When the distortion collapsed, brilliance flooded the viewport. They were in the Aurion system but this time, they were at the edge of it, there were quite the number of vessels as well as other fleets with other house banners. The numbers were immense and the size overwhelming.
House Voss had brought a noteworthy fleet and they were a powerhouse but some of the ships in the airspace were true technological marvels. The fleet stretched so far ahead that even the lead ships were invisible.
Captain Lerava spoke carefully.
"Multiple noble fleets confirmed to have arrived. As per the rules only key vessels can approach".
"Has the Emperor arrived?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Inform them of our arrival and request to meet with the Emperor before the gathering. Prepare to approach"
"Yes, my lord."
The fleet adjusted formation. The Destroyers shifted outwards, Frigates tightened their escort arc around the Command ship and pulled back. The Command pushed forward, peeling away from them pushing past the other ships forward.
Ahead of them, the destination unfolded in brilliance. A spherical orb. Strangely enough the airspace close to the object was empty except the few "command" ships that approached the dark planet like object.
Its size eclipsed all the capital vessels and fleets presents. Around it hovered floating projections of the empire crest. The Command hovered over the "air space" and a small dropship and few fighter ships flew out and flew lower to the surface.
Outside was quiet with no movement except the ships from the houses and nobles entering the spherical object. Wein's drop ship soared the airspace of the object. It was strange, the object was definitely not a planet but it still felt like a planet because for some reason there was precipitation.
Wein was seated on a seat, legs crossed and John was seated across him, legs crossed. On the sides of the dropship were Troopers in armour armed with rifles ready for anything.
Beside Wein was an officer, a young woman carrying a pad. She was wearing military uniform a contrast from the armour and suits. She was nervous, she understood well that the man next to her was not just a noble but the near lord of House Voss and she like the others had the honour of meeting him for the first time before the rest of the galaxy.
"Docking platform confirmed" spoke Captain. "Imperial reception unit awaiting surface landing".
Her voice came through the ships comms. The ship descended faster as the artificial horizon curved subtly beneath them braking through a fog to reveal a large structure. It was mysterious, tall, ancient and metallic stretching through the entire spherical object.
On the sides were similar ships approaching the centre, entering compartments as did Wein's.
The dropship touched down on a circular platform. The platform was empty save a few people awaiting them. The fighter ships landed down too.
Engines powered down and hatches and doors opened. Outside stood Imperial guards in silver lined armour. They were all identical and each had strangely a sword with no gun or such weapons in sight.
At their centre stood an official of the Imperial family to receive them.
Wein rose slowly and took his staff and walked out. His descent down the ramp was silent yet loud. On the sides were the Troopers from House Voss and behind him Sir John.
Wein stepped down from the ramp and approached the official. The Imperial guards accompanying him did not move, they were tall and imposing.
Wein walked as confidently as he could, he opted to not use Vaelstine as a support but as accessory on his hand. His posture was firm and his pace moderate carrying the air of nobility.
Sir John behind him was just as noble.
The official bowed his head not deeply enough to show respect to a noble.
"Lord Voss" his voice carried through the platform.
"The Emperor offers thanks for your attendance".
Wein stopped several paces before him. John and the Troopers halted behind him. He brought the staff down and rested his right hand lightly atop the staff.
"I am honoured" he replied calmly with a slight nod of acknowledgement.
The official's gaze reached Wein's eyes and he finally got a thorough look of Wein.
"The Emperor will receive you shortly".
"Thank you"
"This way" he led him forward, followed by Sir John and the Troopers and the Imperial Guards.
***
Knock, knock…
Then the doors were swung open. Beyond them was a vast chamber, minimalistic and wide. The chamber was quiet and dark, mostly empty except a group of people at the centre.
Wein stepped forward, behind was no one, not Sir John nor the Imperial Guards nor the official. As confident as he could bring himself, he walked towards the group and was able to finally make out their faces.
They were currently engaged in discussions, the main person did not pay much attention but his servants noticed Wein. They would acknowledge him but something was telling them to ignore him.
Wein did not notice this yet when he stopped at a designated distance. He did not kneel immediately, there was protocol.
"Wein Serin" spoke a voice, firm and strong.
Everyone around stopped speaking and slowly carved a way, revealing the Emperor to Wein who saw him for the first time in person.
With that Wein went on his knees and bowed his head. "Your Majesty."
"Rise"
The Emperor studied him quietly, his gaze was sharp looking him up and down.
"I finally get to meet you".
He walked towards him.
"Not much is known about you, even for a common born. Where did Neilson find you?"
The emperor found himself before Wein, he was tall towering over him, not just physically but even his aura. His robes were dark like a dark purple rose yet lined with subtle threads that shimmered faintly. Under his robe was a shirt that exposed his open chest as if tempting someone to stab his heart.
He wore no crown and no weapon or accessory in hand just the aura of an emperor. Wein was careful not to stare back at him though he could feel the Emperor trying to pry him.
"You are aware why Neilson chose you".
The Emperor's voice was suddenly eerie. There was a coldness in his voice that made Wein uncomfortable. He could only wonder if the Emperor wanted to pick a fight with him already.
Wein kept his head slightly lowered, not submissive nor defiant but measured.
"I was informed" he replied calmly, "before assuming this role, Lord Neilson informed me why he chose me".
The Emperor's lips curved, not into a smile but something close.
"He told you."
He stepped closer. The air felt heavier, then without warning he found his hand over Wein's neck and had him suspended in the air.
"You are a commoner born" the Emperor continued coldly. "And now you hold reign over a noble house. You have become an equal to us… noble beings".
His grip tightened just slightly not enough to kill but enough to show contempt.
The chamber grew silent, no one moved. Wein did not struggle and met the Emperors eyes which caused a flicker of anger.
"Neilson chose you to get back at me, to force me to acknowledge you as similar to me".
His voice lowered further and he loosened his grip and Wein fell to his knees.
"House Voss is one of the noblest and oldest families in the Empire similar to my own. For generations its nobility has been unquestioned serving as an image to the galaxy."
The Emperor turned his back to Wein who was rising up.
"By placing a common born at the head of House Voss, Neilson has put a stain to the empire and to nobility. The rest of the nobles will not take kind to you".
"They… may not like it but they will accept me and respect me as lord." Wein finally spoke. " After all, my lordship will be vouched for by none other than the Emperor himself".
The Emperor could feel a defiance in that response but he knew fully well where it was from. Neilson's final "fuck you".
Still he could not hide the disdain in his eyes.
"During this gathering, your identity will be exposed to the rest of the Empire, I may not be the one to stand against Neilson's decision but are you ready for the consequences of this?"
Wein replied firmly. "Yes, your majesty"
"Very well"
The Emperor's voice echoed through the vast chamber as he walked towards the officials.
"Tomorrow" he continued without looking back, "you will stand before every noble house of this Empire, do you best not to shame your house. You can leave".
Wein walked out alone. The corridor beyond was silent, lined with silver-armoured Guards who stood motionless as statues. The exchange was running in Wein's mind, thankfully the Emperor did not pry into his mind.
He met up with Sir John who fell into step beside him once the doors sealed shut, neither spoke nor were joined by the guards as they left.