The nobles run the planetary systems somewhat in a feudal manner, with the Royal House being in overall command both by tradition and obligation. Henc... each planet is independent to a certain extent, which can leave an unscrupulous noble an opportunity to build alliances to topple the ruling house as Antis appears to be doing.”“And the Vraik?”“Non-human expansionist realm who have exhausted a lot their own resources and seek to conquer the border worlds of the Empire to gain more. Nasty fuckers. Anything was better than that - except, perhaps, what was being done to Clarissa who had been standing for two days and looked more dead than alive.She had obviously moved her bowels during the day and the flies were eagerly congregated upon the small heap of faeces that the guards had not seen fit to clear away - as well as on the filth that caked her legs. No doubt Clarissa would have to clean up after herself before being allowed back to the cell to rest. Megan wondered how long her friend. Several wisecracking replies presented themselves, but she knew that wasn’t what he wanted to hear. So she simply said, ‘Yes, you did.’ He wanted to respond, but his eyes were sliding closed, his thoughts becoming disjointed, and he drifted off to sleep. A few minutes later he woke up. She was still lying along him, not sleeping but just relaxing. He jogged her slightly, and she draped her leg across his abdomen. The agony of another question. The moment of truth. ‘Amy.’ ‘Hmm?’ ‘I–well, er…’. "Tony said to leave it open for an hour after the band finishes. That'swhen the punters drink the most," the barman replied.'It figures,' Wendy thought. But she couldn't really complain she wasgetting fifteen percent of the bar takings."Come on Panti. Let's get you home," Wendy tried to stroke Panties face.Panti brushed away her mother's hand,"Fuck off mom! This is what you wanted. Me and Cherri performing in dragout front of Transvixen and you got it and we're a success. We're makinga.