What appeared before you was not the most pleasant planet you had ever seen, though it at least wasn't as bad as the snow world you were once assigned to. The seas are grey and cover far more of the world than usual; there are about four or five big islands.

"This isn't the most hospitable world, but its position is good, and the underground is rich in minerals. I have been told that aside from the big islands, the population lives in towers on small craggy islets. The mountains and fjords on the bigger islands tend to protect those further inland from the harsher elements, though it still rains very often. There are giant fish and giant birds, some of which have been domesticated. Now, do you have any questions?''

''How long is the assignment supposed to be?'' You most certainly wouldn't want to spend your entire life on the frontier.

''As you know, the margrave title is for life; you can't quit that. As for the governorship that comes with it, for as long as it takes for us to stabilise a permanent route through the Gates of Roland.''

''And why? Why must we take it?''

''Why, you ask? Come now, Gerstfelden, we're not supposed to question our orders, but between you and me, it's because the Empire wants to expand, to gain an advantage over our rivals, and to deny them such opportunities; the court is afraid of a colonial scramble, and it wants boots on the ground. It is also believed that there might be lost technology, both from our predecessors and aliens, which might give us the upper hand." He explained.

''Anything else about the star system, its neighbouring systems, or anything about resources?''

''Probes have revealed about four gas giants, two asteroid belts, and five normal worlds; your world also has a moon. As for neighbours, your authority extends to most uninhabited neighbouring systems. Our central hub in the area is the trading world of Rolandstor; it is our most advanced colony and will remain outside your jurisdiction. If you encounter any of our other neighbours from this side of the colony, you are authorised to dispose of them if you think they aren't able to report back. I am afraid I can't help you with any resources, as that wasn't an objective of our scouting missions.''

''Any real reason to suspect an alien presence?''

Lausitz's face turns sour.

''A few years ago, a cousin of the emperor found a world full of primitive turtle-like xenos, currently in the Iron Age. The planet was declared a nature reserve, but the end result was a revival of interest in xenostudies. Now everyone and their grandma wants to see aliens; it's a load of bunkum, but if you do encounter them, make a photo or video and send it back here; it would make the more scientifically inclined member of the nobility happy.''

''Well, I suppose I should let you go now; after all, you have a lot to do, presumably. I'll have my secretary make certain your car is made ready.''