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First Previous WikiKawtyahtnakal combed his feathers, putting on a gold breastplate and staring at himself in the mirror. His wings were as delightful as ever, with a full stock of feathers on both sides. The Union's retainers had stopped trying to do his grooming for him, after he'd continually waved them off every time they attempted to do so."Nest Overlord, grain production totals are in, and we had a loss of 0.2% over the last standard year.""What can be done about this? Shall I delegate this one to the agencies, or take charge to appear better to my subjects?"The table of advisors behind him made noncommittal gestures. It was clear that they didn't want the blame if one of their proposals went wrong, which wasn't good. He'd have to find a way of fixing that soon."You should take charge, Nest Overlord. Until the situation with the Westic Empire normalizes, we will have to turn inward unless we risk escalating the cold war.""It's not exactly a cold war anymore, Truth Speaker Huatil."She pulled up a hologram in front of each of them. Kawtyahtnakal ran his talons through the feathers on his head, slicking them back with a pleasant-smelling gel. The hologram showed totals in sanctions from the Westic Empire, spanning regular goods such as fabrics and plastics all the way to more exotic items like caged dark matter capsules. Both nations had their own stocks of the lucrative element but wanted to gain more. They were critical for superweapons and for limited artificial gravity on stations to supplement spin gravity."You see how the Nahi sector is all under the toughest sanctions? They're the highest consumers of high feed, which requires the Empire's garden worlds to export some of their products for our production. Prices are rising quickly, and both our currencies are starting to devalue compared to the rest of our neighbors. Investors are already pulling out of the region. If they're allowed to pull their remaining capital, we'll have an economic crisis on our talons.""Not to mention the massive fleet buildups near the border," Sukitakha added. He was sitting two seats to the left of Huatil, and stood to deliver his opinion. A hologram of the designated north section of the Union appeared, and a three-dimensional overlay showed information. Enemy systems, believed ship placements, assumed hidden fleets, military bases, and even assumed armaments, masses, and acceleration factors on the ships were visible, along with the Union's own. Planets that were inhabited were shown in yellow on both sides, while a blue color highlighted the enemy forces and green highlighted his own forces."We can see that they're massing for a tri-pronged attack into our space. Currently, we have a five system deep zone of mobilization." Red vectors appeared from several hundred visible pinpricks of light representing star systems."This is our current belief of their plan. Recently, our sensors have detected five additional fleets mobilizing in neutral territory here." The map shifted, showing more enemy fleets a fair distance away from the main border. Sukitakha pointed at them, and two new red vectors pointing toward two garden worlds in the region appeared."If we do not pull back some fleets from the front, or from the core worlds, those ships will be able to bombard the middle rim territory with impunity. The garden worlds will be lost, along with around 400 billion people. What I suggest is that we remove the first strike requirements on the Pacification Talons.""You would have us violate the rules of the treaty?" Kawtyahtnakal asked. He'd been thinking about a similar thing himself. After all, a piece of paper wouldn't stop nations of trillions from going to war if circumstances demanded it. The Westic Empire was looking for more investment from other nations as they went to war. Their neighbors would provide ships and equipment both to acquire money and also intelligence on their capabilities. In addition to that, they would learn more about both the Hive Union and the Westic Empire's tactics. A typical move when galactic powers battled. Sometimes, wars would become proxy conflicts between hundreds of nations, all within the confines of two.Alliance webs made the situation insanely complicated, and support and allies constantly shifted according to their own whims. Rarely, such as with the Vinarii Empire, the allies would have true friendships. But the Sennes Hive Union and the Westic Empire would both receive ships from the Trikkec Ascendancy, for example. The Sol Alliance was wading into a situation that they didn't understand.He'd expressed such in his agreement to send his own ships to aid their efforts to destabilize the Empire. They hadn't listened, though Phoebe, their AI, had promised to look into the situation. Unfortunately, unless she could somehow intercept communications that not even the Hive Union could, then such promises meant nothing."We should know better than to rely on such things. War does not care about fairness, or righteousness.""I know, Truth Speaker Sukitakha. There is no need to be disrespectful.""I was not being disrespectful.""You were, actually. I am aware that you all think of me as a fool, led by his emotions more than his head. I am aware that we have been stagnating, as have many nations and empires in the galaxy. I am trying my best, and am making an endeavor to listen to you. All I ask is respect in return, from all of you." He looked them in the eyes. Huatil frowned."You do realize that the Nest Overlord is supposed to command respect, yes? Otherwise, you may be seen as a weak leader, and some may wish to take liberites with their own powers.""I slit the throat of the last rebel leader myself, Truth Speaker Huatil. I am not a meek child. I simply wish to ensure that the Union is actually a place that Cawlarians want to live. I serve the good of the Union and of the Cawlarians, as do all of you under me. Now, I can command respect if I wish to. Do you want to see me do so? It may not be a pleasant experience.""I apologize, Nest Overlord.""Accepted. Now, of the matter with the ships. This is a decision for the admirals, so after our meeting you may send for them.""Understood, Nest Overlord.""There is another thing. We are likely to become allies with the Alliance in the near future. Pass down the orders to be on your best behavior around any of their citizens, especially humans. And do not antagonise them without my permission. They may seem like a small and weak nation, and are in many ways. Yet, they already have three dreadnaughts. With Gaia's developments, it shall not be long until their power compounds. One day, it may be on them to save us from our own enemies. I would not put it past the Grand Coalition to attempt to invade the powers of the Diamond Federation.""The Diamond Federation spans tens of nations. So far, we have not even heard a whisper of such activities," Huatil replied."Then we have more time. But we must be ever vigilant. Watch for predators in the skies, and you live long lives.""I will ask you about additional information after the meeting, Huatil.""As you wish, Nest Overlord." She bent her wings in a seated bow, the dyed orange feathers striking against the drab appearance of the holographic table. Some of the other advisors failed to hide their smiles at the statement, knowing the situation. He didn't make any additional comments on that."Nest Overlord, there's been another outbreak.""Is it Rheria?""It seems so. The city it appeared in is under complete lockdown, and the genetic scanners are out in full force. We're sending in a pandemic task force, and it should arrive shortly."He didn't think that there would be another outbreak, but it appeared he was wrong. Kawtyahtnakal would need to remedy this as well. Every issue he took charge of would allow him to maintain public support for longer in the impending war. The future situation had even been part of what had driven him to seek out Calanii and make a pact with the Alliance."This is breaking news, yes?""Yes, Nest Overlord.""I think that this is the eighth planet this standard year. This is not natural. There is a culprit. I will contact the Agency on this matter.""The Agency? Are you sure? Their investigations are not cheap. Some of your treasury officials will not be happy about this, and may seek to retaliate. And their subject matter is more foreign than domestic.""If a pandemic gets through the genetic scanners into the trade routes, we're never containing it again. I will do what I must. The fact that this disease is so well-engineered to get past our vaccines means that there is another nation involved. We will find out who, and they will be punished.""What if it was the Westic Empire?""Then we shall carve a path into their core, and liberate the funds from their treasuries with force. That's all for now. Get some rest, and come back in three standard days."They filed out of the room, their own guards joining them as they exited the door. Two of them took off, flying through the skylight that had been provided. On the outside, there were hundreds of guns and soldiers watching those openings in all locations. Any incursion attempt would be blocked by shields, lasers, bullets, and drones. His palace was a partial fortress, after all. Still beautiful but capable of repelling almost any attack.The only palace he knew of that was grander was Ashnad'darii's, now Calanii's. It could take off and act like its own ship within its shields if it had to, which was a statement of imperial power unlike any Kawtyahtnakal had ever seen. He was glad that Ashnad'darii was gone now. She had been grating to work with, especially with her superiority complex regarding other species."You asked for me, Nest Overlord?" Huatil asked."I did. I can't promote you due to our circumstances, but you will be rewarded for your help.""By circumstances, you mean our relationship? Ill-advised by every metric and tale, yet oh so enjoyable?""Yes. There is, unfortunately, a certain opinion of the gossipers around who I am seen with. You are not a commoner, but you come from a minor family. I think that changing your designation will go a long way in securing goodwill in the Phalka sector."Huatil's talons caressed his face. "A good political movement and a good romantic movement? Very nice of you. If we weren't about to have a meeting with the admirals, perhaps I'd allow you to pull some feathers.""I can get tail anytime I want.""But it wouldn't be mine. Kawtyahtnakal, honestly, I'm not sure we'll be able to keep this secret from the public until my family's promotion. You know how much bureaucracy is involved.""The Tiska Family has more influence than some of the major families, so much of that bureaucracy can be sidestepped.""Not entirely," Huatil warned. "Anyway, the rumors are spreading anyway. You know how the hard-liners are going to be about this.""I do. I will deal with them. But it does not matter? You and I decide, not them.""Would you give all this up for me?" She gestured at the palace in general."Maybe," he said honestly."That's what I like to hear. I'm just as important as this job, but no more. Even I'm not prideful enough to spit on the name of the Nest Overlord.""If you were, you would be a proper politician.""I have too much of a soul for that, unfortunately.""Maybe. If I've made my assumptions correctly, you have half of my soul, and half of your own.""Putting on the terrible pick-up lines, now?""I could very well pick you up if I need to," Kawtyahtnakal said, flexing his wings in front of her. Huatil did the same."So could I. You're not the only one with implants, Kawtyahtnakal. Anyway, I'm going to return after your meeting with the admirals. We wouldn't want to cause a scandal.""Well, at least I haven't been cheating an entire planet out of their tax incomes. Talk about a real scandal. Poor Muascra."She laughed. "Yeah, they're throwing the gauntlet at him. The money's been returned?""Yes. Without any taxes, because it wouldn't look good.""Taxing money received from stolen tax money? Yeah, I could see how that would cause some problems in the social image you've built up.""Want me to take a picture of you?""Nope. That's far too intimate.""Interesting boundary, considering what we've done.""Each other, basically. Hmm, I seem to be having quite a bit of trouble leaving. Perhaps I do like you," Huatil teased."That's news to me," he joked. "Meeting the Nest Overlord alone, without your guards, might raise some questions. Now, I'm sure your motives were entirely innocent. And we most definitely aren't defying nearly two hundred years of tradition, only to smile at each other from afar.""No frenzies tonight," Huatil warned. He understood. There were other matters to attend to."I wouldn't dream of it. But you really should get going."She exited the skylight as well, her guards smiling at him before departing with her. He sat back in his seat and patiently waited for the admirals to arrive. At least some servants brought him some fruits to occupy his time. Huatil was a very interesting woman to him. She was one of the types that had a hard exterior but melted once you got close to them.He'd need someone to lean on when the war went badly. It was inevitable at this point that billions would die. There would be victories, but also losses. The weight of such a thing wouldn't be as difficult to bear with someone else by his side. And better yet, Huatil was happy to stay with him. Kawtyahtnakal placed his talons on the table and continued to ponder the future. And wondering how he would deal with the Alliance, a hopeful ally, or a possible galaxy-conquering enemy.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ="Are you sure that she can help?""I'm certain of it," Fha Charn Izkrala replied. She was discussing the policy that Phoebe had proposed to alleviate some of the poverty in the Empires. Just reading through it had taken hours, but Izkrala liked what she saw. It expertly navigated the problems that the nobles caused and was able to solve issues in each Empire. Consolidating the governments of the Frawdar and Muscar Empires so far had been impossible, even for her, so this was the next best solution.Neither of the Empires' people wanted to unify with the other, and only her rule and the Alliance membership they shared was keeping them together. Phoebe had helped with the propaganda efforts in both Empires already, generating hundreds of thousands of videos promoting Acuarfar unity regardless of citizenship.Her advisor, Lijizka, angled her antennae in confusion."I get that you like the Alliance, Empress. I just don't understand why you feel the need to suck up to them this much. Phoebe isn't telling them about our willingness to accept her policies. And everyone will know that they are her policies, not yours.""As long as we are within the Alliance, if it improves the prospects of the people, I am fine with losing power. Though I am still by far the strongest Empress in history. So there isn't a concern that there will be a coup and I will get killed. And making more meat factories because they are asking for them is not exactly unpopular. More food is good business, within and without.""There are other actions that can be taken, you know.""Yes. Many of our dissidents are trying to gather, but the social networks keep splitting them apart. The trade agreement with the Shajaeatan colony is enriching the Muscar Empire's mineral reserves and their coffers. Overall, though, the internal issues remain. But when war comes to our Empires, and it will, then we need to have our own population on our side."Lijizka wiggled her antennae and looked down at her tablet. She scrolled through more information on it, and Izkrala decided to do the same. Overall, she wanted her advisors to agree with her. But if the idea was not a good one, they would be the ones in the best position to inform her.Izkrala had no illusions of her own perfection in any way. Her rulership of the Muscar Empire had long since shown her that, once she'd ascended the throne only to be thrust into the constant maneuvering between the Frawdar and Lurave Empires. She could remember the classes that her parents had enrolled her in, concerning royal duties and the intricacies of political power brokerage.A guard walked over to announce a visitor. "Empress Fha Charn Izkrala, a visitor is here to see you. He claims to be called Tushpiki."She nodded. "Send him in, but be careful." Her personal shield should protect her from anything, but with the events over Skandikan involving the worm ships, nothing was certain anymore. Until whatever effect they created on shields was countered, careful practice would have to be taken to ensure her safety. An assassination attempt had already occurred on Keem with Fyuuleen, and she had no doubt that she was a target.Izkrala was, in theory, the least defended. The Alliance's technologies were still poorly integrated with her guard forces, since they were better at using the moderately less effective weapons they already possessed, and had very little outside time to devote to retraining around the new equipment. Some human guards from Alliance security agencies accompanied her as well, but they were grounded in any and all engagements, keeping them from participating in any air battles.Still, attacks could come from her own populace. Enough of them disliked her that she wouldn't be surprised if someone tried to put a new hole in her carapace. In fact, Izkrala expected it. A constant hard light barrier was erected around her wherever she went, but that might not be enough. Izkrala would have to trust her defense to those who had done so in the past.Tushpiki walked in, effectively naked except for some clothing for modesty purposes alone. She could see a pile of cloth on the ground behind him outside the doorway, which two guards were patting down."Was that really necessary?" he grumbled."Perhaps. Are you a spy?""I'm your spy, Izkrala. Not that I'm the greatest at it. Don't act like I wish to betray you, even if the original partnership between us was a little forced."She grinned. "Forced, you say? You agreed voluntarily.""After you basically threatened me if I wouldn't.""You know, we could always end this arrangement.""You haven't fulfilled your side of the bargain, so I cannot. I will play your game, Izkrala. Do not belittle me while I do, at least. I would like to keep some sense of dignity.""Ordering around an Empress in her own palace? You are very bold, Tushpiki. If the Emperors were to hear of this, you might meet an ignoble end."He shrugged. "Well, kill me or don't. I am tired of this jumping around. I have come to talk with you regarding your investigation of the Vinarii. I am aware that you hear everything around me, with your watching device. But there is a great deal more than you have been told about this.""What have you found out, Tushpiki?" Izkrala asked, her interest peaked."The Vinarii trying to meddle with the Empire are on this planet. They are staying deep in the eastern caverns of the Great Central Canyon, and using stealth technology to remain secret when they come in and out. They are bypassing the planetary shields by tagging along behind cargo freighter trade routes between our planets."She took a second to absorb the information. Overall, it wasn't surprising. Not every vessel could be checked, and the measures to do so were very visible to normal scanners, much less those of an advanced alien empire. The problem with the Acuarfar ultimately devolved to scale. She couldn't protect every planet, and they each had their own politics and problems to tackle.Izkrala and the Emperors were not enough, and the power vacuum left by her rival nobles had been large indeed. She would need to find and hire more government officials capable of controlling things. Phoebe would again help with figuring out solutions to the problem. Mandatory military service still existed in the Frawdar Empire, and she could shift those programs to fill out the navy.Controlling the trade routes was the main function of the armies now that the war was over, but that might have to change. Only small defensive fleets orbited around the worlds within her systems, and not every populated world had a large enough fleet for adequate protection, even after demilitarizing the border between the Empires.Izkrala's antennae bent downward as she continued to ponder Tushpiki's words. The Vinarii from Exii'darii were a serious threat, far more than she had thought at first. They were almost certainly influencing elections and decisions within the Empires to harm them. It was even possible that Quaqualis had been in league with them. Nothing was safe anymore.She settled further into her seat as Tushpiki watched expectantly."Thank you, Tushpiki. What do you ask in return for this information?""If you're going to nominate a new Emperor-""No. He is not going to be 'replaced' like some ornament on a shelf. And this information is not worth that much, even if it's for you. Choose something else.""I would like control of a state.""You would not be qualified to hold office.""Then give me a big mansion, then.""You already have a mansion, remember? I gave you one after the sewage incident. Tushpiki, please think about this, or return later with more realistic responses." She didn't quite glare at him, though it was close."Then I want as much money as you're willing to give me.""That is reasonable. Do not worry, I shall not give you a paltry reward.""I apologize for my earlier statement regarding the late Emperor."She sighed. "It's... fine. I have tried my best to come to grips with it, but the grief only fades, never dies. But there is another thing. The fate of your family. To put it simply, they are dead. We have found their corpses in an alley on the planet Thaquala. I will investigate the cause, though it appears to be blunt force trauma. It is possible that your investigative measures have attracted unwanted attention."He bowed slightly. "Empress."She was surprised that he had done so. He didn't seem like someone who respected her, but perhaps something had changed. He might actually work for promotion to government office, though she'd have to find out what could work for him. He might be good or bad in politics, but she didn't know for sure."If you wish, I can have their bodies delivered so you can have funeral rites. I am willing to pay for their burial, cremation, or release into the void if any of those options are the kind that you would wish for. Unfortunately, I cannot attend the Consecration of the Carapace."Tushpiki was silent for a long moment, taking in the news."Would you be willing to inform me of who did the murders once you find out?"Izkrala knew that he wanted revenge, judging by the tone of his voice. Theoretically, she could give him a false name and send him on a crusade to get rid of who she wished. The farce wouldn't be necessary, though. Partly because she had more accomplished forces for such actions, and partly because she knew it would be wrong. She liked him, and he didn't deserve such treatment just because he happened to be caught up in the wrong business when she'd found him."I will. But no vendettas."He rubbed his snout. "What do you take me for? Some Acuarfar that's willing to insert himself into a needlessly dangerous operation, with little to no possibility for gain?"She gave him a flat stare. Though her vision was mostly omnidirectional, the point was still made. And all Acuarfar had slightly worse peripheral vision than frontal vision."Yeah, that's fair," he said."I already know you're going to disobey me.""It was worth a try, Empress Izkrala. I will have to take my time to grieve, but we both know what it will turn to. I will try my best not to return to you with a drug addiction.""If you do, I'm putting you into a mandatory rehabilitation program."He shuddered. "You'd have me interact... with other people?"She chuckled."Oh, the horror indeed. You sound like a noble, speaking that way. But seriously, Tushpiki. Do not ruin yourself. I've seen the damage that substance abuse can cause. You are better than that.""We shall hope so.""I mean it. Unless you want me to send you to the Sol system, then listen to me.""Eh, it can't be that bad. At least there aren't pedestrian flight laws in place on Earth.""True, but you won't be able to see me or any other of your species very often, except on a screen. It'll all be humans.""Where do I sign up?""Eager to serve, I see? Unfortunately, I shall continue the investigation into the Vinarii, so I still have need of your services. Perhaps in the future, you may be allowed to retire.""I would be honored to assist. Though your blackmail has basically expired at this point.""You mean about how you were in a crime syndicate?" Izkrala asked. He lifted his head to stare at her, a grin forming on his snout, before sweeping his legs under himself in an overexxagerated bow."Oh. Yeah, fine. Your wish is my command, then, and all of that. Glorious Empress, great and masterful leader, what do you require of this most humble and simple servant?""For one, stop acting like that. And two, go back to your home and stay low. I'm sending you after the Wings Of Liberty and Metal once the opening presents itself.""They'll chew me up and gift wrap my head with my carapace," he protested."Good thing you're such a talented Acuarfar, then. Don't worry, you will have protection. After all, how could my crudest spy ever serve me if he's thinking he's going to die on every mission?""Surely I'm not.""Well, out of all the spies you know the names of, you're the crudest. Does that answer your question? Now hurry along, I have a bath to take.""How pompous," he muttered."If you don't bathe often enough, bacteria can build up in the small crevices in the carapace. Though your apparent distaste for bathing does explain some peculiarities regarding my sense of smell when I meet you.""I shower. You should try it, sometime.""I have. Unfortunately, swimming in a warm, steaming pool of water simply does not compare to having some nozzle spit water onto my head. I am an elegant person.""Actually, you're the crudest Empress I know," Tushpiki replied, with a playful grin. Izkrala laughed as he turned around to scurry out of the room. Lijizka began to speak, but Izkrala interrupted her."Not a word."
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