Back the Empress‘ Flagship, the Leviathan…

Marconite stands in front of the immense screen in his large office. Currently, the screen shows just shows the emblem of the Cetusian Empire where Restimil Vadias’ face had been a few moments ago. Usually Marconite wouldn’t bother waiting for the one on the other end of a call to resume it, but he knows that the Steward of Deep Space needs some time to wrangle Slicer.

The monotony is broken as Talaris enters the office with a tray and a serving of steaming vermillion tea.

„Your refreshment, Sir,“ she says and holds the tray out to him.

„Brewed according to my taste?“, he asks her gently.

„Up to the last leave and the exact temperature,“ she replies, while pride dominates her emotional state.

„You’re barely one Circle here, and already you prove to be my most diligent assistant,“ says Marconite, while trying to hide his amusement about her emotional fluctuations.

„I just do my job, Sir,“ Talaris replies flustered.

„Did you also take care of any possible interruptions?“

„Yes, Sir. As long as the call will last, there won’t be any interruptions.“

Before Marconite can probe her further, the screen flickers to life. Restimil looks refreshed and seems to glow as usual. Still, Marconite can’t get over his empty eyes, which seem to look into infinity as well as at nothing at the same time.

„I’m terribly sorry for the sudden break,“ Restimil says soft-spoken as always. „But Relten brought Slicer to me and I had to take a look so to speak. But now I’m back as you can see because I can’t.“

„That’s alright,“ says Marconite and looks over to Talaris, who feels taken aback by Restimil’s choice of words. „What do you think? Is he as suitable as you deemed from a distance?“

„My estimate holds true, Marconite. But only time will tell if I was right.“

„I understand. What about Slicer’s re-education?“

„It has already started. Relten has brought him to Monamira, who will set him back on track. Once she’s done, we’re going to prepare him for a pact. I’ve just one question: What if he declines the offer?“

„If the re-education ends with a success then I see no problem in making him one of my agents, should he decline,“ says Marconite after a few moments he needed to consider the question. „But should the re-education fail, well, you can do whatever you want with him.“

„If that’s your order…“

„It is.“

„Then it shall be done this way,“ Restimil replies and bows.

„Good,“ says Marconite and smiles. „This leaves just your new orders. In the name of our glorious Empress, I, Marconite Avarion, First Steward of the Leviathan, order you, Restimil Vadias, Steward of Deep Space, to do one final swipe through the Starblazer wreckage in order to find the weapon. No matter if you’re successful or not, you will return after the swipe to Cetus, where you keep a low profile until you receive new orders. Understood?“

„Yes, Sir,“ he replies.

A moment later Marconite locks off and the screen turns dark once more.

„What do you think?“, he asks Talrais, who has watched everything with curiosity and eagerness. „Will Slicer be reformed?“

„Considering his profile, I doubt it, Sir,“ she answers thoughtful, while he takes a sip of his tea. „He has problems accepting authority and holds grudges for very long times. Giving him the chance to form a Pact seem dangerous to me.“

„Under normal circumstances I would agree, but he has to deal with Monamira,“ he replies with a slight chuckle. „Believe me. This will work.“

Despite doubt emanating from her like a thick cloud, Talaris remains silent on the matter. Satisfied with her and Restimil, Marconite takes another sip of his tea and smiles.