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Moving quickly through the hallways and corridors from the East wing of the palace to the main part of the structure, they burst into the main great hall, headed toward the vestibule between the great hall and the front entryway of the palace. As they approached, laughing like children with the pure joy of their son finally returning home, their head of guard stepped forward from his post just inside the vestibule.

“Your chari is waiting just outside.”

“Thank you, Ban Lo,” Eula answered happily.

Ban Lo bowed ceremoniously, then gestured toward the door where another of the security forces assigned to protect the royal family waited for the signal to escort them out of the palace and to the waiting vehicles. Eula and Zha Tahl quickly boarded the larger of the chari, which actually looked more like an enhanced form of Roman chariot — less the horses — and operating on the same principles as a hover craft. It was outfitted for approximately a dozen people. Several places for members of the royal family to sit, one driver, and at least four places for accompanying security to protect and escort them while also allowing them to be visible to the general public who may wish to catch a glimpse of them or even to wave or bow to them as they went about whatever business led them from the palace. In addition to the main chari were multiple of the same craft, but smaller, for only single occupants, or two at the very most. These were for armed guards. These would normally accompany the royal chari as it moved through the city.

But today, as Zha Tahl and Eula went to greet their returning son, several other larger charis followed to be sure that all of their son’s personal guards and servants would have transport back to the palace as well. As they left the palace and moved into the public lanes of travel, Zha Tahl smiled, nodding to himself as their people crowded the sides of the travel lanes. “They are as happy Zha Quin returns as we are.”

Eula glanced out at the throngs of people lining the roads. “He has done much for them over the years. Especially recently. Our entire populace is greater respected throughout the multiverse.”

“That is true. In years prior, we were always feared, but now, now they value us for more than simply our might. I tried for years to gain acceptance for our people at bargaining tables. It was a hard-fought struggle, but Quin has managed to succeed.”

“It is partially because of his Vivi. Her people have helped in the way in which we are viewed.”

“That is true. But it’s a much calmer Quin who takes a seat among the others when negotiations are required. I believe that helps as well.”

“I think so, too.” Eula cast her gaze up toward the soft sage-colored greens, yellows, and whites of the skies above them and started fidgeting impatiently as the telltale streak of orange light streamed overhead. “That’s them! That’s them! Hurry!”

Zha Tahl patted her hand affectionately. “You heard her Ban Lo, hurry!” he said good naturedly.

“Yes, Sovereign,” Ban Lo said, gesturing to the driver, who picked up speed.

~~~

The moment the charis left the palace, and had cleared the armed gates, one of those assigned to the gate left his post.

“Warrior!” the Sergeant shouted, stopping the retreating warrior in his tracks.

“I’ve been ordered to the Steward’s office,” the warrior explained quickly.

“By whom?” the Sergeant demanded, striding right up to the warrior to question him nose-to-nose.

“The Steward, sir. He ordered me to report the moment the royal family had vacated the palace, sir.”

“For what reason?” the Sargent asked.

“I’m not sure, Sir. Should I get back to my station?”

The Sargent considered it momentarily, ultimately deciding against it. He didn’t want to have to answer any questions about why he prevented the warrior from carrying out his orders. “No. Go. But you better be back before I complete my perimeter check.”

“Yes, Sir!” the warrior answered, breaking into a full run. It didn’t take long for him to reach the garrison and make his way down to the Steward’s office. Breathing heavily he didn’t even bother to knock, instead just pushing the door open and stepping inside. “They’re gone,” he said, his words dripping with disgust.

“Why are you here?!” Steward Mir’ Ahn demanded.

“You said to advise you the moment they’d left the palace. I’m advising you! They make my stomach turn. Celebration over the golden child returning to take his place as Sovereign among our people.”

“Those who celebrate him will be wiped from history along with his bloodline. He has made a mockery of all our culture has represented for millenia.”

“I wait for that day!”

“As do I. I cannot believe that there are those of our people who think he’s good for our planet! He’s ruined the reputation of our people. We’re now considered diplomatic. Allies. What self-respecting Cruestaci warrior dreams of diplomacy? He’s made us nothing more than politicians, giving favors to get favors. Supporting the Consortium and all its weakened masses. They should be bowing to us, pleading for our protection, not the other way around.”

“You are correct, Steward Mir’ Ahn. And when you are leading our people, we will once again be restored to greatness.”

Steward Mir’ ahn was sitting at his desk with his feet resting upon it, He laughed darkly, then crossed his arms across his stomach in a relaxed position. “In the meantime, let them have their little celebrations. It lulls them further into a sense of security. They will not be prepared for those of us who miss the old ways of our people. Only the strong survive. You don’t survive by making deals with those weaker than we are. And you don’t preserve our people by bringing humans in to pollute our bloodlines!” he snarled.

The warrior nodded and spat on the ground at his feet. “We will save our people.”

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