Clerical Choices 3

Second Commissioner Skrilxya Yonamey and Third Commissioner Ben Rikaron have narrowly saved their mission to escort Grand Master Landings to his new Archbishopric. Sheriff Keltos realized he was in a bind, with his guards bludgeoned and Governor Opalton awaiting results. What had started as a sabotage had turned into a sham, and if everything went smoothly, Skrilxya and Ben were looking to complete their mission without error. The only unknown is how the wiley ruler of I’yrcon would react to his agent’s failure...

Read Chapter 1: https://vocal.media/fiction/clerical-choices

Read Chapter 2: https://vocal.media/fiction/clerical-choices-2-9l4dz0zje

Chapter 3:

The red-white light of Berin Ophiuchis, once known to humankind as Barnard’s Star, sank in the evening sky beyond the horizon. Now the glowing electric illumination of South Polar City was becoming the primary source of light for everyone going about their day, followed by the rising of both moons and the twinkling stars, including one bright yellow neighbor star: a small dim reminder to nearly half of I’yrcon’s population of their not so distant past as a one planet society.

Alongside memories of the old homeworld, the ideas and blueprints of past society followed humanity to the stars. One of the more insidious ideas that accompanied humans to space was the secret police. A force designed to covertly uphold the state’s monopoly on violence, and intimidate unruly citizens into compliance. The Governor’s Institute for I’yrconian Civility was an example of this and more to the locals of the Berin Ophiuchis system. It was established by Balthazar the Autocrat in the 3760s to make his rule of the growing planetary society secure, and using it he led a government that was widely considered tyrannical by the time of his death.

Governors after Balthazar made the apparatuses of state on I’yrcon more republican, at least in appearance. The longest reigning successor was Governor Opalton who was now in his sixth decade of rule. He maintained the Institute and used it like a scalpel, rather than the butcher’s knife that Balthazar the Autocrat first forged. Opalton was called many nicknames: the Overseer, Old Opie, Silk-Socks and Jailblocks, and “the Mighty Miserly Moustache” were the names his political rivals gave him, while his supporters called him “uncle Gordon''. These names barely told half the story of the man Skrilxya and Ben were now driving to meet.

Governor Opalton stood like a flagpole at the driveway of the Institute’s metropolitan headquarters. A grey, windowless, box of a building rose three hundred meters into the air illuminated by spotlights showing nothing but a smooth grey concrete wall completely unmarked apart from four letters above the only door: G.I.I.C. This monotone backdrop made the Governor look positively vibrant. He wore a red and gold inlaid cloak with a tall, cobra-like, collar. Beneath it a white and golden uniform jacket and black and red striped pants beneath it, the uniform of a Napoleonic Hussar equipped for the speeder bikes of modern wars. He wore golden, diamond, ruby, and sapphire bejeweled rings and bracelets, and his pale-yellow complexion was made to glow in comparison of his black sleek hair and the equally sleek goatee which he wore at chest length. Small but bright eyes resting above a slightly bridged nose looked on with quiet contemplation at the approaching armored vehicle.

Skrilxya could see this man almost a mile away, and Ben could sense him further. He was a strong psychic and a magnanimous presence besides. His aura was off-setting the very air around him. Skrilxya now knew how a man such as Sheriff Keltos could be influenced by Opalton. Skrilxya gave Ben a quiet signal which he relayed to Grand Master Landings. It was now time to try their plan.

The armored truck pulled to a crawling stop. Once parked, Sheriff Keltos exited the vehicle and knelt on both knees before the Governor in reverence as the Grand Master got out at leisure behind him.

“Why is he not in chains?” Said Opalton sternly in his rich baritone. Keltos deferred and said “my Lord I was overcome, and had to make a deal with my charges.”

“Then they are no longer your charges but your captors. I will not lecture you here sheriff… M-10!”

At the shout one member of a small retinue standing behind the Governor approached. A metallic figure of humanoid proportions walked up and raised Keltos to his feet and escorted him into the building. The Governor did not acknowledge Keltos after that. Instead he addressed the Grand Master: “Jamon, I am glad to look upon your face.”

“Are you now?” said Master Landings with a smile. “I am happy just to hear you respond to me.”

“The mail has lost my letters too often. But now that you are here, I hope our communication will become smoother. Please come inside.”

“What about my escort?” Said Master Landings motioning in the direction of Skrilxya and Ben who were close behind, exiting the truck.

“Are these the fellows who got you down safely?”

“The same, your excellency” said Skrilxya aloud.

“Then I have you to thank. My… new Archbishop…clearly has capable followers and knows how to lead.”

“It was she who led the mission, your Excellency” Master Landings said. “You are speaking to a Naval Commissioner.”

“Ah, lovely,” said Opalton with an almost sour lilt. “We get so few of your kind in the ranks of the fleet. You must have proven very capable indeed. Do come in, I have much to speak to Jamon Landings about.”

Skrilxya didn’t like the tone of that compliment but paid it little mind, since it came from a Haman noble. At that the Grand Master gave Skrilxya a look which told her everything, and she nudged Ben quietly as Landings and Opalton turned to enter the Institute.

Slowly Skrilxya and Ben followed with Kalvin and Bolamey close behind. Ben whispered something to Kalvin, who said a silent prayer as they walked into the building.

“You’ll need none of that my boy!” Said a gruff and unkempt looking character from Opaltons crew. Ben replied “my cousin is training his mind and he must say his meditations often.”

“See that he keeps it to the commandments and the psalms” said the man who introduced himself as Gregor FitzGrimmauld. A dwarf Haman named Royd also appeared and escorted them into the building. Ben passed another nudge to Skrilxya that told her “message sent.” Kalvin’s psychic message to Nuncio Sarena was almost caught but sent in time.

They had to send it before they entered because the building itself was a psychic faraday cage. No messages or influence could get in or out. And that was the point. Opalton had one more move up his sleeve and Skrilxya and Landings both knew it, and their success depended on how fast the Nuncio could get here.

They walked for some time making their way into what felt like an underground storage room. There they met Veinteseis Mendoz, the challenger candidate and Opalton’s loyalist priest. Mendoz and Landings greeted each other like respectful church leaders before Opalton made an announcement.

“Before I make my appointment official, I would like to tell you a few terms, Sedrick.”

“Are we on a first name basis now Gordon?”

Opalton winked. “I would like to be friendly for one, but my main point is this: I rule here. I have been the senior psychic master on this planet for four decades, and my current arrangement with the local sages suits me well as Statholder Governor and Custodian of the Church on I’yrcon. I don’t want to disrupt such a comfortable system.”

“Why not just be a Sage yourself then, if that is one of your main concerns?”

“Because I love this planet, and someone needs to rule I’yrcon and keep the peace. This planet has been fractious since the beginning and only a republic with a strong leader can keep the balance.”

“As you make a powerful state for yourself in the Empire you threaten the stability of the rest” Master Landings retorted. “It is true you give the dominion of I’yrcon stability but you make arguments with the High Sages and the other governors for nothing but your own aggrandizement and pride.”

Opalton shot back “is it Pride to ask for honest recognition? Is it aggrandizement to take what is rightfully mine?”

Landings said coolly: “It is unjust when it takes away the voice of the people who gave you your power. That’s what the old tyrant of this world didn’t learn. You married his daughter but I didn’t think you married his philosophy of leadership too.”

“Political marriages are marriages of convenience” Opalton remarked “I gain strength from what I had to survive as a young man. Anyone in my place would do the same.”

“All the same, maybe not” shrugged Landings “if you want the High Sages in your good graces again you must not only accept me as your Archbishop and on your ruling council, but you must recognize the rights of this Republic and it’s citizens. I’yrcon has been a potential source of popular rebellion for too long. Now that the War with Alios is over, you can scale back the austerity without worry.”

“Are the Sages really so disillusioned with my rule?”

“Not you, but they recognize a potential threat to the Empire when they see one. I’yrcon must be made peaceful so the Empire at large can rest.”

Opalton was silent after this. Landings made a profound point as far as Skrilxya was concerned and by watching the Governor's face she could tell he was starting to think so too. He replied with a softer voice than previously: “Alright Jamon, you’ve made their Eminence's concerns clear to me… but what do they offer for me to keep the peace?”

“Do you really think you are in a position to ask?” Master Landings replied with surprise.

“Absolutely!” Opalton said with pride. He raised his hands and several armored soldiers entered the room. There were several Hamans in all black form-fitting armor joined by a squad of Mallumans wearing the emblem of the Ruby Banner and their typical black combat dress. They made no moves to attack but surrounded the group. Meanwhile, Opalton produced two scrolls, from where no one could see. He tossed one to Landings and said “have a look at this, Jamon.”

The Grand Master began reading the scroll after quickly unfurling it. Skrilxya came to read it over his shoulder. It was written in old-style Inglash script in Cantogaelic but with a translation into Ummalang, the standard tongue, but the wording was clear enough for anyone to see. Opalton had written a contract for the Magnates and collected signatures to support his cause: In exchange for accepting Landings as the new Archbishop, the Sages would recognize I’yrcon as a Capital Planet for the entire “Borderlands Sector” and provide special privileges in trade and military defense. “I’yrcon is eclipsing many worlds now” Opalton said to his guests. “I only want to recognize the reality, that the colonies are growing up, and I’yrcon stands poised to lead them like an eldest sibling. And if you think I’m not getting the support of my people, check my contract. Signatures from many Magnates, and not just the Hamans and Nebulans, but Mallumans as well. They have made a convincing case to me in exchange for their support to grant them seats in the House of Magnates. The Clans of this system now advise me too.”

Skrilxya recognized a name she did not expect to see on the contract: Serayna Yonamey. It was written boldly next to the stamp of the Brantopteryx taking flight, and in the handwriting that taught Skrilxya her letters when she was a hatchling. Her own mother had sided with Opalton. She could not help but speak up.

“Your Excellency, I would like to probe your demands from a military standpoint.”

Opalton was taken by surprise, “is that so? Go ahead then Commissioner… I didn’t catch your name actually.”

Skrilxya thought for a moment whether she should answer truthfully. Ben shot a glance at her that told her to be honest. He stood with his hands to his side and was calm, but he had his eyes trained on the Ruby Banner Mallumans above everyone else in the room. The feud might be ignored in present company.

“I am Skrilxya Yonamey your Excellency, and a native of this system. My mother’s signature is on your contract. I am not her heir for Werox as you must know, but I think as a member of my Clan and of the Armada I need further clarification on your military spending plans mentioned here.”

Opalton smiled with all the grace of an narcotics salesman. “By all means, ask away, I’ve got nothing to hide from my subjects.”

Skrilxya grinned in return, showing her teeth only slightly. “You demand the Sage’s recognize your jurisdiction over the Colonial Territories of the Borderlands, and that your jurisdiction and that of the I’yrconian defense fleet includes the right to undertake missions of commercial escort, customs policing, piracy reduction, foreign defense measures, and the one I find most interesting: territorial continuity.” Skrilxya took the scroll politely from the Grand Master and walked closer to the Governor carrying it and pointing to that section on the contract. “You don’t say what you mean here Governor, but I have a hunch it has something to do with both Kapteyn Pictoris and Gliese Scorpii.”

“Oh really?” Opalton said not breaking his smile, but his eyes changed.

“Really” Skrilxya said unmoved. “You know in Kapteyn the remaining rebels are negotiating with Alios and the Sages for independence. You also know that the only Haman colonial system who has the location, the population, or the money to challenge you in the Borderlands is Gliese Scorpii, and you both have sights on 41 Arae. Both of these pose a challenge to what you might interpret as territorial continuity.”

“Yes, and what is your point, young Yonamey?”

Skrilxya merely stared at the Governor and said “You are preparing to send your pocket of the Empire into a struggle for dominance with a newly independent buffer state and a fellow Dominion of the Faith. This will also step on the toes of the Admiralty, because up until now, the Orders of the Armada have done everything that the I’yrconian defense force would do under this new contract.”

Skrilxya rolled up the scroll and handed it back “I am not my mother so I do not have a place in your House of Magnates, but as a subject and an officer I don’t think this is a wise bargain.”

Opalton laughed “and do you have a plan to bargain for something else? They will demand I take this Jamon here with no compromise, unless I get rid of him now.”

“And that would earn the ire of the Sages” Ben interjected. “I apologize if I’m out of place, Your Excellency, but I suggest you listen to my commanding officer, she knows what she's talking about.”

Landings also joined in. “They are right you know, the Sages and anyone with common sense would label you a traitor. Tensions are still high in Hamesol about loyalism.”

Opalton scoffed, “I have the means to stave off any attack. I had a tough time fighting Alios on my own in multiple sieges when the Armada could only spare their pickets.”

“And look at what you’ve accomplished,” Skrilxya said. “You're a war hero and a sovereign loved by your people, and you’ve made I’yrcon rich. You should bargain for something that will help increase your gains without threatening what you’ve already achieved. 41 Arae and the other frontier systems...”

“But Gliese Scorpii stands in my way!”

“Not as a military rival but as an economic one. You need to go through IRDaC, and use the Armada to your advantage. The I’yrconian defense force needs to work within the structure of the current Navy. You have Naval Bases in the system, Neolune harbor and Neutrino Bay. And half the top brass is here to see that Jamon Landings takes his post. You don’t think they’re worried about budget cuts at all with no more War to fight?”

The last sentence caught Opalton by surprise, but his eyes lit up in a way that told Skrilxya she had him. “You think the Admirals would compromise with me?”

“They might if they see something in it for them, and if you have them on your side and giving I’yrcon the resources it needs indirectly, you can aim high securing the border systems for your own gain.”

“Ahh” Opalton said with a very pleased sigh. “That would be delightful. I could focus on my civil projects instead. What do you say, my new Archbishop?”

“If I may direct the establishment of missionary schools and the selection of colonists, you have my support in the peaceful establishment of I’yrcon’s local rule. The Sages want you to stay on their side. Work with them and we will all prosper in the sight of the Holy Spirit.”

“Praise be” Opalton said, making the sign of the Spirit on his chest. “FitzGrimmauld! Open a secure channel to the Navy Headquarters on Neolune, I would have this commissioner speak to her superiors about this arrangement.”

He wandered off, taking Master Landings and Master Mendoz with him to another room, as Kalvin trailed along behind. As they walked toward the door M-10, the robotic man from earlier, appeared and said in a deep metallic base: “Sire, the Nuncio is outside with her entourage. What shall we do?”

“Go and meet them of course! The new Archbishop and I are in complete agreement.” Opalton sounded almost joyous. His charisma was starting to work.

FitzGrimmauld led Skrilxya, Ben, and Bolamey into another room entirely where they were seated at a communications board with a small screen. The gruff looking man turned the switches and said “Ye should be able to patch through here just fine. Make sure you tell’em about the new deal, and don’t be getting up to any tricks in here. If Uncle Gordon ain’t happy then I ain’t smiling either.” Muttering something in heavy Cantogaelic under his breath FitzGrimmauld left the room.

It took a few seconds and some static and Ben had patched them through to Neolune Navy Headquarters. They were directed shortly to Admiral Jotaro’s feed. He looked like this call was a welcome disruption to a day full of paperwork. “We’ll this is a surprise. How can I help you Commissioners?”

Skrilxya explained the details of the negotiation and Admiral Jotaro looked both relieved and alarmed at the news. “Send that to me in writing, exactly as you and the Governor discussed, I need to relay this to the other Admirals and make a decision.” As Skrilxya finished typing it into the keyboard and sending her notes to the Admiral he said “You guided him in the right direction Yonamey, there may be a promotion in it for you. See you planetside.” He cut off the comms and Skrilxya sat back in her chair stunned. “Did I miss something?" She said to Ben who shrugged “If I caught the tone right then the Admirals will accept the deal but they have to present it right to the public. It’s harder to read psychic moods over screens for us passives.”

“Is the Admiral coming here though? He said ‘see you planetside’ and cut off the screen.”

“Well I think he’ll be coming to see the Archbishop installed and presented to the Magnates. And hey! Your mom will be there too right? Now I’m not the only one with parents in politics” said Ben with a smarmy smile.

“Yes, I guess she will be there.” Skrilxya said and silently pondered: What made her accept the Governor’s first deal?

The Next Day: 10:30 A.M.(Local Time), South Polar City, I’yrcon

A skyscraper of tan brick and pearly-chrome spires loomed over the commercial heart of South-Polar City. It caught flecks of warm red from Berin Ophiuchis in its corners as the rich chime of bells echoed from its towers. The bells signaled the glad tidings from the church: the new Planetary Archbishop was blessed and ordained! Now this great skyscraper, the seat of the House of Magnates, was the centerpiece of a great procession of gyro-carriages and palanquin parade floats carrying the Haman House Patriarchs and Matriarchs, the Nebulan Hive Queens with their Princesses and Barons, and the new members of the House of Magnates, the Malluman Clan Chieftains, travelling with their Braves and Venators in their ceremonial dress doing war dances down the streets whose lights were bedecked with garlands and flags. Joy had come to I’yrcon because peace and safety was finally at hand after fifty years. The Mallumans of the city were glad too because now the Governor had recognized their value. They would have representatives among the elite who could vote in their favor, and their service during the fifty year war could be recognized for what it was, a patriotic and holy duty that the Malluman species excelled in.

Skrilxya was surprised at how cynical she felt about this mood. Even with her own mother being one of the chosen Magnates, an honor to be among one hundred councilors from one hundred clans chosen. Skrilxya knew this was part of the Governors play for power. She felt guilty for having more satisfaction with what she negotiated herself: that the Admirals would come to an agreement with Opalton. She rode alongside Admiral Jotaro and Ben to the ceremony. They would join the other top brass here to confirm Opalton’s agreement of the terms.

Admiral Jotaro fiddled with his jacket buttons and said “Nuncio Sarena was pleased with your deliberation. She’s interested to meet you both since as I understand it you both helped convince Opalton of his errors.”

“We did our job sir” Skrilxya said, almost distracted. “I take pride in it.”

“You don’t sound too proud.”

“I do my duty” Skrilxya repeated “but it feels hollow when maintaining the peace is only helping those who caused the problem in the first place.”

The Admiral sighed “I’m not a big fan of Opalton’s either, but the Sages did want him to remain in power and on their side. Our goal was not to remove him, just to make sure he agreed to Landing’s appointment.”

“It’s easier when we have a simple target.” Skrilxya said.

The Admiral had nothing to say to that other than a grumble of agreement. He turned his attention to Ben “what about you? Are you ready to be promoted to Second Commissioner?”

“Oh absolutely Admiral” said Ben in a much more cheerful tone. “And since I and Skrilxya will be moving up in command, I was curious how we will be getting around. The Happy Customer is a great ship and all…”

“Ha!” Skrilxya chuckled.

The Admiral cracked a grin “you don’t need to lie to me about that tin can. But don’t worry, you and your crew will be transferred to a newer vessel commensurate with your new assignment. We are still working out the paperwork for it so until it’s finalized the Happy Customer will be your home base. You can expect a message from me about it in two standard days.”

“Are we going to have to travel to it?” Ben questioned.

“No, it's on Neolune, and we’ll transit it to you by the end of the week.”

Skrilxya and Ben nodded at each other. “We are honored sir.”

Admiral Jotaro nodded in return. “You do your duty, Commissioners, it’s only right that we give you the tools to do your job the best.”

It was only a moment after that when their gyro-carriage stopped and the three officers left their vehicle for the open air outside the House of Magnates. A crowd of spectators was outside watching the Naval brass, who travelled together in a caravan, exit their vehicles and adjust their capes and jackets. Gleaming white uniforms streaked with silver and gold and the patches and medals of their rank and accomplishment reflected the bright midday light of the local Sun.

The officers fell into line, led by a black hair and aquiline nosed elder, the Polemarch and Grand Admiral of the Second Order Thor II of House Vulcon, who stood at shoulders with the Grand Admiral of the Fifth Order Gol Forchenko, who wore a powered suit to walk in instead of using his hover-chair. Both were old men with great experience in the wars of the Empire, and although Thor was of the Imperial Family, he earned the title of Grand Admiral over more than a century of service. He called the marching order: “HELMSMEN! ATTEN-SHUN!”

One of his adjutants blew the ancient sailors’ whistle as the Admirals, Vice Admirals, Rear Admirals, and the Commissioners all shouted “AYE” in unison. A conch-shell trumpet sounded from above the door to the House of Magnates and the drums of Governor Opalton’s band could be heard booming in the distance. To the beat of the drums over one hundred of the Armada’s top commanders marched into the hall together, with Skrilxya and Ben now counted among their lower ranks.

The ceremony that followed started after the Admirals had filed into the meeting hall. The one hundred split into two lines that each surrounded the floor of the chamber, standing before the arena-like aisles where the Magnates sat. The stadium seats built like couches held five hundred councilors total. Two hundred and fifty were Hamans of noble families and with connections to IRDaC, the Imperial trading company that divides the resources of the Empire for use. Two hundred and fifty were the Queens or Barons of Nebulan hives who also had connections to IRDaC, mostly as manufacturers or miners or curriers. Then the newest one hundred were the Malluman Weroxes, the Chieftesses of their Clans who as of the Governor’s new contract now held seats here. Skrilxya’s gaze never changed from straight ahead, but she knew her mother was up there. And it was just as likely her father was in the audience row behind the Magnates. She would not make a fool of herself here and break ranks to look.

Eventually Skrilxya turned to face the side of the chamber where the Hamans and some of the Mallumans sat, standing in front of the Nebulan side of the chamber. She did find her mother. All the Weroxes wore their tartan kimonos and their ceremonial helmets. Serayna was there sitting proudly, and spared only a second-long glance toward where her daughter stood. Skrilxya stood out like a sore thumb since she was one of only three Malluman officers present with the Admirals. The other two were of similar rank, First Commissioner Aba Qornamey and Third Commissioner Israya Igualiney who served under the Polemarch.

When everyone else was in the hall trumpets sounded and the Governor entered alongside the thirteen High Priests of I’yrcon, including Archbishop Landings in his new robes of office. They all took their seats and Opalton announced the new structure of the House of Magnates and the appointment of Archbishop Landings at the “recommendation” of their Holy Eminences the three High Sages. He also discussed how I’yrcon would supply the Armada with ships, technology, and sailors in exchange for their continued protection of the Empire and the borderlands sector in particular. Skrilxya herself didn’t pay too much attention to the actual words of Opalton’s speech but tried to discern the hidden words he meant to say.

“I will forever maintain the peace of the Sages on I’yrcon and in all of the Borderlands sector. I am their faithful servant and will work with their agents in the church and with you my faithful magnates to ensure the peace and prosperity of my subjects as long as I remain your Statholder Governor…”

Skrilxya thought so long as he has the church surrounding him he will do what the Sages ask, but his goal is always on his territory and his own subjects. We will need to be careful with him.

The ceremony ended with as much pomp and ceremony as it had started. Opalton and Landings walked together to the balcony outside the hall where a crowd near one million strong stood waiting and cheering. They fell silent as Archbishop Landings led them in a prayer for the peace and happiness of the Empire. The million in the crowd shouted in unison “Jubdah! Jubdah! Jubdah!” when the prayer was done and a satisfied roar erupted.

By 14:00 the ceremony was complete and the Magnates and Officers were mingling in the banquet hall just below the council chamber. Many stood and chatted about idle things like the current stocks on metals and crystals or about the designs of new starships. Skrilxya personally was remaining aloof as she watched Ben make the rounds to Haman noble families he was cousins with or connected to by business. He was a middle brother and always seeking attention, but that's what made him a better diplomat than Skrilxya. She was also a “middle child” but that was a different position in Malluman families. The Middle children made no waves, and were seen but seldom heard.

There was one group who sought her out. A tall Haman woman with curly black-brown hair and piercing hazel eyes wearing a red feathered hat and a matching robe that looked like flames walked alongside a familiar dinosaur-like shape: Mom!

Skrilxya watched them approach and bowed in full reverence. She knew who both were and what rank they carried. She spied her father Jonath walking behind her mother with her other dads, Serayna’s three concubines, and she would not embarrass him here of all places.

“I am so pleased to meet you in person Commissioner” said the Haman woman in a warm alto.

“I am Sarena Vulcana, the Nuncio whose work you saved. Please rise Skrilxya Yonamey.”

Standing from her bow Skrilxya said “I am honored that you say so Jamona.”

Sarena laughed “I was tickled pink when I discovered how similar your mother and I’s names were. Sarena and Serayna. I appreciate that you’ve also given me an excuse to meet her.” Swiveling to face Serayna, Sarena said: “Your daughter has done a very good thing for me in delivering the Archbishop here.”

“I’ve trained all my daughters to serve. An Iyn of my Clan will never disappoint” Serayna said in her own alto voice, with just a hint of the Malluman growl.

“She has demonstrated that quite well” smiled Sarena. Suddenly her face changed to an utterly surprised look. “Goodness!” she nearly shouted. “I’ve almost forgotten, I have business, thank you ladies we will need to catch up, you both have my code… bye!!”

And then the family stood alone together in the room. Serayna was the first to speak with a smile. “Ahh my girl! You’ve done us proud” and she went in to hug her daughter. The two Iyns were nearly the same height with Serayna standing only an inch or so taller. She pulled out from the hug and looked at her “your aunties are full of it to think being an officer was foolish. Look at all we can do now!”

“Yes…” Skrilxya said half heartedly.

“What’s up?” Serayna asked, concerned and confused.

“Why did you sign the original contract? I thought we were Sage loyalists. That would have caused a civil war and I thought…”

“Daughter remember your place” came a harsh whisper from the side, Jonath was next to Skrilxya now, an older Ar with the typical pointed snout and styled long hair fibers, looking sternly at her.”

“I… I mean no disrespect, but I can’t see the justification for it.”

“Well,” Serayna said with a sigh, and gave a look to Jonath that told him to back up. “I can’t justify it. But do I have to? You made the case for us.”

“Why did you agree then and not argue against it? Why did you sign?” Skrilxya pressed.

“It was not such a simple choice. We and the other Clans were… persuaded. The Governor offered a great reward to turn down.”

You were bribed, thought Skrilxya. And Opalton would have sent the Ruby Banner after you if you said no. Plus you saw the power and took it.

“Was the title of Magnate and the seat worth it, Mother?”

“Yes, and thanks to you we have a better deal, and no war.” Serayna bowed her head at her daughter to say goodbye. “You know much my dear, but you’ve got more to learn. We will speak again. I love you. ”

“I love you too, mom” Skrilxya said with another more informal reverence. As Serayna left her concubines trailing behind. Kurno and Louvan walked on with polite nods to their stepdaughter but Jonath paused to say one more thing to the Iyn he sired.

“You must act with greater care,” he whispered.

“Yes father,” said Skrilxya silently.

“You’ve done well… but stay sharp. Our feud with the Ruby Chalmuns isn’t done. We both have seats in the House, and they curry as much favor with Opalton as we do.”

“I have seen father, but Opalton liked my idea.”

“Just so, and the Chalmuns will feel slighted. I must go, but as I said, take care.”

“Thank you, father.”

As he went to join his wife and brother concubines he blew Skrilxya a quick kiss, and scurried along. Skrilxya sighed tiredly. She knew her father meant well, but that didn’t mean she appreciated being spoken to like a child.

As she turned to go her own way she saw Ben talking happily with some of the other officers. He saw her and flagged her down. “Skril! Come here quickly! I figured out what ship we are getting!”

Skrilxya walked with a little speed over to his side of the room and introduced herself to the other officers, First Commissioner Ev Barnakleon with a plump and ruddy face and Second Commissioner Delgado Obstendes who wore his black hair in a pony-tail and was part of Admiral Jotaro’s staff.

Barnakleon said flippantly: “You remember how Vice-Admiral Carvenon was going after the Ombroj Pirates who were in Olora-Zeta B? Well he trashed fifteen ships and burned through five of their fusion reactors completely, so they had to be towed back to the Heavenly Forge for repairs. One of them was an L-1.”

“So it’s got a bad reactor?” Skrilxya groaned.

“No, not at all!” said Obstendes. “Brand new reactor was installed and primed last week. It’s the L-1 shell but remodeled inside. Since all the Admirals are jumping on getting L-2s for their fleets they're practically giving the L-1s away to the rising officers.”

Skrilxya and Ben nodded at each other with approval. “I’ll have to give it a once over myself, and tell Othalia to get her crew ready, Ben. She’s in for a treat.”

“She’ll be stoked” he smiled. "Do you guys know the name?”

Barnakleon said “if I remember right, it’s called the Gungnir.”

THE END

Next Story in Skrilxya and Ben’s Saga: “The Gungnir Takes Flight,” Coming Soon.