"So that's a TISF ship; I'm not impressed," Shalendra Ellynn scoffed from the pilot's seat of the shuttle she was currently piloting.
"That's to be expected, Shalendra. The Terrans have always been behind us in terms of technology, and that will only increase now that they are excluded from the shared military technology program," Queen Riniya Solar replied from her seat.
"Something I expect to be remedied in the near future," Liluth stated adamantly from her seat next to her mother.
"What do you mean, daughter?" Riniya asked curiously.
"I have it under good authority that the Ashes Galaxy Senator will soon petition for the end of the Terrans' exclusion from the shared military technology program," Liluth replied.
"Impossible, that will never pass," Keerla Orisandoral stated from the co-pilot's seat.
"I'm inclined to agree with Keerla on this one, daughter," Riniya replied before continuing. "As you know, a petition needs at least three senators to support it before it can even be brought up for discussion in the Senate.
You surely must know that your father and grandfather will put pressure on the other races not to support this petition?"
"I'm aware," Liluth replied with a sigh before adding, "even though I already told them there's no need."
"They're just being protective of you, dear," Riniya replied.
"I think you mean overprotective," Liluth stated while rolling her eyes.
Riniya chuckled at her daughter's response before asking, "Why do you seem so certain that the Terrans will soon be allowed back into the shared military technology program, then?
It's not like you to be so certain about something without concrete evidence."
"Well, I expect the Oasis Galaxy and Draco Galaxy Senators to support the petition," Liluth replied.
"The dragons?" Keerla asked in shock before adding, "Why would Senator Pevaphio support such a petition? She hardly ever attends the Senate after all."
"But she will attend during the Universal Senate Supreme Speaker Selection," Liluth replied while smirking.
"I guess, but that still doesn't explain why she would support this petition," Keerla replied.
"Or why the Ashes Galaxy Senator would raise this petition," Riniya added.
"Secret," Liluth replied while sticking out her tongue.
"Really, daughter! You used to tell me everything," Riniya said with a sigh.
"Tell you what," Liluth began. "Ask me again after you see your future son-in-law."
"What's it got to do with him?" Riniya asked in confusion.
"Who even is this future husband of yours?" Shalendra asked.
"Want a hint?" Liluth teased.
"Yes," All three women replied simultaneously.
Liluth giggled before looking at Shalendra and Keerla while saying, "It's someone you two have met before."
"Really?" Keerla asked.
"Who?" Shalendra asked.
"Someone they've met before?" Riniya asked before adding, "have I met him?"
"No, you haven't," Liluth replied.
Riniya was about to ask something else when the shuttle suddenly received a communication.
"TISF Imperial Down to approaching shuttle, please identify yourself."
"Don't tell them Mother is here," Liluth quickly stated to Shalendra.
"Why? Should be concerned for her safety?" Keerla asked with concern.
"No," Liluth replied before smirking as she added, "Isn't it more fun to surprise them?"
"I'm no expert, but I don't think that's very diplomatic," Shalendra remarked.
"It's not," Riniya said with a sigh.
"I repeat, TISF Imperial Down to approaching shuttle, please identify yourself."
"You better answer them," Liluth said with a smile.
Shalendra looked at Riniya and as the queen nodded in confirmation, Shalendra pressed a holographic key on the control panel before saying, "This is the Solarian Royal Family shuttle carrying Princess Liluth Solar. She is here to attend her meeting with Princess Tessa Terrana."
"Understood. For clearance, please confirm the password set up between Princess Terrana and Princess Solar."
"Password?" Shalendra asked in surprise before turning to Liluth.
Liluth smiled before leaning forward and pressing the same holographic key as she said, "the password is Milky Way Galaxy, Earth."
"Password confirmed. Welcome, Princess Liluth Solar. You are cleared for docking."
"Milky Way Galaxy, Earth?" Riniya repeated in confusion before asking, "I've never heard of such a planet or galaxy."
"Hehe," Liluth giggled.
***
"Listen up, people!" Andria, who was in dress uniform, ordered as she stood with her back to the docking bay while addressing a dozen of the Imperial Downs crew, all of whom were also in dress uniform and carried rifles on their shoulders.
"I have already told you how important this negotiation is and although the decision to hold the negotiations here was last-minute, I still expect you all to behave in a manner that brings honour to the Imperial Family and the TISF."
"AYE, CAPTAIN!" the dozen gathered TISF officers shouted in unison.
Andria nodded in approval before saying, "As per military protocol when welcoming fellow dignitaries aboard, you are to form two lines at the Solarian shuttles' exit hatch"
"AYE, CAPTAIN!"
"Bridge to Captain, the Solarian shuttle is on final approach," a voice suddenly said through the internal comm.
"Very good," Andria replied before ordering, "Get into positions."
The crew members saluted before quickly moving into the cargo bay to wait for the shuttle to land.
"Andria, is everything in order?" Tessa asked as she approached the docking bay with Becky.
Tessa was wearing a long flowing dress and a tiara that was fitting for her station as princess, while Becky was wearing her dress uniform like the other officers.
"Indeed, princess, the shuttle is on final approach," Andria answered.
"Excellent," Tessa said with a smile before asking, "has the ship been prepared for the tour?"
"Indeed, all sections are undergoing a final cleaning as per your instructions," Andria reported.
"Good," Tessa replied before giving an apologetic look and saying," sorry about the inconvenience."
"It's not your fault; you weren't to know that Princess Solar would make such a surprising request," Andria replied.
"Do you think this was her plan all along?" Becky asked.
"Possibly, knowing how smart she is," Tessa replied.
"Tch," Becky responded before adding in a grump, "she could have at least warned us; I mean, I'm missing Adam's stream for this."
"Becky," Tessa said sternly while looking at her cousin before continuing, "Liluth might not mind your personality in private, but when we are in public, I expect you to behave and act like a proper member of the TISF."
Becky nodded and stood up straight while saying, "Yes, princess."
Andria sighed as she looked at how Becky became serious all of a sudden and wished she could make her cousin do that.
Not many people were aware, but although Tessa allowed Becky to act as herself the majority of the time, she was one of only a few people who could make Becky act seriously.
"Solarian shuttle now landing," a voice said from the intercom, causing the three women to look into the docking bay.
As they did, they saw a shuttle pass through the blue energy barrier before slowly landing on the docking bay's deck.
As soon as it touched down, the TISF officers quickly approached and formed two lines on either side of where the shuttle's entry ramp would descend.
Tessa, Becky and Andria approached the end of the honour guard and as the entry ramp descended and the shuttle's hatch opened, Andria shouted.
"ORDER, ARMS!"
The honour guard moved their rifles into a different position and stamped on the deck, while Andrea and Becky saluted.
However, as soon as the shuttle's hatch opened and they all saw who was standing beside Princess Liluth Solar, they couldn't help but give shocked reactions.
Queen Riniya Solar stood majestically beside her daughter as she smiled down at the gathered Terrans before saying, "it seems your little prank was successful, daughter."
"Worked like a charm," Liluth stated proudly as the two of them began to descend the shuttle's ramp while Keerla and Shalendra followed behind.
"I take it this was your doing, Princess Solar?" Tessa asked with a forced smile as the four Solarians approached.
"Indeed, Princess Terrana," Liluth replied happily.
Tessa smiled at her before turning to Riniya and greeting her, "Queen Riniya, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please forgive my surprise, but I was unaware that you would be accompanying your daughter."
Riniya smiled before saying, "The pleasure is all mine, Princess Tessa and I was also unaware that I would be accompanying my daughter until a short while ago."
"It seems Princess Liluth has a tendency for pranks," Tessa said with a smile.
"Indeed, when she was younger, she used to prank her siblings all the time," Riniya stated before adding with disappointment, "though recently she has spent more and more time locked up in her lab."
"I'm sorry, Mother, but you know I'm currently working on something important right now," Liluth replied.
"I know, dear, but I still wish you would visit the palace more often," Riniya replied before adding, "I'm sure Empress Victoria is missing Princess Tessa here."
Tessa smiled before adding, "Mother is busy tutoring Steven on how to be a good emperor. He was supposed to have many years before he inherited the throne after all."
"That doesn't mean she isn't missing you," Riniya said kindly before adding, "Also, my condolences on the loss of your father, the emperor and other family members."