Eternal
While part of you wants to confront Marik on your suspicions that he’s not telling you everything you get the impression that you’ve pushed your luck enough with taking an aggressive stance. There are some unknown factors going on here and you’d probably be better off just reporting back to the Emperor about all this, he knows Marik and the derro better than you do.
“I’ll leave you to it then and I shall tell the Emperor that the situation here has been dealt with along with your suggestions for a second factory.”
Marik seemingly ignores your statement and goes back to ordering his fellow derro. You make your way to the exit and Marik suddenly calls out to you.
“Yes on your way Eternal, back to your accursed surface. Its days are numbered you know and that will be the day that…hehehehehe…what was I…talking about? Back to work you lot!”
On your way out you tell the Eyes to continue guarding the factory until further notice and make your journey back to the capital.
When you get to the Emperor’s room, he’s hunched over a large map and placing small metal figures in certain locations.
“There you are m’boy. Did you hear? We just took Fort Soot. A great victory this day, though we’ll need to shore up our own defenses there. I trust by your presence you’ve taken care of whatever problem happened at the factory and it is now up and running again.”
“I regret to tell you that the problem has only been partially solved.”
“Oh? I trust you have a good reason for this oversight.”
You explain everything to the Emperor hoping that he isn’t mad, fortunately he isn’t or at least he isn’t mad at you.
“Bah, damn that crazy derro and his experiments! I told him I just need the practical, not fancy super weapons! Trolls, what the hell is he thinking? You know his race was once on the losing end of a war with those beasts? Marik himself would’ve been eaten by one had I not stepped in and saved his ass. (Sigh) Okay I’ll have a levy of peasants build another factory then, I probably should have several anyway, I just didn’t want to waste time and resources on building them right now.”
“So…you’re just going to give Marik what he wants?”
“Why not? We gave Gruz what he wanted didn’t we and he’s certainly less deserving. Besides Marik’s right, he’s already provided the schematics for most of the cannons, muskets, pistols and other types of weapons. I’m fairly certain that we can have purely run human factory now. The common folk aren’t entirely dim. Marik can have his little so called secret workshop, maybe he’ll even come up with something useful.”
“I’m still concerned about Marik. He seemed like he was hiding something more than just experimenting on trolls though.”
“Of course he was. He probably has something really twisted going on behind closed doors, but for all his madness, secrets and genuine derro isolationist xenophobia, he’s loyal. He’ll do nothing that will harm the Empire especially since he has no desire to rule it. Derro pacts are for life and to break one would be as offensive to them as walking on the surface.”
The Emperor says this with a lot of certainty though you’re still a little apprehensive, however the Emperor has had more dealings with the derro and known Marik much longer than you have so he’s more knowledgeable on this than you.
“Very well, if you are not concerned, I shall cease my own.”
“Good, but I’m glad you’re suspicious. Being paranoid keeps your wits sharp and alert. Besides you might be partially right. While I know Marik doesn’t have any intentional desires to harm the Empire his work may unintentionally harm it as shown with this incident with his troll experiment. I will have a personal talk with him just to keep him on a tighter leash so to speak.”
“I’m still confused one thing though, why send me?”
“Because you get things done of course. What was I going to do, have Jacob send in more Eyes? You see how well that worked and given that the problem was trolls it’s a good thing I sent you in rather than lose even more of them. I knew what ever it was that was the problem, you’d be able to handle it.”
“I see, its just I thought my role in the Felkan war was more important.”
“It is, it is my son and this was still related to said war and trust me it was far more important than winning some small battle somewhere.”
The Emperor steps forward towards you and gives you that familiar hand on your shoulder bit when he’s about to tell you something he feels you should take to heart.
“Listen, I know you probably would like to be fighting in the thick of the war, slaying Felkans left and right and I know you’d be successful and good at it. However you are MORE than just some glorified soldier to be sent in to fight and die. Hell, I may have even told you to take a back up of Eyes had I known about the trolls with this recent incident.”
“Wait, are you trying to protect me?”
“Of course I am. Yes, I’m well aware that your life is built on danger and that you’ve never been a stranger to life and death situations, but I’d like to keep your chances of staying alive at least out of the impossible zone. You have been indispensible to me and I am not going to risk sending you into a meat grinder just because you fight well. You are much more important. I need you as not only a commander of troops, but also as my personal agent. Now is there anything else?”
You take the opportunity to tell the Emperor about what exactly is going on your side of the warfront. He seems pleased with the information and tells you that you can go back to assist Krozer’s battalion now that your assignment is over. The Emperor goes on to say how he continues to be proud of your accomplishments and that he means it when he says just how important you are to him. You leave the palace with a great feeling of pride and accomplishment. Not just that though, you feel like you’re genuinely appreciated and coming from the Emperor… well there can be nothing better.
Since you haven’t been gone long, you make your way back to the ex-Felkan town you just conquered and find that Krozer’s army hasn’t moved yet.
“You’re back already? That was quick, we hardly had time to miss you.” Major Krozer says.
“Well I knew you’d all be lost without me, so I figured I’d better hurry back as soon as possible.”
“Another joke? Before you left you were attempting some of those.”
“So what’s been going on here?”
“Nothing really, after we executed the twenty you suggested, the inhabitants here are truly submissive. I was just about to pick some troops to stay here and head out with the rest. I believe the next target is a small village called Gelim. Not much of one, but then this is further away from the Felkan heartland of course.”
You think for a moment and say something that shocks the major.
“The troops could probably due with a small rest. Let’s stay here another three days, it’s not going to make that much of a difference. I doubt that little village is going to provide much of a resistance, let alone be able to shore up any sort of strong defense within that time. We’ve got the Felkans pinned in from here and last reports say they’re focusing most of their troops on the frontlines or against those gnolls to the east. ”
“Alright, the attempts at humor are one thing, but NOW I’m starting to worry a shape shifter has taken your place.”
“No worries, let’s just say I’m in a less grim mood.”
“You are? Then the gods must truly do exist because I never thought I’d see the day. I guess whatever it is that the Emperor had you doing went well then.”
“It did, but this has nothing to do with that. I just want to make sure the soldiers are well rested and not run ragged. Make sure you have them gather here in the town square in a few moments, I’d like to give them a speech about how their efforts have been appreciated.”
“By the Emperor?”
“I’m sure he does too, but I figured the troops might wants to know that someone a little closer to them appreciates their hard work even if he doesn’t always say it.”
“I’ll get them together, but I imagine they’ll enjoy the fact that you’re allowing them three days rest more. Still, some encouraging words do help the morale for some.”
“I hope you know that this appreciation includes everyone here and that especially means you. This battalion is under your command and you’ve done a fine job running it.”
“I think officially out outrank me, given that you report directly to the Emperor.”
“Perhaps, but while I have given my own input with strategies and battle, I have always allowed you to make the final decisions because this is still your command and I respect that and you. The Empire is stronger with you leading some of its armies.”
“Wow, I’m nearly speechless right now. Keep complimenting me like that and I’ll start to think you’ve developed intimate feelings for me.”
“What?”
“Oh you know. Saying to me I’d look prettier out of my uniform and how we should talk in private. Then the next thing I know you’re telling me to drop down and give you head.”
“I…I wouldn’t! I mean, I wouldn’t abuse my position of authority like that!” you exclaim.
The major laughs a bit.
“Relax, I know you wouldn’t. The whole time on this assignment I haven’t seen you take an interest in anyone.”
“Why would I? I’m supposed to be focusing on the task of destroying the Felkans, not indulging in baser pleasures.”
“Mm, perhaps, but not everyone is so single minded in their duties or get their fun from the battlefield like you seem to do. Why do you think we have a group of whores follow our army around? Do you not think some of the soldiers sneak off with each other sometimes? I won’t even get into some of the stuff we probably aren’t seeing after we crush one of the Felkan population zones. And as for the abuse of power from a superior, you’re probably one of the first that I know that hasn’t even tried to use it as some sort of threat to have sex with someone of a lower rank.”
“Yes well I suppose that’s the ugly side of war.” You reply.
Now the major starts laughing out loud even more.
“You’re hilarious! Brutality and carnage on a grand scale, death and destruction everywhere, and you think whores, a few random rapes and some sexual harassment is the ugly bit. That’s why I like you, because you don’t know any better. Anyway thanks for the compliments and know that I have also found that despite your usual overly serious demeanor it’s been a pleasure serving with you as well and I look forward to our continued positive relationship.”
“As do I.”
With you and Major Krozer at a friendlier understanding of one another as well as the Emperor’s earlier words to you, you feel a lot happier about your current assignment.
“I’ll leave you to it then and I shall tell the Emperor that the situation here has been dealt with along with your suggestions for a second factory.”
Marik seemingly ignores your statement and goes back to ordering his fellow derro. You make your way to the exit and Marik suddenly calls out to you.
“Yes on your way Eternal, back to your accursed surface. Its days are numbered you know and that will be the day that…hehehehehe…what was I…talking about? Back to work you lot!”
On your way out you tell the Eyes to continue guarding the factory until further notice and make your journey back to the capital.
When you get to the Emperor’s room, he’s hunched over a large map and placing small metal figures in certain locations.
“There you are m’boy. Did you hear? We just took Fort Soot. A great victory this day, though we’ll need to shore up our own defenses there. I trust by your presence you’ve taken care of whatever problem happened at the factory and it is now up and running again.”
“I regret to tell you that the problem has only been partially solved.”
“Oh? I trust you have a good reason for this oversight.”
You explain everything to the Emperor hoping that he isn’t mad, fortunately he isn’t or at least he isn’t mad at you.
“Bah, damn that crazy derro and his experiments! I told him I just need the practical, not fancy super weapons! Trolls, what the hell is he thinking? You know his race was once on the losing end of a war with those beasts? Marik himself would’ve been eaten by one had I not stepped in and saved his ass. (Sigh) Okay I’ll have a levy of peasants build another factory then, I probably should have several anyway, I just didn’t want to waste time and resources on building them right now.”
“So…you’re just going to give Marik what he wants?”
“Why not? We gave Gruz what he wanted didn’t we and he’s certainly less deserving. Besides Marik’s right, he’s already provided the schematics for most of the cannons, muskets, pistols and other types of weapons. I’m fairly certain that we can have purely run human factory now. The common folk aren’t entirely dim. Marik can have his little so called secret workshop, maybe he’ll even come up with something useful.”
“I’m still concerned about Marik. He seemed like he was hiding something more than just experimenting on trolls though.”
“Of course he was. He probably has something really twisted going on behind closed doors, but for all his madness, secrets and genuine derro isolationist xenophobia, he’s loyal. He’ll do nothing that will harm the Empire especially since he has no desire to rule it. Derro pacts are for life and to break one would be as offensive to them as walking on the surface.”
The Emperor says this with a lot of certainty though you’re still a little apprehensive, however the Emperor has had more dealings with the derro and known Marik much longer than you have so he’s more knowledgeable on this than you.
“Very well, if you are not concerned, I shall cease my own.”
“Good, but I’m glad you’re suspicious. Being paranoid keeps your wits sharp and alert. Besides you might be partially right. While I know Marik doesn’t have any intentional desires to harm the Empire his work may unintentionally harm it as shown with this incident with his troll experiment. I will have a personal talk with him just to keep him on a tighter leash so to speak.”
“I’m still confused one thing though, why send me?”
“Because you get things done of course. What was I going to do, have Jacob send in more Eyes? You see how well that worked and given that the problem was trolls it’s a good thing I sent you in rather than lose even more of them. I knew what ever it was that was the problem, you’d be able to handle it.”
“I see, its just I thought my role in the Felkan war was more important.”
“It is, it is my son and this was still related to said war and trust me it was far more important than winning some small battle somewhere.”
The Emperor steps forward towards you and gives you that familiar hand on your shoulder bit when he’s about to tell you something he feels you should take to heart.
“Listen, I know you probably would like to be fighting in the thick of the war, slaying Felkans left and right and I know you’d be successful and good at it. However you are MORE than just some glorified soldier to be sent in to fight and die. Hell, I may have even told you to take a back up of Eyes had I known about the trolls with this recent incident.”
“Wait, are you trying to protect me?”
“Of course I am. Yes, I’m well aware that your life is built on danger and that you’ve never been a stranger to life and death situations, but I’d like to keep your chances of staying alive at least out of the impossible zone. You have been indispensible to me and I am not going to risk sending you into a meat grinder just because you fight well. You are much more important. I need you as not only a commander of troops, but also as my personal agent. Now is there anything else?”
You take the opportunity to tell the Emperor about what exactly is going on your side of the warfront. He seems pleased with the information and tells you that you can go back to assist Krozer’s battalion now that your assignment is over. The Emperor goes on to say how he continues to be proud of your accomplishments and that he means it when he says just how important you are to him. You leave the palace with a great feeling of pride and accomplishment. Not just that though, you feel like you’re genuinely appreciated and coming from the Emperor… well there can be nothing better.
Since you haven’t been gone long, you make your way back to the ex-Felkan town you just conquered and find that Krozer’s army hasn’t moved yet.
“You’re back already? That was quick, we hardly had time to miss you.” Major Krozer says.
“Well I knew you’d all be lost without me, so I figured I’d better hurry back as soon as possible.”
“Another joke? Before you left you were attempting some of those.”
“So what’s been going on here?”
“Nothing really, after we executed the twenty you suggested, the inhabitants here are truly submissive. I was just about to pick some troops to stay here and head out with the rest. I believe the next target is a small village called Gelim. Not much of one, but then this is further away from the Felkan heartland of course.”
You think for a moment and say something that shocks the major.
“The troops could probably due with a small rest. Let’s stay here another three days, it’s not going to make that much of a difference. I doubt that little village is going to provide much of a resistance, let alone be able to shore up any sort of strong defense within that time. We’ve got the Felkans pinned in from here and last reports say they’re focusing most of their troops on the frontlines or against those gnolls to the east. ”
“Alright, the attempts at humor are one thing, but NOW I’m starting to worry a shape shifter has taken your place.”
“No worries, let’s just say I’m in a less grim mood.”
“You are? Then the gods must truly do exist because I never thought I’d see the day. I guess whatever it is that the Emperor had you doing went well then.”
“It did, but this has nothing to do with that. I just want to make sure the soldiers are well rested and not run ragged. Make sure you have them gather here in the town square in a few moments, I’d like to give them a speech about how their efforts have been appreciated.”
“By the Emperor?”
“I’m sure he does too, but I figured the troops might wants to know that someone a little closer to them appreciates their hard work even if he doesn’t always say it.”
“I’ll get them together, but I imagine they’ll enjoy the fact that you’re allowing them three days rest more. Still, some encouraging words do help the morale for some.”
“I hope you know that this appreciation includes everyone here and that especially means you. This battalion is under your command and you’ve done a fine job running it.”
“I think officially out outrank me, given that you report directly to the Emperor.”
“Perhaps, but while I have given my own input with strategies and battle, I have always allowed you to make the final decisions because this is still your command and I respect that and you. The Empire is stronger with you leading some of its armies.”
“Wow, I’m nearly speechless right now. Keep complimenting me like that and I’ll start to think you’ve developed intimate feelings for me.”
“What?”
“Oh you know. Saying to me I’d look prettier out of my uniform and how we should talk in private. Then the next thing I know you’re telling me to drop down and give you head.”
“I…I wouldn’t! I mean, I wouldn’t abuse my position of authority like that!” you exclaim.
The major laughs a bit.
“Relax, I know you wouldn’t. The whole time on this assignment I haven’t seen you take an interest in anyone.”
“Why would I? I’m supposed to be focusing on the task of destroying the Felkans, not indulging in baser pleasures.”
“Mm, perhaps, but not everyone is so single minded in their duties or get their fun from the battlefield like you seem to do. Why do you think we have a group of whores follow our army around? Do you not think some of the soldiers sneak off with each other sometimes? I won’t even get into some of the stuff we probably aren’t seeing after we crush one of the Felkan population zones. And as for the abuse of power from a superior, you’re probably one of the first that I know that hasn’t even tried to use it as some sort of threat to have sex with someone of a lower rank.”
“Yes well I suppose that’s the ugly side of war.” You reply.
Now the major starts laughing out loud even more.
“You’re hilarious! Brutality and carnage on a grand scale, death and destruction everywhere, and you think whores, a few random rapes and some sexual harassment is the ugly bit. That’s why I like you, because you don’t know any better. Anyway thanks for the compliments and know that I have also found that despite your usual overly serious demeanor it’s been a pleasure serving with you as well and I look forward to our continued positive relationship.”
“As do I.”
With you and Major Krozer at a friendlier understanding of one another as well as the Emperor’s earlier words to you, you feel a lot happier about your current assignment.