Admiral Bakuzo was deep into conteplating the image of flagship's charred nether regions when his door opened.

"Admiral." XO stepped through, holding a pad. "We're done with damage assessment. The supply barges are nearly empty and we ain't fixing the fleet without a resupply. Orbitals are still holding."

Bakuzo winced. "Very well. Open a breach to Toimoz. We are withdrawing. Orders are to conserve the fleet."

XO nodded but lingered on the threshold. "We could push through, you know... Plenty of supplies in this station. Just a few ships with skeleton crews martyr. Maybe even some lifeboats will manage to launch. We would still have the flag."

Bakuzo longingly looked at the Ekogafoz in the pseudowindow, its lush greenery holding renowned resorts. Only a few deaths and ruined ships...

"Orders are clear, XO. People would never forgive us. Spool the breachers."

XO saluted and exited.

After three days, space shattered on the outskirts of Toimoz. Bakuzo's fleet shambled through, siegers last, still flinging jury-rigged asteroids at the orbitals. Immediately, a defense station lit up with a giant SIOC sign, accompanied by standard broadcast on local channel:

"STOP IMMEDIATELY OPEN COMMUNICATIONS. You are in Toimoz Freehold controlled area. Any further advance will be interpreted as assault. Communication channel is attached. STOP IMMEDIATELY OPEN COMMUNICATIONS".

Bakuzo, already on the bridge, signaled the comm tech to connect. A fat merchant appeared on the screen.

"Pleasure to see you, Admiral. How is your war going? What'cha doing in Toimoz area?"

"Passing through." Bakuzo answered with restraint. "Kindly allow us the route to the breachpoint to Osozioz."

"Your fleet does not look very well, Admiral" merchant deflected. "Would you like some supplies? We have the finest hullsets here. Maybe lodgings for the crew while ships are being repaired at our yards"

"I am not authorized to make any deals. If you would like to talk to Autoking, I can patch it through..."

"I can call up your autoking myself, Admiral. But I'm afraid the deal won't be very good, these colonists of yours encroaching on our outposts like that... We can talk though, you and me. If you do a small task in Toimoz while passing through, we can ensure your fleet arrives in top shape to the breach point. Otherwise... Lots of asteroids around. Some of your ships will probably not make it, and how such a retreat will reflect on your career?"

"Send me the conditions and I will review them", Bakuzo replied, defeated, while trying to recall contacts of a good, independent lawyer.