“Boss, are you sure you’re okay?”

 

“I’m fine, Inna. Really,” Loona said, straightening her jacket. “Whatever happens up there…I’m fine.”

 

She’d been on Archavia for all of thirty nine minutes. She’d come straight to her office and changed clothes, trading information with a horrified Innanae Lektas the entire time. Inna didn’t know what was coming, for sure; she knew Qorni intended to fire Loona, but everyone else was holding their cards tight. Which was only reasonable; this was a battle, and loose lips sink ships.

 

“Don’t let her bluff you. Even if she can get Cethje to go along, you can fight it. I doubt he can hold his caucus if he teams up with Qorni to force you out. You’re a hero, Loona, people are already saying it.”

 

“I’m not a hero. Aerti’s a hero. Niall’s a hero. Sorcha, Lessy and Joseph are heroes. Most of Gama fleet are heroes! I’m a politician.”

 

“Who made the right decision at the right time. So as I was saying, you probably have the votes if it goes to the floor, your actions were made in good faith with Prince Antero agreeing, and….”

 

“Inna,” Loona said, and looked down at her friend and chief of staff. “I know I did the right thing. Whatever Qorni says, whatever Jonto says, whatever this body or a judicator should say…. Tau Ceti Colony dies if I don’t give that order. Lessy dies, and Sorcha, and Joseph, and Moze. And millions of humans, and soon, billions of humans, and perhaps tens of billions of Titans, and Avartle, and Dunnermac, and Ler. If I am executed for high treason, I won’t regret it for a second. How many men and women gave everything to save them? I could hardly wish for better company. Yeah, we’ll fight this if we can, because frak Qorni. But no matter what happens to me…I did the right thing.”

 

Inna nodded, and wiped a tear from her eye. “Loona,” she said, softly, “no matter what happens to you…Ammer and I will always stand behind you. No matter what. And no matter what happens…I couldn’t be prouder to be your chief of staff.”

 

Loona did something she rarely did. She grabbed Inna, and pulled her into a tight hug, one they held for some time. When they finally broke, Loona straightened her jacket again, and said, “If I have to resign, make damn sure your husband brings you on staff.”

 

Inna grinned. “He’ll try to grab you first, Madam Deputy Floor Leader.”

 

Loona smiled, and chuckled, and nodded to Inna. She walked out into the office, and pointed in quick succession to three staffers – the two tallest men on staff and LerDranga. They flanked Loona, and as Inna opened the door, they gave her a moving escort through the throng of media shouting questions at her.

 

“Did you illegally order an attack at System 39-Pi-Triple Three?”

 

“Did the Floor Leader tell you not to order the attack?”

 

“Did any Insectoid ships escape the system?”

 

“Is it true the Humans used a superweapon against them?”

 

“Were they heading for Earth next? Or for Azatlia?”

 

“Did the humans attack the Insectoids first?”

 

“How was the Gyfjon destroyed?”

 

“Are you going to resign? If you’re asked to resign from the House, will you fight it?”

 

Inna patiently and calmly repeated, “The Representative does not have a comment at this time,” as if it was a mantra. She brought Loona to the elevator, and she and her staff turned and shielded her as it stopped, allowing Loona to enter.

 

“As I said, Rep Armac has no comment,” Inna said, “she is not going to comment before she meets with the Floor Leader, out of deference to Rep Qorni. We will have a statement after the cabinet meets…”

 

The elevator closed, and Loona was alone.

 

She remembered the first time she’d made the ride to visit the floor leader. It seemed a long time ago. Inna had seen her to the elevator that time, too.

 

She wondered if this would be the last time.

 

Maybe. Even if she survived this, she might have her role curtailed. She might be forced to the back benches for a while, shunted aside. And there’s no guarantees once that happens.

 

But If it was her last time, then she was determined to see it through with honour and dignity. She would not lie, she would not obfuscate; she had done what she had done. She knew what Qorni was going to try and hells, maybe she had enough support to pull it off. But she had told Inna – any price she had to pay was worth it.

 

She only wished that she could choose to pay the price, and by so doing save those who had already paid.

 

The doors opened, and Loona headed straight in; she had timed it to arrive right at the start of the meeting. This wasn’t the place to strategize with allies, and she had no interest in small-talk. She wasn’t in the mood.

 

Qorni did not even look at Loona as she sat down in her customary seat to the Floor Leader’s left. She simply said, “Well, there is quite a lot to deal with, but let’s deal with the most pressing matter first. The Deputy Floor Leader has sent us her report, and I know all of you have seen it. I will be addressing the Empire after the conclusion of this meeting, to add to the information the military has released; Rep Armac, is there anything you wish to state in extension of the information you have provided?”

 

“The colony at Tau Ceti is secure, Earth and the Empire are safe, the Hive Ship was destroyed, and the few surviving Insectoid forces have retreated back to Hive Space,” Loona said. “The cost was very high, no question. Far too many good people gave their lives. And we do not know what else the Insectoids might have in reserve. But the sacrifices that were made have secured the Empire, at least for now.”

 

“And the fact that you authorized that attack, despite not having the authority?” Qorni asked.

 

“I took the action I did under existing precedent, and I did so in good faith, believing it would be the action you would direct. And I believe the actions I took on behalf of this government were in the best interests of the people of this Empire.”

 

Qorni sighed. At some level, she hated to do this, but she had no real choice; if Armac wasn’t taken out, Qorni would be soon. So she did what she had to do.

 

“The actions you took ‘on behalf of this government.’ You took no actions on behalf of this government. We’re already facing war against the Federation. It was wrong to commit us to another without consulting this cabinet, and I don’t care what you say about communications, if you were unable to communicate, you should have ordered the troops to withdraw until you reached us to confirm! Quite simply, you did not have authority under the law to order that attack, and whatever the outcome, it was an egregious abuse of power. Rep Armac, I have no choice but….”

 

“Wait a moment, Madam Floor Leader. What do you mean? Are you saying she should have told Gama Fleet to withdraw?”

 

Forna Qorni stopped short, and looked over at the Minister of Defense in shock. It took her a moment to begin speaking.

 

“As you know, Pane, she wouldn’t have had to tell Navarchos Bass anything. Rules of Engagement dictated that he withdraw. Rep Armac overruled him, and I don’t fault him for taking her direction, but we are now engaged in a war with the Insectoids at the same time as we face a war to retake the Federation. These things should be engaged in with deliberation and consideration, and given that there is still debate as to whether humans can become citizens…”

 

Pane Segdi looked at the Floor Leader, and shook her head. “Don’t act like there’s no justification for Rep Armac’s actions. You, the Minister of Law, and I all talked about the fact that it was a possibility. As for her decision….it saved over a million Imperial nationals, all of whom are eligible to become citizens in two years. Even if they were to somehow become independent, we saved a million Class One Sentient Beings who are allied with us, living in Imperial Territory with the permission of the House. Are you saying that we should not have done this? That you would not have defended them? That it would be better if Loona Armac had let them die so she could make a call to you on her pad?”

 

Qorni’s mouth opened and shut. “I’m…I’m not saying that. I’m saying we needed to consider all the variables, the looming fight with the Federation….”

 

“Taking time to do that would have sacrificed the humans on the Colony, and likely the humans on Earth. And given that their force was destroyed at Tau Ceti…who knows how many Titans. Azatlia would have been cut off, for frak’s sake!”

 

Qorni blinked. “You…Pane, you said it yourself, in the debate on the Zeramblin Act! They aren’t as smart as we are, or the Dunnermac, or the Ler. They aren’t as capable. They can’t defend themselves.”

 

“First, if I was right – and at this point, I’m honestly starting to think I wasn’t –  that’s all the more reason to defend them. And second — and the reason I’m thinking I frakked up — they did pretty gorram well defending themselves. And us. They saved a lot of Imperial lives after the Gyfjon went down, according to the after-action reports.”

 

The Minister of Law, Rep Cethje, shook his head. “Madam Floor Leader, I don’t know how you say these aren’t people – the law is clear….”

 

“The law is clear, and we should defend it for the moment, but it is wrong. It will be changed, sooner than later, and we will get over this nonsense that humans are our equals,” Qorni said. “I am not saying….”

 

“The law will not be changed. Not if I have anything to say about it.”

 

It was not just the interruption, but the sharpness of the statement by Lali Berisen that brought all discussion to a halt. He leaned back, and sighed.

 

“What…you were one of the most passionate of those opposing the Zeramblin Act! What are you talking about, Lali?”

 

The Minister of State, the senior member of the Tradition caucus, leaned forward. “You know, Madam Floor Leader, after the Dunnermac, and the Ler, and the Avartle gained full equality, there were a lot of people who thought that it was just a passing fad, and that it would never last. That as soon as the conservatives took power, they’d repeal the laws, or reduce their strength. But Usid Zeust, one of the most conservative members of the caucus – a flat racist by anyone’s standards, even Garma Gleebo’s – he refused to back it. He said he thought the legislature had made a mistake. He said he thought we would come to regret it. But he said that whatever should come, there was too great a danger in stripping rights from people once they had been given. It would set a precedent that would lead to tyranny and destruction. If we can say that the Dunnermacs have no rights, after having extended them full rights, then we can say the Ler have none. If we can say the Ler have none, we can say the Jotunn have none. If we can say the Jotunn have none, we can say that all people living outside of Aement have none. Once we take rights away from some of us, there is nothing to stop us from taking them away from everyone.

 

“I’ve been willing to revisit this until now, but I was wrong, and Zeust was right. By keeping this an open question, one of our provinces did exactly what Zeust said they would – they’ve tried to strip rights away, not just from humans, but all non-Titans. How long until they only accept native-born Federationers? Pureblood Aementi? I don’t know. Maybe there’s a line they won’t cross, but they’re already so far beyond reason…and we set them on this course, by letting them think this could be undone.”

 

Berisen looked down, and tapped a finger on the table. “The longer this remains unsettled, the greater the number of localities that will consider following the Federation’s lead. Now, I am not sure whether we made the right decision, and history will judge us. Of course…well, if history judges as it did last time, perhaps four hundred years from now they will be recalling me as a racist. Based on the weapons the humans deployed at Tau Ceti…they may be right. But I hope that they also remember that like Zeust, I was willing to recognise that whatever my personal feelings, this Empire cannot and must not roll back rights once given. I argued against giving humans rights, and I lost, and the debate is over. It must be over for all time. And I will fight with all I have to ensure that it is never revisited, because for this Empire to be free, its citizens must never have to question the permanence of their citizenship.”

 

Qorni stared at Berisen, and shook her head. “Well, you may fight it. But that changes nothing.”

 

“It changes everything,” Berisen said. “As the Minister of Defense noted, these were Imperial nationals living in Imperial Territory who were under attack by invading forces. Madam Floor Leader, you have stated more than once that you may not have ordered the attack that the Deputy Floor Leader did, that you would have had to consider whether to defend these people. I find that unconscionable.”

 

Qorni made a sound like a choking giraffe. “I…I never said I wouldn’t! My objection is to the Representative violating protocol! To her overruling the rules of engagement! She didn’t try to communicate, she didn’t ask….”

 

“She couldn’t, according to both the report of Navarchos Bass and Seminavarchos Tam,” Segdi said. “Unless you’re accusing all three of them of lying – and good luck selling the story that a hero of this battle, who gave his life for the Empire, lied – she had no choice. She couldn’t get through to us, and given the situation, she acted in good faith as a member of the cabinet under established, albeit ancient precedent. And frankly, I’m glad it was her who was there. I might have asked them to try harder to get through to you. I might have made them send a ship beyond jamming range, to tell you we had to act. And if you had hesitated…I would have had to ignore that, and return, and lie that I couldn’t reach you, do whatever I had to do to give cover to our military. If I was executed for treason, so be it! Better that than accept an order that feeds Imperial nationals to the Hive.”

 

“I wouldn’t – look, Pane. I mean, you can’t possibly….”

 

“Jontu, did the Floor Leader ask you to prepare an opinion on the legality of Rep Armac’s decision?” Segdi asked, ignoring her.

 

“She did, as a matter of fact,” Cethje said. “And I have prepared one. Based on my analysis of precedent and the basic foundation of Article I of the Charter. ‘Ours is a union of peoples, united under one banner for our mutual benefit; for our prosperity, our security, and our freedom.’ By the most fundamental law of this Empire, I believe Rep Armac had no choice but to give the order she did.”

 

Qorni dropped her pad, and looked past Cethje. If Loona hadn’t been completely numb, she almost might have smiled.

 

“I tend to agree,” said Berisen. “Indeed, given the way this attack was formulated, I think that we may need to look at changing the rules of engagement in general. It was fortunate that a cabinet official was there, so that Navarchos Bass could launch a counterattack. Luck was on our side, but we are fools if we count luck the next time.”

 

“This is all well and good,” Qorni said, “but….”

 

“Forna, I’m sorry,” said Berisen, cutting the Floor Leader off. “But you have stated flatly that faced with an extant attack on the Empire, you would have had to consider whether or not to respond. That you wanted Rep Armac to have Gama fleet withdraw in the face of wanton slaughter to consult. The Insectoids were in our territory, for frak’s sake, they had already invaded, there was no decision to be made. It is bad enough in this situation, but I fear this is a pattern – you waited too long to respond to the Federation’s clear flouting of the law, and it has made our task there more difficult. I understand your position, and I am not saying that it is not reasoned, but it is dangerous, and unfortunately, it is disqualifying in my eyes. I lack confidence in you.”

 

“As do I,” Segdi said.

 

The four liberals in the room looked at each other, but made no move; they didn’t have to. The two most senior members of Forna’s side had done it for them.

 

Qorni looked at Berisen, but said nothing. There was nothing to be said. She ran through the calculation in her head – and knew that it didn’t matter. She wouldn’t have the votes. At tomorrow’s session, her term as Floor Leader would end.

 

Perhaps Loona was surprised by Berisen’s next question. Qorni was not.

 

“Rep Armac, when you proposed the national unity government, I know that you had suggested that budgeting would simply be based on what could get through based on negotiation, that the government would issue a basic proposal, but would let the house make its decisions. If a unity government were to survive somehow, would that remain your position?”

 

“It would, Rep Berisen,” Loona said. “We’re a closely divided house. Unless that changes, all sides deserve input, and I will support the budget the Committee on Auditing recommends to the floor.”

 

“Good. Then we can work together. I support the Deputy Floor Leader as Floor Leader, and under the Magilna precedent, I move this cabinet install her as Floor Leader immediately, subject to ratification by the House.”

 

“Now wait a minute!” Qorni said. “That was during a crisis! An emergency!”

 

“The Insectoids just attacked the Empire,” Segdi said. “And we’re preparing to invade a province. That’s emergency enough for me. I second the motion and call the question – Rep Qorni, before we vote, I will give you a chance to resign. We can all say that you were impressed by the Deputy Floor Leader’s leadership.”

 

“I will be happy,” Loona said, “to say it was your idea.”

 

Qorni stared ahead for a moment, and said, simply, “My choices are to salvage some shred of dignity, or be the first one since Gleebo thrown out….That is an easy decision. Madam Deputy Floor Leader…I hereby resign as Floor Leader, effective immediately.”

 

“I move that under the Magilna precedent, Deputy Floor Leader Armac be promoted to Floor Leader,” Berisen said.

 

“I call the question,” Segdi said. “All in favour? Those opposed? By a vote of six to zero, with one abstention by the Deputy Floor Leader, this motion does prevail. Congratulations, Floor Leader Armac. I will let you know that we will all be submitting our resignations….”

 

“Absolutely not,” Loona said. “This Empire is in crisis, and we need all members willing to work to hold it together. There will be time for new voting and realignments and so forth. But not today, and not in the near term. I will ask my friends on the north side of the chamber….”

 

“North side,” Qorni scoffed in spite of herself. “Conservatives who’ve thrown in behind Loona Armac.”

 

“Indeed,” Berisen said. “You see, Rep Qorni, we know that whatever our disagreements – she will not hesitate to defend the Empire and its people. You may – eventually, you probably will – but you have demonstrated that you will not rush to do so, and alas, there are times when you must. But your interruption reminds me that decorum requires us to give the former floor leader some space to clear her office – Madam Floor Leader, we look forward to working with you,” he said, nodding to Loona.

 

“And I with you,” Loona said. “I’ll ask the cabinet to meet in my office in three hours. Maybel, I’m going to ask you to take over the Interior Department. Under the previous agreement, I would ask that the conservative members designate for appointment a deputy leader…actually, I’d like you to add two Conservative members to the cabinet, as Ministers Without Portfolio until we have time to formally reassign offices. I want to keep the numbers even, but there’s a member of my caucus I’d like to bring on….”

 

“I believe that it would be wise to have a human in the office of Minister of Non-Titan Affairs, at least in the short term,” Segdi said. “I will be happy to nominate Rep Smit. We will nominate two members as soon as possible. Rep Berisen will be our nominee for Deputy; we will have to determine what happens with State, but I’m sure he’ll carry that office until we do.”

 

“Thank you. Rep Cethje, can you send out an announcement that there will be a press conference with the entire cabinet in four hours?”

 

“Of course, Madam Floor Leader,” Jonto said.

 

“Thank you…well, thank you all,” Loona said. “See you in three hours.”

 

The meeting broke up quickly. Loona passed by Forna, hoping not to have to see her again for some time.

 

“Madam Floor Leader,” Qorni said, quietly.

 

That startled Loona. She had expected defiance, or rage, or anger. Instead, she turned, and studied her staunchest enemy. She wasn’t sure what emotion was on Qorni’s face – it wasn’t what she expected. There was sadness, yes, and bitterness.

 

But perhaps, just perhaps, there was a bit of relief.

 

“Yes, Madam Floor Leader?” Loona replied.

 

“You and I agree on very little. But you’ll find…this isn’t an easy chair to sit in. Hells…I think you already know it. If you ever…even if it’s just to hear what I’d do, and do the opposite…if you ever want to call me…or any of us. All of us will answer.”

 

Loona looked at Qorni, and sighed. “Forna….”

 

She paused. She could destroy Qorni, she knew. A few well-placed barbs at the press conference would end her career. And she probably should, after this debacle. Yes, Qorni was essentially done, but Ammer had drilled in her from day one that when your political enemy is drowning, you should throw them an anchor.

 

But sometimes – sometimes – the best thing was to offer them a pole.

 

“When I speak about you today,” Loona said, “I’ll make clear that your resignation was due to philosophical disputes between you and the cabinet, and that your agreement to step aside came because you put the Empire first. This is not a case of Gleebo, where you were willing to sacrifice humans. At the very least, I’m taking you at your word that you would not have.”

 

Qorni smiled tightly. “To be completely honest…Loona, if I tell you something, will you promise not to use it against me?”

 

Loona blinked. “As long as it doesn’t involve treason, then yes.”

 

“Thank you. It does not, it never would, but I’m not proud of it…you’re sharp, and you and I both know that the hero who made the right call to save Tau Ceti was going to be able to rally the votes against the woman who waited too long to fight the Federation. You might have waited a week or two to do it – because you would have put the Empire first, I believe that – but it was over, as soon as you had the chance to make your move. And if you got back here and had a chance to settle in…that was that. Incidentally…I had offered Jontu your spot as deputy. He prepared that analysis at my request, knowing that. If you ever doubt it…he’s loyal to you.”

 

“I didn’t,” Loona said. “But it’s good to hear.”

 

Qorni nodded. “This was my last chance. If you had an open channel, I would obviously have ordered Navarchos Bass to fight the Insectoids to the last officer. I still don’t know if humans can be a real part of this Empire…but they are going to be. And it is my sworn duty to defend them.”

 

“Prince Antero was willing to do it if I wouldn’t,” Loona said. “That is not why I did, and that remains in confidence, too.”

 

“He will be getting the Imperial Clade. I wouldn’t harm his reputation. Not that it would; he would have been making the right decision too,” Qorni said.

 

“I’m not saying it was easy. I know what the consequences could have been. But Forna…it was a choice between delaying, and ordering the fight. And every second I delayed meant more people died.”

 

“I know,” Qorni said. “When I speak about my resignation, I will say I regret it, and disagree with some of the cabinet’s positions…but that I won’t be getting into those disputes. I hope the cabinet has made the right choice, and that I want you to succeed, because I do believe the new Floor Leader will do the best she can for this Empire. And Loona…I honestly do.”

 

Loona nodded, and reached out her hand. “Good luck with whatever may come, Madam Floor Leader.”

 

“Lead our Empire well, Madam Floor Leader,” Qorni said.

 

As Loona left, Forna leaned back. A frakking disaster, that’s how her tenure would be remembered. But at least there was hope that it would only be remembered as a disaster.

 

She’d feared being remembered as a footnote, and now she hoped that was how she’d be remembered. But it could have been worse. She could have ended up the new Gleebo. Hopefully, Emperor and Loona Armac willing, she’d avoid that fate.

 

 

****

 

Loona was a bit surprised when she reached the elevator. Four members of the Imperial military – two Imperators, one exploration, one defense – were there waiting for her. She recognized them with a start – they were part of the floor leader’s security detail.

 

Well, it was official.

 

“Good evening, Madam Floor Leader,” the Defense Corps officer said. Loona didn’t have to check the rank insignia; she had met her before.

 

“Hello, Reevah,” Loona said. “Or should I say Krator Tam?”

 

“Probably best to be formal, ma’am, but you’re the boss,” Reevah said.

 

“Very well, Krator. Just heading to my office.”

 

“Yes, ma’am. Sorga, you and Talax left and right, Zither, rear, I’m point, we’re going down to the Deputy Floor Leaders’ office – I assume that you’re giving Rep Qorni time to clear out, ma’am?”

 

“Yes, Krator.”

 

Reevah nodded to Loona, and then to Zither, who hit the elevator button.

 

Loona was grateful to have them as she emerged back into the media scrum, which started with a roar the second the doors parted, then suddenly hushed as they saw Loona step off the elevator flanked by security officers. There was half a second while the media tried to make sense of it – were they Imperators? Was she detained? No, that was Reevah Tam, she was chief of security for the Floor Leader…wait…no….

 

The roar began again, deafening and frenetic; Loona smiled just a bit as she heard the shouted questions shift from “Rep Armac!” to “Madam Floor Leader!”, but she didn’t answer. She simply headed back to her office, riding along in Reevah’s wake.

 

Her triumphant entrance to the office, Inna hugging her, the staff cheering – it was all a blur. Loona had headed back to her desk with a dawning realization that she had a duty to take care of, before anything else could happen.

 

“Inna,” she said, quietly, as she slipped in to her private office. “I need you to contact the palace for me.”

 

Inna’s eyes widened as she grasped what Loona was saying. “Oh, Gods,” Inna said. “I suppose you do, don’t you?”

 

“I’ll speak to anyone there,” Loona said. “Tell them that…he doesn’t need to….”

 

Inna nodded. “I will.”

 

Five minutes later, Loona’s pad buzzed. “Madam Floor Leader…I have the Emperor on the line.”

 

Loona nodded. He would do his duty. His son hadn’t learned it in a vacuum. “Thanks, Inna,” Loona said.

 

The man whose visage graced Loona’s screen did not look much like the Emperor. He looked very mortal, and very small, in a way – his eyes were puffy from the tears he had cried out. Loona recognized the look. She had seen it on Eyrn’s face not long ago. She would see it on Naskia’s as soon as she had the chance to see her. And when she stopped moving, for even a moment, she expected she would see it on her own.

 

“Your Imperial Majesty,” Loona said, “I…I can’t possibly tell you how sorry I am for your loss.”

 

“Thank you, Rep Armac,” Tiernan said, quietly. “I…you were there, yes?”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

“I am told…they say his actions saved many.”

 

“Decurion ColVanos saved thousands, if not millions of lives. I know Seminavarchos Tam recommended him for the Imperial Clade. The Legislature will support that award. As will I.”

 

Tiernan smiled, just a bit. “He gave his life for this Empire,” he said. “Gave his life to protect those who needed his protection. And I am so proud of him for that. He died upholding what he and I and my family have stood for, and as Emperor, I am….”

 

Tiernan rubbed his eyes for just a moment. “As Emperor, I am so proud of him. But there is part of me – not the better part of me, Loona, but part of me – that would trade this Empire itself to be able to tell him that to his face, to hug my son just one more time, and tell him that.”

 

“Your Majesty,” Loona said, “you would not be a sentient creature if that wasn’t so. I know, it probably means nothing…but if there’s anything I can do….”

 

“There is,” Tiernan said, with a shuddering sigh. “I gather that you are calling to officially notify me that you have been selected Floor Leader?”

 

Loona nodded. Word travelled fast. “Yes, Your Majesty. Rep Qorni has resigned, and the cabinet has designated me as her successor, immediately due to the crisis, though subject to the vote of the House.”

 

Tiernan nodded. “Madam Floor Leader, you have my congratulations and my trust. And I ask this, on behalf of my son, on behalf of my son-in-law, on behalf of all my children and all my subjects…lead this Empire well, and make my son’s sacrifice worthwhile.”

 

“I will do my best, Your Majesty.”

 

“Then you will be great, Madam Floor Leader. Someday, in the future, when I am able to stumble forward…I will greet you with the formal meeting you deserve. But I cannot…not yet. I hope you will not take this as a slight.”

 

Loona smiled. “Your Majesty…I mean it when I say that I will help in any way I can. You and your family should heal. You are not just the Royal Family. You’re people. You deserve to mourn, just like the many other families mourning today.”

 

Tiernan nodded. “Indeed, Madam Floor Leader. Thank you. And congratulations again.”

 

The pad winked out. Loona leaned back in her chair, feeling the whole weight of an Empire on her shoulders. It had been worth it. All of it. Niall, Aerti, the prince, Yamanu, the many Terrans, and Avalonians, and officers, and Colonials…their sacrifice was worth it, and then some.

 

But that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. It did. It hurt like hell.

 

Loona had three hours before the cabinet would meet, and at least an hour or two before she needed to call Ammer. So for the moment, she closed her eyes, lay back in her chair, and wept.

 

————————————————————————

 

Author’s note: Thanks to DX for this chapter in its entirety. There is nothing from me here.