It has been a few days since they had stayed on the Resort-world of Daphni Prime. And Resort-world the planet is as described. A sight for many can say, that the gods created this heaven. Nature of alien yet beautiful, wonderful weather every day, and facilities that were luxurious. The planet is a hub of pleasure, yet not hedonistic in nature, more serenity and harmony. People of all races enjoy what the planet has to offer. Many have to admit, they do not want to leave.
For the past days, she and many with her had seen the beauty and the marvel that the Imperium has created. And the community they had interacted with was a far cry from their own. Piña couldn't believe her eyes, to see many races living happily and cooperatively. To see them working towards a goal, to see them in harmony, in friendship, and in brotherhood. Seeing them in peace despite being of different races, soothes her heart.
For the people of old Earth, this was a heavy realization. How much advance the people of the Imperium, and how much they can achieve if everyone unites as one. If they can put aside their differences, they can swallow their pride, and be willing to humble themselves, the Galactic Imperium would be their future. How great would the human race be?
It's also a heavy blow to the world leader's pride, how many of them felt their pride crushed by the progress made by the Imperium, and how they are also at wonder. They cannot refute how fortuitous it is for the human race to unite, but they cannot let go of their pride. Their pride in the individual prowess of their nations, their pride to be better than others that is not themselves. But all that is about to change, as today they depart from Daphni Prime to the capital world of the Galactic Imperium. Terra.
Many of them were already aboard the Mermaid Kiss. Waiting for the ship to take off.
Piña had been troubled by the world leaders eager to meet her. "Appeasement Bullshit", she was told by Lucius, as they brought her gifts and invitations to visit their nations. She almost laugh like a madman, when she heard the big three superpowers were also inviting her. Oh how pitiful, how they all tried to be friends with her as if she wasn't aware of their actions, yet as Lucius has advised her, she attends their meets and gifts.
And not just Piña who had issues during the entire journey. The girls from Alnus, Rory, Lelei, and Tuka also had some run-ins with creeps. Of course, they were easily disciplined by the Police Force of the Galactic Imperium and they suffer minor harassment due to the efforts of Itami as their guardian. As well as Piña's own entourage, they were bombarded with questions and admirers of medieval and fantasy enthusiasts. But putting aside their troubles, they were keen on their next destination. The capital world of the Galactic Imperium is waiting, and soon they will see the majesty of such people.
"By the gods! We're about to see the capital world of the Imperium! I can't wait!" Hamilton said giddy.
Her comrades and her princess can't help but smile, she was always enthusiastic ever since they have tasted how it is as a citizen of the Imperium. Their magical devices, services, and whatnot. However, her enthusiasm was not in comparison to Lelei La Lalena. She was absolutely gobsmacked, and she was overly enthusiastic. When she has the chance, she will tinker with an Imperium device or piece of technology, she will try to figure out how it works until she was satisfied. Not only that, she will busy herself with any information she gets about the Imperium. She will visit the libraries or bookstores, to indulge herself in the knowledge that was open to the public, something that was unheard of to the Saderans.
She learned so much and still wasn't enough. The history of the advancements of technology from the time of Medieval, until the latest of human achievements. Thus far, she only knows so much until the era of the Great War. Of course, she wasn't the only one doing research.
Piña had used her free time to study the Imperium's history, starting from pre-Imperium. The humans of Terra, and their history. The Dark Ages, the Renaissance, the Industrial Age, the Great War, the Second World War, the Cold War, the Modern Age, the Sphere, the Unification War, and so on. From her research, she learned that time and time again, the Humanity of Terra had faced adversities from both their own or beyond the stars, and time again did Humanity of Terra persevere. They do not buckle nor yield, they fight, and they persevere. Her belief in cooperating and submitting to the Imperium strengthens. Truly, it was the best choice to do. It was the only logical choice to do, and she is glad that she made the choice.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Soon, we will initiate a jump to the capital world of Terra. The journey will take at least eight hours due to the considerable distance between Daphni Prime and Terra. Not to worry, you are now permitted to be out of your seat when we have entered SubSpace. We will need you to be seated when the Jump is made. So just sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight."
Eight hours, there's plenty of time to review my strategy here. Pinã thought to herself.
Of course, ever since she heard that they, along with the world leaders of the world are to be given an audience at their senate, she had to prepare herself. Especially since she is to come before the Senate, and presents her plans for the future and why she is to be the Governor that she must be. Lucius had told her a few days ago, that the Senate is aware of her status as his protégé. He also said that they are expecting plans from her regarding the situation at her homeworld, and what must be done. Specifically, how to resolve the war quicker. That is what she needs to convey and strategize, and it must be acceptable to the Imperial Senate. In other words, she heard Lucius say, a 'company recruitment interview', whatever that is.
The ship then began to glow, in an instance, the ship jumped to SubSpace. People in the lounge are now free to move anywhere they please. Many leaders chose to mingle with other nations, while some want to be left alone. And many decided to pester Lucius, especially the scholars of Earth. Pinã's group certainly mingled with Itami and the girls, while beside her, Hamilton was busy stuffing her mouth with food and Grey sleeping soundly in the back.
"May I offer you coffee, miss?"
She looked to the side and saw a metallic creature that was called a "robot" carrying a tray. On the said tray, were food and drinks ready to be distributed. While she don't know what coffee is, she certainly needed a break.
"Yes, of course. I would like some." She said.
"Very well. Bitter or sweet?"
Piña wasn't fond of bitter food, I think anyone does.
"Sweet, but not too much." She replied.
The robot nods, and it began to concoct a drink. It took the process half a minute. Her coffee is ready, placed before her in a very fancy cup.
"Enjoy, miss."
The robot shoo itself away from her, as it began to serve other passengers on the lounge, and by the looks of it, it is doing well. She smelled the coffee, it has a rather strong scent, but she also smelled something sweet. She took a sip and was baffled by the taste.
It's... delightful!. She thought to herself.
The drink was bitter and sweet, a thing that never occurred to her or anyone from Falmart to be such a delicacy. And to her surprise, the drink seems to energize her a bit. The taste is sensational, it just makes her want more. She can vividly see herself in the future, she will be a total addict to coffee. Setting down her cup, she focuses on her plans once again. Two in a half hours have gone by, and the lounge was rather quiet. She looked around and saw that almost everyone was asleep. Her coffee was long empty, and her eyes were already tired. She review her plans one last time. Delighted that everything is as she wanted, she leaned back to her comfy seat. The comfort of the seat was a total bliss, not even the cushion of her bed are of this level. Reclining her seat, she was in heaven. Her muscles relax, as her breathing slows down to a consistently slow pace. She had gone asleep.
••••••
A few days ago...
Major General Zheng made a visit to Alnus Base, after all, his superiors told him to strengthen the relationship between JSDF and the Militarum. So, he had taken the liberty to visit Alnus Base. His visit was welcomed warmly, as he was shown around the base by Lieutenant General Hazama. Despite his rank being lower than the man, he was shown the utmost respect by the Lieutenant General.
The visit was a success, he met the soldiers, and talked with them, as he and the Lieutenant General inspect the equipment they had. While he had expected them to have the latest weapons, 21st Century Japan would struggle financially to put up a massive military operation here with their latest weaponry.
He was given leave by the Lieutenant General to the refugee camp that is now effectively a town of its own. To his surprise, Japan had made a considerable effort to introduce Japanese culture, language, and goods to the natives. He wonders, however. If the continent is soon to be under Imperial control, what would be the status of this town? Would the Imperator or the Young Master let them join Japan, or use a way to make them Imperium? If they let them join Japan, they will be technologically backward than the rest of the continent. If anything he knows about the Imperium is that they will share technology with those who join them. And if that were to happen, this town would be either a destination for tourists or outright abandoned.
Still, he had to admit, the Japanese did a great job in treating the natives. He was surprised and didn't expect to see a nation from the 21st Century could do such a great job in treating the civilians so that they don't feel isolated or outcasted. Convenience stores, language course centers, diners, bars, a marketplace from merchants coming from across the continent, and many more. Japan just prove itself capable of handling the natives, as the town is racially and culturally diverse. Seeing how Japan is rather stuck with their uniformity that individualism was seen as a weird thing along with some of their isolationism from before the Meiji Era that still remains to this day caused many Japanese still refers to those different as gaijin, he was rather impressed as everyone in this town is anything but uniform.
It was dusk when he took a stroll in this town. He already rented a room in one of these inns, he insists upon the Lieutenant General as he wants to experience living in Medieval times. Soldiers get drunk with their comrades, laughing as they feast from a hard long day. He was impressed with how lax the JSDF is with its soldiers' conduct. Militarum rules were very strict about it. Sure, soldiers can drink alcohol but not to the point of making one soldier in a disoriented state. A soldier of the Militarum must always be combat-ready, even though they aren't on active duty, by that, he means for the entire duration of a military operation. Some battalions straight-up ban alcohol to ensure the readiness of their soldiers, it's a pain dealing with the punishment as the Militarum always gives second chances for their soldiers with a lighter punishment. And lighter, means light enough to not cause discharging from the Militarum and heavy enough to make sure that the soldier will not do it again. Depending on the battalion, they could just receive a heavy punishment like cleaning the barracks for an entire three years every day or getting PT'ed every day so hard they either ended up looking like the Hulk or having their entire body crushed. How he knows this because he did it once. It was hell for him, and a traumatizing thing too. He was made to clean his division's complex, starting from the barracks to the privies, for two years along PT every day for 6 months so hard until the leading officer was satisfied. The privy one he was made to clean with only a toothbrush for the toilet seats. What's more traumatizing, is that the one who told him to do it, was Young Master Lucius, and he was constantly chewed on by him. How fucking useless a soldier is when he's drunk, and how stupid one must be to make himself disoriented, the Young Master was relentless in his way of disciplining Zheng, emotionally brutal too. It was an experience he will not want to experience ever again.
Just as he was about to pass a diner, a dwarf was launched out from the doors of that diner. The waitress was a female from the Voglia race, humanoid half-bunny people. It appears that the dwarf was touching her indecently, and she had beat the crap out of him. Before the Dwarf made any more ruckus, he was shooed away by the Military Police. His eyes turned to the diner, and it piqued his interest. The night is about to arrive, might as well have dinner there.
The moment he entered the diner, it was reeked with alcohol and the scent of sweet food. It made his appetite, so he took a vacant seat for himself.
"Hello, sir! What would you like to order?"
"Just a simple meal enough to fill me for tonight."
"Alright! Comin' right up!"
The waitress heads away, as Zheng proceeds to take a good look at his surrounding. It was a rather instinctive move, caused by years of war, always cautious forged to every psyche of Militarum soldier. He had been caught off guard once, almost costing him his life when he was ambushed by a Ravernal soldier. After that, he is always on the lookout, even though he is not in any real danger. His dinner came along, with several pieces of meat on the bone, bread, a potato stew, and a cupful of ale. He digs into his meal, he was already starving and couldn't hold back anymore. And even then when he's eating, he never let his guard down. Always looking, always listening.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for the Green People that I can talk to."
In his peripheral, he saw a female elf, a dark-skinned one the people call Dark Elves. Her arrival piqued his interest, and the interest of many too. Truth be told, the female elf is as attractive as a Korinthian. Her face shows stern yet attractive beauty that many can profess to be pleasing to their eyes. Her pastel-coloured hair seemed silky-soft, and she seemed to wearing a rather brave costume, a rather open than the High Elves.
"The last one already left, there won't be another until tomorrow. You might as well just order something." The Voglia waitress said.
"I see, well I will have a drink, please."
She sat down on the bar, placing her rucksack on the ground. The rucksack hit the ground hard, and it sounds as if she was carrying a rock.
"You're after the Green People, miss?"
An old dwarf asked beside her, seeming interested in the Elf's intentions. Many did too.
"Yes, I come seeking them." She said.
"You must have a good reason."
Another spoke beside her, a catgirl he recognized. Meia, a maid of House Formar, was assigned here by the orders of Marchioness Myui to assist the town in terms of manpower. She already recognizes him and met him a couple of times. The last one was when he visits the PX convenience store, and he already asked not to spill anything about him to any of the townsfolk.
"I wish to ask a favor." the Dark Elf said.
"Well whatever it is, they may not do it." The old Dwarf said as he chugs down the last bit of ale.
"Why? I've heard that they're a noble people. So they'd never abandon someone in trouble, right?" She said fervently. "Of course, I have a reward prepared."
She puts the rucksack on the table and unties the knots. Inside was a huge chunk of shiny rock, that almost looked like a diamond. All eyes are on her, and they are in an uproar.
"I can't believe it! That's real Adamantite!"
"You could buy land and peerage with one that big!"
"It's huge!"
"Whatever you ask, I'll do it!"
"No! I'll do it!"
"Me, too! Me, too!"
The crowd goes wild, they all pledge their services, feeling confident that they will succeed. The Dark Elf scoffs, deeming them unworthy of the task. Seeing the scene unfolds, Zheng pulls out a box of cigarettes, amused by the situation.
"I'm sorry, I don't think you're up for the task." She said.
"Is that so?"
"What would you have us do?"
The Dark Elf drank her ale, she needs her voice clear for all to hear.
"I want them to slay a wounded Fire Dragon."
Murmurs began to fill the tavern, many had second doubts. Sure, the Fire Dragon was routed and wounded by the Green People, but they aren't crazy enough to do it. Those feats can be done only by the Green People and the Dark Ones of Helnus.
"Well? Will you do it? If it's not enough, I can offer myself as well."
Zheng caught on to her means. Besides her strong facade, he can tell she was desperate. It took a desperate person to do whatever they can to get what they need. She just showed herself that she was desperate.
Not wanting to waste any more time, he got up and left while the crowd still murmuring about whether or not they take the job. While it was fun, he got a job to do. Tomorrow will be the last day, and he'll leave Alnus and the town to get back to work.
••••••
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please return to your seats. We will be arriving in Sol System in T-minus 3 minutes. "
Everyone was well-rested, they had their meal, and they are about to reach the capital world of the Galactic Imperium. Piña was anxious, and so did many of the people aboard the Mermaid's Kiss. Soon, humans of Earth will meet their brothers of Terra.
"Exiting SubSpace in three... two... one..."
The ship jumped out from SubSpace. They have finally arrived at the system. All those aboard the Mermaid Kiss see clearly what is before them. Commercial starships come and go, and space stations above the other six planets orbit around their designated planets filled with commercial activity, as they pass through the busy interstellar traffic of the Core territory of the Imperium and advance closer towards Terra. They pass through defense platforms, and the patrolling military starships as they cover the nook and cranny of the star system. Still, the speed of the ship still baffles them, as they were able to cruise through the system with ease.
Itami squints his eyes as they pass through the asteroid belt, and his eyes go wide. He stood up in shock, he couldn't believe his eyes.
"Mars is terraformed!! Holy shit!"
His outburst made the attention of others. As the people of Earth looked about, they too were shocked. The Red Planet, Mars. Terraformed. Now, a jewel of a planet the same as Earth. With a working atmosphere, a green and lush environment, and an ocean. The planet is now able to sustain life, and this brought scientists blown out of their minds. And while they want to ask the Young Master immediately, they saw that the Young Master was not in the mood as his gaze heads forward.
"Itami, what's so surprising?" Lelei asked.
"The planet we're looking at. Back in my world, this planet is desolate and uninhabitable. The Imperium, however, made the planet fit for life. It's a miracle! It's what many scientists could ever dream of, it's what many people could ever imagine. The Red Planet is now teeming with life."
Piña again struggled to keep herself to not faint, as many of her followers did as they heard Itami's explanation. Sure, she has seen the footage in the Diet meeting back in Japan, but to see a direct work of it... To conquer nature, to bend it to their will, to shape worlds for their own use, truly the best choice made in her life is to side with the Imperium. If they demanded to be worshipped as gods, so be it. Such marvels, only gods can do. And the Imperium, they can do as the gods could.
Passing the planet, they soon arrive at their destination. The capital world of the Galactic Imperium, the cradle of Humanity, the center of civilization, Terra. The planet is guarded by a fleet, with an orbital ring surrounding the planet, and a Citadel-class Station orbiting near the said orbital ring. Defense Platforms surround the planet, defending it from all sides.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we will now board the Odessa transports and head to the surface. For us in this lounge along with the news crews, we will head straight to the Imperial Senate. Which we will attend the Senate sessions until the entirety of the sessions is addressed, which in normalcy would be three to four hours. Of course, the honorable leaders of Earth are the ones expected to attend, your families can stay behind in their hotels or they can explore the surface as they like."
As they were told, they ready themselves to descend to the planet's surface. Her luggage will be dealt with by her liaison, as she was told before the journey was made, so she and her closest ready themselves to meet the Senate, while the rest of her men were sent to their designated hotels.
The ride in Odessa is smooth as usual, and she saw the sight that is Terra. Yet another marvel added to the Imperium's list of achievements, for this world in her opinion fit for an Emperor of half of the known Galaxy to residence over. As the ship landed, and they made contact with the ground, all of them are served with an awe-inspiring view.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Terra."
The buildings are made aesthetically, smooth and designs pleasing to the eye. While this kind of design they have seen in Daphni Prime, the ones in Daphni Prime is not as beautiful as the one in Terra. Once they had enough of taking the view, they realized that there are soldiers already directing the other passengers. As Lucius approached them, they bowed.
"Young Master, it's good to see you back. A bullet train is ready for the guests of the Imperial Senate."
"It's good to be back home."
The VIP group separated into two, as their families were escorted to their lodgings while the scientists were escorted to the Imperium Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology Advancements, to at least entertain them with bits of knowledge the Imperium can share. While the rest, including Formars, and the Saderans which include Itami as their caretaker followed Lucius. They took a bullet train, as they travel fast across the land. Again they were enthralled by the scenery, scenery which the leaders of Earth can say is a utopia.
Minutes pass by, and as the world leaders converse about the Senate sessions, they saw a massive circular building. Surrounded by a triple-ring wall, and a full neighborhood around the said building. The center building was massive, as it dwarfs even the triple-ring wall and the buildings surrounding it like they are ants to it.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are arriving at the Central Government Complex."
"The Central Government Complex was built during the reign of Marcus the Benevolent, just after the great federation that is the Galactic Custodes was formed. Designed to house the many ministries and agencies of the Galactic Imperium, it also houses the families of the officials of the governing body, so they don't have to worry about being so far from their loved ones." Lucius said. "The center building is the Imperial Senate. The size of the Senate was made so that it can accommodate the many officials that work for their senators. Each senator represents a sector, and a sector could have hundreds of star systems with dozens of worlds in a single system. Assuming each sector has 40,575 star systems and 5 habitable worlds at maximum, a senator can represent 202,875 worlds, apparently, the numbers of star systems and habitable worlds vary. Of course, this estimation of numbers is the most common. A Senator represents the sectors legislatively as executive roles are given to Governors. Currently, there are 1,000,000 Senators of the Galactic Imperium. This means there are approximately 203 Billion planets which the senators represent and approximately 1,218 Sextillion of Imperial Citizens' lives."
"Excuse me, Mr. Lucius. I have been meaning to ask this, but how does democracy works in the Imperium?" Itami asked. "I have heard that the Imperium have senators dealing with the legislative front, but how they were chosen? And I heard that the Imperium has determined that there isn't any nobility in the Imperium, so I can assume that there's some sort of way for the Imperium to determine their Senators?"
"Well, we determine our Senators through democracy directly to the people. Of course, there are certain criteria for those who want to be a Senator. They have to at least serve the Imperium through either military or civil duties for around twenty years. They are then tested for their mental capacity and moral values, to see if they are fit to serve as Senators. Then, they have to be endorsed at least by one planet in order to be acknowledged as candidates. The entire endorsement of a planet can be done in many ways, either a candidate reaches out to the people or they are well-known by the people of a planet." Lucius said. "Once they are acknowledged, they have to make campaigns and persuade the people. The campaigns are fully funded by the Imperium, so they don't have to spend a single penny of their wealth. Although it's not illegal, we limit the amount of wealth spent on campaigns to ensure that having more wealth doesn't determine success. Then there will be elections, in which Senators have to win the election by 10% more than their opponent. A Senator's term is around 100 years, and they can go for reelection at maximum twice. Mind you, to us, this is very short-term."
"What about the role of Governors, Mr. Lucius? What is exactly their role in the Imperium and how much power do they hold?" Denchou asked this time.
"Well, Governors serves as an executive figure of a sector. They are responsible for the well-being of the people. They handle anything related to their designated sectors and hold the greatest power besides the Imperator or the Young Master. They manage the sector and it's people welfare, they enforce Imperial Laws, and they make planetary laws along with the sector's own Representative Council. Yes, they are designated. They are chosen by the Imperator himself, through the recommendation of either the Senate or the Young Master, the Young Master's recommendation would need evaluation by the Senate, although this process can be skipped entirely if the situation demands it, such as in a time of crisis and order is needed to be enforced effective immediately. Governors can also be removed from their office by the Senate through impeachment vote, while Young Masters has the Imperator's permission to impeach and remove a governor from their office without consultation of the Imperator nor the Senate." Lucius said. "Those who have taken the role of the Governor must take their role seriously. Because they are trusted by the Imperator, the Senate, and the people they rule over as Governor. A Governor had betrayed the trust of Marcus the Benevolent once, his fate was tragic. I cannot disclose that information, but it was horrible what happened to him."
Piña couldn't help but swallow her saliva out of fear. She is to be the new Governor, after all. She prayed to the gods and swore to herself. She will do her duties to the maximum, and her obligations as the new Governor to her fullest. She had seen what power the Imperium has, she would be the Galaxy's most idiotic fool to betray them.
As Lucius finished explaining, the bullet train slows down. They had arrived at the Imperial Senate. Again, many were baffled by the size. But then again, it was made to hold more than a million Senators representing the many sectors of the Galactic Imperium. They followed Lucius, as he guides them inwards of the building. Navigating through the halls of the Senate, caught the gaze of passersby. After a while, they arrived at the Senate Chamber. Again, many were baffled by the size. And this time, they saw many people already seated on their pods, the familiar device resembles the favored sci-fi fantasy movie they had once seen.
They were taken to a section of platforms, these are Guest Pods. The Senate provides Guests Pods from the small one capable of seating six people, to the large one capable of seating 60. It took three large Guest Pods to completely sat all of them, while the News Crews were given medium size Guest Pods and already hovering around the Senate Chamber as the pods were controlled by an official. However, Pinã, Hamilton, and Grey were taken to a singular Pod with Lucius.
The murmurs of a million then hushed up as they heard the beeping alarm, signaling the beginning of the Senatorial Session. The chamber is dead silent, not a single sound can be heard. Then, another alarm is heard, this time different than the first one as this one blared attention to anyone that heard it.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, all rise! His Eminence, Augustus Aurelius III! The Imperator of the Galactic Imperium, Overlord of half of the Known Galaxy, Head of the Galactic Custodes, and Lord Protector of All Species."
As the Imperator's arrival was heralded, Pinã saw all of the Senators, a million of them bowed to their ruler. Senators of all species, both human and alien, all bowed. Pinã then saw across her group, a man entered and sat on the throne that was placed separately from the rest. He is a handsome man like any other human civilian of the Imperium, yet something feels different about him. He exudes supreme authority and wisdom, more than she had seen in anyone else, not even Lucius. His face is stoic and stern, emotionless. Yet somehow, she saw in the Imperator sadness and sorrow. As if he was in grief, yet he remain stoic to show for his people.
Lucius pressed a button, as the pod she was in suddenly floated to the center.
"When I kneel, you all kneel." He simply said.
The pod reached the center. As it rotates towards the Imperator's direction and stopped as if it was stationary already. Lucius knelt, as Pinã, Hamilton, and Grey knelt alongside him.
"ALL HAIL IMPERATOR!" He shouted.
The chamber begins to roar. The deafening roar of a million men and women, Senators of the Imperium, showing their undying fealty, conviction, and loyalty to one man, and one man only.
"ALL HAIL IMPERATOR!"
"ALL HAIL IMPERATOR!"
"ALL HAIL IMPERATOR!"
With a single hand raised, the chamber once again fell silent. All eyes and ears for the Imperator, for he has the attention of them all.
"Be seated, honorable Senators."
His voice is soothing and calm, yet the hint of authority was there. It was crystal clear as he commands them. The Senators then sat down, still remaining silent. The Imperator then turns his attention to Lucius, Pinã, Hamilton, and Grey who were kneeling before him.
"Arise, my son. And those who follow him."
Lucius then stood up, followed by Pinã, Hamilton, and Grey.
"It does my heart good to see you return to Mother Terra unharmed, Lucius." The Imperator said as he smiled warmly. "And yet again, you did excellent work."
"All in days work for the Imperium, father. As you commanded, I have brought our counterparts of another reality." He said. "The World Leaders of Old Earth, before the audience of the Imperial Senate."
The Imperator turns his attention to the section where the World Leaders are seated, he gives them a smile and a nod of acknowledgment.
"Welcome, esteemed guests of Old Earth. It is good to finally meet our counterparts of another reality." The Imperator greeted.
A man steps forward on one of the Guest Pods, as all eyes are now on him.
"We are honored to be here, your Eminence. I am Andrea Rodriguez, current chairman of the United Nations." The man said. "On behalf of the people of Earth, we thank you for having us."
An audience of a million people claps their hands, and the claps again roared the chamber, as the Imperator too claps his hand. 30 seconds passed, and the claps died down.
"It is a pleasure for us as well, Mr. Andrea. After all, we welcome our human brothers of Old Earth." The Imperator said. "Now, without further ado. Prime Minister of the Imperium, Mr. Taufik Rusli, if you may."
The man seated below the Imperator looked up and nodded, as he turns his attention to the Senate Chamber.
"By the power vested in me as Chairman of the Imperial Senate, I hereby take the floor of the Chamber." He said loudly. "Today, we will attend to many important issues. First and foremost..."
As the pod carrying her returned to its original place, many including herself, observe the proceedings of the Senate sessions with serious intent. Here, they discuss all the things the people needed. They call upon witnesses to testify on an issue, in which the Senate reacts as they discussed the appropriate action needed to address the issue. And to her surprise, the Imperium's Senate was quick in deciding their 'Acts' and 'Bills'. It was as if their minds are as one, truly it must be the quality work the Imperium has done to ensure efficiency.
Hours passed, and still, the Senate was in session. To the world leaders of Earth and Piña, this was new. For many leaders of Earth, sessions such as these took less than two hours, some even less than that. For Piña, the Imperial Senate meetings don't even last for more than half an hour.
"Young Master Lucius, how long does a Senate meeting last?" Piña asked.
"Several hours, the longest being 18 hours, no rest unless the Chairman says so, not even the Imperator has a say about that, although it can be requested. However, based on the issues that is was listed to be discussed today, the afternoon will be the last." Lucius said. "And that, Piña, is where the issue of Falmarra Prime will be addressed. This is where you will be interviewed by the Senate, where they will try to determine whether you are fit for service as the next Governor of Falmarra Sector."
She was impressed to hear such diligence coming from the Senators, the Senators of the Imperium, by far are better officials than the nobles of her Empire that sat in the Senate. And to think the Imperator respects those below him, so much so that asking for a rest when he could just do so without anyone having a say about it is beyond her. There's so much she and her people could learn from the Imperium, about being the civilized people that her people came to boast often. And day by day, her astonishment and excitement in working with the Imperium grow, as is her fear for them.
Several more hours have passed, and by the looks of it, it's almost afternoon. Almost her time to be in the audience of a million senators, which made her anxious and terrified. She had never been in front of so many people before, sure she faced the crowds of Sadera, but to be judged by a million men and women of all species, the better people of the Imperium, gives her shivers. As the last issue was already addressed, it now came to her.
"Now, we address the issue of Falmarra Prime. Where it houses our barbaric assailant, the Saderan Empire resides. We will address our steps in dealing with the primitive peoples of Falmarra Prime, as well as to address the new candidate to hold Falmarra Prime as is suggested by the Young Master. I now summon Princess Piña Co Lada of the Saderan Empire, to take the floor."
Piña took a deep breath, as Lucius operates the pod to come to the center of the rotunda. She steeled herself, with the will to do her best in front of the judging audience.
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman." She says her thanks. Her attention and focus are now on the crowd, determine to make a lasting impression. "Good afternoon, honorable Senators of the Imperial Senate. I am Pinã Co Lada, the third princess of the Saderan Empire. I thank you for your graciousness to allow me to join the journey of enlightenment of the Imperium."
"As you have heard and made aware, I have intentions to join the Imperium as a vassal. To serve the Imperium with my all. For all the time I have been through in the journey, time and time again I have been shown the greatest of all civilization. Not in my life would I thought to see other worlds, or to travel through the stars." She continued. "To see equality of life, to see content and happy faces in the common folk. To see them prosper like never seen before. It was a sight to behold, a sight I wish to share with my people. It was clear to me that the Imperium could bring difference, and change. This is why, I wish to serve the Imperium, so that my people can learn better ways to be civilized. And to make amends for the mistake my people have made in the past, and to plea for their survival."
Murmurs began to form. Whether or not it was a good thing or a bad thing, she at least made an impression on the crowd.
"Mr. Chairman, permission to share the floor?" A senate asked from her pod.
"Granted. The floor is shared. You may also take the floor, Sen. Nia Morgna."
The senator then took the floor, as her pod floats not far from Pinã's own. As Pinã was preparing to listen, Lucius approached her and whispers right beside her.
"She is Sen. Nia Morgna, former Judge of the Supreme Court and former Minister of the Imperial Ministry of Law and Civilian Rights."
Piña tried to calm herself as Lucius wasn't helping, and the strong gaze from the Senator wasn't helping her to be calm.
"Princess Piña Co Lada. Firstly, I wish to state that on behalf of the Imperial Senate, we are honored to have you with us. We are also honored that the Imperium was regarded highly, of course, there will be chances in the future. And I think all of us share the same opinion. However, the greets and pleasantries must end there as I wish to ask you something. " She said. "On the 10th of November 3981, the forces of Sadera attacked the Imperium without any provocation. While we suffer no life casualties, such brazen action sparked widespread anger that the people from all corners of the Imperium demanded retribution and justice be upheld. Now, I hear that the purpose of the Saderans to attack the Imperium is simply to pillage and plunder, to enslave, and to genocide. This, by all means, is not civilized but barbaric. This brings me to my question; What makes you think, after all we hear about your Empire, that the Imperium would accept your attempts to amends and spare the Empire you loved?"
"I think you misunderstood me, Sen. Nia. I didn't ask for the Empire to be spared, I only ask that my people are to be spared." Piña said. "While I love the Empire, as I was born in it, I know the Empire will soon cease to exist. Be it without the interference from the JSDF or the Militarum, the Empire of Sadera will cease to exist soon."
"You said that you wish to serve the Imperium as a vassal, I thought you mean the Empire of Sadera as an extension but clearly that was not the case considering what you just said." Sen. Nia said. "Then, why do you want to serve the Imperium other than the fact you want to plea for your people's survival from the wrath of the Militarum?"
"The people of the Empire are deluded. Corrupt. I despise the senators and nobles that live by being a parasite, and no one seems to do anything about it, not even my father when I tried to make a difference." Piña said. "Their views on treating those different than other humans disgust me, and the prejudice to enslave other races for their own pleasure leaves a bitter taste. When I learned the history of the humans of Terra, my resolve in making my people change for the better hardened. If I don't do something about it, my people will eventually cease to exist as an identity. The only way to survive both physically and morally, is to serve the Imperium. I saw how great things are in the Imperium, I know for a fact that my people could change too. Which is why I wish to serve the Imperium and to save my people."
"Yet despite all the things you have said, I do not see what benefits you will put to the table." Nia Morgna said. "While we are keen on accepting civilizations under our protection, we also put benefits into consideration. Materials are not of our concern, and the last I check nor does manpower. And we don't need you in particular to hold a planet, nor govern a sector as the Young Master has recommended us and the Imperator. We can just find someone else from that planet to be a governor. While we appreciate your resolve to help your people, we are more looking at the issue of merit. What merit do you have to deserve to be a Governor of the Imperium?"
Piña inhales deeply and exhales all the same. She psyches herself, as her answer is already at the tip of her tongue. All she needed to do, is to answer.
"All my life, I was raised to rule. Even though I wasn't a prime candidate, nor a prioritized one as an heir, I was taught from childhood to rule. Despite not being the prime candidate, I was bestowed to have my own holdings of swathes of land and people that I need to rule over since I reached the age of 14 in which I made them prosper compared to others. Despite my status as a princess, I am much more eager to be with the people than the rest of my peers in the Empire. I've led my own trained retinues of knights and warriors, in which I am well accustomed to the ways of the military and camaraderie of those below me." Piña said. "I have experience in the management of the people and of warfare, even though my experience is abysmal to the rest of the Imperium. As well as know how to approach an issue diplomatically. After all, the Imperial Court of Sadera is a cruel place to live and survive. And despite my naivety oftentimes clouded my judgment, I managed enough to train myself to catch on the intricacies of politics. If I have to say, that despite my young age, I am as eligible as any officials in the Imperium. Moreover, I think the fact that the Young Master has chosen me as his protege speaks volumes without me having to explain myself."
Piña could have sworn to see an amused look on Sen. Nia Morgna. Because unbeknownst to Pinã, she just made herself a much more intriguing person in the eyes of the Senate. Because to be a Governor, not only one needed much experience, but preferable traits of one being a governor must exist in a candidate. And she just showed them what they wanted to see, a speck of existence of the preferable traits.
"Amusing answer, in a good way that is. Now, I must ask you in terms of justice. As we all know, the Empire of Sadera attacked the people of Deneb Prime without provocation, and for a cause we all deemed as wicked." Nia Morgna said. "Now, you must have known who the perpetrators are, since you are active in the military front as we have heard. What would you do to them, when you are Governor? The people of the Imperium demand justice be upheld, not just for our own sake, but for those they have killed in Ginza, according to our reports. So, can you tell me how you propose to uphold said justice to those who do harm?"
"In my judgment, I would place them on trial. A fair trial. And I would do my utmost best to recompense the damages made by my people." Pinã said. "It would be wrong of me not to deliver what was deserved to those who deserve it. The victims of Ginza must be compensated, although I am skeptical that it would be enough to soothe their wounded hearts."
"And what of your father, the Emperor? Was he, not the one to order such a barbaric attack against anyone beyond the GATEs? What is to be made of him?"
Piña was brought into silence, yet it wasn't for long. She knew what must be made, and to the Gods, she prayed that she has the willpower to do so when the time comes.
"...It was clear that my father was the one who ordered the invasions. My father, Molt Sol Augustus, did so in order to gain more power and popularity. To attain his supreme position as Emperor, so that no one dares to betray him." Piña said. "His actions brought many to suffer, his ignorance in the conduct of the nobles brought many innocents to suffer on a daily basis. I cannot in my consciousness deny my father the justice he deserved, yet I do not think I would be able to carry out the trial. This is why when the war is over... I will hand over my father... To the highest form of the judicial body of the Imperium to determine his fate."
After responding, she can see Sen. Nia slightly nodding her head. But her ordeal in the Senate is not over, as Sen. Nia was replaced by Sen. Anton Rayne. Who by Lucius's accounts, chose to resign in order to have a seat in the Senate. It has been 150 years of his service of being Senator, and he has never disappointed the Imperium. While her conversation with the Senator was rather short, it was one of the most important points of her session.
She was asked what must be done to finish the issue on Falmarra Prime, she was asked on how to resolve it, and what must be done in order to minimize casualties of the populace. Her plan was as such; She was to persuade the Senate of the Saderan Empire to be in favor of the Imperium in the majority. While this may seem a bit too simple, She had further plans for it.
She goes on to tell the Senate, that while the Saderan Senate might still be in favor of the Imperium majority, there are variables that she has counted on. Her brothers, one of which was stressed by Pinã of the importance due to the unstable and unpredictable nature of her eldest brother, Zorzal El Caesar.
He shows the typical attributes of a tyrannical leader with delusions of grandeur, displaying cruel and oppressive tendencies driven by an arrogant, selfish, irrational, violently moody, extremely debauched, and narcissistic personality. By Piña's accounts, Zorzal is the embodiment of the Empire's delusional belief in its manifest destiny of universal supremacy. A fanatic chauvinist, a firm believer in the superiority and invincibility of the Saderan Empire. He believed himself to be a great warrior, a master schemer, and a superior man above everyone else with no sense of honor when he is none of the things mentioned, it was more believable that he is a hedonist to the core. From Piña's accounts once more, he has launched a costly campaign against the warrior bunnies, a half-man half-bunny race called Voglians. He too ordered the massacre and enslavement of the Voglians, all because their women were of good looks and therefore potential sex slaves for him.
A megalomaniac, in all senses. And to the judgment of the Senate, he is as worse as a Ravernal, or maybe worse. At least Ravernals were intelligent enough to be a challenge. However, Zorzal's unexpected tendency could be troublesome.
Her further plans include the possibility that Zorzal is to take over, by any means possible. This came due to the fact that many nobles outside of the Senate are warmongering in nature, many of those within the Senate are the same. If he can rouse them enough, they might just commit a coup and dethrone her father and take control of the Saderan Army. She devises a plan to oust the walking chaos of a prince from the political face of the Imperial Court of Sadera, and hopefully, it can be done before Zorzal could do anything out of the blue. This includes her future attempts to convince Emperor Molt to commit fully to the cause of peace before disaster struck.
But even if disaster struck, she already has a plan. If the previous plans go to trash, and Zorzal completely took over the Empire, she wants the Imperium's help to end the war before it began by force. A swift and less destructive invasion of the capital city could be the means to end the war quickly. By taking over Sadera, she holds the voice, the political power, and all aspects of the Saderan Empire. She only hoped that she had garnered support from the local senators at least one-third of the Senate, which could help her to completely oust the chaotic prince by declaring him an enemy of the state. The only downside of the plan is that it could backfire easily, which is why she must be careful. If all of that goes wrong, then a civil war could ensue.
While her plans were rather risky, the Senate was rather impressed. For a 19-year-old to be thinking that far ahead is something amazing. Truly, the Young Master has found a perfect match. That includes the innuendo to his current predicament whether he realized this or not, the Senate has made its decisions. The first one will be said directly, and the second will be forwarded to the Imperator at a later date.
"Princess Piña Co Lada. After hearing your plans for the issue of Falmarra Prime, and the reasoning for your change of heart, we will now enter the voting process of the result of your evaluation." the Chairman said. "Ladies and Gentlemen, you may now begin to vote. Time to vote: 2 minutes maximum."
The floor began to mutter away. A million men and women of all races began to vote, and to her dismay, she can't tell whether she passed it or not. It felt like it was the longest two minutes of her life, as she was rather anxious to see the result. Then soon, an alarm was heard, sounding the end of the vote.
"With the vote against, around 100,000 voice. Abstaining, around 300,000 voices. In favor, 600,000 voices." The Chairman said. "By the order of the Senate, Princess Piña Co Lada, we hereby accept the recommendation of candidacy, as you have passed the evaluation."
She can breathe rather easy now, as 600,000 senators have voted in her favor. Although, it comes to the decision of the Imperator. Which she will find out very soon.
"Then, by the will of the Imperium, I name Piña Co Lada, Governor of the Falmarra Sector." The Imperator said.
Everyone bowed, respecting the decision made by the Imperator upon her.
"Lucius, help her recite the Oath."
Lucius did as he was told, and signals someone from the crowd. Not long, two Cerberus soldiers were holding a neatly folded flag of the Imperium, with its golden star shining in front of a crimson field. Along with a small box, the size of her hands. The two Cerberus hopped into the pod she was in and handed over the flag to Lucius.
"Place your left hand on the flag, raise your right, and repeat the words I say," Lucius said to her.
She nodded understood, this is a sacred ceremony, which she obliges to follow.
"I swear this sacred oath, that I shall render unconditional obedience to the Imperium, her people, and to the Imperator..."
"I swear this sacred oath, that I shall render unconditional obedience to the Imperium, her people, and to the Imperator...." She followed.
"...I swear this sacred oath, that I will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the Imperium against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;"
"...I swear this sacred oath, that I will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the Imperium against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;"
"I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter..."
"I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter..."
"...And in my honorable duty as Governor, I vow allegiance and obedience to the death!"
"...And in my honorable duty as Governor, I vow allegiance and obedience to the death!"
Lucius pulls the flag away from her hand, and he returned the flag, and in turn, the Cerberus holding the box opened it. A pin was bestowed on her, similar in the shape of the flag. Only the center was a beautiful diamond she had ever seen, red in color.
"This pin is shall be a reminder of who you serve now. It also signifies your status as Governor." Lucius said. "You have done well. And soon, what you seek shall be yours."
"Thank you, Young Master." She thanked her.
"Don't thank me now, we still have to deal with that lunatic brother of yours." Lucius said. "And please, you can just call me Lucius."
"Then you do the same. You can call me Piña." She smiled, which was reciprocated by Lucius.
Unbeknownst to them, however, their whole interaction was observed by many. Piña's retinue, the Senators, and the Imperator. And all of them are thinking the same thing, except the Imperator.
Those two will be lovers...
While the Imperator, he was thinking more about the prospect of having grandkids. But the daydreaming was cut short, as someone rushed beside the Imperator, and whispers to his ear. His eyes widened in surprise, yet he somehow expectant of it. The Imperator's demeanor was taken notice by the Senators, along with Lucius.
"Your eminence, is something wrong?" The chairman asked.
Answering the question, Augustus simply pressed a button on his throne, and it shows a holographic transmission.
"This is Galactic Top News, where we report the latest top information of the galaxy! Breaking News!! War has been declared! The Galactic Sildor Coalition and the Resufitors Allied Suns have declared war against each other! The Galactic Council is now in total chaos and defunct, as star nations flock to either sides. The Galaxy is again, at war!"
"Those goat-hoarned buffoons!!"
"Those no good acid breather!!"
"Idiots!! They are all idiots!!"
"We should have just force our way to make them cease hostility!"
"ORDER! WE SHALL HAVE ORDER IN THE SENATE!" Mr. Taufik slams his gavel, yet none seem to able to calm down.
The Imperator raised his left hand, and all of them went silent at once. Not a single soul would dare to voice out another comment. And it was clear to all, to Piña especially, The Imperator was not in the good mood. He was livid.
"Mr. Taufik, I call upon my executive powers and end this session immediately. Honorable senators, return to your residence and rest. You have done well today, you all deserve your rest." He said. "This has just become an issue best dealt with executively."
"YES, YOUR EMINENCE!"
"Lucius, take the guest to their lodging. You will sit this one out, Lucius. That also means you should take some time to rest." The Imperator commanded. "We are DEFCON 3, Ladies and Gentlemen. It may be soon elevated to DEFCON 2 in the next few days. I assure you, the Imperium will stop this nonsense bloodshed."
The crowd cheered upon The Imperator, as he turn his back and exited the chamber. While they know he was not in a good mood, they don't know how mad he was. If only they knew, they would be terrified. For not only the Imperator was livid, he was furious. His efforts in making them to peace with each other was made into total failure. He will learn why, and he swear to make sure they learned what happens if the disregarded peast over greed.