II-I

On the Empress‘ Flagship, the Leviathan…

One of the things Marconite Avarion likes the most is the steady hum of the filters and machinery keeping the water in the Empress‘ tank clean and oxygen rich, and the fresh smell of the water itself. It reminds him of the birthing waters of Cetus. A Place he hasn’t seen in more than two millennia. But he can’t say he misses them much. After all, all he needs to be happy is here, within the giant water tank on the Leviathan.

Most days Marconite sits next to the water tank, listening and talking to the Empress and doing is work on a laptop. While he has an office close by, it isn’t close enough to satisfy him. He can only find true calmness and happiness close to the ruler of all Menkarkind.

Humming a happy tune Marconite writes one verdict after the other with a few reports and suggestions sprinkled in between. Once in a while, he looks up at the tank. Inside the tempered water, hidden by a mesmerising interplay of dim lights and twilight shadows, he can make out the giant shape of Empress Aldebaraun. She’s about 18 feet and 3 inches long without it 11 feet long tail according to the latest health check, which makes her the biggest Menkar-queen ever recorded. Still, the mass of her hair makes her appear bulkier and slower than she truly is.

By the looks of it she seems to be sleeping.

„I do wonder what you‘re dreaming, my Precious,“ Marconite wonders aloud while watching her with a tender expression. „Judging by the emotions I pick up, it must be something pleasant.“

A moment later he looks back on the dim screen of his laptop and continues to check the current data pertaining to the Starblazer-Incident. What a mess, he thinks while he looks over the summary page. I would’ve sent Deep Space in the first place to secure the weapon. Sadly, I’m unable to deny my Precious any of her wishes. I should change but… No. As long as her wishes won’t cause her any harm, I‘ll indulge her. Still, we could’ve saved money sending out Deep Space earlier.

Marconite looks up from his computer. He can feel someone rushing towards him. Following his usual routine he closes the laptop and stands up, facing the door. A few moments pass and someone knocks.

„Come in!“, he says and pushes the button on the small remote in the pocket of his uniform-jacket.

The door opens without any sound and reveals a young aquatic Drone, who has been recruited about a Circle ago. Marconite still remembers her face and name, as he does with all of his subordinates.

„Welcome Talaris, how my I help you?“, he asks her with a polite nod.

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„G-good evening, Sir,“ she says, trying to force the nervous tone out of her voice with mixed results. „I’ve got news from the Steward of Deep Space.“

„Has he found the weapon?“, asks Marconite interested but without any real hope for success.

„Negative, Sir,“ Talaris continues. „But he was able to locate the traitor named Slicer. He wants to know how he shall proceed. He also sent a suggestion with this request. Shall I read it to you, Sir?“

„Yes.“

„I, Restimil Vadias, loyal servant of Her Imperial Highness, Empress Aldebaraun, hereby suggest to Marconite Avarion, First Steward of the Leviathan, to postpone the immediate execution of Aranian Velten, better known as Slicer. He possesses the necessary adaptability and willpower to create a Pact. To execute him without further investigation into the possibilities of this rare occurrence would bereft Her Imperial Highness of a valuable asset in the protection and expansion of the Empire. As for his status as traitor, I, Restimil Vadias, will take care of his re-education and take full responsibility should Slicer, after the re-education process, still show any signs of disloyalty to Her Imperial Highness or harbour any intentions of insurrection.“

Marconite remembers Slicer just as well as Talaris. An accomplished Menkar by all means, just held back by his own malignant and self-destructive nature, he thinks about Slicer. He has always great ambitions as well as the ability to plant intentions into other peoples heads. What a dangerous mix. But functional Pactkeepers are a rarity themselves. Let’s see what a less experienced Menkar will decide.

„Tell me, Talaris, what do you think about this suggestion?“, Marconite asks the young agent to test her.

„M-my opinion?“, she asks shocked but manages to calm herself down a bit — much to his contentment. „Yes, Sir. My opinion… the Steward of Deep Space is the most loyal of all Stewards — except for you, Sir. Therefore, I would grant his suggestion, Sir.“

„Loyalty is a rare good these days, Talaris,“ he says, probing her further. „With the Second Steward of the Leviathan, Laapis Azura, also known as Shark, betraying Her Imperial Highness, how can we be certain that Restimil Vadias will not follow?“

Marconite feels her emotions flatter. There is fear, eagerness, and distaste for Azura within her. Yet, Talaris remains steadfast.

„As an Empire we can’t allow our resolve to be poisoned by distrust, Sir,“ she says, while her voice gets stronger and more confident. „It is true, we lost valuable assets due to major betrayals, but we can’t flatter in our missions. We need to remain on course and push all doubts aside, Sir. As such, I‘m ready to trust the Steward of Deep Space, while keeping my weapon pointed at him until the situation is resolved. And, no matter the outcome, judgment shall be delivered fast and without hesitation.“

„If every member of the Imperial Fleet would have your resolve, we would’ve conquered the whole universe by now,“ he tells her and feels her mix of embarrassment and delight in hearing those words. „I‘m content with your answer. Now you have to prove to me that those weren’t just empty words to please Her Imperial Highness and me.“

„Just give me my orders, Sir!“, she says proudly and salutes him.

„Contact Restimil Vadias and tell him I grant his suggestion. Once this is done, you will prepare and install a direct line of communication to him. After all this, you will report immediately back to me.“

„Sir! I won’t disappoint you, Sir!“, she replies eager and salutes him again before leaving him.

Marconite looks after her with a gentle smile.