The Rise before the Fall
Chapter 10: A Secret Revealed
The entire first floor of the Imperial Palace had been made ready to accommodate the over 6,000 guests in attendance. Large banquet tables were set up in each of the four dining halls. Every Ctarl Ctarl delicacy known and a few inventions of the imperial chefs were made available. Waiters dressed in formal attire walked from room to room with silver trays, which had the finest wines and ales available within the Empire. Music meant to calm the spirit and relax the mind played throughout the palace.
As Aisha and Augusta walked into the palace, an uncomfortable air settled around Aisha. Most of the high-ranking commanders and officials were staring at her direction but very few made an effort to approach her. One official who did was councilman Sorvo Clur Clur, from Aisha's home district.
"Lady Aisha," he approached her wearing a wide smile and an extended hand, ready to shake hers. Aisha extended her hand.
"Councilman Sorvo, its good to see you again." Aisha smiled.
"Aisha Clan Clan, I simply cannot get over it. I remember it as if it were yesterday when you and my Teresal were running around my back yard playing games and getting into all sorts of mischief. Now look at you, Hero of the Empire, Savior of all Ctarl Ctarl."
Aisha simply smiled.
"Congratulations on receiving the Order of Ctarl."
"Thank you Councilman."
"Yes, when the imperial aid came to my office requesting my signature on the Order, I signed it without hesitation. I even said, "If any captain in the fleet deserved a promotion to Commo…" The councilman just realized what he was saying and cut himself off. "Well, what I meant was…" He tried to alter his story.
"That's alright Councilman, I'm sure the Emperor had his reasons." Aisha quickly said.
"Yes, well…" Feeling very uncomfortable suddenly, the councilman excused himself and left.
"That's why they're all staying away." Augusta stated. "They want to talk to the Savior of Ctarl Ctarl but are too uncomfortable over what happened out there to even dare approach you."
"Well if that's that case, than it's to my advantage because I really don't feel like talking to anyone right now." Aisha said, "Lets get some food."
**********
On the Terran worlds, the Ctarl Ctarl are known for three things: being immortal, being metamorphs, and for having veracious appetites. The reason for the reputation of being huge eaters is the typical Ctarl Ctarl is accustom to foods that are much more dense, extremely rich and loaded with natural nutrients. This describes most every form of Ctarl Ctarl food known. So while an average 20 oz. Terran steak contains approximately 3500 calories, composed of 27 grams of protein and 22 grams of fat with about 3.3 grams of iron and trace amounts of other minerals and vitamins. The average 20 oz. Ctarl Ctarl teara beast steak, the most common source of meat in the Empire, contains over 8000 calories, composed of 180 grams of protein, 155 grams of fat, 15 grams of iron, 10 grams of magnesium, 7 grams of zinc, 500 milligrams of mercury, and trace amounts of over 80 other minerals and vitamins. It is this very high mineral content that makes most Ctarl Ctarl food uneatable by most non-Ctarl Ctarl. The levels of iron and mercury as well as the trace amounts of at least 30 other minerals that exist only on a handful of planets all within the Empire, make eating Ctarl Ctarl foods a very hazardous practice for non-Ctarl Ctarl. But it is the need for foods that are both high in calories and rich in minerals and other nutrients that result in the Ctarl Ctarl consuming huge quantities of foods outside the Empire. So while the Ctarl Ctarl do have hardy appetites it is nothing like what might be witnessed by seeing a Ctarl Ctarl eat none Ctarl Ctarl foods.
**********
Aisha and Augusta approached the banquet table having each grabbed a plate; they began scanning the table for what looked most appetizing. Augusta went for the foods that looked most familiar while Aisha preferred the challenge of sampling those she did not recognize. After filling their plates they began to look for a place to sit and eat.
Finding a seat was rather simple since most everyone was standing and mingling. Most of the crews were equally excited to be around the other guests in attendance as the guests were to be around the heroes of Ctarl Ctarl. Aisha and Augusta sat next to each other on a two-person sofa. While her attention was solely on her food, he was scanning the room as he ate. A waiter came by offering a selection of wines and ales. Having had their fill of ale, for a while at least, they both grabbed a glass of wine.
Aisha took a sip and was about to set it down when Augusta cleared his throat to get her attention. She turned to him with questioning eyes. He held up his glass, so in like manner Aisha did the same.
"A toast to the most amazing woman in all Ctarl Ctarl."
Aisha smiled, "Why do you say that, not that it's not true?" She grinned widely.
"Look around."
Aisha did.
"Next to the Emperor, you should be the center of attention. Its not every day a captain saves the Empire and receives the Order of Ctarl. There should be a line of people waiting to talk to you. Yet you're not letting it bother you."
"Hmm, I won't say it doesn't bother me, it does. But I'm too hungry and too tired to make a fuss about it." She took another sip of wine and went back eating.
"But thank you anyway." She grinned at him.
Augusta nodded as they went back to eating.
**********
"I'll see you at breakfast than?" Admiral Prowlus said to his daughter.
"Yes Apa, I'll see you in the morning." She gave her father a kiss on the cheek.
"Will you be joining us Augusta?" The admiral asked.
"I'm afraid not sir. With the review tomorrow I'll need all the rest I can get." Augusta replied.
"Very well than, I'll take my leave of you now." Prowlus extended his hand to Augusta.
"Till next time sir." Augusta said as they shook hands.
As Aisha's father took his leave, Augusta looked at her.
"I'm a lucky girl to have a father like him." She smiled.
"I think he's lucky to have a daughter like you." Augusta said, putting a hand on the small of her back.
**********
Gradually all of Aisha's officers and the other captains gravitated to where the two were seated. The conversation amongst them centered mostly on what they were going to do with the shore leave they were all expecting to receive. Aisha, Augusta and a few others agreed that hiking up Mount Tora Vora in the southern peninsula would be time well spent. None of them had ever reached its 20 thousand meter summit before and it was just the kind of challenge that brave Ctarl Ctarl officers thirsted for.
A general feeling of ease had settled over the group until the Emperor approached. Most of the officers bowed respectively then left. Some, like Striker, bowed tersely and tensed up every muscle in their bodies. The Emperor returned the bows graciously as he worked his way towards the sofa where Aisha and Augusta were sitting. Upon his approach both rose and bowed respectively. The Emperor raised his hand gesturing for them to sit back down.
"Sit, sit, We just came to see what is it that could be so interesting that it would keep this honored group of heroes away from the rest of our guests. Striker was about to reply when Amery grabbed his arm. He looked over at her and saw in her eyes, Amery's silent plea for him to remain still. Striker bit his tongue, turned and walked away.
"Nothing, I assure you Your Majesty." Aisha responded. "We were just discussing the various activities we were considering engaging in during our shore leave."
"Really? And what activity has Lady Aisha decided upon?" Enquired the Emperor.
"Well, a few of us," looking over at Augusta and behind her to Captains Purez and Bellana, "were discussing attempting to climb Mount Tora Vora."
"Truly an ambitious venture. But I suppose We should not expect anything less from some of our bravest officers."
Just then the military band began playing a different song that caught the Emperor's attention. He smiled then extended a hand to Aisha.
"Lady Aisha, would you be so kind as to honor your Emperor with a dance?"
Everyone present was mildly shocked by the Emperor's request, not the least Aisha herself. But she placed her hand in the Emperor's and said, "The honor is all mine Your Majesty."
She rose and they walked to what was intended to be a make shift dance floor in front of the band but no one else was dancing. When Aisha and the Emperor reached the center of the dance floor the band stopped, not sure if the Emperor intended to make some kind of announcement or something. The Emperor simply looked over at the conductor who immediately got the band playing again. He held Aisha close but at a respectful distance so as not to start any unwanted gossip, as they danced to the music. Being a man of limited stature, it was not at all uncomfortable for Aisha to dance with him, at least not physically uncomfortable. She knew he was looking at her and she would look at him from time to time as well but staring back at him was too unnerving for her; so she diverted her eyes most of the time.
"Do We make the Lady Aisha uncomfortable?" The Emperor asked.
"Not at all Your Majesty. Its just, well… yes I supposed it is a little unnerving being the only ones dancing and dancing with the Emperor of the mighty Ctarl Ctarl Empire."
The Emperor smiled.
"And how do you think we feel, dancing with the Savior of the mighty Ctarl Ctarl Empire?"
Aisha smiled.
"So the rumors are true."
"What rumors are those?" Enquired the Emperor.
"That the Emperor has a sense of humor."
This drew a mild laugh from the Emperor. Aisha couldn't help but be impressed that even when laughing the Emperor managed to still look distinguished.
The Emperor's lighthearted demeanor suddenly took on a much more serious appearance.
"Lady Aisha, We must admit there were ulterior motives for wanting to dance with you."
"Oh," Aisha responded with concern in her voice.
"We are not accustomed to apologies but in this instance, We feel one is in order."
"How so Your Majesty?"
"Lady Aisha, you are an exceptional officer and well deserving of the rank of Commodore as We are sure you were expecting to receive earlier today, and rightly so."
Uncertain of what to say, Aisha simply lowered her eyes.
"We felt that you were deserving of an explanation for the none pronouncement."
"Your Majesty?"
"Are you familiar with Governor Jiudus Cain Cain?"
"The gentleman that was standing next to you at the podium?"
"Yes, not only is he the governor of the outlying regions of the empire but he is also the head of Ctarl Intelligence."
Aisha's expression fell slightly but she recovered quickly. Though, not quickly enough to go unnoticed by the Emperor.
"We suppose your opinion of Ctarl Intelligence may be wanting after its failure to more accurately report the size of the enemy fleet at Sector Alpha 63?"
"Your Majesty is very… astute."
"We thank you. Despite Ctarl Intelligence's recent error, they have proven to be an invaluable resource to the empire. Upon Governor Jiudus' request you will be assigned a very special mission."
"What type of mission, Your Majesty?"
"Unfortunately, for imperial security reasons, not even your Emperor has been given such details but I assure you Lady Aisha, your importance to this Empire has not been overlooked. The Governor assures Us you will be properly briefed on the nature and purpose of the mission some time after the council review tomorrow."
Aisha smiled to herself and the smile slowly worked its way out.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. It is a great comfort to know I am appreciated."
"More than you will ever know." The Emperor smiled.
As the music ended the Emperor released his hold on Aisha and took a step back so as to have room enough to bow to her. Aisha returned the gesture and thanked the Emperor for the dance.
"Not at all, the honor was entirely Ours." He took Aisha's hand and escorted her off the dance floor. The band had begun playing another song, when Aisha and the Emperor approached Augusta who, as so many others, was standing along the edge of the dance floor. The Emperor turned to Aisha.
"Lady Aisha, nothing would give Us greater joy than to spend the remainder of the evening dancing with you. Unfortunately, by the anxious expression from Our aid over there." The Emperor gestured towards a very nervous looking older gentleman standing a few meters away. "We see We are needed elsewhere. The demands of running an Empire waits for no one, not even an emperor."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Aisha bowed again.
"Captain Augusta, We leave you the task of ensuring Lady Aisha thoroughly enjoys her experience here in Our Palace. She is a particularly skilled dancer. Perhaps you can find your way to seeing that she gets to exercise those skills more."
"As Your Majesty wishes." Augusta bowed deeply. The Emperor nodded to Augusta and then to Aisha.
"Lady Aisha."
"Your Majesty."
The Emperor walked away in the direction of his aid that was already walking towards the Emperor. The aid whispered something to the Emperor then accompanied him as he left the ballroom.
After the Emperor left the room Augusta turned towards Aisha and gesturing with his hand towards the dance floor.
"Shall we?"
"You don't have to do this Augusta."
"Yes, I must. Didn't you hear; orders from the Emperor himself.
"I don't think he actually ordered you to dance with me."
"Well, that's not how I see it. As I see it I am under Imperial obligation." Augusta smiled wickedly.
"Really, is that how you see it?" Aisha grinned.
"Yes, absolutely." He extended his hand to Aisha.
"Well, I wouldn't want you to get in trouble with the Emperor."
Aisha took his hand and allowed him to escort her back onto the dance floor. This time there were several couples dancing to the music.
The song that was currently playing was a measure slower than the song Aisha and the Emperor danced to. Augusta used this as an excuse to hold Aisha closer to him than the Emperor had held her. Aisha found herself looking at Augusta occasionally but looking about the room as well. Seeing which officials she recognized. After another brief glance at him, she realized he had been staring at her the entire time. She met his gaze.
"What?" She asked with a smile.
"I'm just waiting." He replied.
"Waiting? Waiting for what?"
"For you to tell me what the Emperor told you."
"Oooh! Well, I could tell you, but if I told you then I'd have to kill you." Aisha teased.
"Yeah but what a wonderful way to go, killed at the hands of Aisha Clan Clan. I can't think of a better way to die." Augusta teased right back.
"Augusta, you're so bad." Aisha raised an eyebrow at him.
"So are you going to tell me or shall I announce our engagement before all these witnesses?"
"You wouldn't dare." Aisha warned.
"L…" Before Augusta could utter his first word, Aisha had her fingers over his mouth.
"Okay, fine, I'll tell you." Aisha relented. Slowly drawing her hand away from his mouth and back to his shoulder.
Augusta grinned and raised his eyebrows, showing his keen interest.
"He apologized for not being able to announce my promotion to Commodore."
"What? The Emperor apologized?"
"Yes."
"To you?"
"Yes."
"Umm. Alright, what else did he say?"
"He explained that the reason he was unable to make the announcement was because Governor Jiudus has a special mission he wants me for."
"Governor Jiudus? What sort of mission could a regional Governor be involved in?"
"Governor Jiudus is also the head of Ctarl Intelligence. Didn't you know that?"
"No I didn't. But that just makes it all the more suspicious. Since when does Ctarl Intelligence seek the help from Space Fleet?"
"Since now I suppose."
"I don't know."
Augusta gave her an accusing stare.
"Seriously, the Emperor himself does not no. But he said it would be revealed to me after the council review tomorrow."
Augusta shook his head, his eyes narrowed slightly and all hints of a smile disappeared from his face.
"Hey, you worry too much. Come on, you're supposed to be making sure I'm enjoying myself here. How can I enjoy myself if you're going around with such a long face?"
Augusta smiled. "Your right, I'm sorry."
"You better believe I'm right. Now lets see if we can get the band to play something more lively."