"Spool down FTL-Drive, stabilize orbit. We've arrived, governor."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH8uok9gxg
Governor Sarah Rose Tanas smiled and nodded at Admiral Stephanie Laurent.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t3Y769sQX
"Proceed, Admiral," she said.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi6d4OwKnA
Admiral Laurent nodded and said, "Flip her over. Let's give our new governor a first look at her new home."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWK1fDs3tI
The Imperial Command Dreadnought Fearless had left FTL-Space with its belly pointing towards the planet Ayonar and Helmswoman Hyuga initiated the spin needed to make the top of the ship face the planet. Sarah watched in excitement as more and more of the planet's green and blue outline moved into view. She was observing it through one of the Fearless' bridge's panoramic windows.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BxeVNqWkh
"That's a nice place. Looks greener than on the pictures," said Sarah's husband Ishaan Marsh, standing beside his wife.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7GYrsCwXF
"You think so? I think it looks just like the pictures."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t6RPnJsHC
"Suit yourself," Ishaan said, grinning.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu8xe4Fv2V
Admiral Laurent joined them. "I hate to interrupt, Governor, but your shuttle is waiting. You will be brought to your residence in Klendana, where Chancellors Bouchard, Williams, Anzari and Deventhal will meet with you for a first discussion of the current situation. I was informed of their rather hot mood earlier."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmslvlRvLWY
"Yes, they're gonna be furious with me. Should rather be furious with my mother, but I guess they lack the courage for it."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5rQ6U7JOw
Admiral Laurent chuckled. "Quite so, governor. Orders while you're gone?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNwdqBPMnD
"None. Get settled in your office and meet me tonight at eight in my office."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5JjdXm5K2
"Understood." The Admiral turned to her personal guard and said, "Escort the governor and her husband to their shuttle, please."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ej5nAR992
The guard nodded and asked Sarah and Ishaan to follow him. The hangar was quite the way from the bridge. The ship's corridors were full of life and its steel walls were illuminated by ever so slightly yellow-tinged lamps. At least it was a step up from the previous blue-tinged lamps that Sarah had found incredibly cold in the past.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXTlqpct2H
"What are you expecting, Sarah?" Ishaan asked.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFJFNmipzm
"Strongly voiced protest, exaggeration of public unrest, maybe allusions to my heritage. I hope to convince them I'm their friend."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo03OyEKuGd
"And you think they have the wit for that?" Ishaan chuckled.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoyivWBhsU
"I think they can be quite understanding if presented with the right kind of truth."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHicP7Vus1a
"Which is?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdL7ay1qcN
Sarah smirked. "The best kind." 1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qt8pmBE51
Ishaan sighed as they entered the hangar, a large hall full of vehicles, shuttles and fighter planes. A group of four such fighters launched from the hangar into space only moments after Sarah had set foot onto the stairway that led to the shuttlebay. It was normal procedure to launch a fighter escort after arriving at the destination, even deep in Imperial territory. A fighter escort could react quickly to any incoming threats, be they asteroids or other ships, and defuse the situation before the capital ship could suffer damage. In the shuttle, Sarah and Ishaan took their seats and strapped in. Admiral Laurent's guard saluted Sarah and left. A moment later, the shuttle pilot came in.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanVzjK8JHH
"Greetings, governor. I'm Eckhart Terrinbrew, your pilot for today and forever."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMC4oDWjS7
"Today and forever?" Sarah asked.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP4dNy47nG
"I have been assigned as your personal pilot, responsible to bring you anywhere at any time, as long as it's a flying job."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb57JXrUTNl
"Ah. It's nice to meet you, Mr Terrinbrew. You're not military?" Terrinbrew wasn't wearing a navy uniform, nor wore he rank insignia.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEFv5O12hI
"That's right. I left the military seven years ago, honorably discharged. Now I'm a pilot for important people such as yourself."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFt5tcSJCO
Sarah nodded and Ishaan smiled smugly.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKko2fUhjbq
"Oh come on, you knew it would be more formal here than at home," Sarah said.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3p9IXdI6v
"Yes, but I find it amusing regardless of where we are."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN6Wh6fQij
Sarah smiled at her husband. Their new life, here on Ayonar, as governor of Imperial Region North. A life of endless potential, and endless bickering. She had never been a politician. She preferred straight answers and quick solutions, not answers to questions that were never asked and no answers to questions that were asked. Thankfully, as daughter of Empress Samantha Anne Tanas, Sarah could demand straight answers and would usually receive them, too. The shuttle left the Fearless and Mr Terrinbrew began the descent into the atmosphere. The shuttle shook and and vibrated as it shot through the upper layers of the atmosphere, the inertial dampeners doing their best to reduce the felt g-forces. Once the shuttle reached the Stratosphere, it would get quieter and smoother. Sarah took in every detail of the vast oceans and continents beneath her. Ayonar was a large terrestrial planet in the habitable zone of its star, Imperial Helios 7, or simply 'the sun,' as the natives of Ayonar called it. Not long after the shuttle had entered the Troposphere, Sarah spotted Klendana to the right of the shuttle. The sprawling city was the capital of Ayonar and its largest settlement. The governor's residence, her home, was in one of the inner districts, called 'Appledorn.' It was an old mansion that had recently been renovated and prepared for Sarah's arrival. Mr Terrinbrew landed the shuttle without any bumps and Sarah waited for him to open the door. He left the cockpit, opened the door and said, "I wish you a good first day, governor."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESjufL00ym
"Thank you, likewise," Sarah said and left the shuttle. Outside, five officials were waiting. The front man, a grey-haired, big man would have to be her chief of staff, Henry Edmundson, came forward and spoke:1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7svMbDDKD
"Greetings, Lady Governor. Welcome on Ayonar." He spoke with a soft, grandfatherly voice.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5ZyOZt7wB
"Thanks, I'm glad to be here."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rRv8bpGdl
"I am Henry Edmundson, your Chief of Staff, and with me here are your Chief of Security Galbag Buorno, Chief Physician Peter deChamps, Chief Strategy Advisor Helen Marin and Chief Legal Counsel William Hone."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hm1AJt1vs
Everyone bowed briefly.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFy02KslzF
"I hope we'll be working together splendidly," said Sarah. "Shall we go inside then?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD963sdaQol
Henry nodded. "This way, please."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLYq6F13Zm
The shuttle had landed on a shuttlepad in the garden of the mansion. A stone path led to the large main building. It was framed by trees and wonderful smelling yellow and blue flowers that Sarah didn't recognize. She was led to her office, which was smaller than she had expected but left ample room for her and her staff to discuss all matters of importance. Her desk was to the left of the door, with a conference table installed in front of the desk in a way that left a gap inbetween the desk and the conference table.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpZPoCSpiD
"This is your office, governor. I hope it's to your liking. We can change it if you wish for changes."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC0z0B7Yy4
"Thank you. I'm sure it's enough," said Sarah. The office was kept in a blue and steel asthetic, which Sarah found pleasing to the eye but also a bit dark. She didn't have time to play interior architect, though, and sat down on her comfortable swivel chair.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp1zkTElKK
"Nice. Shall we get right to business, then? What's up next?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ1g659eIN
"We had hoped to allow for more time for you to see the mansion and get settled, but unfortunately, the chancellors of your region are already waiting and ask to see you. They have made it clear that the matter is urgent, although I believe it is posturing," said Henry.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbBS6KqN6f
"Very well, I will talk with each of you later then. Please keep yourself ready, and inform the chancellors they may enter."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvwpwQmMF4
"Of course, governor," Henry said and left the room together with the others.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP09BFscHOK
"I want you to be here for the meeting, Ishaan. I'm a bit afraid of handling the chancellors alone."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6Hbtr76uP
"Don't worry, my love. I'm here."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhxgH5FQ4B
"Thanks," Sarah said and kissed Ishaan on the lips when the door opened. Sarah turned around and saw the four chancellors of the four Imperial population centers in her region before her.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXLOE1j1I5
"Welcome to my office, chancellors. Please take a seat at the table right over there."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleJ0uRitsj
Sarah pointed at the conference table. Ishaan took a chair and sat down beside his wife.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGfsq5tbGo
"Thank you for seeing us, Governor. We have very urgent concerns about this new arrangement," said Chancellor Annette Bouchard of the planet Andros. 1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrI5gWoMXmp
"Indeed. We are here to protest against the new regional governing system. It is an unprecedented breach of procedure and an infrigement to our planet's democracies," said Chancellor Robert Deventhal of Illuminon, a middle-aged man with brown hair and a sleek stature.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFqaaAWpqC
The other two chancellors just nodded.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZfVGVZJYU
Sarah breathed in deeply and said, "I can assure you it is neither. It isn't the first one because the new regional governing system was properly introduced by my aunt Empress Therana Athulis and my mother Empress Samantha Tanas. It is legal and proper. It isn't the second one, either, because my rights are limited as I serve as a liaison between the empire and its people. The unrest and difficult social situation we had to deal with after the war could not be solved by conventional means, sometimes due to resistance by people such as you--"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SFms1yJF3
"Now that is unfounded and outrageous!" said Chancellor Deventhal. "We have only the best in mind for our people."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb2LXwgoNo
Sarah smirked. "I'm sure each one of you has the best in mind for themselves and if that means caring about normal people, so be it. What I am saying is that no matter the time and place, people fight against anything happening. It should rather happen elsewhere, and there, people fight against anything happening. While cities push burdens onto other cities and those onto yet other cities when they could take actual steps to improve the situation, the planetary governments do the same. The Zephalan Remnant was supposed to be integrated into our society in an effort of establishing long-lasting coexistence and brotherhood, but what happened? What happened, chancellors?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFAXmVAOE5
The chancellors exchanged glances for a while, until Chancelor Anzari said, "The southern worlds protested against Zephalans on their home turf, which over time brought down the entire project and left the Northern worlds, namely Andros, Illuminon, Ayonar and Antares, to deal with the two billion Zephalans alone."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xAFh0TwJr
Sarah nodded. "Quite correct. It is the meddlesome nature of politicians and the short-sightedness of the populace that led to the failure that the empire is now being blamed for. Blamed for with violence, protests, vandalism, dissent and hate that goes beyond any free speech laws. So now I'm here, to solve the communication problems. I am here to help the people understand their empire and the greater good, and to help the empire understand what concerns its people in their daily lives. I am not here to put you out of your job, nor am I here to do your bidding. I answer to the empresses directly, and they gave me the freedom to do my duty as I see fit, but within legal boundaries, of course."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2Sz7GUvUx
"We understand, governor," said Chancellor Deventhal. "We hope for good cooperation, but the people are dissatisfied. Many greatly disapprove of Zephalans living right next to them. They fear they have been conquered already and need to act now to avert a disaster."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBlIWBFzAE
Sarah sighed. "Very little violence perpetrated by Zephalans has targeted humans. They target each other more than anyone else. They mostly live in purely Zephalan-populated districts because house owners wouldn't rent their apartments out to Zephalans. I understand why they are afraid, but the Zephalans have not undertaken a coordinated attack for 30 years. Meanwhile, the amount of human pirates in the northern systems has skyrocketed. I think the Zephalans are largely a scapegoat and a convenient one at that. These problems are not solved by killing them all, by banning them from our worlds or by treating them like animals."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA9fR29s4t
Chancellor Anzari cleared his throat. "We know there is a problem and we know it must be solved before a tragedy occurs. The Imperial Nationalist Defense has bombed a car in a Zephalan district last week, as I'm sure you are aware. Two Zephalans died, and three humans. One might think they'd deem it a failure, having killed more of their own than Zephalans. But they issued a statement saying they are proud that three traitors were punished for mingling with the enemy. And I haven't even started about people flocking to extremist parties more and more. That is why we must ask you to address the people directly, in two hours, at the Klendana Annual Street Fair. We have already prepared everything. You just have to agree."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloijZhkeAn
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "You want me to speak in public today? In just two hours? You realize I arrived here half an hour ago, yes?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxiq5TbVcU
"Yes, governor, we realize that, but we think it is necessary that the people see their new governor as soon as possible and that they get a good first impression of her. This way you can show that you care and will waste no time in solving their issues."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCzIyLXR7K
Sarah stared at the chancellors before glancing at Ishaan. Public speaking, today, in two hours. With a script? Without one? Without one sounded better. Simple, honest talk and no mention of who's to blame. She looked at her gloved hands. What would people think of her? The rich girl, daughter of the collaborator, the knight and aristocrat who had no clue of their suffering? Who couldn't even be bothered to show her hands? No. The gloves were staying on. Nobody was allowed to see her arms and hands except for Ishaan and so it would remain. 14 years ago, she had been in an accident with her first boyfriend. He had died and she had suffered severe burns. Most of her skin was restored in many surgical procedures, but the main burns, on her arms and hands, had been left alone on her demand. Sarah would forever bear the marks of her failure and would wear gloves as the only concession she allowed herself. To not show anyone her scarred arms.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7ExOB1IdL
"I will speak on your event, without a script. I know what I want to say and I will say it," Sarah said.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx57twrszdS
"Thank you, governor," said Chancellor Bouchard.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxfIXY3kU2
"I want to adjourn the rest of this meeting until tomorrow. I will need time to prepare for the speech."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPWtOH2cLr
The chancellors nodded. "Lady Governor, we are grateful for this and shall return tomorrow. Please let us know at which time."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8cvZWXPI5
Sarah nodded, then shook everyone's hands and led them out of the office. When the door closed, Ishaan asked, "You agreed to that? Why?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kDCbGRRQQ
"What do you mean?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF44vjxZCi
"You let yourself be wrapped up in their moaning and will now do a completely unscheduled public appearance without a script."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynerd0ekyN
"Yes."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTBn2msbXb
"It's the worst idea!"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6UhG5FuM6
"It is not. I actually think it is a great idea, even though I will need to think on my feet."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX3JoAZTtV
"Sarah, it's a move to discredit you."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mfuUiqfLv
"Why are you saying that?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHI6Y2sjzd
"Because it's highly irregular to do this. It was never planned and we should stick to the plan."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GH8Yo4mML
"It's great because it is irregular. People have a certain idea of how a policitian, which I guess I am now, acts. By not acting like that and showing up at a festival to hold an unplanned speech, we prove something: That we're here to help."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffFNop56jW
Ishaan grumbled. "Fine. I trust you."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgcWvicKzt
"Good," Sarah said, nodding.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CaoNanubX
Sarah called Henry, her Chief of Staff, into her office. He came quickly and sat down at the conference table. Ishaan and Sarah sat down on their respective chairs again.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKWc2ut3Gt
"They proposed that I speak at the Klendana Annual Street Fair in two hours, unscripted. I agreed."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCFXjYJkPt
Henry lost some of the color in his face. "B-but that's impossible. The security demands, the organization, the everything.... Are you sure that's what you want?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI0NkVAMhs
"Yes, I am sure," said Sarah.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZEPH7WcUe
"I'll go prepare it right away, governor." He stood up, bowed and left the office in a hurry. Not fair to surprise him like that, but everyone today was in for surprises.1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe34mtQUSeX
"What do you think, Ish? Should we have stayed home?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r5wCp1nt7
Ishaan embraced his wife and said, "Of course not. This is what you wanted."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJcrTcW3bL
"Hmm, yeah. I could have said 'Nah, I'll go stream something' but I said yes to this."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZwNBqKsdL
"Mhm, you did."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcn4N768lA
"I'm afraid and nervous, Ish. I'm responsible for four planets now."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE9BU4MmFD
"Yes. Is this how it's like for mom?"1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWiptbIthK
"I'm sure it's much worse for her."1000Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcQz6buC95
"Wow, thanks big guy."
As the hours passed, Sarah brainstormed what she would say, how she would look while saying it, where she would put emphasis and what she would better leave out entirely. A series of arguments about her gloves, her hairstyle and her clothing later, she was ready to drive to the fair. Her regular driver wouldn't arrive until Wednesday, and it was only Monday, so a temporary driver drove her to the fair. From afar, Sarah could already hear the booming music well and was expecting at least several thousand, possibly up to 40000 people to be there. The driver brought her to the backstage area, which was already full of Government Security Agents. Through a series of extremely confusing and rather informal briefings, Sarah found herself confused and standing on the main stage. She scanned the crowd, who were dead silent. Sarah had been introduced as "The Lady Governor Sarah Tanas from Zah'Aharon," which was alright in her eyes, but she had expected less of a weird setup for all this. She stepped up to the microphone and said, "Dear citizens of Ayonar, dear visitors from other systems and countries, I am Sarah Rose Tanas. I am the new governor of Imperial Region North and my job is to enable good communication between you, the people, and the empire. It is not my right to interfere with your planetary governments and I hope we all realize that there are serious problems at hand, problems that require profound action. Action that will return your planets to their former glory. After the war, much was neglected, many had to mourn the loss of family members. I apologize for my mother's role in these events. My adoptive parents, Empress Samantha and her wife Katharina Rand, have raised me as a loyal Imperial citizen, just like you are, and I'm sure my husband will confirm that I am a loving wife to him just like you are loving wives and husbands to your spouses. This is an effort we will need to take on together, or not at all. I say it's tog--" Sarah stopped just moments before the rocket impacted the stage. It was suddenly approaching from one of the buildings on the left, Sarah could feel it. She raised her left arm and held it before her chest while kneeling down and creating a magical shield around herself. She didn't know whether it would save her, everything happened in less than three seconds. The force of the white-hot explosion hit her and her shield and she flew back, lifted from the ground, as the stage went up in flames.
ns 15.158.61.8da2
