Logbook entry

Cornelius - Meaning & History
Roman family name which possibly derives from the Latin element cornu "horn". In Acts in the New Testament Cornelius is a centurion who is directed by an angel to seek Peter. After speaking with Peter he converts to Christianity, and he is traditionally deemed the first gentile convert. The name was also borne by a few early saints, including a 3rd-century pope. In England it came into use in the 16th century, partly due to Dutch influence.

Endymion - Meaning & History
Derived from Greek ενδυειν (endyein) meaning "to dive into, to enter". In Greek mythology he was an Aeolian mortal loved by the moon goddess Selene, who asked Zeus to grant him eternal life. Zeus complied by putting him into an eternal sleep in a cave on Mount Latmos.

Early Life and Teenage Years:
Cornelius Gendymion was born in 3273 to Julius and Ariana Gendymion. He was descended from an Imperial agricultural family that settled Fehu’s earth-like world, Likopo, during its early colonization. During his youth, he worked in his family’s plantations and orchards.

In his early teens, he was allowed to  take the helm of one of his family’s escort fighters during the long journey from Fehu to the Imperial core worlds, where they sold their produce. He developed a love for spaceflight on these trips. During this time, he also took special interest in a variety of martial arts, receiving awards for special achievements.

Naval Academy and Imperial Internal Security Service:
In 3291, Cornelius enlisted in the Imperial Navy, and left Fehu for the Naval  Academy of Achenar. A year into his studies, the young recruit learned of the murder of his father and mother at the hands of suspected pirates somewhere between Fehu and Achenar. He redoubled his studies in an unsuccessful effort to distance himself from the grief.

Early aptitude tests and practical exams indicated Cornelius had an aptitude for what the student body termed “the dark arts.” These included skills commonly employed by smugglers, pirates, and covert operatives. This potential drew the interest of agencies such as the Imperial Internal Security Service, which employed individuals with these talents in a variety of offensive and defensive applications. Following his graduation from the NAA in 3294, the IISS hand-picked Cornelius  for introductory training in their covert operations program. He served approximately seven years with the IISS. Much of his work during this period of his career remains classified.

Shield of Justice / Lavigny’s Legion:
Following the attempted assassination of Emperor Hengist Duval in early 3301, Cornelius joined then Senator Arissa Lavigny-Duval’s Shield of Justice, and was assigned to Lavigny’s Legion. Though he joined for the investigation into the attempted assassination, the needs of the time drew him to the borders of the Empire. After securing the Pancienses system in June, 3301, Cornelius’ unit was deployed to Cuchua to support Imperial forces fending off aggression from the Kumo Crew. He and his unit continued to fight the Kumo Crew for months.

Following a raid on a Kumo Crew command post in Tjakiri in late August, Cornelius and his strike team were attacked as they returned to base, en route through Nyalayan. His ship was destroyed, and he was the sole survivor, thanks to his Remlok device. He was taken to the Achenar Naval Hospital, where he was treated for injuries sustained during the incident.

Loren's Legion:
In late September, Cornelius took part in the defense of Amitrite, where emboldened Kumo Crew marauders were attacking refugees fleeing the Pegasi Sector. While serving in Amitrite, he was summoned to Achenar by Ambassador Cuthrick Delaney, steward of the Prism system. During his meeting with the ambassador, Cornelius was offered a position as the commander of a newly formed unit based in the Prism system, dubbed “Loren’s Legion” in honor of Kahina Tijani Loren. Cornelius accepted the position.

Much of the following year, Cornelius spent time training Loren’s Legion, and directing their forces throughout the surrounding systems. Prism’s proximity to the Pegasi Sector meant that skirmishes with the Kumo Crew and other criminal elements in the region were regular.

The relationship between Loren’s Legion and the forces of Senator Denton Patreus was more than politically expedient, it was necessary for the stability of Prism. This relationship came at the price of hundreds of millions of credits siphoned from Prism’s coffers to maintain Patreus’ garrison in Smei Tsu. As ties with nearby systems strengthened, and the Kumo Crew appeared to weaken, Cornelius devised a plan whereby a local Kumo stronghold could be overthrown. Loren's Legion struck hard and fast in late August, 3302. The fruits of their efforts saw the Lusonda system (less than 40 lightyears from Prism) liberated from the Kumo Crew.

Shortly after the liberation of Lusonda, the namesake of Loren's Legion, Kahina Tijani Loren, was captured in Cemiess, and charged with the attempted assassination of Admiral Denton Patreus. She was stripped of her Senatorial title and the protection it afforded, and was required to stand trial in Prism. Loren's Legion was tested by rabble-rousers who violently demonstrated in Prism, but the mysterious Children of Raxxla aided in maintaining the peace during Kahina's trial. Behind closed doors, the court ruled that Kahina Loren spend the remainder of her days in Koontz Asylum Asylum, in the Daibo system.

Cornelius was frustrated with the secretive proceedings, but Ambassador Delaney committed Loren's Legion to "leave no stone unturned our search for the truth." This objective would keep Cornelius busy for months to come...

Cornelius believed the Children had information about Kahina's whereabouts from her dissappearance to her return. But getting this information would prove difficult. Mere days after the sentencing of Kahina Loren, the Children of Raxxla assaulted the flagship of Denton Patreus, the INV Imperial Freedom. They were labelled terrorists for their attack. Communicating with them, let alone collaborating with them, carried the jeopardy of allegations of treason. Despite this risk, Cornelius dispatched Isaiah Evanson to learn what he could from the Children.

When the convoy carrying Kahina Loren to the Daibo system was destroyed, leaving no leads, the investigations into Kahina's comings and going was placed on the back burner in favor of shoring up Loren's Legion holdings. Old enemies were stirring again. Hatmehing was invaded by the "Archon Horde," a faction with unsurprisingly close ties to Archon Delaine. Loren's Legion assisted in the evacuation of thousands of Imperials from the system. In retaliation, the listening post in HIP 114135 was attacked. Loren's Legion repulsed the invasion, and maintained close watch from thenceforth.

In early 3303, the Ambassador directed Cornelius to make arrangements to further tighten security in Prism. Reaching out to several friendly organizations, Cornelius attempted to fulfill this mandate. With measures in place, an appeal for tantalum was made at Hiram's Anchorage. Cornelius and the Legion were pushed to their limits to defend the system, but were forced to issue a brief security lockdown when protecting thousands of traders became a near impossible task. The elimination of a ring of pirates and smugglers allowed the lockdown to be lifted and deliveries resumed. All told, over 10 million tons of tantalum were collected.

Short weeks after the tantalum appeal concluded, it was revealed that Kahina Loren and several companions had been responsible for a meta-alloy heist in Maia. The Empire placed significant bounties on their heads, and the Legion's investigations into Kahina's activities resumed in earnest. Cornelius emphatically declared that Loren's Legion would remain neutral, and not interfere in attempts to destroy Kahina and her companions. Despite this, Imperial oversight via the IISS, and other departments, increased scrutiny imposed on Prism and Loren's Legion.

24 JUL 3301 - Operation Davy Jones - Frontline report

It has been over two weeks since the Kumo Crew's attempted expansion into the Imperial system of Cuchua was answered with 'Operation Davy Jones’. With Imperial Commanders combining their efforts to contain and eventually wipe out the pirate organisation, the Pegasi Sector has been under siege. With an end to the conflict nowhere in sight, we asked Commanders on both sides for their views on the offensive and their forces' efforts.

Commander Stateira "Starcloak" Eleshenar, aligned with Senator Patreus, said: "It has been a slow start in the Pegasi Sector, but the offensive is just gearing up. Our ultimate aim is not only to free Imperial citizens from unlawful bondage, but to liberate all persons held in branded slavery by the Kumo Crew."

Her sentiment was echoed by Commander Corrigendum of Lavigny's Legion: "Since the first wave of Operation Davy Jones, Archon's forces have been routed from Imperial space. Some milestones were not met as anticipated, but we anticipate greater results as the full might of the Imperial fleet is brought to bear."

In keeping with those statements, the Imperial offensive shows no signs of relenting, with heavy clashes in the systems of Anedjete, Sopontet and Huichi, amongst others . While the Kumo Crew continues to rule some 5.6 billion Imperial citizens, attempts to conquer more Imperial systems have been countered. However, the pirates' stern resistance to Imperial undermining of their territory has given many of their pilots a boost of confidence.

In a brief interview, Commander GluttonyFang, one of the pirates coordinating the Kumo Crew's efforts against the Empire, said: "What we lack in number we make up with our indomitable spirit to fight against imperial oppression. The Kumo Crew will not relinquish its grip on the galaxy. Even if our mortal vessels fail us, we'll haunt our enemies with the wrath of our spirit."

Commanders on both sides appear to agree on one thing: that the fate of the Pegasi Sector will be decided in battle. In response to a question about the possibility of a diplomatic settlement, Commander Corrigendum said: "The Empire refuses to negotiate with any who hold its people captive. Our people will be set at liberty or their captors will face annihilation." With Archon Delaine continuing to defy Imperial demands, it would seem peace is a distant prospect for the once-quiet Pegasi Sector.


24 AUG 3301 - Federal and Imperial Diplomats Discuss the Pegasi Sector

Historically, areas of mutual interest have resulting in cooperation between the Empire and the Federation. Now it seems that the humanitarian crisis in the Pegasi Sector represents one such mutual interest.

In a meeting between Federation and Imperial commanders, Commander Nyluss of the Merchant Marines offered these words: "We must re-establish liberty in those zones that have become lawless. The Kumo Crew and its vagabond leader will no longer be tolerated in our space. I call upon all Federation pilots. How can you tolerate this encroachment upon our worlds?”

Commander Corrigendum of Lavigny’s Legion added: “We welcome all those who want to oppose the tyranny of Archon Delaine, and ask that Federation and Imperial commanders operating in the Pegasi sector give one another a wide berth as they work toward the common goal of bringing Delaine to justice."


30 AUG 3301 - Cold Ice, Warm Trail

(Though not specifically named, Cornelius Gendymion was the quoted commando. He and his squad suffered a terrible fate en-route back to the Empire… [Chapter 2 - Night Terrors])

Early this morning, an Imperial Navy commando unit uncovered a hidden forward command post for the Kumo Crew invasion force in the Tjakiri system. There was evidence that the site had been occupied as recently as half an hour prior to the raid, as ice was found in a glass in the abandoned command centre. DNA from stray hair follicles was analyzed by a forensics team – the results were a match for Archon Delaine.

"It's frustrating to think that we missed apprehending the most wanted man in the galaxy by mere minutes", commented one of the commandoes, "but every day we come a little closer to getting our man.”


30 SEP 3301 - The Prism Herald: The Birth of Loren’s Legion

At the behest of Ambassador Cuthrick Delaney, administrator of the Prism system in the absence of Senator Loren, Admiral Lucius Lavigny has authorized the transfer of Commander Cornelius “Corrigendum” Gendymion to the Prism system. In a statement to the Imperial Herald, Ambassador Delaney summarized the reasons for the transfer:

“The transfer of Commander Corrigendum comes at a critical time for the Prism system. His experience of the region, and familiarity with the challenges facing it, make him the ideal candidate to head a new extension of the Prism system defence force, which has been dubbed ‘Loren’s Legion’ in honor of Senator Loren. He will report directly to Admiral Brice.”

"Commander Corrigendum arrived at Chione earlier this week, whereupon he began putting the task force through its paces. His enthusiasm has invigorated the pilots under his command, and Loren’s Legion will be ready in short order. Admiral Lavigny has my sincere gratitude.”


13 OCT 3301 - Elegance in Simplicity

Gutamaya Shipyards' latest vessel, the Imperial Eagle, is now available for purchase for any pilot holding the appropriate rank in the Imperial Navy, and positive consumer feedback is already flooding in.

Commander Corrigendum, operating in the Prism system, said: "The Imperial Eagle is a blast to fly. It handles beautifully and has looks to match. I was able to stick on the tail of an Imperial Courier during combat exercises. It's a great addition to the Gutamaya portfolio." Commander Stateira 'Starcloak' Eleshenar added: "I love my Eagle, so I was curious to see if Gutamaya could improve on Core Dynamics' classic design. Now I've taken it out a few times, I'm happy to say it retains all the sublime responsiveness of the Eagle, and packs a harder punch in combat."

When asked about the secret of Gutamaya Shipyards' success, lead engineer Ines Allende responded: "Elegance in simplicity. We kept the core design that made the Eagle Mk II great and simply tinkered with a few key elements."


19 FEB 3302 - The Prism Herald: A Show of Solidarity

"The Kumo Crew-backed insurrection in HIP 111880 came as no surprise", said Cornelius Gendymion, commanding officer of Loren's Legion, in an interview with the Prism Herald on Thursday morning. "Our counterinsurgency operatives are always monitoring the movements and activities of the Kumo Crew, and when we caught wind of them in HIP 111880 we immediately contacted the system authorities."

"We warned Alfonso Bellini, the CEO of HIP 111880 Transport Limited, of the impending danger early last week", Gendymion continued. "We have proven our value to Mr. Bellini in the past, and he did not hesitate to request our aid. Our strike teams have already mobilized."

"Undoubtedly, some will criticize our effort to aid our Federal neighbors. Some will accuse us of having ulterior motives. To them I say: Solidarity will be our salvation, discord will be our doom."


23 APR 3302 - Freelance Report: Following the Breadcrumbs

Imperial investigator Cornelius Gendymion has released a statement to the Prism Herald addressing accusations that Imperial agents were responsible for the destruction of Starship One.

"It seems Federal Times reporter Elaine Boyd's investigations are being ignored by her countrymen. You may recall that she highlighted the suspicious deaths of key individuals involved in both the Antares and Starship One investigations before her alleged suicide. Her data detailed an off-the-books investigation into the Antares by Vice-President Nigel Smeaton, and also alleged that he was murdered."

"Congressman George Fallside's apparent foreknowledge of Smeaton's death was waved away, but I suspect Jacob Harris might have better luck finding Starship One's saboteurs if he searched within the Federation – perhaps starting with folks who have ties to Core Dynamics."


28 SEP 3302 - The Prism Herald: Prism Prepared

At a commemorative event marking the formation of Loren’s Legion, Oksana Gora, a reporter for the Prism Herald, took the opportunity to ask how the incarceration of Kahina Loren would affect Prism’s security and political dynamics within the Empire. Cornelius Gendymion, commanding officer of Loren’s Legion, replied:

“I am confident Ambassador Delaney will address Prism’s place in Imperial politics soon, so I will withhold comment for now.”

“With regard to security, regional foes still represent the greatest threat to our people. Our priority remains the anarchist elements threatening systems throughout the sector. Prism’s security forces are ready to respond to any civil unrest. In short, it has been some time since Senator Loren’s influence was felt here, and current events have yet to alter that.”


17 OCT 3302 - The Prism Herald: Prism Prison Pummeled

Loren’s Legion, an extension of Prism System Security, has reported a significant uptick in criminal activity since Kahina Loren was extradited to Prism.

Oksana Gora of the Prism Herald asked Commander Gendymion of Loren’s Legion if the Children of Raxxla may be responsible. He replied:

“We have contacted the Children of Raxxla and they have been very cooperative. In fact, some of their pilots have helped us to secure Prism and guarantee Lady Loren’s safe journey. Interestingly, many wanted vessels were registered in Federation systems. We’re following those leads.”

“The McKee Penal Colony, currently operated by Prism as One, was the focus of an attack this weekend. A security lockdown will be enforced in response, which will ensure the criminals held there remain under lock and key.”


31 OCT 3302 - The Prism Herald: No Stone Unturned

Following the trial of Kahina Tijani Loren, Ambassador Cuthrick Delaney vowed to “leave no stone unturned in our search for the truth.” To that end, a number of investigators from Loren’s Legion were dispatched from Prism this weekend to unearth evidence for a potential future appeal.

The Prism Herald briefly interviewed Cornelius Gendymion of Loren’s Legion regarding the investigation.

“Precious little information on Kahina Loren’s whereabouts and activities exists between July 3301, when she went missing, and March 3302, when she was encountered at Beagle Point under the guise of Salomé. We also know she visited Tionisla before the incident in Cemiess, but little beyond that.”

“It behooves us to determine the timeline of her activities and follow any resultant leads. In this case, coincidences are rife, and if my years in the IISS taught me anything, it’s to treat coincidences with suspicion.”


07 NOV 3302 - The Prism Herald: The First Stone

Loren’s Legion has initiated an independent investigation into former senator Kahina Tijani Loren, also known as Commander Salomé, under the direction of Imperial Ambassador Cuthrick Delaney.

A representative of Loren’s Legion issued a statement to the Prism Herald this morning.

“Loren’s Legion has issued an appeal for details regarding the whereabouts of Kahina Loren between July 3301 and August 3302. Several individuals have come forward with credible information, but we hope that additional reports will give us further insight.”

“Kahina claims to be in the possession of vitally important information. The nature of this information is not known, but when Loren was interdicted in Cemiess, she claimed that ‘the Rift, Hawkin’s Gap and the Conflux are connected with strange happenings in the Pleiades’.”

“Naturally, we are interested in any information anyone may have regarding these claims. We are considering an incentive program for valid leads.”


30 NOV 3302 - Lusonda Herald: Demise of Delaine
(Though not specifically named, Loren’s Legion and Cornelius Gendymion formed the backbone of the ‘counterinsurgency teams’ that liberated Lusonda)

For months, the headlines have been dominated by the growing tension between the Empire and the Federation, interspersed with news of scientific discoveries and distant colonies. As these events unfolded, the Pirate Lord Archon Delaine reached the pinnacle of his power, from which the terror of the Pegasi Sector then began to fall.

Delaine’s decline started in August, when Imperial counterinsurgency teams struck the Kumo Crew stronghold of Lusonda and liberated its inhabitants. The following weeks bore witness to numerous conflicts over control of the system, until ultimately Lusonda was secured through the establishment of an Imperial base in the Undines system.

Since the liberation of Lusonda, Archon’s confederation has continued to degrade. To date, 35 billion people have been liberated from the Kumo Crew’s exploitative influence. The Wudjal system, bse of the resistance movement known as the Pegasi Coalition, was liberated last Thursday. The Coalition’s leader, Governor Neal McGrath, is expected to address the media later this week.

08 MAR 3303 - Tantalum Meets Tantalus

Thousands of traders flocked to the Prism system following the call for tantalum to be delivered to Hiram’s Anchorage. As always, pirates and other seedy characters followed. Cornelius Gendymion of Loren’s Legion issued the following statement regarding the situation:

“We wish to advise traders that our jurisdiction is now subject to security lockdown. Rest assured that we have been monitoring the lawless activity in our systems since late last week, and we are working on several options to minimize this downtime for traders providing tantalum to Hiram’s Anchorage.”

“Those who wish to assist in ending this lockdown may consider bounty hunting in LTT 9276, Yash, Prism, and several other Loren’s Legion controlled systems in the region.

“Additionally, assassination missions may be offered by our mission providers. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.”

The Gendymion family was among the first wave of colonists to set foot on Likopo. They made a home in the zone between the tropics and the sub-tropics, where they established the planet’s first cocoa plantation. Demand for cocoa products in the Empire allowed the family to thrive, permitting them to diversify into other tropical fruits and spices.

Cornelius Gendymion was born to Julius and Ariana Gendymion on 25 AUG 3273, in the city of New Larissa, in the New Thessaly province of the earth-like word Likopo in the Imperial colonial system of Fehu. During the harvest season of Cornelius' 15th year, Julius permitted him to take the helm of one of the escort craft, a Gu-97 Imperial Fighter, on the seasonal voyages to the Imperial core worlds to sell their foodstuffs. Despite a bout of space-sickness, this voyage planted the seeds for a love of flight and space in the young man. During the growing seasons, Cornelius worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the Imperial Slaves in the orchards and fields of his extended family's holdings.

The martial arts were also of great interest to Cornelius during his adolescent years. Fehu was colonized by many who could trace their genealogy to Earth's Greek and Macedonian region. Civic and scholastic groups organized regular sparring reenactments of antiquity's notable battles.

Cornelius was accepted into New Larissa's team of "Myrmidons" the summer prior to his sophomore year of school. That year, the reenactment was that of the Battle of Troy. Held in the summer months, the "battle" lasted ten sweltering days, one for each year of the fabled war. After seven days of being mocked by the "Trojan" team from their high walls, the Grecians held a council to discuss options on how to get into the simulated "Troy" and capture the flag, symbolizing Helen. The ancient solution was off the table. Though his proposition was rejected by the council, the young Cornelius inspired three other sophomore members of the Myrmidons, two Corinthians and a Spartan to attempt to dig beneath the wall.

The seven youths spent that night and the next two working in shifts to dig a claustrophobic tunnel beneath the wall. Additional assaults conducted during the intervening days featured make-shift battering rams, ladders, and grappling hooks. Each engagement resulted in heavy "casualties" for the assailants, including the Spartan and two of the Myrmidons committed to the tunneling project. Per the rules of engagement, these individuals were required to remain non-participants from the moment of their "deaths."

On the ninth night, Cornelius and his three remaining compatriots silently emerged inside the Trojan complex, within the lightly defended wall opposite the gate. The two Myrmidons and two Corinthians silently "dispatched" the watchmen and borrowed their armor and helmets. Disguised as Trojans, the squad strolled openly to the flag kept at the center of the town. Six distracted soldiers were caught off-guard at the flag. The four invaders simply walked up behind four of the guards and ran simulated bronze blades across their throats from behind, taking them out of play. The two other guards were stunned, and though they did not have the presence of mind to draw their weapons in time to fight, their shouts drew the attention of other nearby guards before they were also rendered "casualties."

The four Greeks seized the flag and bolted to their prepared escape. En route, a handful of bleary-eyed, unarmored "Trojans" roused unceremoniously from their bunks were "cut down." As the team climbed the inner steps of the wall to reach the rope they had let down earlier that evening, a volley of painted arrows were shot at them. One struck a Corinthian in the left armpit, missing his armor, and he declared himself out of play. Another struck Cornelius in the right ankle, forcing him to hop slowly up the stairs to accommodate the "wound." The two remaining "healthy" invaders repelled down the wall with the flag, and ran for cover.

Cornelius was ultimately "cut down" by the Trojans, but the remaining members of the squad made it safely back to the Greek camp in their stolen Trojan armor with "Helen." The referees declared the Greek coalition victorious. All seven members of the tunneling team received commemorative "Odysseus" medallions, and the two who "perished" inside the Trojan walls also received "Achilles" medals. It was the proudest moment of Cornelius' youth, and highly influential in guiding his career choices.

In the spring of 3291, Cornelius enlisted in the Imperial Navy and departed the Fehu system. As he began his studies at the Imperial Naval Academy of Achenar, Cornelius devised his callsign, "Corrigendum" - a play on his first and last name using a Latin word.

One year into Cornelius’ academic studies, he received word that his father and mother had been killed. It was rare for Ariana to accompany Julius on the trading runs to the Imperial core, but she had insisted on coming on this occasion with the intent of surprising Cornelius with a visit. The Imperial Clipper the family employed to transport their goods was interdicted and destroyed by unknown marauders in a dark system between Fehu and the Imperial core worlds. The wreckage, stripped of all valuable components and cargo, was reported weeks later by an Imperial Navy patrol passing through the area. Cornelius was devastated by the loss of his parents, and redoubled his studies in an unsuccessful effort to distance himself from the grief.

Early aptitude tests and practical exams indicated an affinity for what the academy's student body termed, "the dark arts." Skills commonly employed by smugglers, pirates, and... covert operatives. This potential made Cornelius of interest to the Imperial Internal Security Service, which employed individuals with these talents in a variety of defensive and offensive applications. His planned service with the Imperial Navy was terminated when the IISS hand-picked him for the covert operations program following his graduation from the Naval Academy of Achenar in 3294.

Drusus Kane, working as an IISS agent handler at the time, served as Cornelius’ contact on a series of deep cover missions in independent, Federation, and even AIS space. Much of his work during this period remains classified...

A Change of Pace - June 3301
In 3301, Cornelius Gendymion decided he needed a change of pace. In the wake of the attempted assassination of Emperor Hengist Duval, he joined then Senator Arissa Lavigny-Duval's Shield of Justice, and was assigned to Lavigny's Legion, based in the Carthage system. The ensuing months were indeed a change of pace. A quickened pace.

Pancienses - June 3301
In June 3301, Lavigny's Legion was deployed to Pancienses, then a relatively inconsequential border system between the Empire and the Federation. The system was deemed secure on the 25th of June, 3301. And an Imperial garrison was stationed there, under the authority of Senator Lavigny-Duval.

Terror of the Pegasi Sector - June 3301
During June 3301, tensions along the Imperial borders with the Pegasi Sector escalated dramatically. Pirate Lord Archon Delaine was busily building an empire of his own. On the same day Pancienses was secured, the Imperial frontier system of Arawere fell to the Kumo Crew. Thousands of Imperial Slaves were abducted by the Kumo Crew each day, with thousands of people of all allegiances also pressed into slavery. Refugees poured out of the region. Those determined to stay reached out to both the Federation and the Empire. And for a time, these pleas for help were ignored.

United Imperial Offensive - July 3301
Emboldened, the Kumo Crew struck deeper into Imperial territory. This time, the Cuchua system was the focus of their efforts. Calls for aid were at last answered by Imperial Senators Denton Patreus and Arissa Lavigny-Duval in a united offensive.

Lavigny's Legion joined the forces despatched to Cuchua as part of Operation Charybdis, and fought to defend the system. As the battle turned in favor of the Empire, a second prong of the Imperial offensive - dubbed Operation Davy Jones - struck at Kumo Crew supply lines, and forced the pirate attackers to withdraw.

Operation Davy Jones was sustained for many weeks, ultimately coming to be known as "The Pegasi Pirate War." Imperial task forces were sent to support systems throughout the Pegasi Sector and the surrounds. The growth of the Kumo Crew slowly ground to a halt.

Tjakiri Raid - Nyalayan Disaster - August 3301
In late August, the Kumo Crew attacked Tjakiri, an independent system approximately 68 lightyears from the Kumo stronghold of Harma. Cornelius was among the task force deployed to counter the movements of the pirates. Near the end of the conflict, Cornelius and a team of Imperial commandos raided a command post in Tjakiri. To their dismay, the complex had recently been evacuated. There was evidence that the site had been occupied as recently as half an hour prior to the raid, as ice was found in a glass in the abandoned command centre. DNA from stray hair follicles was analyzed by a forensics team – the results were a match for Archon Delaine.

The battle was won, but the strike team left Tjakiri frustrated, but their luck was about to take a turn for the worse. Following their jump into Nyalayan, the commandos were interdicted by what appeared to be a wing of Federation-aligned interlopers. The unassuming Zorgon-Petersen Hauler concealing the squad was destroyed, with Cornelius the sole survivor, thanks to the pilot ejection seat and his RemLok.

Cornelius was recovered within 24-hours and was medevaced to the Achenar Naval Hospital, where he received treatment for injuries sustained during the incident in Nyalayan. During his convalescent time, he caught up on other recent events, including the suspicious death of hot-shot Federal Times reporter Elaine Boyd and her cache of data, the developing drama surrounding the Imperial succession, and the revelations surrounding the discovery of Emperor's Dawn.

The Birth of Loren's Legion - September 3301
In September 3301, Commander Cornelius "Corrigendum" Gendymion was summoned to Achenar by Ambassador Cuthrick Delaney, steward of the Prism system. Cornelius was reasonably close to Achenar at that time, having pursued Kumo marauders to the Amitrite system, where the pirates were attacking refugees fleeing the Pegasi Sector.

Cornelius' counterinsurgency skills, honed in the Pegasi conflicts in the surrounding region, were of particular interest to the Ambassador. During his meeting with Ambassador Delaney, Cornelius was offered a position as the commander of a newly formed unit based in the Prism system - Loren's Legion. Prism, positioned on the Imperial borders adjacent to the Pegasi Sector, the Federation, Utopia, and Sirius Gov, had unique challenges, and the subversion of other systems in the area was an ever present concern.

The first order of business for Loren's Legion was to put an end to the operations of the Hand Gang of Prism. By the end of October 3301, the Hand Gang's influence in Prism was all but snuffed out. However, Ambassador Delaney's vision for Loren's Legion stretched beyond simply maintaining the status quo in Prism. The organization was chartered under his authority to operate as part of the Imperial Diplomatic Corps, granting the organization flexibility in operating within the Empire and in foreign territory. This permitted Loren's Legion to proactively defend the region.

Smei Tsu Supply Shortages - November 3301
With Senator Kahina Tijani Loren in absentia since June 3301, Prism's voice in the Imperial Senate became Senator Denton Patreus, of Eotienses. In fact, the entire region fell under the purview of Senator Patreus during the months leading up to the Pegasi conflict.

Smei Tsu, nearly 12 light-years from Prism, was situated in a tactically favorable location, affording Imperial border patrols a stronghold and place of resort against the neighboring Kumo Crew. The maintenance of the system was called into question by several angry patrons loyal to Senator Denton Patreus. At nearly 100 lightyears from Eotienses, Smei Tsu and the Prism region were a logistical liability. Funding for the defense of the system was subsequently curtailed, forcing local systems to meet the maintenance costs of the Imperial fleets stationed there, or face the wrath of the Kumo Crew in a weakened state. Prism was compelled to provide a significant portion of that support.

Though Cornelius knew firsthand how necessary it was to maintain Imperial garrison in Smei Tsu, he deeply resented the burden placed on Prism. He felt it was in many ways no different from the payments the Kumo Crew demanded for their "protection." This incident left Cornelius disaffected, with an exceptionally sour opinion of Senator Denton Patreus.

Sardandi - November 3301 - January 3302
With the Hand Gang all but eliminated, Cornelius looked to the next logical step for Loren's Legion - expanding its sphere of influence beyond Prism. Unfortunately, the next step was forced upon Loren's Legion when one of Prism's Patrons was abducted by the Cartel of Sardandi in late November. Before the end of the month, Cornelius presented his plan to rescue the Patron from Eurig Mawr, the leader of the Cartel.

The plan was executed in early December. A task force was deployed from Prism, directly assaulting the Cartel of Sardandi. Shortly after the fleet engaged, Cornelius piloted an Asp that had been commandeered from the Cartel, and delivered a Loren's Legion strike team to Saha Depot. The team quickly disabled the Cartel forces present on the station, with the assistance of starport personnel from other local factions. The Patron was successfully recovered, alongside the CFO of HIP 111880 Transport Limited. With the starport in friendly hands, the strike force withdrew to the safety of Prism. Short days later, Eurig Mawr was captured, and the Cartel of Sardandi crippled.

In January 3302, Sardandi's native factions granted Loren's Legion rights to serve as the system's security force.

Unwelcome Neighbors in HIP 111880 - February 3302
In mid-February 3302, the nearby HIP 111880 was attacked by the Kumo Crew. Per their usual methods, Archon's lieutenants attempted to subvert the system's government with a variety of blackmail, bribery, extortion, and threats. Agents of Loren's Legion were carefully monitoring the movements of the Kumo Crew, and caught wind of the attempts to overthrow the system. They informed Alfonso Bellini, CEO of HIP 111880 Transport Limited, of their findings, and Bellini requested assistance immediately. Despite initial criticism from fellow Imperials over Loren's Legion providing military aid to the Federation-aligned corporation, all questions of loyalty were set aside when the Kumo Crew attacked. Eventually, with the aid of Loren's Legion and other Imperial organizations, the attack on HIP 111880 was repulsed.

Listening Post in HIP 114135 - March 3302
After successfully subduing the Cartel of Sardandi and preventing the overthrow of HIP 111880, it became clear that Loren's Legion needed to keep closer tabs on the subversive influence of the Kumo Crew. To that end, HIP 114135 was chosen as the next permanent deployment for Loren's Legion. By April 3302, the observation post was actively monitoring movements beyond the borders in Kumo territory.

Tantalum and the Imperial Fleet - April 3302
Rising tensions between the Empire and the Federation led to the construction of numerous capital ships. In April, Admiral Patreus commissioned a new Majestic Class Interdictor to be constructed in Mundjiga. With a short timeline and heavy demand for resources, the prices offered for goods were monumental. Though the cause itself may not have appealed to many contributors, the rewards could not be ignored, and Loren's Legion shipped vast quantities of Tantalum to Mundjiga. The resulting profits were immense. Much of this profit was stored away for a later date.

Yash - June 3302
Not all factions in Yash were in agreement with the prospect of Loren's Legion becoming the system's primary security force. Though a majority of Yash's factions invited Loren's Legion to the system, the Yash Blue State Inc declared war on Loren's Legion. Though a regrettable conflict, its resolution granted Loren's Legion access to an Ocellus starport just 10 light seconds from the jump point into Yash. An excellent base of operation for future influence projection.

The Liberation of Lusonda - August 3302
In August, reports of redeployments among the Kumo Crew led Cornelius to devise a plan whereby Loren's Legion could strike the nearby Kumo Crew stronghold of Lusonda. The Lusonda system had been subject to the Pirate Lord since mid 3301, and the surrounding systems had been heavily exploited ever since. On the 24th of August, the Loren's Legion force blitzed Lusonda, handily destroying the token force of Kumo Crew enforcers left to guard the system.

After a week of skirmishing between Loren's Legion and allies that came to assist in the effort, the Kumo Crew were driven from the region. It took days for the inhabitants of Lusonda to realize the Kumo Crew were not coming back. When an Imperial base of operations was eventually established in the nearby Undines system, the threat of the Kumo Crew returning had finally passed.

With the example of Lusonda's liberation, several other systems rose up and threw off the shackles of the Kumo Crew. Some believed the demise of Archon Delaine was at hand.

The Return of Kahina Tijani Loren - August 3302 - October 3302
In mid-August 3302, the Imperial Citizen, a media outlet long antagonistic of Kahina Tijani Loren, released two publications, entitled, "Salomé - Traitor or Terrorist?" and "Salomé – Pride or Prejudice?" The articles alleged that CMDR Salomé, a noted member of the Distant Worlds Expedition that arrived at Beagle Point in March 3302, was actually Senator Kahina Tijani Loren. The articles went on to paint an unflattering picture of Loren, alleging that she colluded with terrorists to have her family murdered so she could come to power, and that she summarily executed them before they could be questioned by authorities.

Shortly after these publications, an assassination attempt targeted Admiral of the Fleet, Denton Patreus, and Imperial authorities confirmed it had apprehended three individuals carrying firearms who attempted to approach the admiral's podium. Several days after the incident, Kahina Tijani Loren was charged with the attempted assassination of Patreus.

Not long after she was apprehended, Kahina was stripped of her rank as Imperial Senator, thus changing the venue of her inevitable trial to Prism. The obvious conflict of interest between Loren and Patreus, given Patreus' political influence over Prism and his intended presence at the trial, was ignored. Loren's Legion was put on alert, and began preparations to receive their high-profile guests. The Imperial Palace on the island of New Ithaca was prepared to receive Admiral Patreus during his stay in Prism - another cruel slap in the face for Lady Loren.

The trial of Kahina Tijani Loren began on the 26th of October, 3303. It was conducted behind closed doors, with no media coverage of the proceedings.

Loren's Legion was forced to impose a security lockdown during the trial, limiting civilian access to Hiram's Anchorage. A violent group of deluded spacers known as the "Barbera Crew" attacked several planetary stations in Prism, claiming to support the release of "Salomé." Surprisingly, the Children of Raxxla, a group that had conducted violent protests in Cemeiss following the capture of "Salomé" (whom they claimed as their leader) in Cemiess, assisted Loren's Legion in maintaining the peace in Prism.

The trial was swift, and the sentence harsh. Kahina was stripped of her status as a Lady of the Empire, and sentenced to life in prison at Koontz Asylum in the Diabo system.

Both the handling of the trial and the verdict further disgruntled Cornelius. Though he was not privy to the exact evidence presented in court, from what he could gather via his own methods, the available evidence was circumstantial at best. From that time forward, Cornelius refused to support Senator Patreus' objectives in the region.

No Stone Unturned - October 3302 - November 3302
Following the trial, Ambassador Delaney stated for the Imperial Herald, "We cannot deny the verdict, but we are dismayed by the outcome. We remain convinced that Kahina Loren is innocent. We will leave no stone unturned in our search for the truth." This directive would keep Cornelius and Loren's Legion very busy.

Investigators were despatched from Prism to investigate the timeline of Kahina Loren's activities from her disappearance to her arrest. It was a difficult task, as her activities literally spanned across the galaxy. Despite the difficulty, several credible leads allowed them to slowly piece together her movements. It eventually became necessary to approach the secretive Children of Raxxla.

Unfortunately, the Children of Raxxla took their disgruntlement at the results of the trial to the extreme, and brazenly attacked Denton Patreus' flagship, the Imperial Freedom, and were branded terrorists by Imperial security forces. This made any effort to interface with the Children a dangerous prospect, lest Loren's Legion be accused of being in league with enemies of the Empire. Nevertheless, covert meetings were arranged, and Isaiah Evanson was chosen to meet with the Children on behalf of Loren's Legion.

Evanson received a great deal of information from the Children of Raxxla, and in exchange, the Children asked for Loren's Legion to assist in their efforts to uncover the secrets they claimed were the true reason Salomé was arrested. Expeditions to the Formidine Rift, Hawking's Gap, and the Conflux were organized, and Loren's Legion sent as many ships as could be spared.

Short weeks later, Kahina Loren was transferred to Diabo. However, the convoy carrying the former senator was attacked en route. All ships were lost. Even their black boxes were destroyed. No survivors were recovered from the wreckage. The attackers could not be traced.

The Children of Raxxla redoubled their efforts to probe the three regions they believed held a dark secret, and Loren's Legion turned its focus back to securing the Prism region.

Hatmehing - January 3303
The closest system to the outpost in HIP 114135 is Hatmehing, a heavily populated, formerly Imperial system, occupied and exploited by a subset of the Kumo Crew called the "Archon Horde." In January 3303, Cornelius and Loren's Legion devised a plan to evacuate Imperial citizens from the system. Though the Archon Horde eventually discovered the evacuation effort and began attacking Loren's Legion ships in Hatmehing, thousands of Imperials were successfully ferried to safe systems.

Loren's Legion forces ultimately withdrew from Hatmehing and redeployed to the Taimi system, closing a gap in the border surveillance network.

LTT 9276 and HIP 114083 - February 3303
Ambassador Cuthrick Delaney exercised his consummate abilities as a negotiator, and secured the refinery facilities of Weaver Vision in LTT 9276 and Hansen Orbital in HIP 114083. The Ambassador did not elaborate on why the additional production capacity might be necessary.

Loren's Legion Issues Request - March 3303
On 2 March 3303, Loren's Legion issued a request for tantalum to be delivered to Prism. Thousands of traders flocked to Hiram's Anchorage, delivering millions of tons of the rare metal. Numerous inquiries were directed to Loren's Legion, seeking details about why Chione's own tantalum mines were incapable of providing the required material, and for whom the tantalum was being sourced. Even Cornelius did not know. Ambassador Delaney apparently kept that information close to the vest.

As is always the case, pirates and other seedy characters were hot on the heels of the traders. For the safety of the traders, it became necessary to impose a security lockdown and close the commodity market and advise traders not to hazard the journey until the criminal activity was curbed.

After significant assistance from Loren's Legion's allies, including the Children of Raxxla, Lavigny's Legion, the 9th Legion, the Kamadhenu Chapterhouse of Inquisition, and the Prismatic Knights, Prism was declared safe, and the lockdown rescinded after three days.

During the security lockdown, Loren's Legion agents tracked a pilot known to be affiliated with "The Code" - an organization known for piracy and smuggling. In so doing, a black market was uncovered aboard Hiram's Anchorage. Isaiah Evanson presented a plan he termed, "Operation Mythic." Marked containers of tantalum were sold by Loren's Legion agents at the black market. These were traced through various distribution channels, eventually leading to HR 8563 Vision Co.

Loren's Legion conducted surgical strikes on HR 8563 Vision Co., crippling the smuggling ring, and reclaiming the stolen tantalum.

Attack on HIP 114135 - March 3303