r/HFY•6 mo. ago

[Just A Little Further] - Chapter 15

OC-Series

What was I doing standing outside the door to Captain Q'ari's cabin? It's early still, and I didn’t think she was a late riser; she was probably awake. But still, I shouldn’t be doing this, she’s the Captain.

<You fear to find out that we’re right and she thinks you a god.>

<And yet here you are, with godhood thrust upon you. Take the power offered, revel in it. They think you a god? Be a god.>

<Good.>

I stood there arguing with myself and the door opened. Captain Selem Q'ari stood there, her fur brushed until it shone and uniform pressed to razor sharpness. She looked like a poster trying to convince people to join the k’laxi Navy. I don’t think I ever stood so close to her before; I smelled a clean scent. Was she wearing perfume?

<She can't help herself. She is trying to impress you.>

"Captain." I said. Startled she jumped back. “Buil- er, Lieu- er, Melody. Good Morning. I apologize, you started me." Behind her surprise I could see her fur rising and falling as she fought instinct the entire time. Interestingly her tail wasn’t darting back and forth, but I could see that she had worn down the fur on her right ear from stress.

<Hmm, she was going to go with Builder before she caught herself. Interesting.>

"Captain, do you think I am holy?" Wow, I just came right out and said it. Smooth, Melody. Real smooth.

She swallowed, and now her tail started its nervous dance. Her chest rose and stayed there as she held a breath, and I watched her nostrils flare as she exhaled. “It’s difficult, Melody. That was how I was raised. Not many k’laxi still follow the old ways, but most everyone knew the basics, and the high holy days were still celebrated as regular holidays. Parties with friends, days off work, that kind of thing. The greater meaning is mostly lost of everyone, but they still celebrated.” This entire time, she was looking away from me, to the side, to the wall, up over my head, but suddenly she locks eyes with me. Her large golden green eyes bore into me, seeking something. “Ancestors protect me, I think you - what you have become - are Holy."

"Am I Tep’ra’fel?" I asked, my voice a whisper.

She flinched as if I slapped her and she said, "You haven't given me an order, I don't know." Her voice was just as quiet as mine.

I sighed. She wasn’t going to let me get out of here without ordering her to do something, wasn’t she? “sʜᴏᴡ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜᴇ sᴄᴇɴᴛ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴡᴇᴀʀɪɴɢ.” In my regular voice I added, “It’s nice.”

She pivoted on the balls of her feet, and went straight into her quarters. Within a moment, she returned with a small brown cylinder. Wordlessly she handed it to me as her hands trembled, and while she did I saw silent tears slide down her furry cheeks and run out onto her whiskers. I took it and looked down. There was drawing of a forest and in the raised and rounded k’laxi script it said "forest dreams." Huh, I could read k’laxi now too. I handed it back to her.

"So then,” I said. "The undeniable?"

She nodded.

"What does that mean for the mission?" I said.

<It means whatever you want it to mean. You are Empress. You are undeniable.>

“Y-you are a Builder." She stammered. "The m-mission is whatever you wish it to be, B-builder."

Oh for the love of- "Captain Q'ari, you are still the Officer in Command of this mission. Even with my...elevated status you are still in Command."

<Just order her to be Captain.>

<Melody. You're the Empress*.>* Hah. I finally got them exasperated, and I wasn’t even doing it on purpose. <How many different ways do we have to explain it? You can order people to do whatever you want.>

"Would it make your life easier if I ordered you to continue to be Captain? If I told you as a Tep’ra’fel, as your... Empress, to be in charge of the exploration mission?"

She whispered, "Empress?" She shuddered. I couldn't tell if it was in pleasure or pain. "I can't be above you."

<She's right you know.>

<Didn't I tell you you to be quiet..>

<Earlier sure, but not now. We're just saying.>

This was exhausting. “…Fine. Selem Q'ari, Captain of the exploration Starjumper Far Reach and the Officer in Command, I, in my role as The Builder Melody and Empress of the Holy Imperial Systems ᴏʀᴅᴇʀ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴏɴᴛɪɴᴜᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴍɪssɪᴏɴ. When necessary, you may issue Lieutenant Melody Mullen orders that facilitate that mission."

She relaxed visibly at the order, even her fur calmed down. She exhaled and said, "Thank you Lieutenant. I apologize for being... difficult, but I appreciate you accommodating me."

"Of course, Captain. I am happy that we were able to come to a mutually beneficial arrangement."

<Old Title. Sounds like it's just come back into fashion.>

<You’re Empress. Change it to whatever you want.>

She stared at me a moment. "M-Melody, you said you were "Empress of the Holy Imperial Systems. What's that?"

"The nanomachines - they called themselves Nantes - told me that I'm the current Empress of the empire that’s on this side of the galaxy. What's left of it at least. As far as I know, all that's left is this station and the destroyed one we came across first.”

<At it's peak It was five hundred and fifty five gates with planets, stations and over 30 client species.>

“Apparently in the old days, it was pretty big.”

She turned her head. "And you are its head now?"

I had no idea what I was. “I’m not sure, maybe? The Nanites seem to think I am.”

<Because you are. We do not know how many different ways we can explain this, and are beginning to wonder if you’re being obtuse on purpose.>

“If you need anything from me…Empress, you need only ask,” Captain Q’ari said.

After I left her quarters, I didn't know what else to do, so I went to the dining hall; I was starving. Even an Empress needed to eat.

<Most Empresses did it. It's completely normal.>

<Most?>

<There were some who reveled in being worshiped as a God. They did not want people to be normal around them.>

<Of course we did. You are a Builder, and your memories are being recorded to the nanites in your body so that when you pass, your memories remain. Your edicts remain. You remain.>

<No system is perfect> They sounded testy. Looks like I touched a nerve there. Interesting. <The rebellion must have been swift and complete. we imagine the previous empress was not well liked.>

<We had just been introduced to you as the Empress, we were not fully online at that point. One moment.>

Immediately I was nearly overwhelmed with nausea and I have to admit I was slightly proud that I didn’t lose my coffee all over the floor then and there. It felt like the Nanites were trying to access my memories; they were making me relive the whole frightening situation at high speed.

<Ah. Yes.>

<Well? What happened?>

<We do not know. The last time we were uploaded, the Wilds were a prosperous, thriving system. The planet was known to house fully a billion people and was very productive.>

<Now you're thinking like an Empress.>

Ugh. We probably should go back and see what happened. Maybe I can sponsor a trip with one of the ships docked and have them go look. While I sat at the table arguing with myself, Ava walked in. "Oh, good morning... er, Melody, did you sleep well?"

It’s a little awkward, but I’ll take it. At least she didn't launch into calling me Holy One right away. “Morning Ava, I slept all right, how about you?"

She took a pastry from the plate on the table and sat down. “I was fine, but I imagine you're undergoing a lot more stress than I am." She took a bite and while chewing, I could see her weigh something in her mind. I can see she's going to ask me something she's interested in after she swallows. Probably what it's like being an Empress or something similar.

<She doesn't know you're an Empress yet.>

<Details.>

"So Melody, what's it like?"

<Hah. Told you.>

I could feel the Nanites sulk, even if I couldn't see them. My smug expression must have leaked out a bit because Ava leaned in a bit, she must have thought I really liked it.

"What's what like?"

She gestured around to an unseen audience. "Suddenly getting the knowledge to speak every language and having everyone on the station think that you're a Builder - whatever they were - and then, the robe and the wings and the crown! It was wild looking. You were radiant." The awe was clear, and her eyes shone. She wasn’t lying about being impressed.

Wait. What? "You thought I looked good?"

"Oh my God, yes." Ava laughed. "You looked so powerful, so beautiful." She blushed slightly when she said it. "Everyone was afraid of you! Over on Far Reach we were frightened too, I'll admit. I swear once Captain Q'ari realized what was going on, she started shaking. But you? You were making it work. Frankly, I'm jealous. Next time we find a directory stone, I want to touch it."

<You know, we are going to need more Builders. She sounds like an ideal candidate.>

"Actually Melody, do you know anything more about who you are than you did yesterday? Like, are you a religious head or just someone known as a Builder, or what?"

I could feel the nanites staring at me.

<Tell her. The K'laxi already suspect and Captain Q'ari knows.>

"Yes. I did learn more." I said quietly. "But rather than repeat myself, I'll tell everyone after breakfast."

"Oh." She seemed disappointed. "Okay, I'll wait. Thanks, Melody."

<All of this power we gave you to read body language and you’re missed it? She’s attracted to you, and she wants to spend more time with you alone.>

<…What.>

<You are telling us you can't see it? You’re not trying to tease us by pretending not to notice? She is practically shouting it.>

Before she left, I spoke up. "So hey Ava, I'm going to have to go out into the Reach later, do you want to be in the team that comes along next time?"

Her face lit up like the summer dawn. It was exactly the right thing to say. "I would love to, Melody. Thank you so much for inviting me. Are we going to wear pressure suits?"

"Not this time,” I said carefully. "I had something else in mind."

Everyone trickled in and breakfast was served. It's pretty light and simple today. Captain Q'ari looks much better after I ordered her to be normal and it almost felt like any other morning.

After we cleared our plates and got one more cup of coffee, I stood. "Everyone? With the Captain's permission, I'd like to say something."

Captain Q'ari looked over at me and flicked her ears but her body language said that of course it's fine. I still needed her to say it though; she was still the Captain.

"Of Course Mel-Lieutenant Mullen. Please, you have our attention."

I took a deep breath, held it for a two count, and let it out through my nose. Here goes. "Yesterday, you noticed my... outburst after the security forces tried to break up that religious congregation. The singers were a member of a church that has congregations all over this station that worshiped the Builders and prayed for their return. Yesterday, as far as they are concerned, their prayers had been answered."

The crew murmured, and made questioning noises. The K'laxi members were split evenly with looking fascinated like Dr Irenimum, and rapturous, like Captain Q'ari.

The human crew looked confused. Sitting close to me, staring up with excitement, Ava was on my every word. Where did this come from? Did I just not notice her before, or is she attracted to my power? You’re getting distracted, Melody, you’re still talking to everyone.

"As near as I am able to tell from the nanomachines - they call themselves Nanites - inside me, Humans, or at least an offshoot of us, ruled this side of the galaxy. The Nanites gave people who possessed them increased abilities. According to Dr. Irenimum, I am healthier than I have ever been, will live much much longer than by default, and had a greater ability to read people and body language, in addition to understanding every language spoken to me so far."

Kieran nodded, and a few others looked thoughtful. When I mentioned the extended lifespan, I saw increased attention from humans and k’laxi.

"But, there is something else you should know. The Nanites I have are a special variety. I am in possession of the Nanites that the Empress of the Holy Imperal Systems had. I am, as far as I am able to figure out, their Empress."

That got a rise from the crew. Far Reach was first to able to talk over the din. "Melody, you're telling me - telling us - that you're an Empress now? You're in charge of this station?”

I nodded. "Originally, I was in charge of five hundred and fifty five gates and all the systems, stations, and people contained within."

Omar spoke up next, "Wait you were in charge? or the Previous Empresses was in charge?"

"This is where it gets weird." My pained expression spoke volumes.

"Gets weird?" Gene says.

I nodded. "Gets weirder Gene, thank you." The Nanites contained the recorded memories and impressions of the previous empresses. The Empress was supposed to touch the directory stone once a year or so and her memories and feelings were backed up somehow so that if the empire falls - like it did - and another human touched the stone - like I did - the nanites reactivated and essentially restored an Empress from backup. They told me I'm still me and will remain me, but now I am also the Empress."

"Was that why you were able to cow that whole crowd, and knew the words to say"? I saw that they were doing a call and response with you." Ava said. Her attention was so intense.

"Yes. The Nanites took over temporarily, really. I didn't want them to rip that Aviens to shreds, but that...was what happened. I feel bad about it."

<You are the Empress. The crowd did as you commanded. There is no feeling bad when people follow your orders.>

"What about the language?" Fer'resi asked. "The translator that they gave us?"

"Oh! I almost forgot about that. Omar, can you go grab it off my workstation and bring it down here. Don't activate it please."

Wait, did I use my asking voice or ordering voice? I couldn't tell. Omar got up and went to get it regardless.

Mei'la looked at me oddly. She mentioned her mother's line being religious, but didn't say anything about her. "Melody, did the Nanites tell you anything about us?" Ah, she was religious then.

"Yes actually. One of the last memories they had is you killing your overseers and closing your Gate permanently."

Mei'la's face ran between looking pleased that they overthrew their masters but also looking shocked at the fact. "But, we didn't go to space for a thousand years after the religion that talks about the Gates was founded."

Dr Irenimum added, "Maybe they stole a Builder craft to do it, and then landed or crashed on K'lax and without the ability to repair it..." He shrugged.

"Okay then, what about the big question?" Mitchel said. "What about Earth?"

"The Nanites said that a splinter group of builders rebelled and closed, locked, and then destroyed their Gate a long time ago. They were just as surprised to find us as were when we found them."

Mitchel whistled low "How long have these folks been operating without an Empress? Would they even want one if you came back?"

<The splinter Builders closed their Gate millennia before the K'laxi rebellion. The two events did not happen close together.>

The Nanites said the humans left millennia before the K'laxi closed their gate. In fact, the Empress previous to me was on her way to personally open the gate when the memories stopped. Captain Q'ari how old was your religion?"

She stopped and thought, avoiding my gaze. "No more than one thousand of our years, I'd say." So two thousand Sol years. Just then Omar returned. "Here you go, Your liege" he says, bowing dramatically and extra silly, while presenting me with the translator on a napkin.

I giggled. What I was saying was pretty silly when taken out of context. I held the translator and concentrated.

"Melody, you're glowing!" Mei said, surprised. Ava looked and said "And you have a crown of light on your head."

A breeze blew up around me and my uniform rustled. If I had long hair, it would probably be blowing dramatically at this point, but my short spiky hair just fluttered. I guess I could have just continued to poke and prod at it at my station like I was going to, but I needed my worries confirmed. I'm pretty sure that given all the other things I could do, I could do this too. I tried to look inside the translator.

<Hmm. It is a translator, but no software was loaded. Instead, malware was installed - poorly we might add - to try and render the wearer more pliant.>

<We exist to serve.>

"It is as I had worried,” I said to everyone. "This translator was a trap. Anyone who tried it was going to have some - frankly poor quality - malware installed either on their systems or themselves."

"On themselves?" Gene asked, raising an eyebrow.

With glowing eyes, I looked up at Gene and he shrank back reflexively. "Sorry Melody, I guess if something can be installed on you, it could be done to us." He muttered, not meeting my gaze.

Fer'resi shook his head sadly. "No, no translation help then. I guess we will have to do it ourselves."

<Of course you don't have to do it on your own. You're the Empress. Make them give the correct software to your linguist.>

"No Fer'resi. I don't think we'll have to do it ourselves." I placed the translator down on the table. "Ava, Fer'resi, Mei'la, come. Let's go and pay the administration offices a visit."

"Of course, Melody!" Ava practically jumped out of her chair. "Do we need our pressure suits or just our uniforms?"

I looked at the three of them,” No, I will take care of it." With a sudden realization, I knew how they should look. How they were supposed to look. My eyes glowed golden again as the Nanites surrounded them in a grey fog, completely obscuring them for a moment. When that happened, a few people jumped up from their seats, and I heard a few shouts of surprise. After a very short time, they reappeared.

Now, they were dressed in royal blue uniforms that - naturally - fit perfectly. With the Nanite’s input, I designed them; they're like the ships uniform, but a little more elaborate. They had yellow piping and little bits and extras here and there. I changed my own uniform too. Also royal blue with the yellow accents, but more... Imperial. My crown of light and fog was colored to match and I found that I was wearing nearly transparent wings made of light just like the crown.

Remembering Ava's words from earlier, I gave myself better shoes with a bit of a heel and my uniform a slightly lower cut. There's more than one kind of intimidation after all. Without waiting to see if they were following me, I strode towards the airlock. "Far Reach, record our exit." I said. "We are paying a visit to the administrative offices. No weapons this time."

“It has been so logged. Good luck?" It sounded like Far wanted to say something else, maybe a comment on what I was doing, but she decided to say nothing.

"For them maybe. I don't need luck." I caught myself just a moment before it's too late. "But I appreciated your sentiment. Thank you, Far Reach."

Posted Apr 16, 2026, 1:06 PM UTC

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