Free A New Day by Ben Winston Page B

chicken or fish. Addson's medical AI said that they can eat red meats too, but it tends to make them too violent and aggressive so they removed it from their diet unless going into combat. Hyclarion soldier's rations are very different than what the civilians eat," Deirdre replied. "I did ask the Admiral if he would need something like that, but he declined and said that it was a more physical response than intellectual or emotional, so only the troops get it. He was really good about it, and readily explained it to me."
    "By the way Sis, the Emperor loved the quarters. Even the Senator seemed impressed with them," Ben said. "Mother did an excellent job in the redesign, but she said that you had a hand in it as well."
    "I did a little, but Mother did most of it herself. She deserves the credit for it," Deirdre said.
    The trio talked while Ben ate and prepared for the upcoming meeting with the Emperor. He did speak to the Emperor's Guard Captain, who reluctantly agreed that three Rangers and eight Marine guards should be enough protection for the Emperor if Jorga were to be allowed to attend the meeting. However, the very imposing being did insist that she stay on the other side of the room from the Emperor.
    The number of guards assigned surprised Ben, and he was concerned his office wouldn't be large enough for the meeting. However, Jorga did a little careful planning and made sure that all the people Ben had wanted to introduce would not be in the office at the same time. She set up a schedule for them to enter and provide testimony before being excused to make room for the next item on the agenda. Once she explained it to everyone, no one took offense, the Guard was greatly relieved and the problem was solved.
    She also relocated the venue of the meeting to the Grand Council Chamber. She invited the Captain of the Guard to inspect and tour the entire route as well as their apartment and the chamber itself so he could plan out his security measures. When the Captain expressed concern over the fact that there was only one entry and exit, Jorga took him aside and showed him the emergency escape route from the chamber. She made certain to tell him that he was one of four beings that knew of this secret route and asked that he keep it to himself.
    Relieved, the large being nodded his understanding and thanked her, not only for the trust, but for taking the time to address his concerns. So, while Ben, Deirdre and Jorga hosted the Imperial party in the Council Chamber, Kaitlin and Marcy hosted the Imperial Guard in their apartment. Since Marcy would be called upon to testify, they also enlisted the help of Jon's twin daughters who were awed by the very large beings, but managed to be courteous and friendly.
    The Imperial guard was very appreciative of their hostesses and tried to respect the fact that this was the private apartment of the Prime Council. Other than having an apartment full of large hairy beings, the event went rather well for Kaitlin and the girls.
     

Chapter Five
     
    Grand Council Chamber
    Command Pod Alpha One
    26 - 27 Apr. 10266 CE (AD)
    Sector 34871 - Great Inland Sea
    Earth, Sol system
     
     
    "Prime Council, we understand you decided to move our meeting here instead of your office due to the number of people to be seen. This chamber is odd to us, could you explain its function?" the Emperor asked.
    "Certainly, Majesty. This is called the Grand Council Chamber. This is where we hold the meetings of our Council as it has a special dedicated communications suite capable of linking each and every pod on the planet. The system allows for not only real time communication but data manipulation as well. From here I address the rest of the councilors to discuss issues and debate problems that require the attention of the council. It is also possible for me to address the people directly from here. From the controlling console, I have access to every type of information I might need so the Council can make as