Chapter 4 – The Chancellor & The Stranger
Counsel Room - Royal Castle of J'onzz. Kingdom of Mars
Alexandra strides quickly toward the counsel room as Kara trails behind. "Make haste Kara! We cannot keep them waiting!" Kara, jogs to catch up, while tightening her leather belt over top of her royal blue tunic. Stopping at the door, Alexandra opens it with a flourish, and they both enter the hall. They find it half full and promptly walk towards the back to join their father. "My daughters!" The king says smiles warmly at them. "Father," they say in unison giggling. "And how is my young general?" "Well rested father" Alexandra says with a slight bow. "And my diplomat?" "Ready to charm and persuade." Kara flashes a winning smile and also bows slightly. "Good, though if things do not turn in our favor we must prepare to defend our borders." Both girls nod. Kara puts an arm around her sister and says "But I will ensure that we will all remain friends." The king nods. "See that you do."
The doors are drawn open to reveal the Luthor delegation. 10 ministers file in before the black and gold cloak of the Chancellor is seen. As is custom, the Chancellor's head is covered with a hood, and her face with a veil. Eager for the meeting to start the sisters step forward and give the Chancellor the customary royal greeting - both hands pressed to their hearts they bow slightly. "It is our sincerest joy to welcome you to the kingdom of Mars. I am chief councilor Kara, and this is my sister general Alexandra." The hooded figure regards them with curiosity, she stares briefly at Alexandra. Alexandra bows again not saying a word.
"I am ready to begin," the Chancellor's smooth whisper of a voice says. Removing one glove to reveal a delicate feminine hand, she lets it hang in the air. Taking it immediately, Alexandra leads her to the corner table by the window. Pulling out the chair she ensures that the Chancellor is comfortably seated before sitting to her left. The Chancellor's primary aid then sits to her right and Kara in front of her. Removing her hood and her veil the Chancellor trains her bright green eyes on Kara. Enchanted, Kara smiles at her warmly and says, "I am your servant – what would you have me do?"
Kara looks as if she's been hypnotized, Alexandra draws her dagger and discreetly presses it against the Chancellor's leg. "None of that now – we are all friends here.." She presses the dagger into the Chancellors thigh drawing blood. The Chancellor's aid is about to draw his sword when she puts out a hand to stop him. "I was just amusing myself general, do not take offense." "Release her and I won't" Alexandra says through clinched teeth. The Chancellor blinks and Kara comes back to her senses. Rubbing her head Kara smiles. "Interesting trick, you must show me how it works!" The Chancellor chuckles. "What a delight! And yes I will show you my 'trick' young counselor" she says seductively. "You will keep your tricks to yourself Chancellor, and we will discuss the matters at hand!" Alexandra says forcefully.
The Chancellor laughs and looks at Kara boldly. "State your terms." "A wide unobtrusive bridge across the burial ground in the west of the Lunar kingdom and a dam on a 1/3 of the river in Grant forest." Kara says not missing a beat. "A quarter." "A third, and a yearly festival of thanks at our expense" Kara counters. The Chancellor closes her eyes. "On one condition – we go riding together tomorrow - alone." "Done." Kara extends her hand and the Chancellor takes it. Kara brings the Chancellor's hand to her lips. "May your hands know the victory they seek" Kara says looking the Chancellor in the eye, while placing a delicate kiss on the back of her hand.
Present day. Lena Luthor's Laboratory – Berlin
Lena shakes herself out of a day dream. She takes off her glasses and pinches the bridge of her nose. Looking at the latest computer simulation she sighs loudly. "You need to rest" says the melodious voice of Karsh Abdullah from behind her. "I've tried, but all I do is dream of being in tedious meetings wearing medieval clothes - I mean really, even my dreams are uninspired!" Karsh laughs and squeezes her shoulder. "If only I could find a way to control or even reprogram these things. At this rate I'll have to create a new blood type to buy her more time..." "Can that be done considering her unique physiology?" Karsh asks. "Yes, but not by me, though I have figured out the parameters. I will have to go off world with this, and it's going to get expensive..." "Surely it can't be that bad?" Karsh questions. Lena nods. "Let's just say I'm going to have to deal with someone who collects favors as payment. The last favor he collected on cost me my brother..."
Outside the Gates of the Kingdom of Mars.
Lucy and James are surrounded by 20 soldiers. "Halt in the name of King J'onn!" says one of the soldiers. James has his sword drawn but Lucy has yet to draw hers. "We have business with the king! I am Commander Lucy of the 5th Lane battalion. I demand an audience with your general!" In the distance the galloping hooves of general Alexandra's horse can be heard.
When she arrives she dismounts gracefully and greets Lucy. "Commander Lane." "General" Lucy says, giving a slight bow. "I was just explaining to your men that we have business with the king." Alexandra looks James up and down. "Indeed you do, but what of your strange man here?" "He is not 'mine' per se" Lucy says blushing. "But he saved my life, so therefore he is a friend." James has sheathed his sword and is watching the exchange with interest. "Does he speak?" Alexandra looks at him again. James nods and bows slightly. "I am James." "And what Kingdom, House or Republic do you belong to – Sir James?" "The United States of America." Alexandra looks at him with a bored annoyance. "There is no such place - seize him!"