Why aren’t I sitting with her? he thought. Aren’t I supposed to be the guest of honor?
“Try not to be so obvious with your displeasure, Jack,” whispered Amadeus. “Everyone in the hall has a direct view of you, and some might wonder why you look so disappointed at your own ceremony.”
Jack hadn’t realized how obvious he was being with his emotions. He straightened up and tried to look normal – whatever that was supposed to look like. “Sorry,” Jack replied. “I’m still getting used to all this official stuff.”
Amadeus chuckled as he signaled for a robo-servant to begin filling their wine glasses. “No need to be sorry,” he said. “If given the choice to be sitting next to a vision like the Princess or me, I’d choose the Princess, as well.”
Nataylia smiled and placed her hand on Jack’s arm. “Fear not, Jack. We Evenstars are better company than we might at first appear.”
“Certainly better than the lot that’s surrounded the Princess,” said Eudox quietly. “Poor girl. If I had to sit between Gebhard and Virtuoso for an hour I’d give up cutting into my meal and start upon my wrists.”
“By all rights you should be at the side of the Princess, since this dinner is in your honor and all,” said Amadeus. “However, in his infinite wisdom, Director Casgor did not think it wise to seat Evenstar and Skyborn at the same table. Being the presumptive heirs to the throne, it would be considered a slight if the Skyborns were not seated with the Princess, especially considering how insistent they are that we keep our distance from her Imperial Highness. However, to not seat us in a position of honor would be a slight against us, so rather than risk an uncomfortable dinner, the Director had us sit with the guest of honor while the Skyborns sit at the royal table, thus the only one who is actually put out is you, but since you are ignorant of such things, I guess the Director figured it was the wisest strategy for him to employ. So congratulations, Earthman. You survived the Deathlords only to become a political casualty of the cocktail scene. Welcome to the Empire.” Amadeus raised his glass of wine in a mock salute and took a sip. Jack regarded him as his words sank in.
“So… I take it you and the Skyborns don’t get along?” asked Jack.
Amadeus chuckled. “Let’s just say, that’s putting it… mildly,” he replied diplomatically.
Robotic waiters then arrived, placing a covered plate down before each guest at the table. When the silver cover was raised, Jack gazed down at a rather unappetizing-looking hunk of grey meat, neatly situated upon a bed of mashed potatoes and garnished with some kind of purple beans in a thick pink sauce.
“What is… this?” Jack asked.
“Impressive,” said Eudox as he looked down at his own plate which had the same hunk of gnarly grey meat on it. “Demonsaur beef. It would appear Director Casgor has really spared no expense for tonight’s festivities.”
“Um… demonsaur?” asked Jack nervously, not liking the sound of that.
“Demonsaurs are one of the most deadly creatures in the galaxy,” said Amadeus. “They also have the singular distinction of being one of the most delicious, as well. Their meat is prized throughout the Empire.”
Doesn’t look very delicious, thought Jack as he poked the strange meat with his fork.
“It’s very rare to get to enjoy a demonsaur steak,” said Nataylia. “So many poor Ramballa Hunters usually die taking one down.”
“Yes, and judging from the sheer number of guests tonight, I’m thinking the Ramballa are now all but extinct,” said Amadeus wryly as he began cutting into his steak.
“I doubt even Casgor would be able to justify feeding demonsaur to an entire state dinner,” Eudox said. “My guess is only a few select tables get the real thing, while the rest have to make do with the replicated variety.”
“Replicated?” asked Jack, feeling totally confused by the conversation.
“Matter replication,” said Amadeus as he took a bite of his steak. “Yet another wondrous innovation by the Ancients. The capability to replicate base materials such as wood, polymers, and metals made it possible to colonize space far and wide without the need for costly mining or timber operations. And once the Maguffyn Corporation figured out a way to apply the technology to food, it opened the door for colonies and outposts in places that would have been impossible to settle because of climate or location. In fact, most of our space stations depend upon replicated food for their very existence.”
“But… if you can replicate food, why would all those Ramballa guys need to die to hunt… this?” said Jack as he probed the meat on his plate with his knife.
Amadeus chuckled. “Because most replicated food tastes little better than cardboard,” he said. “One of the drawbacks of adapting Ancient technology for secular use, I suppose. You can never get it quite as the Ancients did. The food has all the nutrients but none of the flavor. And when it comes to demonsaur meat… well, it is all about the flavor.”
Amadeus took another bite of his steak. Jack finally ventured sawing off a small piece for himself and tasted it. Sure enough, it was one of the most tender, juicy pieces of meat he’d ever had the pleasure of eating. The steak practically melted the moment it hit his tongue, leaving nothing but a lasting flavor that almost made Jack’s eyes roll to the back of his head. “Holy… crap…” Jack muttered as he took another bite.
“Good, isn’t it?” asked Amadeus with a smile.
“This is like… the most amazing thing I’ve ever put in my mouth!” exclaimed Jack, making the rest of the table laugh.
“Try some of the Nectarplumb wine along with it,” offered Eudox, raising his wineglass containing the thick purple liquid. “They pair extremely well together.”
Jack did as was suggested and took a sip of the wine from his glass. The liquid was sweet and tart, and when it mixed with the savory flavor of the steak, it created a taste that made Jack want to die happy.
Compared to the pizza, burgers, and other junk Jack was used to eating, the rest of the meal was almost as dramatic an experience for him as the storming of the Ghost Planet had been. The potatoes underneath the demonsaur steak were smooth and buttery, with hints of garlic and onion in them. The purple beans were tender and just the right amount of spicy thanks to the strange pink sauce. Jack almost didn’t want to finish eating the whole thing because he’d be disappointed when it was all gone (of course, that didn’t stop him). He even polished off his glass of Nectarplumb wine and got a refill, savoring its thick, sweet and sour nature as it danced across his tongue, mixing with his last bite of demonsaur. All told, it was without a doubt the best meal Jack had ever had in his life.
Jack was looking forward to seeing what was in store for dessert as the robo-servants cleared their table. Just then the large double doors to the Grand Hall opened, and a massive fireball erupted from behind them, causing all those in the room to look at it and cry out in surprise.
For a moment, Jack was afraid there was some type of attack happening, but when the fireball started twisting and turning upon itself as it slowly made its way down the red carpet, he noticed it wasn’t actual fire, but a beautiful holographic projection of it.
“What the heck?” Jack muttered.
Amadeus sighed. “Forgive us, Earthman,” he said with more than a hint of disapproval. “My sister tends to be a bit… well, theatrical.”
“Your… sister?” Jack asked.
Suddenly, the fireball flamed out, holographic sparks and cinders fluttering away, revealing a woman at its center. Jack’s jaw practically hit the table when she was revealed. He’d thought Anna was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, but the girl who was now confidently strutting through thousands of the most powerful beings in the universe certainly gave the Princess a run for her money.
She had long, flowing, chocolate-colored hair that fell past her supple shoulders. Her skin was tan, and her lilac eyes were sultry and almond shaped. Her hips swayed with each step she took, the red dress she wore clinging to her like a second skin. It was
strapless, hugging her around her chest but falling low in the back, blossoming out around her feet like a rose bud that morphed into a long train trailing behind her. The fabric of the dress was hypnotic, almost like it were made from liquid magma that danced on her skin, casting a fiery aura around her from which all in the room could not look away. She finally stopped before the dais leading to the Royal Table and looked up toward Anna, her full, ruby-red lips smiling at the Princess like one would a little sister.
The Royal Herald quickly ran forward, clearing his throat. “Presenting Lady Kimlee of Legacy Evenstar!”
The entire room applauded at the grand theatrical entrance. Kimlee curtsied deeply toward Anna, before turning to make her way toward Jack’s table. Jack couldn’t help but notice Anna looked a bit intimidated at Kimlee’s appearance, but then again, the entire room seemed somewhat intimidated by it.
That was certainly the case with Jack as Kimlee approached. As she made her way to the table, they locked eyes, and for the life of him, Jack couldn’t look away. When she smiled, Jack’s stomach quickly churned into a bundle of nerves, and he was suddenly aware that his heart was racing a mile a minute. The men at the table rose as Kimlee arrived.
“Father,” she said, kissing Eudox on the cheek, before moving on to Amadeus. “Brother,” she said, her voice soft and sultry.
“Kimlee,” Amadeus responded, unimpressed. “You’re late. As usual.”
Kimlee shrugged playfully. “It would have been rude to arrive less than a half hour after the Princess. I wouldn’t want to step on her pretty little toes.”
“You could have arrived before her, with the rest of us,” her brother replied.
“Where would the fun be in that?” she said, turning from him and finally settling on Jack. “And you must be Earthman Jack. It is an honor to meet you, brave Hero of the Empire.” Jack gazed at Kimlee dumbly as she offered her hand demurely, palm facing down. Jack wasn’t quite sure what to do, so he shook it, causing Kimlee to giggle. “Do you not have the custom of kissing a Lady’s hand in greeting on Earth?” Kimlee asked.
“Oh…” said Jack, suddenly feeling extremely embarrassed.
“Here,” Kimlee said, extending her hand once more. “Try again.” She said it almost as if it were a dare. Jack reached up and cupped her hand, trying to keep his own from trembling, and kissed it. Kimlee pulled her hand back and smiled. “You’re cute,” she said. “I like you.”
Jack didn’t know what to say to that. In fact, it seemed like his brain had chosen that exact moment to drop to the floor and walk around in circles while rapidly flubbering its lips with its finger making motorboating sounds. So instead, he just smiled in the least stupid fashion he was able to muster (which was not very much).
A robo-servant quickly set a place beside Jack as those at the table once more took their seats. However, now that Kimlee was sitting right beside him, Jack was more uncomfortable than he’d been since the whole evening had begun. She smelled amazing, she looked amazing, and now that she was close to him, Jack was pretty sure he’d have a hard time standing up again if the need arose.
“The fireball thing was a nice touch,” Amadeus said as the robo-servants delivered dessert. “I’m assuming you spent a small fortune on the holo-projectors for that little entrance?”
“Oh, don’t be such a stick in the mud, Amadeus,” Kimlee replied. “What good is money if you can’t spend it occasionally? Besides, the network sprang for half of it.”
“Network?” asked Jack.
“Yes,” muttered Amadeus. “Kimlee is the star of her own reality show. The network that sponsors it is constantly encouraging her to find new and exciting ways to diminish our Legacy’s reputation. Have you not noticed the cameras?” Amadeus pointed overhead, and Jack saw some small metal orbs hovering nearby, each one with a lens pointed right at Kimlee.
“Pay no mind to my little brother,” Kimlee said. “He sometimes gets jealous over all the attention I receive.”
“Jealous is not the word I would use,” Amadeus replied, sounding a tad annoyed. “Our family is one of the oldest and most revered Legacies in the Empire. We don’t need some vapid holonet show about how you almost came to rule the Empire, but instead are now too busy partying to be concerned with things that actually matter.”
Jack looked at Kimlee. “You almost ruled the Empire?” he asked.
Kimlee smiled. “I was engaged to Prince Porthan before his untimely demise when Regalus Prime fell,” she said. “I was set to inherit the throne along with him and rule by his side when his time came. I guess that makes me kind of a big deal. People seem fascinated by the day-to-day life of ‘The Girl Who Would Have Been Empress.’” Kimlee gazed at Jack, her amazing eyes narrowing playfully. “What about you, Earthman?” she asked. “Do you find me… fascinating?”
Stoplookingatherboobs, stoplookingatherboobs, stoplookingatherboobs… thought Jack frantically, as he was unable to pry his eyes away from Kimlee’s ample and prominent chest, which was so unfortunately close to him.
Kimlee smiled wickedly. “Are you looking at my boobs?” she asked coyly.
“Noooooo…” replied Jack, still obviously looking. He tersely shook his head and turned away embarrassed. “I was totally looking at… something… else?”
Jack quickly grabbed his drink to take a sip, unsure of what else to do and hoping to wash away the awkwardness. Kimlee giggled. “It’s okay. That’s half the reason they’re there.” She leaned in toward Jack’s ear, her peaches-and-cream perfume smelling intoxicating, and whispered, “Want to know the other half?”
Jack almost choked as he swallowed his water, his face turning a bright shade of red, which seemed to amuse Kimlee to no end. “My, my, my,” she purred. “I’ve made him go crimson. Surely an Earthman brave enough to face off with the Deathlords isn’t afraid of little ol’ me?”
“Would you please stop toying with the guest of honor, Kimlee?” said Amadeus with exasperation. “Show him some respect. He’s saved countless lives.”
“Oh, don’t worry, brother,” Kimlee smiled. “I plan on showing him a great deal of respect…” Kimlee subtly placed her hand on Jack’s knee under the table and quickly rubbed his thigh, causing Jack to jump, bumping the table and making everyone stare at him. Kimlee’s hand disappeared as quickly as it had been produced, and Jack was left feeling incredibly awkward and flustered. He grabbed at his collar, which suddenly seemed far too tight, and pulled at it.
“Um… I… uh…”
At that moment, a melodic dinging sound echoed throughout the room as the Royal Herald stood, diverting everyone’s attention away from Jack. “Hear ye, hear ye! Her Imperial Highness, Princess Glorianna, will now address the room,” he announced.
Oh thank God… thought Jack, relieved not to be the center of attention anymore.
Anna stood up and looked out over the Grand Hall. A huge holographic display of her image materialized behind her, large enough for all to see, no matter where they were sitting. She looked beautiful, yet somber, as she began to speak.
“Friends, loyal subjects, honored guests,” she said, her voice carrying throughout the hall. “Today, we have gathered together in celebration. Celebration of a victory against a threat that has been plaguing our great Empire for over a decade. One month ago, the Deathlord fleet of Planetkiller motherships was destroyed in a great battle in a distant star system. For the first time since the fall of Regalus Prime, our citizens may sleep soundly, knowing that their planets are now safe from annihilation.”
The Grand Hall erupted into a raucous applause, the attendees all cheering in excitement and appreciation. When the revelry finally died down, Anna continued to speak.
“Though this was a great victory in our war against the Deathlords, it did not come easily, nor without cost. Sadly, before their fleet was defeated, the Deathlords were able to take yet another planet from us. A planet known as Earth. I had gotten to know Earth’s inhabitants well in my time there. They were a people not unl
ike my own. A brave, courageous, and noble people. Billions of them perished, along with their planet, bringing them to the edge of extinction. Only one Earthman is alive today. But it is thanks to this Earthman that I am standing here before you now. He is the embodiment of all the best qualities of his species. He is a hero, in every sense of the word. When the hour was at its darkest, this Earthman risked everything to ensure not only my safety, but also the safety of the universe at large. Untold lives have been saved because of the actions he took. And it is for him that we have all gathered together tonight, to honor his bravery, and his people’s sacrifice.”
A spotlight suddenly shone down on Jack and more applause erupted. The Evenstars all stood, and the rest of the room followed, giving Jack a standing ovation. Despite the manner in which it was intended, the attention made Jack very uncomfortable. He just sat there dumbly, unsure of what to do, other than try to keep a modest smile on his face. When the applause finally stopped and the crowd took their seats once more, Anna continued.
“In a few days’ time, we will be unveiling a memorial in the park square of stratum 200, meant to commemorate the victory over the Deathlords and to stand as a testament to the great people of Earth who perished in the fight against our enemy. There, I will officially bestow upon the last surviving Earthman the title of ‘Hero of the Empire,’ the highest honor it is within my power to give. Not since Paragon Stronghide single-handedly held off the armies of the marauding Xongruls has this title been awarded. But if anyone deserves to receive it, it is he who has proven to be every bit the savior Stronghide was – Earthman Jack Finnegan.”
More applause. More uncomfortable feelings for Jack.
“But the memorial is not just meant to honor Earth’s sacrifice,” Anna said. “In the battle with the Deathlords, the Empire suffered a great loss, as well. Four warships – the Protector, the Yellowtail, the Guardian, and the Javelin – were all destroyed in the battle. The names of their crews shall also be featured upon the memorial, so we may never forget their sacrifice either. One name, in particular, that of Paragon Shep—”
Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army (Earthman Jack Space Saga Book 2) Page 14