''Herr Kommodore van Gerstenveld tot den Yssel, the director of the navigation agency, wishes to see you in his office immediately.''

A change of plans, it would seem. The director of the agency, Admiral von Lausitz, typically doesn't like waiting. While being led through the halls, you can't help but feel the anachronisms. Here is a navy that drapes itself in things such as anchors, sextants, and other maritime motifs, in spite of the fact that actual naval warfare on the water has largely been relegated to the past. Yet the batons, the bicorns and other remnants of a time when a ship had sails, not engines, remain.

The runner knocks two times on the door before leading you into Admiral von Lausitz's study. The door is closed behind you, as you are left alone with the admiral and an even older fellow.

''Von Grestenfeld, have a seat. (Most people make a mistake when spelling your name.) This gentleman here is from the colonial and settlement commission. And he is here for you.'' the admiral explained

The admiral himself is as he has always been, with a long face, a neutral expression, and hair that is in three different stages of greying.

''Ahem, Herr von Grestenfeld, by decree of his imperial majesty, the emperor Franz the fourth. You have been selected for a very rare honour, as you are well aware; our colonisation efforts on the other side of the nebula are in full swing. However, with the instability of the gates of Roland, we are not certain whether we can maintain an ordinary administration of the area; therefore, we are reviving the old mark system. You are to be invested and anointed by the emperor as a new margrave. The enfeoffment is scheduled at the end of the month. You shall also be promoted to vice admiral, and likewise, you receive three colonelships, as well as their proprietorship.''

Ah yes, the army – more like two armies – the proper imperial army, which includes the guards regiments and most of the heavier and well-equipped regiments. And the private regiments owned by the aristocrats, who are responsible for clothing, feeding and partially paying them. The wording seems to suggest you will get the latter and that you will have to raise them yourself.

''Now, I am sorry, but I am a naval officer. I am unfamiliar with the finer details of terrestrial warfare.'' You offer a mild objection, so as not to offend this fellow.

''Now, now, not to worry, aside from the navy, the army, and the marines, there will also be a selection of scientific and other civilian volunteers to accompany you. Primarily engineers, biologists, archaeologists, and all those other kinds, as well as freshly selected settlers and colonists from among the populace. The finer details will be handled by the admiral; I have other selected candidates to talk to."

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Space Marcher Lord Quest