Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Snoofman · Post by **Snoofman** » Mon Aug 10, 2026 4:17 pm

Author's note: Hey ya'll! Sorry I took so long. Been facing writer's block as well as wrestling with several summaries of possible plot lines. Hopefully I can crank out a new chapter on a weekly basis or every two weeks. There may yet be another installment after this story is complete, but we'll just have to wait and see. As usual, thank you for reading and if you like this story, please leave a comment.

Disclaimer: Outsider and any and all related content is the intellectual property of Jim Francis a.k.a. Arioch. Please support Arioch by becoming a Patron on Patreon.com

Endurance series timeline:
(+) Wind and Fire
(+) Deliverance
(+) Dawn
(+) A Chorus of Stars
(+) Undercurrent
(+) The Unconquered
(+)Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

1 - The Beast with Many Heads

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Sage Glory’s vision was unbound by the constraints of his focal sight. He could see beyond the scope of his eyes, taking in details that no waking mind could comprehend. He could see the long trail of his timeline, leading back to the moment of he blinked into existence in the arms of his caregiver and realized he was alive. Yet his mind could not distinguish the layers upon layers of every waking moment as they converged into an extradimensional manifold. He could only relive select moments at a time.

He remembered his name giving ceremony, when he inherited the title of Sage Glory in honor of his recently deceased third great grandfather. A male’s name hardly reflected the true essence of their character but rather served as symbolic preservation of warriors and philosophers renowned. He recalled his first occupation as a Librarian, assisting the Deacons of his monastery to document records meant only for the eyes of Nedatans. He reflected on his first meeting with Titennos Sovereign Empathy, his tutor. How Sage Glory loved their intellectual discussions, especially their heated debates concerning Sovereign Empathy’s controversial beliefs. His friendship with the polemical Cardinal led to his promotion as Deacon, where he managed the financial and internal affairs of the monastery. It was stressful work, but his endurance won him the notice of Cardinals committed to the imperial narrative of Deinar’s expansion. Sage Glory’s promotion to Titennos and joining the imperialist sect of Cardinals had sundered his friendship with Sovereign Empathy. Sage Glory kept that painful memory buried deep down, yet it festered in silence.

His reflections were disrupted by an alien presence. A dark hole pressed into the manifold, like a black eye spying into his personal space. Even after enduring octennials of war in the void, his courage shriveled at the sight of it. But a voice came through. A kind voice. Intrigue overcame fear and Sage Glory allowed the black hole to swallow him whole. He fell through a void, neither warm nor cold, drifting away from his universe before emerging within another.

He found himself on a beech. Ocean water washed over his feet, chilling him to the ankles before receding. The sand was coarse yet soft, reminding him of his childhood when he experienced the thrill of the beech for the first time. All around was a shoreline of jungle trees, some familiar, some alien in appearance.

A long distance away he spotted a woman and walked toward her. Her brown tanned skin and round lugs disturbed him. Clearly she was alien. He ought to have sent something, but the creature’s unreadable presence gave him pause. Then she faced him.

He heard in both his ears and his mind, “Oh, Sage Glory! Hello.”

Just the utterance of his name brought back a surge of memories and he remembered who she was. He asked her, <Where are we?>

“This is my home,” she replied. “Or at least it was. My family made their living working at the coconut plantation.” She gestured toward a small hut. “That’s where we lived. We had little but it was enough for me. Until the day my parents decided to send me away.”

<Send you where?>

“They said it was a school for girls like me. But it didn’t feel like one when I got there. The things they taught us… were absolutely grotesque. Then one day my teacher, or at least the woman who I thought was a teacher, took me to a hotel and pushed me into a room and left me alone with a man. He was big. He looked unkind, repulsive. But I could see hunger in his eyes. Then he grabbed me. I was so scared that I lashed out, scratching his eyes. I thought he was going to kill me so I bolted out the door and ran. I ran out of the hotel. I ran through the streets. I ran thinking there was someone chasing after me. I ran and ran and ran. Then he saved me.”

<Who saved you?>

The woman smiled, the rays of the setting only amplifying her joy. “Jesus. I found him on the door of the monastery. I dashed inside, falling into the arms of the nuns. They were so kind, so gentle, so understanding. The moment the bad people tried to reclaim me, pretending to be my guardians, I begged the nuns in tears, ‘I want to be a nun. Make me a nun.’ And so I became one.”

<So you became a mendicant servant to escape your terrible circumstances.>

“God is escape. He is the way out of suffering, the light of the world.” She pointed over the ocean’s horizon. “Look out there. There is the sun of God. Christ is like the sun, the light of the world dipping into the water of eternal life.” The sun descended out of sight, leaving Sage Glory and Judith in dusk. “That day I discovered God… never had I felt such warmth. Now… I feel like… that warmth is gone. The more I learnt about the universe and its cold emptiness, the more I was tormented by a burning question.”

Sage Glory could see her sadness, her despair. <What question?>

A tear rolled down her right cheek. “Was it all a lie?”

Sage Glory’s attention was drawn to the sky, where a star grew brighter. He could almost feel its terrible heat even from great distance, and grew hotter as it descended. The scene transformed around them. Sage Glory found himself in a city of humans, who took notice of the burning star as it came closer, growing into a fireball.

<What is this?> Sage Glory asked.

“Something I’ve been seeing for a while now,” the woman replied. “At first I thought it was a sign. Maybe God was trying to tell me something. But it’s just a dream. There’s no sign. Deus, why do you torment me with your silence?”

The fireball slowed its descent as golden wings uncurled. The humans of the city looked up at the gorgeous sight of the colossal Minnir, casting the city in the light of its glory.

<Beautiful,> sent Sage Glory. <That your mind can conjure up such an image is astounding.>

“Beauty is a shell concealing the wickedness within. Look!”

The head of the Minnir’s neck outstretched, its head splitting into three heads. Then five. Then seven. Each head bore the resemblance of Loroi with fiery manes that burned like seven suns. Sage Glory trembled, revolted by the hideous display.

One head spat beams of light. The whole city was set ablaze and the people with it. Sage Glory watched, horrified as the people writhed, covered in flame, their skin and flash cracking like black charcoal. Only two humans remained untouched by the flames as they emerged from their shelter. The pair came running to Sage Glory, calling for aid. The woman Sage Glory did not recognize, but the boy by her side.

<Ben?> Sage Glory sent, terrified yet confused.

Another head of the beast vomited rivers of water. They culminated into a flood, washing away everything. Ben and the woman by his side were hit by the current, struggling to hang onto whatever they could. Ben reached out for Sage Glory, but slipped from the Cardinal’s grasp as the flood carried the helpless humans away.

The seven heads of the beast then lashed out, snatching up whatever survivor they could. Screams of terror assaulted Sage Glory’s ears as the beast scarfed the helpless victims down. The carnage was too much even for the Cardinal to bear.

<Make it stop,> Sage Glory begged, covering his ears in a futile attempt to muffle their cries. <Quiet! Please make it stop!>

The beast screeched in pain as its stomach began to rot. It spread across its chest, winding down its legs, decaying up along its seven necks before all of it crumbled into dust. The waters of the flood stilled and receded. The flames dimmed, casting the world’s ruins into darkness. Until a new light emerged near the horizon. At first Sage Glory thought it was the dawn.

The woman wandered toward its glow, the Cardinal followed. There they found the Sentinel, Twoface, leaning over an incubator, staring down at a lifeless human baby. Until the child drew breath. Twoface wept for joy.

“An extraordinary coincidence,” the woman said with a grin.

<What is?> Sage Glory asked.

Her grin faded. “But it’s too good to be true.”



Twoface and the child faded from sight, as did the woman. Sage Glory was left alone in the darkness. Until a voice penetrated the blackness, “Athon ennon nuhre d’alma.”

The darkness gave way to a village, primitive judging by the sandstone houses and sandy streets. In this strange place Sage Glory beheld a crowd of humans, male and female alike. Not like the ones he saw in the city. These humans appeared to bear more primitive attire by his guess, all crowding around the source of the voice, which repeated, “Athon ennon nuhre d’alma.”

Curious, Sage Glory made his way through the crowd until he came upon a man standing by a well. The human’s face was covered in hair and dirt, he was dressed head to toe in layers of robes. The robed man said again, “Athon ennon nuhre d’alma.”

Somehow Sage Glory could understand, repeating, <You are the light of the world.> What could it mean?

The robed man began to glow, as if lit by a flame from within himself. This illumination burned as bright as the sun, touching the surrounding humans until each of them were aglow with this same power. It passed from person to person, igniting each soul in a chain reaction that could not be stopped.

The robed man stretched out his arms, proclaiming, “Mallel w-tistashell.”

A terrible shriek pierced the crowd as warriors dressed in steel and red descended upon them and began to gut the crowd. Some of the illuminated humans fell dead as they were impaled. Others fled, taking the light with them. Amidst this butchery Sage Glory took cover by the well. The robed man, the one carrying the first light, had fallen over the edge of the well. He hung over the ledge, arms outstretched like a cross, crimson blood oozing out of a punctured rib. Sage Glory dared a peek at the dying human who stared right back at him.

The dying man spoke directly to the Cardinal, “Mallel w-tistashel.”

Sage Glory replied, <Speak and you will be understood.>

The dying man smiled at Sage Glory. Even as he dangled in agony, the red blood from his wound staining his robes, the human smiled as if content. Sage Glory wondered, how could anyone exhibit such joy in the face of death?

Sage Glory woke. He sat up, wiping sweat from his brow. At the edge of his bed sat a short female in her night gown. She yelped silently as Sage Glory said, “Sister Judith?”

“Oh, Titennos,” Judith said back. “You startled me.”

“Are you well?”

“Fine, fine! Excuse me, I must use the lastenris.” Judith wobbled slightly as she tried rising, gripping the bed for support. She graciously accepted a helping hand from Sage Glory who escorted her to the latrine. After relieving herself, Judith had no desire to return to bed. It was early morning but still dark out. Feeling restless himself, Sage Glory offered to boil them some noillir. They sat in his lounge where he lit some candles.

“I do enjoy candles myself,” said Judith, taking a seat on the sofa with her hot cup in hand. “Easier on the eyes than electric lights. And more soothing.”

“Another taste we Loroi seem to share with humanity,” Sage Glory observed, taking his seat beside her. “Was it another bad dream?”

Judith nodded. “They’re becoming more frequent now. I keep seeing the same thing over and over.”

“I see.”

Judith was silent a moment as she sipped her noillir. “Do you want to hear something crazy, Titennos?”

Sage Glory cocked an eyebrow. “Is that meant to be humorous?”

Judith rolled her eyes. “I sometimes wonder… if what I’m dreaming is a sign.”

“You mean from your deity?” Sage Glory stated more than asked.

“You must think it mad.”

“I… admit that I do not believe in your deity as you imagine it, Judith. But I do not think you or your dreams a sign of madness. I do believe your dreams may be trying to tell you something. I too saw something new.”

That caught Judith’s hopeful interest. “Really?!”

Sage Glory recounted his vision in the dreamscape.

Judith’s hand covered her mouth, astonished. “Could it be?”

“Be what?” the old Cardinal asked.

“What you describe sounds an awful lot like the early Christians during the siege of the Roman Empire. Or maybe even a Jewish sect. If I didn’t know any better, it bears some similarity to the gift of tongues.”

“What is the gift of tongues?”

“According to the Bible, after Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected, he appeared to his disciples. During this event, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus’ followers, giving them the ability to understand any foreign language. We call this Pentecost. Any stranger or traveller, even if that one had no prior knowledge of the disciples’ language, was able to understand the disciples in turn as soon as they came near. This the Church believes firmly is what enabled the disciples to spread Christianity with such ease. It also incurred the wrath of the Roman Empire, who viewed Christianity as a threat to its sovereignty.”

Sage Glory rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I must admit… what you describe bears a remarkable resemblance to the range of sanzai.”

Judith set her cup aside on the table, her gaze deep in contemplation.

“What are you thinking about, Sister Judith?”

“Titennos, shouldn’t we share this with your brethren?”

“That seems unwise, Sister Judith. I must insist this remain secret between us.”

“But why? This bond we share, the ability to see into each other’s dreams. Sharing it with others could be enlightening.”

“It could also invite danger, both to yourself and to members of this monastery. Hostile Loroi would not hesitate to do you harm if they learnt of this. Your ignorance is your shield. For now at least. Please try to understand.”

Judith nodded. “I do understand. It’s just… seems a terrible shame when you have a gift you can’t share.”

“But you have other gifts you have graciously shared with us, Sister Judith. Fertile Spring is enthralled by the music you shared with him. Nilodi Dawnstar cannot stop gossiping about the grand artwork of your church, as well as the other religions you’ve enlightened us about. I myself was captivated by the magnificent architecture your religion’s capital. What was it called again? Vada- Vaty-”

“The Vatican?”

“That’s right! My point is you have already shared so much with us, Sister Judith. But some thigns are better left in the dark.”

“I suppose so.” Judith was silent again for a moment. “Titennos, what I’m about to ask seems… controversial… and I can safely guess what the answer is going to be. But I… I feel compelled by my curiosity and my spiritual pursuits.”

“And what might that be?”

“Titennos, would it be possible… for me to join the Nedatan order?”

Sage Glory was dumbstruck. “What say you?”

“Can I become a Nedatan?”

“I’m afraid that is not possible.”

“Why not?”

“For the same reason I cannot become a nun. And you are not a Loroi besides.” Sage Glory saw the look of hurt in Judith’s eyes. “I beg your pardon, Sister Judith. I mean that not as an offense. I express my words poorly.”

“No, no,” Judith assured him. “I-I understand.” She rose from her seat. “I do not wish to bother you any longer. I will dress and go.”

“Wait!” Sage Glory rose as well. “Will you walk with me?”

Judith obliged him. They changed into their formal attire and left his pagoda. It was still dark in the monastery, but the sky was slowly lighting, the stars winking out one by one as they walked together.

“Sister Judith, why do you ask to be a Nedatan?” Sage Glory asked. “Have you decided to leave your Church?”

“Certainly not,” Judith replied firmly. “While my faith is not the same as it used to be, I could never give up my commitment to the Church. Not after all that it has done for me.”

“I admire your sense of duty,” Sage Glory complimented her. “And judging by your dream, I will take your word for it. So then why this sudden interest in Nedatans?”

“My time at the monastery has been very enlightening, Titennos. I have always found the Loroi’s abilities mesmerizing. But the Nedatan order is a treasure trove of intellectualism. Its philosophical pursuits fascinate me.”

Sage Glory cocked an amused eyebrow. “An unusual compliment. Most females have little appreciation for philosophy.”

“But I’m no ordinary female, am I?”

Sage Glory chuckled at the humorous observation. “No, you certainly are not. I and many of the Nedatans of the monastery have been touched by your passionate interest in our philosophical studies.”

“How could I not be? While I am reluctant to embrace your imperial beliefs, it’s comforting to know that the Loroi, or at least some of them, wonder about the meaning of life. Thanks to you, I have a better understanding of sanzai. I find your theory of telepathic interactions to be just surface elements of a mysterious deeper mind to be a compelling notion. I’m especially intrigued by the Ninzadi’s ability to accurately impersonate historical Loroi. It’s like… speaking to the dead almost.”

“But why this sudden desire to be a Nedatan? Why ask to be something you cannot be?”

Judith stopped on the ridge line path, just above a grassy hill overlooking Toridas and the sea. “Is that what the Nedatans would say?” she asked. “Or is it what you think?”

Sage Glory was taken aback by her boldness.

“I don’t think less of you no matter what the answer is, Titennos,” she assured him. “I just ask that you be honest.”

Sage Glory turned his gaze toward Toridas. One by one the city lights were extinguished as dawn lit up the world. “The Nedatan order has been traditionally a male organization. There have been instances in which we attempted to admit females into our order as Nedatans. But these admittances caused problems. Males and females lead segregated lives for peace and stability among Loroi.”

“Surely not all females admitted into the order as Nedatans caused problems,” Judith pointed out. “Did they?”

Sage Glory sighed. “There… may have been a few exceptions.”

“Besides, I am not Loroi.”

“Then what’s the point of you becoming a Nedatan?”

Judith gazed out over the grassy hills and Toridas as the last of the city lights twinkled out. “Do you know what the point of prayer is, Titennos?”

Sage Glory replied confidently, “To impart mystical blessings on the dutifully bound perhaps. To use recitation to teach moral codes to the youth. At least that is what religious minds hope for.”

Judith grinned wryly at the old Cardinal. “Good answer. Everything you just said is wrong. Prayer is conversation.”

Sage Glory stared bemusedly at Judith. “That seems obvious enough.”

“It is conversation driven by a desire to understand. Most people think that prayer is about beseeching the divine for some magic intervention. But true prayer is thinking about others. You speak to God when you don’t know how to speak to others… even if you don’t always get an answer.”

“What’s the point of a conversation if you don’t get an answer?”

“Because it’s nice to think about someone other than yourself. Maybe I’m wrong to want it… but… my soul is still hungry for answers to existential questions. Maybe it’s foolish to want it… but… what if being a Nedatan is the next step I must take in my spiritual quest? To better understand the Loroi? Isn’t that what we all want? To be understood!”

Sage Glory found it hard to argue with that sentiment. Yet even so. “I am truly sorry, Sister Judith,” he said sincerely. “But there are some things we are just not meant to be. You are not meant to be a Nedatan in as much as I am not meant to be a warrior.”

“I understand.” Judith turned her focus toward the rising sun over the mountain ledges. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to return to my dwelling. I should pray before work starts. Also have a lecture today with the children.”

“May I escort you?”

Judith humbly accepted. They walked back to the residential district of the monastery. Judith stood outside the entrance to the Detair quarters.

“I hope the Detairs have not been hassling you over the fact that you slept in my dwelling again,” said Sage Glory.

Judith shook her hands. “I think I can handle it. After all I only slept in your bed. Besides, you can always vouch for me. Your word against their sanzai, right?”

Sage Glory chuckled at the absurd humor. “I suppose so.”

Judith turned away to enter the Detairs’ quarters.

Sage Glory stopped her. “Judith!” He fumbled for words to explain himself, but all that came out was, “You… truly are something special.” He felt his words foolish and turned to part.

“You’re special too…” Judith returned, barely through the threshold as she risked a shy look at him before disappearing behind the door. “…Sage.”

Sage Glory returned to his pagoda. His thoughts kept going back to Judith and their conversation as he washed the tea cups they used. He was correct to defend his position and dissuade Judith from pursuing what was a fool’s dream. He was only doing what was practical and right.

So why did he feel guilty then?

Was it the look of hurt on Judith’s face?

And why the sudden compulsion to let the nun know she was special?

Sage Glory just wanted Judith to be happy. She may not have been a Loroi, but her feelings mattered, to him at the very least. He did not want Judith to be sad or feel that she was unworthy. If she were a Loroi, perhaps then she might be accepted as a Nedatan. But Judith was human. It was a matter of gender restriction and racial legality.

Sage Glory summoned Detair Mogin Frostbite. Upon entering his dwelling, she relayed the Cardinal's appointments for the day as well as his scheduled mating encounters. Amidst her briefing, Sage Glory instructed, <Send a message to Emperor Greywind.>

Frostbite was confused by the command. <Titennos, may I ask why? The Emperor is likely to be occupied.>

<No doubt. But she will receive me.>

<What reason shall I give pertaining your request for audience?>

The Cardinal spoke, much to Frostbite's confusion, "Tell her, 'no apparent reason.'"

Snoofman · Post by **Snoofman** » Mon Aug 24, 2026 6:56 pm

Author’s Note: I changed the origin of Shades in chapter 6 of Undercurrent, so it would tie in with the Pre-Fall legends better.

2 - Dealing with Shadows

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Deinar served as the beacon to which the rest of the Loroi Union turned. Regardless of each city-state’s or national region’s interest in interstellar affairs, all of Mestirot was the face of the Union’s central authority. At the peak of the Great War, it stood as a symbol of both oppression and salvation for the Union and those drawn into the bloody conflict. The Loroi Union’s victory over the Hierarchy reinvigorated the imperialists’ faith in Loroi supremacy. But the continent’s state of affairs and deteriorating infrastructure had tainted the Sapphire Seat’s gleam.

Since being granted emergency powers with the right to rule Mestirot as she saw fit, Emperor Greywind was determined to fix the continent’s problems. Yet little had improved. Most of the Guilds, which had traditionally been the backbone of Deinarid industrialism, were in shambles. Unable to compete with modern corporations or make themselves attractive in interstellar markets, the Loroi conglomerates that had sustained Mestirot since the planet’s Golden Age were forced to downsize and by extension dismiss many of their workers. Unemployment had skyrocketed, leaving hundreds of millions of civilians with neither work nor assets to help them escape their terrible circumstances.

Some of these jobless Loroi became vagrants, flocking to the nearest cities in search of work. Others too afraid to make such journeys had settled into homeless camps on the outskirts of the cities, stuck in limbo with no clear direction of where to go or what to do. Most felt leaderless and abandoned by their former Guild Masters.

Yet amidst these escalating tragedies, the vagrants and homeless Loroi had hope. Not from their imperial government. Not from the Viscounts that promised them aid yet had little to show for it. Many civilians, whether homeless vagrant or Guild worker, no longer feared voicing their support of the mysterious philanthropist, Eternal Endurance. This incited outraged or even violent reactions from warriors. Already there were incidents of feuds between warriors and civilians. Under Greywind’s orders, Mizols cooperated with Nedatans to pacify the mobs, but it was not enough. Their Seers could feel the growing animosity amidst the masses of discontent civilians. There was no placating the angry multitudes.

The Emperor was flummoxed. On the one hand were the regional governors and community elders from every Deinarid state calling for permit to put down these civilian rabbles with lethal force. On the other were the Viscounts and Guild Masters begging for protection from oppressive warriors and more financial aid.

Now Emperor Greywind stood within the observation post of a mountain military bunker. From her vantage point she could see the two valley cities of Toridas below to the south. To the east were the vast Zaral forest plains. The once pristine landscape was now polluted with tents and makeshift shelters stretching as far as the eye could see. By the Emperor’s order, all entry into Toridas itself was strictly policed. Just until she and the Diadem could find a solution for the hundreds of thousands of civilian vagrants that had migrated from all over Mestirot to the Imperial Seat.

Tempo stood by the Emperor’s side. <A terrible eyesore,> Tempo remarked. <Isn’t it, Azerein?>

<And it’s growing day by day,> Greywind agreed. <According to the Observers’ estimates, they could be nearly five hundred thousand. If the influx of vagrants keeps increasing, it could double within two nanapis.>

Teidar Rozerrei Thunder Bolt approached the Emperor, sending, <Azerein, the Shades have arrived and have been screened by security.>

<Admit them entry,> Greywind ordered. <We will meet them on the observation balcony.>

Thunder Bolt left to see it done, but not before sending, <Very well. But it might take a moment. One of the Shades is… a lot to escort. And has something unexpected in her possession.> The details surprised Greywind. Thunder Bolt left to carry out her task.

Tempo followed the Emperor out of the lookout cab. Attendant Link, ever present and ever faithful, carried the Emperor’s purple cape.

Tempo asked as they passed through the narrow corridors, <Azerein, are you sure about this? Admitting a Shade seems terribly risky.>



<Yes, but these are Shades, Azerein.>



They emerged onto the observation balcony, breathing in a pleasant scent of sea salt as the ocean winds brought its fragrance up the mountain side.

Tempo continued, <Shades are more than just lotai sneaks. Some of them have the ability to intrude on private conversations, capable of stealing secrets.>



Eight Praetorians entered onto the observation balcony escorting a darkly clad Loroi of buxom proportions. Greywind exhibited calm composure, yet she was mildly stunned by the heavy footfalls of the dark mass that approached. The hooded Loroi was a mountain of darkness with a slim upper body sitting atop a mass of bloated legs. Her rumps were globular, hips so wide that not even two seats could accommodate them. The Emperor felt the floor of the balcony tremble slightly with every step the massive Loroi took. Apart from the sharp-eyed Praetorians escorting her, the dark clad Loroi was accompanied by four civilian clad Loroi with pale complexion, concealed by lotai.

Beside the massive Loroi a human boy walked. By Greywind’s guess, he must have been twelve years old. The young human clung to the large Loroi, her arm resting protectively around his shoulders.

The darkly clad mass stopped, the eyes of the Praetorians watching her every movement with sharp scrutiny as she slowly rolled back her hood to reveal a pale round face with brown eyes and golden hair, an exotic trait for a Loroi. She just stood there, waiting to be acknowledged.

Greywind took the initiative, careful to keep her defenses ready as she sent cautiously, <Shadow Lord Black Hole, I presume?>

The mountainous Loroi broke her perfect lotai, sending with equal caution, 



More cracks of the Shade’s essence fractured as the Shade offered a mild grin and sent, 

 Greywind assured, turning her gaze to the human. She asked, “And who might you be, young human?”

The boy looked up at Black Hole, who looked down at him and said tenderly, “Answer her. No fear.”

The boy looked at the Emperor and replied, “M-m-my name is… S-S-Saturn.”

“Saturn?” Greywind repeated. “I believe that is a name of a Terran moon, is it not?”

The boy shrugged.

Greywind turned her focus back to the Shadow Lord. <Your escorts will be taken to a lounge where they may relax under our supervision. The human will be taken care of personally by my trusted secretary.> The Praetorians led the Shade’s escorts away. Greywind sent discreetly to Tempo, <Question him, but gently.>

<Since when have I done otherwise?> Tempo replied. <Are you sure you want me to leave?>

<She is unarmed. I can handle myself. I have Attendant Link with me besides.>

Tempo moved toward the boy, who clung tighter to Black Hole.

The Shadow Lord bent down to tell him, “No fear. You go her. You go now. She be good you.”

The boy planted a kiss on Black Hole’s cheek before Tempo led him away. Attendant Link stood dutifully observant, ready to act on the Emperor’s command. Greywind approached the Shadow Lord, coming within arm’s reach.

Black Hole felt the Emperor’s sharp gaze take in all of her. <Does my appearance surprise you?>

 Greywind admitted. <It is just an unusual sight to see a Loroi of… great proportions.>

Black Hole chuckled. <Polite! You seem clever with your sending. But I am not offended if you think me fat.> She clapped the cushions of flesh under her dark attire. 

<Poetic,> Greywind complimented. <Though I am confused how you keep your upper body slim.>

<The fat of my upper body is surgically removed. Like to keep some semblance of beauty.>

<I see. So then, Shadow Lord, before we begin, know this. I am aware of a Shade’s abilities. And so I offer fair warning: any attempt to delve where you are not welcome will be answered with harsh action. And I will not hesitate to use lethal measures if I become so inclined. Are my words clear to you?>

<Transparently,> Black Hole replied.

<You have reached out to me for the purpose of making an alliance. Have I been correctly informed?>

<Hope we may at the very least come to a mutual understanding,> Black Hole assured. <You seem to have a problem as do I. Perhaps we can solve it together.>

<Then let us begin with a fair exchange of information. Shades seem to have long been regarded as untouchables and outcasts.>

Black Hole’s gaze narrowed. <Is that how you see us, Azerein?>



<Few Shades like you warriors back,> Black Hole retorted.

<Then why seek an alliance with the very Loroi you loathe?>

<My tigis is in danger, Azerein. We need your help. And you need ours.>

<And what makes you think we warriors need your help.>

Black Hole walked toward the edge of the balcony, leaning over the guard rail as she gestured toward the expanse of vagrant camps. <You notice all that out there?>

Greywind cocked an eyebrow. <Are you trying to be humorous?>

Black Hole grinned. <Out there seems to be a big problem. Too many mouths to feed. Too many people to care for. Too many minds to screen. Too many ways for your enemies to sneak into this city.>

<Would you elaborate on this?>

<A shadow war is happening, Azerein. One you cannot see. That is how the Shades want it. But former allegiances and the old order that held the Underworld together is unraveling all because of Eternal Endurance. Endurance fans the flames of revolution, driven by hatred for imperialists. For you!>

<And what does that have to do with our enemies infiltrating Toridas?>

<We Shades survive by hiding in the shadows, wayfaring the wilderness or finding shelter in abandoned settlements your warriors left behind. Our most favored of these forsaken places are the old underground facilities of the city states. Hence why we call it Rallersel, a tribute to the place of our conception and home of the mother of all Shades. Endurance understands the brilliance of using the old underground as both hiding place and shield. Hence why she seems desperate to seize control of every tigis dwelling underground. Her network is growing and in turn her strength. But her true prize will be seizing the abandoned undercity of Toridas.>

<Not likely,> Greywind countered. <Toridas’ undercity is a restricted area. Any and all access to those abandoned chasms are sealed and monitored.>

<No doubt, Azerein,> Black Hole acknowledged. <But believe me, Shades are clever. So is Endurance. Her scouts search for ways into those old chasms. Sooner or later they will find a way in. If they succeed, I promise your problems will multiply. I think we can both agree that a siege under the very foundation of your Imperial Seat would not look good for you.>

<Then why come to me with this information, Shadow Lord? Why not approach Endurance and ask for leniency?>

<I have openly opposed Endurance involving the Shades in her revolution from the start. She might forgive me, but my tigis has spilled blood of other Shades. The Shadow Lords now aligned with Endurance will never forgive me for killing their kin.>

<Why do you oppose Eternal Endurance?>

<Endurance is driven by hatred of imperialism and a desire to replace it. What she fails to realize is that even if her revolution succeeds, the new government will have to be sustained by conquest and expansion. In the end, it’s just another empire.>

<You claim to have no interest in conquest or expansion?> Greywind asked skeptically.

<Conquest only breeds tragedies,> sent Black Hole. <Expansion without foresight becomes unsustainable. I believe in my tigis, I believe in good business, not empire’s false promises of prosperity.>

Greywind squinted. <Do you think the Loroi Union, the very symbol of Loroi sisterhood, is false?>



Greywind narrowed her gaze sharply, suppressing her own offense. <That is not a reassuring way of seeking validation with warriors, Shadow Lord.>



<Then what do you seek?>

<Compromise.>



<Should I forgive you for the occasional Shade you and your fellow Brights have killed?>

<Perhaps those Shades would not have been killed if they did not choose to be enemies of the law.>

“Ha!” Black Hole scoffed out a laugh. <What law? Law is a story you force others to accept. Only as good as the people who find value in it. Besides, you warriors ignore the letter of the law when it suits you.>

 Greywind countered. <Now if you really want an alliance, do you have something of value to offer?>

Black Hole sighed, leaning all her weight against the guard rail. <How about reconciliation?>

<Reconciliation?>



<Reconciliation is virtuous,> Greywind acknowledged, <but it’s not enough. Have you anything else to offer?>

<Defense!>

Greywind cocked a curious eyebrow. <And how would a tigis of Shades act as defense?>

Black Hole turned her gaze back out to the vagrant camps stretching toward the horizon and explained, <Toridas is blessed with a stable climate year round. But offers no immunity from the elements. What happens when storms bombard those camps? What happens when the seasonal rains flood the valley and the plains? What will your wood industries say when vagrants trespass on their forests and desecrate trees? Have you noticed problems in the camps now? You ever see rodent infestations? They grow faster than Loroi! So does sickness and disease. I bet you sixty-four tinnets there are thousands of civies already ill. These vagrants cannot survive on the surface as they are. Not enough room in the city to house the homeless either. But perhaps Toridas’ old undercity.>

Greywind countered, <The undercity is obsolete and restricted as I said.>

<But it is vast, spacious. I know the old histories. You warriors built the underground dwellings to house millions of Loroi if atomic war broke out.> Black Hole gestured toward the sky. <When you started fighting up there, you just left it all behind.>

<Allowing unmonitored civilians into the undercity threatens Toridas’ security. Besides, the old undercity suffers numerous safety hazards. Many of the facilities therein are derelict and in disrepair.>

<We Shades understand underground hazards all too well and are prepared to deal with them. You also have clever Gallens that can fix those hazards.>

<And how do you and your Shades enter into this?>

Black Hole stood upright, hand still on the railing, taking a step toward Greywind. <Endurance is coming to make war on you. If she announces her presence amidst a hungry mob right outside your gates, there will be riots. They will spiral out of control.>

<And if I allow the civilians into the undercity, Endurance and her rebels could just sneak in anyway. One incitement amidst the mob of dispossessed gives her the chance to seize the undercity as her hub. Then we have no choice but to meet Endurance and her rebels head on. It will be a bloodbath!>

<Not if my tigis occupies the undercity first.>

<How can you halt Endurance's advance??>

Black Hole grinned confidently. <If your warriors stand with my Shades, Endurance’s fighters will not dare challenge us. If Endurance sends her charmers to spread poison amidst the mob, my tigis will oust them.>

Greywind silently digested Black Hole’s offer and sent, <Your sending seems genuine. But even if I can trust you, there remains another problem. However you may seek to defend and justify the history of your tigis, it does not change the fact that you are a criminal, that you are the leader of criminals. Like it or not, you are still subjects of Union law. I could pardon a criminal, but I cannot empower a civilian, not if she requires any kind of martial authority.>

<Then how shall we overcome this hurdle?>

Greywind circled around Black Hole. <A temporary alliance is not enough assurance for either of us,> sent Greywind. <The only conceivable way we might become proper allies and for you and your tigis to be fully pardoned is if you agreed to be servants of the Union.>

<How so?>

<You must agree to enroll within the Redemption Program and swear yourselves in as warriors of the Union. You will train while defending the undercity alongside our Soroins and Teidars. And you will agree to be supervised by the Mizols.>

<Last time an emperor captured and drafted our people into her service, it led to a witch hunt against all Shades.>

<Only because the Shades whom Seed of Zaral tried to uplift betrayed her trust.>

<True,> Black Hole admitted. <Seed of Zaral spearheaded a virtuous campaign to unify all Loroi. Sadly her methods of achieving that unity were wicked, even for a Shade. The few Shades who escaped her clutches and Seed of Zaral’s recently recruited Mizols could attest to that.>

Greywind tempered her reactions and approached the Shade. <Whatever the truth may seem, it is in the past. What matters is the present. I will pardon you and your tigis. I will arm you with what you need, but only if you prove reliable and trustworthy. Enroll within the Redemption Program. Become warriors of the Union and you will be uplifted.>

Black Hole sighed, leaning against the guard rail again. Even with her essence shielded, Greywind could tell from her face and body language that she was distressed, clearly wrestling with the prospects.

Greywind reached out, <Whatever you may think of me, I am not Seed of Zaral. I do not discard allies.>

<Unlike the Serenids?>

<A terrible necessity to win a terrible war,> Greywind acknowledged. <You have nothing to fear from me so long as you give me no reason to believe you mean to betray me. I will also require you to disclose whatever information you have concerning Eternal Endurance and the Loroi involved in your criminal history.>

<That would mean betraying our clients' trust. You demand a high price.>

<That is the price of my mercy.>

Black Hole groaned out a sigh. <Many in my tigis will not enjoy life as rigid warriors. But they will follow where their Shadow Lord leads them. If I agree to this, I have two conditions.>

<Name them,> sent Greywind.

<To ensure that my people are protected and receive proper representation in your Union, I will have a seat of authority.>

Greywind considered her options. <If Toridas’ undercity is meant to become your new dwelling, it will need a local council. You will be the first Shade to have a seat at the undercity’s Toza Nerrein, provided you cooperate with your fellow councilors. More Shades may eventually earn their seats on this local council if they prove trustworthy. And to ensure your place within the Union, I will form a new military branch exclusively for Shades.>

Black Hole regarded the Emperor with a milder look. <You mean you will give us Shades our own caste?>

<Yes.>



<It will be regulated, but yes.>

<If I may have the privilege of naming this caste, I would dub it Tigomer.>

<Very well. And your second condition?>



<This is not the warrior's way,> Greywind objected. 

<You demand I forsake my old life for your ways. What I demand is only fair for the eons of persecution and prejudice we Shades have suffered.> Black Hole could feel Greywind's calculative reluctance and offered, <Consider this: if we Shades are allowed to own property and run business, it will mean an extra tax revenue for you. Forsaking our old business practices for your laws will make it harder, but believe me we Shades know how to do good business.>

Greywind huffed through her nostrils as she leaned against the guard rail. <Wealth accumulation corrupts us. The former Emperor Eighth Dawn and the tycoons she allowed on the old Council are a prime example.>

<Then let's be better than them. We can be more ethical.>

Greywind regarded Black Hole skeptically. <A criminal lecturing me on ethics?>

<Whatever I and my tigis have done, however lawful or criminal, was done for survival. Besides, no matter how you seek to justify your past actions, even you have done terrible things. Your exploits from the Great War with the Shells can attest to that.>

Greywind huffed out a sigh. <The Traditionalists are going to have a riot of their own once they find out.> She released the guard rail and turned toward the Shadow Lord. <Do you swear to abandon any and all criminal activity?>

<Granted we are allowed to plead in our defense in the event of a misstep. My Shades seem not all well educated in your laws and will need time to learn.>

<If I agree to your terms, I expect loyalty until death.>

<You will have it.>

<Are we agreed then?>

Black Hole smiled. <We are, Azerein.>

<Kneel, Shadow Lord.>

Black Hole grunted as she gripped the guard rail tightly, struggling to bend her thick legs.

Greywind sent, <By the authority vested in me and as is my right under the clauses of the emergency powers granted by the Diadem, I announce the foundation of the Shadow Caste. I hereby appoint you as Tigomer’s Elder Councilor. Henceforth you will be known as Tigomer Tiret Black Hole.>

Black Hole bowed slightly. 

<Rise, Tiret! In time you and your tigis will be measured and fitted with military armor suitable for your caste. But for now, it seems wiser that your fellow Shades assume civilian attire for tactical reasons.>

Black Hole grunted as she hefted herself onto her feet. <Agreed.> She slapped her large hips to emphasize, <Although my armor might need some… adjusting.>

<Indeed.>

<Before we proceed, I have one more request.>

<We have already agreed upon the conditions discussed,> Greywind pointed out. 

<This is no term,> Black Hole assured. <It concerns Saturn.>

<Ah, yes! That boy. I must ask how you came by him.>

<When Endurance returned to Deinar, she attempted to seduce me to her side by offering gifts. This included Saturn.>



<No.> Black Hole received a stern look from the Emperor. 

<Why?>

<He was a victim.> Black Hole’s grin faded. 

Greywind sensed no deception. <That seems relieving. But what exactly do you request of him?>



<And how do I know you have not forced him into this?>





Black Hole contemplated possibilities and suggested, 

<That is certainly true.>

<Then here is my proposal. Let Saturn stay with me, at least for a while longer. When the vagrants have been successfully moved into the undercity, you could dispatch your wards to spread their charity. This would be an opportune time for Saturn to be exposed to other humans, whom he has not seen for a long time. And then let Saturn decide if he wants to go with them or stay with me.>

Greywind considered it. <You seem to care about him. Why?>

Black Hole shrugged, grinning. <He is kind and loving. We enjoy each other’s company.>

Greywind sighed. 

Black Hole sighed sadly. 

<Come, Tiret! There is much to prepare.>

Black Hole departed from the outpost with her Shades for Gondar. She would return with the rest of her tigis at an appointed time. Upon Greywind’s return to the Imperial Complex, Greywind summoned Detair Softwind to take care of Saturn, but not before assuring the boy, “Do not worry, young one. You are surrounded by honorable warriors here. We do not harm children.”

As Greywind strode through the corridors on the way to her personal chambers, she asked Tempo for further updates.

Pulling up the Command and Control Network news outlets on her wrist-comm, Tempo reviewed, <Seems there has been an explosion at Shezen’s great wall. Now there are civilian migrants pouring into Shezen City. The local elders of Daiam are demanding the use of lethal force.>

Greywind sighed. <It’s bad enough that the conservative Logins want to revert to ritual culling. I’ll send a command to Governor Grassland to deploy her Unsheathed, they can assist to police the crowds.>

Tempo marked it off and moved on. <Next come reports from Eshorg! Apprehension procedures for illegally conceived civilians have been obstructed due to organized armed resistance from->

“Azerein!” Tempo’s review was disrupted as Greywind’s cabinet of Diaderets approached her in the hall. Peridot called out, “Azerein! Azerein!”

“What is it?” Greywind asked. When Diaderets spoke, it denoted something urgent. Something meant to be discussed in private.

“We must convene,” said Peridot. “We just received a message from a Citadel at Laget. A Terran vessel has arrived there with a delegation from Earth. They are insisting on an emergency conference with us.”

Greywind approached Peridot, leaning toward the Diaderet’s ear, trying not to voice her agitation as the Emperor whispered, “I thought it was settled that the Citadels along the border would handle diplomatic visits from the Terrans.”

“Yes, but this is different,” Peridot whispered back. “Alexander Jardin is with this delegation.”

Snoofman · Post by **Snoofman** » Mon Aug 31, 2026 4:33 pm

3 - The Starblade

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Ever since becoming Greywind’s pupil, Ben’s responsibilities had grown, as did the Emperor’s expectations of him. Nearly everyday he studied with Cotton to assist in his tutelage, immersing himself further in the political and societal sciences. The Emperor was particular on making him read stories regarding the exploits of the Mizol Caste or Deinar’s historical events leading up to the need for a centralized imperial government.

When he was not studying, Ben was training. Praetorian Azure had been selected to sharpen Ben’s combat skills. Each day they wrestled and sparred. She never injured Ben, but she was still rough. Ben knew better than to whine and complain at her harsh treatment. If he could not endure her training, how could he be taken seriously as a warrior in the future. Azure never complimented him. Every time he mastered a new technique, her only reward was more combat training for him, each session more challenging than the last.

Ben had been pushed to his limits when Greywind approved for him to go on a trip into the Zaral woods. There his assigned teacher drilled him in the art of wilderness survival and primitive weapon crafting. When caught using his ceremonial dagger, his teacher hurled the blade into the wilderness. Ben searched frantically for it, distraught that the Emperor’s gift was gone. He hurled himself at his teacher, snarling and wrestling with her for throwing away and losing his most treasured possession. And of course Ben lost, being younger and less skilled than her. He received numerous reprimands from his teacher for his insubordination that day. Followed by a lesson in loss and acceptance. A lesson Ben begrudgingly took to heart.

After spending five nanapis in the wilderness, Ben was hardened. His teacher, satisfied with Ben’s performance, gave him the greatest gift of all. Ben nearly wept for joy when she presented his lost dagger to him. She was mildly shocked by Ben’s lack of decor when he hurled his arms around her. Thus ended Ben’s warrior trial.

The Emperor rewarded Ben’s accomplishment by adding ceremonial pieces to his uniform. Ben’s flashy suit combined with armor plating fitting of a true Loroi warrior amplified his social status. His friends and family at the creche would ask to touch his armor whenever he came to visit, envious of his ascent to warriorhood.

Ben’s accomplishments and elevated status made him a ripe target for admiration as well as loathing. Many traditional Loroi were displeased by the prospects of an alien receiving such high esteem and privilege from the Emperor. Yet none dared touch him for fear of provoking the Emperor’s vengeance.

It was Ben’s day off from training and studies. He decided he wanted to go visit the Pipolsid Aquarium. He was the first among his comrades to dive in with the Pipolsid, who eagerly welcomed him into their pool.

Ben enjoyed the feeling of weightlessness, being surrounded by the curious and intelligent Floaters. He floated with them on the surface. He submerged to behold their beauty in their element. He allowed himself to be carried along as the Pipolsid brought him to their underwater habitats to show him their works. He admired Pipolsid architecture, organic in form as were their instruments.

Young Pipolsid as small as infants swarmed Ben and his Loroi companions, illuminating the water in colorful clouds as they tenderly prodded Ben to satisfy their curiosity. Ben taunted them in a game of slapsies, his movements impeded by the aquatic environment.

After staying submerged for thirty-seven bimas, Ben’s breathing apparatus began to beep. Ben began his ascent along with his fellow Loroi. The Pipolsids swam beside them to assist their ascent back to the surface, stopping every few mannals to allow their bodies to depressurize. They broke the surface of the water and swam for the edge of the tank. Hoisting himself onto dry ground and removing his breathing piece, Ben swallowed a lung full of fresh air, looking back at the Pipolsid.

“Thanks for the dive,” said Ben to the floaters.

The Pipolsids emitted a gracious glow of green.

“You have become very good at swimming, Ben,” Fireclay complimented after removing her breathing apparatus.

Cotton, who was content to remain dry, chuckled as she approached the divers. “I still remember when Ben first came here,” she said. “He nearly made my heart stop when he fell in and could barely swim.”

“Why don’t you ever dive with us, Cotton?” Ben asked, shaking the extra water off as he stood. “It’s fun.”

“While I’m happy you enjoy it, I am not particularly comfortable being submerged so deep underwater.”

“Says the Loroi who insists on bathing three times a day.”

“A bath tub and a deep tank are two different things, Ben.”

Ben grinned wryly. “What’s wrong? Too much pressure?”

The Loroi climbing out of the tank giggled.

“Humorous,” Cotton replied dryly.

“Timber and Drip think it also funny,” said Polyglot on her friends’ behalf.

Azure approached the group. Cotton nodded as she received a sending from the Praetorian.

“Everyone up and out,” Cotton commanded. “We must dry off and depart.”

“What’s the hurry?” Ben asked.

“The Emperor summons you, Ben.”

“But I have the day off.”

Cotton scowled. “You also have a duty. That sort of reply is unworthy of a true warrior. Now at quick for action!”

Ben groaned as he and his friends left for the changing rooms. Timber, Drip and Polygot grinned bashfully, the tips of their ears turning deep blue as they stripped down alongside Ben, standing over the drying grid to let sonic pulses repel excess water off their bodies. Ben noticed the Loroi stealing glances at him as he reached for his uniform from a locker, cheeks and ears turning deep blue.

Polygot stuffed her swim suit into her bag. Eyes flashed wide open as she stared incredulously at her bare-skinned friends, the blush in their ears intensifying.

Ben noticed their silent exchange, asking as he pulled on his uniform, “Something wrong?”

Polygot answered, “Drip ask if you mate now, Ben.”

“Say what?!” Ben asked, caught off guard.

Polygot’s hand flew to her lips, very embarrassed. “Forgive,” she begged. Her spoken Trade was not the best, but she was practicing. “Bad words! Bad choice! I mean… she mean… Azerein let you mate. It is question.”

“Oh!” Ben could not help but blush mildly himself. “Um, well, I don’t know. We haven’t really talked about it.”

“But you are old enough now, true?” Polygot asked with a hopeful tone.

Fireclay picked it up all too well, planting herself firmly between Ben and the all too curious civilians younger than her. <Pull your pants on, little girls!> Fireclay ordered them.

Timber stuck out her tongue, winking at the overprotective Soroin. <Killjoy!>

The Loroi and their single human friend dressed and left the Aquarium. Outside the power beitars waited. Ben insisted on giving Timber, Drip and Polygot a lift home, but Azure would not have it.

Ben whined, “Come on, Azure! It’s just a short detour.”

“I am Teigo Niberadi to you, young warrior,” Azure reminded him sternly. “I repeat: we must hurry back. Your friends can use public transportation like any other civilian.”

Ben groaned. “That is so not fair.”

“You can waste time with your civilian friends when there is no urgency. Now quickly, we must depart.”

Ben groaned, facing Timber, Drip and Polygot. “Ugh, I’m sorry, guys.”

Polygot smiled understandably. “We are fine, Ben. We reach home well. No problem. But you still meet us next nanapi, true? Must still teach Drip and Timber spoken words.”

Ben smiled back. “You bet we will.”

“Also my mother asks. Meet you she wants. We meet together next nanapi?”

“Tell her I’d love to.”

Polygot bumped fists with Ben. “You are big cool! Later, dude!”

Ben’s smile only widened. “Nice to know Loroi learn fast about us humans.”

Drip eagerly bumped fists with Ben as well. Timber was bolder, bending over to kiss Ben’s hand. She dashed off bashfully with Drip and Polygot as Fireclay chased her off. Ben noticed Azure giving him a sharp look. He tried easing up the tension by offering her his hand.

“Want to kiss it too?” Ben asked.

“Get in the beitar,” Azure ordered.

The beitar’s engines hummed to life, rising off the ground along with its armed escort and took off.

Ben leaned closer to Fireclay in the passenger seat, whispering, “Do you think Azure’s getting grouchy lately?”

“Definitely,” Fireclay replied quietly. “She thinks spending time with Timber, Drip and Polygot is a bad habit for you.”

“What’s wrong with spending time with friends?”

“Because they are just civies in her eyes.”

“Well, that seems like true comradeship,” Ben retorted, “not!”

Fireclay shrugged. “I do not like her opinion either. But it seems to be part of warrior culture, Ben. It’s the way of things.”

“Well, I can like whoever I want. Besides, I need someone to hang out with. Ever since moving into the Imperial Complex, I don’t see any of my old friends anymore.” Ben noticed Fireclay’s and Cotton’s stunned looks. “Oh, except you guys! You’re cool. I’m glad you like Timber, Drip and Polygot at least.”

Cotton agreed, “We do. But I still do not trust you to be left alone with them.”

“Why not?”

“Because lately they seem to be more-” Cotton stopped, reconsidering her words. “-well… interested in you, Ben.”

Ben was silent a moment. “You mean sexually?”

“Perhaps.”

“Ben, you are not interested in mating with Drip, Timber and Polygot. Are you?” Fireclay asked.

Ben was taken aback by the spontaneous question. “You’re not getting jealous, are you, Clay?”

Fireclay’s eyes widened. “So you are interested in mating with them?!”

Ben awkwardly searched for the right words to make an honest answer, or at least deflect the question. But all that got out was an awkward reply: “I… like you.”

A silence persisted for a few solons before the human and two Loroi burst into laughter.

<What is going on back there?> Azure sent, sitting beside the driver.

<We are just having a humorous conversation, Teigo Niberadi,> Fireclay replied.

<Well, compose yourself, Pideir Fireclay! The Emperor assigned you to be Ben’s bodyguard. Now act like it!>

Fireclay tried to suppress her chuckles, leaning over to whisper to Ben, “Very grouchy.”

Upon arriving at the Imperial Complex, Ben was escorted directly to the Diadem’s conference chamber. The Praetorians guarding the chamber stood aside, granting Ben entry as the bulkhead doors slid open. Cotton and Fireclay wished him luck as he entered.

Swish! Ka-chunk!

The bulkhead doors locked behind him. Ben stood erect, hoping he looked formal enough and marched deeper into the chamber. The large convention table had long since been disassembled for storage, the smaller council table taking its place. Around it sat the Emperor and her Cabinet.

Ben stopped a few mannals from the table. Invisible needles prickled Ben’s skin as the Diaderets eyed him, ever scrutinous, ever judgeful.

Ben bowed formally and addressed the Diadem in the respectful manner he had been taught, “Azerein, Honorable Diaderets, I arrive at your summons.”

The Emperor gestured toward the empty seat on the opposite end of where she sat at the table. “Be seated, Teigorastir,” she said.

Ben obeyed, taking his seat. The intense stares of the Diaderets intensified the prickling under his skin. He recalled on breathing techniques to slow his racing heart. He waited to be addressed, as he had been taught.

The Emperor began with a question, “Teigorastir, do you know why you have been summoned here?”

Ben shook his head. “No, Azerein.”

The Emperor pressed an icon on the holographic pad in front of her. The head of a human male flashed into existence in the center of the council table.

“Teigorastir, look at the projection before you. Do you know who that is?”

Ben took in every detail, thinking back on every face he had seen from the Command and Control Network news channels to his history lessons with Cotton or Herr Schreiber.

“I believe that is Alexander Jardin,” said Ben. “Also known as Enzin, the Protector of the Garden.”

“Correct, Teigorastir,” said Peridot. “Tell us what you seem to know about Alexander Jardin.”

Ben forced whatever he could up to the surface and voiced, “Alexander Jardin was a member of the former Terran Colonial Authority, specifically serving under the exploration arms that used to be the Scout Corps. I… I don’t know much about his personal history, only that he was one of the best among the Terran Scouts. He was one of the first humans to be discovered by the Loroi during the battle of the Charred Steppes and instrumental in securing an alliance between humanity and Loroi. He is most commonly known for his heroism and tactical brilliance during the Great War against the Umiak Hierarchy.”

“Precisely,” said Peridot. “Five years later, when the war was won and the Hierarchy dismantled, Alexander Jardin joined us for a commemorative celebration on Rozain, where he received honor for his valor and contributions. Enzin was granted the rank of Sillatozon and appointed as the Emperor’s personal ambassador for humanity. Yet shortly after his promotion, he departed for Terran space along with thousands of Loroi warriors. Do you know why?”

Ben’s gaze swung to the Emperor, who nodded ever so slightly. His reply: “According to my lessons with the Emperor, Alexander Jardin became disillusioned with the Loroi Union after learning about the Diadem’s decision concerning the colonies along the spinward frontiers. However, for the sake of preserving relations with the Terrans, the official story says that Alexander Jardin and his subordinates were dispatched to conduct their diplomatic work in Terran space. Their last known location was entering the Sol System.”

“Correct.”

It was Sunbeam’s turn to speak. “Teigorastir,” her tone was polite, “tell us what you are.”

Ben’s reply: “I… seem to be human.”

“Are you Terran?”

“Um, isn’t that the same thing, Diaderet?”

Sunbeam’s tone turned instantly venomous. “No! You are not! To be human and Terran are two different things. You are a Unionist, not a Terran. Have you forgotten your intended role for the Diadem and the Loroi Union?”

Ben shook his head. “N-No, Diaderet. I am still aware of my role.”

Sunbeam turned to Greywind, who announced, “Teigorastir, we have just been informed that a Terran delegation has arrived in the Laget System. Alexander Jardin is with them.”

Ben was taken aback by the news, momentarily forgetting his decorum. “R-Really?!”

“Yes. They are demanding an emergency conference with us. You have been summoned because we have a question for you. What do you think we should do?”

“M-Me?!” Ben did not know what to do or say. “I, uh, I-I don’t know! I’m not sure I’m qualified to say. I don’t have the rank or experience to-”

“Teigorastir,” Greywind said firmly, “We are not asking for your rank or experience. We ask what you think we should do.”

Ben felt terribly under pressure, both by the question and the judging looks of the Diaderets. He thought a while about it before answering, “I… I think it seems only fair that the Diadem hears what the Terrans have to say.”

“Young fool, have you learnt nothing?!” Brightsword barked. “To invite a potential enemy and spy is to invite risk to ourselves.”

“Excuse me, Diaderet, but haven’t you vouched for peace for the sake of preserving the lives of Loroi warriors?”

Sunbeam’s tone turned sharper. “Are you saying you forsake our original plans to overrun and seize the Terran territories?”

“Um, I, uh, I don’t… what I mean-” Ben lost his voice, panic overwhelming him.

The Emperor raised her left hand, announcing, “Enough! Teigorastir, the decision to reject the Terrans’ demand for audience or admit them entry carries much weight. We are still undecided of how to proceed. What matters is that, regardless of our decision, the Diadem must know where your allegiances lie.”

“My allegiances? Azerein, my allegiance is to you. And to the Diadem. And to the Loroi Union. It has been since the moment you yourself swore me in as a citizen.”

The Emperor rose from her seat, circling around the table to stand before Ben. “Kneel,” she commanded. Ben obeyed, rising from his seat to descend on one knee before his emperor. “Teigorastir, do you swear before this council that, regardless of whether or not we admit the Terrans an audience, that you will continue to be loyal to the Diadem? To serve and obey?”

Ben nodded. “Azerein, I do.”

“Should we admit the Terrans audience, there is a chance they shall try to persuade you to defect and join them. Do you swear to reject any and all offers they make you?”

“I do.”

“And do you swear to remain committed to your intended role and aid us in our campaign to overthrow the Terran Confederation and absorb all human territories into the Union?”

“I do.”

“We are pleased by your reassurances. Rise!” The Emperor ended the meeting.

Ben rushed back to his room, collapsing on the floor, cradling his forehead in his hands. He breathed, trying to calm down. He stripped out of his uniform into a more casual pair of sweat pants and a shirt with his favorite superhero logo. He placed his ceremonial dagger in its box before collapsing on his bed.

When his tutelage under the Emperor began, Ben felt honored, exhilarated, chosen for a higher calling. Yet the more he learnt from Greywind, the more he began to question things. He was still committed to helping his warden. But try as he might to push any doubts away, they only persisted.

Two digels later, his wrist-comm peeped with a written message. “Come to my chambers,” it read.

Ben left his room. The Praetorians standing outside the Emperor’s personal chambers granted him entry. Greywind sat on a sofa, enjoying tea. Ben took his place beside Greywind.

Attendant Link approached with a hot cup for Ben. “I thought some hot chocolate would be good for you,” she said. “Made from actual cocoa and sugarbeats from West Ginazeigo’s subterranean farm.”

“Thanks, Link,” Ben toasted his cup as he tenderly sipped. “Wow, that is good.”

Link smiled at the praise.

Greywind sent, <Your services will not be required right now, Attendant. You may retire.>

Link bowed graciously and left.

Greywind turned her focus to Ben. “You look tense,” she said. “What’s wrong?”

Ben shrugged. “I guess I’m… just a bit shaken.” He took another sip of hot chocolate.

“By the meeting today?”

“It can feel scary to be judged by the Diaderets.”

“Standing before people with great authority can seem intimidating, Ben. I did not need sanzai to see you were nervous. But you did well enough.”

“Just well enough?”

“You still have much to learn about stress inoculation. The Council just needed reassurances that you are still committed. Do not fret over it now. So did you have fun in the city today?”

“Yeah. Met up with Timber, Drip and Polygot. We went for a swim at the Aquarium. They’re so cool.”

“I am pleased you have fun with your young friends. They sound like good people.” Greywind took a sip of tea.

“Azure doesn’t seem to think so.”

“I cannot change Azure’s opinion of civilians. We have to learn to cooperate even with people we do not like.”

“Maybe you should be telling Azure that.”

“Your complaint is noted.” Greywind took another sip. "By the way, a young human has arrived. His name is Saturn. Tomorrow I want you to spend some time with him, help him feel welcomed and adjusted."

"No problem! But why not send him to the creche?"

"No just yet. I have met with a Shadow Lord today."

Ben nearly spat out his hot chocolate. "No way!"

"She will be an ally in our campaign against the criminal underworld aiding Eternal Endurance."

"What does Saturn have to do with that?"

"He was a victim of sapient trafficking. We must ascertain his state of mind before I decide what to do with him. But we will settle that later." Greywind placed her tea down. She activated a holographic terminal on the table. Tapping a few buttons, a ship materialized over the table. “Look here, Ben! Do you know what that ship is?”

“Looks like the Vortex Mark 2.”

“What do you know about the Vortex model?”

Ben recalled, “Vortex was a warship. Um, commissioned for the Semoset Campaign against the Umiak. They were fast and powerful. But most of them were destroyed.”

“Indeed,” said Greywind. “Vortex was meant to be the unstoppable saber that cut through enemy fleets, which is why they were mass produced. The problem was the Vortex models had poor defenses. This became terribly apparent when Sunfall’s strike groups were overwhelmed in the Nelain salient. The Umiak’s industrial capacity was much faster than our own. We could not overwhelm them with brute force. The few Vortex models that survived were repurposed into group command ships. Vortex proved a failure, however, it possessed a weapon that could turn the tide of the war. What weapon was that?”

Ben answered, “The wave loom device.”

“Correct.” Greywind tapped a few buttons. A deviation of the Vortex vessel materialized over the table. “That is why Thunderlance Mark 3 was developed for the Forward Campaign. Unlike its predecessor, Thunderlance was meant to be a fire support vessel that could utilize the wave loom device more efficiently than Vortex. Deployed throughout the fleet at just the right strike points, the Thunderlances decimated Hierarchy forces and allowed us to penetrate deeper into their territory.”

Ben remarked, “Ashrain once told me that’s a misconception. She believed that the Thunderlance only seemed like a game-changing weapon because the humans had already sent the Umiak forces into disarray before the Forward Campaign. According to her, it seemed like an easy victory for the Thunderlances because the Umiak fleet could not coordinate after their cyber networks were corrupted.”

“Perceptive, Ben,” Greywind complimented. “It is still a subject of great debate whether the Thunderlances or human intervention gave the Loroi tactical advantage. Nevertheless, the Thunderlances are blessed with a formidable design. They serve as a reminder of Loroi naval supremacy for the aliens of the spinward territories. Thunderlance is an ideal choice of ship to seize control of Terran space. But our strike groups face a problem. Now, Ben, what sort of weapon did the Terrans introduce during the Great War?

Ben thought back on his lessons. His answer: “Heavy mass drivers and Mjolner particle beam cannons.”

“Very good, Ben! While not as powerful as our plasma turrets, Terran cannons could strike enemy ships from even greater distances than our own weapons. I watched Terran cruisers dwindle Umiak forces from the other side of solar systems, picking off gunboats and medium cruisers one by one like a sharpshooter. Thus leaving Umiak heavies and superheavies virtually defenseless as the Loroi strike groups made short work of them. Do you see where I am leading you, Ben?”

Ben thought it over. “So if Terran cannons can pick off their enemies from the other side of solar systems, they could use the same strategy to stop Union vessels from advancing into Terran territory.”

“Exactly! And that is neglecting to consider any other secret weapons the Terran Confederation might be concealing. Which is why we need a weapon with impenetrable defenses.”

Greywind tapped a few buttons and another deviation appeared in the hologram. Ben gazed in awe at the new ship before him. It resembled the Vortex and Thunderlance, an armored fist grasping the hilt of a dual-bladed katar. But its design was fiercer, sharper, more exotic.

“Woah,” Ben said in amazement.

“Woah, indeed,” said Greywind. “Behold the Starblade Mark 4.”

“Never seen a ship like this!”

“Because Starblade has not yet been deployed. But it will be soon. Like its predecessors, Starblade can use the wave loom device even more efficiently. Unlike Vortex or Thunderlance, the Starblade model has better maneuverability and defense screens strong enough to deflect mass driver shots. Nearly as large as Cry of the Wind, it can accelerate faster than even a corvette, giving our fleet the strategic advantage it needs to swiftly pass through one solar system after the other.”

“Why are you showing me this?”

The Emperor pressed yet another icon on the terminal. A star map of the Local Bubble emerged over the table. Ben watched as a macroscopic battle unfolded. The Union fleet tried engulfing the Terran territories like an amoeba, penetrating its membranes into its prey. But the prey proved insoluble. If the Union fleet managed to wedge its way in through one avenue, the Terrans pushed back against a more vulnerable section. Every invasive wedge was forced to recede to compensate for the loss of momentum in another sector. The invasion proved more difficult as the Terrans advanced coreward toward the Lupus Tunnel. The Confederate presence clogged up the artery, spreading into the unknown territory of the Loop I Cloud. The siege of the Great Wastelands became a tug of war between the Union and the Terran sides.

The Emperor explained, “You see, Ben? With our currently deployed ships, we are at risk of entering into a stalemate. Even with our superior technology and greater numbers, the Terrans’ unique weaponry combined with their unpredictable manner of warfare will hurt our chances for victory. We could exhaust the Terrans, but the war would last for years. Maybe even decades. Worse yet if the Confederation continues its expansion coreward and gains access to even more resources.”

The illustration reset. The Starblades were introduced into the simulation. Once again the amoeba attacked, thrusting long junctions into its prey. This opened new avenues for the Union fleet to penetrate Terran territory. The Terran host resisted and fled coreward, but was cut off from the Lupus tunnel as the Union fleet completely encircled it. Whatever junction the Terran fleet managed to severe, another took its place. The junctions multiplied, fanning out like infectious roots until it devoured the Terran map.

“This is our game changer, Ben. The Starblades will spearhead our campaign against the Confederate Navy. We will severe any route of escape for the Terrans, close them in. Once all Terran resistance is removed, we will have complete orbital dominance of the Terran worlds. When the Terrans realize we control their interstellar avenues, they will yield to our demands. The smaller terrestrial nations will be allowed to remain so long as they embrace Union doctrine. Those that refuse our policies we will choke with sanctions. These rebellious nations will be demoralized and atrophy when we Loroi lure their own people to our side by offering those humans benefits their host nations cannot compete with. The Loroi will not stop until the Confederate presence is completely wiped out and we make every living human a Union citizen.”

So entrenched was Greywind in her vision that she noticed Ben’s glum look too late.

“Ben, is something wrong?”

“Emperor, are we… the good guys?”

Greywind cocked an eyebrow. “Good guys?”

“I mean… are we on the right side?”

“We are Unionists, Ben. We fight for the Loroi Union. We defend its right to expand as well as the lives of its citizens and subjects. We offer outsiders peace for the price of alliance. Every sapient, be they Loroi or not, may have a voice in shaping our policies so long as they accept and acknowledge the central authority of Deinar. That central authority is the invisible force that unifies us and reminds every Loroi that we are all comrades. How could we not be on the right side?”

Ben gazed at the map, now absent of anything Terran. “I know. I’ve listened to your lessons. I’ve tried to be a good student. I believe in fighting for the Union and its peoples. But… what I mean is… are we really fighting for the right thing?”

Greywind regarded Ben more sharply. “Do you think the Terran Confederation should be allowed to proliferate?”

Ben became paralyzed with silence.

Greywind sighed. “I am not trying to trick you, Ben. You tell me, if we do nothing, what will happen to the Terrans?”

Ben’s gaze was askance with thought. “Based on what I’ve learnt… the Confederation is a military machine driven to protect human interests. It’s not wrong anymore than it’s wrong for the Union military to serve its own interests. But the Confederation uses toxic propaganda to draw support. This enables aggression and xenophobia among humans. But not all of humanity agrees with this. This seems evident based on the public opinions expressed on digital information platforms. But most of these humans have no authority. They can’t overrule the Confederation because they don’t have the power. On top of that, they’re not organizing effectively against it either. Any humans that sympathize with aliens will be silenced out of fear or shame.”

“Then don’t you realize? This will only make the Confederation stronger. This places both the Union and innocent human bystanders in a precarious situation. Every diplomatic solution we have tried thus far has kept the peace at best. At worst it delays an inevitable conflict between two forces that cannot be reconciled. In the end, war is the only way.”

Ben groaned out his frustrations, nervously itching his biceps.

“Ben,” Greywind said more sharply, “this is what we have been training for. Your role is to help us ascertain the thoughts and intentions of humans in seats of power when we go to Terran territory. You swore to commit to this plan!”

“I know!” Ben raised his voice, rising from his seat, pacing anxiously. “But I don’t know if I can do it! I know you say we’re doing the right thing. But… it just feels wrong!”

Greywind rose as well, coming up behind Ben to gently rub his shoulders. “You think I do not care about how this war will affect you? Affect all my wards and the humans under my employ? If I cared nothing for human dignity, do you think I would have persuaded the Council to go above and beyond to write an elaborate plan of action? A plan to win this war with as few casualties as circumstances permit and assimilate humanity into our culture?”

Ben’s resistance crumbled as Greywind buried her nose into his neck.

Greywind heaved in his human scent. She felt him tremble as her breath touched his skin. She urged him, “I need you, First Son. Now more than ever I need you. Stay the course.” She turned Ben to face her, stroking his cheek. “All war is terrible. But the war we wage later will be worse than if we strike now. I promise we will end this destructive conflict as quickly as we are able.”

Ben’s skin chilled as she cupped his face in both her palms, the soothing of her smoky vanilla scent conquering his senses.

Greywind tenderly stroked her thumbs over his cheeks. “Look at you, Teigorastir. Look what you’ve become. So tall. So strong. So handsome. So altruistic. You are the very thing in humanity I want to save.”

Ben posed the question, “So what about the Terran delegation at Laget?”

“They will be brought to Deinar. Once they arrive, we will ascertain their true intentions. And that is how you aid me.”

“So we’re not even going to listen to what they have to say?”

“Why do you worry so much about what the Terrans have to say, Ben?”

“Because maybe some of them want peace. Maybe they can, ugh, I don’t know… offer a solution.”

“What could the Terrans possibly offer that we do not already possess?”

Ben sighed, dropping his head in defeat.

Greywind pulled Ben closer into her embrace, whispering gently into his ear, “Do not let yourself be troubled by things beyond your control, Ben. I know you mean well, but you worry too much. Just trust in me. This war must happen because it is the least terrible path. We will tread it together. And whatever error or wrongdoing may come to pass, know this. You will not be blamed for it. That is my burden to bear. But when we reach the end, we will stand on Earth… together. We will raise the imperial minnir for every Earthling to see… together. And we will lead humanity toward a better future… together.” She rested her forehead against his. “Everything I do, I do out of love. For my Union. For my family. For you. Don’t you think I deserve the same?”

Ben nodded meekly. “Yes, Emperor.”

“Come, First Son,” she cooed, pulling him along. “Come rest with me.”

Ben followed Greywind to bed.

Bamax · Post by **Bamax** » Sat Sep 05, 2026 6:02 am

What?!

For how long has Ben been getting it on with the Emperor? I have not been reading consistently but damn... this boy is going places up the Loroi totem pole.

Snoofman · Post by **Snoofman** » Sat Sep 05, 2026 8:14 am

Bamax wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 05, 2026 6:02 am
What?!

For how long has Ben been getting it on with the Emperor? I have not been reading consistently but damn... this boy is going places up the Loroi totem pole.

Ben hasn't been mating with the Emperor, although there may be rumors. Theirs is an intimate relationship built on a passionate bond, but not sexual or romantic. They are more like platonic soulmates.

Bamax · Post by **Bamax** » Sat Sep 05, 2026 4:58 pm

Snoofman wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 05, 2026 8:14 am

Bamax wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 05, 2026 6:02 am
What?!

For how long has Ben been getting it on with the Emperor? I have not been reading consistently but damn... this boy is going places up the Loroi totem pole.
Ben hasn't been mating with the Emperor, although there may be rumors. Theirs is an intimate relationship built on a passionate bond, but not sexual or romantic. They are more like platonic soulmates.

But Ben has been hitting other blues and grays right? You know what I mean. Because if he is a virgin I suapect that may not last long the way the emperess is around him and she can have anythimg she wants more or less.anyway. She has shown remarksble restraint for a Loroi to even go this long without taking him.

Snoofman · Post by **Snoofman** » Sat Sep 05, 2026 6:15 pm

Bamax wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 05, 2026 4:58 pm

Snoofman wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 05, 2026 8:14 am

Bamax wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 05, 2026 6:02 am
What?!

For how long has Ben been getting it on with the Emperor? I have not been reading consistently but damn... this boy is going places up the Loroi totem pole.
Ben hasn't been mating with the Emperor, although there may be rumors. Theirs is an intimate relationship built on a passionate bond, but not sexual or romantic. They are more like platonic soulmates.
But Ben has been hitting other blues and grays right? You know what I mean. Because if he is a virgin I suapect that may not last long the way the emperess is around him and she can have anythimg she wants more or less.anyway. She has shown remarksble restraint for a Loroi to even go this long without taking him.

Ben is sixteen Terran years old by this point. By Union law he could mate if he wanted and no doubt is thinking about it. And he knows there are plenty of Loroi who want him. But he technically is still a virgin and refrains because he tries to show he has outstanding warrior discipline. Makes him seem more Loroi.

Interesting opinion of Greywind from your point of view. Greywind is not ignorant to the fact that she has a handsome Loroi-looking male under her tutelage. But she regards Ben as a son and has had time to learn taboos in human culture. Besides, she has a reputation to uphold as a military and political figure. Remember romance is considered by Loroi to be an unhealthy attachment and she knows this. However, I will touch on next chapter a growing problem she is having when around Ben.

Bamax · Post by **Bamax** » Sun Sep 06, 2026 4:45 am

Snoofman wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 05, 2026 6:15 pm

Bamax wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 05, 2026 4:58 pm

Snoofman wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 05, 2026 8:14 am

Ben hasn't been mating with the Emperor, although there may be rumors. Theirs is an intimate relationship built on a passionate bond, but not sexual or romantic. They are more like platonic soulmates.
But Ben has been hitting other blues and grays right? You know what I mean. Because if he is a virgin I suapect that may not last long the way the emperess is around him and she can have anythimg she wants more or less.anyway. She has shown remarksble restraint for a Loroi to even go this long without taking him.
Ben is sixteen Terran years old by this point. By Union law he could mate if he wanted and no doubt is thinking about it. And he knows there are plenty of Loroi who want him. But he technically is still a virgin and refrains because he tries to show he has outstanding warrior discipline. Makes him seem more Loroi.

Interesting opinion of Greywind from your point of view. Greywind is not ignorant to the fact that she has a handsome Loroi-looking male under her tutelage. But she regards Ben as a son and has had time to learn taboos in human culture. Besides, she has a reputation to uphold as a military and political figure. Remember romance is considered by Loroi to be an unhealthy attachment and she knows this. However, I will touch on next chapter a growing problem she is having when around Ben.

I see... well, correct me if wrong, but are there not only 3 ways to deal with a problem?

1. Solve it by any possible means necessary even if it means a sacrifice of sorts.

2. Just allow it to take it's course and deal with the consequences later. Essentially the same mindset of losing during chess with zero good moves and saying "Fuck it" and making a bad move because it's all you have left. Only difference being that this is a choice rather than being the only option as in chess.

3. Allow it... but regulate it to limit the damage... which frankly is what humans often do. Middle of the road approach because trying to do 1 and 2 both seldom succeed or end well. Prohibition failed and cigarettes are regulated. As much as I wish cigarettes were banned outright white folks have been lighting up since before Mozart so they are not going to just give it up now LOL. Which only matters because they run the most powerful nations, otherwise I would say Asian or something else but that's simply not true.

Snoofman · Post by **Snoofman** » Wed Sep 09, 2026 5:42 pm

4 - Dreams and Secrets

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Being a Foreign Minister was a great burden, but it came with many privileges. Among them was the Teigo Siilin’s right to choose her own team of advisors and have an entire military division at her disposal. This included her right to command a squadron. Since entering the Admiralty, Greywind could enjoy more leisure if she wanted or arrange a mating encounter on a whim. Yet the former Sentinel was obsessed with work and progress. She was generous in granting shore-leave to her subordinates where it seemed properly earned, yet had taken little time off herself.

While the Foreign Minister’s staff enjoyed their off-duty digels either at a monastery, a tea house or the nearest arcade, Greywind barely left her office. She worked overtime even when the sores on her buttocks cried for relief. When she finally rested, Greywind would muster up what energy she had to go to Cataclysm’s observation deck and gaze out into the void.

Now she just slumped in her office chair, gazing at nothing after reading the news on the Command and Control Network. Emperor Eighth Dawn and her personal squadron had perished in Tinza. Greywind neither mourned nor celebrated the Third Emperor’s passing. Yet she felt a numb sense of doom. With the Imperial Squadron gone and the Diadem left without a commander-in-chief, the fleet was at risk of falling into disarray. The surviving admiralty had assembled in orbit of Azimol.

The door to her office swished open. A Tenoin entered, announcing, <Teigo Siilin, Diaderet Sunbeam has arrived aboard Cataclysm. She requests to see you immediately.>

Greywind showed little reaction. <What is the purpose of her visit?>

<She would not disclose the details, stating it is for you alone.>

Greywind shrugged. <Send her in.>

The Tenoin left to carry out her order. Diaderet Sunbeam entered the Foreign Minister’s office, sending, <Greetings, Teigo Siilin.> She received nothing from Greywind. <You seem quiet. Are you well?>

<No,> was Greywind’s dull reply, caring little for decorum in that moment. <What do you want?>





<You seem glum, Siilin.>

<Because there is a crisis at our borders. Our sisters suffer under the occupation of relentless malefactors while we wait for the Diadem to choose its next Emperor. And all I can do is sit and wait until the Council makes its choice. Then I must rush news of their choice to Moro for the Union Assembly.>

<You think they’ll be happy to know that Bluecrest is about to become their new Emperor?>

Greywind rolled her eyes. <Bluecrest doesn’t stand a chance.>

<But she’s very popular among the Traditionalists. Even Eighth Dawn liked her.>

<Popularity is not competency. Besides, we can’t win this war on outdated policies. Policies Bluecrest will refuse to change.>

<Hard to argue with that. May I have a drink, Siilin?>

Greywind waved with minimal enthusiasm. <Go ahead.>

Sunbeam poured up two silver bottles with sibreg juice, handing one to Greywind. Sunbeam sipped her juice, leaning against Greywind’s desk. she sent less formally.

<Do you?> Greywind tediously swirled the juice in her bottle.

Sunbeam offered a smile. <Truly! I admire your fearlessness in the face of adversity, especially when dealing with aliens. You seem to understand the sanctity of Loroi supremacy.>

 Greywind pointed out. <Peace through unity. A peace the Umiak have taken from us.>

<Of course.> Sunbeam took another sip of sibreg juice. 

Greywind shrugged. 

<No doubt! The Traditionalists among the Diadem call your ascent unearned privilege. I call it cunning.>

Greywind groaned out a huff through her nostrils, smacking her bottle down on the table. <It’s obvious you want something, Diaderet.>

<Please call me Sunbeam.>

<That seems hardly appropriate considering our stations.>

<Ah, but that is about to change, comrade.>

Greywind’s glumness was replaced by confusion. <It is?>

Sunbeam radiated with confidence as she sipped more juice. <Yes, because I am going to make you Emperor.>

Greywind did little to hide her bafflement. <You joke!>

<Certainly not about something as important as this, especially with the Union’s future at stake. I have been searching for the best candidates to lead this war against the Shells. And out of all the admirals, you are the most ideal.>

 Greywind argued. 

Sunbeam’s smiled stretched wider as she leaned closer to Greywind. <But you could be one if you were voted in.>

<Diaderet->

<Please call me Sunbeam.>

Greywind sent with more frustration, <Sunbeam! The Council will never elect me as Azerein!>

<But you do want to see changes in the Union. You have great political potential. I think it sinful that Eighth Dawn invested so much to hold that potential back. To add insult to injury, she arranged for her own Foreign Minister to conduct her work on a separate ship. Then again it seems opportune considering she and the imperial squadron are gone.>

<It doesn’t matter.> Greywind rose from her chair, turning her back to the Diaderet. 

Sunbeam set her juice down, coming up behind Greywind. <Are you familiar with my familial clan?>

<The Yellow Suns,> Greywind stated.

<Do you know our origin?>

<You are reputed to descend from the last survivors of the Sun Worshipers.>

<Quite so. The Sun Worshippers were a powerful people among Perreinids, their religion reshaping the Perrein highlands. But those powerful few outside the order were jealous of its success, bent on eradicating it. Their use of atomic weapons saw to it, wiping out the Sun Worshippers’ cities and temples. The few priests who survived carried on in secrecy, preserving the Sun Worshippers’ heritage with meticulous linebreeding. When Seed of Zaral reunited the long lost Deinarids with their Perreinid kin, our time had come. Unlike our predecessors who sought a dull existence of religious passivity, we Yellow Suns pursued more important things. Through triumph and sacrifice we ascended the ranks, more powerful than the Sun Worshippers ever could have dreamed. Our ancestors impressed the masses with enlightenment. We awe the masses with greatness.>

Greywind crossed her arms. <I’m not interested in greatness.>

<But you are interested in implementing great change, aren’t you? Change that this Union needs now more than ever. You could be that change! Do you want to settle for an inconsequential role as the Council’s courier, forced to prattle with aliens while this new threat overruns us? I can make you the next Emperor. Already my great aunt, Sunfall, has agreed to second the motion to vote you in as Diaderet. Help us, Greywind. Together we can win this war and save the Union.>

“Is this where you made the choice?”

Greywind was surprised as something alien entered the scene. She relaxed, recognizing Ben. <Yes,> she answered. <Despite the odds stacked against me, I won the election. I faced great opposition both from within and outside the Diadem. I suspected Bluecrest would try to seize it from me.>

“So you killed her?”

Greywind felt the trepidation in his voice. <There was no other way. She committed treason against a legally elected emperor. With most of my opposition terminated, I was free to implement the changes the Union needed to survive the war.>

“Even though you had to do terrible things to win it?”

<Defeat meant enslavement or annihilation. Just look at what the Umiak did to Seren.>

“But you encouraged the Serenids to fight,” Ben pointed out. “You told them to fight because help was on the way. You told them to fight knowing they were going to die.”



“Do you think… just maybe… if the Serenids chose not to fight… might they still be alive?”

The scene changed. Greywind stood on the outskirts of Leinnazalat. She beheld Seren’s Great Ore Lift, defying gravity even as its shredded base lay crooked upon the earth amidst the scorched ruins.

She sent, 

The scene fast forwarded, bulldozers pushing away all trace of the dead hills, smoothing them over. The ruins of the city were disassembled. The Great Lift was properly erected from orbit, its base repaired. At the foot of the Great Lift Greywind gazed over tens of thousands of blue faces. Even from great distance, the Emperor could make out their looks. Some looked hopeful, others completely broken.

<A few nanapis after we liberated Seren, I stood before an assembly of the world’s survivors to make a public address. They deserved to hear from their emperor who urged them to fight for their Union. I swore to avenge their comrades and loved ones and they cheered me for it. I felt touched. I felt loved. But deep down… I felt ill.>

“Why?” Ben asked.

<Because if they knew the truth, that their Emperor had forsaken them for strategic advantage, I would have no right to beg for forgiveness. When Historian Walker gave that Teidar the truth at Rozain, everything changed.>

The scene shifted. Ben watched Greywind’s life following that event. He saw the great victory ceremony on Rozain. He beheld Historian Walker’s terrible disclosure aboard the mobile capital. He watched the Diadem’s fierce debates, forced to deal with the aftermath of that disaster. He saw the Emperor give public addresses, always receiving mixed responses.

<After Rozain,> Greywind explained, <our warriors were reinvigorated. They loved me for leading them to victory. But the aliens never looked at me the same way again. Outwardly the Union Assembly greeted me with courtesy and respect. Inwardly the sapients saw me as a monster. And the Loroi civilians despised me. Even with the war won, my people’s faith in their own government had been broken. Their distrust turned to hatred. I had to win back their favor somehow. I publicly encouraged warriors to treat their civilian sisters favorably and show tenderness toward the laborers who broke their backs for the engine of total war. But their loathing and distrust of each other persisted, growing stronger as the Guilds began to falter. Yet through it all, I continued to advertise fearlessness and determination, uncompromising in my principles. I endured the civilians’ scorn. I had to. I still have to. I->

Greywind’s form began to crack, the smoky cinders of her essence peeling through her skin. She began to glow, her body dissolving. Ben was swallowed by an explosion of cinders, suffocating in hot smoke. A great wind dispersed the cloud and he felt like he could breath again. He found himself in the eye of a storm, with clouds of burning intensity swirling around. At the center of it all was a child. He walked toward her, his feet echoless as they strode over solid shadow.

Ben recognized the child as he approached her. “Grey?”

Grey was huddled into a fetal ball. <It’s too much,> she wept. <It’s too big. It’s too much. I can’t handle this.>

Ben took her into his embrace. Even as the storm raged around them, Grey found comfort in his presence.

“It’s okay, Grey,” Ben soothed. “I’m here.”

<Don’t hate me, Ben,> Grey begged, crying harder. 

“I could never hate you, Grey.”

<Don’t abandon me!>

“Just love me and I’ll never abandon you. Not for wealth. Not for power. Not even for the whole cosmos.”

They ascended out of the infernal vortex, emerging in a void full of stars. They held each other, all defenses relinquished as the chorus of living souls near and far reverberated through them.

“I want to be here forever with you.”

<You make me happy, Ben.>

“I love you, Grey.”



Grey felt liberated from her anxiety and despair, even if it was just momentary. It was easy to let go of her troubles every time she melted into Ben’s embrace.

Ben faded away. Grey grasped after him as she was left alone in the dark before plunging once more into the stream of stories.

She watched twin sisters standing side by side, gazing out at a fleet orbiting a world. A rogue moon drifted closer toward the fleet. The fleet hurled lances of light at the rogue moon, like a swarm defending its hive. The twins outstretched their hands. The moon, as if reacting to their command, hurled up a stream of violet hot light. In a spectacular display of fireworks, the opposing fleet twinkled out of existence.

She watched legions of human men in iron shirts of silver and red erect wooden crosses. The world cried agony as hundreds of men, women and children were nailed to the contraptions.

She watched Seed of Zaral, surrounded by her most powerful commanders, make her public declaration for a one world government that would bring peace and prosperity to all Mestirot. No one noticed the Shade standing behind Seed of Zaral, glowering at the spectacle.

She watched human men with all the same pail hair fashioned in curls sign a paper on a wooden table with ink at the tip of a feather. They clapped their hands as the last man signed the document, as if signaling the birth of a new nation.

She watched Bellerid pirates sailing for home, their ship full of plunder and slaves. Some of the slaves jumped off the boats into the sea. They would rather drown than serve those who massacred their loved ones.

She watched thousands of human men, women and children in filthy, striped clothing being herded toward a chamber by soldiers in dark uniforms. Her skin crawled as she made out alien numbers imprinted on their forearms.

She watched Teidars burst into random dwellings on a foreign world. Mannadi held up their claws in a futile gesture to defend themselves before invisible forces ruptured their bodies from within.

She watched a mob of filthy clad humans raising their arms in praise of a king, his crown fashioned like a coif. Together they gazed upward at the sun, chanting as if in praise of a deity.

She watched hooded menfolk assemble on the outskirts of a fungal forest. They threw back their hoods, blue skin absorbing the sunlight. Their essence burned like light from a divine source.

She watched thousands upon thousands of humans in a desert, leaving behind a city and gigantic pyramids, in pursuit of more fruitful lands.

Grey’s final vision was of a human boy cradling a yellow bird in his hands. A woman with slanted eyes, dressed in colorful silk, knelt down by the boy to see his treasure before he let it fly away. She knelt down to ensnare the boy in her arms. He buried his face in the comfort of her bosom.

Then the woman turned her slanted eyes on Grey. Her pale, pink skin turned blue. Her round lugs grew into long, pointed ears. Her dark hair turned fiery red, brown eyes replaced by vibrant violet. Her silk dressed melted away to reveal golden armor.

<Who are you?> Grey asked.

The human turned Loroi answered, 

<The Queen of the West,> Grey sent in understanding. She was looking at the Golden Queen of the Barraids. <And who is he?>

Deben Besteir gazed down at the human in her arms. <This is my little harrier. My sunlight gem. My precious Yang Bao.>

Grey’s rational mind could not accept this reality. <No. No, this cannot be right. The historical Golden Queen never had a human child called Yang Bao.>

<I see him only in the land of dreams. But he is real. I know he is. I have promised riches to anyone who can bring him to me. My scouts have searched every corner of the world, above and below, but none have found him. He yearns to be with me, but not even my sunlight gem can tell me where he is. Will he ever be mine?>

A profound realization hit Grey with explosive clarity. <Could it be? Did ancient humans and Loroi communicate in the dreamscape?>

The human boy faded into the ether. Deben Besteir desperately tried to reach for him. <Yang Bao, Yang Bao,> she cried. <Where are you? Just come to me already! I will make you my prince! Your kindness saved a little bird. It saved a kingdom! Maybe it can save mine from endless bloodshed!>

“Grey,” a voice from the darkness shoved against Grey. “Grey! Grey!”

Greywind sat up as Ben shook her out of slumber. “Grey,” he said again and again.

“Stop,” she urged, sitting up. “I’m awake now! What’s wrong?”

“You’re crying.”

“What?” Greywind touched her cheeks, feeling the traces of moist streams. She huffed out a sigh, resting elbows against elevated knees to rest her head in her palms.

Ben touched her shoulder. “You okay?”

“I am well enough.” Greywind breathed deeply, disciplining her heart to slow its beat. “Ben, would you make us some tea?”

Ben hopped out of bed to do just that. They moved to the sofa, where the Emperor cradled her hot cup.

“You had another vision, didn’t you?” Ben remarked.

“They’re becoming more frequent now,” said Greywind. “More intense.”

“I feel it too. Now when I wake up, I can see everyone’s essence all around me. Just for a few solons, but I know what I’m seeing is real.”

“Do you remember this dream?”

Ben nodded. “I saw your younger self. You looked terrible. Like the whole sky fell down on you.”

Greywind scoffed through her nostrils. “In a way, it already has.”

“I’d ask you if something’s wrong… but I think your dream told me enough. What else did you see?”

Greywind explained what she remembered from the dream.

“What do you think it means?” Ben asked.

“I don’t know. It is… too much to decipher.”

They sat in awkward silence, sipping their tea.

Greywind broke the silence. “Ben… do you hate me?”

Ben was taken aback by such a question. “No, I could never hate you. Not after all the good things you’ve done for me. For all of us!”

“Even though I’m commanding you to do something terrible.”

Ben lowered his head, nodding meekly.

Greywind sighed. “First Son, I don’t want this war. The last one nearly broke us. But in the grand scheme of things, there just isn’t any better solution.”

Ben set his tea on the table. “Emperor, I’ve been studying the histories a lot lately. And it’s so… bloody. I mean… maybe not always. But every time the Loroi seemed to finally find peace, something happened and they just went back to fighting. The ancient tribes in the Reign of Chaos were constantly wiping each other out, sending their own kids to fight or die. Then there’s the Unsheathed Lords who made slaves out of everyone they found, killing anyone who protested. They ruled for thousands of years only to lose it all and became victims themselves of the Witch Hunters. There’s the Menelos Period, when Tadans suppressed Logins. Logins culling their own people when they became too numerous. The Western Barraids stealing the Easterners’ lands. The World Conflict of Tozon 170 Before Unification. Why is it… that… the Loroi were just stuck in an endless loop? Didn’t they ever get tired of… all that violence? Did any of them bother to ask if what they were doing was right or wrong?”

Greywind searched for a simple answer to such a complicated question. Her most rational reply: “The endless suffering of the eternal warrior.”

Ben raised his head, curious. “The what?”

“It is an old proverb spoken by ancient sages from the Reign of Chaos. The sages urged their sisters and daughters to fight on their behalf. Young warriors were easier to encourage, being so aggressive and temperamental. Yet as they aged, even they grew tired of the fighting. The sages urged their warriors to fight on for the good of the tribe, motivating fighters with promises of wealth, power and glory. For a while this worked. But the desire to fight waned with time, leaving the warriors drained and traumatized. Some rebellious youth outright resisted their elders when they found reason to pity their enemies, as unbelievable as that seems. When warriors’ frustration outweighed their fear of becoming outcasts, they overthrew their elders or abandoned their tribes. The most prevalent tribes survived the chaos because they bound their groups with narratives emphasizing justice, fairness, fighting only for defense and showing mercy where it was deserving. This brought them relief, comfort and stability. Yet even when they found happiness, these prevalent tribes suffered at the hands of stronger nations who cared nothing for their morals. Those that gave up warriorhood entirely in pursuit of more peaceful lives perished at the hands of the merciless and the apathetic.”

“That’s awful,” said Ben.

“It was the most brutal time in our history,” Greywind admitted. “After thousands of years of this endless cycle of creation and destruction, the ancient sages wondered why. Why did the Loroi suffer endlessly no matter what they did to end their misery? Then the sages had a profound realization; suffering is the warriors’ endless trial.”

Ben could hardly believe it. “What kind of realization is that?”

“We suffer because we want to live, Ben. Whatever we want in life, however benevolent or malicious, we must suffer first to win it. If a warrior wishes to rule, she must suffer the burden of leadership. If a warrior is defeated, her only choice is to serve her new masters or die. If a warrior is too ruthless, she is hated by everyone. If a warrior is too lenient, she enables betrayal. If a warrior labors for the wrong cause, she will be exploited. If a warrior does not work at all, she starves. If a warrior never stops fighting, she will never know peace. If a warrior chooses a life of peace, she will be victim to others’ cruelty.”

“But that’s so unfair.”

Greywind set her cup aside, placing her hands on Ben’s shoulders. “Life is not fair, Teigorastir. And that is why we suffer. But we warriors endure that suffering to live. We endure it for the hope of something better. We prepare our children not with false promises of ending suffering forever, but with the promise that with strength and courage, they can survive suffering. We are warriors now and forever. We will fight and suffer until every star burns out and the universe grows cold.”

“Do I have to suffer?”

“Does the idea frighten you?”

Ben hesitated, barely whispering, “Yes.”

Greywind gently rested her forehead against his. “It frightens me too.”

They held each other a long time in that position before going back to bed. Greywind placed her hand over his chest to feel Ben’s heartbeat. He lay his warm hand over hers.

Greywind thought it incredible that this once tiny child had grown nearly as tall as her. How amusing that the sixteen year old Ben would be looking down on Enzin once the two met.

Whenever they were alone, Greywind enjoyed holding Ben. It gave her relief once thought to be found only in the company of a Nedatan. Yet lately she had been breeching their proximity more often than usual. Her fingers yearned for the silky smoothness of his hair. She needed to feel his skin against hers. Her nose would harpoon into his neck to devour his scent. Just the smell of him flooded her brain in euphoric bliss.

The burden of her responsibilities were getting heavier. The Emperor kept her composure in public, a stoic figure solidified by an unyielding fearlessness. Yet inwardly the stress of Mestirot’s escalating problems ate away at her resilience. After long days of council meetings, negotiating with Guild Masters and arguing with Viscounts over escalating disparities, all Greywind wanted was to rush to her bed chambers and be alone with her ward.

There were rumors circulating across Mestirot that the Emperor had taken Ben as her personal mate. A rumor which reinvigorated Greywind’s political opponents to discredit her. Such slander reached the ears of West Ginazeigo’s creche, upsetting the island’s human staff. Greywind assured all of them these rumors were false. The humans accepted it when Ben vouched for his warden.

It would have been more convenient if Greywind sought intimate comfort in the arms of a Nedatan. Yet it was Ben’s presence she wanted. He barely slept in his own room anymore.

The Diaderets wanted Greywind to stop indulging in this bizarre intimacy and to bond more discreetly with Ben only to hasten their secret project. The slander made it seem as if the Diadem was enabling unhealthy behavior. Greywind stubbornly insisted that what she did with her wards was no one else’s concern. Yet inwardly she knew it tarnished her public image.

She was certainly aware that she was betraying the principle of forming no attachments. But with Deinar’s turmoil and impending war weighing down on her, Greywind needed solace. No one could comfort her the way Ben did.

So she continued to lie beside him, feeling his heartbeat.

Thump, thump!

Thump, thump!

By morning, Ben left to join Cotton and spend time with the new arrival, Saturn. Attendant Link groomed and dressed Greywind in her armor as she always did. Tempo entered the Emperor’s chambers with her list of updates. This included an unexpected message from Titennos Sage Glory.

Whenever Sage Glory requested a meeting with the Emperor for “no apparent reason,” Greywind knew it was important. Being forced to reschedule the Emperor’s appointments gave Tempo more to fret about. It certainly frustrated the Emperor’s cabinet.

The old Cardinal sat with Greywind in the Complex’s lounge. Attendant Link served them tea and pastries, leaving them upon Greywind’s command to give the two some privacy. Greywind shared her latest visions with the Cardinal. Sage Glory explained his latest delves into the dreamscape with Sister Judith.

<Fascinating,> sent Greywind, taking a sip of tea. <And you think this latest dream had some historical significance.>

<Partially,> Sage Glory replied. <I believe this latest vision, the one of the hair-faced male spreading light to a crowd, might have spiritual significance. Perhaps it is Judith’s subconscious interpretation of the human histories combined with her attempt to incorporate the mechanics of telepathy into her spiritual beliefs.>

<What makes you think that?>

Sage Glory bit down on a pastry, thinking as he chewed. <Judith strikes me as a sapient struggling between two loyalties. One to the actual world, the other to her religious interpretation of it. My understanding of the human histories and religions are still lacking, but Sister Judith’s elucidations have certainly improved my understanding of them. During her time with us at the monastery, she has been generous with her knowledge of human myths. Though her obsession with metaphors and symbology can confound our Librarians. Thanks to her, I myself cannot help but find parallels between some of our own legends and human mythology. For instance, I find it an extraordinary coincidence that the ancient mosaics of humans crowned in halos of light seem to resemble Loroi set alight when using their psychic powers. There are deities or spiritual entities in Judith’s religion traditionally called the Shining Ones. Seems to bear a remarkable resemblance to the shining essence of a Loroi. I also found it amusing to discover an old fable from the Bible book about a human warrior called Samson.>

 Greywind noted, sipping her tea again. <According to the legend, the God deity imbued Samson with unthinkable amounts of strength. But this strength was lost after Samson’s hair was cut. Not so different from Loroi who suffer demoralization after their hair is severed.>

<Indeed, Azerein. There are many striking similarities between the Earth religions and our own legends. In fact, I am forced to wonder if indeed there is a link between the human histories and our own.>

<My latest dream of Deben Besteir makes me wonder the same thing,> Greywind admitted. <Now more than ever I am open to the thought that ancient humans and Loroi might have communicated through the dreamscape despite the interstellar distance between them. Save for one fallacy; if ancient humans and Loroi really did communicate with each other in the dreamscape, why was it never recorded in the histories? How could our ancient scholars have missed such a crucial detail?>

<Have you ever heard of motivated perception, Azerein? Sometimes a Loroi’s desires, expectations and personal beliefs can bias her cognitive processing. She sees what she wants to see.>

<But how could that make our ancestors not see the blatant difference between a Loroi and a human?>

Sage Glory took a sip of tea, thinking the problem over. <Tell me what you think a human looks like.>

<A Loroi with pink skin and short ears.>

<Therein lies the problem,> Sage Glory pointed out, taking a pastry. <If our ancestors saw the ancient humans, they must have thought they were seeing a different kind of Loroi. How else could they make the distinction with their limited understanding? Think of the fabled Tiirrir, whom many scholars now agree are our biased interpretation of the mysterious Pol.>

<So why then do you think we are only receiving these visions now?>

Sage Glory thought it over as he chewed. <My most logical explanation: scotoma. It is not uncommon for Loroi to have a blind spot in their visual field. The cognitive mind is no different. Before first contact, we had no idea of humanity’s existence. Why should we think about what we do not know? Perhaps our conscious awareness of humanity awakened the memories of the deep mind.>

<Then why does it only reveal itself when I sleep with Ben, or you with Judith?>

<I’m afraid I have no explanation yet for that. What concerns me, however, is Sister Judith’s frequent dreams lately.>

<You mean the vision of the multi-headed monster? What do you think it means?>

<Perhaps the monster is a manifestation of her fears.>

<Do you think that is how Sister Judith actually regards us Loroi?>

Sage Glory took another pastry, chewing thoughtfully. <I don’t know. And the fact I don’t know frightens me. Nevertheless, I don’t think Judith purely loathes Loroi. I believe the dream may be a sign of her fear clashing with her hope. She fears our capacity for hostility yet yearns for our companionship.>

<That seems relieving.> Greywind took another sip of tea. <What concerns me, however, is that detail regarding Dawn, the Sentinel Twoface, Ben and the female who by your description I can safely assume is Ben’s mother. That Judith dreamt specifically of those individuals seems astounding, yet troubling.>

<You mean you fear Judith may somehow be aware of Project First Son?>

<The same. I trust you have still kept the secret.>



<For the remainder of my nature life and those it concerns. And longer if we must. Judith, Ben and Dawn must be protected.>

<And that raises yet another question, Azerein. This bond I share with Sister Judith, why do you insist it remain secret between you and me?>

Greywind placed her tea down on the table. <When it was accidentally discovered that you could bond with Judith in the dreamscape, I took the liberty of suppressing the memories of the few it concerned. And it seems to have certainly paid off. The Council is aware of Ben’s and Dawn’s susceptibility. But I don’t want them aware of Judith’s.>

<But why, Azerein? Your comrades will not take kindly to being deceived.>

<Ben and Dawn have a role to play for the Union. What that role entails does not concern you, Titennos, for the same reason I do not delve into the private affairs of the Nedatan order.>

Sage Glory bowed his head. <A mutual courtesy.>

<But Judith’s talents should not be for military application. You are one of the leading experts in the deep mind. Your commitment to upholding morale among warriors during the Great War while masking whatever I shared with you in confidence makes you one of the few Nedatans I trust most. I still struggle to unravel the mystery of Ben’s and Dawn’s cracked lotai. But perhaps you may discover more with Judith without my intervention.> Greywind reached for a pastry, taking a bite.

<Explore it I shall. On the note of intervention, there is another matter concerning Judith’s well-being. She recently expressed a controversial desire to become a Nedatan.>

Greywind stopped chewing, baffled by the news. <Judith requested that?>

<Not quite, Azerein. More that she seemed curious if it was possible for a human to become one.>

Greywind finished chewing and swallowed. <That seems quite impossible, does it not, Titennos?>



Greywind took another bite of her pastry. <Does Judith intend to leave her religion?>

<No. According to her words, Judith seems to believe that becoming a Nedatan might be the next step in her spiritual development.>

<You oppose the notion?>

Sage Glory took a sip of tea. <Sister Judith seems tender and compassionate. She has a genuine passion for philosophy, an essential trait for a Nedatan. The problem, however, is that she is a female. Which could possibly be overlooked were she Loroi.>

<Then why bring this to my attention, Titennos?>

<Azerein, I neglected to mention to Judith there may be one possibility. The Cardinals of Mestirot will be assembling soon for synod. The continent has many problems that require our attention.>

<Like I need reminding.> Greywind reached for another pastry.

<The point is there will be many matters discussed among the Cardinals. I cannot make Judith a Nedatan, but the suggestion could be put forward at synod.>

<You want me to intervene?>

<Certainly not, your excellency! It would spark outrage. I ask only for your opinion. On the one hand, it seems unconventional and sacrilege to admit an alien into our most sacred order. But on the other, I fear we might be discarding an opportunity if we deny Judith.>

Greywind reached for another pastry, biting down. <Enlighten me then. How might this be an opportunity?>

<The discovery of humanity has shaken even the Nedatan order to its foundations, forcing us to reevaluate our philosophies. Philosophy can improve our understanding of reality, but only if it is free to introduce new ideas. So here is a new idea for the synod: what if the Nedatans allowed a human to join the order?>

<Before the war, I would have dismissed it as preposterous,> Greywind admitted, licking the leftover pastry syrup from her fingers. <But… humanity’s very existence was also unthinkable.>

<Do you approve then?>

<Not unless you are prepared to defend the notion, Titennos. And to defend Sister Judith’s honor. Your colleagues will not be easily persuaded by an unorthodox proposition.> Greywind reached for her tea cup.

<Your advice seems wise, my unorthodox Emperor.>

Greywind watched the fluids swirl in her cup before sipping. <Even before we discovered your secret bond with Judith, I knew she was special. She overflows with affection and gives without any thought of reward. Such charity seems to have inspired by wards to volunteer their services toward aiding Mestirot’s impoverished. Persuading the humans to not return to Terran space has been relatively easy. But I fear their reactions if I become forced to restrain them.>

<For fear of putting them in harm’s way?> the Cardinal stated more than asked. <Is there going to be a new war after all?>

That earned Sage Glory a sharp look from Greywind. She downed the rest of her tea and set her cup down. <If it keeps Sister Judith on Deinar and spares me the burden of denying her return to Earth, do what you must. And so long as you continue to keep this secret.>

<Then my greatest challenge lies ahead.> Sage Glory finished the rest of his tea, rising from his seat. <You are kind to take time out of your busy schedule to meet me, Azerein.>

Greywind huffed out a sigh. <And getting busier. Mestirot’s problems keep climbing by the digel.>

Sage Glory felt the Emperor’s distress. <May I offer you some relief before I depart?>

<A kind offer, Titennos, but I have so much work to do. Besides, I’d rather not hassle my way out of this armor.>

Sage Glory pursed his lips, considering their options. <Does your armor still posses that inbuilt function?>

The Emperor raised her eyebrows, mildly surprised. <You still remember that?>

<How could I forget? Pleasure seemed a fleeting privilege for the restless aboard Cry of the Wind.>

Greywind rose, turning her back to the Cardinal to unclasp the buckles on her culet. It cluttered to the floor. She draped her violet cape over her shoulder and opened her back rise sealant.

The Emperor braced herself on the arms of her chair, exposing her sheath and sent, <You may enter.>

The old Cardinal chuckled as he opened his placket and approached. He could not resist sharing as he whetted his blade, <Emperors are busy people.>

Bamax · Post by **Bamax** » Wed Sep 09, 2026 9:16 pm

What?! I must have missed something. Greywind was emperor. She is not anynore? When did that change and why? I have not been keeping up

Bamax · Post by **Bamax** » Wed Sep 09, 2026 9:22 pm

Nevermind, I dud not realuze it was a memory played in real time.

Snoofman · Post by **Snoofman** » Fri Oct 09, 2026 6:35 pm

Author’s Note: I changed in the story, ‘A Chorus of Stars,’ that Ben can control his farsight in the dreamscape. However, he cannot find concealed minds at too great a distance. Hence why he and Greywind are still unable to pinpoint Eternal Endurance or the human smugglers working under her.

5 - Old Acquaintances

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Fifty-eight days. That is how long it took for the ECS-154 Bellermine to travel from Earth to the Naam system for its first contact mission during the Loroi-Umiak war. ECS-242 Ticonderoga, a Confederation ship capable of reaching max acceleration four times faster than the obsolete Scout Corp vessels, made the journey from Earth to Laget in less than three weeks.

It never ceased to amaze Alex how quickly humanity’s technology had changed in the last thirty-four years since his first-time encounter with the Loroi. Ticonderoga was an astronautical assault ship, crewed by a rotating crew of four hundred seventy-five spacers. Six hundred thirty-five meters long and equipped with armor and recently developed defense screens to match a Union battlecruiser.

Initially the command vessel of Admiral Visata, she had transferred command to Commander Chaudhary, hoping that Ticonderoga would serve as a demonstration of Terran might. That and the fact that it was the only armed vessel large enough to comfortably transport fourteen Terran delegates to the Union. Not to mention a few dozen Loroi.

On that note, Alex was constantly on alert for the Loroi under his command. There had been a few incidents in which a few of his subordinates got into fights with a few of the Confederate spacers. He had enough to fret about with the upcoming negotiations, and that was assuming the Diadem would still be interested in a dialogue upon arrival. His anticipation intensified after the border controls at Laget granted the Ticonderoga entry, along with an armed escort. Two Union Rapiers sandwiched Ticonderoga on both her flanks with one Warhammer bringing up the rear.

Alex used his time productively by becoming better acquainted with the fourteen delegates from Earth, discussing every zone of possible agreement the Terrans and Diadem might come to. They speculated the best alternatives for negotiated agreements should the Diadem refuse the terms presented by the Terrans. The delegates ran practice sessions, impersonating both sides, conceiving every way the Diadem might shred the Terrans’ arguments, reiterating how to appropriately address the Loroi to avoid causing offense.

Now after three more weeks of Union security checkpoints and interstellar jumping, Ticonderoga finally entered the Deinar system. Alex stood on the observation deck to watch Deinar draw closer. Wavel Mancham, an ambassador from Seychelles, walked up beside him to enjoy the view.

“I only heard the stories,” said Wavel. “But I never could have imagined it was so beautiful. Aside from the single continent, Deinar does not look so different from Earth. Same blue oceans, same white clouds, same green and brown landmasses.”

Alex nodded. “Yeah. I guess it is. I’ve also heard many stories about it. Never thought I’d live to see it for myself.”

Wavel turned his gaze on Alex. “You’re nervous.”

Alex huffed out a stressful sigh. “We are about to go toe-to-toe with the Diadem, the highest authority in the Loroi Union. The peace between humankind and the galaxy’s most mulish space elves depends on what we do here.”

“You sealed an alliance before, didn’t you?”

“The Loroi were desperate to win the war then. Now billions of them are itching for a fight with us.”

Wavel placed a comforting hand on Alex’s shoulder. “We won’t let that happen. This peace talk will succeed. Have faith, friend. God is with us.”

“I hope you will not find my lack of faith disturbing.”

Wavel chuckled. “You remind me of my wife.”

Alex scowled, baffled by the observation.

Wavel scoffed out an embarrassed laugh. “Sorry! Maybe that’s a bad comparison. What I mean is… you two seem alike.”

“How so?”

“You both prefer realism over optimism. She’s also an atheist, unlike me who is a christian.”

“That’s… quite a pairing. What was the attraction between you two, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“Since the moment we met in law school, we’ve always engaged in open arguments. We like to challenge each other, sharpens our minds. We’re two sides of the same coin.”

Alex quirked his lips thoughtfully at the notion. “Not sure if that’s romantic… but it certainly sounds sweet.”

Bling!

A voice announced through the speakers’ of Ticonderoga’s main broadcast, “Director Alexander Jardin, report to the shuttle bay at once. Repeat: Director Jardin to the shuttle bay.”

“Take it easy, Wavel,” said Alex.

“Alex, when we return to Earth, perhaps you will visit Seychelles. I would love for you to meet my family.”

Alex smiled. “That sounds nice, Wavel.” He marched away, descending through the decks. Partway Fireblade intercepted Alex. “Heh, the moment you hear my name, you come running!”

Fireblade normally said nothing. Instead she pointed at her eyes, then toward Alex.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” Alex muttered. “Never let me out of your sight.”

They came to the shuttle bay, deck crew busy as they moved Ticonderoga’s only two shuttles to the sides of the bay. Chandra stood attentive, overlooking their work. Alex approached him.

“Commander,” Alex said formally, “permission to address you more freely?”

Chandra nodded. “Permission granted.”

“What’s going on?”

“Just received word from Deinar Citadel 11 in orbit,” Chandra answered. “They’re sending a shuttle out to us.”

“Why?”

“Said they’re sending a diplomatic officer. Apparently this one wants to speak with you personally.”

Alex and Fireblade exchanged wide-eyed gazes. “No… frickin’… way,” Alex uttered.

Fireblade nodded knowingly.

Patiently and anxiously they waited. Orange lights flared, depressurizing alarms blaring as atmosphere was pumped into the outer airlock bay. The bulkhead doors opened, a green shuttle towed in by the shuttle bay’s movable deck. Six dark-grey armored Confederation troopers stood at the ready behind Chandra. Alex and Fireblade stood to his left, upright and formal.

The orange sirens stopped flaring as the movable deck stopped towing the shuttle in. The rear ramp depressurized within the green shuttle and descended. Down the ramp came a darkly clad Loroi followed by two golden armored Unsheathed. Alex and Fireblade recognized the darkly clad Loroi as she came closer. Her hair was longer now, decorated into a larger, more elaborate bun. But her face was as youthful as Alex remembered.

The Mizol stopped just two meters from Chandra, her crimson eyes locked on him. “Greetings,” she spoke. “I am Mizol Torimor Tempo. Personal secretary and representative of Torrai Azerein Greywind.”

“An emissary?” Chandra stated more than asked, taking a bold step forward, coming within arm’s reach of Tempo. He saluted and presented, “Commander Chandra Chaudhary, naval officer of the Terran Confederation. Welcome aboard Ticonderoga.” Chandra thrust forward his hand. Tempo shook it. “For small hands, you got a strong grip.”

“We Loroi are a strong people,” was Tempo’s cool reply.

“I’ll bet.” Chandra released her hand, gesturing toward Alex and Fireblade. “I believe you are already acquainted.”

“Quite,” Tempo remarked, her crimson eyes falling squarely on Alex.

Alex felt more than saw Fireblade tense as Tempo strode toward him. For a moment she just stared.

“Ambassador Jardin,” she said, offering a pleasant smile, “welcome back. On behalf of the Emperor and the Diadem, may I extend our warmest salutations.”

Tempo extended her left hand. Alex took it, his palm chilled at the contact. “It’s, um… good to see you again, Torimor. You haven’t aged a day.”

“I wish I could say the same for you, Ambassador Jardin. But you still seem as charming as ever.” Tempo’s eyes moved toward Fireblade. Alex could not tell if they were sending in private or simply glaring in silence.

Chandra took the initiative to break the icy stares and said, “Ahem! Excuse me, Torimor. On behalf of the Terran delegation, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for receiving us. I have been informed in advance concerning the Union’s security procedures. We are prepared to dock with Citadel 11 to commence immigration check. My primary duty on this diplomatic mission is ensuring the security and safe deliverance of this delegation. I trust therefore that the delegation will be safely returned to Ticonderoga once negotiations have finished.”

Tempo replied, “Rest assured, Commander, the Terran delegates’ safety is among our highest priorities. As is the crew of Ticonderoga.”

“Well, I’m touched by your concern, Torimor.”

Tempo took a bold step toward Chandra. “Perhaps I was not clear enough. I have come aboard to inform you personally that the delegation, your crew and you are to vacate your ship upon docking with Citadel 11.”

Chandra scowled. “Excuse me, Miss?”

“After you have been screened and approved through the Citadel’s immigration checkpoint, you and every human…” Tempo paused briefly as she eyed Fireblade. “…and others will be transported to Toridas. You will be granted residency at the Grand Central Nalir, a luxurious and ideal location to house alien visitors.”

“With all due respect, Ambassador, that hardly seems appropriate. Under the protective clauses of the Human-Loroi treaty, all Terran vessels approved for entry into Union territory have the right to innocent passage.”

“That treaty was between the Union and the former Terran Colonial Authority before its dismantlement,” Tempo corrected. “I feel dutifully bound to remind you, Commander, that an official treaty with outlined procedures and laws between the Terran Confederation and the Diadem is still in the works. Therefore, in consideration of this… extraordinary event… and the urgency of the impending emergency conference, you and every person aboard this vessel must vacate Ticonderoga immediately.”

Chandra took a daring step of his own, getting as proximal as he could without violating Tempo’s personal space. “Ambassador, you are standing on Terran Confederation property.”

Tempo leaned disturbingly close toward Chandra. “And your property is in Union territory, where it is subject to its laws. Besides, the Emperor has ordered a complete security assessment of your ship, as is her right as commander-in-chief.”

Alex could feel tension rising, growing nervous at the sound of Tedair gloves tightening and human fingers fidgeting on triggers. He stepped in, “What I think the ambassador means, Commander Chaudhary, is that the Loroi want to trust us. As a member of the Terran delegation and the Emperor’s personal ambassador for humanity, I can assure you, Miss Tempo, that the Terrans aboard this vessel have nothing to hide. When the Loroi’s security assessment is complete, and they find nothing to warrant suspicion, the Loroi will allow the crew of Ticonderoga to return aboard.” Alex locked eyes with Tempo. “Won’t they, Torimor?”

Tempo took a passive step back, offering the humans an icy grin, “Certainly, Ambassador Jardin… once the negotiations between the Terran delegation and the Diadem have successfully been completed.”

“How reassuring,” Chandra muttered. “Fine then. We will proceed as you order, Ambassador Tempo.”

“Thank you for your cooperation, Commander. Please do not be discouraged by this unexpected procedure. You and every Terran aboard this ship will have the opportunity to experience the best hospitality that Deinar has to offer. As well as the privilege of seeing the Emperor in person. I will tend to my duty and inform the Emperor of your imminent arrival.”

“I’ll bet you will.”

Tempo turned her gaze back to Alex. “There is one more thing before I depart. Ambassador Jardin will accompany me to Toridas’ Imperial Complex.”

Alex tensed. “Beg your pardon?”

“Have you forgotten your duties as the Emperor’s emissary, Ambassador Jardin? The Emperor demands a full debriefing from you in preparation for the upcoming negotiations.”

“Surely Alexander Jardin could travel down with us,” Chandra suggested.

“That is out of the question,” Tempo objected. “I have my orders, as do you, Protector of the Garden.”

Fireblade planted herself firmly between Alex and Tempo, glaring the sentinel down. The two Praetorians clenched their fists tighter, reminding everyone of their presence.

Alex held up his hands, trying to deescalate the tension. “Okay, okay,” he said gently. He patted Fireblade on the shoulder. “Come on, Red. Let’s cool off a bit.” As the assembled Loroi calmed down, Alex returned his focus to Tempo. “I understand my duty, Torimor. And will happily comply. But… surely you will not mind if my protective escort accompany me.”

Tempo sighed. “We will wait for you in the shuttle. Please be quick.”

As soon as Tempo and the Praetorians were out of ear shot and reboarded the shuttle, Chandra leaned close to Alex, whispering, “I don’t like this.”

“Neither do I. But what choice to we have?”

“I don’t want those blues poking around my ship. No offense to your friends.”

Alex shrugged. “Have to play along, Chandra. We’ll meet up again on the surface. I promise.”

“How do you know this isn’t a trap?”

Alex refrained from scoffing out laugh. “Trap?! We’re in the middle of the Loroi Union. We seem trapped enough already.”

Alex returned to his berthing compartment to gather his pack and few possessions. Fireblade, Beryl and Talon assembled their packs and followed him back to the shuttle bay. But not before Alex assured the few other dozen Loroi that they would be reunited soon.

Upon boarding Slipper-04, the Praetorians confiscated Alex’s and his three companion’s packs for inspection. Tempo sat in the first row of the right aisle of seats. Alex took his seat in the left aisle, his friends planting themselves firmly between him and the Unionist Loroi.

Slipper-04 departed Ticonderoga, descending into Deinar’s atmosphere. The passengers experienced some minor turbulence as inertial dampeners were forced to deactivate, the blaze of heated entry could be heard through the hull, but passed as Slipper-04 safely entered Deinar’s air currents.

Two digels into the flight, Tempo unstrapped herself from her seat and approached Alex. Fireblade’s eyes flared brilliant jade on reflex, halting Tempo’s advance.

“Easy, Red,” Alex said assuringly.

“Pardon my intrusion,” said Tempo, “but I thought perhaps you would like a view of the Imperial Seat. We are passing over the city of Toridas even as we speak.”

Alex unstrapped himself and followed Tempo to the observation windows. From high above Toridas seemed like any other city, save for the occasional tractricoid megastructure he could distinguish.

“Now that is a metropolis,” said Alex. “Never thought I’d live to see it.”

“Yet here you are,” Tempo remarked.

Fireblade approached, gazing intensely at the city below.

“How does it feel to be home, Red?” Alex asked.

Fireblade snorted. Beryl answered, “She says Toridas was never her home. It was merely her training place. But she thinks it pleasant to see it again.”

Fireblade and Beryl glared annoyedly as Talon shoved them aside to gaze out. “Well, I haven’t seen Toridas before! Good view! Nice city! Even if it is the birthplace of haughty Deinarids who forced imperialism down our throats.” Talon could feel Tempo eyeing her questionably. The Tabenid retorted in kind, “What?”

“You seem to have changed, Talon,” Tempo remarked.

Talon threw up her hands in a shrug. “After we left the Union, everything changed. We changed after coming to the human homeworld. Earth is a great place. Some of the humans are weird, but still great world. Lots of menfolk too. Like sex as much as we do.”

“You sound an awful lot like Moonfall, Talon,” said Alex with a wicked smirk.

Talon scoffed. “Moonfall is a hussy! I am nothing like her. Besides, you seem to like it when I join you and Beryl for group-”

“Okay!” Alex raised his voice. “I don’t think we need to share more!”

“I assume then that each of you has been given a Terran military rank?” Tempo asked. “What are they, if I may ask?”

“That’s a little complicated,” Alex explained. “You see, after I returned to Earth, I was dismissed from the Terran Scout Corps. Seeing I was the only human with the longest experience concerning Loroi and the closest thing they still had to a commanding officer, the UN and E1 granted asylum to the Loroi who departed the Union with me and appointed me as their Head Martial Officer, or Director for short. The Loroi are still not permitted to enroll in regular human divisions, which is why we were granted a distinct branch of our own in E1. The Loroi don’t really have ranks, more like operational occupations within E1.”

“Strange that we never seemed to learn about this organization within the Earth One Corp,” said Tempo.

<Why should you, spy?> Fireblade sent bitterly. 

Alex noticed Fireblade’s heated restlessness. “Red, I don’t need to telepathy to see when you’re getting worked up. Easy there!”

Fireblade huffed out her frustrations through her nostrils.

Tempo looked toward the direction of the cockpit. “According to the pilot, we are almost to our destination,” she informed. “Please retake your seats as we prepare to land.”

Alex and his three guardians complied. The shuttle finally touched down at the Imperial Complex’s landing pad. Alex, his compatriots and their Imperial escorts waited by the loading ramp before it depressurized and descended.

Alex noticed Fireblade take in a good whiff of Deinar’s atmosphere, exhaling with great relief. “You must have really missed it, huh, Red?”

Fireblade shrugged. Together they exited the shuttle, four more Praetorians surrounded and escorted the visitors toward the Complex. They moved through several vast corridors, shown the way to the guest quarters. Each visitor was shown to their respective rooms.

Alex remarked as Tempo showed him to his assigned room, “I thought you said we were staying at a… what was it again? Nalir?”

“Your Terran comrades will be, but the Emperor requires your presence at the Complex,” Tempo replied.

“And not the rest of the delegation?”

“There aren’t enough guest rooms here. Besides, you are to be debriefed by the Emperor.”

“Don’t you mean interrogated?”

Tempo ignored the snark. “You will be summoned when your presence is required. For now, feel free to rest here. You and your comrades are also at liberty to explore the Imperial Complex provided you understand that certain areas are strictly off limits. The guards will be posted to guide you besides. Remember you are being monitored at all times.”

The door swished open as Tempo made to exit. She stopped in the threshold as Alex said, “Tempo… it’s good to see you again.”

Tempo’s stern gaze softened slightly, but was silent. Alex tossed his case on the bed to unpack.

“I am pleased to see you again as well, Enzin,” said Tempo. “Although I am still mildly upset about the fact that you incapacitated me the last time we saw each other. Now if you will excuse me, I have other duties to attend to.”

Seeing that there was not much else to do in their respective guest rooms, Alex, Beryl, Fireblade and Talon explored the lavish halls of the Imperial Complex together.

“What’s the purpose of having a government office if the Diadem handles its affairs aboard Cry of the Wind?” Alex asked.

“As I understand it, the Imperial Complex is built around historical structures older than four thousand years. Even after Emperor Eighth Dawn made Skymaster the first mobile capital, the Imperial Complex has been the Union’s main clearinghouse. It is both the federal and symbolic heart of the central authority of Deinar.”

“Really?” Alex held hands behind his back as he casually took in the large paintings. “Thought it had a medieval look to it.”

“They have many old heroes here,” said Talon, admiring the murals and statues of historical Loroi they passed. “Look there is Deben Besteir! Loremark! Even the myth-like Skymaster and the Twin Blades! But no Tabenids! Where are the Tabenid heroes?”

<Maybe Greywind removed them,> Fireblade sent bitterly, <like all things she doesn’t like.>

Talon was appalled by the revelation. <The Emperor does not like Tabenids?! Since when?!>

Fireblade squinted incredulously at Talon. <Are you daft, sailor girl? Haven’t you ever heard the stories? Greywind tried undermining the Tabenid council centuries ago, not long after Eighth Dawn came to power.>

<This seems like awful news to me.>

“Let’s have a look outside, get some fresh air,” Alex suggested.

The group wandered out into the garden plaza. Talon bent down to admire a batch of colorful, gooey stalks. “Look, pretty!” she said.

“And deadly,” sent Beryl. “Those are dogos trappers native to Perrein. Perreinids cultivate them around their dwellings to trap and repel beimish. Beimish get stuck on the sap of the stalks and the fungus coils around it, immobilizing the beimish as the dogos slowly feeds off its prey.”

“Charming… not.” Talon put distance between herself and the carnivorous fungus. “Perreinids have disturbing taste in gardens.”

“Well, they got a taste for toxic things,” Alex commented.

Talon snickered with him. “Ha, ha, ha! Sure foul!”

Fireblade’s eyes were glued to a particular location in the vast plaza. Alex noticed her fixed gaze, asking, “Red, what’s wrong?”

The group looked where Fireblade was pointing. More than a hundred paces away the group saw two Loroi with two pinked skin males.

“Have they sent down the human delegates already?” Talon asked.

Alex shook his head. “I don’t think those are our delegates.” He approached, his comrades following close behind.

As the visitors approached, they could more easily make out the two humans kicking a ball around. One was a teenager with dirty blonde hair, the other an early adolescent. Their Loroi playmates, a pink-haired Listel and a brunette Soroin, stood alert as they detected the newcomers’ approach.

The visitors stopped just twenty paces away, both sides staring awkwardly and silently at each other. The teenager took the first step and approached. He was slightly taller than Alex, stopping just within arm’s reach of Alex.

The boy spoke perfect Trade, “Lozen mé mezi penni, sallan lir?” You’re him, aren’t you?

Alex could easily guess what the kid was implying. “Tezair mé tizatli leri lir?” So what if I am?

The boy thrust his hand forward, offering a broad smile. “Nice to meet you, Enzin Alexander Jardin.”

Alex scoffed out a light chuckle as he took the boy’s hand. “Uh, nice to meet you too… Mister?”

“Ben,” the boy replied. “Ben Teigorastir.”

Alex recalled Chandra’s report, but hid his surprise.

“Teigorastir?” Beryl asked, stepping forward. “You are named First Son?”

“Dubbed by the Emperor herself,” said Ben, releasing Alex’s hand to offer his for Beryl’s. “And who might you be? Is your name as pretty as your face?”

Beryl could not help but blush at the obvious flirt, shaking hands with Ben. “Beryl. I am pleased to meet you, Ben Teigorastir.”

“Honestly, I prefer if you just call me Ben.”

“Well, now,” Talon butted in, shoving Beryl aside to shake hands with the young human, “that does seem uncommon friendly! I am Talon!”

Ben laughed, awkwardly amused by Talon’s brash forwardness. “Talon? That’s an awesome name! Goes well with your bird-like hair!”

Talon’s smile only widened. “Weird compliment. I like! The silent red hair is Fireblade.”

Ben extended his hand to the Unsheathed. “Nice to meet you, Fireblade.”

Fireblade offered Ben nothing but a narrow gaze.

Ben shrugged, withdrawing his hand. “Or not.”

“I hope your Unsheathed companion will not be offended by Ben’s forwardness,” the pink-haired Listel said, walking up beside Ben. “He still has much to learn about Loroi mannerisms.”

“Excuse me, my manners are remarkably refined,” Ben boasted.

“Difficult to argue with such truth,” the Soroin agreed as she stepped up.

“And you two are?” Alex inquired.

Ben presented, “Oh, this is Cotton and Fireclay. They’re my guardians… and friends.”

Talon craned her neck to get a look at the younger human behind Ben and his guardians. “And who is the little, cute one?” she inquired.

“Oh, that’s Saturn,” Ben replied. “Saturn, don’t be shy. Come on and say hi.”

Saturn timidly walked up, sticking close to Ben as he eyed the newcomers, barely uttering, “T-Titai… r-rales.”

Beryl, Talon and Fireblade cocked eyebrows at his broken Trade.

Saturn shied away, Ben wrapping a protective arm around his shoulders. “Hey, it’s okay,” Ben said in English. “Don’t worry about it.” He turned back to the newcomers. “Saturn is a rescuee, and still new here. He just needs time to adjust.”

“Rescuee?” Alex asked.

“Yeah, like me. The Emperor is still thinking about adopting Saturn.”

“So the rumors are true then,” said Beryl. “The Emperor really has been adopting human children.”

Ben beamed with pride. “Yeah, she is so cool.”

Fireblade snorted at the compliment and sent openly, 

Cotton and Fireclay eyed the Unsheathed questioningly.

Beryl swiftly found something to distract the Loroi and asked, “Ben Teigorastier, we noticed you were playing ball before.”

“Uh, yeah,” said Ben. “It’s actually a soccer ball. Um, you want to play?”

Alex grinned at the kid’s hospitality. “Now sports is a real universal language!”

The visitors followed their hosts to the grass field where Saturn was already eagerly kicking the ball to Ben.

Beryl took the opportunity to discreetly send to Fireblade, 

Fireblade rolled her eyes, sighing. <Fine,> she replied. <I’ll pretend to be nice.>

Snoofman · Post by **Snoofman** » Mon Oct 12, 2026 4:32 pm

6 - Buttinsky

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The visitors at the Imperial Complex found Ben to be a pleasant young man. They spent the day playing ball and sharing stories. Ben could not stop asking Alex about Earth, which Alex found endearing. Ben was also inquisitive about Beryl, Fireblade and Talon, posing one question after the other about their lives. By the evening, the group sat down in the dining hall to share some dinner. Alex was anxious to know when they would meet the Emperor, but assured himself the time would come.

Saturn helped himself to some miros steak. The humans present were shocked to learn that Saturn old actually enjoyed it.

“Boy, how can you eat that stuff?” Alex asked, impressed yet equally revolted.

Saturn shrugged his shoulders. “When you’re hungry on an alien planet, anything tastes good.”

“Really?” Ben asked. “I’m hungry. Let me try.” He popped a chunk of miros into his mouth. Three solons later he spat it into his napkin. “Blah!”

The group laughed.

“I know the feeling, kid,” Alex chuckled, taking a sip of noillir. “Ah, so soothing.”

“I do enjoy noillir myself,” Cotton agreed, taking a sip from her cup.

“Not me! I think noillir tastes dirt water,” said Fireclay, content to chew on her fried pozets.

“Speaking of water, I have not tasted leviathan in so long,” Talon moaned delight as she chewed on the fish meat, relishing the taste rolling over her tongue. “Mm, so good! Reminds me of Taben.”

“So Ben,” Beryl inquired, “how did you come to be adopted by the Emperor? If I may ask.”

Ben answered, “Well, long story short: I was rescued on Taben when I was just five years old.”

“How did a human like you get to Taben?” Talon asked.

Ben remembered his oath of secrecy to Greywind as he explained, “I was… traded by some Terran raiders to the gangers of Taben. Along with some other kids… but I can’t really remember them.”

“That… sounds awful,” said Alex.

“I was lucky enough to get rescued. Some warriors stumbled upon the gangers who had me. The rest of the gangers disappeared along with the other kids. The warriors were quite kind and brought me to the Emperor.”

“You mean the Emperor wanted you specifically?” Beryl asked.

“Greywind was visiting Taben then. She wanted to learn more about the gangers and the Terran raiders through me. So she took me with her aboard Cry of the Wind.”

“Kind of odd trying to get intel from a five year old,” Alex remarked.

“Ben was a remarkable child,” said Cotton. “And keenly observant for one so young.”

Ben continued, “Cry of the Wind was also where I met Cotton. Next thing I knew we headed for Deinar and Greywind adopted me.”

Alex deduced, “So that’s why you’re called Teigorastir. You’re the first human the Emperor adopted.”

Ben nodded. “After that she enrolled me at the Clan Rainfall School of West Ginazeigo Isle. It’s also where I met Fireclay.”

“Ben and I became good friends,” said Fireclay, the memory bringing a smile to her face. “We had much in common, like the fact we are both civilian born.”

“So you are one of the redeemed,” Talon noted. “I thought your hips looked big for a Loroi.”

“Talon!” Alex hissed. “Where are your manners?”

Talon threw up her hands. “What?! I am just saying a fact.”

Saturn, who was struggling to catch up, asked Ben in English, “What are they talking about?”

“Talon thinks Fireclay has big hips,” Ben explained.

Saturn trilled through his lips. “I’ve seen way bigger.”

Alex happened to overhear, switching to English. “What was that, little guy?”

Saturn answered, “Sillar Raridis… peilo… dirred… salen!”

The statement stunned the group into silence. Until Alex burst into laughter, the rest of his companions joining in.

“It’s true,” Saturn insisted in English. “Her butt is huge!”

Despite his amused confusion, Alex asked, “Okay, kid. How big?”

Eyes went wide as Saturn demonstrated by outstretching his arms.

“You’re joking,” Alex said in disbelief.

“It’s true,” Saturn insisted. “I’ve seen it.”

“I… had no idea there were such Loroi. I’m almost afraid to ask… but who is Sillar Raridis?”

“Black Hole is a shadow lord,” Cotton explained. “She is the boss of a gang of Shades that have recently agreed to serve the Emperor.”

“Lozen pore,” Talon uttered disbelief. “Someone strict like Greywind would never bargain with a tigis master.”

“Black Hole and her gang have agreed to enroll within the Redemption Program in exchange for a full pardon. This the Emperor has done in her campaign against Eternal Endurance.”

“Who is Eternal Endurance?” Beryl asked, growing slightly annoyed by the endless stream of surprises.

“Another Shadow Lord,” Cotton replied. “One of the most illusive criminals in the Union, making her presence known on Deinar.”

“I take it that’s a bad thing,” Alex remarked.

“Your words seems like an understatement, Mister Alexander Jardin. Eternal Endurance has been spreading words of dissent among the disgruntled civilians throughout Mestirot.”

Picking up the Listel’s mildly bitter tone, Fireclay scoffed, “You would be disgruntled if your leaders neglected your needs.”

Cotton scowled. “Need I remind you that you serve those leaders?”

“I am grateful to the Emperor for trying to help the civilians. But it does not change the truth.”

“So this… Eternal Endurance is some kind of revolutionary?” Alex asked.

“The worst kind,” Ben spat. “She acts like she’s a champion for the people. But honestly she’s just a thief. On top of that she’s kidnapped humans. That’s how Saturn got here on Deinar.”

Alex turned to Saturn. “Is that true, kid?” He received a nod as reply. “So… how did you wind up with this Black Hole?”

Saturn explained in English, “After the pirates sold me to Endurance, I was locked away along with other kids, mostly boys. The Blues did what they wanted with us. Mostly it was just sex.”

Alex was shocked. “I… I’m sorry to hear that.”

Saturn shrugged. “Most of the boys like it. I kind of liked it at first. But the Blues who took us sometimes wanted to do more than that. Sometimes they liked to get rough. They’d do hurtful things like smack us, scratch our chests or pin us down by the throat. Loroi don’t look strong, but they really are. So strong they can crush bones with just a squeeze.” Saturn presented his wrists, which still bore proof of his abuse.

Alex and his companions shivered at the sight of what looked like bruises on the boy’s wrists, but in fact were dark marks left behind by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

“I can’t imagine how horrible that must have been for you, Saturn,” Alex said sincerely. “Sorry I brought it up.”

Saturn shrugged again. “It’s behind me. I don’t how long I was with the Blues working for Endurance. But it was a long time. Then one day they took me away from the other kids. Endurance told me I was to going to be given to Black Hole as a gift. She told me to try and convince Black Hole to join the revolution. Had no idea what it meant at the time, but I just did what the Blues told me so I wouldn’t get hurt.

“When I was brought to Black Hole, I thought she was going to do to me what the Blues had been doing to me for a long time. But Black Hole was not like the other gangers. She never hurt me. She never forced me to do anything. She was kind. She took care of me, taught me about Shades and their history. She also wanted to learn everything I knew about humans, about my old home on Aldea before I was taken.”

“That’s… quite a story, kid,” said Alex. “I’m glad you escaped your terrible circumstances. But as the Emperor’s ambassador for humanity, I will arrange for you to go home. Wait till you see our ship, Ticonderoga. I’m sure your parents will be happy to see you again-”

“I don’t want to go back to my parents.”

Alex was stunned. “What?”

Saturn’s tone turned bitter. “Even before I was kidnapped, my parents hated me. I don’t want to talk about them. And I don’t want to see them again. I just want to see Black Hole again.”

Alex looked at his companions, who were equally speechless. Alex tried to reason, “Saturn, look, I get you’ve been through a lot, but I don’t think you understand what it means to live among Loroi.”

“Your concern for Saturn’s well-being is touching, Ambassador.” The group turned to Tempo who entered the scene. “But we give him and every rescued human the best treatment Loroi have to offer. Don’t we, Saturn?”

Saturn nodded at Tempo. “Yeah. But when will I get to go back to Black Hole? I miss her!”

Tempo held up a reassuring hand. “Patience, young one. These things take time. But the digel draws closer to dusk. It is time for you and Ben to sleep.”

“Sleep?!” Ben protested. “But it’s not even night yet!”

Tempo set the law down. “Close enough! I am sure our guests need their rest after a long journey. We all have much work ahead of us. And you, Teigorastir, have your duties.”

Ben groaned out a sigh. “Yes, Torimor.” He butted fists with Saturn, promising to meet him in the morning. Fireclay escorted Saturn as they left the table. Ben rose to follow Cotton, but stopped to turn and look at the visitors. “It was nice to meet you, Alex,” he said with a smile. “And all your friends too. You guys seem pretty cool.”

“You’re not so bad yourself, Ben,” Alex said back. After they departed, Alex offered Tempo a coy grin. “I like him. Seems pretty nice. I’m sure the Emperor must be really fond of him.”

Tempo leaned toward Alex, offering a wry smile of her own. “You wouldn’t know, would you?”

Fireblade rose, standing protectively by Alex’s side. <Do you have a problem or do you have a habit of getting in persons’ faces like that?>

Tempo stood erect, saying what she sent, “I would advice you all to return to your rooms and rest. We will have much work in the coming days.”

“Looking forward to it,” Talon said dryly, “not!”

Servants came to clear the table as Alex, Fireblade, Beryl and Talon left for their rooms.

“I like those boys,” Talon said off-handedly. “Very handsome. You think the Black Hole Shade Saturn talked about has sheathed him?”

“If she has, I’ll kill her the moment I meet her,” said Alex. “But why do you ask?”

“I only seem curious.”

Beryl asked, <Why do you seem curious, Talon?>

<Well, I think Saturn’s cute. Ben too, but Saturn is best looking. If those gangers wanted him, he must have had some hot blade. I wouldn’t mind him jabbing me with-> Talon shrieked as she received a fierce telepathic jab.

<Do not even joke about that,> Fireblade sent strictly. <I’ve seen human trafficking cartels on some of my missions with E1. I’ve seen what they do to human children. I should warn you, I’ve snapped off a couple blades! And, on a few occasions, ripped out some seed pods by the roots!>

Talon swallowed, holding up her hands defensively. 

Fireblade smirked. <Good girl!>

The four companions retired to their respective rooms. Alex stripped out of his uniform, a standard dark grey Confederate color, but with none of the insignias or emblems associated with the Confederates. He wanted to show to the Unionists that he represented humanity, not the Confederation. After washing and drying himself, Alex hopped into bed in his SC branded underwear and blue shirt, the same he still had from his days in the Scout Corp. Beryl had said many times it would be better to switch out that clothing, judging by the few stitches Alex had to mend it with. But it was a relic from a time he treasured.

As he lay in bed, waiting for exhaustion to overtake him, he snatched up his Robin phone. No messages as was to be expected. But there was one he anticipated to arrive any moment. He fretted over what sort of cybersecurity the Imperial Complex might possess, but resolved that Dufrense would find a way around it. As long as Alex kept it secret, surely the Loroi would never suspect anything.

Alex wondered if Dufrense had found that witness they would need, or if he had accumulated any tangible proof of the Yellow Suns’ misdeeds. A recording was not going to cut it for the Emperor if there was any hope of persuading Greywind to stop the impending war.

Hoping that his digital companion was listening, Alex lay his Robin phone at the corner of his bed and whispered, “Anytime, buddy.”

Tempo entered the Emperor’s chamber, where Greywind, Cotton and Ben waited patiently. The doors swished shut behind her. “They are sleeping,” said Tempo.

“Then we begin,” Greywind commanded.

Ben took his place beside Greywind on the bed. Cotton fitted a crown onto his head. He sighed out all his hesitations in one long exhale. “Cotton?”

“Yes, Ben,” she replied.

“This amplifier isn’t going to cause any brain damage… is it?”

“Ben, how many times must I say it? This crown is not an amplifier. This is a new model of neuromodulator developed by our research team. It merely puts you to sleep and brings you swiftly into your REM-cycles. Besides, do you think we would risk ruining that beautiful brain of yours?”

Greywind clutched hands with him. “Steel yourself, Ben. This is what we have been training for.”

<Azerein, are you sure about this?> Tempo asked. <We have no idea how Enzin might react to Ben’s intrusion. Or Fireblade if they bond at the same time.>

<Our guests are unarmed. There are Praetorians stationed outside their rooms,> Greywind assured.

<Would it not be safer if we tested this on the unsuspecting Terran delegates first?>

<We must ascertain Enzin’s true intentions now. I know he is hiding something and we are going to find it. Now put me under, Tempo.>

<As you command.> Tempo’s eyes shined crimson as her hand hovered over Greywind’s skull.

Cotton tapped commands into her wrist-comm, activating the neuromodulators in Ben’s crown. Together he and Greywind entered the dreamscape.

Well of Souls Forums

Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior

Re: Endless Suffering of the Eternal Warrior