VII: Progression

'And thus that should conclude the pre-meetings with a full review of the laws and traditions of the planet. Education in etiquette will also be included. I imagine a time frame of around 5 months for this. Her Latin also needs to be honed; as you very well know majesty we do not use either Lunarian or Aquarian in the senate. There is an excellent tutor in Mara I would like to recommend. This should set us up neatly for the initiation date upon the.... is everything all right madam?'
Craxic had stopped flicking through his reams of parchment. He was giving his summation of his findings yet the Queen seemed oddly distracted. She sat at the far end of the marble table resting her elbow onto the armrest and had lifted her hand to support her head. Craxic glanced at Vela for a moment, the younger of the two looked visibly more nervous as the Queen turned her head slightly to gaze off to one side where a servant stood waiting in a darkened alcove.
'Madam?' Craxic tried again. He couldn't help a feeling of annoyance; the initiation ceremony on the Princess' 18th Birthday was the most important event in her life. It begun her political career and priming for assuming position as head of the Monarchy. Not only that but Craxic had spent a long time in preparing his careful 'education' plan for the Princess and he did not like being ignored, even by Ria.

Vela continued to shift nervously. He read through some of the papers rapidly to pass time as Craxic fixed his stare upon the Queen. She continued to ignore him.
'Madam!' he tried again, politely but sternly.
'My daughter is gay' Ria commented offhandedly. She still stared into space.
'Sorry?' Craxic asked bemused. He looked very quickly at Vela who was shifting about even more uncomfortably than before.
'Well maybe not gay but something' Ria responded airily. Craxic now turned to his fellow senator across the marble table.
'I think you should leave' he addressed Vela in a low voice. Vela nodded and immediately began to collect up his papers which were strewn over the marble. He kept on fumbling with the sheets of parchment and amidst the many profuse apologies, Ria still sat as in a complete daze, and still concentrating her gaze upon the alcove. She waited until Vela had tidied his belongings when she suddenly turned her gaze to the table and the two senators.
'No. I want him to stay'

Vela glanced nervously at Craxic for help. His discomfort was visible. Craxic merely nodded an indication for Vela to resume his seat. The elder senator inhaled deeply and turned to Ria, his hands clasped in seriousness upon the tabletop.
'Did you call this meeting to tell us this?' he enquired out of all good reason.
'Oh no. I called this meeting to discuss the Initiation.' Ria replied, she was still in an airy daze.
'Then why?'
'Oh just something on my mind' she smiled
'It's quite a big thing. What about these invaders, what about the people, I think it is something to be discussed. Is this something you have confirmed?' Craxic asked with urgency. He was concerned. The discomforted Vela sat listening intently, he knew that the Queen and Craxic often spoke behind closed doors. They spoke like friends, like he was on an even level with her, and Vela felt privileged to be in one of their meetings, if it was a bit impromptu.

'Do you disagree Craxic?' Ria enquired. The senator shook his head.
'Personally no. The people I don't know. I am guessing the other person is Leonine'
Ria nodded an affirmative to Craxic. Vela's eyes shot open. Cassandra. Princess Cassandra of Leo. He tried to understand and ventured a question.
'Would..it mean the end of the bloodline?' he spoke tentative.
'Good Thetis no!' Ria shook her head furiously. 'It will never be allowed to come into the open'
'But Princesses Michiru and Haruka..' Vela argued quietly.
'Esa won't allow it. It took her long enough to tell me' Ria replied.
Craxic nodded his head 'I see and you wanted someone to confide in'
'Something like that yes. But it must be kept secret until Esa wishes it not to be. There is still an alliance with Topaz I am hoping upon to save us from this Saiyan business. Topaz loves Esa, I know that. If he found out he could be scared off' Ria explained. She sat back in her chair awaiting a reaction. Esa's announcement had not surprised her. She knew. Half of the alliance with Topaz was to keep Esa on Aquarius for Cassie, but she had to keep the relationship very quiet so that Topaz would (unknowingly) do her bidding.
'And upon their return you want him to duel with the saiyan?' Craxic asked. 'Something like that yes' Ria repeated with a smile.

Both senators understood. It complicated matters a bit but it was also something Ria did need to share and with more people than Craxic.
'So you told us because of that?' Craxic enquired with a smile. A mischievous look came across Ria's face. She grinned at Craxic.
'That and to warn you that Cassandra will be here more often'
'As if she already doesn't live here you mean?' Craxic returned with a smile. He quickly shuffled his papers together and rose from his seat. Vela took his cue and followed suit.
'Thank you madam' they both bowed as they left the Queen calling the servant to her.
Once outside Vela looked at Craxic in shock. He tried to catch the elder's attention.
'Wow' was all he could manage.
Craxic regarded him in all seriousness 'Feel privileged, but I will warn you. She does mean Secret, and I don't mean to scare you but tell anyone and your head will be for it'.
Vela understood in a second, immediately humbled and followed his elder quietly out of the Palace.