WARNING!!! WARNING!!!
This story contains real life concepts and events such as Project 2025, the Russia-Ukraine War. This story is told from the point of view of an advanced nation and exists purely for entertainment purposes. It does not exist to rant about my political views, nor does it exist to antagonise anyone who agrees or disagrees with the actions of the character. If you support the right, fine. If you support the left, fine. This story WILL NOT attempt to sway people's political views.
It is for entertainment purposes and no real people will be involved in this story, just concepts and countries. If this will trigger you, I STRONGLY ADVISE you NOT to read. If there are any negative comments that are trying to start a real life argument, they will be deleted. If reviews come that they trigger you, they will be deleted. You've had this and the synopsis and still chose to read it, so I won't accept hate after giving fair warnings.
If you like my writing and don't want to read this, stick to my other ongoing stories. If this story will stop you from reading anything I write at all, please don't read further than this. You've been warned.
And again, no one in this story is even inspired by real life people, just concepts and events.
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As the prince of Aetherion pulls out of the foreign princess, he hears a loud bang at the bedroom door that stops him from enjoying a nice cuddle with the woman he just slept with.
"Your Royal Highness, you're needed in your office immediately. Code Red."
As he lets out a sigh, the woman kisses him on the head as she stroked her hands through his hair.
"It's okay my love, we knew being prince regent would stop us from being together sometimes. Go on, I'll be eagerly awaiting your return," She says as she gives him one more kiss on the head.
"Okay, but I promise one of these days, we'll get to spend a full night together. Once my father recovers, I'll make sure he lets us stay in the Hawaii villa for a few weeks. Just us, promise," The prince said as he kissed her passionately and got up from his bed.
"Sir, it's really urgent. The president of America is calling," The voice from outside shouted again.
"OK, I'm coming. Wait, which president?" The prince asks.
"The president elect."
"What's he calling for? He hates Aetherion," The naked princess asked.
"I don't know. But if he's calling at this time, it must be important. Then again, it wouldn't be the first time he's called just to be annoying. Demanding we use American polluting power when we have fusion power. I hate this guy."
"I know, but you have to tolerate him. Whether you like it or not, democracy spoke. It's not up to Aetherion to decide who other countries choose to lead them."
"I know. I'll see you later," The prince said before quickly putting clothes on and leaving the room. The princess sat in the bed for a few minutes, feelings bad that the man she loves having to deal with all the pressure he currently has.
As soon as he got out the bedroom, he was surrounded by guards who began escorting him to his office.
"Sorry for the disruption, but the president elect insisted. Also, we received an update on Russia's next actions. It's not good sir," The head of his security, Jimbo Binlo, said.
"Okay, is the general here?" The prince asked.
"Not yet sir. General Thron has been called and is on his way. He'll be here for when your video conference with the president elect is finished."
"Good. Do me a favour, if it looks like the conversation with the president elect is dragging on unnecessarily, make something up that will get me off the call."
"So the usual protocol for interactions with American politicians, absolutely sir."
"Thanks Jim," The Prince said as he walked through the door that led from his bedroom corridor to his office. He didn't notice when he was walking as he had grown accustomed to it, but as he walked all the guards on the hall saluted to him and made sure his way was clear.
When he entered, he was greeted with a large, blue transparent sphere that hovered in the middle of the room.
"Evening Prince Regent Lucas," The sphere spoke, growing in size and shrinking as it addressed him. This was Ciel, the most advanced AI in the world, one that existed to help the sovereign, or in Lucas' case, acting sovereign, in managing the nation. It also served as the primary system that was able to control and process all data from other AI.
"Hello Ciel, activate protocol 12 and put the president elect on the main screen."
"Yes, Prince Lucas."
After receiving its orders, the walls started to move and the furniture spread out as the walls flipped, revealing large, 16k TV screens on the wall and a large, business looking table appeared in the centre of the room, with seats to go with it. Ciel moved higher in the room as a small holographic display appeared in the centre of the table.
Across the room, directly from the fanciest looking seat at the head of the table, the large 90" TV turned on, showing the face of president elect Carlton. He was the leader of the American Republican party who recently was voted next president of the United States. And someone who hated Aetherion.
All the other screens turned on and displayed different camera feeds and graphs showing statistics from around the country.
"Mr President Elect. It's lovely to see you again. How can I help you?" Lucas said with a feigned smile.
"Prince Regent Lucas, thanks for taking the call so quickly. I understand I've taken quite a lot of your time recently, but I think it's important that the two most powerful nations are in agreement when one is about to undergo an historic change in leadership."
'Yeah, but the difference in our power is so immense. It'd be like comparing a modern nation to one from the stone age. But you Americans love to overestimate yourselves,' Lucas thought.
"Yes of course. Congratulations again on your win. I know my father would love to congratulate you himself but he is currently still showing no signs of improvement from his coma."
"Yes, truly tragic what happened to him. I've always said he was a great man. Great man and king, I tell ya. Always liked him. America will be praying for his recovery. And I'll personally be keeping you in my prays."
"Thank you. Now, if you don't mind, what did you request to see me for? It's quite late and I was looking forward to a night with my girlfriend," Lucas said with urgency in his voice.
"Absolutely. Lucas, can I call you Lucas? I'll call you Lucas. Lucas, I'd like to confirm your future plans. While your father is unable to converse with world leaders, you are left in charge of speaking for the people of Aetherion. Despite all our attempts, your family has been adamant about not joining NATO.
However, with Russian aggression on Ukraine showing no signs of stopping, I thought I'd personally try to invite you once again. That way, you'll have backup if President Slanskiv decides to attack Aetherion."
Lucas let out a slight chuckle at this while making sure to expertly cover it with a cough.
"Mr President Elect, Aetherion does not take sides. If it does, we could've marched on Russia or Ukraine and ended the war in an hour. Joining NATO would mean we have taken a side. Aetherion's primary objective on the global scale is to ensure the continued survival of the human race.
That is why we positioned ourselves as the economic powerhouse of Earth. Given our geographical location, we control over 80% of trade routes. Our currency of QuantiCoin, took over as the global standard in the 80's from your own dollar as with quantum encryption, it is the most secure currency in the world.
Our military power, which is primarily AI, robots, drones, EMP's, and orbital weaponry, which I should say those are only the publically known ones. They are beyond the capabilities of any other nation.
We have weapons that make even your and Russia's nuclear arsenal look like a picnic, and even they aren't our most powerful weapons.
Our global influence is beyond anything that any one man can comprehend as we effectively control the United Nations. We could, on a whim, cripple economies, cause mass destruction of life, take over the whole world.
So, Mr President Elect, I understand you grew up in a world before Aetherion existed, but that world is gone. Aetherion is a country that boasts a 0.0001% crime rate, thanks in no small part to our technology that can predict crime no less than a month before it happens. We also have 0% discrimination and bullying.
Meanwhile, your nation is rife with both. So I ask you, Mr President Elect, what can your old fashioned and weak alliance offer Aetherion?"
Both Jim and the president were completely baffled at this, everyone in the conversation knew what Lucas just said was true, but no one could've expected him to so brazenly point out the flaws of the 2nd most powerful country on the planet.
"Well..." Carlton tried to respond but couldn't form his words.
"Mr President Elect, Aetherion was formed from literal geniuses led by my grandfather that left because they were tired of living among people as stupid as you. Here's an idea, before you try to ask for my countries help, a country that boasts the best education on the planet for people of all ages. Stop your kids from being shot dead for learning.
You come before the leader of a nation that values intelligence and merit above all else, and ask us to join you, when you and our party choose metal, by our standard, outdated trinkets. Over children.
Aetherion does not support the continuous loss of life in your country. America in known for two things. Racism. And school shootings. And you think you hold any power to ask me a favour, and worse, you have the balls to try and mask it as an opportunity.
You may be rich Mr President Elect, you are far from smart. For the sake of your country, I advise you to surround yourself with people who actually want to improve it. If you want America to be great, stop with oppression. Then, I may consider you a country worth helping," Lucas said before Ciel ended the call.
Due to his young age, Jim often scolded Lucas when he let his emotions get the best of him, but for some reason, all he did this time was smile and give him a thumbs up.
"Your Royal Highness," Ciel spoke up. "I just scanned the face of a car that entered the palace grounds. General Thron has arrived. Would you like the guards at the front of the palace to bring him here."
"Yes Ciel," Lucas replied.
"Sir," Jim spoke up, "Would you like me to invite the princess here? As the heir to Spain, Princess Myra could serve as the medium in this coming talk. Since it's about Russia and Ukraine, and as a NATO country, Spain is involved with it."
"Sure. But be sure to say please, and don't speak down to her like you usually do."
"Me sir, never," Jim said as he went to get her with a light chuckle.
After a few minutes, the door opened with both General Thron, as well as Myra and Jim coming in. Thron was escorted by two of the Alpha 405 robots that guarded the palace, the most advanced robots on Earth. They were controlled by Ciel and acted as the royal guard.
Made from Adamantine, the ultimate material found on in Aetherion, they were practically impenetrable by anything that's not a high grade missile.
They were also equipped with hundreds of weapons that was built into them. Whether its the adamantine blades that can come out of their finger tips, mini rocket launchers from their shoulders, or the most notable ones. The energy based rifles they carried, that were capable of piercing any armour, these beasts of soldiers were nigh unstoppable.
After walking Thron into the room, they both saluted Lucas before walking away and closing the door.
"Your Royal Highness," Thron said as he bowed and stood at attention like a true soldier.
"Thron, thanks for coming in. I know it was your day off, but the situation in Ukraine cannot be ignored. Please, take a seat," Lucas said as he gestured towards the seat reserved for Thron at the table. Myra also sat down next to Lucas and had changed from the loving, compassionate girlfriend she usually was into the professional princess she'd been trained to be.
"Princess Myra, it's nice to see you again. If I may ask, are you here as the Prince Regent's partner or as the heir of Spain?"
Myra, now speaking in a purely professional tone replied, "Nice to see you again too General Thron. And I'm here as a Princess. And Aetherion's only trusted communicator to NATO. That being said, I'm here to report back things I need too. If there's something you'd rather them not find out, as long as it doesn't jeopardise Spain or our allies, I'll keep it a secret."
Thron was the highest ranked General of Aetherion. He'd served since Aetherion was first founded in the 80's after him and Lucas' grandfather led a bunch of geniuses to a new land that formed from a major movement of the tectonic plates. It's become known as a Super Earthquake, and it created a landmass double the size of Russia.
He was given the rank of Divine General Commander, which effectively means he's the sovereigns right hand man in the military. So naturally, you'd think he'd be hesitant to reveal information in front of Myra, but he knew he could trust her feelings for Lucas. And Ciel was constantly monitoring everyone, if she was lying, Ciel would act to protect Lucas and Aetherion's interests.
Still, he didn't get so far in the military by trusting people at face value.
"Forgive me Princess, but I just need to be sure," Thron said as he knowingly looked at Lucas.
Myra knew exactly what he meant so she too looked at Lucas and gave him a nod so he wouldn't be conflicted.
"Ciel, assess Myra. Use all the lie detection powers you have, is she deceiving us when she says we can trust her?" Lucas asked in front of everyone. Ciel was programmed to only answer to the Aetherion royal family and obey them in order of succession, so Thron himself couldn't ask it.
"Princess Myra is telling the truth," Ciel answered.
"Now general, since we know we can trust her. Mind giving me the update," Lucas asked with a bit of disappointment towards Thron.
"Of course. Apologies, I just had to be sure. Just 20 minutes ago sir, one of our satellites intercepted a message from the Kremlin. It took a few seconds to decode, but we learned it was a transmission to North Korea, talking about deploying nuclear warheads on Ukraine."
Everyone looked shocked at this.
"Wait, that can't be the case?" Myra said before continuing, "Slanskiv knows that you'd intercept the message. He knows if he deploys a nuke, Aetherion will intervene."
"Exactly Princess, meaning this can only be one thing," Jimbo spoke from the corner of the room he was standing.
"Russia is trying to provoke us," Lucas said and everyone agreed.
Lucas continued, "If Russia was going to launch a nuke, they'd just do it. Our orbital platforms would detect it in an instant, but it would still have a higher chance of being successful. He's trying to make us join Ukraine's side. Then, he'd be one step closer to all out war.
But why provoke us? Even if he declared us the enemy and started a war, with out influence and control over trade, as well as monopolising so many resources they need. Furthermore, we have resources from outer space, and limitless power.
Our own country is fuelled by fusion reactors, giving us clean, limitless energy. So, all other sources of energy, like our solar stations in space and wind turbines, we sell that off to other nations, Russia included. Since 1995, we've sold Russia 49% of their energy. Even though we've increased the prices to them because of their actions, we still are a large reason why they have power.
Trying to manipulate us, that's just plain stupid. And Slanskiv has Russia oppressed, he might be evil, but he's far from stupid."
Suddenly, Ciel began speaking in an urgent voice.
"Prince Regent Lucas, one of our orbital platforms has detected a nuclear warhead being launched by Russia. It's target is The Royal Palace Of Aetherion. Warning, another nuclear warhead has been detected. Target is The Royal Palace of Madrid.
Danger to Aetherion monarch detected. Initiating Phoenix protocol. Initiating Project Blackout. Initiating. Aetherion Force Field.
Divine General Commander Thron and Head Of Security Jimbo, ensure safety of Prince Regent Lucas while I disable both nuclear warheads.
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Hey, Omni_God2000 here.
Just want to repeat, don't start getting sensitive. You were given plentiful warnings in the synopsis and the opening to this chapter. If this book is too relevant triggering for you, please, DO NOT read it.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned.