The Endeavour in Sector H

Chapter 5

Ghir was standing at the docks, waiting for the last two crew members. After acquainting the Ruler about his search plans in sector H, he received a message that the Empire will send two representatives. So much about my expedition being a joke. He did hear that more than once in the past week. His love of extravaganza often led to being perceived as a full of himself, all-talk prick. He'd usually let them all believe that and successfully end his endeavours while no one is looking. Fortunately, the Ruler was no fool and was aware how successful Royal Ghir was.

It wasn't just about the Empire's hope, this was also about proving to the Empire that the new royals have rightfully become a royal family.

Through the docks, two cloaked figures were making their way. It was late evening but the docks were still bustling with life. This was one of the never-sleeping parts of the city. Gambling, drinking, taking drugs, picking up a whore or any other thing a deep-space traveler needs after spending months in the cold space.

The two figures stopped in front of the black-yellow spaceship. It's colors mimicked the bird of prey from the East Continent, the deadliest bird of the continent, also a sacred animal of royal Ghir's family. Boastful as ever. This should be a covert operation.

"Welcome agents of the Empire. Our trip is to begin."

"For the glory of the Empire." A female voice answered.

If he was surprised, Ghir didn't show it. After all, androids' popularity has skyrocketed since the Pink Death. He wondered which model she was.

Ghir moved to let them through.

"Falin, will show you your quarters and you can join me for dinner after you freshen up."

The dinner was ready to be served, only missing were the agents. Ghir checked time on his forearm. Every citizen had embedded tech on their body, serving them in various functions.

The door to the saloon finally opened and an android female entered first, followed by a familiar face. Ghir's jaw dropped. He had to put effort to compose himself back.

Lnar turned around to take in the room and people around him. Ghir was there with his two officers. He already met Falin and the other guy must be Hor. He knew them from the intelligence reports.

"Welcome, Ruler! And your lovely android." The woman looked young and Ghir didn't recognize her face, obviously her face was custom made.

"Thank you, royal Ghir. This is Ana."

"Ana, it's a pleasure to meet you. What a beautiful and peculiar name you have."

"Thank you for the warm welcome. It was Lnar's choice." She had a melodic voice, a soft face typical for the South continent. She was a beauty, only her sandy hair stood out. It wasn't a natural color of their species.

"This is my officer, Hor."

Hor bowed. "My Ruler."

"Pleased to meet you, Hor."

Lnar turned to Ghir: "What is your plan?"

"I will share my plan but before I go into details could you tell me how come you've joined the mission?"

"It's time for vacation. I haven't had one in years. This seemed like a perfect opportunity."

"You're aware that this is a serious matter and I can't guarantee your safety?"

"Hmphm, I'm not the Ruler for nothing. Don't worry, I won't get under your feet nor will you need to protect me. Ana is a class A android. She's also my bodyguard."

"Alright, the first step is to get rid of this ship. We'll land on Vort station in a couple of hours and switch to a more suitable spaceship which will not attract so many eyes."

"I was wondering why you choose a ship that looks like a peacock in mating season."

"I'm the arrogant Ghir, the lavacious Ghir, the rolling-in-the-money Ghir. Why not give them that?"

"So, you're more than meets the eye."

"Everybody is looking but no one sees me. And I prefer that way."

"Sounds lonely."

"Sounds royal."

There was no point in arguing that fact. The silence continued afterwards. Ana cleared her throat. Her behavior mimicked conscious beings perfectly.

"After we switch ships, where will we go?"

"My analysis leads to planet Syn in the H sector. The planet isn't inhabited but 2 of its moons have small colonies. We'll need to check each of them.

"I see. We'll help in the search."

"Oh so you do want to actively participate in the mission?"

"Yes, we will. I love an active vacation." - the Ruler chipped in.

"Very well, any help is welcome."

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Several hours later they were now in an old, gloomy freighter. The ship stank as d'fan, a terrible smelling plant when alive but a delicious meal when cooked. It was one of the specialties of the G sector and grew only on planets of the Bika system.

"Fuck, Ghir. Couldn't you find a decent ship? This is awful."

"Perfect, perfect! No one will think to search through this ship. Our story is that we're looking for a shipyard that will get rid of the smell. So our visit to the god-forgotten H sector will not seem strange."

"Still, you should have found a more acceptable cover."

"Royal Lnar I'd understand if you'd change your mind of accompanying me on my quest. This really is not a place for the Ruler."

"It isn't but I've experienced worse. We'll proceed."