[Music] [The giant doors open and the Listener
makes their way into the throne room] If you believe I am interested in granting
you mercy, given the scope of your failure, Commander Aran. [The empress scoffs] then you are most mistaken. For what you have done… or put more plainly, failed to do, I have no other choice than to make an example
of you to the rest of my fleet and galaxy. For your failure to destroy the rebels in the Lilon system, you will be executed by firing squad. Not an easy
decision… But one that must be made. I would hope you would do the same in my position. Yes, I am well aware of your years of service... that is why I am showing you mercy by not having
your whole lineage annihilated... But question my decisions again, Commander Aran, and I will not hesitate in having
your entire home world destroyed... I will not ask if that is clear. I know I have made it so. Now... LEAVE MY SIGHT! I do not see the need for guards to
escort you to your cell, Commander... Af
ter all, you know the consequences of
any attempted escape, don't you? Yes, I thought you did. Now BEGONE! The next time I want to see your face is
on-screen when your execution is being publicly televised! [Commander Aran is escorted out of the throne by a few guards and the crowd claps for another successful hearing.] Now, my loyal servant… What is next on today’s agenda? After all, the crowd here has been most attentive… and I’m certain they’re excited to see what poor fool deserves my judg
ement next. [The listener shows them a holographic report of their list of hearings, explaining that they are done for the day.] Hm? Oh, we're done for the day? [Whisper] Thank the stars... ALL OF YOU, BEGONE! The day’s events have concluded and should ANY OF YOU LINGER IN THIS HALL FOR EVEN A MOMENT LONGER, I SHALL HAVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES EXECUTED. [The crowd scrambles out of the throne room and the giant doors soon closed after everyone had left, except for the Listener. The Empress give a
tired sigh of relief.] Finally… it’s over. [The Empress gets up from her throne and
starts walking around the hall.] For today at least. There is still of course, tomorrow… and the day after that… and the day after that… Such joys in ruling the galaxy… Such terrifying power at my disposal, but if I could only go back in time, [The Empress gives a tired sigh as she contemplates.] I’m not sure I wouldn’t stop myself from
embarking on this foolish journey… Still no matter. It is what fate has dec
ided for me an- [The Listener accidentally knocks an ornament
as they try to exit the throne room.] (Furious) WHO’S THERE?! WHO DARES LINGER IN THESE HALLS WHEN
I GAVE THE COMMANDS TO LEAVE?! SHOW YOURSELF, FOOL! SHOW YOURSELF, BEFORE I- [The Listener decides to reveal themselves to the Empress, making her surprised enough to cancel her power.] Oh, my loyal servant! What ever are you still doing here? Did you not hear my command to leave? Have I worked you so hard that your physical
exhaustio
n has reached your senses too? Ah… the crowds left so swiftly,
the doors closed before you could escape… And your fragile body is far too weak to open them, I see... Now. With a wave of my hand… a mere thought, I could open those doors for you, of course. This ship responds to my every mental whim… No wonder it has been so successful
in our continued dominance of the universe… But I see no reason for you to leave, my loyal servant… The threatening words I spoke were not meant for you. Of cours
e not. You have been my servant for many years now, have you not? Always bringing me whatever I’ve asked for without a moment’s hesitation, whether that be my ledger, my beverages… or even the HEAD OF MY ENEMIES! I’m not certain how someone so weak and small
manages to acquire such a body count… But I’ve found imagining such things offers more fun
than any truth could ever offer. So I’ll ask that you keep your lips shut… And that you bring yourself closer towards me. Do it… your Empress comman
ds you. [The Listener moves closer towards the Empress.
She smirks as she takes hold of their chin,
making them look directly towards her.] There we are… How are you this dark and dingy evening, my loyal servant? I know the day’s events have been long
for one such as yourself… Even for me they have been tedious. While once I enjoyed the ceremonies
performed in this throne room… now I find them a chore, One of the many that take up my days whenever we are in between planets to pillage and ran
sack and conquer… It's almost as if being an Empress takes actual work… Something my younger self certainly didn’t
realize when they took this path… And the more my already vast empire grows,
the more work there seems to be… [The Empress gives a bitter chuckle as she turns to her reflection in the room's large window.] Why, there must be hundreds of planets to our name now… So many I’ve stopped keeping track... My hands grip the life flow of all these worlds, holding more power than most of th
eir
inhabitants could ever imagine… And yet... I find myself wishing that a few planets might slip through my fingers just to lighten my workload somewhat… [The Empress gives a small sigh.] I don’t recall the last day I was able to relax… the last day I woke up without a mountain of tedium, ahead… And the worst part is... I can’t even complain about it… [The Empress makes her way towards the Listener.] I can to you of course. I mean… who are you going to tell? Nobody in their right mind willing
ly speaks
to the Empress’ servant… The secrets you could gleam… The stories you could tell me… It’s quite wise of them to avoid you… And of course, you know what I would do to you, were the words I’m sharing with you told outside of this room, don’t you? Oh yes, flaying would certainly come
into it at some point, I’m sure. I’ve done more for less… But really, I’m not sure why you
would choose to do such a thing. After all, who would be stupid enough to lose such a rare thing
as the Empress’
trust once they have it? I must contend with backstabbers so often
I don’t give out my trust easily… In fact, amongst the entire crew of this ship… amongst even my own dark disciples… you are the only one I can really… talk to. Because you hold no power over me. You lack the skills to even threaten me, and
I know that you know this. I know even being in my presence sends
shivers down your spine. Because you know if you displease me
even the smallest amount... I could have you killed… with t
he merest mental suggestion… I won’t say that will never happen to you… But you’re safe for the moment, my loyal servant… I have enough self-control to keep myself from venting my frustration out on someone so… Indisposable... But you might think otherwise given you’ve no doubt noticed I’ve been using these throne room
sessions to vent my frustrations a lot recently. [The Empress gives another sigh as she
remembers what happened earlier.] Ask Commander Aran… It wasn’t his fault that the rebels
got away… I’m sure he did everything he could… But... he still failed. And that gives me a wonderful opportunity to burn away the tedium by coming up with a
deliciously twisted punishment! I’ll lose a talented Commander, certainly! But he’ll be replaced within the hour by another Commander desperate not to make their predecessor’s same mistake. So if anything, it’s a win, really…. A win for my empire… a delightfully devilishly addition to my reputation… but perhaps not… for me. You see, such a
cruel reputation has its drawbacks, my loyal servant… Nobody in their right mind wishes to be around me… Even you sought to leave, desperately rushing for the exit, only betrayed by the throne room’s doors closing… Not that I blame you. There’s not a soul alive that doesn’t fear me
in one way or another… And while that’s fine at first… Certainly what my younger self desired… I happen to find I’ve become a bit… lonely... in recent times. I know I don’t need to threaten you into silence,
my loy
al servant… Because you know what the consequences
will be if word gets out… Yes, I am lonely… desiring… company. Not someone I’m commanding… Not somebody I’m ruling… But someone I can… talk to. Share my real self with… And I didn’t think of this until a moment ago, my loyal servant, but I believe that person… might be you. Ahhhh, I can sense your hesitation… but worry not. Nothing about your life would change… your status would remain the same… you are far too valuable to risk losing in such a
manner… but perhaps you could be valuable in another way… A more… personal way. [The Empress lets out a small chuckle as she finds the listener's reaction very amusing.] You have a decision to make now, my loyal servant… I won’t use my power upon you… the decision is yours to own. I will ask you to come towards me. Should you refuse, nothing will happen to you, and we shall speak no more of this… Everything will continue as normal. But if you do? My, the potential benefits will be glorious… Of
course, as I said, you will stay the same… publicly, at least. But should our professional relationship grow more… intimate. then I may be inclined to grant you hidden benefits… A nicer room? Actually… my own might do, but we’ll see, we’ll see. All in due time… I would let the guards know you are to be protected… But more than that you would be under my protection too. More so than you have ever been before, and I promise you, my loyal servant. There is not a safer place in all of the universe t
han at my side. Now, my loyal servant… it is time for your decision. Perhaps the most important decision, of your small little life… [The Empress clears her throat before looking
directly at the Listener's eyes.] Come here… your Empress commands you. Thank you for tuning in!!
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