Original: Consort of the Emperor - Part 2
Saturday, December 15th, 2018 07:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tsaikoDigging through entries where I only used a tag once, I found the first part of the then unnamed original story. It has since gained a name and several additional pages. So I figured I'd post the next part just to fill out the tags a bit.
His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Tharyn l'tek Rskalon VI descended from the Illim space ship amid a flurry of camera flashes from the media on earth. Every one of them had been checked, rechecked, and then checked again, but it still made John nervous. It was impossible to watch everyone.
Not that Emperor Tharyn seemed to have any concerns about his safety. He walked boldly down the walkway with only his Champion, an Illim whose name John still couldn't pronounce correctly and who he called Rodney, at his side. Behind the Emperor was his honor guard dressed in the royal colors of grey and purple.
"Welcome to Earth, Emperor of the Illim," John said in only slightly accented Illimese. He bowed at the waist, low, with his hand spread before him to show that he held no weapons.
"Rodisarsken a'ten Dethar, Champion of the People of Illim, be my voice." John stayed bowed as Rodney stepped forward even though it made the back of his neck itch to be in such a vulnerable position with the Champion of Illim right there. "Tell the Champion of Earth that he may rise."
Even though John understood the words, had in fact spoken Illimese just a few moments ago, he kept himself still. Illim protocol meant that he had to wait to be addressed before he could move. He didn’t even want to think of the number of times they had offended the Illim and destroyed any chances of negotiations before they’d learned that the Illim were sticklers for protocol.
"You may rise before the Emperor, John Allen Anderson, Captain Bravo and Champion of the People of Earth," Rodney said. His English was almost flawless. Almost. It held the faintest trace of an accent, a way of speaking that put slightly too much emphasis on the wrong syllables.
John rose from his bow, ignoring the low murmur of the press. He could almost see the headlines now. Captain Bravo prostrates himself before the aliens. Captain Bravo recognizes Illim sovereignty. Captain Bravo bends to the Emperor's will. Never mind that this was necessary if they were going to get anywhere.
"As the Champion of the People of Earth, I welcome you, Emperor of the Illim, to our planet and our home," John replied. He made sure he spoke only Illimese. Until the Emperor or Rodney told him otherwise, it was required. In turn, Rodney would only speak English unless John said something to the contrary. "I am here to provide escort and support during the negotiations."
"Your support is appreciated, Captain Bravo," Rodney replied. "The Emperor thanks you for your generosity. He hopes that these negotiations between the Illim and the people of Earth will be fruitful and that we can put the past animosity between our people behind us."
A past that too many people on Earth remembered. It started with the attempted invasions of Earth by the Illim in the 50's and 60's. Then there were the spies. Illim espionage that had taken down more than one world leader in the 70's and 80's. And then there was the economic sabotage in the 90's that had almost plunged the entire world into an economic depression the likes of which the world had never seen. As Marty put it, quite a few people on Wall Street still got a little ill at how close they'd come.
It was only within the last five years that the Illim had stopped trying to bring Earth to its knees. John knew that the reason was the new emperor, but he was one of the few who knew how to or cared to follow interstellar politics. His biggest worry now was someone trying to take out the Emperor because they thought they were getting rid of the big, bad alien empire. It would probably plunge them into war. And with over half of the world's superheroes without power due to some mad scientist's virus, a war with the Illim was the last thing they needed.
Time to move all of this indoors, where security was watching every speck of dust for signs of trouble.
"I agree that it is time for the past to remain the past." John winced. That particular idiom hadn't translated well. Luckily it didn't seem like the Illim were going to take offense. "If the delegation will follow me, we shall take these negotiations inside to more comfortable surroundings."
"A moment." Rodney leaned over and murmured to the Emperor. There was a long pause before the Emperor said something softly back. Rodney bowed his head and turned back to John. "My Emperor thanks you for your concern. He takes you up on your offer. We shall retire to the indoors. Please show us the way."
John turned, making sure to wait until Rodney was beside him before walking towards the building. They had chosen one of the most exclusive hotels in the city for the negotiations. It was the only building deemed impressive enough and secure enough for the diplomatic meetings.
The Emperor and his entourage walked through the iron and gold gate, across the stone courtyard, and through the double brass doors. Inside, black granite and white marble were laid out in a compass rose pattern on the floor. Dark wood counters covered one side of the lobby and the hotel staff all bowed as they entered. Comfortable couches and chairs in muted gold and burgundy were artfully arranged on the other side of the room. A large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling and crystal sconces adorned the wall. A golden statue of winged Mercury with real yellow and burgundy roses at his feet took up a niche in the wall. Personally, John found it all a little ostentatious, but hopefully the Emperor would be impressed.
As soon as he heard the doors close, John turned to speak with Rodney. As he turned red robes caught his eye. Years of discipline kept him from staring. Who was the Illim in the red robes that covered him or her from head to toe? John racked his brain, trying to think of what they might signify. He came up with nothing. All he did know was that the robed Illim had not been in the original roster.
Later. Right now he had introductions to do. Four people approached and then stopped nearly five feet away. John took a deep breath and hoped he didn't mess this up too badly.
"Champion of the Illim, Emperor of the Illim, there are four people I would like to introduce you to. First, this is General Simon Radcliff. He was the head of our army, though he is no longer. General is his title and means he achieved great respect and honor during military campaigns. Dr. Rachel Myers will be leading the talks. Doctor is her title and means she has achieved a high level of learning. Jim Li is our head of protocol. Ardea Fulton manages the Mythos 4 team. They will be helping with security during your stay." John gestured to each as he spoke their name.
Rodney stiffened when John got to Ardea. "Mythos. The number four after their name. It means they obtained that… legacy." It was not quite a question and the wording was odd, but John understood what Rodney was getting at.
"Yes. They are related to the Mythos team. They carry on that legacy and are the fourth team to do so," John replied. Rodney looked at him with piercing yellow eyes. He did not look happy.
"You did not say that other superheroes would be involved. The Emperor tolerates you only because you have proven yourself a worthy adversary that he would like to see become an ally. These others have no gained such respect from him," Rodney said. His voice was low and furious.
"You did not say that you would be bringing someone beyond what was officially recorded." John nodded his head towards the Illim in red robes. "All of the Mythos 4 Team is in the records. Superheroes are necessary to prevent any accidents."
John didn't know the Illimese word for "assassination attempts." Accidents would have to do. Rodney still didn't look pleased, but he didn't press the issue any further.
"It has been a long journey, Champion of the People of Earth. The Emperor requests time to rest and acclimate himself to this world before any formal functions," Rodney said. Which was a nice way of asking John to show them to their rooms already so they could personally inspect them and make sure they were nice enough. Of course, they couldn't come out and say as much.
This was why John hated diplomacy.
"My apologies." John bowed low, to show his sincerity. "I will introduce the rest of the teams when you have rested."
This wasn't part of the plan, but it didn't really surprise John that they were going off schedule already. Despite demanding that everything be planned down to the last detail, the Illim seemed to delight in finding ways to ignore the schedule they themselves wanted. John moved forward, making a discreet gesture towards the four he'd just introduced. They swiftly moved to one side.
Though a set of dark wood doors on the other side of the lobby was where the hotel really opened up. This was the main ball room usually reserved for large weddings or charity functions, and now off limits to anyone but diplomats for the next month. Two staircases circled up the room on either side and a huge crystal chandelier took up much of the ceiling. The floor was made up several different exotic woods set in a parquet style. The walls were papered in a delicate cream and gold pattern, with heavy wooden trim around the floor and ceiling. Brass scones along the walls added what Ardea had referred to as "mood lighting."
Yes, they did. And the mood was "I have more money than I know what to do with."
"If it pleases the Emperor, we can use the stairs or the…" John fumbled to a stop. He didn't know the Illinese word for elevator. Was there even a word in their language for such a thing? "We can use the box. It moves. The rooms are on the top floor and there are many stairs."
The Emperor made a sharp gesture and Rodney was immediately by his side. Rodney gave a little head bow and turned back to John. "The Emperor is impressed and pleased at the effort the Champion of Earth has made to speak the language of our people. However, if it easier for you to speak your own tongue, the Emperor understands it equally well."
He did? John barely kept the surprise off his face. Then he bowed again. "I am grateful. The elevator is more secure, faster, and would keep us from having to go up so many floors. Not all of the group will fit though. Would the Emperor prefer to try that or walk?"
Rodney spoke briefly with the Emperor. "The elevator," Rodney agreed. "Half of the detail will go up the stairs to scan the area and greet the Emperor." He turned to the rest of the entourage and barked orders. Half of the guards peeled off and headed towards the stairs.
John noticed that the Illim completely covered in red stayed with the group that would be riding in the elevator. In fact, he moved closer to the Emperor than any of the guards did. Interesting. Who was the Illim in red? Was he or she a last minute addition? Is that why they weren’t on the official records? He wished that diplomacy allowed him to ask, because all this was making him curious.
They walked to the back of the ballroom, to where a pair of antique brass elevator doors stood. An attendant stood at attention beside the elevator, dressed in the hotels livery. As soon as he saw the group, he opened the doors. Then he bowed and gestured for them to enter.
Years spent being a superhero made John instantly suspicious. Was this the set-up for an attack? He almost turned to the Emperor, and demand that they take the stairs instead. But it was too late. If he did that, he'd lose credibility. All John could do was get in the elevator, and hope this didn't back fire.
He felt extra ridiculous when nothing happened. Everyone in the group filed into the elevator. They all turned towards the front, no one speaking, and no one meeting each other's eyes. The elevator rose smoothly to the top floor, the doors opened, and everyone filed off.
The only hitch in the whole thing was that the rest of the Emperor's guard hadn't arrived to meet them on the floor. John wasn't too surprised. Although he did hope they hadn't almost killed themselves racing up the stairs.
"Should we wait for rest of the guards or head to your rooms?" John asked. Rodney looked supremely annoyed.
"No. They can catch up to us. We will go directly to the Emperor's rooms." Rodney practically bit the words off. John raised an eyebrow. "Lead the way, Champion of Earth."
John would bet good money that the guards were going to get chewed out for this. He would also bet that the only reason Rodney wasn't stalking off down the hall towards either the stairwell or the Emperor’s rooms was because he didn't know which way to go. The door to the penthouse suite was on the left, so John turned that way. Rodney was a step behind him, and the Emperor, the Illim in red, and the remaining guards all followed.
"This is the key to the rooms. It's a swipe card. There are two copies," John explained. He swiped the card, turned the handle, and opened the door. "I have both copies. I will turn them over to you as soon as you've inspected the rooms and they have met your approval."
"How do we know there are only two cards?" Rodney demanded. John kept his voice serious and his face neutral.
"You will have to trust me. I would not jeopardize the negotiations over this," John replied, which was a total and complete bald face lie. There were two other copies of the room key. One for John and one for Ardea. "Please feel free to explore the rooms. Take as much time as you need to make a decision."
There were four pent house suites in the hotel and they had rented all four of them for the duration of the talks. Not only did it make security a whole lot easier – the last thing John wanted to deal with while trying to negotiate with the Illim was a spoiled, rich man or woman who didn’t understand why they had to go through security checks because didn't John know who they were – but it also gave the Illim choices should the first suite prove to not be to their liking. Each suite had three bedrooms, two separate baths, a small kitchen, and a formal sitting room. There were slight differences in layout, but they were very similar.
Except when it came to color. Each suite had its own color theme, chosen and implemented in an upscale design way. This one was in shades of burgundy and gold, with dark brown, dark green, and beige. The Emperor took two steps in and made a gesture with his hand. Really? That quickly? John wondered why this suite wasn’t suitable.
Then something caught his eye. The Illim in red had stayed in the hall. None of the guards had moved from guarding him. They had let their Emperor enter a suite of uncleared rooms in favor of guarding the Illim in red. John found that really interesting.
"This one will not do," Rodney said. He'd been across the room but as soon as the Emperor had gestured, he'd returned to his side. "Are there other rooms available?"
"Yes. We have three other suites. Perhaps one of those will be more to Emperor's liking. Please follow me." John held the door open as the Emperor and Rodney left. He indicated the rooms just across the hallway. "The keys open all the rooms on this floor. As soon as the Emperor has chosen, we will recode the other rooms and provide your men with the cards. You may use the rooms as you see fit."
John had tried to get information on how the guards were seeing to the Emperor's safety. Little things like would they be staying in the Emperor's room? How many would be with him at all times? What kind of quarters would they need? He'd gotten nothing.
There were two kinds of people in the world: those you worked with and those you worked around. John had long decided that the Illim guards would need to be worked around. How and where they were located was no longer his problem.
He strode across the hall, unlocked the door, and opened it. Rodney went in first and the Emperor soon followed. Again, the Illim in red stayed in the hallway as did the guards. This suite was done in earth tones, with olive green being the prominent color. The accents were in chocolate, tan, ochre and stark white. Both Rodney and the Emperor paced through the room. John waited.
"I do not believe this one will work either," Rodney eventually said. John nodded. It seemed odd to him that neither of them were touching anything. Everything was given a visual inspection, but not tested in any other way. He had no idea why this room failed either.
The third suite was in shades of navy and tan, with accents of pewter and oak, white and sky blue. Of all the rooms, John found this one the most soothing. Obviously the Emperor agreed. After one circuit, he gestured to the Illim in red. The Illim entered the room, closely followed by the guards.
"This one will do," Rodney said. He gestured to the guards. They fanned out through the suite, checking every square surface of the room. Everything was picked up, examined, and returned back to exactly where it had been. "We will comb through it first, though."
"Of course," John said. "May I stay and watch?"
Rodney narrowed his eyes. For a moment, John was sure he'd tell him to get lost. Then he seemed to relent. "You may stay. But do not interfere."
The Illim were extremely thorough. John was impressed. Ardea's group wasn't half as good as this. He wondered if Rodney could train them, or at the very least give them some pointers. Twenty minutes later, they had finished their inspection. Unsurprisingly, they'd found nothing.
"The key cards," Rodney asked. John handed them over without a fight. "We thank you, Champion of Earth, for the accommodations and for your time. I believe there is a diplomatic dinner tonight? If the Emperor is rested enough, he will be there."
If. John held back a sigh. "We hope that the Emperor is feeling up to the dinner. Please let us know if he cannot attend, so we may inform our other guests. Thank you for coming. As the Champion of Earth, I speak for all of Earth's people." Then John bowed, turned around, and left the room.
His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Tharyn l'tek Rskalon VI descended from the Illim space ship amid a flurry of camera flashes from the media on earth. Every one of them had been checked, rechecked, and then checked again, but it still made John nervous. It was impossible to watch everyone.
Not that Emperor Tharyn seemed to have any concerns about his safety. He walked boldly down the walkway with only his Champion, an Illim whose name John still couldn't pronounce correctly and who he called Rodney, at his side. Behind the Emperor was his honor guard dressed in the royal colors of grey and purple.
"Welcome to Earth, Emperor of the Illim," John said in only slightly accented Illimese. He bowed at the waist, low, with his hand spread before him to show that he held no weapons.
"Rodisarsken a'ten Dethar, Champion of the People of Illim, be my voice." John stayed bowed as Rodney stepped forward even though it made the back of his neck itch to be in such a vulnerable position with the Champion of Illim right there. "Tell the Champion of Earth that he may rise."
Even though John understood the words, had in fact spoken Illimese just a few moments ago, he kept himself still. Illim protocol meant that he had to wait to be addressed before he could move. He didn’t even want to think of the number of times they had offended the Illim and destroyed any chances of negotiations before they’d learned that the Illim were sticklers for protocol.
"You may rise before the Emperor, John Allen Anderson, Captain Bravo and Champion of the People of Earth," Rodney said. His English was almost flawless. Almost. It held the faintest trace of an accent, a way of speaking that put slightly too much emphasis on the wrong syllables.
John rose from his bow, ignoring the low murmur of the press. He could almost see the headlines now. Captain Bravo prostrates himself before the aliens. Captain Bravo recognizes Illim sovereignty. Captain Bravo bends to the Emperor's will. Never mind that this was necessary if they were going to get anywhere.
"As the Champion of the People of Earth, I welcome you, Emperor of the Illim, to our planet and our home," John replied. He made sure he spoke only Illimese. Until the Emperor or Rodney told him otherwise, it was required. In turn, Rodney would only speak English unless John said something to the contrary. "I am here to provide escort and support during the negotiations."
"Your support is appreciated, Captain Bravo," Rodney replied. "The Emperor thanks you for your generosity. He hopes that these negotiations between the Illim and the people of Earth will be fruitful and that we can put the past animosity between our people behind us."
A past that too many people on Earth remembered. It started with the attempted invasions of Earth by the Illim in the 50's and 60's. Then there were the spies. Illim espionage that had taken down more than one world leader in the 70's and 80's. And then there was the economic sabotage in the 90's that had almost plunged the entire world into an economic depression the likes of which the world had never seen. As Marty put it, quite a few people on Wall Street still got a little ill at how close they'd come.
It was only within the last five years that the Illim had stopped trying to bring Earth to its knees. John knew that the reason was the new emperor, but he was one of the few who knew how to or cared to follow interstellar politics. His biggest worry now was someone trying to take out the Emperor because they thought they were getting rid of the big, bad alien empire. It would probably plunge them into war. And with over half of the world's superheroes without power due to some mad scientist's virus, a war with the Illim was the last thing they needed.
Time to move all of this indoors, where security was watching every speck of dust for signs of trouble.
"I agree that it is time for the past to remain the past." John winced. That particular idiom hadn't translated well. Luckily it didn't seem like the Illim were going to take offense. "If the delegation will follow me, we shall take these negotiations inside to more comfortable surroundings."
"A moment." Rodney leaned over and murmured to the Emperor. There was a long pause before the Emperor said something softly back. Rodney bowed his head and turned back to John. "My Emperor thanks you for your concern. He takes you up on your offer. We shall retire to the indoors. Please show us the way."
John turned, making sure to wait until Rodney was beside him before walking towards the building. They had chosen one of the most exclusive hotels in the city for the negotiations. It was the only building deemed impressive enough and secure enough for the diplomatic meetings.
The Emperor and his entourage walked through the iron and gold gate, across the stone courtyard, and through the double brass doors. Inside, black granite and white marble were laid out in a compass rose pattern on the floor. Dark wood counters covered one side of the lobby and the hotel staff all bowed as they entered. Comfortable couches and chairs in muted gold and burgundy were artfully arranged on the other side of the room. A large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling and crystal sconces adorned the wall. A golden statue of winged Mercury with real yellow and burgundy roses at his feet took up a niche in the wall. Personally, John found it all a little ostentatious, but hopefully the Emperor would be impressed.
As soon as he heard the doors close, John turned to speak with Rodney. As he turned red robes caught his eye. Years of discipline kept him from staring. Who was the Illim in the red robes that covered him or her from head to toe? John racked his brain, trying to think of what they might signify. He came up with nothing. All he did know was that the robed Illim had not been in the original roster.
Later. Right now he had introductions to do. Four people approached and then stopped nearly five feet away. John took a deep breath and hoped he didn't mess this up too badly.
"Champion of the Illim, Emperor of the Illim, there are four people I would like to introduce you to. First, this is General Simon Radcliff. He was the head of our army, though he is no longer. General is his title and means he achieved great respect and honor during military campaigns. Dr. Rachel Myers will be leading the talks. Doctor is her title and means she has achieved a high level of learning. Jim Li is our head of protocol. Ardea Fulton manages the Mythos 4 team. They will be helping with security during your stay." John gestured to each as he spoke their name.
Rodney stiffened when John got to Ardea. "Mythos. The number four after their name. It means they obtained that… legacy." It was not quite a question and the wording was odd, but John understood what Rodney was getting at.
"Yes. They are related to the Mythos team. They carry on that legacy and are the fourth team to do so," John replied. Rodney looked at him with piercing yellow eyes. He did not look happy.
"You did not say that other superheroes would be involved. The Emperor tolerates you only because you have proven yourself a worthy adversary that he would like to see become an ally. These others have no gained such respect from him," Rodney said. His voice was low and furious.
"You did not say that you would be bringing someone beyond what was officially recorded." John nodded his head towards the Illim in red robes. "All of the Mythos 4 Team is in the records. Superheroes are necessary to prevent any accidents."
John didn't know the Illimese word for "assassination attempts." Accidents would have to do. Rodney still didn't look pleased, but he didn't press the issue any further.
"It has been a long journey, Champion of the People of Earth. The Emperor requests time to rest and acclimate himself to this world before any formal functions," Rodney said. Which was a nice way of asking John to show them to their rooms already so they could personally inspect them and make sure they were nice enough. Of course, they couldn't come out and say as much.
This was why John hated diplomacy.
"My apologies." John bowed low, to show his sincerity. "I will introduce the rest of the teams when you have rested."
This wasn't part of the plan, but it didn't really surprise John that they were going off schedule already. Despite demanding that everything be planned down to the last detail, the Illim seemed to delight in finding ways to ignore the schedule they themselves wanted. John moved forward, making a discreet gesture towards the four he'd just introduced. They swiftly moved to one side.
Though a set of dark wood doors on the other side of the lobby was where the hotel really opened up. This was the main ball room usually reserved for large weddings or charity functions, and now off limits to anyone but diplomats for the next month. Two staircases circled up the room on either side and a huge crystal chandelier took up much of the ceiling. The floor was made up several different exotic woods set in a parquet style. The walls were papered in a delicate cream and gold pattern, with heavy wooden trim around the floor and ceiling. Brass scones along the walls added what Ardea had referred to as "mood lighting."
Yes, they did. And the mood was "I have more money than I know what to do with."
"If it pleases the Emperor, we can use the stairs or the…" John fumbled to a stop. He didn't know the Illinese word for elevator. Was there even a word in their language for such a thing? "We can use the box. It moves. The rooms are on the top floor and there are many stairs."
The Emperor made a sharp gesture and Rodney was immediately by his side. Rodney gave a little head bow and turned back to John. "The Emperor is impressed and pleased at the effort the Champion of Earth has made to speak the language of our people. However, if it easier for you to speak your own tongue, the Emperor understands it equally well."
He did? John barely kept the surprise off his face. Then he bowed again. "I am grateful. The elevator is more secure, faster, and would keep us from having to go up so many floors. Not all of the group will fit though. Would the Emperor prefer to try that or walk?"
Rodney spoke briefly with the Emperor. "The elevator," Rodney agreed. "Half of the detail will go up the stairs to scan the area and greet the Emperor." He turned to the rest of the entourage and barked orders. Half of the guards peeled off and headed towards the stairs.
John noticed that the Illim completely covered in red stayed with the group that would be riding in the elevator. In fact, he moved closer to the Emperor than any of the guards did. Interesting. Who was the Illim in red? Was he or she a last minute addition? Is that why they weren’t on the official records? He wished that diplomacy allowed him to ask, because all this was making him curious.
They walked to the back of the ballroom, to where a pair of antique brass elevator doors stood. An attendant stood at attention beside the elevator, dressed in the hotels livery. As soon as he saw the group, he opened the doors. Then he bowed and gestured for them to enter.
Years spent being a superhero made John instantly suspicious. Was this the set-up for an attack? He almost turned to the Emperor, and demand that they take the stairs instead. But it was too late. If he did that, he'd lose credibility. All John could do was get in the elevator, and hope this didn't back fire.
He felt extra ridiculous when nothing happened. Everyone in the group filed into the elevator. They all turned towards the front, no one speaking, and no one meeting each other's eyes. The elevator rose smoothly to the top floor, the doors opened, and everyone filed off.
The only hitch in the whole thing was that the rest of the Emperor's guard hadn't arrived to meet them on the floor. John wasn't too surprised. Although he did hope they hadn't almost killed themselves racing up the stairs.
"Should we wait for rest of the guards or head to your rooms?" John asked. Rodney looked supremely annoyed.
"No. They can catch up to us. We will go directly to the Emperor's rooms." Rodney practically bit the words off. John raised an eyebrow. "Lead the way, Champion of Earth."
John would bet good money that the guards were going to get chewed out for this. He would also bet that the only reason Rodney wasn't stalking off down the hall towards either the stairwell or the Emperor’s rooms was because he didn't know which way to go. The door to the penthouse suite was on the left, so John turned that way. Rodney was a step behind him, and the Emperor, the Illim in red, and the remaining guards all followed.
"This is the key to the rooms. It's a swipe card. There are two copies," John explained. He swiped the card, turned the handle, and opened the door. "I have both copies. I will turn them over to you as soon as you've inspected the rooms and they have met your approval."
"How do we know there are only two cards?" Rodney demanded. John kept his voice serious and his face neutral.
"You will have to trust me. I would not jeopardize the negotiations over this," John replied, which was a total and complete bald face lie. There were two other copies of the room key. One for John and one for Ardea. "Please feel free to explore the rooms. Take as much time as you need to make a decision."
There were four pent house suites in the hotel and they had rented all four of them for the duration of the talks. Not only did it make security a whole lot easier – the last thing John wanted to deal with while trying to negotiate with the Illim was a spoiled, rich man or woman who didn’t understand why they had to go through security checks because didn't John know who they were – but it also gave the Illim choices should the first suite prove to not be to their liking. Each suite had three bedrooms, two separate baths, a small kitchen, and a formal sitting room. There were slight differences in layout, but they were very similar.
Except when it came to color. Each suite had its own color theme, chosen and implemented in an upscale design way. This one was in shades of burgundy and gold, with dark brown, dark green, and beige. The Emperor took two steps in and made a gesture with his hand. Really? That quickly? John wondered why this suite wasn’t suitable.
Then something caught his eye. The Illim in red had stayed in the hall. None of the guards had moved from guarding him. They had let their Emperor enter a suite of uncleared rooms in favor of guarding the Illim in red. John found that really interesting.
"This one will not do," Rodney said. He'd been across the room but as soon as the Emperor had gestured, he'd returned to his side. "Are there other rooms available?"
"Yes. We have three other suites. Perhaps one of those will be more to Emperor's liking. Please follow me." John held the door open as the Emperor and Rodney left. He indicated the rooms just across the hallway. "The keys open all the rooms on this floor. As soon as the Emperor has chosen, we will recode the other rooms and provide your men with the cards. You may use the rooms as you see fit."
John had tried to get information on how the guards were seeing to the Emperor's safety. Little things like would they be staying in the Emperor's room? How many would be with him at all times? What kind of quarters would they need? He'd gotten nothing.
There were two kinds of people in the world: those you worked with and those you worked around. John had long decided that the Illim guards would need to be worked around. How and where they were located was no longer his problem.
He strode across the hall, unlocked the door, and opened it. Rodney went in first and the Emperor soon followed. Again, the Illim in red stayed in the hallway as did the guards. This suite was done in earth tones, with olive green being the prominent color. The accents were in chocolate, tan, ochre and stark white. Both Rodney and the Emperor paced through the room. John waited.
"I do not believe this one will work either," Rodney eventually said. John nodded. It seemed odd to him that neither of them were touching anything. Everything was given a visual inspection, but not tested in any other way. He had no idea why this room failed either.
The third suite was in shades of navy and tan, with accents of pewter and oak, white and sky blue. Of all the rooms, John found this one the most soothing. Obviously the Emperor agreed. After one circuit, he gestured to the Illim in red. The Illim entered the room, closely followed by the guards.
"This one will do," Rodney said. He gestured to the guards. They fanned out through the suite, checking every square surface of the room. Everything was picked up, examined, and returned back to exactly where it had been. "We will comb through it first, though."
"Of course," John said. "May I stay and watch?"
Rodney narrowed his eyes. For a moment, John was sure he'd tell him to get lost. Then he seemed to relent. "You may stay. But do not interfere."
The Illim were extremely thorough. John was impressed. Ardea's group wasn't half as good as this. He wondered if Rodney could train them, or at the very least give them some pointers. Twenty minutes later, they had finished their inspection. Unsurprisingly, they'd found nothing.
"The key cards," Rodney asked. John handed them over without a fight. "We thank you, Champion of Earth, for the accommodations and for your time. I believe there is a diplomatic dinner tonight? If the Emperor is rested enough, he will be there."
If. John held back a sigh. "We hope that the Emperor is feeling up to the dinner. Please let us know if he cannot attend, so we may inform our other guests. Thank you for coming. As the Champion of Earth, I speak for all of Earth's people." Then John bowed, turned around, and left the room.
(no subject)
Date: 12/16/18 09:24 am (UTC)Yay for finding old stuff and continuing with it :D