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Authors Note

I think I'm going to try ot do away with these authors notes as I cna see how they might get aggitating after a while. Instead I'll just put them into journals, since that is what that section is for... Anyway, this is CH6 in it's entirety. Yes, it is short, but as you can see it is literally all a big conversation. This was also a very easy one to write as I had this in my head since CH4, which explains why it came out so fast. As always hope you enjoy, although this is a plot driven chapter so, yeah. Rate, comment, favorite, and watch if you like and CH7 will be worked on... sometime.

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Imperium

The dimly lit, circular room was momentarily clouded with light as the large metal doors creaked open. A quiet murmuring flowed through the air as Lord Yoffen Julian briskly walked through the threshold and up to a large, round table that took up most of the space in the room.

"I apologize for my lack of punctuality. The Engineering Corps required assistance." The muttering quieted as the lord sat down in his stone chair. An older man cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the three other men in the room.

"It seems we will have to excuse you then." The old man that sat across from him stated. Another man in a robe that matched everyone else's in the room stood up from his seat.

"Now that we are finally all here we will start this meeting as planned." The man's voice was deep and rich like the highest quality honey. Lord Julian felt enthralled by his aura of command and regality. The man continued to stand, his black robe with the signature red circle on the front flowing down his handsome frame, observing the others. The final members of the meeting stood up as the commanding man sat down.

"I wholeheartedly agree, Lord Symin," Lord Julian rolled his eyes at the handsome man as he continued, "I believe our first and most important order of business is the recent voyage to Illiria... or in this case lack thereof." Lord Gren Aster's annoyed gaze toward Lord Julian failed to go unnoticed as he returned to his stone cold seat.

Ever since he had first heard him speak, Lord Julian disliked Lord Aster. Lord Aster was young, hardly twenty-five years old, with well-groomed Tarsian brown hair, and a perfectly shaped face that forced all woman to swoon as he walked by. At first he pinned his animosity on a presumed jealousy for his good looks, wealth, and reputation. However, as his number of conversations with the man grew, so did his dislike for the sarcastic, condemnatory, pompous man. For every action Lord Julian took there was at least negative or critical comment from the noble even if the task had been perfected. Lord Julian cleared his throat nervously, chiding himself for acting like a beggar who had been caught trying to steal as he slid out of his seat, preparing to explain himself.

"You have misplaced the priority of the mission, Lord Aster. The reconnaissance of Illiria was a secondary objective. We retrieved the plans for the weapon. The undertaking was a success." Lord Julian defended, hoping his reasoning would be enough to appease the rest of the council.

"A weapon which is useless if we can't find Illiria!" Lord Aster scoffed. Lord Julian silently thanked Lord Aidan Cecil as the old man interjected.

"Regardless of the true objective, I do find the entrance of lupine into the equation... troubling."

Lord Julian flicked his wrist as if he were batting away the issue. "Simply a navigational error. The fog surrounding the supposed location of Illiria was incessant."

"Possibly, but it is hard to ignore the fact that this is our first contact with them in almost one hundred years. The materializing out of the fog at such a crucial time is suspicious." Lord Aster proposed, leaning as far back as his chair would allow. After a few moments of silence, the commanding voice of Lord Symin chimed in like a bell signaling the hours of dusk.

"The unexpected inclusion of the lupine, malevolent or unintended, is trivial at this moment in time. Lord Julian succeeded in retrieving the essential plans, but failed in locating Illiria. Nevertheless, with the weapon plans we can begin production immediately and continue into the next phase," Lord Symin paused and turned his head toward Lord Aster, "the object of my concern is the recent disappearance of Captain Bryce Wraith. I recall that was your responsibility?" Lord Aster started to fidget as Lord Symin stared at him eliciting a chuckle from Lord Julian.

"Yes, Red Rose Captain Wraith..." Lord Aster began, standing up. The noticeably nervous lord whipped his dark brown hair from his handsome face, obviously trying to stall. Lord Julian sneered at the display.

"Four nights ago I sent an assassin to the Captain's quarters after he began investigating Lieutenant-Commander John Vernold's death. However, when he got to his quarters the captain was not there. This trend continued for the next two nights." Lord Aster finished rigidly. Looks like someone fucked up, Lord Julian thought musically.

"So it is obvious he found something during his investigation and fled. Do you know what the repercussions will be if he found out anything?!" Lord Cecil questioned, his anger mounting.

"Of course I do! We all do!" Lord Aster snapped loudly. The older lord huffed before stepping back into the verbal joust.

"With that knowledge you let a possible leak run loose, out into the forsaken countryside?!" At this point both of the lords were standing. Lord Julian and Symin simply stayed seated as their spat played out. If anything it's entertaining.

"What of you, Lord Cecil? What of this mysterious energy transference method of yours? I have yet to see anything on it." Lord Aster countered, attempting to push the focus onto Lord Cecil. Lord Symin's agitated sigh was barley heard by the rest of the council.

"It is... being researched. More than can be said for your little problem traipsing across the country with details that could-"

"Enough!" Lord Symin bellowed, the command sending a chill down Lord Julian's spine. The feuding lords stole each other one last look of contempt before both bowing lightly.

"I am sorry, my lords. This is no time to be bickering like children." Lord Cecil admitted, forcing himself to breathe slowly. Lord Aster dipped in agreement.

"I apologize as well. The situation is merely... taxing." Lord Cecil slumped down in his chair, rubbing his temples in hope of easing the throbbing of his headache.

"We can agree upon that, at least." Lord Aster laughed, a charming noise that made Lord Julian cringe. Lord Symin slowly closed his eyes, allowing a forgiving peace to envelope the room. In wake of the silence, Lord Julian began to think over the state of affairs. Maybe... Maybe I can turn this in my favor. With plan in mind, Lord Julian cleared his throat, gathering the attentions of the other council members.

"Before we continue, I would ask my fellow lords if I may propose a... solution to the current situation regarding Captain Wraith." Lord Aster's low growl was close to inaudible. Lord Symin stared at the bold lord with a blank stare. However, Lord Julian knew that he was evaluating him.

"Proceed." Lord Julian nodded graciously at the simple command.

"I believe that the best course of action would be to personally investigate his disappearance."

Lord Aster, predictably, interjected. "What makes you think you can succeed where I have failed?"

"I have thought of a few things you may not have." You arrogant bastard. As much as Lord Julian wished to add those words, he bit his tongue. Lord Cecil propped his elbows on the large, round table.

"And what are these 'things' you suggest?"

"Before we join the hunt we must first make sure the prey can't return back to its lair, make certain that he has no sort of advantage over us, however improbable that may be."

Lord Julian rose from his seat, beginning to pace behind it. "The Red Rose special operations unit. This is perhaps of greatest importance for if he involves the rest of the group then we could potentially have a coup d'état on our hands."

"I see. My cousin, Baron Sadon, is a valuable tactician and experienced swordsman. We can have him replace the traitor captain," Lord Julian had a rare moment of peace toward Lord Aster as he continued, "He will be hunted by his own unit for the murder of Lieutenant- Commander Vernold. I think that the Red Rose will be sufficient in helping you hunt him, Lord Julian?"

"I believe they will be more than sufficient, my Lord Aster. Your connections are ever helpful." Lord Julian replied, smiling for the first time since he had entered the meeting. The lord waited a moment before continuing.

"I will accompany the Red Rose unit dispatched to capture Captain Wraith," Lord Julian brought his hand up to his chin thoughtfully, "Now the only question lies in where he is hiding..."

"Leave that to me, Lord Julian. I think that I may know somebody who may know where he has fled to."

"I thank you, Lord Aster, your help in my investigation will undoubtedly be instrumental." Especially when I steal your favor with the rest of the council. "No, I should be thanking you, my Lord Julian, for assisting me in cleaning up my own mess." Lord Julian could almost feel the suppressed anger and embarrassment radiating from the man. After a brief moment of quiet, Lord Symin began.

"Then you will proceed with your plans as soon as your other engagements allow you," Lord Symin continued, "The last order of business I wish to touch on before we conclude is the situation in Trenning and the attempts to steal the weapon plans." Lord Cecil grunted, his old age showing in the rasping noise it produced, while reaching for a scroll before him.

"Yes, the 'Black Fangs'. Their efforts to incite rebellion in the city of Trenning have been insignificantly successful. The local guard force has been enough to quell many of their uprisings. From Lord Julian's report, the group hired a thief to steal the plans, undeniably to turn the rebellion in their favor. My only concern regarding them is how they acquired information on the transaction in Sorata."

"Honestly, Lord Cecil, the leak will be rendered invalid once we put an end to them. Pursuing it now will only waste valuable time." Lord Aster said.

"Hmm. Maybe, but if they prove that they are attaining more information about our activities then I would like permission to initiate a re-evaluation on who we release information to." Lord Cecil ceded.

"Acceptable," Lord Symin muttered, nodding at the lord to reinforce his words, "Unless anyone has any other inclusions then this meeting is at an end." A short minute of silence ensued.

"Then good day all of you. I will contact you all in a week's time concerning our next assembly." Lord Symin concluded, gracefully rising and stepping towards the great stone doors. The rest of the Imperium followed Lord Symin and swiftly left the council chambers leaving Lord Julian alone in the dimly lit room. This is my chance to gain some respect from the others. Show them that I'm an asset. Maybe even embarrass Aster on the way. Lord Julian allowed a genuine smile to grow. Captain Bryce Wraith...