Project Epsilon

[Diomedes]

"Wonderful, a powerful military holding a grudge against all Sirius is not good news for us. But then, I'm not sure that is any worse than I expected," Joao replied solemnly, "With the four main houses each paired off in shooting wars and the fifth split since the sleeper ships arrived, Sirius is not in good shape to repel such a force."

Catalina added on, "As for the Brigands, what are pirates to do anywhere? They form groups, make profit, gain power if they're good. Eventually they hold so much sway they have their own laws, tribunals and the pirate gang becomes another type of house. Then some smaller group becomes the gang. Simply wish for the lawmakers to be too busy to notice you."

Joao idly stroked at his goatee, answering Jasmine's second point, "I could think of many things to do with such an army. They range from the noble to the selfish. I could begin mass-construction of biodomes near my native home, or kill off my enemies. But then, I'm just a bloody freelancer. In truth, a self-replicating army is a power I wonder if anyone should have, regardless of intentions or character. But since it's possible, I'm sure more than one will turn up. And maybe that will be the balance. "

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