibilities. 

Aristocrats, select politicians, industrialists, lobbyists, many of which were likely involved in the Ghorrask Union, a partnership of capitalist interests that sought to overtake the rights of Ghorr mining worlds in system. It had always been a battleground of trade, but after the twelfth black crusade and the subsequent economic and political fallout, the hereditary governors had fallen out of favor or had lost enough revenue to cause a power vacuum. This attack could have been one of three dozen different factions or subfactions trying to incapacitate the competition, as it were. If they were smart, they would have hired a paramilitary group using a non-traceable intermediary. However, that would be the most optimal outcome. Even with my musings, I could not help but believe, and by pragmatism assume, it was an attack on myself. 

I removed my jacket, rose from my seat and draped it snugly around Emmaline's shoulders. She gave me a radiant smile, temporarily dispelling the anxiety that permeated between us. "Let's not let it ruin our good time." I joked dryly, and she gave a small chuckle. 

"Quite right. Business as usual," she remarked. 

"There are only two possibilities." I began, my voice soft so as not to be overheard. "Either they had come after someone else, in which case this is a domestic or local dispute, and in all likelihood it shall cease. Or they attacked because of me, something we must assume, and in which case, we now have a slight advantage." Emmaline tilted her head inquisitively as I continued. "I propose we spring a trap. They are clearly well informed, but let's not allow them to find us in the dark. I say we make a show of ourselves, draw them in, and then capture a handful of them to interrogate." 

"Any details as to how, my love?" She responded. As I opened my mouth, I noticed a couple approaching. Lord Varkon and his paramour, the lady Varkon having tragically lost her life in the ensuing explosion. Beyond them, I spied Lord Gaspard nursing an Old-Foiz, and he saluted me with his drink, evidently having changed his opinion of me after the firefight. Admittedly it was mutual. Despite his bluster, he kept his cool and had steady aim under pressure. 

"Admiral Deckard," Varkon interjected, adopting a congenial smile to mask his worry. "My compliments to your gallantry, and it does my heart well to see your fiance safe." 

"Thank you, my lord. My heart weeps for your wife." I said, with only a hint of sardonicism. A part of me was still unsure on if there had been agents of the shadowy web on the train, and that he had made certain the Lady Varkon had been present during the detonation. His paramour was young, not yet having to rely on rejuvenants to maintain her blossoming charms. She seemed positively out of her element, but placating her patron with a flutter of her lashes. 

"That means much coming from a man of your honor. I merely come to inquire, what is your next destination?" 

I hid a snort, sharing a glance with Emmaline. He wished to be protected, ironically being out of the loop that my presence was likely the most dangerous part of the trip. However, I did answer honestly. 

"Why, Idalium, my lord. Just as everyone else."