Eh, no? They just attacked a mercenary and ignored an order from a commander of a separate branch of the military. They committed an illegal criminal act and maybe resisted arrest, but that's not treason.
The only possible explanation I can think of is that they were in a situation where they'd all die either way so might as well fight till the end and go down in a blaze of glory.
Families being effectively held hostage?
Also, this is using a feudal system. Despite being an army of "the nation", technically they belong to the balthazar's faction and serena faction are probably separate. Unless Serena's house is a direct superior in the faction which balthazar belongs in, there should be no reason to obey Serena.
Being caught accepting bribes is incriminating on its own.
Well, it's not like they wanted to pick a fight with Serena, but more like if they managed to destroy Hiro's ship they could just surrender and hopefully survive. We don't know why they are soing it in the first place so probably if being blackmailed like "we got your family, do as we say or say bye bye" then it's no wonder... but the question is how big of blackmail material you need to have for a fleet of, obsolete but still nonetheless, imperial fleet do as you say.
Was curious myself, so started rereading. They get to space at the end of 88.
Thank you
