It's done. Her father now lies unconscious, and her brother is at the helm of the slowly sinking ship that is the Saderan Empire. Yesterday, he delivered quite a passionate speech towards his "subjects". Spouting nonsense that he will defeat the enemies of the Empire, and return Sadera to it's former glory. The people blindly followed him, and now he's amassing forces by the day. The morale of the Saderans under Zorzal is at all time high, their pride swelled double in size. However, soon it would be for nought. Twice the pride is, the harder the blow when they fall.
She was introduced to Zorzal's new inner circle yesterday too. It was her brother's closest friends. Herm Fule Maio, Calasta, Mudra, and her own spy Tyuule. Three of them equally foolish, men who possess petty intelligence who considers themselves the best of the best. How she knows this? Herm and Calasta was once members and co-founders of her Rose-Order of Knights, for Mudra? By all means he's a brute. And one is her agent, who had no true loyalty towards Zorzal. To her, it was a poor attempt to replicate Lucius's squad, even though Zorzal barely knew Lucius at all. She had originally thought he would employ people of great use such as Marcus and Godasen, but instead he puts his beliefs on the three dunderheads who he calls his closest comrades. This would be an easy takeover, if it's them she's facing.
Now, she overlooks the scenery from the balcony of her chamber. The beautiful city will fall to the rule of the Imperium, as many would. As the continent falls to the Imperium's embrace, prosperity and peace will follow her people. Broken from her thoughts, was a knock on her doors.
"Madam Governor, Queen Tyuule is here to meet you."
The door to her chamber was opened, as the Queen of the Voglians makes her way towards Piña. The Voglian bowed at her, paying her respect.
"I have to admit, I was rather skeptical that you would follow my wishes and orders like so." Piña said. "And I was glad that you did so. You could have warned my foolish brother, but you kept your word and your loyalty with me."
"Was there any doubt of my loyalty, my lady? I thought I made it clear that I am to serve you, and by extension the Galactic Imperium." Tyuule said perplexed.
"There was. After all, we recruited you just days away from the ceremony, and ordered to do something so important before we can confirm your true loyalty." Piña explained. "It would've been detrimental to my plans had you betrayed me. There would be no way for me to rectify it, and I would have been forced to commit all might of the Imperium faster than what I would like it to be."
"Why do you make all of these meticulous schemes? You have the power beyond everyone in this world." Tyuule questions her, completely confused.
The former princess turned and formed a smile on her face, seeming to accommodate the Voglian with her questions.
"I want to remove as much of resistance as early as possible. I want the Doves to realize the gravity of the situation, and strengthen their will to sue for peace. I want to demonize my brother and secure my authority, and to crush the Hawks and prevent all future resistance by nurturing them enough power to the point that they will never be able to recover physically or mentally when I crush them." Pinã said. "With my brother seen as the plague that he is, none will support him for even a single silver coin. With the Hawks crushed, there's nothing to stop me. With the Doves, I shall crown myself Empress. And when I am Empress, I shall resign all authority and power to representative of the Imperium, and that would be Young Master Lucius Aurelius. He would announce my status as Governor of Falmarra Prime, and then I shall reform and bring peace."
Piña's answer made Tyuule shiver. Her ambition was... Unbelievable. It was meticulous, detailed, and somehow ruthless. While she had acknowledged the change of the third princess of the Saderan Empire, she did not expect to see her to be so ruthless.
"...And what would be of the Doves? What happens to them when you have risen to power?" Tyuule asked. "What is to become of my people as well?"
Piña took a glance, a cold and emotionless glance. Which again, took Tyuule by surprise. The princess had just now smiled, the sudden shift in her expression was shocking. The Princess returned her gaze towards the scenery.
"What has come into you that you suddenly taken attention for the Doves? Well, no matter. If you'd like to know, I will have their nobility status remove. In fact, I'm going to abolish nobility as a whole. Man and woman, Elf and Volralden, Voglians and many more shall be equal before the law. Falmart will focus on meritocracy, where everyone will have to fight and struggle to earn prestigious positions. Of course, I would let them keep their estates and business if their businesses aren't illegal." Pinã said. "As for your people, I've told you that they will be freed from slavery. Though, you will all serve the Imperium as many others. And in return, I will have the entire Great Grasslands to be designated as the Voglian Reservation. I will appoint you as leader of the Reservation, and your people will have unchallenged residency of the Grassland."
"Reser...vations?"
"From what I learned from the GalacticNet, a Reservation is a reserved and protected land for a certain group or race and designated only for the said race." She explained. "The residents of the Reservation can elect their own leaders, make their own laws aside Imperial Laws, and culturally protected."
"The nobles possessed quite the power and influence over the masses. They certainly wouldn't like it that you dismantle the nobility as a whole. What do you do to counter that?" Tyuule asked her again.
"Appointments of capable officials to fill the vacuum that the nobility left behind, as well as establishment of crucial civil services. Administrators, judges, doctors, teachers, and many others." Piña answered. "Of course, establishment of the Civil Guard from the populace in the future. In the nearest time, Law enforcement will be enforced by the Militarum and the hardest of the police force, the Arbites Judgement Corps to enact swift and decisive judgement on the spot. Those will be enough to maintain order, and to enforce my commands across the continent."
After seeing what was shown to her on that night, Tyuule was still rather skeptical of the true might of the Imperium despite countless reports the beyond reasoning capabilities of the Militarum. But, if anything shown before was the truth, Piña would have no problems at all in consolidating her rule.
"What about your family? Your father? Your brother Diabo? And the rest of your relatives?" Tyuule questioned her again.
"My family and relatives will be stripped of their titles, as many nobility would, myself included as I would just be a Governor. My brother Diabo, considering he ran away, I would just strip him of his nobility. Had he stayed and join forces with me, I would give him a rank he deserves." Piña replied. "As for Zorzal. If he is captured, I will have him tried for all his atrocities and crimes. Be it here, or in Mother Terra, he will face justice. As would be my unconscious father, who I would hand over to the Imperial justice system to judge him as fairly as possible."
Piña has thought of everything. How she would consolidate power, how she would enforce the Imperium Laws and her commands, and how she is willing to strip her own status as nobility and put her own father to judgement. The new Piña, according to Tyuule, is terrifying.
"Now, enough with the Q&A session. I would require the reports you're about to give me."
Broken out of her thoughtful stupor, Tyuule gives Piña the parchment she has been holding on.
"It's there. The names of those who support Zorzal." Tyuule said. "Nobles, officials, generals, everyone."
Piña examines the parchment in her hands. She cross checks with what she knows, and add new information on her head about what she doesn't. The names coincide with what information she gathers, with what she had expected to join, and new ones she hadn't count on. Especially, some nobles that defected their allegiance from her.
"It appears that some nobles have defected from my sphere of control." Piña muttered, seemingly unbothered.
"That is concerning." Tyuule remarked.
"Hardly. They know nothing about my true intentions. All of them don't. Only a handful few not of Saderan nobility. That includes you." Piña said. "In fact, this simplifies things. The Doves are still within my control, and I'm close to gain the loyalty of the Tyueris and Casel's. Which reminds me, this Haryo clan, has their loyalty confirmed? Have they all agreed to be loyal to me?"
"That is a certainty, my lady. Haryo clan would gain nothing if they sided with the losing side." Tyuule said. "They are yours, and yours only."
Piña nodded, acknowledging Tyuule's reassurance.
"Good. Then I have an assignment for them. Last I heard, Marquis Cassel is taking refuge with the Tyueris, correct?"
"Indeed, my lady." Tyuule answered.
"Good. I want the Tyueris to be gone. Just the parents."
Again, this shocks Tyuule. Piña had just told her that Tyueris are important, and now she wants them gone?
"I thought you needed the Tyueris?"
"Indeed. But with the death of the parents of Sherry, all titles and the right of the estate shall passed on to her. With that, she is in control of the Tyueri household." Piña said. "With her young age, she is still able to be indoctrinated with Aurelism, ensuring her loyalty towards us. She is intelligent, and it would not be as easy as it was to indoctrinate Marchioness Myui. But if this successful, the Imperium, specifically Falmarra Sector would have another talented daughter. The Haryo clan's mission is simple, orchestrate an attack at the Tyueris with the Oprichnina, but make sure that Casel and Sherry gets out alive. Once it is done, make sure they are directed to the Jade Palace."
"So that they will seek asylum, and will draw war against the Imperium." Tyuule deduced. "This is your endgame. The final step of your plan."
Piña nodded gently, her gaze still fixated on the scenery outside. Her calmness and uncaring of what she just said to Tyuule really gave the Voglian chills.
"Indeed. Now, if you understand what I intend to do. Do as I command." Piña said. "It must be done within next week. I assume with the current flow of soldiers coming to the capital, it would be disastrous for them when I commit my assault."
"It shall be done, my lady." Tyuule bowed before Piña.
The Voglian queen left the chamber to do what her lady commands. As she left, a sinister grin formed on the Voglian lips.
Soon. Soon my suffering will be repaid...
As soon as the Voglian left, Piña heard footsteps from her study room. Said footsteps coming towards her, yet she remained calm.
"That is the Voglian you have mentioned, yes?"
"Indeed, Young Master. She has been useful to our cause." Piña answered.
The man was none other than Lucius Aurelius, Young Master of the Galactic Imperium. The Young Master have been observing the conversation whilst using a cloaking device.
"That so. But it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on her. Despite she had been useful, her loyalty is still under question." Lucius said. "That being said. This is your operation, after all. You have jurisdiction until I say otherwise."
"Say, how goes the war between the Galactic Sildor Coalition and the Resufitor Allied Suns?" Piña asked him.
Lucius stops by her side, and taken the scenery along with her.
"It's in stalemate, as we had hope them to be. Both are stubborn, yet to this point the situation is still under our heavy control." Lucius said. "Though, the situation might escalate further. My sister had just reported that a Sildoran fleet tried to run through her blockade of Ratalka Sector. She crushed the fleet, but the brazen and desperate move made it clear that the war might escalate."
"Would they be crazy enough to declare war upon the Imperium?" Piña asked again.
"By the looks of it, there's a chance. But, they have to count on our response. If they declared war, then we will see immense destruction of their territories. Now, we're generous enough not to glass their planets." Lucius said. "If they did declare war, it will not be pretty for them. Nor does the many stellar nations that supports them. I know for a fact that while they want to support both the Sildorans and the Resufitors, they will not risk an escalated war against the Imperium. After all many of them simply wishes to upset the balance of power in the Galactic Council, by escalating the war and make the two strongest stellar nations in the Galactic Council weak by tearing each other apart."
Hearing his response, made Piña frowned. It's a common knowledge that the Imperium is one of the strongest, if not the strongest. Yet, they still dared to go against the Imperium. It's a death sentence to fight the Imperium, or any of the Custodian members. Foolish. It's all foolishness. It hurt Piña's heart more that the Galaxy is severely divided with their own ambitions, so much so they're willing to use the instability of war as means to gain more power.
"I see. How unfortunate. For such folly to happen, it's as if they don't care about their people." Piña said. "They had just suffered a destructive Galactic war, now they start another."
"Enough talking about them. Let us continue your study." Lucius said.
"Let us. But before that, have you done what I requested?"
Lucius smirked in response. After all, what she requested was rather interesting.
"It is done. A battalion of Titan Warriors have just arrived planetside. They are yours to command." Lucius said. "You really like presentation, don't you?"
"Heh... Well, my mother used to be an actress for Sadera theater. Let's just say I got a little of her side in me." Piña said sheepishly.
••••••
Alnus Fort.
As the agreement between the Imperium and the government of Japan was made a month prior, the Imperium had also struck a deal to allow the Militarum to be stationed at Alnus. And as of now, two battalions of Cerberus soldiers are stationed within the fort. And oftentimes, they patrol Alnus town as well as spending most of their free time there.
Now, one soldier is waiting nervously in front of the base. The man had seen through worse fighting in his years as a soldier of the Imperium, yet he had never been this anxious before. He had face and destroyed one of the many terrifying mechamorphs of the Ravernals, which he was able to destroy one.
But now, the anxiety he felt goes beyond everything he had ever felt. It's just nerve-wracking for him to do so. As he wait and wait, his anxiety rises.
"Hey! I hope you didn't wait too long."
A feminine voice, coming from beyond the gate he was waiting. There, he saw the source of the voice. Raven haired short bob-cut, copper brown eyes, fair skin. Everything about her screams beauty.
"O-Oh! No, I just got here a few minutes ago." He said. "Y-You look great miss Mochizuki!"
"Aw, thank you! And I thought we're past honorifics?"
"Sorry. It's just that I get nervous when I'm around you."
The girl was none other than Mochizuki Noriko, the same Noriko that the Cerberus had rescued from Zorzal's grasp. She was taken immediately to Alnus for a medical checkup, and now she works as a liaison and translator for international media. The man who's she's seeing is none other than the man who had rescued her, and carried her all the way back home. Corporal Ibrahim Emir Sokullu, 1st Platoon, 1486th Company, 446th Battalion, 78th Regiment, 1st Division of the 5th Cerberus Pack.
He had been seeing her and visiting her as she recovers both physically and mentally. The man oftentimes brought her gifts to keep her spirits up. It really didn't take long for them to eventually got to date.
"Anyway! Let's get going. I'm sure you're dying to go." Ibrahim said as he broken out of his stupor.
Ibrahim offer his hand, which Noriko took it and lock her hand with hers. Ibrahim flustered profusely, face beets red as he struggled to be cool. Noriko did blushed as well, but not as much as Ibrahim did and it certainly brought her to stifle a unnoticeable giggle about it.
Ibrahim escorted her to the ride they're supposed to take. It was a Dragonfly-class utility helicopter.
"Wow, this is a first. Never thought I would be riding a helicopter for a date." Noriko mused.
The two of them climbed into the heli as the two sat right to each other. The door to the heli closes automatically, as the engine began to roar to life.
"Hold on you lovebirds!" The pilot said to them.
Being called lovebirds made the two blushed, yet the pilot is amused as he laughed by the sight before him. As the engine roared, the Dragonfly levitates and flew away to the direction of Helnus. The two chat away about what they're going to do when they reached the place, not minding the roaring engine and the beautiful scene that they flew pass as they focus themselves on each other's face.
The flight was only 20 minutes long, and they arrived at Helnus. The most heavily defended, heavy militarized base in the entirety of the planet. They landed at the landing pad, and waited until the engines are fully dead. The moment the engines died, they exited the craft and Noriko was baffled by the size of the base. It's almost a city! No, it is a city!
Noriko followed Ibrahim to a car. A military vehicle. An Armadillo-class Utility Vehicle. He opened the doors for her, as she gracefully entered the hover utility vehicle. They then drove off, towards the GATE. As Ibrahim has said to her, their awaited date will be beyond the GATE of Helnus.
They drove towards and currently driving through the dark void of the GATE. It didn't take long for them to cross over, and of course she was surprised to see buildings taller than she had seen before. Such futuristic designs, so sleek and smooth, so aesthetically pleasing to the eye. And there's something appearing to be flying cars!
Ibrahim opened her door as she exited the Armadillo whilst still have her eyes fixated on the surrounding area. With that, she also saw how defended the GATE is here than it is in Ginza. Thick metal walls, seemed to be stationed with soldiers on watch duty. Futuristic security cameras all around, and some sort of energy shield. Contraptions what it appears to be automated turrets positioned all around, and some was aiming at her! Not just her, but at Ibrahim too!
"Relax. These turrets won't shoot unless we didn't have authorization." Ibrahim assured her. "As long as I am in the Militarum, and you are recognized as a guest, they won't shoot."
Noriko recalls back yesterday, when Ibrahim gave her a piece of flimsy yet flexible wristband. He said to her that she should wear it if she's to go beyond Helnus, as he explained that wristband will serve as her guest pass. And returning to the current situation, she was glad that she didn't forget to wear it.
"This place used to be the City Center of Neo Constantinople. It used to be a spot of community activities, where people mingle and socialize." Ibrahim said to her. "Ever since the attack, the Young Master decided to turn the entire center into a Military installation. The buildings near the center were seized and turned into firing range in case Helnus CENTCOM was taken over by hostile forces. Of course, he gave compensation for business owners near the center and full service for relocating their business."
"Wow... That seems... A bit excessive..." Noriko commented.
"It is. But then again, this planet is the home planet of his mother. This very city is the home city of Empress Ava. He was determined to defend this planet." Ibrahim said. "I'm glad that he did, this city is also my home. I was born here, this planet is where I grew up."
"I see. I'm curious as to what kind of person Empress Ava is." She wondered.
"Well, they say that the Empress is one of a kind. Caring, intelligent, and a tad rebellious for the right things." He said. "She was the only Empress that dared to break security protocols for the sake of the people, and the only one that can bend the Imperator. They say the Empress was the only one to ever drag the Imperator out of his meetings just to force him to rest."
Hearing Ibrahim's telling her about what the Empress was like, draws her conclusion that she's in many ways similar to late Princess Diana. However, there was something that bothers her.
"Was?" She asked.
Ibrahim's face turned sour, troubled by her question. Noriko wished she could take back her question, but Ibrahim answered her before she could.
"During the Imperial Family visit to one of the troubled planets, an assassination attempt was made to kill the Imperator by the Ravernals.However, she did the unexpected and shielded her husband from imminent danger. She saved him, at the cost of her own. To this day, the Imperial Family, namely her children and husband, still grieves her death." Ibrahim told her. "The Imperator was rather more open with full of expression, right now he's an empty husk without. Some say he still weep for her death. Her children goes on to avenge their mother, Young Mistress Cassandra goes on to be an admiral and lead the naval battles against the Ravernals. But the most devastated and rageful was Young Master Lucius. He joined Cerberus and lead military operations against Ravernal targets, and he was without mercy. Engaging cold and calculative strikes, with no regards of mercy and inflicting the most painful psychological torment. We call him the 'Avenger', but from the latest information dug into the Ravernals archives, they call him the Vicious. Empress Ava is now laid alongside many in the planet's Tomb of Courageous Fallen."
Tormenting people is bad, but she has no say about that. After what she had been through, after hearing her Hiroki was killed in the mines, her family killed in the Ginza attack, she resent them and wished them dead. She lost everything, she lost her loved ones, and she resent the Saderans with all her heart. Hearing what the Young Master have been through, she can sympathize with what he felt.
"If we can... Can we visit her tomb? I want to pay my respects." Noriko asked.
Her question draws a smile to Ibrahim's face.
"Of course! We can go there before we go home." Ibrahim said. "Now, we have a date to do."
The two went on their date, as Noriko was brought baffled and surprised as she's to take one of those flying cars, or AVs what the rest of the Imperium called. Still, that name triggered something embarrassing for Noriko. As she was once worked for such agency as one of the marketing crew.
Putting aside her previous and embarrassing jobs behind, she focuses ahead on her date. Still, she's still on the process of getting things clear. Afterall, getting on a flying car is something that she never thought would have ride in her life, or anyone else.
The highlight of the date was not the AV ride, all the things they did together far cry in comparison to some AV ride through the city skyline. They went to places that made her eyes glisten with excitement. A small tour of the Deneb Galactic Wildlife, a collection of alien wildlife all across the galaxy, flora and fauna. A zoo in simplicity, yet it was nothing simple.
Then, to the nearest shopping mall. Merchandise, products all across the galaxy that was imported can be attained in the simplest of shopping mall. She bought several books about the galaxy, dresses, and accessories. Girls stuff, something that Ibrahim had no knowledge but willing to accompany, including the dress part. It was excruciating for him, as Noriko goes back and forth with the dresses that caught her eyes.
Now, they're at a restaurant. After quite the rush of activities, a good meal is more than welcome to the both of them. As they enjoyed themselves, Noriko caught an interesting chatter from the crowd.
"Hey... Have you heard about the news?"
"Yeah, the Sildorans and the Resufitors have lost their minds. Now they're attacking Militarum starships in full. Even though they didn't declared war on us."
"Do they want their capital world to be glassed? At this rate, we might just consider ourselves at war with them."
"I hear the Sildorans attacked the Young Mistress's fleet at Ratalka Sector. Their entire fleet were crushed by the Young Mistress, and now they demanded retribution."
"They must be delusional! How in Shroud's name they could think they can demand the Imperium such thing?"
"Now, I wouldn't be surprised if the Imperator decided to commit more to punish them. Heck, if His Eminence ordered to have their capital worlds be glassed as punitive action, I wouldn't have any sympathy. They caused discord, they reap what they sow."
"I wonder what would happen next after the war? Would both Sildorans and Resufitors crumble away to separate states?"
"Possible. But there's one thing certain, the balance of power within GC will be all too balanced, no efforts will ever work due to balanced bureaucracy. When this war ended, the Sildorans and Resufitors will have no choice but to sell their starships and other military equipment to stabilize their economy. Other weaker nations will buy them cheap to strengthen their own, and it will be all too balanced. Heck, there might be no more GC to begin with."
"*Sigh* I have no idea what were these savages thinking about causing another war. Waste of lives, waste of resources, it's nothing but a toilet flush straight to shit city."
"But hey, there's a possibility that worlds will just join us or the other custodians. Which means planets to stabilize, more people becoming us, order is to reestablished, which means business for us. I can see new territories for us to expand."
"Praise the Lord for that! I just wished Falmarra Sector opens up for business. The Young Master has been keeping it a tight leash for some reason. Hopefully it's not something bad."
The information she learned proved to be interesting. She had already learned of the ongoing galactic war that is currently happening. She had learned much from the conversation happening around her, almost everyone seems to talk about it. She was unnerved by how easily they dismiss something as horrible as glassing a planet, which by her knowledge is a constant and ruthless bombardment that turned the surface to glass and uninhabitable, all because they thought the perpetrators deserved it.
"Don't worry about it, Noriko. The Imperator won't easily gave an order to glass a planet. It would be a waste of lives and natural resources."
Noriko was broken out of her concerned thought, as Ibrahim assures her of what she had heard, and seems to read her expression.
"But, can it happen?" Noriko asked.
"Of course. No doubt. It's bad, but the Imperator wouldn't damn a planet uninhabitable and just glass it without reason." Ibrahim said. "Otherwise we would have problems already with our allies."
"A shame. They have reached such level of civilization, yet they still go to war over menial things like border clashes." Noriko said.
"Oh, it's more than that." Ibrahim said.
"How so?"
"The Resufitors and the Sildorans are gathering support from many stellar nations. These nations are wringing those two nations to dry. With their major hyper lane intersection and highest production sector blockaded, they would need to buy and get supplies from these nations and get them smuggled which isn't cheap." Ibrahim explained. "Many sell their stuff on higher price, just to get maximal profit possible. And many did this for the sole reason on bringing down the two nations superiority over others, as they would rise up in the ranks of power. It's business. This war is a business for them all. Which is something that we would like to hinder. Monetizing war is what a scum would only do."
"But, they said that if both warring nations lost, the Imperium benefits on that. How do you explain that?" Noriko questions again, with her curiosity still unsatisfied.
"Well, we do get benefit, but that doesn't mean we wanted this to happen. And it doesn't mean that we care less than we should have. To this second, our diplomatic corps have been busy for the last 5 months to mediate a ceasefire between the two. They are very stubborn and prideful." Ibrahim explained. "It was due to this stubbornness that the majority saw them as lost cause, and just waiting for either one of them, or both to lose. If both lose, there will be a massive vacuum of power, and it's free real estate for groups to carve out their own territories. Planets who are smart enough will try to avoid chaos, which will end with them pledging allegiance to stronger factions, that would be the Imperium or the rest of the Custodians. And each planet gained, that means business. Sure, it's not as tempting as just offshoring your business, but gaining business presence on a new planet is itself profitable. New planet means new resources, and new workforce. If businesses starts to expand on new planets, it will create new jobs for the workforce to employ, that also means it would reduce criminality by a huge margin. If anything, it's a given blessing if the Imperium takes a new planet, for both the Imperium and the residents of the planet."
"I see..." Noriko said as she assess the information. "Say, we're visiting the monument after this?"
"Yeah of course! It's a beautiful place, a perfect to call the resting grounds, a place of serenity. I'm sure you'd love it."
••••••
Sugawara can only do so much confined within the walls of the Jade Palace, under guard of the Rose Knights and Cerberus. As the city burns with purges from the Oprichnina's doing, Governor Piña gave an explicit order to refrain from assisting persecuted nobles until further notice. It was clear that she wanted this, chaos and tyranny under her brother, and then Sadera will be liberated from the her brother's clutches. It's a cruel way, but Sugawara had to admit it will be worth the trouble when the forces of the Imperium began to take over. He can do nothing, as he can only engage in talks with Alk'ang Exe'l'jar. Alk'ang means mister in Cana't'Iorak. He found it to be refreshing and eye opening conversations, especially with how fast Sugawara was learning Cana't'Iorak.
It's night time and the city was alight in someplaces. Probably another crackdown did by the Oprichnina.
"Those crackdowns never end, do they?"
The voice was belonged to none other than Alk'ang Exe'l'jar. After all, his voice rather echoes as if he had water in his throat, which is partly true due to their gills.
"It appears so." Sugawara said. "Tell me, has crackdowns like this occur in the Imperium?"
"Some of the times. Mostly against criminal cartels, gangs, etc. Political? The last time was during the reign of Octavius the Tyrant." Exe'l'jar said. "That was the only single time we ever did a political purge. And it brought the entire Imperium fear of the might of the Imperator to this day. As long as you do not cross the Imperator's trust, you are good."
Not long after, the crowd of guards began to clutter in front of the palace entrance. As if they were greeting someone. By their reactions, it has to be one person.
"Well then, let's go and greet the Governor." Exe'l'jar said.
He and Sugawara make their way towards the entrance, and lo behold. It's none other than the Governor of Falmarra Prime, Piña Co Lada.
"Madam Governor, we welcome you to the Jade Palace." Sugawara greeted. "If you are here, that means it has begun?"
Piña nodded and smiled. "Yes. The end of the Saderan Empire has come. One of the persecuted nobles are closing in." She explained. "This palace will be our stand, until reinforcements arrive from Helnus."
Piña then climb upon supply box, for all of her Knights to see.
"Hear me, my followers. Tonight, marks a new beginning for our people! A new era!" Piña shouted with all that she had. "We will make a stand here! A courageous stand against the tyrant Zorzal! We will prove our worth, we will proudly deny my brother's corruption! And when it is over, A new age awaits us! Fight! In the name of prosperity! In the name of peace! We fight, as one!"
Her knights, the Cerberus that was placed under her command, even Exe'l'Jar cheered in vigor. They are ready to fight, to the last bitter end if they have to. That's what the Rose Knights thought of, for Cerberus? This will be another target practice.
Piña, Sugawara, and Exe'l'Jar retreated back to the Palace. They are joined with Reiko, who had just exited her quarters.
"So, I take it this is it? Madam Governor?" Reiko asked.
"Indeed. Tonight is the beginning of the end of the Saderan Empire." Piña said. "I already sent Owen to organize the hidden Cerberus units all across the city to stand by. I will have the city within a short time."
Her knights rushed to equip their gear, to stand their ground and withstand any enemies that comes their way. The Cerberus under her command have all taken their position within the palace, turning them into makeshift firepost.
Clutching her right hand onto the plasma pistol she had with her, she watched her men scurries about the courtyard. This will be a battle to be remembered for her people, it will be too for the japanese here, but it will another day of putting out the fires of insurrection for the soldiers of the Imperium.
Not long, one of the soldiers came to her.
"Madam Governor, our sensors detected several thermal readings heading this way. Ahead of them, only two thermal readings." The soldier said. "One elderly, and one barely reaching age of 13."
"It's them." Piña said. "Take them in as soon as they arrived. The Oprichnina are on their tail, there will be a onslaught."
"As you command, Madam Governor."
It was as Piña had assume. There came what she expected, Sherry Tyueri and Cassel. The last pieces of her plans.
"Lord Sugawara! I knew you'd let us in!"
The last Tyueri launched herself and gave the Japanese Ambassador a hug so hard, which gave him quite uncomfortable. But he had to play it off.
"Y-yes! It's a delight to see you as well." Sugawara said.
"Thank you for your assistance, and for allowing us to seek asylum here." Cassel said. "And while I do not wish to ruin this reunion, I would like to have a word with the Princess. Alone, if I may."
Piña nodded. She signals the rest of the ones in the room to vacate, leaving only her and the noble. Cassel's eyes wanders about, making sure the coast was clear. Though, his eyes found a small contraption just within the Princess's reach. He didn't know any better what it was, so he considers it some ornament.
When the coast was clear, the noble began to spoke.
"Is this what you want?" The noble abruptly asked. His tone shows disdain and distrust.
Piña is amused by the noble's way of speaking with her. Admittedly, she was expecting such reaction if the noble had knew what she had done. By the looks of it, Cassel knew well enough.
"I fail to understand what you mean." Piña replied.
"Don't play a fool with me, Princess. I heard rumors from the many senators. I heard that you planned for this all along." He said. "And by how you react to the situation, this is clear to me that you have done it. So, is this what you want? Tear our people apart?"
"And how do you come to this conclusion, I may ask?" Piña inquired.
"Senator Venelaus and Senator Remus. They told me about your plans to surrender the Empire to our enemy." Cassel said. "They testified before me, you were gathering followers to force us to surrendering to the enemy. Have you no shame? Have you forget what it is to be a proud Saderan?!? Has the position of royalty gave you boredom?!?!"
Pinã remain silent, seemingly not interested to Cassel's words as her eyes remain fixated outside where her men prepared for the incoming battle.
"You are a disgrace for us all! You do not care for the-"
"The People? Everything I did, was for the betterment of the people. I do not appreciate the way you are speaking to me. You have no right to lecture me what is right or wrong, what is honorable and not." Pinã said coldly, a hint of hate was heard from her tone.
"Not when senators like you feast upon the labors of the people, not when everything that the senate did is either to gain more favor with the Imperial Family or to degrade other senators when they could have work together to improve the commonfolk!" She yelled, turning towards the noble. "You all exploit the vulnerability of the people, you are all corrupt! Sadera became the cesspit that it is because of you! The Saderan Empire that I once proud, was nothing but a fraud of it's existence! Sadera claimed to be a pillar of virtue and honor, but exploit the weakness of the people and enslave those who they deemed unworthy and weak! It sickens me. And it sickens me that I was blindsided by the comforts of the Palace's walls for most of my life, blindsided by the narration and mindset that everything happened to the Empire is as it should be. However, that soon will end."
"And why is that?" Cassel inquired.
"Because in the next few days, the Empire of Sadera will be no more. A new dawn shall rise all across Falmart, a new Era is upon everyone in this continent." Piña turned towards the view of the courtyard once more, turning her back from the noble. "The Galactic Imperium shall restore order, the Imperium shall restore peace. With it, prosperity and equality for all. The Imperium will raise us to a height above imagination, beyond what the normal people of this world can ever imagine. The change has come, and it begins tonight."
"I will say this once. And once only. Join me and live with all your assets aside slaves, or die."
"I will not join you." Cassel said defiantly. "I am loyal to the Empire, not your Imperium."
"I see. If that is your choice."
*Phisw*
Cassel froze in place. It took him a second to realize. To realize a hole is gaping on his chest. The hole was large enough to fit an entire fist. He looked at his chest, shocked. He looked towards Piña, who was extending her left hand and with the said contraption in her left hand.
He was shocked, and in that realization he felt pain and was unable to breathe as the hole tear his trachea and bronchus. He felt weak as he fell to his knees and face plant to the floor. This was the terrifying magic belonging to the forces of Helnus, how unlucky he was to receive such damage done.
Piña holster her weapon back to her waist, as she began to approach the dying senator.
"A shame. I was hoping that you'd join me. A lot of things can be done smoothly had you join me." Piña aasaid, looking down at the senator. "But no matter. As they say, you have to work hard to play hard. An extra effort in putting order with the populace won't affect what's to happen."
The dying senator took all that he had to look up, with anger and hate decorated his face.
"Damn... You... "
"Damn me all you like. There's nothing changed. The Saderan Empire shall crumble. I will save my people, and I will be written in the annals of history as a hero, a savior." Piña said. "You, however, will be remembered as a traitor of the people. A scum who preyed on the weak and vulnerable. All senators will be, once I am done with them."
Cassel can feel his strength ebbs away, his life began to flash before his eyes. All that he had done, all that the things he did. Good or bad. He drew his last breath, as his sight goes dark. Only void. Cassel is dead.
"Get someone to the upper living area. Cassel is dead. Burn his body." Piña talked through her earpiece using English.
Sooner than she anticipated, two Cerberus soldiers arrived at the area and took Cassel's lifeless corpse away. Piña saw the body being dragged away, feeling nothing but satisfaction.
"Madam Governor, the Oprichnina is about to arrive."
"I see. I shall join you on the front."
She took out her Governor's Pin from her pouch pocket, as she began to pin it where she can and visible to all. Adorned with the prided pin of governors, she headed straight towards the front entrance doors. Once she had arrived, she already see before her the defenses, the tents were kept unbothered, stakes were place at several gaps of the tents with empty wooden boxes littered on the rest of the gaps to serve as obstacles so that there's little room for the Oprichnina to maneuver.
The sun began to rise, a new dawn of the day. Also a new dawn for all Falmart. The Oprichnina are many, about 1000 strong men. Armed with spears camouflaged as brooms, donning their wolf-head headpiece, indigo capes and leather armor. In what she had expected to be menacing secret police, to Piña the Oprichnina looked to be ridiculous. She had seen better than this, specifically speaking the Arbites Judgement Corps. Gruff-looking, does not take shit from others, extremely intelligent and perceptive, and lethal killers. Comparing the Oprichnina with many other secret polices in human history, is a insult to them as the Oprichnina is just a bunch of legalized thugs. And in lead of these unruly thugs, is Gimlet Gin Lime, Praetor of the Oprichnina.
Her knights are all here, in this place, all 5000 of them. Added with a battalion of Cerberus guarding the palace, she's confident enough to say that her forces can hold the Legionnaires that was garrisoned in the capital.
Gimlet approached the little concrete boundaries with two of his men, and Piña replicate the same with Grey and Bozes just behind her.
"My! Princess Piña! It's quite fortunate for us to meet you here!" Gimlet started.
"Stop wasting my time, Gimlet. Spit it out." Piña remarked. "What are you doing here? This is neutral grounds, provided to guard the ambassadors of both the Imperium and Japan. Leave now, you are violating the treaty."
"My! Don't be so rude, princess!" Gimlet exclaimed. "We're here on Oprichnina business. We were hunting fugitives last night, two of them escaped. We suspected that they are taking refuge here. We demand for them to be returned to us."
"And who are these fugitives you are seeking?" Bozes asked.
"Marquis Cassel, and Lady Sherry Tyueri."
"Lady Sherry is 13, if I'm correct? What sort of crime does she committed that it warrants her to be hunted like animals?" Grey questions the man.
"Her family have granted a fugitive asylum. Which makes them, by all means, a traitor to the Empire." Gimlet said. "Now if you have them, I suggest you hand them over."
"Is that all?" Piña asked him again.
"Oh, silly me! I forgot." Gimlet said.
The man reached onto his poach, and took out a scroll and reads it aloud.
"By the orders of Crown Prince Zorzal El Caesar, Piña Co Lada, under the imperial rule, you are under arrest. For conspiring with the enemy, conspiring against the state, the Crown Prince demands of your arrest." Gimlet said, which he wrap the decree once he was done. "Come quietly, Princess. There would not need for bloodshed."
Gimlet expected anxiety and fear, but the Princess's face shows the opposite. Calm, collected and seemed not threatened by the decree. Which Gimlet was surprised, even more so when he saw her smirking.
"Of course that pathetic brother of mine would like to get rid of me. That however, will never happened." Piña said defiantly. "By the will of the Imperator, Master of the Imperium. I, Piña Co Lada, Imperium Governor of Falmarra Sector, order you and your men to vacate the premises. Failure to comply, will result in total war. For your sake, Gimlet. Leave."
Gimlet was surprised, shock would be appropriate. He had never thought that the Princess could have some spine within her. He was both angry and intrigued. He drew his sword, his men followed suit as is Pinã's side.
"Are you sure you want to do this right now? Risking the absolution of the deaths of your men?" Piña questioned him. "We outnumber you, do you really want to do this?"
Gimlet set his eyes around. Pinã's right. Him and his men are outnumbered 5 : 1, there is no chance for his men to win.
"This insult will not be ignored, Princess! You've doomed yourself, you are besieged within, with Legionnaires in the thousands. There is no escape!"
Gimlet ran back along with his men, leaving the premises.
"If it were on a regular situation, I'd be the most idiotic princess. But, we aren't exactly limited no longer by the ways of Sadera." Pinã said. "Bozes, you and Beefeater are to make our knights at full alert. I'm sure they will send the Legionnaires at us."
"How many do you think they'll sent our way?" Bozes asked.
"Who cares how many? They will sent as many as they can, and we will fight them all the same." Piña said. "And I intend to hold them off with only our knights. While it will be easier for the Cerberus to just shoot them to oblivion, I want to make our stand here something to show the Legionnaires. I want to show them that we believe in something worth to fight for, worth to die for. While I am certain that many, if not all Legionnaires that we fought will be hesitant, we will show them that we believe in something great that fighting against former comrades is worth it."
"Understood. I'll be making my rounds with Beefeater."
Bozes made her way towards Beefeater, and made her rounds to keep the knights sharp. Piña head over inside the palace, already knowing what would happen next.
The Legionnaires came. As expected. And they came in force, about 10,000 Legionnaires are detected and is storming the palace. Her knights held ground, showing the superiority of skill and martial prowess even when her knights are just a bunch of old veterans and girls.
Inside, Piña only look over the battle with little interest. Of course she would, because it was as she had planned for. And there would be no need for her to worry her knights, they are equipped with armors manufactured by the Imperium, they will be well protected.
Just as she was focusing on the battle, a comm transmission was received.
"Madam Governor, the Corvus has been dispatched to your assistance. A division of the 5th Cerberus has been dispatched to your command."
Piña smiled delighted. Reinforcement from Helnus have arrived. A division as well with Cerberus no less, the battle is as good as won.
Her men kept holding the line, as they keep on racking kills after kills of the Legionnaires. For every assault they sent, they were always pushed back by her Knights. By now, her knight's resolve would have delivered their psychological effect, and it would only take a counter assault to completely break the Legionnaires.
"Madam Governor, this Captain Reiko of the 5076th Company. We are arriving on your left side, waiting your orders to engage."
This is it, the moment everyone been waiting. With pressing the comms, she gave one command to change Sadera.
"All units, COMMENCE COUNTER ATTACK!"
As soon as she gave the order, the palace windows facing the front are broken in one swift stroke. And the Cerberus who had taken firing positions on the windows opened fire at the unprepared Legionnaires on the courtyard, so did the Cerberus that had positioned themselves on the flank of the Legionnaires.
*Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw*
It was a massacre. The legionnaires and the Oprichnina were being killed left and right by the sheer velocity of plasma fire, with them being shredded and melted. As soon as the firing began, the morale of the Saderan Legionnaires was broken into pieces. What results next would be a unorganized retreat, with many of them being trampled by their comrades. As they all ran out of the complex, Piña's knights cheered. They have won, and without any casualties.
As soon as Piña walked out, she was met with the captain of the 5076th Company, Captain Reiko.
"Captain, I am glad that you're able to join us." Piña greeted the woman.
"Indeed, Madam Governor. Wouldn't miss it." Reiko said.
"We should get ready. With reinforcements on the way, we should get ready to sweep the city from stragglers." Piña said.
"Of course, Madam. Reinforcements will be arriving approximately 10 minutes." the captain said.
"I see. We best get going and not waste anymore time."
••••••
Zorzal had just finished savoring his other slaves, all because he sent Tyuule to oversee the efforts to take Jade Palace and the diplomats of Japan and the Imperium hostage. There has been no recent news, other than the fact that the Legionnaires were yet again hold back by his sister's knights.
Sometimes he wondered, what made her knights seemed so furious and strong, when they're only but old veterans and second daughters of nobility? It's a mystery yet to be unfold, maybe soon once he defeated her and taken her knights hostage. Maybe he'll partake some of her most beautiful knights too, that one named Bozes intrigues his taste. As much as his dick would like to imagine violating his sister's female knights, his stomach is already rumbling, hungry from all the fucking he did.
I'm famished. I should get some-
*KA-BOOOOOOM* *KA-BOOOOOOM* *KA-BOOOOOOM* *KA-BOOOOOOM*
*KA-BOOOOOOM* *KA-BOOOOOOM*
Zorzal was immediately thrown off to the very floor, completely caught off guard by the sudden explosions. Confusion and distress began to decorate his face as he rushed to the nearest balcony he can find. His face were in shock. The entire western wall... destroyed.
His gut feeling tells him that something bad is going to happen. With that, Zorzal rushed ahead towards the throne room. But once he heard that his closest are in the courtyard, he rushed there instead.
*KA-BOOOOOOM* *KA-BOOOOOOM* *KA-BOOOOOOM* *KA-BOOOOOOM*
*KA-BOOOOOOM* *KA-BOOOOOOM*
The explosions were heard once more, this time from various different directions of the city. Once he reached the courtyard, he saw the destruction unfolds before him. His city now in flames, the outer gates are obliterated to nothing. And many public forums are destroyed. And when he looked at the sky above, his eyes filled with terror and dread.
"...impossible..."
A massive, flying, metal ship. It's size dwarves Sadera, as if they're but an anthill. Said ship adorned with an insignia he recognized all too well. An insignia of a golden star, with an inscribe which said the name of the ship, the Corvus. The insignia of the Galactic Imperium, the enemy of Sadera.
An enemy they are, he couldn't help but to shocked and afraid. Piña, his traitorous sister had swear allegiance to them. He had thought her to be a fool, but seeing the power before him, he now sees that her choice was sound. The metal ship began to bombard the city mercilessly. The ports, the defense outposts, all important infrastructures are being destroyed.
Then he saw hundreds of flying metal wyverns, no, thousands of them in all shapes and sizes. The flock of thousands of iron wyverns began to split in four. One to land on the outskirts of the ruined western wall, one to land surrounding the city, and the other two dropping soldiers from the skies! From the very skies! Their enemies, deploying their soldiers from the very skies as they glide ever so slowly towards the city.
"Your highness! We have to fight them!" Calasta urged Zorzal.
"Fight them?! Are you out of your mind?!?! They destroyed the western Wall! They crushed our guarding wyverns with ease and raze the defense outposts we have made with so many effort." Herm slammed Calasta's urging.
"Then do you expect us to simply run?! Like a coward?!" Mudra retorted back at Herm's comment. "I'd be damned to abandon this city!"
"Even if we run, where to?! The city is besieged! There's nowhere for us to run!" Calasta began to reiterate his urge.
"SHUT IT!"
They're all began to shut their mouth, their bickering must've troubled Zorzal.
"We will fight them, to the last man if we must." Zorzal said. "But we must be smart about this. We must regroup and get every able soldiers to fight against the enemy. And get someone to recall the force sent to Jade Palace, we need everyone in this fight!"
"Yes, your highness!" They responded.
Day turns dusk, yet the fighting in the streets of Sadera had not yet ceased. With the western walls completely obliterated, the armor vehicles of the 5th Cerberus can now make entry with ease. Sergeant N'Djamena and his platoon advances on with a tank attached to them. Keeping watch on the buildings, in case of ambushes. His platoon oftentimes gets to sweep through a block, sometimes maybe just a building like a forum. So far, no major threats. To waste time, he would just hear on about the situation from radio chatter. Objective Phase-line Alpha and Baker are already taken, and now proceeding towards the rich areas, also known as Phase-line Charkovsky and Droitwich. As for extraction of VIPs, Captain Reiko of the 5076th have secured the Jade Palace and have extracted everyone from the palace. Many including N'Djamena would think that pacifying the areas would be a hassle while advancing, but it went on smoothly as the Governor's Rose Order of Knights helped out in pacifying the civilians.
Now, N'Djamena and his men are now tasked to spearhead for the column and secure an important intersection deep in Phase-line Charkovsky that could lead to direct access to Phase-line Droitwich. If the intersection is taken today, by nightfall, the city is theirs.
Marching through the major road, N'Djamena and his platoon arrived at the intersection they're meant to take.
"Alright, we set up defenses here. Sweep all surrounding buildings from hostiles and civilians alike." N'Djamena gave his orders. "Make sure of your fire, don't want to have any problems with High Command."
The Cerberus under his command began to erect defenses needed to hold the intersection, as well as sweeping and clearing the buildings from Saderans.
"I'm confused, sarge. Why are we moving so slow when we could literally take the city in just 2 hours?" N'Djamena's corporal, Corporal Valerie asked.
"Directive from the Governor. She told us not to rush it, and focus on securing the city every inch of it." N'Djamena answered her. "And, she also said that it's to cause psychological detriment towards the hostile Saderans."
"Sheesh. Isn't she's also a Saderan? Why make her people suffer psychologically?" Valerie questions again.
"I don't know. Maybe to sow a sense of dread and futility. I don't really care." N'Djamena said again. "All that matters is we do our job, and we're to kill every Legionnaires who still takes up a sword."
Civilians are being dragged out of their homes, as they were ordered to do so. They are gathered on the small forum, all of them under guard of N'Djamena's men, they're around a few hundred. Fear is the only emotion that decorated their faces, primal fear.
"I am Sergeant N'Djamena of Cerberus, soldier of the Militarum of the Galactic Imperium." N'Djamena began to speak to them. "By orders of Empress Pinã Co Lada, you are to be relocated to a much safer place far from the fighting. You have nothing to fear. As long as you cooperate, you all will be taken with great care. You civilians are being liberated from the tyrant Zorzal."
The fear began to disappeared, at least in most. Some did not, and some are decorated in anger.
"Do not listen to them! Prince Zorzal is the true savior of Sadera! Pinã Co Lada is a bitch of a traitor! Do not believe their words!"
A soldier, no, a Oprichniki. Stood valiantly against N'Djamena's men. His words began to linger in the minds of the civilians, many now see N'Djamena's men with distrust. However, the man is rather unlucky. Where it was any other unit, he would just simply be arrested. Unfortunately for him, he encountered Cerberus. Militarum's most zealous soldiers, and ruthless.
With a single swift motion, N'Djamena opened fire at the Oprichniki with rapid succession. The only thing that remained of the Oprichniki, is his leftover legs. Horrified screams of terror filled the air, they began to hurdle closer together, wrapped themselves in each others out of pure fear.
"Let this be a lesson to you. Uncooperative acts will in turn trigger a harsh response. Do not squander this opportunity to save yourself, to make yourself prosper than before." N'Djamena warned them. "Have I made myself clear?"
They all nodded, submissive and with terror. They all nodded. They may look at him with anger, hatred, distrust, or anything that would be distasteful for someone, but N'Djamena have made it clear to them. That absolute power have come before them, and it's up to them to make use of the situation.
The civilians were sent to the rear, having no place in the front and only cause burden. The entire transport progress went well, N'Djamena's actions have made it clear what happens if they aren't cooperative.
N'Djamena and his men continue to fortify their position, making the area secure for further use.
"Sir." One of his men approached. "The Corvus have spotted massive Saderan movement coming right at us from the east, 25,000 strong at least. They'll be here shortly."
"ETA?"
"10 minutes tops."
"I see. Return to your post, we'll hold."
25,000 Legionnaires are coming his way, no doubt trying to break his position and to stall the convoy. N'Djamena smiled in delight, finally a challenge.
10 minutes came along, and the 25,000 force that was sent their way are now spotted in view. N'Djamena have taken position along with his men, his trigger finger itching to open fire. The legionnaires charged at them, with incoherent warcries, blinded by either bloodlust or zeal. No matter, they are coming either way. And things will be interesting enough for him.
"OPEN FIRE!!"
N'Djamena and his men opened fire at the coming Legionnaires. It was a massacre, as the unfortunate Saderans are gunned down mercilessly, as N'Djamena's platoon savor the feeling of combat once more. This was not combat to begin with, it's a slaughter. A slaughter which they all enjoyed.
Rollo, centurion of the 45th Legion is filled with dread and horror. Such magi was never seen before, the battle had only just begun, but he knew it's a lost cause.
"Fall back! Retreat! The enemy are too powerful! Retreat!"
He called the retreat, despite that he will face court martial, or worse straight to crucifixion. He didn't care, he care for his men. He needed to save them, before they're all dead.
Unfortunately, his wish didn't came through.
*KABOOM*
A massive explosion imploded right in Rollo's position. The explosion was so great, it crushed the entire legion. Rollo died right there, not knowing that his men have all died with him.
N'Djamena scowled at what just happened before him. It was a bombardment, a gamma laser bombardment. From the Corvus. N'Djamena is now upset, his fun has been cut short. Even though it's for the best, he wanted more.
"Tch. Damn you, Quentyn. Damn you for ruining my fun."
••••••
Zorzal sat on his throne, his heart panicked hearing the action reports from the front. It didn't help that the nobles and his closest are bickering amongst each other, even his slave Tyuule is nowhere to be seen. While he had suspicion she had fled, or join his sister, he was more focused with the combat ahead.
He had never face something in his life like this. Something so unstoppable, so immovable. Everytime his forces commence a counter assault, the enemy seemed to be unbroken and didn't budge even an inch. And when they attack, his forces seemed to be pushed back no matter how hard they try to hold.
The steel wyverns of the enemy have been harassing his forces everytime they about to rally for an assault, so did that damn flying metal ship! Many of their attacks are crushed by that metal ship, and it infuriates Zorzal so.
The situation thus far is bleak. The enemy are pushing his forces slowly but surely, but according to the scouts, the enemy seemed to take their sweet time, they don't take him and his forces seriously! Basoon Prison was taken over, the Doves have been freed from his hold. His city is besieged from all sides, and the enemy are pushing deeper towards his city.
The bicker suddenly stopped, when a soldier rushed before the crowd.
"Report, Your Highness. We have received word from Princess Piña. She requests a discussion." The Soldier reported.
"Where is she now?" Herm asked.
"On the entrance, under guard of the enemy soldiers."
Zorzal would laugh at his sister, that is if anything she had done is as Piña he knew would. This Piña however, she's changed. She was not the naïve princess she was before, she's now much more. This has to be a trick of some sort, but he can change this to his advantage.
"She can have her discussion. But she must come here, alone." Zorzal commanded.
As the soldier left, Zorzal turned to Herm.
"Get the Ogres here now. We have to make sure she doesn't escape." Zorzal commanded.
After a while waiting, Piña did arrive before them all. Although, now she wear something different. She doesn't wear her usual armor, instead, a sleek uniform of some kind. The fabric looks very expensive, and the design is very unique. In her arm is some sort of gauntlet, she wears a pin with the most beautiful piece of jewelry everyone in the Empire has ever seen, and strapped to her hip, a contraption of some kind. She looks confident, and unamused.
"You got some guts, coming here alone." Zorzal said.
"It was per your request, was it not? To think you would be very much afraid of your own sister, you would deny her of her own guard. How the mighty have fallen." Piña taunted.
Zorzal wanted to punish her for such insolence, but he knows not the time to do so.
"Tch... So, what is it you wish to discuss?" Zorzal inquired.
"Your surrender. All of you." Piña said as she turned her attention to the gathered Hawks senators. "Surrender now, and I'll see to it that your lands, estates and properties are left alone. And you brother, I will make sure you will only suffer life in prison for all that you've done."
Zorzal would have laughed, if only his senators aren't exactly thinking to surrender. By the looks in their face, they are already thinking about it. He can't have that.
"How about you surrender to me, and I'll see to it that you won't be harmed by any of my men?" Zorzal said as he snap his finger. With it, came along the Giant Ogres he had been recruiting to fill the throne room. "After all, you foolishly came here, knowing you would be defenseless."
Giant Ogres. Great beasts that only the Empire can muster. It's extensive usage as Shock Troops against the Empire's enemies have proven them valuable, able to trample and crush its enemies with ease.
Expecting fear, Zorzal found only unamusement from Piña. She doesn't budge, nor tremble. She's calm, collected, seemingly disinterest with the situation and disappointed.
"*Sigh* Is that really the best you can do? Giant Ogres? Really?"
"Huh?"
"Giant Ogres is the best you can do? Well, I take it you won't surrender then?"
Zorzal was completely baffled by how nonchalantly his sister is with him. Is she blind about her predicament?
"I-Is that really a question? I would certainly won't surrender. And you, my sister, will suffer quite a brutal end." Zorzal said, standing from his throne with pride and vanity.
"I see. Well, your funeral."
Piña pressed upon the weird gauntlet as it let out a beep sound. Then all of the sudden, a massive earthquake happened as it shook the entire palace.
*CRASH*
"What in the gods is going on?!"
"Oh mighty gods, help us!!"
Something massive just crashed into the palace, as debris and dust filled the air. When the dust settled a little, Zorzal saw a metal fist, just behind his sister, and it crushed his Giant Ogres!! All of them, turned into red mush of flesh.
Then the roof above them was scraped by another set of gigantic metal hands, as the roof flew away all so suddenly. Zorzal shielded his eyes from the sudden sunlight exposure, and it shocked him to his core when his eyes have adjusted.
A gigantic, metal man. The size of a mountain, looking down at them. And not just one, but three. They surround palace, specifically the throne room. Their massive sized made Zorzal felt puny, weak, as if he was nothing but a bug. On one of the shoulders of the metal men, is the insignia of his enemy, the very same one on the ship.
"Brother, gentlemen, may I present you; Titan Warriors. The greatest form of mech in the Militarum. Designed to counter Titanic lifeforms of other worlds." Pinã said. "And in my command, I have a battalion of them. I gave them the order, and they will lay waste on every Saderan city, or any city in this continent."
Zorzal felt his knees gave out, he fell to the ground, his pants soiled. Many of the senators did so too, his friends as well. Well, who wouldn't? Such beings, such marvel. What made it worse, is how calm Piña is.
"You have impressed me, Piña."
A voice came from the hall, which Piña recognized all too well, and which she was happy to hear. The same thing cannot be said to the rest, as they have never heard and recognize it before.
As the metal arm that had turned the Ogres to mush rising, stands a man in a similar yet different uniform than Piña has. With him, are soldiers clad in black armor. As the man entered the room, everyone can see that the man is a man of importance. He is a handsome man, as if sculpted by the gods themselves. His importance grew, as Pinã knelt before him.
"Young Master. I hope my performance is to your liking."
"It was indeed. My complements to you, you are certainly skilled in theatrical arts."
"Oh, Young Master, I am not worthy of such praise." Piña said sheepishly.
The people there are brought to wonder, who is this "Young Master" really is? How come Pinã regard him in such high honor?
"I am sure that many of you are confused as to who I am." The man began to address the rest. "For that, I will leave it to Piña to introduce me."
"It will be my honor." Piña said as she stood proudly.
"You are all standing before Young Master Lucius Aurelius. Son of 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." Piña heralded Lucius's identity.
"And by the will of 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. You are all under arrest for crimes against all living beings! For treason against Humanity!" Lucius shouted. "You will be tried for your heinous crimes and despicable acts, and justice will be served without mercy. Take them all!"
The soldiers with him began to arrest the Hawks. Some resisted, some did not. Zorzal did nothing. His spirit is now broken, he had lost. As Zorzal was taken away, his gaze remained dull and empty, it had shocked him too much, he cannot form any thoughts at all.
Piña let out a long, heavy breath.
"Finally, my people is secured." She said. "A new dawn is now upon Sadera. And all of Falmart."
"Yes. Prosperity will come to Falmart. All because of you." Lucius said.
"Uhm, are you busy today?" Piña asked. "I... I was wondering if you can join me for dinner. Here in the palace. T-to commemorate our success of course!"
"...Did you just ask me out?"
"Uhm... Y-yeah. I-is that wrong?" Piña stuttered.
She was sheepish, shy and blushing profusely. Lucius can't help himself but giggle from her looks.
"You look so cute. Trying to make the first move. How bold, Piña Co Lada. I guess being a Governor, you're bound to have that kind of courage." Lucius said. "But yes, I would certainly like a dinner date with you."
Her face beamed up with joy, and disbelief mostly.
"Wait, you will?!"
"Of course. Wouldn't miss it for anything." Lucius said. "See you later tonight."
As Lucius walked away from the throne room, Piña was squealing in joy. She had done it, she shot it and it's a bullseye! At least, if that was the actual term for it.