A Desert Predator in Scarlet Company (Closed)

[Kyrenaia]

Anaximander, for his part, looks back at Aurelia with a similar look of cold objectivity, the same one he would have when inspecting troops, especially from the Imperial Guard. He also crosses his arms too.
"Your opinion on me can wait, this is diplomacy we're doing right now. There's a time for everything under the sun, someone said. No, just a quick recap about the article, and the relation between the Empire, and the Sultanate will suffice for now."

Throne Room.
Oh, Anax... you believe, that I was impressed? Tsk, tsk, tsk... you got nothing on Basma.
"If you wish...", I said and nodded, "The article, The Unstable New Friend of the Sultanate: A Critical View at the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle and its internal affairs by Professor Ahmir Dib, released in 2019 in the Political Sciences Journal of the University of Megido, is a review of the relationship between the Sultanate of Kyrenaia and the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle, as well as a critical examination of the Empire's political landscape.
The article analyses in particular the happenings starting with the Civil War of 2005 to 2008, which, despite how much the Empire wishes to hide it, is still going on in its consequences.
The Death of Emperor Christian in 2010 is, according to him, only a symptom of the same plague of instability, which still holds the Empire in its grip. He draws attention to three major incidents, which took place within his own country. The incidents he mentions surround the groups known as the Testament of the New Ezekiel and the Heretics in one incident, which caused the deployment of deathsquads led by the Emperor himself, as well as the Eden's Gate Incident, which caused the deployment of disproportionately heavy army forces to suppress that internal rebellion, which apparently managed to not only get a hold of heavy weaponry, according to the author a general point of instability, but also vintage warplanes - the author does point out, that these warplanes are older then himself. Still, the author concludes from these two incidents, that the civil war left widespread corruption and power vacuums, in which distasteful elements try to establish themselves now.
And then, of course, he mentions the Dollar Flu Incident and the Desertion of the Division, which only heightened the disaster, which was unfolding in New York. While the entire matter was not yet closed by the time the article was published, it seems clear to him, that this was but one more power vacuum, which found its filling and the counter-insurgency operations, again led by the Emperor himself, which he does not approve of, are just another medication to treat a symptom, but not the disease.
The Empire struggles to maintain inner stability, as evidenced by these incidents.
Remarkably, the author does not assign blame. His own statement, that he will portray the facts as they are and contextualize them is true and he holds himself to that standard. Blaming people, he says, is the purview of others, the 'revolutionary masses' in the 'Socialist Monarchy' that is the Empire." I looked over to Fara. "Did I miss anything important?"
"That's the short of it, yes.", she replied after a moment.
I turned back to Anax. "Now, as for my position on the article: There are some things, which Professor Dib did not touch on, but generally speaking, he presents a clear and precise argumentation for his thesis in a neutral and objective language. It could be better written language-wise, more fluently, but to my knowledge, the official English Translation is a bit more fluid." I made a pause, making a clear distinction between my opinion on the outward features and inner features. "As for my opinion on the matter, especially if counting in your behaviour during the visit to Utica and this morning, I have to agree in part. This country is deeply wounded, yet little is done to heal the wounds, prevent infections. You put bandaids on the wounds, that is true, yet these bandaids are just that: Bandaids, not medication. Your paranoia, even in your own halls, will be your downfall.
At the same time, which perplexes me quite a bit, this country suffers from delusions of grandeur. It has regional power, its little sphere of influence, but little more. It is not a bear, which waits to wake up. It's not a superpower. It came out of a civil war recently and still struggles to maintain inner stability. Adding in the economic and social consequences of the Dollar Flu and the subsequent loss of value of the Imperial Dollar, to the point, that by the end of Decembre banks in Kyrenaia did not want to exchange Imperial Dollars due to the miniscule worth, which 8,000 of them have, it will only get rougher.
If your CIA listened well, they would have heard me saying that multiple times already."
There was silence and then, Admiral Lahia began to clap, soon joined by Fara and Dad, which did not make me change my expression. Sure, I was glad about Dad's approval of my words, spoken dispassionate and cold, but this was not the time to show it.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Anaximander listens silently to Aurelia's speech, while still keeping his hard face and gaze. Then, a few seconds ater she has finished, two small tears can be seen rolling down his cheeks, as he still keeps his facial expression.
After a few more seconds, he looks down, his arms still crossed ver his naked chest, and casts a quick glance toward the two tatoos on his pectorals: the left one, which all Scarlet Rangers have, an Imperial Scarlet Eagle with a silver skull, and on the right one, over his scar that reminds him of the bullet he took during the Civil War, a heart with Anna written in it. Once that is done, he looks back up to the Princess.

"One thing I hope you already know Aurelia, is that to heal someone after he was injured, you sometimes have to spend a lot of time to find the appropriate treatment. And as you can guess, a country of 1 Billion inhabitants, if as complex, if not more, than the human body. So yeah, we may have only been putting bandages on the wounds until now, but one thing for sure, is that this time is about to be finally over.
But let's take this one by one, shall we?
"First of all, you remember the maxim that defines the Empire: Home of the Free, Land of the Brave. So yes, sometimes it may lead to problems such as the ones Sullivan Knoth and Joseph Seed caused us. And for reminder, Knoth was operating on a private property, which means that legally, we couldn't have intervened without a warrant, but we did nonetheless.
Second, about using disproportionately forces to deal with New Eden, I'll give you this sentence: Overkill, as such, does not exist. Overkill is a term used by those, who are beaten by appropriate force., he says as he switches to Kyrenaian. Prince Mahmut ibn Idris, 2018, relaying the words of a General from the Sultanate's past to Emperor Anaximander Blachkov and company, on their way to the Palace of the Azure Hall, he adds in the same language.
Concerning the Division, he continues as he switches back to English, I'll simply say they are last-resort options, who are allowed to use anything to save what is left. This implies they are very autonomous, which can also lead to the problems we have witnessed. Thankfully, we have analyzed the roots of the problem, and we are nearly finished with resolving them. But know this, since they weren't activated until now, there was no way to knwo exactly how they would behave on the ground in real conditions. No matter how hard and well you are trained, your first deployment on the field always shakes you to the core.

Concerning the sphere of influence, it's true we may only have a real influence over other American countries, and for the rest of the world, they only hear our voice, but there is one key factor you forget to take into account. Contrary to you, we had to build it from the ground up. You take pride in your sphere of influence, but this sphere is only composed of former colonies, you just had to pick the leftover ties you had with them, and just reestablish them. What a great job, I'm impressed." says Anaximander with sarcasm, as he is the one to clap this time, just like Pavel and a few of his male Alphas.
"Now, concerning the economical side of the problem, yes we have fallen of some hard times, the Imperial Dollar value has dropped like hell, no need to remind me of that. But if I remember well, you experienced something similar after the DeCol-Wars, the Barqa value went down too, and it was thanks to Razia's genius, that established something akin to the New Deal we had established back in the 1930s after the 1929 crisis, that allowed you to get back quickly on your feet.
So yeah, we will have to reroute some budgets, cut some others, etc. But if I remember well, you're bringing a whole bunch of donations with you, if I'm correct? Well this, coupled with others, and federal reserves, will be the help we need. I may be getting ahead of myself, but I think in two years time, we can be back on the same level, if not better.

And finally, concerning my paranoia, do not talk about things you don't know Aurelia, continues the Emperor as his expression suddenly turns very angry, ready to unleash a full-blown rage. If the Chandschar had looked deeper, they would have easily understood that this so called paranoia I have is a trait that seems to affect all Scarlet Rangers, but that it's just a urban legend, a term used by the media.
We are trained to become very attentive of our environment, and it's true, it may look like paranoia. For some operators, it indeed eveolves into clinical paranoia, but that's justa very small fraction.
As for me, it's both a combination of my military training, and my lack of political skills. As you know, unlike in Kyrenaia, I lived the childhood of a normal child, I was not trained in courting and protocol from an early age. That's a golden rule here: Never train the kids in these matters until they come of age.
So, I was supposed to train with my father for four years after I was married, but he died right after. Which means that in a two month time, I had to get the basics of being Emperor, with the help of my grandfather, but that would have required at least three years. So, first, not the best kind of training, and second, I'm a straightformward person, and all the political lies that make up the job are not really my taste.
So yeah, as Mom told you, I'm currently on the cliff edge's of insanity, ready to go over the edge. And thankfully, Anna, Mom and the others are here to keep me with them. But what happened the last few months, really seems to be the last straw. And your father's antics didn't help in that.
But after what he agreed to, I know for sure, that in two hours, I'll be healed and fine again."

Once that is said, the Emperor grabs a gourd Anna is offering him, and downs it in one go.
"And by the way, Dad's death is in no way related to the Civil War, Dib is completely in the wrong, adds Anax. The attack in which he perished was carried out by a small group with ties to Bboko Haram and Al Qaeda, which were not involved in the Civil War."

[Kyrenaia]

Anaximander listens silently to Aurelia's speech, while still keeping his hard face and gaze. Then, a few seconds ater she has finished, two small tears can be seen rolling down his cheeks, as he still keeps his facial expression.
After a few more seconds, he looks down, his arms still crossed ver his naked chest, and casts a quick glance toward the two tatoos on his pectorals: the left one, which all Scarlet Rangers have, an Imperial Scarlet Eagle with a silver skull, and on the right one, over his scar that reminds him of the bullet he took during the Civil War, a heart with Anna written in it. Once that is done, he looks back up to the Princess.

"One thing I hope you already know Aurelia, is that to heal someone after he was injured, you sometimes have to spend a lot of time to find the appropriate treatment. And as you can guess, a country of 1 Billion inhabitants, if as complex, if not more, than the human body. So yeah, we may have only been putting bandages on the wounds until now, but one thing for sure, is that this time is about to be finally over.
But let's take this one by one, shall we?
"First of all, you remember the maxim that defines the Empire: Home of the Free, Land of the Brave. So yes, sometimes it may lead to problems such as the ones Sullivan Knoth and Joseph Seed caused us. And for reminder, Knoth was operating on a private property, which means that legally, we couldn't have intervened without a warrant, but we did nonetheless.
Second, about using disproportionately forces to deal with New Eden, I'll give you this sentence: Overkill, as such, does not exist. Overkill is a term used by those, who are beaten by appropriate force., he says as he switches to Kyrenaian. Prince Mahmut ibn Idris, 2018, relaying the words of a General from the Sultanate's past to Emperor Anaximander Blachkov and company, on their way to the Palace of the Azure Hall, he adds in the same language.
Concerning the Division, he continues as he switches back to English, I'll simply say they are last-resort options, who are allowed to use anything to save what is left. This implies they are very autonomous, which can also lead to the problems we have witnessed. Thankfully, we have analyzed the roots of the problem, and we are nearly finished with resolving them. But know this, since they weren't activated until now, there was no way to knwo exactly how they would behave on the ground in real conditions. No matter how hard and well you are trained, your first deployment on the field always shakes you to the core.

Concerning the sphere of influence, it's true we may only have a real influence over other American countries, and for the rest of the world, they only hear our voice, but there is one key factor you forget to take into account. Contrary to you, we had to build it from the ground up. You take pride in your sphere of influence, but this sphere is only composed of former colonies, you just had to pick the leftover ties you had with them, and just reestablish them. What a great job, I'm impressed." says Anaximander with sarcasm, as he is the one to clap this time, just like Pavel and a few of his male Alphas.
"Now, concerning the economical side of the problem, yes we have fallen of some hard times, the Imperial Dollar value has dropped like hell, no need to remind me of that. But if I remember well, you experienced something similar after the DeCol-Wars, the Barqa value went down too, and it was thanks to Razia's genius, that established something akin to the New Deal we had established back in the 1930s after the 1929 crisis, that allowed you to get back quickly on your feet.
So yeah, we will have to reroute some budgets, cut some others, etc. But if I remember well, you're bringing a whole bunch of donations with you, if I'm correct? Well this, coupled with others, and federal reserves, will be the help we need. I may be getting ahead of myself, but I think in two years time, we can be back on the same level, if not better.

And finally, concerning my paranoia, do not talk about things you don't know Aurelia, continues the Emperor as his expression suddenly turns very angry, ready to unleash a full-blown rage. If the Chandschar had looked deeper, they would have easily understood that this so called paranoia I have is a trait that seems to affect all Scarlet Rangers, but that it's just a urban legend, a term used by the media.
We are trained to become very attentive of our environment, and it's true, it may look like paranoia. For some operators, it indeed eveolves into clinical paranoia, but that's justa very small fraction.
As for me, it's both a combination of my military training, and my lack of political skills. As you know, unlike in Kyrenaia, I lived the childhood of a normal child, I was not trained in courting and protocol from an early age. That's a golden rule here: Never train the kids in these matters until they come of age.
So, I was supposed to train with my father for four years after I was married, but he died right after. Which means that in a two month time, I had to get the basics of being Emperor, with the help of my grandfather, but that would have required at least three years. So, first, not the best kind of training, and second, I'm a straightformward person, and all the political lies that make up the job are not really my taste.
So yeah, as Mom told you, I'm currently on the cliff edge's of insanity, ready to go over the edge. And thankfully, Anna, Mom and the others are here to keep me with them. But what happened the last few months, really seems to be the last straw. And your father's antics didn't help in that.
But after what he agreed to, I know for sure, that in two hours, I'll be healed and fine again."

Once that is said, the Emperor grabs a gourd Anna is offering him, and downs it in one go.
"And by the way, Dad's death is in no way related to the Civil War, Dib is completely in the wrong, adds Anax. The attack in which he perished was carried out by a small group with ties to Bboko Haram and Al Qaeda, which were not involved in the Civil War."

Throne Room.
I took in air to give Anax a harsh reply, which would most likely include the demand for him to let the waterworks be and to wipe the pee from his face, but then, I felt a hand on my back.
The greatest difference between me and Anax became apparent: I knew, that I needed to learn and was willing to accept help in doing so, as well as I had a Father, who taught me with a skilled hand, his smile and raised eyebrow, both very visible for the Imperials, being signal enough for me to check my own fire and passion. I was passionate in discussions about other things, but this was not worth getting riled up over.
My hand went into Dad's pocket and pulling out a pack of tissues, which I threw in a lazy ark towards Anax, easily visible as a pack of tissues so that he could dry his tears.
I smiled as Fara tagged in.
"If the CIA followed the discussion even half as closely as you want to make us believe, then they would know, and informed you properly, that this was actually the second argument rallied against the article by Professor Dib, a mistake, which he has acknowledged and which is, in general, the reason, why the article led to a general discussion about Kyrenaian Foreign Politics and not to a discussion about the relation between Kyrenaia and the Empire." She let a beat pass. "It will be actually be one of the arguments, which I will use, mainly because I believe, that he made one crucial mistake in his article. He saw the death of Emperor Christian, who by the way is called Christian the Hawk amongst Kyrenaian Historians, a huge honour for a foreign monarch or leader, as a symptom, where it was none. What it was, in my opinion, was a stabilizing factor falling away."
By now, she had stepped up to my side.
"His age and wisdom, which were sorely needed in guiding the Empire after the Civil War, which had filled the power vacuums, mostly at least, in favour of his young son, who needed to learn, how the world he found himself in works.", she added, "And who still needs to learn. I understand your system and I understand the merits you assign to it, giving the Princes and Princesses a youth as normal as possible without the education and training of a Court to guide them in their later years, but I hope you understand the merits of our system as well. Neither of them are perfect."
"In addition...", I began and smiled at Anax, "You are wrong in several facts you state. The Kyrenaian Sphere of Influence includes, amongst others, the Free Lands and Lutetii, especially after the Utica Peace Accords of 1983 and the Treaty of Defense of 1995. I might have missed something in history classes, I give you that, but neither of them were ever Kyrenaian Colonies. So, no, the sphere of influence is not 'only composed of former colonies', and no, we didn't 'just ha[ve] to pick the leftover ties [we] had with them, and just reestablish them'. Granted, these ties are older then the Empire, by centuries, but they were there already and they held. More or less." My last admission, aimed at the Lutetiian Involvement in the DeCol-Wars, caused a few chuckles. "Secondly..."
I suddenly felt the pressure on my back increase by just a smidgen.
"Secondly...", I said, still smiling, switching to Kyrenaian, "...if you want to speak Kyrenaian with us, fine by any of us. Practice makes perfect, after all and you have a bit of an accent." I turned to Yuri. "Same goes for you, by the way. If there's interest, from anyone, come." I gave a small smile. "Without the kind help of many someones, I would still stumble through the language like a drunk caracal with an accent worse then yours, so I know, how hard it is."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Anaximander catches the tissue packet in midair, grabs a tissue and then wipes his eyes, before throwing back the pack towards Damir, while throwing the tissue in a dustbin hidden near his throne.
"Like he said, replies Anna to Fara, the Agency only gave us small reports about the general idea of the debate, but they failed to tell us this information, so thank you for that information Fara, says the Empress with a nod.
-Anyway, continues Anax, to get back to Dad, he recognized during the war that he was foolish to try and have implemented all those restrictive measures in such a short time, which fueled more and more resentment and public anger that eventually led to the Civil War. Although, after it ended, and while the Alphas, Anna and I were hunting criminals around the world during the Purge, he did a lot of great things. You're right Fara, his wisdom and his abilities had been a huge help to start getting back the country on its feet.
As for his nickname for the books, that's a nice one, but that makes me fear for how your historians would call me. The Madman? The Uneducated?

Also, concerning our systems, I agree, none of them are perfect, and I think they can learn from each other. One thing for sure, is when Anna and I are going to have a kid, we'll try to give him or her a bit of protocol education, although we still won't expose him to the media.
As for the Free Lands and Lutetii, continues the Emperor as he turns to Aurelia, they were so obvious that I didn't mention them.
And finally, concerning the accent, he adds as he switches again to Kyrenaian, I'm very proud of it, just like you should be of your Selkie accent. Both of them are very nice.
Anyway Damir, I know that what I'm going to say is going to sound very strange, but just like Fara said, I still have some things to learn about the big game of politics. And I can't help but feel that your mother, Razia Sultana, would be a great teacher. So, would you please relay to her my humble request for her to take me as her Padawan?" finishes the Emperor with a deep bow of the head to the Kyrenaian Prince, causing his wife and friends, as well as his mother, to raise their eyebrows, the ones not understanding Kyrenaians having understood what he said with an automated translator in their phones or Data Glove Paired.

[Kyrenaia]

Anaximander catches the tissue packet in midair, grabs a tissue and then wipes his eyes, before throwing back the pack towards Damir, while throwing the tissue in a dustbin hidden near his throne.
"Like he said, replies Anna to Fara, the Agency only gave us small reports about the general idea of the debate, but they failed to tell us this information, so thank you for that information Fara, says the Empress with a nod.
-Anyway, continues Anax, to get back to Dad, he recognized during the war that he was foolish to try and have implemented all those restrictive measures in such a short time, which fueled more and more resentment and public anger that eventually led to the Civil War. Although, after it ended, and while the Alphas, Anna and I were hunting criminals around the world during the Purge, he did a lot of great things. You're right Fara, his wisdom and his abilities had been a huge help to start getting back the country on its feet.
As for his nickname for the books, that's a nice one, but that makes me fear for how your historians would call me. The Madman? The Uneducated?

Also, concerning our systems, I agree, none of them are perfect, and I think they can learn from each other. One thing for sure, is when Anna and I are going to have a kid, we'll try to give him or her a bit of protocol education, although we still won't expose him to the media.
As for the Free Lands and Lutetii, continues the Emperor as he turns to Aurelia, they were so obvious that I didn't mention them.
And finally, concerning the accent, he adds as he switches again to Kyrenaian, I'm very proud of it, just like you should be of your Selkie accent. Both of them are very nice.
Anyway Damir, I know that what I'm going to say is going to sound very strange, but just like Fara said, I still have some things to learn about the big game of politics. And I can't help but feel that your mother, Razia Sultana, would be a great teacher. So, would you please relay to her my humble request for her to take me as her Padawan?" finishes the Emperor with a deep bow of the head to the Kyrenaian Prince, causing his wife and friends, as well as his mother, to raise their eyebrows, the ones not understanding Kyrenaians having understood what he said with an automated translator in their phones or Data Glove Paired.

Throne Room.
The Imperials weren't the only ones, who were surprised, to say the least.
This came completely out of left field and was unexpected. For a moment, one would have the rare pleasure of seeing Dad utterly flabbergasted.
"I will relay your request to her.", he said in Kyrenaian after that moment, bowing his head in reply, "Be aware, however, that she is a very strict teacher and relentless in her lessons. The harshest Drill Sergeants look like puppy dogs compared to her!"
There were agreeing nods from me and Fara, who had both the pleasure to receive quite a few lessons from my Grandmother.
"As for your name for the history books, Anaximander...", Fara explained, "...the assignment of an epithet is left for when the Prince, Khan, Ilkhan, Sultan or, in rare cases, foreign heads of state or government join the Lioness' side. I hope, that you will not hold it against me, when I say, that I hope for that to be very, very far in the future." She shrugged. "So, so far, there is no epithet, that could be properly assigned to you, that is left for when there is a complete look at your reign."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Thank you Damir, replies Anaximander as he switches back to English. As for her being a strict teacher, let's see if she can put my Scarlet Ranger training to the test. And beieve it or not, but the word harsh is just a euphemism to describe what it really is, adds the Emperor, with nods from Anna, Pavel, and Bradley.
So, anything more you want to say, or can we end this segment of the ceremony of welcome, and move on to reviewing the troops outside? We have a small surprise for you, and we hope you will like it."

[Kyrenaia]

"Thank you Damir, replies Anaximander as he switches back to English. As for her being a strict teacher, let's see if she can put my Scarlet Ranger training to the test. And beieve it or not, but the word harsh is just a euphemism to describe what it really is, adds the Emperor, with nods from Anna, Pavel, and Bradley.
So, anything more you want to say, or can we end this segment of the ceremony of welcome, and move on to reviewing the troops outside? We have a small surprise for you, and we hope you will like it."

Throne Room.
"Actually...", Dad said, "...there's still something. I'll once again clear the space as I believe, that these more personal greetings are best transmitted by someone else."
He did as he said, moving aside to make space for me.
I grinned as I stepped in front of Anax.
"From Tariqa bint-Ilia, Jida, as you might also know her, I am to transmit the following message.", I began and cleared my throat, my grin not vanishing as I prepared myself as if I was going to speak wise words and great phrases of greeting... and then put my arms around Anax, hugging him. "I am to give you a hug...", I began and squeezed him tight (though not too tight, didn't want to murder him). He would be able to smell both the disinfectant and my shampoo, a lavender note mixed with roses. While I hugged him, I found out, that Anna had taste, he was... very hug-able, especially without shirt. That done, I looked at him and kissed him on both cheeks. I looked at him. "...and two kisses from Jida. She hopes, that you are well, or at least as well as the circumstances allow, and that you recovered well." I let a beat pass, smiling softly. "Believe it or not, but she was really concerned about you and Anna."
I looked over his shoulder to the Empress.
"You'll get your hug and kisses later, okay?", I said with a smile.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

As Anax is hugged by Aurelia, he smiles to his wife and friends, showing them a smug grin.
"I told you that chicks dig scars, says the Emperor with a joking tone.
-Yeah, womanizer, replies Yuri with a disgusted tone, causing Anna and a few others to laugh a bit.
-Well Aurelia, that's very nice to ehar that coming from your great-grandmother. Please be sure to tell her that I'm alive and well, and will be even more better in two hours. Also," he adds as he kisses the Princess on both cheeks, "be sure to kiss her too on my behalf, and give her a hug back as well, for not making my grandfather mad back in December." This sentence caused all the othr Scarlet Americans present in the throne room, to laugh out loud.
"And by the way, nice shampoo, adds the Emperor."
With that said, Anna, who had gotten back to her throne to fetch something, then comes back with a Service Uniform shirt, and her husband's badges. And so, Anaximander first puts on a white form-fitting T-shirt, before putting over it his Service Uniform dark green shirt, and adjusting his medals and badges over the left breast. However, instead of putting the standard scarlet necktie that comes with the uniforms, he puts on a bolo tie that bears his family coat of arms (for reminder, an Imperial Scarlet Eagle holding two swords in its claws.)
"So, what do you think? he asks the Kyrenaians as he shows the bolo tie.
Meanwhile, behind him, Pavel, with Alicia's help, has put his white T-shirt and Service Uniform shirt too, but has don a scarlet tie like everyone else.

[Kyrenaia]

As Anax is hugged by Aurelia, he smiles to his wife and friends, showing them a smug grin.
"I told you that chicks dig scars, says the Emperor with a joking tone.
-Yeah, womanizer, replies Yuri with a disgusted tone, causing Anna and a few others to laugh a bit.
-Well Aurelia, that's very nice to ehar that coming from your great-grandmother. Please be sure to tell her that I'm alive and well, and will be even more better in two hours. Also," he adds as he kisses the Princess on both cheeks, "be sure to kiss her too on my behalf, and give her a hug back as well, for not making my grandfather mad back in December." This sentence caused all the othr Scarlet Americans present in the throne room, to laugh out loud.
"And by the way, nice shampoo, adds the Emperor."
With that said, Anna, who had gotten back to her throne to fetch something, then comes back with a Service Uniform shirt, and her husband's badges. And so, Anaximander first puts on a white form-fitting T-shirt, before putting over it his Service Uniform dark green shirt, and adjusting his medals and badges over the left breast. However, instead of putting the standard scarlet necktie that comes with the uniforms, he puts on a bolo tie that bears his family coat of arms (for reminder, an Imperial Scarlet Eagle holding two swords in its claws.)
"So, what do you think? he asks the Kyrenaians as he shows the bolo tie.
Meanwhile, behind him, Pavel, with Alicia's help, has put his white T-shirt and Service Uniform shirt too, but has don a scarlet tie like everyone else.

Throne Room.
As Anax kissed me on both cheeks, I smiled, nodding afterwards. Of course I would bring his greetings back to Jida! She would be glad, I knew that. And I would tell him, how hugable Anax was... some chicks dug scars, that was true, but if Anax remembered Atif well, he would know, that I dug men with broad shoulders and muscles.
There was something very nice about hugging a broad-shouldered, muscled man...
The Womanizer-comment caused a few chuckles on our side as well, Lahia showed a small smile, even. I did not know, that Fara's (boy)friend, Kind Aceus of Danceria, had quite the collection of scars as well.
In any case, he put on a t-shirt (part of me was glad, that he finally did put one on, another was a bit disappointed as it had been a nice look, another part welcomed it as it was proper and another part thought about apple pie) and a shirt with his badges and a shoelace tie.
He asked us for our opinions and the first one speaking was Fara: "You look a little bit like Okan.", she replied and I nodded - it indeed looked a little bit like Okan's.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"We may look similar like this, replies Anaximander with a neutral tone, but I fear this is the only thing we'll ever have in common. Anyway, I hope he will be available in one hour, because I'm sure you'll end up having to call him, Fara. So, any last questions before we go inspect the troops outside?" sks the Emperor to the guests, as the Alphas, both male and female, put their berets back on their heads, and get ready to get out of the Throne Room, the doors to the Antechamber having already been opened by Agathe's Personal Guard, who had stayed inside.

[Kyrenaia]

"We may look similar like this, replies Anaximander with a neutral tone, but I fear this is the only thing we'll ever have in common. Anyway, I hope he will be available in one hour, because I'm sure you'll end up having to call him, Fara. So, any last questions before we go inspect the troops outside?" sks the Emperor to the guests, as the Alphas, both male and female, put their berets back on their heads, and get ready to get out of the Throne Room, the doors to the Antechamber having already been opened by Agathe's Personal Guard, who had stayed inside.

Throne Room.
"I am afraid so as well.", Fara said, responding to the neutrality, almost coldness, with friendliness. "You two are very different men." I saw her friendliness still in her expression and eyes as she linked arms with Lahia and added the question: "Though, I must wonder... what do you want from my brother? And why do you want to disturb him during tea time?"
I hooked my sabre back to my belt again, bowing my head lightly in gratitude at a grinning Sarina. The Handmaiden knew of my relationship to the weapon, which an Uncle of mine had gifted to me, which I used to ride with, when I wore the Kyrenaian Lamellar instead of the Selkie Half-Cuirass.
The Handmaiden replied in kind.
Then I linked my arm to Dad, who smiled at me, pecked me on the cheek, and then nodded to whoever felt like being in charge as a signal, that we could continue the conversation on the way to the inspection.
Let's see, what they had in store for us!

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"The truth, simply replies the Emperor to Fara's question, before seeing Catherine motion for him, her document still in hand. Anax approaches her, and the two start to converse about their thesis, Catherine having pointed things out, and Anax noddi.g at times. After two minutes, Catherine puts the document inside a bagpack, that she then straps to her back, while Anax joins his wife near the guests, although the Imperial Couple doesn't link hands. Anax even offers to help Pavel like he did when they entered, but the latter declines, feeling he can walk on his own, although Alicia will not be faraway.
And so, the whole group exits the Throne Room to the Antechamber, and enters the Gallery again, before turning to the left.

[Kyrenaia]

"The truth, simply replies the Emperor to Fara's question, before seeing Catherine motion for him, her document still in hand. Anax approaches her, and the two start to converse about their thesis, Catherine having pointed things out, and Anax noddi.g at times. After two minutes, Catherine puts the document inside a bagpack, that she then straps to her back, while Anax joins his wife near the guests, although the Imperial Couple doesn't link hands. Anax even offers to help Pavel like he did when they entered, but the latter declines, feeling he can walk on his own, although Alicia will not be faraway.
And so, the whole group exits the Throne Room to the Antechamber, and enters the Gallery again, before turning to the left.

On the way to an inspection.
"There are many truths, which my brother is privy to.", Fara said as we all walked, smiling, "You'll have to be a bit more specific, at least when you talk to him."
I smiled. "He's... how did Marla put it?", I asked Fara, "'He's nice and really, really wise!'"
Fara nodded. "And another girl, who fell to his charme. We need to keep a list by now...", she said with a snort, "The funny part is, that he doesn't want to be the object of crushes... he has his eyes on a woman, and she knows it, but he does not want to hurt her."
They most likely heard about that they heard that story in the Kyrenaian Yellow Press already.
Fara seemed down a bit, until Dad put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed lightly. She looked over to the two of us, who smiled softly.
"It's a very decent thing of him to do.", Dad said.
As we exited the Throne Room, I heard a familiar sound: Someone in a heavy lamellar armour with a heavy poleaxe, a.k.a. a Tabar, snapping to attention - not at the arrival of Anaximander, but when we came out.
I recognized Sergeant Bey immediately, who had a guard standing next to him, undoubtedly his guide. He was alone, had one of the presents with him - I almost forgot, that he did promise to meet us here. I knew, that he smiled, even under his bandana.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

As Fara, Aurelia and Damir discuss some of Okan's whereabouts, the Alphas listen with only one ear.
However, as the whole group gets out of the Antechamber, with Anax, Anna, their parents and the guests to the front, they stop as they spot Bey and an Imperial Guard, clad in Imperial Armor 2019, and armed with SCAR A1
"Lance Corporal Edward Culling, say the Guard as he puts his hand to his forehead in a salute, his face hidde behind his balaclava and visor. I've led Staff Sergeant Murad Bey hee as you requested Your Highness, he says to Anaximander. the package he's carrying is a present, nothing explsive according to one of our search dogs. The settling process of the Tabardariyya and staff went smoothly, they were very professional and polite.
-Thanks for this detailed report Corporal, replies the Emperor with a nod, you are dismissed."
With that said, the guard clicks his heels together, and goes back the way he came.
"Well, Sergeant, good to see you again, continues Anax as he turns to Bey. Even though it's a bit late, in the name of our Alphas, my wife and I, please accept our condolences for your mother and your little sister. So, what have you got for us?" he asks as he points to the present Bey is holding.

[Kyrenaia]

As Fara, Aurelia and Damir discuss some of Okan's whereabouts, the Alphas listen with only one ear.
However, as the whole group gets out of the Antechamber, with Anax, Anna, their parents and the guests to the front, they stop as they spot Bey and an Imperial Guard, clad in Imperial Armor 2019, and armed with SCAR A1
"Lance Corporal Edward Culling, say the Guard as he puts his hand to his forehead in a salute, his face hidde behind his balaclava and visor. I've led Staff Sergeant Murad Bey hee as you requested Your Highness, he says to Anaximander. the package he's carrying is a present, nothing explsive according to one of our search dogs. The settling process of the Tabardariyya and staff went smoothly, they were very professional and polite.
-Thanks for this detailed report Corporal, replies the Emperor with a nod, you are dismissed."
With that said, the guard clicks his heels together, and goes back the way he came.
"Well, Sergeant, good to see you again, continues Anax as he turns to Bey. Even though it's a bit late, in the name of our Alphas, my wife and I, please accept our condolences for your mother and your little sister. So, what have you got for us?" he asks as he points to the present Bey is holding.

Antechamber, again.
We all froze, knowing, that the whereabouts of his sister and his mother were topics, which he absolutely avoided. He had told me about them once, his little sister and her brown, long hair and his mother's sweetness, on my own Mam's anniversary of death, telling me about the things, which he had kept from his.
That also made it clear, that they had sifted through his past. What use there was behind that was pretty obvious, but it did not help anyone to mention it in such an almost blase way. It seemed, to me, highly inappropriate.
In any case, the Sergeant was motionless for a moment, then bowed his head lightly, in acknowledgement of the condolences.
"The pleasure is all mine, Your Imperial Majesty.", he said as he had risen again, "However, I am afraid, that I don't have anything for you, but for Colonel John Marston. A present sent to him by Mamluk House of the Tabardariyya."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

When Bey mentons for who the gift is, all the Scarlet Americans present raise an eyebrow, and turns their heads towards John.
"You know people, replies the former Alpha that served as Christian's Guard, you can look at me all you want like that, I don't have the answer as to why they would give me a gift. The only thing I'm sure of is, just like we've did with Sergeant Bey, they've sifted through my past. Hell, they eve got the rank right, since I've only been promoted Colonel two months ago.
Anyway, he continues as he turns to the guests, sorry if this may seem incensitive, but it is an Imperial custom to wish condolences to a person that lost a loved one, no matter how old it is. So, Sergeant, he asks as he approaches Bey, to what do I owe the honor of being gifted something by your Tabardariyya House? And moreover, why me specifically?"

[Kyrenaia]

When Bey mentons for who the gift is, all the Scarlet Americans present raise an eyebrow, and turns their heads towards John.
"You know people, replies the former Alpha that served as Christian's Guard, you can look at me all you want like that, I don't have the answer as to why they would give me a gift. The only thing I'm sure of is, just like we've did with Sergeant Bey, they've sifted through my past. Hell, they eve got the rank right, since I've only been promoted Colonel two months ago.
Anyway, he continues as he turns to the guests, sorry if this may seem incensitive, but it is an Imperial custom to wish condolences to a person that lost a loved one, no matter how old it is. So, Sergeant, he asks as he approaches Bey, to what do I owe the honor of being gifted something by your Tabardariyya House? And moreover, why me specifically?"

Antechamber, still again.
As the Colonel mentioned the reason for the insensitivity of Anax, that did not abate my personal problem with it. One could do such a thing in a less blase manner, less almost thrown in for the sake of throwing it in.
Still, the Sergeant dropped it, so I did, too.
He smiled slightly.
"Because you are the last still serving member of the guard of the former Emperor, Karistayan Alsaqr.", he said and handed him the long, slim package. "Someone like you is called a salaf in the Tabardariyya, you could freely translate it as 'ancestor'. The last guard of the previous Ilkhan or Sultan still in service. It is connected to honours and dignities within the Tabardariyya. One of which is this."
He handed him the package for unwrapping, which turned out to be a sabre, short and with a full bell-guard, with a holdfast for the pointer. A Type 1, traditionally the sidearm of infantry and officers, nowadays mostly known as weapon of swordfighters and officers in blue dress.
The slim blade was of white steel, the bell guard was decorated etchings of silver, a flowery pattern, the handle wrapped in dark brown leather. The sheath was white as well, the clasps of silver, while there were Ancient Kyrenaian Runes etched into the golden ring along the top.
My name is Ladthy. May I prick the enemies of my Master., it read, as Bey would read upon being requested.
I was... impressed. It was a beautiful sword.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Although Aurelia was disturbed by Anax's insensitivity about death, if the Emperor had known about it, he would have simply answered that it comes quickly in his line of work.

As John receives his sabre and unwraps it, the other Imperials present lean in to have a better view of the weapon.
"Well thank you Sergeant, replies John with a smile, testing how the weapon fits in his hand, then unsheathing it and slashing the air a few times with it. A very good weapon, I'll cherish it dearly. To be honest, I would have expected to merit something along the Black Cross of Teressien, since I was in command when Christian died. But anyway, thanks once again, to you and to the Mamluk House as well. Although it's Christian Blachkov, not Alsaqr, he adds to Bey.
-No, says Anaximander, Alsaqr means the Hawk, or the Falcon It's the same name as the sabre I received lasst July, and is the name that Kyrenaian historians have given him, a huge honor according to Fara.
-Oops, my bad, replies John with a sheepish smile. Anyway, what do those runes mean? he asks as he point to the runes on the sheath.
-Sausage!, says Yuri and Anax at the same time, without missing a bit, causing all the female Alphas, as well as Anna and Alicia, to facepalm, while the male Alphas chuckle a bit.
-Why am I not surprised? asks John as he rolls his eyes, before looking to Bey. So, Sergeant, could you please translate this to me?"

[Kyrenaia]

Although Aurelia was disturbed by Anax's insensitivity about death, if the Emperor had known about it, he would have simply answered that it comes quickly in his line of work.

As John receives his sabre and unwraps it, the other Imperials present lean in to have a better view of the weapon.
"Well thank you Sergeant, replies John with a smile, testing how the weapon fits in his hand, then unsheathing it and slashing the air a few times with it. A very good weapon, I'll cherish it dearly. To be honest, I would have expected to merit something along the Black Cross of Teressien, since I was in command when Christian died. But anyway, thanks once again, to you and to the Mamluk House as well. Although it's Christian Blachkov, not Alsaqr, he adds to Bey.
-No, says Anaximander, Alsaqr means the Hawk, or the Falcon It's the same name as the sabre I received lasst July, and is the name that Kyrenaian historians have given him, a huge honor according to Fara.
-Oops, my bad, replies John with a sheepish smile. Anyway, what do those runes mean? he asks as he point to the runes on the sheath.
-Sausage!, says Yuri and Anax at the same time, without missing a bit, causing all the female Alphas, as well as Anna and Alicia, to facepalm, while the male Alphas chuckle a bit.
-Why am I not surprised? asks John as he rolls his eyes, before looking to Bey. So, Sergeant, could you please translate this to me?"

Antechamber.
There were confused looks at the 'sausage'-joke from us as well, but Bey didn't even raise an eyebrow.
He first recited what stood there - no one here would understand that, not even him, as it was written in Ancient Kyrenaian, a language, which was around two and a half thousand years ago, which held little similarities with Modern Kyrenaian.
That is, none.
He then told about the translation: "My name is Ladthy. May I prick the enemies of my Master.", he recited, then smiled, "The blacksmith gave it that name and inscription."
"We will bring your compliments to the blacksmith... he's the one, which usually makes the axes, swords, arrowheads and armours for the horseman teams as well, not to mention the horseshoes.", I said and grinned. He not only equipped the Tabardariyya.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Nice name and message, replies John before attaching the sheath to his belt. So, I guess this is where we part ways for now, he adds to Anax and Anna. You know I've had my fair share of troop reviewing, he says with a small smirk and chuckle.
-Yeah, no need to do it anymore, replies the Emperor as he lightly pats Marston's shoulder. We'll see you soon, he adds, before kissing his mom on both cheeks, fistbumping with Bradley, whie Anna shares a hug with both her father and mother.
When all that is done, Agathe, Bradley, Constantin, Jane, as well as Agathe's personal Guard leave the Alphas and the guests (nodding to them), and walk back the Gallery, passing the double doors at the end.
"So, says Anna as she claps in her hands once to gather the guests attention, we are now going to review the troops in the Main Garden. Any questions as we go there?" she asks as the whole group, led by her and Anaximander, starts to walk down the Gallery.

[Kyrenaia]

"Nice name and message, replies John before attaching the sheath to his belt. So, I guess this is where we part ways for now, he adds to Anax and Anna. You know I've had my fair share of troop reviewing, he says with a small smirk and chuckle.
-Yeah, no need to do it anymore, replies the Emperor as he lightly pats Marston's shoulder. We'll see you soon, he adds, before kissing his mom on both cheeks, fistbumping with Bradley, whie Anna shares a hug with both her father and mother.
When all that is done, Agathe, Bradley, Constantin, Jane, as well as Agathe's personal Guard leave the Alphas and the guests (nodding to them), and walk back the Gallery, passing the double doors at the end.
"So, says Anna as she claps in her hands once to gather the guests attention, we are now going to review the troops in the Main Garden. Any questions as we go there?" she asks as the whole group, led by her and Anaximander, starts to walk down the Gallery.

Gallery.
We had nodded back, in my case even given a small wave, as Agathe and her entourage departed and then followed Anax and the others, Bey joining our group.
He smiled slightly as he pulled up the bandana again, smiled at me for a moment, his eyes told, and then was the stoic guard again, who joined the Handmaidens and Admiral Lahia's attache.
I turned back forward and it didn't take more then a moment for Anna to draw our attention by a clap and a question.
Now, there were many things, which either of us could ask, many concerns, which one could raise, from the loyalty of the troops parading to literally the colour of their shoes, but it was Lahia, who spoke up first: "Yes, there is one... should we inspect them applying our standards or yours? No offense to you, but our standards are very, very strict, most likely stricter then yours, especially when it comes shoe care."
"Dab, dab, wax, wax, and gone is the speck!", Fara and Dad recited in unison, as if on reflex, in Kyrenaian, then looked at each other with confused bemusement.
I giggled.
Lahia snorted in amusement, then turned back to Anna. "That raises the question, what are your standards concerning such inspections, especially when it comes to shoe care?", he asked with curiosity, as if to compare notes.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

When Lahia says that the Kyrenaian standards may be stricter than the Empire, this causes the whole group to stop on the spot. After a few seconds, Anaximander turns to the Admiral wih furrowed brows, and a spark of anger in his eyes. However, this is cut short by Anna drawing her Colt Python from her thigh holster, and pointing it to her husband's head.
"Tut tut tut, don't do anything stupid Honey. I know what you're thinking, but now's not a good time.
-Oh come on Anna! exclaims Anax. I know I'm impulsive, but you know I wasn't going to try anything for such a little word! Are you doing this to show our guests that you would be ready to put a bullet in my head should the need arise, even if it hurts?
-Maybe, replies the Empress with a small smirk, half teasing, half sultry, before putting back her revolver in its holster, and turning to Lahia, crossing her arms.
Now Admiral, you may think you said this without any offense, but for us, this is the kind of small words that irritate us very quickly, especially when the situation is tensed like now. For us, it's as offending as the bad joke I did about the Geansai a few moments ago. I don't know if you're doing this on purpose to irritate us or if you did it by accident, but if you can't refrain from doing it, then don't say anything.
Now, to answer your question, our standards are very, very, strict, and on the same level as yours. Especially when it comes to the Imperial Guard. To give you some examples, the uniform's folds must be perfect, the shoes must be polished and shining, just like the badges. Then men must be well shaved, and if they have beards, like some Scarlet Rangers or veterans, it must be well trimmed.
Concerning the other Armed Forces, the Marines have the same standards as the Imperial Guard, which is normal, because when you look at the story behind the Corps, they were originally Imperial Guards, and for the rest, since we have been very thourough in our inspections since the beginning of our reign, their standards have improved. That's does not mean in any way that they weren't strict in the first place.
So, to answer your question, feel free to inspect them according to your standards, finishes the Empress.
-And to give you a prime example, continues Anax, with a bit of anger still audible in his voice, we'll try it now."

As he says that, the Emperor turns his head towards the end of the gallery, and whistles to the Guards in Service Uniforms that are standing guard with their M14 rifles in front of the different Halls lining the Gallery. The Guards located at the far end of the gallery then shoulder their rifles on the right shoulder, then face right, and start to march towards the group. As they pass their comrades standing guard, they, too, shoulder their rifles, and fall in line behind them.
And so, after a few seconds, two rows of a dozen Imperial Guards arrive next to the group, before they face left, forming two rows of soldiers. They are soon joind by the four Guards in Dress Blacks, who had been standing guard in front of the Throne Room, who position themselves in front of the two rows, their sabres held vertically at their right side.
"Parade rest! orders Anax, causing the Guards holding rifles to put them to the ground on their right side, the stock touching the ground, their right hand on the muzzle, while the left hand goes behind the back.
-Go ahead Lahia, enjoy yourself, simply says the Emperor to the Admiral as he shows the Guards with his right hand.

[Kyrenaia]

When Lahia says that the Kyrenaian standards may be stricter than the Empire, this causes the whole group to stop on the spot. After a few seconds, Anaximander turns to the Admiral wih furrowed brows, and a spark of anger in his eyes. However, this is cut short by Anna drawing her Colt Python from her thigh holster, and pointing it to her husband's head.
"Tut tut tut, don't do anything stupid Honey. I know what you're thinking, but now's not a good time.
-Oh come on Anna! exclaims Anax. I know I'm impulsive, but you know I wasn't going to try anything for such a little word! Are you doing this to show our guests that you would be ready to put a bullet in my head should the need arise, even if it hurts?
-Maybe, replies the Empress with a small smirk, half teasing, half sultry, before putting back her revolver in its holster, and turning to Lahia, crossing her arms.
Now Admiral, you may think you said this without any offense, but for us, this is the kind of small words that irritate us very quickly, especially when the situation is tensed like now. For us, it's as offending as the bad joke I did about the Geansai a few moments ago. I don't know if you're doing this on purpose to irritate us or if you did it by accident, but if you can't refrain from doing it, then don't say anything.
Now, to answer your question, our standards are very, very, strict, and on the same level as yours. Especially when it comes to the Imperial Guard. To give you some examples, the uniform's folds must be perfect, the shoes must be polished and shining, just like the badges. Then men must be well shaved, and if they have beards, like some Scarlet Rangers or veterans, it must be well trimmed.
Concerning the other Armed Forces, the Marines have the same standards as the Imperial Guard, which is normal, because when you look at the story behind the Corps, they were originally Imperial Guards, and for the rest, since we have been very thourough in our inspections since the beginning of our reign, their standards have improved. That's does not mean in any way that they weren't strict in the first place.
So, to answer your question, feel free to inspect them according to your standards, finishes the Empress.
-And to give you a prime example, continues Anax, with a bit of anger still audible in his voice, we'll try it now."

As he says that, the Emperor turns his head towards the end of the gallery, and whistles to the Guards in Service Uniforms that are standing guard with their M14 rifles in front of the different Halls lining the Gallery. The Guards located at the far end of the gallery then shoulder their rifles on the right shoulder, then face right, and start to march towards the group. As they pass their comrades standing guard, they, too, shoulder their rifles, and fall in line behind them.
And so, after a few seconds, two rows of a dozen Imperial Guards arrive next to the group, before they face left, forming two rows of soldiers. They are soon joind by the four Guards in Dress Blacks, who had been standing guard in front of the Throne Room, who position themselves in front of the two rows, their sabres held vertically at their right side.
"Parade rest! orders Anax, causing the Guards holding rifles to put them to the ground on their right side, the stock touching the ground, their right hand on the muzzle, while the left hand goes behind the back.
-Go ahead Lahia, enjoy yourself, simply says the Emperor to the Admiral as he shows the Guards with his right hand.

Hallway.
The draw of the revolver made all of us go tense, even if it was only to show us, how ready Anna was to shoot Anax, if the need arose (read: not ready, even I saw that), but when she put it back, we did not exactly react.
Gods, these people were so cliche...
I did, however, note another lack of the Imperial Guard and of the Alphas: When someone pulled a gun on the Sultana, he or she would be lucky to be alive three seconds afterwards. None of them had moved when Anna drew a gun at Anax.
Anna's speech afterwards made Dad raise an eyebrow, Fara smile and the Admiral nod along. I had the feeling, that Kyrenaian Standards had a slight advantage in their minds still.
Anyway, the soldiers marching at us, tried and succeeded to look impressive and disciplined. To me, they did look fine and quite well.
Lahia nodded at Anax. "Don't mind if I do."
He let deeds follow his words, mustering each and everyone of the men and on each and everyone of them, he found at least one little thing to note. That soldier's shoes were not waxed correctly, the next one's badges were slightly ascew, if that one called these folds perfect, he would have to look it up in a dictionary again, and so on. He even sniffed on one man's rifle to see, how recently he had polished that device (he found it satisfactory). He did not note anything about the beards, funnily enough, I knew, that the Kyrenaian regulations on that were still strict, but allowed for more.
In the end, he looked at Anax.
"All in all, these men might not have the best to demonstrate your point.", he said with a bit of sadness, "By our standards, they would barely get a passing grade. There is only passing and not passing as grades, so don't worry." He nodded. "If I may share, what a Kyrenaian Commanding Officer would do with these men, the gentleman with the incorrectly waxed shoes, for example, would polish and wax the shoes of his comrades... all of them." I snorted. "I assume, that you are familiar with such poetic punishment, Princess?"
I nodded. "I did not brush Fánaí correctly once. Basma made me clean all of the boxes and the entire stable on my lonesome.", I said, smiling at the memory.
Lahia nodded, then turned back to Anax and bowed his head. "Thank you very much for this opportunity, Anaximander-Schah-en-Schah. I hope, that my inspection brought a further understanding to you, what we consider the proper standards, and I do hope, that if you ever come to Kyrenaia, that you will find the time to do something similar so that we, too, can understand, what Imperial Standards would mean applied to Kyrenaian Soldiers." He smiled slightly. "And I hope, that I can be present there as well."
Oh, Gods... he's getting diplomatic here!

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Aurelia was right to ask herself why the Alphas present, or the Imperial Guards, hadn't drawn their guns and pointed them to Anna when she had put her husband in her sight. But why they didn't could simply be explained by the fact that everyone knew it was just for show, and the fct that the Empress could be very playful at times, even about serious matters, such as shooting your loved one if he had to be.

Once Lahia has ended his inspection, and delevered the verdict to Anax, the Emperor simply nods.
"About having Lance Corporal Haven (referring to the Guard with the incorrecty waxed shoes) wax the shoes of his comrades, that's a good idea. Just so you know, having a soldier that performed badly in a drill do the tasks of others is usual here too as well, although it applies more to other chores, like washing the clothes, cleaning the room by himself, etc. So, from now on, we shall add this as one of the possible tasks to do.
And that's what you will do Corporal, adds Anax as he turns his head to said Guard. Go grab some wax, and get back here,on the double!
-Aye Aye Sir! shouts Haven before slinging his rifle over his shoulder, and running towards the end of the gallery.

Meanwhile, Anna has typed something on he Data Glove Paired, before speaking in her throat microphone.
"Patrick, this is Anna. You heard Lahia, make sure everything is up to spec for the inspection."
After having heard the reply, the Empress cuts the conversation.
"I just spoke with General Barrera, our Secretary of Defense, she explains to the guests. He's in charge of inspecting the troops we're going to review. And as a Marine, you can be sure he won't let anything pass.
-Indeed, especially for the surprise we have prepared for you, continues Anaximander. And this time Admiral, you can be sure there won't be anything to say about our boys and girls.
And about inspecting troops when I return to Kyrenaia, I would surely have done that this summer, when we're supposed to go to Surya after the exercise of freedom of navigation in Dhaer's waters, but since I have a high-ranking officer of the Royal Kyrenaian Nnavy in the flesh in front of me, I'll start now. Anna, check Damir and Fara.
-Wilco, replies the Empress, before both monarchs start to review their targets.
-Well Admiral, says the Emperor asfter a few moments of careful inspection, you nearly met all of my expectations. However, from what I see, the left sleeve of your overcoat is falling out of place, and your beard is not well trimmed. See Patrick? he asks as he shows his friend Patrick Leonheart, who sports a small goatee. His is very smooth, while yours is getting a bit messy, especially on the right side. What do you have on your side Honey?
-Fara's shirt collar is a bit messy, replies the Empress, and there's a small spot on Damir's left boot, but otherwise it's pretty normal.
-Good, good, says Anax. Now, Admiral, the sentence for a messy beard in an occasion like this is usually fifty push ups, or in the case of high-raking officers, fifty squats. So do them now, I'll be counting, finishes Anax as he crosses his arms.

[Kyrenaia]

Aurelia was right to ask herself why the Alphas present, or the Imperial Guards, hadn't drawn their guns and pointed them to Anna when she had put her husband in her sight. But why they didn't could simply be explained by the fact that everyone knew it was just for show, and the fct that the Empress could be very playful at times, even about serious matters, such as shooting your loved one if he had to be.

Once Lahia has ended his inspection, and delevered the verdict to Anax, the Emperor simply nods.
"About having Lance Corporal Haven (referring to the Guard with the incorrecty waxed shoes) wax the shoes of his comrades, that's a good idea. Just so you know, having a soldier that performed badly in a drill do the tasks of others is usual here too as well, although it applies more to other chores, like washing the clothes, cleaning the room by himself, etc. So, from now on, we shall add this as one of the possible tasks to do.
And that's what you will do Corporal, adds Anax as he turns his head to said Guard. Go grab some wax, and get back here,on the double!
-Aye Aye Sir! shouts Haven before slinging his rifle over his shoulder, and running towards the end of the gallery.

Meanwhile, Anna has typed something on he Data Glove Paired, before speaking in her throat microphone.
"Patrick, this is Anna. You heard Lahia, make sure everything is up to spec for the inspection."
After having heard the reply, the Empress cuts the conversation.
"I just spoke with General Barrera, our Secretary of Defense, she explains to the guests. He's in charge of inspecting the troops we're going to review. And as a Marine, you can be sure he won't let anything pass.
-Indeed, especially for the surprise we have prepared for you, continues Anaximander. And this time Admiral, you can be sure there won't be anything to say about our boys and girls.
And about inspecting troops when I return to Kyrenaia, I would surely have done that this summer, when we're supposed to go to Surya after the exercise of freedom of navigation in Dhaer's waters, but since I have a high-ranking officer of the Royal Kyrenaian Nnavy in the flesh in front of me, I'll start now. Anna, check Damir and Fara.
-Wilco, replies the Empress, before both monarchs start to review their targets.
-Well Admiral, says the Emperor asfter a few moments of careful inspection, you nearly met all of my expectations. However, from what I see, the left sleeve of your overcoat is falling out of place, and your beard is not well trimmed. See Patrick? he asks as he shows his friend Patrick Leonheart, who sports a small goatee. His is very smooth, while yours is getting a bit messy, especially on the right side. What do you have on your side Honey?
-Fara's shirt collar is a bit messy, replies the Empress, and there's a small spot on Damir's left boot, but otherwise it's pretty normal.
-Good, good, says Anax. Now, Admiral, the sentence for a messy beard in an occasion like this is usually fifty push ups, or in the case of high-raking officers, fifty squats. So do them now, I'll be counting, finishes Anax as he crosses his arms.

Hallway.
It was... interesting to watch the interactions, both Lahia's inspection and Anax's reaction as well as their inspection and Lahia's reaction. At the comment about the beard, his eyebrow twitched slightly upwards, barely noticeable, but at the comment about the speck on Dad's boot, he smiled quite bemusedly.
The punishment did not seem to phase him.
"To quote Admiral Kian Mawja, an Admiral from the 17th century, who is not related to the Mawjas you know: An Admiral is a sailor in fancy coat.", he replied to the punishment handed out and began to take off his coat, "I'll do both. Though you have to excuse Prince Damir..."
I could almost hear his grin, let alone see how he tried to keep it down.
"...he's Police.", he said as if that explained everything and Dad protested with a grin of his own, while the Admiral handed his coat to his aide-de-camp.
Next, he took off the jacket and the tie, where it became apparent, that the wideness of his shoulders, almost bordering on the level of a wardrobe, was him and not the coat. The way his shirt stressed made it apparent, that he was a very buff man, easily on par with Anax despite the fact, that Anax could easily be his son.
...head, can you tell me, why I suddenly imagined him in speedos? Not that I minded the little fantasy or the show they were going to put on...
The slight blush on Sarina's cheeks told me, that I was not the only one with such thoughts. The fact, that her eyes were more on the arms, which were a bit like tree trunks, told me, that she would not mind being carried.
"Before we go on in interservice rivalries...", Fara began, raising her hand, cutting off a reply by Dad, "...what would be the punishment for the aforementioned collar in the Empire?"