Marcus's good mood was destroyed when he was notified that his most notorious son had disappeared.
Scipio went to the Exodus Cluster edge and then north.
'He passed the Horsehead Nebula, not getting close to the galaxy centre; instead, he went further east.
Argus Rho?'
The Emperor pondered as he checked the galaxy map.
'There is nothing there of notice. I can assume that the only thing he could find on that side of the galaxy is pirates and mercenaries.'
Marcus groaned; he realised that he can't stop him; there is no reason to! Whatever Scipio does there will only benefit him and his empire.
'Ugh! Sometimes I hate the fact they can be that good with their moves.'
As they say: Suffering from success, in the most literal sense! His sons and daughters are just as smart as he is, so their moves are just as good. Scipio made a move in such a way that Marcus has no way to complain.
"Legion, connect me with G-Force." The Emperor sat down on his throne as holograms surrounded him.
[One moment.]
Seconds later, Rakhasa and Sakuya appeared as holograms before him.
'Right, Lloyd is busy in Eden Prime.'
"What can we do for you, Your Majesty?" Sakuya asked him; his niece has become quite a beauty, though…
Sakura… well, that girl is a different thing altogether. The Emperor is certain that Kaguya is teaching her how to be a naughty woman.
After all, he has two kids with Kaguya; one can say that his Prime Minister is what they call a true woman schemer.
That woman became one of those who benefited most from his movable secondary capital.
She would visit him for a week at a time to discuss the Empire's expansion, which would lead to certain events.
And of course Sakura, that girl would be there to 'learn'.
Regardless, back to business.
"I require a temporary signal booster to contact the Empire. I got a coded message from Sentry Array: Scipio with his entire retinue left for Attican Traverse." Marcus dropped the news…
It's literally the frontier of the galaxy.
Terminus systems, the pirate haven, have more civilised worlds than Attican Traverse.
Terminus is the North of the Galaxy, and Attican Traverse is the buffer zone, but that buffer zone is small on the West side of the galaxy; it basically doesn't even exist to some extent; it can be debatable, but on the East side? It's the whole side! Millions of stars unexplored.
There are no known colonies on that side of the galaxy; humans were the first ones to settle there in the other timeline.
Like the Horizon colony… but at the moment there is nothing there… all you can find is pirates, mercenaries, slavers and all that.
Some unlucky trade ships or mining bases that corporations build end up as prey; that is why the Citadel doesn't get involved when people leave their space.
Instead, these corporations hire mercenaries, mostly Turian or Krogan, though there are Asari and Salarian mercs as well. Still, those operate more on the west side of the galaxy and mostly in Asari-colonised space.
One of the worlds that is well known is Ilium, full of drugs, people trafficking, and barely any regulations when it comes to technology.
"I see. You want one powered by a GN Drive… or we could use the alien communication tech. It's not that different from ours; however, the conversation will not be encrypted to our liking." Rakshasa said with a pondering tone.
"Hmm… I'll give you a day or so to figure something out in the meantime. I would prefer some sense of privacy, learn whatever you can from their communication technology." Marcus said with a sigh. It wasn't perfect for him.
"A challenge, huh. Very well, I will see what we can do." The mobile suit developer showed him a fearless look; she likes these kinds of challenges.
"Indeed, good luck, you two." With that said, the call ended; moments later, a pink-haired beauty ended up sitting on his lap, snuggling into his neck.
"What are you going to do with the wayward son of yours?" Euphemia whispered into his ear.
"Do? Nothing. Use it? Yes." He wrapped his hands around her waist.
"Fufufu, is that so?" The Empress of Diplomacy giggled. She already knew where this was going!
"That is right, I will tell our new friends about Scipio; they will follow his progress and will learn about him and his nature, at the same time will understand the power and the autonomy of my family.
Each prince and princess is a nation in its own right, a kingdom within the Empire.
Scipio will leave a trail of chaos and destruction." He explained while holding her in his hands.
Euphemia smirked, as she began to think how to use that in her diplomatic meetings.
"I suppose we can mention what he is doing to the council so they can proceed with their observations." She suggested to him.
"Indeed, and it's about to continue our negotiations."
"Yes."
~~~
Sure enough, around midday, according to the Citadel's time, Marcus and his family returned to the negotiation table. This time it was aboard Avalon, as the Emperor invited more delegations from the negotiating races.
Members from the Asari Republics, Salarian Union and Turian Hierarchy, even members of Volus, the associate race that supports the Turians.
The Volus race has an interesting relationship with Turians, as they are commercial people, the ones responsible for inventing the credit system. They are the ones that run the economy while Turians are the muscle.
Now they found the Empire very interesting. Insanely powerful terraforming abilities, non-rogue AI, advanced technology…
They could not only profit from trade but improve their lives with terraforming and technology that could boost their clunky, pressurised suits.
The two Empresses and a Princess arrived at the hangar waiting area, where the delegations were waiting for them.
"Oh my… that's a lot of people." Euphemia's eyes widened as she saw at least twenty people looking around, inspecting the Imperial style of the interior.
This time around, Marcus was at the negotiation table with his daughter Daphne and Hadrian, while Euphemia and Lacus were with Calypso to oversee trade agreements in detail.
"You must be the Empress of Diplomacy. Good day to you. We come from the Asari Republics; we would like to start the negotiations on products. We have heard that we should do this as soon as possible." One of the Asari said with a strained smile.
She is part of the government, and she has heard what awaits them in the dark space. Stuff like that… well… she would rather focus on her work instead of thinking about living machines.
"Indeed." The Pinkette smiled back as she looked at other people; there were turians, salarians, and these smaller people wearing suits of some sort. They were on the fatter side as well.
'According to what I know… they are called Volus?'
"We can start; however, I am not privy to the commercial aspect of the Empire." Euphemia nerviously chuckled; she didn't expect them to act so fast.
"...Then when can we expect a representative for trade, Terra-clan?" The little fat alien in a suit asked.
The Empress was confused for a second; why call her like that?
"...Terra-clan?" The Pinkette commented.
"It's the way Volus speaks. I do apologise if they offended you." The Turian chipped in to clarify.
"Oh, no, it's fine. I never was called like that before." The Empress of diplomacy replied, finding it interesting to be called like that. She is learning something new…
A species that focuses on clans and commerce…
"Regardless, the 6th Princess, Yue Anaheim, will be arriving—" As she said that, her gaze went to the side where a new group arrived. Leading the front was a girl dressed in expensive Chinese-style clothes.
This lady was Yue Anaheim, 6th Princess, daughter of Marcus Anaheim and Mei Anaheim. Before becoming an Empress, Mei was called Wang Liu Mei, a Heiress of Wang Conglomerate; Yue inherited the knack for business from her mother's side.
It didn't take Yue long to abuse the gifts her father had given her. Geass, higher intellect, Legion support; in a matter of a few short years, the commercial side of the Empire was under her control.
Thus, her father rewarded her with complete control of the Empire's commerce; now the Princess is known as the Princess of Money, Wealth, or Trade, depending on who you ask.
"Oh, there you are." Euphemia smiled.
"I knew that father would pull one of his trademark reveals. So I left home early." Yue said with a matter-of-fact tone. She inherited her father's smarts and her mother's wits.
She followed what her father did. So it was a simple matter of acting before he did.
"Wonderful, then we will assist you this time around." Lacus smiled as she walked over to the black-haired girl; the Princess inherited her mother's bodylines while her father's hair and eyes.
"I appreciate it; I never negotiated with different species before, it will be a new experience for me." The girl sounded worried, but she kept her confidence form.
One thing for sure, she won't disappoint her father.
"It will be a new experience for us all." Euphemia wrapped her hand around the princess' waist as she winked friendly at her, making the black-haired princess smile at the Empress. Euphemia was always one of her favourite mothers.
Though the Princess' followers were a bit speechless, the cruel Princess who basically exterminates corrupt and bribed people is smiling like that…
Eventually, the trio of pinkettes and the newly arrived black-haired princess walked over to the waiting representatives.
~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
In one of the major Imperial meeting rooms in the Imperial Palace above the city in Avalon, Marcus brought the council and the representatives to continue the meeting.
"Welcome to Anaheim Imperial Palace, members of Council races. My name is Marcus Justinian Anaheim, the Emperor of the Empire of Sol."
All of them did a small bow; the Asari took a step forward, and the leading Matriarch asked with a respectful tone.
"I hope that we can see the Dead Reaper you have with our eyes."
"Of course, Javik is here if you wish to speak with him." Marcus motioned towards the side where Javik revealed himself.
"...a living Prothean…" The Dalatrass of the Salarian Union said, wide-eyed.
"Indeed. While I do not care about the politics, I recommend working with the Empire as they are the only ones that will help you survive the arrival of the reapers.
The cycle should start soon. There is more than enough space-faring civilisations in the galaxy for them." The Prothean Commander said with a matter-of-fact tone.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Javik is one of those 'trolls' who doesn't mind messing with people, as he is well aware of how these 'primitives' think after touching a couple of them and learning their experiences.
He simply adjusted and began to troll.
"We would like to hear about them from your tales, Commander Javik." Primarch Fedorian asked, as he wanted to learn as many details as he could about the upcoming enemy of the entire Galaxy.
"I tell whatever I know, Turian; for now, sign your treaties." With that said, the Prothean turned around and left.
"Quite an interesting individual," Fedorian said, making the Matriarchs comments.
"The fact that he is the only one remaining from his species must have hit him hard."
"For now." Marcus mysteriously smiled at them.
"...For now?"
"I have more than enough DNA samples to create a gene pool and recreate the Protheans." Marcus dropped a bombshell.
"...Is that how you have this many colonies and people, in mere 211 years?" Dalatrass of the Salarians realised what the Emperor meant by that.
"Indeed. I have mastered biology many years ago. Reapers are not the only ones that can make and deploy armies en masse."
Now that was quite the drop of information, making many of them shiver. Biological manipulation, or genetic alteration, is forbidden by the council.
However… if this continues, the Imperials will literally outpace them in everything!
"Such a thing… The council outlaws it. I do hope that we could get some boundaries in place?" One of the Asari Matriarchs asked.
Marcus simply smirked at her request.
"Everything has a price, Matriarch; it depends if you can pay it. Persuading me is quite hard. I have been leading my people since the beginning of the Empire.
And I don't intend to stop it unless there is a good alternative."
"... it's unnatural, and such a thing will bite back at you." The Matriarch tried to pull one on him. It has been centuries since someone pulled that on him.
"Spiritual and moral approach? That's amusing." Marcus chuckled as he took a seat.
"You have no idea how much time we spend to master these technologies; I don't need to hear it from someone who can't develop a decent AI model." Marcus 'bite' back at their inability.
"...Father…" Daphne whispered to him as she tried to calm the Emperor down. The moment he starts 'biting', well…things can get out of control.
Though the Asari are not hotheaded, they swiftly adjusted; another Matriarch stepped in.
"I do apologise, but we have experienced many things over the years. From AI to genetic manipulation… we have certain prejudices and rules." The Asari explained as she tried to calm down the Emperor and explain herself.
"I know that. That is why, as my wife said to you before. We don't need to join your citadel. Our Empire is not compatible with your laws, regulations and rules."
"Forget about that! It doesn't matter now! We have a citadel that can become a Mass Relay at any moment! We have no idea how it works, or the schematics, nothing!
Who cares if they make people or utilise AI! ALL OF IT WORKS!" Primarch Fedorian stepped in, making the Asari and Salarian stop, as the Turian was getting extremely annoyed by the typical paper pushing at this moment.
"We don't have time to be picky!" He reminded them of the big bad machines waiting in dark space.
"We have no idea when these reapers will attack; we don't have a timetable to work with." The Dalatrass said with a sigh.
"Precisely my point! It could be today, or a year from now! We must get this bureaucracy out of the way and work on moving the capital!"
"He is right. Then let's get this over with." The Asari Matriarch agreed, then walked over and took her seat.
Salarians and Turian followed after, and soon enough they got back to the table.
"Let's get to it. Emperor of Sol, what do you want from the Citadel?" Fedorian began, though the Council should have done it. But they are just representatives. Instead, the leaders themselves are doing the negotiating.
"There isn't much that I want." Marcus shrugged. Perfectly honest, he is here to look around and check out the aliens. His empire is doing fine without him, as expansion in Petra and Exodus continues.
"What I want is for you to follow our rules when you are in my space, and when we are working for you." The Emperor said with a matter-of-fact voice.
"When my ships and people work to colonise the world, they will answer to me; once that is done and we give the world to you, your people can do as they please."
"That is fine with us. In fact, I suggest we adjust the laws and regulations to the Empire's standard."
"And give away our freedom?" Salarian diplomat complained.
"You will, either way, be following it when the terraforming and construction will start in the new capital."
"I suggest planets where Imperials live and work; our law should exist. We don't request that Sur'kesh, Thessia or Palaven follow our standards.
But where we live, they should be there. Our people can read minds and have a sixth sense that sees things your species could not. The same is for us. Some of you see more than we can." Daphne looked at the Asari and Salarian who can see certain waves.
"...Very well, you bring a fair point. We don't have laws for mind reading." Asari grimaced.
Thankfully, there were not that many hurdles as things moved at a rapid pace.
With laws and regulations becoming 'flexible', things became easier.
Eventually, it was time for the military.
"Your Majesty, now that most of the things are out of the way. I would like to talk about the military, your mobile suits… could we get help in developing something like that?" Fedorian asked hopefully.
"Hmm, honestly, just because I find you a great leader, I could put you on the right track, Primarch Fedorian." Marcus smiled as he got up from the seat. The past couple of hours were extremely constructive; he was in a great mood.
"Oh?"
"Follow me. I will give you the pleasure of seeing my private collection."
"!" Everyone looked at each other; what he said sounded incredible; they were going to see his collection, most likely the entire history of these specific machines.
"Yes, all of you, it's time to stretch your bodies; sitting for hours is not good for your body, regardless of where you are from."
Marcus chuckled after seeing their expression.
The group followed him as he led them into the Palace interior. They noticed the change in guards the deeper they went. It went from ceremonial to black tactical gear, then to tactical gear plus cloaks. Clearing, they went somewhere where only royalty should be.
Then they passed specific doors, and inside the room it was spacious. When the lights came on, they saw tall machines lined up.
"What your kin must develop is a neural interface. Technology that allows a computer to read your intention and move accordingly.
We developed first models before the empire was a thing." Marcus stood before green machines that were barely five metres tall.
"Sharing my technology as it is will take you longer to integrate into your existing technology. Instead, I will share the basics.
What you are looking at is a Glasgow. It's a basic machine that has key parts needed to reverse-engineer and develop a neural interface that will fit with your physiology." The Emperor got closer to the knightmare.
"I see, this is the reason why the machines can move like they are living beings."
"That is correct, the seat inside can read your thoughts."
Marcus got on an elevated platform, motioning for the delegation to get closer.
The back opened, revealing the cockpit of the ancient machine.
"The control sticks allow you to manipulate the hands; the pedals control the speed." The Emperor explained to them.
"...fascinating, and these mobile suits were that capable before your species went to space?" The Salarian was inspecting the cockpit from another platform.
"The more precise explanation is a Knightmare. The definition of 'mobile suits' is something I came up with.
You see, Knightmares are built around the ejectable cockpit. In comparison, mobile suits are built around a power source.
I built my first three generations around a fusion reactor, a form of a miniature sun that fuels the suits." Marcus explained while recalling his younger days.
"Fusion without eezo… how is that even possible? How can you maintain such a core without melting?" The Salarians were in disbelief.
"You're looking at it in the wrong way. Instead of focusing on maintenance, you should think about moving and absorbing that heat.
Movement itself allows better containment. Just think about it. You have a torch, but you are only touching a single spot with the torch. That spot will start melting after a while; now imagine you are moving that torch around? It automatically becomes sturdier."
"...hmm… that is true… oh, is that how you understood how gravity moves? Fascinating! That is an incredible way of thinking.
If you worked on this for centuries, it makes sense you developed your way of FTL…"
Though Salarian realised that this would take them years to grasp without outside assistance… even with their intelligence.
'Their technology is hard-wired to work with proper AI.' The Dalatress realised.
"It's one part of it. But all of these advancements lead to the same conclusion." Marcus clarified, looking at Fedorian.
"Try getting into it, Primarch."
The Turian looked like a child who got into a sweet shop when he heard that.
"Don't mind if I do." The Turian leader jumped into the knightmare as he looked around.
"Fascinating. It will take some time to get used to this. Even more than regular military hardware."
The man immediately realised that these machines were not easy to pilot.
"Indeed, not everyone can pilot one. We went with selective breeding for the pilots for actual 5th generation Cataphracts; there is a reason why our Gundams are considered deities by civilians."
"...They do?" The Leaders looked surprised! Imperials worship the Mobile suits like that!?
"You don't even know half of it." Marcus grinned at them.
"There is a reason why nobility still exists at the current age. It's because it works. Meritocracy, hard work and rewarding hard work are part of it.
The other half is the machines that I will build. The Gundam Pantheon…"
"..."
"..."
"..."
The Emperor looked at them before showing a borderline childish expression and asking, barely hidden giddiness evident, as if he wanted to show something.
"Do you want to see it?" Marcus asked.
"...You mean?"
"The Gundams?"
"Can we?"
"Well… the other chance you will have is in the middle of a battlefield… and it could be not on your side."
"...I hope that won't be the case." The Asari Matriarch looked up as she saw an 18-metre machine standing. These things are enormous; now if they have entire armies of these…
"You will never know… Scipio already left the Imperial space."
"!!!"
All three races looked at him with slightly wide eyes.
"Did he…"
"He only took his retinue, thankfully. Well, taking a standing army is not easy. He would need to lie, and that would bite him later when he needed to explain himself to me.
That is why he only took his followers."
"...How large is his retinue?" Fedorian asked as he got out of the cockpit of the Glasgow.
His question made everyone stare at the Emperor as they waited for his explanation.
"Scipio's retinue is more of a cavalry type than a typical invasion fleet one would have.
He has sixteen battleships and fifty-four carriers with over a million foot soldiers." The Emperor explained to them.
"T-That's a lot of military might for one man!" The Asari exclaimed as they realised that it's a bigger fleet than the one that invaded the Batarians.
"Well, Scipio is the 2nd Prince. He is over two centuries old. Over that time, he gathered more than enough resources and followers." Marcus explained to them.
"Even then… having this much power… and then use it on a whim." The Asari and Salarians could not understand; even Turian struggled with how these people allow such a government model to exist
The Emperor chuckled at them.
"Thankfully for you, he went after pirates towards the Argos Rho cluster."
When they heard that, the council species sighed in relief.
"However, the Imperial fleet is extremely self-sufficient; the logistics ships have everything one needs for prolonged deployments. Scipio could be exploring the galaxy for years if he wants." Marcus dropped the news about the perks of his navy.
"..."
"..."
"...You mean… he could cross the whole galaxy? Make a circle and return through Citadel Space?" Asari realised that they could be on the Prince's radar.
"Precisely, though I do have spies in his fleet that will notify me of what his plans are. So far he wants to blow pirates up for trying to invade his brother's recently colonised world." Marcus chuckled. He is amused; for all of Scipio's faults, the prince is soft for his family.
"Do warn us when he is planning to enter our space… that man has a fleet big enough to invade a civilisation."
Fedorian grimaced, hoping for cooperation.
"I will, don't worry."
With that said, the Emperor motioned for them to follow him deeper into his workshop.
Once they passed through the collection corridor and entered the workshop, the lights came on, revealing a space that felt like an island surrounded by mobile suits.
"I do have to apologise, but all you can see is 4th generation machines. I call it the 'lost' generation.
After initial rapid technological progress, my attention went from mobile suit advancement to colonisation efforts.
That is why the 4th generation barely improved." The Emperor explained as he looked at 4th generation Alpha Tiranis.
"There is no need to apologise; it's already fantastic enough for us to see them." Fedorian looked at the small army of machines lined up around the workshop.
They realised that this was the place where the Emperor of Sol made machines that the Anaheim family could use to dominate their race to the point that people would follow, regardless of how whimsical their actions were.
"Though you can see him."
With the word alone, the line up began to shift. The massive platforms moved, revealing a single machine.
"When I develop a new generation of Gundam Thrones, I begin with a prototype platform.
What you are looking at is Gundam Throne Lugh, the baseline machine. I would build the same model with improved specs for five generations now.
This one is not different. The difference is an improved reactor. I am calling it the cosmic reactor.
A single reactor that is generating gravity and GN particles; it wasn't the easiest thing to pack two things into one." Marcus explained, looking at Lugh.
'Even at this stage of his empire, he is innovating…'
The Citadel species were a bit concerned about how driven the man before them was.
"I do want to remind you that Scipio has a Gundam Throne as well. If he is to turn hostile, you could expect to see his Praetor at the front leading his 2700 Cataphracts. His Aquila Legion." Marcus recalled the custom machines his son had.
"That's a lot of mobile suits." The Turian Primarch tried to wrap the number around his head.
"Indeed." The Emperor agreed with him in that regard, though he had more mobile suits...
~~~~~~Over a Week Later~~~~~~
Scipio looked at the green world before him. He was in a cluster called the Shadow Sea.
"Bloody hell, my luck is wild." The 2nd Prince swore under his breath.
"Father, this place is a genuine garden world, on a higher tier 1, close to tier 0." His eldest son, Augustus, said with a strained smile.
The only issue was that the day length was close to 40 hours and gravity was 0.7g, because the world wasn't that big… the radius at the equator was only about 5.4 thousand kilometres.
It's a planet on a smaller scale…
"You think I don't know? Damn it! Don't rub the damn salt! Imagine being over 10 thousand light years away from home, striking gold and not keeping it!" Scipio complained, gnashing his teeth.
The only Prince who has a genuine garden world is Darius! And the 2nd Prince is jealous! Terraformed worlds… is something anyone could govern, but none of them wants those! The only place Princes would want to govern is the big solar systems like Alpha Centauri, but that place went to the 13th Prince.
Instead, Everyone is hunting for genuine Garden Worlds that developed in ways unique to them, unlike terraformed worlds.
The downsides of Terraformed worlds are that they are an extension of Terra and its ecosystem. However, they are getting a bit diverse, thanks to Benning, Elysium, and now Eden Prime with the discovery of Dariuspolis, as those places have unique flora and fauna.
'Right, Academia exists as well. Tsk… Mother Milly and her nerds have a Solar System for themselves!'
"What are you going to do?"
"What I am going to do?" Scipio grimaced as he pondered for a second.
"I suppose bargain with my father." The 2nd Prince replied. He had no choice. He wanted this world! It's perfect for Imperial Life! Plus it's far away from Core Worlds; it's perfect for his private life, away from noisy mothers and father!
"You should, because if I were a betting man, my aunt would love to take this place off your hands." Augustus read through scouting reports.
"...Claudia?"
"Yes, Aunt Claudia, this world is like how our homeworld was in the Cambrian stage—abundance of Oxygen, meaning that it has considerable-sized bug-type animals.
Imagine having a chance to study a planet that was like Cambrian Earth."
"..." Scipio blankly stared at the world in the distance. His chance of getting this world just went down by several per cent.
His father is a big softy when it comes to his daughters; for him, winning that fight is hard.
"Then we will bargain with star charts. I want to double our exploration efforts. It would be perfect if we would find another Type 1 world!" The 2nd Prince barked orders, making his fleet spread out even more.
'There is no way I will allow something like this to fall into my sister's hands!'
The issue is that the 1st Princess, while a bit crazy, has contributed a lot to the Empire, from genetic treatments to colonial effort. The issue is that she doesn't have a world to call her own.
And that is an issue for other princes, as they could lose a garden world if the Princess is to show interest in a newly discovered world.
So all Scipio has to do is find another Garden World!
Though Claudia won't be an issue, as the Princess will soon be busy…
~~~
Multiple Warships passed through a Mass Relay as they entered the Trebia System in the Apien Crest Cluster.
This solar system is special as it belongs to the Turians; it's their home system.
The warships swiftly entered FTL and headed towards Palaven.
Moments later, a woman in her twenties looked through the simulated window at the greenish-silver world below.
This lady was the 1st Princess, the leading scientist in biology, genetics, and plant and animal mutation, and the master of the Xenomorph Legion. Her reason for being here was that she asked for permission to study Palaven and its unique flora and fauna.
Safe to say, Turians were happy to help, as it was an opportunity for them as well.
~~~
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