OOC:

Chapter 1! It reveals a glimmer of Vaiken's darker employment.. for a little background on the protagonist, check here

-1-

1815 hours Serenno time-
In orbit of Serenno

Vaiken made a final adjustment of his Commander's rank bars, which were polished to perfection, the red and blue rank bars contrasting with the black uniform and silver code cylinders. He pulled at his collar as a finality, adjusting it to a tightness that was more comfortable but just as good-looking.  His comm blinked with the notice of an incoming transmission, and Vaiken keyed it. “Sir, incoming shuttle from the Inscrutable.” Vaiken smiled slightly – of course Admiral Cairn would be early.

“I'm on my way Lieutenant” He replied energetically. He had rested for the exact amount of time he had said, close to eight hours of straight, uninterrupted sleep. That was rare for Vaiken, but this Serenno posting was getting sleepy. It was unexciting and generally easy-going duties with little to no chance of  combat. In other words, a posting Vaiken loathed. He wanted to be out doing things for the Empire, for his people, not sitting around on his backside at some fancy Imperial world. While this was the case, he did realise the need for the armada – it showed that the Imperials would protect their constituents.

Vaiken's boots clicked against the perfectly polished floors of the Regent's corridors, something that he had seen done almost as soon as he earned command. Second only to the efficiency of the ship and its crew was the appearance it presented. A dirty ship meant a lazy Captain, whether or not he was good in combat. And that was not the sort of man Vaiken was – besides, it raised the morale of the crew, with everything spotless. It ran smoothly, more smoothly than a lightsaber cutting through flesh. All thanks to Vaiken. He entered the turbolift and hit the button for the hangar-bay, the gentle humming of its motors audible as it sped downward. After an all-too-short ride, the doors hissed open and gravity – or artificial gravity – settled once again in his stomach.

He stepped out, greeted by the sight of half a dozen black clad men, in advanced armour. His personal squad, the Demons. He smiled at the sight – they were presenting an honour-guard of sorts, while Lieutenant Kai presided over them. They all saluted as the officer was on-deck, and he nodded at each of them in turn, reciting their names as he passed. The shuttle had landed by now, the entry ramp begun to hiss with de-pressurisation. Vaiken turned to Kai “An officer does what an officer must do.” He said with a clenched jaw. Kai noted his uncomfortable air at being sent to this ball.

“It can't be worse than boring patrol duty, sir.” He said with a smile, “and surely much safer, too.”

“You'd be surprised, Lieutenant.” Vaiken retorted dryly – indeed, balls could be just as boring as patrol duty, and just as dangerous. Political games and espionage were two things often practised at such gatherings. Vaiken had often been a reluctant part of them, what with his keen intelligence and unique perspective on politics and espionage, he was the perfect agent. Few knew he was. Fewer still were alive to tell the tale. The ramp lowered, and he offered Kai a final salute, before his polished boots clanked up the ramp. The interior was much like other Imperial shuttles – relatively spacious for any less than six people, and reasonably plush. There was no-one in the passenger compartment, so he settled down in one of the chairs. They were scarlet with gold trim – typical.

The door to the cockpit hissed open and Admiral Cairn emerged in all his finery. Vaiken was on his feet immediately with a smart salute rising to his brow. Cairn returned the salute, but his eyes twinkled with amusement. He was an excellent leader and a great man, in Vaiken's eyes. A pity he did not work for intelligence, Vaiken noted. “At ease, Commander. Have a seat,” The Admiral's voice echoed slightly through the mostly deserted passenger hold as he took a seat opposite the young Commander.  “You're not looking forward to this ball, are you?”

“No sir.” Vaiken said without flinching. He knew he had to tell the truth around Cairn, due to the Admiral's extraordinary insight into his subordinates. He could tell when you were lying to him.

“You certainly look the part, though. I want you to meet the Count and his children – they're very influential you know, and could boost your career significantly. Ah, who am I kidding.” Cairn chuckled quietly to himself, steely gaze holding Vaiken's own  “We both know you don't want, or for that matter need, these fops to advance your career. But it will do you good.”

“If you say so, Admiral. Although I don't see how dressing up in all this pomp does me good.” Vaiken replied resignedly, his brown eyes evidently displeased with the decision. He didn't openly question the Admiral's orders, though – the Admiral was a smart man, and Vaiken respected him immensely.

“Neither do I, Septimus, neither do I. But it does somehow do us good” Cairn said wryly, a grin crossing his slightly aged features. He was not old enough to have wrinkles, but he was getting there. “You know, you remind me of a younger version of myself. The dashing naval officer who impresses all of his superiors and is envied yet respected by his subordinates.”

“Sir, I very much doubt that my subordinates envy-”

“Don't be dull, Septimus. It does not suit you.” Cairn cut him off sharply, “Your men respect you immeasurably but also envy you for who you are.” The elder of the two naval officers said levelly, “it will be a curse and a gift that follows you around for the rest of your career, Commander.”

Vaiken remained silent for a few moments, pondering things the Admiral had said. He was almost depicting a prophecy, it seemed – a vision, such as those a soothsayer might predict. But he was not using any 'arcane' art to do so, he was merely using experience and knowledge to predict where the young Commander was headed in his life. “As you say, sir.” Vaiken responded quietly. The Admiral held his gaze for a few moments more, as if he was going to say something.. but at that moment, the shuttle touched down on Serenno.

The Admiral's expression shifted from the wise naval officer to the polite, intelligent man that he reverted to at social events. Vaiken saw the change and understood he was probably doing the same at this very moment. They both stood, and Vaiken took his place a few feet to the rear right of the Admiral. It was a position that said he was important, yet subordinate to the Admiral. Showing him off like a new pet, yet keeping his leash in hand, Vaiken noted with a detached air. As the ramp lowered, they were greeted by around half a dozen other officers and lackeys, who immediately fell into position behind the Admiral and Vaiken. Vaiken could see the annoyed gaze of a Captain – one pay-grade Vaiken's senior, although with his intelligence salary he was probably earning more than the man. The Captain was probably perturbed by the fact that a mere Commander held such a place of respect.

Ahead, the door opened in anticipation of their arrival. The sun was only just lowering behind the Counts palace, presenting an impressive sight as the Imperial entourage headed toward the extensive building. “They may pretend to be your friends, Commander,” The Admiral warned quietly, out of the corner of his mouth as their boots clicked against the landing pad, “But make no mistake – these people are sharks.”

Vaiken knew that far better than the Admiral could suspect, but the warning was well taken. They entered the luxurious palace and the sound of clinking glasses, music, an fluttery laughter reached their ears from the deeper sections of the building. A gaudily-uniformed man approached them with a pompous air and his nose raised. He bowed nonetheless to the Imperial entourage. “Ah, Admiral Cairn. It's an honour. If you'd please follow me” He said, giving the other officers a mere glance as if in afterthought, before setting off down a gilded corridor. It was a most impressive home, Vaiken thought, more expansive and luxurious than his home on Anaxes.

The end of the corridor was blocked by two large doors, which the man pushed open easily. The doors swung inward, into the ballroom, which was populated with numerous finely-dressed nobles from all different parts, some visiting from other planets, others merely from nearby villages or palaces. Most of the crowd turned their heads and craned their necks to see the new arrivals – naval officers in town was a big event for the nobles, and of quite a large interest. Many young officers, like Vaiken himself, came from noble families and as such made excellent wedding prospects for the young daughters of nobility. The servant snapped Vaiken out of his thoughts as his voice boomed across the suddenly silent ballroom.

“Admiral Raylirr Cairn of the Imperial Navy and his officers..” The man announced. Vaiken grimaced – he'd added 'and his officers' as an afterthought and evidently thought them beneath his fancy announcements. He didn't really care, though. Invisible was good. The ballroom became noisy again as conversations resumed or new ones were struck up with the recently-arrived officers. A man made his way through the crowd with grey-black hair, dressed in a regal attire that hinted at a military uniform. He was a large man, but not from fat, and his face showed minimal signs of ageing. He had a great, booming voice too.

“Raylirr Cairn!” He exclaimed in what seemed to be genuine pleasure, “It's been far too long, my friend.” Cairn offered a smile in return and a similar greeting as they shook hands vigorously. Vaiken recalled what he could from the dossier on the Count – he was formerly a Captain in the Imperial navy, but retired to run Serenno when his father died. He'd settled down and apparently had a daughter, now. And here he was. “And who is this young fellow?” The Counts grey eyes settled on Vaiken, with an air of approval.

“This is Commander Septimus Vaiken of Anaxes. A rapidly rising star in the Imperial Navy. Commander, meet Count Reginald Dooku of Serenno.” The Admiral introduced them, as the Count extended his hand. Vaiken shook it firmly, and found the man's own grip was strong. He inclined his head in a gesture of respect and smiled politely.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, sir.” Vaiken said. It truly was, as he respected this man who had once been in the navy. He was no fool, either, but he was far removed from the class of officer Cairn was.

“The pleasure is mine, Commander. I understand I have you to thank for dispatching the pirate vessel this morning?” The Count asked in a friendly manner, his eyes searching the Commander with curiosity.

“It was my ship that dispatched it, yes,” Vaiken responded with a small smile, “but I merely gave the order, sir.”

“Modest as well!” The Count uttered in mock disbelief, amusement showing as he addressed Cairn “Where in the heavens did you find such a man, Admiral?” The Count broke into a grin as he turned back to Vaiken, “Good show, man, jolly good indeed. That's one less criminal we have to worry about, eh?” He chuckled heartily.

“He found me actually, Count.” The Admiral said with a polite laugh, “and I'm extremely glad he did!”

“Just so, my friend. Have you met my daughter yet?” He asked, changing the topic absent-mindedly. Admiral Cairn uttered his response in the negative form – he had not, he said, but even as they spoke a stunning woman emerged from the crowd. She wore a luxurious, long, snug-fitting green dress that accentuated her womanly curves. Her impressive figure was outdone, though, by her sheer beauty. She had wavy brown hair, with eyes the light-colour of Pantolomin's ocean.  Vaiken was awed by the woman, whose skin tone was a perfect balance between pale and tanned and whose flesh was completely smooth..

She approached the group and the Count turned with a large smile on my face. “Ah, here she is! Jessica, I'd like you to meet Admiral Raylirr Cairn – he's in command of the fleet in orbit, and an old friend of mine – and Commander Septimus Vaiken of the [i[Regent[/i], if I recall correctly.” Vaiken nodded slightly in acknowledgement of the Counts statement. Jessica Dooku extended her black-silk gloved hand for the Admiral to take, who kissed it very lightly. She turned to Vaiken, fixing him with her perfect blue gaze. He smiled politely at her, taking her hand and kissing it gently. He wanted to maintain the contact, but it would be very rude.

The Commander straightened, and murmured at the same time as the Admiral “It's a pleasure.” The daughter of the Count seemed not to notice and smiled pleasantly at them in response.

“Welcome to Serenno, gentlemen. I trust my father hasn't tried to poison you with talk of politics yet?” She said in jest. But Vaiken sensed a more vicious, bitter undertone than her expression or tone let on. The Admiral must have noticed it too, because he remained silent. The Count filled the silence with an uneasy laugh.

“Now now, Jessica, it's a social event. You know I don't talk politics at social events.” Jessica seemed unaffected by his comment and merely kept smiling, fixing the Count with a venomous smile that Vaiken probably wasn't meant to see.

“Of course I do, father,” her tone was sweet, but Vaiken could tell there was an extraordinary sense of animosity between the two.  He shifted his stance slightly, and the movement seemed to startle Jessica out of some reverie, as she flicked him an inquisitive gaze. Such beauty, and intelligence in those eyes, Vaiken thought to himself. Jessica smiled pleasantly again and did a half-curtsy, “If you'll excuse me, Admiral, Commander.”

“She's my step-daughter.” The Count stated matter-of-factly when he was sure she was out of earshot, “I recognised her as my heir to please Elisabeth, my late wife. But she seems to hate me.” He explained, a little sadness in his eyes, but backed  up by a resentful fire.

“Commander, would you give the Count and I a moment alone?” Admiral Cairn spoke finally, turning a friendly expression to Vaiken. Septimus knew the Admiral had something of importance to talk with the Count about and so he acknowledged with an inclined head.

“Certainly sir,” He responded dutifully, flashing a smile at the Count “It was an honour to meet you, Count.” Septimus smiled again and turned, striding off into the crowd as if he knew where he was going. He didn't, though, and searched for a familiar face. He found one in one of the other Commanders – Commander Vykus, of the Strike-class Medium Cruiser Regal. He approached the fellow officer, who gave him a conspiratorial glance.

“I feel as if I'm tonight's food” Vykus murmured quietly as Vaiken got closer. Vykus was five years older than Vaiken, a handsome man from a relatively noble house in the Tapani Sector. “People keep staring at me.”

“I know what you mean.” Vaiken muttered in response – indeed, the glances he'd been getting had not gone unnoticed. They were all looking for prospective suitors for their daughters.

“I suppose we could do worse than some Serenno noble-women” Vykus said with a grin, indicating he understood the 'shark' metaphor more than he'd originally made out, “So who was that stunner you were talking to just before?”

“The Counts step-daughter. Jessica Dooku.” Vaiken said absent-mindedly, as his brown eyes scanned the crowds for her again.

“Shit. Incoming. I'm gone.” Vykus said quickly, playfully punching Vaiken in the arm as he disappeared into the crowd. Septimus wondered what had spooked him, when his gaze settled on the beautiful woman who'd just emerged from the crowd near him, like a wraith from the shadows.. But far more attractive. Vaiken suddenly felt the need to bring Vykus back, but the older Commander had disappeared into the crowd. Vaiken smiled politely at the beauty in front of him.

“Commander Vaiken,” She said with a smile – somewhat more genuine than the one he'd seen in the presence of her father, “Where'd your friend disappear to?”

“Oh.. he saw someone he knew” Vaiken lied. He frowned inwardly – he'd just lied to this woman without even intending to. Like a school-boy. She didn't seem to mind the obvious lie, though, and simply covered her mouth as she giggled quietly.

“Will you accompany me to the gardens, Commander?” She asked with that same warm smile.

--- --- ---

Admiral Cairn grimaced as he saw the Counts step-daughter approaching Vaiken. “Tell me, Reg, what do you know of Naval Intelligence.” The Admiral asked in a quiet tone, gaze fixed on the Commander. The Count gazed at him in a measured manner, and a flicker of doubt crossed his features.

“Not much. They are very secretive. More so than the IIA or the ISB. Few even know they exist,” Reginald said hesitantly, “why do you suddenly want to know about Naval Intelligence, Raylirr?”

“Because there's an officer under my command who works for them.” The Admiral stated, turning his gaze back to the Count of Serenno. The man thought for a moment, gaze still fixed on the Admiral.

“Your man Vaiken, yes?” He asked finally, although it was not much of a question. “He did strike me as their type.”

“Their type?” Raylirr's snapped sharply – he needed to know if Vaiken would compromise his command. These were the things that made an Empire mistrustful and introverted – covert intelligence agencies working against their own government.  “What do you mean?”

“Quiet, yet intelligent. A subtle curiosity and art for finding information without asking obvious questions. A spook, Raylirr” Dooku explained, his grey gaze finding Vaiken's back as the junior officer exited into the gardens, led by his step-daughter, remarking on it quietly, “And he begins to sow his seeds.. A dangerous man. Especially if he's ambitious. But dangerous even if he's not.”

“No, he's not ambitious. He doesn't seek glory or a promotion. He serves the Empire..” The Admiral trailed off. If he was from Naval Intelligence like he suspected, then what did he really know of the man? “How do you know all of this anyway?”


“I hear things. I buy things. Being rich and noble has its benefits, my friend.” Reginald turned his gaze back to Cairn, “But the safest thing you can do is stop asking about it. If he's here to compromise your position, then he'll do only that. But if you let on that you know..”

The Count trailed off, letting the Admiral's imagination finish the sentence. Another grimace stretched Raylirr's features as his mind wandered over the possibilities. And he thought he'd gotten above the bureacratic bullshit, being an Admiral and all.. Apparently not. “Mark my words, Admiral. Watch that man.. but don't let him see you watching.”

“My thanks, old friend.” He murmured in response, not really thinking. His mind was in chaos right now – a man he thought he could trust, an excellent officer and efficient subordinate, had been turned into what might be a dangerous enemy. He didn't know what to think of the man anymore. But an even bigger dilemma, potentially a more dangerous one was how he would act 'normal'. Vaiken was an extraordinarily perceptive man.

--- --- ---

Vaiken felt the cool breeze of Serenno against his skin, the gentle warmth of the Counts step-daughter against his arm. Their arms were linked as his boots crunched against the artificial path through the gardens. A dim light guided their way, as the sun had long since fallen beneath the horizon. He could feel Jessica's gaze on him, “So you command the Regent?” She asked, knowing the answer and with more than a little bit of cheek “Aren't you  a little young to be a Commander?”

Septimus let out a quiet chuckle as he heard her question. It was true, he was young for a Commander. But he'd earned it. He was surprised she knew about ages and ranks.. But then again, her father – no, step-father – had been in the navy. A Commodore, if he recalled the dossier correctly. “I'm younger than normal, yes, but there is no age factor in rank. It's about accomplishments and prospects.”

“What do you really do?” She asked warily, inquisitively. She was more intelligent than her step-father, that was certain, and far more curious. Perhaps dangerously so, “You're not like any other officer I've met.”

“You know what I do. I'm the Commanding officer of the Strike-class Medium Cruiser Regent.”  He replied, gazing out into the gardens. She smiled and looked up at him.

“I don't believe you,” Jessica said with a playful air, “you're obviously not going to tell me now. But I'll get it out of you.. one day”

The last statement caught Vaiken's attention. Not the statement, per say, but how she ended it. One day. It suggested a continuance of their acquaintance and perhaps more. It intrigued Vaiken to think he could  continue his relationship with this extraordinarily beautiful woman. He chuckled to hide his lapse in speech, “If you're so certain that I'm not a Naval officer, what am I?”

“I couldn't possibly say. I don't know.” She said, suddenly losing the initiative and upper hand of the conversation.

“Guess.” He said with a playful smile as they walked arm in arm through the extensive gardens. She made a 'hmm' sound as she thought.

“A shapeshifter?” She ventured, not entirely serious. He let out a snort of disbelief.

“A shapeshifter? Really? Good heavens no..” Vaiken ended his sentence with a laugh. A shapeshifter indeed!

“A spy?” Jessica ventured again. This time she wasn't far from the truth. But Vaiken had long-since learned to keep things from people. Even people he liked.

“Me, a spy? Why the very thought wounds me, my lady.” He said with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. No-one would be the wiser, when Vaiken lied. Deceived. Whatever you might call it. It was for this woman's own safety. She smiled at him again, pulling herself closer against him and leaning her head on his shoulder warmly.

“Perhaps I'm mistaken, Commander. Perhaps I just can't find a way to explain why I am so fond of you after having just met you.” That definitely caught Vaiken's attention. While he was attractive, noble, rich and in the navy – in other words, a target for many females – it was not often he got a Counts step-daughter admitting she was fond of him. He was now stunned, honestly stunned and at a loss as to what he should say next.

“I... well.. I must admit that I have grown fond of you rather quickly, also, my lady.” He managed. He heard himself in his head and mentally kicked himself for sounding like such a teenager. She pulled away slowly, and gazed up at him.

“Is there.. do you..” He eyed her with a curious gaze as she too found herself lost for words. “What I mean to ask is, do you have a.. a woman back home? A lover?” She blurted it out as if the very words were poisonous. He laughed good-naturedly, and shook his head.

“No. That is to say, I have no current woman, not to say that I've never..” He blushed and trailed off, there he was again, ranting like a school boy. She giggled as the dim artificial light showed his reddening skin all-too-clearly. He smiled embarrassedly at her, which only added to her giggles. A voice snapped her out of the fit.

“Jessica?” Count Reginald's voice echoed across the quiet gardens “Jessica?” He called again, closer this time. Jessica's expression changed to one of annoyance.

“I'm over here father!” She called back. Vaiken noted how she called him father, but presumed it was something to do with her etiquette – there could not be dissent shown between the Count and his heir.. The Count himself emerged from a nearby pathway, slightly out of breath. Evidently he'd been running, and his expression was one of fear.. but changed to relief as he saw her standing there. “Well, what is it?”

“I just thought.. I.. never mind. You'd best come inside, my dear. You'll catch a cold.” He stammered, but his gaze on Vaiken told the young commander that he knew something that had made him fear for his daughter's safety around him. Vaiken returned the man's gaze evenly, not revealing anything.

“Are you coming, Commander?” She asked eagerly. Vaiken nodded slowly, breaking his gaze away from Reginald to Jessica.

“Of course.” He smiled reassuringly at her, and she seemed satisfied as she linked her arm through his again. Vaiken could see that it disturbed the Count, their sudden bond – or so it would seem to him.  Vaiken's eyes flickered with amusement – the Count was clutching at shadows, paranoid for his heir. Vaiken made a note to ask the Admiral about it later..

OOC:

4,339 words.