Chancellor Pellan Vell sat in the conference room of the Redemption ignoring the reports being delivered from logistics. He did not care about the hydroponic frigates or water reclamation efficiency rates, although it should have been paramount in his thoughts. This expedition was unlike any the Galactic Union had embarked on in it’s known history. They traveled to other galaxies but this distance was farther and there were no known outposts or colonies along the way. This necessitated the two days of preparation and the size of the fleet that was going.

Looking out the window of the vessel, even Pellan was awe-struck at the sight of the assembled vessels preparing for departure. The scale and design of this mission was twofold. The public mission was to spread the word of God deeper into the universe. The citizenry of the Galactic Union rallied behind this purpose with celebrations planned across every planet, outpost, colony, and moon christening the journey. The covert mission was to find the Elders and ascertain if their disappearance had to do with defection to the Undevouts or some other purpose. Pellan did not care about any reason that was slapped onto the mission. All he cared about was finding Jessa.

“Chancellor,” Adar Vyce, the Supreme Commanding General’s voice cut through the room like a knife silencing any side conversations being whispered at the table. “If you are ready to send the Sacrament?” Vyce knew Vell was ready but given their very public oppositional relationship and the fact the two men would be trapped on the Redemption for the next month, it was best to keep up appearances when possible.

“Of course,” Pellan stood up and moved from the table towards the bridge of the Redemption. No one else moved from the table and all spared side glances to Adar. The Chancellor was not part of the military so he did not need to be dismissed or ask a by your leave from Adar. Still, the abruptness of Vell’s departure and the fact he did not wait to be joined in his departure from the room with Adar at his side caused a wave of tension to ripple throughout the room.

Adar sat stiff-backed watching the Chancellor leave before rising from his seat. Staring down the length of the table at his officers, he nodded a curt dismissal and followed the same path Pellan had moments before. His anger was not noticeable because Adar Vyce was always perceived to be angry. He was a career military man which meant he walked with a purpose as if always on the way to an official engagement. Stepping on the bridge, it was not hard to miss Pellan already waiting and in place for the proclamation of the Sacrament. Taking his spot next to but slightly behind Pellan, Adar assumed the pose of attention. This was followed by the bridge officer calling the rest of the officers to assume attention. The snap of fifty pairs of boots sounded like a snap of weapons fire. No one was out of place and the movement was well-drilled synchronicity.

Pellan Vell (Chancellor of the Galactic Union) and Adar Vyce (Supreme Commanding General of the Galactic Union Military)