I’m 17 year-cycles old, female, feline Hoganthan and was on my journey to become an elite class space warrior. It is my life path and the one I chose.

Actually, I’m thrilled with it - or, rather, was. . .

I was THE princess of the monarchy, then disowned by my parents, then sentenced to death by my brother at the demand of the arrogant elites, then escaped the space pirates trying to kill me so that I could get to the Warrior Academy on Haden, just to have to deal with a really dumb invasion from space (what were the Cren thinking anyway?).

But now? I’ve learned my parents and brother were all assassinated by an alien kill squad - and just how did the kill squad KNOW they were at that specific, secret retreat? Hmm?

And, so that unfortunately leaves me as the ONLY remaining genetic heir to the throne.

And, trust me on this. . . I’m NOT ready for it. Clearly.

Actually, I don’t think the broad, galactic empire is ready for it either. Nor will they ever be.

I am first and foremost, now, a battle tested warrior. I may not be an elite class space marine yet, but I am of the Warrior Creed and honor bound by it. I may not see all of the metaphysical and visionary parts to all of this, but I see enough to know this is my life path. Period.

So, my political interactions are a bit less than. . . shall we say. . . polite.

I am very direct and to the point - often gunpoint - if you know what I mean. I am very attached to Sheeba, my assault rifle. Yeah, that’s what I call her.

And, yes, the elite Houses that hated me before are still hating me now - but even more so.

The trouble is that the Empire, as such, isn’t needed anymore. Not because of them, but because of the end of the Slave War. It served its purpose, but the empire structure is no longer needed the way it once was.

I favor a looser alliance of star systems governing themselves and my desire to push for the alliance will be the death of me - if the elites have anything to say about it.

And, they try. . . and try. . . and try.

I’m still here, but it is an ugly time and we get shot up. . . a lot.

I know, it is all like some sordid space opera, but read my story and you’ll understand what I’m up against and even, yes, even how I solve it in the end. . . with an ending you won’t see coming - and will leave you with a smile.

A broad ear-tail to ear-tail smile.

It did me.