The war between the Empire and the Coalition is about to enter its bloodiest phase as 2227 will go down as the 'year of battles'. Meanwhile the Jedi Order keeps fighting a parallel war against the Sith and the Imperial Federation is entangled with a...
It had taken more than anticipated to arrange the meeting, but finally the Constantinople docked at the hangar of the Presidium, where the Imperial Guard had prepared a company to greet the guest before he would reach the Emperor and his Advisors.
The hatch of the frontal door opened and the first to come out was the captain of the ship, Major Bridger, escorting out Tristan Wren and his delegation of warriors and clan chiefs. The guards presented their arms and the orchestra started playing a welcoming anthem as the mandalorians passed on the red carpet, all the while they couldn't stop their heads from turning all around as their eyes marveled, like every person from Andromeda that saw the Citadel for their first time.
But after they had taken in the initial stunning, the Duke went and sported his best behavior.
"Welcome to the Milky Way, Duke of Atin." the Emperor greeted, extending a hand with a smile.
Tristan smiled back and shook it. "It is an honor to finally meet you, Your Majesty."
"Likewise, Lord Wren. Now, please allow me to show the hospitality of the Vignoli."
The mandalorians and Bridger eagerly followed the Emperor and his staff onto his personal shuttle, which then brought them down on Earth and into the Imperial Citadel in Rome. The guests looked with curiosity at that large construction, which was built so different from the rest of the metropolis and exuded such elegance but not ostentation.
They landed in the private spaceport, finding an army of attendants waiting for the delegation, with Monty waiting at the front. Francesco stepped down first and went to his majordomo.
"Monty, this is Duke Tristan Wren and his delegation. They will be in your care for as long as they're here."
"Leave it to us, my lord." the man replied before ordering the servants to escort the guests into the residential area."
Tristan then recommended his men to behave properly and treat the workers fairly.
"Lord Wren, how about you take a moment to settle down and refresh yourselves? Is almost lunchtime, and I have a very few things to finish." the Emperor then said cordially.
"Of course, Your Majesty. In fact, I am kinda hungry." Tristan replied merrily.
"Then see you later." Francesco replied with a smile. Once Tristan had turned around, the Emperor found Jordan's gaze and motioned for him to follow, then they reached the monarch's office.
Inside the office were already the other two people he intended to talk with about the next move in Andromeda: the Shepards.
"Admiral. Captain." Jordan greeted.
"Actually, I got promoted, too." Jane quipped. "You're not leaving me behind, Jordan."
The Legionnaire chuckled. "Of course not."
"Please, take a seat." Francesco invited everyone while he reached his side of the desk.
When everyone was comfortable, the Emperor spoke up. "Major Bridger, could you please update us on the status of this new Death Star?"
"I'm afraid there isn't much to say: we know it exists, we know it's being built in the Endor system, but we have no idea about its current status. We do know that nearly half of the Core fleet has been assigned to defend it." Jordan reported dutifully.
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