Goodbye
In Chancellor Lyra’s office:
Office Confrontation:
Chancellor Lyra was absorbed in her work when Spotty unceremoniously dragged Rokmar and Ila into her office. The sight of the two figures who had brought so much suffering to her people stirred a tempest of emotions within her. Anger, revulsion, and a grim sense of satisfaction all competed for dominance.
Seeing Rokmar and Ila:
- Anger: The architects of my people's suffering. They look so powerless now.
- Satisfaction: Finally, they are brought to justice. Spotty has delivered them right to our doorstep.
- Determination: This is our moment to show the Dralathi that their reign of terror is over.
Spotty’s command to arrange an emergency session of parliament snapped Lyra back to her duty. She nodded, her eyes still locked onto the defeated figures before her.
Responding to Spotty:
- Focus: "Yes, my Empress, it will be done."
- Commitment: We must show unity and strength. This is a pivotal moment for our people.
Preparing for Parliament:
As Lyra prepared for the emergency session, she couldn't help but replay the events in her mind. The sight of Rokmar and Ila in chains was a powerful image, one that she would carry with her into the parliament hall. The weight of history felt heavy on her shoulders, knowing that this session could mark a turning point for the Assurans.
Thoughts Before the Session:
- Anticipation: The parliament must see them as I did. They must understand the gravity of this moment.
- Purpose: This is not just about retribution; it's about securing our future.
- Responsibility: I must ensure the parliament grasps the significance of Spotty’s actions and what they mean for our people.
In Parliament:
Lyra sat among her peers, waiting for Spotty’s arrival and her speech. The atmosphere was thick with tension and anticipation. She observed the murmurs and whispers among the other officials, knowing that they shared her mix of emotions.
Waiting for the Speech:
- Unity: We must stand together now, more than ever.
- Justice: Rokmar and Ila will face the consequences of their actions.
- Leadership: Spotty's speech will set the tone for our next steps. We need to be ready to follow her lead.
Thoughts on Spotty’s Intentions:
As Lyra awaited Spotty’s entrance, she reflected on the Empress’s words and actions. Spotty had achieved what seemed impossible, yet Lyra sensed there was more to come. The mention of the powers that be and the imminent threat of Lord Berith made her realize the scope of the coming challenges.
Reflecting on Spotty’s Plans:
- Trust: Spotty has proven herself time and again. We must trust her judgment.
- Future: If Spotty plans to return to Earth, we must be prepared to support her from here.
- Alliances: Ila’s fate intrigues me. If she can be turned, it could shift the balance in our favor.
Conclusion:
As the session was about to begin, Lyra steeled herself for Spotty’s address. She knew that the speech would not only rally the Assurans but also set the stage for the next phase of their struggle. Her anger towards Rokmar and Ila was now channeled into a fierce determination to see justice done and to support Spotty in the battles to come.
Final Thoughts:
- Readiness: I must be strong for my people. They look to me for leadership in these uncertain times.
- Resolve: Spotty has given us hope and a path forward. We must seize this opportunity with both hands.
- Anticipation: The future is uncertain, but with Spotty's guidance, we can face it with courage and conviction.
Empress Spotty’s speech
Empress Spotty stood on the platform at the center of the Assuran parliament's main hall. Members of parliament, Chancellor Lyra and countless imperial marines and some Spartans on guarding the parliament watched her in person and her speech was being broadcast all over the Empire with people from countless galaxies in countless universes were watching.
At her feet bound in chains lay Ila and War Chief Rokmar.
"People of the Empire, both those from other places and from what used to be the Assuran republic, you are no different. All of you are my people and I will fight for you to the end. United we will win, divided we will fall. As you all know not so long ago Chancellor Lyra" she pointed to her "visited me and asked for our help and accepting our terms she agreed to join us, the Assuran parliament ratified the treaty" she waved her hand around pointing at members of parliament "and so you became a part of the Empire. As such you were under our and under mine protection. Soon after we rushed to aid them and turned the battle of Ivor Prime into a stunning victory" images of the battle of Ivor Prime played back on their holoscreens "I know we had some missgivings immediately after" images of her and Lyra's political battle in these very chambers took place and where she showed them the projection of a future where they didn't join the Empire and one by one all the Assuran worlds blinked out of existence. The projection that along the stunning victory of the battle of Ivor Prime had firmly swayed public opinion to her side "but that is all behind us" she nodded at Lyra "in the following weeks and months imperial forces planned and executed operations Flaming arrow and Liberty" images of these two operations play on the holoscreens everything from the strikes on the three crucial Dralathi industrial systems that had been used both to destroy these 3 systems and to draw as much of the Dralathi fleets in this galaxy to the systems where they were trapped by preplanted cloaked jumped inhibitors that were turned on just as the torpedoes armed with warheads capable of causing stars to explode in a supernova. These 3 strikes were a complete success and had left the rest of the Dralathi in this galaxy. Images now show the followup operetion liberty and the quick liberation of the Assuran world's under Dralathi occupation, they also show how the Dralathi had been using the Assuran people on these worlds as slave labor and working them to death. And it shows the last liberate world and what the Dralathi garrison there had done to their Assuran captives, how they were tortured and killed in a final act of defiance. "the Empire delivered what we had promised and more, your military is now fully integrated into ours and provided with the same equipment and training as everyone else. Luxury goods unknown to you before now flow into the galaxy in limitless amounts and your merchants are free to trade all over the Empire. And we will keep delivering. As long as you keep your end of the bargain. Now I have some news to deliver." she grabbed Rokmar and Ila by their necks and lifted them up "these two are the ones immediately responsible for what happen to you. May I present to you War Chief Rokmar and his advisor Ila, she claims to be some sort of higher power" she chuckled to herself knowing she and Ila were both powers that be "But from what I see they aren't all that scarry. Almost a day ago I led a daring strike into the very heart of the Dralathi empire and captured them and destroyed their flagship" the holoscreens start showing Spotty and her Spartan II team portaling aboard their flagship and how Spotty defeats Ila and Rokmar and before leaving with Ila, Rokmar, her Spartan II team and the captured bridge crew triggers the self destruct sequence in Rokmar's voice. "the war is far from over but they are crippled and will fracture in a civil war for the position of War Chief meanwhile imperial forces have already begun liberating or destroying galaxies under their control" the holoscreens switch to footage of imperial forces liberating occupied worlds in other galaxies and destroying the galaxies with no intelligent life except the Dralathi in them "additionally imperial intelligence has armed and trained various people under Dralathi occupation and they have begun fighting back" the holoscreens switch to footage of imperial intelligence shipping weapons and military instructors to various leaders of various occupied planets "the Dralathi empire is finished. It is now only a matter of time. Although from what we have learned about them they will fight to the bitter end. The Empire will ensure they are defeated. However I must leave back to Earth soon. As much as I have enjoyed my time here, Earth is the imperial capital and my duties require my presence. After this address is over me and the 1st fleet lead by the Zmajcica-f will head for Earth. I will take Ila with me but Rokmar and the rest of the Dralathi prisoners will remain here to be tried for their crimes. As she said that she released her grip on Rokmar letting him fall to the ground, but Ila was still held by her other hand. Chief Justice Nicoletta will lead the proceedings against Rokmar personally. Admiral Marcus Corvin, General Abdul Azza, Chief Justice Nicoletta and most other imperial forces will remain for as long as they are needed here. Sooner or later I will visit you again I promise, although I don't know when. Now, Lyra" she turned to Chancellor Lyra and looked her in the eyes with a kind look "will you do me the honor and accompany me back to Earth as my guest not just as a representative of your people but as a friend?" Lyra blushed and remembered her dinner with Spotty where she had not only told her the whole truth about herself and her intentions but also granted her something close to immortality, the physical abilities of a Spartan (after she had told her that she had always wanted to be strong) and the ability to eat as much as she wanted (which she had to admit was pretty nice even if she had gotten some weird looks at times), how could she refuse and replied "Of course I will, both as your friend Spotty, and as a representative of my people Empress Spotty". Spotty nodded to her with a smile "Thank you, meet me on the Zmajcica-f, we leave within the hour. You can take your own shuttle or go with me and Ila. Although let me warn you her babbling and threats can be annoying". And with that Spotty left with Ila still in her grip as the parliament exploded in applause.
Delivering the Speech: Spotty stood confidently on the platform, addressing the assembled members of parliament and the broader Empire. She felt a surge of pride and determination as she spoke, knowing the gravity of the moment. The images of past battles and victories playing on the holoscreens reinforced her message.
- Unity: "United we will win, divided we will fall."
- Accomplishments: Recounting the victories and strategies like the Battle of Ivor Prime and Operations Flaming Arrow and Liberty, she felt the weight of her leadership but also its rewards.
- Justice: Lifting Rokmar and Ila, she felt a grim satisfaction. These two would serve as symbols of the Empire’s justice.
Thoughts During the Speech:
- Confidence: We've achieved so much. They need to see the tangible proof of our victories.
- Determination: The Dralathi are finished. We must stay united to see this through.
- Future Plans: Taking Ila to Earth is crucial. She could be an ally or at least a valuable prisoner.
Ila’s Perspective
Listening to Spotty: Bound and humiliated, Ila seethed with rage as Spotty spoke. Each word was a reminder of her defeat and her current powerless state. The display of the Empire's victories and her own capture was a bitter pill to swallow.
- Anger: This insolent Empress dares to flaunt her victory. How dare she!
- Humiliation: Once feared, now a captive, displayed like a trophy.
- Defiance: Even in chains, I refuse to bow to her. My spirit remains unbroken.
Thoughts During the Speech:
- Rage: Spotty will pay for this humiliation. I will find a way to escape and reclaim my power.
- Bitterness: To be paraded like this in front of so many... it's unbearable.
- Defiance: She may hold me now, but she will never truly conquer me.
War Chief Rokmar’s Perspective
Watching the Events Unfold: Rokmar’s thoughts were a chaotic mix of anger, humiliation, and regret. He had trusted Ila, followed her advice, and now found himself in chains because of it. The sight of the Dralathi Empire’s downfall played out on the holoscreens only deepened his sense of failure.
- Anger: How could it come to this? I was a War Chief, now reduced to this.
- Humiliation: Bound and displayed before the parliament, like a captured beast.
- Regret: I should never have trusted Ila. She led us to this disaster.
Thoughts During the Speech:
- Betrayal: Ila promised us the stars and brought us to ruin.
- Self-Reflection: My choices, my leadership... how could I have let this happen?
- Resignation: Our empire is crumbling. Spotty was right about the civil war that will follow.
Chancellor Lyra’s Perspective
During Spotty’s Speech: Lyra felt a profound sense of validation and pride as Spotty recounted the victories and the integration of the Assuran forces. When Spotty addressed her directly, she felt a swell of personal pride and gratitude.
- Validation: Our decision to join the Empire was the right one. We are stronger together.
- Gratitude: Spotty has done so much for us. Her leadership has saved countless lives.
Thoughts on Spotty’s Invitation:
- Decision: How could I refuse? Spotty has given me strength and immortality. I owe her and our people my loyalty.
- Reflection: Joining Spotty on her shuttle is the right choice. We are allies and friends now.
- Future: This trip to Earth will be significant. Our bond will only grow stronger.
Member of Parliament’s Perspective
Listening to Spotty: The member of parliament watched the speech with a mix of awe and relief. The images of the Empire’s victories and the capture of Rokmar and Ila were powerful affirmations of their decision to join forces with Spotty.
- Awe: Spotty's leadership is undeniable. We made the right choice.
- Relief: Seeing Rokmar and Ila in chains brings a sense of justice and closure.
- Hope: The future looks promising. We are part of something greater now.
Thoughts During the Speech:
- Unity: We must stay united behind Spotty. She is the key to our survival.
- Pride: Our integration into the Empire has brought us strength and prosperity.
- Future: Spotty’s plans for further conquests and liberation give me hope for a lasting peace.
Imperial Marine’s Perspective
Guarding the Chambers: The imperial marine, originally from Assura, stood at attention, feeling a deep sense of pride and duty. The equality and respect he had experienced in the imperial military had given him a renewed sense of purpose.
- Pride: I am part of something greater now. We are all equal in the Empire.
- Duty: Guarding the parliament is an honor. I serve to protect our newfound unity.
- Respect: Spotty's leadership has transformed us all. We are stronger together.
Thoughts During the Speech:
- Unity: Seeing our victories and the fall of our enemies reaffirms my commitment.
- Equality: In the Empire, I am treated equally, equipped equally, and respected equally.
- Future: I will continue to serve with pride, knowing that we are on the path to a brighter future.