Volume 0 (25): Dread for a decadent civilization.

Chapter 25 : Preparations Part 1.

The convoy return to Hûlfhednär after mining the Cridium, for his part, Marshack advance to the Lab inside the "Facility", were Duchess Delené, General Crimcer, Alaney and Etessa awaits for the Apex.

Alaney demands the Cridium immediately, the current leader provides all he has in the Storage Area of his Suit, and the Academic Eminence start the creation of the Plasma-Enriched Liquid Condensate known as PELC.

—Have you identify the Exiled Energies Deriell?. Marshack inquire and Etessa readily reply —I did, their names are Zionez and Keizer, represent mind and body respectively with a broad range in efficiency, depending on the User, Aezza and Myself already started developing a more suitable attire and a more effective Slaidt, we don't like how dull the Scanner or Database of the current ones are, they felt purposely inferior.

—Indeed, the performance is questionable, do you require some additional resources?.

Etessa negates with her head —We have what is needed, and the reparations of the Åwlön Combat Frigate is going to conclude in 2 to 3 hours (4.5-6.75 hours).

Marshack turns inquisitive —It mention who, what or how is the new enemy of the Åwlön?.

Etessa negates again —No, the damage was incredible critical, we don't understand how it endure for decades, that is why we start to develop a new type of Vehicles based on this characteristic that gives consciousness, the results should be similar to the Simbiotic relationship between the Prinean.

{Someone is having fun, well, i can't say that i am not having some too}.

An ephemeral smile on Marshack's face is catch by Duchess Delené and Etessa, the former gets near him and whisper —We need to talk, i am going to be on my peyrsonal Chambers here.

The woman leave the Lab and Etessa commens with clear jealousy —You got lucky, really lucky to made that woman fall for you.

—There is no luck in any of my actions, that is the reason i am so accurate in my predictions, inform your brother and Noble Niyeth that they are accompany the Duchess and Myself to the "Meeting", i want them ready in 40 hours (90 human hours), that implies they know the etiquette and regulations of the "Confederation".

»—General Crimcer, create patrol teams and investigate everything within 150 Standard Light Years of Hûlfhednär, do the same with the D'Kin Planet, if you are not sure of how to proceed, inform me and i take care of it personally.

—As you command CEEPP Bverxkka; Replied the General leaving the Lab with Etessa.

—Something on your mind?; Asked Marshack, already knowing the answer; Alaney scream impotently —Yes!, No!, i don't know, is just … , i didn't notice it before, and now you are dying.

—Everyone that is not "Perpetual" is going to die eventually …

—That is not what i am saying, why you didn't tell me?!; Alaney interrupt him and try to argument his thought »—I could try to create a more nutritious jelly, why keep it to yourself?!.

—Because it is irrelevant, and you know better than myself, that is not possible to create a better jelly, we gather the ingredients for the PELC for that reason …

Alaney demeanor acquire seriousness and is focused on the Apex —Bverxkka, you are our future, is us the ones that have to sacrifice for you, not the other way around, how you d…

Marshack gets near Alaney putting his right hand over the purple metallic hair of the female, she gets a bit startled and stop speaking.

—I want you too, and i am going to have you.

Embarrassed Alaney reply —See, this is what i am talking about, you do a lot for us, but we can't do anything in return …

—Alaney; Hearing her name being pronounce from Marshack's mouth with such care in the voice of the usual stoic Hûrngöth stunned the Female »—You working to the limit of what you can exhort is more than enough, have you forgotten who solve the energetic crisis or developed a better vacuum mask …

—That was Deriell, i just make the connections compatible, no one needs a vacuum mask now, it feels as is never enough, and i do want to support you too …

The female is peined, and her expression denotes her feelings —Alaney, don't get sad, The PELC is not going to nurture me …

The body of the Academic Eminence tense up by those words and terror is about to invade her … »—But the new Suit and Slaidt can extend my lifespan immensely, maybe we are a bit wrong with my malnourishment.

Alaney try to search for an explanation but fail to do so, and she doesn't need to, a question is simply faster —What is your theory?.

—We are like an Energy Reactor; Replied Marshack »—The food is our fuel, but what happened the moment you want to diminish the energy output?.

{What is he asking that?!, the answer is evident, almost stupid!} —You damage the infrastructure, and to compensate you need to employ more energy to repair, contain, and supervise that everything continues to function properly.

—You understand the dilemma of my situation and the solution that was always in front of me.

The realization strikes Alaney —Not holding back in that "Battle" shows you why is necessary for your health to use more energy, the Suit can extract even more of what you produce passively and the Slaidt provide a better measurement of your capabilities, so we can increase your lifespan!, and tailor another Suit that is going to truly be compatible with you!, with anyone!, i have to work!.

Alaney behavior gets a fast turn, getting engrossed in her thoughts while Marshack pats her head before leaving the Lab, heading to the Duchess Personal Chambers.

The door opens and he enters the room, differently to the one under his possession, the furniture is extensive and classic, filling the space with a variety of different bygone ages, all brought together like a museum exhibition.

A bookcase with several copies that look different from how Marshack remembered them.

The bed is not made of a moldable polymer, if not of treated and woven brown feathers from a Róc (Mythical Giant Eagle) killed by the Duchess, feat that earned her a higher Nobility Rank in the past, the base is of black wood and the mattress is made of wine silk.

The wardrobes are open, exposing the number of dresses that the Duchess still has in her possession, Marshack has seen her wearing some of them, but now, they are foreign to both Hûrngöth.

—Everything here is "Better" than before; Commented the Duchess observing the jewelry, accessories and make-up on the mirror cabinet to her side »—You already know that when young, i was infatuated by a not so handsome but competent Hûrngöth, being the second daughter of three, my role was simple, looking good to not bring shame on the family, but not too striking to opaque my Oldest sister …

The Duchess voice express some anger and obvious displeasure »—I have to learn everything my sister's knew, so i could correct the youngest miss doings and cover the Oldest mistakes.

Her voice breaks, locking in a grievance sight two earrings of Åurumïr (Irlw'Thek Gold) embedded with pink diamonds —Can you fathom my devastation, seeing him enter our palace to ask for my Oldest Sister in marriage, just to be able of having an affair with my youngest Sister …

With greater composure but without looking away from those earrings she express openly her feelings —As you said to that stubborn young man "Dankner", it was obsession not Love, still, couldn't he give me an opportunity? … , i was forced to watch them fornicate as savage beasts in their wedding night as the tradition goes back then, suggesting what could they do to have a more pleasurable and meaningful "First Time" …