As the leaders of six nations stepped onto the ground of Verron for the first time, Hunter felt an overabundance of pride as he realized that these men and women probably represented under 1 billion people combined. No one country had more than the United States 319 million people. His grandfather had built a planet with over 2 million and alliances with over 70 billion people in less than five years. He was without a doubt the most powerful man standing in the city square, possibly in the Universe. Taking a closer look at King Verron, Hunter smiled as he thought, “And he knows it.” He walked to his sister and cousin exiting the ship beside him and asked, “Well, are you two ready to attempt political correctness for the next few days?” Katelyn smiled as she looked at all the pomp and splendor of the arriving dignitaries. She shook her head and replied, “I’ll do my very best not to assault or kill any of them, but I refuse to speak for my little sister.”
Michael Verron and Paul’s uncle, Mike Arms, had arranged to have personal transports lined-up and driven by local volunteers to take the visitors the short distance up the mountain to the Klelta Palace. It was difficult to get them in the vehicles at first; all they wanted to do was walk around the wheel-less wonders trying to figure out how they worked. There were constant references to The Jetsons and Star Wars. Amber thought, “They would really freak-out if they saw Xhondar I. It really does look like a place out of Star Wars.” The security details for the Presidents, Prime Ministers and Chancellors really didn’t have any idea what to do when their bosses climbed into six-passenger vehicles without them and were dashed away. There was no way to do a Secret Service jog next to a transport forty-feet off the ground and moving at 100 mph. Eventually two bus sized transports arrived and carted the contingent of agents from six countries to the Klelta Palace. Marines acting as porters retrieved the luggage and loaded it into a troop transport for the trip up the mountain.
Since it was already late in the afternoon and the Earth people needed to adjust their body clocks, a cocktail hour and state dinner was scheduled according their watches set on Eastern Standard Time. Festivities would begin at 7:00 PM. No one got slighted when it came to room assignments. There were enough luxury suites to accommodate six National Leaders and even the Secret Service and other Security details had rooms nicer than the MGM Grand. Many of the people were in no hurry to get to their rooms, most browsed through the huge atriums and courtyards, marveled at the intricate designs, unusual art work and abundance of gold plating. They couldn’t get enough of the view from the terrace high above Sabrina Bay and the majesty of Alicia Falls across from them. They were especially intrigued by the Palace King Verron referred to as a Mansion sitting 6000 feet above the bay and were totally blown-away when a red dragon that looked 90 feet long took off from the Mansion’s terrace, circled around the bay for a while, dove like a Bald Eagle toward the bay and pulled out a fish so big it made Jaws look small. He then tossed it in the air and in two bites, totally consumed it. He did a low flyby above the balcony, terrifying the spectators, and headed home, landing gently back on the King’s terrace. They now knew why he was called the Dragon King.
The Dragon Guard acquired the list of Security Agents from the front desk, divided it up equally and proceeded to make their way through the Klelta Palace introducing themselves to each and every one of them and informing them that they would be their escorts while staying on Verron. Needless to say, most did not appreciate a bunch of kids telling them how to do their jobs. Of course Tala, being the youngest and smallest, got the most flak from these seasoned veterans of diplomatic security. One patronizing man told Tala, “That’s just not how it’s going to happen sweetheart. Me and my team are responsible for the security of the Prime Minister and no one is going to tell us how to do our job.” Tala remained calm as the British Prime Minister’s chief security man rambled on and when he finished, she smiled a pleasant smile and said, “King Verron has asked us to be polite and for us to use our best manners with all of our guests, so that’s why I’m using my nice voice and smiley face. But let me make myself perfectly clear. You are not back in Jolly Old England and I really could care less how any of you do things back on Earth. Here you do things my way or I will personally put you on the nearest ship home and throw you off my planet. Now, if you or any of your team would like to challenge my authority or my ability to kick your arse and throw you off this planet, bring it own.” She gave him a kind smile and in a sweet voice, said, “You and your men look for me at the state diner and let me know if we’re in agreement and if there is anything I can do to make your stay more enjoyable. This really is a beautiful planet and it would be a shame if you never got to see it.”
The other Dragon Guard received varying degrees of resistance, but most of the agents had been in foreign countries before and realized they were not to upset the local customs. Everyone was intrigued by Cali, terrified of Hon, amused by 99 and baffled by Roselyn Sanchez, Camil, dressed as a Secret Service Agent. They kept looking for Jackie Chan to show-up. Hunter had the French delegation and they actually thought he was French, his command of the language was so good and Amber got the Germans who were equally impressed. The two that seemed to hit it off the best were Chase and Daniel. The Israeli Mossad Agents and Australian Secret Intelligence Service warmed up quickly with the two personable young men who invited them to early morning workouts and an opportunity to go to the gun range and play with some Verron weapons. They were all over the invitation and soon the word spread to the other agents that if they played their cards right, they may get to checkout space-age weapons. They had seen the laser rifles carried by the Marines and a few plasma cannons offering security for the city square when the dignitaries arrived. By the time the evening cocktail hour arrived, more than half the agents had decided to meet in the gymnasium sized workout room below the Klelta for a 5:00 AM workout. Several felt it would be a good time to put the arrogant little royals in their proper place. After making their rounds, the Guard headed home to change out of the commando grays and into appropriate evening wear. Zirtouni had worked long and hard to make sure that the Royal family was properly dressed while the guests were on Verron.
Paul Verron had made a point to let everyone know that the cocktail hour and dinner were not formal. As guests began to slowly fill the ball room with a comfortable capacity of 1000, most of the men were in business suits and ties and the ladies in semi-formal dresses. The first guest to arrive was DIC George Sullivan and his lovely wife Samantha. Paul congratulated George on his recent promotion and asked how Samantha had managed to be included in this trip. She smiled, and replied, “After my two weeks here and the tour Amber gave me, I have become the resident expert on all things Verron. It was hard to leave me out; I’m here as General Dorsey’s aide.” Following the Sullivan’s, came Hunter with a handsome man in his forties, looking a bit uncomfortable in a three piece suit, a very glamorous lady in a black floor length dress and beautiful diamond necklace and a younger woman in her early twenties wearing a royal blue silk dress and a string of pearls. There was no over dressing, their very demeanor spoke of dignity and power. Hunter quickly introduced King Ishonis Darsai, King of Darsai, his wife Queen Heiliss Darsai and his sister Princess Tiffanis. King Verron shook their hands warmly and welcomed them to Verron and asked if he could meet with them alone before they left to see if there was anything else he could do for them. King Darsai’s only comment was, “You and Prince Hunter have already done so much. Now that I see where Prince Hunter is from I am even more amazed with him than I was before. I look forward to learning more about your world.” Paul smiled and simply said, “You can count on it sir.” Paul couldn’t help but notice the forlorn look of Princess Tiffanis and her admiring looks at Hunter. The girl was smitten. He asked, “Are you enjoying yourself Princess?” She looked as if she was about to explode with excitement, and answered, “There are so many wonderful things. I never dreamed people could live like this.” She was thinking, “No wonder Prince Hunter finds me boring.”
Almost all the political leaders from Earth were present. With the exception of King Darsai and family, none of Paul’s other allies had arrived yet. It was probably because he told them all it started 30 minutes later than it did so they could make a grand entrance. (The Queen Mother’s idea) The first to arrive was Governor General Yanada and his wife. It was his second time on Verron, her first. They were dressed in traditional Tecalna clothing. His looked a lot like an Asian style Nehru Jacket in an emerald green with white buttons. Hers was a shoulderless cream-colored dress with a slit to the hip. The looks on the faces of 345 Earthlings was priceless as they stared in amazement. They were really shocked when both husband and wife began to converse in perfectly good English. Eyes really bulged when they were followed by King Hon III and his wife and his son Prince Hon IV. They towered over everyone as they slowly walked for the first time in a crowd of political leaders. They were not ones to go out in public and Paul knew they were here only for him. He was surprised when they also began to speak very respectable English to his guests. Blocked by the massive size of the Hon family were the two guests accompanying the King and Queen; Pastor Fu and Master Lin, dressed in very well-tailored business suites, looking the part of Chinese Politicians, as they walked in behind their King as representatives of the Chinese People of Klelta. At first those present thought Paul had invited the leaders from China, he quickly put that fear to rest when his two friends explained how they got to Klelta.
While Paul was still making his rounds introducing his new arrivals, the governors of Beriya-Haven arrived together. Sekai wore his favorite black three piece business suite with a burgundy striped tie and diamond cuff-links and tie clasp. Paki had on a new gold Cossack with black trim and buttons; at closer inspection Paul could see the buttons were beautiful black onyx; all identical in size. Uduak wore an ankle length white silk dress with a single bare shoulder and emerald jewelry for her necklace, bracelets, earrings and the tiara in her orange hair. Needless to say all eyes were turned toward Uduak when the dignitaries from Xhondar I arrived. The group included Zimuel, Tlase, Dalhia, Bhlani, Xhing Li, Gljarne, Yadvega, Master Mahala and the manager of his bank Mr. Hontro; Xhondar was well represented and Paul felt honored because Master Mahala rarely left Xhondar I.
After Paul made the introduction of a man who ruled 70 billion people, he suddenly realized that he had not seen Tala. The other Dragon Guard was there and so were her father and mother. He suddenly realized she was actually following his instructions, “Keep an eye out for your friends from Molnar.” Not long after the governors of Xhondar I got settled into the crowd, Tala and Chief Tu arrived at the door. Tala proudly wore the hand crafted gold crown given to her by the Lyncardi people of Molnar. She was also wearing an unusual looking ankle length dress made with a very short-length black and red speckled fur, it came to him suddenly, Spider Fur, from the giant spiders on Molnar. It was a rare and special dress and really looked good on her. She had on a necklace and bracelet made with one of every shiny rock on Molnar; all uncut. Her red hair was hanging loosely down to her shoulders and looked beautiful. Chief Tu had on a snake skin suit and matching shoes and headpiece and carried a short walking stick with a gold nugget as big as a baseball at its top. With her five-foot frame standing beside his 3 foot 6 inch frame, she actually looked tall. One of the Marines at the door did the traditional introduction as; Queen Tala Verron; Queen of Molnar, Princess of Verron, and member of King Verron’s Dragon Guard and Chief Tu Lyncardi, High Priest of the Lyncardi tribe and Governor General of Molnar. Tala proudly escorted Chief Tu around and introduced him to as many as she possibly could. Paul was proud of her and totally blown away when Chief Tu told him in English, “Thank you for invite me you planet.” Paul shook his tiny little hand and replied, “Sir, the honor is all mine. Thank you for coming.”
The cocktail/mixer went well. It was a lot less formal than what these heads of state were used to. The band played a mix of Rock, Country, Blues and added a few German and French numbers for good measure. Paul heard several complain that all they had to drink was beer, wine and champagne and of course sodas. Ninety-nine slipped in unannounced and quickly found his friend Chief Tu. They conversed for a while and 99 told him about what the Chikondi were doing for him. Paul made a point of taking him around personally and introducing him as his oldest friend on Verron and the oldest resident of Verron and the Commander of Verron’s Fighter Pilot Training School. When General Dorsey gave him a questioning look, Samantha informed the General, “Pavel Verron was one of the people who went on what I refer to as, Mr. Toads Wild Ride. He can outfly anyone I have ever seen in the cockpit of a plane.” Ninety-nine grinned at the compliment and moved off to find a few more familiar faces.
When dinner was finally announced, the doors to the dining hall were opened to reveal enough seats for everyone present; over 400 place setting of solid gold plates and dining ware, beautiful hand-blown crystal wine and water glasses trimmed in gold, all made by old world craftsmen now living on Verron. Paul made no exception for the dining arrangements for the security teams. They seemed a bit uncomfortable sitting to dine with the heads of state for multiple Nations, but realized it was how the King wanted it to be and found their places marked clearly with their name and country. General Zhdanov had planned it so agents of different countries were sitting beside each other and even mixed the cabinet members so they would socialize with Paul’s allies and various officials from Earth. The Queen Mother had arranged for each country to have a meal prepared that was well known to that country. The food was prepared by French, German, Russian, Polish and American Chefs’ and every ingredient, except some of the spices, came from Verron and her allied planets.
An appetizer was served and got rave reviews from everyone there. It was a small filet roasted in garlic butter and tasted a lot like escargot; most thought it was much better. The salad ingredients were home grown on Verron and the tomatoes were the sweetest anyone had ever tasted. When the entrees were served it was not your usual prime rib and green beans fare. There was Veal Marsala for the French guests, Jaeger Schnitzel for the Germans, Baked Lemon Chicken with Mushroom Sauce for the British, Steaks with Mushroom Sauce for the Australians and Americans and Roast Chicken with Broccoli, W
ild Rice and Sautéed Mushrooms for the Israelis. The conversations were pleasant and localized in small groups around the people close to each other. With over 400 diners, Paul was not about to try and hold an audience with all the people. He had President Hensley and Master Mahala on either side of his head position, next came President Hollanda and Governor General Yanada, with King Hon next to them. Hollanda felt slighted until he realized that this man governed almost three billion people. Paul intentionally placed an Earth leader next to one from another galaxy.
The conversations were enlightening for everyone. The Earth leaders were getting an ear full of how King Verron had saved them from diseases and from enslavement, how he had united three separate races and brought them into his own orbit to be neighbors, and looked awestruck when Chief Tu told his neighbor from Germany, “Queen Tala save Lyncardi from desert snake and Jhxunka eat Lyncardi.” Chase heard the statement and quickly told officials from Germany, Australia and Israel about the discovery of and the battle on Molnar. No one paid much attention that evening to the fact that little Tu ate only the delicious garlic butter centipede appetizer and bowls of mushrooms. When dessert was served, everyone had a choice between Cheesecake, the Queen Mothers Banana Pudding, Strawberry Pie and Key Lime Pie, only those close by noticed that High Priest Tu was given a large bowl full of Peanut M&Ms. As the diners went on about how good everything was, Queen Tala made it known to everyone that the appetizer and the mushrooms were specially grown on Molnar and had become the most sought-after gourmet items for over 70 billion people. King Paul smiled, thinking, “That girl just did a sales-pitch for Molnar mushrooms and centipedes in front of four hundred people.”
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