Well.

This was new at least.

I've never had to quell a riot before.

There were easily hundreds of people here, and it was practically a brawl. I saw what looked like to be more security people, Mariens and Aviens and some Azurians on the edge of things, trying to get a handle on what was going on. Chairs from nearly restaurants had been taken and broken into clubs, and there was shouting and smoke and the sound of of flesh on feather on bone. Wait, why was there smoke?

"Ava, Um'reli was there a fire here? I saw and smelled smoke."

"Um, one moment Melody.... Yes, there was a report of a fire, but there's also this warning - it said something like Fire Suppression Offline, local assistance was needed." Sounds like we had some kind of Starbase wide fire suppression system but it doesn't work anymore."

All the Builder controlled parts of this place were broken. What was going on here? Was it on purpose or did they just fail because nobody was around to maintain them? "See if you could get it back online. It doesn't have to work forever; just see if we can knock down the smoke. Turn the air scrubbers and air cycling too here, I don't want people getting ill from the smoke."

"On it, Melody." Um'reli was checking into it while Ava was helping with an overview of the area. It's a wide open area, kind of like the promenade on the lower level, but this area was... nicer? It had parks and gardens! We needed to come up here more often. Why was it so drab down closer to the docks. Well, it's nicer when a riot wasn't going on I mean.

Sigh. Fine. Let's stop the riot and figure out what was going on. I took a moment and concentrated, and my crown and wings sprang into existence. In fact, let's make those wings bigger and brighter. I was going to need to be seen and heard. I connected to the Starbase, located the local public address system - I mentally waved to Um'reli and Ava as I went by - and then...

S̴̨̲̗̥̯̯̩̤͒̎̔̽͊̐̚ṫ̸̝̱͈̙̆͋̌o̴͎͗̌̿̀̍̏̿̚͝p̸͚̐̀̕ ̶̯̌̈́f̵̤͙̪̖̗͖̳̼̺̐̏̊̒͒̈́̀̚̚i̵̡͈̼̱̭̼̻͖̳͋͒̄̊̾͌g̵͚͐͆̀͂͑̌h̶̛̤͙̆̋̍̄͑̓͠t̶̘̖̪͒́i̴̢̞̜̠̠͋n̷̛̪͚͙̞͚͒̀̃̔͂͊̊g̶̢̡̠͍̥̙̹̼̓̃͗ͅ!̶̨̥͎̄͘͝

I swear, it never got old. As if I pressed pause on a video, everyone immediately stopped. I put some work into my command this time, I specified fighting so that they could still move and breathe, but sure enough, everyone stopped.

I put a little extra oomph into my presentation and towered over everyone. They turned towards me, fearful and I had their attention. "Now then. What is going on here. Why are you fighting."

Everyone started talking all at once.

"-They started it when-"

"Those liars said that the Empress wasn't-"

"-There wasn't enough food for-"

Wait that one. What was that about food?

"Cease your chatter. You." I pointed, "What was that about food?" I pointed to the Azurian close to me who mentioned food when they were all talking at once.

"Empress, the results of the last two harvests had been 15 and 20 percent lower than in previous seasons. The population here wasn't dropping either. If this kept up, the garden planetoid won't be able to support us!"

Okay that was serious, but it wasn't like 'drop everything and have a riot' serious - at least not at the numbers they gave me. What else was going on?

"Thank you, it's important to learn this. Please come to the Throne later and explain to me in more detail about your concerns. That's not really enough to have a riot though, is it?"

"Oh the riot? No, that's not about the food supply. It's about them-" They pointed across the plaza "-not believing that you're holy."

...Oh.

One of them, a Aviens, shouted from across the area "You're just someone who showed up here! You're not holy at all!"

On this side of the plaza the crowd hissed and cursed.

Well hold up now. I never said I was holy, they just... decided.

You did elevate Rain to bishop during that presentation yesterday. I wonder if they're going around causing trouble in your name.

Hmm.

I walked out across the plaza to the other side, and strode right up to the Aviens who yelled that I wasn't holy. "Was Smell of Soil After Rain coming around, giving you a hard time?"

The Aviens visibly crumbled. "They said that my family would be forgotten if I didn't attend services. That you ordered it. They said they'd... remove my children from school."

What.

"What? No. Absolutely not. I am Empress, I don't need to be your God too. So long as you recognize me as Empress and Builder that's enough. Worship the way you please, or don't worship at all. Atheism is not forbidden."

I turned back to the crowd. "I will not punish those who choose not to worship me! So long as you accept that I am Empress, that I rule here, that's enough. Nobody here has to also worship me. I will... speak to my Bishop about their... enthusiasm. Nobody here will be compelled to worship. So please. Return to your homes after you assist the security forces here in cleanup."

Everyone looked around at each other, then back at me, still with crown and glowing wings, then back at each other and they started picking up litter and broken pieces of chair. I turned back to the Aviens who I was talking to, put away my wings and crown and bent down gently to speak just to them. "Just for your own information - and if pressed by anyone else I will deny it forever - you're right. I'm just a person who did something stupid, and now I'm Empress. My name is Melody, I like coffee and computer systems and being able to have time alone to read."

They blinked in surprise. This was completely unexpected for them. "Uh, hi Melody, my name is Roar of Thunder and I worked in an office building down on the docking level. I'm not entirely sure what our job was, but it's not difficult work. I enjoy cooking during my free time."

I stood back up. "It's wonderful to meet you Roar of Thunder. I love your name too." I looked around, as people continued cleaning up. "Tell you what Thunder. Come up to the Throne tomorrow. I bet we can find a more... stimulating job for you with us."

"That's... that's a wonderful opportunity Empress. I will be there tomorrow.

I spent a few minutes helping to clean up the riot. I mean, why not, I was there already, everyone would love it, and it was something to do. In the meantime Ava and Um'reli seemed to get the fire supression going enough to fog some water over the smokier parts of the plaza and soon enough the smoke had dissipated and things were - if not clean - then at least cleaner. I gave my thanks and as I got up to leave, one of the Mariens in the security coloration approached me.

"Empress, thank you for coming up. We didn't even get to report back to headquarters that a riot had broken out yet, how did you know?"

This time I grinned impishly. "This is just one of the things that can happen now that the Builders are back. We have eyes and ears all over and can assist quickly when needed. If you'll notice, we even got the fire suppression foggers going in this sector. Hopefully soon we can get them operating everywhere again."

The Mariens looked out at the scene and then back at me and saluted sharply, then bowed. "I am known as Kilad, Empress. I know my supervisor would love to thank you personally."

Ah wonderful! I was hoping to go see more of the security forces. What a nice coincidence. "Please lead the way Kilad. I would love to meet them."

Kilad walked me across the plaza and through a park. There were trees and greenery, but naturally, I didn't recognize any of the plants. They're very dark green and fragrant. I wondered if they originated on a planet that had a dimmer star than Earth. Less light might cause them to evolve darker coloration to squeeze every drop of energy out of a weaker star.

We walked through the park and came out in another plaza, just like the one near the train station. At the far end of this one was another large, original looking building made out of the same stone as the Starbase and Administration offices. Clearly some of the institutions here were original - or the buildings were and they have been repurposed. Kilad opened the door and I followed. Inside was a bustle of activity. Mariens, Aviens, and all the others were here. The Mariens were all colored the bright yellow of security while those without chromatophores were wearing smart yellow uniforms. Kilad walked up to a low desk in the back of the atrium. There was an Azurian sitting there in a yellow uniform with silver piping along the top. They must be the supervisor. Kilad saluted the Azurian and gave a report. "Kilad, returning from the suspected riot near the hub station. Suspicions were confirmed, it was a riot between people arguing about the holiness - or not - of the Empress. Luckily the Empress herself showed up to quell the riot and explained that while people can worship her if so desired nobody would be forced to. She also explained that she will speak to her new Biship, The Smell of Soil After Rain about his proselytizing and ask him to tone it down." Kilad gestures behind themselves to me. "Additionally, the Empress herself is here, she'd like to speak to you."

At that, the Azurian looked behind Kilad and nodded. I love how it seemed like every single Azurian doesn't really care that I'm the Empress. It's refreshing. "Empress." They nodded again. "Thank you for your assistance, and for the official confirmation that nobody is required to worship you."

"It's quite all right. I'm glad to be able to get the word out that worship is not compulsory. Everyone is free to worship - or not worship - however they see fit. Can you explain to me what the role of your forces is here? It doesn't have to be a whole history, just the basics."

"Yes, Empress. We are the Security force on Reach of the Might of Vzzx" He pronounced Vzzx with a pop on the end. "This station is 100 people, and there were at least a dozen more across the whole of the Reach. We mostly help settle small disputes, assist with investigating petty crime and quell the occasional riot. For the most part, the residents of the Reach are relatively calm and open to working together. There is friction here and there, same as with anywhere, and with living spaces so tight conflict can break out. But, there was a strong sense of collaboration and community here too. You probably saw people cleaning up the riot they caused after it was quelled. That's not because you were there, that's a normal occurrence"

Wow, I was impressed at the cohesion here. "Do you know any history? Do you know the role of your forces when they Builders were here in force?"

They indicated no, and seemed a little sad about it. "Few records exist from then. When I was young, I asked some of the oldest staff here and they made it sound like things were much the same back then as now. It was probably different in that there were Builders able to detect and react to things sooner - like you and your Builders did today - but I imagine the day to day operations were much the same then as now."

"Thank you for the history lesson. What's your name?"

"I am Commander Sep."

"Thank you again Sep!" I inclined my head slightly and walked out. I do wonder if I was being too casual with everyone for a moment, but really this was who I am, how I wanted to rule. I heard Far Reach's words and I'm reminded that she thought I was changing. That's not what I wanted to happen. I was going to keep on walking around and talking to people and trying to learn as much about my new home as I can. My new home. That's what the Reach was. And I was here to protect it and its residents. I spent the evening here visiting shops, talking to people, trying to learn as much as I could. It turned out most everyone here went down to the Throne this morning, so people were open later today to allow folks who missed their morning shopping to be able to get things.

I stopped by a restaurant that looked nice and got dinner by myself. After I shooed away the entire staff who was practically falling over themselves to be the one who took care of me and gently remind them they have other patrons who also need help, I enjoyed my meal and even tried out some of the tea that everyone here seems to drink. It was no coffee, but it's pleasant in its own way; It's hot and sweet and herbal and smelled slightly of anise. I should see if I could get more to bring back. I think Um'reli might like it. After dinner, I strolled slowly back towards the train and connected to the Reach and looked for Ava and Um'reli. "Ava, Um'reli, where are you?"

"We're back at the Royal Dawn. Where are you Melody, it's so late!"

Is it? Hmm, I should figure out the timekeeping here. It's hard to believe it's only been a few days since I left Far Reach, I was probably still on ship's time.

"Oh, after the brawl, I went and met the Security forces up here, and then I walked around talking to people, and got a nice dinner. Um'reli you have got to try this tea they have! I think you'd really like it."

"Oh? Thanks Melody, I will check it out next time we eat. Um, are you coming back? Omar is back too, he has a report about High Line."

"I'm walking back to the train station now, I'll be home in a bit. No more than half an hour probably. Omar, do you want to tell me about it now while I walk or wait until I get back?"

"How about when you get back Melody. It still feels odd talking to people like this, like I'm having a discussion with myself."

"Sure thing Omar, see you in a bit."

I made my way back to the hub station just as a train pulled away. As I watched it go, an Aviens was running down the platform. "No no no no, I can't miss my train! They're going to be so mad!" They reached the end of the platform and their feathers rippled and they looked despondent.

"What's wrong? What about waiting for the next train?"

They looked up at me and then see who I am and jumped a little." E-Empress! I didn't expect to see you here. Um" And they bowed.

I stop myself from rolling my eyes and gesture for them to stand. "Yes yes, that's fine, but not really necessary unless I'm doing royal stuff. What's the matter? You sounded so sad."

"Oh Empress, that was the last train! There isn't another until tomorrow! I had to get back down to my home, my parents were going to be so upset to find out that I missed the last train home again and have nowhere to stay." They're practically in tears.

"Oh no! Well, I have to get down a level too so I can go home. I had no idea that was the last train - I'm still getting used to time here, it's different than where I'm from. Let me see what I can do. What's your name?"

"Oh, thank you, thank you Empress! My name is Sound of the City."

"It's so nice to meet you Sound of the City! Let's see about finding a way for both of us to get home."

I led them to a seat on the platform and sat next to them. They snuggled up next to me and yawn deeply. Surprised, I looked over and realized they're so young! Just a child. If they were human, they might have been a teen. All the more reason to get them home. I lean back a little and connect and search for the train subsystem.

Ah, there. They were right, that was the last scheduled train. Luckily though, when you're a Builder, you didn't have to worry about things like schedules. Let's see, what train was closest to us... hmm? What was that? There's something here marked 'Royal transport - offline' and it was very close. It looked like it was over in a siding near here. I dug a little deeper and it seemed like it was a whole train just for the Empress. They must have used it when the previous Empress was traveling around the Reach. I remembered in my dream how proud Aeche was of the transit system, I wondered if this was related to it? Well, it's the closest train, and this way I won't mess up tomorrows schedule either. I touched the train gently, and it activated. Basic systems check indicates nothing was wrong, so I called the train. After only a minute, there was the trilling chime that indicated a train was coming.

"Sound, look. I found a train."

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They blinked sleepily and looked up and practically did a double take, gasping at what they saw.

I had to admit, it was impressive. The Royal Transport is a subway train, but turned up loud. It's royal blue and gold and gilded with sweeping flowery designs. It's only three cars - the other trains seem to be between 6 and 10 cars - but what it lacks in length it makes up for in elegance.

I'm almost sad that the station is empty, this is something that needs to be seen.

"This train is beautiful, Empress! This is how we're going to get home?"

"Yup. It's the Royal Transport. It was designed for the Empress to move around the Reach in style."

We approached the door and I stepped in. It was carpeted! It's so plush. Sound of the City stood at the door, not coming in.

"What's wrong Sound? Come in"

"A-are you sure? It's a train for the Empress."

"And as Empress, I'm telling you it's fine. Please, come aboard. I'll take you home. It's only two stops."

I reached out my hand and they nervously took it, stepped in, and the doors hissed shut behind us. I lead us to a seat and we both sat down. Only after we were seated does it begin to roll away, nearly silently. Sound once again snuggled up and was nearly asleep instantly. While we rode I searched the train mentally. Oh! There was a log! The last time this train was used was...

74 years ago? That's it?

My head spun, that wasn't that long at all. The Administrators had said that there hadn't been an Empress for 'three generations.' I guessed if they're not that long lived that could account for it. Also, given the robustness of what we built for space on our side of the galaxy, it would explain why things didn't really break down over here. It would also explain why the Gate system was almost completely intact. 74 years though. That's hardly any time at all in an interstellar empire. How did it all die so fast? But, the K'laxi! My last memories were of touching the Gate and doing an upload before going to visit them. They said that their histories and religion that mentions the Empress and the Gates was a thousand years old. What happened? Why were the K'laxi ignored? When did the last Empress touch the directory stone? The timing of everything doesn't make any sense. I really had no way of finding out. Once High Line had been refitted, I think I needed to go to the Wilds of Besmara; that mostly destroyed Starbase we saw first and see what happened there. As I'm thinking about what could have happened to cause an entire empire to fall, the train rolled to a stop. Just as silently the doors hissed open and were back at my station. "Sound, wake up, we're here." I said gently.

They rustled and blinked and realizing they were sleeping on the Empress jumped up, embarrassed. "I'm so sorry!"

I laughed gently. "It's fine Sound. I'm pretty tired too. Let me walk you home." This is the latest I have been out so far, and the Reach was so quiet! The lights were down low, but it's still easy to see. Sound said they lived close to the station and they led me there. It's a little block of apartments in between the bank and the Administrative offices. Convenient location, I bet at one point this place was expensive. As we approached the door, an older Aviens opened it ahead of us. Clearly upset they pointed a feathered finger. "Sound of the City, you are late. How did you even get home? The last train arrived a while ago. Were you wandering around causing trouble after you got here?"

"No Father! I was working late to help Gemli finish up inventory and ran to catch the last train. I missed it, and thought I was done for when..." Sound gestured behind them to me. In the low light, I flared the crown and wings just for a moment and darkened them again. There's a gasp and the adult Aviens bowed low. "E-E-Empress! What are you doing here?"

"I too missed the last train home, and ran into Sound of the City weeping that they were going to be in trouble and had no way of getting home. I was able to call the Royal Transport and bring them and myself back home. I just wanted to make sure they made it home safely." I paused pointedly. "I don't believe Sound should be punished, it seemed that they got caught up helping a friend."

"O-of course, Empress." They reached out to Sound, "Get inside and wash up child, it's past bedtime." Sound of the City hesitated a moment, then ran up and hugged me tightly. "Thank you, Empress." and they waved and ran inside.

"You're very welcome, Sound of the City." I looked at their parents and narrowed my eyes just a bit. "They did not bother me, they did not put me out, I was helping because I wanted to. Do not give them trouble about this."

Their head bobbed a nod. "Of course Empress. Thank you Empress, I really am grateful you brought them home. They get caught up helping friends and lose track of time. It's a regular occurrence with them."

"There are worse problems to have than being late because one is helping friends. People like that are what makes the Reach home."

"You're absolutely right, Empress. I will do well to remember that."

"Good night then."

"Empress." The bowed again and closed the door gently.

I walked home, my head filled with worry about why the timeline for things wasn't lining up. Something was wrong here.

By the time I made it back to the Royal Dawn, there's only one bored looking person behind the desk. They waved me up, and I went to my rooms. I looked longingly at the bath, but it's so late, I should just go to bed. I'll ask Omar about the work on High Line tomorrow. Maybe the dreams tonight can help shed some light on what's going on here. I fell asleep almost the second my head touched the pillow.

I was the Empress.

I was on Reach of the Might of Vzzx, continuing my tour with Aeche. She had grown attached these last few weeks. She was by my side at every moment she could, standing behind my Throne, and tried to steer the residents away from me. I worried that she thought herself higher because of our relationship. I asked her when Worldshaker would be ready to leave. I was ready to go visit the K'laxi and open their gate, to hear their complaints, to find out what caused them to kill their Builder and lock their Gate so long ago. This was only the first step in re-taking my empire. Soon, Aeche says. Very soon. We only had a few more preparations to make. "No more excuses. We will leave tomorrow." I was firm.

"But Janais my love, we are almost ready. I have a surprise for you. It just needs a few more days to prepare."

My eyes flicked over to Aeche and my brow furrowed. "Empress when we are out in public, Aeche. I am still your Empress."

She cast her eyes down, disappointed. "Yes, Empress."

With two fingers I tipped her chin back up. "Aeche, you are my most prized Builder. What we have is special. I am glad to know you and I am glad you are here, but I am Empress. There is much that I have to consider beyond what brings me happiness."

"Of course Empress, I did not mean-"

"Shh, I know you didn't. I am just making sure that we are clear as crystal about what this is, about what we are."

"Yes, Empress, I understand." I felt terrible. I have clearly broken her heart. I did not need the Nanites to see this. But, I must be firm. She was not the only person that exists, as much as I would like her to be.

I tried to change the subject. "What is this surprise you have for me?"

That caused her to perk up immediately. "Empress, you will love it! My Builders and I are working on a new way to transit the stars! We can avoid using the Gates entirely and may shorten the distance to worlds even further."

I raised my eyebrows. This was news. "And how does such a miraculous device work, Aeche? And why have we not developed it before?"

She shrugged. "I do not know the science Empress, I leave the details up to my Builders. They say that we have a way to... cut a hole in spacetime and jump from one point to another. It requires a tremendous expenditure of energy, but they think that one of the reactors that we use when we construct the Gates is sufficient. As I know the Reach has the proper equipment to make a Gate, I decided to refit Worldshaker with a Gate reactor. Once it has completed, we can leave."

"Is this safe?" Aeche seemed not to mind at all that she was installing a Gate reactor into my ship and was going to use it to power an unproven design with me aboard. I for one, was slightly worried.

"It is perfectly safe Empress. We have used it to jump small beacons over vast distances. I sent a ship through the Gates to a location far away from here and then jumped a small beacon to them. They collected it and brought it back to us via the Gates. It worked flawlessly. This was merely the culmination of our research. We will leave, jump to the Wilds of Besmara as a final test, and then jump to the K'laxi world. We will surprise them utterly."

I was still not sure, but it sounded like she had done some testing. It would be impressive to jump right there without using the Gate. That would really show the K'laxi that their little rebellion is ultimately futile. "Aeche, finish your refit and we shall leave when it is completed. Before we jump for the first time though, I must visit the Gate and complete an upload. It has been too long since I've done the last ritual. It must be done regularly."

Aeche raised her eyebrows and touched my arm as we walked. "Does it matter which Gate you use for your Upload? I don't think you've used the Gate here yet."

"No it doesn't matter which Gate. There was only one Gate. All the Gates we have in our Galaxy are... echos, or shadows of The Gate. As Empress, I can do the upload from any Gate, and it will work. I must complete an upload; I've been slacking."

"My Empress." Aeche bowed low. Was she being sarcastic? I felt like maybe a little, but I probably would cause more trouble than it's worth if I pointed it out.

I awoke with a start. Aeche's engineers were developing a wormhole generator! But the Wilds of Besmara was destroyed utterly. Was it a wormhole accident? Ugh, I wish I paid better attention in history class. No new system was perfect, early wormhole generators must have blown up. Could it be that catastrophic? Would a failed wormhole link crack a planet?

Unknown Empress. Perhaps if they misjudged their coordinates and linked into the planet itself?

Oh, right, the Nanites. It's been a while since they talked to me. I do know we had to be extremely accurate with our wormhole calculations. The coordinates weren't enough, we had to know where all nearby celestial bodies were and likely locations of traffic. It was one of the main reasons we didn't link close to things like planets, orbitals, stations or starbases. It was too dangerous. Get a hundred kilometers off and you're in a starship with no control surfaces screaming through an atmosphere. Or worse, link into a planet. It doesn't explain the time difference though! Aeche and I, er, Janais were here not even 100 years ago. At least 74 based on the last time the Royal Transport was used and yet, the K'laxi Gate was closed for a thousand years. She mentioned it being a long time since the K'laxi closed their gate, that wasn't clear earlier. Just how long had the K'laxi been alone? Where are those thousand years?

My head was swimming as I headed down for breakfast. I decided to keep the gown, but I made it more casual. I removed the flowing train, raised the neckline just a bit, lowered the heels. Hey, my feet didn't hurt, but I was in those tall heels all day long. I wondered if that was the Nanites doing. Before this, anything higher than a kitten heel annoyed me to no end. At breakfast I explained my afternoon yesterday and told them about the security office I visited and the dinner I had after, making sure I mentioned the really good tea. When the server came by, I described it to them and they brought some for us to have with breakfast. I still made some coffee though. "Okay, before we begin today, do any of you know... about wormhole generators?"

Omar finished chewing and swallowed his food. "That's an odd question Melody. Anything specific about them?"

"Well maybe more about their history. Do you know if there was a lot of accidents with them when they first started out?"

"Well sure. It used a tremendous amount of energy to rip a hole in spacetime. There were a lot of mistakes in the beginning. That's why it was so crazy the scientist from Ganymede went off to Parvati on his own. I think he had only tested it like 3 or 4 times before he climbed in himself and left."

"Was there enough energy say to... crack a planet if you accidentally linked inside one?" I took a sip of coffee. I really wish we had more beans, this whole one cup a day thing was murder. It made every cup delicious though.

Ava picked up what I'm thinking. "Melody, do you think it was a wormhole accident that destroyed that other place, the Wilds of Bes...Bas?"

"Wilds of Besmara. Yes, I'm wondering. Last night when I was dreaming the Nanites showed me that Aeche and her team were here with Janais - that's the previous Empress - and they were refitting her ship with a wormhole generator and were going to link to the Wilds as a final test, then link on to the K'laxi homeworld. We go to the Wilds first and see a destroyed planet. It sure seems like maybe there wasn't a revolution, just an accident. Also, Janais had mentioned it was a long time since the K'laxi closed their Gate. I had a feeling that they were here a long time."

Um'reli's ears flicked. "Right, it has to be something like that. The K'laxi gate was closed a thousand years ago. Everyone around here says that it was 100 years or less since the Builders left. As good as this station is there's no way it lasted one thousand years on automatic."

I downed my coffee and set the cup down. "I know! That's what is tripping me up. The evidence says that the Builders left one thousand years ago, but there's also evidence they left less than one hundred. I took the Royal Transport last night actually. I missed the last scheduled train home, but I found the Royal Transport parked in a siding. It's so beautiful, I have to show you later. Anyway, its logs weren't corrupted and it said that it was last used 74 years ago. That's hardly any time at all!"

"What is going on here?" Ava looked around the hotel as we ate. "It's almost as if we... no, that's silly."

"We what, Ava?" Omar was finishing off his tea. I told them about it this morning, and they all wanted to try it. Um'reli loved it; I love being right.

Ava sighed. I could see that she's worried we're going to think her theory was silly. "It's almost as if... we time traveled. But, that's impossible right?"

"It's not impossible but it was very unlikely." Omar finished his tea and set the cup down. "It's possible, but I think we should explore other options before we jump to... time stuff. We don't need to be violating causality here. It's too messy."

I nodded. "I agree with Omar. Let's not rule it out, but we shouldn't jump to it either. Let's first get High Line refitted and spaceworthy, then go to the Wilds of Besmara and see what we can find. Maybe it was just an accident."

"Wait, that's it!" Um'reli was lost in thought, but at the mention of an accident she snapped back to us. "What if that's the answer. All the builders didn't disappear, just the Empress."

"What do you mean? Ava looked curious.

Um'reli's small hands were moving as she talked, trying to shape her ideas as she spoke them. "Melody says that Aeche and her team were trying out a new drive, what we think is the wormhole generator. That says they were looking for an edge, for a way to get ahead of someone. What if Melody's empire was already in decline. Maybe we're wrong about the timing of the K'laxi locking their gate. They locked it a thousand years ago and the Empire had to just... deal with it because they didn't have the resources to go and take it back. Then, here comes Aeche with a new way to bypass the Gates and the previous Empress goes "Hot damn! Now I have a way to retake my Empire" and they zoom off to try it out... but it blew up. Now, no more Empress, but there are still Builders. For... some reason... they don't - or can't - make another Empress and they run on without one until.. ugh. Where did the Builders go then?"

We admit, the theory had merit. Remember, you were long lived now thanks to us. We don't know how long Janais was here after Aeche brought her. We don't know what the Builders did after Janais and Aeche left.

"Ugh. I wish we had a clear timeline of events. Everything is so messy. Maybe we'll learn more if we go over to the Wilds of Besmara. Speaking of that Omar, how are we with High Line?"

Omar's eyebrows and shoulders shrugged. "It's only been a day Melody, but I think we're on the right track. We've got the printers going full speed now. It turns out Starlight knew of some people who can work their printer. They were still using it for repairs. I was able to integrate most of our database into theirs and we're off and printing. As parts and pieces are completed, River has personnel that can help install them. We're also working to make sure our refit is modular too. There are still 4 other ships around the docking ring here. Once High Line is done, we should move right on to the next."

"Good work Omar. When all the ships have been refitted, we should begin construction of our own. I wish we had a full shipyard, I'd love to make our own Starjumper and make that my flag carrier."

Omar grinned. "In time, Empress, in time. For now, High Line will have to do. It won't be very large, but it should be poweful - especially for ships around here - and it should do well to help you project power. Give me a month or so, and I'll give you a ride to the Wilds of Besmara."

"A month then. I'm holding you to it!" I laughed and turned to Ava and Um'reli. "Okay, what's up with the Reach it self. Did you learn anything useful yesterday?"

Um'reli looked up from her tea. "Actually, yes! Remember the food thing? How people said that food was unreliable and expensive and the Administrators said it came from a hollowed out planetoid a little bit away?"

I nodded, lots of people asked about it. "Yes, I remember. What did you learn?"

"For one, the system to deliver food to the Reach was automated! The crops were processed and packed on the surface of the planetoid and then packed into boxes, and those are clipped to automated thrusters and they are then launched towards the Reach. When they arrive - at their own special docking bay on the top, nowhere near the dock for starships - they're unloaded and the empty boxes are sent back to be filled. It's actually a pretty efficient process. I could totally see it running without any input for one hundred years. Now though, I think the thrusters are wearing out and through regular wear and tear the boxes were breaking. Once we have some ships, we should devote print time to repairs of the food delivery system."

"Good idea Um'reli, let's do that. Let's get High Line and maybe one other ship done, then we'll pause the refit effort to repair the food delivery system and then continue on with the refit. When I first connected, I saw some old, closed off places that were listed as "food distribution centers" any idea about those?"

"I saw them too, and looked into it. As near as I can tell they were very old, and left over from when the Reach was new. They were never meant to be used forever. They were always meant to be shut down when restaurants and shops come online and they were kept to be used only if there's issues with food production or a disaster where a lot more people come all at once needing food."

I nodded. "Okay, so at least people are getting fed the way they're supposed to be. And I stopped by a bank yesterday and spoke to the manager. They're going to honor all payment receipts we send their way so now we can pay folks, and I asked some people on the subway if they wanted a job and... oh! I have to get to the Throne! There's going to be people waiting for a job." I stood up quickly.

"Feel free to stay and finish your breakfast, but I have to get going, I don't want people just sitting around!" Ava stood up too and after a moment Omar and Um'reli do as well. "We were finished anyway Melody, let's get to work."

We made the short walk over to the Throne from the hotel and there were a small group of people there, maybe a dozen. Nothing like the mob from yesterday. I was glad for that at least, I could probably find work for everyone here. Oh hey, I see Roar of Thunder and Sound of the city! Vaaqo is here too! Ava, Um'reli and Omar go in the back as I sat on my Throne. I get online and called everyone to approach closer. If they're going to work for me they need to get used to being closer to me. "Thank you for coming everyone. I'm so pleased to see so many people who want to help us out with our important work. Please line up and I'll talk to you individually and figure out how best we can use you."

I was right, there was something they could all do to help. Now I have people who could take messages for us, who would keep my Throne clean and watched, and people who could tell me about the social workings of the Reach as well as groups I should know about and their political power. I have a retinue! I spent the rest of the day connected to the Throne and working with everyone to get an idea of our overall status and what needs immediate work. The fire suppression systems for sure should be online everywhere, the food distribution tugs need to be refurbished and I need to contact Rain. Actually... I sit back and think about The Smell of Soil After Rain. What they looked like, what they sound like... there! Higher level, walking around, talking to people. Others are coming up and reporting to them. Wow, they were taking my edict to be my bishop seriously.

"The Smell of Soil After Rain. It's Empress Melody, can you hear me?"

With a start, Rain jumped and looks around. "I-I can hear you Empress! What is it you need of me?"

"There was a riot yesterday. Some of the rioters said you were threatening people that if they didn't worship me their children would be taken out of schools."

"I was merely being... emphatic with my urges that everyone attend services and render their worship and..."

Ṣ̵̛̟́͜i̶̗̲͙̾̉̐l̶̢̇̍͛ë̶͕̲͈́n̸̩͖̉̒c̸̘̃͌e̶̞̊͐̌

His mouth slammed shut.

"Rain, you will threaten nobody. Nobody is required to worship me. I am their Empress, not their God. If people choose to worship me, so be it. They will not be coerced into it.

Am. I. Understood? Speak."

"Y-y-yes Empress, I understand. I obey. I will spread your word but I will make sure everyone knows it is not compulsory."

"See that you do. You are replaceable." and I disconnected. I wish I could have slammed the connection like an old communicator, but I had to make due with an abrupt disconnect. It was a little harsh - I admit - but I will not tolerate Rain making people hate me because they think I need them to go to... church for me. The last thing I wanted was a religious war in addition to any other kinds of wars I might have to deal with here.