Somewhere near the Celetrial Empire's capital, Aurion located in the Heliarch Prime system.
…
Heliarch Prime was a bright, stable star system and the heart of the Celetrial Empire. It was a beacon whose luminosity shone across a vast region of space, unmistakable in the galactic cluster.
The system was massive, home to numerous planets, moons, and artificial habitats orbiting its sun. All these bodies were interconnected by an intricate web of energy relays unique to Heliarch Prime, unmatched in scale and design.
The system was one of the largest in the Empire and was entirely under the authority of the Imperial family.
At the centre of the system was Aurion, a gleaming, hyper-technological planet-spanning city. Aurion despite being a planet-wide metropolis was huge, in fact compared to Velmora it was ten times the size and more advanced.
There were millions of towering spires made of reflective alloys reaching the outer atmosphere all around the planet. These spires though numerous matched well with the surface of megacities and nature preserves that were meticulously designed and together they shaped Aurion into the platinum planet, a world that balanced artificial precision and ecological artistry.
Above the planet covered a near invisible energy shield that faintly glowed in the night sky. It was the primary cause that made the planet appear as a star when viewed from space, earning it the nickname the Platinum Star.
…
As the Voss fleet neared Aurion's space, the huge Platinum Star loomed ahead, radiating brilliance even against the dark backdrop of space. The convoy was quite a distance away, but they could see the glowing planet as if up close. Beside Aurion they could see a nearby space station monitoring and on guard over the airspace.
The convoy followed in a linear format behind other ships that belonged to the many travellers in the galaxy that visited the capital. There was a long procession of star ships and vessels all in uniform formation, one after the other.
Nielson sat in his seat, quietly watching the news broadcast on the screen beside him when Eric entered the lounge and bowed slightly.
"My lord, we've received clearance to proceed to the orbital station Aurelius Prime. From there, we will be escorted to the surface."
Nielson nodded, his gaze still fixed on the screen he was watching. "Good, let's get this over with."
He leaned back in his seat, his body stiffened. Despite his composed expression, there was a slight trembling in his posture that only someone as close to him as Eric has noticed.
Neilson was a noble and one who had to show strength at all times especially when in the capital. Aurion was not just the seat of power, it was the heart of the Empire's politics, intrigue, and danger. Any mishap could ruin all that he had been planning for these past years, for the time being, he had to show strength, even with his weakened body.
As the convoy approached the outer perimeter of the Aurion defence grid the large space station came into view. Just a moment ago it had been cloaked, now revealed Aurelius Prime emerged from the darkness.
The structure was massive, a behemoth of a station rivalling the capital planet only just smaller. It was spherical in shape but more like a broken then rebuilt sphere with some of the insides missing. Large structures protruded from the station weapons of many kinds and different sections for life, machinery and work separated as chunks of broken debris.
The station was littered with lights emanating from everywhere, simulating the appearance of a machine world.
…
"This is Aegis Command. You are now entering Imperial air space. Transmit your identification and clearance codes" said a sharp voice over the comms heard by the head captain of the Command ship.
On the command bridge of the Command ship, the screens were filled with the live footage of the operators and high officers who oversaw the activities on Aurelius Prime.
"This is Captain Levara of the Silver Voss, transmitting clearance codes now. Our delegation is en route to the Imperial Palace under Baron Nielson Voss" replied the captain.
There was a brief silence as the codes were being verified. The silence only being broken by the humming of the ship's systems.
"Clearance confirmed. Welcome to the Aurelius Prime. Proceed to Docking Bay 11, escorts ships will guide you there. Command ship only is permitted beyond this point."
The fleet began its final approach after adjusting formation, it headed toward the station as a group while the Command ship prepared to break off. They passed through the shimmering barrier of the energy shield that kept the station camouflaged.
Upon entry, the full scale of the station was revealed an industrial marvel bustling with activity. The fleet flew further inwards reaching the specified Docking Bay, the rest of the fleet would have to remain here while the Command ship would be escorted to the surface of the planet.
****
The docking bay was bustling with activity. Imperial soldiers gleaming in white and gold uniforms stood attention, their presence a constant reminder of the Empire's might.
Behind were droids that moved with mechanical precision, unloading supplies, and maintaining the space all while banners bearing the Imperial insignia flew overhead them.
From then on, there was a fleet of smaller ships that escorted the Command ship to the surface of the planet. As soon as they were close enough, Nielson left the Command ship, and the Voltron-5 took over following the escorts.
Perfectly steered by Astra, Voltron-5 soared through the air the view was breathtaking.
True to its name of Platinum Star the planet was a sight. Spires reaching the stars were everywhere, the metallic surface different and advanced, being able to glow just the right kind.
The nature preserves were plentiful and were able to break through the platinum surface filling the whole city. The whole planet was the right mixture of metallic surface and nature.
****
Though House Voss did have an estate in the capital, Nielson did not want to spend any more time than he had to in the capital, so the course set was for the palace as previously stated.
Soon Voltron-5 accompanied by a squad of escort ships approached the Imperial Palace. A massive fortress, its grandeur dwarfed everything else as if it were the realm where gods lived.
It was a colossal structure of platinum and crystal, its towers piercing the clouds like divine monuments while being suspended in an elevated platform. To reach the front door, would take a while on foot so it was better to use ships.
Banners bearing the Imperial family crest —an intricate design of stars encircling a golden phoenix with a crown overhead and inscription written circularly underneath—fluttered in the wind.
The Palace appeared unguarded at first glance, but any seasoned warrior could recognise that the threat was latent, hidden in plain sight.
Astra perfectly led the ship and landed it smoothly on the designated platform. The Voltron-5 was in the centre while the rest of the ships from House Voss other than the Imperial escorts landed around it.
From those, officers belonging to House Voss emerged from the ships and lined up in formation followed by the soldiers from the Imperial family in their own formation.
Then the Baron stepped out accompanied by his trusted servant Eric, he slowly descended the ramp at his own pace. He was greeted by lines of Imperial guards and a few of his men all in uniform and fierce.
The platform was quiet except for the flying ships in the distance. The guards from both sides stood in posture aligned in rows of lines on either side such that there was an aisle that led to the Palace.
At the forefront of the reception came a man who stood out too well, the Grand Chamberlain Luthor Maric.
Tall and commanding, Luthor's mere presence demanded respect even from Nielson himself.
The man was old, maybe older than the Baron but in contrast to the Nielson whose health was failing the man was still physically fit with no signs of getting worse.
Behind him were a few servants who like him were wearing formal uniforms expected from workers in the Imperial Palace, expensive and dignified.
After Nielson reached the man, he stopped while Eric and the others behind him bowed to show respect. The two sides were unarmed besides crates and crates of resources that Nielson had brought with them.
"Baron Nielson Voss," greeted Luthor, he appeared respectful as he bowed at the Baron just slightly while Nielson remained upright. "Welcome to the Capital, the Emperor awaits your presence."
Nielson slightly nodded his head.
"Lead the way, sir."
"Follow me."
Luthor with a smile gestured Nielson to follow him into the Palace.
They moved between the twin lines of guards on either sides of the makeshift aisle, Nielson was behind Luthor at the best pace he could take. Eric and the others followed behind hauling the crates of tributes on some levitating trollies.
Obviously, the crates had been scanned and secured by some of the guards the moment they came out. Before the archway, the Imperial Palace awaited.