<‘of the Void’: You resonate with the energies of destruction and disorder. Void energies that originate from you cannot harm you.
<‘Progenitor’: You were designated and took it to heart to help your race. All actions taken to benefit Humanity (specified due to race change) come with the ease and accuracy of being five steps higher in skill.
<‘Tyrant’: You were not gifted rule, you created it and defend it by force. Acts of intimidation, control, or wealth are more persuasive and receive less negative feedback from your ruled populace.
<‘Empress of Humanity’: You are a fixture in the annals of Human History and a public figure known to the Matrix’s Users. Outside influences naturally seek you out, and recognize your authority over Human Users.
<‘Fae Queen’: You have become a creature of Legend. Your aetheric and ethereal nature is more apparent, and your command of Elemental aether comes with the ease and accuracy of being five steps higher in skill.
<‘Annihilator’: You have discovered and harnessed a chaotic and bi-polar force in the Universe and lived through the experience. You gain access to the forces and components of Annihilation as a subset of Void attuned spells.
<‘Aether Forged’: Through effort, determination, and luck you have survived the onslaught of a fundamental form of energy and emerged stronger. Your resistance to damage and pain is doubled.
<‘of the Matrix’: You have made conscious, continuous effort to benefit the Matrix and the Supercluster at large. Users will assume your actions are made in good faith. Most transportation taxes are eliminated (Actions made for War not included).
Andromeda’s bounty, titles are amazing.
//Query: Using Multiple Titles.
//Response: Users can qualify for an unlimited number of titles during their life span. A single title may be applied per user and can be changed once per mark. Rare users that have achieved tier 5 can qualify to enable companion titles as a tribute and acknowledgement for their excellence.
Well, Empress gotta have goals right?
Alright Tessa, I request your advice in these matters. My short list is: Annihilator, of the Void, of the Matrix, and Aether Forged.”
Interesting, I would have thought Fae Queen would be on that list, and oddly enough Tyrant would be the most useful in your current state.
Ugh, I know, but ‘tyrant’ has such a stigma in modern times. No one looks at it through an ancient Greek lens. And if I could combine Fae Queen with my void synergy I would have snapped picked that in a heartbeat.
My opinion is that Annihilation would only be worth it paired with ‘of the Void’, and Aether Forged would largely be more danger than it’s worth as aether forged beasts are a menace and you are no longer Human.
BAH! I really like the idea of Fae Queen Penny Astoria of the Void and Annihilator Penny Astoria of the Void. But if I can’t be doubly selfish, I may as well be a little selfish and community minded. I select ‘of the Matrix’.
“Holy shit. Is this what crusaders felt like? Hearing a voice in your head telling you to go break shit for God?”
Robbins looks up at me with a question in his eyes, but I shake my head in response.
Tessa. Did I just enlist as an agent of change? Did I just get duped?
Penny, no reason to spin up the anxiety engine over this. We already know the Matrix favors you. Your class seems specifically made for you, and the title, well, there may be a whiff of agenda behind it, but does it really matter? Will you change your behavior because of it.
I just don’t like the feeling of being used to benefit others.
I read the notifications and felt they leaned more toward the ‘benefit from where you’re already headed’ type of alliance.
Oh, okay. I can get onboard with a ride-share. I like that color of glass much better than mine.
“Admiral,” Robbins says from below me. “Foreign Affairs is asking about Governors discussing partnerships with foreigners.”
“Oh, as Finance has likely already weighed in, primary contracts with non-empire entities will be handled by the Consul of Finance. However, if a hunting range contract like we are developing with the Navoli needs local support for their contract, such as a butcher or a smoker, or a continuous delivery of salt, then those support contracts can be locally negotiated and do not need imperial oversight as long as those contracts work within the imperial contract.
“Additional thoughts Consuls?”
“We must be mindful that contracts with races with other customs are flexible so as not to offend.” Foreign Affairs reminds us.
“We must also remember that these races are accustomed to dealing with financial arrangements with differing cultures and be wary of being taken advantage of.”
“Gentlemen, let’s remember the lessons of old-timey space-faring shows: Just by meeting with others and knowing their customs will be different allows us to better treat with them and talk peaceably. Furthermore, we should approach every deal appreciating that folks are here to benefit, but by and large not to thieve—until proven otherwise. But if someone is dishonest with us? Take them to task.” I see frowns on their faces.
“Yes, gentlemen, I know you could have come to that conclusion yourselves, but thank you for asking.”
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Government thoughts. I send Naomi some ideas and tenants of additional laws I would like to enact, specificity on the Code and direct interpretation ala US Federal laws based in the construct of the Constitution. Annual Astorian forum for major policy and budget review. Setting up a court framework: Gubernatorial Jurisdiction, Federal, and Petition the Empress. Of course, Federal is a simplification of what is needed, but Court of appeals, Criminal and Civil court, and Case-related Law review are the areas I think should be separated, but I’ll talk to actual legal people before writing any of that down. Petition the Empress is an idea I don’t think I should include at all, but there will always be someone that disagrees with a ruling that thinks a higher authority will see it differently. Some of the Governors are testing those waters already, sending me messages if they’ve gotten an answer from a Consul that didn’t sit right.
Hours drone on in this way: periods of me noting areas that need fleshing out in notes to Naomi and Forum members sneaking in a chance to ask my opinion on something. Much of the time I would refer them to a Consul and be done with it.
I give Naomi instructions on the lunch budget for the next two days and to tell the Forum members that lunch was on me, within reason; and that I had pressing matters to attend to in the afternoon. She said she would join us again at the Junior Rocketry exhibition.
Then, because I don’t have to worry about transport tax anymore, I start walking down the Parkway, through the park. It’s peaceful and Robbins maintains a respectful distance as I just wander down the lane, sending notes to Grant and Solari about keeping the peace in the Forum and moving my shuttle to Aelea when Solari wakes.
“Do you have a preference or lunch Corporal?” I turn to ask the man.
“N-no Admiral. I usually just eat rations.” He says, not finding the courage to look at me, or ask for something. Man, this reputation is an odd thing, probably weirder for people now that I’m four inches shorter.
“Let us see if there is a tavern where I can get a burger and a beer.” I look it up and sure enough, Capitol City Tavern has a well-reviewed burger and a respectable tap list.
We walk in to see a busy restaurant with a cute kid working as a greeter in a black polo and slacks. She doesn’t recognize me, but nobody should at this point. I ask to be seated at the bar and the greeter looks at Robbins for confirmation, which he gives, and she points to the center area covered in screens.
I scan the offered content and see sporting events from around the Supercluster with a variety of games Humans would be hard-pressed to play for anatomical reasons. I nod my respect in sticking with a sports theme when I see Hurling still being televised from Earth. Wicked game that.
“Oye, love, I’m gonna have to see some ID.” The lanky man behind the bar demands.
“Robbins, do you have an ID? Who even issues them?” He nods and shows me his ID. Astorian system ID? What in pink blazes is this?
“Ah, not Aelean then, I ‘ave a tool for that, iff’n you don’t mind?”
“I mind that Aelea is printing IDs with the guise of ‘Astoria’ authority, but go ahead and scan me.”
He quirks an eyebrow at my odd frustration, but nods and fetches a device that looks like an old-timey magnifying glass.
“Astoria’s crooked nipple, you’re the Empress.” The man slowly lowers the glass as his surprise progresses toward comical.
“It’s not crooked anymore, and yes I am. Just here for a burger and a beer, lad, can you help me out?” I keep the teeth out of my smile in hopes the request will get him moving.
“Wah? Oh! Yes ma’am.” He starts moving and mumbling to himself in a chastising tone.
He runs over my burger and meat options and hands me a beer list. I see there’s a section of aether beers and just tell the man to start at the top of the list and work our way down. I pick a voosel and khedda burger, apparently the closest to an Earth burger, and wait patiently.
Within twenty minutes we get our food and I’m on my second beer, which have not been as fruity as I like, and Robbins has finally started to relax. He got the fish and chips, which apparently come from local marine life from the Cotton Sea. Some goon named it that after seeing the sea-weed of the local’s flowers that look like floating white puff balls. Its honestly a little embarrassing the things I don’t know about the planets I rule.
Hopefully all of this planning and hiring will let me learn more and get free time that isn’t just when other people are sleeping. Is it weird that I miss my lazy river? I generally enjoy being at my Suite, grazing the gardens when I want a snack, and that’s only a small portion of the gardens I have access to on my 8-floor penthouse in my ridiculously large garden castle.
I ask the bartender what’s the largest to-go potato wedge order I could make and he has to go fetch the owner. He asks me if I want just a tray full of fries or like a dozen snack samplers. My eyes light up at snack samplers and say yes to the second one, but separated by snack please.
Robbins and I leave with three sacks of snacks each and both the owner and I are smiling after exchanging 5 credits for the bounty.
I can’t resist trying the snacks as we walk—they smell too dang good.
“Admiral, don’t you worry about your image?” Robbins asks after glancing my way.
“I think about it from time to time, but right now, nobody is looking at me and seeing the Empress. Unless I make a spectacle of myself, I don’t see that changing for at least a few days. Even then, why shouldn’t I get to behave as I will, as long as I’m not hurting anyone? I put my Empress pants on when I have to, and put on my EVA when it’s time to go to war. Oh! Speaking of, I’ll be in menus for a few minutes, don’t let me crash into anything.”
He chuckles at the last part, “Aye ma’am.”
I message the company that made my T-2 suit about getting this one resized, or if it would make sense to send it in for recycle and to order a new one. I don’t personally need anything more robust than T-2, but if I do get a recommendation for a trade-in, then it would be fun to shop some options. Hmm, I should do some tests on needing to breath before that as eliminating the HAB requirement would definitely lower the space requirements and aether load.
Robbins leads me to the Marksmanship course—set up on the same land as the race course—with no injuries. There is no where for people to sit, again, so I summon the bleachers, but this time I build a bridge between the bleachers, about two thirds of the way up, and set some tables and chairs and a beverage console. It takes us about thirty minutes to finish the bridge platform and setting out the snacks and just in time for the rest of my team to arrive.
“Admiral, you are easily the coolest boss I’ve ever had.” Solari says, walks up and pauses before taking food. I nod and she starts filling a plate full of snacks.
“Certainly the most food oriented.” Speth comments, arriving just behind.
/Admiral, DE Sergeant Camacho, do you have a minute?/
/As current head of a security detail? Yes. As Marine Sergeant Camacho? Send it through your unit commander./
/Ah. I’ve given the reins over to First Class Speth, he’ll brief you on the details. By your leave, Admiral./
/Be well Sergeant./
“Speth, once you get a plate, I would like a moment of your time.” He sees that I’m sitting at a table alone while the rest talk around the food spread. He thoughtfully picks up a tray and puts a few plates on it to bring over.
“How can I help, Admiral?”
I craft a privacy shield that allows severely dampened air to permeate the membrane, but almost nil on vibration and sound.
“I hear you’re in charge now.”
“Yeeahh, I’ll be honest, ma’am, I don’t love that I have the opportunity in the first place, but I do understand. That said, I can manage this detail for another two days.” His features are tight, reserved as though he’s hiding something.
“Does she intend to remain with the Corpse?”
“She wanted to talk to you about this, but seeing as how you’re asking that didn’t happen.”
“She ignored her chance to walk away from this detail, no questions asked. This time I have questions. But, I see that this may not be the best way to address my questions. I’ll talk with her Commander and hash it out.”
“Thank you ma’am. I really don’t want to be in the middle of this more than I have to be.”
I take down the privacy shield and we just sit, snacking and saying nothing for a few minutes.
“Is a rotation for the next two days already figured out?” I ask, chomping on a cheesy pretzel.
“Mhm.” Speth swallows what he was chewing on before answering, “We’re not going to guard you while you’re in the Castle. We’d like to have one of the lower apartments for our overnight use so that our now reduced team can be out during the day, instead of at half strength. Solari has volunteered to overnight at the Castle and take the morning rotation. Robbins and Grant will see to the Forum, and I will trade-off with Solari at your first event after breakfast.”
“Sounds reasonable, First Class Speth. Thanks for taking this responsibility.”
He looks as though he might have more to say but thought better of it and shoved more food into his mouth instead. Good man, if only more of us had that kind of restraint.