Setting
Planetary Statistics
Year (Earth Days): 347
Avg Day Temp ° C: 30
Avg Night Temp ° C: 25
Surface Gravity (m/s2): 8.87
Habitable?: Yes
Ring System: No
Development Level: Ecumenopolis
Moons: No
Current Population: 75 Billion
Annual Population growth: 5 Billion
Atmosphere:
70% Nitrogen, 20% Oxygen, 3% Carbon Dioxide, 2% Argon, 4% Krypton, 1% trace gases (Methane, Helium, etc.).
Pollution Level: Hazardous
"Koko Kēshī Deranshī-san, Aschen to kyōryoku-sha shi, kokka no tekidesu!" He called out, and the people seemed to agitate further.
"Hizamazuku." He demanded, and an Imperial Warrior would move to force the woman to her knees.
"Nagai watashitachi no Ten'nō Heika banzai!" He called out, and the crowd cheered.
"Banzai!"
The Prince, in full Samurai regalia unsheathed his Katana, then he inspected it, it's metal glinting in the light.
"I hope you find your happiness." she told him. "Then, maybe, you won't be compelled to destroy."
“ ... You know where I’m from crowds like this only gather for things like sit-com releases.” Deputy Kleiner remarked calmly to the Taiyou as he took a handheld device from a pocket in his coat, an identification device. “But this is a good cover. Now then, let’s go win us a war, shall we?”
He then turned and the Imperial warrior nodded, and Shimizu swiftly brought the Katana down aiming at the back of Casey's neck, and should it make it's mark, the Katana would slice through the flesh and bone, leaving a bloody show.
The General besides the Coalition expedition simply nodded. "Those who defy the Empire are enemies, the people want nothing more to see them destroyed."
When the light cleared, and the onlookers' vision returned, they would find Nathaniel hovering behind the police chief, iridescent wings spread wide and glowing brightly enough that they pained the eyes to look upon directly.
A small smirk was upon the Seraph's lips as he met Shimizu's eyes, as around them, time itself stilled. The guards in mid-fall, the crowds, even Casey; the entirety of the mortal plane hung frozen, leaving only Nathaniel and Shimizu... and curiously enough, Kianna, locked outside of its normal flow. "Hello, Prince." Nathaniel said simply.
"You don't know me, except perhaps by passing mention," he waved a hand dismissively, "But I'm afraid that I'm going to have to put a stop to this awfully morbid spectacle. You see, this woman's life is under my protection. I made a promise to her -- and I always keep my promises. You understand, of course."
He was about to release time once more in order to spirit Casey away, but he hesitated, deciding that he'd wait to see what Shimizu had to say.
"Someone will die on this platform. For this, I will order the complete depletion of the life on Terra and every Aschen planet. Nothing will be left standing unless you provide someone to die by my hand on this day. I swear on the honor of my Father I will see to the extermination of all life for your actions. And I will not relent in the pursuit of this woman." He said, picking the Katana up.
"Make your call, Demon."
“Espionage is a sickly business, but we know you can see the reasonable ... benefit when handling situations with a certain action. The fuck?” Kleiner stopped for a moment as he looked at a television screen of the execution outside. “ ... Are you guys trying to make this a double feature or something?”
"And suppose I do provide you with a life to take on this platform today, what then? Will you let her live, leave Terra be -- at least for now? And what guarantee do I have of you keeping your word, for that matter?"
Yet, it didn't come. And she was too nervous to turn around to see what was going on. She simply looked out into the crowd, noticing that every eye was rivetted, and the world had gone silent.
"If I choose to spare Casey, and refrain from the destruction of Terra, then I want something in return. Your life." Shimizu said flatly.
"Die here on this platform and leave this realm forever. In return I will allow Casey to live, and approach the Terrans with Laurels of peace." Shimizu said.
"Obviously if I don't uphold my end of the Bargain it nulls this deal entirely."
“Another chess move, then. We move forward to the next step, the Prince’s authority over the project will keep it moving quickly, right?”
"But suffice to say you don't have the full story by a long shot."
Nathaniel shrugged, then.
"Fine. Have it your way. But do give me a moment - I'll be right back."
In that instant, time returned to its normal flow. The guards around Casey finally hit the ground, and Nathaniel himself became visible to the crowds as the light faded. He acted instantaneously, wings sweeping around Casey to enclose her like a cocoon even as Taiyou moved to stop him.
And then the pair were gone in another flash of bright light.
"Shinno Heika!" he called out, as Shimizu wrung his hands again.
"Withdraw all ground forces from Terra, and the fringe worlds of the Aschen." He said flatly, the General looking to the Prince quizzically.
"I need my nuclear authorization codes delivered to the Strategic Chambers in the palace."
The General tilted his head in confusion.
"We're going strategic." Shimizu said flatly.
"I just got a Cybercomm from General Akuji that the Prince has ordered we go strategic. And to have his Strategic nuclear launch codes delivered to the Palace. He's preparing to go Assured Destruction in this war."
“If the Prince wants to take command of the initiative we have in Home now, Prime Minister, he will have to come to the galaxy himself to lead it. The General likely understands, this war is not being won right here in Andromeda.”
"Let's get this over with then, shall we?" Nathaniel called to Shimizu, "I can't imagine dying is a very pleasant experience, not that I've tried it before myself."
The redhead let a cocky smile come to rest on his face as he met the prince's eyes levelly. "We're clear on the terms, then? Casey is left to live her life, Terra is left to deal with its own problems, and genocide is once again off the table. And in return..."
Nathaniel spread his arms in a universal gesture of welcome, laughing. "You get the blood of an angel. I'm ready for eternity when you are, Prince."
He nodded to the Imperial warrior, and the Imperial warrior moved to force the angel to his knees. The Prince moved to check the Katana, but he was having second thoughts.
"Killing those conscripts even if they were enemies... to protect someone is noble, something no doubt I would have done in his shoes..." He said to himself, very quietly.
"This does not merit death.." He said quietly, raising the Katana up over his head.
He began to shake slightly
"Take your friend and get off my planet." He said, taking two steps back.
"Do not interfere with Taiyou affairs again, or I will stand by my threats." He said, sheathing the Katana, the People began to boo and hiss, but not before a convicted murderer was brought onto the platform, and promptly beheaded by the Executioner, giving the people their death.
Shimizu stared at Nathaniel. "I'm not going to be that person who beheads an Angel, It's just not right. I have many sins but this won't be one of them." Shimizu said.
"This is your official Imperial pardon, the same applies to your friend." He said flatly.
"Go, and offend this Empire no more."
The Seraph hesitated for several moments longer, appraising the man with thoughtful eyes. He could give the order for a horrific genocide, but not bring himself to strike an angel down?
The minds of humans would eternally baffle him, he decided.
"I thank you for your mercy. May we never find ourselves opposed again."
And then he was gone in one final burst of light.
She watched the decapitation of the next prisoner impassively before she moved away from the wall and fell into step beside Shimizu to return inside.
"I suppose one execution is as good as another. You have indulged me, and so I shall indulge you. Shall we?" she asked.
"Watashi wa jama sa retakunai no." He said before he moved into his personal quarters, slowly lowering himself into a chair and regarding Kianna for several moments.
"Tell me, what is it you want with me?"