The carriage carrying the Terrans moved through a secured pathway, from the spaceport to the palace directly. Shi Lang was busy with his exchange with Captain Ameris, while the others were talking with each other using morse code. The content of their conversation was the surrounding elements.
The pathway was guarded by armored guards carrying slender weapons. Rosa asked, “Pardon me but Captain Ameris, may I ask you something?”
Ameris replied without turning back, “Please do.”
Rosa asked, “The weapons carried by the guards seem like melee weapons, but given your technological advancement, should they not use phasor weapons?”
Shi Lang was sitting across from her and his expression turned cold. Rosa realized her mistake looking at him. She asked about weapons and what does a civilian has to do with weapons?
Aremis caught on to it and asked, “I did not expect you to be a weapon expert, Miss…”
“Rosa Blues.” replied the lady calmly.
“Lady Blues. The weapons in their hands are a combined version of phasor and melee. Since phasor weapons can deal extreme damage, the melee is used until the situation is too urgent or demanding.” said Captain Ameris.
She went on after a pause, “Have you ever practiced with weapons?”
Rosa shook her head and said, “In our education system, everyone is allowed to learn some details about the military. All of us have taken up some camps back at home to learn self-defense and discipline, however, no actual weapons.”
She was aware that the delegation sent by Neomons will be able to contact them and provide them intel about the military culture. Thus, she decided to make things smoother first. Shi Lang’s expression has long returned to calm, as he heard Zysha in his mind, ‘We are being watched.’
Shi Lang tapped and blinked at Amelia who also played along and while they were talking about the surroundings they told the others that they were being watched. Soon the people arrived in front of the palace. Ameris got off the coachman chair and an attendant walked over to open the carriage door. Shi Lang and the boy were the first to get down.
Then they helped the ladies get down one by one, and Ameris said, “Please follow me.”
The people nodded and they were teamed up into pairs. While Zysha stood beside Shi Lang. The boy asked, “Captain Ameris, is it alright to bring Zysha to the royal courtroom?”
Ameris nodded and said, “She looks rather tamed and elegant. Unless she is to act out of line, she is allowed to enter the courtroom.”
The people nodded and with straight backs, they followed her through the palace. The decoration of the palace was just like any other high-end place. Elegant and glamorous. However, Shi Lang and the rest did not ogle for too long. The identities of the rest of the people were not shabby and Shi Lang was not interested in these materialistic things.
Ameris and the other attendants in the palace were noting their reactions. They understood that these people were interested in the palace decor but they were not country bumpkins. Soon, they were all standing in front of closed wooden doors leading to the courtroom.
Ameris said, “You all please stay here. The courtier will call upon you when her majesty is ready.” calmly.
Shi Lang nodded and then watched the captain get inside. Jenkins asked in a low voice, “What do you think?”
The question was intended for Shi Lang and the boy shook his head as he said, “Too less.”
The people talked in a low voice. After five minutes, a voice sounded, “Her Majesty calls for you, Sir.”
An old man stood in front of them with his head bowed. Shi Lang nodded and Amelia hooked hands with him as they walked inside. The couple was in the lead and the rest of the people followed him. Rosa and Quinn walked together with Darcx and Jenkins behind them. The pace was calm and not too rushed. Their faces displayed no anxiety but faint smiles.
Zysha said, “She is strong, Lang.”
The boy replied, “Indeed, I can sense her aura all the way here.” telepathically.
As the people came inside, they spotted a flight of stairs, with a throne at the end of the room. A lady sat on the Mythril throne. Her features were hidden behind a veil, but her slender long leg was exposed to the atmosphere. Shi Lang however did not gaze at her beauty for more than a few seconds and bowed his head slightly as he said, “Greetings, Your Majesty. My name is Ace, the leader of Federal Exchange team,”
The rest of the team followed his example when suddenly a calm chuckle sounded followed by a few words, “Are you trying to disrespect our queen but not bending your knee to her? Do you not fear death?”
Shi Lang raised his head and asked, “May I speak freely, Your Majesty?”
His action made the people surprised, with just one sentence, the boy had turned down the allegation made against him for disrespecting the queen. The lady on the throne nodded, giving him permission to speak freely.
Shi Lang turned his gaze at the middle-aged man who had just spoken just now and said, “With all due respect Sir, we are guests at your home. I do not think that Neomonian culture will have a guest kneeling in front of them. however, even if you do, I and my team stand here as the representatives of my civilization. If we knelt to you, that would mean our civilization knelt to you. That I would rather not do.”
His voice was calm and his gaze was firm. The people were surprised to see the defiance and courage of this boy. The middle-aged man said, “Hmph, then you shall die.”
Shi Lang suddenly looked the man dead in his eyes and said, “Then you shall prepare for war.”
His words shocked everyone, even his teammates. They did not expect him to issue a threat like this. The middle-aged man chuckled and said, “The federation will go against us for a bunch of kids?”
Shi Lang smiled and said, “Allow me to introduce you to my fiance, Amelia Knight, daughter of the General Charlotte Knight. You must know her through your negotiations.
Jenkins Edward, son of General Edwards, the first general of the Federation. Shall I continue?” this introduction heated up things.
The middle-aged man was surprised to hear the identity of the two people. The queen who has not uttered a word till now spoke up, “Enough frolicking. Minister Hamdan, you should retire to your quarters for the day. As for our guests, I wonder if you are willing to make a transgression for the sake of this queen?”
Shi Lang bowed his head and replied, “You embarrass us, Your Majesty. I should apologize for acting uncouth in your presence. However, I believe that respect should be mutual.”
Nexalia Neytiri gazed deeply at him and then nodded, “I agree with your thoughts, respect should be mutual. Let us start anew. I, Nexalia Neytiri, welcome you to Neomon.”
Shi Lang raised his head and said, “It is an honor to be here, Your Majesty. Thank you for having us.”
Nexalia nodded and said, “You have been traveling through the space for quite a long time, your quarters have been arranged by the keeper of the palace, Madam Neriba. She will show you around the place and will personally look after you during your stay here.”
Rosa Blues stepped forward and asked, “Your Majesty, please pardon me for the interruption, but how long will we stay here before the education exchange program?”
Nexalia Neytiri replied, “You all can depart anytime you like, but we have prepared a banquet in your honor. Many of the nobles and masses would like to know more about Terran culture.”
Rosa Blues nodded and replied, “Thank you for the honor, Your Majesty.”
The queen gazed at the palace keeper Neriba, who bowed to her slightly and said, “Please follow me so that I can show you to your rooms. Your luggage has been brought over by the guards earlier.”
Shi Lang and the rest had clearly left the luggage in the holding bay when Ameris came to lead them. Just as they were about to leave, Nexalia Neytiri spoke up, “Shosha Ace, I invite you to have some tea with me.”
The crowd stopped Shi Lang turned around and asked, “It will be my honor, Your Majesty, but may I be selfish and ask if my Fiance can also share the same honor with me.”
Nexalia raised her eyebrow and nodded. She stood up from her throne and walked down in elegant steps. However, during the whole time, her eyes were locked on Shi Lang. The young man did have any emotion in his eyes as he looked at her. It was as if she was a piece of stone dancing in front of him. Nexalia Neytiri was not only the queen but also one of the most beautiful women in the Neomon empire.
She gestured for the two of them to follow her, and they left the courtroom.
