The diplomatic station slowly faded behind the Ulix shuttle as it accelerated into open space. Inside the vessel, the atmosphere was far more relaxed than it had been during the talk.
Simon, though he was successful in the talks and got what he desperately needed, still felt pissed off. It was possibly related to why he did not want to spend any more time at that place, smiling with Wein.
He stood near the forward viewing window, his hands clasped behind his back, in front of him his fleet and army waiting. One of the officers behind him finally spoke, a data pad in hand.
"My lord, the ceasefire agreement draft is ready for you to review."
Simon took it and began reading through the draft. After a few minutes he nodded in agreement.
"Good. Finalise the documentation so I can sign. Where is my daughter?" he asked.
"Lady Andrea is in the quarters room" replied the officer.
Simon turned and walked away.
Andrea sat alone in the room, there was one guard assigned to her and even he could see the worry on the girl. She was quiet almost as if she was finding a way to accept her new fate.
She understood her role, a tool to be used by her father who had many children and would not mind losing one. Despite this hostage situation, she could not guarantee her father would not break the agreement thereby forfeiting her life.
If there was one consolation, it was that she carried her father's blood, and he would not so recklessly put her life at risk.
She let out a quiet sigh when the room's doors chimed and opened. Simon entered, his face did not bring any comfort to her. She rose up to receive her father who opened up his arms to hug her.
"I am proud of you daughter, you have saved this family from losing a lot" he said as he rubbed his hand at the back.
After he pulled back to see her face and his voice was a mix of sympathy and serious at the same time.
"You understand what your role is, correct?"
Andrea nodded.
"Yes father."
"You will remain with House Voss for the foreseeable future" Simon began. "I want you to establish a connection and relationship with the young lord. If you catch his heart even better, you will be contributing more to your family than your elder sisters ever have."
Andrea remained silent, listening.
"Remember," continued Simon. "you are not merely a guarantee for the agreement. You are still a daughter of Ulix. You may live with them, assist them but loyalty does not lie with Voss, your loyalty is to this family to the blood that runs deep through your veins."
Simon's gaze hardened slightly.
"You will observe Wein Voss, watch how he governs, how he leads and everything that occurs in his home and know everything. Should the time come you will relay to me his weaknesses. Do you understand?"
Andrea lowered her head in acknowledgement. Then Simon returned to his sympathetic, doting-parent smile.
"Oh my daughter, I did not want to send you to the den of filthy common born but everything is for the family."
Andrea could only stand there and received another hug from her 'loving father' while she knew better.
"Return home and say goodbye to your siblings and return immediately while I settle things here. I'll send you enough funds to live as a noble even in their backwards world. Now get ready the ship is waiting to take you home."
***
A few days later back on Velmora.
Atop Wein's mansion in Eclipseon, a small expensive aircraft slowly descended through the clear afternoon sky before settling gently onto the landing platform.
Several guards from House Voss were already waiting when the doors were opened with a soft mechanical hiss. Andrea stepped out first, she wore a black noble dress that ended just above her knees with a small pin that had the crest of House Ulix.
Behind her two attendants followed, carrying sealed cases.
The wind brushed lightly against her red hair as she looked across the unique city. She had seen the city before, Velmora's cities were nothing if not beautiful and so unique.
The industrial and natural mix was a breath of fresh air for her, Ulix-Ultra and her home world were acres and acres of metal. She had never seen such trees integrated together in a city landscape.
Even the air that breeze passed her was so refreshing. As a daughter of a viscount despite her home being a metal first world she was accustomed to air not recycled but fresh with the sweet scent of nature.
But when she felt Velmora's air, she felt a sweet breeze fill her lungs. She stepped down the ramp carrying a designer handbag, high heels and sun glasses. Behind her and her attendants, were rows of suitcases and boxes being dropped off.
A Voss officer stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Lady Andrea, welcome to Velmora."
Andrea nodded politely.
"I am here to officially deliver the documents to Lord Wein from my father."
The officer gestured toward the entrance.
"Lord Wein is already expecting you."
Andrea took a deep breath and mustering all the confidence she could she walked forward. Despite her being a 'hostage' she was still a daughter of a viscount and she needed to behave as such. Because this might be the rest of her life, she would need to put a front so House Voss does not take too much advantage of her.
"Lord Wein has decided to host you for the time being at his mansion."
Said the officer as they entered. As they walked through the mansion heading to Wein's office where he was, Andrea could not but notice the interior.
The mansion was unique far different from what she was used to. As much as was the aesthetic of Velmora, even the mansion of the most powerful man there reflected that.
Where one would expect the most advanced technology for a noble there was only minimal integration of advanced technology in the mansion. But with that it brought a unique feel to the house, there was art, sculptures and paintings all spread out across.
There was also panels where an AI could run assistance from anywhere in the house plastered on the walls.
After a short tour, they found themselves behind Wein's office. In front were two guards stationed like inanimate objects just watching. When Andrea, the officer and the attendants arrived, the guards open the door.
Inside the office, Wein sat behind the lord's huge desk. A holographic map of Ulix-Ultra hovered above and in his hands were data pads which he was reading. The whole office felt too quiet.
When Wein and Andrea's eyes met, she curtsied almost immediately.
"Lord Wein, I greet you again."
Wein put all his work aside and received her. He studied her for a moment, she looked composed and dignified. Not at all looking like a hostage, he smirked.
"Lady Andrea, you arrived too quickly," he said.
"My father was eager to finalise the agreement without delay."
Wein stood up and stepped aside from his desk to properly meet Andrea. He walked up to her, studying her, her posture, her look. She was vastly different from that time he saw her.
Reaching her he offered his hand and they shook, holding eye contact. After this he realised what Simon had intended with this because Andrea even to an uninterested man was very beautiful. Even Wein had to agree.
"These are the official documents signed by Lord Ulix, you should go through them and amend if you see it right."
Andrea's attendant pulled the case open, took out a pad, and handed it to Wein. He then skimmed through it. Before long he was nodding and placed it aside.
"It appears authentic and the agreement is acceptable. I'll sign it shortly, in the meantime settle in, my officers will lead you to your quarters."
Andrea slightly bowed her head.
"Thank you Lord Wein."
The group left while Wein leaned against the desk, watching as they faded from the hallway and the doors were closed.
He sighed to himself.
"That Simon…" he said softly.
All of a sudden Astra lit up across the room.
"May I advise, you exercise caution my lord."
Wein chuckled.
"Don't worry, Astra. I am not an idiot."
He returned to his chair and pulled the tab and read it again once more for verification. There was only one thing left, his signature, there was already Simon clearly written at the bottom.
He pulled a pen from a rack an arm's length away and began to sign, effectively agreeing to the terms. He was formally granted shared governance over parts of Ulix-Ultra and the confirmation of a ceasefire between Voss and Ulix.
He thereby ended the war.