The Black Lion - Negotiations and compromises. (Patreon)

Matriarch Benezia, The Citadel – Sol System.

"Then, shall we begin?" the Emperor asked as he took his seat at the center of the room where the meeting would take place, a much more private and peaceful affair than the lively party taking place on the lower level.

They were in a beautiful conference room, which floated gently above the immense hall where the exquisite welcome the Empire had organized for Benezia and the rest of the Asari who had accompanied her had taken place.

It had been…a more than interesting and exciting experience, considering that humans weren't the only ones present at the celebration.

There were also the other species they counted among their allies.

Asgardians, Atlanteans, and Jotun. Although only the Jotun and Atlanteans were officially part of the Empire, it was evident that there was a close bond with the Asgardians, who moved among the humans with familiarity.

And judging by the camaraderie Benezia had observed between Prince Thor and the Emperor, it wasn't a bond that could be easily broken.

"Won't Susan be joining us, darling?" Queen Loki asked, her beautiful blue skin contrasting with those intense and powerful red eyes. Unlike the rest of the Jotun, their Queen was considerably smaller, even compared to the Emperor, standing practically the same height as Benezia and Aethyta.

The Emperor looked at Queen Loki with an amused smile before replying softly.

"No, love. Susan is busy on Pandora. Apparently, the Alpha Centauri system is…more interesting than we expected. There are a couple of matters I want to discuss with our distinguished visitors," the Emperor said, causing the entire Imperial Court to look directly toward Benezia and Aethyta, who couldn't help becoming nervous.

"So…this is what a maiden feels like in the presence of the Council of Thessia. Like a naughty little girl," her mate whispered to herself beside her, instinctively taking Benezia's hand beneath the enormous table.

Even stranger considering that Tevos and her own Little Wing, both dressed in beautiful black silks that contrasted magnificently, were seated closer to the Emperor than to Aethyta and Benezia.

A powerful political message.

"Apparently, our little daughter isn't so little anymore, Nezzy," Aethyta whispered with mixed feelings in her voice, but with a gaze filled with pride as she watched their not-so-little daughter.

And then, the Emperor spoke. His hand moved elegantly across the strange table, which immediately illuminated as though it were an enormous digital interface.

Instantly, several individual interfaces began appearing before every member present at the meeting, including Benezia and Aethyta.

"Then let us begin," the Matriarch said, genuinely surprised by the…speed with which the Emperor had begun the meeting, something that evidently surprised Aethyta as well.

There were no long, meaningless conversations, no lengthy introductions filled with titles or pompous words of the sort Benezia, as a Matriarch, was accustomed to.

Everything surrounding the Emperor was…focused on efficiency, and apparently, the first subject they would address was something related to the Asari.

"Our dear Susan is having a field day in Alpha Centauri. There are interesting reports: a garden world suitable for colonization, designated Jemison; enormous gas giants rich in helium, ideal for the synthesis of Helium-3; an almost miraculous superconductor; and finally, not one, but two First Contacts."

Benezia and Aethyta's eyes widened with every word the Emperor spoke, mentioning a Garden World and two First Contacts as though they were mere bureaucratic procedures.

On Thessia, this would be major news. Surely the Matriarchs would spend months discussing how they should proceed and which actions would be most appropriate.

In the Empire? None of that. The Emperor's word was Law.

"Susan has deployed a primary space station for the study and annexation of the system. Jean, darling, do you have any projects at the moment? I'm thinking of sending you to Jemison to begin the planet's preparation process," the Emperor said with complete naturalness.

No allocation of rights, no endless legal procedures, merely the ruler's word.

It was…an extremely interesting and dangerous precedent, at least to Benezia.

The aforementioned Jean, a beautiful red-haired Terran woman with powerful green eyes, dressed in a green-and-black robe, nodded gently to herself.

"There's not much to do that hasn't already been automated, darling. The first colonists on Veridian are more than happy, and everything is running like a well-oiled machine. At the moment, they're settling in coastal cities as you ordered, near rivers and lakes, but it's nothing that requires my supervision," Jean said, making the Emperor nod before replying.

"Perfect. Inform the planet's Monitor that environmental regulations are an absolute priority. Mining is completely forbidden. Everything we need will be obtained from asteroids or synthesized in stellar forges. Speaking of which, how is the construction of Saturn's processing plant progressing?" Harrison asked curiously, moving his fingers rapidly across the digital interface and displaying blueprints of an enormous orbital installation surrounding a gas giant.

"By the Goddess," Aethyta whispered in astonishment, swallowing as she observed the…titanic dimensions on which the Empire constructed its facilities.

"A specialized mining installation, four times larger than the Destiny Ascension Project," Benezia murmured to herself, reading the…absurd dimensions of the processing installation several times.

The red-haired Terran replied immediately.

"Peter and his team are handling that, darling. From what I know, he's already commissioned the primary modules, a drone manufacturing plant, and an official Empire-wide recruitment drive for labor. Estimates show that the plant could be operational in six months or less," the redhead said, making everyone present nod gently, with two exceptions.

Benezia and Aethyta.

"By the Goddess," her mate whispered softly, swallowing as she witnessed the Empire's industrial capabilities. Constructing an industrial space station ten kilometers long was…considerably beyond the capabilities of the Republics.

The Emperor nodded with satisfaction and replied.

"Perfect. Then delegate your responsibilities on Veridian and prepare an expedition for Jemison's colonization. I'll send you the details privately," Harrison said, making the redhead nod slowly.

"Excellent. We'll close the Jemison matter for now and focus on Pandora and our brothers, the Na'vi," Harrison said before looking directly toward Benezia and Aethyta.

"Matriarchs, I assume you both read the report Messana and Liara sent you regarding…the circumstances of our shared past?" the Emperor asked calmly, making both women nod gently.

Oh, Benezia still remembered that particular meeting, when Tevos and Liara had sent a report about their conversation with Prometheus, an ancient Prothean AI, the equivalent of Athame, but for humans.

Apparently, the Asari were…experiments, created by the Protheans in the past as one of three races capable of inheriting the Prothean Empire.

With humans and these Na'vi they mentioned being the other two sister species.

Such news had caused an uproar and chaos on Thessia. Some Matriarchs were convinced that they, the Asari, were the true heirs. However, Benezia merely snorted at the stupid words of Matron Irissa, who didn't seem to understand one tiny little detail.

One the Emperor had made sure to remind them of upon their arrival.

The Citadel belonged to Harrison Evans, and whoever controlled the titanic station…

Controlled all of Nexus Council Space.

Athame's records were clear. The Citadel was the central Nexus of the Mass Relay Network, possessing the ability to instantly deactivate or activate any Relay.

If the Emperor wished, or if he had been a cruel being, all he would have needed to do was simply shut down every Mass Relay and begin hunting the Council species one by one.

Therefore, with this small detail in mind, the Council of Thessia leaned toward a more…discreet solution.

A political and economic rapprochement, becoming close and vital allies of humanity to secure a more than privileged position within the Terran High Council.

Something her beloved daughter had apparently already accomplished, Benezia thought, considering the more than obvious closeness between her beloved Little Wing and the Emperor.

Alas, she was getting distracted, so Benezia looked at her terminal again while the Emperor resumed speaking.

"The Prothean AI known as Ei'wa is displaying more than clear signs of Rampancy. Susan's reports mention anomalous reasoning patterns, as well as more than obvious intervention to prevent the Na'vi's technological development. An incursion and a forced reboot may be necessary. Susan is evaluating the situation and will keep us informed," the Emperor said, while the members present nodded gently.

"However, Gwen's report is the more urgent one, because it specifically concerns our esteemed guests," Harrison said, making everyone in the room look directly toward Benezia and Aethyta, much to their surprise.

"My beloved blonde reported something…unusual. A Turian ship crashed on the moon, and apparently, the Turians thought shooting at the Na'vi would be the best possible diplomacy," the Emperor said, shaking his head, making Benezia and Aethyta do the same.

It wasn't surprising, but it was extremely disappointing. The Turians, although loyal to the Council and distinguished members of the galactic community, had always been…trigger-happy.

Or as her beloved Aethyta would put it, a bunch of idiots who shot first and asked questions later.

"The Pathfinder responded to the distress signal, stopping a battle between the Na'vi and the Turians. Now we have a diplomatic crisis between the two, one I want Ororo and Tevos to resolve. You are my two consorts with the ideal temperament for diplomacy. You will act in the name of the Empire and guarantee peace between both groups," Harrison ordered with complete naturalness, much to Benezia's fascination.

Beside her, Aethyta couldn't help snorting before replying.

"Look at that. Five minutes to make a decision. Oh, how wonderful it would be to have something like that back home," her mate said with obvious longing, while the details of the diplomatic mission were discussed.

"And now…how will we deal with the Turians?" Liara asked curiously, staring at her own interface with obvious excitement. It was evident that she was waiting to share something with the table.

"What do you mean, Little Wing?" Benezia asked, laughing inwardly when she saw her beloved daughter blush completely.

"The Republics' and the Empire's plans are to maintain more than discreet communication between us, away from the Council's gaze. If we intervene with the Turians, what guarantees that they won't submit a complete report to the Hierarchy?" her daughter asked.

"That's an excellent question," Aethyta said, looking at her little daughter with obvious pride and love, while everyone around them nodded gently.

Although the Emperor didn't seem particularly concerned.

"A more than valid point, Liara, but not one you need to worry about. The Citadel has more than enough room for a couple hundred Turians. They'll be welcome as Imperial citizens. If not, I'm sure our Asari allies can conjure up some official story about finding the wreckage on a remote colony. Emma will make sure everyone corroborates the truthfulness of the official story. Don't worry," he said softly, making his Little Wing blush and smile gently.

Benezia and Aethyta looked at each other with some uncertainty, unsure what those words meant, but leaving those questions for the private meeting they would have with Tevos and Liara the following day.

"Now…the favorite subject of my dear White Lioness: economics," the Emperor said with amusement, making the beautiful and evidently dangerous blonde Terran woman form a playful pout.

"Oh, darling, you know me so well. But indeed, we have news from the Imperial Capital. As we predicted, the old guard is drowning, and new companies are beginning to emerge," the blonde woman said as she stood, giving Benezia and Aethyta a sight that made both Asari's mouths water.

"Oh, by the Goddess," Aethyta said with obvious lust in her voice, as they both observed the…Terran Goddess, because there was no other word to describe the beautiful woman.

Tall, like all Homo Ascendens, with long, beautiful legs, a strong, slender, feminine figure that hypnotized anyone who looked at her, snowy skin, and beautiful blue eyes. All of it accentuated by the elegant, tight white dress that covered her body like a second skin, leaving practically nothing to the imagination.

Benezia swallowed, imagining what an adventure between the sheets with such a woman would be like…those long legs and those lips…

Focus, Benezia! she told herself, just as the Terran Empress began moving her hands and projecting various logos for everyone present.

"We have some more than interesting contenders. Small fish compared to our companies, but some look quite promising. One of them was founded by your own father, darling: Deimos Staryards Inc. Apparently, it's focused on the creation of industrial and cargo ships, undoubtedly seeking some kind of symbiosis with the approaching wave of colonization. It seems James Potter has acquired the orbital rights to Deimos, Veridian's moon, where he plans to construct his own shipyard."

At those words, the Emperor nodded absentmindedly.

"Yes, my father mentioned something about it. He wants to focus on smaller ships, with simple engines for civilian use. Ships capable of twenty to thirty light-years, nothing too powerful, but useful for civilian economic activities. It's quite a good idea," the Emperor said casually, while the other Lionesses chatted softly.

Although Benezia and Aethyta were…astonished by those words.

"Thirty light-years! The Empire considers ships capable of thirty light-years civilian technology!" Aethyta said in what she was certain was a low voice.

Benezia agreed with her beloved. Asari military ships, those considered the fastest in the galaxy, traveled at eighteen light-years, and that was cutting-edge military technology.

To think that the Empire considered engines capable of traveling thirty light-years to be civilian technology…was both encouraging and worrying for the negotiations.

Emma nodded gently, continuing her speech.

"And he's far from the only one. Ryujin Industries, backed by the Mandarin, has begun devouring the market for neuro-amplifiers, luxury operating systems, and extreme luxury technology for the Imperial homes of the future, both in space and throughout the colonies. Victor has launched his own company, Lunar Robotics, aggressively absorbing his competitors and expanding his operations to manufacture civilian-grade hardware. I know they're working on a secret project, but I haven't been informed what it is," Emma said with obvious frustration, making the Emperor snort with amusement.

"Victor is working on an experimental engine. It's a commission I asked him to help with because of my lack of time. A gravitational engine that will allow faster-than-light travel without using Eezo. The results look promising for civilian and military applications, but there's nothing concrete yet. Assign Victor the rights to the Bessel system. It has all the resources necessary for his research, and it's far enough away for his experiments. He'll appreciate the solitude," the Emperor said with amusement.

"How did you manage to get Victor to work on one of your projects, darling?" Ororo asked, genuinely intrigued by the answer, making the Emperor laugh softly.

"Simple. I told him Reed was working on it but was having difficulties with the method for dissipating Cherenkov radiation, while I told Reed that Victor was having problems stabilizing the gravitational waves. By the way, authorize Reed's own station. Apparently, he managed to find an investor for his projects, but he wants the station to bear his surname. Noah Baxter, I think the man's name is."

"In other words, you used the egos of the two men, the brightest in the Empire after you, against each other. Brilliant, darling, simply brilliant. You're quite the prankster," Queen Loki said with obvious pleasure on her face, her voice as soft as a whisper in the air, laden with seduction and power, looking at the Emperor with voracious hunger.

"An FTL engine that doesn't use Eezo? Is that even possible?" Aethyta asked, astonishment on her face.

The Emperor nodded and replied.

"Aye. Eezo is…useful in a certain way, but limited and quite primitive. Depending on it is…unwise, at least for universal matters," the Emperor said calmly, making the two Matriarchs nod and look at each other.

Benezia had an entire conversation with Aethyta through their gazes alone, silently nodding to one another.

"The Asari Republics would be more than willing to allocate both economic and intellectual resources toward the research and development of these engines you mention. I'm certain we can reach an agreement beneficial to both sides," Benezia said with firmness and determination.

"We'll get to that," the Emperor said before moving his hands rapidly.

"And speaking of our Asari allies, it's time to begin planning the pacification of the Galaxy, starting with these…Terminus Systems," the Emperor said, causing a projection of the Milky Way to appear.

Without waiting for a response, the Emperor focused his gaze on Aethyta, who instinctively straightened her back.

"You are Matriarch Aethyta, one of the Republics' most renowned admirals, and also one of the most troublesome, according to the report Messana shared with me," Harrison said, making both Benezia and Aethyta frown.

It was more than evident that Tevos's loyalty was increasingly leaning toward the Empire, toward Harrison.

"I spoke with Fleet Master Rogers, and he's more than delighted by the possibility of joint operations with Asari vessels to pacify the Terminus Systems. He believes stealth ships carrying teams of highly trained soldiers could be extremely devastating to the region's illicit operations. The ultimate objective, of course, is the pacification and conquest of Omega Station," Harrison said, as an image of the station was projected.

And once again, leaving Benezia and Aethyta astonished.

"By the Goddess," Aethyta whispered, watching one of her greatest dreams become reality before her eyes.

A military incursion into the Terminus Systems.

"I'll give you the access code to Fleet Master Rogers's terminal. We'll organize a meeting to finalize the details before my journey to Xandar," the Emperor said, making both Asari nod.

At that exact moment, Queen Loki and Prince Thor intervened.

"The barges and sons of Jotunheim are yours, my love. I'm certain they'll be…more than pleased to fight pirates and slaving scum," the blue-skinned Queen said, while the Prince of Asgard let out a boisterous laugh.

"The warriors of Asgard will be more than delighted to conduct raids alongside your soldiers, Harry. I'll contact Steve to work out the details."

"As will the Republics. For decades, I've told the Council members that the Terminus Systems represent a threat to all galactic space. I'll call in a few favors, and I'm certain I can obtain a small, discreet fleet for this mission," Aethyta said, more excited than Benezia had ever seen her.

Harrison nodded with satisfaction as the details of the operation were refined.

"And now…the most important subject of this meeting: the diplomatic visit to the Empire of Xandar," the Emperor said, bringing up the subject Benezia had been most eager to discuss.

The Matriarch straightened her back, prepared to speak.

"This particular subject in Tevos's report is what I wanted to discuss, Emperor Harrison. The Ambassador mentions a diplomatic visit to a planet called…Xandar, which, in her words, is located in the Andromeda Galaxy. That's a mistake, correct? We're talking about the fact that, if true, the Empire would possess not merely galactic capabilities, but universal ones," Benezia said calmly, although there was some disbelief in her voice.

At those words, the Emperor, Prince Thor, and Queen Loki looked at Benezia in surprise for a few seconds before laughing softly, much to the Matriarch's frustration.

"Oh, my love, now I see why you're so fond of them. They're so lovely and innocent. Could you send a couple of them to the Royal Palace on Jotun Prime? I promise I'll be very good to them," Queen Loki said, looking toward Benezia with an arrogant and amused smile. The gaze filled with lust and promise made both Asari shudder for some reason.

They felt…like mere maidens beneath Queen Loki's powerful gaze.

Prince Thor nodded gently and replied.

"Ha! You'll have to prepare them for the big leagues, Harry! They're still very green when it comes to universal politics," Prince Thor said, making the Emperor nod gently, while both Benezia and Aethyta snorted indignantly.

"Aye, they are. And the reports are correct. Xandar is the capital of the Nova Empire, located in the Tantra Fortress System, in the Andromeda Galaxy. There is no mistake," the Emperor said, making Benezia and Aethyta repeatedly open and close their mouths.

It was…very difficult, almost impossible to imagine, and in some ways, the obvious technological superiority humanity possessed compared to the Council was painful.

Which made her beloved daughter's evident relationship with the Emperor not merely a relief, but a gift from the Goddess herself. The Asari already had one foot inside the Emperor's household, and soon they would take their place alongside humanity.

Aethyta looked at her silently, nodding gently, apparently reaching the same conclusion.

"I suppose that while Aethyta coordinates with your troops here at the Citadel, I will travel with you to Andromeda to assist Tevos as the Asari representative," Benezia stated without a shred of doubt in her voice, having deduced the Emperor's intentions. He replied with a calm nod.

"Aye. I feel that glimpsing a little more of the Universe would be perfect for you. Tevos and my Liara will obviously be coming as well. The rest of my Lionesses have their own projects and responsibilities, so it'll be just us," the Emperor said, making Benezia nod, just as Queen Loki intervened.

"And me, of course. Jotunheim has begun producing certain interesting crystals that I'm sure the Noble Ladies of Xandar will adore. Besides, it's about time we established a universal presence," the beautiful blue-skinned Queen said, elegantly crossing her legs from one side to the other.

Prince Thor also intervened.

"I won't be able to attend. There have been reports of trouble in ancient Svartalfheim, the former home of the Dark Elves. The All-Father has required Asgard's troops to patrol the Nine Realms. However, Sif will serve as my father's representative, while Amora will represent my mother," the Prince said, making Queen Loki release what Benezia assumed was a squeal of happiness.

"OHHHH, excellent news!!! It's been a couple of decades since I've seen my dear friend! What did she do to anger your mother enough to have her sent on a diplomatic mission?" Queen Loki asked, making the Prince of Asgard laugh loudly.

"Oh, it was hilarious. It involved a couple of sheep and some tongs that…"

"That's enough, Thor. We have guests, don't forget," Harrison said with obvious amusement, making Benezia look at him gratefully as she gathered her thoughts.

It was evident that this Council functioned like a family…the relationships were…more than strange and complicated, and it was a family to which her beloved daughter would belong.

Part of her disapproved of the fact that her beloved Little Wing was only one of many women serving Harrison. Yet, on the other hand, the dazzling smile and the way her beloved daughter literally glowed while seated at the Emperor's right hand couldn't be ignored. Her little girl was hopelessly in love.

And judging by the way Lord Harrison's hand regularly sought Liara's, the feeling was quite mutual. So, gathering her courage and throwing all her political and diplomatic training out the window, she asked.

"What are your intentions toward my daughter, Emperor Harrison?"

The question was so sudden that everyone at the table looked at her in surprise, but none more so than her beloved Little Wing, who stared at her with eyes wide as saucers, blushing a deep shade of purple.

"Mother!" she exclaimed, scandalized.

"Nezzy!" Aethyta said, with a mixture of pride, amusement, and disbelief in her voice. And although inwardly the Matriarch was scandalized by her own outrageous actions, she stood firm beneath Harrison's amused and interested gaze.

"Hahaha, good. You're learning," he said with obvious satisfaction in his voice, leaning back into his throne without releasing Liara's hand, much to her beloved daughter's evident satisfaction.

Harrison slowly stood, placing his hands on the desk, while those beautiful and powerful emerald eyes shone with a power as terrifying as it was unknown to Benezia.

"And to answer your question, Liara will be one of my Queens and the future mother of my children. Does she wish to spend her entire life dedicated to her studies and sailing among the stars in search of knowledge? I'll make sure to build her a custom ship and an entire fleet for her protection. Does she wish to settle down and build a home? I'll make sure to give her an entire star system exclusively for herself. Whatever she decides, she will be supported and respected as a Lioness of the Imperial High Council," the Emperor said with a calm smile, yet one laden with power.

Benezia simply swallowed and looked at her daughter, who returned her gaze with a radiant smile before slowly nodding, making it clear to the Matriarch that the feeling was mutual.

"I understand, Emperor," Benezia said in a voice more submissive than usual, recognizing where the balance of power currently stood.

Harrison nodded gently before sitting down again and continuing.

"Perfect. Let's continue," he said calmly as the images changed once more. But Benezia wasn't entirely listening, her mind troubled by what the future held for her sisters on Thessia.

After all, although the Terrans were benevolent and not bloodthirsty conquerors, history had taught them that the dominant species would, sooner or later, end up dominating the weaker species, and this time…

The Asari were the weaker link. Her own daughter and the Asari Ambassador seemed more loyal to the Emperor than to Thessia.

Would the Asari eventually become just another vassal species of the Empire? Only time would tell.

For now, she had a diplomatic meeting to attend.