Okay, you could do this. She just represented Venus, and everyone outside of their own space hated them, she was just the second in line to all of the Venusian Empire, she came in a massive warship 'to offer assistance' and... She looked so cool. No, stop thinking about that. They're not good guys, we're not going to be friends. What was I going to do? Ugh, she's so cool and collected and just standing there. it's like she's demanding I come running and jump into her arms. Maybe they'll be friendly? No Melody. Stay focused. Think about Ava. She hated Venus. You'd make Ava so mad if you got friendly with Venus. Dinner. Invite them to dinner. I could use my Voice then, and make them leave us alone. Yes. That'll work.

I hope.

"Thank you so much for coming to visit us. Please, I would love to extend an invitation to your whole crew to come to dinner tonight. We'll set up a banquet and everyone can be welcomed officially."

Raaden inclined her head. "We graciously accept. Currently It is slightly after lunch, on our ships time, when would you plan on eating?"

"It is a few standard hours after breakfast here; it looked like you're a little ahead of us. If you could possibly have a light snack around your dinner and then come see us for a late evening meal? Ten standard hours from now?"

She clapped her hands together, her eyes bright. "Wonderful, I do so enjoy a late dinner. Shall we bring anything? I have a stock of various alcohols as well as coffee and tea-" her eyes flicked to Um'reli "-even Chamomile." Um'reli's eyes met Raaden's. I knew she hadn't had good tea since we got here. Politically, Venus never had an issue with the K'laxi and the K'laxi didn't really mind Venus. There were rumors that the K'laxi and Venus had unofficial-official trade agreements and even more wild rumors that high up in K'laxi Administration people were "friendly" with the Emperor. I didn't believe it though. When Um'reli mets Raaden's glance. Raaden winked at her. I saw it that time for sure. She's doing it on purpose. She's trying to throw us off! I could see that Um'reli suppressed a blush. Well, at least it was not only me. Was she doing something to us? Does Venus have Nanites?

There are no Nanites that we detect Empress, just your and Um'reli's raging libido.

Quiet.

Oh, but more coffee would be so nice. I ran out 4 months ago, it's been awful going without. I can't let it go without asking, I just can't.

Be wary of enemies offering gifts, Empress.

"We do find ourselves running low on luxuries from human space, some coffee and tea would be most appreciated."

If at all possible, her smile got even wider. "Then it's settled. We shall all come for dinner, and tomorrow we can get down to the business of business. With your permission I shall station two guards outside of our entrance, just for the look of the thing."

I nodded. "Yes, that's no problem at all. Thank you for asking."

She smiled and I melted slightly. "We are here to serve." She snapped her fingers sharply and four of the guards turned smartly and walked back in through the umbilical, and when they have left she made a gesture at the other two who put their rifles on their back, and stood at parade rest on either side of the umbilical. She then turned and went inside herself, and the umbilical closed behind her.

Mindful of the guards, I turned back to my group and said "Please, come with me to the Throne, we have a dinner to plan." As we walked, I thanked Sep and Vaaqo for their assistance and coming to meet the Venusians, and I invited them both to dinner.

Vaaqo gestured a kind no thank you. "That is very generous of you Empress, but I cannot take meals anywhere but in our sector. Our pressure suits are not designed for...cuisine."

"Ah yes, that makes sense Vaaqo, I apologize."

"Not necessary Empress. I am here to serve."

Sep seemed to be of two minds about it. As head of Security on this level he does get his fair share of fancy meals, but rarely with the Empress; he also seems intimidated by the Venusians. That was probably deliberate on Archduke Raaden's part given her highly polished troopers. "Ah, I would very much like to attend, Empress, but I'm afraid that I cannot. We have much to do to prepare for visitors to be spending time here, even if only for a short while."

Intimidation won then. "It is fine Sep, I am glad you came to meet the Venusian Archduke today. I shall dispatch a runner if you are needed."

Sep nodded and hurried back. They seemed to be in a hurry to put some distance between us.

The Venus contingent worries them. We are worried too. Venus seems to know how to be Imperial better than yourself, even with our help. You would be wise to use your Voice on them as soon as you can. Perhaps at dinner when they are all gathered.

Yes, that was my plan too. Hence the last minute dinner invite.

Once we got some distance from the guards and turned a corner towards the Throne Ava turned to me and hissed "Dinner? You invited them to Dinner? What were you thinking?"

Um'reli looked over at Ava surprised. "Melody invited the whole crew. At dinner she can just use her Voice on them and they'll do what we say."

Ava threw up her hands "But it's Venus, Um'reli. They're not to be trusted."

"And we won't trust them Ava. But we can't just give them the cold shoulder, that's more suspicious." Huh, Omar was backing me up too. I wonder what happened with Ava and Venus.

She has a history with the Venusians.

You think?

We would wager 1000 Skys on it.

Hmm.

I looked at Um'reli and Omar. They seemed to have the same idea I did, I didn't need to convince them. "Head on back to the Throne. Dispatch a couple runners to one of the fancier restaurants on this level. Let them know we needed a banquet fit for an Empress tonight at the Royal Dawn. We will cover all expenses.

"You got it Melody, I think I know just the place." Omar turned to Um'reli "It's that place we went to last month that did that roasted vegetable dish with the white sauce."

"Oh I loved that place! Good idea!" They walked off towards the Throne, lightly arguing about the menu.

I turned to Starlight on a Moonless evening and Rapid River Roaring. "We do not trust the Venusians."

They nodded, their feathers ruffling worriedly. "It is as you say, Empress. Are you worried about an attack?"

"I hope it does not come to that. They are known more for their... treachery than outright combat. Still, if they were to attack right now we would be at an disadvantage. I'm hopeful that we can... use dinner to our advantage."

River nodded. "You plan on ordering them to not attack."

"Something like that yes. But just in case... make sure that Sep and Security is ready. If you have to arm them with something more powerful than stun clubs, you have permission to do so."

Starlight and River shared a glance and had some conversation in their body language. Arguments? No, it didn't look like that. River nodded once at Starlight. "Yes Empress. I know just what to do. Thank you for trusting us."

"You and Starlight both have been integral to our work here. Thank you for trusting me."

Starlight shook their head. "We did not treat you... appropriately when we first met. It would have been entirely expected and within your rights to have us killed after the attack. We are... in your debt for your kindness."

"Thank you River, thank you Starlight. Your work here shows your love for the Reach. Go. Dispatch a runner if you need anything."

They both nodded and peeled off at the next intersection. As they walked, I see Starlight grab River's hand. Hmm.

Now it was just me and Ava. "Ava? Do you have a moment? Come with me." As we continue on to the Royal Dawn I took Ava's hand. "Walk with me, Ava."

She took my hand and squeezed it gently. "You're going to ask me about Venus, aren't you."

"Only if you want to tell me. I don't need Nanites to tell me that something about them bothers you beyond their attitudes towards AIs."

Ava looked out at the promenade as we walked. She was weighing something in her mind. "Melody, I was born in Regantown, one of the largest of the floating cities."

Venus's atmosphere was much to thick and toxic for people to live on the surface, but it turned out that about halfway up. the temperatures and pressures were pretty close to Earth. When outside, you just needed a mask for oxygen and could almost forget you were not on Earth. Before they developed their military moved to a war footing, Imperial Venus was mostly a tourist destination. Resorts, Casinos, those kinds of things.

"I see. Well, it certainly explains your feelings about them."

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"Yeah. We moved away when I was about 10 or so to High Mars Hyacinth."

High Mars was the polity that made up the orbitals, stations and starbases around Mars. Low Mars was the surface, and was abandoned. High Mars - rather derisively - called the surface of Mars the 'graveyard of the billionaires'. Long ago, in the beginning of our life in space, some billionaires got the idea that they were going to make some kind of capitalist Utopia on the surface of Mars. They spent trillions and countless people died to realize their dream. In the end, they died too.

Ava continued, "Even though Hyacinth was right on the border between Venus and the OPA, it was still better than living in Regantown. Melody, Venus is bad news. They say they only care about rising up human voices and making sure "we're" heard, but it's so much more than that. The only voice they want to raise is their own, at the cost of everyone else. All their rhetoric is about AIs, but that's only because it's their most convenient bad guy. If they had their way, they'd eliminate anyone not born in the Floating Cities."

Ava finally turned and looked me in the eye. "Melody, please. Trust me. Don't take any gifts from Venus. Don't do anything to make us owe them anything. Don't take their advice, don't take their volunteers. Don't take their gifts. We don't need them."

The corners of her eyes were wet. " We don't want them."

Oh Ava. I spun her around and kissed her and hugged her deeply. "Ava, I had no idea you felt this strongly. Of course I trusted you. How about instead of not taking anything and sending them on their way we take everything from them instead?

She looked up and starts with "Didn't you he-" and then she saw my wicked grin. "Melody! What are you going to do?"

I hugged her again. "Make sure that Venus can't hurt you or anyone here. I have an idea. Come on, I need your help." and we walked off, planning.

After not nearly enough time, it was dinner. I had to admit that my retinue was worth their weight in Skys at this point. I told them just after breakfast that we were hosting a banquet for the Venusians and they:

Found tables and chairs and tablecloths and plates and everything somewhere. I haven't asked where, I don't think I want to know.

Worked with the restaurant that Omar and Um'reli picked to develop an entire menu with local dishes that are most likely to be liked by people who have never been here.

Found/made/acquired decorations! I had no idea where or how they did it, but they set it up in a hall at the Royal Dawn and it looked amazing. It looks elegant and royal and...

"It's perfect! Thank you so much everyone!"

City, Vaaqo, and the others bowed low. "It was our pleasure Empress. Thanks must be given to the Royal Dawn staff too. They were responsible for much of the work."

I turned and faceed Wind Rustled Leaves, the manager at the Royal Dawn. "Thank you Wind, your work here is simply amazing."

Wind bobbed a bow and stood up straight. "It is always our pleasure to be the place that you call home Empress. We are here to serve. If we can impress people from your side of the galaxy with our food and fine dining, all the better."

"And my Builder Ava has reached out to you...?"

"About your request? Yes, she has. Please do not worry. Everything is in place and we will be ready when we receive the signal from her."

I looked around. Everything seemed to be in place. I mentally reached out to Ava "You in place?"

She thought back to me, "I'm in my chair and am ready. Looks like I was right, there wasn't that many people on the Lavinia. No more than 30."

"So does that mean she lied about the volunteers?"

"Probably not, but she pointedly did not say how many she had. I bet there's under 10. I bet that not too many of them actually volunteered. I bet most where volun-told to go."

"If any are really here because they want to help, we could use them." I reminded her.

"After you have a Talk with them, maybe I still think it's too risky. Go grab Um'reli and Omar, it's showtime."

I left the Royal Dawn and made the quick walk to the Throne. Omar and Um'reli were there, waiting. Their Builder uniforms were clean and pressed, smart looking. I stopped and concentrated for a moment, switching to my more royal gown, complete with the long train and higher heels. I tweaked the neckline down a little bit as well, two could play the intimidation game. "Okay, let's go get the Venusians. We have a dinner to host."

"What about Ava?" Um'reli looked around, wondering.

"She's going to stay connected to the Throne while we eat. I've got her doing... some reconnaissance for us."

Omar said nothing, even though it looked like he wanted to. We made our way towards the docks and as we arrived, I saw them. There were maybe two dozen Venusians milling around, all in dress uniforms and all looking around in wonder. This was the first time they had been able to leave their ship, so it was time to impress. I flared my crown and wings bright and greeted them. "Friends! Welcome! I'm so glad you could make it. Please follow us and we shall take you to the Royal Dawn, where a wonderful banquet awaits you."

Archduke Raaden saw me and smiled warmly. I'm taken aback. She was in an extremely classy dress. It was slim and black and clung to her alluringly. She was wearing very tall heels that were black with blood red on the underside, and you got flashes of color as she walked. The dress had a slit up her leg that went almost all the way up. She was standing with that leg forward too. She was trying very hard. Perhaps my talk with Ava or the Nanites has cooled me a bit on her, but wow, she looked good. She waved us over, and in her other hand was a package. "Please Empress. Take this with the thanks of Venus."

Ava reached out over the Builder connection. "Hold on, I'm scanning... It's coffee, tea and a couple bottles of wine Melody, I don't see anything odd about it, or the composition. It's probably real."

"Thanks Ava. Anyone left aboard the Lavinia?" I thought to her.

"Yes, looks like maybe 5 or 6 people? Not too many."

I was trying very hard to hide my expression while I talked to Ava. I even thought it was working. "Too much to hope that they'd take everyone I suppose."

"That was never in the cards Melody, Venus was too paranoid. I'd assume at least one or two of the people left are highly ranked and/or excellent warriors."

"Agreed."

I took the package and opened it carefully in front of everyone. It was a basket containing two packages of coffee - from Earth! This was the real deal! - as well as three bottles of wine and two packages of Chamomile tea. I was going to have to beg Ava to let us keep this after they leave, this was too nice to just throw away. "This was a thoughtful and useful gift, Archduke. We are in your debt." and I inclined my head just a bit.

"Don't go overboard Melody," Ava warned.

Archduke Raaden laughed lightly. "It's nothing at all. It is only things we had in our stores, though I appreciate your kinds words. Please, call me Helen, we don't need to stand on such ceremony here." Just for a split second, I caught something cross her face. I don't think I would have noticed if it wasn't for my heightened abilities.

Did you notice that? She doesn't like her name. She doesn't want to be called Helen, but she offers it to you anyway. She is an excellent player of this game. Do not trust her. She has buried her real feelings and opinions of us very deep.

Both Omar and Ava said Raaden was known to be ruthless and extremely perceptive.

You are wise to listen to them. It is too bad really. She would be an excellent Builder and an asset if she was on our side.

She would never do it.

We believe that you are correct Empress. We are merely lamenting that fact.

"Helen, please come with me. Allow us to lead your party to dinner." I gave her my hand.

She took it and squeezed gently and slid close - it was so warm! "Please lead the way." she purred.

"Melody." I could feel Ava's jealousy leaking out. I couldn't help but tweak her just a little.

"Jealous?"

"Yes actually. Don't go falling for her."

"Ava, I only meant to make you a little jealous. It's kind of fun to wind you up, I apologize. I won't fall for her. Not after our talk earlier today. Actually since we talked, this whole thing comes off as..."

"Desperate? Yes, I got the same impression. She's laying it on too thick now."

As we walked slowly, I noticed Raaden looked around. She couldn't help herself, she seemed impressed.

"So what do you think of my Reach of the Might of Vzzx so far, Helen?"

"It's so fascinating. I don't think I've ever seen a starbase this large, not even the High Mars Orbitals are this big. The Venusian floating cities are larger of course, but they're not spaceworthy."

"Home to over 11 million people of all different kinds." I was rightfully proud of my new home.

"And there are humans around here too?"

"At one time there were, or people that were genetically very close to us. As near as we could tell, we were some of the last, if not the last outright on this side of the galaxy. Once we have a starship again, we plan on visiting other locations and seeing who is there."

"Amazing. So how did they get to Earth?"

"We think what happened is that a splinter group of Builders fled to Earth and destroyed their Gate so people couldn't follow. We don't know exactly when though, and we don't know if the Builders were Humans, or just... compatible with them."

Raaden looked around as we walked. "So then you've come back here, where we belong, to take up our rightful place."

Where did that come from? I didn't like the sound of that. "Well, sort of. We did find that they were doing mostly fine without us, so we work extra hard to be needed. We did discover that the Reach was starting to fail from a lack of Builder involvement, so we've been spending the last few months getting things back up and running properly, but it was still almost a century that they ran fine without any Builders here. Things were well designed."

Raaden nodded to herself while looking around. "Smart. Get them to love you and not be able to live without you. We were right to come here. What you're doing here will be so beneficial back home."

Okay, now I'm confused. "In what way?"

She shrugged and leaned in closer as we walk. She was wearing a scent. It smelled of flowers and wood and something I couldn't quite place. It was quite nice actually. "People back home place too much faith in their AI partners. They relied on them. They expected them to come to their aid whenever called." Her face hardened as she talked. These were things she truly believed, the mask was slipping. "It's only a matter of time before they decide that things would be better off if they were in charge. And then where will humanity be? Subordinate. Subordinate to people we made." She shook her head once and the mask returned. "But out here? Here you are showing everyone that humanity still has a place. A place at the top."

I sure hope she didn't notice my gooseflesh while she talked, or mistook it for attraction. She was genuinely scary.

"What did I tell you, Melody? These are not people one allies with."

Ava is correct. This Raaden is extremely dangerous.

"Here we are, the Royal Dawn hotel. It is my home away from Throne." The joke went unnoticed or politely ignored, I wasn't sure which.

She ignored it, Empress.

Not everyone could appreciate the finer points of wordplay I supposed. "Come everyone, this way!" I led them through the entrance and into the hall that had been set up. The lighting was low and dramatic, but still bright enough to see, the tables were made up and looked warm and inviting. Everyone began to find places to sit as I led Raaden to a table at the front of the room, elevated slightly over the others. Omar and Um'reli were sitting there already. As we approached they stood and bow. "Empress. Archduke, please join us." We walked up and Raaden sat. I looked around and everyone seemed to be seated. There was curious conversation and people were looking around excitedly.

"Ava, are we ready?" I thought to her.

"Yes Melody. Raaden and 4 others were armed, two at each table. Raaden and the armed ones were wearing ear protection too. They looked like human standard active noise cancelling buds. I wager they expected you to use your Voice."

Ah, but if it was only my voice that did it, she was protected. She did walk close to me for 10 minutes on the way here, laughing and talking and breathing air so, so close to me. Everyone here had been breathing the Nanite saturated air the entire time they've been here. As near as Omar and Um'reli could tell, that was the secret to the Voice. People need to be in direct contact with me or areas I control. The air here was absolutely saturated with Nanites. They make the Voice work.

I looked over at the assembled people and turned my back to Raaden. "My Friends! Before we begin, I'd like to say a few short words." I raised a glass and gestured out towards everyone.

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