Chapter 5: The Federation, Throne Hall

"A colloquium will be in order, my Tzar", Havid said, happy to be back on the throne ship of the Tzar. The trip down to earth was exhausting. Being intertwined with the pedestrians on the earth was like to be lying with stray dogs. When he docked, he implored his emperor to allow him a couple of hours to decontaminate his body and mind.

Now standing in the presence of his Emperor, he was ready to follow through with plans that had seemed to have been laid before them. The throne room was full of executives that were in orbit to celebrate another military victory on some god-forsaken rock, a mere distraction to keep the mindless masses entertained. Havid could feel the power of purpose that seemed to radiate from the Tzar as the two stood side by side watching the entertainment unfold before them.

"A colloquium," the Tzar finally repeated. "I was hoping for something a little more" taking a long drink from his long slim crystal wineglass, "covert than that Havid,"

"It cannot be helped, my tzar. this is a delicate endeavor we are embarking. Much more delicate than glass within your hands."

With a sigh, the broad-shouldered tzar lifted his glass, clicked it with his long friend, and abruptly walked away into the crowded chamber.

Havid noticed the flash of frustration within the tzar's mannerisms. He decided to best enjoy the festivities. They could discuss the future of the empire after they have unwound a bit. Swirling the sparkling purple liquid glass. His mind wondered about all the delicious possibilities that were to come. The process would take some time and a lot of careful manipulation, but it was possible. To the people, it would seem like the hand of God had moved against the misguided people of the reputation worlds. The thought was exquisite indeed, more intoxicating than the drink he now drunk deeply from.

An arm wrapped gently wrapped around his small waist, pulling him out of his trance. Closing his eyes, leaning back into the now full embrace of Jocasta.

"What you say to him?" she whispered in his ear after a peck on his bird-like neck.

"You know how uptight he can be, my love" "

Jocasta was an enormous woman with broad hips, powerful legs, chiseled shoulders that were enhanced by the gown she wore. Her polished nutmeg skin tone seems to radiate throughout the great hall.

"You know you're the most beautiful woman in this galaxy, right?" He said, turning to look at her.

"Of course," she said with a sly smile. Letting him stand side by side with her, the way he preferred. Even though he wasn't as tall as her or as big, he stood at a medium height of one point seven meters, while she towered over him at a little over two meters. They had given her to his family as a bodyguard years ago, which she performed exemplary. As the years passed, she found that she had fallen in love with the young advisor to the emperor. Along with the power that came along with it, so many more doors opened to her. Doors that, even with her considerable physical might, would have closed to her. She had found herself with a brigade at her command, a black op, brigade, but a brigade. Reveling in her dark purpose, killing potential threats to the federation, be it real or imaginary. Most were imaginary, she had to admit, but it didn't matter. She was serving the federation, as her father did before her, like her brothers, sister, and mother. All patriots. She would have more influence than any of them.

"So, your little conversation went well on Mars?" he asked knowingly.

With a sinister smirk, she raised her glass and drank deeply, never breaking eye contact with him.

He nodded with satisfaction; he would have to check the news feeds after the event. Her work was usually shrouded in a large incident, a ship being lost, a grand accident that left hundreds hurt while killing the targets of her wraith. Her creativity didn't have any bounds, especially if it had to do with other beings-non-humans. A perfectly manicured finger circling the rim of her glass caught his attention. Dipping her pointer finger within the goblet, slowly swirling the purple fluid, almost as if hypnotized the advisor, he stood breathless. He knew all too well what had to look forward to in the next couple of cycles. Taking the wet finger, she traced the bottom of her lips. Her tongue emerged slowly, giving the finger passage into her lips as she sucked for what seemed an eternity. He would almost feel her lips around his hardening manhood. With a slight smack of the lips, the finger reemerged dry; her smile broadened. Nothing was more of a turn-on than after a successful wet work run.

"Oh, that good, huh," he said, trying to gain his composure.

This caused her to laugh, throwing her head back. Her golden earrings reflected the dazzling light of the throne room. She wore a shoulderless dress with a purple shawl draped around her left shoulder and flowed down to her right deltoid. Her taunt exposed arms flowed into a golden and white fabric that ran from her bicep to her wrist. The dress flowed all the way to the marbled floor. Noticing the fusion elements of an ancient kimono, and a Greek tunic, not too much mind you, but enough to remind you of the ancient times. Of the disciplined women that wore it with pride. She had the same type of pride, not just for him, he knew she loved him fiercely, but also for the federation.

"These are truly exciting times we live in," she said with excitement still dancing in her eyes.

Taking her by the hand, they walked towards the outward walls of the throne hall. The view was spectacular. Jupiter had filled the left side of the ship, its angry eye looking into the ship like a jealous guess uninvited to the party. The massive throne was nestled within the heart of the Tzar's ship. The room was supported by twelve mighty Egyptian-style columns that told a story of the growth of the federation, its conquests in hieroglyphics.

Patting her hands "yes, it is my love, very exciting indeed," Havid said as they made their way to their designated area, near the podium. It was almost time for the Tzar to address the system. The two quickly settled in their chairs. There was an excited buzz in the room. Almost electric. They enjoyed people watching, especially Jocasta. It was one of her favorite past times, especially when she has files of every last person invited into the great hall. She knew all the failing marriages, mistress, lies, corruption, and killings. Her time with Havid had taught her politics was just as vicious as any war, to a degree, of course. Most wars engines are fueled by politics, so they are one and the same. Havid had learned to tolerate his lover's interest in the messiness of intel, eventually enjoying indulging in the spectacle with her. A large man, followed by three younger ladies, passed in front of them, making haste to get their seats. The man had a full oil black beard that covered his anvil-like jaw. He wore robes of a religious leader. Havid recognized him as Bishop Montfort, one of the up-and-coming leaders of the New Russia Church of Angles. Havid, keeping his manners, smiled, and nodded at the four, squeezed Jocasta's hand to gain her attention. With a slight nod of his head pointed out the four.

With a snort, she suppressed a giggle, lifting her handheld to read the message he sent.

'I wonder does his wife knows?'

''From what I hear, I wonder if his wife is among the living'' she whispered back.

This caused Havid eyes to go wide with surprise. He mouthed 'shut up' towards her while tilting her head conspiratorially towards him.

It wasn't uncommon for the diplomats to bring special guests with them to these grand events. There was a very strict unwritten rule not to interfere in others' personal affairs. So, most guests minded their own business. Individual video feeds were banned outright. The entire ship generated a field that made any kind of unauthorized recording impossible.

They broadcast the event throughout the system. All Federation worlds would have access to the event. The main hall could fit eight thousand people, for an event as grand as this, the hall was full. VIPs and honored guests had the seats on the floor while others sat in the raised seats like a sporting event, while others had private boxes away from prying eyes. Those were for the other beings, the ones separated from spoiling the event. The Federation reigned over other beings. They were even invited to events but were designated only to certain areas, usually away from human contact, and watched closely.

Federation ceremonial tune signaled the beginning of the address. The orchestra was behind the podium, but thirty feet lower. The orchestra could be seen on multiple holo screens that filled the hall. Everyone had the best seat in the house. Tapping his foot with the rhythm of the slow heavy drums, pride-filled his chest as his mind wandered to how the face of the empire would change in the Sol year. The empire would gain a world that will help expand it by light-years, so the experts claim. It was just bad luck really that a world marked for reparations was near a potential super portal. Portals weren't really understood back when the world was taking in the ones that turned their back to humanity. Portals were large disturbances within the fold of space that gates could be built around it. Once stabilized, it could shoot an object faster than the speed of light, by tenfold. If the early estimates were reliable. Most gates could only travel twice the speed of light, but this 'Super Portal' as they are calling it, could change everything. Armies could get to their target faster; goods could be transported within months instead of years. The cost of life support would drop, saving credits for all the large shipping and mining companies. Unfortunately, that space does not belong to the federation.

But that will change soon. He thought as the song ended.