Re-Creator of Universes - Book 4 of Re-Forge

Consort Partner

Ct Far faced the Empress on her throne. The sheer grandeur of the palace reception hall was daunting, and he would be lying to say he felt no fear. There are many types of fear, that can stem from different emotions, including greed, and the desire for self-preservation.

Oddly, Ct Far was afraid of just one thing. He thought: "I must not embarrass the stunning female on that throne and not just because I'm scared of suffering the consequences of failure. I just like her, pure and simple. As a female the empress is amazing. She's brave and bold, who could imagine that she would test me herself, in such a manner.

"I want her to choose me; be enamoured with me, as I have become with her. I want... I want the future rulers of this empire to be my spawn."

Then he thought with resolve: "I did not make it all the way to the Palace, and the Empress to throw it away by making a foolish mistake."

Ct Far stood tall and proud with outward calm as he waited, knowing that every entity in the grand audience hall to his rear was bowed low in supplication to the Empress that he now stood before.

He wore his blaster visible on his hip, being the only person in the hall permitted to carry a loaded weapon. He did not bow or cast his eyes downward even though survival instinct pushed at him to follow the behaviour of his peers. His Empress's stated that he would not bow to her again.

After a few drawn out minutes of silence, standing tall under the studious gaze of his Empress, Ct Far remained in control, tight lipped and unwavering.

The Empress said: "I have followed your actions in the past with the greatest interest, Ct Far. Tell me, are you feeling fear right now?"

Ct Far looked into her eyes, knowing to do so would have brought a swift death in any other circumstance and answered: "Yes, my Empress, I am afraid. However, it is not death at your hands that I fear. I am more afraid of disappointing you and causing you to feel embarrassment. That is the honest expression of the fear I feel in my heart."

The Empress favoured him with a rare smile. An act she would 'not' usually do in public, then she said: "You state that you are less afraid of death at my hand, than embarrassing me? Are your desires really that simple?"

Ct Far said: "Yes, my Empress."

The Empress said: "Then the time for your final test has arrived. Passing these last tests in front of the witnesses gathered today will cement you to me as a consort and partner for the rest of your life, but if you fail CT Far, the last thing you see will be a flash of blinding light. Are you ready?"

Ct Far answered: "Yes, my Empress."

The Empress said: "There are two force curtains of pure energy between you and me that are stronger than the force screen protecting any warship in our military." She picked up an object from the side of her throne and lobbed it toward him. It disintegrated with a sizzling bang and flash of light as it hit the screen.

The Empress ordered: "Take your Blaster from your holster, set it to full power and fire it at me as if you intend to kill me. This is my direct imperial order, Fleet Commander."

Without hesitation, Ct Far replied: "No, my Empress, I refuse the order. The thought of pointing a gun at my Empress and future partner is unthinkable. I will not do it."

The Empress waited then said: "I don't award second chances, CT Far, but I will make an exception for you on this one occasion. This is your last chance, Ct Far. Fire your weapon."

Ct Far, with his heart in his mouth, whispered hoarsely: "No, my lady, I will not... come what may."

There was rustling throughout the hall as people witnessed Ct far refuse an Imperial order from the Empress for a second time.