Year 67

Peace is a good thing for most people and in your elderly years you can even sort of appreciate it a little more, but the problem is, you've got hundreds of new Eternals who have been bred and trained for war and nobody to send them up against.

To be honest you thought maybe that Semra would make good on her claim of resurrecting the "Svelk Empire" again and perhaps invade with an armada filled with svelk warriors, but haven't heard or seen a svelk since you last spoke to her. Then again she did say it wouldn't happen in your lifetime.

While you haven't put as much time and money into exploration any more, there are still efforts being made by private expeditions, but nobody has had much luck in finding any new lands worthwhile.

In any event you're going to have to have them do something with them soon, just maybe not today. You also have to meet with Elam, since apparently he's come up with a possible solution to the sterility problem of the eternals.

"Well, I'm sure we'll find something for them to do, but let me just say you've done a fine job with them as usual." You say to Brenda.
"Thank you, but I don't think I'll be able to effectively train the next batch. At least not full time. Getting sort of…"
"You don't need to say it. Trust me, we're all getting that way, don't worry I'm going to have Decena training the fifth gen. Training's definitely going to go a little differently, but then if my meeting with Elam is going to be a positive one then these next Eternals are going to be different anyway."
"So the rumors are true? Elam's figured out a way?"
"So he says. Trust me, I'm just as surprised as you are. In any case, I'm off to meet him."

You bid Brenda goodbye and head to the location where new eternals are "born." When you arrive a couple of workers and ask if the children will be arriving today to which you reply no and ask if Elam has arrived yet. They tell you that Elam has indeed arrived and is waiting in Chief Supervisor Gregory's office. They also mention that a woman came with him. You have no idea who that could be. Girlfriend perhaps? If so, you honestly didn't know Elam even paid any attention to anything that wasn't scientifically related.

You enter the office just in time to see Elam criticizing Gregory's lack of adventure in his chosen profession.

"Bah! You've always been too cautious Gregory! Even the gnomes with all their needless safety pre-cautions aren't as timid! That's why you're still here watching tanks and I'm creating new and better things for the Empire!" Elam boasts.
"Really…I'm fine…I like it here…" Gregory says quietly and then looks in your direction and straightens up in his chair.
"See? What did I tell you Zana? Same ol' Gregory! Hah! Oh Emperor! Didn't see you there! Apologies."

You tell everyone to dismiss the formalities and tell Gregory to leave as you have important business with Elam. He nods, and leaves. The woman though does not. You have no idea who she except she looks to be in her thirties, wears spectacles, has long curly red hair and is dressed in technician's clothing similar to Elam.

"I trust this woman is somehow important to what we have to discuss, otherwise you would not have her here?" you say sitting down.
"Oh! Yes, apologies once again. This is Zana, and she's been invaluable in helping me on not just this project, but on several others in the past." Elam says.
"Zana? Why have I not heard of her before? I know the gnomes let Elam into their city on my insistence, but I didn't realize we had another human inventor there." You say.
"Oh, she was born there, Emperor."
"What?"

At this point Zana speaks for herself.

"Actually Elam as I've told you once before, I wasn't born in New Dessle I was just raised there. Sometimes I wonder how you invent so well with your memory as foggy as it is. At least our Emperor has a good reason for not remembering me. He has an entire Empire to rule." Zana says playfully pushing his shoulder.
"Wait. We've met?" you ask.
"Oh yes. We briefly met when you first incorporated New Dessle into the Empire. I'm Klemto's adopted daughter."

That was so long ago, you barely remember, though you're starting to now. Yes, she was only a teenager then.

"Ah yes…starting to remember. I remember you ran up to Klemto telling him that you wanted to help fix your lighting system. Klemto gave you permission, but was slightly embarrassed that you interrupted his meeting with me and then only briefly greeted me before running off."
"Good memory. I know it's late, but I apologize for my impetuous youthful ways."
"None necessary. Wasn't offended then either, in fact I remember applauding Klemto for raising such a child that wished to serve their community in a meaningful way."
"I thank you my Emperor. And I have continued to serve the Empire in the same way."
"I believe it, otherwise Elam wouldn't have you here, so I'm guessing you both must have come up with a solution to our problem. So let's discuss that, shall we?"

Elam begins to excitedly tell you about all the tests they did and a lot of scientific talk without actually getting to the point. He particularly enjoys talking about how some of the fourth generation eternals you granted him permission to take for testing years ago, managed to reproduce under the right conditions. He mentions it was only the one girl and she died in the process, but the child she gave birth too managed to actually survive for a few minutes.

When this doesn't exactly fill you with confidence, Zana speaks up again.

"What Elam means to say, that despite the limited success, we have definitely found a way to make the next set of Eternals fertile. The magical process is what is causing the problem. At first we thought it was too much magic, but in actuality it's too little." Zana explains.
"Really?"
"Yes, despite enhancing many of the traits of the eternals with each generation, the magical energy has been too specific in its task. The Eternal's body should be completely immersed in the energy while in the tank and then the appropriate chemical mixtures can be added, and then…well I won't bore you again with technical talk. Rest assured though we both believe very strongly that it will work.
"So…what? Do we need to sacrifice an entire mage for a single fertile Eternal?" you ask.
"Well…that would work, if you had the numbers, but from what I do know, magic has been on the decline for some time now. There are…what? Like twenty mages in the whole Empire now? Most of which are old men and women and none of them particularly very powerful. Not powerful enough for our purposes even if we did completely drain them. Honestly we would need someone with at least the power that Galen had, but unfortunately as you know we used him as a test subject, which ended up helping us come to this conclusion in the first place. Not all is lost and we can still accomplish this, but…"

Zana hesitates to even speak it and even Elam who is usually in an excited state is very somber looking. You get the impression you already know where they're going to go with this…

"Let me guess. I have to sacrifice myself." You say.

Elam and Zana don't answer.

"Well?"
"Yes, but we still aren't sure about the results, I mean this isn't an exact science… I mean…"
"Not an exact science? Then what the fuck are we talking about Elam? Zana just said she was certain it would work! Now you're telling me it might not and I'm supposed to kill myself in the process?"
"No! That's not what I mean! (Exhale) Look what I mean is I believe we can set it up so you'll be able to survive the process. I mean you're so powerful and your magical abilities are vast. I mean even for a man your age you're in good physical condition and you can withstand more pain than most. I can't believe I'm saying this, but…I THINK if we take the necessary safety precautions, you'll be able to survive this process, but the downside is we're not going to be able to do this with a thousand or even half that number of potential eternal candidates. We can do it with a hundred maximum and you will definitely lose all your magical abilities in the process." Elam says and is beginning to sweat.

"And what do you say about this Zana? Do you believe this could be done?"
"I won't lie. I don't know. I mean yes it is possible if we were very careful and severely lowered the amount of Eternal candidates, you might survive, but I just don't know. I do know that the process will still result in the desired outcome for the Eternals though."
"However, there is another process that Zana and I have discussed that may be more desirable to you." Elam suddenly exclaims.

Elam takes a deep breath and asks you.

"How would you like to be immortal?"
"This is a joke right?"
"No joke my Emperor. I'm very serious." Elam says and you have no doubt that he is, though Zana looks skeptical.
"Elam, the Emperor wants to hear real solutions, not theories."
"It's no theory! I'm starting to get results! In fact I dare say I'm even more certain about this approach than the one with the Eternals! Emperor, if you give me a little more time to perfect the…"
"Elam, will you explain from the beginning for once?!" you shout.
"Yes. Apologies my Emperor. Okay. It's going to sound crazy, but then I'm sure the concept of a ship that flies in the air did once too right? I believe I've found a way to keep a person alive long after their body has died."

Already you're joining Zana in your skepticism.

"Sounds like magic to me. Specifically necromancy. Last I remember you weren't a necromancer Elam and I have no intention on being some mindless walking corpse."
"No it's not raising the dead, it's science! No magic involved at all! In fact YOU wouldn't have to do much of anything. Y'see, all I need is your brain." Elam says with a creepy grin.

Well this conversation has taken an interesting turn.

"Elam I don't know if you're aware, but I sort of need that to live in the first place."
"(Sigh) What my over zealous colleague is trying to say is he's been doing experiments in his spare time on various human subjects. Well, not ALL human subjects, but specifically the brain. He's managed to remove entire brains and keep the subject alive." Zana interjects.
"WHAT?! I just said I have no intention on walking around like a mindless corpse!" you exclaim.
"No, he's not keeping the subject's bodies alive. He's been able to keep the brains alive. At least for a little while…"
"I'll be able to keep them alive indefinitely with a little more time!" Elam exclaims.

Now this conversation has just gotten weird. You rub your face and head with your hands and try to assess the situation.

"Okay wait. Let me get this straight. You're saying you can remove my brain and keep me alive? How? Where the hell would I be? How would I do anything?"
"Well that's why I need a little more time. However, YOU would be floating in a tank filled with certain chemicals."
"Floating in a tank?"
"Yes, well at least temporarily. I mean I believe we could in time hook you up to a machine system so that perhaps your brain waves could control something like the automatons that we create in New Dessel. I believe with your innate magic powers you could probably tap into some sort of telepathic ability with the right jolts of electricity to the tank. You'd be able to give orders to people through their minds so communication might not be a problem…" Elam says and continues speaking, but you're starting to get overwhelmed.

This is absolutely insane what you're hearing. And not just the brain part, you mean all of it. Even the way to make the Eternals fertile sounds crazy. Especially given some of the experiments that were performed in order to explore the possibility in the first place. Now Elam's telling you he's been cutting brains out of people and keeping them alive and he's suggesting on putting YOU in a tank. You can't help but see the irony of being in a tank for the rest of your life.

And the strangest part about all this? You're more than willing to entertain both ideas.

If you sacrifice yourself so that the new eternals can breed then it won't be one in vain. Quite frankly how many more worthwhile years do you have left anyway? Maybe it would be better to die so that a legacy of sorts can live forever. Besides, there is always the possibility that you could survive the process. Of course there's always the chance it could all fail horribly. Elam and Zana may seem very certain that it will work, but you still have your reservations.

As crazy as Elam's idea sounds, part of it intrigues you. Immortality would give you that time you always wanted in past. Time enough to conquer the world. With immortality, you wouldn't need to worry about some sort of legacy, you would always be. He says he needs more time to work on it though which is a concern, then there's the fact that you'd be floating in a tank. Would you grow bored? Would you go mad? Would you even be "you?" Elam said there would be the possibility of setting something up so you could interact with the outside world, but again who knows if that will even work?

You've got a decision and you need to make one or the other.

You immortality

It's surely a mad plan that sounds impossible, but yet the appeal is there. Even you can't believe you're actually going for it, but deep down this is something you feel you need to do.

This idea of having fertile Eternals to "carry on" your legacy is a nice idea, but ultimately it isn't "you." Only you can lead the Empire to world order. Not to mention there is a risk of you dying in the process of creating said Eternals and then you'd have wait at least twelve or thirteen years just to see if the process literally produced positive results.

If you're going to have to risk your life and wait around, you'd rather do it for the chance at immortality.

And given all the other wonders and feats you've seen or even done in this world who is to say this isn't possible? Like Elam said, the concept of a machine like an airship was impossible at one time as well.

"How long would I have to wait for you to perfect this process you're proposing?" you ask Elam, who gives a big grin at your willingness to choose his new plan.
"Not long a assure you my Emperor! As I said, I've already had limited success on a few test subjects already! In your case though, I will need to build a suitable containment for when…well you ascend to a higher state of being."

Zana is shaking her head at this idea.

"My Emperor, while I know the desire for immortality is tempting, I really have to advise against this. Elam's enthusiasm is far exceeding what is reality! While it is true he's managed to keep a few animal brains alive for a few minutes, I'm fairly sure that that will be the extent of it. This isn't even taking all the other risks and unforeseen problems that there will surely be. There is only so much science can do, it can't conquer death." Zana says.
"Your concerns are dully noted Zana. Elam, you will have any and all resources available to you for this project." You say.
"I won't fail you my Emperor. This will work I guarantee it!"
"Hrm. Well let's sure hope so, because I'm putting my trust behind it and throwing away a plan that will not get the chance to be implemented again. In any event, I want to keep very close eye on this project. You said you're going to have to build a container for me, well if I am going to spend the rest of my life in a tank, then it needs to be at my home. So I'm going to have the entire under palace cleared and open for this project to go down there. There should be more than enough room and if not, we'll make additions. But you'll be becoming a permanent fixture at the palace." You say.
"I understand. Again, I thank you for this opportunity my Emperor." Elam responds.

You tell Elam for him to get all of his equipment, staff and whatever else he currently needs together and arrangements will be made to have it hauled to the palace. Zana says she's still skeptical of this plan, but if this is what you wish and if Elam still wants her help, then she will of course serve. Naturally Elam wants her working with him on this project.

Having settled on a new plan, all you have to do now is inform Decena…

"You're going to have your what put in a what?" she exclaims.
"My brain would be placed in a tank of special chemicals. Elam says that due to my magic powers I could still communicate mentally with people with the proper electrical charges attached…" you don't even get to finish, Decena is too overwhelmed by this information.

"This…this…can't work? Can it? I mean…it sounds so impossible!"
"I know. Trust me, when Elam explained it, I thought the same thing, but…I have to try. I mean the other plan was nice and all, but really the risks were just as great and still involved an uncertain success as far as I was concerned."
"Yeah I know you explained that plan, but…it sounded at least like they were ready to enact it. This one is going to involve more testing and who know how much more time? You'll still have to risk your life and…"

You stop Decena.

"Decena, weren't you the one that always believed I could find a way to be immortal?"
"Well yes, but I dunno…a brain in a tank? Is that really living?"
"Well Elam said that perhaps arrangements and improvements could be made in the future and that perhaps I could actually leave the tank via one of those automatons that we used in the Nakol and Iznac Wars. Look, the idea of being a disembodied brain isn't exactly ideal, but at this point I'm starting to feel so much pain in my body on a daily basis that I'd almost be relieved to shed this old shell at this point. And what's the alternative? Hope that a generation of Eternals can follow in my, or even your footsteps just because they can reproduce? Can't do it. I have to shoulder the majority of the burden of keeping the Empire running. Nobody else. I have to attempt this plan and this is a worthwhile risk in my mind that I can take."

"But…what about us? I mean…if this is all successful and everything goes well. How will our relationship remain as it is now?"

Decena touches your hand and then your face as if it'll be the last time she'll get to do it. You return her closeness, as you understand her concern.

"Decena, I know it will be difficult. Honestly if this process goes through successfully, you're right our relationship will be very different, and perhaps you will be unable to love me in such a form, but…

Now Decena stops you.

"My glorious Emperor, don't you know by now that I will always love you no matter what your form? That will never change. It's just that I would miss the warmth of your body next to mine, our lips touching when we embrace. I can't say that I am entirely sure of this plan, but I will as always defer and respect your judgment on this matter. If you believe this is possible, then I can think of nothing greater than your everlasting ruler ship over this world."

And with this validation, you feel slightly better about your decision. Even though you never doubted that Decena wouldn't be behind you, it's still good to hear.

Your "siblings" on the other hand are a lot less supportive on the matter however.

"What?! I thought you were going through with the plan to create fertile Eternals!" Brenda exclaims.
"Yeah, I mean granted that plan sounded a little far fetched, but it seemed like it might be plausible. This just sounds well…insane." Warrick adds.

The conversation doesn't get any better from there. Brenda is probably more upset because of your plans to abandon the Eternal project entirely and place all resources into this immortality plan. You explain that for right now there isn't any need for more Eternals due to having nowhere to really send the current fourth gens a place to fight anyway. No point in creating more super soldiers when you've already got more than enough right now and no war to which to send them.

Naturally Brenda sees this a sort of betrayal. She has grown attached to the younger Eternals and does see them as successors or in her case her surrogate children. You remind her though that they are neither. They are tools to the Empire just as you all were when you all were created. This doesn't go over well with Brenda.

"So what, are we ALL just your tools too then?" Brenda asks.
"Brenda, I didn't say you…" you start to say, but are interrupted.
"No, you said we're all just tools for the Empire. That includes all of us. Look, maybe YOU got the chance to be the right hand of our old Emperor, and you have become his successor, but YOU also started out just like Warrick and I did!"
"Brenda, I think you need to calm down, I'm sure he didn't…" Warrick says, but she won't hear him.
"No Warrick, this needs to be said." She says and turns back to you. You don't say anything you're content on listening to her rant.

"This plan of yours is vanity, pure and simple. Is your ego such that you cannot even accept your own WIFE taking over after you die? Would you really throw away a good chance of creating fertile Eternals who will carry on the Empire for a remote chance of living forever? You may rule the Empire, but do you really consider yourself bigger than it?"

You've heard enough and put up your hand.

"Brenda. I've allowed your outburst because you're right, we three did start out together. I even see you as siblings of a sort and of course as friends. We all trained under that sadistic svelk bitch until the two of you were lucky enough to be separated. And yes you two were the lucky ones, because quite frankly sometimes I envy your ignorance on everything you're STILL in the dark about. But shall I tell you? Seems like a perfect time."

You start off by telling Brenda that Roldan wasn't killed by a simple undead shadow assassin and in fact Semra had nothing to do with it like the Emperor's propaganda said. You explain that the Emperor had Roldan killed just like he had your wife Alison killed AND was planning to kill you.

The reveal is definitely a shock to both Brenda and Warrick.

You continue by admitting that you weren't even meant to be an Eternal in the first place. That you were a candidate by a red tape mistake and it was that same mistake that ultimately resulted in Casimir's death.

"So Brenda, as you can see, perhaps I'm not entirely attached to the Eternals, because I wasn't meant to be one in the first place. Yet here I am. Perhaps I seek immortality because I took it from Casimir. Casimir ruled the Empire for centuries and what did he do with it? Nothing much. I've ruled it for significantly less time and look at what it's become. THINK what I could do if I had more time. I've built this nation to be better than it was. I've expanded its glory. I've defended its honor. I've sacrificed for it. I've done everything short of DIE for it and if I thought it would secure its continual future, then yes I would do that too."

You move closer to Brenda and Warrick who sit in silence listening to your speech.

"You ask if I think I'm bigger than the Empire. No, I don't…I AM the fucking Empire."

You stare at them both very intensely.

"And only I can live forever."

You end your speech telling them both that this is the way things are going to be and that they are welcome to be part of it as always.

And if they aren't willing, then they had best stay out of the way.
Year 72

You have to admit as the years passed by on this project, you'd wondered if you were just chasing a dream, but it looks like that dream will soon be a reality.

Research has been tested, advancements have been made, test subjects have been used and hypotheses have been confirmed. Everything is coming together; the only thing that will be needed soon is you.

Still, despite you always stating how much your body aches and how much weaker and slower you are now, there is a part of you that is a little afraid of what this procedure will entail, namely an end to your life as you know it, but still living. It's funny but how this is a little scary to you, even if simple death is not.

In fact Elam is probably more excited to see this through than even you are.

"My Emperor, we may begin the procedure any time you wish. Just let me know when we can get started." Elam says.
"Does it have to be right now?" you ask.
"No, of course not my Emperor. I just thought you were eager to see this through."
"You don't need to push our Emperor, Elam. I'm sure he'd like to take care of some affairs before going through with this." Zana remarks.
"Is all the machinery and equipment in working order? Has everything been inspected?" you ask.
"Of course my Emperor, I inspected everything myself. I figured you'd want someone that has a background with safety procedures doing that rather than Elam here." Zana remarks with a teasing smile at Elam.
"Bah. YOU didn't even think this was going to be possible!" Elam exclaims.
"Well I have to admit, it did sound very unlikely, but I suppose I never should've doubted your genius Elam." Zana says and gives him a quick peck on the cheek.

While Zana and Elam are engaging in playfulness, you're involved in making a life changing choice.

"Okay. We'll do this in three days. That will give me time to take care of a few things I need to take care of, just in case the worst should happen. No point in drawing this out any longer than that. Everyone is dismissed until that time." you say.

Elam and Zana both acknowledge your command and soon they and their staff all begin to leave. You however continue to stick around. When you're finally all alone, you begin to walk closer to the giant tank in the room, which is hooked up to a system of machines. As you lean against your walking stick you can't help marvel at the work that went into all this.

Gears, cogs, wires, levers, buttons, mechanical arms …you wonder how the hell some of this works. You've actually tried to keep up on the research since this project started, and while you understand a lot of the basic concepts, some of it just goes over your head. Though you aren't sure if its because you've got so much on your mind that you can't retain the information or if you just don't have a knack for the technical stuff, or maybe you just find it all well…boring.

A speaker of sorts is attached to the tank and there are three specialized automatons standing nearby. You imagine that these are intended for you to be able to interact with the outside world in some fashion. Elam has admitted though that despite the very technical nature of this project he believes that this wouldn't be as easy without your own magical abilities that will be able to tap the power of your mind. He's gone on to say that this will be the ultimate successful blending of science and magic as far as he's concerned. He better be right considering that all the testing took away most of your remaining mages.

In any event, this is where you're going to spend the rest of your life.

"So, are you ready for immortality?" a voice says behind you. It's Decena. It's surprising to see her down here considering she's only made one or two visits down here before since the project got underway. She's told you that the less she knows about the project the less likely she's libel to get worried about your safety and try to talk you out of it hence the lack of visits.

"I guess so." You answer.
"You guess so? That doesn't sound like the usual certainty you've always had about this plan." Decena remarks.
"Oh, I'm certain. Just trying to take all of this in and get myself used to this room I suppose. Not sure why I'm even concerned about it really, I mean Casimir spent several centuries in a room practically by himself. This very room in fact or at least part of it before I had all the remodeling and expansion done to accommodate all the machinery. Its really surreal sometimes how I'm actually starting to follow in his footsteps. I sometimes wonder if he'd be proud of what I've managed to accomplish or if he'd just be very jealous."

Decena walks over and puts her arm around you while you both stare at the giant tank.

"Well, I'm proud of everything you've accomplished and everything you will accomplish after this procedure. So when will it be?"
"In three days, then Elam and Zana will be back here to perform it."
"Hrm, I don't care for that woman." Decena remarks.
"So you've said during the times you wandered down here."
"I dunno. Something about her just doesn't sit right with me in the short moments I've spoken with her. She seems phony at times. Even the fact that she's been concerned with this plan from the beginning and worried about your well being doesn't seem genuine to me. If it hadn't already been in the middle of the project when I first met her, I probably would've told you to have her removed from it."
"Didn't realize she had gotten under your skin so much. As you know though I rechecked her file that the Eyes had on her long before she started working on this project. She's nothing but clean except maybe for a lack of judgment in sexing up Elam on occasion, but I can't imagine there were a lot of choices in human males when they worked together in New Dessel."
"As I said, I can't place my finger on it, but there is something about her that doesn't seem right with her. Does she need to be there for this procedure?"
"Well I don't know. I mean she's the main one that's been working with Elam so I imagine so to some degree. She already did an inspection on the machinery without me even needing to tell her to do so."

Decena doesn't immediately respond to your answer instead she just walks forward towards the tank and touches it.

"Nothing can go wrong with this plan…" she says softly then she turns around.

"Can you have someone else inspect everything again?" she asks.
"What?!" you respond.
"I just want everything to go well, don't you? I just think it would be best if everything was given a second look."
"But…you realize that might very well take more than three days? You realize how complex all this stuff is? I told Zana and Elam that…"
"No, I don't want either of them to do it. Pick someone else that worked on the project."
"Pick someone…Decena what is this all about?"
"Look I would just feel more comfortable if someone else did an inspection of the machine that's going to be your new home okay? I already said how I feel about Zana, so I don't want her doing it again. And as for Elam we all know he has a tendency to overlook safety protocol even under the strictest supervision. Can't you get someone else?"
"Not really, I mean those are the main two who worked on this thing! Decena, I'm as concerned about the success of this procedure more than anyone, but I'd rather not extend my waiting period any longer than necessary. I mean I don't think I will and I'd only admit this to you, but I don't want to lose my nerve."
"You won't lose your nerve my love, but don't you see this is why another inspection should be done? I mean I guess if you don't think it's necessary then I'll of course respect your wishes and we can spend the next three days not worrying about this until the time comes."

On one hand you suppose Decena's just looking out for you as usual, but on the other you really don't want to risk losing your nerve on this situation. The longer you think about it, and how it could all go wrong, or even how it can all go right, is enough to possibly change your mind on the whole situation. Then there's the fact that Zana and Elam were the main ones involved on building the machine, they'd know it the best and if you got someone else to look at it, who is to say they won't screw something up?

You have a second inspection done

If Decena feels this strongly about your safety then you're not going to deny it. Besides another way of looking at it isn't more time to rethink the situation, but instead more time to spend with Decena.

"Very well, if you feel a second inspection should be done, then that's what will be done. (Sigh) I'm just wondering who had as much experience as Zana and Elam did with the machine that they could inspect it without wondering what certain parts did or accidently make things worse." You respond
"What about that nervous fellow I saw sometimes in the palace? Didn't he work on the Eternal Project?" Decena asks.
"Oh…you mean Gregory? Yeah, he did. I transferred him over here as a general supervisor when that project got shut down. Sometimes I even forget he's here, since he's such a wallflower sometimes. Still you're probably on to something, because if anyone is a stickler for safety and thoroughness its him and while he wasn't involved in the building process, he has familiarized himself with the machine probably just as much due to being a safety supervisor for the rst of the technical staff. He's probably annoyed the hell out of Elam on several occasions because of it."
"Good, he's sounds perfect."

The next day you summon Gregory to the palace, when he arrives he's nervous as usual. The man must think you're going to have him executed, but then he thinks that any time you look at him. You tell him that you just need another inspection done on the tank and the machine (It's really going to have to be given a better name at some point). He of course complies.

While he gets started you plan on informing Elam and Zana that there may be a slight delay in the project, but you figure it can wait until tomorrow and you spend some quality time with Decena for the rest of the day.

On the second day, Kivan tells you that Gregory really needs to speak with you and says it's incredibly important. When you go to speak with him, he's very apologetic, but explains that he's already found some possible problems with the machine.

"Apologies my Emperor as I know you want to get this procedure underway as soons as possible, but well I just think I found some possible problems. I mean they seem very minor, but they aren't. In time some vital parts could break down. In fact I'm very surprised that Zana did not catch the worn tubing and slightly frayed wires on the inside. Besides myself, she's the only one that has a good eye for that detail."

Decena who happens to be with you, immediately exclaims about this being proof that she knew that something wasn't on the up and up with Zana.

"She tried to make her assassination attempt look like an accident! I KNEW there wasn't something right about her!"

You tell Gregory to keep doing his inspection to see if there are any more flaws he can find. While it's very possible Zana didn't see these potential dangers, you're still not pleased with her right now and plan on having the Eyes bring her in. Elam will have to be brought in too.

When you arrive at the Eye headquarters, Warrick tells you that they haven't interrogated to any great length yet, but the pair of them don't know why they've been brought in by the Eyes.

Your main concern is Zana at first so you personally go to see her with the Eye interrogators. What is surprising is that when you see her she's completely calm. Most people (including Elam) when brought in by the Eyes are scared shitless.

And that's what starts to make you suspicious. You've found that the people who are the most calm under pressure are probably the most capable of ruthlessness and plots…

Zana explains her inspection step by step and steadily asserts her dedication to the Empire and her loyalty. It probably would've been better had she just not spoken at all, because the more you hear the more your own suspicion rises. If Decena was here, she probably would've just shot her for lying, and while her fate is definitely sealed as far as you're concerned, you still want to know the reason.

"Zana, I'll admit, you had even me fooled, but the problem is the more you talk the worse it gets for you. Gregory has already found more flaws in the machine since you were brought in. He's even said that even he doesn't think that they could be anything other than sabotage. Even if I assume you're telling the truth, it displays a gross amount of incompetence on your part. So either you were trying to kill me on purpose or you're a lot less competent than I believed. And quite honestly I do not believe that from your past experience that YOU are capable of that level of incompetence."

Zana's calm demeanor begins to change to one of uncertainty. It's hitting her that she might not make it out of here.

"So tell me why Zana. Was this something you just came up with, had you been planning this for years? Who else is involved? Did someone put you up to this…did a svelk woman by the name of Semra put you up to this?" you ask.

Zana's face now has dropped to one of fear. She looks like she's about to cry.

"Zana, you know how this is going to end for you. If you ever had any loyalty toward the Empire then at least tell me everything. If you do, I can at least promise you a quick execution." You say.

Zana's expression now changes to one of absolute rage.

"Like the same quick death you've given so many others? The fact is I've NEVER had ANY loyalty to the Empire let alone you, murderer. Tyrant. But I'll tell you everything anyway, because you don't know shit about me. You think I'm upset because I'm about to die? I'm upset because I won't get to kill you and spare the world of your future domination and cruelty!"

This outburst causes the Eyes nearby to move closer towards Zana and grab her wrists just in case she attempts something, though at this point there isn't much she could do to you now.

"Who are you? I mean who are you really?"
"I'm nobody. Nobody of importance at least not until YOU came around and killed my entire family!" Zana says.
"Do you have any idea how little that narrows it down?" you ask.
"I was going to be a princess! I would've ruled a kingdom one day! YOU and YOUR EMPIRE destroyed all that before I even had a chance to enjoy a taste of such a life! Klemto didn't just save a random Felkan baby, he saved an HEIR TO THE FELKAN FUCKING KINGDOM!" Zana shouts.

It was a very long time ago. Almost a different life even, but you vaguely remember seeing a crib in the Felkan royal palace, yet no baby or even signs of a dead one. You never thought too much of it at the time, but apparently even though Zana was just an infant, Klemto must've told her about her real heritage. He probably lied to you thinking that you would've had her killed.

"Because of YOU, I've had to live a miserable existence working on machinery surrounded by fucking GNOMES! You know what that's like? Being the only human in community of damn gnomes? It SUCKS! Then when some humans do fucking arrive, they're from the same nation that destroyed my birthright! It almost sickened me to even sleep with that crazy fool Elam!"

You continue to listen to Zana's rant.

"When I heard of your plan to create a fertile version of those abominations called Eternals I already saw my opportunity to get my revenge. Imagine my surprise when you actually took Elam up on his insane plan. To be quite honest I thought it would be a failure and I wouldn't need to do anything except watch you eventually die of old age having missed your opportunity to carry on some monstrous legacy in the quest for immortality instead."
"So why didn't you attempt to sabotage the attempt long before now? Hell, why not even go the direct route and try to kill me? Not like you didn't have plenty of opportunity." You ask.
"Hah, kill you? The Eternal Emperor? I wouldn't have stood a chance. No matter how quick, clever or young I might be, even I know that you have more lives than a cat. No, I would've never been able to kill you myself. As for sabotage, that might've been an option had you not been lingering around as much or Gregory not constantly doing inspections after every new part had been added. I knew I should've had him killed. I nearly thought about killing Elam when he started making progress with the project…but what can I say, I'd grown to like the old fool too much. Weakness on my part and a fatal one obviously."

Zana's confession now has a tone of regret, not because of what she did, but more of what she failed to do. Right now you can see her thinking about the methods she could've went through with this plan a better way. So close, yet so far.

"Okay, since you're in a talkative mood, did Klemto or any gnome put you up to this?" you ask.
"What? So you'll have an excuse to round them all up and destroy their souls again? I heard about what you did to them. And maybe I might find them to be timid, tiresome unattractive little know it alls, I find it deplorable what the Empire did to them. I can't believe they allowed themselves to be dominated by a nation that systematically exterminated them from not just this life, but the next as well!"
"So did they help or not?" you ask again.
"No! No they did not! My father would've probably had me jailed if he knew what I was planning. Those cowards wouldn't dare stand against the Empire, but I fucking would! And did! Not that this will save them. After you're done killing me, you'll probably have them all killed as well for any excuse will serve a tyrant!"
"It's amusing that you keep calling me that. What did you think your parents were? They were a KING and QUEEN. You think they ruled by popular decision? Do you think YOU would have if you became queen? My actions that day weren't even personal. I was just following orders like a soldier. Your actions however today are misguided and as you already admitted, fatal. Such a waste. Even had I known your origins, I would not have had you killed if you had remained true to serving the Empire. Your quest for vengeance was as pointless as your entire life. But I am a man of my word and I believe everything you've told me."

Without another word, you nod at the Eyes restraining her who back off. You then raise your hand and flash of lightning emanates from your fingers blasting Zana directly in the heart. She shakes for a few seconds and then slumps forward dead on the table.

"Funny. She'll probably be the last person I'll ever kill directly. Well in this body anyway. Who's to say what the future will bring? Anyway, I'll need to speak with Warrick again."

You tell Warrick that you want the Eyes to purge New Dessel. Despite the fact that Zana most likely worked alone, you can't take that chance. Maybe Klemto anticipated she'd eventually seek revenge and just took a hands off approach so that he couldn't be directly implemented. Maybe they're all genuinely innocent. Doesn't matter. You're trying to secure the future of the Empire and its obvious the gnomes are a potential threat.

You chuckle to yourself realizing that you're even more like Casimir than you ever thought. You have to believe even if he would be jealous of all your other accomplishments, he'd definitely be proud of this one.

"Very well, we've already got a large number of Eyes positioned in that city. All we have to do is send in another large group, telling the gnomes that it's a routine changing of the guard and when they're in, they'll purge the city. What about Elam?" Warrick asks.
"Oh, him I need. Besides I'm fairly certain the only thing he's guilty of is thinking with his dick. Catch him up to speed on the situation and release him. Also let him know that the project will have to be set back until I'm satisfied with the machine's replacement parts and Gregory's inspection of every little detail."
"Understood. Long live the Empire." Warrick says.

The project is set back at least a couple of months. The purging of New Dessel takes awhile due to the gnomes locking themselves in hard to reach sections of the city, but eventually the entire city is purged. You at last finished what Casimir started though really you wish it hadn't been necessary. You never hated them. Klemto just saved the wrong baby and brought death on them all because of it.

In any event, mostly technicians, inventors and other human families with members that have similar mechanical or scientific skills will resettle New Dessel.

Eventually Elam and Gregory have all the equipment fixed and ready again and you return with Decena to complete the task you originally set out to do.

You're strapped to a table. Elam is remarkably subdued. You're guessing he's still taking Zana's betrayal hard. Still, perhaps its good, it will give him more focus on what is important, serving the Empire.

As you are prepared, you and Decena exchange one kiss for what will be the last time.

"Know that whatever happens, I'll always love you." She says.
"And I will always love you." You respond.

Elam injects you with a powerful reagent that knocks you out and the process begins.

The blackness takes you experience absolute nothingness…

Hours later you wake up or at least you believe you're "awake." All around you, you feel as if you're floating and every so often a tingling electrical charge can be felt. Your mind…or rather "you" are in the tank. The procedure worked.

It's a very strange sensation, you can "see" though you don't have eyes. It's almost as if the images you see outside the tank are being displayed directly into your brain. Though it isn't like proper vision. You can only "see" them as blurs in your mind, however you can fill in those gaps due to your real memories of said people.

Elam was right, the magic energy within you has allowed you vision, and it has also allowed you to speak. You focus on the female image…on Decena who still stands near your now empty shell of a body on a table.

"Decena…do not cry…it worked…I am…alive." You say with a bit of effort.

This statement is followed by some shouts of joy from Decena who starts speaking out loud asking if its really you. When Elam sees what's going on, he begins to jump up and down exclaiming that the process worked.

"Decena, speak to me with your mind. It is the best way to directly communicate with me now." You say to which she does so.
"My love, I'm so happy to see that this has worked! I was about to have Elam killed if it didn't! So how is it? How do you feel?"
"It is an odd sensation, though not an unpleasant one. Indeed I do not feel the pain I once did any more. Perhaps, I shall get used to this form after all."

At this point you hear Elam's mind and he's asking you five hundred questions, all of which you will get to in time, but you tell him for now you just want to rest and converse with Decena alone.

He gets it and says he'll be back in an hour to check on you since there are still many tests that need to be done, such as the ability to move the automaton bodies and such.

After Elam and his staff leave, Decena sits next to the tank touching the glass and looking in on you. It's the closest she'll ever be with you ever again, and she begins to sniffle and sob a bit. At first you think its out of sadness, but then you sense her thoughts and its due to happiness.

"You'll live forever and so will the Empire now. You did it, my love I always knew you would."

You are filled with a sense of bliss that seems stronger than you've ever felt before. You wonder if it's due to your new form. Perhaps without a body, emotions and senses are stronger in some way?

In any case you know now that this is just the beginning. You'll have to make special arrangements due to your new form, but that's all part of running an Empire. Now with your immortality secured, you can get back to expansion and possibly even get the Eternal project back up and running with alterations. Your plans to unite the entire world under Empire world has not changed and you know there are still places out there left to conquer.

Still, when you look on at Decena's hand on the glass you wish you could just touch her again. If only for a moment.