"We cannot fire first," Aegis decided. "Not yet. If we do, the Nebula Kings will intervene on the Kyros' side to maintain 'order.' We will meet them at the border. I will go personally. We will play the role of the humble Emperor one last time."
The "Diplomatic Meeting" was set to take place on a neutral station at the edge of the Helios system. Aegis prepared to depart, but a sudden complication arose. Bella was occupied with the stabilization of the world-core, and Caelum, sensing the shift in the palace's energy, refused to leave his father's side.
"Papa can you stay?" Caelum asked, his eyes wide and watery, his small hands clutching Aegis's imperial cloak.
Aegis sighed, his heart melting. He looked at Felix. "Is the neutral station secure?"
"It's a Tier 14 construct, My Lord. Shielded against everything but a direct Star-Cracker hit. And we'll have the Law-Binders in sub-space shadows."
