As The Empress Wishes

Posted on Wed Feb 2nd, 2022 @ 8:41am by Nalani Xaelah & Executive Officer Jake Ford (Mirror)

Mission: Mirror Mirror
Location: Imperial Palace
Timeline: 2397
1195 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Aside from potentially Agrax, Jake knew that his close allies on the command crew of the Fenrir were limited, and events at the Imperial Palace were hardly the place to begin playing the more dangerous games. That most of them wouldn't have loyal crewmen with them as backup was a good thing; nobody would dare attempt something for fear of being made to look a fool, especially in front of the Empress.

He hung back, away from the rest, standing in a corner and using the time to observe. He could learn much just by watching. For instance, Reece had already made himself look weak in front of the Empress with his simplistic stylings. Not to mention that unambitious idiot Layil. He couldn't hear the conversations Gregnol was having with some Lord, and Saa was out of sight for the moment. So he stood there, perfectly still, hawkishly watching the others and biding his time.

Nelania was amused to see the man stood there all by himself as she looked to head to check on the bridge. Why was none of the crew of the Fenrir integrating themselves into the Lords and Regents like she expected? It was amusing and frustrating at the same time as she thought they would have enjoyed the treats she had ordered to the palace. “Commander? No one taking your fancy?” She wondered drinking from a large glass. The liquid inside was black and smelt sweet.

"Empress." He bowed quickly. "None could compare to your eminence," he remarked, momentarily meeting her gaze. Her presence hung around her like an aura. Sheer force of personality had often protected Emperors in the past, and he imagined she was no different; leading by willpower and strength. He wouldn't have served the cause of anyone lesser. "You wished to speak to me?" he asked.

“Not overly. I saw you looking around. I was considering what you were looking at.” The woman admitted. He had just looked lonely and in need of some entertainment which she knew she could offer in an abundance of her Palace. “How do you find the Fenrir?” She wondered.

"A mighty ship, honoured to be in service to her Empress," he replied. There was a short moment where he considered speaking up about his personal thoughts. He was speaking with the most powerful woman in the quadrant, and naturally, that had an effect on his thinking. "Although..." he thought on Agrax, Fenruse, and the others. Perhaps this was an opportunity; Gregnol's primary layer of defence was the army of inquisitors he had under his leash. "There is an abundance of non-Terran presence on board her."

Nelania nodded. She had been waiting for someone to tell her what she already knew. It was hard to deny the abundance as it was called on board when the chief flight officer was Trill and that Captain kept pet Betazoid. "I am fully aware of the non-terran presence on board my one of flagships." She assured. She was disappointed it had not been the executive officer as that after all had been why he been placed there to be the poster boy of the wars voice of reason. "I was waiting to see who would approach me about the issue before I made my move. From the manifest, you have your own pet?" She questioned.

"Insurance," he smiled thinly. "What better way to protect against a psychotic telepath than to employ your own, after all. She's merely a tool at this point." He spoke honestly, for that was the way he hoped his Empress would want. Especially as it seemed none of the others had.

“So they are all unrestrained.” She paused in her words to think on her next step. She wanted Gregnol where he was, the man was useful and the poster boy for the imperial fleet especially as some of the regents were practically clawing at his door every time he came by. “How do you feel if I gave you a mission?” She mused smirking as she thought on what she could do to ease his life and make things much easier for the crew and Gregnol.

"I serve at the pleasure of my Empress," he responded immediately, his fist placed firmly against his chest in respect. "Your will, my hands."

"I want them all neutered. If they are going to go against my will with Gregnol's permission I want them controlled for peace and order. I want the interrogation protocols reintroduced as well as your removing your exuctive officer he is not good enough for my butcher." She mused watching the retreating backs of Saa and Reece. She was pretty sure the Trill would not have lowered herself due to Robinson being alive somehow but it would be good for her too. "I have a soft spot for my butcher and my former bodyguard I would like them to serve and survive." She grinned as she thought about them both. It was not a weakness to have a connection unlike what her father thought about it, they made excellent warriors for her cause. "You might not like either of them Ford but you go against my wishes and I will have you live your life in my palace neutered and living your version of hell."

The threat was real. And he'd heard the stories; there was no need to doubt her willingness nor her authority on that. Those that failed to please her were rarely seen again. "It will be done as you command, Empress." He managed a sly smile at the thought of stripping away some of Gregnol's favourite minions. And at the command of the one person he couldn't overrule, as well. Double the pleasure. "Unlike the Butcher, you need not doubt my loyalty, highness."

Nelania turned to look at him and shook her head. “Ford listen to me. I do not doubt My Butcher’s loyalties,” she said simply. He was her butcher and had been for a very long time as the man could see the future. “I just doubt where his head is when it comes to Betazoids and I do not want his head compromised when you have a mission to complete. You may keep your slave uncontrolled if you think it will do you good as long as she can keep it a secrete.”

"As you say, Empress. I admit that I may find this task brings me great pleasure to complete. In the name of the Empire, of course," Jake bowed his head slightly again.

Nelania just shrugged. She did not overly care if it brought him pleasure or not but it was easier to complete if it did bring someone pleasure. It made everything easier. “Of course.” She answered cooly. “But just remember if it not completed or gets away from you were I will stick you.” She reminded.

"Of that I have no doubt," Ford agreed. "Please, if you will excuse me I will make the arrangements immediately."

“Go ahead. Lieutenant.” The women dismissed him easily enough. She had other people to see and organise. This was not her only plan to secure the future after all.