Editing The Atalantos Worlds (section)

====Seven Kings, the Clearinghouse====
{{Infobox 40k Planet
|name= Seven Kings
|bgcolor=black
|fgcolor=white
|image=
|class= Imperial World
|orbdist= 1.2 AU
|gravity= 1 G
|temp= 25 C
|pop= 4,000,000,000 
|governor= The Council
|system= Foldham
|sector= Atalantos
|subsector= Kingsrien 
|segmentum= Ultima Segmentum
}}

''Seven Hives touch the sky, seven thrones of old. Seven threads tie seven lands, where the void runs cold. And Seven Kings hums and rings, chasing after gold.'' 

Seven Kings, known to Imperial scholars as Foldham VII, is one of the oldest inhabited worlds in the Atalantos region. As the War Scribes mapped out the Core's often treacherous Warp currents, they found themselves returning over and over to the unassuming Foldham system. There, a multitude of Immaterium ripples converged, creating a sort of natural harbor where Imperial ships might make port. Some long ago catastrophe has stripped the Foldham system of any large planets it might have contained, leaving the yellow dwarf star with only a handful of small rocky bodies to call children. Of these, only Foldham VII is large enough to naturally support human life. 

As the Atalantos Worlds expanded into maturity, Foldham took on new importance. Much of the Core is isolated by vast Warp Storms and radiation belts churned up by the tumultuous stars, and Foldham sits astride many of the safest entryways. Seven major Warp routes run within easy travel of Foldham, leading deep within the Galactic Core. Accordingly, the otherwise unremarkable system entered a gold rush of Imperial trade from which it still benefits to this day. Vast numbers of immigrants flooded in, looking to take their cut of the Atalantos Worlds' torrential streams of mineral wealth. And the most cutthroat, brutal, clever and aggressive among them rose to the top with frightening speed. 

Though the remaining 6 Foldham planets were naturally barren, desperate settlers staked their territory nevertheless. Hab-domes rose into airless skies, and endless tunnel-warrens snaked their way below primordial stone. Each of Foldham's planets became host to an entire human ecosystem, and upon each grew capital cities flush with Imperial Thrones for the spending. Families grew from individual success. Before many years had passed, a nouveau riche oligarchy dominated the Foldham system, seven clans ruling a planet each. But only one of those cartels rested contentedly. Only those who ruled Foldham VII could truly say they ruled a planet, the others ground their teeth in envy staring at its green and blue colors. 

When the Heresy brought turmoil to the entire Imperial Galaxy, matters likewise came to a crescendo on Foldham. As soon as Arelex's watchful eye turned towards Terra, savage inter-clan warfare threatened to destroy Foldham and countless millions lost their lives a the behest of greedy masters. Unfortunately for the families, their pent-up rage blinded them to greater responsibilities. By throwing Foldham into war, they put a tight squeeze on the War Scribes' supply lines and became a maximum Legion priority. Less than six months into their conflict, 7,000 Legionnaires made planetfall across the system, slaughtering anyone in their path as they took the Hive Spires back under control.

Within weeks, Foldham burned to the ground. The War Scribes showed none of the mercy they might have extended in gentler times, for their hand was forced and time drew critically short. Virtually every member of the ruling houses was summarily executed, and one in every three citizens that survived their civil war lost their lives during the Scribes' subsequent intervention. Martial law was imposed with terrifying brutality. It took less than a month before war materiel flowed freely once more. When the Legionnaires broke orbit to rejoin the war against Hektor, they left a promise behind. If any man, woman, child or animal threatened the trade route again, the Scribes would burn the planets to ash, slaughter every living being in the Hives, and rebuild with new immigration. For the remainder of the Heresy, not a whisper of rebellion was heard. 

After the Heresy ground to its inexorable conclusion, the remaining Foldham elites once again extended their influence. Twice, they tested the Scribes' resolve by fomenting revolts and hiding in the shadows. With no proof of the families' involvement, the Scribes merely crushed the rebel peasantry and withdrew deeper into the Core. It was clear that the Legion, soon to be Chapter, was exhausted. Under most circumstances, what followed would have been unthinkable, but the tradesmen had chosen their time flawlessly and struck without remorse. 

They presented the War Scribes with a treaty of "loyalty", stipulating that so long as all tithes were met and resource throughput maintained, that the Foldham System was effectively beholden to none but itself. They would see to their own internal affairs, they would raise their own armies, and if they so chose could even wage war against one another in-system. Many other Atalantos Worlds were in support of this treaty, for without Foldham's approval they could not barter for vital resources. In ancient times as in the modern era, a hydraulic empire held vast strength over its vassals, and this is exactly what the merchant lords sought to obtain. Foldham would be an enclave within an enclave, an autonomous region inside the Atalantos Worlds sitting atop half a dozen vital trade lines. Their tactics were perfect. Their support, ironclad. Their advantages, unmistakable and potent. The time was ripe. 

But the oligarchy forgot one thing. Above all else the War Scribes hated traitors, and never more so than having trod the ruins of Holy Terra a handful of months before. That these petty wretches dared to antagonize the Legion during their mourning time was beyond obscene. Critically low on munitions, the Marines struck at the hives with tooth and nail, fist and improvised hand weapon. It was a sobering reminder of just what exactly a Marine was capable of even without bolter or chainsword. 2,000 Marines lost their lives in Foldham, but the battle was won nevertheless. 

The hives burned. And new masters sought to ascend the charred thrones. But this time, the masses spoke out. They demanded democratic elections, and an end to the suffering imposed from above. Many times now they suffered the lash of madmen and tyrants, and it could be borne no longer. And the Scribes agreed. Perhaps control could be more easily achieved from below. A ruler was elected for each planet, chosen according to the people's will. One Legionnaire stood watch behind each throne in perpetuity, tithed from the Chapter in order to keep things orderly. It fell to this Marine to ensure that corruption never took hold again. None were permitted to hold firearms or blades in the new Grand Council chambers on Foldham VII, save for these seven Marines. At a word, they could legally decapitate any coup attempts. 

As time passed, the people grew more comfortable with self-rule. By holding regular elections, the tribal nature of Foldham slowly ebbed away, replaced with a more nationalist attitude. Immigration was encouraged, and the seven planets entered commercial agreements with one another as often as they traded with the larger Imperium, further diluting the old cabals. But corruption is ever vigilant for opportunities. This time it came in the form of greedy bankers siphoning colossal funds into their own pockets. Flush with cash, they exerted such undue influence on the people that they had become kings in everything but name. When the Administratum investigated the embezzlement, Foldham erupted into rebellion once more. 

This time, the war was fought largely in space. Huge mercenary fleets clashed with Imperial Navy cruisers, and both sides received a beating. Privateers roamed across the Atalantos worlds, looting and pillaging as they went and distracting the War Scribes with assaults from every angle. Inexorably the War Scribes' vast fleet mobilized and the noose tightened, though final victory required nearly three long years of war. 

Petty tyrants became Foldham's downfall. The people could not rule themselves. And the merchants could not choose wise kings. What was to be done? Foldham fought three separate conflicts with the Imperium in less than one hundred years, the system was a cauldron of instability. Privately, the Scribes suspected Chaotic influence from the many Warp lanes running so nearby, but nothing could be done about that. Ultimately, the decision rested with the Chapter Master, who chose a decidedly unusual approach. 

Across the Atalantos Worlds, dozens of Rogue Traders sought wealth and fame in every nook and cranny of the Galactic Core. Not all of them were particularly noble individuals, but on the whole they had proven their loyalty to the War Scribes' satisfaction. Indeed, many of their siblings had become Marines themselves. Seven of the most deserving Trader Houses were rewarded with governorship of one of the Foldham planets, valuable commodities for anyone seeking influence beyond Atalantos. To ensure their loyalty, the War Scribes would hold many of their family members as Chapter Serfs aboard the fleet. They would be treated well, but they would be hostages nonetheless. Should the Traders rebel, they could count on their precious lineage being scoured from the stars. 

Though relations have become strained from time to time, this system has endured the passage of millennia well. The Seven Kings rule from a distance, and gain considerable advantage over other Rogue Traders by virtue of a well-fortified home base and the direct support of a First Founding Chapter. In turn, the War Scribes have eyes and ears across the Imperium, a well-managed import-export hub, and a ready-made merchant fleet that can be conscripted at need.