Chapter 3 - Arrival At The Empire

Warning: Mature Content

21 February 2041 - MediVance MV, Luminous City, Demeter

Demeter. A small country located on the South Eastern tip of the continent of Minas Vici. Although the size of this country is comparable to an average sized city elsewhere in the world, the population density is among the highest, numbering above 10 million spread over a 1,500 square kilometer territory. In comparison, the continent of Barad Tori further East spans a territory of 8 million square kilometers with just double the population.

This has created a somewhat unique style of living in Demeter, with buildings rising high up into the skies as well as reaching deep below underground. In the central City of Keri, a colossal building stands proudly at 2,000 ft above ground with a top floor of 150. Above it sits the three letters, M, A and I; Medical Advancement Incorporated, more generally referred to as MediVance in the media.

Many practitioners and researchers in the field of medicine and technology have dubbed MediVance as “The Laboratory” - a term meant to be derogatory yet most people in the industry cannot help but feel both fear and awe. Under the current management, the company had solidified its foothold in Minas Vici, by using any means necessary. In utilizing the near endless cash resources from the other branches to alleviate the pressure from government scrutiny, the company was able to conduct research that were deemed unethical without obstruction.

While many within the population exercise their high moral principles and preach about the illegal and dishonest behaviour, far more give them praise for the advancements they have contributed to the masses. Previously known neurodegenerative diseases that was said to be incurable took the company less than twenty years to dissect, research and formulate a solution for. This is the combined strength of the five branches of MediVance, with each branch marking a continent for its territory.

Here on the 150th floor sits the Minas Vici President and CEO of the 5 trillion dollar global behemoth - Weston Carrick. Sitting with his back to the cityline, the 45 year old eyes the young brunette pacing back and forth opposite his desk with a bored expression.

“... as I was saying Mr. Carrick, the pros outweighs the cons. VersaLife is a very strong candidate for the acquisition project to expand the Natural Sciences Division. We really should take a deeper look. The initial research we...”

“Ms Calder.” interrupts Carrick. The young woman stops pacing and looks on with a hint of anxiousness at the gentleman sitting behind the desk. “When you look around this room, tell me, what do you see?”

The young woman takes a moment to observe her surroundings. A thick, heavy wooden double door bars the entrance to the office. It is equipped with a concealed automatic swing door operator requiring activation via a push pad, which is installed on the desk, or an access code outside in the hall. A dull gray carpet covers the entirety of the room. On the left, a low glass table is surrounded by two sets of single and double leather sofas. On the right, a bookcase made of Cherry Wood spans the width of the room from wall to window, housing volumes worth of knowledge. Lastly, centered at the back of the room is an exquisite executive desk made of Rosewood. Behind the desk is a man wearing a deep purple silk tie on a white shirt with a charcoal gray suit. Broad, but not muscular. A slightly narrow face with a strong chin; Jet black hair that was cut short and neatly combed to one side. Eyes that are steel gray.

Simple. Practical. Exquisite. As she was about to utter an answer to what can be said as a rhetorical question, she was immediately cut off.

“You see Ms Calder, VersaLife is everything that I am not. They are a complicated business structure that is steeped in debt. They are looking for a bailout with very little to offer in return. Their ideas are not original or inspirational enough to warrant buying them as an addition to our NSD. We have other candidates for the acquisition. Now that you have some understanding for what I look for, find it for me.” says Carrick, ice lacing his words.

“Y.. ye.. yes sir. I’ll get on it right away." visibly flinching, the young woman showed signs of distress. "Tha.. thank you for your time Mr. President.” stammers Calder. Considering herself dismissed, the young woman bows before hastily retreating out of the office.

**********

“You still have a knack for scaring people even though it isn’t in your nature to do so Weston.” chuckles Erich Wyse. His video call had been sitting idly on the monitor as the young woman outlined her proposal for VersaLife.

“Hmph. That was a shit proposal Erich and I have a reputation to uphold. Tell me, was it your idea to send such a fresh hire in here? That was a waste of my damn time. I ought to dock your pay old man.” says Carrick in a cold voice.

“Old? I’m only 3 years your senior Carrick, where do you get off calling ME old? Oh and FYI, it’s probably that sadistic bitch Shenna that sent that girl in there. Over the years she seems to have taken a liking to sending all the new M&A hires up there. People down here are calling it an initiation.”

A brief pause.

“Bahahaha!” a deep resounding laugh echoes through the office. The source was none other than Carrick and Wyse.

“I remember those days. Back when we were ordered to do the same thing. If I remember correctly old man, you shat yourself when you did your presentation.” says Carrick, a wide grin plastered on his face.

“Pah. I bet it had everything to do with that drink that Shenna gave me right before the meeting. It will “calm your nerves” my ass! I was lucky the CEO had a sense of humour and didn't throw me out the damn window!.” grumbles Wyse.

“Bahahaha! Just so you know, I bribed the footage of that time from the I.T guy. I’m just waiting for the right time to use it.” says Carrick, his grin turning predatory.

“You smug bastard. Use it if you have to, though I’d much prefer you burn the damn thing and bury the ashes. Anyway, have you read my report on CANVAS?”

At the mention of the report, Carrick’s demeanour resumes the cold, calculating look renowned throughout MediVance MV. “Yes, I have read the report. It’s both an interesting opportunity and a dangerous venture.”

“I think so too Weston. I really think we can use this as the foundation for that new project. I'm still looking through the data but I believe he's a great candidate. The problem lies in two places though - the family and the third party.”

“I noticed that you left out some details. Elaborate.” commands Carrick.

“Well, first with regards to the third party, my suspicion is the National Government and not only because they were the only ones who showed any interest in the anti-virus. We had LARA dig up everything she can find on the driver of the van, the company behind it, everything. It took a while, but we have identified the driver as an ex-military private security. We.. or should I say LARA.. also connected him to half a dozen high ranking officials within the National Government. It's not concrete, but this kind of makes them a prime candidate. If it's not them, then we'll need to be more proactive on the ground.

Second, is with regards to his family. We found out that both the mother and father are honoured practitioners and not just with any Association. They both graduated from the Institute of Blades in the Empire of Nevrione. Rather than having any criminal associations, which we usually flag, they’re the polar opposite. Their teacher is the current head of the institute and is held in high esteem within the Empire's Royal Courts."

“Hmm. Nevrione huh. One of the more isolated nations within Minas Vici and still sticking with the old ways. Not that I begrudge them of that. The Institute of Blades is considered the best in this continent. That said, we cannot carelessly sever the ties as you suggested. The backlash from that will be far more destructive than if we were facing the might of the National Government.” says Carrick, brows furrowed in deep thought.

“Move him to B5 as you suggested and have LARA tighten security - both physical and digital - and scrutinize every suspicious data packets being sent to and from this building. As for the family, let's try to keep relations good with them. If the National Government has half a brain, they’d do well to research the boy’s background. That will be enough to keep him ‘safe’. Worst case is they don't after which we can throw a clue to the Markells as to who is after their son.”

“Understood. That's a clever way of going about it. I’ll get on it right away. With regards to resources…” queries Wyse.

“I’ll have a signed approval for a credit line worth 20 billion dollars. Pick your team members and give me a timeline once you are done. I need to see preliminary results as soon as possible if I am to justify to the board the dollar bills I just approved to you.” says Carrick.

Like a child given a bag of sweets, Wyse’s eyes were shining. “Ha. Just you wait old friend. My creation will shake the very foundations of this world!”

Several years from now, Carrick and Wyse will find out just how true this offhanded statement was.

**********

21 February 2041 - The White Dragon, Citadel of Bosa, Empire of Nevrione

With one arm over her shoulder, Darron pulls Lashell closer to him and kisses her forehead. "Well done getting things sorted with Teacher. Since it's getting late, it's probably best we stay at The White Dragon tonight." says Darron, nodding his head towards Arron and Darell. “It’s the closest in terms of travel time to the Ironwood Kingdom.”

"Mm, yeah that sounds like a good idea." agrees Lashell as she rests her head on his shoulder.

Lashell had made arrangements with their Teacher the previous evening on behalf of her family. The institute had been made aware and is expecting them in the coming days. With the outgoing flights being fully booked, they have only recently arrived in the Empire of Nevrione. Renting a self-driving Mercedez and punching in the address of the hotel, the Markells simply sat back and relaxed until they reached their destination.

45-minutes later the car slows down to a halt outside a pearly white 30-storey building with a large dragon carving crawling down the side.

"Good evening sir, madam, young masters.". A tall, skinny concierge greets each of them in turn. "Welcome to The White Dragon, how may I be of service?"

"A room for the night, please. We have a long day tomorrow. One of the standard suites will work. Just have an extra bed brought up." answers Darron.

"Certainly, sir. May I have your name please?"

"Markell. Darron Markell."

A hint of recognition flashes through the concierge's eyes, eyebrows twitching. Darron and Lashell had caught it, causing them to be on guard. Lashell casually positions herself so that the children are between her and her husband, the two of them facing with backs to each other. The concierge continues to eye the couple anxiously as he dials the phone. A brief exchange with some unknown on the other line, and then..

"Master Markell. I beg your forgiveness. We were not made aware of your arrival. Please, follow me, I will show you to your room." the concierge makes his way around the counter, bowing deeply as he completes his sentence.

Darron was somewhat startled at the unexpected turn of events but quickly recovers his composure, "There is nothing to forgive. Please, lead the way."

Catching onto his wife's inquisitive look, Darron couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, shoulders shrugging. The concierge led the way to the lifts and Darron's eyebrows shot up yet again when the concierge's key card registered and the lift melodiously announced "Penthouse".

**********

"Master, Mistress, here are two keys to allow you access back up should you wish to step out at any time. We hope that you find the accommodations to your satisfaction. We'll have dinner and desserts brought up to you momentarily. Please, enjoy your stay." says the concierge as he bows himself out.

"Hey honey, what the hell just happened?" asks a confused Darron.

"Who knows. Maybe it's Teacher's doing. Since neither of us really paid attention to the kind of privileges that came with the title, I'm just as lost as you are. Frankly, I can get used to this, we should have paid more attention. Haha!"

"Well kids, you get to have your own rooms! Pick any one, but leave the biggest room to me and Mommy!. There's enough real estate here to house two families!" yells Darron happily. It's definitely a welcome change after the recent events back home.

Dinner came and was immediately devoured by the hungry little monsters, their tired eyes now drooping after having had their fill. Darron princess-carried Arron to his bedroom of choice while Lashell did the same for Darell. Back in the lounge, the two continued with their night cap.

"You know, this will be the last time we can treat them like kids." says Darron, his eyes distant as he looks out of the floor-to-ceiling window spanning the entire western face of the room.

"I know." whispers Lashell. "After tomorrow, they'll need to grow up and quickly. I hope we have made the right decision in coming back here." she swirls the glass of wine and takes a healthy swig.

"It is." says Darron firmly. "We won't be alive forever Lashell. What happened to Hunter, it made me realise that no matter how skilled we are, unexpected things can happen. I'd like for the kids to be prepared for the world when that time comes."

Putting down her wine glass, Lashell shifts over to straddle Darron on the sofa. Holding his face in her hands, her light brown hair partially covering her face as she looks down on him and says "Arron and Darell are our sons. They have our strength. Our will. When Hunter wakes, we will be complete and all will be well. Do you believe me?"

"I do." whispers Darron. Gently pulling Lashell close, he kisses her deeply. Lashell presses him against the sofa, the grief and stress melting away to make room for a more primal hunger. Darron responds, cupping her round ass and drawing her even closer.

"Haa.. haa.. haa.. let's take this somewhere more private.." whispers Lashell as she nibbles on his ear.

Without saying a word, Darron stands up, his hands still firmly holding Lashell's ass and his muscles flexing to gain the proper balance. Lashell wraps her legs around his waist, arms still firmly wrapped around his neck as they continue to devour each other's lips. They head to the furthermost room, locking the door behind them before settling onto the bed.

Still straddling Darron, Lashell undresses with urgency. Brimming with impatience, she almost tears the shirt off Darron before again feeding on his lips, her now bare breasts pressed against his broad chest. In the blink of an eye, she had managed to strip them both of their jeans and undergarments. Holding firmly onto his member, Lashell takes him into her mouth. Again, and again, and again. At the same time, Darron was returning the service as Lashell grinds her hips on his face.

"Haa.. haa.. haa.. unghh.." her body starts to spasm, hips gyrating more urgently. "Unghh.. unghh.. haa.. haa.. ahh!"

Desperately gasping for air as she reached orgasm, she proceeds to take Darron into her mouth. Deeper this time, again and again until he could take no more and his seed scattered across the sheets.

"Haa.. haa.. we've just gotten started." whispers Lashell, a lazy smile across her face.

**********

21 February 2041 - Institute of Blades, Ironwood Kingdom, Empire of Nevrione

The Institute of Blades is as an academy located within the Ironwood Kingdom, a mere 80 kilometers distant from the capital of the Empire. Many of the buildings throughout the Empire retain their original structures, a testament to the skills of their forefathers in creating wonders that have lasted for thousands of years. One who is unfamiliar with the Empire's history would only see relics of the past. Damaged by humans and weathered by time, it is often easy to overlook the value that these structures possess in the eyes of the Empire's descendants.

Deep within the woods, a statue 80 ft high can be seen peeking above even the tallest of trees. The statue is of a sheathed sword, said to have been carved from a monolithic piece of hard stone dating over 2,000 years ago. On the sheath, there are three swords with the hilts close together and the blades fanning outwards sealed within a circle. The mark identifies one as carrying the honour of the Institute of Blades, additionally conferring upon the bearer the title of Emperor or Empress of Blades. Beyond the statue, the forest begins to thin out, opening up into a wide expanse of land. The pebbled trail snakes its way past the statue and continues on to a white temple some distance away.

From the Citadel of Bosa, it was roughly a 3-hour drive to the Ironwood Kingdom. This leg of the journey was relatively easy, as the self-driving vehicle took responsibility for every aspect of the long drive. The difficulty began when they arrived at the end of the capital proper. From here, it was impossible to take the car any further as the woods became thicker. After unloading the luggages, Darron called the rental company, informing them that the Mercedez will be driving itself back to the Citadel of Bosa. After inputting the details of the designated staff that will receive the car, Darron set the self-drive mode to cruise and the family watched as this piece of genius technology drove away.

"Okay guys." gaining the attention of his children. "We have a long trek ahead of us. It's going to be a little tough, but we'll go slow and take our time alright?"

"Pops how far away is the academy?" asks Arron.

"It's about 2 hours on foot from here, but the trail winds its way up the side of the mountain's foot, so we'll be walking uphill for a while." explains Darron. A look of nostalgia appears on both Darron and Lashell's face. "It feels somewhat good to be back here doesn't it?"

Lashell simply smiles at him, taking his hand into her own and leading the family towards the beginning of the trail.

**********

Author’s Notes:

I’ve just finished chapter 4. It’s the last day of work before Easter break starts so there isn’t much happening at the moment hence the free time. I’ll be starting on chapter 5 until I need to leave so I can get hammered :)

If there are inconsistencies, please let me know. Thanks for reading!

Let the holiday’s begin!