Good morning all.

Another update through with all the usual notes. Yes I am writing this with permission from the great fishcakes, no I have no idea whether it is being accepted as cannon, I am doing this purely for entertainment purposes.

I do apologise for the varying times of publication for chapters, work has been more bullshitery than usual and my country has just gone into a nation wide lock down meaning I am writing this in my tiny barracks room, hoping like hell there will be chips for lunch.

I just wanted to say thank you all so much for the feedback, and one or two ideas (you know who you are) which you have all put forward, I thoroughly enjoy reading your ideas and thoughts on this story and am always eager to hear what you would like to see going forward.

Be Safe, Be Warm, Be Wise.

Me

​

*Beepbeep…beepbeep…beepbeep*

“…uman….mpress damned holo!”

Waking up was never a pleasant affair for David, but this particular waking up was definitely high on the list of the worst he’d ever experienced.

Rather than a gentle stirring into wakefulness, it was as if someone had just forced his eyes open with a crowbar, consciousness jarring through him as his eyes snapped open only to slam shut again in the face of the sunlight beaming in through his window.

Half his face felt like it was slagging off, a dull throbbing like a migraine pulsing through his head and face.

His first mistake of many that day was breathing, the pain which emanated from his ribs and chest with every breath made him let out a deep grunting groan of discomfort.

Even with his eyes still squeezed closed he could feel the hulking presence of at least two others in the room, the muffled words instantly silencing as the heavier sound of Shil footsteps strode across the room to stand beside his bed.

Resigning himself to a scolding and maybe more of the now-familiar sexist diatribe of “fragile males”, David reluctantly cracked open one eye, grimacing as his face ached in response.

Staring down at him was the self-same Shil from that office in the palace, the one which had spoken to Kurt and himself. Her expression, far from the neutrality of the last meeting, was a mix of astonishment, frustration and a tinge of something else that David found himself reluctant to admit to.

“Well now, the headache has seen fit to return from the sea of souls and cause more problems!” Her voice raised in tone causing David’s head to ache unpleasantly, tentatively raising a hand to wave her down with a hiss. “For fucks sake woman could you tone it down?” he mumbled, genuinely not caring who he offended at this exact point in time. “Some bitch has driven a tank over my head and done a burnout on my face, the least you could do is keep it down”

The shil’s mouth dropped open in surprise, a stunned expression on her face as David’s eyes slipped closed again involuntarily, his body exhausted for reasons he didn’t have time to consider before he was dragged back into a dreamless inky sleep.

​

When he woke next the room was dark, dull purple light shifting against the wall as it slipped through a gap in the heavy curtains over the windows.

Despite that flash of confusion as to where he was, the unwelcome memories were soon parading through his brain to drag him unwillingly into the reality of his latest situation.

“Fuck”

What felt like it should have come out as a snarl, sounded more like a whimper in the almost silence of the room, David having to struggle not to simply roll onto his side and sob. While reality was seldom perfect, having to be reminded of every single thing which had happened in the past two months in rapid succession was having the kind of severe emotional impact one would expect, except the emotions were coupled with a reasonable amount of physical pain as a bonus.

Despite his brain and doing its level best to recreate the Chernobyl meltdown, his next clear thought was from a more practically minded part of his body. The stomach and throat demanding sustenance and liquid, now and in copious quantities.

Forcing his eyes open again, David glanced beside his bed for something that resembled a button, anything to summon someone who could help with his body’s increasingly noisy demands.

Finally, a small remote looking object came into focus, and a few seconds later he was able to make a convincing swat in its direction with what felt like a click of a button being pushed.

As he waited for a reaction in the darkness, his thoughts turned towards more practical concerns, particularly of his injuries.

Stifling unpleasant memories of the last time he had to consider such an action, David wriggled his toes, slowly moving each part of his body that he could as he worked his way up his body.

As memories of the injuries he’d felt slipped through his mind, and considering how high he must’ve been on adrenaline, he was forced to admit that maybe Shil medical science was on to something.

Despite a residual ache in his face and head, the rest of his body, though sluggish, was mobile and responding relatively well. Even his face, despite knowing full well there should be scaring, felt smooth and unscathed.

Just as he was weighing up whether he would’ve wanted a badass scar or not, the door of his room opened and male Shil entered, pulling a trolly behind him.

“Ah! The troublemaker awakes!” he grinned, his tone gentle, yet with a bubble of mirth as he approached the bed.

“T-Troublemaker?” David rasped, his throat sore from lack of use as he tried (with pathetic results) to lift himself up.

“Hmm-hmm” nodded the nurse, one hand firmly pressing his shoulder back down on the bed before using the remote to cause the top half of the bed to fold upwards, lifting David into a sitting position.

“Let’s see now, major surgery for a cracked skull, two broken ribs, a minor panic for the surgeons when they found you had more ribs than you should, a couple of protests and one riot when the video of a human male defending himself from two enraged Shil in the Empress’ museum and not only doing a good job but getting no help from the public or security until after the fact, then turning down medical aid before staggering off from what could have killed a shil male.” The nurse paused, regarding him with an artfully raised eyebrow. “Yeah, id say that makes you a trouble maker, that and the fact that in less than five minutes, the scariest bigtits from the palace is going to be here to talk to you.”

“W-what?”

“Yeah, I don’t think she’s quite got over the fact you told her to shut her clam sucker”

“Oh shit”

“Yep… want some water?”

“Yes please”

“Good boy”

​

Sipping the blessedly cool water through a straw David felt his body relax, his head supported by the gentle hand of the nurse as he helped him keep his head up.

“Th-thanks”

“Don’t mention it, it's what I’m here for after all”

As David was opening his mouth to ask another question he heard (and later swore up and down that he could feel) rapid, striding footsteps bearing down the corridor. His eyes flicking up to the nurse he saw the man’s eyes widen as he also clearly registered the sound.

“Goddess that woman moves fast” he murmured venomously as he gestured for David to take another sip. “Whatever she has to discuss with you will be no doubt be confidential, but I’ll be back as soon as she leaves”

Just as he was lowering his head back onto the pillow the door swung open, revealing the now-familiar visage of the previously mentioned “bigtits”.

The nurse, without even being acknowledged, slipped past her and into the corridor as the woman pulled up a chair, the metal scraping unpleasantly along the floor. Plomping herself down in the seat the woman glowered down at him, her golden irises seeming to glow in the dim lighting as she regarded him silently for a moment or two.

On sheer principle, David refused to give her the satisfaction, simply lying back on the bed and allowing his eyelids to droop in a clear warning of impending sleep.

The silent threat was clear enough to break the gridlock as the woman coughed.

“David Close, you’ve caused quite the bit of trouble these past few days”, she paused, clearly waiting for him to say something, and for once, he did feel the need to oblige.

“Well I apologise, next time I need to deal with getting the shit kicked out of me I will be sure to be more discrete” he rasped, his voice slowly steadying as he shot her as cold a look as he could muster.

To his disappointment, the only reaction was a scoff. “No one is saying you intended trouble, in fact, witness statements, as well as security footage, clearly show that you were attempting to assist, even when under threat. The public is quite taken with fact that humans aren’t just porno material.”

The woman sighed, clearly changing tack, “I’m sure you remember our last little chat, not counting your outburst yesterday.”

“You spoke with Kurt and I about the two positions.”

“Good, then I don’t need to remind you. I’m here to tell you that your position has been chosen.”

“Oh God, do I want to know?”

He could have sworn the woman’s lips quirked in a smirk, “How did you describe it? “Postman Pat?”” her fingers drummed against her thigh as she regarded him.

“It’s a bit more important than a quaint children’s vid.”

“I’m sure, though it's still just a messenger role surely?”

“Yes and no. As a T’koltha, your role is not just to convey messages. You are an extension of the Empress’ will.”

“Sooooo I answer to who exactly? The Empress and the Interior?”

“The interior? Goddess no!” The sneer on the shil’s face was clear, even in the darkness.

“The interior will have no authority over you at any point. The Empress is hardly going to trust her most secret correspondence to a bunch of inbred, power-crazed brats!” her eyes narrowed. “A T’koltha has authority to commandeer military or Interior forces for the purpose of protection in order to ensure their mission is carried out. Other than that they do not interact with either branch of Imperial forces.”

“I see… Isn’t that an awful lot of power to be giving to a human? Especially this early on in the whole “integration” process?”

A long-suffering sigh was his only response. “I see even you can perceive the flaws in this idea. However, the Empress has made it perfectly clear who she wants for the role and that she expects you to be ready to commence duties as swiftly as possible.”

Seeing no other reaction really available to him, David found himself shrugging slightly.

“So what am I to do?”

“Well, that’s the relatively simple part. You will be discharged from here tomorrow morning, you will then undergo basic assessment and training for the role before being paired with your escort. The two of you will then train together, both in combat and other skills. Due to the tight timeframe as well as the simple fact, I don’t trust you, you will not be taking part in pilot training. As it is, I need you to write down a name for your ship, as well as a design for your sword”

“Sword?”

“Yes, you will be carrying a sword of your own design during your service.”

“o-oh… ok”.

“I expect a name and design tomorrow morning when you’re discharged.”

With that, the woman simply stood, and left just as briskly as she had arrived.

​

​

As it was, David hadn’t been asked for either a ship name or a sword design the next day, instead of being woken early and subtly slipped out the back entrance of the hospital into a waiting shuttle, whisking him and the woman he had learned was called D’serani away from the city and deep into the rolling countryside, eventually landing at what could only be described as the Shil equivalent of a stately home.

The first day had been a confusing whirlwind of introductions, fist bumps and the occasional eye-fucking sent in his direction as he was introduced to his instructors in self-defence, shooting, swordplay, basic ship repair, message security and standard Shil cyphers as well as court etiquette and Shil social graces. Needless to say, he had been delighted to find that the type of ship that T’koltha were issued were small, sleek (in a brickish sort of way) micro corvette type vessels, only really fit for two crew but with separate, luxurious cabins, storage space and decent defences which could be modified with surprising ease.

The next two weeks saw these tutors attempting (some having more success than others) in cramming as much of their chosen subject into his head as possible, and in spite of himself, David had to admit that what he learnt was truly fascinating.

Of particular note was the nature of the role of a T’koltha. While he had been technically correct in comparing it to a postman, it was a correct comparison in only the broadest of senses. Ever since the establishment of the imperial throne, the Empresses had all been painfully aware of the danger posed by both the nobility and the lower classes. To this end, the Interior had been established to appease the nobility as well as controlling the populace while directing the population's resentment to the nobles, rather than the crown. That said, a mentally retarded mollusc could see the capability the nobility had for corruption, abuse and intrigue. In order to counter this, the throne had several imperial orders dedicated to service on the Empress's behalf. These orders covered various tasks in the name of the Empire. From the protection of the Empress through to the discreet disposal of individuals. David’s particular role was twofold. While on the surface he was indeed charged with transporting secret correspondence direct from the Empress to various recipients, he was also expected to act as an “observer”. The Empress was keenly aware that governesses and nobles would only tell her whatever made them look good, meaning that vital intelligence was often lacking from the reports which made it to the palace. While there was an order dedicated to the gathering of military and communications intelligence, a T’koltha’s secondary role was to ascertain the thoughts and feelings of the people themselves wherever they were sent. Any information gathered was automatically recorded through various means and relayed via hard copies direct to Bigtits herself, as the head of the T’koltha order.

One fact out of all of these, however, surprised David most of all. Not one member of any of the Empress’ orders, was a member of a noble family. They would never have titles or positions of overt power. Their only rewards were protection for their families, a remarkably generous stipend and pension, and upkeep for their family in the event of their death in the line of duty.

As such, self-defence was seen as perhaps the second most vital skill of the T’koltha after discretion. To this end David’s trainers worked him into the ground practising various forms of self-defence, all the while pairing him with numerous Shil, one or two Raikiri and even one Helkram in a bid to find him an escort who was compatible (no not that kind!).

Out of all these partners, it was eventually decided he would be paired with a Raikiri named Katotha, or Kato for short (David refused to explain why he sniggered, as childhood memories of the Peter Sellers Pink Panther films whizzed through his head). The two had performed well together, particularly in sparring against opponents, the Raikiri’s stark black and white colouring reminded David almost of a border collie, albeit in sexy werewolf form.

The two also found that they shared a dark sense of humour, though David wasn’t blind to the fact that the woman clearly stared at him like he was an “all you can eat buffet” at a fasting convention.

It was two weeks into their training that they were summoned to the head office, finding themselves seated opposite a frowning D’serani.

“I have been informed that you are both progressing well” she opened bluntly, her tone curt as she appraised the pair. “As such, I am here to inform you that you are to be presented to the Empress at the end of the week.”

Her gaze fixed on David, “I will be needing that sword design today in order for it to be fabricated in time.”

Rather than argue David simply nodded (having designed the sword in question within a first few days). Passing her his omnipad he let her examine the design carefully, explaining the merits of the 1796 Light Cavalry Pattern sabre he’d used as inspiration as well as explaining the cursive lettering.

Finally, after a few more questions the woman seemed satisfied, sending the design to her own omnipad with an ominous chime.

“One final question Close”

“Yes Ma'am?”

“Have you a name for the vessel the two of you will be crewing?”

Despite David’s best efforts, he had been unable to get an answer beyond “don’t care” out of Kato, resulting in a great deal of frustration, coupled with his annoyance at her overt sexual interest, causing him to nod firmly.

“I do.”

“And?”

“Thunderchild”

​

​

“What is it with Shil official uniforms for men and goddamed tight pants?!” David cursed as he struggled to get the tight jodhpurs over his hips, finally wrestling them into place before stepping into the knee-high polished boots.

Turning to look at the remaining paraphernalia of the official uniform of a T’koltha he couldn’t help but sigh.

A solid, burnished bronze coloured breastplate with the Empress’ seal in gold with blue and purple ribbons fixed to the upper right shoulder sat on his bed. The breastplate itself was engraved with intricate filigree, tracing along the natural lines of the metal and following its curves in a truly remarkable display of craftsmanship.

The uniform was topped with a hat of truely magnificent form (David was already wondering if he could keep it to add to his hat collection back on Earth). Shaped like a classical Greek helmet, plated chinstraps tied together under his chin in a way that would have framed shil’s tusks in the best possible way. Rather than a raised plume, however, the helmet instead came down in a lobster tail backing, protecting his neck. The helmet also retained the detailed filigree of the armour as well as deep royal blue lining and highlights, denoting the royal status of the wearer’s position.

While some might consider an actual armoured breastplate a bit archaic in an empire capable of interplanetary conquest, this stuff was more than capable of dealing with the vast majority of equipment used by the denizens (and more than a few armed forces) of the galaxy.

Couple this with the fact he was expected to be armed at all times, with a blade of his choosing and a sidearm, he was already starting to question the wisdom of accepting this role.

Turning his back on the armour and headdress sitting on the bed he strode towards the door, opening it to poke his head into the next room.

“Kato? I’m going to need your help with this one please”

The Raikiri glanced up from her omnipad, sitting on her bed and already dressed in her own regalia. As much as he was flattered, he couldn’t help but feel like meat on a plate as her eyes swept up his form-fitting uniform, taking her sweet time before her eyes finally reached his. “Yes, T’koltha? How may I help?” she asked innocently, a slight quirk of her lips the only indicator he had she was yanking his chain.

“Har har, well the “oh so noble T’koltha” is going to need help getting into his tin can, so any assistance would be gratefully received.”

The wolf woman’s eyes lit up as she sat up a little straighter, “How “gratefully?” are we talking?”

“Not that gratefully! And your chances are getting less grateful by the second, now are you going to help or do I have to cirque du soleil myself into the wretched thing?!”

“What?”

“Nevermind! Screw it!”

He sighed as he turned back, leaving the door open as he hefted the armour.

Now while he wasn’t totally backwards, he wouldn’t have had much issue with putting on a simple breast and backplate. The problem with this particular set was that it wasn’t just those two pieces.

Attached to the armour were plates for the covering of the upper thighs, as well as a metal piece which, while padded, came between his legs to fix to the front in what could only be classified as a codpiece.

When he’d initially asked about it he’d been informed that historically, the queens of old would occasionally send males as T’koltha to other leaders due to male’s perceived “peacemaking” skills, as well as the fact that murder of males was strictly forbidden by the laws of that period of time.

The strap between the legs was exactly what it looked like. A chastity belt, though in the modern-day and age it wasn’t locked and was entirely symbolic of the T’koltha’s loyalty to only the Empress, as well as their inability to be bought off or bribed into divulging their messages with sex.

​

David however, while understanding the need for tradition and symbology, was, at this exact point in time, cursing the entirety of the Shil species as he fought and struggled to get into the armour. Every time he pulled one part open to get himself in, another part would swing shut, resulting in a remarkably loud wrestling match culminating in him flat on his back with his feet in the air, having fallen off the bed while attempting to close a particularly fiddley catch.

Hearing a sound in the doorway, hidden from his view by the bed, his legs and the fact he couldn’t look too far down due to the high, flared collar of the armour, David’s eyes narrowed.

“Kato! I swear to God and all his cherubs if you’re filming this…!”

“Wh-what?” he heard the unmistakable sound of a picture being taken as the Raikiri’s voice shook with laughter, “I can’t hear you!”

“I’ll turn you into a rug! You hear me!? A rug!”

In spite of himself David’s own voice was beginning to shake with laughter, the absurdity of his situation coupled with his willingness to admit he must look ridiculous meaning his body was soon wracked with laughter as his erstwhile, and still sniggering, escort strutted around the bed and held out a hand to help him back up into a more dignified position.

As he struggled to regain his composure he noticed a new expression gracing the Raikiri’s features, one far more interesting than the open lust or flirtation he’d seeing up until now.

“Everything alright?” his voice seemed to hang in the space between them, seemingly startling the woman as her ear twitched in surprise. “Ha! Uhh, I mean… you can laugh at yourself! That’s good!” she stuttered slightly, causing his own lips to quirk upwards. “Well of course!” he grinned, “The only person I know who does stupid shit constantly is me, therefore I laugh at it.” His smile grew a little tight around the edges, “beware, anyone who refuses to laugh at themselves, they are never good news.”

She nodded, her eyes regarding him as if meeting him for the first time before stepping behind him.

“Come on then oh great one” he could hear the chuckle in her voice, “Let's get this cape attached and get you presentable. Miss D’serani will want to inspect you before you’re presented!”

Having been suitably dressed, brushed and tidied as well as a thorough and annoyingly critical inspection by Miss D’serani (Big Chief Bugalugs as David was quietly referring to her), David found himself being marched at a rapid pace down an imposing corridor towards a set of double doors flanked by guards.

On his right paced the implacable Kato, her ears high and her gaze level as she stared fixedly ahead of her. On his left, D’serani steamed forward, the sharp prow of her formal attire causing her to bear a striking resemblance to the naval ram of a pre-dreadnought ironclad.

As they closed the distance, the doors swung outwards, revealing the main hall of the imperial palace.

The first thing David noticed about the place (ingrained from years of practice of looking up and sideways as you entered a room) was the standards of illustrious regiments from Shil history hanging along the walls. The air displacement caused by the door causing these standards to flutter slightly, looking for all the world like the museum scene from “Bedknobs and Broomsticks”.

Of course, these standards, along with the design of the room itself directed his gaze towards the main item of the room, and the individual sitting on it.

The Empress was seated upon what at first glance appeared to be a rather simplistic, highbacked throne. However, the closer he came, the more details became clear.

The throne itself was carved from what appeared to be a single block of stone, highly polished to the point of gleaming in the light streaming from the windows set high into the walls. Across the stone itself was a breathtaking display of gold and silver inlay, studded with what were clearly precious stones. While such an amount of jewellery could easily have been made into a gaudy and distasteful display of wealth, it had been designed and laid out in such a way as to be both obvious, yet understated at the same time. A subtle signal to guests and diplomats of the wealth and power of the Shil Empire, while expressing the quiet confidence of someone who had nothing more to prove, who felt they were above comparison and as such did not need to wow those beneath them.

The Empress herself embodied this policy with surprising dignity, dressed as she was in a flowing purple robe with royal blue edging, a simple tiara taking the place of an imperial crown on her head as she watched the three of them approach the designated bowing point.

As the three of them came to a smooth halt, they paused, David taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. As practised, Kato and he bowed at the waist, holding the position. “God Save the Queen, Long live the queen and her commonwealth!” David recited in his head firmly, having found the phrase to have been the perfect time frame for the bow as well as a convenient act of internal defiance. Schooling his features into a blank mask he felt himself rising again, his shoulders back as Bugalugs formally presented him and Kato as the latest T’koltha and escort for her majesty’s approval.

Out of his peripheral vision, David was interested to note the two Shil males present along with the guards and three “advisors” flanking the Empress. One held what looked like a wooden presentation box, the other a rolled up piece of cloth which he could only guess contained his sword.

A sudden silence almost caused him to startle as he realised the presentation part of the proceedings must be over.

Refocusing his vision on the empress he immediately saw her gaze was fixed on him, an expression of cool evaluation on her face as she slowly rose to her feet, taking one step down of the five leading up to the raised dais for the throne.

For the first time since encountering the Shil, David genuinely felt small in front of her. This was no horny marine, or soldier in a blood-stained corridor, not even a spoilt, pampered noble. This was a woman who had survived the vicious blood bowl that was feudal politics, who commanded fear and respect from even the most brain dead of nobles yet was respected and revered by the majority of her people. This was, all politics and enmity aside, a leader.

Never taking her eyes off him she made her way down the remaining steps, standing tall yet with a relaxed air that spoke of total comfort within her environment.

A wave of her hand brought the two males forward as she politely gestured for David to step forward.

“T’koltha David Close” she spoke softly. “You truly are a long way from home.”

Not sure how to respond David simply remained in place, inclining his head respectfully in agreement.

“If it is any consolation, I am informed your parents are both well, both are looked after and seem in good spirits, despite your mother’s reticence to accept assistance.”

Utterly floored by the sudden and wholly unexpected mention of his parents, David’s head snapped up sharply, staring at the woman in surprise.

The Empress simply shrugged, “You thought I’d simply give the role of T’koltha to any pretty face without knowing all there was to know about them?” her gaze hardened as she regarded his own guarded expression. “I know of your actions during the integration of Earth. A civilian, with no military training and nothing keeping you in the fight, you fought until you were knocked unconscious. When returned to your work, rather than go into hiding, you protected your family and gave the children who visited your museum a sense of normalcy. Even when supplanted to a different planet, culture and society, despite the harassment and difficulties, not once did you take it out on those who did not deserve it. Instead of avoiding potential conflict at the memorial wall, you went towards it, even when advised not to. When confronted with a grieving mother and daughter on a planet that was not your own, you didn’t seek to do harm, even when attacked, beyond what was necessary to keep yourself safe. You even deferred medical aid in preference to them.”

By this time the Empress was looming over him, not even a foot in front of him and David felt himself retreating inward.

“This is why I chose you for this role. Your sense of duty, not to yourself but to others, regardless of species and regardless of your own views is what I want, what I require of you in this role.

Reaching towards the wooden box held out by the man beside her she pulled out a regal looking order. Shaped like a blazing sun with the Empress’ likeness in its centre, flanked by two Shil in full armour and framed by the Shil words: “In the name of the Empress so shall it be”.

With steady hands the Empress reached forward, hooking the order with practised ease over the flared neckpiece of his breastplate.

The next item was the box itself, which, it turned out, was actually a high-security case with a formal looking outer layer of wood bearing the same crest as his order.

“As your Empress, I do hereby grant you the rank and honour of bearing the Empress’ will across the seas. May your step be true and light.”

The next man stepped forward, holding the roll of cloth towards the empress’ outstretched hand.

“To those who would subvert the will of the empress and the throne, may your blade bring justice.”

The cloth fell away, revealing the sabre and scabbard David had designed not even a week ago. Flicking his eyes from the weapon to the empress, David was surprised to see her eyes tracing along its length in curiosity, clearly never having seen it before.

A soft cough behind him startled him into remembering this next part of the ceremony.

Taking a brisk step back from the empress and the sword, he lifted the case in his left hand (just his luck the majority of the galaxy was right bloody-handed) and turned side-on, as if to leave.

The Empress, as per the ritual raised her hand in a command to halt. Removing the sabre from its steel scabbard with a smooth rasp of metal. David stifled a small smile as her eyes widened at the filigree he had had placed on both sides of the blade, her eyes tracing it as she turned the blade in her hands. Beneath the hilt on the left sat the rose of York inlaid in gold and on the right, the southern cross of New Zealand. Beneath these symbols rested the crests of his mother’s family on the left, and his father’s on the right. The gold inlay then travelled down the blade, following its cruel curve. The left of the blade bearing the words in flowing cursive, “In service, prudence” and on the right, “In faith, steadfast”.

After a few seconds, she clearly remembered the next part. Sliding the blade back into its scabbard and gesturing for him to turn back to her.

Having done as he was bid, he bent at the waist again, this time only slightly inclining as she hooked the strap of the scabbard over his right shoulder.

“With my seal, and this blade, may you serve faithfully until you cross that final sea”

Straightening up David snapped a Shil salute, stepping back until he was in line with Kato and D’serani before all three bowed, the Empress acknowledging with an inclination of the head before all three spun on their heels and marched out of the room, the doors slamming shut behind them as they made it around the corner, David finally releasing a breath he’d been holding since the sword was placed in his possession.

“Well then… now that’s dealt with, it's time for your first assignment.”