> Negotiating with him was like dancing with an inferno. His power affected me in ways I did not imagine, and even with the Myrmidón close, I still wonder if perhaps I didn’t act in a way that defied all reason. We had no concept of what he would become at that point, of course. We merely thought salvation for House Leos had been dropped in our laps. I saw the chance to save my family, and I took it without hesitation. Perhaps it was the selfish choice, but I don’t care. It was my duty, and I did it gladly.

Arthur took a moment to collect his thoughts before answering.

“I was never a Champion,” he began with complete sincerity. “I was trained by someone of a similar caliber—” also completely sincere, if not in the way they expected “—and benefited from those lessons, but I have never officially been part of the Star Kingdom’s forces.”

Atreus’ expression had become a frown when Arthur had denied the tall Myrmidón’s assertions, and the glance he gave Cassandra showed that as expected, his residual contact with Arthur’s mind had likely allowed the Myrmidón to discern that there was complete truth in the answers provided.

Even if that truth only existed for wildly more deceptive reasons.

“That is unexpected.” Cassandra admitted. “We had thought you a renegade or exile in over your head, but directly asking a Fringe nation about their most elite forces’ internal politics is courting trouble no one in the Ascendancy wants or needs.”

“It does raise even more mysteries, though at this point I believe we are erring between caution and paranoia.” Atreus said brusquely. “My delve was neither resisted nor defended against, and I have satisfied my immediate need for certainty. I officially declare you clear of immediate suspicion, Arthur Magellan.”

Arthur relaxed into his chair at the Myrmidón’s words, and let out a sigh of relief.

“Does that mean we can begin talking about remuneration?” he half-joked while sitting back in his chair and attempting to relax.

Perseus and Endymion had been entirely silent through the entire affair, though he assumed that to be a matter of station more than anything else.

Atreus, he suspected, outranked both Kidemónes by a small but notable margin.

“Almost.” Cassandra said with a smile that seemed equal parts rueful and bemused. “First however, there is the matter of your psion count.”

Arthur raised his eyebrows at her words and glanced from the Admiral to the Myrmidón. “I had thought that explained, Admiral.” he said carefully.

“The circumstances, certainly, if not the origins. It is impolitic to ask after the biological history of a person absent just cause, however, and I have a feeling that there are truths there that none of us will feel comfortable airing.”

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She was likely suspecting him of being the bastard child of a very powerful member of Aurelian nobility, which is exactly what Arthur would have guessed. While she was wrong, she was closer than he wanted to admit, and it was better to let her believe whatever she wished instead of correcting her.

After all, the truth would only serve to complicate matters even further.

“The simple reality, Magellan—” Atreus’ lack of honorifics was strangely relaxing to Arthur, if for no other reason than the fact it elucidated on how bluntly honest the Myrmidón was “—is that you are now simply too valuable to be treated as another contractor. We have also noticed that despite your now partially confirmed skills, you are ostensibly without an Eidolon of your own.”

Ah. There it was. The missing piece that all the Graecians were likely curious about.

What manner of successful Knight-Errant didn’t own a personal Eidolon?

“About that. Regretfully I—”

“Let me stop you there, Arthur.” Cassandra cut in firmly. “To be candid, and despite the fact it may be an entirely innocent tale; I believe that not knowing the reason a pilot of your caliber is bereft of an Eidolon to be in the best interests of the Ascendancy, and my own. What we do not know, we need not lie about when making denials.”

Arthur paused and then nodded with understanding. It was a sensible approach, and when combined with the fact it saved him some very carefully worded truths; Arthur was not about to look the proverbial gift horse in the mouth.

“I take it this is going to be a bit of a different contract than the usual Freelancer fare?” he asked her with a half-smile.

“Yes.” Cassandra said with a dazzling smile of her own. “While most Knight-Errants are contracted for the span of two Solar years by the nations that retain them to fight on their behalf, it is rare that those Knight-Errants feel any true measure of loyalty or belonging to those nations.”

Knight-Errants. It was a colloquialism for Eidolon-piloting Freelancers, hearkening back to adventuring Knights in legends and tales from Terra. It was a universally accepted term, though often spoken in different names by different stellar cultures. With English being the ‘common’ language of human space, however; it made for an easily understood term.

“As such…” Cassandra continued. “With Lord Atreus’ blessing and under my own authority, I would like to make you two offers.”

The Yponávarchos lifted her hand and Arthur’s omni-comp vibrated against his wrist. He glanced at it and then back to Cassandra, and she nodded for him to proceed.

The requirements of basic social courtesy met, Arthur casually flicked his wrist and tapped the black band of metal to activate the two dimensional projected screen. A tap of perplexingly empty-solid digital projection later, and he navigated to his mailbox. Within he found and opened two contracts, which he immediately began reading.

“The first contract is a standard fare; two Solar years’ exclusive operation as part of the Ascendancy Royal Navy’s Eidolon Corps, with a standard retainer and bonuses per enemy defeated and battle won.”

“Contingent on participation, I take it?” Arthur asked with an upward glance.

“Of course.” Cassandra confirmed with another smile.