"Your concerns are heard and recognized," Akasha said with a nod. "It was not without great thought and consideration that I embarked on this path, however, the potential rewards outweigh the risks considerably. There was a reason I reached out to the Achkaerinese Emperor first; my fear of Achkaerin was irrational, if you look at their actions they are a power which stands by their convictions and, even if they are beholden to treaties which mean little to us, they apply them fairly to friend and foe alike. While I may lack the authority to see these foreigners depart once the mission is completed, the word of Emperor Peter has that authority, and I do not believe he will be one to quash the threat of Nekhtou only to welcome a competition of foreign powers in a post-crisis Clysperis. I trust, in any case, that we shall all pray that my wisdom isn't betraying me," she said with a chuckle, "we've embarked upon the path with no turning back. We shall see it to its destination."
Some time later...A Personal Message To Emperor PeterThis message meets the highest of encryption standards and is intended for your eyes only. Peter,
Ever since the news broke of the attack which took Isaac's life I have thought of nothing except for your family. I am so terribly sorry to receive this news and, should Serenity and your family require anything, I shall do all that is within my power to be there for you. I remember how I felt as I stayed by Alex's side following the hotel bombing, the uncertainty, the fear, all these emotions weighing upon me at once. I cannot imagine how I would have reacted, or how I would have held up, had I lost him, and I cannot begin to imagine what Serenity is facing in this moment.
I do know that she is strong and will ultimately persevere, however, that is a long road and one which I will be ready to support. Alex, Adriana, Lucius and myself send our love and condolences for this most tragic loss.
With that being said, despite the best of my efforts, I can no longer stand by as Nekhtou's long arm strikes those I love.
Hunting Girl is presently in the Great Northern Ocean with a compliment of 50 special forces ready to deploy within Clysperis to join in the hunt for Nekhtou. I understand that the Pharaoh may not be fully trusting of me, what, with rumours of Rokkenjiman support for the rebels, however I hope that our recent moves on sanctions against the Kingdom, as well as clear allowances for nations aiding the Kingdom in its fight against terrorism, will show where our intents lay. I may not support the policies of the Pharaoh, but I would not recognize a monster as Nekhtou as my ally when he has shown most clearly that his principles are completely and utterly abhorrent. I certainly would not recognize him after this.
I have dispatched a copy of this message, apart from personal matters, to the Pharaoh and hope that we may discuss this situation at the earliest conveniences of your Governments.
Solemnly,
Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook
"Naser, is this the work of Djerb's cyber squad?" Akasha said as she handed him a tablet, "the Rokkenjiman Empress, sending
me a message? Another foreign nation wishing to place boots on Clysperi soil....but," she grinned. "I shall meet with her, so long as Emperor Peter is present, and we may be able to extract something from this unexpected communication. She wishes to get the man responsible for hurting her friends, I can relate to the feeling, but if she thinks that I'll simply allow her forces to touch foot on Clysperi soil, she may well be surprised."
Pausing, she handed him a glass of water, "How do they say
'concessions' in Rokkenjiman? Do you think she knows how to accept them?"
Moments later the Pharaoh sent a message to Emperor Peter indicating she would be willing to meet with Empress Beatrice, so long as it was in his presence.