Xilch poured herself an ample portion of Vortian wine from the collection of pilfered bottles within Niz's office. Door locked and shades drawn, she had privacy as she awaited her transmission to establish connection to a particular Supreme Commander.
After several moments, Grimm's visage appeared, residing at his desk in his quarters.
"Apologies for any disruptions, Supreme Commander…" The High Marshal opened, accessing her terminal to create an encrypted link between the two before proceeding. "...but I have urgent news you may find most beneficial."
Grimm sipped on his own wine on screen, a sinister grin coming over his face. He could tell this must truly be some good news if she's on Vort personally.
"Oh? Do tell me my sweet. I'm anxious to hear. Has the traitor confessed?"
A rare smile curled the IIA Director's lips as she gazed over the prison yard through the viewing window of the exterior wall.
"An unscheduled visit by the Almighty Tallest and Warmaster Burgg to T'daali Correctional Facility on Vort has resulted in my immediate promotion and our illustrious leaders currently being detained for interfering with an ongoing investigation into High Marshal Zha's sedition per Colonel Niz…with my insistence, of course. That would imply you…have robes to be fitted for, My Tallest."
She paused to sample her wine, returning her attention back to the Supreme Commander with a coyful smirk.
"...am I still allowed to call you Grimmy? How about Tallest Grimmy?"
Grimm could hardly contain his joy. A fist came down on his desk in elation. She had done it. No more Red, Purple, or Burgg. He was the proper leader now. Tallest Grimm, leader of the Irken Empire. It was all his at last, and soon the universe would be as well.
"My dear, you may continue to call me that. I would not deny that of the woman of my desires who has delivered to me the greatest of prizes." A pause to sip on some wine. "Though, there remains the complication that the transfer of power is not entirely official while they're still alive. I find total merit in the good Colonel's accusations. Personally, I say we should approve the death warrants and be done with those two filthy traitors."
"Burgg made that process simple in resisting detainment at the front gates. Red and Purple have been…confused, but compliant to say the least." She mused, mulling over Grimm's recommendation. "I'm permitting Niz to do her job for the time being. The furthest I am connected to any of this, the better for both of us, all things considered. The two idiots haven't done anything to warrant a death sentence. She is currently obsessed with making Zha crack. Not a single utterance of confession and she's already executing her command staff. Desperation if I have ever seen it."
"She does have you as her boss. I think she's trying to keep you happy…and this is an extremely high profile case she doesn't want to fail you on. The charges are obviously legitimate. You know I haven't seen Major General Sko or Major Kiz that he promised he'd send to Jakri yet? The man is insidious and treacherous as can be; I would not be surprised if he didn't alert them at all and left me high and dry to fail yet again. I should have killed him when I had the chance…but he had me outgunned."
A pause followed from Grimm once again.
"Tell me, Warmaster, what are your current plans?"
"As of this moment? Ensure Niz's final threads of sanity don't completely unravel and she does something hasty. Legitimacy aside, the Empire at-large only abides if the Imperial Standard is followed. I do, however, recommend that you appoint your immediate subordinate to handle affairs at Jakri and you return to Irk post-haste. Our glorious Empire cannot be without leadership now, can it?"
"It cannot be. I'll make the appointment immediately and return. Perhaps you can ensure that the Massive is also waiting for me at Irk upon my return? I have a feeling Red and Purple no longer need that as they're becoming accustomed to their new…temporary living quarters."
Xilch swirled her glass before taking another thoughtful sip.
"Colonel Niz has notified the Massive of Red and Purple's detainment. After providing her report in full, they are currently awaiting further orders from yours truly. Your chariot awaits, My Tallest."
Grimm chuckled.
"Pass on my order for my ship to return to Irk. I'll return by a light cruiser and then send this ship back. Excellent work, my love."
"Your ship won't be the only thing awaiting your arrival." Xilch flirtatiously spoke with a smirk.
"Looking forward to it, my sweet. Tallest Grimmy, out."