A flash of light pierced his mind like a searing hot blade, sending his senses reeling. Not used to his new implants he forced his attention back to the battle at hand. Searching for the source of his affliction he noticed the fresh carcass of a battleship, still smoldering in the dead of space. Two elite cruisers of his fleet glided past the remains in pursuit of another. They seemed ravenous he thought, bloodthirsty somehow. Overseeing his fleet as they battled an enemy legion. He too felt a hint of satisfaction with every kill, joy even. Such emotion felt nostalgic. Reminding him of his youth upon Antheris VII. Of his family and friends who encouraged his naieve dreams, his love who begged him not to go. All were dust now. For a long time he thought it was happiness he lost, but as he watched his fleet devour the enemy legion he now realised it was his innocence. He withdrew from the battle knowing it was won, but he knew power was only temporary and control only an illusion.