Within a purposefully and otherwise empty chamber of the [i]Vepsis Dol[/i], its ornamentation contrary to the ship’s otherwise utilitarian purpose, Ec-Shavar stood and ruefully observed a sankul, one of thirteen. The quantity was necessary to splice from the well adequate energy such that a vessel of such magnitude could be propelled through the cosmos by means not possible with standard engineering. Even so far in orbit, its shadow darkened much of Zöld'Nach as it passed overhead. Were it to alight on the planet, its inestimable bulk would prevent it from leaving.

As was tradition with those deemed criminals, no name or feature marked the gloomy obsidian sarcophagus. Those thus damned were intended to be forgotten, as such was the ultimate punishment: a lesson taught in civilizations ancient and manifold, from barbarians setting fire to the huts of their foes to the more calculated destruction of libraries and monuments. 

He intended to do more.

Of all the unmarked coffins, it was the one upon which his thoughts lingered whose occupant he knew and foresaw that, in time, as it drifted in the Cloud of Ghot, its service as fuel fulfilled, none but he would recall who it bore. That name was etched into the edifice of his hatred alongside all others who sought his overthrow. He would relish his revenge. Methodically, he would excise every memory of its occupant from the historical record—banish all they ever were to a mere mote of black dust in a continuous gyre of obeisance around Bulkan, star of the holy planet Cizra Su-lahn. Of that he was certain, just as he was certain that he again would walk the streets of Samarra as co-ruler of the Cizran Empire.

Nobody was present. He was certain of that. Even so, he dared not utter the name as he scowled a final moment longer. Spies and traitors could listen anywhere. See anywhere. Even into this sacred and secure place. Instead, his mind and empathic bond already sealed, he merely thought what he would not risk and he kept that thought to himself.

A moment later, having completed his inspection of the transport, he descended back down to Q’ab and gave his last respects to Plango who awaited the last shuttle up and off the planet.