Prologue: The Commission

[thepanda]

“Your Majesty,” Chris begins, taking the opportunity to speak. “What the chances, do you think, that we’ll come across something still useful from the old kingdom? DO you think there may be ruins hidden as this,” he makes a sweeping gesture to take in the whole palace. “… this used to be?”

[Halbarad]

"I really don't have any idea personally how extensive any ruins you might find would be," Serenity admits. "Considering that the palace here survived as long as it did - even given everything it went through - it's quite possible that you might find other ruins on the other planets. But that's part of why you're being sent - we really don't have any idea what's left out there, and most of the probes that have been sent only report on the existence of a few ruined structures - nothing about what they are or what might be inside."

[Jon]

"With all due respect, Your Majesty," Michael begins, "I've been wondering how much of this mission is just good PR. After all, if the environment fields are gone, I can't see how much of anything would remain on Mercury, and certainly reestablishing the fields would require either a very large group of mages or yourself and your senshi." Michael shrugs. "I hadn't been following all the press on this until I was appointed here, but I'm wondering just how real this is."

[Ebiris]

Rowan glances over at Michael with a vaguely irritated look. Good God... he doesn't even have a clue, does he? Somehow she manages to repress a sigh, although it does add yet another strike against him in her book.

[Halbarad]

Serenity's smile fades slightly at Michael's comment. "The magical fields can be reestablished easily enough - the same was done to the Moon at the inception of the Kingdom. The question we have is whether it's worth it to do so. Some of this will be covered in the mission briefing, but the main issues are whether the planets themselves are capable of supporting life again, aside from their lack of an atmosphere and weather conditions. I can assure you, the need for this mission is very real - at our current rate of growth, the Moon will have reached its maximum capacity for people within the next sixty years. The Kingdom desperately needs more room to grow."

For her part, Rei simply gives Michael a long, hard, critical look, her violet eyes boring into the young student.

[Jon]

"I see." Michael looked a little chagrined. "Thank you, your majesty."

[Carthrat]

After overcoming his initial awe, Arkians eyes flicker across the various members off the room.

It's certainly very impressive. I wonder why they're sending us instead of going themselves?

Oh, of course. They have so much work to do..

His eyes flash towards Michael, and then move to Rei, and he can't help but regain his customary amused grin.

Good grief, that's one stare I wouldn't want to be recieving..

"If I may, Your Majesty? He's right; it's highly unlikely anything survived to the same standard as the palace on the moon, what with the lack of a Lunar atmosphere. Mercury is close enough to the sun that the heat would be capable of inflicting damage on any structures, and with the time gap.. but I'm sure you know all this already.

My estimation of the mission is simply verifying things we already know about the planet. There's a small chance something may have survived, but the only way I can think of that occuring offhand would have to be one of the fields still be active.

Would you have any idea how one could still be maintained after all this time?"

Arkian stops abruptly, blushing faintly.

Oh, lord, did I really say so much in one go?

[Halbarad]

"We're aware of the problems, Mr. Arkian," the queen replies smoothly. "The Moon Palace itself only survived as it did due to a very small, localized magical field - something which would be almost undetectable from any distance, and unfortunately magical scanning technology is still too delicate to place in a space probe. Any number of things might cause such a small field to remain - some enchantments are stronger in nature than others, and can concentrate the small amounts of energy remaining in the area better. Our only knowledge about the magical nature of the other planets at this point is very slim indeed, for the most part; we know they still have low-level magical fields, but nothing in the range of the Moon's, or even Earth's. Again, much of this will be covered in your mission briefing - there are quite a few specific notes for the individual planets themselves.

"But you are correct. Much of what you'll be doing is verifying what earlier probes have reported; and part of it is to get actual people's perspectives on the condition the other planets are in, before we start a large-scale move to colonize them."

[Carthrat]

"Just Arkian," says Arkian automatically.

I can't BELIEVE I just said that!

"Er, sorry. Yes. That's all," he says, hurriedly, suddenly very intent on a dot on his staff.

[Halbarad]

Serenity once again looks around at each of the surveyors in turn. "If there are no further questions... then may I be the first to say that everyone here wishes you the best of luck, and we all look forward to hearing your conclusions." She smiles brightly.

[Carthrat]

Arkian manages a bow, though questions could be raised as to the gracefulness of the motion.

"Ah, thank you, Your Majesty," he manages, managing a sickly smile in return.

She's going to remember that forever, Arkian.

Or at least you will, and that's probably worse.

[Halbarad]

Alena is waiting behind the group at the entrance still, nodding to everyone as they approach her. Just as the entire group is about to leave, though, the Queen speaks up. "Rowan? If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to speak with you privately for a few moments."

[Ebiris]

Rowan freezes. This is about the rabbits, I just know it!

Turning around. "Of course, your Majesty," she squeaks out, leaving the group behind and returning to her previous position facing the royal family.

[Halbarad]

Serenity looks like she's fighting a grin as you return to the front of the throne, but she manages to contain her mirth - if that's what it is.

"I've been meaning to speak with you for some time, Ms. Lammermuir," the blonde monarch says with a smile. "It's very rare indeed for someone to show as much natural talent for summoning as you have. I've been following your progress for some time, and I was very happy to see that you'd decided to apply for the survey mission."

There's a slightly faraway look in her eyes as she goes on. "I have high hopes for you indeed, Rowan. Show the world that summoning isn't the dark art that many people believe it to be, and do your Kingdom proud."

With a twinkle in her eye, she finishes. "And don't worry about the rabbits," she says, not bothering to hide the grin this time.

[Ebiris]

Following my progress? Rowan thinks, amazed. The Queen herself has been following MY progress?

The young summoner can't help but feel immensely proud as she hears those words. "Yes, your Majesty," she nods, grinning. "I know of the history surrounding my art, but it is my firm belief that responsible and friendly dealings with beings from other planes can only enrich our Kingdom."

With a quick glance at Princess Usagi, the blushing redhead adds, "Sorry about that. I was just nervous and it was the first thing to pop into my head..."