Rex felt his heart beating in his chest as he quickly paced down the hall inside HMS Shi-Cho There was an unnatural breeze caused by the ac unit, but Rex was hot. He could feel the blood coursing through his veins as he walked, and sweat beads were forming on his forehead. He was stressed. He was about to commit treason.
In a few days, his father, King Heath Valhoun, was going to attend a meeting with two Imperials from different factions. Rex knew that Heath would not cooperate with the men. This was something that could not stand. The Elysium Empire was failing under Heath's leadership, and they needed more allies, not enemies, or even competition. So Rex was going to speak with Commodore Burtch and do whatever necessary to convince him to demand a meeting with The King. Just enough of a distraction that would allow Rex himself to attend the Imperial meeting.
He worked his way down the hall, passing what seemed like hundreds of personnel. He never made eye contact. Not once. It felt like the length of a Nuna-ball field, but it was really only some 45 yards before he finally reached Burtch's quarters. He slipped in, without knocking, and immediately found the Chiss Admiral sitting at a desk. The Chiss Admiral rose to his feet, not in surprise, but to salute Rex. Rex Returned the salute promptly, still not accustomed to being saluted everywhere he went.
The Admiral returned to his seat and Rex spoke, "Vice Admiral Burtch. Congratulations on your promotion." Rex took a moment to think about his words, then continued, "Burtch, I will not mince my words nor hide my intentions. I need you to demand a meeting with my father. I need you to keep him busy for a day, so that I will take over his place in a meeting. I can give you whatever you need for you to accomplish this task. Is this order understood and accepted?"
The Admiral's Response
Burtch listened to the young man as he spoke. Rex's words were rushed and dangerous. After many years serving in the First Order Navy, he knew that such thoughtless actions would spell the end of many-a-career. Burtch chose to slowly sit back down as a way to delay his response, considering his next words very carefully, "Prince Rex Valhoun, as an officer of the Elysium Empire Navy, I am always at your service. Before I respond to your orders, I must ask you to pass my gratitude on to your wife for me. She is most generous for sending us that last shipment of sniper rifles so quickly and at a reasonable price. She has been nothing but a blessing to our mighty navy, and the sentiments are certainly appreciated.
"As for your orders, my lord, they are not necessary. We have reason to suspect that Heath's personal vessels and all of the available transports that are stationed on the HMS Utopia are currently a security risk to our noble king. I was actually just about to order a martial lockdown on his vessel until the security risks are fully investigated, and neutralized, if necessary." The edges of his mouth curled into a faint, surreptitious smile, "There is no need for brash actions today, My lord."
