by Brian Dorsey
Stone knew it would. Dominotra and Astra were probably on the fifth revision to his schedule but now was not the time to be concerned about such matters. He was about to consummate his engagement to one of the most attractive, powerful, and sought-after women on the planet.
Well worth the pain of a stuffy dinner.
As the two walked down the corridors, they were greeted by almost everyone that passed. It was either “Good day, Colonel” or “My Lady” or some other acknowledgement of Stone’s rank or Astra’s social status. After a few moments, Astra stopped by a security door outside Stone’s new quarters.
“I’ve taken the liberty to add myself to your access list,” smiled Astra as she entered her identification code into the access panel.
The door slid open to Stone’s quarters.
He was stunned.
The entranceway led to a large room with a massive desk made from what appeared to be extinct Perilian wood.
Two guards snapped to attention as the couple entered the room. “Be gone,” ordered Astra with a wave of her hand as she moved into the room. The two guards quickly scurried out of the room and took up position just outside.
“The quarters are amazing,” mumbled Stone as he took it all in.
Marble covered the floors. Inlaid in the marble were bronzed depictions of Humani military might and political authority. Representations of Senatorial processions and famous battles were stamped in the shining metal. Columns had been placed in the entranceway to the room housing his desk. The columns, while providing no support, again were stylized. The column to the right was etched with the Lucius family crest and the left with that of the Varus family. Above the entrance to his office was etched the Elite Guard Oath:
I will stand strong in the face of danger, for my comrades will do the same
I will be unafraid of death for death comes but once and cowardice is forever
I will go close against the enemy, for my will is stronger than his
I will show courage, for it is the one possession that cannot be taken
I will die with pride, for I am fighting for my lineage and my people
I will face death with joy, for I will become immortal—my shining glory never forgotten
As he read the oath, Stone was taken back to the first time he had pledged the words, during his marking ceremony when he became a member of the Guard so many years ago. Then he thought of his close call on Sierra 7 with Lowstreet and Kilgore. The words had become a part of his life, his ethos—just as they had for every member of the Guard.
“Let me show you more, Ty,” said Astra as she pulled him through the room.
“To the right are the paintings depicting the arrival of the first Xennite ship on Alpha Humana, battle scenes from the First Terillian War, and a portrait of your ancestor, Colonel Agrippa Lucius Stone, the hero of the Battle of Echo 10.”
“These are wonderful recreations,” said Stone.
“They are not recreations,” laughed Astra as she slowly rubbed her hand over Stone’s
forearm. “My father acquired the originals at my request. For you.”
Stone again was stunned. One of these paintings was worth more than a year’s salary for a colonel.
“I don’t know what to say. They are wonderful.”
Astra raised her hand to Stone’s cheek and pulled him to her for a quick but enticing kiss. “You’re going to be a restored and senior member of the Lucius family and your quarters should reflect not only your family’s military heritage but your new social status as well,” said Astra as she directed him toward the opposite wall. “That’s why I have placed your family crest and all of your decorations and awards on this wall.”
Stone wasn’t sure how she had gotten all of these items together but he had long since quit trying to put any limits on Astra’s ability to get what she wanted. “This is really great,” he remarked, the shock still showing on his face.
“That’s just the beginning,” she replied as she walked toward his desk with one hand tugging his shirt just above his navel. Walking behind the desk, she selected one of the buttons on a touch screen embedded in the desktop. “Here we go,” she said as she pressed on the screen.
As the button was pressed, the wall directly behind the desk opened up to display a view of the entire city of Mt. Castra. He walked to the window and looked out over the stunning city with Astra’s arms clasped around his waist from behind.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” said Astra.
Directly across from his room was the Forum, home to the Senate. Its lighted marble walkways and massive columns made an impressive backdrop to the Procession Field. It was here where the Senate announced the election of the ProConsul and major political functions were held. Between the Procession Field and the Forum stood the Eternal Flame. The Eternal Flame was a two-story marble foundation supporting a massive flame that had burned since the Forum first voted to go to war with the Terillians almost 200 years ago. The flame symbolized never-ending vigilance and the enduring power of the Alpha Humana society.
To the right, monolithic buildings rose majestically to the sky. Lit by random lights from hundreds of rooms within, they almost sparkled against the night sky. Between the buildings sped hundreds of hover vehicles of all types. The hoverways, sometimes ten deep, had always mesmerized Stone. Somewhere in the chaos of the bustling traffic was an inherent order that made it work. For Stone, it symbolized Humana society. He could not help but feel pride in his people. With the help of the Xen allies, they had risen from the verge of extinction to again be a thriving and formidable civilization.
Centurion Centralous was to the left. The nerve center for Alpha Humana’s military and home to High Command. The darkness of the fortified portion of the city was in stark contrast with the rest of the view. Stone laughed to himself—most of the people inside the building weren’t that bright either.
“The world is ours, Ty,” said Astra as she turned Stone to face her.
He could feel the pressure of her body against his as she pulled him close.
“And I am yours,” she whispered in his ear.
Slowly, seductively, Astra stepped backwards toward the desk, both hands around his waist. When she reached the desk she slid her behind on top of the desk and slowly pulled Stone between her legs, first slowly caressing his face and then moving her hands down his chest, unbuttoning his tunic as she went.
“It’s time you take what is yours, Colonel,” she demanded, unclasping his belt and dropping his trousers to the floor while her feet teased the back of his legs just above his knees.
“As you wish, Lady Astra,” he replied as he began to remove his tunic.
“Wait.” She paused, moving her hands slowly from his chest to the collar devices depicting the new rank on his tunic.
“Leave your shirt on, Colonel,” she pleaded.
“As you wish.”
He conceded and lowered his head to give her a long, passionate kiss. As they kissed, she slowly wrapped her legs around his waist and guided him to his prize.
Maybe being a colonel wasn’t going to be too bad after all.
***
“I hate dress uniforms,” Stone confessed to Astra as they made their way down the carpeted hallway to the dinner.
“I don’t understand, Tyler. You are so impressive in your dress uniform,” replied Astra. “And we make such a good pair, don’t you think?”
Astra was stunning as usual. She wore a strapless forest-green dress that fell to the floor. This dress, like her entire wardrobe, was specifically designed for her to tastefully display her physical beauty. Around her neck was the Varus family engagement necklace. Encrusted with huge diamonds and emeralds, it had been flown from the Varus estate to Mt. Castra under heavy guard specifically for the dinner. Her hair was tightly bound and pulled back behind her head, highlighting her flawless facial features.
“I guess we do,” replied Stone, “but regular army uniform regulations require me to wear full
medals. In the Guard I at least only had to wear miniatures.”
“You should be proud of your medals, darling,” said Astra. “You are the most decorated officer on active duty.”
“That’s exactly the problem. I’m wearing ten pounds of cadmium medals on my chest and I sound like a damn wind chime in a hurricane.”
“That is a sign to everyone around that they are in the presence of a hero,” replied Astra with a tight smile.
“Yes, dear,” replied Stone, realizing Astra was growing irritated with his complaints. He subconsciously raised his hand to his neck as that familiar itchy feeling around the collar and wristbands began to set in.
Astra gripped Stone’s hand. “We are nearing the receiving line. Make sure you remember the etiquette,” she warned with another smile.
Turning the corner, Stone saw the line of politicians, generals, and admirals waiting to meet him and his new fiancée. His stomach grumbled from hunger and the absurdity of formal dinners. As they neared the line, a captain stepped forward to begin the ceremonial introductions.
“Colonel Tyler Lucius Stone and the Lady Astra Varus,” said Stone to the young captain.
The captain seemed worried. A bead of sweat ran down the man’s forehead and his face began to turn red. After an uncomfortable pause, the captain spoke softly so no one but Stone and Astra could hear.
“Colonel Lucius, ah…Stone, Sir, I—s”
“Captain,” interrupted Astra. “did my father’s staff inform you of our arrival and introduction?” she asked coldly.
“Yes, Lady Astra.”
“Well,” replied Astra in a quiet but cold tone that seemed to tear straight through the nervous captain, “I suggest you do not keep us waiting any longer.”
“Yes, Lady Varus,” answered the captain as he turned toward the receiving line.
“Colonel Tyler Lucius of the 25th Air Assault Regiment, and his fiancée the Lady Astra Varus,” announced the captain as they approached the first greeter in the receiving line.
“Lucius,” Stone whispered to Astra. His common name had been omitted. His branch of the family had been barred from using their ancestral name in formal settings.
“The Lucius family has agreed to restore your lineage to full status within the family structure,” smiled Astra. “You no longer need to carry that common name.”
“Another present from your father?” asked Stone flatly.
Astra answered only with a smile.
Stone had no doubt that only a few generations ago a Varus family member would have needed to bathe if someone with a common name like Stone had so much as touched them.
Politics definitely made strange bedfellows.
Stone trudged his way through the receiving line, acting out the usual pleasantries. First he would be congratulated on his promotion or the jangling rows of medals displayed on his uniform. Next came the declarations of Astra’s beauty and ramblings about the stir the engagement had caused throughout the social elite. This theme played out all along the receiving line as he moved past magistrates, senators, two major generals, and three fleet admirals. Finally he and Astra had run the gauntlet of distinguished attendees and made their way to their table.
“I love these events,” exclaimed Astra as Stone pulled her chair out for her.
“Seems like a lot of pomp and circumstance for a decent dinner,” he whispered in her ear.”
“It’s not about the food, Tyler,” she snapped back. “Stop complaining. It’s about being seen and mingling with the right people.”
“And who are the wrong people?” said Stone under his breath.
Astra smiled and put her hand on Stone’s knee.
“I’m only looking out for our best interests,” she said quietly, speaking through her smile. “Other than Arilius Tacitus the rest of your captains will never rise above the rank of major. I just want to make sure they don’t weigh you down, especially that woman, Martin. It’s scandalous that a woman, especially one as attractive as Martin, would lower herself to military service when she should be—”
“Marrying up,” replied Stone, his voice rising above the current volume of their conversation.
“Please lower your voice,” demanded Astra under her breath. “And, yes,” she replied. “But I can tell it isn’t the time for this discussion.”
“Or the place,” he replied.
“Very true, Tyler,” said Astra. “Rest assured, Tyler, you will get used to these functions and grow to enjoy them. Besides, I am sure you will find everything worth the effort.” As she spoke, Astra slowly ran her hand up Stone’s thigh to remind him that food wasn’t the only thing he had to look forward to as long as he behaved and played his role.
Stone suddenly realized he had neglected introductions.
“Gentlemen,” he squeaked, as Astra’s hand gave one last squeeze, catching him off-guard.
“Colonel,” replied Colonel Romanari Vatarus.
Vatarus was a well-respected officer and middle son of one of the more influential First Families. His wife, Lady Vespa Vatarus, was the daughter of Senator Germanicus Brutii, the Varus family’s major political rival. As such, Vespa and Astra hated each other.
“Lady Vespa, I am glad to see you could attend,” said Astra, her pitch slightly elevated to show that she was still being civil even though she would rather gouge her rival’s eyes out.
“It is my duty as a faithful wife,” quipped Vespa. “It sounds like you may soon understand what those duties entail, Lady Astra. Besides, your father does throw such quaint little dinners.”
Astra paused to take a drink of her wine and then swallowed hard.
“I’m sure my father is honored by your attendance and we are pleased you approve of our little gathering.”
Romanari Vatarus gave a quick glance at both ladies and then turned to Stone with a smile on his face.
“At least it will be entertaining, eh, Colonel Lucius? Dinner and a show.”
Stone could not help but let out a laugh. Romanari had been at this game for a while and was still able to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. As a middle son, he was not burdened by the duties of a future patriarch and enjoyed the freedom that it allowed him.
Stone was not as lucky. The laugh brought a quick kick on the shin by Astra and a look that he was sure would stop a sable tiger in its tracks. Seeing that Stone had gotten himself into trouble, Romanari changed the topic.
“Let me introduce you to the other regimental commander, Colonel Casius Neo.”
“Welcome Colonel Stone, ah, Lucius,” stammered Colonel Neo. In his haste to rise and greet Stone, the young colonel clumsily bumped the table nearly causing his glass to topple over. Awkwardly grabbing for the drink, he quickly steadied the glass and took a deep breath before continuing. “I look forward to learning from both you and Colonel Vatarus…and, oh, excuse me, may I introduce you to my quest, the Lady Ophelia Tacitus.”
A cousin of Captain Tacitus and niece of Cataline Tacitus, the “Lady” Ophelia could not have been more than seventeen or eighteen. She seemed as infatuated with the grandeur of the event as Stone was irritated by it. Her family had prepped her well for the evening, however, and she was ready with the appropriate greetings.
“Greetings, Colonel Lucius, your presence brings great honor to an already distinguished table,” she said, slightly bowing her head in the direction of Romanari Vatarus.
“Your grace is much appreciated at our table,” noted Astra, casting a quick, icy glance at Vespa. “You do your escort much honor, Lady Ophelia.”
With that Astra turned her gaze toward Neo. As she stared, she made a quick motion with her hand reminding the timid, delicate flower of a colonel to sit.
Casius Neo was just the type of officer that had come to power during a rapid mobilization. A member of a First Family, his great-uncle had been a Senator and his father a regional magistrate. Although he had served in the military for five years before the mobilization, Neo’s military experience had been
limited to staff and administrative duties at High Command. When the war drums began to beat, his great uncle pulled some strings and had him transferred into a line regiment as Senior Major of the 34th Heavy Assault Battalion. Conveniently, the regiment’s colonel soon retired amidst rumors of inappropriate behavior with a servant of the Neo family and misappropriations of funds from the regimental budget. This paved the way for the promotion of Neo and, without a doubt in Stone’s mind, needless deaths of his men in future battles.
As Stone was sizing up the guests at his table and trying to stay positive about the evening, the appetizers arrived.
“Colonel Stone,” said Neo as he leaned back to allow the servant to place an appetizer on the table, “it must be nice to have your line once again associated with the Lucius family.”
Astra choked slightly on the grape she had just placed in her mouth.
Vatarus let out a cough, clearly meant as a warning to Neo that he had made a social blunder.
Vespa sat quietly, smiling at the discomfort she knew Astra must be feeling.
Stone, slightly taken aback, looked blankly at Neo. As he did, he saw Ophelia nervously turn her head slightly toward Neo and give him a cautious, warning look with her eyes and a slight shake of her head.
“Um, I…” Neo stumbled.
“I’m sure he is,” interrupted Astra, doing what she did best. “The Lucius family is honored to be able to restore Tyler’s branch of the family to their lineage. After all, his line has provided us with some of our most honored heroes. From Colonel Agrippa Lucius Stone down to Tyler himself, the line has served the Republic with bravery and won the right to reclaim the Lucius name.”
Stone saw Astra give a slight glance to Vespa, as she knew she had robbed her adversary of the opportunity to see her squirm. Astra was indeed at master of socio-political strategy.
“You are correct, of course,” added Vespa, conceding Astra’s victory.
“To the restoration of the Lucius line,” joined Ophelia quickly. As she stood to give the toast, she used her right hand to guide Neo to stand as well.
“To Colonel Tyler Lucius,” added Neo.
