The guard who ran to inform the king burst through the throne room doors, panting as he stumbled forward. James stood at the sudden, violent intrusion, eyes narrowing on the guard as his thoughts flew wild with fear, concern, and anger at the interruption.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, staring at the guard gasping for breath. When no response came, he strode towards the man. "Do not hold your tongue, speak!"
"My king," the guard panted, "you won't believe this, but we have found icodine."
James's expression shifted and he moved to the guard with haste. Seizing the man's shoulders, he pulled him up. "What? It can't be!"
"Yes, my king, icodine."
James released him, pacing back and forth as he raked his hand through his hair. "Get my transportation ready immediately," he ordered.
Queen Essa, alarmed by the urgency, approached him. "James, what's going on? What is icodine?"
"It's a rare substance," James explained hurriedly. "No one has been able to find any for hundreds of years. We must go immediately."
The queen and king rushed out as horses were saddled for them, the quickest way to make it into the woods where the icodine flowed. Little was spoken as they thundered into the back pastures of the castle, making a break for the forest. It didn't take them long to enter and slow down, making their way through the trees a short distance. The icodine gushed upwards and boiled along the crack in the ground.
Jacob hurried towards his father, eyes bright with curiosity. "What does it mean, Father? What is it and why is it here?"
James dismounted and stared at the icodine, a smile growing across his face at the realization of his luck. "Icodine is a very powerful substance. It can be used as a power source and launch entire planets into a new age of technology. It hasn't been found in an y recent history. That's how rare this resource is." He shook his head in awe. "This, Jacob, was used in ancient days by powerful planets to win wars and enslave people. Even the smallest amount is enough to power a city."
The king turned his attention to the guard. "Go, get more men here. We need to secure the area and have the icodine contained. I will send our scientists and researchers here." He looked around at the small group and lifted his hands. "Our days as the laughing stock of the Power Six Planets are over! It is our time now!" Confused and delighted murmuring filled those around, the idea of rising from their place being one that brought much hope.
Workers arrived quickly with researchers, creating a path through the woods and pulling down trees to open an area for movement, everyone shouting back and forth with instructions. Jacob stood with James, watching in fascination as the workers were directed in what to do. They smashed along different sections of the fault line, ready to unearth the kingdom's buried secrets. Icodine erupted along the line in a series of geysers, shooting into the sky.
"Procure every last drop!" James directed, the researchers assuring that even the icodine collected with dirt could be purified and used.
His men nodded, their eyes lit with ambition as they filled special metal containers with the precious substance, loading them onto hover trucks in a frenzied rush, driven by the thrill of what was to come.
As the final metal container settled atop the hover truck, James called out to his men, "Bring the containers to our scientists to stabilize it!" He stood tall and firm, his eyes lit with a new fire that burned just as bright as the sun itself. This was not just a mission but a transcended step for James's entire bloodline.
With the icodine collected, teams were set up at the site to keep searching in case more was found. The rest arrived at the scientists and so began the painful wait to get word of stabilization. Days passed, James growing anxious and Jacob continually visiting the building where the scientists worked, only to be turned away at the danger of the area. Every moment brought hope of success and fear of failure.
Finally, after a week passed, the scientists sent a request for an audience with the king, a mark that they came bearing important news. The castle was in a flurry of excitement, the request granted as the royal family waited in the throne room for the arrival of the scientists. It took every ounce of self-control for Jacob and James to remain instead of rushing to meet them for the news immediately. But the gravity of the moment outweighed impatience.
The scientists appeared in the finest attired, a stark contrast to their usual lab coats. Anxiety, anticipation, and excitement emanated from them, James's smile growing at the emotions coursing through everyone.
"Welcome esteemed scientists," he greeted, his voice echoing off the walls. "I trust you bring me good news of our endeavor?"
The lead scientist stepped forward, clutching the report tightly. "Your Majesty, we stand before you today with a remarkable discovery and the best of news. The icodine is ready for use. After countless trials and sleepless nights, we have successfully synthesized it."
"I knew you would succeed," James grinned, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Tell me, what have you learned during this process? Is your process reliable and what potential does it hold?"
With a deep breath, the lead scientist smiled, handing the report to James as she began to speak, "We've discovered that the icodine possesses remarkable properties in energy and sustainability. Its potential is limitless and can advance this planet dramatically. The process of synthesizing is flawless and replicable, using a specific and carefully precured code to shift the molecules in a way that makes it harnessable. With it, we believe we can advance all our technology, jump forward in machinery, revolutionary armor, advanced weaponry, and even a planetary shield itself. The energy is clean and will reduce our pollution and reliance on the sources we currently use and must trade for from other planets."
James nodded, hands pressed together at the weight and reality of such a large step. "This will change the fate of our kingdom and our people. You should all be very proud of what you've achieved. Your names will be shared through tales and songs, I am sure, and I will reward you greatly for your effort."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," lead scientist replied, her voice filled with gratitude. The group bowed, leaving the palace with a sense of purpose and excitement. The possibility and potential of the very substance that would advance their kingdom beyond anything else lay in their hands.