[center][h3][b][u]The Imperial Palace, Bushu, Musashi System, The Musashi Empire[/u][/b][/h3][/center]


	As James stood in the private Holo-Room with his mask off and at attention he stood and waited for the connection to the Maledict to go through. He was rather pleased with himself having been able to get what they wanted and more. Quickly after he sent a connection he was patched through.


    	James wasn’t kept waiting long before an response was given. To James’ eyes, a circle room with what seemed to possess no ceiling. Star light shined around the heavily ornate room as Faust walked through a single set of doors. In this room, Faust strode steadily before reaching a mere ten feet from where James’ projected Image was stationed.


    	“Ah, James Conrad. How goes your foray into Musashi?” he said with a polite, inquisitive tone. “Did you accomplish anything of note?”


    	James began to nod “Indeed, I was able to get more then what I had originally wanted. Aside from a proposed Defensive pact, the Musashi are thinking of invading the Second Imperium and I had offered them our support. I was also able to increase the amount of trade flowing between our two nations. Also the male heir Shoichi had offered an interesting idea of making a secret pact against the Imperial Remnant. However I felt it to be wrong as we had made such a lovely pact with them.” James said before adding “Of course there were some things that had to be traded such as China and Japan on Earth.” James then stood at attention waiting for Faust’s reaction.


    	Faust began pacing for a moment, running his fore finger and thumb across his chin. “A pact against the Remnant you say.” He ceased pacing and turned to James, “Most excellent. And giving away lands on earth is an easy concession. It’s not as if we do not have more. There is an entire planet to conquer.” He smiled, “And against the second imperium would be a very effective counter measure to not only problems like the alien vermin at our doorstep, but also more of a chance to unify mankind against the terrible threat lingering at the second imperium's core.”


    	“I was thinking the same thing about the Second Imperium, however I didn’t want to agree anything to the Remnant as I feared it to be a trap. Besides I must once again stress it would look bad to attack the group that is holding together the last Imperium strongholds. I did make a note about Uther however. Now if it’s something you wish me to bring it back up I’d be more then happy to.” James said with a smile knowing he had gotten everything clear.


    	Faust gave a concerned look, “I think you underestimate Uther.” He rubbed his chin again, “I do not think any direct action against him would be wise so I’d refrain from that potential line of thought. However, using Musashi to bolster our stance in this portion of the galaxy would put far more political pressure on Uther to if not submit, then at least accept our leadership of this galaxy. There is no chance we could win a full on war with him without taking terrible losses. No one nation could take Uther on and hope to succeed with any margin of acceptable losses. No, we must take out the second imperium, further his isolation.” He lowered his hand and nodded, “Uther will not align his forces with ours but he will learn to submit, then we will own this quadrant..”


    	He took a deep, satisfying breath, “So, with that success, did you have anything else to report?” he said without any hint of trying to rush James.



    	“Well luckily I saw the Ms.Rong had arrived safely, and I believe Ms.Morinth of the Justicars was with them. If I may ask why was she sent along, don’t tell me she’s here for what she’s normally here to do.” James said with a sigh.


    	Faust chuckled, “Actually, Morinth was by chance in the area when Kau-Rong had arrived. I was simply inviting her to hear a report but chose to have an informal dinner with both Kau-Rong and Morinth. It was truly by chance that the two were on the ship. An opportunity arose through that chance as the Dominion was in a position to offer assistance in an unconventional manner, especially through something that we all know is a very specific and unique tool, the Justicars.”


    	There crossed his arms, “Originally I had intended to offer ships or supplies for a war but that was just such a chance opportunity. That said, Her mission in Musashi has no true direction as of now. Other than the unbeknownst to her introduction to a hopefully, soon to be ally. If she can gain friends, especially in high places… the circle of trust will be created and our path to victory will be assured.” He turned away and pointed at the open space above the room, a massive clear dome showing a beautiful and serene earth. As he stared, a grin formed from cheek to cheek, “And victory with Musashi and Victory on earth is only the beginning.” 


    	James nodded slowly and smirking “Now I should note nothing is certain as none totally control the empire. However I truly believe we’re in a situation of progress. Is there anything else you’d like to me to bring. If not perhaps you could tell me about the invasion of Earth?” James said raising an eyebrow.


    	“The only continuing mission is to gather more human peoples to our cause, to further our goals by uniting all mankind. If this means you to stay in Musashi to seal any deal? So be it. If not, the Confederacy is an option.” He sighed, “There's always that Totalist state, although their methods are quite abstract from our own. And with earth you ask? Phase three is to take shape soon, the invasion of most major urban centers. Giving them no real place to hide and drive their warriors to the hills. It will be a fast strike as the world is still generally unaware of our presence. The lack of any real communications system around the globe has given us an immense advantage over the various peoples.”

	James Smiled “That is excellent sir, well if that’s be all I’ll be off, good luck with the rest of the conquest of Earth.” 

Hours later,

	Faust once more walked into the communications room with a hooded figure standing in the center. As Faust approached, the hooded figure lowered the guise to reveal the Justicar, Morinth. She was constantly looking over her shoulder and the surround appeared to be a closed in room, much unlike where James had communicated from. "Morinth." Faust said with concern. "Why are you hiding?"

	"I feel that our Dominion may be compromised, things have been seen." she said grimly. She looked over her shoulder and then knelt down to check under something unseen. "I have a strange feeling that James Conrad is something other than what we believe. I saw him talking with one of the Musashi, Words of gods and chosen ones."

	Faust shook his head, "Morinth, I understand you're in a lot of stress since your encounter on that moon." He sighed, "But James has always been a faithful friend and ally to not only the Dominion, but to me personally."

	Morinth stood up, "Look, after what I saw, gods.. higher powers.. and now all of these things falling in to place, I just feel like more is going on than you realize."

	"Morinth, Did you actually hear them."

	"I did.. not. But I read their lips. I know what was said. Powers, Chosen ones. The last time we dealt with one of those, oh what do they call themselves, Psionics. or some shit like that." she said quickly.

	"I do remember. The only person to ever have an honest chance of taking my life."

	"And I killed him, I shot his leg off and then pulled his head and spine from his body."

	"You do enjoy your details, Morinth. But, Is your friend Kau-Rong not a psionic as well?"

	"Don't change the subject Faust!" she said with an more aggressive tone.

	He crossed his arms, "Look, You saved my life and out of anyone in this galaxy, I'd not trust that life in anyone else's hands."

	"Then why do you not trust me now?" Her voice became shaky, "I have no Family except you. And I protect my Family."

	"I know Morinth, we seem as Family. I trust you and your skills greatly. You've saved the Dominion in its early stages in ways no one could ever imagine but please, you must take a step back and examine everything."

	Faint tears began forming at the corners of her eyes, "Faust please, Please just listen." 

	All she could see through her display was Faust raising his hand. "Morinth, James Conrad has done nothing to warrant suspicion. He has all but ensured the alliance of two of the galaxies most powerful forces. The conviction and creativity of the Musashi and the pure strength, dedication and Honor of the Venargians. These things cannot be just shrugged off. We are in a better position due to his efforts."

	He took a deep breath, "Look. I always side track when people ask me of your mission. Even James enquired as to what your mission was this time. He acknowledged your abilities when he asked who you were there to kill. Without even knowing anything of your true orders."

	"Faust please." she said,

	"Have I ever lied to you?" he said plainly.

	"No.." she said with a grim tone. "You have not. Your orders here was to observe the meetings. Ensure things went as planned and if things went downhill and Shoichi were to make plans of war against the Dominion, Eliminate him."

	Faust nodded, "You're a bright and unique woman, Morinth. Your loyalty is unmatched and I ask you to remain loyal."

	"Faust, Shoichi is quite misunderstood honestly. He may be portrayed as aggressive and unresponsive but I believe he is smarter than just an average warmonger. I believe that even if he inherited the throne, he would still listen to reason."

	"Hmm" Faust said, now rubbing his chin. "Then disregard the order given. I still want you to be observant and figure out the mystery behind your encounter at that lunar base but focus your efforts on maintaining friendship."

	Morinth sniffled a bit, wiping now dried tears from her cheeks. "Ok, I'll do as you ask."

	As the holographic image faded, Morinth leaned against a wall and slid down slowly, with tears once more forming at the corners of her eyes. "Am I only friends because of the mission?" she thought before gazing upwards into the sky. Instead of the beauty she had seen before, all she did was sob at the thought of being the victim of her own mission.