So what... we've been disowned so thoroughly they purged all record of our existence? That our House was founded on false pretenses?
The Reluctant Vassal's Guide to Living in the Frontier (with some Treason)
- Location
- 'Straya mate.
Well, this is bizarre. Can't say "weird spacetravel stuff" is beyond the realms of science-fantasy though. I wouldn't say us getting redacted out of history is out of the question, but I definitely wouldn't bet on it. If we can get access to in-depth or firsthand accounts of the lives of the Stellarch's, that might give us some idea of when this timeline (or "timeline") diverges from our own. If we have been redacted, then there will be flaws in that redaction if we look closely enough. If we are in an alternate timeline, then the source of our strange-shift might also have left some clues at that period in time. If I'm not mistaken, it might be that Helm still exists in this timeline, but it was never contacted by House Sol and remained isolated from the greater galaxy.
It seems unquestionable to me at this point that Violet was the scion of the Solar King and a dalliance or love affair with a member of House Sol. That goes some way towards explaining why her siblings were so consistently and cartoonishly hateful towards her. House Sol are kind of the source of legitimacy, across the empire. I'm guessing she's going to use a genetic test to prove as such. I know the title of this quest contains treason but at this point it feels more like a responsibility-quest. And I'm all here for it. Good luck Violet. Good luck Helmsmen.
EDIT: Still haven't found the 4th Militia yet. Oh, also was Radana trying to avoid drawing attention to Violet when dealing with those recordings or was she looking for a way to do that wouldn't hurt her? It was a little unclear in the text.
"That was something she dearly hoped to inflict on her best friend". Was that meant to be "she dearly hoped to avoid inflicting"?
It seems unquestionable to me at this point that Violet was the scion of the Solar King and a dalliance or love affair with a member of House Sol. That goes some way towards explaining why her siblings were so consistently and cartoonishly hateful towards her. House Sol are kind of the source of legitimacy, across the empire. I'm guessing she's going to use a genetic test to prove as such. I know the title of this quest contains treason but at this point it feels more like a responsibility-quest. And I'm all here for it. Good luck Violet. Good luck Helmsmen.
EDIT: Still haven't found the 4th Militia yet. Oh, also was Radana trying to avoid drawing attention to Violet when dealing with those recordings or was she looking for a way to do that wouldn't hurt her? It was a little unclear in the text.
"That was something she dearly hoped to inflict on her best friend". Was that meant to be "she dearly hoped to avoid inflicting"?
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I'll admit to being a fan of meta ways to 'reset' maps when it comes to strategy games (that Stellaris quest tickles me silly). So I decided that having a 'blank' slate of a galaxy for an original setting would be the best way, in the tried and tested method of 'a traveler from afar exploring new sights.' Plus in this way, it means that the galaxy is a canvas to paint upon.
It's not disowned/redacted, it's just flat out 'we never have a record of anything you're talking about.' The next bit will go into more detail on what has been figured out to be constant, but it's mostly just House Sol and some civilian associations tied to House Sol. Otherwise, even the Great Houses are different from what Violet knew.
Makes it so you can figure out which ones you want to be with or against without any prior hang ups/history.
taovkool
Forever Gone
- Location
- The Library, Department of General Works
I didn't even know any Great Houses or whatnot. You never told us much about them! I kinda thought they were meant to be the sequel after we finished off the sister.
And I was all stoked for the political thriller too! A plucky heiress of an up and coming interstellar state was so delicious of a setting it reminds me of Liam the Evil Lord. And then all of a sudden isekai!
Isekai only works at the beginning, you know! Changing course mid plot like this just felt cheap!
- Location
- 'Straya mate.
I don't really agree. I get that its not for everyone but I think this is an interesting way for us to start fresh, given how the quest had already begun. It is a divergence from having to deal with the rest of our family, but I have no doubt that the quest will still be filled with political twists and turns as Violet shepherds her people to greatness on the interstellar stage. If we had taken over the original Helm system, that also might have kinda cheapened what we've built here. So I am grateful that this change allows us to build up from nothing.
So looking back at the near beginning of the quest...
Is now a bad time to suggest that this 'close bond' is a lot more personal than most suspected?
Is now a bad time to suggest that this 'close bond' is a lot more personal than most suspected?
I am a little disappointed that we might not get to find out who set all this up. Like, I'm down for isekai time, I just agree that it feels a little out of left field. I expected to be drowned in the complex web of politics that could potentially lead to a house Iris war of succession. Bracing for something that never arrives feels weird. That said I find it quite poetic how history is rhyming with itself, and am excited to rebuild with the help of the Solarium Codex.
Might be time travel. Go far enough forward or back and the landscape is drastically altered. It's probably not time travel, but it could be.
Might be time travel. Go far enough forward or back and the landscape is drastically altered. It's probably not time travel, but it could be.
...What's the biological sex of the Stellarch? I'm also wondering if the Stellarch here has the same name as the one we're used to, come to think of it.
Agreed, I think we mostly need to settle from the shock.
Between this and the current situation. It certainly puts everything in perspective.
Given she the whole time was in full disaster mode, working to do anything functional, only to look at us, whom given our gambit may be related by blood to house sol, not only surviving, but thriving while also being just as cut off as she was.
And at the very end, she realizes who exactly our MC really is, and internalized why the family always looked at her in suspicion. Which…..
Just so happened to be that just about everyone knew that our MC was the ideal heir, and the family couldn't help but feel inadequate, made aware subconsciously of their own failings as they looked upon the bastard child of the family…
Yeesh.
- Pronouns
- He
Sorry QM, but this whole isekai has left a bad taste. As other had say, it came comply out of left field.
I just feel that isekai is just lazy wrigthing. Heck I may even drop this quest.
I just feel that isekai is just lazy wrigthing. Heck I may even drop this quest.
A quick preview introduction on the four Great Houses that are the current big players within the United Empire. Remember the difference between them and the other Houses (including House Iris) is that they have fingers in all the pies around the United Empire, be it through their direct holdings or through vassals sworn to them. So without a doubt, you'll have to contend with and consider what they might think about your parts of space. I'll update your diplomacy tab once we get fully into meeting with them and whatever other smaller Houses in your vicinity of space.
Great House Orochi
"For House Orochi, there is nothing forbidden to them in pursuit of the ideal soldier. Their scientists work day and night in identifying dormant genomes of aggressive warrior traits in family lines, then use biological cloning to birth and awaken born soldiers from conception. Then if that wasn't enough, the substandard flesh is then replaced with cybernetics tailored for war, with not a single thought given to the peace afterwards. Every created warrior is a perfect mercenary, created to live, breath, and die for war to fuel their fleeting life."
Great House Ababil
"Many whisper about the genius alchemists of House Ababil, of their mastery over hardlight manifestations that can seemingly capture the essence of reality itself. This perception is further enhanced by the colorful and swirling gases contained within their shimmering bottles, each of them an ingredient that can twist the world around them when combined. Their most proficient are rarely seen without their dizzying suits of walking laboratories, meant for mixing these ingredients on the fly with frightening flexibility. And still, they ever hunger to gather more, whatever the cost."
Great House Tyto
"The rise of House Tyto was silent and quiet, as is their preferred method to everything. They don't even speak among themselves, for what use are words when one can directly communicate to each other with precise thoughts and emotions? It is whispered that there is not a single unnecessary noise onboard their temple ships, only the perfect stillness of their humming machines that guides their meditation. As such it is always difficult to gauge their intentions or even military presence, with so much of their people accustomed to casual secrecy."
Great House York
"When one hears of House York, dread and fear come to mind instantly. They are a people that hunger endlessly for the glory of their great harvesters, blessed machines that make them great above all else. Their mobile city-fortresses descend upon their enemies like a plague that devours all, consuming the bounty of worlds to fuel their war machines endlessly. They are practical though and accept tribute from vassals as well, their might a terrifying tool they have used to ascend the ranks. But they need only need the flimsiest of reasons to begin the harvest anew."
Great House Orochi
"For House Orochi, there is nothing forbidden to them in pursuit of the ideal soldier. Their scientists work day and night in identifying dormant genomes of aggressive warrior traits in family lines, then use biological cloning to birth and awaken born soldiers from conception. Then if that wasn't enough, the substandard flesh is then replaced with cybernetics tailored for war, with not a single thought given to the peace afterwards. Every created warrior is a perfect mercenary, created to live, breath, and die for war to fuel their fleeting life."
Great House Ababil
"Many whisper about the genius alchemists of House Ababil, of their mastery over hardlight manifestations that can seemingly capture the essence of reality itself. This perception is further enhanced by the colorful and swirling gases contained within their shimmering bottles, each of them an ingredient that can twist the world around them when combined. Their most proficient are rarely seen without their dizzying suits of walking laboratories, meant for mixing these ingredients on the fly with frightening flexibility. And still, they ever hunger to gather more, whatever the cost."
Great House Tyto
"The rise of House Tyto was silent and quiet, as is their preferred method to everything. They don't even speak among themselves, for what use are words when one can directly communicate to each other with precise thoughts and emotions? It is whispered that there is not a single unnecessary noise onboard their temple ships, only the perfect stillness of their humming machines that guides their meditation. As such it is always difficult to gauge their intentions or even military presence, with so much of their people accustomed to casual secrecy."
Great House York
"When one hears of House York, dread and fear come to mind instantly. They are a people that hunger endlessly for the glory of their great harvesters, blessed machines that make them great above all else. Their mobile city-fortresses descend upon their enemies like a plague that devours all, consuming the bounty of worlds to fuel their war machines endlessly. They are practical though and accept tribute from vassals as well, their might a terrifying tool they have used to ascend the ranks. But they need only need the flimsiest of reasons to begin the harvest anew."
- Location
- Earth
> Reading House Orochi's bio
Ah yes, this must be the token evil! Faction
> reading the other bios
…oh. We're the token good faction aren't we?
Ah yes, this must be the token evil! Faction
> reading the other bios
…oh. We're the token good faction aren't we?
As a matter of full disclaimer, I used the same method for making all these with character creation, then added a few more rolls to determine things.
I couldn't believe how many 'warmonger' rolls came up.
Were any of the Houses based off the original submitted plans by the questers?
None of them were, to the best of my knowledge, but I'd like to mention that by having a blank galaxy slate, it means there's plenty of room for the smaller houses and factions that people have made to fit in other regions of space outside that of House Iris. Not to mention there's probably more than a few wandering mercenaries from them that could potentially be available for hire once I get that system sorted.
Also, I hazard a guess, that if no reset happened, the current stage would have been dominated by our MC unwilling entering a Cold War with the overall leader, over fears she would ursurp the current leader. And at the end, we'll, we'd likely end up in charge of our home planet.
For the Great Houses the source of conflict will be them wanting nearby regions of space, and the secrets of have to make Solarium. The latter is actually a much bigger problem if they have a ideological drive to acquire it from House Iris imo.
Big Boss is this... Outer Heaven?! Okay to be serious at the absolute minimum I'd expect a cold war with them as they supply any lesser houses bordering unclaimed land willing to gamble that possession is in fact 9/10 of the Law when the Stellarch has to contend with 3 out of 4 Great Houses motivated to keep pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable, and Violet orchestrates events to hit back against them.
Hm. With how their entire system seems reliant upon the exportation of mercenaries to sustain itself a solid manner to it back would be to arrange things such that their bleeding edge mercenaries are stomped by mercenary Brilliance Knights, and thus call into question the foundation of what supports their Great House. With any luck, or more like research done in advance this might cause them to focus inward to work out what went wrong, and stop setting the galaxy on fire for a bit to fuel their war economy.
Something to keep in mind is that I'd expect their ultimate goal would be acquisition of solarium in the furtherance of an ever more "perfect" soldier, and that is a goal that is inherently at odds of our way of life meaning they are an existential threat to House Iris.
Ah how fun a bunch of warmongers who are looking for raw materials without regard to long-term sustainability. So I imagine conflict is inevitable at some level as they want unclaimed land, and House Sol will likely use House Iris to keep them in check through giving their kin a very very broad mandate for claiming solar systems cause they'd love a fifth Great House that isn't ideologically driven to be unsustainable, and conflict motivated.
I suppose in theory it might be possible to at least be temporarily aligned as they would be a endless market for raw materials sold in bulk. Just be ready for when their demand for materials fails to end when we want it to end.
So what are they some sort of psychic hivemind? Still I'd imagine Violet would love to solve they mystery over how their society works, and if they are in fact reading her mind they'd likely find the conspiracy board absolutely hilarious, which would might get a laugh from them causing her to go back to the drawing board.
In short they seem to not have an inherent conflict of interests that makes any alliance temporary at best unlike all the others Great Houses. That is a very thin silver lining I suppose.
Yea they want our stuff, and the survival condition of vassalage is a none starter imo. So conflict is pretty much inevitable, and it won't take much to set them off from what we are told here, which makes working out how their internal hierarchy functions a rather important fact to confirm on the sooner side imo.
Because if their mobile city-fortresses functions similar to city states then they key to defeating them is to insure any collaboration between them break down using intrigue gas lightning over who is the most glorious among their blessed machines, and take them out individually.
You actually haven't given us a reason why you whant to do that. Like a reset is a nuclear option that's only resurved for instances where quest has gone completely off the deep end and it's ofthen times its better to make a new thread rather than continue the quest.
As far as we know we won the war and most of the discourse is around macnics rather than any narrative problem. So I'm gonna ask. Why?
It's...not actually a reset in that sense. The quest isn't nuking anything that's been previously written. It's just set dressing so that you have an open space to play through without needing to worry about any of prior commitments or feuds. Hell, it would even mean that anybody who wants their custom faction could act and react in accordance to the developing and sudden emergence of House Iris without needing to consider or worry "maybe we had prior contact beforehand."
Ultimately, it's about making your own epic instead of being the next chapter of your house.
Well some people would like to guide the future of the house in an established universe rather than a reset. Espically after a near total victory, some of posters feels like they robbed of they accomplishments.
Like the only way decestion would go over well for the posters is if we have a way to get back to our world or if the new setting is the distant past and we're establing helm as part of some stable timeloop.
…Well, the most likely reason I can think of for the 'reset' gameplay wise. Is so that we wouldn't have to worry about a major house breathing down our necks due to personal issues immediately. Given the current ruler of the house/faction would have likely been preparing to deal with us the moment she finds out who is now leading our little group. On top of the fact that no reset would mean the GM would've had to set up starting faction relations and limiting us in options due to connections with our parent faction, whom we'd likely have been in an effective Cold War with.
So well…
Especially given we hadn't exactly left the tutorial at all, hence us all not knowing in spite of the incident actually being the very first turn.(narratively, this isekai event is the reason no-one else interfered during our tutorial conflict, because the whole time she was a nobody and no-one was interested in looking deeper at this random person with no background. Or at least, not in any way either of us would've noticed during the conflict.)
So well…
Especially given we hadn't exactly left the tutorial at all, hence us all not knowing in spite of the incident actually being the very first turn.(narratively, this isekai event is the reason no-one else interfered during our tutorial conflict, because the whole time she was a nobody and no-one was interested in looking deeper at this random person with no background. Or at least, not in any way either of us would've noticed during the conflict.)
notAperson
May be a bear
- Location
- Earth?
Would it be possible for other smaller NPC Houses to usurp the Great Houses? Or are they too well entrenched for that?
Also with how many of the Great Houses are Warmongers, how has House Sol stayed on top? In fact how has the entire Empire not torn itself apart yet?
Also with how many of the Great Houses are Warmongers, how has House Sol stayed on top? In fact how has the entire Empire not torn itself apart yet?
Yes, it's possible for the Great Houses to shift about and change. But these are usually concentrated efforts from many others who would like to see themselves the next rising star, and don't quite agree on letting the others have a turn. Not to mention that the Great Houses themselves wouldn't take kindly to attempted usurpers. so it's a great big balancing game of trying to topple the giant without being squashed themselves.
Crafter of War
The Dorf
- Location
- Bend
It's not just that. Helm and House Iris were also able to take on one the Great Houses' military head on while they were trying to play fuck-fuck games with one of House Sol's planets. Man, can you imagine the egg on the House's face when their assassination attempt and planet takeover plot blew up in their face?
Edit:
@Celeshiro what were the Great Houses' response when the planet takeover plot failed? Were they seeing it as a monumental fuck up of their rival and preparing to pounce on their seemingly vulnerable peer? Or were they freaking out how a small regional power were able to punch up way above their weight?
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...until it is United.
The Stellarch, the ruler and figurehead of the United Empire.
It was a prestigious position that had always been held by House Sol, without question, and whoever was placed into the role had a mighty voice indeed. They were the eternal moderator and arbitrator of the Senate, the one whose responsibilities involved having to acknowledge and recognize the plight of every member in attendance. Such duties were naturally stressful and all-consuming if undertaken all the time, necessitating a rotating Senate convening schedule so as to respect the Stellarch's limited attention and health.
As it so happened, when Radana had reached out, it was indeed during a lull in the schedule so time could be afford for personal audiences. A very lengthy lull as a matter of fact, one that had you staring at your best friend in disbelief. "The Senate hasn't even convened yet once under this Stellarch's reign?!"
"Because they have only recently taken the throne, or so what I can make out," Radana mentioned with a furrowed brow. She had been working her best in trying to reach out to both amused and bemused contacts of House Sol, drumming up enough interest for the 'mysterious' House Iris to secure a visit. "There had been something of a succession crisis recently, with House Sol not immediately naming a successor when the last one passed. The Great Houses were all but ready to start rubbing their hands to back candidates, only for a last-minute announcement to settle the dispute."
"Hah. That sounds rather familiar," You remarked with a dry tone and Radana gave a minute nod of acknowledgment. Then you linked your hands together and grew serious, your mind quickly breaking the situation down. "So then, we're sudden last-minute players into the new Stellarch's reign?"
"Indeed. That was how I played us off to the various interested parties from all around." Here, there was a note of pride entering the diplomat's voice when she described her work. "Polite, but unsettled. Familiar, but mysterious. Before long, I had a number of side inquiries asking if we were available for a private chat, though I made sure to tactfully turn these down with hints of needing somebody far above to discuss to. Thus, it had to be kicked up the chain until it finally reached the top to be passed on."
"Good work," You honestly praised with a grin and leaned back in the seat, watching the passing Martian scenery. "I'm actually surprised it went that well, especially given the white glove treatment we're getting now! Direct teleportation and private automated transportation, it's the whole red carpet treatment that House Sol is doing for us right now."
"Is it?" Radana innocently asked with a casual press of the finger to her lips. "I wouldn't know, I've never been to Sol."
You blinked, then coughed. "At least, that's what I think," You quietly amended and she nodded, the reminder to stay on your toes well-heeded. You supposed that being in such...achingly familiar environments after so long loosened your tongue a bit too much.
Good thing that Radana really was your best friend who knew everything, and would never dare utter it to the others.
But it wasn't all the same when you observed the capital of the United Empire over the next few minutes. Your eyes carefully picked out the different buildings, different architecture, different signs. Even accounting for how long it has been, far too much was changed to be just the passage of time. Rather, it was like a sister to the city you had once known, so familiar, but so different.
Yet it still bore the same name, and that was what threw you and many of House Iris so off-kilter. For all that was so foreign and unfamiliar in your studies of your new scenario, there was aching echoes of identical features that hadn't changed. Things like the Stellarch, House Sol, the United Empire, and the Free States, they were all still the same strokes. Just that the faces and names were all different.
Though some were suspiciously similar and you glanced at a thick book you had immediately picked up to take back. "Who knew that here, there's also a rather helpful guide to galactic powers narrated by a traveling professor?"
"Are you hoping that we'll get an entry in the next edition?"
"It would be a nice little boost to recognize us so," You considered with a hum. Then you blinked and turned to your best friend with a suddenly suspicious look. "Hang on."
"Hmm?"
"We are wholly unknown folks without records according to House Sol, so why are they giving us the special gloves?" All the ease was gone now, replaced with growing realization and anxiety. "That's not normal. Maybe just the teleportation, but not this personalized transport. It even has room for our armor!"
"Ah." Radana winced and sucked in a deep breath. "I had hoped to avoid telling you until the moment came, but it is less of a quiet visit and more of a...celebrity spectacle that was being proposed."
"A celebrity spectacle," You numbly repeated. "The types of visits that are usually featuring recording crews from across the galaxy."
"Yes, but please do not fret or despair!" She hastily added at your clearly growing panic. "Remember, as dignitaries, we are permitted to wear our personal equipment. Meaning that all you have to do is put on your armor, turn off your opticals, and follow my lead! You won't see the cameras and just have to avoid thinking about them!"
That was...incredibly considerate of her and while it definitely didn't quite extinguish the multiplying anguish of being watched by the galaxy, it was enough to stop you from spiraling. You especially knew that had there been any other way to keep it quiet, Radana would have leapt at the chance so but you supposed that no matter what, your sudden appearance was always going to generate more than a few interested eyes. Meaning that oh stars that meant people wanted to know you- no, get a grip! Radana had brought along your armors in consideration to try and cushion you from being truly suffering. It meant you could grit your teeth and think of a way to get out of it.
A quick glance at the armors being transported, then an idea struck.
"Radana. How far are you willing to go to try and get me out of the spotlight?"
"Anything," She instantly responded, your friend before your retainer. Then she caught sight of your sharp grin and wondered if she had just made a mistake, especially with your next words.
"Good. Let's commit sacrilege then."
There was always a crowd that surrounded the Stellarch's palace, media journalists and reporters that knew an entire livelihood could be made off simply reporting about the life of the United Empire's head. That wasn't even considering the Senate just in orbit around the planet, just a quick jaunt away to cover the latest breaking news about the seats of power. So when word naturally leaked about the unnatural and mysterious House Iris coming to visit the Stellarch, it wasn't even a question of if it was going to be reported.
The only thing to ask was just how extensively it would be covered, and the answer was 'very.'
Recording equipment was already out in force and laser-focused on the vehicle that pulled up. Moments later, the door opened and it was like a thousand suns going off, all present attempting to be the one to claim the momentous first picture about House Iris' leadership. Even the sight of them in some variant of power armor did not discourage or faze them at all, instead just sending them into more of a frenzy to try and capture every detail about that gloriously unique suit.
The figure in armor stepped out of the vehicle and seemingly took in all the attention for a moment before striding purposefully forward, passing by the shouting paparazzi without a second glance. They climbed up the stairs to the entrance of the Imperial Palace, where a uniformed retainer of House Sol awaited the leader of House Iris. At their approach, the servant inclined their head slightly in greeting and spoke softly. "Welcome to Mars. Forgive me, but I was told to expect two individuals. Where is the other?"
"There was a change of plans," The armored figure told, their voice sounding slightly distorted through the helmet speakers. "Only myself now. I hope that is acceptable."
The retainer frowned but nodded politely. The moment that their guest turned away, the servant swiftly touched an earpiece to activate a communications line. "Tighten up the guard. Be on the lookout for infiltrators," They quietly warned. "Hardly the oldest trick in the book for them to sneak in now, but make sure all the same."
Even though they spoke under their breath, the customized and enhanced Guardian Suit combined with active circuits meant that Radana could hear it all and she had to mute herself to keep from voicing her hysterical laugh. She wasn't sure though if it was at the foolishness of trying to keep her best friend out, the utter shamelessness of said friend to concoct this scheme, or at the absolute blasphemy of wearing the personal armor of the Solar Princess that the red-faced Radana was currently doing. She tried her best to not think about how stupidly well it fit her form and tried to maintain the facade for as long as she could, to at least deliver the plans to the Stellarch and then depart immediately before the ruse was unearthed.
She dearly hoped that her lady was certainly doing something instead of just sitting back in the vehicle and letting it all blow over.
Had it been possible, you would have loved nothing more than to just sit in the vehicle and let it all blow over.
However, once Radana left dressed in your armor and the door came back down, the automated vehicle then made to park in a secure location so that no overeager journalist or fan would try to sneak in and surprise the visitors on their return. In this case, it was the well-protected garage section of the palace and you knew that if it was anything like you remembered, there were definitely full vehicle scans to make sure no bugs or taps were installed on the loaned transports. You were carrying plenty of those at all times, so you had to casually crack the door and roll out right after it entered the garage but before it was subjected to the scans.
Thankfully, it seemed the other bit of what you remembered was still true, that there usually was only guard stations to make sure people didn't try to enter from the front, but not so concerned about people already in. Still, you didn't try your luck and fed just a bit of energy to hasten your steps to swiftly exit the garage into the palace itself. You knew you had better odds of finding a nice place to hide out the time and then sneak back out in there.
After all, you knew these halls all so very well. Again you were struck by just how eerily similar and familiar it all was, with a few changes here and there that kept you on your toes. They did have cameras and regular patrols, but you weaved around them with experienced steps, knowing just the right ways to evade notice or attention. It also helped when you casually passed by a security box and idly spliced one of your myriad taps into it, giving you the perfect readout on the borrowed gauntlet from Radana's suit.
That made you blush and you wondered what it spoke of you, that you would rather commit a religious sin than put yourself in the spotlight. You could practically hear your sire's amused chuckle before gentle lecture, assuming that she didn't interrupt him with an equally amused laugh. Your steps faltered at the reminder, that were it perhaps some other life, you would have to contend with your entire life in the spotlight by your mere existence.
"As if this is anything better," You bitterly remarked, then cursed when you realized your absent thoughts had cost you. There was a patrol coming around the corner and you didn't see a handy alcove or closet nearby to step in and let pass. You had to chance it with a room and stepped up to one of them. A quick press of your palm against the adjacent pad, then the door opened up for you to walk in and seal right behind you. You listened and heard the guard patrol pass by without noticing, giving a small sigh of relief when they were gone.
Then that was when you realized you weren't alone in the room and stilled. There, sitting at a couch and bent over a coffee table, was a teenage boy chewing at a pen. Papers were scattered all over the table and floor, many of them scribbled upon angrily or crumpled up. He now added to this growing mess with a growl and scrunched up his current sheet to toss away. This particularly one just so happened to be thrown in your general direction and it idly bounced off your head to land in your hand.
"Ow," You mumbled on reflex and he reacted with a guilty groan.
"Oh. Sorry Aunt, I lost my temper there-" That was when he looked up and finally saw you frowning and smoothing the wrinkled paper. "Huh? You're not…my Aunt?" He realized with a drop of the pen.
"Not that I'm aware of, but I think it shouldn't matter when it comes to hitting somebody with a...math worksheet?" You blinked, then hissed. "Oh, this is from that one textbook! It's super nasty, I know the frustration. I think I did also tear out the pages from the book when I got really stumped."
"You too?" He mumbled before catching himself. "Wait, I mean, you're not supposed to-"
"Oh, I remember this one too. It's a trick answer, a mean one at that." You tapped the paper and shook your head with a heavy sigh. "Really, you would think that the 'best calculus textbook of Sol' wouldn't stoop to so low as to unfairly make their ones and sevens look nearly the same."
"I know right? So much for 'a handpicked curriculum for the best of House Sol!'" He snapped without realizing, throwing his hands up in frustration. "I'm not against getting clever enough to spot these, but assigning it as homework without adequate explanation or mention is too much!"
"Too true. I'm so glad it's behind me now." That mention was finally enough for you to catch his attention and instead of the prior panicking, it was now curious study.
"You studied before these books, but I've never seen you before in the private family quarters. Or definitely met anybody as...lax as you," He admitted and cautiously rose from his seat. "You are?"
"Violet d'Iris," You introduced and approached with a respectful bow. Even if he perhaps wasn't who you were suspecting, he still was apparently nice enough to not continue freaking out and calling the guards on you. "The mysterious Solar Princess of the Helmsmen that you may have heard about."
"I believe I have." There was a surprisingly deep expression of thought on his face when he studied you. "A people there we have no records of whatsoever, with a story that seems more like fiction than truth. But yet, you have so much concrete evidence that suggest otherwise."
You shrugged. "We are who we say we are," You simply told with sighing. "And now, it is a people adrift from what we once held dear. All our knowledge, all our power, all our vows, gone."
"A true tragedy. You have my sympathies," He told sincerely. Then he focused on a specific mention. "Your vows? Forgive me, but what do you mean?"
"Our people hold the vows and oaths we swear quite seriously. When we say we mean to do something, we really do," You explained and patted your chest. "For example, you have my oath now that I would never raise a blade against you, for reasons that I ask you not have me disclose but rather trust."
"I see. A touching gesture." A pause. "But could I- not whatever representative of me- ask for something more?"
You sharply inhaled. "Only if you are willing to provide. It is a give and take exchange."
"Naturally." He closed his eyes and when they next opened, you knew for sure who you were talking to. There was too much weight in those eyes, too much responsibility, too much of what you saw in your own reflection. "I heard that House Iris requests aid to stabilize. If I were to provide it so, could you make an oath to me?"
You silently considered it over, then dropped to a knee before him. "If you were to give us the recognition we need, that we are who we say we are to validate our records, then yes."
"Then please." The Stellarch raised his hand and pressed it over your head, a secret pact made without the knowledge of any other in the galaxy. "Help me ascend to justly rule this United Empire. Do...whatever needs to be done. Through whatever you see fit, even if it may hurt the others."
Your mouth moved quickly before your giddiness at the permission showed. "Yes. I will aid in securing your rule. You have my word."
There was a long silence, then a quiet sniffle. "I think that's the first time, when I heard that, I feel at ease. Thank you." He removed his hand and turned to the room door. "Here. Let me open up the door for you, it's coded to only House Sol-"
"No need. Please, relax, simply agree to all that my friend mentions, and entrust it to me." You rose up and pressed your hand against the pad again. The door opened up and you slipped through with a casual wave to the watching young Stellarch.
You strode on with a cheerful hum, trying to keep the elation from bubbling out. A free pass to commit treason? Yes please, let's destabilize the United Empire to prop up the Stellarch! You giggled and then dared lay out the final part of your new master plan, one that made the old one pale in comparison. After all, if the Stellarch takes up all the spotlight in glory, then I can safely stay in the shadows to keep at it! I just only have to probably put up with some annoying attention until then, so that I can disappear safely and guilt-free!
Huzzah for goodhearted individuals! Huzzah for House Sol's generosity! Huzzah for my genius!
It was a prestigious position that had always been held by House Sol, without question, and whoever was placed into the role had a mighty voice indeed. They were the eternal moderator and arbitrator of the Senate, the one whose responsibilities involved having to acknowledge and recognize the plight of every member in attendance. Such duties were naturally stressful and all-consuming if undertaken all the time, necessitating a rotating Senate convening schedule so as to respect the Stellarch's limited attention and health.
As it so happened, when Radana had reached out, it was indeed during a lull in the schedule so time could be afford for personal audiences. A very lengthy lull as a matter of fact, one that had you staring at your best friend in disbelief. "The Senate hasn't even convened yet once under this Stellarch's reign?!"
"Because they have only recently taken the throne, or so what I can make out," Radana mentioned with a furrowed brow. She had been working her best in trying to reach out to both amused and bemused contacts of House Sol, drumming up enough interest for the 'mysterious' House Iris to secure a visit. "There had been something of a succession crisis recently, with House Sol not immediately naming a successor when the last one passed. The Great Houses were all but ready to start rubbing their hands to back candidates, only for a last-minute announcement to settle the dispute."
"Hah. That sounds rather familiar," You remarked with a dry tone and Radana gave a minute nod of acknowledgment. Then you linked your hands together and grew serious, your mind quickly breaking the situation down. "So then, we're sudden last-minute players into the new Stellarch's reign?"
"Indeed. That was how I played us off to the various interested parties from all around." Here, there was a note of pride entering the diplomat's voice when she described her work. "Polite, but unsettled. Familiar, but mysterious. Before long, I had a number of side inquiries asking if we were available for a private chat, though I made sure to tactfully turn these down with hints of needing somebody far above to discuss to. Thus, it had to be kicked up the chain until it finally reached the top to be passed on."
"Good work," You honestly praised with a grin and leaned back in the seat, watching the passing Martian scenery. "I'm actually surprised it went that well, especially given the white glove treatment we're getting now! Direct teleportation and private automated transportation, it's the whole red carpet treatment that House Sol is doing for us right now."
"Is it?" Radana innocently asked with a casual press of the finger to her lips. "I wouldn't know, I've never been to Sol."
You blinked, then coughed. "At least, that's what I think," You quietly amended and she nodded, the reminder to stay on your toes well-heeded. You supposed that being in such...achingly familiar environments after so long loosened your tongue a bit too much.
Good thing that Radana really was your best friend who knew everything, and would never dare utter it to the others.
But it wasn't all the same when you observed the capital of the United Empire over the next few minutes. Your eyes carefully picked out the different buildings, different architecture, different signs. Even accounting for how long it has been, far too much was changed to be just the passage of time. Rather, it was like a sister to the city you had once known, so familiar, but so different.
Yet it still bore the same name, and that was what threw you and many of House Iris so off-kilter. For all that was so foreign and unfamiliar in your studies of your new scenario, there was aching echoes of identical features that hadn't changed. Things like the Stellarch, House Sol, the United Empire, and the Free States, they were all still the same strokes. Just that the faces and names were all different.
Though some were suspiciously similar and you glanced at a thick book you had immediately picked up to take back. "Who knew that here, there's also a rather helpful guide to galactic powers narrated by a traveling professor?"
"Are you hoping that we'll get an entry in the next edition?"
"It would be a nice little boost to recognize us so," You considered with a hum. Then you blinked and turned to your best friend with a suddenly suspicious look. "Hang on."
"Hmm?"
"We are wholly unknown folks without records according to House Sol, so why are they giving us the special gloves?" All the ease was gone now, replaced with growing realization and anxiety. "That's not normal. Maybe just the teleportation, but not this personalized transport. It even has room for our armor!"
"Ah." Radana winced and sucked in a deep breath. "I had hoped to avoid telling you until the moment came, but it is less of a quiet visit and more of a...celebrity spectacle that was being proposed."
"A celebrity spectacle," You numbly repeated. "The types of visits that are usually featuring recording crews from across the galaxy."
"Yes, but please do not fret or despair!" She hastily added at your clearly growing panic. "Remember, as dignitaries, we are permitted to wear our personal equipment. Meaning that all you have to do is put on your armor, turn off your opticals, and follow my lead! You won't see the cameras and just have to avoid thinking about them!"
That was...incredibly considerate of her and while it definitely didn't quite extinguish the multiplying anguish of being watched by the galaxy, it was enough to stop you from spiraling. You especially knew that had there been any other way to keep it quiet, Radana would have leapt at the chance so but you supposed that no matter what, your sudden appearance was always going to generate more than a few interested eyes. Meaning that oh stars that meant people wanted to know you- no, get a grip! Radana had brought along your armors in consideration to try and cushion you from being truly suffering. It meant you could grit your teeth and think of a way to get out of it.
A quick glance at the armors being transported, then an idea struck.
"Radana. How far are you willing to go to try and get me out of the spotlight?"
"Anything," She instantly responded, your friend before your retainer. Then she caught sight of your sharp grin and wondered if she had just made a mistake, especially with your next words.
"Good. Let's commit sacrilege then."
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There was always a crowd that surrounded the Stellarch's palace, media journalists and reporters that knew an entire livelihood could be made off simply reporting about the life of the United Empire's head. That wasn't even considering the Senate just in orbit around the planet, just a quick jaunt away to cover the latest breaking news about the seats of power. So when word naturally leaked about the unnatural and mysterious House Iris coming to visit the Stellarch, it wasn't even a question of if it was going to be reported.
The only thing to ask was just how extensively it would be covered, and the answer was 'very.'
Recording equipment was already out in force and laser-focused on the vehicle that pulled up. Moments later, the door opened and it was like a thousand suns going off, all present attempting to be the one to claim the momentous first picture about House Iris' leadership. Even the sight of them in some variant of power armor did not discourage or faze them at all, instead just sending them into more of a frenzy to try and capture every detail about that gloriously unique suit.
The figure in armor stepped out of the vehicle and seemingly took in all the attention for a moment before striding purposefully forward, passing by the shouting paparazzi without a second glance. They climbed up the stairs to the entrance of the Imperial Palace, where a uniformed retainer of House Sol awaited the leader of House Iris. At their approach, the servant inclined their head slightly in greeting and spoke softly. "Welcome to Mars. Forgive me, but I was told to expect two individuals. Where is the other?"
"There was a change of plans," The armored figure told, their voice sounding slightly distorted through the helmet speakers. "Only myself now. I hope that is acceptable."
The retainer frowned but nodded politely. The moment that their guest turned away, the servant swiftly touched an earpiece to activate a communications line. "Tighten up the guard. Be on the lookout for infiltrators," They quietly warned. "Hardly the oldest trick in the book for them to sneak in now, but make sure all the same."
Even though they spoke under their breath, the customized and enhanced Guardian Suit combined with active circuits meant that Radana could hear it all and she had to mute herself to keep from voicing her hysterical laugh. She wasn't sure though if it was at the foolishness of trying to keep her best friend out, the utter shamelessness of said friend to concoct this scheme, or at the absolute blasphemy of wearing the personal armor of the Solar Princess that the red-faced Radana was currently doing. She tried her best to not think about how stupidly well it fit her form and tried to maintain the facade for as long as she could, to at least deliver the plans to the Stellarch and then depart immediately before the ruse was unearthed.
She dearly hoped that her lady was certainly doing something instead of just sitting back in the vehicle and letting it all blow over.
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Had it been possible, you would have loved nothing more than to just sit in the vehicle and let it all blow over.
However, once Radana left dressed in your armor and the door came back down, the automated vehicle then made to park in a secure location so that no overeager journalist or fan would try to sneak in and surprise the visitors on their return. In this case, it was the well-protected garage section of the palace and you knew that if it was anything like you remembered, there were definitely full vehicle scans to make sure no bugs or taps were installed on the loaned transports. You were carrying plenty of those at all times, so you had to casually crack the door and roll out right after it entered the garage but before it was subjected to the scans.
Thankfully, it seemed the other bit of what you remembered was still true, that there usually was only guard stations to make sure people didn't try to enter from the front, but not so concerned about people already in. Still, you didn't try your luck and fed just a bit of energy to hasten your steps to swiftly exit the garage into the palace itself. You knew you had better odds of finding a nice place to hide out the time and then sneak back out in there.
After all, you knew these halls all so very well. Again you were struck by just how eerily similar and familiar it all was, with a few changes here and there that kept you on your toes. They did have cameras and regular patrols, but you weaved around them with experienced steps, knowing just the right ways to evade notice or attention. It also helped when you casually passed by a security box and idly spliced one of your myriad taps into it, giving you the perfect readout on the borrowed gauntlet from Radana's suit.
That made you blush and you wondered what it spoke of you, that you would rather commit a religious sin than put yourself in the spotlight. You could practically hear your sire's amused chuckle before gentle lecture, assuming that she didn't interrupt him with an equally amused laugh. Your steps faltered at the reminder, that were it perhaps some other life, you would have to contend with your entire life in the spotlight by your mere existence.
"As if this is anything better," You bitterly remarked, then cursed when you realized your absent thoughts had cost you. There was a patrol coming around the corner and you didn't see a handy alcove or closet nearby to step in and let pass. You had to chance it with a room and stepped up to one of them. A quick press of your palm against the adjacent pad, then the door opened up for you to walk in and seal right behind you. You listened and heard the guard patrol pass by without noticing, giving a small sigh of relief when they were gone.
Then that was when you realized you weren't alone in the room and stilled. There, sitting at a couch and bent over a coffee table, was a teenage boy chewing at a pen. Papers were scattered all over the table and floor, many of them scribbled upon angrily or crumpled up. He now added to this growing mess with a growl and scrunched up his current sheet to toss away. This particularly one just so happened to be thrown in your general direction and it idly bounced off your head to land in your hand.
"Ow," You mumbled on reflex and he reacted with a guilty groan.
"Oh. Sorry Aunt, I lost my temper there-" That was when he looked up and finally saw you frowning and smoothing the wrinkled paper. "Huh? You're not…my Aunt?" He realized with a drop of the pen.
"Not that I'm aware of, but I think it shouldn't matter when it comes to hitting somebody with a...math worksheet?" You blinked, then hissed. "Oh, this is from that one textbook! It's super nasty, I know the frustration. I think I did also tear out the pages from the book when I got really stumped."
"You too?" He mumbled before catching himself. "Wait, I mean, you're not supposed to-"
"Oh, I remember this one too. It's a trick answer, a mean one at that." You tapped the paper and shook your head with a heavy sigh. "Really, you would think that the 'best calculus textbook of Sol' wouldn't stoop to so low as to unfairly make their ones and sevens look nearly the same."
"I know right? So much for 'a handpicked curriculum for the best of House Sol!'" He snapped without realizing, throwing his hands up in frustration. "I'm not against getting clever enough to spot these, but assigning it as homework without adequate explanation or mention is too much!"
"Too true. I'm so glad it's behind me now." That mention was finally enough for you to catch his attention and instead of the prior panicking, it was now curious study.
"You studied before these books, but I've never seen you before in the private family quarters. Or definitely met anybody as...lax as you," He admitted and cautiously rose from his seat. "You are?"
"Violet d'Iris," You introduced and approached with a respectful bow. Even if he perhaps wasn't who you were suspecting, he still was apparently nice enough to not continue freaking out and calling the guards on you. "The mysterious Solar Princess of the Helmsmen that you may have heard about."
"I believe I have." There was a surprisingly deep expression of thought on his face when he studied you. "A people there we have no records of whatsoever, with a story that seems more like fiction than truth. But yet, you have so much concrete evidence that suggest otherwise."
You shrugged. "We are who we say we are," You simply told with sighing. "And now, it is a people adrift from what we once held dear. All our knowledge, all our power, all our vows, gone."
"A true tragedy. You have my sympathies," He told sincerely. Then he focused on a specific mention. "Your vows? Forgive me, but what do you mean?"
"Our people hold the vows and oaths we swear quite seriously. When we say we mean to do something, we really do," You explained and patted your chest. "For example, you have my oath now that I would never raise a blade against you, for reasons that I ask you not have me disclose but rather trust."
"I see. A touching gesture." A pause. "But could I- not whatever representative of me- ask for something more?"
You sharply inhaled. "Only if you are willing to provide. It is a give and take exchange."
"Naturally." He closed his eyes and when they next opened, you knew for sure who you were talking to. There was too much weight in those eyes, too much responsibility, too much of what you saw in your own reflection. "I heard that House Iris requests aid to stabilize. If I were to provide it so, could you make an oath to me?"
You silently considered it over, then dropped to a knee before him. "If you were to give us the recognition we need, that we are who we say we are to validate our records, then yes."
"Then please." The Stellarch raised his hand and pressed it over your head, a secret pact made without the knowledge of any other in the galaxy. "Help me ascend to justly rule this United Empire. Do...whatever needs to be done. Through whatever you see fit, even if it may hurt the others."
Your mouth moved quickly before your giddiness at the permission showed. "Yes. I will aid in securing your rule. You have my word."
There was a long silence, then a quiet sniffle. "I think that's the first time, when I heard that, I feel at ease. Thank you." He removed his hand and turned to the room door. "Here. Let me open up the door for you, it's coded to only House Sol-"
"No need. Please, relax, simply agree to all that my friend mentions, and entrust it to me." You rose up and pressed your hand against the pad again. The door opened up and you slipped through with a casual wave to the watching young Stellarch.
You strode on with a cheerful hum, trying to keep the elation from bubbling out. A free pass to commit treason? Yes please, let's destabilize the United Empire to prop up the Stellarch! You giggled and then dared lay out the final part of your new master plan, one that made the old one pale in comparison. After all, if the Stellarch takes up all the spotlight in glory, then I can safely stay in the shadows to keep at it! I just only have to probably put up with some annoying attention until then, so that I can disappear safely and guilt-free!
Huzzah for goodhearted individuals! Huzzah for House Sol's generosity! Huzzah for my genius!
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- We'll wrap up this end of the tutorial with the package list of all the aid/changes, then an offer to change about any of House Iris' naming scheme for the last time. It should also include awarding medals, dealing with whatever will happen to your sister's supporters, and then the big one of them all: what is Violet's title going onwards?
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