Book One. Underground City.

In the hall with walls covered with complex metal ornaments, on the mirror surface of the inlaid stone floor stood seven silent figures. Different builds, nationalities and genders — all of them were united by the formal style of richly decorated clothes and a very serious expression on their faces. Lined up in a semicircle, they looked at a small pedestal in the center of the hall, crowned with a large dark chair with carved handrails and a very high back. More like a throne, but devoid of any pompous decor.

Wrapped in purple multi-layered clothes, the small figure on the throne did not show any signs of life. Thin dark hands with matte skin the color of mahogany lay motionless on the armrests. The Eternal Emperor was dead. The unshakable pillar of order and prosperity of the giant space empire, and probably the most hated absolute monarch of the galaxy, who ruled the state he created for at least two thousand years, passed away quietly and unexpectedly. Unexpectedly for the entire multi-billion population of the planets under his control.

The seven figures standing in the hall were the highest officials of the Galactic Empire — aristocratic officials responsible for the most important branches of the executive power. Each of them obeyed only the orders of his emperor, and did not pursue any other interests than loyal service to the now deceased monarch. And each of them understood well what consequences the untimely death of the Eternal Emperor would entail for the entire world.

Eternal! — no one could imagine that the giant state would suddenly lose its fundamental support. Would the Empire he created collapse? After all, gaining the long-awaited freedom and independence was only a matter of time and determination of the satellite countries. The problem was that none of those present wanted or could take the empty throne. With their excellent analytical abilities, they all understood perfectly well that no one except the departed Emperor was capable of governing the mega-state in its current form. And none of them wanted to become a bargaining chip in the chaos of the formation of a new world order.

— I will try to stabilize the situation in the Metropolis, ” — Lady Sue-Kasso, the Emperor’s main confidant, spoke first. She was a short, thin lady with long, lush hair gathered in a complex braid, adorned with jewelry and numerous thin chains. Lady Sue-Kasso was responsible for all external contacts of the court, acting as a kind of bridge between the outside world and the Emperor. Her department numbered several thousand clerks and security personnel. No one knew more dark secrets and mysteries than Supreme Lady Sue-Kasso.

— If I act harshly and quickly, I will be able to neutralize possible centers of indignation. I am sure that the forces of internal order and the guard will support me as the temporary leader of the Metropolis. I can’t take on more than that. — Sue-Kasso spoke in a confident tone and accompanied her speech with restrained gesticulation. All those present nodded in agreement. The Supreme Lady took on perhaps the most difficult part of the job — the security of the Metropolis. If she successfully copes with the task, then there will be a chance to keep most of the now former Empire in relative peace and order.

— I should also stay in the Metropolis, it will be easier for me to control the situation from here, — said Lord Kiviani — the main strategist of the Empire’s development. — I hope I will not cause you inconvenience, Sue. — She nodded dryly in response.

— Well, I’ll have to work from the shadows for now, — said Lord Istel, the secret adviser and ideological curator of the secret services and all forms of propaganda existing in the Empire. — When the opportunity arises, I’ll let you know where I’ll settle down. — He was the only one present who smiled as he spoke.

The brother and sister standing next to him, cute and very similar to each other, just silently shrugged their shoulders — their headquarters were located several parsecs from Metropolis. Lord Suetl held the position of commander of the deep space fleet, and Lady Suetl oversaw the direction of interplanetary trade relations and interstellar portal logistics.

— I haven’t decided where to locate my headquarters yet, — said Lady Nian-Kunn, the head of scientific projects aimed at studying and using the technical legacy of ancient civilizations. She was the youngest of all the aristocrats. — Perhaps I’ll borrow one of your artificial planets.» — And she nodded towards the last of the lords present in the hall — Rioflabel Riol-Crow.

— I am going to return to Sophokuboro, to headquarters, — Riol-Crow formally held the title of Lord Commodore, the highest military rank in the space forces of the empire. But he was responsible for the creation and development of strategic instruments of imperial influence — giant satellites capable of moving between planetary orbits and carrying planetary-class weapons. Such satellite ships, due to their size, did not have a crew — these mini-planets were inhabited by a permanent population.

— I will be happy to help you settle into your new place, Lady Nian. There are currently two completed satellites in orbit around Kubo. One of them is uncrewed and has a very small population — there will be plenty of room for your people there. The second has some minor problems and the portal connection is very unstable. I will have to deal with this as soon as I arrive. — Riol-Crow frowned, anticipating a long analysis of the cause of the malfunction. Ancient technologies were difficult to operate and dangerous for the people studying them.

The audience fell silent again, looking at the motionless figure on the throne in the center of the room. The High Lords and Ladies were not hereditary aristocrats and did not rule lands or planets. All seven were called, or, if you like, created by the Eternal Emperor to perform important administrative functions a couple of hundred years ago. As professional assistants, but not as vassal rulers or heirs.

Who exactly was the Emperor, who could manipulate time and space, is unknown. There were many legends about civilizations that existed in the galaxy before the arrival of colonists from Earth. Some left behind a significant legacy, such as a system of interplanetary portals, which modern humanity widely uses for space communication and interplanetary cargo transportation. Was the Emperor the last of them? — It is quite possible, but he did not say anything about his origin.

Be that as it may, he summoned seven representatives of the human race, not belonging to the modern world, pulling them out of some folds of time-space known only to him. According to criteria understood only by him. He endowed them with power and limited paranormal abilities — as much as the human body was ready to perceive alien properties. Although the lords and ladies were never enemies, they did not share memories, feelings or emotions with each other. Each simply meticulously carried out the task assigned by the ruler, and only interacted with colleagues at official events.

A muffled gong sounded at the doors of the hall. Those present bowed deeply, paying homage to the departed Emperor, their patron for many decades. Then six of them headed for the portals at the far end of the throne room. The remaining one, Lady Sue-Kasso, took a deep breath and turned to the large group of servants entering through the open, ornate doors — everything needed to be prepared for the farewell ceremony.