Prince Emmer, holding Theba's hands slowly pulled the hesitant Princess and wife to him as he slowly embraced her to him. Beside them is the tank in which a fetus is slowly growing. Their Mekholian baby, a future Prince and Emperor.
"We've not been together for six months. You've been busy performing your duties."
"Is there a hint of something in there? Jealousy perhaps? For my duty?" Emmer looked at her intently. Her nearly white hair nearly glows from the rays of the setting sun Xoqe.
She looked away from him, "It's been that long. Even if I do not suffer the pains of carrying a child in my body, it doesn't mean I do not long for your presence Prince Emmer."
Prince Emmer realized that as a future Emperor, there are things that they have to do together. Its decreed by traditions. Gone are the days when men could hunt and feed their family and the woman manage the house. But his missions were specific. Only he would need to travel to certain missions as his father requires of him.
"I know what you're thinking, Emmer. We are one, we've been made one by the Emperor just recently. But it's not that, Prince Emmer."
"I know," Prince Emmer confirmed. "I love you and you love me too. Our union is even more precious than ever before."
"Is there a way for you to convince the Emperor to always include me in your travels, now that the Emperor has approved of the renewed efforts to be always in touch with his people. I am afraid of always being alone. I'm always with him but not with you."
Theba moved to the tank where the appearance of a developing child is quite clear. Their child is a boy, much like his would be father.
Theba continued, "he will understand, would he? Even if he's in the tank."
"He's too young to understand. At the fetal stage, he will only think of his own needs and wants, his has feelings and survival instincts. His mind is still more human than ours," assured Emmer.
"What name would we call him? "
Emmer wanted to suggest, but he desisted from that thought.
"I think Khavuss would be good."
"Khavuss…" Emmer thought.
It's exactly from the vision. It's a terrifying idea already knowing some details of what might happen.
"It's a good name. But why use a name that sounds the same as the word 'endure'?" Emmer looked at Theba. Her eyes looked satisfied
"It sounds nice, Emmer, even if the it means endurance."
"Did you foresee him? In dreams? In visions?"
"I never had such things. Only you men can do that. But I did dream of that name, because I wanted our son to be a man of great endurance."
"Khavuss then will be his name, as a tribute to Khevo, our great grandfather."
***
Zebedee oversees the final stages of the construction of a throne. Unlike the human throne of long-ago, Zebedee thought this throne is really heavy, made entirely of a specific stone mentioned in the Canon of the Plain Gem. His supervision introduced something intricate in the design of the throne. The throne is not a straightforward chair. The original design has a Mother Earth Classical design. This current design is closer to the Mother Earth's Renaissance thrones. The final appearance was already approved by Emmer himself. This throne however will be used once Emmer starts ruling as an Emperor and that could last for years. This, once done, will be in the literal waiting room, an alternate throne room that will be official once Emperor Egher dies or declared officially dead.
"Sir Zebedee, why did you choose this design?" Emmer said behind Zebedee, who was so busy in the supervision that he didn't notice Emmer's approach.
"It just dawned on me. The Canon was specific that the throne has to be made of Travertine, which led to me the idea of using a Renaissance design. That design took its inspiration from Classical Design anyway, so the difference won't be great."
"I am fascinated by the Mother Earth history in you. There's much to learn from a first-hand perspective such as you than what the Canon says, which is a narrative based on other narratives. We, Mekholi's appeared to have lost certain things which I find in you. What do you think is that?"
"You lost the artistic side of humans," Zebedee flatly said.
"That's why I chose you to do this. Art is based on feelings. And we are not driven by feelings."
***
A month has passed since the Imperial council approved of Rooh Fizel's proposal. Zebedee found himself seated by the throne room council with the royals.
The vast Imperial throne room, adorned with golden tapestries portraying ancient battles and the glories of the Xai empire is what Zebedee sees at the moment from his vantage point as one of the Imperial advisers. At the center, emperor Egher's regal figure with a commanding presence, is seated on his majestic throne made of slate, complemented by his rhodium crown with a black onyx as its main gem.
Surrounding him are his Star Sailors, a group of eminent Couriers, Akhmadians, humans and Kersians dressed in standard attire for the occasion of reporting to the emperor.
The emperor sits on his throne while the empress sits on her smaller, and lower ceramic throne – wearing her own rhodium circlet crown, adorned with a smaller black onyx as the Star Sailors enter the throne room. They bow before them.
The Couriers stood a certain distance in front of him, looking up to him as he sits on the throne on a dais, about to report on their visits to planetary colonies.
Emperor Egher leaned slightly forward and said rather uncharacteristically of him, "welcome, Star Sailors and Couriers. I trust your visits may have been fruitful or perhaps uneventful?"
"I am eager to hear your report on the progress of the empire. What news do you bring? Give me an update on your visits to our planetary colonies," the emperor continued.
Again, all these sounds odd to Zebedee.
Rooh Fizel stood straight, in his true form and talked first as soon as the emperor gave them permission.
"Thank you, your Highness. We have returned from our journeys across the stars. The visits have been successful, your Highness.
The designated Throne Ambassador continued, "overall, the colonies are thriving and have made momentous strides in their growth. We have observed that the use of popular technologies has too."
Lah Ribheg, the chief of Star Sailors added, "the colonies are thriving, your Highness. The people are happy and prosperous."
Emperor Egher got intrigued," that's interesting. Tell me more, Lah Ribheg."
The Chief Star Sailor stepped forward slightly and answered, "Sire, planet slavajo has shown notable progress in agricultural technology. They have developed innovative methods to maximize their crop yields, ensuring a steady food supply for their population. Their progress is commendable. Also, their cooperative ways of communicating among themselves has been observed in other planets too. These technologies are being used to enhance their interplanetary communication skills."
Rooh Fizel athen dded, "your Highness, planet Addaxo is thriving. For a planet with rare water resources, the new irrigation system has increased crop yields and the people are content and productive."
Emperor Egher nodded agreeing, as he himself has prepared questions, "and what of the planet Zomaxi?"
Lah Ribheg seems ready to answer, "your Highness, the colony on Zomaxi is struggling. The terraforming process is taking longer than anticipated. The colonists are experiencing food shortages and morale is low."
"This is a bit worrying," Emperor Egher thought. "what can be done to assist them?"
Lah Farai answered for Lah Ribheg," your Highness, we recommend sending additional supplies and personnel to assist with the terraforming process. We also suggest implementing a rationing system to ensure everyone has access to food."
"Agreed. Make it so. And what of the planet Azulex?"
"Your Highness," Rooh Fizel said, "Azulex has made a major discovery. They have found a type of crystal similar to Deu crystals that has the potential to revolutionize their ability to supply us with Deu crystals.".
"Okay. Now that's fascinating. Have they started mining it?"
Rooh Fizel replied, "yes, your Highness. They have already extracted a significant amount and are experimenting with its expected uses."
Emperor Egher nods approvingly, "Excellent! The ability to sustain our colonies source of Deu crystals is crucial for the empire's expansion. What about other scientific endeavors?"
Smiling, Emperor Egher, "planet Azulex continues to impress. Their contributions to the empire's knowledge are invaluable. I trust they will continue to lead the way in scientific research."
Lah Werii steps forward as Egher nods to him, "your Highness, we must also acknowledge the challenges faced by the planet Viozur Gexo. It has encountered environmental issues, precisely with its atmosphere. The colonists are working tirelessly to develop sustainable solutions and restore the balance."
Emperor Egher answers sympathetically, "we cannot underestimate the importance of maintaining harmony with the worlds we rule. The people of Viozur Gexo have my support, and we must ensure they receive the necessary resources and expertise to overcome their obstacles. I may have to send the Prince for that mission if it merits that."
Rooh Fizel spoke with reverence, "your Highness, we are humbled by the dedication and resilience we witnessed among the colonists. They are forging a path into the unknown. We must continue to guide and support them on their journeys."
"I see. Thank you for your report, Star Sailors. Your findings will be useful in our efforts to improve all planets in the galaxy."
Lah Farai, "thank you, your Highness. We are grateful for your support."
This time, Zebedee asked to be excused from the council but Theba stopped him and asked why, "It feels so unnatural, I can't stand it."
Theba then slowly pushed Zebedee back to the council seat.
Emperor Egher then continued, "I am glad to hear that most is going well. However, I am concerned about the recent reports of unrest on some of the planets. Can you tell me more about this? Anyone?"
Lah Werii stepped forward, "yes, your Highness. There have been some isolated incidents of unrest on a few of the planets. However, we believe that these incidents are being instigated by a small group of malcontents."
"I see," agreed the emperor. "I want you to investigate these incidents along with some of the Imperial Guardians and find out what or who is behind them. I will not tolerate any unrest in my empire."
Lah Werii replied, "yes, your Highness. We will do our utmost to find out who or what is behind this and bring them to justice."
Emperor again agreed, "good. I trust all of you there. Excellent work, Couriers. Your reports are invaluable. Your good works will follow you. "
The Emperor concludes his audience with the chiefs of galactic navigators, "continue your journeys, Couriers, and bring back triumphal anecdotes and progress. Together, we shall win back the hearts of these planets and secure a prosperous future for our empire."
Then rising from his throne, "you speak wise words, Couriers. The fate of the planets of our realm rests on our guidance and unwavering commitment. We should continue to provide them with the tools they need to thrive. Let it be known always that the empire stands by their side."
The Couriers bow before the emperor and exit the throne room.
Emperor Egher sits back on his throne, deep in thought.
Emperor Egher turned to his Imperial council," I am troubled by this news. I hope that the Star Sailors can find out who or what is behind this unrest and bring them to justice."
Empress Q'ara then answered, "I am sure they will, your Highness. The Star Sailors and the Imperial Guardians have no equal in the galaxy."
Princess Theba also agreed, "I am confident that they will find out what is going on and put a stop to it."
"I hope you are all right," says emperor Egher.