The Great Game

Living quarters | The Citadel

Tired, Tevos sat down on the luxurious sofa and stretched. Work had been too much lately, and there was no time for rest. She turned on the screen and switched to the news channel. They'd been showing nothing but news about new stations being built in cooperation with the Empire or new connections and contracts... And on and on, day after day. After flicking through the channels, Azari abandoned the idea of watching anything. After setting a show to play in the background, she got up and went to the kitchen. Pouring herself a glass of juice, as she wasn't much of an alcoholic, Azari stepped out onto the balcony. A light breeze immediately hit her face, making her blink for a second. The street greeted her with many colourful signs and groups of cars whizzing past her flat. Crowds of sensible people moved about on various levels, entering shops and restaurants. All in all, a typical evening at the station. Leaning against the railing, the woman began slowly enjoying her drink, thinking about her free time...

She was distracted from her thoughts by a soft rustling at her side. Turning towards the noise source, she dropped her glass and slowly walked to the other side. A humanoid man in black robes with a sword hilt protruding from behind his back was crouching on the railing. His face was covered by a solid mask, and a pair of scarlet lights stared out from under the hood. Only the sane looked like that, and Tevos seemed to have begun to guess Sparatus's fate but was very reluctant to repeat it. In her thoughts, she didn't notice that she had come to rest against the edge of the balcony and began frantically moving her hands behind her, searching for a way forward.

- I don't want your life, Ambassador," the figure straightened and jumped to the ground. - Lord Teros sent me at your request," he slipped his hand behind his back and pulled out a roll of... paper. Stepping closer, he held it out to the woman. Taking it and unfolding it, Tevos immersed himself in reading it.

- Is this an invitation? - Her face showed obvious dissatisfaction, threatening to turn to anger. - Can't this be done properly?

- My lord does not trust your communication systems - they may be tapped, and the matter is very serious," the Azari simply sighed at his words.

- "Granted. All right, I'll get to the embassy. However, it will still raise questions, as the Council's transports are constantly being monitored, and calling them now is very suspicious.

- We're aware of that. Is there anything you need to do? There's a car coming to pick us up.

- Arch, let me tidy up! - Angry at having interrupted her long-awaited rest, Tevos fled into the apartment. Ten minutes later, she reappeared in her usual form," I'm ready. Where's the transport?

- Coming, mistress," the room in front of the balcony shook and dawned. Soon the outline of the door became visible, and moments later, the black paint appeared. It was incredible... The piece of Space just hung in the air! Meanwhile, the door opened to reveal the luxurious interior.

- Please," the warrior held out his hand as Tevos stepped to the edge. Once she was inside, he 'flowed' smoothly into the car and closed the door. The car immediately rushed forward, manoeuvring itself through the flow of cars and out of sight...

- Isn't it amazing how this system works? - Azari glanced through the windows at the hundreds of intelligentsia watching them at close range.

- I can't be sure, but it's definitely a matter of special shielding. Everything else and how it works is known only to the Mechanicus," the warrior sat across from her, staring out the window in the same way. - We'll be there soon," the Councillor nodded and went back to staring at the crowd outside the windows. Meanwhile, the ship had reached the embassies and descended alongside the Imperial one. As they approached the building, one of the walls opened to reveal a narrow bridge. Two more similar warriors emerged from the room and stood at the sides of the carriage as the messenger opened the door.

- Please follow me," he said, jumping onto the platform. Azari had no choice but to follow. When all the passengers left the transport, the car disappeared into the darkness. - I will see you off, my lady.

With these words, the warrior moved forward along the dark corridor while the guards discreetly nudged Tevos, and she followed as well... Soon, they reached the large wooden doors near which our escort left us.

- The Master is waiting for you. When you are finished, I will wait for you here," he opened the door and stepped aside. Azari looked at him and entered what appeared to be a very luxurious office. The room was decorated with various types of wood and bas-reliefs of different metals. Against one of the walls, which had a large window, was a large table at which Maximilian himself sat. Noticing the Counsellor, he got up from the table and quickly approached her.

- Counsellor Tevos, please forgive this barbaric intrusion. Still, the discussion is not patient, have a seat," he pulled back one of the chairs to allow the woman to sit down and then took his place. - The response to your request for technology was received today," Tevos' displeasure faded from her face, replaced by concentration. - It has been granted, but a few things need to be discussed. And I ask you to take them seriously; there is a lot at stake," the Companion's eyes widened involuntarily. - Let's start at the beginning. A ship is leaving Mars today and will be here soon. The Master on board has been instructed to show you some examples of Imperial technology and to present them to you. But there is the first problem," he waited a few moments, staring at the woman incessantly as if assessing something.

- What kind of thing? - She couldn't help it.

- We know that the Hierarchy and the Alliance have begun to dismantle their dreadnoughts and to build new ones," the woman's eyes have become saucer-like again. - And we know you were against it, even under pressure from the other two races. You were the first and only to send a diplomat to sign a truce and further diplomatic development. There was no military confrontation with you; even the Alliance sent ships during and after the conflict. And we have studied the history of your race: almost no wars but many diplomatic settlements, even internally. So, despite your large military forces, the Throne believes you would be a far better ally for Terra than the Hierarchy or the Alliance.

- I am grateful for such words, but what exactly do you want?

- According to our agreement with you, the technology would be available to all races if Terra and Mars agreed... But we have decided to change that. The ship will arrive on Thessia and begin the exchange, but only with your race. You can hand it over later, but I advise you to consider the consequences of such a decision.

- I... I understand. Then I must inform the Republic Council as soon as possible.

- I will keep you short, back to business. I hope you understand the risk the Emperor is taking by signing this treaty. Unfortunately, that risk also threatens you. Other races may attempt to seize this data by force. A major confrontation, even war, is possible. In that case, the Emperor proposes to sign some additional treaties, which I have yet to receive. Still, it's only a matter of days.

- I'm sorry, but I must report all this to the Council of the Republic; there's too much for me to handle alone. And we have very good relations with the other races on the Council.

- Envy is the hidden face of the intelligent. No matter what he is. Today's ally may be tomorrow's enemy.

- Then what is the point of making treaties with you? - The woman looked at the Ambassador questioningly.

- That is a question you must answer for yourself, Councillor. The ship will be in Thessia one way or another within a few days. I have information that the Master has something that might be of great interest to you. About the treaties... We'll return to that next time. That's all for now. Would you like something to drink, or would you rather go back?

- Well, since you pulled me out... do you have any juice?

The Orbital Ring | Mars

Master Tiberius Tillius

The servants finished the last preparations for the flight, disconnecting the fuel hoses and checking the systems. A large number of people and machines swarmed around the huge docked ship. I watched all this and thought about my mission. Sometimes I wanted to do the maintenance myself, like hundreds of years ago, but my rank did not allow it. There were young brothers for that, gaining experience and showing the mentors what they had learned.

- Tiberius! - a voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to see the Arch-Magister coming towards me. As soon as he approached, I bowed. - No need; you have long been free of formalities.

- And yet, it is a rule.

- Yes, by obeying the laws, we learn infinity," Karos stood beside me and watched the preparations. - Worried?

- My feelings are long dead, Master. I traded them for steel. But the excitement is there.

- I see. You'll be a target when you get there. We can't provide an escort; the operation has to be hidden from the other races.

- I understand the importance of the task," we looked at the ship again in silence.

- Here," he held out his hand, a small glowing cube resting on it, "this will buy their loyalty.

- Is this what it is? - With two fingers, I carefully took hold of the data vault. Its volume was enormous. It was an incredibly rare object, and it usually contained the most important or complex information.

- Yes, Adeptus Biologics finished its work a day ago. The ship with the warehouse arrived today.

- They will do much for such a thing...

- The threads of destiny are in the hands of the Emperor. He plays the Great Game, and we need help understanding. But the Biologic has already been given a new task of no less importance, perhaps your future mission.

- His plans are above our lives," I imagined the symbol of the Empire.

- Yes. But I suspect... Perhaps the Lord Holder is playing on some long-held grudge or instinct.

- It's going to be a funny sight, Master.

- Ha, you are right. Well, your ship is ready. I have faith in your strength; may the Emperor guide you," the Master turned to me and put his hand on my shoulder.

- I won't let him down," I turned and headed for the hangar entrance...

Soon, as the entire crew took their seats, the mounts clanked, and the ship moved slowly forward. Breaking through the force field surrounding the hangar, the cruiser roared into the void, slowly moving away from the red planet. Many eyes watched it until the last moment when a bright blue flash cut them off from hundreds of light years away.

The navigator's message, warning me of an imminent exit, pulled me away from the Core. I had questions before the mission, so I headed for it. Fixing my robe and picking up my staff, I left the quarters. Outside the door, the dim light of the empty corridor awaited me. The Order doesn't like fuss; they tend to make mistakes, and they are not acceptable on our journey. After passing through the galleries and encountering only a few rushing novices, I soon reached the ship's centre, hidden behind huge doors. I opened one and entered, finding myself in a large spherical room. The ships of the Order were very different from the Stelar ships, both externally and internally. This place was a prime example.

The centre was occupied by a huge tray containing the body of an equally large man. His lower body was hidden behind steel, and dozens of tubes and wires ran to his head. Above the couch were large screens with information and communication systems and various terminals. The man himself was asleep, which was normal for Navigators. I slowly approached him and turned my eyes to the rest of the room. Around the ancient mechanism, star charts of hundreds of systems, ship routes and distance information floated in the air. It all merged into a single movement, wrapping itself in an illusion of reality.

Looking at the maps, I didn't realise I had reached the navigator. I stood by the dugout and waited. He could not be distracted; he would notice me when he saw fit. Soon he did. The man slowly opened his eyes, glowing white, and turned his head in my direction.

- Captain," his voice echoed through the room. - To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?

- I need data about our mission, Arkius. Show me the charts of this star," the navigator moved his hand slightly, and the image around me swung sharply towards one of the distant stars. Soon they were close enough to see the planets orbiting the luminary.

- The world Gamma-76/567, or as they call it in Space, Thessia," I stepped closer to the image of the world.

- Features? - I stepped away from the image of the planet. I scanned the whole system, examining it for possible points of interest.

- Nothing special. A large flow of transport ships, a strong defence fleet, stations in orbit," the man ran his fingers quickly over the terminals that provided him with information from the net.

- I am interested in the threats, Arkius. In the event of a violent takeover, we will all have to end our journey," I returned to the bunk, crossing my arms over my chest.

- I understand, Master. I will give my life at the command of the Lord of Steel. Not even a part of me would fall into the wrong hands," he looked around the room, smiling at his thoughts. - I was beginning to forget my past," he closed his eyes again at these words.

- You're more cheerful than usual this time," he was rarely emotional, but today he was almost radiant with happiness.

- I've had the latest neuro modules fitted. Enjoying the star currents... You can't even begin to imagine the feelings," he smiled again and leaned back.

It's worth telling you what these modules are. It uses Legio Auxilia technology, but it's more complicated than that. Whereas in the ground version, the pilot simply connects his mind to the machine to improve interaction, we're talking about a complete fusion that will eventually become eternal. The Order's Navigators are strictly selected, as only some can become them. Because of the mergers, one loses almost all of the knowledge of one's body that is given at birth. Almost everything. It is replaced by vast amounts of data needed for calculations and flights. It may seem cruel, but this service is considered honourable and allows for a significant reduction in crew.

- Good for you..." I continued with a smile. - If there's anything important you notice or come across during the journey, let me know," I turned and walked away, leaving the ship's mind alone with its dreams.

The ship broke through the clouds and headed for land. It was night on this side of the planet, so there was no problem getting permission to land, even though it was a higher priority. Soon the ship began to slow down, and the mass dampers engaged. The huge ship hovered a few metres above the ground and descended gently onto the supports. As the smoke cleared, several vehicles landed near the ship, including a heavily armoured one from which Azari paratroopers began to emerge. A few officers and scientists emerged from the civilians with an escort. The paratroopers quickly cordoned off the landing area around the ramp, which began its slow descent. As it touched the ground, three figures in scarlet robes descended. The one in front held a staff, more a status symbol than a necessity. The figures behind them carried strange, elongated weapons and wore archaic armour over cloth. Hoods covered the faces of the three men. Once on the ground, they moved towards the welcoming delegation.

- Greetings, my name is Rani Liu'Satia," one of the officers called out as she stepped forward. She wore a strange symbiosis of armour and civilian clothes, perhaps a substitute for her formal suit or uniform. - I am your curator for the duration of our meeting. This is..." she pointed to the young woman behind her, wearing a similar uniform, only white, and holding a tablet, "Mila M'kido. She is a technical advisor and is also assigned to me for the duration of the meeting," the scholar smiled and waved her hand in greeting.

- Master Tiberius Tillius is the ship's captain. By agreement with the Republic, I will meet with the Matriarchs to discuss our further relationship.

- Yes, I know the treaty and will accompany you. And your companions...? - she glanced behind me at the auxiliaries.

- 206 and 505 are auxiliaries. They will secure the ship for the duration of the rendezvous.

- Just the numbers? And the name?

- In the Legio Auxilia, a name has to be earned..." the surprised looks converge on me as if I had said something supernatural. Service in the Order is hard; not everyone can do it. And recognition must be earned through knowledge or blood.

- I... I understand. Then please," she pointed to one of the cars. - I will take you to the Council Building.

I turned to the auxiliaries and said in Imperial:

- Go back to the ship. If there is any suspicious activity, report it to me.

- Obey, sir," the soldiers saluted in unison and turned to head back to the ship. I made my way to the vehicles where the delegation was already seated. As soon as I got in, the car drove off.

We had been flying for some time, so I amused myself by looking out the window. Despite the slick architecture, which is completely unfamiliar to a Martian, there was a lot to see: the buildings were in harmony with each other, in some places, simply drowned in greenery, fountains or other ornamental buildings.

- Do you like our planet? - Rani asked. The three of us, the officer and the scientist, were travelling in the same car. You could tell from the interior that it had been specially designed for very important guests or officials.

- Unusual architecture, not familiar to me.

- How different are your buildings? - asked the scientist, still clutching her clipboard. - I just need to fill in the basic information about the races.

- It depends on the planet and the destination. If it's Mars, where I was born, there are countless workshops, many thousands of years old but in perfect condition. The whole planet is one giant factory, churning machines for years.

- And the other planets?

- If polis, huge towers in the centre and the rest of the houses around it. They usually stick to a circular layout, but there are exceptions. Terra, on the other hand, is separate. I've been there a few times. A special decree forbids the construction of super-tall buildings and the destruction of nature. There's also a lot of greenery, but it's all about conquering the planet. Even as we were going into Space, the planet was beginning to be cleansed of the effects of industrialisation. Now you will only find such clean air and beautiful weather here. The entire planet is controlled by special machines, so you won't see any cataclysms or disasters. Huge cities shine brighter than the stars, the skies are protected by mighty ships, and billions of people constantly move through the streets. Sculptures, fountains and other decorations abound. Many houses are decorated with various metals. And you should see the festivities or parades, it is the most beautiful thing you will ever see. In the centre is the palace. I would not have enough time to describe it, and I can only tell you about the outside as I could not go inside.

- It's amazing. I wanted to go to the Empire, but your arrival has delayed my plans.

- I'd advise it, you will get it. And the Emperor has opened the borders, so it's not impossible.

- We'll be there soon," Rani interjected. - I would like to discuss your accommodations, as the meeting may last several days. The Council apartments are ready for you, but would you prefer something else?

- I don't mind either. If it's more comfortable for you, then so be it.

- Very well, then. Then I will inform the Council of our arrival," she activated the Omni and began to type a message quickly.

Soon the car began to descend, touching the ground gently after a few minutes. As I stepped out, I saw another guard lined up along the entire corridor and a rather large building with an imaginative dome. My companions exited the car and went to the stairs leading up to the building. I had no choice but to follow them.

We climbed the stairs and entered the building, where the guards and scanners awaited us. My escorts were the first to go, and they were given a rather cursory check, and I was asked to surrender my staff and then sent under the scanners.

- Excuse me, but we have detected large sources of metal in your possession. Would you mind surrendering these items," one of the guards approached while the others discreetly prepared their weapons.

- Unfortunately, that is not possible for some reasons.

- What are those reasons? - This time, it was Rani who stepped forward.

Sighing, I removed my hood, eliciting a surprised exclamation. A long time ago, I had an unfortunate incident that forced me to replace almost all of my flesh with high-tech prosthetics. Now was a faceless steel mask with voice mimics in small loudspeakers shaped like oval slits and two pairs of visors for eye protection in place of my eyelids, staring at the guards. I could have undergone the entire transfer, but I chose to retain what little was left of the old me. I had already mentioned the many tubes connected to the back of my head that carried the necessary elements to my brain. It wasn't too bad; my "face" was made like the old masks, so it looked strange, but it was quite nice, thanks to the decorations and the few patterns.

- Are you... alive at all? - Rani gently touched the mask and ran her hand over it.

- Yes, but as I said, I can't give it up for several reasons," I put the hood back on and waited.

- I see... OK, let me through," the officer turned to the guards, and we continued on our way into the depths of the building. I was even given the staff, wondering what was hidden in it and what I could do with it if necessary.

- Well, that's it," the guards paused a few metres from the rather large doors. - There is nothing more we can tell you. Do you have any questions?

- Are there any special rules of conversation? - I want to keep the rules of local etiquette.

- Not at all," she said with a smile. - We are a freedom-loving people, so our concept of etiquette is quite peculiar. There is nothing special about meetings.

- Then I have no further questions.

- Well then, let's go," she went to the door, exhaled and pushed it open. Inside, a large hall awaited us, at the end of which the Matriarchs were seated on a small dais. They were seated at a long curved table facing us, waiting patiently for us to approach. As we approached, Rani and Mila stepped aside. They stood at the table's edge, leaving me under the scrutiny of the women, five in all. I would have been flattered... if it hadn't been centuries ago.

- Greetings, Master. We have been expecting your arrival. My name is Benezia," a woman in a... rather open dress and a strange helmet appeared from behind the table. As she approached, she smiled and shook her head slightly in greeting. - This is Matriarch Lydania, Captain of the Path of Destiny, Teso, Datela and Stani. The others have been unable to come for various reasons. Do you have something to discuss?

- Yes, I have with me the texts of mutual economic and military assistance treaties. Without them, we cannot continue our cooperation," I held a few scrolls out to the Matriarch.

- Is it all so critical? - Frowning, she took the scrolls and motioned for the other Matriarchs to approach.

- Unfortunately, yes. We cannot supply weapons to our potential enemy," they could not hear my words as they were engrossed in reading the treaties. Soon Lydania approached me:

- Do you guarantee this aid in all cases? - She had a suspicious look on her face.

- The Emperor's word is law. It cannot be questioned," only the most intrepid could accuse Terra of deception, for such an accusation could result in bloodshed. But I understood the situation, so I showed no emotion. After a few minutes of reading, they turned to me again.

- It's all very tempting, but it will involve us in secret games against perhaps other races. We already have treaties with them, and here you are proposing a secret alliance," Benesia thought for a moment, choosing her words carefully.

- Our friendship pacts aren't enough for you? - It's best to be blunt in these matters. Lydania answered for her with a sigh.

- Yes, we can only make this Alliance with a drastic reason, even for your technology. There must be something weighty that will benefit or help our race..." She spread her hands sadly.

- I assumed that we would wait to come to an agreement. The Emperor... will give your race something as a token of our friendly intentions," a cube appeared in my hand.

- And what is this? - The eyes of those present turned to the vault.

- We know about your secret - about the disease," the body sensors detected the activation of the guards' weapons, and the matriarchs gathered like cats preparing to jump.

- How did you... know that? - Lydania's eyes could have been burning.

- We know many things. And this is one of many. And we can give you a cure..." It was as if all sound in the hall had disappeared. The large, astonished eyes of the gathering looked back and forth between me and the object in my hand.

- How... how is this possible? - Instead of answering, I gave a mental command to open the vault. The facets shifted, and soon, the cube rose above my palm. There was a flash, and images of DNA strands, formulae, and the rest of the information appeared in the air.

- Imperial scientists are capable of so much. This procedure could return the isolated to normal lives and protect the entire race from further damage.

- How can you prove it's not a fake?! - Lydania's suspicions hadn't disappeared, and she was still staring at me hostilely.

- Bring a patient; it will take a little time. Then we can return to negotiations and exchanges.

- If your invention works, there will be no need for negotiations," the woman said as she came closer. The suspicion on her face turned to hope.

- I hope so, Matriarch...

- You were right again, Master - I was back on my ship, communicating with the image of the Arch-Magister.

- It is more likely that I am not the instigator here, but the Emperor.

I don't understand; we're giving them extra power in return for unconfirmed loyalty! Isn't that dangerous? - Doubts still plagued me despite a dozen hours of negotiation and much work yet to be done.

- Tiberius, you are naive," grinned Karos. - As the Emperor says, trust is good, but too much trust is dangerous. - He paused momentarily before continuing, "A fine cure can, if we choose, become a deadly virus, and the living will envy the dead. We will never forgive the betrayal of Terra.

- It is... effective - mercy died long ago in my half-mechanical heart. I have learned the ways of the Empire and will always be its loyal servant. - Can they detect a trap?

- No. Firstly, they are too blinded by the cure itself, and secondly, the DNA chains need to be simplified. They simply won't find it, even if you poke them in the eye. But if they take over the Empire in the future, we will remove the defect.

- Great is the Emperor's plan...

- "If you want peace, prepare for war" - those words still ring true, Tiberius. The Emperor has set out into Space with a new purpose that even I do not know. He could push Space in the right direction. If war is real, I have seen the power of the old machines... So Space will fall. All we have to do is follow the Emperor's path.

- So be it...