Author's Note: I've been watching a lot of movies lately. I saw Harlock: Space Pirate (2014): it's cute and gave me some interesting ideas.
But the film that touched me the most was Cosmic Princess Kaguya. That film moved me so much, I almost cried several times. I absolutely love it!
PS I hope you enjoy this chapter.
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Story Arc: Welcome to the Normandy SR-2
Episode 2: Getting to Know the Magical Aliens
Chapter 6: What is a Rogue Trader?
Plot: Kat Shepard has the honor of being the first human woman to open a dialogue with the aliens of the Galaxy Azure; this means being the first to learn new things and the first to make mistakes.
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POV Narrator
Inside the Normandy SR-2, history is being made, though some parts, if they become public, would have to be censored or adapted: they are too bizarre and surreal to be believed.
XXX
The briefing room is located on Deck 2 (CIC), nestled between the armory and the technology lab; it is a space dominated by a large circular table surrounded by ergonomic chairs.
On the left side sit the new aliens: Traveler and Amelia. Mash remained standing behind them, a choice dictated by safety and the need to prevent the excessive weight of her heavy armor from crushing the seat.
Kat Shepard and Miranda sit on the starboard side. The other crew members who were supposed to be attending the reception stayed behind to help Jacob clean up his recent mess.
"Calm down, Kat. You're the first human to become a Spectre, you saved the Citadel, you died and came back to life. You can handle First Contact with aliens who are part of a coalition of ten technologically advanced races led by a King," the red-haired woman thought.
She kept a straight face, even though her heart was beating faster than a bullet in her chest.
Her gaze fell on Traveler, sitting directly across from her.
As it was composed, it seemed like a work of art capable of taking one's breath away and challenging the heterosexuality of any man.
"Illegitimately attractive aliens who look like they've stepped out of a forbidden dream or an otaku anime," Kat mused, feeling her neurons slowly frying. Dealing with such captivating creatures could prove to be the most dangerous mission of her career.
To the right of the Citadel's heroine, the Normandy's Femme Fatale, Miranda, tried to keep a cool head.
"This room is the best place for a conversation; the sensors and cameras here will be useful for post-event analysis," Miranda said lucidly.
Then, however, his eyes fell on Traveler and... wisely, he decided to shift his gaze to Amelia.
The space elf woman doesn't have Traveler's supernatural magnetism, but she's also a breathtaking beauty, and those enormous breasts in such a tight suit are almost a weapon.
The Femme Fatale was finally getting a taste of her own medicine, and she didn't like it.
'If these women go crazy for Bruce when he's dressed soberly and almost ceremonially, I wonder what would happen if he wore his usual exhibitionist clothes,' thought Amelia, with mixed feelings.
On the one hand, Traveler was performing admirably, playing the role of a charming diplomat from an exotic culture. It was an act that Amelia's more peaceful side appreciated.
On the other hand, she was slightly annoyed by the attention Bruce received. She was used to it: men and women had always been attracted to her partner, captivated by his looks or his power, but she knew that very few, like her, had truly touched his heart. Not to mention the women who carried his children: that's an even more limited club, as far as Amelia knows.
So far, the Rogue Trader Militant has discovered that he has three bastard daughters whose existence came as a surprise, and there are likely more unknown bastards somewhere in the Omniverse.
"First of all, let me make it clear: I am merely a soldier and a Spectre of the Council. I am not a diplomat; I cannot make official agreements or promises beyond my scope," Kat Shepard declared, laying her cards on the table from the outset.
"I, however, have diplomatic power and can make promises and agreements of various kinds, not on the scale of the entire USKY—I am not the Second King, after all—but only on the scale of Commorragh and the Voidwalker Fleet," said Traveler, specifying what he can do as a Rogue Trader Militant.
"You are no longer the First King, but you remain Archduke Bahamut, one of the Twelve Lords and Ladies of Star of the Realm; the First Noble Sector of the Middle Circle belongs to you. Although since becoming a Rogue Trader, you have appointed our firstborn son Leon B. Mash Kyrielight as Regent Star-Lord of the Bahamut Sector and have asked our adopted daughter Powder Kyrielight, aka Jinx Bahamut, to keep an eye on the Bahamut's Great Fortress World, Chaldea-SEVEN," Mash thought, knowing her Master could do much more.
But to make things easier for everyone, he will only do what a USKY Rogue Trader can do, even if he is an above-average Rogue Trader.
"There they are again: Commorragh, Voidwalker Fleet, not to mention that they mentioned the Galaxy Azure several times," Miranda thought, keeping all the key words in mind. She has several questions to ask and is just waiting for the right moment.
'Perfect, I'm the woman who has to negotiate with a charming alien Succubus/Incubus who will influence years of politics between the Citadel Council and her homeland,' thought Kat Shepard, preferring to play the hero who makes the impossible possible instead of playing diplomat.
His charisma is perfect for leading and inspiring people, not for striking deals that can resonate for decades.
"What exactly does it mean to be a Council Spectre?" Mash asked, breaking her long silence. Her voice sounded feminine, but slightly distorted by the helmet's synthetic filter.
The gazes of the two human women shifted to Mash, who, in her armor, did not appear to be as beautiful a woman as Amelia, but the armor she wore was deathly beautiful.
"Spectres, short for Special Tactics and Reconnaissance. They are elite agents granted extraordinary authority by the Citadel Council, including the power of life and death. Their primary duty is to maintain galactic stability by any means necessary," Miranda explained, with her trademark encyclopedic precision.
Hearing those words, Traveler couldn't help but smile, visibly amused for some reason.
"May I know what makes you smile, Traveler?" Kat Shepard asked, curious and fighting the intrusive thought of how charming he was right now.
"For two very simple reasons," Traveler replied calmly, resting his elbows on the table and intertwining his fingers.
'He's acting like a teacher, he loves explaining things, it's nourishing his studious side,' Mash thought; having listened to her Senpai's explanations for so long, it strangely relaxed her.
Mash, like Amelia and the other members of their family, preferred Bruce's scientific side to his warrior side, though when he overdid the former, he became a true mad scientist capable of creating experiments with bizarre or dangerous results, such as nullifying gravity in a house or creating a fast-growing plant that overran a city.
"Because some things are universal. In USKY, we have two positions similar to the Council's Spectres, and one even has a nearly identical name," Traveler explained, starting to unravel the details of some things about the Space Kingdom where he comes from.
The two human women listen attentively: so far they have only received fragmentary information about the USKY, and the Codex they received is still being processed.
"By my aesthetic standards, you're a pretty good-looking woman, Kat Shepard; the kind of face you see on posters. The exact opposite of anyone who would fill your position in USKY," Traveler added, waving his tail as effortlessly as a third arm.
"Would you mind elaborating?" Kat Shepard asked curiously, her face turning as red as her hair.
"In USKY, we have Inquisitors, autonomous agents with unparalleled power. They are not soldiers, but investigators, judges, and executioners who operate outside of any rigid hierarchy, answering only to the King's will. They are sent when there is nothing left to save," Amelia explained, her elven ears drooping. Her tone suggested she wasn't at all enthusiastic about their existence, considering them a necessary evil.
"Inquisitors aren't very popular, but they're just people who do a thankless and necessary job for the Kingdom to function," Mash said, seeing the people behind the title and the bad reputation.
'The King has Inquisitors... that's not a good sign,' thought Kat Shepard, recalling from history books how that term was synonymous with dark times.
"They dress in black, with long cloaks and faces hidden by skull-shaped helmets. Their signature weapon is the ringed whip and their badge is the Inquisitorial Rosette," Traveler added with a vivacity that betrayed his appreciation for the group.
"A state police organization that uses psychological terror as a weapon. An old trick, but effective," Miranda mentally noted, placing the Inquisitors in the category of subjects to avoid or monitor.
"I don't mean to offend, but these aren't people I'd want to meet on the street at night," Kat commented, trying to hide her discomfort, which was easier than usual because her blush wouldn't go away.
The Traveler's voice must be magical or something to affect his heart and blood pressure.
"The Inquisitors are a nightmare. Parents scare their children by saying that if they don't behave, the Inquisitors will come for them," Amelia confirmed, sharing the red-haired woman's concerns.
The female knight remained silent at these words, while the Rogue Trader Militant shook his head slightly.
"A king must be loved and feared in equal measure to rule long. The Inquisitors are the element of fear; their purpose is to instill doubt in potential traitors. 'Do I really want to do this? Do I risk meeting an Inquisitor? Better not.' That's how it works," Traveler explained, crossing his arms, justifying the dark aesthetic of the Inquisitorial order.
"You said there are two positions similar to the Spectres. The first is the Inquisitors. And the second?" Shepard asked, eager to change the subject; discussing Inquisitors, psychological tricks, and ruling philosophies is beyond her limited diplomatic skills.
"SPECTRA, or Special Paranormal & Extreme Crisis Tactical Response Arm. Commonly called the Specialists," Amelia replied, her demeanor completely changing; you could tell by her tone of voice and her perked-up elfin ears.
"Those ears going up and down are really cute," thought the red-haired woman, captivated by Amelia's beauty and physiology. A part of her wants to see what would happen if she touched them, but clearly she has the good sense not to, nor to express that intent.
'Did he just say "paranormal"? Is that a mistranslation or a way of describing the unusual? Or maybe they actually believe in magic?' Miranda wondered, recording every word.
"If the Inquisitors are lone wolves of the night, symbols of fear and the last line of defense... then the Specialists are a pride of lions fighting in the light of day. The first line of defense," Traveler said proudly, as if speaking of a wonderfully successful project.
'This is a relief,' thought Kat Shepard, glad that the second group didn't have a lugubrious name like "The Executioners."
"The Specialists are extraordinary men and women, the best in their fields, united in a single team and armed with the most advanced technologies in the Kingdom. They are the first responders in times of disaster and the best protectors for planets not directly overseen by the Crown," Traveler continued, clutching his heart in a clear gesture of loyalty to the Royal Family.
"Many compare them to superheroes, especially when they wear different colored uniforms," added Mash, finally intervening in the discussion.
'Actually the idea for SPECTRA was taken from Nick Fury with his Avengers Initiative and some elements of the fictional Earth franchise Phoenix Ranger Featherman R,' Amelia thought, remembering a certain long-dead human spy on Earth-2126.
"This is fascinating information, but I think we've lost track of the conversation. Mr. Traveler, who exactly are you? A diplomat? A prominent academic? A religious figure?" Miranda asked, determined to find out who they were really talking to, because so far she's seen so many different signals.
"The most mysterious and fascinating man in your life," Traveler replied, smiling, crossing her legs elegantly and moving her tail in a hypnotic gesture.
Miranda was silent for a moment, while Kat Shepard watched the fluid, seductive movement of that tail, wondering if there was a specific fetish for such body parts.
The answer, in fact, was an unequivocal yes; in USKY, it was an extremely common question. There were even heated debates about what was better: a thin or a wide ponytail? Short or long? Arguments even more heated than those among breast fetishists.
"I remember when you said that to me, in the library, a long time ago," Amelia murmured with a sweet, wistful smile, trying to remember whether she was sixteen or seventeen at the time.
"Was I wrong?" Traveler asked, turning toward her, his hair following the movement of his head in an almost provocative way.
Amelia didn't answer straight away, but from the way her pointed ears stood up, the answer was clearly yes.
'That sentence is killer the first time, and the more time passes, the worse it gets,' thought Mash, in love beyond belief, worse than Harley Quinn, only much saner and without the toxic, coercive nature, but with an ounce of madness.
'Asari strippers would lose all their clients if there was an entire race like hers,' Kat Shepard thought, now absolutely certain of it.
"You certainly are a skilled diplomat," Miranda commented, trying not to use adjectives like 'charming' or 'silver-tongued.'
Perhaps it was a good thing that the Normandy SR-2 had encountered the Renai AB-3; an ordinary woman would surely have fallen at the feet of this mix of succubus and incubus at her first smile.
"Do you want to know anything else?" Traveler asked, smiling seductively as his tail twitched and the tip brushed Amelia's jaw, making her shiver as if she were a fangirl touched by her idol. Clearly, Amelia might have a tail fetish, judging by her reaction.
"Tell me something I don't know," Kat Shepard asked, looking down so she could think clearly.
"I have the advantage of novelty and wear the mask of a friendly, slightly seductive stranger. If I use a harmless but intriguing topic, I'll have an advantage later when I ask for the star maps," Traveler thought, considering how to proceed, his expression diplomatic and friendly, almost relaxed.
"I got new wings," Traveler confessed casually, unfurling the four bat-like wings that sprouted from his back.
Both Shepard and Miranda blinked, following the fluid movement of the raven membranes, still in disbelief at such alien biology.
"I wonder: if he were a biotic, could he use them to fly?" Miranda mused, examining the wings with the clinical gaze of a scientist in front of a revolutionary prototype.
Amelia, for her part, observed the scene with an imperceptible smile.
"Is it a good thing or a bad thing that Bruce never played these games with me? He's always been outspoken, bold, and uninhibited... a man devoted to knowledge, art, war, and family in his own way," Amelia thought of her life partner's attitude.
The neon-blonde elf woman realized she had answered herself: she had the keys to the actor's dressing room, while Shepard and Miranda only had tickets to the front row of the show.
"Did you... get your wings back?" Kat Shepard repeated, finding the statement both absurd and fascinating.
"Do you mean something like plastic surgery?" Miranda asked, pulling out conventional medical logic.
"More along the lines of Bioware," Amelia chimed in. While she wasn't quite as knowledgeable as her eldest daughter, Beatrix—a true expert on Cyberware, Bioware, and a proponent of radical transhumanism—Amelia had an encyclopedic knowledge of the subject.
"Bioware? You mean cybernetic implants?" Miranda asked, suddenly much more alert; science is a much more interesting subject to her than alien politics.
"There's actually a profound difference between Cyberware and Bioware," Amelia explained, letting her scientific side take over.
'Amelia and Senpai are about to have one of their science genius moments; if I weren't with strangers and wearing this armor, I might consider sitting down and pulling out a book to read,' Mash thought, knowing those two could stay in their little world of knowledge for hours.
"The fundamental difference lies in the nature of the enhancement: Cyberware replaces body parts with machines, while Bioware enhances the original biological functions through genetic engineering or nanotechnology," Traveler interjected, participating in the conversation with the confidence of someone possessing a superior intellect and detailed knowledge of the subject.
"It's a topic I'd like to explore further," Miranda admitted, captivated by the theme.
After all, she led the Lazarus Project, which helped rebuild Kat Shepard using the most advanced cybernetic implants Cerberus could find. Uncovering this alien cyberware and bioware is a golden opportunity for Miranda.
Amelia spoke again, delving into the technical details: "In terms of composition and function, Cyberware is composed of inorganic elements. It physically replaces an organ or limb with a synthetic counterpart. Bioware, on the other hand, is based on the individual's anatomy and physiology: it enhances biological capabilities without necessarily removing the original part."
"And that's not even mentioning the aesthetic impact. Cyberware is often visible and can drastically alter a person's appearance, making them more machine-like. Bioware has little to no visual impact, making it ideal for those seeking discreet enhancements or for infiltration purposes. Additionally, Bioware is generally less psychically invasive and less susceptible to rejection than heavy cybernetics, as it works in harmony with the body's natural processes," Traveler said, demonstrating his knowledge of the subject.
"This seems like an incredible field of study for doctors," Kat Shepard commented, feeling decidedly out of her element amidst all the technicalities.
The red-haired woman is definitely the least scientifically knowledgeable in the entire room.
"You have no idea. Cyberware has become so advanced that a specific profession has been born: the Ripperdoc," Amelia said enthusiastically.
"A Ripperdoc is a medical technician who specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of cybernetic implants," Traveler added, providing the necessary context for the two human women.
'The medical community would only gain if we finished this meeting well,' Miranda thought, already envisioning possible applications for humanity if she could obtain knowledge of Cyberware, Bioware, and Ripperdoc.
"So what exactly did you do to your wings?" Kat Shepard asked with renewed curiosity, carefully studying the Rogue Trader's appendages.
"I improved them and… rebalanced them," Traveler replied, fully unfolding his four wings.
The bat-like structure glowed in shades of amethyst and lavender under the conference room lights.
"Though, in my opinion, there was nothing to fix. There were just microscopic holes. I prefer to keep technology around me, rather than inside, whenever possible," Amelia muttered, preferring to don Power Armor and pilot Mecha rather than become a Cyborg.
"You are about to see one of the improvements," Traveler announced with an enigmatic smile.
Suddenly, the wing membranes began to burn away, but without emitting smoke; it looked like a film strip licked by flames and slowly dissolving.
Within seconds, only the skeletal framework remained: but instead of bones composed of calcium and marrow, structures of a shiny silvery metal appeared. The two human women were speechless at the sight of this surreal scene.
"Wait, the best is yet to come," Traveler added, crossing his arms in an X over his chest and resting his hands on his shoulders.
The metal frame retracted completely into the back and then gave way to a myriad of very thin filaments, which intertwined into a complex structure, similar to the wings of a butterfly or a moth.
In an instant, those threads released biochemicals that crystallized into thousands of tiny scales, forming four foldable moth wings of pristine white.
Kat Shepard and Miranda started to speak, but Amelia cut them off with a nod, indicating that the show wasn't over yet.
Traveler moved his hands with surgical precision, as if he were typing on an invisible keyboard in mid-air.
The white wings began to change color, darkening to a deep black punctuated by vibrant spots of purple and neon blue.
"For this update, I took inspiration from the Necrofriggian," Traveler explained, wrapping his wings around his body to form what looked like an armored poncho with a hood.
For a long moment, the two human women were silent, especially Miranda, who looked like a Renaissance woman who had just discovered electricity or seen a miniaturized computer.
"This is... beyond any cybernetic implant humanity—no, any Citadel Council race—has even devised," Miranda admitted, unable to fathom the technology to char flesh and regrow it in a precise pattern, or even color it at will.
[Author's Note: I've been wanting to write this scene for a long time. The Cyberware/Bioware wings changing shape and color.]
"I'm almost tempted to ask if I can have a system like that too," commented Kat Shepard, visibly impressed by the versatility of the technology.
"It will cost you a lot," said Traveler, moving his moth wings so that his head was exposed, while his body remained hidden by his synthetic wings, if you can call them that.
"Are you telling me I can have wings like that?" Kat Shepard asked, standing up and placing a hand on her chest.
"Already done: elite stealth fighters are given Bioware for lungs, for breathing at high altitudes, and battle Cyberware in the form of metal wings," Traveler said, as if it were a trivial, widely known fact.
'Space elves with wings, so absurd it's not fake,' thought Kat Shepard, starting to get used to hearing one surprise after another.
"Soldiers who can fly on wings, quieter than a jetpack, and who can reach altitudes that require synthetic lungs. This opens up a new field of warfare," Miranda thought, determined that she absolutely had to obtain this knowledge for the good of humanity.
"But before we talk about purchases and prices, I'd need a full month to study your species biologically in detail, followed by your cooperation in a thorough medical examination and the collection of blood samples, tissue, and the genetic map, if available, just to be 100% sure," Traveler said, speaking like a doctor explaining to a patient, step by step, how the procedure will go.
The red-haired woman could only remain silent and nod.
"After that, I'll need a month to study the Civil Aviation variant of Cyberware and create a Cyberware from scratch for you; I don't do mass-produced stuff, just one-off, customized designs for an individual," Traveler said, making his rule clear.
"He's a guy who prioritizes quality over quantity," Amelia said with a smile, finding this side of him as a doctor/artisan dedicated to his craft fascinating.
"Finally, a month to install the Cyberware and teach you how to use it without crashing into a wall, a passing plane, or, worse, a helicopter propeller. All in all, three months minimum if you want metal wings, pay the standard rate and wait in line," said Traveler, who could have done it all in much less time if he'd wanted; but that would have meant paying a fortune for premium treatment.
"You must be as smart as Amelia, with a mountain of doctorates," Kat Shepard said after hearing Traveler describe the procedure, which the Citadel Council made impossible, and felt tempted to empty her bank account.
"My educational background isn't as extensive as Amelia's; I didn't care about getting a piece of paper that, in my opinion, has no real value," Traveler said, focusing more on the knowledge itself than the credentials; for him, a driver's license has always been something optional.
"I have worked very hard to stay current in all my fields of interest and maintain my qualifications in good standing," Amelia said, defending all her doctorates and recognized credentials.
"If you're interested in my educational background in science, I started with a GED, then attended college to double-major in Forensic Science and Criminology. Years later, I went to medical school and earned an M.D., specializing in Forensic Medicine. All this before I turned 50; I've always been something of a fast-learning prodigy," Traveler explained, recounting events that happened centuries ago; surely those schools were demolished a long time ago.
"Are you a forensic genius?" said the red-haired woman, finding it hard to imagine that someone who talks about giving a woman metal wings could be qualified to analyze blood spatter and crime movie stuff.
"Only for a fraction of my life. A century later, during a time of peace, when Cyberware had spread to every corner of society, I decided to become a Ripperdoc; I returned to school and earned a specialty in Neurosurgery and Pharmacology as a Medical Doctor. I then earned degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Cybernetic Engineering, Software Engineering and Cybersecurity, and Biomedical Engineering," Traveler explained, detailing his qualifications as a Ripperdoc.
"That's a lot of degrees," commented Kat Shepard, amazed that one person could be so qualified and specialized in so many topics.
"The bare minimum required if you want to be a quality Ripperdoc," Traveler said, demonstrating that he had high standards for himself.
"Actually, our large number of academic qualifications is common among Ysatnafians, but it is more the result of our culture and long lifespan than pure genius, in most cases," Amelia said, providing a basic explanation on the matter.
"You're putting it too simply," Traveler said, drawing attention to himself.
'Here comes the speech of the Stakhanovite King who forced twelve races to study and work like madmen,' thought Mash, with an amused tone, but not too far from the truth.
"We Ysatnafians live very long lives: the average individual can live 800 years, the most prominent ones can live much longer. The oldest living Ysatnafian is Lord General Militant Cor Leonis, also known as the Immortal, who boasts of being 1,877 years old; doctors speculate he may reach 2,000 years old," said Traveler, speaking of his race's greatest example of longevity.
'This one is even older than a veteran krogan from the Krogan Rebellions; the few still alive are around 1400 years old,' Miranda thought, surprised by this extreme longevity, but not speechless.
"With such a life perspective, it's necessary to occupy all that time so as not to lose one's mind and have a reason to live. The King and the Royal Family encourage each subject, especially the longest-lived, to master a class, the art of a Temple, or earn a degree from a College. Then, when the time comes, they will choose another and in this way they will build a set of skills and abilities that will accompany them throughout their long lives, exercising full control over them. A Ysatnafian can travel many different paths throughout their existence, and the skills learned on each of them will greatly enrich all their future achievements," finished explaining Traveler, one of the cornerstones of Ysatnafian culture.
"Aside from the Cyberware questions, you still haven't answered the question of who you are. A forensics man, who then became a Ripperdoc, then a diplomat?" Miranda asked, coming up with a pattern using what she's learned so far.
Although it is certainly a simplified version, which does not take into account centuries of education and events that Miranda does not know.
"I am a Rogue Trader, but I prefer the full title of Rogue Trader Militant, because of my background in the military," Traveler declared, continuing his recitation to perfection.
'Rogue Trader? What is that?' Kat Shepard wondered, seriously doubting that the four-winged alien could be a simple trader.
"You were in the military?" Miranda asked, genuinely surprised; she had assumed Traveler was a forensic genius turned career diplomat.
"Seriously? I never would have guessed... you don't look like it at all," Kat commented, even more perplexed than Miranda, surprised that such an intelligent individual was a soldier.
At those words, Amelia slapped herself resoundingly on the forehead, while Mash almost dropped his shield.
Both reacted as if Kat Shepard had just made the most unforgivable mistake of her life, comparable to spilling a drink on the control system of a dark matter reactor. And yes, they were actually working on creating something like that in Commorragh.
"I'm not a soldier... I am War!" Traveler exclaimed, leaping to his feet. He threw off his diplomatic mask, allowing his darker, more ferocious side to emerge.
"On the planet Teyvat, they call me Shuja, the One True Hero, the Champion of Mavuika, the Goddess of War. In the Honkai Galaxy, the Aeon of Destruction, Nanook, has kept an eye on me, but the Aeon of Erudition, Nous, chose me first!" Traveler shouted, slamming his hands on the table. Beneath his palms, the Normandy's ultra-durable material cracked, curving like butter.
"I have lived for more than 565 years and have dedicated them to only three things: the Royal Family of Ysatnaf, the gathering of knowledge, and war!" he thundered, thrashing his tail three times.
Each blow was more violent than the last, producing a roar louder than that of ten massive, enraged krogan.
"I have been the vanguard and the rearguard. I have worn the mantle of soldier, captain, general, commissar, Arbites, Inquisitor, and Warmaster. And now, that of Rogue Trader Militant," he continued to roar, speaking of his past. He spread his mothlike wings, and with each beat, the air in the room grew physically warmer, filled with an almost magical tension.
"I have fought on land, on water, in the air, underground, and in the depths. I have fought in space, in every theater of war imaginable. I have mastered every melee weapon and every firearm I have ever wielded; I have tamed every war mount, flesh or metal. I am the Former First Warmaster of the USKY!" he exclaimed aloud, before sitting back abruptly.
He hit the table with his fist so hard that a crack ran through it, virtually splitting it in two.
Mash approached, preparing to intervene, but luckily for everyone, Traveler calmed down on his own.
"I forgive you, just this once, for being ignorant of me and my culture. But if you ever say I'm not a warrior again... I don't know what I'd do to you," Traveler declared, looking the red-haired woman straight in the eyes.
In that moment, Kat Shepard deeply wished she had been a lot less chatty.
"Come on, calm down. Commander Shepard didn't mean to offend you," Amelia said, turning to Traveler. She began running a hand up and down his back in slow, calming motions.
"Breathe. Push the fire out," Amelia murmured, speaking with the calm tone of a trained therapist.
Traveler opened his mouth and raised his head toward the ceiling; a thick, ash-scented smoke exhaled from his lungs.
"Now, take a deep breath," Amelia ordered, moving her hand from his shoulder to his throat. Traveler took a deep breath, filling his chest.
"Now expel the ice," she said, pressing a hand firmly to his chest.
This time, Traveler's exhalation was a puff of icy air, accompanied by a few snowflakes and tiny droplets of water that glittered under the room lights.
"Are you feeling better now?" Amelia asked softly. Traveler lowered his head, returning his gaze to the red-haired woman. His expression was serene again, almost angelic.
"By normal standards… yes," he replied, instantly regaining his princely bearing.
"Excuse us, but Traveler is a man who has dedicated himself to the Warrior's Path since childhood. He has spent half his life, or a third, to be optimistic, on the battlefield. Any criticism of that path is perceived as a personal affront," Amelia explained, apologizing on her companion's behalf.
"Shepard also apologizes, even though he didn't know his words could be interpreted as an insult," Miranda interjected, speaking on behalf of her colleague.
"Both sides made a misstep, but nothing significant happened, just noise," Mash said, expressing his opinion.
"Shall we pretend the last five minutes never happened?" Traveler offered with a dazzling smile. His earlier outburst had been a blow to his image, but it hadn't destroyed it.
"He's a changeable individual, almost bipolar at times," Amelia commented with the naturalness of someone who has lived with him for centuries.
"What five minutes?" Kat Shepard promptly replied, playing along to avoid further incidents.
"Before you became a Rogue Trader, what were you?" Miranda asked, playing along with the charade with cool professional efficiency.
'I'll never know if I'm the lucky one or the unluckiest one in the galaxy,' Kat thought, relieved that the situation had been resolved without bloodshed.
"Yes, I was Warmaster to the First King of USKY," Traveler stated proudly, as if he hadn't been on the verge of a berserker rage moments before.
"Is that a high rank?" Miranda asked, pretending not to realize that such a title was clearly at the top of the hierarchy.
"It's one of the highest military ranks and titles the King himself can bestow upon an individual. Only one person can hold it at a time," Traveler explained with a proud smile, his tail swinging rhythmically from right to left. It was a clear sign he was happy to talk about it.
"The Warmaster is the second most powerful and influential figure in the entire military, both on the ground and among the stars. Only the Lord Commander Militant of the Astra Militarum and the Lord High Admiral of the Astra Navy could question or override his orders," Amelia added, regaining her composure.
"I've infuriated one of the highest-ranking former officers of an alien race I just met. Good move, Shepard; next time, you might just insult their Goddess of War," the red-haired heroine thought with bitter irony, preferring to remain silent.
"And why are you no longer a Warmaster?" Miranda asked, trying to glean information about the political workings of the USKY.
"Fourteen years ago, the First King passed the throne to his heir. With the passing of the crown, my oaths of fealty came to an end. I was able to trade my prestigious position, and the chains that came with it, for freedom and the title of Rogue Trader. In short: being a Rogue Trader Militant is my pension for centuries of service to the Royal Family," Traveler concluded, as if he had sealed the deal of a lifetime.
"Is five hundred and forty or so the proper retirement age for his species? Is he the alien equivalent of a human in his fifties? He seems so young and vigorous, especially if eight hundred years is the average life expectancy and the maximum is 2,000. Maybe the new ruler didn't want him around and offered him a severance package?" Miranda mused, piling up speculation upon speculation, unaware of how different the reality was.
She certainly could not have imagined that Traveler was actually the First King, and that he had left the throne to his eldest daughter only because 486 years of reign had been more than enough.
Nor could he know how the Second King had to literally be forcibly torn from his father's leg before he could board his ship and abandon the Galaxy Azure.
"Back to the beginning: what exactly is a Rogue Trader?" Kat Shepard asked very carefully, determined not to make any further missteps.
"We are unique and powerful individuals who serve the interests of the King, the Royal Family, and the entire Kingdom. Our role is a combination of freelance explorers, conquerors, and interstellar traders," Traveler explained with obvious pride, exuding joy at his new position.
"We definitely fall more into the first and third categories," Amelia pointed out, clearly not liking being associated with the idea of a conqueror.
'You certainly look like explorers to me,' the red-haired woman commented.
So far, aside from a few cultural quirks and Traveler's outburst, the attitude of the Ysatnaf people had been cordial, almost friendly. All in all, the meeting was going well.
"Could you elaborate on this? He seems like a fascinating figure," Miranda interjected, skillfully blending personal curiosity and professional interest.
"Each Rogue Trader is assigned a starship, a crew, and sometimes a contingent of Astra Militarum troops. We have carte blanche to roam those sectors of the galaxy still beyond the Realm's knowledge. But the most sacred gift we receive is the Warrant of Trade: a document, both paper and digital, that grants us the power to travel beyond the borders of the USKY to trade, explore, and fight in the sovereign's name," Traveler explained in detail.
"Without wanting to sound mean... stripping away the folklore and magic of the title, they're basically government-sanctioned privateers. Only they operate in space and are much more theatrical," Kat Shepard thought. But she chose to remain silent, knowing that saying it out loud would be an irreparable diplomatic blunder.
"These permits are hereditary and, in effect, give rise to entire dynasties of Rogue Traders from the moment they are issued. Great houses have been born thanks to a single Warrant of Trade," Amelia added calmly, while a part of her was already pondering how and when she would provide an heir to this new dynasty.
Warrants are issued for many reasons. Some to recognize great service rendered to the Kingdom, others for purely political purposes.
A Rogue Trader may be an emerging power or come from a lineage of noble travelers, but all bear the title with pride, venturing into the unknown in search of fortune and glory," Traveler concluded, placing a hand over his heart as if speaking of a sacred calling.
'This is the face of a man who deeply loves his job,' Kat thought, certain she had met few people so satisfied with their station in life.
"It's an adventurous role. I imagine you've seen some amazing things," Miranda said, trying to ingratiate herself with Traveler with a more friendly tone.
"It's an adventurous position, loved and dreamed of by many. Children usually have three favorite games: pretending to be a Hunter's Guild Hero to face dangerous beasts, being a Specialist who saves cities, or taking on the role of a Rogue Trader to travel the stars and explore new worlds," Amelia explained. Her gaze drifted for a moment, remembering the days when her companion's offspring were little and played in the library of Bahamut Castle.
"Wouldn't you add the elite Mecha Race or Mecha Battle to the list?" Traveler asked, surprised that Amelia hadn't mentioned that dream career.
"Mecha? You mean giant robots?" Kat Shepard interjected, raising an eyebrow. She only had a vague idea what they were talking about.
"There are many sporting competitions in USKY; one of the most popular is the Mecha competition, which usually consists of obstacle races or arena fights," Traveler explained, grabbing the medallion around his neck.
The green gem set in the jewel began to glow, emitting a luminescent mist that solidified into a high-definition holographic projection.
The screen showed what looked like a giant sports arena, packed with spectators from the various races of the USKY.
In the center of the field loomed two enormous, twenty-meter-tall humanoid machines, resembling heavily armored knights.
One, black and yellow, held a huge hammer; the other, blue and purple, wielded two swords. The two giants began to battle each other like gladiators to the death—or, in their case, to the last bolt.
'Giant robots are real... and they use them for sport,' thought Kat Shepard, remaining completely speechless in front of those images.
'That gem is not a jewel, but an incredibly advanced miniaturized computer,' Miranda analyzed instead, more interested in the technological gadget than the projection itself.
"I think a lot of kids dream of becoming professional mecha pilots and competing in high-profile leagues," the Rogue Trader Militant continued as the jewel continued its projection.
"Traveler, we can talk about sports another time. There are more pressing matters to discuss," Amelia said, trying to interrupt the viewing.
A small, mischievous smile appeared on Traveler's face.
The holographic image sped up, reducing an entire spectacular fight to a matter of seconds.
The video stopped, showing the yellow Mecha in a victorious pose; in front of the colossus, on a pedestal, stood a certain space elf in a skintight yellow suit with neon yellow hair, while raising a huge golden trophy above her head.
"Apart from a pretty little head, Amelia is incredibly talented as a mecha pilot. She's a champion," Traveler revealed, enjoying the prank on the two-meter-tall Ysatnafian.
"I've only won a tournament or two..." Amelia muttered, blushing, visibly uncomfortable in the spotlight, despite being a woman famous throughout the Kingdom.
"Could you tell us what the Voidwalker Fleet and the Commonwealth are? They've been mentioned several times," Miranda asked, wanting a clear answer.
"My Starship, Renai AB-3, is part of the Voidwalker Fleet, a semi-independent scout force in service to Traveler, my Rogue Trader," Amelia explained, placing a hand on the Dark Planeswalker's shoulder as she said 'mine.'
"An entire fleet dedicated to exploration? Isn't that a bit much?" Kat Shepard asked, considering it an exaggeration.
"Normal Rogue Traders receive a single Starship; I, as a former Warmaster, was able to muster an entire fleet. I gave up my old position, not my habits, contacts, or resources," Traveler said, proud of both his old position and his new one.
"A man can leave the army, but you can't take the army out of the man," Amelia commented, in a good way, regarding contacts, resources, and experience.
"As far as the Commonwealth is concerned, it can be thought of as a space station we use to park the fleet's Starships, make repairs, and rest—a home away from home," Traveler said, greatly understating what the Voidwalker Commonwealth really is.
"You mentioned the Galaxy Azure and the Galaxy Honkai... does that mean you're aliens from another galaxy?" Miranda asked, finally answering the question she'd been asking for a long time.
Traveler touched a finger to the surface of the jewel.
The holographic screen changed instantly: the image of Amelia's triumph gave way to three extremely detailed galactic maps.
They were maps of remote sectors, worlds that did not belong to any of the routes known to mankind.
"Most Rogue Traders simply explore the Galaxy Azure. But we're not just Rogue Traders, nor are we a hastily assembled crew," Amelia explained, pointing to the three galactic maps. Travel routes and dates appeared on them, written in a language still unknown to humanity.
"I prepared for my appointment a hundred years in advance. I built my ideal starship from scratch, assembled a fleet, and relied on Amelia and her incredible intellect. By the time I was officially appointed Rogue Trader, the two of us had already developed a system for intergalactic travel," Traveler added. It was clear he had been planning every detail of his plans for decades.
"This explains why we've never encountered any trace of your coalition of twelve races," Kat Shepard commented, her mind flashing back to the image of the colossal portal from which Renai AB-3 had emerged.
"So far we have completed three expeditions to three different galaxies; we have managed to make extraordinary discoveries and map entire regions," Amelia declared proudly, staring at the three galactic maps with the same devotion she would reserve for masterpieces of art.
"An expedition typically lasts five years. Then we return to the USKY to unload the cargo, see our families, and rest briefly; after that, we set off again for a new galaxy," Traveler added, summarizing their modus operandi.
"So you're at the start of a fourth expedition to our galaxy?" Kat Shepard asked, trying to put the arrival of the Renai AB-3 into context.
"Not exactly. We had a year left to complete the third expedition, but we had to change our plans due to external circumstances," Amelia replied, keeping her tone vague out of professional habit.
"External circumstances?" the red-haired woman pressed, certain that this was nothing reassuring.
"Beyond trading goods, we are willing to offer our services for the right cause and at the right price. My crew and I did a fine job decimating the forces of the Incursean Empire," Traveler explained, touching the amulet's gem again.
The screen showed what appeared to be a vast graveyard of drifting spaceships, surrounding a space station broken into several pieces.
"The Incurseans didn't appreciate our attention. When they discovered that the Renai AB-3 had split from the Voidwalker Fleet to collect a valuable commodity, they attacked us en masse," Traveler continued, showing an image of the enemy attack fleet.
"Those ships are huge and quite numerous," commented Kat Shepard, who had enough experience to know when to fight and when to retreat.
"We preferred to leave that galaxy rather than stay and fight for nothing," Traveler concluded, turning off the projection so as not to reveal further details.
'Surely there's a lot more to it than that, but I've got too many things to worry about already and I don't want to worry about what's happening in a galaxy that doesn't concern me,' thought Kat Shepard, deciding to settle for the version offered by the travelers.
"Since we're new to this, would you mind providing us with some star charts?" Amelia asked, having no intention of navigating blindly.
"I think we can find a solution," Kat Shepard replied, maintaining her diplomatic approach.
"I wonder what exactly they mean by 'just cause' and 'just price,'" Miranda mused. She was already thinking about the possibility of recruiting them for the suicide mission against the Collectors.
"I don't like to owe anyone favors, so give me a price, but nothing too high," Traveler said, before snapping his fingers.
Mash immediately understood the signal: a segment of the front of the shield opened, revealing a smartphone-like device.
"This can be considered a catalog of the goods we sell and the services we offer; the English translation has already been done, but the price has not yet been decided," Traveler said, as Mash passed the device to the red-haired woman.
When Kat Shepard touched it, the catalog appeared on the screen; pressing a button on the side of the device projected the contents as an interactive holographic display as large as a TV screen.
"Now you see the Trader side of the Rogue Trader," Miranda commented, standing up and standing behind Kat Shepard to get a better look at the products and services offered by Traveler and his subordinates.
"How much would it cost to ask you to accompany us to a seedy space station called Omega?" the red-haired woman asked, hoping to gain some new allies or at least some technological support.
"It depends on how much blood we have to shed," Traveler replied, with a smile so beautiful it was diabolical.
'I think I'm about to make a deal with a Space Devil,' thought Kat Shepard, feeling her life about to become... something else.
Continues ...
XXX
Author's Note:
I hope you enjoyed the chapter, even though it was a little long. But we can finally get to the action on the Space Station, Omega.
XXX
Codex - Education of Princesses:
Traveler is no ordinary person; his mind is distorted, operating according to alien logic, completely different from that of humans or human-like beings like the Ysatnafians.
The Rogue Trader Militant has a sincere love for his numerous offspring; he wants to see them educated, successful, and happily united with worthy companions, so much so that, at first glance, he might appear to be a model parent.
However, his love manifests itself in a peculiar way: at times, he treats them as prized specimens, to be trained and nurtured until they reach the pinnacle of their abilities. Whether it be physical strength, mental acuity, magical abilities, martial mastery, or any special talent they display, for him, every ability must be honed to the utmost.
Once they reach a certain age, it becomes natural for them to plan their mating with the best candidates, with the aim of obtaining offspring that surpass both parents.
She has never forced anyone to marry against their will, but always keeps a ready list of suitors chosen for talent, lineage and social standing.
If one of his sons or daughters spontaneously shows interest in a special person, the Rogue Trader offers his full support to help them win over their 'target of affection', turning the courtship into a real tactical operation.
This vision melds perfectly with the Magus traditions of creating the perfect heir and the aristocratic need to preserve the house's power.
Fortunately, the presence of nine permanent mothers and a large network of aunts and uncles acts as a counterweight, preventing Traveler from overstepping the rigors of his duties as head of the family.
All this, however, has never curbed his more extreme emotional tendencies: for Traveler, paternal love goes hand in hand with the ambition to lead his House to a position of unquestionable power. His is not just protection, it is a planned ascension.
Upon turning sixteen, each daughter receives her first car and a part-time job in a family business related to her interests, to begin building her character.
At eighteen, the gift is freedom and a future: a home of her own and access to the most prestigious university for her talents.
But it is at twenty-five that the game gets serious: the children enter the family business at a managerial level, receive a planetary shuttle and are installed in important positions such as Deputy Sheriffs, Deputy Mayors or key roles in the most influential guilds of USKY.
The older the children get, the more impressive the gifts and responsibilities become.
At the age of one hundred, each of them is given a world to rule with the title of Planetary Governor and a rank of Duke for that specific planet to pass on to their children, because the title of Princess is not hereditary according to the laws of Ysatnaf (a topic that will be specified another time).
Each child shapes their domain according to their talents and style: some transform planets into impregnable military strongholds, others create paradise worlds to attract tourism and fame, still others invest in fleets to dominate trade routes, etc.
There are those who prefer to delegate to an intendant to dedicate themselves to their own research laboratories, magic schools or combat academies.
There are even rare cases of children who lead double lives: planetary governors by day and commoners with simple families by night.
Be that as it may, the influence of the Bahamut is absolute: a tenth of USKY, a full fifty planets, answers directly to their blood.
Traveler's current position was, in essence, his way of handing over the reins to his eldest daughter: while he stepped away to enjoy the freedom and adrenaline of being a Rogue Trader Militant, his eldest daughter, Adara Orfea Etheria Tsuruhime B. Kurata, carried the full weight of the House. But while the title had changed, her ambitions remained unchanged.
A typical Rogue Trader would have been content with a single Starship to explore the Azure Galaxy; Bruce, however, had founded the Voidwalker Fleet and Commonwealth, a megalopolis located on a planet hidden in an artificial dimensional plane.
His goal was to map all of creation, driven by three desires: the pure enjoyment of challenging the unknown, a thirst for knowledge, and the need to send unique resources home to cement the power of his lineage, now in its fourth generation.