While D’nara Atreides was roaming the streets of the Amarr capital, she came upon a crumpled note that piqued her interest. It read:

“In the beginning, all things were as one.

God parted them and breathed life into his creation

Divided the parts and gave each its place

And unto each, bestowed purpose”

-“The Scriptures, Book I 1:4”

Son, I once took these words to heart. With all of my soul, I believed that our divine empire led by its great Emperors and Empresses would fulfill that purpose. To take over those lesser races and dominate the galaxy bringing our enlightenment to all creation. But those were different times. And now I find my faith wavering. What purpose did the Drifters serve? To smite the faithful? To kill our Empress? To turn the galaxy which was destined for our glory into ash? If our purpose was ever to destroy those who oppose the divinity of our God, then certainly his will would be on our side against foes such as these…

I have to ask, where was His will when the Drifters invaded New Eden laying siege to systems from the Outer Ring all the way to our home in Domain? Was it God’s plan for our Empress Jamyl to be mercilessly slaughtered by these heretics? I was there when those brave Capsuleers—who so many look down upon in disdain—took up the mantle to defend civilization, while the great empires sat paralyzed. Powerful as the menace was it was the capsuleers, not the Empire who found the way to defeat the incursions into our home. The capsuleers devised a dangerous and risky plan to trick the Drifters into engaging them with a weak force. After they widdled away enough of the Drifter overshields, the capsuleers jumped in larger ships and sent the Drifter scum back into the abyss. I remember the day when your uncle came to me telling me he volunteered to fight beside the capsuleers. After hearing the plan, I too decided to join the cause as a medic on a Guardian in one of the fleets. I was there when thousands died sacrificing themselves in Coercers and Thrashers in order to drive off the Drifter hordes. I remember the horror of the medical bay that day; the sound of people crying out in anguish and pain; the sight of men and women who had just lost arms, legs, flesh burned from their skin. The scent of death; that bitter aroma still hangs in my nostrils and haunts me in my sleep. I also remember the day I received your uncle’s body with condolences from the Sub-Zero Fleet Command… Where was God’s divine will then?

Now I hear that a ship has appeared in Yulai. Piloted by CONCORD sure, but rumor has it that whoever built these ships may be responsible for the damaged and derelict Drifter ships being found around the galaxy. This mysterious species may even have the Drifters on the run. If I had to guess, I would say they will run here. We will be prepared and waiting for them this time, but what if their foes follow? Millions died only to stall the Drifter menace. I fear that was only the beginning. If these Triglavians or whatever they choose to call themselves are powerful enough to defeat the Drifters with such ease then I fear we stand little chance against such power. A powerful force like that could either be our savior or the harbinger of our doom.

We stand here at the edge of unknown darkness, and I will no longer trust the scripture to protect us. I no longer believe it is the Amarr who have been chosen by God. If the Drifters or whatever else lies beyond come in force, it won’t be the Amarr that save New Eden nor their God. When they come it will be the capsuleer who defends the breadth of humanity. Dark days lie ahead, my son, and I fear for your future. It is for this reason I have chosen to disregard our faith. I am sorry, I must do this. Just remember, I do it for you, your mother, and your sister. Tomorrow, I will have my consciousness transferred and my body cloned. For this action, I will be looked upon as a heretic and un-pure. I know your grandfather will use whatever means necessary to attempt to change my mind, and for that reason I have to leave for a long time. Know that I love you, and I hope I can have some part in securing your future. I know this will be hard for all three of you, but I hope you understand that we can no longer wish for hope. We must be that hope. We can no longer rely on God’s will or our Emperor for strength and safety. We must find it within ourselves. Take care of your mother and sister.

Love,

Your Father

D’nara looked up at the large house the letter probably came from, and saw it was abandoned. The fate of the family mentioned in the note is anyone’s guess.