A time before the great tragety, A time of gathering a peace

[Du'Avatar]

Josephine was pleased by the acceptance of being her escort. It would also help ward off any of the young men that Ami thought would interest her. Josephine was at the point in her life that had she wanted companionship she would have built it or grown it for herself. She would however ensure she and Ada weren’t bothered while they attended this pointless function.

“You honor me with your agreement your grace. Let us make our presence known in the ballroom.”

She offered her arm as an escort would and nodded to Ada. This would be something fun after all. Ada has always been an interest to her and while most thought her the same age as Ada. They didn’t know the truth. She let their suppositions in the face of real data guide them. She may one day enlighten them with her true age but today would not be that.

“Shall we Princess?”

She wanted to let everyone see Ada actually had a date with her and mainly watch people fall over themselves. She wouldn’t embarrass Ada but if someone tried something stupid she would ensure they felt her wrath.

[Freya Aino]

Freya wasn’t even offended by the fact that Neri had on no more than four occasions turned her down. That was fine she wasn’t one to dwell on it. She smiled at the hip bump.

“Neri it’s a pleasure to see that you could get away. It’s not everyday we get to talk and congregate together. It’s like it’s only during events like these.”

She laughed and decided that she was going to give the punch a bit of an extra kick.

“I’ll be right back I need a drink.”

She smiled as she opened her purse. She took out what looked like an innocuous bag that could contain a bit of makeup. She walked over to the punch bowl and waited a moment then after she did couple of more checks emptied the contents into the punch. She quickly dusted off her fingers and walked away.

“I wonder when this is going to start officially?”

[Max]

Max grunted at his curiosity as well but his wasn’t to judge. It was to observe and act in the event of danger or a threat. He would ask Zowie though what she thought of the plant and the system. The only encountered a small number of system patrol craft. It caused him to doubt the security of this system. The first planet they encountered when gaining permission to enter made him wonder what that planets name was and what went on there.

“Priestess what is your assessment of this solar system?”

He lowered his voice smiled as he spoke.

“Do they have anyone who pursues endeavors of the spirit and mind such as you Zowie or are they all hedonists?”

He laughed as he hadn’t done more than glance at the materials about the Sol System. He wasn’t there for a social call. He was there because Zowie had come here and she was important to him.

“We are still going to have that dance? I have practiced a bit of their customs.”

[Quantum]

Quantum sat silent next to Galax as they descended to a blue green rock called Earth. She glanced out the window and scoffed at it. It wasn’t like her planet or Lanix Adoth. It looked soft and as if it bred soft people. She decided to inquire with Galax.

“Galax, you’ve studied this planet. What is your take on it from both a scholar and trained warrior?”

She smiled at Galax as she adjusted her dress uniform for the fifth time. It was a bit loose which mean she had lost some weight on the long trip. She would have to get into the high gravity gym, which would have made any one in the Sol System or most other systems. It would crush them.

“Galax.”

She leaned forward and removed her jacket.

“Tighten the laces on my top please. It is not holding me in place properly. Let me position myself and I’ll say when.”

She arranged her breasts and then nodded to Galax.

[Neri Kaioh]

Neri laughed as Freya made the comment about only gathering at events like these. It was true though it had to do with their parents and the busy lives of ruling a planet. It was something that her parents wanted her close to the others. For her, they were people around her age that were decent to hang out with, more like an excuse to get out of her cage.

"An excuse is hardly what our parents need. I won't complain if mother dearest is letting me out of my room."

She looked at the others in the small circle. She glanced around as people started to gather in groups. She noticed the princesses from Saturn made it. It would seem the whole gang was here. Other guests were arriving as well.

"Mizuki, where is your twin? I didn't see her at the door like usual." She shrugged at Freya. It was always hard to know what the parental units were waiting for.

[Liling Tomoe]

Liling felt the air pushed from lungs. She gave an inner groan as she returned the hug to her sister. She loved her family, even if they were busy running the planet together. She just preferred to do her own thing. It was a surprise when they showed up to the finale Master Chef Junior. She donated the prize money to those underprivileged children as she didn't need it.

She stepped back from her sister as she dusted off her jacket. She glanced around as she nodded her head. She could spare a moment or two to talk. She gave a little wave when she spotted her mother.

"Learning, yes. I am just busy getting everything put together. I think most of the food is pretty much done. How was the trip here?"

[Zowie Cosmetatos]

Zowie watched as their ship entered into the atmosphere of the strange planet. Her parents had sent her and the little team to talk about potential trading. While she knew the importance of these trips, it meant that she liked them even less. She was not always cut out of talking about piece and tranquility. She would rather be studying.

Her eyes looked over at Max as her cheeks warmed slightly. She brushed the thought of him actually flirting to the back of her mind. Unless the orange fluff ball had something to say about this. She tugged a piece of hair behind her ear as she smiled.

"This Sol System is interesting. Their queen has granted them long lives due to the Ginzuishou, a magic crystal. Their world was plagued by war, disease, and death before a great freeze. Neo Queen Serenity unity the planet and the solar system. Nine other queens rule the system though they all look up to their sovereign. Their defenses are decent for a peace fairing kingdom. I doubt they are as highly trained as you. I think most of their pursuits are for their own pleasure."

Her eyes grew wide as she nodded her head. She had heard rumors that her Blade was getting dance lessons. She didn't pay too close attention as she had a hard time picturing him dancing.

"I will leave a spot open for you on my dance card. I am curious to see those lessons pay off. We can also show them what dancing is like from home."

[Galax]

Galax didn't notice as they started to come in for a landing on Earth. His eyes narrowed as he flipped pages once again on the briefing. He tilted his head to the side as he studied the known timeline. There were gaps that he was hoping to fill in once they landed.

He looked up as his name was called. He closed the briefing with a sigh as Quantum asked him a question. He stifled a groan at being called a warrior. Unlike other Black Hole Maucians, he chose the route of peace rather than war. It didn't mean that he could not defend himself if attack, just that he didn't actively seek out confrontation.

"This planet has a long history of violence that was put to bed once Neo Queen Serenity took her throne. There are nine other queens that rule just below Neo Queen Serenity. They took their places at behest of their queen. They spread their message of peace with a small military that backs them up. I dare say these queens also attracted a bit of trouble several centuries ago from agents of Chaos. Needless to say, each agent was fought off using their magics and a crystal of great power. It is rumored that this crystal has granted them long life. It will be interesting to see if it is true."

He placed the folder on the side as his fingers tightened the laces of her top. They really should get a ship with a gravity gym. It would solve most of their issues of her losing weight on these trips. He tugged slightly tighter than average. "Better, dearest?"

[Librarian Echo]

Queen Serenity II had gathered with all the other queens as they had been given notice that the Uchuuian delegation would be arriving shortly and she wanted to greet them personally. Her mother who was already present and watching over the ballroom to ensure that Mizuki didn’t get up to anything leaning toward trouble. She smiled at her friends as the controller informed her that the craft was on approach.

“The Uchuuian delegation should be landing in the next few minutes. I have come to learn from their people that they are actually composed of two humanoid races. Lanix Adothian and Araxian. It is also to noted that their society is highly spiritual, this is the Lanix Adothian, while the Araxians have a caste and clan system for governance.”

She waited a moment then continued.

“The spiritual aspect and leaders are considered the ruling party with a priestess making governmental decision on behalf of all Uchuuian’s. This includes Lanix Adothian and Araxian alike. They seem to have a symbiotic relationship with each other and the Araxians provide their military, law enforcement, and other military or paramilitary services. The actually judgement of crimes is carried out by the priestess and priests of the society across their lands.”

Queen Minako was impressed, slightly that a society of warriors actually deferred to the spiritual society. She didn’t know why a race of warriors would serve such a role in a society with a spiritual people. The fact that they were coming was nice but what was it about them visiting.

“This should prove interesting. A bunch of men throwing their weight around. At least we are serving drinks and that will take the edge off things. That’s a plus. I shall endeavor not to throw one of them if they make me angry.”

Queen Serenity II looked at Minako and chuckled. She hadn’t finished her briefing and decided to enlighten her about the composition of Araxian society.

“The actually composition of Araxian ruling is comprised of seven clans lead by women. Araxians have a matriarchal society. I did some research and found out their men just gained equality 150 to 200 years ago. I highly doubt that you will have to deal with men being bigger than their pants.”

She chortled as the ship came into sight and her eyes widened as did Minako’s. Who actually spoke up first.

“Queen Serenity that ship looks intimidating. The weapon emplacements alone. That’s their idea of a transport?”

[Quantum]

Quantum grunted with the force a scholar exerted on the laces of her dress top. She actually enjoyed his touch. This was no exception and after ensuring she wasn’t going to spill out of her top she turned and smiled at Galax.

“Yes that is more than adequate. The information though gives me hope for them. They seem to be docile and peaceful. I’m glad to see there is a bit of violence in them.”

She sat back up and put her jacket back on. She looked at Galax and decided she might as well get her kiss before they landed. She leaned in and grasp his hair and kissed him.

“I needed that before we have to be professional as we are the guests here. I don’t want to embarrass people.”

She laughed as she buttoned down her top.

“I promise I shall behave for the first thirty minutes.”

[Max]

Max was impressed by the reaction from Zowie about his learning to dance. He was surprised by how easy it was to learn to dance. It was almost like learning to fight minus the hurting of people. He smiled at Zowie.

“You’re knowledge of the Sol system is impressive. I find that I will defer to your judgement when trying to understand their culture. I wouldn’t want to make any misstep and offend the gracious hospitality of our hosts.”

He smiled as he felt the descent thrusters kick in. He looked over at Zowie.

“Priestess it is time for us to present ourselves. I will get the honor guard together and when your ready we shall present ourselves.”

The ship could be felt to settle to the ground. He waited for Zowie to rise before they rose. The sound of boots could be heard after the ship landed. It was the ten of the people brought out of the fourty-five that ran the transport. They were dressed in ceremonial attire.

“Priestess Zowie, they are ready for you.”

[Sakuya]

The Queen of Mars listened to Queen Serenity ll with intrigue. Placing her hands at her sides, her fingertips feeling the silk red fabric of her gown, she smirked before sipping more of her champagne.

She couldn’t help but snicker that Queen Minako’s comment, no matter how trivial it was. After Serenity continued the briefing, Rei remembered studying of their newest arrival’s history. She had a feeling about them... her fingers riveted impulses.

“I second Queen Minako... means of transport sounds intriguing...” she asked with a raised eyebrow before taking another sip of the bubbly liquid.

[Tomoe Natsumi]

Natsumi smiled and snuggled her embarrassed sister a bit more before letting go.

"It went just fine..." The memories began to return.....her eyes went red...and her face paled...but she quickly shook her head and everything quickly went back to normal, except for a cold chill around her.

"UM..it was fine...no problems at all..."

Queen Hotaru herself had been trying to push the memory of the unwanted guest during the trip out of her mind as well, as she presented herself to Queen Serenity. "It has been far too long.... I hope you and yours are well..And as soon as she remembers herself..." Hotaru raised her voice a bit for Natsumi to hear. "My daughter would love to thank you for this kind invite as well as myself."

Natsumi meeped and rushed over and courtsied and bowed deeply before the Queen. "Your majesty..."

[Ada Mizuno]

Ada was still so excited about having Du'Avatar as an escort that she could hardly speak. Many people would gladly consider murder just to get an audience with her and here she was right beside Ada like it was a perfectly normal day. Ada was sure that her mother did not care for the two meeting, but Ada did not care what her mother thought. Ami Mizuno was far too conservative for the new era of galactic history where dynasties mattered to only a few families of blue bloods and maintained relevance only because planetary rulers came from those few families.

Ami only saw her daughter as a bargaining chip in a game of dynasties. Ada felt like her mother was only humoring her intense interest in technology because over the centuries the Mizuno family had become synonymous with technological aptitude. The princess felt like her mother was also humoring her to keep her compliant and at least willing to talk about marriage when the day came. Ada was not entirely opposed to it, but Queen Mercury had made it this long without an heir, so what was the hurry to marry off Ada?

Who knew?

"If I've gotta go to this function, I would gladly go with you." Ada said, gladly taking the arm offered to her. She then mentally prepared to go to the formal party with her esteemed companion. Du'Avatar's presence was the only thing making this whole event bearable for Princess Mercury.

[Alexandra Kino]

Alex had left the dining room she had caused the commotion in by lifting the solid wood table above her head with hapless servants clinging to it and had followed her mother to where the gathering to greet a delegation from a far-off planet would be held. Alex did not understand the significance of the meeting... all she knew was that it was a really big deal because Queen Jupiter herself was apprehensive about it. The princess was not sure what to do other than follow her mother's lead and try not to do anything stupid.

She hated formal events.

They were full of pomp and circumstance and rarely got anything done except to reinforce the importance of each royal family, which was already immense. They governed entire planets and attracted large bodies of courtiers hoping to bask in the glory of the royals. How much more important could the royal families get?

Alex hated formal events as much as the other royal children with one or two notable exceptions, but there was no getting out of this one. She was expected to be there along with the other first-born child of each royal family. Her fellow princesses Ada and Hayate were not going to be happy about this at all, but she knew that none of the queens would tolerate opposition on such an important day, so Alex followed Queen Jupiter without a word.

At least she would not be suffering alone.

That was the only comfort Princess Jupiter had as the time for the event rapidly approached.