Vikalos sighed as he activated the holo-communicator in the centre of his office. He kneeled down on the raised circle on the ground, muttered a few words, then waited. After a few awkwardly silent moments, a holographic 2d image appeared in front of Vikalos, towering over him.
“Ah, Lord Vikalos, you saw my message.”
“I did, Overlord. What do you request from me?”
The image was of Overlord Dethvon, the ruler of the oasis of Deathven, a home for any and all lords of death, decay, destruction and other negative things, for deities who no longer had universes of their own to live in. Despite its name and how well known Deathven was for being friendly and welcoming, there was a strict hierarchy, one which everyone was expected to follow.
“I want you to bring your newly found Fthoric-based Panvaithic Antifthor in. As soon as possible.”
Vikalos hesitated before answering. He had no idea how Overlord Dethvon had heard about any of this. How was he even aware that Vikalos had picked someone up, let alone the specifics.
“Overlord… how did you…”
“You know I have my ways, little Vikalos! In fact, I am actually rather surprised that you tried to hide your new crew member from me. You are normally a very honest Lord.”
Both Vikalos and Dethvon sighed to themselves. They both knew that Dethvon was disappointed in him.
“Why did you hide Arkidetelos from me, Vikalos?” Dethvon suddenly asked, breaking the silence. “What is so special about this one, aside from the fact that he looks similar to you? Is there a relationship forming between you and this Antifthor? Before you answer, please keep in mind that I know when you are lying. Your words are supple enough for Voidborns but that will not work on me.”
“I feel an almost parental bond with Arkay. He is but a small child, lost and confused and trapped within a multiversal space that he does not understand…” Vikalos replied bluntly. “I had hoped, allowing him to become a Decay-Lord under my wing, that he might… turn out different.”
“Is he not also a former deity?” Dethvon tutted. “A deity that lived for millions, possibly billions or even trillions of years, presiding over the power of death and decay, like many of us Decay-Lords did in the distant past? Is he really a ‘child’?”
Again, Vikalos hesitated. “He… may not be a child in the sense of his power, but he is a newborn that does not understand this strange culture he has been thrust into. With the right guidance, I believe he could be a fine Decay-Lord one day, on par with you or I.”
“And you doubt the idea that he could learn more under the safety of Deathven?”
“Not on his own.”
The Overlord tutted again. “Then perhaps you and your crew should return to Deathven to help him grow. After all, Deathven is statistically safer than its Vessels.”
“What if…”
“I do not care what your new friend thinks. What do you think is better, Arkidetelos coming of age, potentially violently on a ship where you might not be able to contain him? Or the guided growth and changes done in a Deathven Safe-Keeping Lab? Because that thing is, as we both know, a Fthoric-based Panvaithic Antifthor and we both know what their potential is. There may be exceptions to the rule. After all, you are, your fellow Lord T-K is and you know I am. But you cannot guarantee that Arkidetelos is as well.”
Vikalos had no choice but to cave to Dethvon’s demands. He was right, after all.
“I will bring Arkay to you. But can you please guarantee that he will be well looked after?”
“Of course, Vikalos. You can trust me, yes?”
Vikalos sighed, then nodded. “Yes, I trust you. Thank you, Overlord.”
“Thank you too, Vikalos…” Dethvon smiled as the holographic image faded.