The last thing I wanted to be doing was go to this backwater island. Apparently something the Catkin had was worth protecting but I feel like the Senate is greedy chasing something not worth it. This is the current state of Aetherian politics, doing what idiots who have never left the capital want. Well maybe I can find a new play toy while out here at least.

“My lord, Catkin Island will be visible within the hour.” Declared a rank and file Knight of Aetherium Invicta. I let out an exaggerated sigh.

“I said to tell me when we are almost there within the hour isn’t really almost there.” I said and arose. My armor clanked as I stood. The fool was doing his best to mount together an apology but I waved him to silence and left the room. I might as well make my way back to the bridge of the ship. Going from my chambers to the bridge took longer than I would have liked. There were many sharp turns down the halls filled with an annoying no hissing hum of the mana core firing. I was told this was to keep passengers safe in case the core had a meltdown. Every few feet there the metal was reinforced and you could not go far until you passed an open doorway that would be close with health metal doors to seal off segments of the ship if needed. I don’t think it was worth the extra seconds of walking personally to protect those who were too slow to evacuate if need be.

I arrived at another of those doors. This one was reinforced more than the others with two guards posted outside. The guards had on black armor similar to mine with no colorings of rank, the overlapping plates resembled dragon scales to remind everyone where we were powerful and why this ship could fly. Both guards saluted and the door opened adding more hissing noise to the air as it did. I walked through and the hissing continued until the door slammed down again.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“Lord Caedus, thank you for joining us so quickly.” The captain of the ship said, turning to salute me. He wore similar black armor with white trim signifying him as the capitan. The room was a glow of a white light from the consoles in front of those controlling the many parts of the ship.

“Oh you need me?” I said with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes I sent the ensign to come find you.” The captain said with some concern in his voice. You know I don’t think I bothered to ever learn his name. Well anyway it seems like there was a reason to summon me early. Guess I was a little mean to the other guy, oh well.

“Get to know what's going on.” I ordered, I doubt there could be anything exciting enough to catch my attention here.

“As you know we are coming to escort food from the Nyathan Kingdom…”

“No no, they are not a kingdom, they are a territory.” I interrupted to correct the capitan. We have given clear directions to no longer refer to Catkin as if they have any autonomy.

“Sorry sir yes the Nyathan territory is bringing their fall harvest to port much of which Aether could use as winter approaches.” The captain said, trying to keep my attention. I walked across the metal floor to pour myself a glass of Aetherian whiskey. I then turned back to look at a map being projected in 3D on a table. Our ship was replicated rather well, even capturing the observation windows on the side of the ship. The tiny caravan of the Catkin was always show and some green blobs seemed to be moving toward them.

“Orcs my lords. I know we are supposed to escort the shipment when it arrives at the port but I don’t think we can wait. I fear the Catkin will be outnumbered with a size of this force approaching them.” The captain pleaded. I smirked so that was why we were here.

“Looks like we will get to have some fun, captain!” I said and downed the rest of the glass. “Double time getting to that caravan!” I said and the captain quickly saluted bringing his right hand down on his chest, mimicking as if he was stabbing his heart.

“As the Emperor wills!” The captain said and went to work barking orders at his crew. I walked up to the 3D projection going close enough to count the caravan wagons. It was time to show the Catkin why they are better off as our pets.