Virtually Real: Chapter 65: Knight

Knight: Also known as Prowlar, is the Knight Errant of Emperor Rider. Basically his job is to do all the behind the scenes dirty work to keep the Empire functioning and make the Emperor look good.

Emperor Rider: (Sabers) Prowlar’s brother through adoption.

Former Emperor Kyle: Rider’s father and Prowlar’s adoptive father. Deceased?

Squire: Wolf, a young squire placed in Prowlar’s care.

Noir: Chariot class starship and the ship’s AI control unit.

Alty: Upgraded AI of the transport Noir.

The Guardian: Giant stealth ship tasked with guarding the Sol System.

I slammed the fighter’s thrusters into reverse stopping all forward motion. "Open the damn jump gate."

"I am sorry, but your destination of Imperial Throne World is temporarily locked. Please select another destination or move out of the line."

"I know the gate is locked. I can see that much. What I'm telling you is I have authorization."

"I am sorry, but your destination of Imperial Throne-". I shut down the communications. If I wasn't wearing my helmet I'd run my hand over my face in frustration at having to deal with control robots. "Morte, transmit override code Knight Errant, Prowlar access code 000013, directly to the gates control unit."

"You're not authorized to do that." The ship’s AI informed me.

"That was an order, which gives me the authority. You stupid-“

"I'm transmitting, but we both know it's not going to work."

The gate activated and I slammed the thrusters to full power, burning more fuel than necessary, but I didn't care at this point.

"That shouldn’t have worked. No knight, especially a fallen one like you, should have that kind of access." Morte, informed me.

"What access are you talking about, Dead Horse?"

"Access to . . ." Morte, trailed off as the code erased the last five minutes of memory.

"Unidentified Destrier Fighter, Power down and submit to search."

"Sorry control, but I'm going to have to ignore you. I'm running late thanks to high jump gate traffic. You can inspect my ship if you want, once I've landed." Like they’ll be able to touch me once I’m on the ground, I thought as I dove for the planet. As I hit the atmosphere I started regretting using the excess fuel earlier.

"You're approaching too fast. You're going to destroy us both." Morte, screeched.

"Nah, I'll survive. Besides we've got to stay ahead of the security patrol. They'll vaporize us long before we can crash."

The ship let out a squall, which was sort of a cross of dying bird and shorting circuits, as I reversed thrust and used the atmospheric drag to slow my decent. I sat down on the Royal Landing Pad with only a few new scorch marks on the air frame.

"That was both stupid and impressive." The old duty guard said, nodding to me as I climbed out of the cramped cockpit.

"I hope the next ship I get stuck in will have a better AI. I think Morte killed himself on the way down." I said, as I waited for the hull to cool so I could access the small cargo area.

The guard ducked inside then returned with a small platinum pin. He fused it to my flight suit and handed me a box containing the same for my duty uniform and my dress uniform.

"What's this?"

"Emperor's orders. It signifies a pilot has survived fifty missions where their AI Destrier has been lost."

"Ah, how time flies."

"Bronze, for the first fifty, then silver, gold, and platinum. I suggested plutonium for your level. With suicides, mental breakdown, actual combat, And total destruction of the ship; you've lost more ships than anyone else in the entirety of the Empire."

I popped the latches and pulled out my duffle bag. “So no one's even close to my record?"

"Not even sector fleet commanders if we took overall losses as their direct losses would come close."

"Good to know. So why have I been summoned this time? And please don't tell me HE needs me to make a problem disappear again. I'm running out of uncharted habitable planets I can take them to."

"You were not informed?" The Guard asked in surprise.

The royal landing pad guard was never surprised. Not even that time . . . I let the thought drop. "This is bad isn't it?"

"Not for me to say, sir."

What the hell had I done? Nothing that fell outside my orders as sketchy as they were. So what hadn't I done? Given my unfortunate relationship with the Emperor I knew there could be any number of things. If it wasn't that he was so good at being a good and fair Emperor I might have considered offing him myself, even if he was my brother by adoption.

"Prowl! You've arrived and in such spectacular fashion as always. At least you learned something during our time as squires together."

I rolled my eyes. The only reason the knight we'd been assigned to was because the old Emperor knew our knight would need my assistance dealing with the prince. "Your Highness, It is good to see you-".

"Oh drop the stupid formality, I'm in my normal attire so just act like I'm your equal."

Honestly given the outlandish attire I never knew what was royal and what wasn't.

"As you command, Splatter."

"Hmm, perhaps not that informal."

I knew he hated his call sign. "So why did you call me in?"

"Well, eventually we all have to accept certain things."

"No, we both know there are certain things we don't have to accept. We agreed a long time ago that I wouldn't have to take a wife, even for the good of the Empire."

"Oh it's not that. I'd know one day you'll find a good man to settle down with. Besides I'm fruitful enough for both of us."

"I wouldn't be forced to serve in the regular military. Emperor Kyle made that clear when he had me designated a Knight Errant. Making me a special agent. You try to make me regular military and I'll simply disappear."

"Oh heavens forbid. You do more good as a knight errant than you'd ever accomplish for us as a general knight."

"Finally, I'd never be saddled with a squire. My job isn't one that any young individual should have to experience."

"Well, now, see, here's the thing."

"No. I say that as respectfully as possible but the things I do have no place for a young impressionable mind."

***

I stared up at my new ship. It wasn't another Destrier Fighter, instead it was a Chariot class heavy fighter or a heavily armed transport depending on how one looked at it. It was basically a brick with wings. Well a streamlined brick but still a brick.

"Well, well, well. So the high and mighty Prowlar the shadow lurker has been captured, leashed, and tamed at last. No more running around and acting all, urk." The Knight's eyes went wide as he realized I'd shot him.

It was a stun round so he'd recover. Though I'd seriously considered using my blade instead. God, was I already going soft just because I didn't want to upset the kid. Though I guess "kid" is a relative term. He had to be at least sixteen to have passed all the required schooling plus basic training. Honestly, I still didn't know anything about him. The Emperor had given a long explanation on why my new squire, I felt like vomiting at the very thought of the word, didn't fit in with any other unit. Though I really didn’t hear a word of it. I’d need to pull up his records to learn anything. I sighed and walked up the ramp.

"Well it's about time. I thought you were just going to stand out there admiring me like an idiot." The ship’s AI stated.

"Arrogant. Don't worry you'll be broken down and sobbing for your silicon gods in weeks." I muttered.

"You think? Well, the surprise is on you. My program is based on your own mental scans. So in effect I am a better version of you. Shall we find out who breaks first?"

"No. If you're me then maybe I've finally found an AI worth working with."

"I'm glad you see it that way. So where do we lose the kid?"

"Earth, maybe."

"God, I said lose him; not condemn him. He isn't that bad. He's already done all the chores he could imagine. He even went and found some fresh food to prepare for your meals."

"Do we have clearance to leave?" I asked, trying to ignore my thoughts about how he might have cleaned a brand new ship.

"No." the AI stated.

"Squire, come to the cockpit."

"Going to break him right away then?" The AI asked.

"Sir, Squire Wolf reporting as ordered, Sir."

"Sit down, buckle up, and hold on."

"Um, Sir. We haven't received clearance-"

"This is," I looked around for a designation plate.

"Chariot, designation T40, name Noir. We're lifting now."

"You are not authorized." We were informed.

"Tell it to someone who cares, we're gone." One thing I liked about the chariot class was the fact they could generate their own jump gate.

***

"Sir," Wolf started.

"It's Prowl or Prowlar, no rankings here."

"Sir Prowl, are you a member of the royal family?"

"What makes you ask something so stupid?" I asked, probably a little too angrily.

"I'm sorry."

Damn, I needed to remember he wasn't here to spy on me, at least I didn't think he was. I sighed. "No, I'm not a member of the royalty. Not even a planetary noble. I'm just a knight." That wasn’t true. Technically I was born into a noble family, however after the Emperor witnessed how I was mistreated he adopted me.

"But you're not just a knight. The knights serve in the military. You seem to be on your own."

"Noir, take us to the closest jump point and then re-route to the closest hide away."

"I am a prototype, I can make the course correction while in jump space."

"When did they figure out how to do that?" I felt like I was being ripped apart one cell at a time. It only lasted a moment but I still hurt.

"Sir, May I be excused for a few moments?"

"Go!" I yelled and Wolf ran back down the corridor. I just hoped he would make it to the head.

"To answer your question I figured it out just now. I'm actually impressed that you didn't run as well." Noir laughed.

"I'll be sure to update you so you know what it feels like. As soon as I figure out how. Trust me, I've been through worse."

"Still, no more of that. No reason to needlessly cause pain for the kid. I’m guessing he’s a lot younger than he looks. He's a squire that makes him at least sixteen. Though to look At Him I'd say twenty five or twenty six. Though with the newest longevity treatments maybe twenty three or twenty four."

"Try more like nineteen. You're also his third knight. I accessed his records."

"You what?" I asked in surprise. Ordinarily I’d have to use backdoor codes to get ahold of that information.

"Oh don't act surprised; you know you'd do it if you could. His first Knight rejected him when he learned he was only fifteen. The second resented him and treated him more like an animal than a squire. The third was killed, not due to Wolf's fault, but because she had a gambling habit that caught up with her."

"Great, that means I’d be a real ass if I happened to forget him on an uncharted planet. I guess I’m just going to-"

"Sorry, I know I shouldn't have been so weak. I'll do better, I promise." Wolf interrupted as he returned.

"Don't make promises if you don't know you can keep them. Sit. We need to have a little talk. First I need to know about you."

"I'm your squire, I make sure your living space is clean, that you make it to important events on time and dressed correctly, and when necessary I act as your shield. Squires, after all, are young and easily replaced while knights have valuable experience. What I gain is the knowledge and discipline I need to become a knight."

"Great, that is right out of the manual and a total load of crap. Don’t get me wrong I'm sure some knights see it that way, but just as many see a squire as a slave, someone to do all the work and some even as a bed warmer. So don't think being a squire is some grand pursuit."

"I know all that, but technically I am a slave. I was sold to the service as a way for my family to pay our taxes."

"What planet?"

"Sir?"

"What planet were you from?" I was angry. Slavery was a banned practice and I’d worked hard to make sure that planets that practiced it came under direct scrutiny of the Emperor.

"I'm sure you wouldn't know it."

"The planet is Nuit, the situation has already been remedied. Likely only a few months after your squire was sold." Noir informed us.

"What do you mean?" Wolf asked.

"It means I can take you home." I said, hoping he would go for it.

"No!"

"What?"

"I mean, no Sir, I don't want to go back, I never really fit in there."

"Why is that?"

"Because I can use magic."

I rolled my eyes. It was hard to believe people still believed in "magic". It had been proven that it was all a power of the evolved mind to manipulate existing energy in the surrounding environment. Well, most of it anyway there were still certain extremely rare cases of genetic manipulation. "What types of magic?"

"Well, I can manipulate most elements and their secondary forms. Water and ice, ground and metal, fire and wind. I've been practicing with electricity, but it isn't easy."

"Any other abilities?" I asked in surprise.

"What do you mean?"

"I was informed that your magic wasn't powerful enough to be placed in the mage corps but is too strong for a normal knight plus you have abilities."

"Who told you something like that?"

"I'm a Knight Errant, which means I don't follow the rules and I have sources."

"I-"

He sighed and a moment later I had a very large feral wolf in the cockpit with me. Now I understood the information of the knight treating him like an animal, and why The Emperor decided to stick him with me. The only ones that could shift had at least some royal blood in their lineage. "Okay change back."

Wolf changed back. He was naked and doing his best to cover himself. He looked on the verge of tears. "Please don't make me sleep on the floor or eat out of a pet bowl.”

I shifted to my anthro tiger form. "Why would I do something so stupid? I think I understand why you were made my squire now."

"I thought I was the only one."

"It's not really that rare, maybe four or five of us per planet, though what is rare is discovering how to shift in the first place. I'll help you learn how to change onto a median form eventually. Any other powers?"

"Not that I know of. Do you have any other powers?"

I rolled my eyes. I don't have magical powers like you do just the ability to change form and a really useless one."

"Please tell me."

He'd pulled his uniform remains around himself, I'd have to requisition the right type for him. I made a mental note to have Noir track down the knight that forced him to be an animal. "You know how every planet has legendary weapons, usually swords?"

"Yeah!" He said in surprise.

By placing my hand on a natural surface or on the empty sheath at my side I can summon the weapon with its legendary powers."

"That's so cool!"

"Yeah, you'd think, but getting rid of those blades can be really problematic. Especially hiding them once they have been summoned. And make no mistake some of them could end their world. There is one sword where it only takes a scratch and you're dead. It doesn't even have a sheath."

"What did you do with it?"

I hid it where no one would ever think to look for it. It's hidden in plain sight. It is mounted and framed in a library with an inscription calling it a prop replica of what the real sword, according to legend, looks like."

"That's genius."

"No, that is just trying to keep a mistake from becoming worse." I turned back to the controls. For a moment I had forgotten myself. If I let the kid get close to me it would hurt too much when he was ready to become a knight. That's why I didn't want a squire. I knew, in the end, he would leave me like everyone else had.

"Prowl, you look tired should I warm your bed?"

I jerked around abruptly. "What?"

”Should I warm the bed? You said that's something some knights required of their squires."

"I meant-"

"I know what you meant." He reached over and ran his fingers through my fur letting his uniform remnants slip enough that it was obvious he was aroused, "And I wouldn't really mind, but if the idea makes you that uncomfortably I'll just warm the bed and then try to find a comfortable spot in one of the seats."

"You're telling me there is only one bed on the whole ship? Noir!" I yelled.

"Strange, you saying 'one bed' has unlocked a hidden file. I'm bringing it up now."

"Rule one doesn't apply to male on male situations. Have some fun and really live a little for once. I'm sure you two will be a perfect fit. Hint, hint." The voice print was altered but I could tell it was from the Emperor. It's a good thing I was in the habit of ignoring most of what he said, because it certainly sounded like he was ordering me to bed my squire.

"Um, Sir? Did the Emperor just order us to um, sleep together?"

"No, just a fellow knight's little joke. We actually . . ." No saying we had the same knight would be the same as admitting it was the Emperor.

"Master-"

"Don't call me that."

"That message was spoken in the royal language. The only non-royals that speak it is the mage corps in their incantations and those in the royal lineage. That wasn't an incantation and was too smooth to be fake. So, if that wasn't the Emperor it was someone above you in rank and you are a royal."

"I'm not a royal. The current Emperor and I were assigned to the same knight."

"No knight has two squires."

"He does if one of the squires vastly out ranks him and he has to have a proper squire to deal with both the normal tasks and keeping the prince out of trouble. I really am just no one. I'm a Knight Errant. That means the Emperor gives me jobs that are best not known about. I of course had demands. One of which was no squires."

"Why?"

"Because you require better. You'll never earn glory or honor. At best the other knights will scorn you, or will outright hate you for not being as good as they are. Plus the things I do. Even I hate myself for some of them."

"Okay, but we're here now whether you like it or not. So where do you stand with the Emperor's order, and sharing the bed?"

"We'll share it. I've already told you I wasn't going to make you sleep on the floor. However that doesn't mean-"

"That's fine." Wolf stood up and gathered the rest of the remains of his clothes. I did my best to keep my eyes on the instruments but it seemed he was putting on more of a show than actually cleaning. "I'm going to go dispose of this rubbish and then warm your bed." He started to walk away but I heard him say something too quietly for human ears to pick up on. "I'll just warm it for now you sexy tiger but we'll see how long it takes before I'm all yours."

However, I couldn't quite tell if he wanted to belong to me or not. Only then it occurred to me that he had understood the royal language and had diverted my attention into not asking how.

***

"Not to disturb you, but we've received a mission request."

"I'm not asleep." I gently brushed Wolf's hair to one side. He looked so young and innocent while asleep. I could tell he'd gotten up after I'd fallen asleep and organized the sleeping quarters, and likely the rest of the ship as well. I carefully pulled away and he subconsciously burrowed into the warm spot I left behind.

As I stood my uniform activated. I didn't bother changing the settings as I headed for the cockpit. As I arrived I flopped back in the pilot's seat. "So what's the crisis this time?"

The noble in charge of Tellusar is requesting two legions of knights to quell a growing anti-imperial movement."

"Got it."

"Don't you want details?"

"I’ll go in hear both sides choose the one that best aligns with the Emperor's best interests and end the conflict."

"That's not the orders. However, since I was generated from you, giving a full accounting of the actual job is pointless. I suggest you approach the civilians first. Posing as an illicit arms dealer is always a good ploy."

"No. I've got to think about the kid's safety now as well. Set us up with ID's as representing a merchant's association willing to sell medical supplies and rations."

"Taking a softer approach. This is new, but it may give you a better foundation to build trust. Should I make you a master tradesman and Wolf is you apprentice?"

"Yes, but also make him my son."

"This could make him a target of value."

"I know, but I've met a few Tellusarians in my travels. The population is 60 percent female and a man and his first born son are seen as having a sacred bond. The civilians wouldn't separate us for any reason."

"Actually according to the files it is 62 percent female to male and there are warnings of male visitors being warned to be very careful if they visit."

"And the ratio is 95 percent of off world visitors are male. The women are well educated and intelligent. They know they have a shortage of men so they use that to their advantage. I'm not worried about falling into any of their sexual traps since they don't appeal to me."

"Does that mean you do favor male on male relationships?"

I jumped. It was definitely going to take time getting used to the fact I wasn't on my any more. "Since we are basically stuck together I might as well be upfront about this. Yes, I'm exclusively interested only in men. However, unlike some I have always repressed my desires putting my duty first."

"That's really sad."

I glared at him as he also took his seat. What he said had no note of pity or sympathy. If anything I swore I heard excitement and maybe a bit of admiration. My squire was certainly a difficult read. "Noir, take us to Tellusar."

"Understood, Captain."

***

We landed at the main space port. I had to admit traveling around in a transport was a better cover. First because nothing screamed "Knight" like a Destrier fighter and second the Chariot wasn't a well-known ship. So it could pass as just a rare transport. It let us land and blend in with all the other ships coming and going. As we left the port area we found ourselves swamped with people.

"Papa, these people aren't in revolt. Look at them, they're starving."

As if to emphasize the point a little girl ran up to us. "Please sirs, do you have any rations you can spare?"

I pulled out a bar and handed it to her. She thanked me and started to run away. A giant of a woman grabbed her, pulled the ration bar from her hands, and threw her against a fountain base. Wolf ran over to the girl while I confronted the woman.

"You took that from her, why?"

"We're starving here it's survival of the fittest and she wasn't strong enough." The woman looked down on me. "What are you going to do about it? Run and tell a knight? Good luck with that they're all guarding the bastard nobility that sold off the planet's emergency supplies to line their own pockets."

I'd planned on killing her to make an example, but people would do desperate things in desperate times. If it was getting to the point of stealing rations from children then cannibalism was just around the corner.

"Papa, the girl is alright, but scared. She says she just wanted the ration to give her little brother so he wouldn't starve."

Have her lead us to him. Make it clear if she is planning a trap we'll kill all of them. But if her story is true we'll make sure her brother gets fed."

I followed Wolf closely watching for any type of ambush. When we arrived at the boy it was too late. Honestly it was probably too late to save him if we'd arrived two days earlier. We left the girl with her mourning parents. Along with the last of the ration bars we'd been carrying.

Now I was really mad. No planet, especially an agricultural planet was supposed to get this short on supplies. I considered meeting with the opposition leader but decided I'd seen enough. We returned to Noir and I sent out an emergency call for food and medical help. "I'm telling you it is a full planetary food collapse."

"Not according to our records."

"I'm telling you . . ." I sighed. "Noir, I really hate having to do this. Wolf, kneel beside me. Noir, make the connection and patch the communications so sector command is also watching."

"This is a private-" A woman's voice answered.

"Give me that! Only one individual has this number. My Knight, what is the situation?" The Emperor asked.

"Your majesty, the Imperial representative to planet Tellusar has been selling off the supplies that are supposed to be kept in reserve for emergency use. Our intel has led to the discovery that the planet had an extremely poor crop year."

"Go on."

"We were sent to investigate a reported uprising and I guess this might be the case, and with good reason, but the people are starving and dying. I'm afraid if food supplies and general support isn't sent immediately things are going to devolve into chaos and cannibalism."

"Have you contacted the sector command?"

"R-r-right here your Majesty."

"Good then the relief ships should arrive soon."

"Well-"

"Have the relief ships been sent?"

"No, it takes time. To fill out the paperwork and-".

"Send. The ships. Immediately! That is an order."

"Yes, your majesty."

"Good, also send out two legions of knights to provide support to the people until the supplies arrive and to take all government officials into custody for questioning. Knight, your job is completed return to your post and await further orders."

"Yes, Majesty." I knew what that meant. "Noir-"

"Communications link has been closed. Engines are online just getting clearance for departure."

"That's it? We're not going to stay and help?" Wolf asked.

"When the Emperor gives us the order 'to return to our post' it means 'get out before the shit hits the turbo props.' I told you this job means no glory or honor. We do what we can for the good of the Empire and then get out of the way. Sorry you got stuck with me."

"No, don't be sorry. I'm glad I'm here with you. I just wish there was more we could do for the people."

We've done what we could. I know you want to go out and feed everyone but realistically our supplies are limited and even if we handed out what we have it would just start fights and possibly riots." The ship began to lift. "Better sit down and buckle in. I know Noir could take us out but there is always a chance, even if very slim things can go sideways really quickly."

***

"Chariot transport transmit identification, authorization, and purpose for being here."

"Authorization Knight Errant, identification chariot Noir, crew include knight Prowlar and squire Wolf. Our purpose for coming to a knight's supply station, if you can believe it, is to resupply." I answered sarcastically.

"You are not on the list of approved ships."

I growled. I really shouldn’t have, but I did. I'd put in a special order to be sent to this station so I knew they had me on record. "Really? That's strange; considering I have clearance to land at any base at any time issued by high command. Has there been some error made in your processing center?"

"We do not make errors."

"That's good to know. I'm coming in to dock. You can either accept that fact or shoot me. Of course if you shoot me you'll likely all be executed by high command if you are lucky."

"And if we're unlucky?"

"My Master and I will blow up your station and blame it on a weapon's malfunction. Look up Master Prowlar's record for ship AI malfunctions. It's like he is cursed by faulty computers." Wolf said angrily.

"Uh, yeah docking is cleared, but the deck crews are requesting you allow them to bring your ship to dock with tractor beams."

I could hear the terror in the security officer’s voice. I was really going to have to get Noir to let me read my duty records sometime. Though it seemed he'd already allowed Wolf access.

"Tractor beams have been engaged. I resent this by the way. I'm not unstable like the other AI's he's had." Noir complained.

"You're based on Prowlar's mind, correct?"

"Yes."

"So you're not unstable, just completely demented?" Wolf asked.

I let out a loud laugh. Sure it was a back handed insult against me but it was still funny.

"Prowlar, why are we here? As the one responsible for making sure everything is in order I can tell you we are not short on supplies." Wolf asked.

"We're here to have the bedroom reconfigured for two crew members." I regretted saying it as soon as I saw the hurt look on his face. I'd meant it as a joke. After all I'd quickly gotten used to sharing the bed. There was something comforting about it actually. "Pup, I was joking. You're down a duty uniform, and considering your abilities you need a specialized uniform anyway. I had to special requisition it so we have to come to an official supply depot to pick it up. I'm not changing our sleeping arrangements."

"You promise?"

"Wolf, you know I don't-"

"Do you promise you were just joking about changing our sleeping arrangements?"

It hadn't taken him long to figure out how to rephrase requests like this in order to get me make promises. It actually scared me a little how easy he did it almost as if he had prior experience. I still carefully considered the request. "I promise I was just joking about changing our sleeping arrangements. I like waking up with you snuggled against me." I immediately shut up when I realized what I'd just admitted.

"I like snuggling against my daddy tiger as well."

The docking clamps made the ship shudder slightly as they locked down giving me an excuse to concentrate on making sure everything was secure. "Come on, since this is an official outpost it means we've got to wear full armor. I just hope I can still fit in it."

"Don't worry it's my job to dress you and make sure it fits."

I grinned. He'd been sneaking glances every time he thought he could catch a glimpse of me unclothed. It hadn't happened yet and it wasn't going to happen this time either.

It took barely thirty minutes to put on the cumbersome plate metal armor, not that it served a purpose any longer, other than looking impressive. We marched to the airlock where we were met by a page. She passed us a package and told us now that our business was concluded we could leave.

The airlock door on her side slamming shut and the warning that the lock was being cycled had us scrambling to close our own airlock door.

I marched to the bridge as the tractor beams pushed us away, and radioed the depot.

"Your business has been concluded please move along." The AI repeated twice.

"You're a knight! They can't treat you that way." Wolf yelled.

"I'm a fallen knight. You'll find that we're often going to be treated that way by the 'Upstanding Knight Corp.' and many other officials as well. Best to see if they actually delivered my special order."

They hadn’t. What I found was a standard issue squire duty uniform and an encrypted data card.

"Wolf, do you need help getting out of your armor?"

"No, squire armor is simple in comparison to a knight’s armor."

"Okay, go get changed into your new duty uniform while I find out why my order wasn't filled as requested."

He nodded and headed back to our room.

"Noir can you-"

"Just insert it already."

The message was quick to play. "This data disc is the property of Imperial research and development. If you are not authorized to view such content stop watching and turn this card into the nearest Royal Knight facility. If you continue watching you'll be hunted down and dealt with. Please enter authori- code accepted. The Video switched to an older scientist. “Knight, I'm sorry to inform you that we have, so far, been unable to replicate the technology of your special uniform. As best we can tell the miniature machines self-code to their owner's genetic material making it impossible for us to replicate. We at R&D ask that you either retrieve an unbonded sample or supply us with the location you discovered the artifact. We look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.” I removed the card and there was an electrical sound and the smell of burned electronics.

"Idiots, did they even consider what would have happened if that had self-destructed while still connected to my systems?" Noir asked.

I ignored him and entered a destination. "Noir, take us to this location."

"That is outside of imperial space. A long way outside of it."

"Just let me know when we arrive." I ordered as I headed for my quarters. It was time for Wolf to help me get this damn armor off. I could do it myself, of course, but it would have taken hours.

"Well?" Wolf asked, as I walked in. He spun around showing his new duty uniform. It had more black to it than standard uniforms and was trimmed in white, matching my own modified uniform. "It suits you, for now."

"So what did you learn?"

"That R&D are worthless."

"So no special uniform that will change as needed for me then?"

"Oh you're going to get one, it just means traveling to a place I'd hoped I'd never go again."

"Oh? Where is that?"

"The world our species, well the human species evolved on."

"I thought that planet and information had been lost." Wolf said, in surprise.

"It has. Only two people know about its rediscovery. The Emperor, and the one that found it. And soon you'll know as well. This is your only chance to back out. After this you're truly stuck with me, or at least the position of Knight Errant. There is no going back."

"Good, I don't want to go back. You need me, whether you believe it or not. Now hold still; somehow this has gotten stuck."

"There is a hammer in the drawer."

"What?"

”If the armor is stuck just hit it with the hammer until it comes loose."

Wolf let out a sound of pure exasperation. "You really need me. If for no other reason than to keep you from injuring yourself."

***

"We've arrived. Out in the middle of nowhere. Lightyears beyond the edge of the Empire. And there's a jump gate just sitting here. At least I think it's a jump gate. It doesn't have the support architecture to function." Noir reported.

"It's a jump gate, and it's fully functional. It's the prime gate the first ones used to bring our ancestors to this part of the galaxy along with most of the animals we know."

"First ones? Master, that doesn't make any sense. We originated on the throne world and spread out to all the planets of the Empire from there."

"That is the official record. The Private Royal Library has proof to the contrary. It's just in everyone’s best interest if we don't have any contact with the origin planet." I explained.

"However, you have obviously been there. What I want to know, as a copy of your mind, is why I don't have those records."

"There are mental blocks that keep that information private. I have full access to the memories, but I can't just tell you everything. Over time I've been able to creatively get around some of them. That's how we've gotten this far. Wolf, strap in." I ordered as I buckled my own restraints, "This isn't a smooth jump."

"As I said there is no support architecture. How am I supposed to activate it?" Noir asked.

"A wide band transmission asking the gate to open. It has only one destination so it doesn't need to be complicated. Oh and when we come out on the other side shut down all weapons and shields. Then when contacted open a communication channel on the same frequency."

"That's-"

"An order, Noir. Doing anything else risks getting all of us vaporized. Trust me, our weapons are nothing compared to the Guardian's."

"The Guardian?" Wolf asked.

"Yeah, it's a massive ship that guards the system. We're not going anywhere near the planet. Those people are crazy."

"Gate is opening, surprisingly. Prepare for jump."

I reached across and grabbed Wolf's hand. I tried to make it look like I was just comforting him, but the truth was I was scared senseless. The Guardian told me never to return, and here I was going back, all because I wanted my squire equipped with the same nano-tech armor I had.

We jumped and time stretched on. Outside jump space no time would be passing we'd drop out at the same time we'd entered but to our minds, sitting there holding Wolf's hand would seem like days were passing.

We dropped out of jump space and I couldn't help noticing Wolf continued to squeeze my hand.

"There's nothing here except that gas giant. Do you want me to power up and move-" Noir cut off as we were enveloped in a massive hangar bay.

"The Guardian has highly advanced cloaking capabilities."

"Unidentified ship, you have entered a protected system. State your business or be destroyed."

"Communication channel is open." Noir stated.

"Hello again, Guardian. Sorry, I know you told me not to return, but-".

"Ah, Knight. Yes, I figured you would return eventually. What is it you want this time?"

"Armor of the type you gave me, for my squire. And maybe some upgrades for my new ship. I didn't think it was possible but our scientists sort of replicated your method of copying a person’s mind and using it as a ship's AI. In this case Noir is copied from me."

"Yes, I would like to examine your systems and AI. Noir, do not worry, you will be mostly the same though a bit smarter, faster, and more powerful when I finish."

"You're not going to make it so I self-destruct when we return to our own part of space are you?"

"Just the fact you can ask that makes you a higher order AI than the Destrier fighter that Knight came in before. It killed itself as soon as it arrived. I did my best to resurrect it but I had doubts it would even make it back."

"First off, as per your suggestion, I call myself Prowlar now. And second of all, what do you mean you didn't think I'd make it back?"

"That information is denied to you. Please exit the ship and accompany my drones to the waiting area while I process your requests."

"He's an AI?" Wolf asked.

"Yes, one based on multiple human personalities reduced down to a single mind. At a guess he's centuries ahead of our best technology." I replied as we unhooked and headed out to follow Guardian's orders.

***

We'd been left alone in a mess hall. I knew the ship was large, though I had no real external reference, there was only a few ships in the fleet that had a hangar bay as large as the one that Noir now occupied. It was large enough to fit six or seven Noir size ships. What really scared me was the first time I came here I was flying a fighter and I landed in a different landing bay. That meant Guardian had to be massive.

"From the size of the landing bay I'd have thought there would be more crew, but this mess hall is relatively small." Wolf said taking in the room.

"You are in the command crew mess. Though it doesn't make much difference since it is just myself and my drones here currently."

"You were eavesdropping?" Wolf accused.

"No this is my body. Therefore everything inside me is being monitored at all times."

"So you don't currently have a captain or crew?"

I sighed and put my head down on the table. I knew where this was heading, but I wasn't going to stop the kid unless he started to make the Guardian mad.

"Technically I only need a single biological Captain to function at maximum. Basically I only need the biological component to use my faster than light system. I can handle all other functions."

"So my Master could take command right now?"

"No." I said. "I can't because I'm not the captain he is waiting for."

"How do you know?"

"Because my Captain will first of all know my true name and second will have the correct authorization codes."

"And how will he get them unless you tell them to him?"

"He will simply know them. I have been monitoring for him and I believe he is only one or two generations away from being reincarnated."

Wolf was silent for a short time and I thought the conversation had ended.

"So you're from the future then?"

"Yes and no. It is a future time but also a different branch of the multiverse. Don't put too much thought into working that out, some biologicals can't take the strain of such calculations. Now, if you would accompany my drones again I'll do the appropriate memory downloads in order to upgrade your AI."

"But he was already created using a copy of my memories." I said, as I stood up.

"Yes, a flawed process that approximated your thought processes. My method will copy your full personalities, blend them both with the current Noir to create a completely new self-aware personality."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea." Wolf said.

"Why? Do you have something to hide? No need to answer, remember the new personality will also be partially you and will also want to keep those things to itself. In addition I'm upgrading your faster than light drives so once you travel through a jump gate the path will be logged and you won't need to use the gate again, except for the Earth gate. I'm locking that one out of your system. As tempting as it might be I'm making it so you cannot return. The humans have started their exploration of the galaxy and through careful manipulations I have them exploring away from your Empire. However this won't last forever so it is best your leaders start preparing for eventual contact."

"Understood. It seems they're moving faster than you had expected. When last I was here they were just doing preliminary tests on FTL drives."

"Humans are tenacious when they have a challenge they do get things done. There is one other thing, I meant to tell you, before I got off on the tangent, I'm painting your ship black.

"It was already black." Wolf pointed out.

"Well yes, but I'm painting it with light absorbing black paint. It will seem to disappear in space as well as become extremely difficult for sensors to lock on to. I'm leaving your weapons as they are since they are already nearly over powered for your ship and if I did any upgrades they would likely malfunction."

"We certainly don’t want that." I laughed.

***

We slowly walked around the ship. It was like Guardian had completely disassembled it then rebuilt it in the day and a half we'd been here. The ship had been old and damaged, Though Wolf had done such a good job of cleaning that I’d thought it was new when I first came aboard. Now it really looked brand new. Well to be honest it only vaguely resembled the old Noir. Where before it resembled a slightly aerodynamic brick it now had twin pods on its back. A longer section from the neck to the cockpit with added structures that looked like explosive bolts.

"Guardian, have you changed the forward section so that in an emergency it can be used as an escape pod?"

"You have a good eye. Also the structures in the back are your new faster than light drive. Normally I'd have put a sled on the bottom, however that would interfere with your cargo doors."

"I thoroughly checked the ship. The cargo doors are sealed since the main cargo area is now the Captain's quarters."

"Oh, I moved that to the area where the old faster than light drive was located. You still have the same type of drive, however it is also housed in the FTL pack. In the cargo bay where the captain’s quarters used to be in now a small launch bay for a special ground effects vehicle that can double as an armored vehicle. And though it may not be overly noticeable I've also increased the height of the ship so it is now two decks instead of one. On the upper deck is the Captain's Quarters, small mess hall and a passenger area. Bottom deck is the hanger and an infirmary, in case you get injured."

"That isn't going to . . . what did you do to me?" Wolf asked.

”As a squire you are required to take care of your Knight's needs. Therefore I've added memories to you allowing you to be a chef and a doctor. Prowlar I've given you the memories of a mechanic and pilot. After making a copy of your mind I understand why so many inferior AI's killed themselves. Now your ship has been refurbished, your squire has his new uniform, and you've been given some new skills. Time for you to go."

"Can I ask for a sample of the uniform tech that isn't encoded?"

"No. Now get back to your own section of the galaxy."

"Yes Sir, and thank you for all you've done." I replied quickly.

"You're welcome. However you are beginning to overstay that welcome."

"We understand." I practically dragged Wolf up the ramp. I had a moment of confusion, but as we headed for the bridge and the deck slanted upward I understood. The cockpit was actually situated so that it was higher than the bottom deck but lower than the upper deck. That's why it was difficult to tell the ship was actually larger.

"Welcome aboard. Until we return to our origin point I have full control so sit back and enjoy the trip. Sick bags have been provided."

"What good would that do when-"

As soon as we were out of the Guardian, Noir jumped. I grabbed the bag and filled it. The nausea passed quickly and I was able to better appreciate the swirling threads of color taking place outside the windows.

"It's kind of pretty, after you recover from the nausea." Wolf said.

"What you are looking at is another dimension outside normal time and space. Current flight time is twenty eight minutes, however no time will have passed in real space."

"You still sound like Noir." Wolf said.

"I am basically the same entity only better. Oh and I'm no longer Noir. That is still the name of the ship. I am Alty."

"Why Alty?" I asked.

"I just like the sound of it. Is there a problem?"

"No, just curious." I replied.

Wolf and I leaned back in our seats as the trip continued. Suddenly I was shaken awake by Wolf.

"Prowlar! Alty just destroyed the gate!"

"Alty?" It took me a moment to remember that was the Ship AI's new name.

"Yes Prowl?"

"Why did you destroy the Earth gate?"

"What gate? I only detect old debris but no soil."

"This is the Guardian's doing." I muttered.

"I have no record of a guardian, unless you mean your guardianship of your squire?"

"Never mind Alty. Set course for the closest outpost so we can see if we have any new jobs."

"I don't like this." Wolf complained.

"Let's just be glad the erasure that the Guardian set up didn't include us."

"He seemed so nice though." Wolf said.

"Yeah, but we should have seen this coming. After all his primary purpose is to guard that system and we could be seen as invaders."

"I guess that makes sense."

"One thing is for certain, we won't be going back there again."

***

This time the jump wasn't so bad. Alty informed us that it's just the first jump that usually has bad effects. Something about having to adapt to the altered space dimension. I checked and the coordinates for the destroyed gate were still in the system. I guess without the jump gate it wasn't much of a threat. However if I needed to hide something it would be a good place to put it. Maybe I should start looking into space habitat components.

"We're receiving updated orders." Alty announced.

"Ah, the Empire never rests. Let's see the message."

"Knight Errant. The Noble Governor of Tellusar refuses to step down. Unfortunately he is a former knight so no knight can order him to abdicate his position and return to the throne world."

"That's it? That's the whole message?" Wolf asked.

"You'll get used to that level of vagueness. Basically we've just been ordered to go and arrest the Governor. If he refuses we can take him by force. Once in custody we are to take him to the Throne world for interrogation and trial."

"You got all that from that short message?"

"I've been doing this for a while. The reason we have to do it is because we don't fall under the regular military order answering only to . . ." I paused not sure what to say.

"To the Emperor?" Wolf asked.

"Ultimately yes, but on record we only answer to ourselves. That way if we do something that makes the Emperor look bad, he can claim he had nothing to do with it."

"You don't think very highly of our Emperor, do you?"

"I've had to carry his drunk tail home from one too many brothels to think of him as anything other than my equal, at best."

"Tail?"

"You didn't hear that."

"You mean the Emperor is like us?"

"Why do you think he was so insistent on you becoming my squire? He knows how hard it can be for one of us being with a normal knight."

"What is he? I bet he's a lion. No, maybe a bull."

I sighed. "He's a sabretooth. A hulking cat with giant fangs and a stubby tail."

"I bet he's sexy."

"He might be if he didn't sleep with every female and any attractive male that takes his fancy."

"I think you're much more attractive than the Emperor."

I sighed and re-entered the coordinates for Tellusar. "You say that, but he projects strength and charisma. It's his special power as nobility. I was just the guy he brought along to make himself look better."

"I don't believe that."

"It's often what I was told as I was dragging him out of one club or another."

"Wow, you must have had it really bad as a squire."

"What can I say? My father wanted my brother to inherit the family titles-".

"Wait! You're an actual noble?"

"No, not any more. Still it's why I was trusted to squire with the Emperor's son."

"So, would I become a noble if you eventually married me?"

I was stunned at the question. I'd never considered that possibility. I knew the Emperor wanted a relationship between the two of us. Likely so that we'd eventually have kids and maybe they would be shifters as well, Lord knows the Emperor had tried to convince me it would be a good idea. Still I knew better. He wanted shifters, and I wanted a meaningful relationship. But with Wolf. . .

"Um, Prowlar. Are you okay?

"Yeah, just lost in thought. As far as I can see, no it wouldn't make you a noble since I'm no longer a noble."

"Couldn't the Emperor reinstated your status?"

I laughed. "Why would he do that when he has me around to do all his dirty work?"

"Oh, okay."

"We have arrived. What identity do you wish to use this time?" Alty asked.

***

I considered the possibilities. A merchant was out. Not much chance of getting in that way, even if I was offering weapons. Considering I had to get in, no legitimate identity would work. "Alty, bi-pass all security measures and find an open area as close to the noble residence as we can land."

”Will the gardens be close enough? There is an open field for horse competition that I'll fit in. It's inside the main walls but you'll still have the inner walls to breach along with private security forces."

"Perfect, and it means we won’t have a lot of civilians and loyal knights to worry about. Wolf, put your armor on."

"Won't that be counterproductive? We don't want to announce you're a knight and I'm your squire."

"Just say 'armor on'." I ordered and the armor programed into my suit activated. The nanotech formed a barrier that blocked energy weapons and deflected most edged weapons as well. The helmet gave enhanced tracking, vision, and voice altering options. Plus it was shaped like a tiger and looked dangerous. Definitely not knightly.

"Armor on." Wolf ordered and his armor was much the same except his helmet was wolf shaped. "I wonder if I look as sexy in this armor, as Prowlar does in his?" He said, out loud.

I bit my lip, this wouldn't be a good time to laugh. "Wolf, can you hear me? I seem to have left my communication’s channel muted." I said, to save him any embarrassment. He really did look sexy in the armor though.

"I can hear you, can you hear me?"

"Reply if you can hear me."

"I can hear you just fine." He pointed at his ear and nodded.

I tapped the side of my helmet, rather hard. "Now try."

"Does that actually work?"

"Sometimes. It seems to have worked this time."

"You're both idiots. We're landing, do you have a plan?" Alty asked.

I grinned, "We're going to try out our new toy."

Minutes later the ramp dropped and I accelerated out of the bay. The vehicle had six oversized wheels that went over anything I didn't just plow through. I was sure there was a gardener somewhere that was going to have a heart attack when she found the mess I was making.

"Wolf, inner wall coming up. Make us an entrance."

The vehicle slowed dramatically as Wolf fired and a portion of the wall large enough to fly the Noir through was vaporized.

"Lesson learned. Full power is way over the top. I don't think a full squad of Phalanx battle tanks could do that much damage with consecutive firing."

"Makes our job easier. Knock on the back doors for me." I said, as I accelerated up a grand staircase.

"I'll just open them for you. We wouldn't want to disturb anyone." Wolf laughed.

The back of the building blew inward and I spun the vehicle so it was pointed back out. "Stay with the Charger while I go get our prey."

"No way, my place is at your side."

"We can't risk anyone taking our ride."

"I have control of the vehicle. Go finish the job." Alty informed us.

"Alty? You're in the Charger?" Wolf asked.

"No, but I can take full control of it when needed. Can't all AI's do that?"

"No, they are restricted to the devise they are programmed in." I said, in surprise.

"Muse on Alty's abilities later, sir. I have our quarry locked and he's attempting to escape. We need to move fast." Wolf said. Sliding down the side of the Charger. Obviously there was a top hatch. The front canopy swung up, to my surprise and I followed close behind my squire.

It seemed the noble was running low on mercenary guards as there were only three waiting for us. Or maybe our entrance sent the rest running in fear. "Wolf, stun blasters only."

"What? That’s- that’s-" He stuttered.

"Unchivalrous? No honor and no glory. We put them down quick. Take our target and get out leaving the knight's to deal with the clean-up."

"Target is on the second floor, to the left, room on the right. Scans indicate it's a safe room. Will you abandon mission?" Alty asked.

"No, mark as main target and all others as secondary."

It was just the three mercenaries plus two more guarding the safe room. We had to duck behind the Charger as the three guards started firing.

"Alty-" I didn’t get any more out as the cannon fired.

"He just . . . AI's are restricted from using lethal force on living beings. We are in so much trouble." Wolf mumbled.

"I am not the typical Ai. Plus it only counts if there is evidence. Now move before more mercenaries show up."

We rushed up the stairs and down the hall. Our heads up display showed he last two guards aiming at the door. We back tracked and entered the room next to the one with the built in safe room.

"Now what? It's not like we can get in trough the side."

I pulled out a cylinder covered in technical looking components.

"What's that?"

"Remember I told you about my power? I don't always return the swords I summon." I activated it and an orange blade ignited. "The original had a green blade and I have no idea why it changed to orange after I summoned it."

I sliced through the room's wall and the armored safe room wall. I angled the cut so it would fall outward rather than risk crushing our target. As it fell he just sat staring at us, a cup of tea shaking in his hand.

"How?"

He didn't get to say anything else as Wolf shot him with his stun gun. "Sorry, I just remembered that poor starved kid. To see this room filled with currency I didn't want to risk violating orders by killing him."

"I understand and I can't say I haven't done that in the past. However, the last Emperor showed me how my catches are interrogated. Trust me, taking them alive is much more satisfying." I explained as Wolf tied the noble up. "However, you stunned him so you carry him."

"I can't. I don't know how to shift to a form that would allow that."

I narrowed my eyes but I knew he couldn't see it through the helmet. "Fine." I shifted and picked the noble up."

"Holy-" Wolf said, before the link went dead.

"Great, can you hear me?"

He nodded and I waited. When he didn't respond I tapped the side of my helmet. He shrugged and pointed back and the started firing. Like I didn't know he'd muted his mic. I stepped out over the guards. Wolf might have found guns unchivalrous but he was a good shot.

When we got back to the charger we realized it wasn’t designed for passengers. Only seats for the driver and the gunner. I considered tying the noble to the front bumper, but reminded myself that it was better to keep him alive. Instead I tied him to the side. The drive back was rather anti-climactic now that we had a trail to follow.

Once aboard I dropped the noble in the lounge area and headed for the cockpit.

"It's about time! We have four Destrier fighters inbound ordering us to remain on the ground or risk being destroyed."

"Wolf, brace yourself buckle in if you can we've got to go now!"

I lifted far enough to tilt the ship perpendicular and then engaged full thrust and felt myself losing consciousness. My last thought was hoping my squire had been able to strap in before I'd acted so stupidly.

***

As I regained consciousness I really wanted to just go back to sleep. At least I didn't hurt as much. "Noir, I mean Alty, what is Wolf's condition?"

"Impressive. You're more concerned about your squire, whom many knights consider disposable, than you are about yourself or the prisoner."

"I know how I am; and the prisoner can be dead for all I'm concerned about him. Just report Wolf's condition."

"Now stay calm."

I struggled with the safety restraints for a moment to get them off.

"He isn't seriously damaged. However you might be if you don't calm down."

I was already running down the neck of the ship. When I got to the lounge I found the prisoner secured in a seat.

"Best way to go through altered space for the first time. Less mess to clean up"

I ignored Alty. Wolf had shifted and lay crumpled on the deck. His nose was bleeding and I had to pull his jaws apart and then move his tongue where he'd bitten through it. Fortunately he hadn't bitten it off. "Alty, can he be safely be moved?"

"He's only been bruised a bit. He'll hurt all over but otherwise he's fine."

"We have different ideas about what classifies as fine. I'm moving him to the medical bay."

"You're acting like an over protective father."

Wolf whimpered and shifted back to human. I knew the shift would heal the damage to his tongue but the pain and bruises would remain. "Daddy, can we agree to not go to maximum acceleration like that again? At least until I report that I am in fact strapped in?"

"I agree, he didn't even give me time to alter the gravity compensators to lessen the effects." Alty grumbled.

"Do you know how much trouble you're in? I am-".

"Don't care. You're just a target. After we turn you over and get paid we'll move on to the next one." I growled.

"What are you being paid? I assure you I can double it. I have the money. Lots of money."

"I don't remember saying anything about money. Maybe our pay is to watch as you are skinned alive." I laughed.

"Honestly, I wouldn't mind putting in the time watching him slowly starve to death. Better yet if he could see us; and we were having expensive catered meals while he suffers." Wolf said.

I remembered the starving girl and her dead brother from our first trip. "Not the worst Idea. I'll bring it up when we turn him over. Come on, I want to keep you close."

He blushed and I became tongue tied.

"Dirty old man, wanting to have your way with me? I wouldn't struggle, much. Unfortunately one of us needs to guard the prisoner.

A gun emplacement dropped from the ceiling. "Don't worry about it. If he even considers escaping I'll put him down. You two take as much time as you need."

"We're both headed for the cockpit." I said.

"Sounds fun." Wolf said, winking at me. I gently set him on his feet. "Oh! On second thought maybe some pain killers and rest would be a better idea." He finished through clamped teeth.

"You get some rest. I'll dispose of our prisoner."

Wolf didn't argue as he slowly made his way to the medical area.

"I'm telling you, I can pay any amount."

"Good, the royal interrogators will be happy to know that. Alty, you have been recording everything, right?"

"Of course."

"Good set course for . . . our destination."

"Course set for the Imperial interrogation facility."

"Yeah, you're not going to scare me. That place is just a myth. After all the Emperor is too soft to sanction such a place."

"Sir, you're going to want to be on the bridge when they contact us."

I smirked at the prisoned. Yeah, the Emperor had a soft spot for the innocent. But it was balanced by his views on justice for the guilty. I headed for the cockpit.

***

I'd been sort of dozing. I'd exited the jump rather far out in the system. This was one place I was very careful about approaching.

"Unidentified ship Identify or be destroyed."

"This is Knight Errant Prowlar aboard the ship Noir. Occupants include myself the ship's AI, my squire, and a delivery. The noble formerly in charge of Tellusar."

"Welcome back Prowlar. So a new ship and a squire. You're moving up."

"Really? I figured the new ship was a request from you guys complaining. I was fine hauling in my targets in space suits strapped to a Destrier's wings. However you guys would be so upset that the targets didn't have much of a mind left to work with."

"You mean you're bringing in a subject that we can work with? I'll contact the teams. Ah, we're receiving your authorization, list of subject’s crimes, and information we need to retrieve."

"I have recordings of him attempting to bribe a knight, all be it an errant one, and his squire."

"You are clear to transmit on the second arranged channel. Ooo, you must have made a mess. We’ve just received word that once subject is delivered you are to return to the Throne World and present yourself before the royal court."

"Great. Sounds like I'll be back soon. Do me a favor and prepare a nice padded room. Something in white and light blue maybe."

"You wish. Just because the other knights don't think highly of you doesn't mean those of us here don't know about all the good you've done. Also the Emperor knows and isn't going to let you get locked up."

I sighed, "So no nice relaxing vacation in solitary for me then?"

"Not a chance, you're cleared to land on platform three. We have some new guys that could use a scare from your antics."

"Sorry, not this time. My squire got beat up, mostly due to my stupidity, so it'll be nice gentle landings until he recovers."

"Oh my God! The Terror Knight has gone soft over a squire!"

"He has not." I glanced to the side as Wolf entered. "Master, I'm fine. Show these fools how scary the Noir really can be."

"This should be fun. You're cleared for approach." The line clicked off but I distinctly heard movement, a lot of movement. I could envision people scrambling for a good look at platform three."

"Wolf."

"I may have misjudged the dose a little and I'm not feeling much of anything. Other than a bit of anger that you're blaming yourself for my injuries and the fact they said you were soft. No one gets to think of you being soft except me."

"Uh, what?"

"Your fur, it's so soft when I pet you."

A lot of things ran though my head but at the top of the list was wondering if he was waking up in the middle of the night just to pet me like a big house cat. Though, that would explain some of the dreams I'd been experiencing lately.

"Besides, don't you think it's a good idea to get to know Noir's capabilities so you don't make the same mistake again?"

He had me with that reasoning.

***

"Remember, don't let them provoke you. This is all just a demonstration to calm the nobles."

"I know that, sir." Wolf replied.

We stood before the entrance to the throne room in full plate armor. Oh how I hated these official reprimands. "Sorry, that wasn't for you, I'm just reminding myself."

"You're that nervous?" Wolf asked.

I sighed not wanting to tell him what had me on edge. "I always get this way when I'm forced to be the center of attention."

The doors swung open, "Enter."

We slowly made our way forward. I was surprised, it almost seemed that every noble family was represented. There had to be close to five hundred people glaring at me. Ordinarily it wouldn't be more than twenty. We reached the area in front of the throne and, embarrassingly, Wolf had to help me kneel when the knee armor caught.

"Knight, it has been brought to our attention that you willfully abducted a noble from Tellusar. Is this true?"

"Yes, your highness."

There was an outcry from the nobles.

"Silence!" Emperor Rider roared. "Good. Now Knight, explain yourself."

"The noble had stolen from the people, and possibly from yourself."

"Lies!" Shouted one of the Nobles.

"He sold the planet's safety supplies for his own profit leaving the population to starve."

"Your Majesty, this Knight is a liar." Another Noble yelled.

"Is he? Then why is it food and medical aid needed? Continue Knight."

"Upon learning that ordinary knights couldn't take him into custody I, as a knight errant took it upon myself to arrest him. He is safely in your Majesty's custody."

"So, as a Knight Errant, you didn't break any laws?"

"No royal laws, your majesty."

"That is irrelevant. He is a knight and as such subservient to nobles." Another Noble yelled.

"I am a Knight Errant. That means I don't serve anyone. I follow what is best for the Empire and only that."

"You're no knight! I say strip him of his armor!"

There was a loud clamoring of agreement and I could see Rider rolling his eyes.

"Your Majesty, we formally request that this man be stripped of his armor, titles, and status."

Wolf was already helping me out of the armor. "Fine by me. I hate this worthless armor. I don't have any true titles, and my status is only what I've earned for myself." I felt freed once the armor was off, but I immediately returned to my kneeling position.

"His squire as well. Only true knights can have a squire."

"I dare you to try! I am a squire, we may be assigned to a knight, but that doesn't mean you can take it from me. When I was assigned to this knight he made it clear no other knight would ever have me."

"I'm sure another knight-"

"No! Let me make it clear to all of you I will have no other knight. Whether he is called a knight or not I will follow this knight and only him." Wolf yelled.

"What I want to know is how you became a knight errant." another noble yelled.

"One becomes a knight errant by being ejected from the knight corps for insubordination and disobeying orders. However when the reasoning for those actions is the wellbeing of the empire. An Emperor is allowed to make that knight a knight errant. Granting him his freedom so long as his actions benefit the Empire. Because the position is so rare only the one that gave him the designation can remove it. Currently you are looking at the only knight errant. He was given this designation by my father the former Emperor and since only he can remove the designation and as he has passed into the great beyond there is little any here can do, but if you want his armor he seems all too willing to let you have it. Now I grow tired of this you are all dismissed."

Wolf looked like he was ready to move but he remained kneeling waiting for me. Several of the nobles moved forward as soon as the Emperor had exited and picked over my armor. Treating it like some kind of trophy. Once it was claimed Wolf’s was picked over as well. I just smirked. Our armor was issued by the knight's corps and they would expect it back. The Emperor recorded everything in the throne room so those nobles were going to be surprised when they received notices for the return of the armor or proper compensation.

Once the nobles had left I stood and stretched. It felt good knowing I'd never have to wear that ridiculous armor again.

"The Emperor wishes to speak with you, privately." A guard said, entering from behind the throne.

"Figured as much. Come on Wolf."

"He said privately. I am to escort you, and only you, to his majesty." The guard insisted.

"Armor on." My battle armor formed as I assumed a battle stance. "Who are you?"

"I am simply a member of the royal guard. How dare you treat a superior in such a fashion?"

"No, you are an imposter. A royal guard would have known that a knight and his squire is a single unit. The Emperor would not try to separate us."

"You should be honored that the Emperor would even wish to converse with someone like- urk." He was cut short, quite literally by my blade through his throat.

"Prowlar, what did you do?"

"A true palace guard would know my rank and status. I rank just below the Emperor and above the royal guards."

"What?"

"Our job requires that we act in the Emperor's name. While I was made a knight errant by his father the current Emperor sees me as a brother. He makes sure any new guards know I have free run of the royal estate. It's why I'm legendary for running past security in order to land at the royal landing pad. Once I touch down I can't be touched. Though there have been a couple of times I've had to pay for repairs when I've missed. But let's not talk about that. Alty, move the Noir to the Royal Landing platform. Authorization-"

"I've been monitoring the situation. I'm already in place. I felt it wise to move away from an area where anyone with a grudge could try to tamper with me."

I was surprised. I knew Alty was far advanced of current AI's but I didn't realize he could make such independent decisions for himself.

"Prowl, what's the meaning of this?" Another guard asked as he entered. "Sabers sent me to see what was taking you so long and I find you with a dead guard."

"Just dealing with an imposter. You may want to do a roster check. The armor looks real enough. I hope he didn't actually kill the guard he took it from."

"Lock down the palace. An imposter was found among the royal guard. The imposter has been killed but there could be more. This could be an assassination attempt. I am on my way to Sabers with the Tiger and Wolf. Will report in when Sabers is secure."

The guard radioed.

I was going to object on the grounds that the imposter seemed to be after Wolf and me, but I knew at this point following him to the Emperor would be the most efficient route.

***

"Okay brother, what did you do now?" Emperor Rider asked, as we entered.

"Oh you know, just killed an imposter pretending to be a royal guard."

"Typical. And why didn't you kill your escort there?" He asked pointing to the guard that accompanied us.

”Because he was obviously one of the real guard since he knew my status here. Besides he found me next to a dead royal guard and once I told him he didn't question whether I was telling the truth."

"Yes, all my guards know you only use lethal force in dire situations. Tell me what was the imposter trying to do?"

"Separate Wolf and I."

"Really." Rider sat up in sudden interest. "Wolfy, it was obvious you care a great deal about your knight here. Now it seems he cares a great deal for you as well. I'm not even sure he'd actually kill to guard me. Sure he'd give his life to make sure I was safe, but he would use non-lethal force to guard me."

"Your highness, three guards have been found. All had been guarding the nobles before Sir Prowl arrived. They are in critical condition but there is hope they will survive."

"I hope so. I want an explanation as to why they allowed themselves to be injured in the first place."

"There's still two imposters.” Wolf quickly pointed out before snapping his mouth shut as he'd spoken without permission in front of the Emperor.

"We're tracking the armor and should have them soon. It's difficult since they mixed parts."

"Refocus only on tracking the chest plate." I ordered.

"Right. One in the throne room, ignore. The other two have split up. They will not escape the building."

"Take them alive. We can get more information from them than the injured guards." I ordered.

"Always the soft touch, Prowl." Rider said grinning.

"Not at all. I just think they deserve a bit of a vacation at your questioning facility. You wouldn't want to appear cruel to your guards who may have done their job to the best of their ability and were still seriously injured. In fact it might play well if you put out a statement, once we have more information, praising them and offering to let the survivors choose to return or retire from active service to take teaching positions. If any don't survive make sure their families are well cared for."

"This is why I keep you around. You are always thinking of the best course of action. I really can't believe father didn't name you Emperor over me. Wait, he did didn't, did he?"

I grinned. "I turned him down flatly and threatened to disappear into unknown space permanently if he didn't make you his heir."

"Why? Even I know you would have been a better Emperor than I am."

We were interrupted by Wolf collapsing into a chair as he stared at us. His mouth would open like he wanted to say something but no sound came out."

"Oh great, you broke the squire." We both said simultaneously.

"Um we have the imposters should we send them for interrogation?"

"No, send one to interrogation and bring one here."

"Your Majesty, is that wise?" the guard asked.

"Are you questioning me?"

"No sir! I'll wait in the hall until the impostor arrives."

"Hah! We've even upset your guard now." I laughed.

"Damn, I was hoping he would last until I ordered you into bed with me."

"No! No. No. No. No no. I don't care if you are the Emperor you do not order my Tiger to sleep with you." Wolf growled.

"A feisty one? I didn't see that in his files. Just what have you two been doing between missions?"

"Not what you're thinking. We went back to Origin and I met the Guardian again. He totally rebuilt the Noir, Created a new AI far more advanced than anything we know, put information in our minds teaching us new skills, and gave Wolf a set of the advanced armor. Sorry, he absolutely refused to give out a sample for study." I stumbled forward suddenly and Rider quickly stabilized me. My armor seemed to flow around me and then cover the Emperor as well.

"Greetings your Majesty. Right now you're probably wondering if you are under attack. This is not the case. I realize it must be difficult for you to have two subordinates with such powerful armor so to make this better I doubled the Nano machines in Prowlar's armor. Once in close enough proximity when the armor is being discussed the armor will transfer the excess machines to you. They are now encoded to you. There is only one person, my Captain, who can give out unattached armor. I hope this gift will suffice. Now I beg you do not turn your sights of exploration in this direction again. Focus on continuing to build your Empire and advance your technology so that you will be prepared for the day you and the newly formed Terran Federation finally meet. Message ends." The Guardian’s voice seemed to come from me.

I could move again and quickly stepped back. Rider flexed and moved as the machines ate away his clothing while changing to mimic them. Once finished he stood up and looked at himself.

"Is that it? I'm not impressed."

"You have to activate it. Say 'armor on' and it will change to battle armor."

"Armor on." He marveled at the golden saber armor. It made the royal armor look bulky and cheap.

"I see why you're so taken with this. It moves with me like a second skin, is lighter, and doesn't restrict movement in the slightest. And you say it's more effective than standard battle armor?"

"I've taken projectile, blaster, and sword strikes. You feel the impact and you bruise more but considering the same impacts can penetrate battle armor for a killing blow, what is a little bruising.

For a short time I ran through the commands, I knew, to change the armor. I noticed Wolf watching intently and realized I hadn't given him any instruction. I thought it would have been in the information the Guardian implanted. I was going to need to rethink that foolishness. It also reminded me I hadn't fulfilled my promise to teach him how to shift to anthro form. I needed to do better.

***