02-07-YC125

How strange it is to have to seal away my diaries written during my time as Imperial Navy Liaison Officer.  One wonders if they shall ever see the light of day.  Yulia joked that some day in the future my writings would be gathered together by students of Amarrian society to ponder over, but there would be a year-long gap which would frustrate them as they imagined all sorts of secrets and intrigue.  A very amusing thought, if rather fanciful.

It is a pleasure, of course, to return, although the opportunity to spend so long with my dear Kolya shall be something I always treasure.  To what do I return?  Such changes big and small, both here in Nakri and across New Eden itself, some for the better, some perhaps not so much.

Poor Ishta.  I am glad I saw her at the Awards last night, but it is clear she is fretting terribly.  She has not been home in a very long time and I worry she is isolating herself unnecessarily.  We shall never abandon her, though her past crimes, now caught up with her, are grave indeed.  Yet if only those who seek their so-called justice could see with clear eyes what she has become.  Surely they would see God's Blessings present in Ishta.  Can there be any better proof of the Divine than the conversion of such a wicked sinner? She is, without any doubt, far more worthy and noble than that vile Heretic Nauplius, or Kley, who conducts herself less and less in a manner befitting a Paladin and who appears to be carving herself out her own little fiefdom.

The murder of Holders!  By a commoner! Truly these are dark times.  True enough they reneged upon their sworn oaths to Lord Sarum, but they should have been brought to trial, not brutally executed and rolled into some water-logged ditch, or whatever distasteful outcome Kley arbitrarily decided was to be their fate.  I have a strong mind to raise this matter with the Chapter Master.  And quite honestly, who turns up to a Writing Awards Ceremony in battle-armour? How gauche!

There were a number of rather unsophisticated scenes last night, sadly, but it did not, I am happy to say, detract in any significant way from the Directrix's organisational skills or abilities to host a superior class of event.  She herself is looking most bright and beautiful with the baby on the way, if somewhat tired.  Hardly surprising, of course; even at this stage of pregnancy she simply does not stop from fulfilling all her many duties.  An admirable woman indeed, and yet another who may not be noble of birth, but is most certainly so of soul.  

Most unexpectedly, the Directrix had a task for me.  Little time has passed since a returned from one liaison role before I am given another, this time to assuage the concerns and fears of the Federation over LUMEN's mission within their systems.  They think we intend to march over their planets, praying and chanting, converting the heathen and bringing The Word of God to all.  Somewhat ironic, really, given the Federation's much-vaunted "virtues" of religious tolerance and openness.  As the Directrix says, anyone who wants to hear The Word we shall accept with open arms, as is our duty to God, and it is not as if The Faith is completely unknown in the Federation.  The powers that be just know that once people start to compare the knowledge of Salvation through God to the false promises the Federation gives them of prosperity and freedom from want; well, it is hardly any competition, is it?

The most amusing part of this task, however, is that it will mean spending a lot of time with Edward, as a result of his status and role.  He did seem rather pleased with the idea when I told him last night, when he finally turned up.  I cannot say I am not happy with this turn of events.  I like Edward.  Despite his rough edges he is a good person at heart, and I know I can help him to understand that there is nothing sinister or untoward in LUMEN's work.  I think perhaps, like many, he is finding it hard to adapt to the new Treaty, the sudden thawing of relations between our Empire and the Federation.  I should imagine it is a hard concept for many to accept.  There have been few as adaptable as my family to changing currents, both now and in history.

One of the secrets to deSilvestris success, I suppose.  One has to always be ready to turn a situation to one's advantage.