The Ferusian continent of Galeria has some beautiful coastlines and I had long ago taken it upon myself to build a vacation home far from the palace that I lived in during my tenure as High Justiciar. The place isn't as grandiose as the palace but then again that's not my style. Built into a cliff about 100 feet above the beach in a little cove it is the perfect place to get away from it all. My wives and I along along with Aini, take the next few weeks to get some sun and frolic in the waves like children. I enjoy snorkeling so we also spend a great deal of time checking out the nearby reefs. The sea creatures of Ferusi are something to behold, both exotic and beautiful to behold most of the eas life is quite colorful. I have given my crew paid furlow and basically run of the place and so they've scattered to the four winds. Normally someone like Shadawar would be a rare sight but since the Sathari occupation of the planet there have a been a few positive changes the presence of aliens being one of those. it's a gorgeous day for swimming and and I am just getting ready to take the boat out to the reef when I hear a someone yelling from above on the cliff. I can easily magnify my vision with my cybernetics and what I see is a buzz killer. A Sathari officer, what could he possibly want? If Analaeus wanted me he has a direct line. That being said this seems like personal business invading my personal life. The gentleman makes his way down to the beach where the girls and I are and marches towards me. The entire time I can't help noting how out of place he looks on a hot summer day in full dress uniform on this sandy beach. As he approaches, he says something that gets my full attention...he says my name.
He salutes like a pro and says:
"Indor Rusquion Tura, I have been sent by his majesty the Emperor Analaeus Sathari to secure your cooperation in a very delicate matter."
Indor is a title given to high ranking former officials by the Sathari government. It's a title I appreciate but few people use my actual name. It's so rare sometimes I forget I have a name other than Obsidian. Handing me an official "sealed" document which opens only upon confirmation of my DNA (LIke my clone couldn't have opened it) I am stunned to discover that it contains only a set of coordinates with no instructions. I'm guessing the vacation is over.
Analaeus is a friend and I don't let my friends down when they need me. I'm sure there is a good reason for all the secrecy.
"Okay, um what's your name?"
"High Cano, Vel Revv sir. I am commander of the Fekthir. According to my orders my ship and my crew are at your disposal. We will take you wherever you need to go."
"I have my own ship, thanks."
"I know sir, it is currently in my ship's docking bay ready to go when you are."
"Damn your ship must be huge."
My ship is easily the size of a small cruiser the Sathari really go overboard with their designs.
"My ship is the largest in fleet. We have been ordered to remain at your call at all times. These orders come from the Emperor himself. This mission is of the highest secrecy. Even High Justiciar Harley has not been informed."
Okay now I'm worried, it's not normal to bypass the chain of command. The girls and I pack up and I send the all hands on deck signal and end several vacations at once.
"It'll take a a full day to reassemble me crew, I'll sinal when we are ready."
"Very good sir, we'll await your call."
he heads to his shuttle atop the cliff and I suit up. I ask the ladies to remain planetside for this one...I've held enough memorials for a while I haven't the stomach to lose more family. Whatever this is about it won't be fun and games.
Jeez, poor Obsidian just can't seem to catch a break, can he? Oh, well.... back to work. High adventure awaits! A nice bridge between adventures. Good job on the image too.