Chancellor Lyra Calls Spotty
After ending the call with Elizabeth, Lyra leaned back in her chair, her sharp eyes narrowing as she considered her approach. I can’t stop her, and I won’t waste time trying. But maybe I can get her to think more carefully about the risks.
She activated a secure channel and dialed Spotty. As the connection rang, she leaned forward, her fingers steepled under her chin.
Spotty
Spotty sat in her quarters, reviewing the latest reports from the unmanned drones. The faint shimmer of the holographic display reflected in her crystalline blue eyes. When her communicator beeped, she glanced at it, her lips curving into a small smile.
“Lyra,” she murmured, her tone a mix of amusement and exasperation. I can already guess what this is about. Elizabeth must have called her.
Despite the faint annoyance, Spotty wasn’t angry. She appreciated their concern, even if it wouldn’t change her mind. They care. That’s why they’re doing this.
As she pressed the button to accept the call, her posture remained calm and composed, her mind already prepared for the conversation ahead.
The call connected…
The Call Between Spotty and Lyra
Spotty
Spotty’s crystalline blue eyes softened as Lyra’s face appeared on the holographic display. The Chancellor’s sharp, calculating gaze gave away her purpose immediately, but Spotty wasn’t irritated. Lyra always means well, even when she’s being overly cautious. She’s not wrong to worry, but she should know me better by now.
“Chancellor,” Spotty greeted warmly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “To what do I owe this late-night check-in?”
Lyra’s expression didn’t waver, her voice as measured and deliberate as ever. “You know exactly why I’m calling, Empress.”
Spotty chuckled softly, leaning back in her chair. “Let me guess—Elizabeth asked you to talk some sense into me?”
Lyra’s lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. “She did. And she’s not wrong to be concerned.”
Lyra
Lyra’s sharp eyes scanned Spotty’s relaxed posture and calm demeanor. She’s too confident. That’s always been her strength, but in moments like this, it’s also a blind spot.
“Spotty,” Lyra began, her tone firm but not unkind, “I understand why you think this is necessary. But you’re not just any leader—you’re the foundation of the Empire. If something were to happen to you—”
Spotty cut in gently. “If something were to happen to me, the Empire is strong enough to endure. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? To ensure the Empire can stand on its own, no matter what?”
Lyra’s jaw tightened slightly. She’s deflecting. She knows that’s not the issue.
“It’s not about the Empire surviving in the abstract,” Lyra countered. “It’s about the people who depend on you. Elizabeth, Ila, me—all of us. Your death wouldn’t just weaken the Empire; it would leave scars that would take generations to heal.”
Spotty
Spotty’s smile faded slightly as Lyra’s words struck a nerve. She’s not wrong. But this isn’t about me—it’s about ensuring this threat doesn’t harm the people I care about.
“Lyra,” Spotty said softly, her tone more serious now. “I hear you, and I understand your concern. But this is just a scouting mission. Nothing more. Ila and I will observe, gather intel, and leave at the first sign of trouble. I’m not planning to confront the First Evil—I’m not even planning to engage with its forces. This is about answers, not heroics.”
Lyra
Lyra’s expression softened slightly at Spotty’s sincerity, but her mind continued to calculate the risks. She believes what she’s saying, but Spotty’s interpretation of ‘first sign of trouble’ is notoriously flexible. And her idea of a scouting mission often looks a lot like charging headfirst into danger.
“You say that now,” Lyra replied evenly, “but what happens if you find something unexpected? What if the situation changes in a way you can’t predict?”
Spotty tilted her head, her crystalline eyes steady. “Then we adapt, as we always do. But I promise you, Lyra, we’ll prioritize safety above all else. This isn’t about proving anything or taking unnecessary risks—it’s about preparation.”
Spotty’s Inner Thoughts
Spotty could feel Lyra’s hesitation through the screen, even as she maintained her calm demeanor. She doesn’t fully trust me to keep my promise—not because I’m lying, but because she knows me too well. She knows I’ll do whatever it takes if I think it’s necessary.
“I understand your doubts,” Spotty added after a brief pause. “But you know me, Lyra. I don’t take promises lightly. This is a reconnaissance mission, nothing more.”
Lyra’s Inner Thoughts
Lyra studied Spotty’s crystalline eyes, searching for any flicker of doubt or deception. She believes what she’s saying. But her belief is the problem—her confidence in her ability to handle anything blinds her to the risks sometimes.
“I believe you mean that,” Lyra said finally, her tone quieter. “But your idea of ‘first signs of trouble’ has always been… elastic. And what you consider a safe withdrawal might look very different to the rest of us.”
Spotty chuckled softly, the sound light but tinged with understanding. “Fair point. But I assure you, this time, I’ll err on the side of caution.”
The End of the Call
Lyra leaned back slightly, her sharp features softening as she let out a slow breath. “Alright,” she said finally. “I’ll hold you to that promise. But for Elizabeth’s sake—and for mine—be careful.”
Spotty’s smile returned, warm and genuine. “I will. And thank you, Lyra. Your concern means more than you know.”
As the call ended, both women sat in reflective silence—Lyra still uneasy despite Spotty’s reassurances, and Spotty quietly preparing herself for the mission ahead.
Lyra’s Final Thoughts
I trust her intentions. But trust doesn’t make me worry any less. Spotty’s confidence is a double-edged sword—and I just hope this mission doesn’t prove to be the cut that runs too deep.
Spotty’s Final Thoughts
They worry because they care. I’ll honor my promise—but if the situation calls for more, I’ll do what needs to be done. That’s my burden to bear.
As Spotty turned back to the holographic display, her mind was already focused on the next step.