Quoted By:
<span class="mu-b">”Tell me about yourself.”</span>
“Naturally- that is why you're here, isn't it? I am an <span class="mu-i">Aristocrat</span>- The Child of Ten Stars, meaning the number of stars in my fief. My name is Ully'Andule, which is not a family name, but chosen by myself and my self alone. I pride myself on my abilities as a warrior, a noble, gourmand, and all around aficionado of all things fine and wonderful. My biggest passion? Music. I love music- on my worlds, all serfs must know how to sing or dance in case I make a surprise visit! I collect instruments, you see, and learn to master every single one!”
<span class="mu-b">”...Are you really thousands of years old? My species only <span class="mu-i">naturally</span> lives to be around sixty- or less.”</span>
“Ahh, that is unfortunate. I suppose I should not question your skepticism, but yes- I am indeed. Immortality is the dividing line between one of our society and one of another- yours included I am afraid. We do not divide by species lines- only be this biological factor. We do not take offense from a more juvenile species who has not yet mastered morality- we were once the same after all.”
<span class="mu-b">”Of course.”</span>
“I'm glad you've asked though. And yes, Immortality <span class="mu-i">is</span> absolutely its cracked up to be! The timeless power of the stars, serfs who work the bodies cosmic- it means I have absolutely no concerns. No physical or mental strain- all the time in the universe to do whatever I wish! It is living in luxury- nothing less for an aristocrat. The only trouble then is finding a way to whit away the boredom! If you couldn't tell- our species has no need for sex; my life is already sex, though I have <span class="mu-i">intimate</span> knowledge of the gendered kind. We can simply command our bodies to orgasm- or heights your own species wouldn't even yet understand. Instead, are pursuits are all... mental. Cognitive.”
Seems like it really likes to talk about itself. You guess you shouldn't be surprised. <span class="mu-b">”You mentioned having a fief- is your society run under feudalism?”</span>
“One could call it that, yes. Of course, do <span class="mu-i">you</span> consider your relationship with your livestock or pets to be feudal monarchy- with you as the King, with each providing with you their labor or value in exchange for your divine right and power? Of course not. The Aristocrats are few in numbers; everything else is our belonging or our servant. The Galactic Society of Aristocrats is us, the rulers, the rest of our subjects are not part of this society. They simply <span class="mu-i">are</span>. Most are serfs, never allowed space ships or technology to leave their home planet or installation- and most don't want to anyway.”
<span class="mu-b">”You keep them protected then, the principles of <span class="mu-i">noblesse oblige</span>? From the things in the universe that may want to... eat them?”</span>
“Of course! But your choice of words are so specific. Too specific even. You must be talking about... the Aannel, aren't you? The <span class="mu-i">worms</span>?”
