I woke up several hours later. The morning time cycle had started, and rays of light illuminated the room. Tabitha’s arm was resting across my chest. There was only one thought on my mind.

Were there any reports about the death of the Emperor?

I looked around for the remote control. It was resting on the chair beside the bed. It occurred to me that a hotel habitat may not have a great selection of TV channels. Still, those of the nearby habitats are likely to be picked up.

Immediately, I tapped Tabitha’s arm. She looked at the screen aghast, just like me as I turned the volume up. There was an Asian woman in a studio speaking frantically in a language I didn’t understand, but “War” was emblazoned in red along the bottom.

Switching between the channels, trying to find something in English or Irish, I came across 24TVNews. A man in a black suit was speaking to the camera. He was breaking up in tears as he spoke –

“Suzie, the star system is at war. Several hours ago, news was released that the Emperor had died. Almost immediately, power plays among his former generals broke out. Hours later, and the first reports of violence are coming through.”