The Birth of the Tetrarchy (Meeting, IC)

[The Remnant Axis]

OOC here!

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First Meeting of the Prime Tetrarchy

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Litan Capital #01, The Litan Imperium

As the time for the meeting had came, Salem herself was ready to head right to the capital of the allied empire of the Litan Imperium, having decided that now rather then never would be a good time. Albeit, the Imperator of the Imperium, Darius Aurelian, is busy with military ceremonies along with his compatriots, this doesn't mean that Salem can't meet and speak to the others that had gathered to assemble at the capital, all allies whom are similar to one another in most respects. Having not left her continent in the last decade, Salem is somewhat pleased to have the meeting on foreign soil, especially due to the fact that her homeland is more hospitable to the Grimm, rather then others such as allies and diplomats. Alongside her, three others have also come alongside Salem as her associates and disciples.

Adam Taurus, the High Leader of the White Fang. Raven Branwen, the Grand Chieftess of the Branwen Tribe and the Butcher of Mistral. And then, by Darius' request, the Fall Maiden and his significant other, Cinder Fall: a member of Salem's inner circle. Unlike Salem herself, they took a flight on with the Imperium to join alongside Salem after a more scenic flight, while Salem had her own way of entering the Imperium.

Gracefully, a colossal Grimm Dragon floats downward from the skies of Remnant, after Salem ripped a void from Remnant to the Litan homeworld. Flying on down to an empty space in the capital, the Dragon lands and slowly gets comfortable, drooping its wings down for Salem to step down from. Step by step, she looked on around the area, and soon was placing her feel on Litan territory. Adjusting the Seer she had brought with her, a small bulbous Grimm wrapped around her arm, she then looked on ahead and began her walk through the capital to the meeting area, waiting for her associates to land, as well as deciding to wait to see if anyone needed extra transportation, with her Seer Grimm acting as her mobile communications line.

[The Litan Imperium]

A man clad in black armor with a white bird insignia on his shoulder, indicating his position within the inquisition, approached the queen of the Grimm while carrying a tablet.

"Word has been sent to the Imperator that you and your entourage have arrived. He wishes to speak to you via video call." The inquisition agent said Salem before holding the tablet up. The tablet then turned on and showed a live feed from the Imperator.

"Ah Salem, it is good to see that you and the rest of your staff have safely arrived. I would greet you personally but I still have about 20 more medals to give out and a speech to go with each one. I see that neither the Regina nor the representatives of HYDRA have arrived yet. I will give all of you executive VIP access to the Imperial palace. Giving you access to the VIP lounge, the dining area, library, and training area. Once I finish up here and the rest of the expected leaders arrive, I will make my way to the palace and we shall be able to start this meeting. Until then do tell your entourage, as well as any other leaders who arrive, that even as foreign VIPs they must still abide by Litan Civil Law. I will check in occasionally via video call until I arrive there. I will see you soon." The inquisition agent then put down the tablet, gave a quick Litan salute and left.

[The Remnant Axis]

"Yes, thank you very much, young Imperator. Such a polite gentleman you are."

Salem adjusted her shawl, looking on ahead to the Imperial Palace. "And how nice of a home. Just like my own in some regards." She slowly steps onward, heading on in and immediately taking to the library. "I've got quite the time to read. Might as well take something along."

She quickly looks on through, grabbing a tome of Litan history, and bringing it along with her, heading on to outside of the palace again, deciding to have a seat and waiting for the next members to come on along.

[Strength and Order]

Litan Airspace

---

Descending from the clouds was a lone V-22 Osprey, painted black with red tinted windows and the ominous HYDRA logo stamped on the side. Inside were four passengers, two dressed in full combat gear, one dressed in combat fatigues, and another dressed in a fine black suit. One of the pilots peered back into the hull, directing his attention at the well-dressed gentleman.

"Touch down in 15-20, sir."

The man in the suit nodded, checking his watch as he did so. Looking up from his watch he divided his attention between the man and woman in combat gear, and the man sitting across from in the fatigues.

"Remember - this is a diplomatic mission. Stay behind and guard the Osprey while I play politician. These aren't my orders, these are HYDRA Command's orders, so if you disobey them you'll have to answer directly to nine angry Heads."

The man in the suit then directed his attention solely to the man sitting across from him.

"Understand? Or do I need to repeat myself? Masterson?"

The man in combat fatigues, Masterson, stared back at the man in the suit with disapproval.

"I understand, sir."

He said in a cockney accent filled with contempt. The man in the suit smiled coyly.

"Good. Glad to see you won't be allowing your inability to follow orders to interfere with your career in HYDRA any further than it already has. HYDRA Command will not permit any further acts of insubordination, in fact they've been rather generous giving you as many chances as you've been given. You're not useless Masterson, just pig-headed. So I'd advise cutting it out, before the ice your driving your tank on gives way and takes you down into the frozen depths from which there is no escape."

Masterson did not respond, merely scowling at his superior while the two agents in full combat gear smirked at one another.

"Attention Litan Air Traffic Control, this is Serpent One carrying a representative of HYDRA for scheduled delegation with the Imperator and foreign envoys. Requesting permission to land at nearest designated landing zone to the Imperial Palace."

The pilots awaited a response as the aircraft flew closer toward it's destination.

[The Litan Imperium]

Litan Airspace

---

Descending from the clouds was a lone V-22 Osprey, painted black with red tinted windows and the ominous Hydra logo stamped on the side. Inside were four passengers, two dressed in full combat gear, one dressed in combat fatigues, and another dressed in a fine black suit. One of the pilots peered back into the hull, directing his attention at the well-dressed gentleman.

"Touch down in 15-20, sir."

The man in the suit nodded, checking his watch as he did so. Looking up from his watch he divided his attention between the man and woman in combat gear, and the man sitting across from in the fatigues.

"Remember - this is a diplomatic mission. Stay behind and guard the Osprey while I play politician. These aren't my orders, these are Hydra Command's orders, so if you disobey them you'll have to answer directly to nine angry Heads."

The man in the suit then directed his attention solely to the man sitting across from him.

"Understand? Or do I need to repeat myself? Masterson?"

The man in combat fatigues, Masterson, stared back at the man in the suit with disapproval.

"I understand, sir."

He said in a cockney accent filled with contempt. The man in the suit smiled coyly.

"Good. Glad to see you won't be allowing your inability to follow orders to interfere with your career in Hydra any further than it already has. Hydra Command will not permit any further acts of insubordination, in fact they've been rather generous giving you as many chances as you've been given. You're not useless Masterson, just pig-headed. So I'd advise cutting it out, before the ice your driving your tank on gives way and takes you down into the frozen depths from which there is no escape."

Masterson did not respond, merely scowling at his superior while the two agents in full combat gear smirked at one another.

"Attention Litan Air Traffic Control, this is Serpent One carrying a representative of HYDRA for scheduled delegation with the Imperator and foreign envoys. Requesting permission to land at nearest designated landing zone to the Imperial Palace."

The pilots awaited a response as the aircraft flew closer toward it's destination.

Serpent One, This Litan City #1 Air traffic control. We have just received word of your arrival, please land on helipad #7. An inquisition official will greet and brief you on the pad." The air traffic controller said over the radio to the HYDRA pilot.

[Strength and Order]

Litan Airspace

---

Serpent One, This Litan City #1 Air traffic control. We have just received word of your arrival, please land on helipad #7. An inquisition official will greet and brief you on the pad." The air traffic controller said over the radio to the HYDRA pilot.

"Understood."

The pilots directed the aircraft to helipad #7, gently descending onto the pad as the loading ramp opened. The four passengers stood up, almost in unison, and Masterson and the man in the suit walked toward the open loading ramp. The two agents behind them followed close behind. The man in the suit stepped off the aircraft with Masterson while the other two agents stopped at the edge of the ramp. The man in the suit approached the Inquisition official.

"Good day, I'm Supervisory Agent Tobin Arkwright, and this is Special Agent Hallam Masterson."

[The Litan Imperium]

Litan Airspace

---

Serpent One, This Litan City #1 Air traffic control. We have just received word of your arrival, please land on helipad #7. An inquisition official will greet and brief you on the pad." The air traffic controller said over the radio to the HYDRA pilot.

"Understood."

The pilots directed the aircraft to helipad #7, gently descending onto the pad as the loading ramp opened. The four passengers stood up, almost in unison, and Masterson and the man in the suit walked toward the open loading ramp. The two agents behind them followed close behind. The man in the suit stepped off the aircraft with Masterson while the other two agents stopped at the edge of the ramp. The man in the suit approached the Inquisition official.

"Good day, I'm Supervisory Agent Tobin Arkwright, and this is Special Agent Hallam Masterson."

"Welcome to the Imperium, Agent Masterson. The Imperator wishes to speak to you, however he will have to do so via video call as he is currently making his way back to the Imperial palace where all the other leaders are." The Inquisition agent then held out a tablet and the Imperator face appeared.

"I assume you are the representative acting on behalf of HYDRA, I hope your trip here was pleasant. I am Imperator Darius Aurelian, the leader of the Litan Imperium. I have only just finished the military ceremonies and am now currently making my way to the imperial palace. A civil protection motorcade will bring you to the palace where we all will meet and discuss the plans for this tetrarchy"
The Imperator said before the inquisition agent put the tablet away and escorted the HYDRA agent to the motorcade to bring him to the palace.

[Nova Arcadia Domini]

International airspace, on approach to the Litan Imperium, 50km from Litan airspace

"... You know, I've never been the fondest of flying. Always found it to be a dull affair," John Tavurelian - more commonly known as Emperor John V of Arusvia to his most loyal, humble subjects and John V the Conqueror to his most despised enemies - said coolly to the man across from him, the commander of his entourage of Royal Guards, leaning back in his personal cushioned seat with a beautiful velvety red cover and staring out the window at the morning whites and blues of the oceans, the skies, and the clouds as he spoke. He was dressed humbly for the time being, wearing a warm, burgundy coat over his more regal attire.

"Why would that be, my Emperor?" asked the commander, a handsome, younger Captain - thirty years of age - by the name of Julian de Syros. He was considered by some the image of perfection itself: fair skin, bright hazel eyes, raven hair, and a face like a sculpture made by the likes of Michelangelo or Donatello themselves. He was a quiet man, though, one who kept his regards to most matters reserved to himself, something most men considered a virtue to strive for. His otherwise stoic nature was betrayed by his mannerisms, though; with shaky hands, nervous eyes, and a knack for chain-smoking, anyone with a keener eye could tell his stoicism came not from any natural developments but rather the unnatural, in the usual folly of man. He reached into the breast pocket of his jet black uniform with a white-gloved hand, fumbling for something of his.

"The waste of time behind it all," the Emperor remarked. "Of course, one has time to find peace in themselves, to collect their thoughts and to reminisce on their own lives, but hours upon hours of flight takes a toll even on the most patient of man. I'd wager that there'd be less boredom sitting upon my throne for a day, and that'd most likely leave me staring at a wall for hours. You can at least find more interesting things to the cracks in those bricks than in all the tumbling little clouds high above this earth."

"If I may, my Emperor, I'd have to express disagreement with you," Julian replied, wrapping his lips around a freshly-lit cigarette as John glanced his way.

"You may."

"There's a greater beauty to nature, my Emperor, than to mere stone and mortar. It is one of only two things that entice us to happiness, the other being the shining smiles of our beloved wives. Before us, nature was the one constant, and after us, it will remain the one constant. It flows into every nook and cranny on this planet, even in our cities of steel and concrete. The sun, the rains, and everything human would not be possible without it. Those clouds foster our lives, as does everything else. As it is, that makes this little flight, and every little flight before and after this one one of the things in life we should appreciate most; not because it eats away the precious time we have in life, but because it gives us a connection to nature beyond the ones we make standing on earth."

"Hmm... very well," the Emperor remarked, leaning back once more in his seat and staring again at the clouds rolling by to the soft hum of the jet's engines and the muffled, roaring engines of the escorting fighters nearby. He sighed as the daft stench of burnt tobacco met his senses, imagining the gold-hued clouds of the early morning to be the rolling hills where he once lived in his family's old countryside villa, where they farmed fruits from an impressive vineyard and where they once lorded over a small, friendly community. They were kinder, simpler times, and ones that Tavurelian missed, from the sweet scent of grapes, the glowing morning dew, the gentle breezes, and the millions of happy little memories made with his family.

Alas, he thought to himself, those times are over. His duty was to his people now, and he was well to make sure he served them dutifully. He had made his nation strong over his twenty long years reigning as Emperor, strengthening the immortal bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood to unbreakable ideals that encompassed the Arcadian spirit. With him, the nation flourished beautifully, bringing love and companionship within and an iron fist without. His subjects embraced freedoms untold, and his enemies trembled at their collective might. All thanks to him and his legions of loyal, courageous soldiers who fought with the spirits of thousands of ancient, lost generations, with hearts like lions and with camaraderie like wolves. Cat and mouse danced on the battlefield wherever the Arcadians under his leadership marched, and victory was never less than assured to the legions. A smile met the Emperor's aging face; Yes, he thought, my brave legions, forever unbreakable; forever conquering our foes. In the name of God, I bless them eternally.

Over the plane's intercom (and presumably over its radio to a fortunate Litan air traffic controller to be blessed by the voice of the Arcadian pilot calling to their tower), a voice came which said, "-Attention Litan air traffic control, this is Aquila One of the Arcadian Empire, under military escort for an important diplomatic mission, carrying an Imperial delegation. Requesting permission to land at the nearest dedicated landing zone near the Imperial Palace with aforementioned escort, over.-"

The Emperor sighed with relief. At last they were arriving. Hopefully, he surmised, this meeting will be more exciting than the flight.

[The Litan Imperium]

International airspace, on approach to the Litan Imperium, 50km from Litan airspace

"... You know, I've never been the fondest of flying. Always found it to be a dull affair," John Tavurelian - more commonly known as Emperor John V of Arusvia to his most loyal, humble subjects and John V the Conqueror to his most despised enemies - said coolly to the man across from him, the commander of his entourage of Royal Guards, leaning back in his personal cushioned seat with a beautiful velvety red cover and staring out the window at the morning whites and blues of the oceans, the skies, and the clouds as he spoke. He was dressed humbly for the time being, wearing a warm, burgundy coat over his more regal attire.

"Why would that be, my Emperor?" asked the commander, a handsome, younger Captain - thirty years of age - by the name of Julian de Syros. He was considered by some the image of perfection itself: fair skin, bright hazel eyes, raven hair, and a face like a sculpture made by the likes of Michelangelo or Donatello themselves. He was a quiet man, though, one who kept his regards to most matters reserved to himself, something most men considered a virtue to strive for. His otherwise stoic nature was betrayed by his mannerisms, though; with shaky hands, nervous eyes, and a knack for chain-smoking, anyone with a keener eye could tell his stoicism came not from any natural developments but rather the unnatural, in the usual folly of man. He reached into the breast pocket of his jet black uniform with a white-gloved hand, fumbling for something of his.

"The waste of time behind it all," the Emperor remarked. "Of course, one has time to find peace in themselves, to collect their thoughts and to reminisce on their own lives, but hours upon hours of flight takes a toll even on the most patient of man. I'd wager that there'd be less boredom sitting upon my throne for a day, and that'd most likely leave me staring at a wall for hours. You can at least find more interesting things to the cracks in those bricks than in all the tumbling little clouds high above this earth."

"If I may, my Emperor, I'd have to express disagreement with you," Julian replied, wrapping his lips around a freshly-lit cigarette as John glanced his way.

"You may."

"There's a greater beauty to nature, my Emperor, than to mere stone and mortar. It is one of only two things that entice us to happiness, the other being the shining smiles of our beloved wives. Before us, nature was the one constant, and after us, it will remain the one constant. It flows into every nook and cranny on this planet, even in our cities of steel and concrete. The sun, the rains, and everything human would not be possible without it. Those clouds foster our lives, as does everything else. As it is, that makes this little flight, and every little flight before and after this one one of the things in life we should appreciate most; not because it eats away the precious time we have in life, but because it gives us a connection to nature beyond the ones we make standing on earth."

"Hmm... very well," the Emperor remarked, leaning back once more in his seat and staring again at the clouds rolling by to the soft hum of the jet's engines and the muffled, roaring engines of the escorting fighters nearby. He sighed as the daft stench of burnt tobacco met his senses, imagining the gold-hued clouds of the early morning to be the rolling hills where he once lived in his family's old countryside villa, where they farmed fruits from an impressive vineyard and where they once lorded over a small, friendly community. They were kinder, simpler times, and ones that Tavurelian missed, from the sweet scent of grapes, the glowing morning dew, the gentle breezes, and the millions of happy little memories made with his family.

Alas, he thought to himself, those times are over. His duty was to his people now, and he was well to make sure he served them dutifully. He had made his nation strong over his twenty long years reigning as Emperor, strengthening the immortal bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood to unbreakable ideals that encompassed the Arcadian spirit. With him, the nation flourished beautifully, bringing love and companionship within and an iron fist without. His subjects embraced freedoms untold, and his enemies trembled at their collective might. All thanks to him and his legions of loyal, courageous soldiers who fought with the spirits of thousands of ancient, lost generations, with hearts like lions and with camaraderie like wolves. Cat and mouse danced on the battlefield wherever the Arcadians under his leadership marched, and victory was never less than assured to the legions. A smile met the Emperor's aging face; Yes, he thought, my brave legions, forever unbreakable; forever conquering our foes. In the name of God, I bless them eternally.

Over the plane's intercom (and presumably over its radio to a fortunate Litan air traffic controller to be blessed by the voice of the Arcadian pilot calling to their tower), a voice came which said, "-Attention Litan air traffic control, this is Aquila One of the Arcadian Empire, under military escort for an important diplomatic mission, carrying an Imperial delegation. Requesting permission to land at the nearest dedicated landing zone near the Imperial Palace with aforementioned escort, over.-"

The Emperor sighed with relief. At last they were arriving. Hopefully, he surmised, this meeting will be more exciting than the flight.

"Copy Aquilla one, this is Litan City #1 Air traffic control and we read you loud and clear. proceed to landing strip 4 and a civil protection motorcade will escort you and your entourage to the Imperial palace. The Imperator himself has returned from the military ceremonies and will greet you in person at the palace." the Litan Air traffic controller said as illuminated lights began flashing in order to show the arcadian plane where to land.

[The Litan Imperium]

The Imperator had finally returned from all the ceremonies he was forced to attend that day. He was aware that some of the foreign leaders had made their way to the Imperium and were en route to the palace.

He then made his way to the library and plopped down rather loudly in his recliner. He had only just noticed Salem in the Library, seemingly unaware of his presence either do to genuine obliviousness or just a lack of caring. He had decided that would at least make an attempt to strike up a conversation considering that not all the foreign leaders were there yet.

"Hey Salem, I know that book you're reading. It's a collection of famous war stories throughout the Imperium's history. Ranging from the stand of the 9th platoon to the break out at tanith. If you want I can give you a much more verbal and animated description of some of Those events." The Imperator said after she slowly looked up at him.

[Strength and Order]

"Welcome to the Imperium, Agent Arkwright. The Imperator wishes to speak to you, however he will have to do so via video call as he is currently making his way back to the Imperial palace where all the other leaders are." The Inquisition agent then held out a tablet and the Imperator face appeared.

"I assume you are the representative acting on behalf of HYDRA, I hope your trip here was pleasant. I am Imperator Darius Aurelian, the leader of the Litan Imperium. I have only just finished the military ceremonies and am now currently making my way to the imperial palace. A civil protection motorcade will bring you to the palace where we all will meet and discuss the plans for this tetrarchy"
The Imperator said before the inquisition agent put the tablet away and escorted the HYDRA agent to the motorcade to bring him to the palace.

"It's my pleasure, Imperator. I look forward to meeting you in person."

Arkwright turned to Masterson, leaning into his ear to whisper.

"Stay with the bird, don't do anything stupid, and mostly importantly: Behave."

Masterson looked at his superior with contempt, his blood boiling and teeth grinding.

"Hail HYDRA."

He said hatefully before turning around and boarding the Osprey. Arkwright smirked slightly before turning back to the inquisition agent and following him to the motorcade and entering into the designated vehicle.

[The Remnant Axis]

The Imperator had finally returned from all the ceremonies he was forced to attend that day. He was aware that some of the foreign leaders had made their way to the Imperium and were en route to the palace.

He then made his way to the library and plopped down rather loudly in his recliner. He had only just noticed Salem in the Library, seemingly unaware of his presence either do to genuine obliviousness or just a lack of caring. He had decided that would at least make an attempt to strike up a conversation considering that not all the foreign leaders were there yet.

"Hey Salem, I know that book you're reading. It's a collection of famous war stories throughout the Imperium's history. Ranging from the stand of the 9th platoon to the break out at tanith. If you want I can give you a much more verbal and animated description of some of Those events." The Imperator said after she slowly looked up at him.

Salem kept her eyes drawn right onto the pages in front of her, and kept on reading the paragraph she was on. It was all quite nice to get more history to read besides the usual drivel on Remnant she's known for ages. As she finishes the last word, she slowly closes the book and keep an inch of skin between the two pages, wedging it in case she had more time to read and think to herself.

"If you wish, Imperator. A better retelling could do much better then a simple history book could. However, I do want to know when the others who have came with me land, before I go and take my seat at the meeting room. It'd be better to have all of us together rather then simply having them all be late. I've already caught sense of whom I assume to be HYDRA and Arcadia landing in the city. This means that there's still some left... Though, I have time to hear your story. Please, do go on..." Salem usually read alone, though if it's the only way to best know the tale, then Darius is indeed a better resource to listen to then her current passage in the book.

[The Litan Imperium]

"Welcome to the Imperium, Agent Arkwright. The Imperator wishes to speak to you, however he will have to do so via video call as he is currently making his way back to the Imperial palace where all the other leaders are." The Inquisition agent then held out a tablet and the Imperator face appeared.

"I assume you are the representative acting on behalf of HYDRA, I hope your trip here was pleasant. I am Imperator Darius Aurelian, the leader of the Litan Imperium. I have only just finished the military ceremonies and am now currently making my way to the imperial palace. A civil protection motorcade will bring you to the palace where we all will meet and discuss the plans for this tetrarchy"
The Imperator said before the inquisition agent put the tablet away and escorted the HYDRA agent to the motorcade to bring him to the palace.

"It's my pleasure, Imperator. I look forward to meeting you in person."

Arkwright turned to Masterson, leaning into his ear to whisper.

"Stay with the bird, don't do anything stupid, and mostly importantly: Behave."

Masterson looked at his superior with contempt, his blood boiling and teeth grinding.

"Yes sir."

He said hatefully before turning around and boarding the Osprey. Arkwright smirked slightly before turning back to the inquisition agent and following him to the motorcade and entering into the designated vehicle.

The drive to the Imperial palace was a ride that certainly didn't do the imperium any favors when it came to making the imperium looking good. At multiple parts of the ride, Arkwright looked out the window to see several civil protection officers beating a man with stun batons.

"Ha, Litan justice right there pal. Better behave yourself else you're gonna end up in that poor bastard's position." The civil protection driver said in a rather positive tone.

Later during the ride, there were several inquisition agents were escorting individuals into a large windowless truck, but the motorcade drove past it before anything eventful happened.

After the ride, Arkwright was let of of the escort vehicle in front of the Litan Imperial palace.

[Strength and Order]

The drive to the Imperial palace was a ride that certainly didn't do the imperium any favors when it came to making the imperium looking good. At multiple parts of the ride, Arkwright looked out the window to see several civil protection officers beating a man with stun batons.

"Ha, Litan justice right there pal. Better behave yourself else you're gonna end up in that poor bastard's position." The civil protection driver said in a rather positive tone.

Later during the ride, there were several inquisition agents were escorting individuals into a large windowless truck, but the motorcade drove past it before anything eventful happened.

After the ride, Arkwright was let of of the escort vehicle in front of the Litan Imperial palace.

Arkwright smirked at driver's comment.

"You must not be familiar with my organization, good sir. I've been through worse than police brutality. I will respect your laws, have no doubt, but not because I fear what may happen if I do not. There are far scarier things in this world than punishment - no matter how harsh and unforgiving it may be. I should know, I work for some of them."

Arkwright stared out the window the entire ride, never glancing away for even a second, taking in everything he saw. He held no opinions of any of it - it was exactly what he had expected. He had seen these things before. Beatings, abductions, it was typical of most police states. Sometimes even necessary. He knew this, as did many in HYDRA. As the motorcade pulled up to the Imperial Palace he exited with a genuine smile on his face. He was, admittedly, impressed by the sight of it. It was just as grand as he had envisioned, but nonetheless he was awed by it.

"What a lovely ride, and a lovely palace to top it all off."

He said this without even a hint of sarcasm as he turned to the nearest Inquisition agent.

"Now, where might I find my gracious host? I look forward to being honored by his august presence."

[Nova Arcadia Domini]

Litan airspace, approaching Landing Strip Four

"-Aquila One copies all Number One. Beginning landing; out.-"

The landing of the Royal aircraft went about as smoothly as any landing could, and the pilots taxied the craft off the strip to another area as the escorting jets broke off and flew back to the carrier far out in international waters they'd come from. The side door staircase slowly lowered minutes later, and out stepped first the entourage of Royal Guards, some fifty in number, lining up at either side of the staircase. All were dressed in their jet black dress uniforms, with sleek black leather boots and shiny black kevlar helmets reminiscent of Stahlhelms being worn, and all except the two men farthest from the plane held rifles firmly in their hands and at attention, with the last holding the flag of the Empire and the Royal family's banner, both of which waved tall and proud in the fierce wind. As Tavurelian next exited the plane, the men stamped their left feet in unison onto the tarmac and barked out a crisp, prideful, "hail!" in honor of their beloved Emperor, with their fists extended ramrod straight out at a forty-five-degree angle. Following the Emperor came Julian, along with a minister of the Arcadian Church, and a number of other delegates and followers of the Emperor, all dressed to varying degrees of regality depending on their esteemed role.

When he reached the two standard bearers at the end of the line, the Emperor John stopped himself on the gray, worn tarmac and knelt, bowing his head and resting an open palm on the ground. He offered a small prayer, whispering, "blessed be this land, for it is embraced by God's holy children, amen," and making a motion representing the cross over his body before standing once more. He sighed and took in a deep breath, appreciating the fresh morning air. With the small royal ceremony completed, they rested and waited for their complementary motorcade to arrive.

[The Litan Imperium]

The Imperator had finally returned from all the ceremonies he was forced to attend that day. He was aware that some of the foreign leaders had made their way to the Imperium and were en route to the palace.

He then made his way to the library and plopped down rather loudly in his recliner. He had only just noticed Salem in the Library, seemingly unaware of his presence either do to genuine obliviousness or just a lack of caring. He had decided that would at least make an attempt to strike up a conversation considering that not all the foreign leaders were there yet.

"Hey Salem, I know that book you're reading. It's a collection of famous war stories throughout the Imperium's history. Ranging from the stand of the 9th platoon to the break out at tanith. If you want I can give you a much more verbal and animated description of some of Those events." The Imperator said after she slowly looked up at him.

Salem kept her eyes drawn right onto the pages in front of her, and kept on reading the paragraph she was on. It was all quite nice to get more history to read besides the usual drivel on Remnant she's known for ages. As she finishes the last word, she slowly closes the book and keep an inch of skin between the two pages, wedging it in case she had more time to read and think to herself.

"If you wish, Imperator. A better retelling could do much better then a simple history book could. However, I do want to know when the others who have came with me land, before I go and take my seat at the meeting room. It'd be better to have all of us together rather then simply having them all be late. I've already caught sense of whom I assume to be HYDRA and Arcadia landing in the city. This means that there's still some left... Though, I have time to hear your story. Please, do go on..." Salem usually read alone, though if it's the only way to best know the tale, then Darius is indeed a better resource to listen to then her current passage in the book.

"I think one of the best stories has to be the stand of the 9th company. During the Litan-Brasilistan war, there was an enemy firebase on the edge of a cliff, raining artillery on our supply routes and troop positions.

The unit sent to deal with it was the recently very successful 9th airborne company led by Major Tiberius. They were ordered to captured and hold the enemy base and await further instructions. Tiberius and his men were flown above the base under cover of the night and parachuted in while most of the brasilistan soldiers were asleep. With 200 men and in under 30 minutes, they managed to neutralize or capture all 300 personnel at the firebase and didnt lose a single man. However one brasilistan soldier managed to radio to command that they had lost the firebase.

They waited until morning for further orders but were instead told to hold position as a massive brasilistan force was coming to retake the base. The enemy force outnumbered them 9:1 and was coming from the south, the Litans only way of escape as they were on a cliff. Tiberius tried to call for support but was told that no extra troops or aircraft could be spared, and thus he told his men that aid was not on its way and to fortify the defenses.

The brasilistan forces wasted no time sending skirmishers to test the litan defenses before the main attack. The brasilistan soldiers were mostly untrained and unmotivated conscripts who were easily cut down by the Litan volley fire. The Litans also reversed some of artillery to point towards the south in order to fire on the brasilistan forces. This alone managed to kill a little over 100 enemy soldiers.

But now was the actual main attack at night. The brasilistan soldiers charged in waves that were quickly cut down by volley fire and costing them 300 men. Eventually They learned that the front gate would not be captured and began scaling the walls. This lead to the 200 Litans being pushed back and taking serious casualties, 63 in total, and falling back to the fortified command building.

The Litan soldiers were low on morale and some were thinking about surrendering. Major Tiberius quickly allayed those surrenderous thoughts by executing a soldier going towards the door to surrender. He then stood on a box and gave one of the most badass speeches I've heard of.

* The Imperator the made a small stack of books, stood on it with one leg, and recited the entire speech in a heavily exaggerated voice*

"You all call yourselve's Litans? A true litan would follow the oath that he swears as a soldier. To never surrender, to fight until the last bullet, until the last man, until the drop of litan blood. We all swore to protect the Imperium and it's citizens, this war is to save those who were captured by the despot that rules this putrid land. And here you all are, cowering in here wishing to throw yourselves to the mercy of those who imprison our people to servitude. Ask yourselves, are you Litans who will fight until your last breath? Or are you cowards, whom I will gladly kill to prevent any dishonor to the Imperium."

Then was the most memorable photographed image from that war, I think I have an image saved on my tablet actually. * The Imperator then shows Salem an image of 133 Litan soldiers saluting a hastily hung Litan flag*

Then they straight up bum rushes out of the command center and sent the Brasilistan soldiers into a massive panic then rout. Most of them were celebrating making the Litans retreat and were busy collecting trophies. They were all pushed back out of the firebase and into the jungle, where they were fired upon again with the artillery guns.

Major Tiberius was shot and killed by a brasilistan sniper but not before his Men had pretty much won the battle." Darius had concluded his retelling of the story

"Now as far as the rest pf your people arriving, give me one moment I'll make a call to their escort." Darius said before pressing on his wrist mounted communicator

"Voodoo 3, what's your status? What is your ETA to the Imperium? Over" Darius asked.

" ETA is 30 seconds, over" A radio garbled voice said in response.

" Well you heard him, they should be in the imperium in 30 seconds and at the palace in about 5 minutes." Darius said to Salem

[The Litan Imperium]

The drive to the Imperial palace was a ride that certainly didn't do the imperium any favors when it came to making the imperium looking good. At multiple parts of the ride, Arkwright looked out the window to see several civil protection officers beating a man with stun batons.

"Ha, Litan justice right there pal. Better behave yourself else you're gonna end up in that poor bastard's position." The civil protection driver said in a rather positive tone.

Later during the ride, there were several inquisition agents were escorting individuals into a large windowless truck, but the motorcade drove past it before anything eventful happened.

After the ride, Arkwright was let of of the escort vehicle in front of the Litan Imperial palace.

Arkwright smirked at driver's comment.

"You must not be familiar with my organization, good sir. I've been through worse than police brutality. I will respect your laws, have no doubt, but not because I fear what may happen if I do not. There are far scarier things in this world than punishment - no matter how harsh and unforgiving it may be. I should know, I work for some of them."

Arkwright stared out the window the entire ride, never glancing away for even a second, taking in everything he saw. He held no opinions of any of it - it was exactly what he had expected. He had seen these things before. Beatings, abductions, it was typical of most police states. Sometimes even necessary. He knew this, as did many in HYDRA. As the motorcade pulled up to the Imperial Palace he exited with a genuine smile on his face. He was, admittedly, impressed by the sight of it. It was just as grand as he had envisioned, but nonetheless he was awed by it.

"What a lovely ride, and a lovely palace to top it all off."

He said this without even a hint of sarcasm as he turned to the nearest Inquisition agent.

"Now, where might I find my gracious host? I look forward to being honored by his august presence."

The inquisition agent answered Arkwrights question without delay.
"You will find the Imperator within the palace library, I believe he was speaking to the queen of the grimm."
The agent said In response to the question.

[Infernia]

International airspace, en route to Litan

The Presidential Airship, nicknamed Ferdinand I, floated through the air like a majestic whale. The trip thus far had taken hour, if not days. Lucifer, President of the United Principalities, had slept for most of the trip in his private cabin. A loud knocking disturbed his slumber, and forced him awake. "Enter." Lucifer stated.

"Your Excellency, we are approaching Imperial Airspace and will be arriving momentarily." A Malebrache agent alerted.

"Thank you." Lucifer said. "Order the cooks to prepare a breakfast, and invite the Captain."

"Right away."

The President prepared for his arrival, choosing a practical brown suit and fedora, and a gray tie. A phonograph lay in the far corner playing soft music that Lucifer hummed to. Lucifer look longingly out a window at the sea, he would have rather taken a seaship to Litan, but travailing by boat would have taken far longer. Still, he did enjoy the spectacle of flying, of conquering gravity.

In the dining room a small breakfast consisting of fresh fish and fruit was assembled. President Lucifer, Prince Satan, and the Captain all ate around a triangular table discussing topic of the day. "I'm actually afraid we're going to be late." Lucifer said. Satan looked rather annoyed at that statement.

"We couldn't have taken a plane?" Satan questioned.

"Planes are crude and dangerous. And where's the class?"

"I believe we are just arriving now." Said the captain.

The crew of the Ferdinand I requested appropriate landing as it lazily soared to it's destination. It's passengers eagerly waited for the upcoming event.

[The Litan Imperium]

International airspace, en route to Litan

The Presidential Airship, nicknamed Ferdinand I, floated through the air like a majestic whale. The trip thus far had taken hour, if not days. Lucifer, President of the United Principalities, had slept for most of the trip in his private cabin. A loud knocking disturbed his slumber, and forced him awake. "Enter." Lucifer stated.

"Your Excellency, we are approaching Imperial Airspace and will be arriving momentarily." A Malebrache agent alerted.

"Thank you." Lucifer said. "Order the cooks to prepare a breakfast, and invite the Captain."

"Right away."

The President prepared for his arrival, choosing a practical brown suit and fedora, and a gray tie. A phonograph lay in the far corner playing soft music that Lucifer hummed to. Lucifer look longingly out a window at the sea, he would have rather taken a seaship to Litan, but travailing by boat would have taken far longer. Still, he did enjoy the spectacle of flying, of conquering gravity.

In the dining room a small breakfast consisting of fresh fish and fruit was assembled. President Lucifer, Prince Satan, and the Captain all ate around a triangular table discussing topic of the day. "I'm actually afraid we're going to be late." Lucifer said. Satan looked rather annoyed at that statement.

"We couldn't have taken a plane?" Satan questioned.

"Planes are crude and dangerous. And where's the class?"

"I believe we are just arriving now." Said the captain.

The crew of the Ferdinand I requested appropriate landing as it lazily soared to it's destination. It's passengers eagerly waited for the upcoming event.

Two Litan fighter jets appeared from the clouds near the airship and hailed the pilot.

"Unidentified vessel, you are entering Litan airspace without proper cause. State your business or submit to examination. Refusal to comply will result in takedown." One of the pilots said over the radio to the pilot of the airship.

[Strength and Order]

The inquisition agent answered Arkwrights question without delay.
"You will find the Imperator within the palace library, I believe he was speaking to the queen of the grimm."
The agent said In response to the question.

Arkwright nodded and smiled, proceeding to enter the palace. Although he did not know his way around he walked as if he did, seemingly out of instinct. By chance, he winded up exactly in the place he had intended to be: The Palace Library. He immediately noticed both Salem and Darius from the photos he had been shown when briefed on his mission. The two stood out, certainly. He smiled brightly as he approached them both, and as he drew closer he did a slight bow as to show respect.

"Majesties, allow me to introduce myself. I am Supervisory Agent Tobin Arkwright - proud and loyal soldier of HYDRA. It is an absolute honor to meet you both."

He was an average man, yet not quite. His appearance was simple, yet peculiar. Clean shaven, with graying hair - and yet, he did not appear that old. Few wrinkles and crevices graced his face, giving him the illusion of a much younger man. It is clear to tell that he was a man of age, with many years on him, but what was unclear was exactly how many years he had. It was almost enough to distract from the large scar on his throat, which had apparently been slit at some point long ago. His eyes stole much of the attention from those who he encountered. They were dark, cold, calculating, sharp, piercing, almost sadistic and reptilian in nature as they failed to betray his thoughts or emotions. But perhaps most interesting was his voice: Raspy, aged, damaged and yet it left an effect, it was if it did not matter what words he spoke with for they managed to captivate and entice those that heard them. Such a hazed voice, and yet seductive to the ears - charming.

"On behalf of HYDRA Command I must apologize that one of the Heads themselves did not personally come to this meeting, but unfortunately they could not as they live rather... public lives, more so than the majority of those in our organization. It is a necessity of sorts - a curtain against undesired rays of light seeking to shine themselves upon us. It is for this reason they could not make this trip, but rest assured - wherever I go, HYDRA Command is always with me."

He gently raised his index finger to his right eye, which at first did not seem significant, until it lit up a bright shade of red for a brief moment before turning back to it's natural green shade.

"My eyes are theirs, my ears are theirs, my body is theirs - all to with as they please. It is thus that I say, without hesitation, that I myself do not exist. Your greatness outmatches my humility, for while you are craftsmen of your own will, I am but the tool of my craftsmen. It is my hope that my masters and yourselves shall make great art together, for that is all the purpose I need: Creation - and in our organization we believe in creating great things."

Arkwright sighed with relief for a moment, but turning his attention back to Salem and Darius.

"Hail HYDRA."

[Infernia]

Two Litan fighter jets appeared from the clouds near the airship and hailed the pilot.

"Unidentified vessel, you are entering Litan airspace without proper cause. State your business or submit to examination. Refusal to comply will result in takedown." One of the pilots said over the radio to the pilot of the airship.

"Impossible!" Lucifer exclaimed when he was relayed the message.

The royal breakfast had been cut short with the quick escalation of the situation. The Captain was rushed quickly back to the helm of the airship, leaving both delegates confused and angry. This blatant paranoia would not be soon forgotten.

"This is Captain Georgius Esperia of the UPS Ferdinand I of the United Principalities of Infernia. We were invited to a diplomatic mission. Please stand down." The crew grew nervous.

[The Litan Imperium]

Two Litan fighter jets appeared from the clouds near the airship and hailed the pilot.

"Unidentified vessel, you are entering Litan airspace without proper cause. State your business or submit to examination. Refusal to comply will result in takedown." One of the pilots said over the radio to the pilot of the airship.

"Impossible!" Lucifer exclaimed when he was relayed the message.

The royal breakfast had been cut short with the quick escalation of the situation. The Captain was rushed quickly back to the helm of the airship, leaving both delegates confused and angry. This blatant paranoia would not be soon forgotten.

"This is Captain Georgius Esperia of the UPS Ferdinand I of the United Principalities of Infernia. We were invited to a diplomatic mission. Please stand down." The crew grew nervous.

"Please hold, we're confirming that information.....Alright you're clear. Sorry about the uhh hospitality, we take our security very seriously. Me and Falcon 2 will escort your ship to the landing with a motorcade waiting for you." One of the pilots said in a tone completely opposite the one used moments before.

[The Remnant Axis]

Salem quite enjoyed listening to Darius and his tale of true history. A quite interesting story it was, some true brutality through that single skirmish. "My, you've really shown to be quite the connoisseur of great history, Darius. The Litan people really are shown to being the most vicious of warriors."

She then looks on over to the man from HYDRA, looking over to Arkwright, and placing a hand out to him. "Greetings, agent Arkwright. I am assuming you know me and Darius from some sort of information you were given. I will be happy to help you out with any info you need to know about me while we wait, before or after the meeting. A somewhat shame that none of the heads could come, but I do understand. I believe that together, we shall not make mere art: we shall make perfection together. And for you, a Hail HYDRA."

Meanwhile, 30 seconds from landing...

The three had waited quite a while to reach their destination, but Raven decided to hasten it a bit. "Alright everyone of you, we came on here simply out of convenience, but we'll let you be for now. Adam, Cinder, let's get to Salem. The quicker way, now that we know she's there." She smiles, drawing her sword and cutting a portal, stepping on through while the others do as well. Next came Cinder, and then Adam.

Behind Arkwright, came the three from their portal. Raven and Adam went and took their sides beside Salem, keeping quiet and formal, while Cinder headed on over beside Darius, wrapping her arms around one of his arms.

[The Litan Imperium]

Salem quite enjoyed listening to Darius and his tale of true history. A quite interesting story it was, some true brutality through that single skirmish. "My, you've really shown to be quite the connoisseur of great history, Darius. The Litan people really are shown to being the most vicious of warriors."

She then looks on over to the man from HYDRA, looking over to Arkwright, and placing a hand out to him. "Greetings, agent Arkwright. I am assuming you know me and Darius from some sort of information you were given. I will be happy to help you out with any info you need to know about me while we wait, before or after the meeting. A somewhat shame that none of the heads could come, but I do understand. I believe that together, we shall not make mere art: we shall make perfection together. And for you, a Hail HYDRA."

Meanwhile, 30 seconds from landing...

The three had waited quite a while to reach their destination, but Raven decided to hasten it a bit. "Alright everyone of you, we came on here simply out of convenience, but we'll let you be for now. Adam, Cinder, let's get to Salem. The quicker way, now that we know she's there." She smiles, drawing her sword and cutting a portal, stepping on through while the others do as well. Next came Cinder, and then Adam.

Behind Arkwright, came the three from their portal. Raven and Adam went and took their sides beside Salem, keeping quiet and formal, while Cinder headed on over beside Darius, wrapping her arms around one of his arms.

"Oh Cinder, If only you were with me for the past 8 hours. Those medal ceremonies would have been actually bearable" Darius said while wrapping both arms around Cinder.

After a few seconds they relinquished their grips on eachother and went back to business.

"Well thats most of us here now, I think we're just waiting on Lucifer of infernia, the emperor of the Nova Arcadia Domini, and finally the Regina of the abyss Raiders. Salem if you wish we could all simply go to the meeting room now and simply wait or I could just call for everyone when those three get here." He said to Salem

" What do you wish to do?" Darius asked her.

[Strength and Order]

Salem quite enjoyed listening to Darius and his tale of true history. A quite interesting story it was, some true brutality through that single skirmish. "My, you've really shown to be quite the connoisseur of great history, Darius. The Litan people really are shown to being the most vicious of warriors."

She then looks on over to the man from HYDRA, looking over to Arkwright, and placing a hand out to him. "Greetings, agent Arkwright. I am assuming you know me and Darius from some sort of information you were given. I will be happy to help you out with any info you need to know about me while we wait, before or after the meeting. A somewhat shame that none of the heads could come, but I do understand. I believe that together, we shall not make mere art: we shall make perfection together. And for you, a Hail HYDRA."

Meanwhile, 30 seconds from landing...

The three had waited quite a while to reach their destination, but Raven decided to hasten it a bit. "Alright everyone of you, we came on here simply out of convenience, but we'll let you be for now. Adam, Cinder, let's get to Salem. The quicker way, now that we know she's there." She smiles, drawing her sword and cutting a portal, stepping on through while the others do as well. Next came Cinder, and then Adam.

Behind Arkwright, came the three from their portal. Raven and Adam went and took their sides beside Salem, keeping quiet and formal, while Cinder headed on over beside Darius, wrapping her arms around one of his arms.

"Madame."

Arkwright took Salem's hand and gently kissed it.

"You have confirmed what we all had hoped: That our goals are indeed aligned."

Arkwright paid little attention to the portal that opened behind him, offering only a slight twist of his head to a take in a glance of it. He was not phased by it, for he had become used to such occurrences during his long history with HYDRA, although he was impressed.