Aeria's heart was racing, she felt her body let go of all tension as soon as he accepted. No more bloodshed. She knew she had bet on the right man. She knew they would be more lenient toward them if they surrendered now - they could have more freedom than if they were conquered. They showed willing enough to be trusted to let the Empire lead them to a bright and prosperous future.
She bowed to Jason and with a smile. "We only wish for your aid in times of need. As we shall endeavor to provide you the same aid in your times of need." Altheria had no weapons, what would they do if they were invaded by intergalactic beings? They'd be helpless. And so they would rely on New Earth's military might.
--
They had been talking for what felt like hours. They seemed to be making some good progress on how to integrate each Free State World into the Astra Empire’s plans. This would avert the need for invasion and all leaders would work together on achieving Galactic-wide goals.
Aeria-Sarisa would consult with the Free World States and feed it back into the Emperor himself so that there would in fact be two supreme leaders of the galaxy. This meant the Princess would be working closely with the Emperor and fulfilling his wishes for the greater good. Some saw this integration as key, others however, like Vik’nul, saw it as them rolling over and letting the Emperor take whatever he wanted. Including resources and people.
“It may not be easy but change must happen for each of us if we are to evolve into a higher state of being.” The Queen of Altheria spoke gently to all in the room. “No matter how much we may disagree with them.” She turns to look at Vik’nul specifically. He had countered every argument thus far with extreme defence; he did not like any of the proposed ways of ruling his planet.
Vik’nul sneers at the Queen but throughout the meeting he had noticed how the Altherian Princess, the Galactic Siren, had a way with words and how she had commanded the respect of the room. She was a strong woman in deed. Perhaps he had got her wrong. A woman who fought with words rather than a blade. Even the most angry and dark of hearts could be swayed by her. He was beginning to see how special she was…
“This is all very well and good but….how do you know you haven’t had us under your influence from the very start?” One of the Astra Empire’s delegates stood up. “You Altherians are nothing but witches.” It was clear he was a racist toward Altherians.
“You will not address the Princess in that manner, Human!” Vik’nul yelled, suddenly jumping to her defence. Which was not like him at all. Perhaps he was warming to her.
Aeri sighs and stands up to match his authority, as in this room they were all equal. “No, no Vik’nul. It’s quite alright.” He urged him to back off. “Counsellor. If we had wanted to do that, this war would have been over a long time ago...” She reminded him she could have done so easily at any point. He conceded with that point and sat down. “Forgive my outburst…”
Aeria’s eyes twinkled softly as she smiled kindly. “It is forgotten.” Her mother, Queen Iri, became noticeably fatigued.
“Perhaps…we should retire for the eve and continue the finer details tomorrow?” The Rekkatorrian leader proposed.