Chapter 15-L: The Deal

General Summary

Capricae did not have the luck of being born into a priveledged class of society, and a general problem with authority caused them to be expelled from their assigned labor. Out of the system and down on their luck, the only remaining prospect of survival, outside of moving to another nation, was to steal.
But one can only steal from their neighbors for so long before their options are severely limited. Capricae intended to move out of Grans, the capital of the Empire, but this would require a handsome sum. And what better prospect is there than stealing from the Emperor himself?
Capricae made their way to Grans Castle, the Seat of the Empire, knowing that the Emperor was set to give a speech this day, an opportunity to steal unnoticed.
The skills wielded by Capricae made them exceptional at infiltration, easily finding a way to the Emperor's bedchamber, where they hoped to find treasure more easily pawned off than solid slabs of gold, more likely to be protected by spellcraft.
Unfortunately for them, the Emperor caught them red handed. Unable to escape by phasing due to the effect of some unknown incantation, Capricae was left at the mercy of Kean.
Fortunately for them, another one was present to halt the immediate execution. As the first citizen of the Empire to meet the newly appointed Emperor, the Sage showed some interest in the situation and excused the behavior, implying it is a natural result of the way the nation was run.
The Sage went on to give the speech the Emperor was expected to provide. He asked the crowd what to do with the thief, and not liking their answer, posed philosophical questions to them to make them doubt their answer. Not leaving much room for thought, he explained the coming of The End, as the star would consume the planet as it died, leaving none remaining.
As the last Sage, he came to the Empire to seek a means to endure as a species. And so it was that the last Sage was appointed Emperor. As his first point of order, he made clear the goal and purpose of the Empire in the days to come. He pardoned all criminals currently held for punishment, and simplified the name of the nation to represent their kind's common ventures. The Empire would seek to escape certain doom, no matter the cost. And when their mission is accomplished, the Emperor would remain behind, to face the End alone.
When the speech was ended, the Emperor continued to talk with Capricae, offering a position as Scout, to ensure the survival of mankind. They talked at length before Capricae commited to an answer. The Emperor's role, why the Empire was chosen by him, why his life must be given up in trade, all questions Capricae sought to answer.
Capricae agreed to the position, and was taken to the Academy of Aetherial Research and Development, where preparations would be undertaken before the expedition to the Origin.

Report Date

17 Feb 2022