[center][b][color=00FFFF][sup][h1]J A Z O N  I E L E I (J A X)[/h1][/sup][/color][/b][/center]

[COLOR=00FFFF][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]Zaire Empire[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][INDENT][sup][color=darkgray]Capital Planet, Sunia[/color][/sup][/INDENT][/INDENT]

He [i]needed[/i] 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 [i]Psiweb[/i]   

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.”