The chamber was dark, lit only by a few nearly melted candles balanced precariously in the middle of the massive wooden table. Their wax dripped across the table like frozen rivers before splashing onto the floor. Scattered haphazardly across the table was an assortment of beakers, vials, and small cauldrons in various states of bubbling, oozing, or hissing. The curtains were drawn and had been so for weeks. The smell of mildew and filth was stifling. High Priest Induchemara didn't notice though – he was too busy pacing back and forth, his mind racked with spells, incantations, and plans. On every flat surface throughout the room papers were scattered, along with plates of half-eaten food, some of which had long since given way to mold and were in various stages of decomposition. A timid knock at the door broke the silence. "Come in!" High Priest Induchemara bellowed loudly. A few moments later the door creaked open slowly and a small, nervous-looking imp walked in. "Begging your pardon, my liege – but there's news from the front." The High Priest glared at the being who dared intrude into his chambers. *He's nervous – he has bad news.* "Well spit it out! I don't have all morning." He tossed the mutton leg he had been gnawing on onto the table with a loud thud. "Yes, of course your highness, my apologies…" the imp stammered. "We just received word that the Doomspire Nexus has been totally destroyed…" "WHAT!?" "Destroyed! How?" The High Priest shrieked as he threw his chair across the room. "It appears to have been an aerial attack." The imp whimpered. He knew the likelihood of leaving the room alive was slim to none. Messengers had been killed for delivering news less dire than this. "How did the attack get past our screen line?!" The High Priest demanded as he slammed his fist on the table. "Your highness, it appears to have been a lone organic baseline being who snuck through our lines during the star-thirst event at the apex of Fomalhaut's annual carnage." The imp successfully dodged a barrage of books and plates the High Priest threw at him but then his foot slipped on a plate of moldy mashed potatoes. He crashed to the floor and caught a flying plate to his forehead. The gash began bleeding profusely. "I thought you said it was an aerial attack?" The High Priest screeched, his eyes burning with disgust. "A Great Griffin aided in the attack once the baseline organic being had managed to get close to the Doomspire Nexus." The imp lay on the floor, figuring he was safer there than standing – better to appear helpless than defy the rage through strength. The High Priest uttered a string of unintelligible obscenities. Then in a fit of rage he grabbed the drapes and ripped them from the window, sending the heavy metal curtain rod crashing to the floor with a loud bang. Warm, soft early-morning light flooded into the chamber and a gentle breeze wafted through the cracks in the stained-glass window. The High Priest picked up the heavy curtain rod from the floor. He stared out the window, deep in thought for some time, while the imp picked himself off the floor, pressing his palm to his forehead. After a few moments of silence the High Priest turned and looked at the stunned imp for a moment, then said under his breath, "You've ruined my rug with your incessant bleeding. It was a gift from the fire mage an eon ago!" Then with an evil smile he flung the heavy curtain rod like a spear. It punched easily through the imp's soft flesh and thrust him against the far wall, where he hung, pinned like a grasshopper in a bug collection. "Guards!" The High Priest hissed. A moment later there was a shuffling of feet, the door flung open, and two nervous-looking guards entered the room. "Remove this thing from my presence," The High Priest waved his hand towards the imp, who was pinned to the wall gasping his last breath as he clung to the shaft of the curtain rod protruding from his chest, "and feed it to the dogs!" Wordlessly the guards grabbed the imp and pulled him off the wall. Then they bowed, dragging the now-lifeless body through the door, which closed with a loud thunk behind them. ![[annihilation-i-highPriest.jpeg]] "My lord, are you sure it's a good idea for you to travel right now?" the general winced. She was tired, but still it was no excuse for questioning him. She knew it was a mistake – one that could cost her dearly. Her eyes dropped to the floor and her shoulders slumped. "If it wasn't for the incompetence of General Throk we wouldn't be in this mess. We're at a serious tactical disadvantage. Rebuilding the Doomspire Nexus will take the entire cycle of the green moon to accomplish. The snow and deep cold will significantly inhibit the construction efforts. Now is not the time to question my orders! Am I understood?" The High Priest coldly set his goblet on the table and glared at his general. "Of course, your highness. Forgive me." The general bowed slightly. "Prepare my armada. We set off at dawn. It's best to take advantage of the chaos in the heavens as Fomalhaut exits the planet's orbit. It'll mask my arrival – they'll never know I'm there." "As you wish, my lord." The general bowed again as she walked backwards from the room. The High Priest waited patiently as her footsteps faded down the long corridor which led to his chambers. When he was sure she was out of earshot he keyed the intercom on his table. "Yes, my liege?" a scratchy voice answered. "Send in my concubine Theosophy. I need company before my long journey." "As you wish." Smirking, the High Priest stood, letting his robe crumple to the floor. Then with a heavy sigh he flopped onto his large round bed, which reeked of last night's escapades. His fingers traced the dried stains on the sheets as he gazed at the door. "Well, well, well, three times in one week. How irregular of me. Have I ever been with the same concubine more than once in a year?" Induchemara winced as he smelled his armpit. "I better freshen up a bit." He stood and sauntered into his spacious bathroom. "I think I'm smitten," he said to himself as he studied his reflection in the mirror, tracing the muscle tone in his abs with his finger. "There is something special about her." Then he heard a light knock at his door. "You may come in, Theosophy. I'm in the shower." The view out the panoramic window on his royal shuttle was stunning. From one edge of the window to the other stood an impressive array of starships. "There's enough firepower to wipe out a star system." The High Priest leaned over and whispered into Theosophy's ear. She smiled and slid her arm around his waist. She's bold. It's almost like she's not afraid of me. I like that… The armada of star-destroyers tugged at their orbital atmosphere anchors, bright blue flames streaming from the engines. Juxtaposed against the black of space, the ships' dark metallic exteriors reflected the soft white light of the planet's sun. "Play your cards right and this can be yours – you could be Queen Induchemara." The High Priest bit her ear playfully. Goosebumps flashed up Theosophy's neck as she felt his moist saliva on her earlobe. She turned slightly, sliding her hand out of the cuff of her robe over the bulge in his pants, and kissed him on the lips. "I live to serve." The royal shuttle jolted to a stop as it slid into the docking station, interrupting their kiss. With a flash of steam the door depressurized as it sealed to the mothership. "Welcome aboard the Obsidian Shadow Ship – Halcyon." An admiral saluted smartly as he stood at rigid attention. The High Priest let him stand there a moment, enjoying his deference while his concubine gently stroked the bulge in his pants. His ego sufficiently bolstered, he smiled. "Thank you, Admiral. Stand at ease." "As requested, the armada consists of only your best Obsidian Shadow Ships." "What do you think of my strategy, Admiral?" "You're a true strategist. Truly brilliant. Stealth when we enter the star system is of the utmost importance. Timing the insertion in conjunction with the chaos unleashed by Fomalhaut – it's absolutely savant." The admiral finished off his thinly veiled attempt at flattery with a deep bow. The High Priest chuckled dryly. "I'm glad someone around here appreciates my status as a brilliant tactician." He turned to watch as the general who had questioned him last night was ejected with the trash into space. A scream, which no one could hear, etched across her frozen face. Turning back to the admiral, "I certainly would've preferred to travel in my new luxurious junket, but alas it's too slow for a mission of this caliber." "It really is a lovely junket. Once you have returned from overseeing the rebuilding of your Doomspire Nexus we can embark on a wonderful cruise through the gas clouds of Naemba. I hear they are truly spectacular in this phase of the galaxy's rotation." "That would be divine. If all goes well on this mission, perhaps you'll be a passenger on the cruise and won't be bothered with any duties other than to drink, fuck, and eat." The High Priest gathered his robe into his arm. "I would be honored to be a guest on your junket's maiden voyage. Thank you for your kindness. I am truly unworthy. I won't let you down – my liege." The admiral gulped as his eyes caught a glimpse of the general's lifeless corpse floating into oblivion. "Good. I hope for your sake that you do not." Induchemara said over his shoulder as he sauntered off the bridge, a small army of attendants scurrying behind him with his luggage. "I'm absolutely swamped tonight," High Priest Induchemara leaned in and kissed Theosophy on the lips. "So, we'll have to postpone our tryst tonight." Theosophy stuck out her lower lip and pouted as she pulled away from his kiss. No being in a thousand years had dared deny me! I like it – she's different, not like the rest. Induchemara grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back in close. "You're a vixen! Where have you been my whole life?" "I have lived within sight of your palace since I came of age, my liege…" she began, but his kiss cut off her reply. "Don't call me that. You can call me Induchemara." He fondled her breast and relished the sound of her breath intensifying. Theosophy smiled and batted her eyelashes coyly. "I've waited years for you, Induchemara. I suppose I can live one more night without you." "That's the spirit, my dulcet dove." Induchemara stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, then took a deep breath, tossed his long curly black hair to the side with a flip of his head, and whisked himself down the hall. Theosophy followed him with her eyes, and when he had turned the corner she slouched against the wall, the tension visibly draining from her face, shoulders, and jaw. "How much longer can I keep this up?" she whispered to herself as she shook her head. She reached into her pocket, retrieved a small key, and opened the door, then gasped as she walked in. "Oh my god! Am I in the right place?" she blurted out, her hand on her mouth. "This can't be all for me!" She stopped in the doorway and her eyes roamed across the lavishly appointed room. The wall across from the door was solid glass, framing novas, constellations, planets, dwarf stars, and other heavenly wonders as they streamed by in streaks of marvelous colors. There was a comically large bed in the center of the room, adorned with paisley prints, frilly lace, and fluffy pillows. Beyond the bed was a huge table with a spread of the most exquisite food she had seen in her young life. Theosophy stepped into the room, letting the door close with a rush behind her. She glanced to her left and spotted a bathtub the size of a small pool. With a giggle of glee she slipped out of her dress and skipped into the bathroom. She stopped at the edge of the water, which smelled faintly of a bouquet of flowers, and dipped her toe in. "Ah, the water is perfect!" She slipped in and swam to the far end as she watched the stars streak past the window. "Being his favorite has its perks!" a petite voice behind her said, making her jump. "Bea, don't sneak up on me like that!" "I'm sorry," Bea curtsied in feigned reverence, then stripped off her trousers and blouse and executed a perfect cannonball into the pool. When she emerged from the water Theosophy was glaring at her, water dripping off her face and sopped curls clinging to her forehead. "What the fuck, Bea!" Bea chuckled. "You're cute when you're mad." Then she slid up next to Theosophy, wrapped her hands around her waist, and kissed her on the mouth. "You taste like him." Bea recoiled and made a sour face. "How can you stand to kiss that monster?" "Keep your voice down. I don't know if they're listening." "They're not listening. These are his chambers. When is he going to be back?" "He said he was going to be busy tonight." Theosophy smirked. "So, no high priest dick tonight? Whatever are you going to do?" Bea scoffed. "I could think of a thing or two…" Before Bea could protest, Theosophy picked her up, set her on the edge of the pool, and nuzzled her head between her legs. Bea grabbed a handful of her lover's hair and lay back on the edge of the pool as her breath escaped her pursed lips in ragged bursts. "Sweetheart, stop! We have work to do," Bea barked as she sat up. "Do you know how long it's taken to gain access to his chambers?" "Right, sorry…" Theosophy blushed. "I got distracted." "That's why I'm your attendant. Someone's got to keep you on task." Bea chided her, playfully wagging a finger at her. Bea set a plate of olives, crackers, nuts, and a handful of grapes on the bedside table, crawled under the sheets, and snuggled up against Theosophy. "You're gonna get fat with all that food right next to the bed." Bea nuzzled her nose into Theosophy's neck. "Ha!" she mocked. "I don't think I could get fat with you on board this ship, visiting my chambers whenever he isn't around." "What can I say? You're addictive. I can't quit you – no matter how hard I try." "Well, don't try too hard. I love you." Theosophy turned and wrapped her arm around her naked lover. "Were you able to hack into the control room's mainframe?" "I was. Our hunch was right. The comms security in his chambers is much less robust. Still, it was pretty tricky to exfiltrate the signal without raising suspicion. Their system is much more advanced than we had originally believed." "But you did it? The digital beacon has been embedded and Brahma knows we're coming?" "It's only a one-way signal. So, I can't be sure. Aion did say he and his task force would get us out no matter what," Bea stroked Theosophy's hair out of her face. "So, don't worry. It'll be okay." "Don't worry?!" Theosophy's jaw tightened. "I am the plaything for the most vile being to haunt every dimension in the history of all the ages. We are trapped on his ship, travelling through space. If we are discovered we'll be enslaved or worse…" Bea cut off Theosophy with a kiss. "My love. That will not happen. You are Theosophy, the most badass heroine to grace the cosmos in the history of the ages," Bea wrapped her arms tightly around her waist. "You're the one thing I have prayed for. You are the falling and the landing in this miracle of love. Aion won't let anything happen to you – I promise." "So much rides on this working, though. If we make even one mistake, all the work, all the destruction, all the loss and suffering which took place during the past five thousand ages, to put us here on this ship – it will all have been for nothing." Theosophy sat up, her hand on her mouth as she fought back the desire to vomit. "It's too much pressure." "Don't focus on what has been. Focus on the here and now. Right now you are in bed with me. I love you. Love is all that matters, and if the decisions we make are in the best interest of love, then no matter what happens it will be the right thing." Theosophy took a deep breath and her shoulders slumped forward. "You're right." "Of course I'm right. Why do you think I insisted on coming with you?" "To take care of me?" Theosophy smiled and turned to Bea. "I would unbind and be reabsorbed into the great void before I would let anything happen to you." Bea leaned back against the pillows as Theosophy mounted her and gently caressed her jaw as her tongue danced in and out of her mouth. "Do you love me, Bea?" "More than anything in this entire cosmos, my dear." Bea gasped as Theosophy pulled the thick, downy comforter over them, pulled her in close, and pressed her thigh gently against her. "Now we just wait, and hope that they know we're coming." "They know," Bea assured her with a soft kiss. "How can you be sure?" Theosophy searched her lover's eyes for a glimmer of the hope that she was exuding. "Have I ever let you down?" "No, Bea. Never. Not in fifty iterations or the seventy-three ages which came after. You have never let me down." "Well, then there is your answer. I haven't before and I don't intend to now." Bea stroked the hair out of her face. "Go to sleep, my love. You're exhausted." Theosophy clutched Bea tightly and nuzzled her face into her neck, and within moments was sound asleep. ### Next Chapter: [[3 - Tired Travelers 🛻]] ### Previous Chapter: [[1 - Prologue 😈]]