The Heretics are a Pirate and Raiding band living in the fringes of the 'Continuum, in an area known as Heretic Space, where they reside in their dangerous ships striking at passing vessels and sending out raiding parties. Despite the Commonwealth's conscientious efforts to eradicate pirates in all regions of he 'continuum, only the major shipping lanes remain safe and clear from pirates. The Merceneries and Smugglers of the Moonplex on Mars' moon Deimos have an agreement with the Heretics, resupplying them for a cut of the 'profits' made from raids.