Space Odyssey: Spectre

Chapter 299: Why would you retire?

"Spectre Jace, can you search and disable any bugs that are in the room?" The High Priestess asked as she took up one of the seats while Nila stood to her side just behind her.

s. Almost like they were waiting for something. Jace ordered him to see if there is a common link amongst those looking suspicious and then detain them.

He was starting to get an idea of what was going on. Surprisingly he did not think the first prince or even the Tyranus Society was behind the assassination attempts on the Princess. The whole point of explaining the princes and Archdukes’ situation earlier was to bring in the idea that they were far too busy to focus on sending assassins after her on a daily basis.

Meaning the culprit of the assassination plots could be closer to home than the Princess might have thought. She had become so used to threats outside of her circle she might have neglected her own people scheming against her. Which is what has happened here.

One of the many groups she has under her has likely garnered enough support to take over in the event of the Princess’s death. Now they just had to track down how deep this rot has taken root in her group. Unfortunately it was seeming more and more like they would have a battle in the mercenary guild building.

Even more unfortunate was the fact that his squad would be the ones that would have to deal with that.

After a few more minutes there was a knock at the doors as the Princess and the High Priestess settled into their seats. Jace opened the door and a cloaked figure walked into the room. Just behind him was Uti, their Ola squad member, and Ulin who had opted to use her new laser bow. Ulin held out Jace’s knife and he accepted it before closing the doors and ordering them to standby outside the door.

Once the door was closed the cloaked figure brought down his hood. The Princess jumped out of her seat in surprise. Astella was standing behind her at a guarding position so she only backed up when the Princess jumped up. Benze’s expression was one of shock and horror. Jace could see the butler in the background as he literally fainted and fell to the ground.

"Fath- I mean your Majesty," He could see her eyes moisten as she resisted the urge to jump forward and hug the Emperor who in her eyes had returned from the dead.

But the Emperor was not nearly as formal as he stepped forward with a grin, quickly going around the table and pulling the princess into a hug. "Haha! None of that now my daughter! Feel free to call me father if you want!" He laughed loudly as he pulled back from his hug. "Now that the people think I am dead, I am leaving it all to my heirs to deal with while I enjoy retirement." The emperor explained as he pulled a few things out of his cloak. A data pad and a few official looking documents.

"What? Why?" The Princess asked in bewilderment as the Emperor took the seat next to her. She slowly sat down as well. Cautious and confused about the change of events. "Why would you retire?"