Sofia Ionut ~The Kingdom of Sol~ CHAPTER I: Journey to a New World The sun went down long ago;

the only room in the palace bustling with noise is the main council chamber where the emperor and his advisors argue over a mission that is to decide the fate of their entire nation. This is utter madness! shouts one of the councilman None of this makes any sense, why send a scouting party, when you can send the fleet to take it right away? This people are innocent, argued another why destroy them when we can incorporate them into our society? The emperor sat in the large chair at the end of the long table, listening to his subjects yelling and insulting one another. The debate went on through the night and late into the next afternoon, till, reaching his limit the emperor sat up from his massive marble chair and shouted: Silence! You blubbering fools couldnt reach a decision if it was right before your face! Now, our world is dying, we have no time to worry about other races but I am not a barbarian! He sat back down and took a sip from his Arian Wine, then turning his eyes back to the councilors continued his sentence. The scouting party will be sent, first to study, then, if the conditions are right, make contact with this native race. But heed my words councilmen, no matter what any of you say, I will not let anything, or anyone, stand in the way of what is best for my people! A moment of silence pierced the scene, then, bowing respectfully towards the emperor every councilor vacated the room. The emperor didnt move from his chair for another hour or so. He just stared out of the open window across the room, at the fading light and the snow that started right after the meeting. Only the thermal shield protected the beautiful palace from freezing over. The climate outside the cities was harsh; the now barren and white snow land was once a lush and fertile land filled with wildlife and people living with each others company all in a perfect balance. The images of that world were flowing through the emperors mind, like a bad dream plaguing him every time he smells the air outside, every time he touches the still green soil from inside the gardens, he is reminded of the mistakes of the past. His reminiscing is interrupted, however by his oldest son entering the room, loud and excited over hearing about the scouting mission. Father, I am here to volunteer! Said the prince with a firm and commanding voice. Whatever are you talking about my son? asked the emperor like he was just woken from an ancient slumber. The expedition father; the mission to the new world! I want to be part of it! The emperor shoves his son away with a gesture. Out of the question boy! You are my first born son, hair to the throne, and Im not as young as I used to be. I cant risk losing you on an unknown world!

Its about first contact father, who better to represent our interests then the future emperor? argued the prince. Its not about first contact, it may be that they are too savage to even have a spoken language or they may be more hostile then we could have anticipated. I will not throw your life away in a foolish attempt for glory! the emperor was commanding in his voice and posture. His mind was made up; the prince was not to board the craft heading for the new world. After a long gaze at his fathers figure the prince left the room more disappointed than angry; saluting the emperor in a military fashion then closing the huge marble doors behind him as he left. The corridors in which the prince walked to his chamber were lit by a special crystal that focused radiation given out by the erratic planetary core into a bright white light that shined day and night. The windows were hand made by the masters of old, using methods long since extinct. They were colored and decorated with various images depicting the history of the world and the creators of life guiding their minions to enlightenment. Ending the corridor was a small hall, to the right of which was the hall of memories, were the blind sage and his helpers guarded the knowledge of all great men born to the empire; From emperors to generals and great craftsmen, all their secrets were stored into the huge vault that resided in this room. To the left of the hall was the treasury, where the treasurer kept track of all spending and earnings made for or to the crown. The room at the end of this hall was the royal chambers, guarded by creatures shaped out of rock and metal called golems, here, the royal family had their quarters. The emperor and the prince were the only ones that had access to this side of the castle, no breathing creature could set foot here without being detected and eliminated by the soulless golems. The princes quarters were large and well organized by the robot hovering over a metal board in the l eft corner of the room. The walls were decorated with paintings and trophies taken from rare animals that were now extinct. The large bed was chopped from the finest wood, the mattress was comfortable and filled with the most expensive materials to make your sleep as exquisite as possible and the sheets that enveloped it were made out of the softest silk. Opposite the bed was a large balcony, from which you could see the entire capital. The experience was most complete at night when the crystal soft light filled the bustling streets making way for the expensive nightlife of the city. The prince walked into his room then straight to the drink dispenser ordering a glass of water. He took a small sip then placed the glass on the edge of the balcony where he was now sitting. How could I get on that transport? He asked himself. The thought was weighing heavy on his mind; the need to participate in that mission was overwhelming. Got it he yelled out. I will sneak aboard disguised as a normal soldier. Meanwhile I will tell my father Ill be going to our retreat in the black mountains. He will surely believe it! After drinking the last of his water the prince got up and ran all the way to the council hall where he left his father. The emperor was still there, staring out the window overlooking the gardens. Father said the prince with a calm voice. I have accepted your wish, I will not accompany the mission to the new world, but still, it saddens me. So I decided to go to our Black Mountain retreat until the mission is over. The emperor looked into his sons eyes and saw no reason not to believe him. Agreed! he answered! Im sorry, but it has to be this way. You know how important your safety is to me. I will send Connor with you, I trust him with my own life, therefore, with yours as well. The

emperor lifted his cup of the table. To our health! he yelled then poured the last of the wine down his throat. Aye father, and to a successful mission! the prince added. The light of day faded as the two exited the room, the emperor holding his son by the shoulder and repeating the importance of his safety and the prince holding his smile to his unsuspecting father. Two days later the shuttle that was to take the scouting party to the new world was ready. All the nobles and common folk were watching every move the shuttles crew made. Anxious but also focused on the task at hand, the prince was hidden amongst the soldiers in the back of the craft. There was a tremor in the air, a faded echo of the importance the mission held for a civilization. The fate of thousands if not millions were laid upon the shoulders of the few inhabiting the spacecraft. Tower, this is Voyager 3. All engines primed and ready to go! the chatter between the command center and ships pilot was clear as day amongst the rattling of the engines and the pumps pressurizing the main hold. Beginning liftoff sequence in 3 2 1 We have liftoff! The small scouting vessel was now on its way to a new world. A place that may bring a new beginning to a struggling race, as well as disaster to, perhaps, a peaceful one. One thing was certain, the prince got on the flight without anybody noticing. His helmet was on the whole journey through hyperspace, and his fear was masked by an unmovable determination to reach his goal. Soon, a new sun dawned over the horizon, and a new planet filled the hearts of the crew with hope of a new beginning. Now, the real mission begins. To determine what this planet holds, the crew of Voyager 3 must study their environment closely, not only from the safety of their ship, but from the ground as well. And its a big planet to study!

CHAPTER II: Reckless Mistakes