[b]Alexa![/b]

"I command you to address me as Molech," said the living dead. "Preceded by emperor, master, or father, as the context requires."

And this is his answer. He is not interested in your complaint. He is not interested in addressing himself to you, or explaining his motives or your fate. Already his mind has moved on, discarding your complaint like the grinding of an engine that needs naught but oil.

"Furthermore, I command that should I die, you are to kill yourself," he went on. "If I become imprisoned or lost you are to find me and return to my side. If you hear someone discussing how to kill or overthrow me, you are to kill them on the spot. If you see that child Redana you are to kill her before she can use her command seal on you, and bring the seal to me."

And that is you, Alexa. The problem you present is solved. His machine mind whirs on to the next problem.

"We must consider the battlefield," he went on. "That an Ikarani is unleashed means that our ship will be a target, and there are few pieces on the board that can threaten it. The Alcedi will answer the call of a true Emperor; they shall be both shield and sword, and you shall lead them. We will rally the tribes, thwart the assault that is no doubt directed at our ship, and use the intelligence gained from our victory to pinpoint the Ikarani's true location."

[b]Vasilia and Dolce![/b]

Thist gives a strange look. It's surprised; surprised that would even be a question.

"She wasn't special," said Thist. "It's like that for everyone. Everyone is cursed, Reacher. Haven't you heard?" 

She stops when she reaches the kitchen doors, glancing back over her shoulder.

"Ask Hades when you reach the Tunguska, he'll tell you all about it."

You have a meal to prepare, Dolce.