Page 22 of Volunteer 4711

“What do you mean?”

“I want to know your history,” she says. She has asked me before, and I refused.

“We have discussed that before. Ask for something else. Food credits?” I suggest.

“There’s nothing else I want,” she replies and goes to fetch my white pajamas.

I know she wants access to the GC and Silver databases, but I do not think she is ready. There are many reasons I do not want her to see them, but most importantly, because I do not want her to read about what is happening in the Empire. Water women are being married off to Imperial men, and I do not want her to worry for her own safety. The Empire rules this side of the galaxy, and while I think she knows that from the regular talk on the ship, I do not think she understands how easy it would be for them to take her from me if they set their minds to it. Thankfully, it is not well-known outside Silver society that I have a young Water woman as my valet.

* * *

Volunteer 4711 has now been my valet for more than a galactic year, and we have developed a very satisfying routine. I often feel that I was lucky my transport was sabotaged so that I could bring her into my life. Not only does she have a pleasant demeanor, but she also has a sharp mind. I have come to appreciate her strategic way of thinking and benefit from it, often discussing certain matters with her. I also see it as an extension of her Silver cultural education. As far as I am concerned, she will be my valet for the rest of her life, or the rest of my life, whichever ends first.

I know that some of the crew have begun to talk, saying that I treat Volunteer 4711 like an over-protected volunteer rather than my valet, even though she has more than proven herself to the crew and to me. But they do not know her as I do; they only see a confident Water woman who has mastered our language and culture. They have not seen my hard work in the background, manicuring her education. They do not understand that she still must be guided and protected.

* * *

Today, I have taken the morning off to review some plans for an upcoming meeting with another fleet of Silvers. I want to absorb them into my own. Volunteer 4711 has nothing to do with this decision, but I find her an excellent sounding board, and as she is completely loyal to me, I know my private thoughts are safe with her.

Volunteer 4711enters my quarters and bows. She dresses me, and then I invite her to sit. I want to discuss this matter with her. After a few minutes, I finish explaining my plan, “If I absorb this fleet, mine will be the most powerful in the sector.”

“But what would the other fleet have to gain?” she asks.

“Together, we would be a greater force in this sector,” I say.

“But more people to share the bounty with,” she counters.

“It’s not only about money,” I reply. “It’s also about prestige.”

“But that other fleet’s leader would then be under your command.”

“True,” I say. “But every year, his crew grow closer to a mutiny.”

“Really?” she asks.

“Yes, he is not the most stable of leaders, and he is not an idiot, he knows that.”

“But is it enough to give up command of your own fleet? Would you?”

“I would never have to give up my command,” I reply. “And as far as what I have to offer, I have a better reputation, and I have more connections on the Home Planet. Not to mention, I am a proven leader.”

“Are you suggesting a coup?” she asks.

For a second, I wonder if she knows my past, and I hesitate.

But when she says nothing more, I know she still is ignorant, and I answer her. “No, no, no,” I say. “I’m suggesting that together we would be in a more powerful position to negotiate with the Silver government, but that only happens through my connections. You know some politicians are trying to get the GC to put more sanctions down.”

“I’ve heard,” she says. “But what can the GC really do? You’ve said before they haven’t got a fleet of their own.”

“More and more, it’s just Imperials in the GC, though,” I say.

“So?”

“Imperials do not like the way we do business, and as you know, the Silver government is weak. I do not want the Silver government signing a disadvantageous agreement.”

“So the bigger and stronger your fleet is, the more pressure you can put on your own government not to do something?” she asks for clarification.

“I know what you are going to say, but….” I trail off.

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