Alpharius stared blankly off of the bridge of his Mothership into the swirling blackness below. Hours ago, the Thunder Child had arrived in orbit above a minute planet far out in the Eastern Roman provinces; one that seemed entangled by liquid night. Like a Dark Star, the tiny world seemed to consume all adjacent light that bombarded its throbbing surface, rendering it a horrifying sight to behold - yet somehow disturbingly majestic. But the perpetual darkness was not always so; on occasion, the mesmerizing skin became aggravated and small pockets boiled over and ruptured so that for scarce moments, there was light. It was for this brief reprieve from the darkness that he waited for, as he had done so countless times. Continually Awed by the experience, Alpharius took a moment during each pilgrimage to soak in this perfect fusion and balance between night and day, the light and darkness.
It was here on this symbolic world that the Second Great Marian Reforms would be consummated through the Grand Ceremony. The Black Heralds had scoured the Galaxy and brought word to all citizens of the empire with every Consular and Centurion gifted to participate and make their pledge.
The Vid-Screen flickered to life as signals were finally able to penetrate the stubborn Blackness. From memory, the muscles in his hands repeated actions he had done a hundred times before, pressing icons to prepare his Mothership’s descent through the temporary safe passage. A second Vid-Screen revealed another ship on the surface having just landed, dwarfing his own grand vessel many times over. An honour guard of mighty Blue warriors flanked the passage from it to the Hostilian Court, the political heart of their mighty empire that stood upon this impossible and lonely world. A giant figure, Azure blade sheathed at the waist, clad in armour of purest night with bone pauldrons keeping the High Councillor’s cloak in place. The figure remained motionless for a second surveying the scene before making the long march, Warriors falling in behind as he passed.
Forcing his Gaze back to the original Vid-Screen, Alpharius sent the appropriate data streams to the sole building on this hidden planet. A flashing red light and a small beeping signified that it was his time to descend. Accessing the appropriate routine protocols, he began the slow dive into the waiting darkness below.
***
Morning had come although one could not tell without the aid of a chronological device. Time here had an eternal quality as the artificial light and scenery had remained unchanged for eons. It was a testament to the steadfast endurance of this mighty Roman Empire. Alpharius had safely arrived without coincidence and disembarked the previous evening, choosing to spend the night in his Queen’s quarters rather than deal with pointless formalities just yet. The vast complex was sparsely decorated, but the facilities provided for a full senatorial compliment and would suffice for the short time required for this ceremony.
By the time he had risen and his mate’s personal attendants and slaves prepared him, all delegates were now settled across the Hostilian Court. Soon they would meet up in the central amphitheatre to formalise and initiate what had already been discussed behind closed doors. Change was in the air. A revitalisation and reorganisation was underway to deal with the chaotic nature of the universe. The second great Marian Reforms would ensure the future and continuation of Rome’s grandeur.
Alpharius paused as he felt a familiar touch slide across his face and sighed as his Queen walked past from behind. Yet another reason he thought, that the empire must stand resolute in the face of all adversity. The door opened in anticipation and without looking back and flanked by her staff, she left to make final preparations.
Alone again and unwilling to emerge himself into the politics of the day just yet, Alpharius paused at what looked to be an opaque window. It was a Vid-Screen, and with the flick of a switch, he was surveying the vast array of warships and transport vessels that lay stretched across the horizon outside. With the exception of the interior facilities, the window could reveal any part of the planet at any moment. He indulged himself and flicked to the armies and personal guard that littered the ground below each of the behemoths. Warriors of Red, Blue and Green all stood unwavering, their banners held high and golden Aquila in turn holding their gaze. The banners would change but the warrior within and bond to the empire could never fade. Smiling, Alpharius returned the screen to opacity and began to make his way to the chamber where the Grand Ceremony was being held. It was time.
***
Not one seat in the amphitheatre was left empty. All had arrived and all shared the general consensus on change. The policies had been voiced; the fiery orators had roused up the Centurions and Consular, the performers had danced and fretted their time upon the stage and the extravagance of the ceremony was coming to an end. The Empire had her provinces spread amongst three groups - those shared by her Legions, her Cohorts and her Gladiators. Each acted with their own ruling legislative while answering to an empirical senate. Now had come the next step in the Empire’s evolution, adapting once again to overcome the challenges the galaxy posed.
Alpharius had read all the documents beforehand and was relieved that the political formalities were once again over. Although the three groups had their own unique identity, there were similar traits permeating throughout each individual that made up the empire. If that could harnessed and those binary and unified opposites set in an environment in which those traits could flourish, there was no telling just how far Rome’s arm could expand and multiply. Just as this planet, he thought; a perfect fusion and balance between night and day, the light and darkness.
A reverence fell upon the room as one by one the Centurions and Consular underwent the solemn rite. It was an ancient ritual performed to surface the true desires of a being so that on crucial choices, a correct uninfluenced decision can be made. It began with flames being lit before a central massive Aquila whose eyes were able to see into the very souls of men. This edifice was the avatar of Rome and all her ideals, their most sacred site and most priceless treasure.
Each member of the assembly including himself stood from their place and made their way to the stage, individually casting their hand into the tongues of fire. All distractions and whispers of the mind were purged, leaving only truth and from that truth a decision. To the left awaited the Dominar of the Dark Legion while to the right, lay the familiar Lords of the Light.
Alpharius cast in his hand…
Short Version
The Legion Empire is Reforming and undergoing another evolution. It is still the Legion Empire and all alliances are still devoted to it and each other. This is a mere reshuffle of players and renaming of individual alliances.
The Legion Empire is now made up of
- The Legion – The Legion you know and Love.
- The Dark Legion – The Legion you don’t want to know or feel their love.
- The Gladiators – Remains as is.
Note: The Cohort Alliance has been assimiliated into the above alliances. As for the story, we could all use a bit of positive roleplay and fun in these parts. Be seeing you all around...
Regards,
Alpharius
