Commander X1 is the older sister of Queen Tyr'ahnee. Martian law does not dictate that the first born must inherit the throne; rather, the child whom shows themselves to be most suited to the task is rewarded with the crown. It falls to all other siblings, younger and older, to dedicate their lives to supporting their monarch. We are told that Commander X1, or Lady Coercian, willingly abandoned all efforts of attaining the crown to allow her younger sister the best chance of pleasing their parents. One of the tests employed by Martian monarchy is to pit their heirs against each other in a gladiator-style contest. The winner gains the crown, and the losers bow to the new ruler's first decree. When Lady Coercian fell to her younger sister, Tyr'ahnee commanded of her that she devote her life to the Martian Guard, and the general protection of her Queen and Planet.
Lady Coercian was not beaten, she threw away the match. I've heard countless retellings of the events that day in the arena. I was also there; it was when I was a young Martian officer, and still progressing through the ranks. She did it with as much subtlety as a Martian is capable, so that only a truly accomplished soldier could tell and none of the Martian citizens would suspect. She was immediately dubbed 'Commander X1' and sent away from Mars to far corners of the universe on mission after mission, always restocking on other planets, never returning to Mars.
As I journeyed through the palace, it soon became clear that most of the resident staff and guests knew of her return, that she'd messaged her intentions very late last night and that it was most likely prompted by Tyr'ahnee's engagement. That made sense, I nodded; it was an international event and the wedding would require her presence as witness.
'Ah Commander X2, I was hoping to speak with you today,' my Queen greeted me plainly as I entered the throne room, 'regarding Commander X1's return. You have heard by now I suspect?' Her tone was too level.
'Yes my Queen.' I bowed my head respectfully and tried to push all over-familiar over-admiring thoughts away from the forefront of my mind.
'She is returning to Mars as witness to the ceremony and, as she has been so removed from Mars for so many years, I had hoped you'd help her re-acquaint herself with the palace and capital city?'
It wasn't really a request, despite how she phrased it and, for the first time, I felt angered at her pleasant manner of command. It was petty and sudden and startling. I shocked myself so much that I forgot to answer.
'X2?' she prompted with impatience, bringing me out of myself.
'Yes my Queen.' I repeated dutifully.