Chapter 28: Meeting

“I will be your King!”

“What, really? Did I convince you? What made you change your mind?” The sudden change from enmity to cooperation startled Kutch and others. All of them were formulating their arguments in the New Tenga’s favor.

“Let's say that I’m fond of rats. So? Are we ready to descend?” Just like last time with the Jala's contract. If Safo knew that he had to do something he would, no matter what he thought about the subject. Many times Kutch had mentioned that Psiora people survived all sorts of troubles in their recent history. They needed some authority figure to feel safe for their future. It wasn’t a difficult topic for Safo Nur, if he can help then he shall.

The crew landed in hurry, with a great mood, in anticipation of the greatest celebration of the King’s return.

As usual, a cold and sharp sentence from O’rmon ruined the mood. “We have a problem! We must be at the Hall, right now.” With that, she turned the ship towards the biggest building in the vicinity.

New Tenga was the name of the system, the red dwarf star surrounded by three similar size planets. Dying star’s heat was not enough to produce sufficient heat, causing most of the people to live in underground accommodations. The surface of the planets was mostly- covered by the trash from all over the universe.

The red dwarf, Ten, is named after the Goddess-progenitor of the Psio race.

And three planets, Psiora, the main planet, full of tech garbage and broken parts waiting to be recycled or refurbished. It was divided into two sections, government zone, and civilian zone. Rich and wealthy psiora occupied the government zone, mostly due to their positions. All of the authority structures were located in that safer and cleaner zone.

Atan, the second planet, the planet of hazardous waste, the most polluted and unsafe planet. Atan was the first King of Psiora who taught them the basics of "resources" and souls. Very few people lived there or could live long enough. After the war with the Empire, psiora started to occupy various animals and insects, allowing them to take over the bodies of the insects with natural high resistance to radiation and toxic environment. As a result, commoners named it the “crawling planet”.

And the third, Hfen - first King of New Tenga, planet for everything else that couldn’t be used on the first two planets. Regular citizens of planet Hfan called it “the rotten planet” due to its constant stench. The poorest layer of society or outcasts resided on the planet.

The ship that looked like it would fall apart in any second was closing its distance to the Heroic Hall. A place where all the political elite were gathered. Without a King, New Tenga implemented the curator system, which worked for the last 10 years. 2 Curators for each planet, as managers of those planets their responsibility was to maintain them. 6 curators were under the command of 6 Advisors. Those positions were active even when the Kings were the only authority.

6 Advisors were the current rulers of New Tenga. Heroic Hall was a place for regular meetings and instructions.

Usually, most of the parts were strictly restricted. To see that the old ship was parking near it was the same as if someone parked their car inside the church. Local security, police, and special forces surrounded the ship pointing all of their weapons towards it. Ready to take down any threat.

“Lower your weapon, now!” A tall old man, snow-white skin, veins shining in light blue, combined in some strange pattern on his bald head. The pattern was glowing brighter when an old man rushed huffing and puffing to meet the ship. He yelled at the soldiers and ignored their remarks about his safety.

Reluctantly, every single person on the plaza in front of the Hall took away their aim from the ship.

“It is a grandson of the Great King Admaloo, you are looking at. Show your respect.” Soldiers were in awe, it was a big moment for New Tenga if it was for real. They couldn’t raise their weapon but couldn’t leave or lower their guard either. After all, a ship was violating the law trying to park at the plaza in front of a Heroic Hall - the government property.

The ship landed, doors opened and a crew came out one by one. Feeling as if they were heroes in the movie, in slow motion all of them came out and stood facing the countless guards.

“O’rmon I can’t believe you did it, you successfully finished the mission. I suppose you are Safo?!” A bold man praised O’rmon and turned to meet Safo Nur. The blue vein pattern on the top of his head was radiating like neon lights.

‘Is this an Avatar?’ Safo’s first reaction was to stare in disbelief. “Umm...Hi, yes I’m Safo Nur. Nice to meet you.”

Amiably, the old man smiled and continued. “My name is Halazar Woods. I’m the Regal Adviser. I’m honored to meet you. I would be glad to talk to you in better conditions but I must apologize for the haste. We are a little short on time, if we hurry I will explain matters on the way to the meeting.” He gestured to them to follow him, not looking back he rushed to enter the hall.

“Woods? Are you related?” Safo Nur knew the answer on some level, he practically said that they don’t have time.

“He is our uncle, older brother of my father. He raised us practically, and helped a lot.” O’rmon followed Halazar without a second thought instantly, and the rest decided to follow her. Anything was better than standing surrounded by armed soldiers.

The Heroic Hall was tall but humble construction, Psiora was never a prosperous nation. Throughout history, they struggled between life and death events continually.

A round building with yellow stone columns and photos of the Greatest Psiora warriors hang on the walls.

“After your departure, other 5 Advisors pushed the process, so you guys are right in time. If you were a month late, the new king lineage would be elected. Now we still have a chance to nominate him as a candidate. I warn you it will be hard to win against those guys, but I will do my best to assist you in any way.” Halazar was practically running, a very comical scene to watch, for a first-person in the government to act as he was.

Halazar explained some details and asked Kutch and O’rmon about the mission. Before entering the meeting room he asked them to play along. Safo didn’t fully understand what was going on but hesitated to ask further questions.

The door opened wide and like a flash, Halazar flew in with a bunch of people trailing him.

“I want you to stop whatever you are doing and pay attention to my words.” Stern voice unlike before, Halazar was playing his role of a Regal Adviser, the top among all of them.

The huge room was silent, waiting. 3 round booths for the planet Curators, and 6 big chairs across them for 6 Advisors. Behind the booth were seats for the audience. Currently for the candidates for the title of the King. 4 candidates to be exact, and their supporting team.

The Regal Advisor took his seat and continued. “I’m glad to present to you my team and a new candidate. Before you oppose that they are late and only have a month left to finish the tasks, I want to suggest extending it.” People start to mumble and speak from their seats but no one dared to stand up and cut in openly. Even other Advisors were shocked but sat still waiting for the explanation.

“Thank you. You know my nephews, Kutch and O’rmon, they had a primary mission from me. To find and bring Princess Tala. I found out her whereabouts.” Gasps echoed in the room. The candidate’s mood changed in an instant, if the daughter of King Admaloo was alive it meant they had no chance of beating her.

“Unfortunately, she passed away. But, here we have her son - Safo Nur who will participate in the election. It shall be extended for an extra 3 months. For those who do not like my decision, I will say that he has a right to just take over the throne, but wants to win in fair competition.

This means there will be 5 candidates. Here and now we shall decide every detail and notify the people. Question?”

The room was filled with hands and paws. Everybody was eager to learn about the heir to the throne.

“Yes, Military Advisor Kundlur Gar.”

“I’ll ask the most important question that we all have in mind. How do we know that he is the real son of Princess Tala, she escaped the Empire 22 years ago. What proof does he have?“

Kardon gar son of Kundlur Gar was one of the candidates for the title. It was Kundlur’s dream to become a king but alas he was old while the nation needed a young and strong leader. He wasn’t planning to accept some random boy showing up and ruin his plans.

“I expected this question and ordered to bring the stone of the Kings from the castle. He can prove his identity on it. Will it satisfy your suspicions?”

“OBJECTION!”

“We can’t do it!”

“He is not a king yet.”

“I protest against this idea!”