Viktoria Kampf's Story

Dubravko and the lone marine NCO had entered quietly, the Coalition personnel walking calmly and silently to their seats as the Chieftain toggled at the briefcase computer he carried. “Appears we’ve all been waiting patiently then … “ He remarked slightly, with his eyes down at the table. Putting the briefcase into a particular position in front of him the Chieftain pulled himself into his seat before he spoke on.

“So, we’re at the table now … who’s dead body are we going to be burying here?”

Once everyone had arrived, Kayabuki pulled open the sliding bamboo door to the Emperor's personal chamber. The entire Takayama family, with Emperor Nobuo seated at the head of the table, flanked to his right with Empress Takayama, and directly seated around the corner to Empress, was Crown Princess Yukiko Takayama, and seated around the corner, to the left of Emperor Takayama, was Crown Prince Shimizu Takayama. All of them quietly seated as the foreign delegations were brought into the room. Around the table were no chairs, but small cushions for everyone to kneel on, and plated before them was various Taiyou cuisines.

As Kayabuki entered, she offered a bow to the Emperor, expecting everyone in the room to also bow.

"Tennoheika, may I present to you, Einar Falls of the Varden Delegation, Viktoria Kampf of the Greater Imperial Hegemony, and Counselor Dubravko, of the Coalition." She said, the Emperor offering a slow nod.

"Be seated." He said, gesturing to the table. "You're dismissed, Prime Minister." He said calmly, and Kayabuki nodded and quickly ducked out, a pair of Imperial Guard entering behind the group, and closing the door behind them.

"I would like to welcome our esteemed allies, The United Coalition of Organized Nations, and the Greater Imperial Hegemony to this delegation, our alliance has prospered through mutual cooperation and agreement." He said, before he brought his gaze to Einar.

"However..." The Emperor said, pausing a moment. "The Circumstances to why we're here, are less than pleasent. And demands an immediate explaination."

Einar's did bow and his was of a similar depth to Kayabuki who had bowed before him. His eyes remained fast to the floor and did not seem to waver to make a glance about the room. "Tennoheika. It is indeed a less than pleasant circumstance that draws me here to this world. I cannot speak for the other delegations present."

"I have come because I was invited, because the Taiyou Empire has saw fit to declare war on the Varden, because the Varden responded to an incident on another sovereign entity’s soil that we have made a commitment to defend. This incident involved the killing of Terran civilians without any concern for their sovereignty or laws by the Taiyou. The response of the Varden, an attempt to detain said Taiyou force resulting in suicide and fratricide of that same force and the nuclear bombardment of that planet." He remained bowed.

Viktoria followed the minister into the room, her two guards following closely as she watched Kayabuki bow with curious eyes. No one bowed in the Hegemony, not to her or her father, though she knew that there were some who bowed to her step-mother. However, in contrast to the minister and the Varden delegate, the princess offered the Taiyou Emperor a stiff Scatterran salute, palm raised calmly in the air as she did so.

"Sieg heil, Tenno Heika!" She looked just below his throne, careful to follow the directions given to her. "My father sends his warmest apologies, but there were matters on Himmelsreich that demanded his immediate attention. I hope that you will not consider my presence a belittlement." Calmly still she waited for the emperor to acknowledge her before dropping her salute, taking a seat as she was bidden.

Her guards, however, remained standing behind her, out of respect for the daughter of their God.

Kampf glanced back to the man who insisted on remaining in that pathetic position, emerald gaze picking apart the obvious inferiority of his species. "Perhaps then, your people should learn not to stick their noses in matters that do not involve them." Isolationism was a prized facet of her father's state.

"Tenno Heika," The princess spoke, glancing back to the table, concentrating on what was laid in front of her. "If I might dare a question? I understand the importance of the Varden delegate, and I belive to understand the situation as it involves your majesty, but how does this concern the Greater Hegemony?"

“I’m sorry but … “ Dubravko raised a hand up from the table for a minute, having bowed quietly while the marine saluted to remain standing. “Before we delve into this topic of sovereignty … “ Drawing his finger around the table for a moment the Chieftain seemed to be choosing his words.

“For sovereignty to be violated there must first be a power in that chamber. Obviously, this situation has been caused by an incompetence in not just one, but both of the methods and protocol of operation here … Emperor, I graciously accept any explanation for the forces under your administration’s control for the actions on Terra. This planet has been wartorn … “ Taking a drink from a glass of water he folded his arms against themselves.

“However, as the orchestrators of our people’s destiny it is paramount we see the forest for the trees. This is an international incident but, … “ The Chieftain idly took his hands from the table after making a gesture towards the Varden.

“If we are going to solve any of the problems plaguing any of our societies now, we will not do so by squandering those who will provide … ‘humanitarian’ assistance to those we had been forced to leave behind.”

The Emperor nodded, seated in his throne first addressing the Belkan salute with a gesture of his own. He brought his hand up and back to his shoulder, the appropriate response to the stiff scatterran salute.

"Heil." He replied, in the customary Belkan manner. The Belkans were the only people the Emperor did not subject to his strict protocals, both Emperors having an unspoken agreement between the two, that a war between Belka and the Taiyou would destroy the Galaxy.

"We have invited the Imperial Hegemony here as Allies in the event this leads to war. As previously agreed with your father, The Belkans and the Taiyou share the spoils of any Military effort equally"

"Indeed for a world to have sovereignty it must have a functioning government." Takayama explained, making another accusationary glare at Einar. "And I understand the Varden originate from a Galaxy far beyond even this Cluster, further illigitimazing their claim to any 'Humanitarian' efforts on Terra or beyond, not to mention the reason they came here in the first place was because of Aschen Imperialism, which has come and passed." The Emperor said, gesturing to an Imperial Warrior, who handed him a set of papers.

"You claim your forces intervened because we were attacking Civilians. Allow me to clarify-- The Patronus are a Military orginization, peacekeepers recognized by the now defunct Terran Government. By no means are they classified Civilians. Furthermore, civilian status does not exempt you from culpability when you're harboring enemy combatants. Knowingly and willfully I might add." The Emperor continued.

"I don't know what set of laws you value in your Galaxy, but in the Milky Way, and Andromeda, Our rules apply, not yours."

Takayama scowled. "We declared war on the Varden because their actions constituted an act of war against the Taiyou Empire. We meet here to discuss alternate courses of action before we commit our forces to finding your Galaxy, and crushing it."

Straightened, taking a seat where he had originally been directed to. Once seated he did speak, gaze still averted. "Tennoheika. Threats will not further a course alternate to war. The Varden do reside quite far beyond even this galactic cluster. Humanitarian efforts on Terra were undertaken before Aschen Imperialism turned the planet and system into a puppet and requested by a legitimate representative of that government."

Einar held no expression upon his face. "The current Terran government, a loose conglomerate of united organizations dedicated to the defense of their world. A planet without a form of leadership could not hope to mount such a collection of forces as presented by the Terran people currently. The Varden view them as a sovereign entity. In this we do not agree."

He took a deep breath as if in meditation. "The Patronus as group are a peacekeeping organization. Their members are citizens of what we view as a sovereign entity, the New Terran Government, still in its infancy. If there was an international incident that required action by the Taiyou government it would have been in the best interest of peace to pursue talks with that government before killing civilians even if those civilians were harboring enemy combatants. The size of a government does not make it any less sovereign."

"Civilian status does not except individuals from culpability when harboring enemy combatants but it is the Varden's firm stance that a reasonable attempt should be made to communicate with the government of that region or location. Tennoheika. The Terran people are not at war with the Taiyou or the Aschen and yet Taiyou soldiers kill Terran citizens without attempting to resolve the situation in a peaceful manner and without the threat of force. Individuals, once Aschen citizens but now part of Terran society beheaded in the streets, most if not all in this civilization, human."

"Tennoheika. Laws are dictated by the sovereign entity. Even if the Taiyou or any other entity or organization ruled the whole of the universe with exception to what we the Varden police and the system of Sol the Varden would view them as a sovereign entity and perfectly within their right to dictate their own laws. Tennoheika. We do not agree."

Viktoria nodded at the Emperor's words from where she knelt on the cushion, smiling faintly. "Your offer is, as always Tenno Heika, most generous. My father and mother will be delighted to hear of such a thing." No doubt both parties would jump at the opportunity to expand the holdings of their already bountiful territory.

For the most part, however, the crown-princess sat quietly where she had made her place. While the other parties were speaking she held her tongue, whether she agreed with the matters being addressed or not. In her mind, she frankly didn't care whether the Terrans or even her Taiyou allies were in the right - as long as the Hegemony profited from the situation as it was.

She was, like the Emperor, of a different mentality than the Varden delegate. So she waited until he had finished to offer her two Pfenning in support of her ally, knowing that such is what her father would also do. "We Scatterrans, perhaps differently than our cousins in the Coalition," A spare glance was paid to Dubravko, unpleasant but not overly hostile, "Have liberated ourselves from the fetters of such obsolete concepts like noncombatants. Perhaps society in general might progress to our level of effeciency if you would follow suit."

The imperial princess did her best not to raise her voice, but she couldn't help but feel some pang of irritation at being made to sit at the same table as this other. She would suffer through it, however, as was her place to do so.

"Frankly, if they lack the ability to enforce their own laws, then why should any of us be made to respect them? They certainly don't deserve it."

“Yes, I knew of a loose conglomerate of united organizations as well -- it was called the Confederacy of Independent States. What I think is not being addressed right now, this is not a matter solely of Terran decision … there is a timebomb ticking away in the Local Region right now.” The Chieftain’s voice took an edge for a moment, and the Scatterran’s eyes seemed able to cut as he parsed over the faces at the table.

“This is not a matter of perspective, gentlemen, your Highness. There is one lens all men see through. Sovereignty is a right to everyone of course but sovereignty is also a tool to be used and effected -- without consideration -- the collection of organizations on Terra themselves are hardly what is to be considered a truly legitimate government, different to the puppetry installed by the Fascists sure but they are too fractured themselves for anything of worth to take hold.” Dubravko laid his hand out over the table with one finger pointed firmly down.

“Democracy doesn’t grow overnight like Taiyou jinsokuhin.” Dubravko let out a slight, remembering the pre-dehydrated breakfast this morning when a sit-down meal had been untenable. “To communicate effectively with the Terran government we will first need an effective government to communicate with … “

“The arbitrary innocence of the Terrans is unacceptable … likewise no foreign oppressor has a right to draw the Terrans from self-determination. War is not a game to be white washed by labeling people into right and wrong categories: Terra, is a war zone -- will continue to be a war zone -- when a single planet of people demand their right to ascend to the stars and instead choose to squander it amongst all the rest of us as we thrash about in some sense to achieve something great.”

“We supported the tiny little lambs of Terra you found, just as blindly as you do now. You’re not the first to come to Terra’s rescue and you are not the last -- decades ago, the Emperor’s daughter was kidnapped on that planet. Terrans hardly lead this effort, they were willing puppets for the scum of our kind,” Dubravko gestured between the Scatterrans across from one another, opposites in nearly every iteration. “It was from that planet that an attack on Langara doomed millions and -- perhaps even certainly -- paved the groundwork for the rise of Aschen Imperialism -- so your legitimacy in saying that everyone must have their say, even those who stand by and silently cheer acts of terrorism across the galaxy, is noble but of course fairly incompetent. The Terrans like every nation in this galaxy has a voice, a voice must be used correctly though. In what matters of life would your society truly accept that one’s act against civilians is absolvable while the other power’s is not just because ‘they are the underdogs’?”

“If Terra as a planet is to rebuild itself it will not be here, debating the articles of their sovereignty when they are too busy killing each other to do it themselves -- what the Varden will come to discover, as we did, that if democracy is to become legitimate it must grow from the roots of the soil. It can not be implanted, can not be installed.”

Emperor Takayama took a bite of his Sashimi, downing it thoughtfully before he moved to speak. "The Crux of the matter is, the Taiyou Empire demands an official apology." He said, dabbing his face with a napkin, before he nodded to an Imperial Guard, whom approached Einar, handing him a file with a star map, drawn around Terra, and Sol was a red line. "If Terra is all you care for, than it is Terra you shall have, to inevitably learn the hard way." He said flatly. "The Varden are permitted to operate in any capacity within that red border, that is Terran Space, if Terra has invited you there, then you are legitimately permitted to operate there." Takayama said.

"The Delegations from both the Imperial Hegemony, and the Coalition have made my points quite clear. If Terra is to prosper, it must stand on it's own two feet. You mention Communication-- Perhaps the Varden should adhere to the very rules which they demand of others. Communication." He added.

"Did you communicate with Taiyou Command before your forces capriciously engaged my Forces?" He said, bringing his fist down on the table, causing every Taiyou in the room to visibly startle.

"No! You did not! If you think that you Bakayaro! Can dictate anything to the Taiyou Empire you are mistaken. We discagree but you happen to be in my Empire, on My planet!"

It was as if there was an unspoken order, both Imperial Guards reaching for their Katanas, but not making any other move.

Takayama still leaned over the table, glaring at Einar. "You will give us an official apology, and you will respect our wills, and our laws in this Galaxy. Or you will cease to exist."

Einar was perhaps one of the few in the room that did not jump when Emperor Takayama slammed his fist upon the table. The food and drink that he had yet to partake in jumped. On the one hand an apology would save countless lives and shield still more from the rigors of war. On the other there was the challenge. Many could die for an instant of pride. In truth he was sorry but not for the imagined slight.

"I am Einar Falls, Speaker of the Varden Council. I am no diplomat but I am now acting in that capacity in an attempt to maintain a neutral relationship between the Taiyou, the Varden and the Empires that support the Varden. I have, at this moment the highest say in any official response the Varden can make and I am utterly bereft of any allies on this planet, in this system, or within this galaxy. The only companion that has accompanied me did so without intent to defend me if I should fall under attack. As such the Varden agree to honor boundaries on sovereign Tayiou space. I agree and so do the Varden to respect your laws and wills within This Galaxy."

All the light draw through his iris. Action and thought from his point of reference stretched forward. Katanas fell. He took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly as if to center himself. "Tennoheika. I cannot make a statement of apology and neither will any other Varden leader while they feel that such actions were lawful and just. With or without further explanation will the Taiyou pursue war on the Varden knowing not from wince we come, our capabilities, or the scope of our resources?"

Viktoria had begun to nibble and investigate her food after the Emperor had begun to eat, remembering well not to eat before him. It was curious, this cuisine, as well as the instruments with which she was to eat. Of course her father had taught her, as well as her mother - whose people used their own iteration of such things - how to use the instruments of her allies, it was still odd to transfer to such things after using her own for so long.

The princess remained quiet for most of the exchange, bringing her gaze up to the Emperor at his outburst, taking that moment to gently dab at her lips with a napkin. Well, this had certainly devolved into emotional investments.

Kampf's daughter made sure to wait until the other had spoken his peace, taking a brief sip of her water before offering her brief thoughts on the matter, looking first to her host. "Tenno Heika, you have my sword in the case that war does come." After all, she knew that her father would adore the chance to put his foot in a fourth galaxy.

Staring at the table rather unobtrusively he spoke without even making eye contact, a similar phrase that bureaucrats like him had been practicing in the Garden for the past six centuries. “The Coalition will be prepared to offer advisory assistance and mediation in comprehensive diplomatic discussions.” He ended his first sentence with a little drum of his hands on the table quietly.

“As a member of the largest nation in Home, however, it will not be extra-galactic forces that will bring peace and stability to that galaxy. Emperor Takayama and the Taiyou administration are aware of this: whatever methods they use might be harsh but … since when have the Terrans, or you, or the Mezzadrate, or the Pandorian Alliance, governed themselves anymore … ‘cleanly’ than we have?”

“It has been six hundred years since our kind nearly annihilated our homeworld … there has been little that has changed across much of the galaxy. But of course, we must be concise here. Peace must be achieved, gentlemen.”

Takayama scowled, the nerve of this foreigner. His face had reddened noticeably to the Counselor's outright refusal to apologize for his actions, or that of the Varden. "Can you confidently challenge war with not only one, but two nations you know little about? It's a fool's errand." He said, still barely maintaining his composure. "All we asked was for an Official Apology, and for you to stay out of our way. Anything that happens is now on your hands"


The Emperor was still visibly angry, before he turned to Shimizu.

"Watashi wa kare ga shintai."

Shimizu nodded.

"Wareware haruka ni kare ya kare no hitobito ni tsuite wa shiranai, kare wa saikō no ikite torare, jinmon sa rerudearou."

Nobuo scowled, then he made a quick gesture with his hand, and the pair of Imperial warriors moved instantly to stand behind Einar, they did not draw their weapons, they made no facial expressions, they simply stood there in silence.

Shimizu continued in Taiyou to his father.

"Kuwaete, watashi wa chōdo kono hyō o katta. Watashi wa Miyagi-hakase wa kare o benkyō motsu koto ga deki, wareware wa buki wa jikoku no sekai o hōwa sa koto ga dekimasu."

Nobuo nodded, staring at Einar in silence as the Belkans and Coalition gave their speeches, and he listened to Shimizu.


"Answer me this, Counselor. If I ordered the destruction of a world in this Galaxy, simply because it offended me, and they.. naturally cried for help. Would you swoop in and defend them, despite it being in Taiyou controlled space?"

"It must be nice, to be able to move about other galaxies, carry out your will against other nations with impunity, confident that your home worlds are safe from retialiation, You know where this world lies, you know where Terra lies, you know where the Aschen home world lies, and you operate with confidence and impunity, protecting whomever you deem fit at the time under some self proclaimed 'sense of honor' that you and your people lack in entirely. Your very existence and the existence of the Varden is an affront to me and the Taiyou Empire." He said, staring daggers at the man by now.

"If at the very least we will purge your people from this Galactic cluster, and anyone who flies the Varden flag that dare treads in Andromeda, or any Galaxy within our reach."

He rose only slightly from his position.

"No, Bakagaijin, we don't know where you come from or what you could possibly field. But we can most certainly find out, and when we do, your people will face a terrible reckoning. Perhaps then, in utter destruction will they shake themselves of their hubris."

Einar did not seem to acknowledge the approach of the imperial warriors or their presence behind him despite the fact that their movement to a location to flank him was obvious. He did wait for the Emperor to finish speaking and like always wore a completely blank, if not a serene expression. 'Binde den i kjeder av luft de som kommer nær med forsett eller ved deres makt.' A sentence rolled through his mind as his eyes fluttered to the many dishes before him on the table. There was grilled squid, tuna sashimi, and tempura vegetables among other delicious looking things. He may have been tempted to try the bowl of udon noodles that sat close to his right hand if the company had been more friendly.

When Emperor Takayama finished Einar did speak in response but it seemed he had to think hard on the answer and would reply despite the high chance that the question was rhetorical. "No. The Varden would not attempt to defend a world within the Andromeda Galaxy if it offended the Tennoheika even if the citizens of that world pleaded for assistance. It is my understanding that the whole of the Andromeda Galaxy is sovereign space belonging to the Taiyou?" No further explanation was given on the counselor's answer regarding the theoretical chain of events and possible Varden reaction. He was also either ignorant of the fact he was being insulted or was resolved to overlook that fact.

All the threats, posturing, and possible enemies arrayed against the man in this room or outside of it could not break or bend him. "The price of honor is often an enemy and I have come here as requested by the Taiyou. I have not come far and put myself in personal danger to make an enemy. My goal and that of the Varden is peace. Tennoheika. The answer to your first question is that the Varden can confidently challenge war with two nations if it is two nations that the Varden must challenge in war."

Viktoria sat by and watched as Takayama descended upon the Varden delegate with his fury, intent on eating her food instead of worrying about the man screaming at the other. Humans were such vehement creatures at times. Despite it all, however, Viktoria was intent on enjoying the exotic meal that was presented for her and took her time to be dilligent and delicate as always.

Waiting until both the Taiyou emperor and Einar had finished with their statements, she shared her own thoughts on the Coalition emissary's statement, as well as Einar's philosophy. "... peace is irrelevant, especially in such a matter as this. Peace, as it has always been, is simply a means to an end." What was really at stake here was power, and though her own people - her mother, father, as well as herself - saw little use in the world of Terra, she understood that the prosperity of the Taiyou and the security of their assets was linked to the security of her own.

"If it takes war, or peace, to ensure the dominance of Tenno Heika's empire, it shall be so, and I have no doubt that my father's friend will see his people through the path that is most fitting for them." And so she resigned herself to the fate of whatever course of action the Taiyou Emperor would pursue.

"The Scatterran and Erutin Empires stand with you, Tenno Heika." The Belkan offered, smiling.

“After growing up in a true democracy, that is -- a legitimate government bound by both honor to the will of it’s people and, specifically, the preservation of that structure regardless of the ‘people’ itself -- I must admit I am saddened by those foreign compatriots who have stood alongside me and claimed to know the proper course to peace.” Dubravko leaned back into his chair for a moment, the pitiful look on his face guided between the turn of events and the sourness of the Emperor’s words.

“Despite an autocracy you think is vile and corrupt, how are the Terrans no different simply because they fail to utilize native human will to ascend from the pathetic slums of one planet?” Dubravko let his fingers knit against themselves over his chest a moment as he continued to recline.

“The Taiyou are a society that have flourished for thousands of years -- have maintained sufficient defense of minorities you can not even name in this galaxy and in Home itself … “ Dubravko tried to soften his attitude for a moment, his hands a gesture for excuse before he continued.

“As men of government we all know there are rules, we all know there are protocols -- but yours, yours are not relevant any longer. Have not, been relevant, to humanity for centuries … of course this isn’t your fault, not the Taiyous fault not the Terrans fault nor the Aschen … “ The Chieftain’s gaze steeled a moment as the Scatterran looked across the table to the other cousin nearby.

“Regardless of what attempts at quantification of the rules of war you’ve attempted you have no more validity than any we have established -- and my friend from the Varden -- Emperor Takayama -- “ He bowed his head with two fingers forming a point against the table before continuing.

“We have been establishing the conduct of war for a long, long time.”

There was a foreboding silence as Takayama considered his next course of action. The two Imperial warriors directly behind Einar made no hostile moves, or any moves of any kind. But there was a female voice that seemed to interrupt the tension, that of Kendra Takayama.

"Watashi wa, otto hanasu koto o nozomu." She said quietly.

Takayama, barely containing his anger, offered a rather forced nod to the woman seated besides him.


She looked directly at Einar, studying him, considering him. Her lips eventually parted for her to speak.

"Counselor Falls, if I may. From what I understand on the Varden, having studied the subject extensively from files procured from the Terrans and the Aschen. I understand your 'Varden' is an old and powerful order of nations from a galaxy quite a ways off." She said, nodding. "Somewhere in the order of billions of light years away, supported by five distinct national entities and the governments that support them." She said calmly. Unlike the other Taiyou seated in the room, her accent was clearly Aschen, Gemonese Aschen.

"Do you firmly believe that your civilization is incapable of doing anything wrong?" She said, taking a bite of her meal.

"To offer an apology to someone that is offended, whether or not you feel that apology is justified, shows unimaginable conviction of character. To admit weakness and to admit wrongdoing. Is much harder than to stay fast and challenge war. You may be confident your nations may emerge victorious in any conflict. But no doubt a war would devastate both our homes. And leave an impregnable opinion of the Varden on the Taiyou and Belkan peoples. Further cementing hostilities for thousands of years to come. No doubt your Nation, to operate in any capacity in the Milky way and Andromeda, would have to permanently and totally subdue the nations that reside here." She said, taking a sip of her tea.

"Likewise should the Taiyou and her allies emerge victorious, there would be nothing but suffering for your people, culminating to their inevitable destruction. The course is clear. In the interest of peace I implore you, apologize for these percieved wrongs, so we may begin the course to peace."

The crown-princess arrived in short enough order, the negotiations having been concluded with the solid decision not to go to war. The other details were rather trivial in her mind, as she didn't much want to waste time with force deployments and intentions in the Milky Way. Those were not her concern, but her parents'. War would come eventually, she was sure, but that honestly wasn't her issue right now - no, she'd much rather spend her time doing something quite different than the political intrigue that dominated most of her life.

That was why she was at the Anona house now.

Cautiously she stepped in, still in her uniform, glancing around. It was evening time here, which suited her just fine, because it meant more time with her August alone. It'd become something of a pattern, really, her coming and staying here for the night instead of her quarters back on the capital. Because of this, Leoni and Walther spent more time out and about, and she didn't mind in the slightest, as nice as they were.

She wanted her August all to herself.

"Augustus?" She asked, not knowing where to go, thinking to ask for him first, "Wo bist du?"

"Viky!" He called out, smiling brightly as he hurried to her entrance and greeted the woman he loved, and was consort to. He kissed her cheek, not wanting to disrupt her uniform or any of it. "Ich bin hier, mein Herz." He said, grinning. "Wie geht's die Verhandlungen?" She had been at the negotiations all day, after all. "Du verhinderst Krieg, ja?" He hoped so. She was so talented, he couldn't imagine her not able to.

For now though, he gently led her to the couch so she might sit down and he could pamper her. "Mutti and Vatti sind nicht hier. Mutti hast ein Treffen und Vatti ist mit Mutti." He explained, a gleam in his eyes. Still, before that, he ought to ensure her day was fine, and relax her.

His dearest Viky deserved it all. He smiled and stayed close by her, wanting to see to her needs.

"Auggi!" She cried in response and flung her arms around him, not caring about the state of her uniform with him. He was so very sweet to be concerned about her uniform, and that it be kept so. But such superficial things didn't matter here, not with him, and especially not right now. His love waited for him to finish speaking, listening closely, especially to the last sentence or two. Leoni and Walther were away, as per usual.

Wunderbar.

Viky cuddled close to him for a moment or two, wanting to simply have him and forget the negotiations, at least for a little bit. "Küsst mich sich, liebling," She whispered, a finger coming up to her black-painted lips, "Hier." It was commonplace for her to wear such make-up, with it being the color of her house - hardly anyone else was allowed to wear it, unless they were in the LW, or her Seraphim.

"Ich habe dich ganz für mich allein." And she certainly knew it too.

"... die Verhandlungen sind gut, und ich verhindere Krieg, ja."

She was so wonderful, and he held her gently and kissed her sweetly. "Na klar." He whispered against her lips. "Ich muss immer mein Liebling küssen." He said and smiled to her happily, sitting and pulling her onto his lap, helping her with her boots. "Du bist shöne. Ein schöne Frau." He complimented her happily, and didn't let her leave his lap. "Mein Viky is ein gute füher für ihr Volk." He said happily.

A very good leader for her people, and that she had stopped war was amazing in his eyes. "Und jetzt? Jetzt muss sie sich entspannt." Now she must relax, and he would help her do so. "Die Xenos sind schlect und mein Liebling ist mutig zu ihnen sprechen."

Very brave indeed. He wouldn't want to at all, and had no clue how she could muster such bravery. He couldn't even manage to face the crowds fo their own people at the social events they went to together.

She melted into him at that kiss, so soft and yet so powerful in the same moment, eagerly moving with him to his lap onto the couch they often shared. He could be so sweet and strong at the same time, her Augustus, and she didn't know how she managed to stay away - and sane - for so very long at times. Viktoria turned in his lap sideways, that she might cuddle up against her darling as he helped her so. "Ich bin deine Frau, meine stark, stark, sanfter Mann."

Soon enough her boots were gone and she settled into his lap, ignoring the impropriety of her in a skirt on a man like this. He was her man, and by her will she could dispel any impropriety she dared.

"Ich entspanne jetzt, ja... mit mein Auggi." She kissed his throat at that, looking up to him with happy eyes as she leaned against Augustus, wanting to be cuddled here. She rarely got the chance, and she felt so very safe when he did. Her August was so very kind, and so very gentle, unlike so many of the others she met and knew. There was no other for her than him.

"Ich brauche dich. Jetzt." She whispered into him, nuzzling his chest and balling her hands up in his clothing. Her day had been hard.

"Ich bin hier, mein Viki. Ich bin hier." He assured her, his cheeks flushed from her compliments to him. She was so kind to him, to call him strong and gentle. Often, he felt more a clumsy oaf than anything. He pet her hair gently, carefully and smiled to her, pleased to be able to be here for her.

"Entspann." He commanded gently and pet her hair, letting her curl in his lap soon. He didn't think of the impropriety in any way. It wasn't inappropriate. It hadn't been announced to all, but he was her consort. That meant such a thing was clearly just fine. So he held her in his arms and cuddled her and let her relax.

She was here now. Here, he would take care of any troubles. He could do that easily and they both knew that. He may be slow, but he wasn't unable to handle matters.

"Mein Mutti denkt, dass muss ich mit du leben." He confessed to her. "Aber ich glaube, dass ist hier besser. Es ist ruhig hier, nicht da." Much quieter here indeed.

Yes, he was here wasn't he? And she loved every moment of it. His Viktoria nuzzled him there, glad to have him, shivers running down her spine as he pet her hair so. His hands were so very wonderful. She listened as she calmed herself there, intent on resting as he commanded her to do. Well, she enjoyed coming here, away from the palace, to a home where she was Viktoria, and not Her Imperial Highness.

"... ich kann macht es ruhig, für du." Oh, and how she could, making sure that their sanctum was so quiet when she went back to her love's side, to spend almost all the day with him. She knew all too well what would happen if she could simply return to her room to find her Augustus there.

"Deine Mutti ist sehr inteligent, und ich möchte, dass." Oh, how she did, in her own way. "Mein Auggi und mich, jede Nacht."

The young woman cuddled into her love, looking up to meet his eyes, and moved to gently kiss him again.

"Ich will das." She spoke, plainly. "Ich will du, Augustus."

"Ich will das auch denn." He said simply. If it could be quiet there, like it was here, than he would happily move in with her. "Wir wollen meine Sachen morgen." She could no doubt manage some help, or mother could at least. For now, they could stay here. She clearly loved the idea of every night together, and they spent very nearly very night together as it was.

Hopefully her father wouldn't be an issue. Or her step-mother. He knew Hope and Viki's step mother didn't always get along. "Mein Viki und mich, jede Nacht." Every night.

He responded gently to her kiss and smiled. "Jetzt. Wir können deine Kleider umziehen." He said, pleased. No need for her to be in the uniform all night. He stood, lifting her up as he did so, and carried her to his room, where they had some more casual clothes for her to wear stored, along with a spare uniform, just in case.

She took on a look of mock shock as she was soon lifted up, her arms moving around her August's neck, the woman soon smiling as she leaned against him. "Meine Kleider, Auggi?" Viktoria nuzzled him, curious. She was always happy to change into something more casual than the stuffy uniforms and dresses that often characterized her existence on the capital, knowing that August didn't like to mess things up when he could avoid it.

Her poor man didn't like seeing her uniforms in disarray.

"Deine Mutti kann uns helfen." And make transporting everything that much easier. Viktoria, meanwhile, could make sure that everything remotely noisy was moved away from her room, and that her chambers were as quiet as could be for her love and that it was full of things that he adored - puzzles, books, games and more, just for him.

"Und wenn wir fertig sind, ich habe eine Überraschung für dich."

"Eine Überraschung?" He said in some curiosity setting her gently on his bed as he found a casual outfit for his lover. He didn't know how he felt about a surprise. He hoped it wouldn't be too much. Surprises could be so, after all. "Das ist Spaß." He said, uncertain, but hoping it would be. Viki would never overwhelm him. She was too kind.

Still, he couldn't help but be excited, knowing that his Viki had something wonderful planned. "Wir können heute Abend verpacken." He suggested, knowing he didn't have overly much. Still, he smiled slightly and helped her with her uniform, making certain it was properly and carefully hung up.

Viktoria echoed August, "Wir können." She knew her darling man was one that was not suited to sudden developments, but she was going to be very careful with her surprise - making sure it was going to be quiet, gentle and just for her August, no crowds or pomp. No, her surprise would be for her and Augustus to enjoy on their own. "Ja, ich hoffe das es macht viel Spaß für dich." She wanted it to be so, after all. Gently she was shown out of her uniform, taking care to keep the pointy sharp bits away from her darling, and smiling widely as he saw to hanging it up with the most care she'd ever seen.

"Komm hier, Auggi." She beckoned with open arms after shedding what remained of her clothing, having put on the simple shirt and shorts that were so carefully picked out by her darling consort. "Halten mich sich, wieder?" The princess asked, rather wishing to cuddle instead of have to pack just yet.

The negotiations had her rather tired and irate and needing her Augustus.

"Na klar." He said and joined her on the bed, holding her again. "Immer." He assured her, happy to be able to do so. They could put off packing some, and take their time moving his stuff over. He mostly just needed clothes for the night, at first, after all. Viki, no doubt, would see to anything else he asked for.

Though he was always careful not to take advantage of that. He smiled and simply held her. "Die Xenos...sie sid diese zu mir Lieb." He grumbled, unhappy. "Ich würde sie an schreien, für du mein Viki." He said simply, not caring that such yelling would start a war. They had tired out his love. He smiled. "Musst du schlafen?"

He could tuck her in easily, and be as quiet as a mouse so she could have her rest.

Viktoria grinned at her love's offer, knowing her darling Augustus would do such a thing a thousand times over if she even entertained the idea. He was so very gentle, so very generous, with her. Gentle arms pulled her consort close, wanting to be with him so, intent on burying her face in his chest, nuzzling it as she did. Did she need sleep? Oh, yes, today was a bother.

But there was one condition, in her mind.

"Nur mit dir, Auggi." If there was anything he needed to do, she could wait for him. Being the Imperial daughter had granted her an immeasurable sense of patience.

"Okay." He agreed and pet her hair gently, before laying down, and waiting for her to lay down. The man covered them both with the blankets and turned the lights off from his bedside table before he smiled to her in the dark room. Together then, they could sleep. She needed it, and he was happy to take a nap, if it meant his Viki was happy and got the sleep she needed.

The Azrik-erutin man simply wanted to see to her. It was hard, to focus on much else, but Viki and his puzzles.

She made it easy. "Schlafst." He insisted and kissed her forehead. "Schlafst. Ich bin hier, und ich habe dir." He assured her, intent on protecting her from anything that might disturb his innocent love.

She eagerly joined her darling there, snuggling up to her Erutin consort under the covers and turning to rest against him, her back to his chest, wanting to be held. "Danke sehr, Lieb." The princess whispered, sighing there-after, letting herself go as she began to slowly sink into slumber, unconsciously reaching and pulling his arm around her waist. It belonged there, after all.

"Danke..." Viktoria echoed, wishing that she could purr like August could at times, knowing that she would be now if that was the case.

With such thoughts did she fall asleep, unconcerned with her nation or the international diplomacy, her world consisting of the room, the bed and her love.

The Crown-Princess had certainly been aware of what occupied Josef's mind of late, having thought of it as quite the blessing in her own mind. She hadn't really thought it possible, actually, that her consort might have been rendered sterile, whether because of his own nature or the simple fact that he was her consort. Still, the past few months had been amazing, with him here, and with the blessing in her own belly.

Of course, the Emperor saw things rather differently.

Josef had decided, one day, to take a trip with Wing to visit their daughter, and speak to her on such matters, having noted that she appeared in public less and less, and that rumors had begun to fly as to her condition. Perhaps they were just that - rumors, but Josef had yet to see for himself. Such was why he waited in one of his old rooms for his daughter to arrive, not terribly pleased with the matter on the whole but knowing that there was no alternative.

Viktoria had inherited his spirit.

Wing accompanied him in concern, has suspected rather strongly that the rumors were, in fact truth. This was not exactly what she could call an ideal confrontation of course. No doubt Viktoria was terribly pleased, but with her beginning to show, well, something had to be done. The child, if the consort was announced shortly, would have to be raised elsewhere, and Wing simply couldn't begin to think of an appropriate place.

Nor could she find a solution that would satisfy all involved. Augustus, sweet boy that he was, simply wasn't ready for the social expectations that being Viktoria public consort would entail. This would be terribly tricky. "We must be gentle, darling. She...she is your daughter, but she's also a woman deeply in love."