The promise of two worlds

In the Connaissance - flagship of the third fleet under Stair's command - Daji was shortly briefed that she will meet a young doe called Noisette who warned the Armada about Risea's situation. The supposed last Doenès - Deena - was informed of that meeting as well, and came with her flagship - the Bouclier. What a sight, three flaships of three different fleets of the Armada, orbiting around a wandering planet. They were quite far away from Bubastis, the home planet of the Armada, even farther than the Earth.
Daji noticed the burning grounds on the planets. Without atmosphere, it shouldn't continue to burn, unless the rock itself was melting and creating boiling gas. The scrolling news in the Observation bay gave her the missing information - the aging Tribunal, flagship of the 13th fleet, made orbital nukes on pirates' base.
She frowned. It was against the rules of the Armada to use it without the Command's consent. But the 13th Fleet is an unofficial BlackOp division. She hoped that Risea had a very good reason to use such a firepower against mere pirates. Doors opened, and the grand-admiral Deena entered the bay, followed by a young doe.

- You must be Noisette? Enchantée. said with an enthusiast tone Daji

The doe kneeled down in front of the silver vixen.

- The pleasure is mine, Empress.
- Please tell me, what happened?
- Coming back from our world Cenon, Risea intercepted communications from pirates. And she decided to go after them.
- Cenon? repeated Daji
- The homeland of the Doenès, and every ungulates. They survived from the Great War. explained Deena, visibly enthusiast of this news
- That was something I suspected when Risea presented herself to the Armada, but why do you keep hidden?
- We, Cenon and the Ongulae Alliance, despise the Federation you've built with the humans. We still keep the scars of the Great War and...
- I understand... With time you will understand that the humans have changed, and that they only want to live peacefully. pointed Daji
- Situation is way worst than you may imagine, Empress. We may declare war if ever one manages to find our system! No... We WILL declare war! Risea is one of the rare to temper the rage we still hold toward the humans, but lately...
- Lately she does not temper herself...
- She's after something that she can't even name, she's on the verge of madness. That's why she nuked them, a reaction of her hate. And she... She went on the Other Side... Seeking something to ease her anger.
- Probably to torment them there I guess.

Daji frowned again. It was time for her to put an end to Risea's torment itself. And only her could do that. It was obvious that Noisette understood that clearly and so decided to contact the Armada, even if that was to compromise Cenon's secret. She may be considered as a pariah in result, but yet she didn't hesitate.

- What is your relation toward Risea?
- She's my... She's my adoptive mother. Please, please... Save her... I'm begging you...
- I didn't expect such an answer I have to admit. But it explains many things about your devotion.

Daji kneeled down as well and give Noisette a warm hug, comforting her as much as she could

- Don't worry sweetie, I'll return her to you alive. I promise.

Giving her the empress' crown, Daji smiled

- Take care of it little empress, will you? That's the proof of my promise. Oh, and I have a little question.
- Y... Yes?
- Is there a vulpine on your world? You said that it's the homeland for the ungulates and the Doenès, but there's a faint smell on you that... reminds me of my sister Bothan. Or my daughter Lisitsa.
- I... No, only little tails such as mine.
- I see... Oh, I want to point that even though I've promised you that I'll return her to you, that won't be without a good fight. So prepare the bandaids, 'cause it's time for me to teach her something, à la Daji!
- That's... alright... Risea is a tough one.
- I know, and I see she taught you to be a tough one as well. She must be proud of you Noisette. Sois forte.

She put a small kiss on the doe forehead before to stand up. Blinking toward Deena that was wiping a tear, she ordered Stair

- Prepare a warp. One person on the surface.
- Should I bring you a rapier?
- Not necessary. My bare fists will be quite enough. Just be sure that the medical bay is ready for when I return.

She cracked her fingers with a smirk

---

Sequel of the Croisée de deux mondes

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All characters except Stair Pris © Amiral Aesir
Stair Pris © Bandaï Namco and CyberConnect, first designed by Nobuteru Yuki.

Watercolors, the 17th November 2015.