Thuel, Elisabeth and Johan with their first officers shadowing them were standing at attention in the main hangar of Dominator.
Admiral Felix Strong was heading their way with a company of marines. They saluted him.
"At ease! And relax for God's sake! I consulted Terra and finally can get rid of you three."
A short burst of panic pierced all gathered. But their supervisor continued unfazed.
"Your exceptional acumen, merits and elasticity during carrying any given order made a huge impression on every single person involved in your graduation process. You three are an absolute phenomenon in the history of the academy. To say you are our pride is an understatement. To say you are exceptional is an insult. Your course is finished. You three passed faster than anyone could say. I don't plan to bore you with speeches. Congratulations! ELISABETH WINDSOR!"
She stepped up and saluted to him in shock too deep to oppose.
"Sir!"
"By orders sent from Terran High Command, you are promoted. Congratulations Vice Admiral!"
"Thank you, sir!"
One of the marines handed her distinctions and a diploma while the second one gave her an elegant power sword shaped like a rapier. She saluted and stepped back with everything she received in her hands after strapping the rapier to her belt.
"JOHAN MACARTHUR!"
Ancient tradition demanded yelling. Maybe their ancestors were partly deaf? Who knows. Johan stepped up and saluted.
"Sir!"
"By orders sent from Terran High Command, you are promoted. Congratulations Vice Admiral!"
"Thank you, sir!"
Johan received a power sword that was made in the image of a classic European arming sword made from power steel with Damascus-like patterns. He received his distinctions and diploma. After attaching the sword where it should be he saluted and stepped back.
"THUEL RAVEN!"
"Sir!" Thuel stepped up and saluted.
"By orders sent from Terran High Command, you are promoted. Congratulations Admiral!"
Admiral. Not rear or vice. Full Admiral. He received a power sword that was made to look the same as one carried by Ra'volta's avatar. Its blade looked like a Human long sword, a double-edged blade but instead of being of silver colour that one was as black as void with a distinctive circuit in its middle line made from pure gold. Its hilt was clearly inspired by Fa'enni's traditional decorations with floral motives incrusted on the handguard and masterfully engraved pummel with fused in sapphires and eternal silver to depict Fa'enni Royal Family Crest. The weapon as deadly as beautiful while preserving its simple-looking form. He attached it to his side and took his diploma and distinctions. After that, he saluted to Admiral Strong.
"Thank you, Sir!"
"Ok, people. That would be it for a while. We will have to do it once again when the rest of your friends finish their course in front of all politicians who will do anything to receive an invitation for that ceremony."
They relaxed and what just happened started to settle in them. Admiral Strong gave them a few moments and continued.
"You three are special in many regards. Johan and Elisabeth you two will serve from now on under Thuel. Command decided we can't split you since your performance is greatly enhanced by your traits. It's very fortunate in my opinion as well- keep it private, there were talks on Earth to not reinforce our presence in the Alinti sector. And since that was political talk Navy couldn't do much. But since you are Admiral, Lord Thuel you will sooner or later receive fleet to command. Or knowing Queen and changed Fa'enni you will build one yourself. You all will retain command over the ships you have now so your small Fleet starts with three dreadnoughts. Not bad. Alinit sector will get its second full Admiral and two vices. Privatly im happy as hell you made it! Anyway. What're your orders Admiral Thuel?"
Thuel focused in instant.
"We must welcome Cions and move them away from that death traps they call ships. Admiral Murrnal Bram's unsettling devotion is very useful when dealing with this race, so it would be wise to take good care of him. May I ask for your help Admiral Strong?"
"Certainly. I'll give you access to recreation area four. It's the biggest one we have and should hold them all. It will take us about three days to reach Ra-Nael where we are expected by Royal Family and Senior Admiral. On a side note- Your actions were not only just and merciful Thuel but also correct. The data Cions possess is actually quite valuable and their sensor technology is interesting."
They were heading toward the main hangar where Cion ships were being moored so they could catch a train to the recreation area before their guests. On their way, he saw medium size ship just 500m long being carefully piloted by Ra'volta toward its position. The flagship of Cions, it was a miracle that this ship was still flying. The moment the last living being will left it, Dominator will seal it in a stasis field. No one wants to see one of these explode.
"Thank you, Sir. I just couldn't leave them. I just..." Thuel couldn't find words.
Admiral Felix Strong gazed somewhere into the distance without truly looking at anything and said:
"I was there 24 years ago, Prince. I was 24 years ago above Sumta. I and Dominator were leading the 67th Fleet. We couldn't save anyone, Sumta was dead. The silence on the surface was like the biggest accusation - "where were you when my children died?". It didn't matter if we have slain any single lizard we found, I personally tore out the head of the leader of forces that exterminated all life of Sumta. We jumped to the next system and next. The silence of Rizak and Hilur was too much for many in my crews who wept and cried. We were afraid we were too late. But then word came there are still worlds to be saved so we followed the call. Prince. If you would have hesitated only for a moment you could be too late. And for you also this unnamed world would ask you at darkest nights "where were you?"."
All of them looked in shock at Admiral Strong. Thuel looked deep into his eyes.
"Thank you, Admiral. I was not aware of your involvement. And I'm thankful for your insight, that means a lot to me."
Admiral waved his hand like he was chasing of mosquito and smiled.
"But you haven't failed Prince. You were there to save them all." and suddenly started laughing at his own crazy thought: "and if Terra will be delaying sending you sailors and marines you gained half a million subordinates you can use!"
"ugh... Back to reality... How we are going to fit them in?" asked Elisabeth.
"No problem. The recreation deck should fit about one hundred maybe one hundred fifty thousand. In case their ships are in the worst condition we thought I will close them in the main hangar. I have five Mexico class cargo freighters which can be adapted for them within two minutes. So I will easily fit there five hundred thousand. The rest of them should be able to safely travel on board of their own ships- once again if they stay in one piece. Cadets who are still far from graduation but also are far from being hopeless will train SAR actions with elements of the 201st Fleet. Shame we haven't captured any Potato alive as it seems all survivors decided to kill themselves by venting out the atmosphere when we approached. We don't have to worry about Potato retaliation. Anything stupid to attack them will be swiftly disposed of."
They entered the recreation deck at which will be directed some crewman... Or crewcats?
Admiral Strong talked for a while with Elisabeth but asked her louder.
"Lady Elisabeth, are you certain of your decision?"
"Yes, Admiral. I know what this means."
Thuel looked at her but saw the determination in her eyes and decided to ask.
"What's going on?"
Elisabeth hesitated for a moment.
"As you know I'm a descendant of a very old, wealthy and powerful in its own right line." He nodded while she explained. "what you however didn't know I was an uncomfortable burden on my family. Being the youngest 7th daughter after 5 brothers my title in practice was worth less than my father's butler title. I can't say I was loved or even that someone cared about me. They haven't aborted me just for sake of traditions. When I was ten and absolutely alone in this galaxy, my father called me to his office and informed me that I can call myself Windsor only if I graduate from an academy with exceptional grades and insignia. But I must stay Windsor for the whole duration of my education or until he will decide otherwise."
She touched her graduation badge. But there was only determination in her eyes.
"If I fail he said I can never return and I'll be disowned. He will not hear from me anything until then. As a kick-out gift for me so one could say he hasn't cared about his daughter he gave me an old light cruiser with Freya onboard with minimal crew and kicked me out from home. For all these years they showed up and used me for any and all occasions when it turned out I was 'so great' they bragged and told me how they loved me while never even once sending me even stupid card or one-line message for my birthday. A man who claim to be my father said! I don't want to hear anything from you until you graduate as exceptional."
Thuel and Johan's eyes were wide open. Johan decided to break the awkward silence.
"But you made it Elisabeth! You graduated!"
"Yes, Johan. But I decided I don't want to return there. Order from Terra was my salvation Johan, Thuel...I . Freya was my only friend since I turned ten years old. No! Before I meet you, three years ago she was my only family! So I decided to revoke my nobles status and I will return everything I received from my family. The hull of the light cruiser with Windsor insignias and that fake ring mocking real nobles ring along with all the money I'm aware they spent on me plus something extra for fuck off. I don't want to even see them! I don't care if they show up at the graduation ceremony on Terra. They can't use me anymore! Now I'm serving Fa'enni Prince and they can't do anything about it once Thuel accepted orders from high command. I'm finally free!"
Thuel opened and closed his mouth a few times. Johan was glancing at top of his boots while Admiral Strong decided that admiring the tops of fake distant mountains displayed on the wall three real kilometres away is a better choice. Finally, Thuel decided he must say something. Elisabeth was crying tears of happiness and anxiety.
"Elisabeth I don't know what can be said. But you are our friend. Mine and Johans. Next time inform us about your problems before you drop a such bomb on us, ok?"
She whipped off her tears and smiled at him nodding. She looked a few times more beautiful than just a few dozen minutes ago like all her burden was gone. He continued.
"Also knowing this all I have a good idea of what can happen in the near future so I can prepare accordingly."
Frya manifested near Elisabeth and bowed to Thuel.
"Im sincerely sorry Lord Thuel but she was so stubborn and didn't want to tell you both despite many times I asked her. Please take care of her."
"What about you Freya?"
"I will stay with her as long as possible as we both grow attached to each other. I never was connected with home Windsor besides replaying for their job offer."
Thuel nodded. He learns so many things about the people who surround him every day. But he felt Johan's eyes on him like he was urging him to say something more.
"Elisabeth remember you always can count on me."
It was a long day and still had a few more hours to offer. After this bomb, he was not sure how he will handle the Cions.
Murrnal Bram was looking at his first officer and foster daughter Niora For'rtiassa as she was talking with Migty Ra'volta during disembarking from the ship, he knew everything about their own ship. Much more than we know. His daughter used any occasion to learn new things. She was so young only 35 what should be springs but on board of their ships there were no seasons, she was so curious and competent. He could count on her during the few last years and could entrust her with carrying leadership as he will soon die.
He just needs a way to ensure all Cions will follow her and that will be hard. She was an orphan like so many from his race and despite being a member of the Suř caste of scholars and scouts, she make up for a very good warrior.
He was from the Vnyr caste- a caste of warriors and leaders and adopted her as his own child after Jarta-vuri most probably killed his own wives and kids many many years ago. Since she was Suř and what's worse infertile so she could not become Vnyr and inherit the leadership. He adopted her anyway. There were so many like them among his people. Broken families of widowers and orphans.
When he saw the interior of Dominator he for the first time in his life know his race is safe. For the first time since they first met Jarta-vuri centuries ago, they will go to sleep without fear. When they lost the artificial gravity of their ship few of them almost panicked since Cion never overcome this fear of endless fall but it ended as fast as Ra'volta promised. He provided a translation of any units or terms they don't understand. And gravity they felt was much different than their weak barely half of what they should have to Dominator generated somehow full gravity.
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His ship systems were turned off gradually, when he will leave its hull Spirit Ra'volta will shut down the reactor and cut off emergency batteries. Then the ship will be sealed in this sta-sis field. The air that welcomed them inside was incredible- so rich in pleasant smells of maybe unknown forests, plains and meadows, thick and clear that all of them almost cried when they breathed every single breath with joy. But that was just the beginning.
The vast seemingly endless hall was made from metal he couldn't even identify steel in colour but no single spot was stained by rust or discolouration typical for hangar decks where high-temperature exhaust flames touch plates. The deck was perfectly still and not vibrating in the rhythm of working ship components.
Cions were met by ten giants, much taller than any Cion- their metal carapaces must have been a form of armours his Lord soldiers use. A single glance at them and their weapons was enough to understand they are more than enough to kill all his crew and refugees of over ten thousand Cions.
They welcomed them onboard with hospitality and compassion in their voices and showed their way to a special vehicle waiting near the closest wall of the vast hangar.
He stepped into the first one and was so surprised at how spacy it was that Niora had to urge him to move because unwittingly he was standing in the entrance blocking it. About one thousand of his folk fit inside. It was a bit cramped but when doors closed just a few heartbeats later opened again. When they left the strange vehicle they were not in the hangar anymore.
How? He hasn't felt any movement inside that thing! One of these ma-rrhens warriors urged them to leave the area and they followed him and complied with little hints of fear but mostly with anticipation and hope they maybe see their new Master. His people were in a very big corridor made from strange materials that looked like some kind of metals- one of them was silvery in colour and the second almost gold or brass, and between them was material that looked almost like some kind of dark wood. But no matter how he looked at them he could not see any seams or borders between metals or wood- it was just perfect like fused together into one surface. His people never would be able to achieve such perfection.
After the brief walk, they stopped before big doors and the marine informed them this will be their temporary residence until they reach the Ra-Nael system and Queen and King decided what was next. He thanked the marine with a deep bow on behalf of his people. Even if they fit us in their cargo bay it will be much safer and more comfortable than their own ships.
When doors opened he couldn't believe his own eyes, he heard the surprise and awe of his officers and felt his foster daughter's excited grip over his arm. She always walked in his shadow subtly offering her support for this old warrior and was helping him walk when he was too tired. There was a massive plain and forest, mountains on the horizon so similar to images of their long-lost home world. He felt the delicate sun shines on his face and the touch of gentle wind in his fur and mane. He heard voices of respect and admiration around him when he saw Him.
His Lord was standing with Lady Elisabeth and two others which Bram didn't know, behind them was standing even more of their kind. Old Cion Admiral with all his officers stepped before them and kneeled.
"Lord Thuel! Please, accept our sincerest thanks for saving our lives!"
"We did nothing except what was right." Responded His Master. "You will stay here for the time we will jump to Ra-Nael. It's just 230 lightyears away so we should be there in 3 days. In your unit system that would be about 1538 m'Astru in 4.5 Diese."
Their technology was magical. They can do anything. All officers looked at themselves stunned- during the lifetime of Admiral Murrnal Bram Cions managed to cross 410 m'Astru. To think Lord Thuel's ships are able to cross that far in just a few days was just unbelievable.
When Bram pleaded to Lord Thuel he was desperate. But now he is in constant awe and first time ever in his life was at peace. With tears in his eyes, he said to his Master.
"My Lord I hope my kin will be of use to you. My time is coming near and I don't think I will live to see the end of this journey. This is my Foster Daughter and First Officer Commandor Niora For'rtiassa, I hope she will be of any use to you. I will bestow my authority upon her as inheritor of clan Bram. I... "
Lord Thuel waved his hand in the air cutting his speech, with a soft smile on his face and two mah-rrens in snow white armours arrived in some flying vehicle with the red cross on its side.
"Take him and his daughter immediately to the medic bay. You are to fix them by yesterday! Don't worry Admiral. We still have much to talk about."
Thuel then addressed the rest of the Cions. "I would like to welcome you all on behalf of the Terran Commonwealth and the Fa'enni Kingdom! Time of fear for your race is over and all enemies that hunted you are gone! You are under the protection of the Commonwealth and that means no harm can befall you now. Our medical teams will be trying to help you all so please tell them everything. We noticed you are all extremely malnourished and exhausted so go to food disposition points over there eat and rest."
Admiral and his daughter were gently led to a vehicle and flew away. Some Cions were anxious but they shamelessly lost with their hunger and headed toward tents shown by their new Lord. They lived on emergency rations for one year now and that means they eat only half of what they should. Their Lord promised them safety and they wanted to believe him so badly.
Thuel was terrified and angry. He was not expecting them to be this miserable. This could be Fa'enni if not for the Terran Commonwealth. Fa'enni would try to run using their ships and the Xhrestla would follow them. As Cions chased by Potatoes.
He received a note from Neptune Command signed by Grand Admiral himself that we can't declare war on Potatoes or as Cions call them Jarta-vuri only because we don't have any diplomatic relationship with them. They were declared space vermins instead and must be eliminated until they establish a diplomatic relationship with us.
And then we will declare war properly.
He liked this solution, especially since declaring war to empty the void is just unprofessional.
He and Elisabeth were in medbay waiting for some info about old Cion. His Foster Daughter was brought as a control specimen since she looked almost good. The entire race was extremely malnourished and exhausted, he knew from their own logs how much they had to cut their food rations to even reach that barren system.
One of the doctors in charge came to them:
"Admiral Thuel. This old Cion is dying. He maybe has a few more weeks."
"Can we rejuvenate him?"
"Tests show that's not a problem."
"Then you are authorised to do so. How long it will take?"
"Rejuvenation alone? About one and a half maybe two hours. Also, I recommend medical rebuilding of them both. It looks like they traversed hell, sir."
"Agree doctor. Let's help them now."
"As you wish sir. Will you help me to put them in tubes, sir? They are already very afraid and your presence alone works best for them. They declared You their Lord and trust you above all. They still are desperate, Admiral and you are their only guarantee of safety in their minds."
They entered the room in which five other medics were performing various tests and administering curations deemed good for patients. Niora For'rtiassa wanted to stand up but was held by one doctor. Thuel looked at them and tried to convince them for an unknown treatment.
"Murrnal Bram and Niora For'rtiassa I need to ask you to do as doctors here say. I promise it's for your well-being. The procedure we are about to..."
Cion Admiral with a faint voice said.
"My Lord if you wish I will die here and now, so your medics could learn about my race. We will do as you wish!"
"That wouldn't be necessary Admiral."
"We will do anything, my Lord."
Thuel nodded to the doctor and he said to the patients.
"We will need you undressed and lay in special tubes. Don't worry it will not hurt and you not be harmed. When you wake up we will do a few more tests. Also, miss Niora For'rtiassa will have to do it as well. These tubes are just our means of administering more complicated medical help both of you desperately need."
Both Cions complied without hesitation and did exactly what the doctors told them. They were laying in medi-pods in their underwear only with special masks on their faces. They had to build one fitting for the lion-like face of the Admiral but that was just half a minute of work. Thuel and Elisabeth waited until both Cions lost their consciousness and go to a nearby room in case they would be needed here.
The reports they received were depressing. Elisabeth sat heavily on a chair near the desk while he leaned against the wall. She started:
"Thuel what you gonna do if Commonwealth order to leave them alone?"
"That will not be a problem. I already checked records and found some historical precedences I can use. In the worst-case scenario, they will become my servants."
"That's..."
He waved his hand with irritation.
"I don't think it will be the case. But in situations like this, I'm glad Fa'enni are a monarchy and we have such big autonomy. But I don't think Commonwealth at large will have big objections for uplifting them."
"I hope you are right..." She grinned "So if that's the case should I also kneel and plead my fealty?"
He looked at her angrily:
"That's not funny Liss." he saw a spark in her eye and calmed down. "What's going on?"
She started getting angry but not for him.
"It looks like my family wants to use their influence to bring me back to Avalon. They don't care I have signed off from my family. And they... Freya found that...l..."
"They what?"
She started being red from embarrassment. Instead of telling him she showed him. Thuels eyes opened fully.
"How could they..?"
"I never was anything more than investment and their property. I just didn't fully understand what they planned to do with me."
"But this is outrageous!" he smiled with a cold smile. "You know what Elisabeth? You should kneel before me."
"WHAT?!" but he pointed to the floor with his finger and said out loud:
"Dominator! Every log of this conversation up to this point is considered classified under the authority of the Royal Family."
"Yes sir."
Elisabeth had no idea what he planned but knelt on her right knee.
"Vice Admiral Elisabeth. You who discarded the name of your Family and your past but held to your own achievements and merits, hereby I gladly welcome you in service of the Royal Family. You cut your ties with your family forever and I will respect that and forever remember your decision. What is your wish?"
She thinks she understood now what he is planning to do. She very confidently told.
"My wish is to serve you forever my Prince. I recognize you as my superior and I promise to serve you and the Royal Family to the best of my abilities."
"Stand up and stay proud. I Crown Prince Thuel Uriel Raven make you my Envoy. From now on, you will be my voice and carry my will in the name of the Terran Commonwealth and the Fa'enni Kingdom!"
She stands up at attention saluting him. He took out from his pocket a small medallion on a delicate silver bracelet. It was looking exactly like the one worn by Lady Luna. He gave it to her with words that she thinks forever set her free.
"Take this insignia of your office as Envoy of Royal House Of Raven. Serve me well Elisabeth. You will be known as Elisabeth Ardén from now on!"
He saluted her back as she put on a silver bracelet with Fa'enni Royal Family Crest. Her gratitude was eternal and she knew she will do everything for him. Thuel continued.
"Dominator send the attached log to Grand Lord Admiral Denis Makosso himself directly with max priority. Inform House Windsor that Elisabeth has been accepted into my personal service and the service of the Royal House of Raven and has become my Envoy. Also, we want to speak privately now so it's out of records.
"As you wish Admiral."
Elisabeth sat and started crying.
"Thank you Thuel! Thank you! Thank you! I..."
He looked at her and shook his head in disbelief. She looked at him now almost hysteric, drunk with the happiness she felt.
"I see you don't believe what Freya found but I assure you that's the norm in high society."
"But arranged marriage?! I thought it stopped being a thing long before establishing a colony on Mars!"
"It's the norm amongst some nobles. And having a wife from the home of Windsor would be prestigious to anyone willing to become my brrr father's puppet. I don't care if he sold me for money or influence but I'm sure he never believed I can finish an exceptional course. And wanted to capitalize as much as he could."
In moments like this, he was suspecting that mana made Fa'enni become a monarchy. And also was thankful that Ra-Nael was over 2000 light years away from Terra and its crazy nobles.
No wonder his grandpa used the first opportunity to run away and rarely speak about them outside of official lessons. But he stayed silent and made a sour face. She was playing with a medallion that changed her fate.
"You know I was certain I was free when Grand Command put me under your orders. It never once crossed my mind that my family planned to use me as a bargaining chip during some Noble games. But Thuel... Are you sure? They will try to take revenge. I'm certain. If not House Raven being almost as old as Windsor but much more prominent they would act already."
"They can but I doubt they will try. I think some aspects around me are classified. You know how Baronette Flynn met his end?"
"I heard some rumours and I'm sure my family know all truth since he was their puppet that supposedly acted on his own will."
"I killed him in the duel."
"What? Why?"
He blinked and gave her access to data. She watched in shock.
"But how that's relevant in my situation?"
"I held my hand on my sword when I told your family you are my Envoy. They should understand the implication of making enemies out of the Royal Family. Especially if we connect Flynn with them and your testimony gave me the authorisation to run a full-scale investigation. Right now Ra'volta is requesting Guardian to find evidence of such connections. If we learn that's true they will have to pay a much bigger price than just losing you."
She had never seen him like this. In that log, he was looking like a very handsome Grim Reaper but it was quite frightening to look at him. She checked data and understood - Flynn was charged with treason for falsifying and covering reports. Shadows... That made sense now.
She smiled and pointed on now Her's bracelet:
"One more question. How many more bracelets do you hold in your pockets?"
"Just this one. I had it just in case I would need to give some official title to Cion Admiral to ease some interactions."
"Lucky me then. You will not have any problems? You know from your parents?"
"On the contrary. For two years now they asked me when I finally appoint my emissary so they can train him or her. So 90% of training is not necessary anymore since you are born Noble. In that department, I'll also do some string pulling since we have to give you a respectable title anyway if you are to represent me."
She paled. Until now she somehow didn't take all this Noble business seriously, she never felt part of this caste anyway. 95% of people in the Commonwealth live without even noticing the nobles' existence, the exception being the Navy and Army which cherished traditions. So She was hit hard now with the realisation of how serious Fa'enni are about their established order and she understood why her father was hoping for a renewal of Noble influences and prominence along with the ever-gaining importance Fa'enni Royal Family. She was struck with a sudden thought.
"Prince. My family actually might be overwhelmed with joy when they get your transmission."
"What do you mean? You will be out of limit for them."
"Yes but to some extent, they could use it as their achievement. They rather will use my position as a symbol of their Greatness and try to use some bullshit excuse why I'm not Windsor anymore. Like it was demanded from me or whatever."
"As long as they don't try anything funny I can live with any bullshit. Or better if they promise to leave you be and fuck off I can even pretend how good a relationship I have with your former family. But nothing special. You know- handshake and some photos for news."
She laughed.
"Yeh. That might work better than you think."
Thuel checked the time on his old pocket watch given to him by grandpa. Elisabeth was shocked. That watch was looking not only expensive but also very old.
"What are you doing?"
He replied sneeringly because his dark humour started taking over.
"Today morning we were just students performing quite an easy task of mapping an empty system. At the moment, I'm the Admiral dealing with my new maid's problems as the Crown Prince while waiting for two just a few hours ago unknown aliens to regain consciousness. And it is fucking 20:00 o'clock. That means there are still 4 hours of the day and I'm out of fucks to give at this point. I forgot about something?"
"Well, you also destroyed 400 sips of other aliens who were picking a fight with the Terran Commonwealth for about 12 years, my Lord." She responded with a resolute smile.
"Thank you very much!" he was tired. If that's how uncle MacArthur feels daily he must buy him a crate of the best alcohol he can find. She smiled when relief and happines finally settled in.
"Well, now you can count on me, my Prince. With this small silver chain, you bound me as your servant. As you said I'm your maid now. Should I go find a change of clothes?"
He smiled and shook his fist at her.
"If you will be a naughty girl who knows? Vice Admiral in maid costume would be a sight to behold."
They both laughed. The doctor demanded Thuel attention.
"Admiral? Cions will soon wake up."
"Thank you, Doctor. We'll be there in a moment."