His existence to almost all sentients is a secret. They are better off not knowing the far-reaching darkness that works in the background of all things. Though most citizens of the United Planets believe deep in their souls that there are people who watch out for them. People who are willing to do things they would rather not speak about or think about.

Among those privy to the secrets of state and spies, his existence is a fairy tale. A rumor spies and intelligence agents have told each other century after century. The one camp fire story to end all camp fire stories when it comes to the shadow world of cloak and dagger.

And to those very few unfortunate to realize that he does indeed exist, his name is spoken in whispers. Or seldom at all, for they fear that somewhere, somehow he’ll know about it and demand recompense.

Narses.

To understand the weight of his name was to dread hearing it rolled off a tongue. For often, that tongue would soon be cut out.

In the great intergalactic intelligence community that spans great empires both living and long dead, they say Narses was last among the Great Old Kingmakers. The ones who could annihilate star systems or make whole planets worship the Dark Old Gods. He is ancient, they say; he not only has lived longer than the United Planets itself, but outdates even the Terrans emerging from the darkness and entering the intergalactic stage. They say that he has battled every kind of enemy and seen every type of strategy. And while he may not have always won, he always survived. He always watched his enemies die.

When the United Planets was first formed, he recognized its true potential. And without him behind the scenes, that potential would never have been realized. For someone was forced to do the necessary things required to create and run such a complex institution. Someone had to understand how to cultivate the elements needed. And discard those that were not.

The United Planets, drawing ever closer to its two hundred fiftieth anniversary after being forged in what was left of the rubble of the terrible 27th century, had seen many member planets join. It had seen many trends in popular culture as each new component changed the larger structure in its own way. The United Planets had seen many Governments; many Senators; many Prime Ministers. And unknown to the general populace, it had seen many Security Councils, that secret council of bureaucrats that ran the intelligence community of the UP, ensuring its safety and survival. Though it was the single greatest secret of the United Planets—though so many citizens must assuredly suspect its existence whether they want to admit it to themselves or not—it too was an institution which aged and changed over time. It too saw members come and go; Chairpersons succeed and fail; Prime Ministers use or fear the office or both. And throughout all of that time, there was always Narses.

Often silent and imposing, he sat in on all Security Council meetings. His membership was never questioned. Every Prime Minister over two and a half centuries renewed his Ambassadorship every (10) years without fail, and every Prime Minister expected nothing more from him other than his continuo role on the Council.

He wore a brittle brown robe which appeared as old as he was. His features were soft and hairless, though his eyes were sharp and hawkish. It was rumored he was a eunuch. That he had no time for anything other than the United Planets, his true mistress. His true goddess.

Every Prime Minister and Security Councilor feared him and tread lightly. To fully comprehend his power and acumen was to finally mature as part of the larger structure of the cosmic shadow world of spies. Prime Minister adi Lva learned this. Ambassador Mirenna Helene learned this. Senator Darden Coulthard, Faraway Lad of the Legion, learned this too.

And Cobalt Kid also learned this upon his ascension to the secret Security Council. He had seen madmen and he had seen monsters. He had seen those with more power than was possible to comprehend and a willingness to use it. Many of them caused him great anxiety; some of them he even feared. But until the day he met Narses, Cobalt Kid realized he never truly felt small.

Unknown to them, Narses’ influence had been felt in the Legion since its inception. It would continue to be felt. Only now, they would realize it. And they would not like it.