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AoL #20 - The Consort's Concern

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"We are about to resume operation 'Clearfield' to neutralize the source of the infestation." It seems that my answer does not enough to to ease her stare.

"But the Imperial Fleet does not seem to be concentrated on the Vaelian Sea, Marshall?"

She is quite observant, I must say. "We are also searching for any Silktail cocoons that may still left behind after the Harmony station incident, your Highness. The Fleet main task is still on the 'Clearfield', nevertheless." Though she finally stands down her gaze, I feel that may respond is still insufficient.

"Marshall White, you are one man that have known the Emperor for a long time. You have been a close friend to him."

"I suppose that is correct, your Highness."

"Have you... been sensing the difference in him?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"If things were not like what you once thought... will you still stand besides the Emperor?"

It is a rather mystifying question. "It is a fact, that the Emperor may have been under considerable stresses unlike any other before which... may affect some of his decisions, but my supports will remain resolute, for the Empire." I answer diplomatically. For a few seconds the Consort does not give any more response, other than her blank stare to the floor. I think it is now a good time to end-

"Is it true, Marshall, that there have been a contact with the Motherworld lately?"

I am astounded. Have the Emperor disclosed this much knowledge to her? Or, have Queen Serenia made use of her talent to 'take a look' into our secured network? The Emperor had once notified me of this. "We have not received any news from Earth, your Highness. Even if it is true, it would take considerable time, taking into account that we have severely decreased our long range communication ability since the [destruction of Harmony station]."

Again, there is no direct reply. "I do appreciate your valuable concerns, Your Highness, but there is no need to be burdened too much. It is our duty to maintain the safety of the Empire, and we will do so, no matter what it takes. I beg your permission to leave, we have to prepare the next Fleet dispatch, your Highness." I have to take the initiative, before the conversation gets in unfavorable direction. Thankfully, the Queen nodded softly, signaling her permission.

I am somewhat relieved that I managed to evade the need to reveal the fact that we did picked up some signals, apparently in Earth code. However, it seemingly did not came straight from the Motherworld, but instead from somewhere close by. There appears to be some unknown ships hiding around our stellar system, and the Emperor wanted our forces to prepare for the worst: the invasion from Earth, the one he had always feared. His mind is filled with the idea that these alien incidents have something to do with the Motherworld, that they purposely sent this creatures to infest our world, so that they will have an excuse to launch invasion in disguise of salvation, and then legally claim this independent system. I wonder if the Queen already know about it. As much as I am also concerned for the Emperor's attitude lately, it is not the right time to even question my loyalty.

As I look back, the Consort is still remain standing near the window, lost in her thought, it appears.

Bullet; Yellow Bullet; Yellow Bullet; Yellow 

Made with Inkscape and Blender and GIMP. This is the first image in the story that is not made mainly with Blender. The only Blender element is the [Dreadnought] render in the back, btw. Also, the first one in the series where the people is not just a silhouette. Yay, breakthrough! :la:

That, and trying to wrap up this last act is hard... Starting a story is easy, ending it is another thing, already dumped two ideas for the ending. Around 7 (or maybe more...) chapters/parts and it is finished, I think. :P

Bullet; Yellow Bullet; Yellow Bullet; Yellow 

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