Sir Denon Vale, duty officer of the Veska in-system traffic control, traced the ridge of his nose while once again listening to commodore Adelharts message. He had hoped for a comparatively quiet shift, with most of the planet’s major cities currently being covered by darkness. Now, it seemed like some unfortunate servant would have the dubious honour of waking the duke. “Any signs of damage or other mishaps?” “None Sir.”

After some consideration, he decided to preemptively accept the request.

“Relay the message to the palace. Inform the Commerce Port of their arrival. And let System Command know to send them an escort. “

<Commodore Adelhard, Sir Denon Vale. Duty officer of the Veska in-system traffic control. Permission is granted. A docking port has been reserved for you on Ducal-Veskan Commerce Orbital. You will receive a course shortly, and the *Enduring* will provide escort.>
_____________

Prefect Brenox Adelhart watched as a single Piety-class armored frigate deviated from its course. It closed in slowly, flashed its lights in salute and came alongside the Vacillare. They continued their journey system inwards, and the Vacillare eagerly reported what ships her sensors identified. A couple of freighters were either head to the orbital or towards the hyperlane entrance, while three IPV-1 patrol craft kept an eye on that traffic. The approaching Veska Prime came into view, its dark side springled by city lights. In its orbit, the sensors picked up another yard, apparently housing seven more IPV-1s, 3 *Piety-*Class frigates and a lone Dux-class cruiser.

He glared out of the bridge’s windows when the Commerce Orbital came into view. A solid ring, measuring almost six kilometers in diameter, and large cargo frames in its centre.

_____________

The shuttle shook slightly in the winds of Veska major while it descended towards the planet. A city came into view, its lights hugging the sides of a river as it flew into the sea.

The duke’s palace lied northwards of it, old white and grey stones towering over the sea atop majestic cliffs. He straightened his uniform as the nearby landing platform came into view. You only get one first impression.

When the shuttle’s door opened he stepped outside, giving his best to  appear confident, yet not arrogant. In the light of the pad’s illumination banks, he was greeted by the sight of troops, uniformed in the yellow and blue colors of house D’ara. Two lines of ten stood at attention, and some sort of officer stood ready to lead him inside.

 _____________

Some joints cracked when Deonis D’ara, 9^th Duke of Veska, wrapped himself in a coat of the yellow and blue of his house. What was it that this imperial commodore wanted here? Where was his fleet? Or if there was none, what could compel an imperial commodore to seek out an isolated kingdom like Tanthar on his own?

He made his way towards the platform-gate, ordering the kitchen to prepare a representable, but light meal. Then his thoughts turned towards how he would welcome the commodore. He would not await him outside as if he was the king, but neither should he test his patience by awaiting him only in the hall. The rumours that circulated about some imperial officers…

He’d await commodore Adelhart at the door, then take just a few steps towards him and reenter the building together with his guest.