Hakon
Hakon hated the final withdrawal of the Jom from a world. It didn’t seem to matter if it was a full legion, a company, or a division like the second division which crewed the ‘Axetooth’. The only thing worse than leaving a world where members of the Jom were killed, was leaving a world which was still a clear enemy.
Starcrown might not have been a clear enemy, but too many members of the Division had been killed, but above all too many of the ground forces had been made to look like fools from the surprise attack which had caused most of those deaths, and now weeks later that anger was being unleashed.
Bases, outposts, and other locations were being evacuated, and abandoned. Shuttles, and other interplanetary craft had been transporting troops, and planetary supplies from the surface of Starcrown to the ‘Axetooth’ all day, and night. On those shuttles were also the riches of the planet, and not just those abandoned like the large haul the Retinue had found in the abandoned estate.
The looting had begun days ago, at least openly throughout most of Starcrown. In truth it had begun almost as soon as the orders had come down from High Companion Goldsmith that the ‘Axetooth’ would be leaving the world of Starcrown to regroup with the rest of the fleet of the 113th Legion. Those smart enough, or cold enough, had their marks set up well in advance, but had waited until those orders had finally come in before they acted.
Hakon hated it. There was no honor in such action, it was despicable to him, but it was common practice, not just among the legions of the Jom, but of the legions throughout Furse space. Nor was it only done by the Furse, but by almost all militaries throughout the Settled Worlds of Mann. It didn’t change his own feelings on the matter though, and he took no part in it. Other members of his own Retinue might take part in it, but Hakon refused.
Hakon would have liked nothing more than remaining behind to defend the shuttles as they continued their non stop flights, but to do that would have been to allow Frea to go outside the line without his protection, and he couldn’t do that. Frea could take care of herself, he knew that, and she had other members of the Retinue with her, but he had already lost one King due to his inability to protect him.
Frea seemed to take a simple delight in the looting of Starcrown, much like many members of the legion on the planet did. Hakon didn’t like it, but he couldn’t blame her for something almost everyone did. Nor did she, or any of the Retinue or legion go around shooting random people, but any wealth not nailed down was free reign.
The riches of the vault which they had discovered in the abandoned estate was enough to grant each member of the estate at least a bonus of more than a hundred thousand credits, and that didn’t count other bonuses the division, legion as a whole gathered when they arrived back in the Jom System. It had proved not enough to satisfy Frea, and other members of the Retinue.
Hakon, and others had tried to convince the Retinue otherwise, but words had failed them, and now he found himself outside the wire. He felt dirty just being out there to protect Frea, and in truth, the others, such as the First Companion Fredric Vault who shared his views, and who he had come to regard as a friend.
Stores, and shops across the world which had been defended by members of the 113th legion mere days ago were looted by their former defenders. Hakon took some solstice that even in events such as these that there were still some standards which were upheld. Murder was still punishable by death, as were rape, and other such crimes. Wealth though was fair game. There was no ownership, and he knew by the time they left the world that the ‘Axetooth’ would be loaded with the wealth of the world they had been charged with protecting.
Hakon walked behind Frea, and other members of the retinue from a distance. Fourth Companion Dale and Guard Quest weren’t the only members of the Retinue with Frea as they sought to enrich themselves. The fourth fire team was joined by Retainer Potter, and Guard Waters of the first fire team while the rest of the Retinue remained at base.
Hakon didn’t truly believe that they were in any harm. Not in their power armor on a world like Starcrown, but nor would he take the chance. His long rifle was in his hands ready to act as he, and his Echo scanned the area they walked, and he readied himself to provide cover fire, and support.
The very people they had spent months protecting were now their prey. Those who had suffered as much if not more than the 113th legion from the attacks of the rebel forces of Barta Space against their so-called king. Hakon knew that their mission had been accomplished, but he wondered how much damage they had done for the king to rule over the world in the future. How many rebels would be made with the theft, and rape of their world.
Most of the locals, at least the smart ones were in hiding, many had gone to the hills, forests, and other natural areas where they could hide while others hid in their basements, vaults, or panic rooms. Most places were almost deserted, or had been hit by other looters. Hakon could always tell if members of the legion had looted a place, or if it had been looted by locals taking advantage of the chaos.
Hakon let out a sigh. He needed to get used to it, he knew. The Jom were first and foremost mercenaries. They were warriors, soldiers, and looting was a part of the price that came with that way of life, and he couldn’t fool himself. The Imperial Guard of Highpass was no different than the Imperial Guard of Jom, but the Imperial Guard of Highpass was less likely to raid, and loot their own worlds, and Hakon’s first venture out of Highpass had ended in the death of his king.
“You Okay?” Echo asked Hakon through their comm system.
Hakon grunted as his personal AI system spoke to him on their private link. “Yeah,” he finally said.
“If you need to talk…” Echo began but stopped as Hakon cut him off.
“I’m fine Echo. Just stay focused,” Hakon snapped, and felt both bad, and stupid for feeling bad for commanding his AI.
“I am focused,” Echo said defiantly.
Hakon sighed. “I know Echo, sorry. You know my feelings on this, let's just leave it at that, and make sure everyone gets back to base safely.”
“I know,” Echo replied. “You also know that your oath doesn’t bind you to her. You are free to choose what you do.”
Hakon shook his head, and knew that Echo could not see it, and knew he was doing it, as he knew everything about him, down to just fast his heart was beating. “You don’t understand oaths. My oath does bind me to her, and nor do I regret it. She is the rightful king of Highpass, and I won't let anything happen to her. Not on my watch, not again.”
“You did all you could, Hakon. King Rodger…” Echo started but stopped.
“Focus Echo. I’m not a computer, I can’t have my mind in a thousand places at once,” Hakon said. “We can chat when we get back to base, radio silence until then.”
“Fine,” Echo said sharply, and Hakon could hear the frustration in the AI’s voice.
