Zaire Empire

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He needed allies.

Jazon Ielei II 36th Emperor of Zaire of the empire knew that it was his only path forward. He needed influence, sway, power even to achieve his goals. That was just something the crown didn’t have these days. Not since the rebellion. Jazon placed the pad he’d been browsing on his desk and stood up.. He walked over to the long glass window positioned in study. The vision the glass frame held was the vast expanse of the capital city Sunia. The principle seat of the crown. He had been born here. Grew up here and in this very room stood here with his father. It was here that the current emperor had learned his fate, his duty was to the empire. It was not a role he took lightly. However it was one that had been stolen from him, given back and now limited in power. That was why Jazon had to take steps. He turned away from the window heading back towards his desk. He looked down at the marble mold holding the endless pads of documentation.

Jazon sat here for hours nearly every day pouring through the information. So much had changed in the empire. The power structure during his father's reign was nearly non-existent. The Solidites that had been loyal to his father were either exiled, had perished during the rebellion or were diminished in power. Which left Jazon with limited options. The current hierarchy of aristocracy could not be trusted. They were traitors. Many had either directly or indirectly been involved in the plot that had displaced the royal family. Jazon would be a fool to forge an alliance with any of those houses. He’d be at risk before his plans could even get off the ground.

“Your excellency.” The door peeled open as his aide Allan entered the study. He was carrying another pad of intel from the archives Jazon had requested earlier. “I have the last of the data pad.” He handed it over. Jazon took it from him, nodding his thanks. Allan bowed then stood waiting for his next orders. Jazon would have sent him a way to take care of some frivolous chore but he could sense that his aide was holding back. “You have something on your mind Allan.” The emperor looked over the rim of the data pad eyeing his servant.

“What is it?” The older man hesitated at first. How could he not? The man before him was the sovereign of the entire Zaire empire. To question him put his position and security in precarious state. Yet Allan's sense of loyalty would not allow him to leave his concerns when Jazon could be in danger. “Is this wise your majesty?” The aide point to the data pad. “To be so open with what you are doing.” Jazon smiled smugly at the line of questioning.

He appreciated his aide’s concern. He really did. Allan was one of the few in his inner circle who genuinely cared about the royal’s well being. However it was not needed at this particular junction. It was true the solidites were keeping a close eye on him. They’d planted bugs in his private chambers, knew his whereabouts a good percentile of the time and occasionally had his servant followed. Hell even some of the royal guards were in their pockets. Jazon knew all of this, his disadvantages were clear. That didn’t mean Solidites didn’t underestimate him. The royal family had many secrets and one of them was the very reason he had been brought back.

The Psiweb

It was the emperor's ace in the hole and the reason he was confident his enemies were still in the dark about him. So no he wasn’t worried. “Allan your caution is noted.” He reassured the aide. Allan however did not look reassured. “Majesty what if they find out you are searching for your family remains.” Jazon smiled once more, placing the datapad onto the desk. He looked at Allan, eyes full of purpose. “Good.” The computer terminal on his desk came to life, as multiple reports opened on the holo screen. “Then they have no idea what I am really doing.” Allan instantly realized this was nothing the emperor had sent him into the archives for. So how had he gained access to military intel,reports and dossier without the nobles knowing? Allan wanted to ask but he doubted that the emperor would give him such privy information.

He stared at the holo screen, Jazon had brought up moments before. Out of all the reports listed on the projected monitor. One was highlighted and stood out the most. It was a woman. “Who is that your majesty?” Allan dared to ask, letting his curiosity get the better of him. Jazon allowed it, opening the report further. He sat back in his chair staring at that the picture attached to the report he had been studying for sometime. “Her name is Astra Corwin.” He finally answered, but his eyes never left the image on the holo. “And if I play my cards right Allan. She will soon be my consort, the next empress of Zaire.”

Zaire Empire

---

One of the first lessons that all imperial officers learn is that the most important theater of war is space itself. A soldier can't walk onto another planet with his own two feet after all, so naturally powerful navies were needed to wage war. With this in mind Sunia's defenses were largely dependent on massive turrets designed to fire on any ships that may enter the planet's orbit, to deny the enemy from landing their own forces in the first place would ensure the security of the planet, at least in part. One of Astra's duties was to conduct regular inspections of these planetary defenses.

She walked quickly from battery to battery as she collected reports from squadron leaders, and as expected there was literally nothing of note. It was undoubtedly among the most dull work she had ever done, although at least it was a chance to get something resembling exercise because the rest of her duties were purely desk work. Approve requisition requests, sign off on pay rolls, schedule royal guard patrols, coordinate with the orbital defense fleet, and more were on her plate. So maybe on reflection a chance to get away from such a mundane routine was definitely welcomed, even if making the rounds was only a little less mundane.

"Nothing out of the usual, ma'am." A man in full armor greeted her as he handed over a small data pad. Master Sergeant Rory Aylmer was last squad leader she needed to collect from, and one of the only few who she knew the name of at that. "Thanks, Aylmer." She nodded back, "No news is welcomed news." Frankly she was lying between her teeth as she said this, however in a practical sense this was exactly what she wanted since her real concern should be security. It was just on a personal level she dreaded such... nothingness.

"I guess, but its damn well boring." He sighed, "Better than being stationed on some rock no one cares about at least." Astra simply returned with a shrug of the shoulders, while normally she wouldn't even acknowledge such a comment, Aylmer here had the privilege to see her be slightly more relaxed, which was saying a lot. She moved the conversation along by continuing, "Anyway, I'll process your latest report soon. Next rounds are in two weeks so see you then."

"See you commander." Rory gave a curt wave before returning back to his post. Astra meanwhile headed back to her office. The location of said office was on the upper levels of the palace, such a walk saw her passing through many checkpoints and by many different guards. As she passed by she received the standard salute to which she didn't so much as offer a response. Eventually she made it to her office, and while it was spacious with a great view of the capital city, it was bare bones. A desk, a terminal to work from, and a chair was the only furnishing. Astra had seen the offices of other high ranking officers, and too many had some weird desire to fill it to the brim with unnecessary junk. Fancy junk such as jewel encrusted wardrobes, silk curtains, and any other proof of wealth, yet still junk all the same.

Soon as she took a seat at the desk, she was met with a message on her terminal. Astra was shook from her regular indifference as she read the text on the screen, because for once something seemed to have actually happened.

It looked like she had summons from Emperor Jazon Ielei the II himself.

Zaire Empire

---

Allan was certain he hadn’t heard the emperor correctly. How could he? There was no way the sovereign of empire had just casually mentioned acquiring a consort. Let alone someone of such a prominent name. Allan knew not of this Astra but the House of Corwin was indeed well known throughout the empire. The most prominent member was the general. He was the current head of house Corwin. The leader of one of the biggest fleets within the empire and if the rumors were true. He had also been one of the many solidites in conspiracy that had overthrown the royal family during the rebellion. If the emperor was thinking of linking himself to such a family he had to be naive to such information or plotting something. Allan hoped it was the latter. “Majesty you can’t possibly be thinking of taking this course of action.”

Jax ignored the dramatics coming from his aide. He could sense Allan’s concern, anxiety and caution as if it was his own. The man was paralyzed with it. If Jazon had been just a few years younger it might have overtaken him with the abilities he possessed. He was fortunate that his adolescent conditioning from his parents prevented such negative effects. Empathy was both a gift and a curse to those who possessed it. So was being a psion.“You have made your concerns clear Allan.” Jazon replied, his voice was even but firm. “However my affairs are my own.” The aide paled, realizing that he might have overstepped the boundaries of his station. “My apologies, majesty.” Jax sighed. He hadn’t meant to sound so imposing, but he could not afford to doubt himself.

Allan’s thoughts were making him do just that. The emperor needed a clear head for what he was about to embark upon. “There isn’t any need to ask for clemency Allan.” The aide sighed. Glad that he hadn’t lost the emperor’s favor. “Thank you majesty.” Allan bowed, but Jazon’s interest was already focused elsewhere. The profile of Astra Corwin stared back at the emperor. In his endeavors to acquire allies. Jax had studied many dossier. The list had been short to impress him but the few that had were definitely a cut above. However all of them had pailed in comparison to this woman. Astra Corwin indeed lived up to her legacy.

The personal account of her records spoke for themself. She had top academy scores, impressive military career, great leadership capabilities and lineage spanned nearly as long as his own. Yet that was only the surface. Corwin still had a vast potential that had yet to be tapped into. If Jax could convince her to agree to this alliance, he was certain she would surpass even her father. “She is quite attractive.” Allan stated absent mindedly. He was staring at Astra’s profile as well. Jax pulled his gaze away from the holo and eye his servant with curiosity. He wasn’t surprised at Allan’s comment. His aide had made many vocal assessments of ladies that Jax had kept company with in the past. No, what he found interesting was that there was admiration laced behind the comment.

“If I didn't know any better Allan. I’d say you approved of our little soldier.” The emperor smirked, remembering the aide’s disapproval a short while ago. “Oh no your majesty. I would never be so bold.” The aide blushed. “Besides with your charm she would be a fool not to accept.” Jax rolled his eyes. He appreciated the vote of confidence, but hated the reminder of image. “You shouldn't take everything the holonet writes seriously.” He reminded the aide. The tabloids over exaggerated information about him. So much so that the image that Jaz present to the public bleed into his privacy. “Besides I’m not interested in good looks, or if the lady Corwin falls madly in love with me.” At least that was pretty much the truth; his interest was far from romantic.

He needed Astra Corwin’s skills, expertise on the battlefield and loyalties she possessed. It was the only way he could begin his campaign against the solidites.His powers on the throne had been stunted for too long. This was the only way forward. Jax looked at the time on the holo as the image on the screen disappeared. The light on the terminal began to blink as a communication waited to be patched through. He pushed the button as his secretary Lucira appeared on the screen. “Is it done?” He inquired. The woman nodded looking back at him from her location. “It is, your majesty.” She confirmed. “Astra Corwin has received your invitation.” Jazon nodded closing communications. He looked to Allan. His relaxed demure gone. “Prepare for our [i[guest’s[/i] arrival.” He commanded. His aide nodded heading out of the room. Jax now alone sat in silence. He was ready to do what was necessary to reclaim his empire.