After checking his wealth, Wein retreated to his room, which had already been sorted mostly by the androids that Astra controlled. Being too tired, he collapsed onto the large, empty bed and drifted into a deep sleep.
****
Somewhere in Velmora.
A door hissed open, and a man dressed in full black entered. The room was silent, save for the low hum of machinery and the cool appliances.
"Good evening, Mr Merlin. The Baron is still asleep" Astra's voice echoed as she appeared in front of him. The AI's holographic form flickered slightly before stabilizing.
Eric, Baron Nielson's assistant, nodded, his gaze settling before a large pod placed at the centre of the room. Many machines were connected with it as multiple wires converged at its position. There was a huge glass dome covering it where inside was someone lying in.
"Please, inform his lordship that Wein Serin has returned and that everything is set" spoke Eric.
"His lordship has already been made aware of that" replied Astra. Eric showed no reaction remaining unreadable. "He is ready for the trip to the Imperial Capital."
"Please confirm the readiness of the transport fleet," Eric spoke.
"The fleet has also been notified and is awaiting the Baron's arrival" confirmed Astra.
Eric nodded, his eyes fixed on the interface on the console that showed the Baron's vitals. "Good. Then we are ready"
There was silence for a moment and then a sharp hiss came from the capsule. The capsule then suddenly opened, and Nielson emerged, old, and sickly. Eric grabbed the robes that were close by and helped him up.
"Be careful, my lord" he cautioned.
"The time has come" murmured Nielson. His voice was weak and strained, he had difficulty in breathing. To add to that his body was also weakened and on the verge of death.
Eric the ever-loyal assistant helped him to a nearby advanced wheelchair. After Nielson was seated Eric took control and drove him out of the room. The hallway was eerily silent with the only presence being the two men and the ever-present Astra.
"So… how is he?" asked Nielson after a moment.
"Don't strain yourself my lord" advised Eric.
"Ay… tell me."
Eric hesitated before replying. "Mr Wein has come a long way, my lord. The military reports say he is one of the best they have ever had."
"That is good, he has to be that competent. Everything I wanted has been arranged, correct?"
"Yes, my lord" replied Eric. He seemed to be bothered about something while Nielson spoke. Finally, he spoke. "My lord, if I may ask why him out of all people? There are many who are more qualified…"
Nielson raised his hand to interrupt the rambling.
"Enough… I have my reasons."
"Yes, forgive me, my lord."
The two went through a series of pathways and elevators until they reached the ship's docking area. At the centre was a more sophisticated ship, better than the Transporter, bigger and refined. Its ramp extended with a soft mechanical hiss, the polished metal exterior gleaming under the hanger lights.
The sleek vessel bore the unmistakable insignia of House Voss emblazoned prominently on the sides. The colours of the insignia complemented the grey signature colour of the ship being elegant and prestige as its owner.
Nielson who was now clad in a tailored dark coat with the insignia on the side of his chest strode forward to the ship with measured confidence. On his hand was a staff that aided him and with his attire, he commanded respect.
His long slow strides exuded authority that were evident even with his weakened state bringing awe from all those who saw him. Behind him, a small group of attendants followed closely behind, each bowing their heads in respect led by the assistant Eric. They were careful in their walk so as to not get too close to the Baron nor be left behind.
Inside the ship, the entrance was different from the normal ships, it was clean and orderly. They passed through the entrance and entered the main chamber which was a marvel of luxury befitting a Baron.
Gleaming metallic walls were softened by dark wood and fine metal compounds perfectly fused to the wood. A long table dominated the room, its surface embedded with holographic displays of important and real-time data. The air inside was cool and crips, scented faintly with a refreshing smell common to high-class vessels.
Nielson and the attendants settled in the ship from which a holographic projection of a female figure appeared on the side.
It did not startle anyone rather it was expected.
"I will be piloting the Voltron-5 " spoke the figure who turned out to be Astra.
"Thank you, Astra," Nielson gave a slight nod, his hand on his metallic staff serving as a walking cane. "Notify me, when we have joined the fleet and are ready for the journey."
"As you command, master" Astra flickered and disappeared.
The Voltron-5 was more than a transport ship, it was a big and luxurious ship only reserved for the truly wealthy.
Being big it had enough space to carry multiple people and had other capabilities including combat and the ability to perform hyperjumps.
Inside his private quarters, Neilson settled in, his room equipped with comfortable seats and a small table. There were other services available to pass the time, like stacks of magazines.
Besides him Eric stood to keep him company, he knew the Baron hated long travel.
Fortunately, the ship did not stay for long, Astra closed the doors and launched the ship into the night sky. Then in an instant the Voltron-5 zoomed out the planet's atmosphere heading outer space at a great speed. Inside the passengers could not feel this and remained relatively stable, a perk of such a ship.
The ship flew higher and higher exiting the atmosphere and then went forward into space. There was smooth sailing from then on and the ship soared through the space, behind were two pairs of fighter ships serving as escorts and guards for the Voltron-5.
Eric standing was reviewing data on his handheld pad to Nielson.
"The escort fleet consists of six vessels: there is one Command ship, two Destroyers, and three Frigates. All have been outfitted with the latest defensive and offensive technologies in case an incident occurs. The route to the capital has been scouted prior and we are prepared to respond for any situation."
Nielson gave a slight nod and reclined to rest on his seat.
The escort fleet came into view as the ship got closer. The first visible structure was the Command ship, a behemoth of engineering mastery. It loomed at the centre dwarfing the other five vessels.
The ship was circular at the rear with the front extending forward to become a flattened structure. Its smooth sides gleamed under the starlight like polished obsidian.
On either side were the two Destroyers which were smaller than the Command ship but were behemoths themselves. They were symmetrical warships designed to withstand heavy engagements.
The final were the three Frigates one in front of the Command ship and the two others positioned at the rear end. Though they were the smallest, they were fast and had firepower of themselves.
The Frigates were unique in structure, they were elongated vessels like shortened needles.
They had a circular rear while the front stretched for some distance as a result for that they were more agile and faster than the larger ships. This build made them ideal for rapid response and precision manoeuvres.
…
The Voltron-5 approached the fleet, and they could see swarms of fighter ships deployed to patrol the area. They received the Voltron-5 and guided it towards the Command ship.
Inside a lever hooked them firm into the ship and brought them to a different platform reserved for special people.
As the Voltron was being moved a projection appeared in front of Nielson of a middle-aged woman with sharp features and uniform of House Voss's personal fleet, who was also the captain of the Command ship, Captain Levara.
"Greetings my lord" she spoke respectfully, saluting and all.
"Captain Levara," Neilson acknowledged her, inclining his head slightly. "I trust we can get going now."
The captain eased up.
"Yes, my lord. The fleet is ready for the journey to the Imperial Capital."
…
The ship's engines rumbled softly as it moved into formation, and the fleet began its steady course toward the Capital.
The smaller ships slowly returned to the bigger vessels, the escort would have to undergo a synchronised Hyperdrive if they wanted to get the Capital quickly and it was recommended that there be few ships as possible so not to get lost.
After a few minutes, in a coordinated unison the ships accelerated and then in a blink of an eye they were gone.
Having entered Hyperdrive they had exited the system.
*****
Wein yawned as he woke up, stretching lazily feeling refreshed. It had been one of the best sleeps he had in his entire life. He stretched his arms looking over the room, it was dark besides the thin ray of light that shone through the glass window.
He rose up from his bed, on the side were slippers from last night and a robe for him to wear. He put it on and got ready for his morning.
"Good morning, sir, it is 06:00" Astra's voice greeted him.
Wein was reminded that back in the army he would already be awake at that time, it had become a habit, but he didn't have to anymore.
"The weather today is promising, there will be sunlight all day long" added Astra.
Wein went to the bathroom and freshened up. After a quick shower, he decided to do something familiar, for old times' sake, a jog.