The Feast of Heroes

Posted on Mon Feb 20th, 2023 @ 1:56pm by Amalie Cochrane & Princess Royal Giana Orsini & Duchess Aurelia Orsini & Major Sacha Lavigne & Emperor Antonius VI & Empress Cosima Orsini & Princess Jessica Orsini & Crown Prince Paolo Orsini & Princess Elana Orsini
Edited on on Sat Jul 8th, 2023 @ 5:16am

Mission: Historiae Terrae Et Imperii
Location: Imperator
Timeline: Date 2371-07-24 at 1155
10646 words - 21.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Giana sat quietly in her seat sipping her wine and just looking out to the massive crowd before them. Antonius was of course in the middle of the table with Cosima at his left hand and Paolo at his right. Elana sat next to Cosima while Giana herself was next to Paolo; next to Giana sat Sacha likely much to Antonius’ disappointment. She was past caring now, but she did hope that he would find it in himself to give Sacha a chance. At the tables nearest to the front there was of course Prince Mario and Princess Claudia with their families and a smattering of officials and business people. It was however the third table where her attention was resting. The Cochranes were there with their older children which wasn’t surprising to Giana in the slightest, but she was preoccupied by the second group. The Hales… Cassiels… whatever they were now. Her cousins recently returned to power and position, but one of them was missing.

She had been briefly overjoyed at the news that the Hales were alive and in good health, but that joy had been cut short on hearing that Lyra was not with them and she had been among the lost on the Vengeance. The truth was Giana didn’t have many actual friends in her life - in fact she could really think of none - except for her cousin Lyra. Despite their age difference they had always been close and Giana considered the woman more a sister than Elana. She had even named part of Bella Gia after Lyra. She also found herself unusually bothered by the fact that none of the Hales… Cassiels… she really needed to figure out what they preferred now… seemed to be bothered by it.

Elana sat beside their mother a fixed smile on her lips. Several male courtiers had made snide comments to her, outside the hearing of her father and mother and she had merely ignored them. But it was draining and she half wished to be back at the China house, where she could just be herself. She had ignored her sister's lover, she had never approved of Sacha, she had always thought her sister could do better. Idly she let her gaze sweep the area.

Antonius took one final sip of his own wine, knowing that the time had come for him to speak. He stood, much to the interest of the entire room, and walked to a cream-colored podium with the seal of the Empire on the front. He wore a navy blue suit with a mandarin collar and a bright red pocket square. Cameras flashed and zoomed. This ceremony was being broadcast across the Empire on every channel.

“We gather to honor those brave souls who daily defend Our Empire; who have pushed Terran Power back into the dark reaches of space, and reclaimed what is rightfully Ours. By blood, and sweat, and much trying, then have spilled Klingon and Cardassian blood this year, and the sting of their pride has become our sigh of satisfaction. Let us give thanks to the members of Our armed forces and all those who have gone before them.”

There was a long round of thunderous applause but not much outright cheering for the moment of respect and recognition at the start of the speech. It finished quickly so that Antonius could continue; everyone was eager to hear what he had to say. So many things had happened in the past few months and perhaps this feast would provide clarity to questions that weighed heavily and silently in the minds of the Empire’s citizens.

While the attention was off of the table, Giana’s hand found Sacha’s leg and she rested it there. She didn’t tease him, she simply wanted to touch him and check in on him. This was one of those events where acting up - at least for right now - wasn’t really acceptable.

Sacha sat next to her, but less easily than at the women’s luncheon. This wasn’t simple socializing, and he knew he was in the background of a feed that was spilling into countless homes and workplaces around the ever-expanding Empire. He was behind the Emperor and sitting next to his daughter. His history with the family made him feel conspicuous; in danger even. Nevertheless, he gave a confident expression to Giana. He couldn’t be obedient and a rebel at the same time.

Elana clapped along with her family and then lowered her hands to her lap. She let her gaze continue to roam and note the different faces."

“L'anno ci ha cambiato come è cambiato. Change has been a constant companion this year. Change and the pain that comes with it. The betrayal of the Blues and, at last, the betrayal of Our own flesh and blood. But the steadfastness of the Terran heart has not wavered or changed, and those guardians who defend her with their lives have been most faithful. On this Feast of Heroes, We give tribute to our soldiers; our most valiant men.”

A round of applause, boisterous and lengthy, followed that beginning. Antonius waited patiently for it to die down, his eyes looking straight, as if into the future.

“Change has come to Our family, elevating Our second son to the role of Crown Prince. As heir to the Empire and every power which rests in Our sacred hands, he is well suited. Yet he will need a helper to stand beside him as his wife, and to bear him many children to rule after him. The Empress and I have searched with great effort to find the perfect girl, and we have succeeded.” He gestured to the table where the Cochranes sat, giving them the cue that would tell them it was time for Amalie and her parents to step up.

Amalie’s eyes widened slightly. Even though she had been expecting it, she hadn’t been expecting it so soon. She quickly took a sip of water as her mother and father moved to stand and she hurriedly followed. Instead of her father, she walked arm in arm with her mother which wasn’t unusual in a situation like this. It always played off as endearing to the masses. They approached the appointed place with an appropriately paced step that had been practiced more than a little.

“Deep breath, Paolo. You’ll do just fine.” Giana offered to her little brother on seeing his nervousness. It seemed that she really was still doing her best to just… be better.

“How will my vomiting play on the news, sister?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

Giana frowned slightly and looked at him. “Take a few sips of water and just before you stand up, take a piece of ice. Break it in your teeth when you stand up, no one will notice, and then just use your tongue on the roof of your mouth to suck on the pieces. It will keep you from throwing up; and just keep breathing, slowly.”

Paolo grabbed his glass and did as he was instructed and then quickly stood. He walked around the large table, his shaking hands behind his back. His face was a mask of blinking infatuation barely hidden behind sober neutrality. Amalie was even more beautiful than she was when they’d first met in the gardens on her estate. He rested next to her, his heart beating in his chest. His eyes rested on her and he smiled.

Amalie was terrified. She was the daughter of a lord, yes, but nothing in her life had prepared her for this. Her pretty brown eyes were slightly wide but she was doing her very best to give a smile. As Paolo came to stand next to her, she looked over to him and her smile became a bit more genuine though she was still very clearly scared. She looked beautiful in the long pink a-line gown she had been put in. It had a few ruffles and some beading on the bodice; her beautiful blonde hair was in an half up, half down style that gave her a regal look while still being age appropriate to her. She had been styled somewhere between a girl and young woman and looked quite the appropriate little princess.

Paolo stood next to her, a bit taller than before, and leaned toward her a bit but didn’t dare touch her. Not only would it have been inappropriate for their age and rude to her parents, but the very prospect made him feel like he was going to answer the question he had posed to Giana concerning vomit. Instead, he smiled at her and spoke quietly.

“I got you something….I’ll have to give it to you later.” he said, pressure seaming to build up behind his eyes. He felt like he was going to explode.

“Thank you, Your Highness. That’s very kind of you.” She said sweetly, her eyelashes fluttering slightly as she looked at him.

Elana smiled faintly. Oh she was good. She noted idly as she watched the pair. They just had to survive to marry to be a powerful pair.

“The Crown Prince and Amalie Cochrane are to be betrothed, to be married when they reach the age of their majority.” The Emperor announced. “Her quiet and gentle spirit will guide the next generation of Our family well, and his strong leadership will transform her humility into regality. To reflect the joining of his family with Ours, We will create Lord Cochrane the new Lord of America directly under the authority of Our daughter, Princess Giana.”

There was thunderous applause, much of it genuine, but some of it a show of loyalty to the family. People stood and clapped and Paolo’s smile widened at the show of support. He stole glances and Amalie very often, clearly quite taken with her and not able to look away for longer than a few seconds.

Amalie was doing her best to be brave and she was doing it well enough. Her fear only served to heighten her sweet innocence in the moment. Now and then she would look to Paolo, but any time their eyes would meet she would immediately demure and look down. Her father turned and bowed first toward Antonius and then turned toward the table to do the same to Giana, but not quite as low in the head when he did so. He then straightened again and placed his hand on Amalie’s shoulder to reassure her. He was a doting father and could see she was afraid.

The Chochrane’s were escorted back to their table with a wave of a hand from Nadiya Singh. The Emperor smiled and, once they were settling in, began to speak again.

“While we talk of engagements, there is another We would like to announce.”

Sacha grabbed Giana’s hand and squeezed it tightly. This was the moment they had been waiting for; it was finally here. He stood up with her and smiled quite charmingly, giving a small wave as they got to their feet. The crowd preempted the Emperor by clapping quite genuinely and excitedly. They had been in the tabloids when they were teenagers and one or two embarrassing photos had long cemented both of them as romantic celebrity figures in the Terran ethos. When they were seen together at the lunch a few days before, RZI and the Daily Sun went wild and they had been talking non-stop. The news that they were getting married was exciting indeed.

In truth, Giana was actually very surprised with how quickly and willingly Sacha stood up. She had expected hesitation from him - or at the very least not that kind of enthusiasm. Recovering quickly, she held his hand as she stood with him. The smile Giana gave was warm and communicated happiness, which she did feel on some level, but there was still a nervousness there. What if he got cold feet in the end? The embarrassment…

No, no, she couldn’t think like that. It wasn’t fair to him.

But still.

She continued to smile and wave.

“Our beautiful daughter has chosen for her husband the son of the Lord Mayor of Paris. Major Sacha Lavigne is an officer of the Imperial Marines, so today is a fitting day to announce that they are engaged to be married.”

Elana, knowing the cameras would be watching, kept her face in a relaxed happy demeanor. She wondered if he would survive to marry Giana. She would put money on his death before the wedding. For sure he would do something stupid.

The cheers were loud - louder actually than they had been for Paolo and Amalie. She hoped that didn’t rub her father or brother the wrong way, but it was to be expected. Giana was the public face of the family and so many had been speculating about her wedding day and hoping for their beloved princess’ good fortune. Every person had their own fantasies and thoughts of who she would end up with, but so many people loved the romantic story of the young lovers finally reunited for good and here they had it. She paused in her waving to turn her body slightly toward Sacha and placed her now free hand on the area of his chest just below his shoulder and looked up into his eyes. The cameras were flashing wildly and one could only imagine the noise on Terra proper.

Sacha’s hand went rebellious today Giana’s hip and he pulled her closer. It was improper, but he knew that only added to the romance of their dynamic.

The crowd's noise rose to a new level. Giana made a slight sound of surprise as Sacha's hand found her hip and he pulled her closer, but she didn't protest as long as he stopped there. He surely knew he needed to behave in this moment, but she could feel her father's internal gaze boring into her now fiance as they stood close together. They'd never get along, she feared, but maybe they could make peace. If Sacha could stop making a sport of irritating her father and Antonius would stop seeing Sacha as the teenage boy who had deflowered his daughter.

Antonius’s eyes wandered to the two of them and his jaw set for a split moment at the sight. But his daughter was nearly thirty years old and her virginity was long given away. He hardly had anything to protect anymore of that. He decided to ignore it and move on without any other statements on the matter.

Giana and Sacha simply let the crowd ride their high for a moment longer and then finally moved to sit back down. She smiled at Sacha, though kept it brief and returned her attention properly to her father while still holding Sacha's hand under the table.

“These happy occasions should give hope to all. I know if another occasion which is worthy of celebration.” Antonius said, gesturing to the table where the Cassiels sat. “Aurelia..”

She had a statement prepared and Antonius had agreed to her let introduce herself and read it. It would be her final victory over the Ivers family, as their defeat was made perfect. It was unfortunate that her daughter wouldn’t be there to see it.

“Good people of the Empire, today I, Aurelia Maddalena Paola Orsini, am overjoyed to stand before you once more.”

She paused a beat and stood smiling as murmurs and gasps erupted from the crowd followed by a wave of confused and excited whispering. There was confusion on the faces of most of those gathered under the age of twenty, but that was to be expected.

“It is through the wisdom of our beloved Emperor Angelus and the grace of our great Emperor Antonius VI that I join you on this day of honor to announce the return of my family to it’s rightful seat in Brazil with my son Raoul Lucius Orsini Hale taking up the mantle of his late father as it’s Lord. Thirteen years ago, my late husband Lord Renato Inácio Hale was betrayed and murdered on orders of Matthias Ivers that were carried out by his son Christoph Ivers. It was a needless, senseless act of cruelty.” She paused briefly then continued, “With insight beyond common vengeance, my beloved cousin Emperor Angelus chose to breed good from this misfortune and called upon my family to sacrifice for the good of the Empire itself. We did so without hesitation, and for these past thirteen years have been working in concert with forces in Imperial Intelligence to take back what is rightfully ours.”

Aurelia’s voice was calm, gentle, but held the authority of her bloodline. She spoke clearly, her hands guiding the words when appropriate and resting elegantly on the podium when not. She was the picture of a beauty that had aged gracefully. “One week ago, our labor came to a conclusion with the elimination of the Ivers family and many of their associates, the reclamation of Brazil, and the taking of the Utopia-Planitia shipyards with which will lead the birth of a new era for Imperial Starfleet and the Empire and see all of us into greater glory.”

At this, the crowd cheered loudly and she allowed herself a smile, giving a gracious bow of her head to the crowd.

Antonius watched his cousin with interest, taking in every word she said and observing every graceful motion of her head, and hands. At her age, she was magnificent, but he was watching for all the telltale signs of true belief and of loyalty. He was becoming obsessed with loyalty, and he would soon make it very clear to the entire Empire how far he was willing to go to ensure that the regime he had inherited would pass on from him unassailable. The crown of golden laurel which was anointed and placed on his head seven years ago, which had been in his family for over seventy years, would not be plucked from his hand. And his son, the only one he considered his son anymore, would have many lessons to learn.

“It is with humility and the greatest of happiness that my family returns to the service of our great Empire with the blessing of our beloved Emperor.” Every word that Aurelia had spoken seemed truly genuine and gave no hint that anything was amiss. It seemed as if things were as they had always been; Aurelia and her family were fiercely devoted to the figurehead of her family - the Emperor. She turned and bowed her head graciously toward Antonius and the people cheered and clapped. She had not taken much time given this event wasn’t about her, but she was pleased that he had chosen to honor her in such a public light. Again, the crowed cheered, louder than they had before, and Aurelia was filled with warmth.

When she was done, she stepped aside and Antonius resumed his position at the podium. Since she was still standing next to him as instructed, he looked at her and gestured gently.

"In the last several months, the Empire has recovered territory across 40 square lightyears of space. This is because of the achievement and sacrifice of Our military forces, who have shamed a generation of doubters and emblazoned the emblem of the Terran Empire across the void of space once more. With an expanded territory, a stronger Starfleet is needed to ensure control and the ability to win future battles in this war against our sworn enemy, the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance. Today, I have signed a decree that orders a rapid expansion of the Fleet from 241 ships to 312 over the next two years. With our Romulan allies on our side, we shall regain all that we once had. To achieve these goals, we have taken over the Xindus Fleetyards in the Vulcan Sector, built by the Alliance, and have recommissioned one of our old yards in the Arcturus System. The Duchess and her family have played a major role in ensuring the functioning of the Utopia-Planitia Fleetyards for decades to come. She will serve in the Secretariat under the Imperial Secretary of Defense as head of the new Fleetyards Directorate, and shall organize the creation of this new Fleet.”

Aurelia gave another genuinely gracious bow of her head. Above all, she did recognize that it was by Antonius’ will that she was given this gift of power. There was applause and cheers again, though perhaps slightly more subdued. It was understandable that many might not be enthusiastic about her being in such a prominent position.

“As all of us known, two of our ships have gone missing in recent months along with around 1,500 military and civilian personnel. Starfleet has searched for them, but no sign of them has yet been heard. The crew of the ISS Terror, under the command of Rear Admiral Nadine Granger, and the ISS Vengeance, under the command of Captain Ivan Petrov, are somewhere, We have no doubt, doing Our will and strengthening this great Empire. Our prayers, our hopes, are with them. The Duchess’ own daughter, as well as the children of many of our prominent lords and ladies, are missing with them. Let us pay tribute to them with a moment of silence.”

For the first time, Aurelia allowed herself a moment to think of her daughter, her precious girl lost and maybe for the rest of her lifetime. A genuine frown appeared on her lovely face and absently her hand came to her middle. It wasn’t readily apparent if it was a calculated act, but such a maternal and feminine act in a moment of remembrance for her child would most certainly play well to the masses.

“In honor of their service, and of the loyal service of all the Soldiers of the Empire, who have fought and who continue to fight for the glory of the Emperor, We are pleased to announce that the Imperial Treasury will award to every military official, flag, officer, and enlisted, the equivalent of three months of their salary.” Antonius smiled. Buying loyalty was expensive, but he did so love making people happy when he could. “Know that your Emperor cares for you and knows of your sacrifice.”

Everyone, especially military officials, sped in standing and applauding Antonius. It was the loudest applause yet, and his generosity did not go unnoticed. It sent a strong signal that he could do more for the members of the military than anyone else ever would. The message was received.

Sacha stood as well, more exuberantly than he had thought he might have. Raising his eyebrows, he was impressed with the Emperor’s expensive show of dedication to soldiers like him. Even though he had frustrated the old man more times than he could count and spent many years cursing the man in secret, he was still taken in by the glamor and glory of the moment.

Giana remained seated given this was a military moment, but she smiled and looked up to Sacha while effectively hiding her surprise regarding his rather exuberant reaction… though really who didn’t like money? Everyone liked money and feeling like they were recognized even if in three months time they’d be paying more in taxes to cover such a payday.

Elana sipped her wine and smiled the smile of someone who was enjoying herself but she was sure people would enjoy the taxes that would be coming. Which reminded her, she would need to make sure the paperwork at her orphanage was up to date.

“There was once a time when service was properly valued in Terran Society.” Antonius continued. “There was once a time when great men, especially those who had fought to expand the Empire, could participate in Our government as a distinguished and respected Senator. We announce now that this day shall come again.”

This time, rather than applause, the room hushed to silence. What did he mean that day would come again? Ever since the mistake that was Commander in Chief Spock, the Imperial Senate had been abolished and largely replaced by an expanded Council of Lords. Was Antonius suggesting this status quo would end? There were many who would oppose this move based on their own interests, but countless more who would welcome it.

“Now that the Empire is being restored, an old order will be restored as well. An Imperial Senate, responsible to all true Terrans, shall once again stand as the legislature of the State. The Council of Lords will resume its powerful role of safeguarding the politics of the Empire.”

Elana covered her surprise by sipping her wine then clapping her father's words. She knew something was coming, something more. A senate would give her father more power, she knew. And more people to control.

Like everyone, Giana was actually quite stunned, but instead of looking to Sacha, her eyes instead moved over toward Paolo at her side and she searched what she could see of his face to see what he felt, but more if he was surprised.

Paolo gave the shortest of nods and raised his hands to clap along with everyone else. Most of the lords in the room were less enthusiastic, of course, but the soldiers and common people were growing happier as they considered the idea. The Crown Prince looked from his father to the faces in the room, particularly those of powerful lords. He was watching with a sober analytical expression that would remind one of his father. After a split second, his eyes cut to Giana, but they retained their analytical deadness. He was watching with something more than a boy’s curiosity.

Poor boy. Boy no longer. She smiled at him, though it was a bit sad in a way, and then looked away out to the crowd once more. He acted like he knew and perhaps he did. Perhaps their father had listened to the request of his golden boy after all.

“For now, lords, commons, soldiers of the Empire…feast and be merry!” Antonius said loudly and raised a glass full of the choicest red wine. “To the Terran Empire. May she inherit her birthright, the galaxy itself, and hold it forever in her terrible grasp!”

And, with that, he drank deeply, not sparing for modesty’s sake. He looked like a man feasting as he said. The room joined him, and as he stepped away from the podium to resume his seat, the chatter rose again to what it had been before. There was much for people to discuss at their tables now, if there hadn’t been before.

Elana put her wine glass down after drinking the toast. She glanced at her mother and raised an eyebrow before looking around the table. "Well this will be fun" she murmured to her mother.

"Oh, yes, dear. Always is." the Empress said looking at her youngest daughter with a small grin. "I'm just happy to have you back from China and adjusting so well again. I know things haven't been easy for you, but it's good to see you back in the swing of things."

Giana had been modest in drinking as was proper for a woman, but she would most definitely indulge in her fair share of wine tonight. As Antonius moved back to his seat, she looked to Sacha and gave him a smile though her blue eyes were searching. “That’s quite a bit of money, don’t you think? What will you do with it?”

“Should be about…20,000 dollars.” he said, looking up and calculating briefly in his head. “I could buy everything I really want. I could also pay for about three days worth of clothing for you.”

He smiled brightly at that, chuckling. He was happy about the bonus and was only poking fun.

“Well, I suppose I could skimp to get three days out of it, sure.” Giana said, playing into his joke and giggling. She leaned against him, pressing her shoulder affectionately to his. “So… it is official… and everyone knows.”

“It is.” he said, putting his hand around her waist again and pulling her slightly closer. He could get away with it even more now that their engagement was announced. He looked into her eyes and smiled. “I can’t wait to marry you, Gigi.”

She would have made a joke about wanting to marry herself too, but Giana knew she would never marry someone like herself. She leaned into Sacha but looked at Paolo who she felt was still looking a bit adrift.

“You did really well up there, Paolo.” He didn’t have the presence, but he was a fourteen year old boy. It would come in time. “Amalie looked lovely up there with you.”

“She sure did.” he said, smiling at Giana. He cut eyes at the table where the Cochrane’s sat for the hundredth time that evening. He was a boy obsessed and even he knew it. All attempts to direct his attention elsewhere were completely futile except when their father was announcing the political changes in the Empire. That was thrilling. “I can’t think when she’s around. And, when she’s not around, I can’t think about anything but her anyway. It’s completely ridiculous.”

“Not really, Paolo. You’re just in love for the first time.” Giana offered with what appeared to be an understanding smile. She felt that way about Sacha once; maybe she would again in time. “You could go talk to her, but everyone will be watching you.”

“Then everyone will see the future Emperor shaking and stuttering like an idiot.” he said, looking down at the table. “And, worst of all, she’ll see it. I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of her. I don’t want to look small.”

“Mmm… well, if you’d like to just go be near her, they are at the same table as our cousins. You could go introduce yourself to them given you were only two when they went missing. I imagine you don’t remember them at all.” Giana offered.

“There’s an idea.” He said, but didn’t budge in the slightest. He sat for many silent moments thinking deeply, planning out his interactions like he was going into battle. Then, at once, stood up, grabbed Giana’s wine, downed the glass, and abandoned it in the place where he’d gotten it. “Thanks.”

He rounded the long table and approached the one where the Chochranes and Cassiels sat talking to each other. He was dressed wonderfully, of course, in a black mandarin collar suit with a golden pocket square which matched his father’s in all but size and color. He walked up to the round table and looked to the Cassiels first.

“I thought I should meet my cousins, or at least see them for the first time since I was two. I’m Paolo.” He said, watching for them to follow the tedious procedures now required. His eyes drifted to Amalie despite himself.

Aurelia and Alexander had been in quiet but intense discussion since the announcements had ended. Raoul was speaking with Royce Cochrane in a relaxed manner, with them being so similar in age they had enough to talk about that it wasn’t strained. Young Antony for his part was talking to the Cochrane’s second eldest son Elliot who was being polite, but the young man of sixteen didn’t really have much desire to speak to a near twelve year old boy no matter what the topic was. Mercifully for him, before it became too terribly droll, Paolo graced them with his presence.

Aurelia, the observant woman that she was, immediately noticed Paolo’s eyes seeking his intended and she smiled just a bit. The boy had no interest in meeting his cousins really it seemed which was in truth disappointing, but she wouldn’t fault him for that fact. He was young after all, and it was extremely apparent that the crown prince had a case of puppy love. The Cassiel-Hale clan stood and did the appropriate song and dance for Paolo in accordance to his rank, the bowing, the scraping, then the introductions. Aurelia spoke for her family still despite Raoul technically having the rank and authority to do so. After Giana’s encouragement during the party at the Cochrane’s house, Paolo would recognize it as a son giving courtesy to his mother.

“My husband, Alexander Cassiel.” She said and paused long enough for Alexander to bow.

“My eldest son Lord Raoul Hale of Brazil.” Aurelia spoke his name with a note of pride and as Raoul bowed to Paolo, he also gave the boy an easy smile.

“And my youngest son Antony Cassiel.”

Antony offered a friendly smile and bow to Paolo and his arm moved like he was about to offer a handshake since that’s what he had always done in his life, but he remembered in time that his life was much different now. Now he was a noble. He had grown up as a peasant - a filthy rich peasant, but his whole life there had never been a noble tie in his life.

“I would have loved to introduce you to my daughter again as well, but unfortunate circumstances…” Aurelia’s expression faltered a moment, but she recovered. “You were actually quite fond of Lyra when you were a little one.”

Paolo had greeted each of them in turn, showing the proper courtesy due them and offered genuine smiles. He was practiced at this, and when he was talking to anyone else but Amalie it seemed, he was relatively good at it.

“Was I?” He asked, looking at Aurelia after her comment. He genuinely didn’t remember any of them, even Lyra. “That’s quite sweet. Perhaps I will be fond of her again some day, should she return.”

“I hope we will one day be able to find out.” Aurelia agreed with an easy, charming smile. “Your beloved father has made quite the announcement today; one that will be spoken of for generations to come no doubt.”

She was quite curious about how Paolo felt about such an act, but she also knew that it would be improper for her to ask that of him. He was so young, but already he reminded her so much of Antonius - a blessing and a curse she feared. Aurelia knew the difficulties that came with a child who was not allowed to be a child. She had been able to protect her son, but her daughter…

There were costs involved with securing power and legacy.

“He has.” Paolo said, his face giving away little more than that. He used to express himself freely when he was just a curious second son sitting in on meetings, but now that he was next in line, he couldn’t afford to give anything away he didn’t need to give. “His reign will alter politics forever in the Empire. I’ve recently brushed up on my history of the Imperial Senate and it’s a daring choice.”

“I agree, but it will bring the people great joy and sense of power and place. It is something that has been weighing on the minds of many over the years.” Aurelia offered up pensively, She of course had an interest in such things now given her life the past decade. The Senate’s return could perhaps strengthen her family even more if the stars aligned.

Amalie had been sitting between her mother and Elliot. She was being quite quiet and mostly left to her own thoughts given she was still recovering from being put on such a public display. When Paolo had come over, she had made herself not stare or look at him too long - she didn’t want to seem too needy, but as he lingered her soft brown eyes started to steal little glances now and then. She played with her napkin in her lap.

He caught her glance right away, being particularly sensitive to it. He resisted the urge to meet it, knowing that if he did, he would stare for next to ten seconds and risk being rude to his cousin. He locked eyes with Aurelia again, insisting to himself that he would remain focused.

“Has it?” Paolo asked, a sense of genuine curiosity in his voice. Politics was, perhaps, the only thing that he could think of besides his intended. He leaned in to Aurelia noticeably, his eyes growing wider with a question. “I know little of what the people say. My bubble is tighter than ever and I only find myself talking to royals, or lords, or the highest ranking civil servants. Tell me what they say, would you?”

His asking of that particular favor was unreserved. It was obvious that Paolo thirsted for more than petty control or power; he wanted understanding.

The older woman met his question with a simple smile. “Would you care to sit and talk for a while?”

He took the seat across from her quickly, walking around the table and sitting down. It made looking at Amalie even easier, which would prove to be difficult for him, but he wanted to hear what she was talking about. Even being close to the girl, however, was causing his heart to race.

“Yes I would. Thank you, your Grace.”

Aurelia moved to sit down as well and took a sip of wine before she would begin to answer Paolo’s question. It was a complex one to be sure that would likely require many conversations if the boy would like to understand the depth of the matter.

Amalie flushed when Paolo actually sat down at the table and couldn’t stop from looking at him. When their eyes finally happened to meet, she gave him a sweet and demure smile before respectfully looking away. So she wouldn’t be tempted to stare, she turned toward her mother to strike up a quiet conversation that Paolo couldn’t hear clearly.

“For the last little over a decade, my family has been living in seclusion on Luna as you may know. It has given me some rather unique insights over the years and much to think about.” Pauring, Aurelia smiled at him. “Are there any specific questions you might have to begin with?”

“My father made sure the documents related to your..time in seclusion were made available to me. I read them thoroughly and forwarded a list of questions to Mr. Nazar, hoping to understand Security Apparatus better.” he said, pausing and looking around the table for a moment. He couldn't be more clear, as the matter was still highly classified. Young as he was, he understood these things. “I suppose my first question would be how the common people regard the political changes of the Orsini, empowering the Council of Lords and actually participating with them in government, versus my father’s reforms of the past few months.”

There was a tremendous amount of baggage in the question, and she would have a challenge navigating it without implying too much one way or another. He wasn’t trying to trap her, but wanted to know. The Orsini had cut out the common people 70 years ago and ruled with close to a genuine aristocracy. Now his father had ruled as a dictator first, and now perhaps something of a populist? He knew what the man was doing in advance, but he’d be lying if he said he had the depth of understanding to know why he was doing it. Knowledgeable, but politically naive, the bow wanted wisdom from anyone whose brain he could pick. He became so engrossed in the question, he leaned forward toward Aurelia and nearly forgot the object of his infatuation.

She took a moment to consider Paolo’s question and how to best answer it. She wasn’t afraid to give him the facts of what she knew in her experience despite the question being a potentially problematic one. Being known for loyalty and having continued to show that loyalty and deference in any given turn had its advantages. Paolo would also be the next Emperor and she wanted the boy to understand that her family could be relied on as a friend, ally, and resource to learn from should he so choose.

“That question partially hinges on the generation of people who you are looking at. The oldest of them still balk against the common man being cut out of politics and call it betrayal. Subsequent generations, however, are more loyal and understanding of what they have been taught is the natural order of things. That said, there are certain groups who whisper a wish for more power returned to the people; for an elected head of government. It is not so much that they would seek to overthrow the reigning Emperor, but they seek a better perceived balance for their interests. The dream of democratic reforms is a siren call to those who feel they have no real say. There are also others who balk against how extensive the aristocracy is with all its lordly levels, they say it feels much too bloated and some go so far as to call it oppressive.”

Across the table, Amalie giggled softly at something her mother said.

Paolo’s eyes drifted immediately to Amalie’s giggle and his lips curled into a smile. For a moment, he tried to understand what she might be laughing about before he realized he had allowed himself to be distracted. He looked back to Aurelia.

“An elected head of government?” He asked with raised eyebrows, seeming disgusted at the idea. “People who wish for things such as this will never stop.”

The response had been simple. He would have said more and posed another question, but again his eyes were drawn to Amalie.

“No, likely not, but wishes and hope drive people forward.” Aurelia replied and watched Paolo’s attention wander. She smiled despite herself; she remembered that feeling very well despite her age. It was a feeling that you never really lost the memory of once you had it. He was a curious boy who would likely enjoy having this conversation, but perhaps not in this environment.

Amalie looked over toward Paolo again, her brown eyes catching his and this time holding his gaze just a bit longer. She smiled at him again, and then returned to her conversation with her mother.

“Perhaps we can arrange a time where we can discuss these matters more in depth.” Aurelia offered kindly.

Paolo knew he needed to extract himself from the situation and make the rounds, though this was by-far the most interesting table to him.

“That would be wonderful.” He said to Aurelia quietly, and then stood up. “I should be on, Your Grace. Everyone.” Paolo said, looking around the table and managing not to linger on Amalie through an active movement of the will.

The table gave their respectful farewells to Paolo as was proper and then went back to their own conversations. When Paolo looked to Amalie this time, she smiled but also lifted her hand and waved farewell to him just above the table. It wasn’t proper, but it was so very sweet.

Paolo returned the smile but not the wave. His training was not yet so far gone to allow for such a thing in the setting. With slight hesitation, he moved away from the table.

At the main table, Sacha sliced into his food without speaking. He was focused like a man enjoying what he had, and words had failed him the second the plate had been sat down in front of him. Every now and then, someone nearly worthy would step to the royal table, but this one was a bit of a surprise. From a small crowd emerged a thin woman with short blonde hair in a muted dark purple dress.

“Your Highness…Major. Congratulations on your engagement announcement.” CJ said, her smile unusually bright. The Imperial Secretary for the Glory of the Fatherland spent her days with bureaucrats, journalists, and businessmen, but she always seemed to keep a quiet and rational control about her. “The results on social media are the strongest in at least the last two years.

Giana had remained contentedly quiet as she ate her meal; she knew Sacha didn’t talk much during a meal once he got into it and she respected that. It didn’t bother her in the slightest. She was simply enjoying her own meal but paused as she saw who was approaching. She smiled with - from what Sacha could tell - was genuine interest and warmth which was certainly saying something coming from Giana.

“CJ, thank you. I don’t think we would be here if it wasn’t for you.”

Sacha quirked a brow at the interest and the interaction. What did that mean?

“True love can cross the starry void, they say.” CJ responded with an air of mystery. When she noticed Sacha’s confusion. “I should introduce myself. I’m Camila Zajak; everyone calls me CJ.”

“And you’ve helped us along in some way then?” He asked, relaxed but interested.

“CJ was and still is one of the driving forces behind Bella Gia. She helped convince my father that I could do much more than be a socialite; you know he would have never listened to me himself in that regard.” Giana shrugged. She wasn’t wrong in her mind, Antonius had always been of the mind that Giana was just a brat who really had nothing to contribute and simply leeched off of him; he’d said as much and laughed at her when she would try to say otherwise. Her jaw tightened just briefly and she took a sip of wine.

Sacha eyed CJ with a slightly smaller amount of suspicion, his eyes following the lines of her smile and seeming to find her utterly resistant to cursory analysis. There was something about her that he didn’t trust, and seeming as she was the Empire’s chief propagandist, that wasn’t really surprising.

“I see,” he said, offering a charming half smile that didn’t reach his eyes where he might have ordinarily waved the woman away. “ Well, it’s good you came along then to give Giana a boost.”

There was something implied in his tone, somewhat subtle, and CJ picked it up. Her smile only deepened slightly. She knew what the soldier was thinking. She looked at Giana.

“The whole thing has been good for my career portfolio too. A happy Princess, a happy Emperor, and a happy chancellor are nothing to balk at. Not to mention some significant personal investment in the company.” She started, listing the benefits quite openly, but she knew it would give no offense to Giana. The younger woman would have been suspicious if she pretended there was no personal motive in her help. “Still, I like to think we have grown a bit closer.”

Giana perhaps didn’t notice the look on her fiance’s face, or perhaps she chose to ignore it in favor of the woman who had given her what she wanted: attention and faith that she was more capable than anyone else in her life believed her to be. She was fully aware that CJ’s interest wasn’t altruistic in the slightest but who could really be said to be so selfless in the Empire? It wasn’t their way. Giana just had the benefit of getting more out of the arrangement from her perspective and that was what mattered.

“Of course we have.” She assured CJ with a smile that was much more genuine than she usually gave to people like the older woman. “Still so much more work to be done, though, but I know you will be there to help.”

“As long as I can manage, of course.” She responded. “The Secretariat has always been very difficult to work with when it comes to corporate assets. Ramsay wants us to maintain professional distance, Pennington wants them to be profitable, and I want them to make us look good. Of course, none of that is your problem.” CJ looked at Sacha then, her smile relaxing and becoming more reserved. “We should get you on the cover of a fashion magazine, I think.”

Giana’s expression soured immediately though briefly at the mention of Contessa. The woman was a snake in the grass that her father let play despite his claims she could so easily be replaced… perhaps even at his age her father wasn’t immune to a pair of ridiculously proportioned breasts and a low cut top. She took a sip of her wine and looked to Sacha as CJ laid that particular comment on him. “Only if you’d want to, Sacha. You don’t have to.”

Sacha gave a short chuckle. He knew he didn’t have to already, but he decided to keep it to himself this time around. Eyeing CJ and Giana, he noticed something he didn’t quite like. He licked his lips, his eyes meeting CJ’s again.

“Hells yeah.” He said simply; quietly. The charming smile he was known for crossing his face. “A chance to make love to the camera cannot be refused.”

He seemed to notice someone he knew far over CJ’s shoulder. He didn’t, of course, but he had learned the art of social bullshitting in the cradle. He didn’t use it often, but now seemed to him like the right time.

“Excuse me.” He said quietly, and then turned and walked away around the table. Without looking back, he disappeared into the crowd.

CJ’s eyes followed him, cold and ever watchful. She looked back at Giana with an expression that asked a question more than anything else.
“A bit of a step up from simply walking away or telling a rude joke and sticking up his middle fingers. You’ve made quite the impression on the Major.”

Giana was left sitting there frowning slightly in confusion. She had no idea what had possessed Sacha to act in such a way and she was none too pleased about it, but she knew it was a discussion left for later; making a scene would just be a disaster and she knew if she pressed or fussed, he would do just that. She focused her attention back on CJ and managed a slight smile, one that to CJ may have communicated the strain she was feeling.

“I’m sorry, CJ. I don’t know why he did that… he may just still be getting used to everything.”

“No, he thinks I’m using you.” CJ said quite honestly. “Based on his profile, I’d say he left in order to avoid being rude. Go easy on him, Giana, I didn’t expect him to like me.”

Anyone who Giana seemed to like and trust would undoubtedly raise a flag for anyone who knew her. She liked few people and she trusted even fewer. How a government functionary who was so obviously using her to advance her own career was beyond most people. Giana was different, CJ knew, and she appreciated someone who’s motivations were obvious to her.

“So, you’ve come a long way in your father’s eyes, I see. A lordship…a fiancé…a company..and the rumors out there suggest you will stand as heir when Paolo ascends.” CJ said, her tone happy and not at all sycophantic. In fact, she seemed perfectly neutral on the topic. “It's very fast. How are you handling things?”

There was a pause where Giana considered CJ for a moment, wondering exactly how much the woman knew about the actual reason behind all of this. Well, most of it anyways.

“As best I can, really. I was hoping I might be able to rely on some help…” her blue eyes shifted briefly toward the area in the crowd where Sacha had disappeared, “but I don’t think that will be the case.”

“What kind of help do you want?” CJ asked, her eyebrow raised. She seemed unsurprised by the comment; unsurprised by Giana’s doubt. “Emotional help? Practical help?”

For just a moment it seemed Giana was actually going to answer, but she stopped herself and simply smiled with a soft chuckle leaving her lips. “Oh don’t worry about me, CJ. I’m sure I’ll get myself through it.”

There was a sureness to her tone that she certainly didn’t feel and she looked after Sacha again, but soon gave up when it seemed he really had just vanished. Hopefully not for too long or that would make the rumor mill swirl and while CJ was certainly good at her job, there were many, many influential people here and what they saw with their own eyes couldn’t as easily be controlled and filtered.

“Hmm..” CJ said, not pressing, but looking at the younger woman. In a way, it was amusing. Giana had never asked too many questions about how Sacha got transferred back to Terra. She didn’t seem upset; in the end, it was up to Giana to manage her own relationships, and gods knew CJ hadn’t had luck with men on her own. She had been too cold, they said. Too dedicated to her work. Too observant, even still. “I’m sure you will, ma’am. But, word of advice, if I may?”

“Of course.” Giana prompted politely. Whether she would hear it or not was an entirely different matter. She looked to CJ and took a sip of her wine.

“Husbands aren’t mirrors.” CJ said with a sudden frown, first obvious and then masked in neutral acceptance. “I had to learn that the hard way, because I wouldn’t listen.”

Immediately, Giana frowned in return, but it wasn’t one of anger, simply confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, when we look at them, we won’t see ourselves reflected. In fact, we will often see more of them in us. Some women…powerful women…hate that terribly.” CJ answered. Then she realized that she had stayed too long. With a respectful bow of her head, she looked to the Emperor who was now eyeing her. “Your Imperial Highness. Keep climbing. I’m watching with excitement.”

And, with that, CJ turned and departed. Just a few moments after she was gone, Sacha reappeared again and sat down in his old seat. He grabbed his glass of wine and sipped it again before his eyes rested on Giana. They were sober and curious.

That hadn’t been any more helpful than the first statement and now Giana felt slightly annoyed with the cryptic nature of CJ’s statement. The difference was in this case that she would simply reach out to CJ later to try and figure it out with plain words than simply write off the “advice” totally. She wasn’t foolish and she knew CJ had her own designs at the end of… whatever she was pushing for… but to this point she hadn’t necessarily steered Giana poorly. That was more than she got from most people in life.

She had been so caught up in trying to figure out what on earth CJ had meant that she actually startled slightly when Sacha dropped back into his seat next to her though she recovered before he even finished his sip of wine and smiled at him.

“Hey.” She greeted with warmth and placed her hand on his thigh. Her face gave away nothing because there was nothing to give him, she liked CJ and trusted her - mostly.

“Hey.” He said simply. “Sorry about that, I just really didn’t like that woman and I was trying not to embarrass you or insult your…friend?”

“It’s alright.” She assured him. She still didn’t like it, she was still confused, but she did appreciate that he had made the effort to disengage from the situation instead of making a scene of any sort or insult CJ as he said.

“Is there some history there that I don’t know?”

“Besides the news? No.” He said with a furrowed brow. “She just kind of gives me the creeps. Like she spends her off hours raising the dead or something like that.”

Giana burst out laughing at that, but quickly covered her mouth to do it politely. Once she settled, she lowered it, but still wore a grin as she looked at Sacha. “Okay… okay I see your point on that one. She definitely doesn’t give off the warmest of impressions; or expressions, perhaps more accurately. CJ has been very helpful and supportive of me though.”

“I’m sure she has been.” He said, knowing that something was going on that he didn’t understand. “Just make sure she’s planning on riding your coattails instead of stabbing you in the back.”

“I’ll do my best.” She assured him, not simply trying to brush him off. “I’ll be careful, I hear you.”

She still wanted to know what the hell CJ meant though.

As people had started mingling and going around the room to talk to each other, the cameras had gone off and the formality of the occassion had given way to a social event in the truest sense. The Emperor had so many visitors at the main table that no one took particular note when a young messenger approached him and handed him a note. He opened it and read it for several seconds; it was long and typed in a small font. He frowned deeply and turned to look at someone behind him. She looked back, waving at first, and then stopping. There was no love in his expression.

Antonius stood up suddenly, prompting the standing of the entire table around him and then, as people noticed, the whole room. He moved around the table and up to the podium again. Immediately, a hush and chill fell upon the room. One could hear a pin drop.

"Keep your seats. This will be brief." he said quickly, his jaw set. As everyone sat down again, his eyes scanned the room. "We're looking for two volunteers of the Imperial Guard. Come and stand by Us."

There was a scramble of sorts among the loyal guard members who hurried out toward the center in no particular order, some pushing and cursing before it became clear that two officers would get there first. The first was a handsome blonde man with warm blue eyes and a strong chin; he had the rank of a Sergeant. The other was a ruddy-faced man with the rank of a 1st Lieutenant; he was stocky and strong. They stood on either side of their emperor, seeming to grow taller next to the rather diminutive man by comparison, and out of pride.

"Yes." Antonius said, looking between them. "These soldiers can always be trusted to put their lives on the line and to the test for the glory of Our Empire in their Emperor. They serve Us faithfully and well, carrying out our orders with such swiftness and faith that they strike fear into the hearts of Our enemies, foreign and domestic."

He paused then as the crowd began to clap. The action was uneasy and hesitant, but done out of the suspicion of an obligation in some places. Antonius did not seem moved, amused, or in any way pleased.

"As you are all aware, Giuseppe Angelo has been arrested. You do not know why, and We will not tell you very much now, for it rests in the hands of Our Tribunals. We have total faith in the system to find the truth. What We can tell you now, however, is that Giuseppe Angelo refused to accept his ouster as Crown Prince after We judged that he was not fit to be clothed in the Imperial Majesty. He schemed and arranged against the people of Our Empire and the investigation into all the facts is ongoing. There are, however, accomplices to his treason. That brings us to the reason We interrupted these festivities."

He turned around at the podium and looked to the scaffolded tables behind the one where he had been sitting. His eyes fell on one woman. She knew he was looking at her.

"Grand Admiral Alynna Nechayev has been the head of Imperial Starfleet for the past seven years. She has presided over the loss of ships and the building of new ones, and she was at Our side as we retook large swathes of our historic Empire. Faithful in appearance, but in truth, a traitor." gasps echoed from around the room as the allegation fell on Alynna. She stood up, but seemed frozen in fear; entranced. "A wolf in sheep's clothing."

To say she was shocked was an understatement, and for just a moment Giana's lips parted in an expression of genuine shock. She looked to Sacha, seeing he seemed just as shocked, and then her eyes found Paolo as if she half expected him to be aware of what was going on. When she saw the dismay lining Paolo's face, she realized this was something happening in real time that nobody saw coming.

"Oh shit." She breathed out quietly, a very unrefined response from a royal of course, but it was a very genuine response.

"Guards, loyal and true, seize the Grand Admiral and take her to the brig. She will be transported to Terra and placed in the custody of the Internal Security Service. They will find the name of every single ally she and Our son have still worming around in the military brass and every Lord and Lady as well." his eyes found the faces of his Admirals and Generals, all looking intensely nervous, guilty or not. An investigation or a which hunt, they wondered. "And if they can get nothing for her, we shall let Imperial Intelligence try her out."

"Gods... Giuseppe what have you done..." Giana spoke more softly this time, but it was likely still loud enough for Paolo and Sacha to both hear her. She was frowning and watching everything unfolding in front of her. How deranged had their older brother been?

Aurelia observed in silence, her lovely face stern and her dark eyes keen. She had known at the meeting Antonius had invited her to take part in to solidify her claim on Utopia-Planitia that there was something off about Nechayev and her lackey. She hadn't given voice to those concerns as she hadn't felt it was her place at the time, but now she felt regret in that decision. She took a sip of her wine, wondering if he would keep the status quo of the agreement about the shipyards after such a betrayal from the military who had tried to reach for even more power, but she was inclined to believe he would so as to not stir up more of a fuss.

Antonius watched as his Grand Admiral was dragged away, knowing that her suffering in the next few days would be most exquisite and that she would sing her accomplices names like a bird. He looked back at the crowd severely.

"Let the festivities continue." he said stoically, before moving from the podium.