[Just A Little Further] - Chapter 27

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I did wonder if I was being too casual with everyone for a moment, but really this was who I am, how I wanted to rule. Even the nanites decided to give me more leeway after seeing me rule in my own way. I wasn’t sure how I felt about getting ‘permission’ to be myself, but it probably wasn’t worth dwelling on.

<Enjoy your freedom. Precious few Empresses had it.>

<What did that mean?>

They didn’t reply, and I didn’t press. I remembered Far Reach's words and I'm reminded that she and much of the crew that left thought I was changing, but that wasn’t happening. I was going to keep on walking around and talking to people and trying to learn as much about my new home as I can. My new home. That's what the Reach was, and I was here to protect it and its residents. There was no need to rush back to the throne, if the others needed me they could reach out, so I spent the evening up here visiting shops, talking to people, trying to learn as much as I could. It turned out most everyone here went down to the Throne this morning, so people were open later today to allow folks who missed their morning shopping to be able to get things.

I stopped by a restaurant that looked nice and got dinner by myself. After I shooed away the entire staff who was practically falling over themselves to be the one who took care of me and gently remind them they have other patrons who also need help, I enjoyed my meal and even tried out some of the tea that everyone here seems to drink. It was no coffee, but it's pleasant in its own way; It's hot and sweet and herbal and smelled slightly of anise. I should see if I could get more to bring back, thinking that Um'reli might like it. After dinner, I strolled slowly back towards the train and connected to the Reach and looked for Ava and Um'reli. "Ava, Um'reli, where are you?"

"We're back at the Royal Dawn; where are you Melody, it's so late!"

Is it? Hmm, I should figure out the timekeeping here. It's hard to believe it's only been a few days since I left Far Reach; I was probably still on ship's time.

"Oh, after the brawl, I went and met the Security forces up here, and then I walked around talking to people, and got a nice dinner. Um'reli you have got to try this tea they have! I think you'd really like it."

"Oh? Thanks Melody, I will check it out next time we eat. Um, are you coming back? Omar is back too, he has a report about High Line."

"I'm walking back to the train station now, I'll be home in a bit. No more than half an hour probably. Omar, do you want to tell me about it now while I walk or wait until I get back?"

"How about when you get back Melody. It still feels odd talking to people like this, like I'm having a discussion with myself."

"Sure thing Omar, see you in a bit."

I made my way back to the hub station just as a train pulled away. As I watched it go, an Aviens was running down the platform shouting, "No no no no, I can't miss my train! They're going to be so mad!" They reached the end of the platform and their feathers rippled and they looked despondent.

"What's wrong? What about waiting for the next train?” I asked.

They looked up at me, saw who I was, and nearly jumped a meter into the air.” E-Empress! I er, um,” And they bowed shakily.

I stopped myself from rolling my eyes and gestured for them to stand. "Yes yes, that's fine, but not really necessary unless I'm doing royal stuff. What's the matter? You sounded so sad."

"Oh Empress, that was the last train! There isn't another until tomorrow! I must get back down to my home, my parents were going to be so upset to find out that I missed the last train home again and have nowhere to stay,” they said, practically in tears.

What’s the point of being Empress if I couldn’t help folks like this? “Oh no! Well, I have to get down a level so I can go home as well but I had no idea that was the last train - I'm still getting used to time here, it's different than where I'm from. Let me see what I can do. What's your name?"

Their expression was a little tough to parse, but with the nanites help it seemed like they had shock, surprise, and awe all at once. “Oh, thank you, thank you Empress!” They said as they bobbed a quick bow again, “My name is Sound of the City."

I love the Aviens’ names, they’re so descriptive. “It's so nice to meet you Sound of the City! Let's see about finding a way for both of us to get home."

I led them to a seat on the platform and sitting down, gestured for them to join me. After a moment, they they snuggled up next to me and yawned deeply. Surprised at how fast they become comfortable with me, I looked over and realized they're so young! Just a child. If they were human, they might have been a teen. All the more reason to get them home. I leaned back a little and connected and began a quick search for the train subsystem.

Ah, there. They were right, that was the last scheduled train. Luckily though, when you're an Empress and a Builder, you didn't have to worry about things like schedules. Let's see, what train was closest to us... hmm? What was that? I saw something marked 'Royal transport - offline' and it was very close, in a siding nearby. I dug a little deeper and it seemed like it was a whole train for the Empress. They must have used it when the previous Empress was traveling around the Reach. I remembered in my dream how proud Aeche was of the transit system, I wondered if this was related to it? Well, it was the closest train, and this way I won't mess up tomorrows schedule either. I touched the train gently, and it activated. Basic systems check indicates nothing was wrong, so I called the train. After only a minute, there was the trilling chime that indicated a train was coming.

"Sound, look. I found a train,” I said as I touched their shoulders gently.

They blinked sleepily and looked up and I laughed as they did a real double take, gasping at what was before them. I had to admit, it was impressive. The Royal Transport was a subway train, but turned up loud. It was royal blue and gold and gilded with sweeping flowery designs. It was only three cars - the other trains seem to be between 6 and 10 cars - but what it lacked in length it made up for in elegance.

I'm almost sad that the station is empty, this is something that needs to be seen. I will have to ride it around more.

"This train is beautiful, Empress! This is how we're going to get home?"

"Yup. It's the Royal Transport. It was designed for the Empress to move around the Reach."

We approached the door and with a soft chime it slid open. I stepped in and I marveled at how luxurious it was inside, carpeted and plush and only smelled a little bit like must and dust. Sound of the City stood at the door, not coming in.

"What's wrong Sound? Come in"

"A-are you sure? It's a train for the Empress."

"And as Empress, I'm telling you it's fine. Please, come aboard. I'll take you home. It's only two stops."

I reached out my hand and they nervously took it, stepped in, and the doors hissed shut behind us. I lead us to a seat and we both sat down. Only after we were seated did it begin to roll away, nearly silently. Sound once again snuggled up and was nearly asleep instantly. While we rode I searched the train mentally. Oh! There was a log! The last time this train was used was...

185 years ago? That a long time, but but nearly as long as I thought it would be.

When did the last Empress touch the directory stone? The timing of everything didn’t make sense. Either things should have failed centuries ago, or they failed recently and degraded quickly. For things to be offline for ‘only’ 185 years doesn’t seem right. Once High Line had been refitted, I think I needed to go to the Wilds of Besmara and try to figure out what happened there.

As I was thinking about what could have happened to cause an entire empire to fall, the train rolled to a stop. Just as silently the doors hissed open and were back at my station. "Sound, wake up, we're here." I said gently.

They rustled and blinked and realizing they were sleeping on the Empress jumped up, embarrassed. "I'm so sorry!"

I laughed gently and said, "It's fine Sound. I'm pretty tired too. Let me walk you home." This is the latest I have been out so far, and the Reach was so quiet! The lights were down low, but it was still easy to see. Sound said they lived close to the station and they led me there. It was a little block of apartments in between the bank and the Administrative offices. Convenient location, I bet at one point this place was expensive. As we approached the door, an older Aviens opened it ahead of us, clearly upset. "Sound of the City, you are late." They said. "How did you even get home? The last train had already arrived and you were not upon it. Were you wandering around causing trouble after you got here?"

"No Father! I was working late to help Gemli finish up inventory and ran to catch the last train. I missed it, and thought I was done for when-“ Sound gestured behind them to me, and I knew exactly what to do. In the low light, I flared the crown and wings just for a moment and darkened them again. There's a gasp and the adult Aviens bowed low.

"E-E-Empress! What are you doing here?"

"I too missed the last train home, and ran into Sound of the City weeping that they were going to be in trouble and had no way of getting home. I was able to call the Royal Transport and bring them and myself back home. I just wanted to make sure they made it home safely." I paused pointedly. "I do not believe Sound should be punished; it seemed that they got caught up helping a friend."

"O-of course, Empress." They reached out to Sound, "Get inside and wash up child, it's past bedtime." Sound of the City hesitated a moment, then ran up and hugged me tightly. "Thank you, Empress,” they said as they ran inside.

"You're very welcome, Sound of the City." I waited a moment until they were out of earshot and looking back towards their father, I narrowed my eyes just a bit. "They did not bother me, they did not put me out, I was helping because I wanted to. Do not give them trouble about this."

Their feathers blanched at my tone, but they bobbed a quick nod. "Of course Empress. Thank you Empress, I really am grateful you brought them home. They get caught up helping friends and lose track of time. It's a regular occurrence with them."

"There are worse problems to have than being late because one is helping friends. People like that are what makes the Reach home."

"You're absolutely right, Empress. I will do well to remember that."

"Good night then."

"Empress." The bowed again and closed the door gently.

By the time I made it back to the Royal Dawn, there's only one bored looking person behind the desk. They waved me up, and I went to my rooms. I looked longingly at the bath, but it's so late, I should just go to bed. I'll ask Omar about the work on High Line tomorrow. Maybe the dreams tonight can help shed some light on what's going on here. I fell asleep almost the second my head touched the pillow.

****

I was the Empress.

I was on Reach of the Might of Vzzx, continuing my tour with Aeche. She had grown attached these last few weeks, by my side at every moment she could, standing behind my throne, and tried to steer the residents away from me. I wondered if she thought herself higher because of our relationship. As pleasant as her adoration was, it was probably time to move on, so I asked her when Worldshaker would be ready to leave. It was odd, originally I was burning to go and show the K’laxi the price of insubordination, but now I was more inclined to hear their complaints, to find out what caused them to kill their Builder and lock their Gate. This was only the first step in taking my empire back. We had once been so mighty, and with my leadership would be again, but nothing would happen if I was here concentrating on my bedroom instead of my empire. “Soon,” Aeche said as I asked that night when we were in bed together. “Very soon. We only had a few more preparations to make.”

"No more excuses. We will leave tomorrow." I was firm.

"But Janais my love, we are almost ready. I- I have a surprise for you. It just needed a few more days to prepare."

With two fingers I tipped her chin up towards me. "Aeche, you are my most prized Builder. What we have is special. I am glad to know you and I am glad you are here, but I am Empress. There is much that I have to consider beyond what brings me happiness. I have an empire to claim.”

"Of course Empress, I did not mean-"

"Shh, I know you didn't. I am just making sure that we are clear as crystal about what this is, about what we are."

I tried to change the subject. "What is this surprise you have for me?"

That caused her to perk up immediately. "Empress, you will love it! My Builders and I are working on a new way to transit the stars! We can avoid using the Gates entirely and may shorten the distance to worlds even further."

<What.>

<I do not know either, shh. Let her speak.>

The nanites reached out to me directly so rarely these days, I was beginning to wonder if they had left. I raised my eyebrows. "And how does such a miraculous device work, Aeche? And why have we not developed it before?"

She shrugged. "I do not know the science Empress, I left the details up to my Builders. They say that we have a way to cut a hole in spacetime and jump from one point to another. It requires a tremendous expenditure of energy, but they think that one of the reactors that we use when we construct the Gates will be sufficient. As the Reach has the equipment to make a Gate, I decided to refit Worldshaker with a Gate reactor. Once it has completed, we can leave."

<This is dangerous Janais. Do not let her continue.>

<Why? What is so dangerous? Traversing the Gate system takes many days to transit my empire. If we can cut that time, we can make retaking the systems so much easier.>

As much as I was taking Aeche’s side in consultation with the nanites, I wasn’t completely without worry, I asked, “Is this safe?" I did feel it was a little presumptive for Aeche to not mind at all that she was installing a Gate reactor into my ship and was going to use it to power an unproven design with me aboard.

"It is perfectly safe Empress. We have used it to jump small beacons over vast distances. I sent a ship through the Gates to a location far away from here and then jumped a small beacon to them. They collected it and brought it back to us via the Gates. It worked flawlessly. This is the culmination of our research. We will leave, jump to the Wilds of Besmara as a final test, and then jump to the K'laxi world."

I was still not sure, but it sounded like she had done some testing. It would be impressive to jump right there without using the Gate. That would really show the K'laxi that their little rebellion was ultimately futile. "Aeche, finish your refit and we shall leave when it is completed. Before we jump for the first time though, I must visit the Gate and complete an upload. It has been too long since I've completed a ritual. It must be done regularly."

<Far too long, especially if you are going to galavant around the galaxy in this…abomination, this perversion of our gate technology.>

<What troubles you? Why are you so against this?> Rarely had I heard the nanites reply with such venom.

<It is unnatural.>

<And traversing a Gate is?>

<We built the Gates, we understand the Gates. This is neither of those things.>

Aeche raised her eyebrows and touched my arm as we walked. "Does it matter which Gate you use for your Upload? I don't think you've used the Gate here yet."

"No it doesn't matter which Gate. There was only one Gate. All the Gates we have in our Galaxy are...echos, or shadows of The Gate. As Empress, I can do the upload from any Gate, and it will work. I must complete an upload; I've been slacking."

"My Empress." Aeche bowed low. Was she being sarcastic? I felt like maybe a little, but I probably would cause more trouble than it's worth if I pointed it out.

****

I awoke with a start. Aeche's engineers had been developing a wormhole generator! But the Wilds of Besmara was destroyed utterly. Was it a wormhole accident? Ugh, I wish I paid better attention in history class. No new system was perfect, early wormhole generators must have blown up. Could it be that catastrophic? Would a failed wormhole link crack a planet?

<Perhaps if they misjudged their coordinates and linked into the planet itself?>

I do know we had to be extremely accurate with our wormhole calculations. The coordinates weren't enough, we had to know where all nearby celestial bodies were and likely locations of traffic. It was one of the main reasons we didn't link close to things like planets, orbitals, stations or stations. It was too dangerous. Get your location a hundred kilometers off and you're in a starship with no control surfaces screaming through an atmosphere. Or worse, link into a planet.

My head was swimming as I headed down for breakfast. I decided to keep the gown, but I made it more casual. I removed the flowing train, raised the neckline more, lowered the heels. Hey, my feet didn't hurt, but I was in those tall heels all day long. I wondered if that was the Nanites doing. Before this, anything higher than a kitten heel annoyed me to no end. At breakfast I explained my afternoon yesterday and told them about the security office I visited and the dinner I had after, making sure I mentioned the really good tea. When the server came by, I described it to them and they brought some for us to have with breakfast. I still made some coffee though. "Okay, before we begin today, do any of you know... about wormhole generators?"

Omar finished chewing and swallowed his food. "That's an odd question Melody. Anything specific about them?"

"Well maybe more about their history. Do you know if there was a lot of accidents with them when they first started out?"

"Well sure. It used a tremendous amount of energy to rip a hole in spacetime. There were a lot of mistakes in the beginning. That's why it was so crazy the scientist from Ganymede went off to Parvati on his own. I think he had only tested it like 2 or 3 times before he climbed in himself and left."

"Was there enough energy say to... crack a planet if you accidentally linked inside one?" I took a sip of coffee. I really wish we had more beans, this whole one cup a day thing was murder. It made every cup delicious though.

Ava picked up what I'm thinking. "Melody, do you think it was a wormhole accident that destroyed that other place, the Wilds of Bes...Bas?"

"Wilds of Besmara. Yes, I'm wondering. Last night when I was dreaming the Nanites showed me that Aeche and her team were here with Janais and they were refitting her ship with a wormhole generator. She was going to link to the Wilds as a final test, then link on to the K'laxi homeworld. We go to the Wilds first and see a destroyed planet. It sure seems like maybe there wasn't a revolution, just an accident.

<An accident would explain why we have no memory of any decline of the empire.>

<Empires don’t fall over all at once. Are you sure that the previous Empresses were just being kept in the dark about trouble?>

<Never. Everyone loved their Empress.>

I mentally made a face, but didn’t say anything else. Um'reli's ears flicked. "Right, it has to be something like that. The K'laxi gate was closed a thousand years ago, and everyone here says the Builders left “a long time ago.” As good as this station is there's no way it lasted one thousand years on automatic."

Let's get High Line refitted and spaceworthy, then go to the Wilds of Besmara and see what we can find. Maybe it was just an accident."

"Wait, that's it!" Um'reli was lost in thought, but at the mention of an accident she snapped back to us. "What if that's the answer. All the builders didn't disappear, just the Empress."

"What do you mean? Ava looked curious.

Um'reli's small hands were moving as she talked, trying to shape her ideas as she spoke them. "Melody says that Aeche and her team were trying out a new drive, what we think is the wormhole generator. That says they were looking for an edge, for a way to get ahead of someone. What if Melody's empire was already in decline. Maybe we're wrong about the timing of the K'laxi locking their gate. They locked it a thousand years ago and the Empire had to just... deal with it because they didn't have the resources to go and take it back. Then, here comes Aeche with a new way to bypass the Gates and the previous Empress goes "Hot damn! Now I have a way to retake my Empire" and they zoom off to try it out... but it blew up. Now, no more Empress, but there are still Builders. For... some reason... they don't - or can't - make another Empress and they run on without one until.. ugh. Where did the Builders go then?"

<We admit, the theory had merit. Remember, you were long lived now thanks to us. We don't know how long Janais was here after Aeche brought her. We don't know what the Builders did after Janais and Aeche left.>

<Does it? You made me Empress, I didn’t do anything. Why wouldn’t you have made another when Janais died?>

<We-> The nanites stopped, and I could feel them furiously thinking. What I said made sense after all. If Janais died they should have just been like “whoops, time for the next most senior builder to have a turn.” <You have to understand Melody, this pains us to admit.>

<But?>

<We don’t know why a new Empress was not made after Janais died.>

<You don’t know? You told me that you’re a fucking inter-dimentional, impossibly old intelligence. How can you not fucking know?>

<Watch your tone, Melody.> As soon as the nanites finished speaking, I developed a massive headache. Worse than the worst hangover I had ever gotten. I winced and gasped aloud. Just as quickly as it arrived, it dissipated. <We’re in here with you. We treat you with respect, and we expect the same from you. We don’t know why a new Empress was not made. We will most likely learn at the Wilds. We should go there with haste.>

“Are you all right, Melody?” Omar asked. I think he might have been the only one who noticed my wince of pain. Um’reli and Ava had been discussing something together, probably related to timeline stuff.

“I’m fine, Omar, thanks for asking.” I said and smiled. “Just some tweak of pain, nothing to worry about. Remember, with the nanites they’re supposed to make me healthier than any baseline human.”

“If you’re sure…” Omar trailed off. He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press the issue either. I polished off the coffee and sighed. “Ugh. I wish we had a clear timeline of events. Maybe we'll learn more if we go over to the Wilds of Besmara. Speaking of that Omar, how are we with High Line?"

Omar's eyebrows and shoulders shrugged. "It's only been a day Melody, but I think we're on the right track. We've got the printers going full speed now. It turns out Starlight knew of some people who can work their printer. They were still using it for repairs. I was able to integrate most of our database into theirs and we're off and printing. As parts and pieces are completed, River has personnel that can help install them. We're also working to make sure our refit is modular too. There are still 4 other ships around the docking ring here. Once High Line is done, we should move right on to the next."

"Good work Omar. When all the ships have been refitted, we should begin construction of our own. I wish we had a full shipyard, I'd love to make our own Starjumper and make that my flag carrier."

Omar grinned. "In time, Empress, in time. For now, High Line will have to do. It won't be very large, but it should be powerful - especially for ships around here - and it should do well to help you project power. Give me a month or so, and I'll give you a ride to the Wilds of Besmara."

"A month then. I'm holding you to it!" I laughed and turned to Ava and Um'reli. "Okay, what's up with the Reach it self. Did you learn anything useful yesterday?"

Um'reli looked up from her tea. "Actually, yes! Remember the food thing? How people said that food was unreliable and expensive and the Administrators said it came from a hollowed out planetoid a little bit away?"

I nodded, lots of people asked about it. "Yes, I remember. What did you learn?"

"For one, the system to deliver food to the Reach was automated! The crops were processed and packed on the surface of the planetoid and then packed into boxes, and those are clipped to automated thrusters and they are then launched towards the Reach. When they arrive - at their own special docking bay on the top, nowhere near the dock for starships - they're unloaded and the empty boxes are sent back to be filled. It's actually a pretty efficient process. I could totally see it running without any input for one hundred years. Now though, I think the thrusters are wearing out and through regular wear and tear the boxes were breaking. Once we have some ships, we should devote print time to repairs of the food delivery system."

"Good idea Um'reli, let's do that. Let's get High Line and maybe one other ship done, then we'll pause the refit effort to repair the food delivery system and then continue on with the refit. When I first connected, I saw some old, closed off places that were listed as "food distribution centers" any idea about those?"

"I saw them too, and looked into it. As near as I can tell they were very old, and left over from when the Reach was new. They were never meant to be used forever. They were always meant to be shut down when restaurants and shops come online and they were kept to be used only if there's issues with food production or a disaster where a lot more people come all at once needing food."

I nodded. "Okay, so at least people are getting fed the way they're supposed to be. Yesterday I was talking to folks and I asked some people on the subway if they wanted a job and...oh! I have to get to the Throne! There's going to be people waiting for a job." I stood up quickly.

"Feel free to stay and finish your breakfast, but I have to get going, I don't want people just sitting around!" Ava stood up too and after a moment Omar and Um'reli do as well. "We were finished anyway Melody, let's get to work."

We made the short walk over to the throne from the hotel and there were a small group of people there, maybe a dozen. Nothing like the mob from yesterday. I was glad for that at least, I could probably find work for everyone here. Oh hey, I see Roar of Thunder and Sound of the city! Vaaqo is here too! I had Ava, Um'reli and Omar make their way towards the back room behind the throne as I sat. Getting online I called everyone to approach closer. If they're going to work for me they need to get used to being closer to me. "Thank you for coming everyone. I'm so pleased to see so many people who want to help us out with our important work. Please line up and I'll talk to you individually and figure out how best we can use you."

I was right, there was something they could all do to help. Now I have people who could take messages for us, who would keep my Throne clean and watched, and people who could tell me about the social workings of the Reach as well as groups I should know about and their political power. I have a retinue! I spent the rest of the day connected to the Throne and working with everyone to get an idea of our overall status and what needed immediate work. The fire suppression systems for sure should be online everywhere, the food distribution tugs need to be refurbished and I needed to contact Rain. Actually... I sit back and think about The Smell of Soil After Rain. What they looked like, what they sound like...there! Higher level, walking around, talking to people. Others are coming up and reporting to them. Wow, they were taking my edict to be my bishop seriously.

"The Smell of Soil After Rain. It's your Empress, can you hear me?"

With a start, Rain jumped and looked around. "I-I can hear you Empress! What is it you need of me?"

"There was a riot yesterday. Some of the rioters said you were threatening people that if they didn't worship me their children would be taken out of schools."

"I was merely being...emphatic with my urges that everyone attend services and render their worship and..."

sɪʟᴇɴᴄᴇ!

His mouth slammed shut.

"Rain, you will threaten nobody. Nobody is required to worship me. I am their Empress, not their God. If people choose to worship me, so be it. They will not be coerced into it.

Am. I. Understood? sᴘᴇᴀᴋ."

"Y-y-yes Empress, I understand. I obey. I will spread your word but I will make sure everyone knows it is not compulsory."

“Never forget that you are replaceable, Rain.” and I disconnected. I wish I could have slammed the connection like an old communicator, but I had to make due with an abrupt disconnect. It was a little harsh - I admit - but I will not tolerate Rain making people hate me because they think I need them to go to...church for me. The last thing I wanted was a religious war in addition to any other kinds of wars I might have to deal with here.