The Black Lion - Imperial Life, Future plans. (Patreon)

Frank Castle, Evans Healing Center – York Prime.

“Uhh…a doctor?” Frank asked with extreme caution and hesitation as he watched a…glowing white sphere with some kind of emerald eye in its center floating only a few inches from his face.

The scene was so…surreal that even his beloved children couldn’t help but giggle as the sphere began making happy noises before answering.

“Oh, how wonderful!! My first patient!!! I am 007 Pious Abnegation, Generation Two Synthetic Intelligence, and today, coincidentally, is my first day as monitor of this Healing Center!” said the peculiar…subject.

Frank sighed heavily as he shook his head. His children and wife called him stubborn and old-school, but he would rather have a human doctor than deal with…this.

Alas, human doctors were assholes who wanted to keep charging thousands of dollars for stupid shit, unlike the Evans Healing Centers, which provided free medical care to any inhabitant of Earth.

Frank still couldn’t believe how much everything had changed. The United States no longer existed. Nations no longer existed.

Harrison Evans had unified the fucking planet, created an army, a fleet, and a space station out of fucking nowhere, and now he was the sovereign dictator of Earth.

Emperor Harrison of the Royal House Evans, the Black Lion who roars over the graves of his enemies.

A powerful name for the most dangerous man on the planet.

The rumors about Harrison Evans and his family, the Potters…were concerning. Stupidly wealthy, with hundreds of thousands of lives under their command, and yet…

Things were better, much better now than before.

The Black Lion’s hand did not tremble when it came to guaranteeing security across the planet. In fact, Frank had just returned from what had been his unit’s final mission, having been deployed to the East Coast to exterminate the last members of a massive organ-trafficking network connected to one of the oldest mafias from what had once been New York.

Frank didn’t know how the High Council obtained its information, but damn, was it accurate. He and the boys, equipped with toys they had once only dreamed about, went in, cleared the place, and got out before the fucking sun rose again, freeing more than a hundred missing children in the process.

Another team of soldiers cleaned out the mafia and the remaining cartels. There was no mercy, no surrender, and no trials.

They were all executed on the spot by order of the High Council, evidently, and Frank didn’t ask unnecessary questions.

The scum was dead. Now he had plenty of time for his family…and there was peace in his life and his city.

However, Frank’s thoughts were interrupted by the sphere’s shrill voice as it scanned his beloved Lisa.

“Ohhh, that’s bad! I see a congenital defect in the left kidney. It’s functioning at half capacity, and a heart murmur that must be treated as soon as possible!” the sphere said urgently as the green light of its eye changed to an intense blue and two white assistant drones descended from the upper section of the Healing Center.

“What the fuck is going on?” Frank asked, alarmed by what the robot had said about his beloved daughter. His wife had Lisa by the shoulders, evidently distressed.

And apparently, the A.I. was capable of detecting the anguish in Frank and his family.

“Oh, relax! A couple of therapy sessions in the Gaia Chambers and she’ll be as good as new!” said the…annoyingly cheerful metallic sphere.

Frank and his wife immediately looked at one another. They had heard about the Gaia Chambers. Those damn things seemed…too good to be true, a fucking machine where you lay down and slept for hours, waking up healthy and free of disease.

It sounded like magic, and therefore it was very difficult for Frank to believe something like that actually worked.

Alas, he was already here, and apparently his daughter would have priority. He only feared the size of the fucking debt he would have to take on. However, before he could say anything, his wife intervened.

“How much…how much will the treatment cost us?” she asked hesitantly, fearing the answer, and Frank had never felt as powerless as he did at that moment.

However, the answer they received from the A.I. was…surprising, to say the least.

“Cost? No cost. The services of the Evans Healing Centers are a Right granted to all Terran citizens, whether human, mutant, or Atlantean. Patient Lisa Castle is a citizen of the planet Midgard, so her treatment is subsidized by the Imperial House Evans,” the sphere said, much to Frank’s disbelief and hope.

“I…I mean, we never purchased Evans Life Insurance. I’m sure there must be some mistake,” Frank said, earning a furious look from his wife that promised retribution.

However, the crazy sphere simply focused its eye on Frank and replied.

“Irrelevant. Imperial Life Insurance is a universal Right assigned to all non-criminal citizens of the Empire. It is paid for through taxes and is completely free,” the A.I. told Frank as though he were a small child, and although the tone irritated the soldier, he was far too grateful to say anything about it.

His wife Maria stepped forward and replied.

“We are grateful for the Emperor’s benevolence. What do we need to do?” his wife asked, her eyes showing relief and gratitude mixed with some disbelief.

Frank couldn’t judge her. This entire situation was…extremely surreal.

007 looked at his wife and began speaking excitedly.

“Oh, don’t worry about the paperwork! All the necessary documents have already been sent to the Imperial Archives. As we speak, a Chamber number is being assigned to the young patient. The Emperor detests bureaucracy, so the entire procedure is automatic and digital,” the A.I. said.

Frank was about to ask more about this…life insurance when a human voice, one belonging to a woman, intervened.

“Lieutenant Frank Castle?”

At those words, Frank and his entire family turned toward the source of the voice, coming face-to-face with a woman with black hair and blue eyes, beautiful but evidently dangerous.

And although interesting, she was completely overshadowed by the two colossi serving as her escorts, more than two meters tall and wearing armor that looked like it had been pulled straight out of a fucking movie. Frank identified them instantly.

As did his beloved family.

“SPARTANS!!” Frank Jr. shouted as Lisa let out a small squeal of excitement at the sight of the immaculate armor, a deep jet black with golden decorations and capes. They looked as lethal as they were elegant and imposing.

And the Emperor’s colossi had quite the reputation, considering the whispers and longing looks directed toward them.

However, before he could say anything, the woman, evidently an Imperial officer, stepped forward and spoke.

“Lieutenant Frank Castle, I am Commander Maria Hill of the Office of Naval Intelligence,” the woman said in a tone that was both polite and firm.

At those words, Frank’s body unconsciously tensed. During his deployments, he had heard rumors about the dissolution of the organization known as SHIELD, some kind of organization filled with spies who “protected” the world from threats.

He didn’t really know what had happened, but in the end the entire organization had been rotten to its core, and the Black Lion had responded mercilessly. Every captured director had been tried and executed, while others were serving life sentences in some hole somewhere in the Solar System.

In the end, SHIELD had been dissolved, and the remnants that weren’t rotten had been taken over by the High Council and reorganized into the already infamous Office of Naval Intelligence.

Frank remembered that, over the last two months, ONI agents had uncovered at least three conspiracies against the new Imperial regime.

Two of them had been irrelevant, owners of companies that had been ruined by the meteoric rise of companies favored by the Empire. However, one of them had received an overwhelming response from the New Regime.

One that reminded everyone that, although the Black Lion was a magnanimous ruler, his hand didn’t tremble when it came to doing what needed to be done.

Some crazy general, Thaddeus something, Frank honestly couldn’t remember the name, had conspired against the Imperial Regime alongside a group of radical officers, businessmen and

soldiers. He had declared himself the True President of the United States and announced his rebellion against the Empire, planning to seize old nuclear facilities as leverage and force Harrison Evans to recognize him as president.

At least until a fucking precision orbital strike from Olympus Station blew apart the old military base where he had been hiding like a rat, killing him and all his men in a fucking blink.

After such an overwhelming display of force, things had remained relatively calm. There was security, there was food, and there was a bright future among the stars for humanity, and Frank had no problem admitting that, indeed, they were better off under the Black Lion’s rule.

So the presence of an ONI commander…was curious, to say the least.

A second later, Maria Hill stepped forward and extended her hand, offering him some kind of elegant black folder with the Imperial symbol stamped in the center.

“It is my pleasure to inform you that you have been selected as a candidate for the Generation II Spartan Program. Should you accept the invitation, you are expected to report next Monday to the nearest Imperial recruitment center. Congratulations,” the black-haired woman said with an almost mechanical nod of her head.

Frank accepted the folder, completely stunned by what he was hearing, while Maria Hill and the two Spartans accompanying her turned around and left the Healing Center beneath the excited gazes of the civilians around them.

For a moment, Frank and his family remained in complete silence, stunned by the document in his hands, a high-quality leather folder containing a document that…was physical, but also digital, quite strange and futuristic.

Until…

“DADDY!!! YOU’RE GOING TO BE A SPARTAN!!” Lisa shouted with a radiant smile as she began making little jumps around her father, who remained shocked by what had happened.

Frank looked at his wife, who was watching him with a smile. There was pride, but there was also sadness.

After all, it was well known that Spartans spent much of their time in Space…

Frank sighed heavily, gently rubbing his face. This was…a great opportunity, but he needed to think about it carefully.

But for now, his beloved daughter was the priority. He had a couple of days to consider his answer, although, if he was being honest with himself, the honor and benefits enjoyed by the Spartans were simply too good to refuse.

There was much to do.

Matriarch Benezia, the Pride of Athame – En Route to the Citadel.

“Yes, I’ll keep you informed, General Oraka,” Aethyta said with an impassive expression as the transmission ended and the image of the turian general disappeared from the screen in the ship’s private quarters.

“Everything in order?” Benezia asked as she continued reading the detailed report her daughter had sent.

And, to Benezia’s curiosity, every word sounded more incredible than the last.

Her beloved daughter spoke about her experiences during the diplomatic mission, the immensity and magnificence of the Citadel, the natural beauty of Veridian, the military and economic capabilities of the humans, and most importantly, the vast Prothean archives to which she now had access.

But most importantly, her dear Little Wing wouldn’t stop talking about Emperor Harrison, in exactly the same way all asari maidens talked in their youth.

Her little girl was in love. Benezia was certain of it. The incredibly specific way Liara described Lord Harrison’s physique, his beautiful emerald eyes, or his masculine and deep voice.

She would have to speak with Liara as soon as they reached the station, Benezia thought as Aethyta sighed and calmly walked toward the bed. Benezia’s mate rubbed her face wearily, evidently exhausted by the meeting with Oraka.

“Everything’s in order. The Imperial intelligence proved to be extremely accurate. The Turian Seventh Fleet caught the pirate nest red-handed and slaughtered them without mercy. The attack was so sudden that they managed to capture a high-ranking officer of the Batarian Hegemony, but the ambassador has denied any involvement in the matter, officially declaring that the commander had acted alone,” Aethyta said heavily, making Benezia nod and stand up, massaging Aethyta’s shoulders.

“I don’t think that was enough to put you in such a bad mood,” Benezia said softly, making Aethyta sigh and nod.

“No, but listening to the Turians and Salarians talk about cooperation and misunderstandings for a couple of hours had me on the verge of dying from boredom. They complained about the Republics’ response time and said we need to improve our reaction times against threats, something I agree with, but it annoys me that a turian and a salarian dare to mention it,” Aethyta said with a frown, sighing as she felt Benezia’s soft and skilled hands.

“I received another message from Liara. Again, half of it is a report about her activities, and the other half is her talking about how magnificent and perfect Emperor Harrison is,” the matriarch said with amusement, making Aethyta roll her eyes.

“Great. Our beloved daughter goes and falls in love with the one person in the galaxy I can’t intimidate. How hard do you think the Emperor would laugh at me if I tried giving him a warning speech about our daughter?” Aethyta asked in frustration, making Benezia laugh softly.

“I imagine it would be…hilarious to watch. If you’re going to do it, allow me to be present,” the matriarch said before sighing and moving closer to Aethyta, gently embracing her.

Their relationship had gained a second wind, much stronger than before, ever since the matter with the humans had begun. The Council of Matriarchs was scared shitless and eager for a closer relationship with the humans.

In fact, the news that their beloved daughter had caught the Emperor’s attention had been treated like a victory, and the orders for this visit, in addition to consolidating the agreements Tevos had made with the Imperial Council, were to secure Liara’s place within the Empire.

Benezia still frowned furiously at the mere thought that the bitches on Thessia wanted to use her daughter as some kind of offering to the Emperor, although judging by Liara’s words, it wouldn’t really be a problem for her Little Wing.

Aethyta simply responded by taking Benezia’s face and kissing her aggressively and dominantly, exactly the way the matriarch liked it, both surrendering themselves to the fleeting moment before reaching the Citadel.

“Any news from the human ship?” Aethyta asked softly, referring to the powerful human vessel towing the Pride of Athame toward the Citadel.

Without Mass Relays and using technology completely unknown to the Republics, merely thinking that the humans were capable of traveling from the Athena Nebula to the Orion Arm without using Mass Relays had the asari salivating and more than ready to please the humans.

And as if her mate’s words had summoned it, the ship’s communicators activated at that moment.

“Attention, personnel of the Pride of Athame. Thirty seconds until arrival at the Citadel, Sol System. I suggest heading to the observation deck. The Citadel looks particularly beautiful now that the repair work has been completed,” the pilot of the human vessel said before cutting the communication.

Benezia and Aethyta looked at each other in silence for a few moments before responding.

“Well, we can postpone this conversation until we’re with Liara, but I’m sure you want to see the Citadel as much as I do,” Benezia said with a smile, making Aethyta silently nod as both lovers moved toward the cabin window, preparing themselves for the grand moment.

And an instant later, the colorful threshold created by the FTL method used by the humans disappeared completely, giving way to a sight that stole the breath from both Benezia and Aethyta just as the human pilot spoke again.

“Welcome to the Citadel,” he said with smug amusement in his voice, revealing the monstrous Prothean station, completely repaired, orbiting a beautiful garden world…the very same barren planet Benezia remembered from only a couple of weeks ago.

“By the Goddess!! Bezzy…look at that fucking planet! It’s an entirely different world!” Aethyta said solemnly as Benezia slowly nodded.

“Liara and Tevos informed us about the humans’…terraforming capabilities, but this…is completely incredible. It looks like…magic,” the matriarch whispered, making Aethyta snort and reply.

“The abyss between our technologies is staggering. The ability to terraform a planet to this degree and this quickly is…difficult to process,” Aethyta said as the Asari ship moved through the immense and living arms of the Citadel, directly toward the Presidium, which apparently now served as the Imperial political center.

“It’s time to prepare ourselves,” Benezia said, standing and walking alongside Aethyta toward the arrival airlock.

Along the way, Benezia noticed that all the maidens and matrons selected for the cultural exchange program were extremely excited. All of them were highborn maidens, wearing the most beautiful and daring dresses, many of them heiresses or daughters of important families within the Republics, all with different missions, but with a similar purpose.

To strengthen the economic and social ties between the asari and the humans.

Benezia cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the hundred maidens, who immediately fell silent and focused their attention on the matriarch, the leader of their group.

“Ladies, I know all of you are excited and that each of you has your own goals. However, remember that we represent the Republics as a whole, so I want us to conduct ourselves accordingly. The Human High Council has prepared a welcoming ceremony for our arrival. High-ranking officials and heirs of noble human families will be present, as will the Emperor himself. Conduct yourselves with dignity, and show them what the daughters of Thessia are capable of,” the matriarch said firmly, making every single maiden answer without exception.

“Yes, Matriarch.”

Respect was firm in every one of their voices.

Benezia nodded as she gestured toward Shiala, the Commando leading the expedition’s security.

“It’s time, Shiala.”

At those words, the doors smoothly opened, revealing the Presidium docking port, granting the Asari a beautiful and magnificent view of the Citadel to the left, as well as the Imperial welcoming committee to the right.

Led by none other than her beloved Liara.

“My daughter?” Benezia asked in astonishment, staring at the beautiful vision of her dear Little Wing.

“Mother!” Liara replied in her sweet voice, looking radiantly at her and walking toward her, dazzling both Benezia and Aethyta in the process.

Liara advanced across the immense Imperial dock with a serene, almost ethereal elegance, standing out even among the splendor of the human ships and banners. Her black dress embraced her slender, curvaceous figure with exquisite precision, while gold and sapphires glittered against her blue skin.

She had flourished under the Emperor’s care; her beauty seemed more radiant, her bearing more confident, and her gaze more peaceful, nothing like the shy maiden of a couple of years ago. Nothing about her suggested an ornamental possession, but rather a deeply valued woman. Every jewel, every detail of her attire, and every bow she received silently proclaimed her position.

A proclamation that, judging by the faces of the other daughters of Thessia, had been understood loud and clear, and gave Benezia a considerable political advantage in the game of the matriarchs on Thessia.

And as if that weren’t enough…

“Lady Benezia, Lady Aethyta, welcome,” exclaimed a deep and dominant male voice, one that made Benezia, Aethyta, and all the maidens gasp in surprise, focusing their attention on the source of the voice.

Finding none other than Lord Harrison himself, his imposing figure dominating the entire place through his presence alone.

“Emperor Harrison,” Benezia replied automatically, her tone courteous, but the matriarch’s eyes were analyzing every movement of the Terran Emperor, as well as the way her Little Wing unconsciously leaned toward his side, betraying the closeness and bond between them.

And although the sight of Harrison was interesting and pleasant, the truly surprising thing was at his side, as the Emperor was accompanied by two…peculiar figures.

One of them was a man, one who, at first glance, appeared to be just another Terran, but the way he moved, the attire he wore…betrayed some kind of Imperial sub-faction or even an entirely different race.

The man had long golden hair, blue eyes, and an enviable physique, as athletic and robust as the Emperor himself. He wore armor made from an unknown metal with a red cape over his shoulders, observing Benezia and her sisters with interest.

The other was a woman, beautiful and mysterious. She possessed long, silky black hair, blue skin, and red eyes, with an elegant and curvaceous figure capable of making any Asari envious. She wore a tight blue dress with white decorations, as well as a crown made from an unknown metal. This woman was being escorted by a pair of aliens unknown to Benezia, immense titans more than three meters tall, with robust armor covering their bodies, blue skin, and red eyes.

Benezia looked at Aethyta, who could only open and close her mouth, having deduced the same thing she had…the Terrans were not alone, and these illustrious aliens were allies of the Emperor.

And upon noticing the silence, Harrison stepped forward and spoke firmly.

“Welcome, daughters of Thessia, to the first cultural exchange between our peoples. Be welcome, and may the hospitality of my Citadel be entirely to your satisfaction,” he said with respect and courtesy.

But Benezia perfectly heard the way he referred to the immense station.

“My Citadel.”

“To my right, Prince Thor, heir to the Throne of Asgard, allies of Midgard, while to my left, Queen Loki, Sovereign of Jotunheim and one of my Imperial Consorts. Both are here to serve as representatives in this cultural exchange,” the Emperor said solemnly, making the younger asari giggle with interest as they looked between the Asgardian and the Jotun Queen.

“Welcome to the Citadel,” the Emperor said, making Benezia focus once more.

The game had only just begun.