Chilling and planning with Calypso

"So what's your story?" You asked, sipping the coffee that had been brought in. It was excellent, it was the real deal rather than just fabricated. These princesses certainly didn't skimp on even the little things.

"It's honestly nothing special. I grew up in a great castle, became a spoiled brat who nobody knew how to say no to. Looked at myself in the mirror and realized I was also a total bitch so I ran away and joined the army." You weren't entirely sure you understood that logic but you continued listening. "When the Queen found out she was furious. Not so much that I joined the army but that I wasn't an officer. To make a long story short my mom tried to fix that and I refused, then the public relations people told her how awesome people thought it was that a princess was a common soldier. I had to resume some of my princess duties, visits and the like but I got to keep doing what I loved." She sipped her own coffee. "During one of those visits, Vikings attacked. The base couldn't afford the loss of personnel so I suited up to help protect it. For some reason, I wasn't counted as a combatant and after it was over the Vikings wanted to take advantage. One of them figured out it was a misunderstanding and said as much. Big argument from her boss but she took me as a proper ****. I had twins for them and I got sent home after my time. The rest is history." She said waving to indicate the ship you were on.

You nodded in interest. You considered it a bit more 'special' than she did but you didn't have time to dig for all of the details at the moment. "So how did you end up in command? No offense but you said it yourself that you weren't even an officer."

"None taken. I was honestly Victoria's last option. The ESF didn't back her soon enough for her to pick up an available general. She should have just grabbed a colonel or something, but she had some trust issues. So she asked me, said if we won we'd be co-rulers. Naturally, I accepted. Then the ESF offered you. We voted and unanimously agreed to take you on. Now we just need to find a target to unleash you on." She said, looking at you with a smile. You had a few ideas already and this seemed like the perfect time to get her opinion on them. You had no doubt her sister would be fine with whichever plan Calypso recommended.

"I've been thinking about that. Our objective is to capture as many slaves as possible. From what I've read we have an Earth year to do this. That leaves us forty-eight weeks after we get to Grail. There are two good targets available for our initial strike. Maybe three if you can clarify the rules for me." She raised an eyebrow at that comment but you waved for patience. "First, the Incan Triumvirate. They wouldn't stand a chance if we attacked their outposts and their navy isn't large enough to pose a threat. The disadvantage is we wouldn't get many slaves out of it. Second the African Directorate. They're a big fish but they'll have trouble responding to our attacks. Their forces will be scattered quite a bit so as long as we don't run into a fleet or battle group we can get a lot of slaves quickly. Of course, if we do run into a fleet or battle group we'll have a real fight on our hands." You paused as you noticed your mug was empty and you poured yourself another cup from the available pot.

"What about your third option?" Calypso asked her eyes narrowed as she considered the two you had suggested.

"We go after your sisters. I haven't been able to find anything in the rules that forbids it. Am I wrong?" You asked, looking at her stunned face as she took in what you'd just told her. That look turned into a smile, one that seemed extremely mischevious.

"No. You aren't wrong. It would be a good way to knock out some of the competition. It'll be very risky. It might invite an attack on us from our other sisters planning the same move. I'm not sure if Victoria will want to take that chance. I'll ask her about it, we can meet back up tomorrow and she'll give her verdict on which way we go. Thanks Catherine." She said, getting up and walking out the door. Leaving you on your own to start narrowing down targets for all three options.