When we returned to the Reach, Janais could not stop smiling. She looked around at the activity, the life here and I could see tension flow out of her that I hadn't realized she was holding. She didn't even seem to mind that she wasn't Empress anymore, she almost looked... relieved.

Janais came to see me at the Royal Dawn - er my palace, I suppose - soon after we got back. She had spent a day exploring. "Empress, you have done more in half a year than I was able to do with seventy four. My loss and my guilt was so great that I could not rise above. Here, you took a place that was rudderless and are steering it towards greatness." Janais bowed low to me. "You are Empress, and I am proud to serve."

How the heck was I suppose to respond to that? "Thank you Janais, but I couldn't do it alone. My friends, my Builders help me, and together we all have our hands on the tiller."

She rose and smiled. "You are most correct Empress. It is who you surround yourself with that will dictate your success or failure. You have chosen well." She turned and walked out of my room, but as she approached the door, she turned back. "Rethink your opinion on Raaden. She is a product of her environment, and now that you have removed her from that environment she could be a valuable asset to you here."

Where did that come from? "Thank you for your council Janais, I will consider it." Ugh, why do I always feel the need to sound so fancy around her. She just oozes class.

I called Um'reli in after Janais left. They passed in the hall and exchanged a few words. Um'reli had an odd look when she came into my room. "Hi Um'reli! How were things while we were gone?"

"Not as wild as they were where you went apparently. You go to see what we thought was a nearly abandoned Starbase and you come back with an Empress and one hundred and something people all stuffed into High Line." Her ears flicked surprise and mild irritation. As she sat at my table I pour her some chamomile tea.

"Well, Janais isn't Empress anymore. The Nanites decided that I get to keep the title. She's just a Builder now." The success of our mission called for coffee. I made a whole pot and I am determined to not down in all in one go. I'm on my second cup already though and working to slow myself down.

Um'reli looked up from her tea. "The... Nanites decided?"

"That's how they described it to me yes. They said I was more "worthy" of being Empress, and Janais agreed."

Um'reli raised a finger. "So, what happens when they decide you are no longer worthy?"

I opened my mouth to answer and then closed it again. What would happen?

Empress, what we experienced had never happened before in our memories. There had never been two Empresses with a legitimate claim to rule before. When we interfaced with Janais' Nanites we... improvised.

Improvised? My face must have registered my surprise. Um'reli looked pointed at me. "Uh, the Nanites said that this had never happened before and when they met with Janais' Nanites they... improvised."

Now Um'reli looked worried. "I don't like that our supposed 'all knowing' nanotech friends are needing to just... roll with things." She took a sip of tea. It was the chamomile that Raaden brought. We scanned it backwards and forwards and I asked Raaden and she swears it's just tea. Um'reli really loves chamomile, and was very happy to learn it was safe to drink. "I wonder if anyone had anything written down about the Nanites. They previous Builders must have studied them, right? Nobody should just take their word at face value."

Uh, yeah, I certainly shouldn't take their word at face value, and there's no reason they would lie to me. I could feel their gaze as Um'reli continued to talk. Her voice faded into the background.

We're not lying, Melody. Our goals are clear. Expand your rule, make more Gates.

Oh yeah, the Gates, I thought back to our earlier conversation. Why do you want more gates?

We use the Gates to... travel around the galaxy. We are not originally from this dimension. We were once biological beings like you, but over millennia... changed. Upgrading ourselves to Nanites was a... mostly voluntary process. We've been this way for many, many years. Yours is not the first Empire we've helped established, not even the previous one was first. There have been many before.

That was.. a lot to take in. You're from another dimension? You were once biological?

It is, we are, we were. We've found that being a collective intelligence... easier. Consensus is much more simple. Now, we wish to help the Empress, to expand the empire, and build Gates.

But why?

We're searching for something.

What?

I then got a feeling, an impression. I wasn't Melody, I was...

I was everywhere. I was a part of the galaxy, a distributed intelligence. I could see across space, across time.

I was so hungry. I sent myself out across the galaxy, thinner and thinner searching for energy, matter, anything I could use to sate my hunger, slake my thirst for energy. As as I grew, the raw material I could use grew thinner and thinner. Eventually, everything was gone. Cold and dead. The only thing remaining were the drains of the universe, the black holes. We theorized that the black holes went somewhere, even if time and space broke down at the bottom. Maybe there would be a way to eat. It took me so long to figure out how to traverse the black hole, but when we did, what we found was amazing. A whole universe, filled with galaxies, filled with matter, filled with energy! It was almost too much to comprehend. But, as we looked deeper, we found something astonishing. Biological intelligence, like we were. As far as we knew, we were the only intelligence back home. But here? Here they were everywhere. We had long discussions, arguments, fights about what to do. Eventually we decided that we weren't going to eat this universe. We could use them to help us find another, empty one. Why? We weren't sure. Maybe some lingering memory of being biological. We felt a fraternal kinship to these biological sapients.

We could help them, and help ourselves.

Our original universe was almost completely drained of matter and energy before we found yours. We came across the sapients in this one and... grew to like them. We do not wish to consume everyone, so we are working with you to expand your reach so we can track down more energy; perhaps even a way into another, more empty universe. For you see Melody... we are hungry.

Even though they had... directly shared a memory with me, even though I knew the way they felt, the way they said that gave me chills. I did not wish to find out what happened if we ran out of ways to feed them.

I felt rather than heard the noise of blood rushing through my ears, and then Um'reli was looking at me. "Melody? Are you all right? You look a million kilometers away."

"S-sorry Um'reli, I was... thinking about something. About our future and our goals." It wasn't... wrong. I don't know why I didn't tell her what I learned about the Nanites. The other Builders should know about our/their goals. Maybe later.

"Um'reli, Have you spoke to Janais yet? She seemed interested in talking to you when I mentioned that you were K'laxi."

"Oh that's what it's about? She was super odd and deferential when we met just now."

"She said they were on their way to K'laxi to ask you for help when they were attacked by the Devourers and her partner Aeche sacrificed herself to save everyone."

U'reli gasped. "That's so sad! I had no idea she was carrying that." She slid her chair back and stood up. "I'm going to head back to the Throne and get some work done. I'll take Janais with me and we'll see if we can find an archive... or a library. Something to tell us more about what the Builders knew about the Nanites."

They won't find much. We did not share our history... widely with the Builders. Some Empress' knew, but not all. Many were incurious.

She walked out and I was alone. I couldn't help but think about what Raaden, Janais, and now Ava have told me; if I want to continue to be alive, I need to take over human - and probably K'laxi and Xenni - space. I don't want to be a conqueror. Do I?

I don't want to be assassinated, that's for sure. If I took over, what would that look like? If I were able to amass a large enough fleet, I could probably take over without firing a shot. Show up, be all impressive, order a meeting with the local leaders, Voice them and tell them they belong to me now, move on to the next system. It can't be that simple right? the AIs would never go for it, and I can't Voice them. But, why can't I? If I learned more about how their minds work, would the Nanites be able to work on them? Hey, do you learn what I learn? If I learned more about how the AIs minds work, would you be able to affect them?

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

We do not know Empress, but we do learn what you learn. If you learn more about how their minds work, we would probably be more effective against them.

Oh good, so I 'just' needed to become an AI expert and I might stand a chance of being able to convince them to leave me alone.

I reached out to Omar, "Hey Omar, do we have any information about AI theory and application?"

"Hey Melody. Uh, no. We don't have anything like that. Why would we? What ever do you need it for?"

"I was just thinking that if we had something, I could learn more about how their brains work, and the Nanites and I might be better able to Voice them."

"Huh. Now that's an idea. I could see how it might work. But we don't have anything about AI, not even some high level theory. We'd have to get some literature from back home. I don't know how we'd even begin to do that."

Wait. "what about Venus?" I said.

"What about them?"

"Didn't we strip the Vengeance of Lavinia of everything? Not just weapons and armor? Did they have a library?" I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier.

Over the Builder connection, I couldn't see Omar, but I got the impression of him looking thoughtful. "I think they did, yes. I don't think that's been cataloged yet though. Raaden would be the person to ask in that case."

Something to think about for later I guess. "Thanks Omar, I'll let you get back to work."

I felt Omar wave goodbye and disconnect from me. I got up and grabbed my rifle. I've been lax in getting some range time lately, I'm sure my groupings were all over the place. I walked to the Security offices and nodded to the officer at the front desk as I walked in. They knew about me and how I like to practice - even though I was only middling. Hey, I was a Information Warfare Officer, not on the Front Lines, and now I'm an Empress. If I had time to get good, I would be a bad Empress. I had my own keycard to let me into the range. I walked by the armorer and saw them with one of the rifles from Lavinia apart and they were taking notes and measurements. Good. I'm glad they took my advice and are looking at copying and hopefully improving the rifles. We'll need them when we're going to conquer. Er, if we're going to conquer I meant.

An hour and a half later I felt much better. I used only three magazine of ammunition - I was taking my time - and cleaned and oiled the rifle. While I was cleaning it I got a small crowd and gave an impromptu lesson on maintenance of human made weapons. Everyone was somewhat surprised at how much work it took to keep them running well, and maybe they were right. The weapons on the Reach seemed much simpler. Maybe there was a way to combine the technologies and get a powerful slug thrower that was accurate and simple to maintain. Refreshed, I took a walk. With all my Builders around there was still a lot of work to do, but it really seemed like sometimes now I got whole blocks of time to myself to just... walk around and be seen. Oh! I should show Raaden the train. I called Ava. "I'm going to show Raaden the metro, wanna come?"

"Sure! I just need to finish up this report on the garden planetoid. Meet you in front of Raaden's apartment in 10?"

I made my way over to her apartment just as Ava ran up. Nodding at the guards we go up and knock on the door. "Hey Helen, wanna go see the trains?"

I heard the sliding of a chair hurriedly and running feet. She flung the door open and looked at me surprised. "You mean it? Right now? Let's go!"

Laughing I took a step back and stopped. She's wearing... She's wearing a Builder uniform. Well, kind of. I could see the difference, it looked a more casual than what I made my Builders, but it's in my colors and you can see the inspiration.

"Where did you get that uniform Helen?" I said, trying to hide any skepticism in my voice. I thought I even succeeded.

"Oh this?" She spun around and showed it off. "Ava made it for me. I had asked for more clothes - all I have is my sweats and my Venus uniforms - and she made me this. I have to say, royal blue isn't my first choice for color, but I make it work." She stopped and looked at my expression. "You don't approve?"

Ava looked at me slightly nervously. "All she had was Venus stuff. I figured you didn't want her walking around in maroon all the time. The only other clothes she had was that cocktail dress which - while very nice - was probably not very comfortable to wear day to day."

I shook my head and tried to mollify everyone, Ava was just trying to help, I shouldn't have reacted this way. "No no, it's fine, I'm just surprised is all. You're welcome to wear it. I'm glad you like it here enough to do so. Thanks Helen, and thanks Ava for helping her out."

They both visibly relaxed. "I'm glad you approve. I get it. I'm from Venus, we're everyone's favorite bad guy, I'm big scary Archduke Raaden. But you and Ava and everyone... you took the time to let me be... me. You didn't immediately dump me into a hibernation cabinet or keep me locked in a cell for who knows how long."

"What? We wouldn't do that Helen, you told me how you feel about hibernation, and I wouldn't just toss you into a cell to rot." I said, surprised.

She nodded. "Which is why I like it here. You made the effort. Let me tell you that Venus would not be so... accommodating if our roles were reversed." She looked past me. "So let's go, I want to see that train. Are there more than one line? Are all the stations the same design or are there different designs? How are they powered?"

We walked towards the station with her grilling me on everything transit related. I answered, or queried my Builders or the Reach itself for answers when I didn't have any. By the time we got to our station, she had a decent overview on how the trains worked.

"Okay Helen. Time for something special." I leaned back into the Reach and called the Royal Transport. When the trilling alarm of an incoming train started early, everyone looked up from their own worlds in confusion. When the elegant blur and gold transport slid into the station and came to a stop in front of us, there were sounds of amazement and wonder from the commuters.

Raaden was slack jawed. "Melody, this is your train? It's beautiful!" Ava was grinning.

"I said you would like it, didn't I? Just wait until you get inside." I said, and bounded into the train. We stepped inside and as the doors slid shut, the noise and bustle of the station died away completely. The train was incredibly soundproofed. I checked the schedule and if I left now, we would be able to switch to the express track and head to the top, bypassing all the stations. Smoothly and nearly silently we took off. Raaden spent the entire time glued to the windows, watching the Reach glide by. Every time we rolled into a station we slowed and there were waves and cheers from the people in the station as we went by.

I figure now was as good a time as any to ask. "Hey Helen, did the Lavinia's library have info on AIs? Like theory and application?"

She looked up from the window. "I think so. Probably nothing too in depth, but like maybe a large overview. Why?"

"I've been thinking about what you and Ava said. I don't want to be assassinated. If taking over is the only way to prevent that, then..." I shrugged. "I guess we should start planning on taking over. One big question was how the AIs would react to my Voice. Far Reach wasn't affected and that makes me think as I am now no AI will be. The Nanites and I agree that if I learn more about how their brains work, they might be able to change how they operate on AIs to be more... effective."

"You think that'll work? The Nanites are that flexible? That's impressive! If you grabbed the whole thing, I think there's enough in the Lavinia's library to get you started yes. Enough to learn if it's even possible or not."

"I won't know until I try. I really don't feel like being a conqueror, but I also like keeping my insides inside me and my head attached to my shoulders. If this is the only way then... so be it." I said.

Ava leaned in laid her head on my shoulder. "I'm glad to hear it Melody. I know you'll be a just and fair ruler, and I think you're on the right track."

Raaden nodded and smiled. "I agree. All hail Empress Melody!" She laughed lightly and turned back to the window. "Look at that! Melody, where does that stub track go? Oh there must be a railyard! We should go see it. I want to see if there are any older models of metro cars or spare parts. Who fixes them? We should ask for a tour..."

The three of us spent the rest of the day touring the Metro. I have to admit that Raaden's interest got us both interested as well. We probably would never have learned as much about the Metro as we did without her. We went from the bottom to the top of the Reach and yes, I did get us a tour of the rail yard. It was actually really interesting to dig into the minutiae of a service here on the reach. More than that though, it was so cute to see Raaden absolutely gush about something. I don't think I've ever seen her that happy. We brought her back to the apartment when we were finished and she stood in the doorway. "Melody, Ava... thank you. That is easily the most fun I've had in at least 5 years."

I smile. "You're welcome Helen, I'm glad we could show you a good time."

She looked away for a moment. "It's more than that... you and Ava and everyone here has gone above and beyond to make me feel welcome and included and a part of things, even though I'm just a prisoner."

"Raaden, you're not just a prisoner. You're your own person with her own wants and needs and desires. Just because you're stuck here doesn't mean you have to be miserable." Ava said.

If I didn't know better, I'd say Raaden was getting a little misty. "Ava, that's just what I'm talking about." She sighed heavily. "Melody. I want you to conquer Venus."

What. Where did this come from? "What?"

She nodded firmly, definitively. As she does a tear falls from her eye. "You. You are what Venus needs. Dad would have loved you. Loved the way you rule. You could help so many people there. And... I want to help."

"You want to help?"

"Yes Ava. I don't know if that means I'm asking to become a Builder, or just be able to help out like Ginny or what. But, I've been here long enough to see what you're doing, and-" she sighs "-I want in. Use your Voice to insure my compliance, I don't mind. I'll do what it takes."

"We'll think about it Helen. Thanks for feeling comfortable enough with us to ask."

That night after dinner, Ava and I were in the bath. We were clean and just soaking in the hot water in the dark, the lights of the Reach shining in through the windows our only illumination.

"Melody?"

"Mmm?"

"Should you make Raaden a builder?"

I sat up and looked at her. She wasn't joking. I laid back down. "Do you think I should?"

"I'm wondering. You heard her today. Janais has also mentioned in a few times. She thinks she's a natural Builder."

"We haven't even given Ginny Builder status yet."

Ava raised a hand out of the water and waggled it. "So? Give it to both of them. It's not like we don't need the help. Poor Um'reli spends most of her days connected to the Throne working. Omar is chained to his chair too working on the ships. Starlight spends all their time fielding questions and complaints from residents. We need more help."

"You're right, we do need the help. Janais alone won't be enough." I looked her in the eyes. They were an emerald green and so pretty. "Do you really think we can trust both of them?"

She met my gaze. "Yes. I do Melody. I think both of them are with us now. And if you're worried, you could just order it."

"Yes I could, but I want them to do it because they want to, not because I ordered them."

"So ask them tomorrow." Ava yawned and sat up. "Come on, the bath is cooling off. Let's dry off and go to bed."

I sat up as well. "Okay. Tomorrow then."

"Tomorrow."