The enormous auditorium within the Palace seated as much as one million leaders of the billion-planet empire. It took almost two hours to fill the vast auditorium and another hour for them to settle down. Creatures, all intelligent, representing a broad spectrum of the Galaxy's inhabitants gathered at the command of the Emperor converged in the cavernous hall. The presence of such a crowd isn't much of a problem to the security. Each representative was briefed from the home planet and therefore knows the essential protocol.
Xavenon's minimal security is itself a testimony of how well the Empire is managed and controlled. Any attack is inconceivable when peace endures for a long time. Thousands of years of relative peace, real peace have made nearly all inhabitants of the Xavenon Federation prosperous, and occasions such as Royal announcements are quite festive. Palace entertainers, and musicians provided a happy mood. When initial festivities ended, all three days of it, the fourth day started on a serious note. The purpose of the visitors was attended.
As for the actual ceremony, done in the smaller Crystal Hall, it took an only hour for all representatives to sit in a Great Crystal Hall. Emperor Egher, the leader of the Federation called all leaders for any changes in the leadership within the Palace or hierarchy. Although not a subject for their approval, the Emperor entertains questions but none of the representatives have any the power to protest or question the appointments.
Seated among the special people is Zebedee, along with Emmer and his guard, Leeh Xamai.
"This is the first festivity that I've ever seen in a long time."
"A long time indeed," Leeh Xamai said.
"You're still sentimental of the past, aren't you?" Emmer asked. He is aware of the great shock and adjustment Zebedee is experiencing right now, seeing hundreds of thousands of creatures in a huge auditorium, all under the command of his father.
"I can't help it, Prince Emmer, the planet reminds me of the good old days," Zebedee says.
"Good ancient days is more accurate," Emmer corrected him.
"Yeah. Ancient days." He echoed. "That makes me older than anyone here. Including you, Prince Emmer."
"You're quite right there too. Propelled into the future not even experiencing a second of those thousands of years. Although this is not a festivity, it is a ceremony."
"How is that? Most the time, the delegates were treated as if this is a huge feast."
"It is part of the Emperor's way of rewarding loyalty, as well as boosting the camaraderie of the delegations."
"Are you part of the program?"
"Yes and no. I am part of the program but I am not allowed to speak," Prince Emmer answered. He find's Zebedee's questions much like a child in awe of things.
"Emperor's order?" Zebedee asked.
"No. A successor is never allowed to speak before the audience of the Emperor, lest the audience think he is ready to crown him as the new Emperor."
"You have little security for someone who'll be the Emperor of a Billion Worlds."
"They'll need a Billion reasons if they hurt me."
Their conversation stopped when the Empress declared that a new set of Imperial officials will be announced.