Aldred and Varik found a quiet corner of the lounge, away from the celebratory noise and the laughter of the soldiers. Despite the luxury that surrounded them, their conversation turned serious as Aldred expressed his interest in the training that had just taken place.
Varik, with a hint of pride in his voice, recounted some of the epic moments from the demon worlds, highlighting the soldiers' bravery and adaptability.
"They've surpassed all expectations," Varik stated, his eyes reflecting the fires of battles fought and won. "Their tenacity, their willingness to face down the harshest of enemies... It was something to behold."
Aldred nodded, absorbing Varik's words. He had always believed in the potential of his soldiers, but to hear of their feats from Varik brought a new level of satisfaction. Yet, his mind was on a different mission now, one that required an audience with a figure of immense power.
"I need to meet with the Master of the Fleet," Aldred said after a moment, his tone shifting to one of determination.
Varik raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the request. "The Master of the Fleet? That's not a meeting easily arranged. May I ask why?"
Aldred paused, considering his words carefully. "I have a proposal, one that could change the course of our battle against the forces that threaten the galaxy. And I believe we have a mutual acquaintance who might help broker this meeting."
To Aldred's surprise, Varik agreed without hesitation, promising to arrange the meeting. Within hours, they were en route to the massive supership that served as the command center for the Master of the Fleet. The ship was a testament to the power and might of their forces, its size and capabilities far beyond anything in the Celestial Platoon's arsenal.
Upon their arrival, they were ushered into a vast chamber where the Master of the Fleet awaited. The air was charged with tension, the weight of countless decisions that had shaped the fate of the galaxy hanging heavy in the room.
"What do you want, Aldred?" the Master of the Fleet asked, his voice echoing through the chamber.
Aldred stepped forward, but instead of answering directly, he introduced the figure standing beside him. "This is Vortimer, an ancient sentient robot with capabilities that you are well aware of. He has been an ally and a protector of the Celestial Platoon since its inception."
The Master of the Fleet's expression darkened at the mention of Vortimer's name. "Vortimer..." he muttered, his frown deepening. "Our forces have clashed in the past. You bring an old enemy to my doorstep and call him an ally?"
"Do you know where I came from, Fleet Master?"
The Master frowned. "What do you imply?"
"I am surprised that you didn't dig around about me. Or perhaps you are playing innocence."
Aldred approached the table. "I know that you have been digging information about me. But you found nothing. To your knowledge, I simply came out of nowhere and created a wave in real-space and time in just a couple of years.
"Again. What do you imply?"
"You said I was naive. Uniting the galaxy? Seems like a delusional thought to have. But I believe your vision isn't just far enough. Beyond this galaxy, there are much more powerful threats. But you are too busy fighting among yourselves.
To others, you are primitive."
Frowning, the Master of the Fleet. "Are you saying that you come from that kind of world?"
"Yes. There is no distinction of races. Only power. The strongest decides the fate of the weak."
"That's just barbaric and brutes."
"Are you saying that the carnage between each races isn't barbaric?"
The Master glanced at Aldred then at Vortimer. "You two are not coming to me for philosophy. Tell me what you want?"