Star Magi: A Space Opera Fantasy Adventure (Star Magi Saga Book 1)

by Andrew Dobell

  Gala Politic

  Red City, Axia, Proxima Cenuari

  ‘So, what did the wardens say?’ Rane asked, referring to Axia’s law enforcement.

  ‘They looked at the footage, but the Magus who’d done this had been thorough and covered their tracks. The surveillance of the area had shut off shortly before the explosion and they couldn’t find anything.’

  ‘And the guy you beat up?’ Valerya asked.

  ‘His mind was a mess. I had a look in there, but I couldn’t see anything to use. I doubt they’ll find anything.’

  ‘Still, a bit of drama to liven things up for you.’

  Amanda smiled. ‘I guess.’

  They were walking through the base of the spire, just above where the vast tower attached to the dome below it, making their way to the grand ballroom where the gala was being held. Around them, men, women, and androids walked alongside them, making their own way to the event, with everyone wearing some of the most stunning outfits she had ever seen.

  There was the complete range from the ridiculously over the top to the refined and reserved, and everything in between in this formal gathering. Some of them were obviously Magical. One dress was trailing glittering floating sparkles, another faded off to mist towards the floor and glided along rather than walked, and a man nearby wore a cloak made from flames.

  To her left, Rane wore a white and gold outfit with a long skirt with gold detailing and a long train behind it. It pinched in at the waist and flared out at the shoulders. She completed it with an opulent gold headdress.

  By comparison, Valerya wore a plain black dress with a slit up one leg and her hair pulling tightly back from her head. Beside her, Aris wore an equally simple black suit with a black shirt and black tie.

  Luckily for Amanda, the attendant in the shop had managed to find more stock of the dress she’d found moments before the explosion in the back of the shop. The shimmering, iridescent metal pink dress was a halter neck, backless design, and quite revealing. The skirt was short with a small slit up either side to show off her legs even more than it already did. She’d also found some sparkly heels to go with it. She’d also added a shimmering effect that glittered and floated off the dress into the air around her. She didn’t want to go too over the top, but she loved the fact that she could show off her Magic a little.

  The dress looked like it was made from a cross between sequins and chainmail, but pretty. It had a weight to it that she liked, but after wearing the fitted bodysuits, she felt kind of free in this outfit.

  It was a nice feeling, and she’d already noticed a few approving looks from some of the other guests.

  ‘I didn’t really need any further drama to liven up my day, though,’ Amanda commented, answering Rane’s comment.

  ‘Does drama seem to just follow you around?’ Aris asked.

  ‘Comes with being a Magus, doesn’t it?’

  ‘I wouldn’t know,’ Valerya commented.

  ‘Yeah, it does,’ Rane added.

  ‘So, what do you think the bomber meant by what he said?’

  ‘ “The Dynasties say hi”? Well, sounds to me like someone doesn’t want you here,’ Valerya said.

  ‘But who?’

  ‘I could point my finger at most of the ambassadors here, and the business leaders and other dignitaries,’ Rane answered. ‘The list is endless.’

  ‘Do you think they know why I’m here?’ Amanda said, before adding through their Link, ~Do they know about the Terran Alliance, I mean?~

  ‘Doubtful,’ Rane answered. ‘But, you’re the first Earth Magus to come before the Nexus in a long time. Plus, they might now know of the Dragon attack, so there’s that.’

  ‘If any of the people here are in league with the Crux, they won’t want you here,’ Valerya said.

  ‘I doubt that any of them would want Earth coming over to the Nexus and poking its nose into Nexus affairs,’ Rane added.

  ‘You’re right, the Earth could be a threat, and an unknown one at that,’ Valerya said.

  ‘Excellent,’ Amanda said. ‘Sounds like I’m walking into the Lion's den.’

  ‘A-ha, I get that reference now. I looked Lions up on the Arkady.’

  Amanda laughed. ‘Good for you.’

  Valerya nodded with a smile, looking proud of herself.

  They continued on and walked through a broad, opulent corridor with plush red carpets and decorative cream walls hung with gilded paintings, including some in which the images in them moved. Huge vases held well cared for potted plants while statues and other ornaments sat on tables here and there. Passing through a large open doorway, they entered into a massive room with an elaborately painted dome roof, that was, if anything, even more opulent than the corridor they had just been in. There was more magic on display in here as well with performers in long trailing outfits gliding through the air above their heads in an intricate, ballet-like dance.

  There were some huge displays around the room that people were looking at. The closest one consisted of a large tree with hundreds of roots growing from a rock. Golden mist threaded up and through the tree, glittering in the light while pretty bird-like creatures fluttered through its branches as the tree constantly seemed to move, changing shape randomly.

  ‘Each Dynasty has created one of these displays,’ Rane explained. ‘That’s the Septhian one.’

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ Amanda remarked, enjoying the slow, gentle movement of the display. She walked up to it, and as she got close, some of the birds fluttered around her. ‘Whoa,’ she gasped as they flew away again.

  Rane laughed.

  ‘You didn’t say they were interactive,’ Amanda exclaimed, stepping back and looking at Rane accusingly before smiling and laughing.

  Rane shrugged happily.

  ‘There’s a lot of people here.’

  ‘Certainly are,’ Rane agreed. ‘You have the Dynasty ambassadors, their aids, as well as officials and diplomats from each Dynasty. There are also representatives from businesses and organisations from across Nexus space. Not to mention the ACG — the Aetheric Crafting Guild. This is also a charity event, so there’s a lot of representatives of various charities as well.’

  ‘Okay,’ Amanda said, feeling a little overwhelmed as a waitress wandered over to them with a tray of drinks. Amanda took one of the flutes filled with a sparkling golden liquid after seeing Rane take one of them, too. She sipped it. It wasn’t champagne exactly, but it wasn’t far off in taste, either. She liked it.

  ‘Look, so, I’ll help you; I know all the people you should be aware of here, all the ambassadors you will meet tomorrow in the Council meeting anyway, and they’re the ones you need to be aware of tonight,’ Rane said.

  ‘I’ve seen a few of them already,’ Valerya added.

  ‘Yeah, they’re around,’ Rane agreed. ‘Let’s go over here,’ Rane suggested, guiding her to a raised area that looked over most of the room. Walking up, they stopped at a railing and looked out over the incredible spectacle of the event they were a part of as more people arrived.

  ‘This is amazing,’ Amanda said.

  ‘It is impressive, isn’t it,’ Rane agreed.

  ‘I’ll say one thing for the Nexus, they know how to throw a party,’ Valerya commented.

  Amanda could see a band playing off to one side of the room, their instruments looked like they were made out of gold and silver glittering metals, and as they played them, coloured light flowed off the instruments and up into the air to spiral around the dancers as they swooped through it. As the floating performers glided through the lights, they turned into intricate helixes or split off into other directions, creating a light show of colour and music.

  ‘Incredible,’ Amanda whispered.

  ‘Okay, focus, Mandy,’ Rane said. ‘Look, let me point a few people out to you and make you aware of a few things.’

  Amanda looked back at Rane. ‘Sorry, just getting caught up in the moment.’

  ‘I know. And it’s something the Dynasties
will use. Distraction and flashy shows of power are great tools when used well.’

  Amanda nodded. ‘Of course.’

  ‘Good. Okay, so it looks to me like all the Dynasties are represented here, but their interplay is complex, partly because of the conflicts and alliances between them. They might all look best of friends here, but believe me, they’re not. Many of them are at war with one or more of their neighbours, while also having treaties with some of the others. It’s complex, and you don’t need to know everything.’

  ‘Good,’ Amanda commented, already feeling a little overwhelmed.

  ‘For instance, that’s the Trexeler ambassador there. The Trexeler are in conflict with the Palashain and Larzentus, who’s ambassadors are… there and there,’ Rane explained, pointing people out. ‘The Wrexleith, that’s their ambassador over there; they’re fighting with the younger Dynasty, the Dimande, over territory. The Dimande are in negotiations with the Palashain and Bellaxon for help in that fight, but I’ve heard reports that the Wrexleith are also talking to the Bellaxon and granting them access to trade routes through to the Foundation. Then you have the Aristax and Solidaire, who used to be one Dynasty, but split millennia ago when the leaders of each family, who were in a relationship, split up. They’ve been fighting and bickering ever since.’

  ‘Christ on a bike, you weren’t kidding when you said it was complex,’ Amanda commented.

  ‘No, I wasn’t,’ she smiled.

  ‘Okay, so I’m never going to remember all of this right now, so, let’s scale it down. In your opinion, which Dynasties should I be focusing on today and would be most relevant to this whole thing with the Crux and Archons?’ Amanda asked.

  ‘That’s easy,’ Valerya said.

  ‘Go on,’ Rane encouraged her.

  ‘The territories of the Valk, Arcturus, and Septhian Dynasties lay directly between us here at Axia and Crux Space,’ Valerya explained.

  ‘That area of space is a long way beyond those Dynasties’ territories. though, and its location has been rumour and conjecture since forever. You’re sure it’s there?’ Rane asked.

  ‘Believe me, it’s there,’ Valerya commented, her tone abrupt.

  ‘Okay, three Dynasties, so, tell me about them. You said the Valk?’

  ‘That’s the Valk ambassador over there, Sortheen Vysh. The Valk are quite isolationist, preferring to act unilaterally. Their society is quite authoritarian, from my point of view, and they’re always fighting with the Arcturus and Septhian Dynasties, which lie on either side of them.’

  ‘They sound delightful,’ Amanda commented, looking over at the Valk Ambassador, who stood talking with a few other people. He was tall and thin, with a fitted frock coat and perfect hair.

  ‘I don’t like them personally, but that doesn’t mean they’re working with the Crux.’

  ‘Of course. And the other two?’

  Rane looked around. ‘Okay, there, that’s the Arcturus ambassador,’ she said, pointing out a short man with a big beard and a bigger grin. He was laughing and enjoying himself, holding a large drink in his hand.

  ‘You mean Gimli from Lord of the Rings,’ Amanda smirked.

  ‘I have no idea who that is,’ Rane answered quizzically. ‘But his name is Gorthon Druk. They’re a little rough around the edges, but the Arcturuns have been losing ground to the Valk for a long time now as the Valk pursue their expansionist agenda. The Arcturuns have allied with the Septhians to help resist the Valk. That’s the Septheian ambassador there, Lusha Ultris,’ Rane explained, pointing to a woman standing not too far from Druk.

  She was tall and thin with long blonde hair and wore elaborate robes.

  ‘And there’s Galadriel,’ Amanda muttered, much to her own amusement. ‘So, do you think it would be worth talking to them tonight?’

  ‘Can’t hurt,’ Valerya said.

  ‘I don’t think it’s a bad idea,’ Rane agreed. ‘But be careful. Speaking with an ambassador can be seen by their rivals as you wanting to side with them. The politics here can be petty and childish, really. There’s a lot of one-up-manship.’

  ‘I’ll bear that in mind,’ Amanda said, looking out at the three Ambassadors as they talked with the people around them while she sipped her drink.

  Honestly, the politics didn’t sound very different to what she had experienced before back on Earth with the Magi Council and the various Covens that were a part of the Arcadian Magi. This was just on a much bigger scale.

  ‘So, what do you think of our little party?’

  Amanda turned to see Elden Tempus standing behind them. He wore a flattering dark suit with gold flourishes at his cuffs and around his shoulders, giving him an opulent feel.

  ‘It’s very impressive,’ Amanda answered honestly. ‘I’ve never seen anything like it on Earth before.’

  ‘I expect not,’ Elden smiled. ‘I heard about the attempt on your life earlier today. I’m sorry we couldn’t prevent such a horrific thing from happening. You have my sincerest apologies.’

  Amanda smiled at him. ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘That means a lot, but honestly, it’s not the first time, and I can handle myself.’

  ‘Of course, but still, it upsets me that it even happened at all,’ he said, pausing before continuing. ‘So, you must be well known amongst the Earth Magi if you had such things happen to you there?’

  ‘Not as well known as some, I don’t think, but I made a name for myself, I guess,’ she mused. ‘I took a proactive approach to confronting some of the Nomads on Earth, which made me less popular with them.’

  ‘Aaah, yes. That would do it. Will you be bringing this… proactive approach to the Nexus and the Dragons?’

  Amanda smiled. He was trying to get information out of her. ‘Perhaps. If they can attack Earth, Ultima Thule, and Sol Prime, then they can attack anywhere. Nowhere is safe if they can penetrate this deep without detection.’ She briefly thought about adding in a hint that maybe someone helped them, but then chose to leave it out. He might pick up on the unsaid thought anyway.

  ‘You might be right,’ he answered her.

  Amanda raised her eyebrows. Might? There was no might about it, she thought and was about to tell him so when he continued on.

  ‘So, apart from the unfortunate event today, are you settling in okay? We do things a little differently out here.’

  Amanda looked at him for a moment, wondering what he was playing at by changing the topic of conversation. But she guessed he had his reasons. It could be just that he wanted to save this topic for tomorrow and the meeting, so, she let it go for now.

  ‘Not as different as you might think. Humans will be humans, after all. You’re just several steps ahead of Earth.’ He smiled at her answer. She wondered if his question was a subtle dig towards her. A reminder that she was from a more primitive world?

  ‘I guess so. Well, I hope you enjoy the night. I have lots more guests to speak to, if you’ll excuse me?’

  ‘Of course, maybe I’ll see you later, or, if not, then tomorrow,’ and with that, he bid them all good night and wandered off.

  ‘What do you make of that?’ Amanda asked her three companions.

  ‘I think he’s just unsure what you’re really here for. I think you make him nervous. I mean, what you potentially represent,’ Rane explained.

  ‘An expansionist Earth,’ Amanda commented.

  ‘Good,’ Valerya added.

  Amanda smiled at Valerya’s outburst.

  ‘Well, we have all night, let’s take a wander through the hall and have a look around. We can swing back around to the ambassadors shortly,’ Rane suggested.

  ‘Sounds good,’ Amanda said and followed Rane off the elevated section of the hall. They walked and talked, marvelling at the dancers above and the installations the Dynasties had placed around the room. Food was made available, and there was an endless supply of drinks. Amanda made sure to use her Magic to keep the drink from affecting her too much, though.

  Eventually, they moved towards the
ambassadors and approached the Arcturus and Septhian representatives. They waited their turn, and after a short wait, the opportunity to talk to them presented itself. Amanda and Rane stepped forward with Valerya and Aris close behind.

  ‘Miss Rane,’ Gorthon said on seeing her. ‘How’s Earth these days? Still as dull as ever?’ he laughed.

  ‘It has its exciting moments,’ Rane answered. ‘How are you, Ambassador Druk?’

  ‘Good, good, very good. All the better for getting a drink or three down my throat, you know?’ he laughed again and patted her on her shoulder.

  ‘Always about the drink, Gorthon,’ Lusha smiled, having finished a few last pleasantries with the people they had been speaking to before them. ‘Lovely to see you again, Rane. What brings you back to civilisation? Is your mother here?’

  ‘Ylena is around somewhere, yes.’

  ‘I must find her soon,’ Lusha commented.

  ‘Indeed. She’s a fine woman, your mother. A fine woman,’ Gorthon added.

  ‘I’ll be sure to let her know.’

  ‘You do that, girl, you do that. Now, are you just going to stand there flapping that mouth of yours or are you going to introduce me to your friend here?’ he said, glancing at Amanda. Amanda smiled back, curious to see their reaction when they found out where she was from.

  ‘Of course, in fact, she’s the reason the Ormonds are here today. This is Representative Amanda-Jane Page… from Earth…’ Rane said, and let it hang in the air.

  Amanda saw the information register on their faces and couldn’t help the slight smirk as they realised they had both just insulted her home planet.

  ‘Well, why didn’t you fraying say so when you walked up here?’ Gorthon blurted out.

  ‘Miss Page,’ Lusha began, stepping forward and offering her hand. ‘Forgive our loose tongues; we’re not used to visitors from Earth. I hope you’re enjoying the evening?’

  ‘Very much so, and don’t worry, I am aware of the general stereotype that Earth apparently has within the Nexus,’ Amanda answered with a smile.

  ‘Must be quite a change from what you’re used to, aye?’ Gorthon asked.

  ‘It’s very impressive,’ Amanda answered.