RP Concluded The Queen of Light Returns

[Andrew]

RP Date

YE 46.9

RP Location

Vaelindris

Vaelindris, Capital of the Free Commonwealth of Vespa​

Imperial Naval Commmand

​

I. The Waiting​

Artemesia's pacing echoed across the marble floor, her boots striking a sharp rhythm that matched the growing impatience in her chest. Back and forth she went, her steps ceaseless, until—thud—she collided with Rin’s outstretched arm.

“I thought I was impatient,” Rin said, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. “You might actually have me beat.”

Artemesia huffed dramatically, sidestepped Rin’s arm, and strode toward the closed armored door. Placing her ear against its cold, unyielding surface, she frowned in concentration.

“That’s a Citadel bulkhead,” Rin quipped, her tone equal parts teasing and resigned. “You could have a bomb go off on the other side, and the most you’d hear is someone sneezing. Relax. It’s all going to work out, I promise.”

Rin tugged Artemesia back gently by the shoulder, but the other woman shook her head, strands of her dark hair flying loose. With an exasperated breath that puffed the hair from her face, Artemesia swept it aside, her fingers fidgeting idly with a lock. “I know, I know... but our future is being decided in that room. Aren’t you the least bit curious?”

Rin leaned casually against the wall, crossing her arms. “Aetreille’s in there speaking for us,” she reminded her companion, her tone calm but firm. “In case you hadn’t noticed, we don’t exactly blend in around here. The only way you’re getting into that room is if you somehow sprout pink hair, blue eyes, and an endless capacity for bureaucracy. And let’s face it, with your luck, they’d ship you off to some desk job in a distant frozen wasteland.”

Artemesia’s brows furrowed, but she shrugged nonchalantly. “Uathotho Kiri is in there. No one’s heard from him in decades, and now he’s suddenly making decisions about our lives? You’d think we’d at least be allowed to speak for ourselves.” She began twirling her hair between her fingers, the motion betraying her agitation.

Rin shook her head, stepping forward until she was face-to-face with Artemesia. Her hands rested firmly on the other woman’s shoulders, grounding her. “Listen to me,” Rin said, her voice softer now but no less resolute. “Stop worrying. Stop trying to eavesdrop on the un-eavesdroppable. You said you wanted to see what life is really like for us? Well, welcome to reality ~ where most of it is spent waiting for someone else to either make up their mind or get their act together. Take your pick.”

Rin hesitated, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Now, unless you want to keep pacing and stressing, I’ll just head back to the palace. Plenty of half-naked pink-haired god-men there to gawk at. Could be a fun distraction.”

Artemesia’s right eye twitched ever so slightly, a tell Rin knew all too well.

“Heh.” Rin chuckled, patting Artemesia lightly on the shoulder. “Thought so.”

II. The Princess​

The door hissed open, revealing Aetreille in all her commanding presence—the daughter of Jol’Aester Aerum Eitan, radiating confidence and authority. She stepped through, her gaze sweeping over Rin and Artemesia with a sharpness that could slice steel. “What? Couldn’t keep your hands off each other?” she quipped, arching a brow. “This is a Naval Command Facility, not the academy.”

With a fluid motion, she peeled her Aest Vyrdi armor over her head, revealing the crisp FCSN duty uniform beneath. Without sparing the discarded armor or her circlet a second glance, she tossed them toward one of the royal guardians trailing behind her. The dismissal was as casual as her tone, as if simply getting the cumbersome gear off her person was victory enough. Adjusting her uniform and sweeping her hair back into a neat ponytail, Aetreille turned her attention fully to her companions.

Artemesia rolled her eyes, an exaggerated huff escaping her lips. “For your information, we were just waiting. No ‘funny business,’” she retorted, walking in step with Rin as they followed Aetreille down the corridor.

Rin glanced back briefly, catching sight of Uathotho Kiri exiting the conference room flanked by guardians. There was a weight in his movements, though it was quickly eclipsed by Artemesia’s voice cutting through her thoughts.

“Well?” Artemesia prompted as they rounded the corner.

“Well, what?” Aetreille responded, her face an unreadable mask—at least for a moment. Then, her expression cracked into amusement, and she let out a soft laugh. “Well, I’m starving. Didn’t eat this morning, and I was two seconds away from gnawing on my own hand in there.” She waved her hand dramatically, earning a smirk from Rin.

Rin, however, was the first to halt their playful banter, her tone turning sharp. “Lunch? Seriously? Lunch can wait. Are we going or not? And if we are, what are we going in?” She fixed both Aetreille and Artemesia with a pointed stare.

Aetreille grinned and pointed ahead. “Lunch first. Then we’ll sort your luggage. Probably going to take half a battalion to pack it all.”

Both Rin and Artemesia nodded begrudgingly, but Rin wasn’t letting it go that easily. “...And?” she pressed.

Artemesia, less subtle, jumped in. “What ship are we taking to the new universe? And, more importantly, which overranked authority figure do we get to deal with this time?”

Aetreille tilted her head back and forth in exaggerated deliberation, as if weighing how much to tell them. She resumed walking, urging them forward with a casual wave of her hand. “Not telling you what ship. But overranked authority? That’d be me. They gave me the command.”

Rin snorted, skepticism clear in her voice. “Right. Sure. They gave you a command, just like that? If it’s that easy, I should’ve asked for a ship last week!”

After a pause, she narrowed her eyes and added, “You do mean a ship, right? Something with more than one deck? A few amenities? Not, I don’t know, a vacuum disposal chute?”

Aetreille laughed as she turned toward the dining hall, her voice light but firm. “Yes, it’s a damn ship. And it’s got enough decks. Have a little faith, would you? I’ve got this. I’m not some polished ensign out of the academy. I have command experience. Did I start asking you if you’re certified to carry a weapon?” She raised a brow, daring them to argue. “Relax. I’ve got this.”

Rin and Artemesia exchanged a glance as they followed her into the dining hall. The flicker of trepidation in their expressions was quickly hidden, but it lingered just enough to betray their uncertainty.

 

[Andrew]

Eran Aethel Citadel - Vespa Lakara​

Krysis Crixa Corporation Fleetyard

III. The Ship​

Artemesia trailed a few paces behind Aetreille and Rin, her gaze darting between the signs and navigation queues guiding their way. When she caught sight of the "Shuttle Bay" sign ahead, she stopped dead in her tracks.

“Hold up. Shuttle bay? Please tell me we’re not about to catch a shuttle to some glorified cargo ship. Please?” Her voice carried the tone of exaggerated despair, her arms thrown up briefly in protest. Without waiting for an answer, she grumbled, “Great. Just great,” as she reluctantly followed them onto the shuttle.

Once seated, she leaned closer to Rin and muttered, “I told you. It’s some clunker they should’ve mothballed with the rest of the junk we hauled to the shall-not-be-named universe.”

Rin shot her a sharp look and delivered a firm elbow to Artemesia’s side. “Cut it out. As long as we don’t end up dead, I’d call it a good day after what we’ve just been through.” She cleared her throat and turned toward Aetreille, her voice dripping with mock enthusiasm. “So, they really gave you a command? I’m sure it’ll be wonderful.”

Aetreille sighed, shooting Rin a sidelong glance. She didn’t need to be psychic to pick up on the sarcasm, and Artemesia’s bluntness wasn’t exactly subtle, either. “Oh, you of little faith,” she replied dryly.

The shuttle’s comm system crackled to life, interrupting their banter. The smooth, melodic voice of a mindhive filled the cabin.

“Shuttle Ilm-Serine, please submit controls to flight station zero-seven. Controls to flight station zero-seven.”

Aetreille tapped a few buttons, complying with the request.

“Shuttle Ilm-Serine, you are cleared for approach,” the mindhive continued. “We’ve got things from here. Landing will be in bay zero-nine, port side. Welcome to the FCS Teal’s Star II.”

Artemesia froze mid-grumble, her head snapping toward the cockpit window. Her eyes widened, growing to near saucer size as she caught sight of the massive structure outside. She nudged Rin urgently, unable to articulate more than a few choked sounds.

“What now?” Rin muttered, annoyed, before following Artemesia’s pointing finger toward the view beyond the window. As the shuttle approached, the shadow of the colossal warship loomed over them, its sheer scale swallowing the light from the paddock guard. Rin’s jaw dropped.

“You’re messing with us. You have to be messing with us.” Her voice faltered as her mind processed what she was seeing. “A Chrystalis-Class War Titan...” She trailed off, completely at a loss for words. "We were told...wait...what? Your people said these were all....Arte...??" her words got lost in the moment, she couldn't help but think that one thing she had wanted to avoid. I wish Tetsuya was here to see this...

Aetreille leaned back in her seat, a satisfied smirk spreading across her face as the shuttle glided past one of the Titan’s massive super-turrets, each barrel large enough to house an entire shuttle like theirs.

“Enough decks for you?” she asked, her tone playful but edged with triumph.

Neither Artemesia nor Rin managed a single word in reply, their stunned silence speaking volumes as the shuttle continued its approach. Aetreille grinned from ear to ear as they entered the bay.

​

 

[Andrew]

IV. The Catch

Even after they landed in the cavernous expanse of the cathedral-like launch bay, Rin struggled to find words, and Artemesia remained unusually silent. The bay was breathtaking, almost overwhelming in its grandeur. Towering walls stretched into the heavens, lined with intricate wave-like patterns that glimmered under the artificial lighting. Rin's gaze wandered upward, tracing the rib-like structures embedded in the ceiling~vestiges of the Leviathan’s organic form, faint reminders of its Espra origins.

“So, about that treaty we signed...” Rin broke the silence, her tone laced with dry humor. “You could’ve saved me a lot of headaches.” Her voice echoed slightly in the vast space. The Teal’s Star II was a marvel, but its origins as overhauled Espra technology were glaringly apparent to her. She scanned the bay, hoping to discern the ship’s deeper truth. The Espra had sworn that such creations were lost to damnation, never to return~but here it was. Rin knew exactly what that kind of ship was capable of, she had witnessed it first hand as a child, it was part of the reason she fought so hard to get the role of the Cae'Aester.

Artemesia shook her head sharply, her dark hair swaying with the motion. “Oh, no. You can’t put that on me~not now, not ever. I told the truth. At least, what I thought was the truth.” Her voice carried a rare tinge of frustration. She folded her arms, as if trying to shield herself from the eerie familiarity of the place. “Obviously, there are some things Mother and I need to discuss the next time we see each other.” She glanced away, suddenly wishing her uniform had a hood ~ anything to hide the double tips of her ears, which now felt like a beacon in the presence of the Leviathan.

She shivered as a sensation crawled over her skin, a faint hum that only she could perceive. It wasn’t a sound but a resonance—a whispering, melodic breath that rippled through her vesper, seeking her out before she could steel herself against it.

Aetreille, meanwhile, observed the pair with a mix of amusement and satisfaction. They were clearly out of their depth, and she relished the rare opportunity to turn the tables. Artemesia and Rin were always up to something ~ quiet vesper exchanges and private jokes ~ but now, they were at her mercy. Behind her, the deck crew moved briskly to unload the shuttle and ready it for its return to the Citadel.

Just as Aetreille was about to shatter their gawking silence, a second shuttle entered the bay, its thrusters softly humming as it settled into the slot beside theirs. Neither Artemesia nor Rin paid it much attention at first, until its airlock hissed open.

From within emerged Uathotho Kiri.

“And there it is...the catch,” Rin muttered under her breath, though the words spilled out loud enough to be heard. She sighed and shot a sideways glance at Artemesia. Through vesper, her tone carried an unmistakable note of dread. //Please, keep the family reunion to a level that doesn’t make me lose my lunch...//

Artemesia didn’t respond. Her gaze lingered on her uncle, curiosity mingling with the weight of unease. She felt as though a stone fruit pit had lodged itself in her throat.

Aetreille’s voice broke through the tension. “Never mind that,” she said, waving a dismissive hand. “Your stay here isn’t free. Your uniforms are waiting in your assigned quarters. Teal will guide you.” She smirked at the skeptical looks from her companions.

“Oh, don’t worry. You don’t have to go over and talk to him now,” she added, clearly enjoying their discomfort. “You’ll see him at dinner tonight anyway.”

Rin and Artemesia exchanged glances, unease shared in their silence. Whatever was to come, they knew dinner wouldn’t be a quiet affair.

 

[Andrew]

FCS Teal’s Star II​

V. Breathe​

Rin sat at the edge of the bed in her suite, her gaze distant as she scanned the opulent quarters they had been assigned. From her vantage point, she could see the common room, the sleek office, and even the private kitchen ~ all meticulously designed with a level of luxury that exceeded even the most advanced UNN ships. Yet the grandeur unsettled her. It was an unwanted reminder of servanthood disguised as privilege, a gilded cage that once ensnared her kind.

"Arte..." she murmured, her voice barely audible. Again, she found herself reaching out, seeking connection, seeking comfort. She had convinced herself that this was different—that these people understood mortality as she did, feared it the same way. But what had she stepped into? Who had hidden this monstrosity, this ship? Did they even comprehend its power, or was it just another sparkling toy to them? Her thoughts twisted as Artemesia’s face appeared in the doorway, her head tilted in curiosity.

"What do you need?" Artemesia asked, stepping into the room Rin had claimed as her own. She leaned casually against the doorframe, her dark hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders. Rin didn’t reply immediately. She simply stared at Artemesia, her expression vacant, her mind adrift a thousand light-years away. And yet, despite herself, things were starting to fall into place. Connections were being made ~ ones she wasn’t sure she wanted to see.

Rin sighed, her voice soft but firm. "Why don’t you just move your stuff in here? You’re going to end up here anyway, and... we should probably stick close to each other." She hesitated, biting back her initial thoughts. The truth she avoided was that the person she feared most wasn’t a faceless enemy ~ it was Artemesia’s uncle. "...Who are we kidding, anyway?" she added with a forced smile, trying to deflect with humor.

That was another problem. Rin had started to fall for Artemesia ~ one of them. But what was she falling for? Who, really? Rin’actha knew the truth buried deep within herself: a tangled web of lies, history, and half-truths that threatened to tighten into a noose around her throat.

Artemesia shrugged, stepping further into the room. "Makes sense to me. We do keep ending up in the same bed anyway," she said lightly, her lips curling into a playful smile. But then she stopped, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tilted her head. "Are you okay? You seem... far away. Do you want to talk about it?"

Rin shook her head, lying with a practiced ease. "I was just thinking about my twin. About how much he would’ve loved to be here. He’d be ecstatic ~ communing with this ship, unraveling its secrets. I wish I had that same drive, that same curiosity. But for me, curiosity has only led from one field of blood to another." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the weight of the memories pressing against her. She leaned back on the bed, her neatly folded uniform beside her ~ a design that bore similarities to the UNN’s but was unmistakably modified by the Vespans to mark their independence.

Artemesia moved closer, her expression softening. She reached out, her hand resting lightly on Rin’s. "Those thoughts are normal, you know. None of us have had a moment to breathe, to process any of this. Everything has changed so fast...in less than a month, we’ve gone from following your brother’s stable leadership to being neck-deep in a civil war none of us want to fight." She gave Rin’s hand a reassuring squeeze. "No one would blame you if you needed a moment to catch your breath. Take a minute, an hour ~ even a few days. I doubt we’re jumping across universes this very second."

Rin’s hand tightened around Artemesia’s, her grip steady and grounding. For the first time in what felt like hours, Rin allowed herself to exhale, the tension easing ~ just a little. Artemesia said nothing more, choosing instead to sit quietly, her presence a calming anchor in the storm of Rin’s thoughts.

 

[Andrew]

Ward Room

VI. The Engagement

Rin hadn't come to dinner to indulge in the food. Her presence was purely to observe—to see what Uathotho might reveal. Despite her growing affection for Artemesia, it didn’t absolve anyone, least of all Artemesia’s family, of suspicion. Rin couldn’t yet determine whether she was truly crew or merely a guest cloaked in a uniform for convenience. She wore her proper rank, stubbornly clinging to her sense of identity even as doubt lingered. The position she occupied—seated at the elevated table beside Aetreille and Artemesia ~ offered her a commanding view of the room.

Her skepticism wavered momentarily. Aetreille was no novice. Commanding a Titan was no casual appointment. Rin’s sharp instincts for political and military maneuvering had dulled, and it irked her to admit it.

Poking absently at the food on her plate, Rin leaned into her thoughts more than the dinner. Fatigue tugged at her, her body begging for rest. Artemesia’s antics under the table did little to help. Rin brushed her hand away twice before finally relenting, their fingers intertwining. Artemesia’s playful behavior felt... out of place. Was it an attempt to reclaim some lost piece of herself? Rin couldn’t say for certain, but she was warming to it despite herself.

Across the table, Aetreille seemed preoccupied, leaning slightly toward Uathotho. Rin stifled a groan. Was there really nothing pressing enough to justify this whole affair? Her gaze darted back to Artemesia, ready to comment, when the sudden shift in the room’s mood froze her.

The hum of casual conversation had evaporated, replaced by an almost eerie silence. Two bridge officers entered but didn’t take their seats, their attention focused sharply elsewhere. A ripple of unease passed through the room as more crew followed, murmurs traveling like static through vesper. Rin sat straighter, scanning the room. There was an undeniable tension, heightened by the extra security now stationed by the wardroom doors.

She vespered Artemesia. //Something’s going on. I think the ship’s on alert.// Her suspicions were confirmed when Aetreille rose from her seat, clearing her throat. The quiet deepened to an unnatural stillness, the weight of anticipation palpable.

“I had plans for this dinner to celebrate this ship’s maiden voyage,” Aetreille began, her voice firm yet composed, “and its first official crossing between our universe and that where Tsenlan and Yamatai are located.” As she spoke, the lights dimmed and a projection lit the room. “Unfortunately, it appears our enemies have other plans for us this evening.”

The symbol of the VSC flashed on the screen, cutting through the dim light like a blade.

Rin leaned back, her lips curling into a wry, bitter smirk. Of course.

The projection shifted to a news broadcast. "We will be transferring to our Imperial coverage attendant shortly, as we all sit in anticipation of the announcement of the engagement of Jol'Aester Sylix Lunari," the reporter announced.

Rin snorted quietly and whispered to Artemesia, “I told you he’d find a way to get to the throne. Look ~ he’s done it Vaelaris has found his way onto the throne.” She leaned forward, scanning the room. Uathotho’s body language had shifted, the discomfort visible in the stiffness of his posture. The room erupted in murmurs. The announcement was clearly hitting nerves, though none of it surprised Rin. She’d predicted this outcome from the day her brother had died. She should have felt vindicated, but the reality felt hollow.

“The Imperial Couple are making their way onto the balcony now…”

Rin raised her glass of chacelle, taking a deep gulp to steady herself, then another. She savored the flavor briefly before setting the glass back down. She turned toward Artemesia, ready to make a cutting remark, when her eyes flicked back to the projection. Her intended words died in her throat, replaced by the sound of shattering glass as her hand faltered.

Her body moved before her mind could catch up, rising abruptly to her feet. Her expression twisted in shock and distress as her eyes fixated on the image on the screen. Morggho. His unmistakable form seated next to Sylix on the Imperial throne. Her voice came out as a scream, raw and unrestrained, echoing through the suddenly silent room. The world seemed to tilt as her mind struggled to process what she was seeing.

“No...” she whispered to herself, her breathing shallow and rapid. Her legs threatened to buckle, her entire body trembling as she remained locked in place, staring at the projection. Morggho. On the throne. It wasn’t real ~ it couldn’t be. Yet there he was, his presence undeniable, a shadow across the empire she’d once believed she understood. Once again, she would get no reprieve from the loss of her twin.

Tonight every tear she would shed would be for Noria.

 

[Andrew]

FCS UNN Teal’s Star II​

Command Conference Room

VII. The Message

Message from Jol'Aester Aerum Eitan​

As some of you know, six hours ago the announcement was made that Jol'Aester Sylix Lunari was marrying Morggho. This crude violation to our people is something that we can no longer ignore. What was a civil war is no longer. The Free Commonwealth of Vespan is now the Government of the United Norian Imperium in exile. Our plans to move to the Kosuke Sector, must be accelerated. We must also consider the lives and well being of those trapped on Noria, from which no communication has been received since the announcement was made.

Aetlantia, I address your citizens specifically. Your world is under contest now, the fight you had a week ago is no longer the fight you have before you today. The war you are fighting is not with each other but with an enemy that has wanted us exterminated. Forces across the Yirune Arm, are with you.

If you are a UNN officer or soldier and you have found yourself on the wrong side. Surrender, and do not for any reason attempt to return to Noria. We will have places for you to go including other UNN ships that had already made it to safe harbor. If you find yourself in need of shelter and have the ability to reach Tsenlan, the last we knew they are still taking refugees.

To those on Lorenz in the Kosuke Sector, stay vigilant in our new home. The soldiers we have sent to fortify your position will defend you. We will be with you as soon as we can be.

The conference room was a whirlwind of voices, overlapping and rising in urgency, as Aerum's message settled over them like a storm cloud. In an instant, everything had shifted. The mission to the Kosuke Sector, once so clear, now seemed an afterthought in the face of impending conflict. Speculation ran rampant, anxiety rippling through the gathered crew. Eyes darted across the room, searching for answers that no one could provide.

Aetreille had disappeared into a private chamber, her presence replaced by the palpable tension of her absence. Alone in her thoughts, Rin closed her eyes, tuning out the storm of chatter. She drew a deep breath, willing herself to find a center in the chaos. The noise faded to a dull hum, but a voice cut through like a blade.

//"We need to talk."//

Rin’s eyes snapped open. Uathotho stood at the entrance, his tall figure casting a shadow over the room. His expression was unreadable, but his presence alone stirred irritation in Rin. She glanced at Artemesia, then tugged her arm firmly. “Come on,” she muttered. Together, they followed him into the corridor, the door sliding shut behind them with a soft hiss.

Rin wasted no time. “What do you want?” she demanded, her tone clipped, annoyance etched into her every word. It was rare for her to entertain his presence, but the urgency in the room had forced her hand. For once, Uathotho might have something worth hearing.

"The hostility toward me is wasted, Eitan," Uathotho said, his voice calm, almost scolding. His attention shifted to Artemesia, his expression softening slightly with surprise. “I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought you’d gone to Tsenlan with your mother.”

Artemesia frowned, her gaze flitting to Rin before returning to her uncle. “Things didn’t go as planned,” she said, her tone sharp. “I got cornered on Noria, and Rin was there to save me. But Niratheya…” She hesitated, her voice faltering. “They got her. I think they killed her.”

Uathotho’s face darkened, a deep furrow forming in his brow. “So, it’s true,” he murmured. “They know how to kill us now.”

Neither Rin nor Artemesia responded. Their patience with him was thin, and neither wanted to linger on past wounds.

Uathotho took a deliberate step closer, lowering his voice. “You need to convince the Princess to take this ship to the Kagami Galaxy ~ specifically to Tsenlan. Staying in the Yirune Arm will only hand Morggho more targets to destroy. We can’t fight him on his terms.”

Rin’s lip curled into a bitter smirk. “Afraid to call him your brother now? That didn’t stop you on Hysrix,” she said, her voice cutting like ice. “I don’t know why Aerum puts up with you. It’s only because she does that I’m even listening. But don’t think for a second I’ve forgotten what you’ve done.”

Artemesia interjected, her tone firm but calm. “I hate to say it, Rin, but he’s right. Staying here is suicide. Morggho’s goal is clear ~ he’s coming for both of our families, and every second we stay here, we give him more opportunities. Uathotho…” She hesitated, glancing at her uncle with barely concealed distaste. “…might not be someone we trust, but he knows Morggho’s tactics better than any of us.”

Rin shook her head, frustration written across her face, and turned on her heel to stride down the corridor. Artemesia hurried after her, catching her by the shoulder. “Rin,” she said urgently, “now’s not the time for grudges. I don’t trust him either, but you know he’s right. Aerum trusts us to make the right decisions, and if we don’t act now, we risk losing everything. We have to get this ship across before it’s too late.”

Rin stopped, brushing Artemesia’s hand off her shoulder. She turned to face her, her voice low and simmering with anger. “Fine. But if that Cli’cha so much as looks at me the wrong way, I’ll cut his heart out and feed it to him.” She straightened, brushing past Artemesia. “Let’s find Aetreille before she gets too busy to hear us out.”

 

[Andrew]

VIII. The Crown

Aetrielle emerged from the private communications conference with her mother, and got up from her desk. She walked over to the view port, the projection terminated which revealed a small biometric safe that had been hidden behind it. She pressed her hand against the sensor and there was a series of audible chime notifications that followed as it confirmed her genetic imprint. She opened the secure panel and retrieved the circlet, and put it on. The pink and diamond sparkle of the jewels within it caught the light and made glistening reflections upon the wall around her. She closed the safe, and the plan had unfolded without failure. Vespa was now safely, or relatively safely in the Kosuke Sector; at least if Morg'gho's forces moved into the Kagami Galaxy they could fight them on even terms. For most, the burden of the celestial mandate was something overwhelming, but she had been groomed for it since the day she had been created. There was still a formal announcement that needed to be made and a proper coronation, but regardless of that she was now the leader of the United Norian Imperium.

//"Bridge, change our transponder back to UNN codex, have our escorts follow suit and ensure that the crew is given the ability to access the news transmission from Vespa. Prepare for a transuniversal breach, I will encode the sequence into the mindhive. I have to address the group in Command Conference and I will rejoin you soon."// she said over a vesper communication to her commander just before she walked from the office and came face to face with Rin and Artemesia.

Rin looked at Artemesia, then to Aetrielle, she immediately noticed the change, "Something happen?" she questioned as she gave a point toward the circlet the Vespan woman wore. "We were just on our way to talk to you..."

Aetrielle shook her head, "Plenty has happened, the celestial mandate has fallen to my brother and I. We will be heading to the Kosuke Sector in the Kagami Galaxy. Vespa has been moved," she said as she stepped around them and started to walk in the direction from where they had come from and expected them to follow her. "My brother is escorting civilian refugees to Tsenlan, so he may be a while. I am going to need you two. What is it you wanted to talk to me about?" she asked.

Rin shook her head from side to side, "Everything we had to say is inconsequential now, your news changes everything," she said, then added, "Tia Aest," out of it. She glanced to Artemesia before they caught up and vespered, //"At least we're headed out of the universe, I thought they said they were not coming. It seems everyone is full of surprises. There is no point of telling her anything your uncle said now, it will just happen in consequence save for the exact location we are headed to."

Artemesia replied, //"I wonder if they intend to allow you to keep your place, it would be a gross negligent error to deprive you of that. It is Aetrielle though, she seems to like us, so I will follow your lead."// The Command Conference Room doors slid opened and they followed Artrielle inside.