Звездопад / Starfall: Глава 31

Chapter 31

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 15:34

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Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 15:34

Shortly before the jump ended, the identification blocks were put back in place, and the two yachts that popped out of the hyper were once again extremely legal and shining diplomatic numbers on all scanners.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 16:39

Immediately after the exit, Taer tried to contact Countess Durlurl to arrange a meeting, but her ladyship was incredibly busy, and the meeting had to be postponed for several hours.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 16:40

Not wanting to take any chances, Taer ordered the yachts into acceleration and powered up the hyperdrive so that in case of 'unforeseen trouble' they could jump at any time. After that, all she had to do was give way in the communications room, the Dudo. Lance, along with the curious lord, had to organize an 'information leak'.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:16

A few minutes later, not far from the yachts, the frigate House Fyron, listed in the ceremonial squadron and intended mainly for parades, emerged from a short jump:

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:16

//But for lack of a better one," Taer thought, looking at the tactical screen where the frigate, which resembled a huge predatory fish, was circling the yachts. Apparently, this was the Countess' reaction to her call.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:17

Half an hour later, the first rendezvous took place, but contrary to the wishes of the "specialist", it was not with Countess Durlurl. The three yachts jumped out of hyperspace within minutes of each other and made a close approach. Two Aegis's, like two drops of water like their own, and Silver Arrow. The two Aegis and the Silver Arrow, snow white as dazzling as if she looked cold even through the viewscreen. On the bow and sides of the Arrow, charcoal-black ornamentation was rolled into the monogram of Baroness Rionale.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:19

Taer had forgotten all about the Baroness, but half of her 'army' manned by Kayrin's 'Arm' obviously remembered and continued to carry out her instructions.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:20

The frigate guarding them jerked towards the approaching yachts but soon turned back sharply, like a beast of prey that had unexpectedly been given a peck. What exactly Baroness Rionale had said to the frigate's captain was anyone's guess.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:21

When the yachts finally finished combining their intake ports and the sluice doors opened, the baroness who burst in resembled a concentrated blob of happiness.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:21

She was in a tight white gown with gold sparkle, complete with a thin silver sash, and she was all glowing with joy. Kayrin flew through the transparent tube of the port of entry, forcing her attendants to change to a jog to keep up with her ladyship, and hung onto the lord, embracing him. Then she listened with a benevolent smile to Kodm's report, with Taer's comments, and immediately presented him with a ring from her own hand. Agitated, Kayrin was about to snatch a second ring from her finger and give it to the Taer. But it seems, in time, she remembered that the Taer, though in absentia, and already the First Sword of the Domain, and therefore the Blade of the House, and such a gift would be too ambiguous, if not insulting. The Baroness smiled guiltily and gracefully turned it into a joke. A small jeweled marvel of black twisted myrtle framed a white crystal "V'To" inside, which flashed a scarlet glow. The ring was worth a small fortune because of the stone alone and was clearly not appropriate as a gift for a stranger's blade.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:26

//Only my lord can give me something like that, Taer thought philosophically. - "He seems genuinely oblivious to gifts. Or rather, he prefers to give gifts in a more practical way. - She corrected herself, remembering the half a million danarii she had been given. - "But you won't put them on your finger, will you?"-the "specialist's" secret love for such "insignia" remained completely unsatisfied.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:28

The Baroness poured out her joy for at least a quarter of an hour. She chirped incessantly about how glad she was that everything had worked out, how excited she was, and that on such an occasion, she would, after the "Day of Gifts", be sure to visit the Throne of Fire to lay gifts for the "Second" for such a lucky rescue. Although everything seemed utterly sincere, Taer could not shake the impression that the scene was somewhat contrived. As far as she knew, Baroness Rionale had never been known for her strong displays of the emotion of any kind or any kind of religiosity.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:30

//I wonder what she'll sacrifice to the fire?" - Taer smirked mentally as she watched Alex and Kairin interact. - "Neither martial nor amorous victories, she can't boast of late." - Though the latter wasn't entirely true, to be honest, of the Guard idiots in love with Kayrin, one could probably assemble a combined wing, if not a squadron.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:32

After a while, the conversation predictably turned to questions about what had happened: the Lord was curious to know how the Baroness had managed not only to get out of the castle unnoticed by the attackers but also to get the wounded Taer out. And Kayrin, of course, wanted to know who had kidnapped him after all and what exactly had happened on Tallana.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:48

As the conversation clearly threatened to drag on, the Baroness suggested that it be moved to a more comfortable environment on her yacht. To Taer's delight, Alex did not support the idea, and the conversation was moved to one of the gray-faced halls of the Aegis. There, to Taer's enormous anger, the lord, contrary to the previously discussed tactics of communication with the Baroness, gave her everything. Not just everything, but absolutely everything, and even asked her to show Kayrin the report she had prepared for Countess Durlurl.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:50

There was nothing to be done, and Taer, sending a sultry look to the lord, was forced to hand the baroness an infoblock with the report.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:52

//"There are unexpected advantages to this option, though." - Taer decided, watching the expression on the face of the baroness, who was reading the report. From the beginning, joy fluttered from it, gradually being replaced by a focused seriousness. Then, despite her self-control, fear showed in the Baroness's eyes. Kayri finished her reading in a state close to horror. And though the Baroness quickly controlled herself, the opportunity to see the horror in her eyes gave Taer a few, rarely sweet moments. - "One might consider this as moral compensation."

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:54

"I just can't believe it," Kayrin finally said, putting the infoblock aside. "The Emperor never would have gone for it. The problem of Free Worlds unfairly receiving our privileges certainly exists. But the Emperor is a noble man. He wouldn't stoop to such a thing... I bet someone in the First Ministers is behind it, or rather even the Melatians."

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:55

"What is their interest in this?" Alex asked, openly interested.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:55

"The Emperor trusts them the most," Kayrin sighed sadly. "There are four Melatians among the first ministers and only one Fyronian. Two of the Emperor's open shadows are Melatian, and I'll bet there's at least one more among the secret ones. And that is the highest form of trust. We have not a single adept. If there were direct Imperial Rule in the Sector, it would be exercised by the Melatians."

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:58

"Was it worth the risk?"

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 17:58

"Who knows how deep the black hole is?" Kayrin shrugged. "Maybe they had some other motive. Either way, we have to act." She grasped resolutely and held out her hand to Alex. "I'm sorry to leave you so soon, but... I have a message to send to my father, and there's something I need to know here on Copeira. And in light of what's been revealed, no offense, but maybe you'd be willing to have a part of my arm go with you on a Day of Gifts? I am very nervous." She confessed.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:00

Alex sent Taer a questioning look and received her affirmative nod

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:00

"I would only be grateful," the lord replied with a smile.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:01

"Oh, that's so great," Kayrin rejoiced. "My arm has almost fully arrived on Copeira. It's not a big one, two hundred. Maybe you'd like to take the full two hundred, so you don't have to split up your squads."

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:11

Alex, judging by the expression in his eyes, clearly wanted to, but still sent another questioning look first, to which he received another affirmative nod: //"You can't have too many Carpathians, and working with them for pleasure is easy."

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:12

"Why not? I think two hundred is just fine," Alex agreed. "By the way, Kayrin, just so I don't get into any awkward situations. What race is your Arm drawn from?"

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:13

"Of humans, of course," Kayrin replied, somewhat surprised.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:13

"I was just confused by the way they looked," Alex admitted with an apologetic smile. "White as paper, all looking the same, and all... Never mind, you know, memory lapses. It's some kind of modification, isn't it?"

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:19

"No. They're Carpathians. They're all like that - plain white. There are all kinds of people. You don't have to worry. I got used to it pretty fast when I came to Carpathia," Kayrin said. White, that's all. You'll get used to it, too, and soon you won't mind it at all."

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:22

"Yeah, you could say I'm not paying attention anymore," Alex smiled. "I was just curious."

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:22

The Baroness's departure was clearly earlier than she had originally planned. This was not surprising, such news can change plans abruptly.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:23

"I'll see you after the Day of Gifts," Kayrin said, hugging the lord goodbye. "I'll fly back as soon as I receive the gifts in my domain. We have so much to discuss. I shall visit the Throne of Flame as well." She added with a smile.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:25

"I'll be waiting," Alex smiled, courteously kissing the Baroness's hand. He was generally, as Taer had noticed, showing incredible progress in etiquette, at least when it came to dealing with Kayrin..

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:25

The massive airlock door, with a quiet hiss, slowly closed, cutting off the baroness from them.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:26

"Do you want to talk about it?" the lord asked, turning to her.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:26

"If Your Lordship sees fit," Taer replied with as much coldness as she could muster.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:27

"Even so," Alex sniggered. "Well, where shall we go then?"

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:27

"Wherever Your Lordship pleases."

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:28

"I see, then to the meeting room."

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:28

The meeting room was an impersonal grey room adapted for armor storage.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:29

"Your Lordship, you weren't planning on telling Kayrin everything, were you?" Taer pretended to be surprised when they were alone again. "What made you change your mind?"

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:30

"Oh, don't start that with the "thou," "my lord," or "your grace". Alex brushed it off with a disgruntled face. "We're alone, aren't we? It's not really the best way to apply 'pressure' in case I like it, is it? And about Kayrin, it's quite simple." He sighed. "I figured, what was the point of keeping things from her? For one thing, she would already know a lot from her people involved in rescuing me. And second, if we're going to leak everything we know to Imperial Intelligence and Countess Durlurl, how is Kairin any worse? At least she's already helped a lot, both of us. Maybe she can help again. And in my opinion, it's good for building a "trust" relationship. Family, after all."

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:34

Taer remained silent in response, trying to keep the expression on her face from looking too sour. Lord reminded her in passing that she owed Baroness Rionale a large debt of gratitude. After all, it had been Kayrin who had pulled her wounded and unconscious from the attacked castle and thus saved her life:

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:35

//And not alone, but with Pakrat and Ogerd. Great shadows. Only with my luck out of the three who rescued me, two of them could be such unpleasant characters," Taer thought grudgingly. To remain indebted to these two, the 'specialist' didn't want to at all, and she needed to think of a way to repay them.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:38

Her thoughts were interrupted by a call on the intercom. Perfectly modulated by the hall's acoustic system, Dudo's voice suddenly descended upon them somewhere from the ceiling:

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:39

"Your Lordship, Her Ladyship Countess Durlurl has arrived," he warned. "Docking will be over in a moment."

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:40

Almost at a brisk pace, Thaer and the lord made it to the port of call just in time. A small section of the 'Arm' dressed as 'greeters of honor' was already in formation, ready to welcome the important guest, and they had only to lead the process.

Camrad_RIP 27.03.23 в 18:41