“Thank you for your kind words, Sir Oadi, and I would be honored. But this is a paradise planet and dukeship, which only experienced administrators are allowed to govern.” Trent steadied his gaze on the young man with sharp features, a baby face, and long black hair set in a single braid, sensing nothing but honesty from his warm glow.
He turned to Sasha. “What is an administrator again?” he asked, unable to hide his embarrassment.
Sasha smiled wryly. “Well, I guess he doesn't know everything, Father,” she teased playfully. Trent frowned as King Johan laughed boisterously, causing a look of surprise to flash across Queen Vahna's face.
“It is quite simple, Sir Trent, administrators are trained to handle the day to day activities of a colony and holding. Thing's such as allocating housing and stipends to the nobles, handling business requests, regulations, food distribution, tax collection, constable services and all proclamations...basically any civic administration that is required by the ruling nobility. There are many other minor details of our work, of course, but overall, our purpose is to allow the ruling nobility to concentrate on more important matters of state without being bogged down by the mundane,” Sir Oadi explained quickly.
“Seems like a big job for one man,” he winced, trying to hold back the pain that started to seep into his words.
“Assistants will be required, of course, but only around ten or so for a low population paradise planet,” Trent glanced to Sasha, Sir Oadi seeming to catch the sudden change in their moods.
They didn't know.
“Should you tell or should I?” Trent asked Sasha lightheartedly, forcing back the pain.
She laughed. “Oh...you've been doing splendidly, my duke...I will allow you the honor,” she told with a smile. He chuckled in turn, regretting it immediately as pain shot from his shoulder and head. Sasha once again looked at him with worry as she ran a hand down his arm.
“Sir Oadi, Sir Fabis, Alutia'Earth is being developed to house 250 billion residents. The design has already been approved and we've sent requests for applications for immigration a few days ago,” he looked to Sasha’s bracelet. “Vin, how many have been received?” he asked, ignoring the stunned looks of the two administrators.
“1,207,726,274 applications have been received to date,” Trent whistled.
“That many nobles want to live here?” Yukie questioned from the edge of her seat.
“No, Yukie. We decided to allow commons to live here as well.” Sasha said, her words seeming not to register at first, then Yukie's expression grew into disbelief.
“Daddy was right...” she whispered.
“That's amazing! We'll need to create a new hierarchy and bureaucracy to handle all the business requests...every major interest in the universe is going to want a location, plus the research institutes, education establishments, and small businesses of all sorts, plus the local gorian mine...” Sir Oadi looked up from his rambling, seeming to have forgotten himself for a moment.
“I'm sorry, Your Grace, I seem to have moved ahead of myself. This is a tremendous job that will require the best administrative minds in the universe. I'd like to get started right away.” Sir Oadi stood, then paused as he realized he was once again, getting ahead of himself. Trent looked to Sasha, who seemed to be asking him what he thought with her eyes.
“They are good men.” He sent the thought, hoping she would understand. Her eyes went wide in surprise, before she leaned close, kissing him lightly on the forehead. He blushed.
“Program, I am assigning Sir Oadi as temporary administrator of Alutia'Earth and Sir Fabis, pending his agreement, permanent administrator to Alutia'Earth,” Sasha stated. Trent nodded, looking to the two men, whose faces were covered with boyish delight.
“Of course I accept, Your Grace! You honor me deeply,” Sir Fabis’s voice rose an octave as he finished, then flushed as he realized it.
“Well then, if you would excuse us, we have much work to do,” Sir Oadi and Sir Fabis bowed, and with a flurry of robes masking their withdrawal, exited the bedchamber, whispering with excitement born of doing a job you love.
“Since it appears Empress Yukie has been forgotten, would you not mind if I locate an appropriate apartment and housing for her and her guards?” Queen Vahna asked, seeing that the most pressing business had been ended.
“Dear Vahna, could you wait a moment? I have another grave matter to attend to. Trent's actions today need to be add-.”
“His actions were valiant!” King Johan was cut off by a stern faced Yukie, “He stood up against an army of thousands to protect you and his love!” she shouted.
King Johan raised his hands in surrender. “Empress Yukie, please, please forgive me! I meant no offense. But as his king, I am unable to overlook this matter,” Trent thought he caught a wink. Yukie stared at King Johan for a moment longer, before returning to her seat, her expression still dubious.
“Sir Trent, I know this is much to ask in your current state, but if you could stand and join me for a moment,” Johan instructed. Trent nodded, seeing no reason to resist, and allowed Sasha to help him out of bed. He felt wobbly and found both Yukie and Vahna joined Sasha in supporting him. He conveyed a painful smile of thanks, before taking the few steps to where King Johan stood.
“Kneel,” King Johan ordered. Trent thanked the ladies at his sides, then by his own power, bent down to one knee. He looked up at the regal old man, who seemed to tower before him in all his majesty.
“Sir Trent. In light of your action's on the 11th day of NHA year, 75,024, to, at no concern for your own safety, protect not only myself and Queen Vahna, but also my daughter, Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia, I present you with the King's Nova and all its rights and rewards, as is my will as King of NHA Galaxy 189,” King Johan pressed down on his head, a mysterious tingle growing within. The moment he removed his hand, it vanished. Trent stood, bowing deeply.
“King's Nova award logged and approved for Sir Trent,” a Program's monotone voice echoed throughout the bedchamber, informing all present that what just occurred was official.
King Johan smiled and Trent smiled back, feeling many arms engulf him as he started to fall. They walked him slowly back to the bed, carefully assisting him under the covers as the pain he had been suppressing racked through his every limb. His eyes closed and sleep began to overtake him.
“Now, Empress Yukie, if you would follow me, please?” Queen Vahna asked more than instructed.
“I want to stay with Trent and Sasha!” Yukie pouted like a spoiled child.
“Yukie, it is ok. Once you are settled in, feel free to return,” Sasha said, her soothing tone calming even him.
“Really?” Yukie replied, still reluctant.
“Of course, you are always welcome here,” Sasha said honestly.
“Come along, Empress Yukie, I think we may be able to perform some slight alterations to the palace. How would you like to help me design a custom wing for your personal...” Vahna's voice faded, along with the sound of Yukie's skipping feet.
“Sasha, my daughter, I would like to discuss another pressing matter with you before I go. I was informed of a ritual from Earth that involves rings during a marriage ceremony, and since the actual physical reward for the King's Nova is a ring I thought we could...” the gently swaying tone of King Johan's words to his daughter sent Trent into a deep slumber full of peaceful dreams.
Chapter 7
The stabilization unit emerged from the open end of the emergency medical tube. Regalia's gaze locked onto the boy who lay upon its surface. Her heart slowed when she found his heavily freckled skin no longer showed signs of the deep cuts, abrasions, and swelling that had been so prominent when he was first tubed. She could now easily recognize him, her friend and protector, Alutia Guard trainee Donnlie.
“He’s ok,” she whispered, unable to resist squeezing her excitement to Vickie and Tiana, whose hands she held tightly.
Donnlie had been tubed for three full days, having suffered near fa
tal injuries at the hands of the traitorous Royal Guards when he had drawn them away, allowing Regalia to escape unharmed. During that time, Regalia lost herself in sorrow, unable to leave the medical clinic, feeling she responsible for Donnlie’s state. Her mother had consoled her at first. Though after a time, she tried persuade Regalia to return to her apartments. But when Regalia refused to listen, being overwhelmed with grief, Belia had become irate and lashed out. Gil'Da had been forced to intervene, escorting Belia away, who sobbed while apologizing when she realized she'd again, lost her temper. Regalia didn't mind though, knowing her mother still loved her and was trying her best to change.
Vickie, however, was unable to leave Regalia alone, staying at her side for almost the entire time, only leaving once with the tall prince who had accompanied her when she arrived, three days prior. Apparently, Vickie had been captured by the traitors and the prince had rescued her, just like out of a fairy tale. The prince, named Georigi, seemed to have declared himself Vickie's protector, and when they left for a few hours the day before, for what Vickie had called a reward for her hero, he had come back flush, unable to look at the woman he was constantly shadowing.
It turned into quite the spectacle for the new medical staff, who had been quite busy treating those who'd been injured during the Royal Guard revolt and the occupation by the Emperor's Purge Guard. Regalia hadn't taken the time to listen to the full story, but apparently the fiasco had something to do with the arrival of a special guest related to the emperor.
“Looks like he's awake,” Tiana whispered. Regalia stood on her tippy toes to try to get a better view, but the medical personnel were in the way.
Tiana had been around almost as much as Vickie, having arrived in the medical clinic moments after Regalia. But Tiana had other important matters to attend to and would vanish for hours at a time. She explained it had something to do with a catillian that she was promised for her birthday. Regalia didn't mind, of course, and had been too preoccupied with her own fears to dig any further.
“Let's go,” Vickie and Tiana started forward as Donnlie wobbled to his feet. But Regalia was way ahead of them, breaking into a sprint to cover the distance as fast as possible. Both Vickie and Tiana followed suit, accepting her challenge. Giggles of delight filled the air as the ladies raced across the emergency wing, weaving between the medical personnel, sliding to a stop in front of an embarrassed Donnlie and scowling Medical Director Quo'Moy.
“You ladies should be careful! I know you're excited, but this is a medical clinic!” reproached Quo'Moy. The three ladies curtsied in unison, their faces showing no remorse. “Well...he's fine, but will need bed rest for at least a week. So after he is presented to the king and queen, it is right to his quarters. Understand?” Regalia looked over Donnlie, who couldn't stop fidgeting, as Quo'Moy departed, shaking his head when he realized no one was actually listening. Donnlie took a step away from the table and Regalia hugged him.
“Umm, Regalia, this is...” his voice cracked, so she hugged him tighter.
“I think the hero deserves a kiss,” Vickie whispered into her ear. She pulled back, glancing to Vickie, then kissed Donnlie quickly on the lips. Donnlie went crimson, swaying precariously, taking Regalia along with him. Chuckles rose from the passing medical staff as the two of them sprawled on the floor, being quickly helped back to their feet.
“To be young again...” Prince Georigi sighed.
“You're not one to talk,” murmured Vickie, leaping into the prince's arms, causing him to turn as crimson as Donnlie.
“Shall we go? Sasha wanted us to bring Donnlie as soon as he awoke, and I haven't been able to see her in the last two days...” Tiana told, Regalia wondering what had occurred.
The slow walk to Sasha and Trent's apartments took about an hour, and Regalia immediately noticed a change in the atmosphere around the palace. An abundance of robed men, with the crest of Alutia on their breasts, rushed through hallways and foyers that had been empty days before. She knew they were administrators. But she never recalled seeing so many at one time. Tiana seemed to notice her surprise after a large group of them shuffled past.
“They just brought a new SJS Gate online at the edge of the star system. From what I've heard, they will be creating the hub here instead of outside Don'Alutia as was originally intended,” Regalia nodded as they walked passed another large group of the new Alutia Biological Architects, who were overseeing the movement of a couple rooms worth of exotic looking furniture. She knew a little about the SJS Hubs and how they connected a duchy, being its lifeblood.
In a central location, usually near the capital planet or a densely populated star cluster of said duchy, an intersection of SJS Gates, called an SJS Hub, would be constructed. Each SJS Gate within the hub would connect to all the different earldoms, marks, and select baronies within the duchy, as well as the central galaxy SJS Hub near Planet Vn'Oco. Additional SJS Gates could then be added, at the duchies expense, to link to other SJS Hubs in galaxies or duchies of trade partners or allies. Many of the richest and oldest duchies would construct minor hubs within each earldom and mark that would connect to the baronies within. This made travel very swift, usually no more than a few days for starships to reach anywhere within these duchies. She also recalled learning that the size of a duchies central SJS Hub related heavily to the economic strength and political power of said duchy. Regalia hoped Alutia would have a large one.
As they approached Sasha's apartments they were stopped by a wall of guards wearing peculiar combat armor. Regalia had never seen reactive combat armor quite like the ones they wore, but realized that it was very similar in color, purplish platinum with a reddish hue, to the necklace she received from Trent.
Tiana let escape an exaggerated sigh. “We are here to see Grand Duchess Sasha,” The armored men looked at each other, then down at Tiana.
“I'm sorry, My Lady, we were told to not allow any visitors.” Regalia found that odd, but Tiana seemed to be expecting the response.
“Could you inform her that her ladies-in-waiting would like to see her?” Tiana asked again, desperation in her voice.
“We were ordered not to disturb them unless it was an emergency.” Tiana's head fell into her hands as the armored man replied, seeming to understand her plight.
“Tiana, what's going on?” Vickie questioned.
“I don't know. All my private messages to Sasha are being rejected and they won't let anyone into her private apartments without strict order-,” Tiana froze, then started waving. Regalia looked through one of the guard's legs, seeing that Til'Ma, one of Sasha's servants, had just come out of a side door farther down the hallway and was waving back. Then, appearing to realize what was going on, nodded furiously as she turned and exited through another door. A few minutes passed before one of the guards stiffened and turned to the other. No words were heard, being that they could communicate through a private channel to each other while in combat armor. But their hand gestures said it all.
“We apologize. It seems we confused our orders. Please enter,” the guard said as they stepped aside, allowing them to move past. More guards were stationed at every door and intersection they passed. Tiana appeared about to stop and ask for directions, when a winded Til'Ma appeared.
“This way please,” she wheezed and they followed her through the maze of hallways, forays, and concourses until they reached a large sitting room, with an oversized PDU embedded in the ceiling.
“Sasha!” Tiana shouted, rushing across the room, embracing her friend who sat at the side of Trent. A beautiful girl, with shoulder length silver and gold hair, wearing a wispy black dress, stood at their side.
“You must forgive me, my orders to my guards weren't clear and they've been keeping everyone away for the last two days,” said the girl, her voice full of remorse. Prince Georigi froze at their side, then fell to his knees, dragging Vickie down with him. His guards followed suit and Regalia looked around in confusion.
“Forgive our impudence, E
mpress Yukie! We meant no disrespect!” Prince Georigi apologized, but his words didn't register at first. When they did, Regalia fell to her knees. To stand in front of the empress without permission was to forfeit one's life, or so her mother had told.
“Please, all of you, stand, there is no need for this!” Yukie ordered. The group rushed back to their feet. Empress Yukie, moved around Sasha to take a seat at Trent's side, sighing heavily as she let her head fall on his shoulder.
“No one understands me, Trent...I just want to be treated like everyone else.” Trent smiled and looked at the group, seeming to miss Sasha's possessive stare. His own face went dark when he noticed Prince Georigi, who, seeing this as well, bowed suddenly.
“Sir Trent, let me apologize once more for my unthoughtful actions. I disrespected you and Lady Sasha immensely and shall gladly accept any punishment you deem fit,” Trent's expression seemed to brighten at Sir Georigi's words. He turned to Sasha, whispering into her ear. Sasha giggled in response, then nodded.
“Well then, Prince Georigi, you leave me no choice.” The Prince fell to one knee, prepared to accept his fate. “You shall be awarded an Alutia Mark of your choosing to rule within the Alutia Duchy, per approval of your father.” The Prince rushed to his feet, dumbfounded, but Trent held up his hand before he could respond. “But since none of the habitable planets within the Alutia Marches are populated, you will need to start from scratch. So during this time, you will be assigned as a temporary Alutia Guard to Lady Vickie, who you so valiantly saved,” Trent said, his expression unable to fully mask his reservations, but they hid behind a genuine smile.
“You honor me, My Lord. I accept and will personally let my father know. There will be no issue since I am an unlanded noble and the reason for my travels was political in nature. This should allow a solidification of relations between our two galaxies, as was my original intention,” Prince Georigi said graciously, bowing deep, a single tear rolling down his cheek.
The Noble Petty, Complete Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 2) Page 21