[center][h3][b][u]The Imperial Palace, Bushu, Musashi System, The Musashi Empire[/u][/b][/h3][/center] “Do you know why I summoned you?” The Emperor of Musashi asked. He stared down from atop his throne at the multitude of ministers and military officers that had been suddenly summoned without warning. Princess Saeko stood next to the holographic image of her brother, Shoichi, who’s face held an expression of intrigue. Most of those present had sported expressions curiosity, only for those expressions to melt away into anxiety the moment the Emperor spoke. When no one dared answer his earlier question the Emperor continued “I just received word from my daughter regarding her negotiations with the Imperial Remnant. Instead of ensuring this so called Uther stayed out of the coming conflict she herself not only promised that Musashi would not invade the Second Imperium, but that it would also send its armed forces to fight the Second Imperium’s enemies for it.” “Yuki-nee… No…” Saeko quietly whispered. Beside her a wide grin spread across the holographic image of Shoichi’s face. “This is not just a failure” Shoichi’s holographic image shouted. “No it is something much more foul then that! Heika this is a clear act of betrayal!” A number of officers and ministers murmured their agreement, although just as many did their best to keep their faces perfectly neutral as they remained silent. “That it is” The Emperor’s voice instantly silenced those that were gathered. “She believes that her will is that of Musashi. It… Is… Not… The only will in Musashi that matters is [i]my[/i] will. Someone who believes otherwise is not fit to be my daughter.” “Perhaps we should summon her to the court to explain herself.” Minister Sanada spoke up. “I’m sure that she will have a goo-“ “Be silent” The Emperor’s voice was ice cold, “before I come to believe that you are defending the actions of a traitor.” Sanada’s mouth snapped shut, his face losing all color as he bowed his head. “I tire of barbarians meddling in [i]my[/i] affairs. It is time we teach this Uther a lesson. Admiral Lian!” The holographic image of Admiral Lian stepped forward and bowed. “How may I serve?” “Your fleet shall spearhead our invasion of the Imperial Remnant.” “We are… invading the Remnant?” Lian hesitantly asked. “Of course we are!” The Emperor snapped. “Clearly the are an enemy! We must destroy our enemies before they destroy us! How can you not understand that?!” Saeko turned and saw the holographic of her brother staring at her, a look of dismay on his face that was surely matched by one on her own. Shoichi slowly nodded his head before he shifted his gaze back up to their uncle. “Uncle” Shoichi said. “I would caution restraint and caution in how we respond to this.” “You fool” The Emperor spat. “Hesitation will only lead to death.” Shoichi winced but pressed on “Our enemies expect us- No! They hope that we react rashly. They want us to attack! And that is exactly why we should not. Let us not do as our enemies wish, instead let us frustrate their plans! We shall fight them, but on our terms not there.” The Emperor remained silent for a moment before calmly saying “What you say has merit, Shoichi. Very well… we shall not allow our enemies to distract us from our current objective.” And that was that. Saeko felt like she had been punched in the gut when she realized that Yuki’s sacrifice would be in vain. She must have known that she would be labeled as a traitor for acting as she did, but had done so anyways in the hopes of obtaining peace. And Saeko herself was partly at fault for pushing Yuki into a situation where she would be forced to sacrifice her life for what she felt was right. It wasn’t what she had wanted. Saeko looked down at her hand, which was shaking uncontrollably. She could remain silent and let Yuki’s sacrifice be for naught or she could stand up and do something. Clenching her hand into a fist, Saeko forced herself to look up at her uncle. “I advise that we delay our invasion of the Second Imperium.” “Explain yourself” The Emperor’s demand held a promise of death in it. “Although Yuki’s actions were a betrayal she was still negotiating on behalf of Musashi at the time. Should we arbitrarily go back on her promise the other countries will believe that we do not honor our agreements.” “Yuki does not speak for Musashi.” The Emperor stated. “Thus Musashi is not bound to what she may believe she had negotiated with the Imperial Remnants.” “But other countries will not see it that way!” Saeko countered. “We will forever be seen as untrustworthy and without honor!” The Emperor turned his gaze to Xiang as he asked “Does the ministry of foreign affairs agree with this assessment?” “It does” Xiang said. “An invasion of the Second Imperium would be catastrophic at this point in time. I humbly beg that you reconsider.” “Hmmm…. Very well” The Emperor stated. Shoichi couldn’t hide his disappointment. “Musashi shall not invade the Second Imperium at this time; but neither shall Musashi blood be shed defending it. And from his point on our navy is to lock down the border with the Second Imperium. Any ship, civilian or military, that attempts to cross the border without [i]my[/i] explicit permission is to be destroyed.” “As for my daughter Yuki.” The Emperor continued. “Henceforth she is stripped of her status as a member of the imperial family and is no longer to be considered my daughter. She will be brought to me, where I will personally see to her punishment.” He paused for a moment before adding “That is all.” The various members of the court rushed to leave the presence of their Emperor. Word of what had occurred would spread, and quickly, throughout Musashi and beyond. Only time would tell what sort of ripple effect it would have. Once the throne room was emptied of his servants the Emperor removed his mask as he stated “You do not approve.” “No I do not” Kau Rong said as she stepped into his line of sight. The Emperor let out a long sigh before saying “She made her choice.” “And so did you.” “What is it you expect from me?” The Emperor sounded weary, exhausted. “She was the one who betrayed me.” “She wasn’t the first to betray you,” Kau Rong said. “And she certainly won’t be the last. It’s what happens when you push others too far.” “They can all rot” The Emperor spat. Kau Rong slowly shook her head, her face a mask of sorrow. “I wish I knew what it was that blackened your soul so.” She let out a long sigh before turning and heading towards the door. “Where are you going?” The Emperor demanded. When she didn’t respond he shouted “Mother!” Kau Rong stopped to look at him, her expression one of pity. “I am not your mother.”