Fiction:New Cyrandia Wars/Year Two/Trouble in the Royal Palace

Prologue
Deep in space, several ships had docked with an unmarked cruiser in orbit over a large gas giant in the. Stepping out of their craft, the bounty hunters Mist and Garnossk made their way to the central chamber of the large vessel where they were soon joined by fellow bounty hunters from the. Lieutenant Talon of the, the dreaded known as Skato Wolrein was also present, his four arms crossed as he was followed by numbers of Claw operatives. Garnossk, a, hissed like a serpent as the new arrivals entered the chamber.


 * Garnossk: "Well, what have we here? Not from around here I ssssuppose?"
 * Skato': "Not really, no. I don't often hear good things about this galaxy."

The assassin, Vezktan chuckled at the comment. Garnossk's companion Mist turned to face the Quadrantia Bounty Hunters, and the.


 * Mist: "But you guys I know from reputation. I wonder what this is about."

As soon as she spoke, a holographic image appeared of a slender woman, whose face was obscured by a hood while her voice appeared to be distorted.


 * Unknown: "Welcome, welcome. I am pleased you've all decided to answer my call. I trust none of you have been followed?"
 * Skato: "I assume no one here is a novice, because I most certain am not."
 * Garnossk: "Hardly! I am the one who gunned down ss himsself."
 * Mist: "Yes and now he leads an empire, really fantastic work lizard."

The holographic woman cleared her throat.


 * Unknown: "My sources inform me that Proconsul has organised a meeting between Empress  and Queen  in an attempt to sooth relations between the  and . My organisation and that of our Plazithian friends here, would prefer that this meeting has a hick-up, of sorts. You will all be payed substantially if the meeting is cancelled and even more so per diplomat killed."
 * Skato: "I'm above working with petty criminals. But any chance of kill the bastard empress, plus rack up some cash, is alright by me."
 * Emtor: "So does the Syndicate has interesst in causing trouble between these three empires. Though I don't know ifthe lot gathered here is up for it."
 * Mist: Hmph, speak for yourself. The Syndicate believes that war is always good for business, but I don't think our holographic benefactor works for them."
 * Unknown: "Very astute. The meeting begins in one standard day. I have arranged passage through the Cyrannian-Quadrantia Wormhole near, though I assure you the Empire will not hinder you. Best of luck."

The hologram disappeared, leaving the various operatives and bounty hunters alone. One by one, they began to travel back to the airlocks where their ships have been docked, keen on making sure that the mission was successful. Vezktan approached Mist while she walked away, getting her attention he pinnend her against the wall and whispered so the others did not hear.


 * Vezktan: "Well. pretty lady, in for a fun little before we join this happy fun club of associated criminals?"
 * Mist: "Remove your hands or I'll remove your head!"

Scowling, Mist kneed Vezktan in the groin and jumped over his head, activating her sabers and holding them to his neck. Vezktan raised one hand in surrender and gulped while the other held his groin, hissing in anger.


 * Mist: "Try that again and I'll do more than kick it, scum!"
 * Vezktan: "A simply no was sufficient as well, no need to get close"
 * Skato: "Bahahahaha! I can tell this is gonna be an amusing trek."

Chapter One
The next day on the, a shuttle touched down on the landing platform near the Royal Palace, where a contingent of guards had gathered to greet the new arrival. Standing in the center of the platform was and, the children of  along with , the newly revealed daughter of Empress. Laoi brushed down his suit as the doors of the shuttle opened, revealing the very important visitor. Out of it came Queen of the Indoctrinate Collective, followed by multiple diplomats belonging to the  and  races. Kara approached first, smiling as she admired the regal appearance of Maryah.


 * Kara: "Welcome Maryah, it's been a long time!"
 * Maryah: "My my, indeed. I have not seen you since we were mere children."

As Laoi approached, he almost tripped over his feet, hugely embarrasing the young Libertus.


 * Laoi: "Laoi! I-I mean hello! You have certainly... grown. In- in a good way, I mean."
 * Maryah - Hmhmhm. It's good to see you again.
 * Kara: "And this is Princess Ramanei, Ramashe's daughter."

The young Serindia princess stepped forward, her arms folded in front of her, a little shy she welcomed Empress Maryah with a little bow.


 * 'Ramanei: "I, Princess Ramanei Joy Feather bid thee welcome Empress Maryah, might thy visit to Serndianiliae be a pleasent one. I stand at thee service."''
 * Maryah: "Thank you, Princess Ramanei."
 * Kara: "Now that's finished, let's get down to the politics, shall we? My dad and Ramashe are waiting for us in the Palace."
 * Maryah: "Of course. I hope to resolve dire matters here today."

Approaching the palace entrance, the Royal Guards guariding the palace took stand, raising their spears in honoration of Empress Maryah while trumpets were heard, heralding her coming. Maryah watched the scene in curiosity, admired by the guards's discipline. Trying too hard to appear dignified in front of Maryah, Laoi accidentally walked into one of the Royal Guards, prompting Kara to place her face in her hands. Ramanei helped Laoi back to his feet, whispering if he as feeling alright.


 * Kara: "I apologise for my brother. He doesn't get out much."
 * Maryah: "Teehee. Well, I'm not that much better myself.

After walking down the opulent hall, the group encountered Empress Ramashe and Proconsul Apollo standing alongside each other. Apollo, who had grown to know Maryah through meetings, seemed pleased to see her. Maryah proceeded to bow slightly as a sign of respect to both Ramashe and Apollo. Ramashe returned the bow and opened her arms in welcome.


 * Ramashe: "Welcome to the Royal Palace of Tirithsilliana!"
 * Maryah: "Thank you, Empress Ramashe. I am here today in hopes to restore the ties of the Indoctrinate Collective and Rambo Nation."

Apollo bowed his head in turn.


 * Apollo: "It's lovely to see you again, your Highness."
 * Maryah: "Likewise, Proconsul."

The three leaders were beckoned into a large dining room adorned with a vast array of food and drink. Apollo, Ramashe, Maryah, Laoi, Kara and Ramanei sat down for an informal lunch before the true political meeting would begin.

Chapter Two
Ramashe raised a glass to the three leaders, welcoming them all to her palace and Rambo Nation at whole, claiming that they now stood under the guest rights of House Le Rambo. Ramashe thanked all present, and gave word to Apollo, as the Proconsul of the New Cyrannian Republic organized the meeting.


 * Apollo: "Today is a great day for all of our peoples. After the unfortunate events in the aftermath of the Great War, the relations between the Rambo and the Indoctrinate Collective became strained. Today it is my hope that a new era of friendship and peace can reign between our peoples."
 * Maryah: "Indeed. It was an unfortunate misunderstanding, and the Empress has my sincere apologies."
 * Ramashe: "Sadly the Empire caused much misunderstanding, and perhaps the fault was with us as well as we took the decision as a slight. But we are willing to set the past aside and reopening diplomacy with the Collective. "'
 * Maryah: "I'm very glad to hear so. And please do not blame yourself for it. The culprit of all this is that detestable Empire."
 * Apollo: "Personally I'm inclined to agree. I for one hope for the day that the is repealed and the  can be reborn."
 * Ramashe: ''"We will see, but for now it places us in a dificult position, as we wish to keep neutrality and not stand between the Empire and her challenges. The concordat gave us challenges as well as benefits. But we are luckily the Empire doesn't involve itself with our foreign policies, they seem to respect that."'
 * Maryah: "Many of my supreme advisors would love to declare full military hostility against the Empire, but we all know it's not that easy. Too big, too powerful."
 * Kara Inviá: "The bigger the empire, the bigger the fall!"

Laoi rolled his eyes at his sister's comment.


 * Laoi Cretacea: "Clearly you didn't inherit the diplomatic skills of our parents."

Ramanei giggled at Laoi's comment, just as Kara was about to retort, the room was rocked as several armed individuals burst through the windows brandishing weapons and aiming them at the gathered diplomats. A startled shout came out of Maryah as she got up from her seat, staring at the unknown individuals in fear. A chill went down her spine as she recognized the symbols on some of their armor. Alarmed, Apollo quickly gathered Laoi and Kara behind his back, though Kara appeared quite keen to fight them off. While Ramashe stood up and pointed her fingers at the intruders, Ramanei sat in shock and didn't dare to move.


 * Ramashe: "Brigands? How dare you to intrude! And how did you get pass my security! Guards!"
 * Mist: "Haha! Nobody can hear you, little bird! You are all now in our power!"
 * Maryah: "V-Vengeful Claw..."
 * Claw Soldier: "Kill the scum empress and all the others!"

Trivia

 * Written by, and.