Fiction:In Better Times

As the Great Cyrannus War came to a close, flickering gates winked into existence, one by one, across the Cyrannus galaxy again. These were the Void Gates, left by the Fordanta to allow access to their realm. As the fires of war died down, a single communique was issued on a tight channel, to Empress Ramashe of Rambo Nation.

"Hail, Empress Ramashe. I would have liked to contact you far sooner, in the wake of the unfortunate incident with the Trivoid, but fate is ever unkind. Conflict with the Ayrai'Shikua, as well as internal strife within the Ko'Sa'Va itself have forced me to stay my hand, but now is an opportunity of relative stability in the galaxy.

I am sending this message to offer an invitation to tour my homeworld, Forda, in an effort to allow us to begin to better understand each others' culture. Naturally, some locations are forbidden to aliens, but I can personally assure you that most of the planet's sights and attractions will be more than welcoming.

''I understand that this is a somewhat sensitive time, in the wake of the Cyrannus War, and will understand if you decide that such a move would be ill-advised at this time, however it may well be that this is the opportunity you need to gain a fresh perspective on things.

As always, my blade is at your side."

- Blademaster Hel'Bre'K of the Fordanta''

Ramashe responded quickly, accepting the invitation and beginning preparations to spend a few days on the lush world Forda.

Hel'Bre'K
"Preparations are almost complete, Blademaster. The Kin have organised the initial stages of the Empress' visit to best coincide with local events, and should it be needed, the Warriors' Guild stands ready to provide protection. While I will admit that some of these requests have been rather... confusing, I have no doubt in your judgement, Blademaster."

As the Praetorian finished his report, a reptilian eye cracked open, revealing an azure gleam that belied the knowledge held within. Slowly lifting his immense form from the slab of cold granite on which he was meditating, Hel'Bre'K donned a ceremonial robe and readied his advisors, so that he could inspect the final preparations himself. The Praetorian marched easily alongside him, discussing the finer details of planning before ordering underlings to make adjustments.

"I am a soldier, Praetorian. A glorified one at that, but a soldier nonetheless. In spite of what the Young may think of me, my talents do not lie in the preparation for such events. You and I both trust in the advice given to me by the various Diplomats and Courtiers who have been my aides of recent. Nonetheless, nothing can shake my confidence in my Kin, but this is the first true test of Fordan hospitality to an alien... Hmpf, I remember when that combination of words meant a blade. I am too old to change my ways, but perhaps this will be a beneficial experience for the three of us."

In mockery of hundreds of years of experience, the Praetorian found himself asking, "The three of us? Only I stand beside you, Blademaster." The sharp, rebuking answer of "The Empress" stung for a moment, before the pair passed a statue of an old friend. Memories of old glories washed over them, and the slip was forgotten.

"Come now, Praetorian. The Empress is due to arrive soon. Despite my advisors' suggestions, I would rather not be... how did they word it? 'Fashionably late...?'"

As the final preparations finished, the pair strode through a Void Gate, crossing the barrier to the Gate Fortress assigned to Rambo Nation. From there, Hel'Bre'K watched the Rambo vessel begin docking procedures. As if to flaunt fate by defying the advice of his aides, Hel'Bre'K strode purposefully to the docking station, instead of waiting at the Void Relay.