“The Santis system is crucial, Kat. You must take the refueling station there before the fleet can commit to a full scale invasion. You’ll have three full strike forces of stormtroopers on Invictus. That should be a sufficient force to defeat the Confederation Marines deployed there and effectively garrison the planet until the fleet arrives.”

“Understood.” There was something else, something the older man was reluctant to tell her. She almost asked, but she held back, waited.

“There is one more provision in your orders, Kat.” She could tell instantly how much Vennius didn’t like it, whatever it was.

“Invictus will be considered a rogue ship during your mission, Kat, not an Alliance naval vessel. The Council was adamant about this, just in case the Confeds’ defenses are stronger than we expect. It is imperative that none of your people are captured, or that any physical proof links you to Palatia in any way. You cannot retreat in any way that would allow the enemy to follow you back to Alliance space. You must succeed, or…” Vennius paused, his voice strained, cracking. He didn’t finish the sentence…he didn’t have to. Both he and Kat knew what he was telling her. Alliance ships didn’t surrender. And they both knew if Invictus was challenged by a superior force, retreat wouldn’t be an option either. That only left one alternative to victory.

Vennius didn’t say anything further, but the sadness in his eyes was unmistakable.

Kat sat still for a moment, digesting what she had just been told. “I understand, sir.” She could feel how much it was hurting Vennius to send her on such a dangerous mission. She tried to think of something to say, any words from her that would ease the old man’s mind. But there was nothing. Finally, she just asked, “What about a crew?”

“All of your survivors from Vindictus have already been transferred. And I’ve taken the liberty of selecting the rest for you.”

“Thank you, sir.” She felt a wave of relief. If Vennius had chosen the new members of her crew, she could be sure of every one of them.

Vennius looked down at the desk for a few seconds, silent, sad. Then he reached into a small drawer, pulling out a data chip. “I was able to extract one thing from the Council, Kat. It won’t make the mission any easier—or less dangerous—but it is well deserved.” He slid the chip across the table. “Your promotion to Commander-Altum, effective immediately on your return. If the war comes, you will not command a ship, Kat. You will lead a fleet into battle.”

Kat felt a rush of surprise. She was young to be a Commander-Princeps, but a Commander-Altum? It was almost without precedent. She would be the youngest she could recall, perhaps the youngest ever.