"You must think this was a fittingly ironic punishment for me, lady Usinilim." Associate Ayimun was wearing an unarmoured military uniform. Despite his feminine body, he carried the outfit well.

Ayimun, commandant Duy and I were accompanied by Roluan and Jaan soldiers. I would have wanted Bemariq, ni Salng and other researcher to get a last chance at surveying the facility, but the negotiations had been strict. Any research of the starfarer facility was forbidden until the proper concord could be formed.

"I would never think it as a punishment", I said. "The facility was the only weapon I had. In truth, I'm relieved that the reversal process works so well."

"At least something good came from this debacle", Ayimun said. "The agreement will curb Jaan aggression in this side of the oceans."

"How about you, commandant?" I asked. "Did you take this was a punishment?"

Luwud Duy was wearing not only a gown of pragmatic cut, but some makeup to enhance his shapely face.

"Not at all." Duy grinned. "This has been an interesting opportunity. Still, I'm more than glad to move on."

The associate and commandant returned from the hospital rooms.

Luwud Duy had changed into a dress uniform suitable for his rank, which was incongruous to his smooth young face. Ayimun managed to look his age with his severe countenance, making his boyish features rather ethereal.

"Did the procedure work correctly?" I asked.

"It did." Ayimun walked past me. "Now, let us leave this place."

I took the group to the lift and let them ride up without me. The secondary entrance would be sealed after I left, but I had been given time to assure nothing we had done would jeopardise the long term integrity of the facility.

The guide walked with me, silently as always.

"You seem more helpful than a mindless automaton", I said. "Are you just happy that you have something to do?"

No answer. I hadn't expected any.

We climbed the slope to the grotto of the Nexal Censor. Alone, I walked into the tunnel, but I did not go all the way through.

"Suit." I placed my hand my belly. The carapace plates had parted a little to accommodate my growing abdomen. "Can you protect us both from whatever is in that room?"

"Affirmative."

"Do so."

Perhaps it was from guilt that I had to inform the Censor. I had robbed from it a partner, or valuable tool at least.

I went to the edge of the pool. The slumped form on its throne was as cold and miserable as it had been. That the Censor would notice me wasn't guaranteed. Still, I had to try.

"Nexal Censor", I said. "I need to talk to you."

The water parted, and a root rose. It moved towards me with exaggerated slowness. I lifted my hand and the tip of the huge appendage touched my palm.

A questioning disappointment reached my mind. I explained the situation: the jealousy of empires and the agreement forged with acumen and common purpose.

"I hope you don't blame my Bemariq. He did try. But in the end, we had to settle with a mere peace."

The stream of emotions turned into a dejected acceptance. A brief terror, the fiery death of civilisations, flashed to my mind and was wiped away by a cold bitter wind. The forlorn despair faded and became coloured with hope.

After the cataclysm, which the Nexal Censor had survived through, a 'mere' peace was enough. The Censor could wait.

The root sunk back into the murky pool, and I left the chamber to its dead tranquillity.

Bemariq was waiting at the secondary entrance with the workers and Roluan officials.

"You visited the Censor?" he asked.

"Yes. He's not angry with you."

Bemariq chuckled with relief and led me to our carriage.

The Roluans began to move the huge block of stone, which would bar the entrance until the distant day of an international agreement.

"I think I've found a suitable new project for us to participate", Bemariq said.

The carriage moved slowly in order not to shook me too much.

"Oh?"

"There talk of a proper comb-through of the Tudjan undercity. A friend of mine asked me to lead the survey. It would be right under Tudja, so we could live in a proper townhouse..." He gestured at my belly with his eyes. "And hire some help if need be."

"Tudja... That sounds interesting. But last I heard, the relic smuggling is pervasive and growing more audacious."

"We'd of course get some guards."

"Erqas said she could work as civilian bodyguards with her fiance."

"Who? Oh, you meant that myrmidon. Who's her fiance?"

"Another myrmidon. Apparently, they found their shared love of 'wrestling' and gave up their commissions to be together."

Bemariq smirked. "Such a pair would certainly discourage any thieves."

The serene moorland passed us by.

"Hopefully we can return here", I said. "I've grown fond of this place. On the other hand, I miss the heartbeat of a real city."

"I hope you aren't planning on sampling that beat."

"Oh, are you going to cloister me?"

He grinned. "A few months of rest-cure should curb those impulses unsuitable to a lady. Of course, even if it worked without driving you insane, I'd have to divorce you out of boredom."

"Well, in that case, I shall 'sample the heartbeat' with ardour." I let my husband pull me against him. "With you."

Tegeli

Thanks for reading! Do tell me your thoughts, if you made this far.