The Inaugural Address

PART III - CHAPTER III

3.

"We are five minutes from the mansion's helipad, sir." Brock heard Kaster announce from the front of the helicopter. They were flying into New Wellington, set to arrive considerably late at the Imperial Mansion for Alexandria's cabinet meeting. Brock's nervousness only seemed to grow the closer the helicopter got to its destination, and was exacerbated by the fact they were on track to be over an hour and a half late.

"When you arrive, we will follow you as far as possible, like we agreed to do." Valerie said, facing Brock. They were seated in the back passenger cab of the helicopter, Valerie's back was facing Kaster in the front, while Brock's back was against the far side of the passenger cab.

Brock had mixed emotions over the fact that Leo wasn't along for the trip. On one hand, he didn't want to see Leo put in harm's way, and was content with Leo staying back home for that reason. However, selfishly, part of Brock wanted him there at the same time, regardless of the safety risk. Having Leo there to comfort Brock would've been helpful, and being able to say goodbye just in case Brock were to not return obviously would have been appreciated. Since Leo's attendance was not the case, however, Brock was driven to return as soon as possible after meeting with Alexandria.

The lights of the Commonwealth's capital flooded the helicopter with artificial light. New Wellington's skyscrapers surrounded the route toward the Imperial Mansion, and as they approached Brock studied the undeniable beauty of the city home to the House of Scorpius. For a moment, he could understand how residents of New Wellington could struggle to understand the shortcomings of the Commonwealth's policies – the beauty of the city was certainly a great distraction.

The helicopter continued its strict flight path toward the Imperial Mansion. The helicopter was only authorized to travel along a very specific path, and although Brock didn't know the exact route they were cleared to utilize, he knew that Kaster did, and he knew that to stray from the route could jeopardize everyone involved. He sat back as New Wellington's tallest skyscrapers faded behind them, their glow approaching the horizon. The mansion was on the south side of New Wellington's industrial center.

Soon enough, the Imperial Mansion came into view. Known as the Government House by the pre-war government of the Commonwealth's North and South Island, much of its original architecture remained intact. Red roofs topped the massive mansion, and the fortress was surrounded by beautifully tended gardens and gloriously exquisite gated entries. Whenever high profile visitors arrived before the war, the mansion served as their home away from home. After the war, it served as the primary residence of the House of Scorpius. Its size made housing the entirety of the House, which consisted of the first born Scorpio of each year, possible.

Soon the helipad came into view behind the mansion. Once they reached the landing circle, Brock felt the helicopter shift to hover in place instead of continuing forward. He watched as the helicopter's wind pushed the surrounding vegetation so forcefully that most of it appeared nearly horizontal against the flat ground. The noise of the helicopter's blades gradually began to quiet down and the wind slowly became less severe. Soon enough, Brock felt the helicopter reach the ground. He waited as the blades completely stopped, not moving himself until he received Kaster's permission to unbuckle and leave the helicopter. Once received, he unbuckled and together he and Valerie stepped onto the pavement of the helipad.

Brock instinctively looked down at his wrist watch to check on the time. He blinked a few times once he realized that he was arriving at 10:03, over three hours past the scheduled invitation time. His anxiety began to soar before being abruptly interrupted.

"Brock Mavers, welcome," Brock heard a pleasant voice call from the direction of the Imperial Mansion. He turned to see a gorgeous woman walking toward them from across the helipad down one of the intertwined garden paths. Brock studied her appearance, noting she had long, wavy dark brown hair put up in a beautiful updo. He noted, above all else, however, that she wore an elaborate, sleeveless ball gown complete with the highest quality silks he had ever seen. Light tan and purple silk chiffon accompanied light purple tulle connecting the corset-fitted top of the dress to its elaborate and massive bottom, finished with perfectly hemmed details lined with sprawling floral designs on all of its edges. The gown, by far the most elaborate piece of clothing both he and Valerie had ever seen, seemed to celebrate every inch of its owner.