Emma Frost, the Citadel Palace – Veridian

“So... Pandora, my dear? I thought you would wait a little longer before beginning to explore the cosmos, Susan,” Emma said with her characteristic elegance from the comfort and excessive luxury of her office in the new Citadel Palace.

Or, as the Protheans had once called it...

The Presidium.

The Ring World that held the magnificent Citadel together, and what had once been the political capital of the Protheans, now...the cradle of the Empire of Midgard and the spearhead through which the Homo Ascendens would conquer the galaxy.

And perhaps even more, thought the White Lioness with a smile.

The plans for the Citadel were enormous and would require years of work. According to the estimates, the place could eventually shelter at least a hundred million souls, but Harrison had different plans, if the negotiations work as they should, perhaps more species would call this place home very soon.

Starting with the interesting and beautiful asari, so sophisticated and elegant, Emma was already looking to hire a lot of them to her future fashion events, they would do amazing job in her opinion.

Alas, that was a thought for another moment.

“The Pandora expedition took priority after the report. We want to study this... Ei'wa, an alien Artificial Intelligence so close to us. Just imagine everything we could learn! Besides... aren't you interested in these Na’vi? they are like our cousins or something” Susan asked with a radiant smile and a determined gaze.

Emma simply rolled her eyes and replied calmly and elegantly.

“Please my dear. Our powerful and handsome man has just given us an entire planet for ourselves. I am thinking of an enormous Palace by the coast, big enought for all the lionesses and our future cubs, a private beach of course, and all the luxury we could ever need. Besides, the first mutant colonists will be arriving very soon. Hermione and the rest of the A.I. are working hard so there will already be proper infrastructure in place. There is still much work to be done here in Sol” Emma said with obvious pride in her face, really excited for this new chapter of her life.

Truthfully, she still found it difficult to accept her new reality.

As one of the Lionesses.

As the future wife of the Ruler of all Midgard and all its children.

The days when Emma had been controlled by Winston Frost's machinations seemed so distant. The threat of the Hellfire Club and Sebastian Shaw had hung over her neck like a guillotine for far too long.

For many years, Emma had feared the worst, being just Sebastian Shaw pawn and whore, a simple piece in the Club board.

But then...

She met Harrison, on a whim, Emma bought those precious shares of Evans Technologies...

And her life changed forever.

Before, she had been a pretty face, intelligent yes, but nothing more than a bargaining chip for Winston Frost, and a tool for powerful men, a trophy in the day and a whore in the night.

But now?

She was Emma Frost, one of the most powerful women on the planet, and most important.

Soon to be Emma Evans, the White Lioness.

Owner and CEO of Frost Galactic Technologies.

An Omega-Level Mutant.

One of the first Homo Ascendens women.

And one of the most powerful women in the Sol System.

And soon...

In the entire galaxy, the blonde thought proudly as she rose to her feet and walked toward the observation deck, showing Emma the immensity and splendor of the Citadel.

It was...Simply beautiful.

"I'll call you later Susan, I must prepare for my diplomatic mission" said Emma, cutting de communication and losing herself in the amazing picture of Veridian.

She could see the future as easy as breathing, enormous cities, vast and fertile woodlands and valleys, with amazing lakes, rivers and mountains.

Maybe they should build the Royal Palace in Olympus Mons, something to consider on the future.

Emma was so distracted that she failed to notice the arrival of her beloved Lion, at least until his large, masculine hands rested upon her hips with that possessive and warm presence.

A constant reminder that she belong to him.

“It is impressive... but it is not a human creation. I shall have to build a station of my own, far larger, with its own ecosystems and environmental control. Perhaps a Ring World that can use Sling Space, just for us, or a Shield World” Harrison said decisively, while Emma elegantly leaned back against her man's chest and enjoying his warmth.

“Maybe both...have you decided to make the Citadel public?” Emma asked curiously, prompting Harrison to nod.

“I have. The Citadel is enormous, and its connection to the Mass Relays is a tactical advantage we cannot ignore. It will remain in orbit around Veridian, which shall become the military and scientific capital of the Empire. A Fortress World that will safeguard our greatest asset against the dangers of the cosmos,” Harrison said solemnly.

Emma nodded, imagining what this place would look like in one hundred years, filled with humans, mutants, Skrulls, and Atlanteans.

And if today's negotiations went well...perhaps the Asari as well.

“Are you ready, my dear? I know this is your last meeting before you leave to play in Hogwarts with your magical playmates” Emma said with a slight frown, not liking at all be separated from her beloved Lion.

She understood that Harrison's mission in Latveria was important. The ruler of said country was one of Humanity's greatest minds, and earning the loyalty of such an individual was a priority for the newborn Empire.

Harrison remained silent for several seconds, lost in thought.

“I am. According to Athame's reports, the Asari did everything they could to conceal our existence from the other races of the Nexus Council, but judging by the intercepted Relay communications in Salarian and Turian space, both governments know something is happening." said her future husband while kissing and nibbling her neck softly, to her evident delight.

a moment later, Harrison project in the digital screens of her office a galactic map belonging to Thessia, showing that the blue ladies had been busy, mobilizing a lot of ships towards their home.

“An entire Asari fleet has been recalled to protect Thessia, therefore it is only a matter of time before the other species learn of our existence, we must prepare a First Contact scenario with the rest” Harrison said seriously, his hands toying with her waist and teasing her with his light touch.

Emma did not reply, recognizing that her beloved was simply venting the pressure of his new responsibilities, so...she just enjoy her man's ministrations and the pleasure he was giving her.

“Jean has begun mapping the galaxy using the Relays. Apparently, the entire Orion Arm belongs to us. The Charon Relay connects directly to the Arcturus System, which serves as a nexus leading into Council space. We shall fortify that star system and turn it into our military engine. Hermione is designing the station that will defend Arcturus, designation Othrys” Harrison said as he projected the preliminary blueprints for the future Othrys Station.

The blueprints revealed the influence of Olympus Station, just...bigger, maybe three times, with a lot of sections that look like shipyards and commercial ports, along with residential wards and military districts.

"It looks amazing and terrifying, I want a Tower for myself" confessed the White Lioness with caution but emotion in her voice.

A massive central structure surrounded by three ring-like additions that will function as the galactic power of humanity, and while Olympus will remain as the First Human-made battle Station, Othrys will be simply better.

More powerful.

More imposing.

Perfect for defending the Arcturus Nexus, Emma thought approvingly.

“I suppose Hermione and the others are having the time of their lives with this station,” Emma said amused, her smile turning into an elegant laugh as Harrison let out an exasperated snort.

“You have no idea. All the A.I. are giving their opinions on what the optimal design should be. The central structure resembles an O'Neill Cylinder. Vast hydroponic farms, asteroid processing facilities, and cities will ensure that Othrys is completely self-sufficient.

“Hermione declared that the Station will possess a Central Quantum Server for the A.I. Apparently, they need to rest from our inefficiency every now and then,” Harrison said, causing Emma to smile at the mention of the young A.I.

“It shall be a marvel, my dear. But for now, I wish to focus on Veridian's development. The first mutant colonists have already been selected, and it is only a matter of time before they arrive. I have great plans for this place. You'll see... it shall become something glorious!” Emma said devotedly, gazing toward the planet with determination.

Harrison simply rolled his eyes before delivering a loud smack to Emma's perfect backside, prompting her to look at her beloved Lion with promise in her eyes.

“Save that energy for later, my dear. With a little luck, perhaps we shall have beautiful blue maidens adorning our bed tonight,” Emma purred with obvious excitement.

She simply could not help herself.

The White Queen had read the report concerning these...

Asari.

And Emma had liked very much what she had seen.

They were elegant, beautiful, and according to the information obtained from the Nexus Extranet, absolute demons in the art of making love.

A worthy pet in her opinion, she will convince Harrison to keep at least a dozen in their future palace, thought the White Lioness with a mischievous smile.

She truly wished to discover firsthand whether that reputation was deserved.

“Then let us waste no more time. Are you ready for your first diplomatic mission, my beautiful White Queen?” Harrison asked as he kissed Emma's neck and gently massaged her generous breasts, drawing a needy moan from the blonde.

It had been far too long.

Everyone had been so busy that they had not been able to lose themselves beneath the sheets as often as they would have liked.

Something...

The blonde intended to remedy tonight.

The negotiations with the Asari could not wait, after all.

Messana Tevos, Temple of Athame – Thessia

“Thirty seconds!” one of the Asari commandos shouted as they made their final preparations, biotics and weapons ready, while waiting for the seven-day grace period to expire.

“Everything ready, Liara?” Tevos asked with a smile as she looked at the archaeologist with amusement.

The young T'Soni could not stop trembling with excitement, repeatedly murmuring the subjects she wished to ask the Terran Emperor about, undoubtedly related to the Protheans.

These seven days had been...An absolute logistical nightmare for all the Republics.

Fleets had been recalled to Thessia, and commandos had been mobilized to reinforce security. The Salarians had already detected that something was happening, and soon they would have many explanations to give.

Preferably with a newly forged alliance with the mighty Human Empire and a diplomatic envoy on its way toward the Nexus, Tevos thought as she heard Captain Narianna shout.

“Ten seconds!”

Tevos straightened her back and began mentally reviewing everything they had prepared for this mission.

The most important mission in all of Asari history, if she was being honest.

It was obvious that the Terrans were extraordinarily powerful.

Physically similar to the Asari.

Just as long-lived as they were...

They were the perfect complement to her people.

Terran warriors and Asari diplomats.

Many of her sisters were already considering offering marriage alliance contracts with various Terran families.

“Three... two... one... ZERO!” the Captain shouted.

And just as Emperor Harrison had warned, the wormhole appeared once more, as stable and precise as it had been before.

And a moment later...

The humans began to emerge.

This time, they were no longer wearing the terrifying and imposing armor that made them resemble angels of death, but instead elegant, tailor-made military dress greatcoats, as exquisite as they were luxurious.

they were..huge, so tall that Tevos and all of her sisters must look up to see their faces, something that excited her for some strange reason, like...something primal inside her felt pleased and secure beside a human.

Every one of them carried elegant rifles that appeared far more advanced than their humble Avengers and Vindicators, they look long and elongated, modular shape, dominated by a massive yellow module that appeared to house some unknown emitter.

And although it looked relatively small in the Terran's hands, the Asari Ambassador knew that only a Krogan or a particularly strong Turian would be capable of wielding such a formidable gun without difficulty.

“By the Goddess...” one of her acolyte maidens whispered, hearts practically visible on her face as she stared at the frankly impressive human specimen standing before them.

According to the Codex the Emperor Harrison had shared with them...a terran woman possess the imposing proportions of a Human, yet with a face overflowing with elegance, sophistication, and lethality.

She reminded Tevos greatly of her own commandos in some way.

Yet even the most skilled of her sisters appeared like children compared to this Gods and goddesses of War.

The six Terran soldiers took up position while a seventh figure emerged through the portal.

And if Tevos had thought the Human soldiers were beautiful and elegant...the newcomer made them seem plain and almost bland by comparison.

“By the Goddess...” Liara whispered, utterly dumbfounded, staring spellbound—and with unmistakable interest and some kind of desire as the Terran diplomat walked forward with innate elegance, her beautiful, flawless hips swaying naturally as she walked directly toward them.

She looks like a dream, in her humble opinion.

Tevos swallowed hard as she studied the...Terran Goddess standing before her from head to toe.

Her first impression was bewildering.

Humans already stood apart from the known species due to their remarkable height and commanding presence, but that woman carried those traits to an extreme Tevos had never witnessed.

She had to stand nearly two meters tall, perfectly upright with a naturally commanding presence.

Every step she took was slow, precise, and silent, wrapped in a white robe embroidered with lines that resembled solid light, flowing gracefully around her figure with hypnotic elegance.

Tevos swallowed hard, feeling a tingling sensation spread through the naughty places of her body for the first time in...more years than she cared to remember.

The Human was...Pure perfection.

And she knew it.

Her face possessed a cold beauty with a flawless skin, without the slightest imperfection. Her long blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders like a silver waterfall, silky and so soft that Tevos desperately wanted to run her fingers through it.

But it was her eyes that captured all of Tevos' attention.

Her deep blue irises resembled the brilliance of a newborn star.

Clear.

Piercing.

Capable of conveying serenity and authority simultaneously.

The opening of her robe revealed her long legs with perfectly calculated grace, granting her a presence that was as majestic as it was feminine without ever becoming vulgar.

Every detail of her attire spoke of an unknown technological refinement, where aesthetics and engineering seemed to have become a single discipline.

Tevos did not need to look at her sisters to know that, just like herself, they were filled with envy from merely observing that exquisite dress.

If there was one thing Asari took pride in...It was their elegance and beauty.

And apparently...They now had competition in that regard within the galaxy.

“Greetings, esteemed Asari. My name is Emma, Consort of Emperor Harrison and future Ambassador between our peoples. If you would accompany me, my betrothed is waiting for us for the negotiations,” the beautiful Goddess said in flawless Asari, causing her sisters to stare at the Human in astonishment.

Tevos wasted no time.

She stepped forward and took charge of the conversation, making a mental note for future reference that this Human...

Must be someone of tremendous political influence within the Empire, considering that she was, apparently, the Emperor's Consort.

“Greetings, Empress Emma. I am Messana Tevos, the Asari chosen to conduct the diplomatic talks between our peoples. These are my disciples.

“We have brought gifts and offerings of cooperation for the Emperor in pursuit of peace and prosperity between our peoples, as well as to welcome Humanity into the galactic community with open arms,” Tevos said with a smile, genuinely excited by the mission before her.

The Empress, for her part, nodded gracefully, accepting Tevos' words with impeccable courtesy.

“Great and honorable offerings, Lady Tevos. My Emperor has likewise prepared an exchange of gifts and offerings with your people. He eagerly awaits you aboard the Citadel. Are you ready? I imagine you have many questions,” the Terran woman said, prompting the Matriarchs to begin whispering among themselves with conflicted emotions.

The Terrans spoke to them...

In exactly the same manner that they themselves spoke to the other species of the galaxy.

From a position of overwhelming superiority.

Empress Emma made an elegant gesture with her hand, prompting the Terran soldiers to strike their chests before walking toward the heavy crates containing the offerings, undoubtedly preparing to move them.

One of her acolytes, a young maiden excited about the journey, noticed this and tried to warn them.

“Careful, they're heavier than...”

She tried to say, only to fall silent as she watched the Humans lift crates weighing half a ton...

With alarming ease.

One of the Human soldiers looked at Tariana and offered her a warm smile before replying in a deep, masculine voice.

“Do not worry, my Lady. We are strong,” the Human said, causing Tariana to let out a timid squeak and blush completely, undoubtedly making the maiden's thinks about not so innocent things.

“Come, the Emperor is waiting,” the Terran blonde said as she turned around and stepped through the portal, followed by the Human soldiers.

Tevos swallowed hard and, taking the young T'Soni's hand, walked bravely toward the portal, leaving behind the safety of the Temple on Thessia and stepping into the majesty of the Prothean Capital.

The no longer lost Citadel.

Although it was evident that the Emperor had moved the station above a beautiful Garden World, it possessed an immense and unique ocean across the Northern Hemisphere, while an enormous super continent dominated the Southern Hemisphere.

There were still patches of red, but much of it was now covered by vast stretches of green, revealing lush forests and endless grasslands.

“What a beautiful world,” Tevos said, accompanied by Liara, while the rest of the maidens looked around themselves with astonishment and excitement...

Including at the Humans.

Tevos rolled her eyes upon noticing a pair of her maidens staring at one of the Human guards with obvious interest before looking away and giggling softly among themselves.

A moment later, the Empress stepped beside Tevos.

“It truly is. The terraforming efforts were successful. Veridian is now classified as a Garden World. A magnificent achievement by my beloved,” the blonde said with unmistakable pride in her voice, instantly leaving both Tevos and Liara frozen in place.

“Wait... this is the same planet we saw before? That red, barren world you intended to terraform?” Liara exclaimed, utterly dumbfounded by the Terran's words.

The Empress nodded gracefully before answering.

“Yes. Formerly known as Mars, now renamed Veridian. A Garden World, perfectly suited for colonization...In only seven days.”

The Empress spoke with a glimmer of wisdom in her eyes before turning around and walking toward the Throne Hall.

Tevos was left utterly speechless by that statement...

She had seen with her own eyes the condition that planet had been in.

That the Terran Emperor had been capable of creating this...

In only seven days...

By the Goddess...

Humanity was far more advanced than she had imagined, Tevos thought as Liara stepped closer and whispered.

“An alliance is our highest priority, my Lady... this technology...” the young T'Soni said, fully understanding the potential of what they had just witnessed.

Tevos simply nodded as they entered the Throne Hall, where the Emperor sat upon the immense Throne just as before, surrounded by robots and soldiers, with the magnificent image of Veridian displayed behind the Throne.

This time, however, there were three lesser Thrones surrounding it, all occupied by beautiful, ethereal Terran women...considering Empress Emma had sit just bellow the Emperor Throne, looking at them with expectation, lust and curiosity.

There was a redhead and a beautiful woman with dark skin and white hair, as beautiful as Empress Emma.

The three of them, very submissive towards the Emperor.

“Ambassador Tevos... welcome once again. Are you prepared to change the course of galactic history and reconsider everything you believe you know?” the Emperor challenged, prompting the Asari Matriarch to step forward and reply.

“Thank you for receiving us, Emperor. I am certain that this day...will mark the beginning of a new era for both our peoples!” she declared with determination, shuddering as she saw both the Emperor and the Empresses looking at her with unmistakable amusement...and some degree of desire and lust.

The negotiations between the Terrans...

And the Asari...Had begun.