[h3][center][b]Imperial Palace, Floyn Thal System, Empire of Astrana[/b][/center][/h3]

Sebastian plodded up to the massive set of double doors that led to the throne room, looking up at the pair of guards who towered over him, but outweighed him only due to their heavy armor. The guards silently opened the door for Sebastian, performing the action while keeping their gazes fixed to the front. They had seen Sebastian more than enough to question whether or not he should be allowed in. At one time they had feared him, an irrational emotion given their heavy armor, but now they viewed him with either fondness or indifference.

Sebastian plodded into the throne room without giving the guards another look, his gaze focused on the three figures that occupied the room. The three beings he loved most in the world. There was father, seated atop his throne, quiet and thoughtful as ever. Lucretia was currently speaking. Despite her quiet words he could sense and undertone of frustration as she spoke, so different from all the times she had let him nap on her bed. Henry was always quick to slip Sebastian a piece of jerky or other treat, but at the moment his focus was turned away from Sebastian. He cut off Lucretia, his voice becoming louder and more angry as he and his sister began to argue.

Sebastian didn’t like it when Henry and Lucretia fought. There was only one thing he could do to stop them. He took a deep breath before letting out a fierce roar.

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All eyes turned towards Sebastian as he let out a roar, the throne room becoming quiet. They all knew that they had nothing to fear from the white tiger, but centuries old instincts had them freezing and going quiet regardless. After a moment the emperor of Astrana let out a soft chuckle. “Looks like Sebastian didn’t like hearing you two argue.”

“He never does” Lucretia agreed. The imperial family had long had an informal rule that, should Sebastian let out a roar, they were to cease arguing immediately. Sebastian was both a mascot and pet of the imperial family, as had all Sebastians before him had. Ever since the Martians had gifted the emperor a white tiger, centuries ago, the family had maintained one as a pet, naming each one Sebastian after the original Sebastian, regardless of whether they were male or female. 

Henry let out a frustrated sigh, earning him a glare from the emperor. “So what are we going to do about that Ressie offensive? Should I tell the Admiralty to send more warships?”

The emperor thought for a moment before saying “I find myself agreeing with your sister on this. We will not send additional forces to aid the Resurrectionists.” After a moment, perhaps feeling that he needed to give Henry something, he added “But we will continue our planned naval exercises to the galactic south. In fact… let’s expand it a bit and see if we can draw some of the Coalition’s attention away from the Resurrection for a bit.” He gave a gesture of dismissal as he said “Henry, you can oversee these orders.”