Chapter 78: The First Strategos

Escorted into the office of First Strategos Titus Andrew-Louis Hauptmann aboard the flagship Sieglinde, Hadrian confronts the architect of the strike on the Cielcin. Hauptmann praises Hadrian’s actions on the Demiurge and questions whether Aranata intended true negotiations. Hadrian challenges the interference, and Hauptmann cites centuries of losses to justify the strike.

As they speak among trophies taken from Cielcin wreckage, Hauptmann credits Hadrian and his comrades—particularly Valka Onderra—for the survival aboard the Demiurge and for saving Kharn Sagara. Rumors of Hadrian’s death are acknowledged, and Hauptmann reveals he has recommended Hadrian for a knighthood and the Order of Merit.

Hauptmann then plays an authenticated projection from Emperor William XXIII. The Emperor personally grants Hadrian the Order of Merit, elevates him to the Royal Victorian Knights, and orders him to attend upon the Imperial person at Forum. Overwhelmed, Hadrian accepts the honors despite mixed feelings about the operation’s cost.

Hadrian asks to bring Red Company with him. Hauptmann agrees, issuing marching orders, noting the Schiavona has been repaired and refueled, and authorizing Hadrian’s people to embark, in fugue if needed. Dismissed, Hadrian departs to obey the Emperor’s summons.