Anibeli had left the ship a day and three quarters ago. Tradelord Berekel (that title, I have decided, was accurate and applicable) had called her to join him on station. She left me to make sure her standing orders were followed, and I decided to do that by interacting with the officer corps.

  I invited a few at a time for conversation and a game or two. With each I strive to get to know them better, and to get them to relax more around me. This resulted in mixed results, like right now.

  "Lieutenant, please. It is fine to relax, I can not bite. Literally in this case. To better serve the heir to the house, it is best if we can have a working relationship. You shaking and deliberately letting me win is counterproductive." I say.

  The young Lieutenant nods shakily, and I decide that this isn't working. "Very well. How about a walk to the armory. Your duty pistol, how often do you preform maintenance?" I say, leading him out and down to the armory.

  "Uh... once a month... mam?"

  I sigh internally, and say. "That is... bad. I would advise once weekly at a minimum. It needn't be full maintenance, but you must at least check the weapon you might one day rely on at least one a week." I say.

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  A bit later, we arive At the armory. "Now, we go in and hope tha-" I'm interrupted by a call. "Nezekiri, please come to the hanger."

  An, Anibeli had returned. I turn to the Lieutenant, and speak. "Duty calls. Go in there and ask to be taught the rights of maintenance. Maybe she wond break your fingers if you succeed! I wish you luck. Good day." I say as I abandon him to his fate.

  I arived a bit after she had landed, and I meet her. I expected that she would have left for the bridge and I would have needed to Chace her, but instead I saw her speaking to a tall tech priest with a large, cog shaped axe thing.

  When she saw me, she waved me over. The priest stiffened slightly, but otherwise didn't react. Anibeli spoke up.

  "Honorable Magos dominus Velok, this is Nezekiri, a member of my retinue. Nezekiri, this is tech priest Magos dominus Velok Herrin of Sarrefi. We have been tasked with taking him to a planet to assist in a war. You are to be my representative with him. Is that acceptable?" She asks.

  "Of course. Your will be done." I turn to the priest and bow low. "I will be at your service. Tech priest magos dominus Veloc Herrin." I say. I turn back to Anibeli. "Shall I guard him as I do you?" I ask.

  "Yes." She simply says.

  "There is no need. My own guards will arive shortly, and be more efficient then a singular xeno heathen." He says flatly.

  "Not just her, mind. A squad of voidsmen and Nezekiri will guard you at all times. Your mission is important, and I was ordered by grandfather to protect you. I cannot fail him" She said resolutely. "Now, I must return to the bridge. Nezekiri, a word first?" She requested, waving me to an isolated corner.

  "Listen." She said without preamble. "The magos... I believe that he has other objectives besides the stated ones. I don't think it will be directly threatening, but be careful. I will give you the guards I trust and carte blanc for anything you need. Be careful my friend." She said, patting my hand.

  I nod in confirmation. Isn't always that way with the powerful. Something nice on the outside, and something I'll on the inside. I had a feeling this trip would be... eventful.