BloodStar

It was late in the evening, and VP Morrow, Senator Hammond, and Senator Davis gathered in the President’s lounge many stories underground as they brought the President up to speed on recent events.

The President smiled to everyone, “I feel like a spring chicken at 60 years old. What did that witch do to me?”

Senator Hammond laughed, “That witch saved your life, and then she had her Chief of Security save our country.”

Davis and Morrow laughed along with the other two as they spoke casually. Hammond then said, “In all seriousness though Mr. President. While Princess BloodStar has shown her strength, grace, and might in the past few days, we should still tread very carefully when dealing with the BloodStar Empire.”

Davis chimed in, “We don’t have a choice but to be in bed with the BloodStar Empire. The Karasu Clan has made their first aggressive attempt at overthrowing our government after many years of rhetoric. We are lucky she brought her Gladiator Champion Nero with her to single handedly clear the ‘battlefield’ on our White House lawn.”

Morrow nodded his head in agreement, “I quite agree with the young Senator Davis. We don’t have a choice… for now. I suggest this treaty that we intend to sign with the BloodStar Empire have an expiration date on it at which point we review the state of affairs before renewing it. A trial treaty if you will.”

The President nodded, “I quite like that idea. While we are weak now, we won’t always be. That I can guarantee. This country is still full of the brightest minds, and we still have some of the richest resources in the world. Our brightest days are not behind us. I refuse to believe that!”

Hammond shook his head, “A trial treaty? While I quite agree with you gentlemen, do we really want to risk offending the Princess after all she has done on her short trip. Right before she leaves for home at that.”

The President smiled and pointed to Davis, “Davis! You are youthful and seem to have a friendly connection with the Princess. Run these papers over to the Princess for review this evening. She may be offended, but she won’t say no to a treaty of only a few years.”

The President stood up and began to pace for the first time since his healing. He said, “While we have much to gain from the BloodStar Empire’s protection. They have even more to gain by showing they can act appropriately on an international stage. The world is watching. We should use this opportunity wisely.”

He then looked out the artificial window and griped, “Get me out of this damn bunker! These windows are driving me mad! I want to gaze off into the real world as I ponder the future.”

With that, the men made their way up the elevator. They bid each other farewell as they parted for the night. Senator Davis hailed his limousine. As he hopped in the back seat, he gave his driver direction, “To Princess BloodStar’s hotel. Make it quick please.”

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Princess Xenia and Nero were sparring in the Hotel gym as an attendant led Senator Davis to their location. He was welcomed into the gym by the attendant to see Nero throwing hooks, upper cuts, and nasty punch after nasty punch. However, to his surprise, not a single one made contact.

Xenia seemed to be dancing around the sparring mat with ease. She didn’t seem pressured in the least bit. Then without notice, she struck like lightning and Nero was flattened to the ground.

She outstretched her hand and said, “Your progress is commendable. At this rate you will be moving from 8th degree to 9th degree black belt very soon. Your ki will become even stronger once you achieve this milestone.”

Nero grabbed her outstretched hand as she helped him stand, and he bowed as he said, “Thank you General Xenia. Your training has already resulted in great benefit to my strength. I will use every ounce to protect you and your Empire.”

Xenia looked to the side and saw Arthur standing there with a briefcase. She waved and ran towards him, “Arthur! Have they sent you to deliver the documents for review? I am such a lucky girl to have a United States Senator as my delivery man.”

He nodded his head and said, “The pleasure is all mine, Princess.”

Patting her face with a towel, she said, “Come on, let’s head up to discuss these documents.”

She called back to Nero, “Senator Davis and I will be in the penthouse. No one is to bother us. Not even Empress Victoria herself.”

Nero bowed as they left the gym, and he soon followed after them.

Arthur’s thoughts were swimming, “Xenia actually trains Nero? I would’ve figured Nero to be the stronger of the two! Or at the very most, she would be his equal. I would hate to see her on the battlefield as an opponent.”

They reached the penthouse and then quietly walked into Xenia’s personal quarters for her stay. She assured him, “You already are well aware from our last visit, but this entire penthouse is proofed to sound and all other methods of spying by ki and other technologies of the BloodStar Empire. Speak freely and do freely in here.”

Xenia reached for a glass of water. She still had her gym outfit on consisting of a revealing sports bra, and very tight, very short spandex shorts. Arthur cleared his throat and said, “I will ready the documents while you change if you would like.”

She quickly replied, “No need for a change. Not yet anyways. I will review these documents at once.”

Arthur handed her the documents and she sat down and began to peruse them immediately.

After 10 minutes of solid focus, Xenia put the papers down and said, “If I didn’t know any better, the United States Executive Branch of government is wary of my intentions. A 3-year treaty? With so many stipulations?”

She sat in silence for a moment and then continued venting, “Your leaders are fools. They think they can bide their time for what? So that they may try to grow stronger and not re-sign this treaty in the future? They should be groveling at my feet for my protection and magnanimity. They still see themselves as major players on the world stage. They couldn’t be more wrong.”

Davis cleared his throat and said, “You are quite right, Princess.”

She sarcastically said, “Perform miracle healing, survive an assassination, host a gala and donate a $100 million, counter an attack by an enemy faction at the White House, and save a President’s life.” She sighed, “What’s a girl to do to gain some trust around here?”

Davis began to speak once more, but she stopped him as she said, “It’s okay Arthur. I plan to sign these papers no matter what they say. I quite like the idea of 3 years anyways. After my Empire has established itself internationally, the cost of re-signing this treaty with me will cost a pound of flesh literally or figuratively. Your nation will wish they signed a much much longer treaty.”

Davis couldn’t help but agree. He knew she had the power to do as she pleased in the world for the most part. He did add though, “If I may, Princess?”

She waved her hand for him to continue and said, “Please.”

He continued, “This will align very well with your long-term plans. This treaty may very well be a precursor to you annexing the United States as a territory of the BloodStar Empire. The people will come to love you and the relationship they have with you. The citizens know the era of United States hegemony in the world is over.”

She smiled and said, “That’s why I like you so much Arthur.” She stood up and said, “Now about tomorrow. After signing this treaty, I will then commence the ceremony to bequeath a BloodStone to you. You will accept it graciously, won’t you?”

He nodded and said, “It will be my highest honor to accept it.”

She said, “Good. After all, we also have to mold your image for the next presidential campaign. I need my favorite American man to be at the helm of this country before I can begin my plan in earnest.”

She paused before saying, “Speaking of my next plans. Have you all discussed what to do about the Carillium poison?”

David shook his head saying, “Our top scientists are currently studying the material to gain any insight into its true origins and manner of transmission to President Monroe.”

She smiled to herself and then said, “I daresay they will find that it came from the Sage Empire. And then I am sure they will find that it has trace amounts of a rare tea from the Sage Empire… a drink poured only while meeting with the Sage Empire dignitary. Gosh, that might lead someone to believe the Sage Empire is behind all of this, wouldn’t it Arthur?”

Arthur nodded, “If I may, it is the Sage Empire behind all of this.”

She then turned away from him and said, “Indeed it is. That will be all Arthur. I will see you bright and early tomorrow. Goodnight.”