King Ver had just finished his daily rounds with the news reporters, when he was hit with a surprising question. He had been asked whether he would be arranging the next V-R-Union Leaders’ Gathering, since the Vrekans were now the main leading race in the Union. Ver had brushed off the question with a simple “We’ll see!” sort of answer, but now, half an hour later, the question was still bothering him.
Sitting at the fancy desk where Ver did most of his work, the Vrekan King had started to make some lists. He had gone through every member of the Union, noting down their leaders, their family and partners, their assistants and any security they would need. Ver didn’t really want to invite every member, as some of the races of the Union were… somewhat… unreliable, only really a member for protection reasons while they slowly developed their own technology. But with a bit of effort, he could theoretically invite most of the Union’s leaders.
Well… except for…
Ver hesitated, staring at what he had written. In scratchy, inky letters, were the words “High General”, with two names next to it, both crossed out. Ver had forgotten about the… change in Rethan leadership. While the relationship between the Vrekans and the Rethavok had been steady for decades, the new High General of the Retha was not a being Ver wanted to even consider dealing with.
After all, High General Kenon was also Void Lord Kenon, the Deity of the Void and the God of the Space Between Spaces. Every exo-political action Ver had taken in the last two months had been done whilst walking on eggshells, due to Ver’s fear of pissing off a literal god. And now Ver was faced with a very big decision: did he invite this literal god to the Leaders’ Gathering? Or should he just… host it in a quiet corner somewhere, outside of the deity’s knowledge?
On the bright side, Ver was at least happy to know that the Void Lord was not omnipotent. He did not know everything. If he DID know everything, well… Ver didn’t want to think about that.
Suddenly, something vibrated. A nearby communicator. Not the one from his guards though. Ver picked it up, sighing.
“Hello?”
“My Lord, the All-Ksa of the Skyavok wishes to speak to you.”
“What about?” Ver grunted.
“The Leaders’ Gathering.”
“Fine. Put him on the line.”
Ver tutted to himself. He had no idea how the All-Ksa of the Skyavok did it, but he always seemed to call when Ver was in the middle of things. More worryingly though, he always called to discuss whatever Ver was in the middle of. It was almost as if Kayel had telepathy or something.
Oh, wait. He did. Still, his telepathy wasn’t that good, was it?
“King Ver! How are you doing?” Kayel was otherwise a very kind, very friendly Skyavok. Homely. Caring. “I wanted to discuss the whole Leaders’ Gathering that we normally have around now!”
“I was… just starting on some plans for it, actually…” Ver admitted, then paused. “Actually, you can offer me a good second opinion. What are your thoughts on inviting the High General?”
Kayel clicked his tongue. The sound echoed weirdly down the rather static-ridden line. “Sounds like a bad idea. Probably slightly less bad than not inviting him.”
“Those were my thoughts exactly.”
“You were considering not inviting the Lord of the Void?”
Ver sighed. “I was. Because that… deity… is a massive wildcard. I know we are supposed to be all “business as usual” with the Rethavok but having a deity in control of our most powerful neighbour worries me greatly.”
“It worries everyone. I think we should, hm, how do you put it, keep him sweet though, yes?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe it’s worth including something the High General Lord would like so he is less likely to be combative?”
“Like what?”
“Chocolate fountains, for starters! But he will want to show off his strength and things, like all… most of the gods do. So maybe have some sort of… I don’t know, fancy, armour-based dress code, perhaps?”
“Yes, of course…” Ver sighed some more. He didn’t really want to speak to anyone right now. “Do you mind if I call you back later, All-Ksa? I have work to do.”
“Oh, sure!” Kayel’s voice seemed full of joy. “Not a problem! Sorry for disturbing you! Have a good day!”
“Yes, you too…” Ver muttered as he closed the line. With Kayel gone, Ver turned back to his assorted notes, before scribbling something down.
“Maybe the god could host this gathering… How do I do this though?”
After one last sigh, Ver put his pen down. He needed to think things through…