By evening the ship was still flying through the warp, which still gave us a reason to celebrate the event at dinner with the ship's and regiment's top officers. Although there was some dark humor here: if the Geller field generator had not worked, we would not have been able to celebrate its repair, since we would all have simply died. "Soulful..." I thought as I walked, accompanied by some sailor, to the banquet hall. I prepared for dinner as best I could. At first I thought for a long time what to wear: a commissar's uniform or a dress uniform. I decided to wear a dress uniform, after all it was a social dinner. True, then I had to try hard to put on this costume correctly. It consisted of shoes with pointed ends, trousers, a shirt and a waistcoat. All this was done in gray tones and decorated with many patterns. Fortunately, the suit itself was quite comfortable, not too tight or chafing, which was what I was most afraid of – it was obvious that it had been custom-made. Turning the corner, I noticed the colonel and the major standing near a massive metal door. Both were dressed in formal black suits and shoes of the same color, polished to a shine. "Mr. Commissioner," Sherkin greeted me as soon as he noticed me. "You look great." "Thank you, Colonel," I replied with a smile. "I can say the same about you and the major." "Thank you," said Sherkin. "As I understand it, you also decided to come early?" The question was quite appropriate, since there were still ten minutes left before dinner. I decided not to take any risks and left early, and, as it turned out, not in vain: it took me a full forty minutes to get to the banquet hall. "Yes, Colonel. It would be improper for the commissioner to be late for such an event." "You are right about that, Mr. Commissioner," Vermand agreed with me. We were unable to continue the conversation - the door in front of us rose up, after which a tall, thin man in a black suit appeared before us, which, however, was very different from the suits of the colonel and the major. This man had short blond hair, gray-blue eyes and an elongated face with sharp features. He looked to be a maximum of thirty years old. - Gentlemen, - he addressed us in a calm voice. - Please follow me. The captain is already waiting. After these words, our interlocutor, who, in all likelihood, was the captain's butler, turned around and went to the next door, which was about five meters from the one that had opened a second ago. We did not wait for a second invitation and moved after him. As soon as the first door closed behind us, the second, on the contrary, opened, letting us into a spacious hall. In the center there was a long wooden table, decorated with gold patterns. On each side there were thirty chairs, made, judging by their appearance, together with the table, as one set. The hall itself was also richly decorated. There were three crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and on the walls were numerous portraits of men in identical uniforms, which differed only in the variety of awards they had. - Gentlemen,— a familiar voice distracted me from contemplating the portraits. — Come in. Welcome to this modest banquet. Erwin von Kreydel, the ship's captain, stood near the golden throne at the very end of the table. To his right stood the first mate, Arthur Gilthoris, along with the chief petty officer, Otto Braykier. Opposite the first mate stood the ship's commissar, Melz Rengor, looking at us all with his slightly frightening cybernetic eye, and next to him was the astropath Sigismund Moicegron, whose last name I was still able to remember. Also standing near the table were a couple of other people whom I was seeing for the first time. All present were dressed in civilian formal clothes - after all, this was a simple social dinner, and not a celebration of some military victory. — Thank you, Captain Kreydel, — the colonel responded, approaching his place. The three of us approached the last three empty seats, where everything was already set out, and began to wait. "I think we can begin. Please, sit down," everyone immediately sat down in their seats, and I began to examine the dishes that were in front of me. Everything was made of silver, there was no doubt about that. Moreover, all the dishes were decorated with numerous ornaments and patterns, which only added to the beauty. "So, I think it's worth introducing some of the individuals to each other," said Kreidel, after which he looked in our direction. "To our guests from the Imperial Guard, I would like to introduce first of all Radoslaw Cerinski, the commander of the torpedo department," the aforementioned gray-haired man with a massive square face stood up and gave a slight nod. — Next to him is Desior Tirnil, the chief gunner, and the commanders of the four macro-gun batteries: Vladislav Kerzen, Shert Nerol, Timur Tergosh and Drivin Fichtas, — all five rose and also bowed. — Also, Genver Trovisto, the chief helmsman. And lastly, Meklen de Vinqua, the commander of the midshipmen. To them, in turn, I would like to introduce the commander of the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment of the Imperial Guard, Colonel Vermand Sherkin, his deputy, Major Sebastian Verkis, and the regimental commissar Augustin Merzelius, — all three of us also rose and bowed. — As I understand it, your regimental ecclesiarch and psyker were unable to arrive. — Yes, captain, — Vermand replied. — His Holiness has decided to hold a daily prayer service for the blessing of our journey through the Immaterium, and Winston Rafkan is currently in the ship's hospital, suffering from a severe migraine. — I understand, — said the captain. — Give him my best wishes for a speedy recovery. — Certainly, captain. — Well, and now, as is tradition, the first toast, — after these words, the captain opened the bottle and began to fill the glass with some orange liquid. The others present began to do the same, so I decided to keep up with them. — I want to raise this glass to the fact that we were able to safely continue our journey, and may the Emperor save us from it being interrupted again. To a successful continuation!Welcome to this modest banquet. Erwin von Kreydel, the ship's captain, stood near the golden throne at the very end of the table. To his right stood the first mate, Arthur Gilthoris, along with the chief petty officer, Otto Brakier. Opposite the first mate stood the ship's commissar, Melz Rengor, looking at us all with his slightly frightening cybernetic eye, and next to him was the astropath Sigismund Moicegron, whose name I could still remember. Also standing near the table were a couple of other people I had never seen before. Everyone present was dressed in civilian dress clothes - after all, this was a simple social dinner, and not a celebration of some military victory. "Thank you, Captain Kreydel," the colonel said, walking up to his place. The three of us walked to the last three empty seats, where everything was already set, and began to wait. "I think we can begin." Please, sit down, - everyone immediately sat down in their places, and I began to examine the dishes that were in front of me. Everything was made of silver, there was no doubt about it. Moreover, all the dishes were decorated with numerous ornaments and patterns, which only added to the beauty. - So, I think it is worth introducing some individuals to each other, - said Kreidel, after which he looked in our direction. - To our guests from the imperial guard, I would like to introduce first of all Radoslav Cerinski, commander of the torpedo department, - the aforementioned gray-haired man with a massive square face stood up and made a slight nod. - Next to him is Desior Tirnil, the chief artilleryman, and the commanders of four batteries of macro-guns: Vladislav Kerzen, Shert Nerol, Timur Tergosh and Drivin Fichtas, - all five stood up and also bowed. - Also Genver Trovisto, the chief helmsman. And lastly, Meklen de Vinqua, commander of the midshipmen. To them, in turn, I would like to introduce the commander of the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment of the Imperial Guard, Colonel Vermand Sherkin, his deputy, Major Sebastian Verkis, and the regimental commissar Augustin Merzelius," the three of us also rose and bowed. "As I understand, your regimental ecclesiarch and psyker were unable to arrive." "Yes, captain," Vermand replied. "His Holiness has decided to hold a daily prayer service for the blessing of our path through the Immaterium, and Winston Rafkan is currently in the ship's hospital, suffering from a severe migraine." "I understand," said the captain. "Please convey my wishes for his recovery." "By all means, captain." "Well, and now, as is tradition, the first toast," after these words, the captain opened the bottle and began to fill the glass with some orange liquid. The others present began to do the same, so I decided to keep up with them. "I want to raise this glass to the fact that we were able to safely continue our journey, and may the Emperor save us from it being interrupted again. To a successful continuation!"Welcome to this modest banquet. Erwin von Kreydel, the ship's captain, stood near the golden throne at the very end of the table. To his right stood the first mate, Arthur Gilthoris, along with the chief petty officer, Otto Brakier. Opposite the first mate stood the ship's commissar, Melz Rengor, looking at us all with his slightly frightening cybernetic eye, and next to him was the astropath Sigismund Moicegron, whose name I could still remember. Also standing near the table were a couple of other people I had never seen before. Everyone present was dressed in civilian dress clothes - after all, this was a simple social dinner, and not a celebration of some military victory. "Thank you, Captain Kreydel," the colonel said, walking up to his place. The three of us walked to the last three empty seats, where everything was already set, and began to wait. "I think we can begin." Please, sit down, - everyone immediately sat down in their places, and I began to examine the dishes that were in front of me. Everything was made of silver, there was no doubt about it. Moreover, all the dishes were decorated with numerous ornaments and patterns, which only added to the beauty. - So, I think it is worth introducing some individuals to each other, - said Kreidel, after which he looked in our direction. - To our guests from the imperial guard, I would like to introduce first of all Radoslav Cerinski, commander of the torpedo department, - the aforementioned gray-haired man with a massive square face stood up and made a slight nod. - Next to him is Desior Tirnil, the chief artilleryman, and the commanders of four batteries of macro-guns: Vladislav Kerzen, Shert Nerol, Timur Tergosh and Drivin Fichtas, - all five stood up and also bowed. - Also Genver Trovisto, the chief helmsman. And lastly, Meklen de Vinqua, commander of the midshipmen. To them, in turn, I would like to introduce the commander of the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment of the Imperial Guard, Colonel Vermand Sherkin, his deputy, Major Sebastian Verkis, and the regimental commissar Augustin Merzelius," the three of us also rose and bowed. "As I understand, your regimental ecclesiarch and psyker were unable to arrive." "Yes, captain," Vermand replied. "His Holiness has decided to hold a daily prayer service for the blessing of our path through the Immaterium, and Winston Rafkan is currently in the ship's hospital, suffering from a severe migraine." "I understand," said the captain. "Please convey my wishes for his recovery." "By all means, captain." "Well, and now, as is tradition, the first toast," after these words, the captain opened the bottle and began to fill the glass with some orange liquid. The others present began to do the same, so I decided to keep up with them. "I want to raise this glass to the fact that we were able to safely continue our journey, and may the Emperor save us from it being interrupted again. To a successful continuation!"stood next to a golden throne at the very end of the table. To his right stood the First Mate, Arthur Gilthoris, along with the Chief Petty Officer, Otto Breaker. Opposite the First Mate stood the ship's commissar, Melz Rengor, looking at us all with his slightly frightening cybernetic eye, and next to him was the astropath Sigismund Moicegron, whose name I could still remember. Also standing near the table were a couple of other people I was seeing for the first time. Everyone present was dressed in civilian dress clothes - after all, this was a simple social dinner, and not a celebration of some military victory. "Thank you, Captain Kreidel," the colonel responded, approaching his place. The three of us walked over to the last three empty seats, where everything was already set, and began to wait. "I think we can begin." Please, sit down, - everyone immediately sat down in their places, and I began to examine the dishes that were in front of me. Everything was made of silver, there was no doubt about it. Moreover, all the dishes were decorated with numerous ornaments and patterns, which only added to the beauty. - So, I think it is worth introducing some individuals to each other, - said Kreidel, after which he looked in our direction. - To our guests from the imperial guard, I would like to introduce first of all Radoslav Cerinski, commander of the torpedo department, - the aforementioned gray-haired man with a massive square face stood up and made a slight nod. - Next to him is Desior Tirnil, the chief artilleryman, and the commanders of four batteries of macro-guns: Vladislav Kerzen, Shert Nerol, Timur Tergosh and Drivin Fichtas, - all five stood up and also bowed. - Also Genver Trovisto, the chief helmsman. And lastly, Meklen de Vinqua, commander of the midshipmen. To them, in turn, I would like to introduce the commander of the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment of the Imperial Guard, Colonel Vermand Sherkin, his deputy, Major Sebastian Verkis, and the regimental commissar Augustin Merzelius," the three of us also rose and bowed. "As I understand, your regimental ecclesiarch and psyker were unable to arrive." "Yes, captain," Vermand replied. "His Holiness has decided to hold a daily prayer service for the blessing of our path through the Immaterium, and Winston Rafkan is currently in the ship's hospital, suffering from a severe migraine." "I understand," said the captain. "Please convey my wishes for his recovery." "By all means, captain." "Well, and now, as is tradition, the first toast," after these words, the captain opened the bottle and began to fill the glass with some orange liquid. The others present began to do the same, so I decided to keep up with them. "I want to raise this glass to the fact that we were able to safely continue our journey, and may the Emperor save us from it being interrupted again. To a successful continuation!"stood next to a golden throne at the very end of the table. To his right stood the First Mate, Arthur Gilthoris, along with the Chief Petty Officer, Otto Breaker. Opposite the First Mate stood the ship's commissar, Melz Rengor, looking at us all with his slightly frightening cybernetic eye, and next to him was the astropath Sigismund Moicegron, whose name I could still remember. Also standing near the table were a couple of other people I was seeing for the first time. Everyone present was dressed in civilian dress clothes - after all, this was a simple social dinner, and not a celebration of some military victory. "Thank you, Captain Kreidel," the colonel responded, approaching his place. The three of us walked over to the last three empty seats, where everything was already set, and began to wait. "I think we can begin." Please, sit down, - everyone immediately sat down in their places, and I began to examine the dishes that were in front of me. Everything was made of silver, there was no doubt about it. Moreover, all the dishes were decorated with numerous ornaments and patterns, which only added to the beauty. - So, I think it is worth introducing some individuals to each other, - said Kreidel, after which he looked in our direction. - To our guests from the imperial guard, I would like to introduce first of all Radoslav Cerinski, commander of the torpedo department, - the aforementioned gray-haired man with a massive square face stood up and made a slight nod. - Next to him is Desior Tirnil, the chief artilleryman, and the commanders of four batteries of macro-guns: Vladislav Kerzen, Shert Nerol, Timur Tergosh and Drivin Fichtas, - all five stood up and also bowed. - Also Genver Trovisto, the chief helmsman. And lastly, Meklen de Vinqua, commander of the midshipmen. To them, in turn, I would like to introduce the commander of the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment of the Imperial Guard, Colonel Vermand Sherkin, his deputy, Major Sebastian Verkis, and the regimental commissar Augustin Merzelius," the three of us also rose and bowed. "As I understand, your regimental ecclesiarch and psyker were unable to arrive." "Yes, captain," Vermand replied. "His Holiness has decided to hold a daily prayer service for the blessing of our path through the Immaterium, and Winston Rafkan is currently in the ship's hospital, suffering from a severe migraine." "I understand," said the captain. "Please convey my wishes for his recovery." "By all means, captain." "Well, and now, as is tradition, the first toast," after these words, the captain opened the bottle and began to fill the glass with some orange liquid. The others present began to do the same, so I decided to keep up with them. "I want to raise this glass to the fact that we were able to safely continue our journey, and may the Emperor save us from it being interrupted again. To a successful continuation!"looking at us all with his slightly frightening cybernetic eye, and next to him was the astropath Sigismund Moicegron, whose last name I was still able to remember. Also standing near the table were a couple of other people I was seeing for the first time. All those present were dressed in civilian dress clothes - after all, this was a simple social dinner, and not a celebration of some military victory. - Thank you, Captain Kreidel, - the colonel responded, approaching his seat. The three of us approached the last three free seats, where everything was already set out, and began to wait. - I think we can begin. Please, sit down, - everyone immediately sat down in their seats, and I began to examine the dishes that were in front of me. Everything was made of silver, there was no doubt about it. Moreover, all the dishes were decorated with numerous ornaments and patterns, which only added to the beauty. "So, I think it's worth introducing some of the individuals to each other," Kreidel said, then looked in our direction. "To our guests from the Imperial Guard, I would like to introduce first of all Radoslav Cerinski, commander of the torpedo section," the said gray-haired man with a massive square face rose and made a slight nod. "Next to him is Desior Tirnil, chief artilleryman, and the commanders of the four macro-gun batteries: Vladislav Kerzen, Shert Nerol, Timur Tergosh and Drivin Fichtas," all five rose and also bowed. "Also Guenver Trovisto, chief helmsman. And lastly, Meklen de Vinqua, commander of the midshipmen. To them, in turn, I would like to introduce the commander of the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment of the Imperial Guard, Colonel Vermand Sherkin, his deputy, Major Sebastian Verkis, and the regimental commissar Augustin Merzelius," the three of us also rose and bowed. "As I understand it, your regimental ecclesiarch and psyker were unable to arrive." "Yes, captain," Vermand replied. "His Holiness has decided to hold a 24-hour prayer service to bless our journey through the Immaterium, and Winston Rafkan is currently in the ship's hospital, suffering from a severe migraine." "I understand," the captain said. "Please convey my wishes for his recovery." "By all means, captain." "Well, and now, as is tradition, the first toast," after these words, the captain opened a bottle and began to fill a glass with some orange liquid. The others present began to do the same, so I decided to keep up with them. — I want to raise this glass to the fact that we were able to safely continue our journey, and may the Emperor save us from it being interrupted again. To a successful continuation!looking at us all with his slightly frightening cybernetic eye, and next to him was the astropath Sigismund Moicegron, whose last name I was still able to remember. Also standing near the table were a couple of other people I was seeing for the first time. All those present were dressed in civilian dress clothes - after all, this was a simple social dinner, and not a celebration of some military victory. - Thank you, Captain Kreidel, - the colonel responded, approaching his seat. The three of us approached the last three free seats, where everything was already set out, and began to wait. - I think we can begin. Please, sit down, - everyone immediately sat down in their seats, and I began to examine the dishes that were in front of me. Everything was made of silver, there was no doubt about it. Moreover, all the dishes were decorated with numerous ornaments and patterns, which only added to the beauty. "So, I think it's worth introducing some of the individuals to each other," Kreidel said, then looked in our direction. "To our guests from the Imperial Guard, I would like to introduce first of all Radoslav Cerinski, commander of the torpedo section," the said gray-haired man with a massive square face rose and made a slight nod. "Next to him is Desior Tirnil, chief artilleryman, and the commanders of the four macro-gun batteries: Vladislav Kerzen, Shert Nerol, Timur Tergosh and Drivin Fichtas," all five rose and also bowed. "Also Guenver Trovisto, chief helmsman. And lastly, Meklen de Vinqua, commander of the midshipmen. To them, in turn, I would like to introduce the commander of the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment of the Imperial Guard, Colonel Vermand Sherkin, his deputy, Major Sebastian Verkis, and the regimental commissar Augustin Merzelius," the three of us also rose and bowed. "As I understand it, your regimental ecclesiarch and psyker were unable to arrive." "Yes, captain," Vermand replied. "His Holiness has decided to hold a 24-hour prayer service to bless our journey through the Immaterium, and Winston Rafkan is currently in the ship's hospital, suffering from a severe migraine." "I understand," the captain said. "Please convey my wishes for his recovery." "By all means, captain." "Well, and now, as is tradition, the first toast," after these words, the captain opened a bottle and began to fill a glass with some orange liquid. The others present began to do the same, so I decided to keep up with them. — I want to raise this glass to the fact that we were able to safely continue our journey, and may the Emperor save us from it being interrupted again. To a successful continuation!"Captain Kreidel," the colonel responded, approaching his place. The three of us approached the last three empty seats, where everything was already set, and began to wait. "I think we can begin. Please, sit down," everyone immediately sat down in their seats, and I began to examine the dishes that were in front of me. Everything was made of silver, there was no doubt about it. Moreover, all the dishes were decorated with numerous ornaments and patterns, which only added to the beauty. "So, I think it's worth introducing some of the personalities to each other," Kreidel said, then looked in our direction. "First of all, I would like to introduce to our guests from the Imperial Guard Radoslaw Cerinski, commander of the torpedo department," the aforementioned gray-haired man with a massive square face stood up and gave a slight nod. — Next to him is Desior Tirnil, the chief gunner, and the commanders of the four macro-gun batteries: Vladislav Kerzen, Shert Nerol, Timur Tergosh and Drivin Fichtas, — all five rose and also bowed. — Also, Genver Trovisto, the chief helmsman. And lastly, Meklen de Vinqua, the commander of the midshipmen. To them, in turn, I would like to introduce the commander of the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment of the Imperial Guard, Colonel Vermand Sherkin, his deputy, Major Sebastian Verkis, and the regimental commissar Augustin Merzelius, — all three of us also rose and bowed. — As I understand it, your regimental ecclesiarch and psyker were unable to arrive. — Yes, captain, — Vermand replied. — His Holiness has decided to hold a daily prayer service for the blessing of our journey through the Immaterium, and Winston Rafkan is currently in the ship's hospital, suffering from a severe migraine. — I understand, — said the captain. — Give him my best wishes for a speedy recovery. — Certainly, captain. — Well, and now, as is tradition, the first toast, — after these words, the captain opened the bottle and began to fill the glass with some orange liquid. The others present began to do the same, so I decided to keep up with them. — I want to raise this glass to the fact that we were able to safely continue our journey, and may the Emperor save us from it being interrupted again. To a successful continuation!"Captain Kreidel," the colonel responded, approaching his place. The three of us approached the last three empty seats, where everything was already set, and began to wait. "I think we can begin. Please, sit down," everyone immediately sat down in their seats, and I began to examine the dishes that were in front of me. Everything was made of silver, there was no doubt about it. Moreover, all the dishes were decorated with numerous ornaments and patterns, which only added to the beauty. "So, I think it's worth introducing some of the personalities to each other," Kreidel said, then looked in our direction. "First of all, I would like to introduce to our guests from the Imperial Guard Radoslaw Cerinski, commander of the torpedo department," the aforementioned gray-haired man with a massive square face stood up and gave a slight nod. — Next to him is Desior Tirnil, the chief gunner, and the commanders of the four macro-gun batteries: Vladislav Kerzen, Shert Nerol, Timur Tergosh and Drivin Fichtas, — all five rose and also bowed. — Also, Genver Trovisto, the chief helmsman. And lastly, Meklen de Vinqua, the commander of the midshipmen. To them, in turn, I would like to introduce the commander of the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment of the Imperial Guard, Colonel Vermand Sherkin, his deputy, Major Sebastian Verkis, and the regimental commissar Augustin Merzelius, — all three of us also rose and bowed. — As I understand it, your regimental ecclesiarch and psyker were unable to arrive. — Yes, captain, — Vermand replied. — His Holiness has decided to hold a daily prayer service for the blessing of our journey through the Immaterium, and Winston Rafkan is currently in the ship's hospital, suffering from a severe migraine. — I understand, — said the captain. — Give him my best wishes for a speedy recovery. — Certainly, captain. — Well, and now, as is tradition, the first toast, — after these words, the captain opened the bottle and began to fill the glass with some orange liquid. The others present began to do the same, so I decided to keep up with them. — I want to raise this glass to the fact that we were able to safely continue our journey, and may the Emperor save us from it being interrupted again. To a successful continuation!— the named grey-haired man with a massive square face rose and made a slight nod. — Next to him is Desior Tirnil, the chief artilleryman, and the commanders of the four macro-gun batteries: Vladislav Kerzen, Shert Nerol, Timur Tergosh and Drivin Fichtas — all five rose and also bowed. — Also Genver Trovisto, the chief helmsman. And lastly, Meklen de Vinqua, the commander of the midshipmen. To them, in turn, I would like to introduce the commander of the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment of the Imperial Guard, Colonel Vermand Sherkin, his deputy, Major Sebastian Verkis, and the regimental commissar Augustin Merzelius — all three of us also rose and bowed. — As I understand it, your regimental ecclesiarch and psyker were unable to arrive. — Yes, captain, — Vermand answered. — His Holiness has decided to hold a daily prayer service for the blessing of our journey through the Immaterium, and Winston Rafkan is currently in the ship's hospital, suffering from a severe migraine. — I understand, — said the captain. — Give him my best wishes for a speedy recovery. — Certainly, captain. — Well, and now, as is tradition, the first toast, — after these words, the captain opened the bottle and began to fill the glass with some orange liquid. The others present began to do the same, so I decided to keep up with them. — I want to raise this glass to the fact that we were able to safely continue our journey, and may the Emperor save us from it being interrupted again. To a successful continuation!— the named grey-haired man with a massive square face rose and made a slight nod. — Next to him is Desior Tirnil, the chief artilleryman, and the commanders of the four macro-gun batteries: Vladislav Kerzen, Shert Nerol, Timur Tergosh and Drivin Fichtas — all five rose and also bowed. — Also Genver Trovisto, the chief helmsman. And lastly, Meklen de Vinqua, the commander of the midshipmen. To them, in turn, I would like to introduce the commander of the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment of the Imperial Guard, Colonel Vermand Sherkin, his deputy, Major Sebastian Verkis, and the regimental commissar Augustin Merzelius — all three of us also rose and bowed. — As I understand it, your regimental ecclesiarch and psyker were unable to arrive. — Yes, captain, — Vermand answered. — His Holiness has decided to hold a daily prayer service for the blessing of our journey through the Immaterium, and Winston Rafkan is currently in the ship's hospital, suffering from a severe migraine. — I understand, — said the captain. — Give him my best wishes for a speedy recovery. — Certainly, captain. — Well, and now, as is tradition, the first toast, — after these words, the captain opened the bottle and began to fill the glass with some orange liquid. The others present began to do the same, so I decided to keep up with them. — I want to raise this glass to the fact that we were able to safely continue our journey, and may the Emperor save us from it being interrupted again. To a successful continuation!
"To a successful continuation!" we all exclaimed and drained our glasses in one gulp. The fiery liquid immediately scorched our throats and then our stomachs. After that, I, along with everyone else, immediately opened the silver lid on the plate in front of me. Under it was a huge piece of fried meat, poured with burgundy sauce and sprinkled with red seasoning. Next to it was a side dish of some vegetables and mushrooms. All this exuded a truly magnificent aroma, from which the feeling of hunger made itself known with renewed vigor. The guests began to eat, and I did not deny myself this. The taste of this meat was even better than it looked. It literally melted in the mouth, and the sauce and spices added piquancy. "Holy Emperor…" said the chief artilleryman as soon as he swallowed the first piece. "Captain, your cook, as always, tried his best. This meat is simply magnificent." "I completely agree with you, Desior," the captain supported. — He says that this is an old recipe of his family, which they have kept for over five hundred years. Moreover, he does not allow anyone to even watch the cooking process, he does everything himself: marinade, meat, garnish, sauce. — And how long has he been cooking for you? — Verkis decided to inquire. — Almost as long as I have been captain of this ship — a good thirty-five years. And during this time, he has never made me doubt myself. Unlike others… — Others? — the colonel asked again, while I began to work on the garnish. — Yes, before Vitaly I had another cook, Emezio. This bastard took money from a family that was at odds with me, I will not mention their name, and tried to poison me, put poison in the meat. And not a simple poison, but a slow one, from which I was supposed to die in my sleep, supposedly a "brain hemorrhage" and all that. But he made a mistake somewhere, and the poison worked earlier. They managed to revive me, and I spent a week in a coma, and then spent another two weeks in rehabilitation. - As I understand it, you took full revenge on the cook? - the major said again. - You bet. I threw him out the airlock, and that was the end of it, - the captain said with a smile from ear to ear, throwing another piece of meat into his mouth and eating vegetables. - But let's not talk about old affairs, we had some pleasant things happen the other day. Commissioner Merzelius. I must admit, you surprised me when you settled the conflict with your subordinate and those two idiot drug addicts. Another person in your place would not have interfered, or would have shot them himself. - And why? - I asked in a surprised voice. - As my teacher at the Schola said: "The navy has its own rules and its own problems. And the last thing they need is another problem in the form of you." So I decided to let the highly respected Commissar Rengor handle this matter, and decided to rein in my subordinate. "And I am very grateful to you for this," Meltz said in his low, slightly hoarse voice, looking at me. The thought suddenly occurred to me that this was the first time I had ever said a word to him.— These two are very talented officers, so a few tours in the kitchen were quite enough for them. — That will certainly teach them a lesson, — said the captain. — Well, I propose another drink. Lieutenant Giltoris, please. — Thank you, captain, — answered Arthur, after which he began to fill his glass, and the others, including me, did not lag behind him. — Well, I would like to raise this glass to this ship, which has already survived many battles and is currently transporting all of us across the Sea of Souls. To the Count Alejandro Olivares! — To the Count Alejandro Olivares! — everyone exclaimed and immediately drained their glasses. I was already starting to worry — how not to get drunk as hell. Yes, the drink was not very strong, but it was still alcoholic. As the saying goes: "Even beer can get you drunk." — Colonel Sherkin, — said the first mate, apparently deciding to start a new conversation. — Yes, Lieutenant? — You know, many of your soldiers tell wonderful stories about your lasgun, one more beautiful than the other. Of course, I don't like to listen to all sorts of gossip, but there's no smoke without fire. — Ah, I understand what you mean, — the colonel answered. — Let me put it this way, my lasgun is truly unusual. After all, I'm a guardsman for the seventh generation, and all this time the lasgun has been passed down from generation to generation. It belonged to my distant great-great-grandfather and has been working like clockwork ever since. — How old is it, then? — the ship's captain decided to inquire. — Two hundred and seventeen, captain. That's how many years ago my great-great-grandfather received this lasgun at the military academy, — Sherkin said with undisguised pride, putting another piece of meat in his mouth. — Do you remember this date so well? — the captain said with slight surprise. — Yes, captain. On Retrogan, we very vigilantly preserve the memory of the military exploits of our ancestors, their relics, and histories. It's a long-standing tradition. That's why so many families have some special item." "And they don't keep them in museums?" the first mate decided to ask. "Not at all," the colonel said curtly. "Weapons shouldn't gather dust behind some glass case, they should kill the enemies of the Imperium. Yes, they can get lost on the battlefield, but there's nothing wrong with that. What's bad is when the enemy takes these weapons and turns them against the Imperium." "That's really bad," the captain said. "Especially bad when the enemy turns the Imperium's ships against it. Believe me, I know that." "Have there been any cases, captain?" the colonel asked. Apparently, he enjoyed talking to the captain. "Yes… One. Our duel with a Lunar-class cruiser that was captured by cultists of one of the deities of the Unholy Powers. I won't say his name while sailing through the warp, but I can say that the cultists of this deity are very… concerned individuals. I think you know what I mean, there was no point in asking the captain again. It was immediately clear to me who he was talking about, but saying the name of this deity while in the warp is really stupid. Maybe,"It's just a superstition, but the captain, with more experience, knew better." "Well, that day the Alejandro was turned into a sieve. Most of the guns failed, seventy percent of the crew died, but we still managed to destroy those creatures. The ship then spent five years in repair docks. But since then, it has not known a single defeat, and this for fifteen years. Frankly, it's all thanks to the repairs. New engines, new void shield generators and new macro-weapons - all this works like clockwork," the captain was clearly incredibly proud of his ship, and one could understand him. After all, he literally lived here, crossing the warp for weeks. Here, anyone would treat their ship as something more than just a means of transportation and war. "But we will have time to talk about this later. In the meantime, I think we can move on to the third toast. Commissar Rengor, please."
"Thank you, Captain," Meltz replied. Everyone quickly filled their glasses and listened attentively to the ship's commissar. "I propose that we raise our glasses to the one thanks to whom our ship was able to continue its journey and who saved all our lives. To Magos Archimedes Arival!" "To Magos Archimedes Arival!" everyone exclaimed. Of all people, it was the Magos who certainly deserved honor and respect for his, without exaggeration, feat. If it weren't for him, I and everyone else wouldn't be sitting here. "By the way, Colonel," Kreidel continued. "You said that the people of Retrogan keep stories about the military exploits of their ancestors. Can you tell us one of them?" "With great pleasure, Captain," Vermand replied. His voice suggested that the alcohol was already affecting him, albeit not very strongly. And I began to feel my body a little lighter, which clearly indicated to me that I was slightly intoxicated. — It happened to my father, Tongath Sherkin, during the Gaidafan campaign. He was a private then. His company was surrounded in a small village on a hill, there was no communication. In general, they decided to defend themselves. At first, the orks attacked in scattered groups, which were easily destroyed. Then reinforcements arrived, led by the warboss himself, and after that the greenskins began to use tactics: they began to advance in a united front from all sides. The first wave was sent gretchins, there were several thousand of them. Then, when the gretchins were killed, ordinary fighters went. There were already fewer of them, a couple of hundred. Although with difficulty, this wave was repelled, after which the warboss decided to personally finish off my father's company. He had such armor that neither a lasgun nor a heavy bolter could penetrate it, so he moved forward without stopping. Many of the guardsmen had already died, the rest had begun to retreat deeper into the village, but my father remained steadfast behind the remains of the fence that served as a barricade. While shooting at that orc, he was still able to see its weak point - its jaw. It was not covered by armor, and my father decided to stay to let the creature get closer. And so, when the warboss came almost right up to him, saw my father, swung his axe at him and screamed at the top of his voice, my father shot him right in the open mouth. The orc stood there for a couple of seconds, and then fell dead. The rest of the greenskins were taken aback by this, and then ran back, their heels sparkling. There was a deathly silence in the banquet hall. The colonel spoke so vividly and vividly, while actively gesticulating, that everyone present listened to him, forgetting about food. After a few seconds, everyone began to come to their senses. I noticed that I was clutching my fork and knife so tightly from excitement that my knuckles were white. "An impressive story, Colonel," the captain said without a trace of falsehood. "The Emperor knows that your father was a brave man." "That's true. In his thirty years of service, he accomplished many feats, just like his ancestors," the colonel said with the same pride. "By the way, Colonel," Lieutenant Giltoris decided to continue the conversation.— You took part in the Battle of Merkon, didn't you? — after this question the colonel's face changed dramatically. The smile disappeared from his face, and his eyes dropped to the almost empty plate. It was immediately obvious that this was a sore subject. — On Merkon we... suffered a defeat. The Orks outsmarted us and managed to defeat us. After that, the major, I and a couple dozen other survivors were transferred to a regiment of recruits, — the colonel spoke in such a voice that goosebumps ran down my spine. I understood perfectly well that the situation needed to be saved, but it had to be done within the rules of decency. And this could be done in only one way. "Don't talk about it... Don't talk about it... Don't talk about it..." — I began to say this to myself, while looking piercingly at the astropath. My only hope was that he would hear my words with the help of his abilities. And my actions, it seemed, were successful. The astropath straightened up, turned his head towards the captain and slightly, almost imperceptibly, turned his head from side to side. "Yes, a tragic page in the history of the Imperium, may the God-Emperor rest the souls of the fallen," the captain, who, apparently, understood Sigismund's sign, folded his hands in the sign of the aquila, after which everyone else sitting at the table did the same. "But let's not talk about sad things today. I propose another drink. Cerinski, please." "Thank you…" I said when I realized that an awkward situation had been avoided. Looking at the astropath, I saw a slight smile on his face, which certainly meant one thing: he had heard me. "Well, gentlemen," Radoslav began when everyone had filled their glasses. "I would like to raise our glasses to those who have become our guests for these past few weeks. To those who protect the worlds of the Imperium of Man from countless threats. To those who still have everything ahead of them. To the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment! - To the Fifteenth Verlon Regiment! - everyone exclaimed. Another glass heated everything inside me even more, but I was still able to control myself. - And now, gentlemen, I think we can start on the second course, - everyone immediately pushed away the already empty plates and opened new ones. Under them was a porridge of round grains of a golden-yellow color, in which lay many pieces of meat. All this was poured with a black, like resin, sauce and exuded a sharp, but pleasant aroma. "The cook here knows a lot about cooking ..." - I thought, after which I tried the dish. It tasted like pilaf, and the sauce added spiciness. - Gentlemen, I would like to tell you one story, - said the captain, in whom, judging by his voice, alcohol was already starting to play. — It happened ten years ago, when we were accompanying the One Hundred and Twenty-Seventh Vostroyan Regiment… And then the dinner went on as usual. The captain shared his stories, the rest of the ship's crew made various toasts, and I still couldn't enjoy the food — it was too delicious. Now I began to understand why the captain was so overweight.But there was one person who did worry me. The Colonel. After the Battle of Merkon he seemed to have withdrawn into himself. He sat there with a stony face and glassy, staring eyes, not laughing or repeating the toasts. All he did was eat, drink, and raise his glass when necessary. The memories of those events were too painful for him, and it was not a good thing. I had to figure out how serious his problems were with all this, because he was almost the only hope the regiment had for survival thanks to real combat experience.
"Okay, I'll sort it out after the banquet. There's time before we arrive on Akitos…" I decided, and continued listening to the captain. "He's already preparing to go to warp, there are a few seconds left before the jump, and then a single torpedo that they couldn't shoot down crashes into him. It pierces the reactor compartment and explodes right there. A second, and the ship disappears in a bright ball of hot plasma," the captain paused dramatically, immersing himself for a moment in the memories of that battle. "That's how we destroyed the Forge of Fury that day. I'll never forget that day." "You have a rich past, captain," the major noted. "But with such merits, why haven't you become an admiral yet?" "Why would I need that?" Kreidel retorted. "Being an admiral means managing an entire fleet and trying to hold on to your place." Moreover, admirals should be more strategists than tacticians, planning the course of campaigns and deciding which planets to save and which not. And I will tactfully keep silent about the number of reports. I do not want to get involved in all this. I like to command my ship, giving dozens of small orders every minute, and monitor the progress of each battle through a holo-projector - this is what I do best. So I will not be an admiral, let others fight for this chair. - Surprisingly, - Sebastian answered as soon as he drank his fifth oyster and put the empty shell on a plate. - I always thought that in the navy everyone only dreams of an admiral's uniform. - You are not far from the truth. The higher the position, the more intense the struggle for it, it has always been, is and will be. But not everyone is like that, I know at least a few more captains who, like me, are not going to become admirals, but let's not talk about them now. Let's move on to dessert. After these words, everyone immediately opened the last plates. There was a small chocolate cake with nuts. But it began to seem to me that I could not fit any more. Moreover, the alcohol was playing in me at full blast, and I made a great effort to remain silent, despite the great desire to start telling my stories, which were basically inappropriate here. So I began to eat the cake in silence, hoping that dinner would soon be over. - Major Verkis, do you have any interesting stories? - asked the captain, swallowing the first piece of cake. - You are also a seasoned guardsman. - Of course I do, captain. I remember an incident on Roangal, about ten years ago. There was an uprising of heretics there, so we were sent to sort it all out. We land, and there is complete disgrace - the planet is captured, only the capital with a spaceport is holding out, the PDF almost does not exist, there is no fleet. Well, we start thinking about how to sort this whole thing out... A strange feeling in my throat prevented me from listening further. Each breath became more and more difficult, and soon there was practically no air. I began to breathe quickly, trying to catch at least a little air, which was difficult.Everyone present was already looking at me with a puzzled look, while I immediately realized what had happened. "T-t-toooort…" I croaked, after which I fell powerlessly face down into the chocolate dessert. "Damn it… A DOCTOR!!!" I heard the captain's voice on the edge of my consciousness, after which I completely lost consciousness.
— Igor…
— Igor, I'm here…
In the middle of the pitch darkness there was only her…
The one who became my other half…
She was looking at me… So bright…
But sad at the same time…
— I miss you, Igor…
— Why did you leave me?
After that I fell… Fell onto the tracks… She looked at me with her sad, tearful gaze from the platform, standing behind that same brunette…
— Why? Why did you do that?
I couldn't answer. The train, that same ill-fated train, rushed past me, causing a severe pain to rush through my throat again…
— Ah! Screaming, I instantly came to. There was still a strange, almost imperceptible sharp pain in my throat, but it disappeared almost immediately. "Nightmares again…" I thought. In the two weeks I spent here, I had them only three times, but each time I shuddered in a cold sweat. There was only one way to escape them: load yourself with work and then fall asleep. But the most disgusting thing was that I remembered every dream in detail and it constantly made me think about my past life. I loved Lena. And she loved me. Starting from the second year, we were an inseparable couple. And after graduating from medical school, I wanted to start a family with her. But it was not destined to come true. I died and was reborn where I least wanted it. And all that was left for me was to come to terms with it, which I still could not do fully. In words - yes, but subconsciously - still no. Looking around, I realized that I was in the medical block. In the same medical block where I was treated after the incident on the lower decks. I was covered with a white sheet, and the only clothes I had on were underwear. With me here was only Mikhail Vemtigrit, a doctor who was already familiar to me, the head of this medical block. "We finally woke up," said Mikhail, coming up to me.
"Good afternoon, Doctor," I greeted, finally coming to my senses. "More like good evening, Commissar. You've been lying here for a day," Mikhail corrected me, smiling at me. "What happened to me?" I decided to ask the question that was most worrying me so far. "Anaphylactic shock. You're allergic to nuts. It's good that the captain ordered me to be near the banquet hall with everything I needed." "Allergy?" I asked, a little surprised. "Unexpected." "I see you didn't know anything about it. This often happens before the first encounter with an allergen. Apparently, you've never eaten nuts before," Mikhail explained, although I understood everything perfectly well myself. After all, I graduated from medical school. "It's quite possible. The Schola doesn't have the greatest variety of food," I answered, making it all up on the fly. I myself had no idea what they fed in the Schola Progenium. "I understand. I'll inform your regimental doctors about the allergy so that they are aware." And one more thing, Commissar," with these words Vemtigrit took three plastic objects out of his pocket that looked like a felt-tip pen. "These are auto-injectors with medicine. It should be injected if something like this happens again, it will relieve anaphylactic shock. A reliable remedy. I understand that you won't be eating nuts anymore, but sometimes you may come across dishes in which nuts are not visible, but are present. So let's have them, just in case." "Thank you, Doctor. Thank you for everything," I thanked Vemtigrit, who, no more and no less, saved my life. "You're welcome," Mikhail replied, after which he turned around and headed to his desk. I looked around again and almost immediately found my dress and service clothes. Quickly putting on the second one and taking the first one in my hands, I headed for the exit from the medical block. "Goodbye, Doctor," I said goodbye to the doctor. "Goodbye, Commissar." "And may the Emperor protect you," he replied, after which I went out into the ship's corridor. On the way to the cabin, I began to think hard about everything that had happened. The most unexpected thing for me was the allergy. Yes, I knew perfectly well that they would find out about it by accident, but I could not even imagine that this body would have it. Although, on the other hand, it could have been worse. Fortunately, after living for two weeks, I realized that I did not have this "worse", so I could calm down. But there was another thing that seriously worried me: the colonel's mental wound. At dinner, he clearly restrained himself so as not to say anything unnecessary to the first mate, but it was obvious that the topic was very sore. I did not like this at all. He himself said that after that defeat he was sent to this regiment of recruits, and this meant that he had never been in battle. And now the question arose - how exactly would the colonel behave at his first meeting with the orcs against whom we were flying to fight? Would he go berserk? Would he go into hysterics and force me to condemn him? One could only guess. "Okay, I'll deal with this later. There's still time…" I said to myself, deciding,that it was not worth touching Vermand for now, after which he headed towards his cabin along the already familiar corridors of the Alejandro Olivares.