“We are informed by Lord Ekrillium that Emperor Tyrómairon is coming to visit you in person!”
- - Rambarth Dino II Le Rambo, informing Ramashe of the Emperor's imminent arrival.
It has been three years since the signing of the Nim-Glaré Concordat and the beginning of the Galactic Empire of Cyrannus's reign over the noble people of Rambo Nation. However, despite many in the Outer-Gigaquadrant referring to this relationship as one of tyranny, the protectorate has become a popular institution in recent years, especially when threats such as the Quadrantia Grox, the Quashowan and even the Hutters continue to infringe on Rambo borders. However, there are some who do not see the benefits of Imperial rule and have begun rumours that the Nim-Glaré Concordat will soon be repealed. However, these rumours have gained the attention of some who may not agree with this potential path...
Dramatis personæ
.png "Empress Ramashe (RN).png (194 KB)")
Story
Chapter One: The Emperor and the Adviser
In his throne room on Orbispira, Emperor Tyrómairon recalled a conversation he had with Grand Mandator Aporyan after the meeting at Lianna-Station, during which Rambo Senator Ram'Lendila informed Aporyan that there was talk amongst some in Rambo Nation that the time had come for the Empire to end the Nim-Glaré Concordat and begin a new relationship with Rambo Nation as allies and nothing more.
The Emperor tires of listening to Ekrillium.
Approaching the Emperor was his (sometimes unwanted) advisor Ekrillium.
- Ekrillium: "My Lord, we cannot let them continue these vile talks. We should smash these rebellious talks at once! We cannot lose the protectorate, for then the Atlantica might deem us weak and challenge our might!"
Tyrómairon waved his hand in dismissal, deep in thought and not wishing to be disturbed. Still, despite his advise sometimes irritating him, Tyrómairon knew better than to ignore Ekrillium's words. Ekrillium sighed in disbelief, nodding his head in disagreement he paced the room until he suddenly turned.
- Ekrillium: "So how do you plan to deal with all of it my Lord? By losing the protectrate, I cannot locate any artifacts of the Atlantica or Oikoumene for you and we'll lose access to the Koerbandian Artifacts."
- Tyrómairon: "Do you take me for a fool, Ekrillium? I would not give up our interests to sate the political desires of Ramashe's court. Have you forgotten our true enemy?"
- Ekrillium:"No-no, not at all my Lord. I just thought..."
- Tyrómairon"': "And we arrive at your problem, Ekrillium! When I desire you to think, I shall ask you to think!"
Ekrillium remained silent and wondered if the Emperor would share his plan or would just dismiss him.
- Tyrómairon: "Of course I will not consent to ending the Concordat so soon, we have need of the Rambo yet. Granting their independence would leave us with no foothold in the Quadrant Galaxies, an unacceptable possibility. In any case, these dissenters are a minority. We will relinquish this relationship only when I have deemed it necessary. Fear not, my friend, I will speak with Ramashe in person."
Ekrillium smiled, and bowed once more.
- Ekrillium: "Of course my Lord, I shall make the arrangements at once!"
Chapter Two: A Relaxing Morning
At the Rambo Capital, the sun was shining in the city of Tirithsilliana where, within the lower sections of the Royal Palace; Apollo and his children, Laoi Cretacea and Kara Inviá, empress Ramashe and her daughter, Ramanei Joy Feather were swimming in the sea, enjoying a free day of relaxation and quality time.
Apollo sat at the edge of the plattform, holding a strand ball and tossed it towards Ramanei, just hitting the water just in front of her face Ramanei was unable to stop the ball, Apollo made a fist of joy!
- Apollo: "Goal! I win the match!"
Ramanei looks frustrated at her mother.
- Ramanei: "Mother, you told me he was good, but not that good!"
Both Apollo and Ramashe bursted out in laughter. The moment of joy was interrupted by the arrival of her uncle, the Lord Hand Rambarth Dino II Le Rambo, who always looked grim and serious holding a parchment. However this time he looked rather confused and a bit frightened.
- Kara Inviá: Oh great, this guy is always fun.
Apollo shot an annoyed glance at his daughter, who smiled mischievously. Worried Ramashe demanded what was going on, were the Virals at Koerband broken out of their containment or was the Quashowan-dreadnought be seen again. Rambarth shook his head and handed over the parchment to Ramashe.
- Rambarth: ""Far from that my dear, we are informed by Lord Ekrillium that Emperor Tyrómairon is coming to visit you in person!"
Ramashe raised her eyebrows in surprise, looking at Apollo she frowned.
- Apollo: "Guess who is coming to dinner........"
Ramashe smiled at the comment, facing Rambarth she began ordering commands.
- Ramashe: "Well then, we must prepare. Order the Royal Guard to polish and wax their golden armors, inform rear-admiral Ramkamura that he has to prepare Space Dock and monitor and redirect all incoming space traffic to the Capital. Further more, inform Rambo Command and the people of our Nation, I want his arrival, whatever we feel about it to be grand and special. We will welcome the Emperor with all grace and glory, and as the Imperial Inquisition to aid us in the security during the Emperor's visit."
- Rambarth: "As you command my empress, it shall be done."
Rambarth nodded, though looked disgusted at the suggestion of the Inquistion, none the less he bowed and promised that all would be done before he left. Ramashe looked at Ramanei, Apollo and his children and decided to take a dive in the sea again.
Chapter Three: The Emperor Arrives
The Emperor Arrives.
The next day, the massive flagship of the Emperor arrived in orbit over the Rambo Capital. Measuring 250,000 metres, the mighty Imperium was rarely seen and was the perfect symbol of the power of the Emperor and his Empire, and the largest vessel ever seen within the Quadrant Galaxies. The ship was so large that it could be clearly seen from the planet below, sending chills down the spine of Apollo, who appeared quite nervous about finally meeting the Emperor in person. After all, the Emperor was the one who destroyed the Republic. Turning to Ramashe, he smiled weakly and held out his hand. Ramashe placed her hands in his, slightly squeezing it while looking in his eyes she returned his smile with her own. Though she was nervous too, Kara noted this display of affection with great interest, as did many others in the crowd waiting for the Emperor's arrival.
In orbit, a smaller ship undocked from the Imperium, a much smaller Praetorian-class Star Destroyer which still measured 3,000 metres. On the bridge of the Star Destroyer, its captain watched as Rambo ships began escorting it, among them a Excelsior-Class. The commander of the Emperor's Will was none other than Venatorius, who often accompanied the Emperor on such voyages. Standing beside him was vice-admiral Ramcard, who had just docked with the Star Destroyer to escort it down to the surface.
- Ramcard: "Emperor, commander Venatorius. Welcome to the Rambo Capital, I shall accompany you down to the surface where Empress Ramashe and her consorts will await your arrival with joy. May I send my compliments, that flagship of yours can swallow Space Dock whole, most impressive!"
- Venatorius: "Thank you, Vice-Admiral Ramcard. Hopefully it will not!"
- Tyrómairon: "You have my thanks, Vice-Admiral. I anticipate that I will enjoy my time on your Capital."
Ramcard smiled and bowed. As the ships made their way toward the planet, the Emperor once again embarked on a smaller ship, this time an Imperial Shuttle along with Venatorius and Ramcard. As the ship flew over Tirithsilliana, they could see lines of people on the street flying both Rambo and Imperial flags. Ramcard signaled the emperor to see the Imperial embassy, the heigest building in the city besides the Royal Palace, with the crest of the Galactic Empire made of black rubies shining in the sunlight. The Emperor nodded in appreciation, and seemed quite impressed with the fleet of Rambo ships gathered above the city to welcome their new guest. After a few minutes, the shuttle touched down near the royal palace, where Ramashe, her closest advisers and Apollo's family awaited him. Stepping out his shuttle, the Emperor bowed slightly towards Ramashe and Apollo and approached them, as his Imperial Guards and two Imperial Inquisitors took up position in a line leading to the Palace Doors. The moment the Emperor stepped out of his shuttle, the Serindia Royal Guard raised their staff as honor guards, their golden armor shining brightly, trumpets were heard to announce the arrival of the Emperor and both Rambo and Imperial flags were seen waving in the winds of the Royal Palace.
- Tyrómairon: "Greetings, Supreme Empress Ramashe and Proconsul Apollo. I am quite impressed with the welcome I have received from this great city."
Ramashe stepped forward, together with her uncle, the Lord Hand Rambarth. Ramashe bowed gracefully and looked at the Emperor with her sweetest smile, her uncle bowed as well but looked grim and serious, probably wishing to be elsewhere.
- Ramashe: "Hail Emperor Tyrómairon, I am pleased to welcome you to our humble planet. It is an honor to have your presence at the Rambo Capital, a remarkable day for Rambo Nation and celebrations are in order to announce your greatness and arrival!"
The Emperor nodded in respect to Ramashe before turning to Proconsul Apollo and his children.
- Tyrómairon: "Proconsul Apollo, and these must be your children."
- Apollo: "Emperor Tyrómairon, it is an honour to finally meet you in person. While the history of our interaction has not always been pleasant, I wish to thank you for allowing the Republic to grow independentally from your great Empire, a move which has secured a lasting peace in Cyrannus."
- Tyrómairon: "It was the most prudent course of action."
Apollo smiled and introduced the Emperor to both of his children, who both bowed out of respect, though Kara appeared highly reluctant to do so. Nodding in turn, Tyrómairon turned to face Ramashe and Rambarth, his expression turning to one of cold seriousness.
- Tyrómairon: "I do believe we have a topic of paramount importance to discuss, yes?"
Ramashe frowned her eybebrows, while Rambarth looked horrified.
- Rambarth: "Your Highness, we are unsure what you mean?"
- Ramashe: "Y-yes, I am not sure I am totally informed then."
That being said, Ramashe narrowed her eyes and looked at her uncle. He swallowed, crossing his arms behind his back he remained proud and unwavering. The Emperor noticed this and smiled coolly, his voice retaining its icy quality that often unnerved people.
- Tyrómairon: "What an awkward situation. My Grand Mandator Aporyan informed me that there was talk of granting the Nation its independence from the Imperial Order by repealing the Nim-Glaré Concordat and removing the protectorate. Forgive me, but I question the logic of such a request. At least at the present time with the multitude of threats that face you."
Ramashe crossed her arms in front of her, looking confused and horrified at her uncle she wondered why he did such a thing. Rambarth remained his dignity but said nothing, his eyes betrayed his fear.
- Ramashe: "Perhaps such talks would be better done inside over diner? We prepared a meal with all sorts of drinks and eats, though perhaps we can better eat in private before with the rest of my court? I can assure you your Highness, the Royal Crown has no intentions of repealing the Nim-Glaré Concordat, you have my word on that."
- Tyrómairon: "Ah good. Will you be joining us, Lord Rambarth? I hear my new Inquisitor would very much like to meet you."
The Emperor motioned for Inquisitor Chi Chodecra to come forward. Both Ramashe and Rambarth nodded their head in respect while making their way into the palace together with the Emperor and the Inquisitor. Apollo, Laoi and Kara looked a bit apprehensive but followed nonetheless, followed by other members of the court like Marscalcus Kya of Rambo Command, Lord Ramtainus Ramtterson of Rambo Prime, Lord Andaurl Ramdorian of RametruNui, Grand Measter Rambo Founder|Founder, Master of Economics Robert Jonathan Lefler and senator Ram'Lendila of the Cyrannus Colonial Sector and other delegates such as Consul Firenhir Vemeryn of the New Cyrannian Republic and Potentate Aeresius and Senator Guolivian of the Empire, who had arrived several minutes later on a seperate shuttle. The Emperor walked briskly with Ramashe, followed by all the delegates from across the Cyrandia Cluster. Indeed, this was probably the largest and most important meeting between leaders since the days of the Great Cyrannus War.
- Tyrómairon: "An impressive assemblage, Empress Ramashe."
- Ramashe: "Thank you your Highness, it is not everyday that the Emperor leaves Orbispira."
Arriving in the hallway of the palace, the candlars were burning, musicians were playing soft tunes and various waiters were helping the delegates to their assigned seats. Pouring their glasses, the guests could choose between water or Serindia Wine or Javan Juice. However, as an Oikoumene, the Emperor stealthily avoided the food or drink on display, while the others helped themselves to the bountiful display throughout the room. While Rambarth sat next to Ramashe and the Emperor, he noticed Ramashe place her hand at the Emperor's arm.
- Ramashe: "About matter to discuss, do you wish to talk about it here while all are still musing in a good mood and plenty, or in private?"
- Tyrómairon: "It makes little difference. My words will become known either way."
Ramashe placed her hand back on her legs again. Sighting she wondered what the Emperor had in mind, though enjoyed the delegates enjoying eachothers presence and company.
