Center Worlds - Spark
The Emperor

Royal Palace, Tara -28 BA

“Ryo, I am very nervous about this,” Lya said as he helped her into her travel chair. Her flowing gown made her look like she was sitting in a cloud of glowing silver threads.

“I know, my love. However, this must be dealt with, all of it, now. We have active flights of Cruisers and Superiority fighters in orbit right now who will stop any future attacks long enough for the TGX-2 to return home and defend either planet, if necessary. They have orders to destroy any incoming craft not approved.” Ryo explained as he feathered her gown to make her look even more elegant than she already did.

She raised a hand to his lips. “However, they are not enough to defend our space forever. I agree. Finally meeting the Grand Council. I did not envision my first time in that hall being in a travel chair.”

Ryo had refused a Tara shuttle, preferring to fly down on a TGX ship, so he and Lya were in comfort as the ship descended. The shuttle landed, ports opened, and they disembarked, to be greeted by the usual smattering of adjutants and junior advisers.

“Lord Camelin, so glad to see you again.”

“It has been far too long, My Lord.”

“Who is the lovely lady you are escorting?”

Ryo smiled grimly at the group. “This is Regent Lya Desinlo. Now get out of my way, and let me see Emperor Masilec.”

He guided Lya’s travel chair through the group of suddenly silent advisers and into the palace itself, leaving them to buzz among themselves and open comm channels to give the sudden news. A member of Clan Desinlo was on Tara, with the leader of Clan Camelin.

Lya reached up and squeezed his hand. “I did not know you were on terms with the Emperor, my Lord.”

“He is my cousin, by marriage, four parents ago. We have faced challenges together and I trust his judgment above most, including his own Father.” Ryo said, eyes watching everything as he walked her into the palace.

“I am not too sure I understand,” Lya said, feeling a bit confused.

“Tyo Masilec is the Emperor in waiting, he’s almost thirteen cycles now. His father, Kyo Masilec, is the current Lord Emperor of the Confederacy. When he passes to Pangea, Tyo will ascend to the throne. Kyo is demented, and may take some getting used to.”

Ryo stepped around the chair and pushed open some doors, then guided Lya’s chair into another set of corridors. They soon heard a booming voice loudly proclaiming who was mad enough to say such things about the Clan Camelin, then coming into a large anteroom, young Emperor Masilec turned and saw the both of them.

He strode over and clasped both of Ryo’s hands. “Lord Camelin, so it is true. Well met, my Good Sir.” He then released Ryo’s hands and stepped back to get a better look at this new person from Clan Desinlo.

“You are Lady Lya, of Clan Desinlo?” Tyo asked.

Lya sat straight in her chair. “Correction, Emperor, I am Regent Lya Jalanysa, leader of Clan Desinlo. It is good to finally meet you – I earnestly wish it was under better circumstances.” Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Tyo bowed. “My apologies, Regent. I was misinformed. Being you travel with the Lord of Clan Camelin, I can see that there has been a lot of rapport building going on since Desinlo was last in this palace.”

Ryo nodded. “Yes, Tyo. I am bringing Clan Desinlo back into the Confederacy. Regent Lya is here to represent her Clan at the Grand Council meeting this eve.”

Tyo looked at his cousin. “You know the Lord Emperor may not approve of this. He might disapprove of it. Then again, he may welcome you with open arms. Do you wish armour, or do I just keep him out of arms’ reach of knives today?” He finished with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Ryo smiled grimly. “We lost close to seventy thousand citizens a few weeks ago in an unprovoked attack upon our world. It also took from her the ability for Regent Lya to walk unassisted. I am here for retribution, and to present Clan Desinlo, under the flag of Camelin, as a proper member of the Confederacy again. Enough time has passed, and we need allies, not enemies, Tyo.”

“An attack? Upon Malis, or Clanworld Desinlo?”

“Both, Emperor. It was approved by the Articles of Confederacy as written by the elders.” A new voice interrupted.

Clan Leader Myo Michelab strode into the meeting room, followed by several other members of his clan, some in uniform, some in robes of office.

“Myo, I am surprised to see you here,” Tyo said, and walking over, grasped the outstretched hands in the traditional Taran greeting.

“I was summoned, by Lord Camelin, to a meeting of the Grand Council,” Myo replied, eyes darting to Ryo, Lady Lya, and then back to Tyo.

“Indeed, and that meeting will commence in just a few more minutes,” Tyo said, then turning. “Ryo, Lady Lya, if you will all accompany me, we can sojourn to the Grand Council chambers.”

“Who is this Lady?” Myo asked, his officers murmuring amongst themselves.

“You should know the face of your enemy, Michelab. This is Regent Desinlo, of the world you allowed to be attacked in a cowardly assault deep into my territory.” Ryo snapped.

One of the officers reflexively pulled his sidearm and was suddenly face-to-face with Ryo Camelin, who had a weapon pressed against the other man’s chin. “Drop your weapon, or you will die where you stand, Captain.”

Before either man could make another move, Tyo’s voice boomed out. “Everybody remain calm, and back away.” As he said it, the room opened up and a phalanx of soldiers walked in, weapons drawn on every person there, save for Tyo and Lya, who were quickly surrounded by the armed soldiers who separated the two parties efficiently.

Tyo stood beside the travel chair, one hand resting casually on the headrest, and glared at the Clansmen assembled before him. “Members of the Great Clans of the Confederacy. I am shocked by this behavior. This is the Royal Palace, on Tara. It is My ground. Until and unless I say so, nobody will be doing any shooting of anyone, understood?”

Ryo dropped his sidearm and took another step back away from the guard’s rifle as the Michelab Captain replaced his weapon in the holster.

“Clansman Michelab, control your people, or they will be put into irons. Clansman Camelin, return to your charming companion and do not leave her side again.” Tyo said, then signalled the guards, who sheathed their arms but remained close.

“Clansman Michelab, your group may go to the Grand Council chamber now, unless you need to freshen up?”

“No, My Emperor. We are prepared.” Myo said, and he turned, followed by his group, and they exited the meeting room, followed by a large number of the guards.

Tyo impatiently waved the other guards away, and they vanished back into the other corridors of the palace as silently as they had appeared.

“They are efficient. You have gotten quick in your old age, Ryo. I haven’t seen you move that fast in many cycles.”

“I have reason to be faster now, Tyo. Commanding the TGX, ruling the Clan, and making friends all over the Confederacy. It keeps me dancing.” Ryo said without mirth.

Tyo nodded. “Come on, we’d better go. The Grand Council loves to procrastinate, and what you have to say will keep them in earnest discussions for a cycle or more.”

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