Interstellar Age



Having been checked by the Alfheim Dominion's doctors for any sign of mistreatment, Erich was released from the Light Elven hospital with a full clearance. He was then transported to the Royal Palace, where two of his secret lovers were waiting for him.

For whatever reason, his dress uniform had been prepared for him in advance, and because of this Erich was now as presentable as he could possibly be. He wore his uniform with a sense of pride as he kneeled before the Alfheim Empress in front of many other galactic leaders. 

Everyone of importance had gathered for this occasion. Which Erich thought was odd, because he had not been informed of any special gathering. Still, he did not say a word, as he showed his proper respect to Lunaria. 

In fact, the room was dead quiet, that is until Lunaria finally spoke. Her alluring voice captivated her audience, as she made a shocking declaration to the Galaxy, specifically those interstellar civilizations which existed in the Alfheim Quadrant. 

"Today I wish to honor a hero, not only of the Germanic Star-Empire, but the Alfheim Dominion as a whole. Without the actions of this man, Captain Erich Jaeger, of the Germanic Navy, we would currently be waging a galactic war against our rivals the Svartalfheim Dominion. 

After falling for a trap set by those hideous dark skinned freaks. Captain Jaeger here survived an ambush which left his commanding officer, and several of his comrades dead. Where he then led his team on a suicidal mission to send a communication to the Alfheim Dominion warning us that if we were to send our vassals to conquer the disputed territories on our borders, then we would be walking into a trap. Where he emerged as the sole survivor, and was taken prisoner by the Dark Elves. 

But Captain Jaeger has proven a resourcefulness beyond even the most talented Alfheim Agents. After spending well over a month behind bars, he managed to escape from his cell and send an SOS signal to the Alfheim Dominion, allowing us to locate his position and free him from his bondage. 

Words can not express my gratitude, for Captain Jaeger, who has spoiled the plots and schemes of those dastardly mutated freaks known as the Dark Elven race. And because of his heroic actions, in addition to the skills and resourcefulness which he displayed by organizing and setting his own prison break into motion. I have decided to bestow upon Captain Jaeger the greatest honor which I the Alfheim Empress can give to a soldier. 

As of this moment, I hereby declare that Captain Erich Jaeger is henceforth known as an Archon of the Alfheim Dominion. He is thus granted impunity to act as he wishes in order to fight against those who would seek to undermine the Archon Dominion, and the Asterion Dynasty.

Because Erich is now an Archon, he shall have authority within the Alfheim Quadrant, that is second only to the Empress! And shall be granted a ship, capable of traversing the vast distance of the stars, so that he may be adequately equipped to fight my enemies on my behalf!" 

And since Erich has now achieved the rank of Archon, he shall answer only to me, Empress Lunaria Asterion. Should he behave in a way that is unbefitting in his position, only I shall administer punishment."

The entire audience who had gathered for this meeting was stunned beyond belief. Archons were personal agents of the Alfheim Crown, and within Alfheim space, the exact number of these agents was entirely unknown, but it was estimated that there were less than a hundred of them. In fact, it had been well over a millennium since an Archon had been chosen. For the Germanic Star-Empire, this was an unspeakable honor, but for Emrys, it was his worst nightmare. 

Previously, Erich had been under his direct control. As a citizen of the Germanic Star-Empire, Erich was forced to follow their laws and customs. This was no longer the case. As an Archon, Erich was now exempt from all laws and customs across the Alfheim Quadrant. He could even execute the leaders of interstellar civilizations with impunity. Of course if it were revealed that he did not have a proper reason for doing so, then Lunaria could strip him of his title, and send him to the wolves. 

In a way, Erich now held more power and authority than Emrys himself. Something that was deeply troubling for a man who sought to control Erich's life. As for Erich himself, he did not quite understand what an Archon was, but from what Lunaria had said, she had just granted him a considerable degree of power over one fourth of the milky way galaxy. Something he was not prepared to handle. 

Of course, Erich did not dare reject this gift, and instead continued to kneel before Lunaria while thanking her for her benevolence. 

"Though I do not quite yet understand the nature of my new title, I promise to fulfill its obligation with the most strict efficiency. I wholeheartedly thank your Majesty for the gift which you have decided to bestow upon me!" 

Lunaria smiled as she gazed upon her new archon. She knew Erich's talents well, and had been considering granting him such an esteemed title for some time now. However, she had not done so, because he had not proven himself worthy of such a title.

Until now, that is. Even she could hardly believe what Erich had done. And nobody would argue against her decision, after the speech she had given, which painted Erich's deeds as the pinnacle of heroism. 

This also gave Erich the ability to execute the traitor within the ranks of the Germanic Star-Empire, who had nearly allowed the Dark Elves to succeed with the plan. There was no need for a trial or the gathering of evidence. So long as Erich knew the identity of this individual, he could summarily execute him and give an order to his own government to prevent his revival. 

After all, Erich was pretty damn sure that his team had been revived. Just without their latest memories. It was not like the Germanic Star-Empire would keep ample backups of their most elite operators' DNA and memories. Thus, he had already planned to murder Echo a second time. After the stunt, he pulled on that icy wasteland. 

The ceremony continued for some time before Erich was allowed to speak with Emrys. There was a smug smile on his Erich's face as he approached the Supreme Leader of the civilization which he came from as he spoke his thoughts aloud. 

"Well, I suppose I look forward to working with you from now on..." 

The words "working with you" almost caused Emrys to break his facade. However, the man forced a smile as he shook Erich's hand and congratulated him on his new title. 

"And Archon of the Alfheim Dominion, it is truly a day for celebration. I figured it would be at least another ten thousand years before one of our people was granted with such an esteemed title. Truly, the Empress favors you!" 

Erich simply chuckled when he heard this, before bringing up the immediate point of contention which he needed to address. 

"Now about that traitor...."