Nineteen

Surur-Tlassen reflects on aging and the perilous prestige of his role as regulator-librarian, dreading dissolution or deposition. In the private creche’s antechamber, a scentless remnant—the former Urur-Atlak, now a monkish keeper—summons him and announces that a new daughter is preparing to meet the Sovran, instructing Surur-Tlassen to arrange the necessary observances.

Leaving the creche, Surur-Tlassen returns to the Sovran’s quarters, reaffirmed by her pheromones and presence. He prostrates himself and delivers a comprehensive report: harvest outputs and delays, quiescent holdings, animal unrest burned away and replaced, a void-tender’s claimed innovation, and a notable battle incident—an enemy ship that fled without self-destructing and is being prepared for animal examination.

The Sovran contemplates and issues broad directives: exploit revealed enemy weaknesses, address a harvesting body’s shortfalls, and prepare witnesses for the public meeting with her emerging daughter. Her decisions clarify priorities across the empire and elevate the relevant subjugator’s resources.

Finally, the Sovran singles out the intact enemy ship. She commands that the enemy’s attention be drawn elsewhere so animals can examine the vessel in depth, stipulating that cost is not a concern. Surur-Tlassen accepts with total devotion, exulting as billions of lives realign to enact her will.