Ayeraphaet returns in an unmarked runabout to The Temple of Surak on Vulcan. With all navigable seas on all planets filled with blood, tensions are high amongst the galactic citizenry. Ayeraphaet is determined to make an example of all who oppose his rule. He has ordered The PAX Universal Security Squad to make an extensive search for Orthodox believers and "Burtonites", in an effort to display the price of disobedience more openly they are ordered to torture and kill his enemies in public places. 7 And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. 8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. 9 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance of the saints. (Revelation 13 8-10) Ancient castle by Brian Patrick Mustang runabout by Tachy