The Broken Peace
Imperial Palace Laconia

The marbled interior of the throne room glistened as the rays of the sun shone through the large windows on either side of the room. A red carpet ran the length of the center of the throne room, leading to the elevated throne. On both sides of the carpet stood the members of the Krypteia Honor Guard in full regalia. The courtiers dressed in their best attire stood behind the Honor Guard, waiting for the king's and his queen's arrival.

Alexander sat atop the throne, surveying the assembled crowd. He had few illusions that many among them preferred the leadership of the man they waited upon. Lysander was everything he was not. Lysander is charismatic, self-assured, charming, and a man of action. Legally, Alexander knew the throne belonged to him. Still, he also knew history was full of stories of failed kings and toppled thrones.

Queen Aspasia could almost feel her husband's discomfort from her seat beside him. She placed her hand on top of Alexander's to reassure him. "You will do fine, my love."

"They are all thinking the same thing," Alexander said. He looked out at the assembled crowd. "They know Lysander has children, and I do not."

"We are trying. The doctors-"

"Are fools," he said. Alexander looked at his wife and regretted his words. "I'm sorry, my dear. Father's death has put me on edge. Of course, you will conceive. Maybe tonight when all settles."

"I would like that."

The trumpets sounded, signaling the arrival of Lysander and his escorts. "King Alexander, Lord of the Five Worlds and the Spartiartes, it is my duty and honor to introduce King Lysander, King of the Spartiartes and Keeper of the Relm, with his queen, Dimitra."

The assembled crowd kneeled in unison as Lysander entered through two large double doors. He strode down the carpeted aisle dressed in his finest uniform. His gaze remained fixed on the elevated throne where Alexander observed his entrance. When he reached the foot of the steps leading to the throne, he stopped and knelt.

Alexander descended from the throne and stood before Lysander. "Hail Brother King Lysander, Protector of the Relm. Rise."

Lysander stood. "Hail Alexander, Brother King, Lord of the Five Worlds." With their greetings exchanged, the men embraced. A roar from the crowd burst forth, approving the two kings' meeting. Together, they turned to face the assembled mass, bowing slightly to them in gratitude. When the noise dyed down, Alexander spoke. "Brother King, how good it is to host you on Laconia. I trust the voyage was not unpleasant."

"Not at all Brother King, your man Tasso saw to our comfort."

"Ah yes, Tasso. I hoped he would join you."

"I'm afraid he's been delayed. A ship matter, nothing of great concern. He should join us for our meeting shortly."

"Good. Tasso will want to hear the news." Turning his attention to the queen, Alexander said, "Please forgive me for not greeting you sooner, Queen Dimitra. The affairs of state took my mind off your arrival. You look lovely as always."

"Thank you, my king. Will Queen Aspasia be available while you meet with my husband?"

"But of course." Alexander motioned for his queen to join him. Aspasia descended the steps and bowed in recognition to Lysander and Dimitra. "My dear, please escort Queen Dimitra to the reception you prepared."

"Queen Dimitra, I'm so glad you are with us today. Please join me. You must be tired after such a long journey."

"Thank you, Queen Aspasia. I am honored."

The queens left together as Alexander and Lysander stood at the foot of the steps leading to the throne. "Brother King," Alexander said, "I am sorry to say that we must begin our conference at once."

"Of course, I follow in your lead." The kings exited the throne room through the double doors while a small detachment of the Honor Guard followed. They entered a room with a large conference table inside.

Alexander sat at the head of the table. Lysander sat beside him in the chair to Alexander's right hand.

"There is much to discuss. I hope your man Tasso arrives soon."

Lysander checked a datapad, "Yes, he is on his way now. He will join us soon. So what can not wait for the Kings of Laconia?"

"Our mining operation has been compromised."

"Is that so? When?"

"I received word right before you arrived. An Anatolian science vessel was captured a few months back. The ship was destroyed, but the crew was held captive. Now, they have escaped, and Captain Baeder has also vanished."

"I told you not to trust a pirate. However, it matters little. The Anatolians were bound to discover our operation eventually."

The door to the conference chamber opened, and a member of the Honor Guard entered. "Pardon the interruption, Excellencies. Admiral Tasso has arrived."

"Splendid, show him in," said Alexander.

Tasso entered the room and bowed. "Excellencies, it is an honor to be in your presence."

"Thank you, Admiral. Please join us," Alexander replied.

Tasso sat near the two kings. "King Alexander, please accept my condolences on the passing of your father, King Brasidas."

"You are too kind, Admiral, thank you. I fear, though, that we have little time for sorrow. The crisis on Meteora is now at a critical juncture. Our mining operation has been compromised, and the Anatolians will soon learn of our discovery. Time is now of the essence. That is why I have called you both to Laconia."

"What do you mean, Brother King, when you say called?" asked Lysander.

"I mean that I have been in contact with a representative of Anatoli. He will be here by day's end."

"Who will be here?" demanded Lysander.

"Ekklesian Varro. He wants to discuss how best to end the crisis without war. He has a proposal that will suit our needs."

"Varro?" said Lysander. "You invited Varro to Laconia?"

"Not exactly. The man has friends among the Gerousia who approached me. Varro has a radical solution to the problem."

"That entails what?" demanded Lysander.

"A joint peacekeeping venture between Laconia and Anatolia. We will both send a fleet to Meteora. The Anatolians will continue to keep their forces on the ground. At the same time, our fleet will represent the MLA and their interests."

"You can't be serious," Lysander retorted. "Why would the MLA back down?"

"Because they would see that we stand in solidarity with Anatolia in an effort for peace. They will see their hopeless situation and agree to lay down their arms."

"In exchange for what?" Lysander demanded.

"For self-rule. Varro has assured me that Meteora will have a nearly complete home rule in exchange for remaining part of their empire. We will also have a right of passage through the system. In addition, the Assembly will acknowledge our claim to Carissa."

"The Assembly will stand aside and grant us access to the most valuable element in the galaxy?"

"I have assurances from Varro himself. It will be a done deal once he is elected Archon in a few months. The peace between Laconia and Anatolia will be assured, and the Meteoran Crisis will come to its end."

"Am I to assume you asked Admiral Tasso here to lead his fleet to Meteora?"

"No, that responsibility will be yours, Lysander."

"You can't be serious," Lysander said.

"I am. Tell me, Admiral, do you think Varro is an honest man?"

Tasso glanced at Lysander. "Yes, Excellency. Ekklesian Varro is one of the most honorable men in Anatolia. He worked night and day to broker the peace that ended the war between our worlds. It's his greatest legacy. If he is running for Archon, he will win. If he wins, he will keep his word to us."

"That is why I have agreed to meet Varro. That is also why, Brother King, you must lead the fleet to Meteora. It will prove our sincerity and is close to your home base on Thassara. So you see, Lysander, the choice falls on you."

"Insanity. Complete insanity. The MLA will never agree to this arrangement. Tasso, tell him his plan will not work."

"Excellency, the plan has merits. The MLA will lose support among the Meteorans once Laconia throws its support for self-rule. I have to say, King Alexander's plan may work."

"I see. Will the agreement be finalized once Varro arrives?

"Not officially. Official recognition will wait until Varro is elected. Varro will use the negotiations to his advantage and ensure his election. He gets to be seen as the man who kept the peace while we get to mine the Rabilix."

"When do I leave?" Lysander asked. Lysander seethed but realized Alexander bested him.

"A day or two after Varro's arrival. His councilorship will escort you to Meteora to assure the Anatolian fleet doesn't misinterpret your arrival as hostile."

"Very well. Admiral, you will make the arrangements."

"Actually, no, he will not," Alexander said. "Tasso will remain with me while you and Varro proceed to Meteora. I have other plans for the Admiral."

"As you wish, Brother King." Lysander rose and bowed. "By your leave," he said before storming from the conference room.

"Believe it or not, Admiral, that went better than expected. It's not often Lysander is out-maneuvered."

"Begging your pardon, but what is this assignment for me?"

"Yes, about that. I want to redeploy your fleet to Volos."

"Sir, that takes us too far away from Thassara to adequately defend. Lysander's fleet moving to Meteora would leave that space sector open to attack."

"Attack from whom? The peace is now assured, and your fleet's withdrawal will be a sign of good faith to the Anatolians."

"As you wish, King Alexander."

"Oh, there was one more thing, Admiral. Varro has requested an audience with you."

"May I ask why?"

"I'm not sure. To catch up on old times, perhaps.

"I will, of course, meet with him then. If you will excuse me. I have preparations to make."

"Of course, Admiral. It is good to see you again, my friend."

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