Daonlathas,
Executive District,
Stoinian Ambassadorial Tower,
Two days after the Kontauri Integration Act

Sinclair had been posted for about 1 month and had grown to quite fond of his post on Daonlathas. He began to tolerate the xenos more and more, especially Foixon Perushan. His Ryccian Advisor proved to be very insightful and helped him to scan the political landscape in Ryccia and even in the Stoinian Star Kingdom. Now he had some paperwork to do concerning some Stoinian businesses who wanted to expand within the Ambassadorial Tower. He approved a tourism firm and an artisan shop for jewellery. It was then that he was interrupted by a Cheunh clerk who had news for him. The door chimed as the Cheunh stood outside.

"Come in."

The Cheunh clerk was Chaff'aran'ugheni or just Faranu as he had grown accustomed to the Stoinians using his short name. He wore a similar uniform to the Legate, but without the many ribbons.

"Legate, I have some news for you."

"Well then Faranu, bring me some good fortune."

Faranu raised an eyebrow. The Terrans sure had many figures of speech...

"You've been promoted to High Legate, Sir. As multiple embassies will be build over the years, we'll need seniority within the many legates. Meaning that you will be the highest ranking diplomatic official in the Ryccian Empire for the Stoinian Star Kingdom. I believe congratulations are in order."

Sinclair was surprised. If anything he suspected to be berated to do his job better. Nonetheless he was happy, but didn't show. Instead he focused on his paperwork.

"Also the recent annexation of the Kontauri has been successful and the Kontauri Integration Act has been passed. All Kontauri males have been granted full citizenship and free citizens of the Stoinian Star Kingdom."

This news was new to him. He had never heard of the Kontauri before and feared that the Star Kingdom was annexing planets left and right now. But that wouldn't explain why they were given citizenship. Just what on holy Terra was happening?

"Thank you, Faranu. I'll have to clear these things with the Ministry of Foreign Relations on what exactly happened. This is the first time I hear of it."

"Aye Sir. I suggest you make hast as the news is about to hit the Ryccian media outlets."

"No, tell the staff to not speak on any of it for now. If they are somehow asked about it, tell them I'll make a statement and that they can't give any comment on it as of yet."

"Aye Sir! Right away."

With that the clerk dismissed himself and Sinclair opened a channel to the Minister of Foreign Relations. Right now he couldn't make out if this news was good or not...
 

---

After an hour or so Sinclair got what he wanted and was astonished. Though he didn't see the whole picture as only the King and his heirs were permitted to learn of von Kranowicz's operation. It had all seemed surreal as if they went back in time and a duel between champions was held to decide the outcome of a battle. The Ryccian media outlets sure would have a lot of questions. It was then that his door chimed again.

"Come in."

It was Foixon Perushan.

"High Legate Sinclair. I believe congratulations are in order. However I have some news for you, a popular late night host is looking for another interview with you. He's looking for a hole in your schedule so that the Ryccian people might learn you better. What shall I say to him?"

"Oh please call me Jeff. Had it been yesterday I would have said yes, but right now I'm not sure..."

"Sir, I don't follow. I thought you wanted to smoothen relations with us."

"Yes I do, but I recently learned that my government has annexed the Kontauri into the Star Kingdom."

Was it true then? Were they barbarians after all?

"Sir, I don't quite understand. Did your government go out it's way to annex primitives?"

"No, we have strict protocol concerning that. The most damned thing is they went to us and called us to care for them. How the hell are we supposed to play that to gain favour with the Ryccians?!"

Foixon was stunned at the Legate losing his temper. He had heard of humans doing it, but this easily? Perhaps it was a thing only exclusive for barbarians...

"Well, Sir, the Ryccian people view it as holy to maintain all life regardless of its form and to treat it with respect. I'm sure it will be alright if you'd explain the whole situation to me."

"Well I see that, but apparently only Kontauri males have been granted citizenship. Now we'll be called sexist as well, how am I supposed to keep this ambassadorial post running if all these things happen every week."

"High Legate, I think you're overreacting. Remember that the ultranationalists only are a small fraction of the Ryccian populace. Now please explain to me all the details."
 

---

Foixon Perushan was amazed at the story. Their monarch had duelled with another for the fate of their titles. How... Barbaric indeed. The situation was better than he had feared, since the Kontauri Senate voted unanimously in favour of the annexation, there was little the Ryccians could do about it. They had to respect the wishes, but he had to admit. The ultranationalists were going to make a fuss about it and likely protests would happen. Their discussion was interrupted however by an alarm of Sinclair. It was time for him to go pick up the kids from school.

"We'll discuss this further on the way to school."

"Do you expect me to go with you Sir?"

"You mean to tell me that you don't like to work efficiently?"

"Oh no, Sir. Quite the contrary..."

"Good, then let's go."

The two gentlemen left the Legate's Office and walked through the tower towards the shuttle hangar. They further discussed plans on how to frame and word it towards the Ryccian people. It would prove a difficult task, but Foixon was determined to get the job done. As the shuttle pilot flew through Daonlathas' skies Foixon couldn't help but feed his curiosity.

"Sir, if I may, why can't your wife do this? Surely she must understand that your job requires a lot of time."

Sinclair let out a sigh of disappointment.

"It's not about her. It's about me."

"I don't follow."

"I don't want to be a distant father to my children. I didn't survive the Velutarian War to just sit in an office and watch my children grow old. I want to live with them as they grow old, watch them become strong and intelligent. Teach them how to live and nothing will stop me from spending time with them. Don't you Velpans have the same connection with your family?"

"Of course we do. It's just that we don't share the same open ferocity as you. Or at least not as loudly."

That last part put a smile on Sinclair's face.

"Well Foixon, I'll take that as a compliment."

The shuttle then landed right next to where the children were waiting to get picked up. As soon as they saw their father the two little twins, John and Erin, jumped towards him. The feeling Sinclair felt was like nothing his work could do to him and gave both of them a kiss. Then came the rest, Lily greeted her father and kissed him on the cheek. She may have been shier than the two rascals, but not less affectionate. Then came to two older sons, Robert and William. They had grown closer since they moved schools and began to detest the idea of being picked up. Sinclair waved the hair on their heads and embraced them both. They gave some resistance, but Sinclair would have none of it for he was too proud of them. Foixon Perushan had never been with Sinclair when he picked up his children and slowly began to understand what he must feel. He even pondered on the idea of having his own children with Ferala, the idea certainly became more and more appealing. Just as they were to leave the school's grounds they heard shouting. It was the Ryccian press. How Sinclair started to loath them for not granting him the privacy he wanted, but these were hotshot journalists who had taken example from the journalist that had been able to interview the King on Constantinople. It was in that moment that something changed in Foixon Perushan. Still feeling the warmth of having his own children reflected in Sinclair, he decided to intervene. It wasn't sympathy or that was what he told himself. It was something unclear as of yet...

"Jeff, get your children home. I'll handle them."

Sinclair was surprised he had used his name. When he looked Perushan in the eyes he noticed something was different. It was as if he understood how Sinclair felt by a trigger... However after a heartbeat he escorted his children in haste towards the shuttle and immediately flew off. Wasting no time he ordered the pilot to go around for a pass and not leave for the tower just yet. Foixon would be surrounded by the many journalist who started to shout many things.

"Barbarian coward!" "Don't you need some enlightenment before you do such a thing?!" "Sexist, we demand equal rights for Kontauri women!"

"Greetings. I'm Foixon Perushan, Ryccian Advisor to High Legate Sinclair. What can I do for you?"

"Hello, I'm from the National ReviewIs it true that the Stoinian Star Kingdom has started to annex primitive races?"

"We've been instructed to not comment on that matter. Sinclair will make a statement later this evening concerning that matter."

"So it's true then! Don't they consider the Kontauri a sentient species then? What's to say they won't do the same with other primitive race within the Star Kingdom?"

"I again am sorry to inform you that I can't make any comment on that as of this moment."

It was obvious the journalist was from an ultranationalist news paper and it would be made clear with the next statement.

"So you agree with them? Don't you value the same ideals we do?!"

"Sir, such a statement is ridiculous. Of course I..."

Foixon wasn't allowed to finish his sentence and the journalists transformed into a mod. Just what the ultranationalist politicians intended, though Sinclair was the main target, but Foixon would do as well.

"Traitor!" "Racist!" "Bigot!"

The mob began to physically assault and accuse Foixon. The main journalist asking the questions grabbed Foixon's clothes by the neck and asked aggressively for confirmation. School security had began to disperse the outer layers of the mob, but then Sinclair's shuttle came back and as the shuttle still hovered its door opened. Sinclair jumped out of it and punched the journalist in the face so hard he fell on the ground. The mob looked in shock and retaliated against Sinclair. Luckily their numbers were but five as school security had broken up most of the group. Sinclair was trained in combat and made easy work out of them. All this time the holocameras recorded footage of this extraordinary event. After mere minutes it became clear to the other mob members that they wouldn't stand a chance against a Stoinian veteran. Sinclair would however use this moment to tell the mob a clear message to their masters. He delivered his message calm and sternly with a menacing tone as he pointed with an authoritative finger to the sky. 

"Now all of you listen to me very carefully. No one assaults any member of my staff, whatever their species of nationality. If you want to get to them, you'll have to pass through me first."

With that Sinclair reached out his hand to lift up Foixon. Foixon still couldn't process what just had happened one second he had the journalists under control and the next he lays on the ground and Sinclair fights off the mob of journalists. He couldn't help but feel thankful to Sinclair, he hadn't expected for a barbarian to such a thing.

"Thank you, High Legate."

Sinclair put both his hands on Foixon's shoulders and comforted him.

"Oh spare me of that nonsense. You did the right thing and I couldn't let you alone here. I don't leave my men behind. Besides, after you gave me that look I knew what you felt."

"I still don't understand fully what happened."

Sinclair than gave him a slap on his arm to lighten up the mood.

"Don't worry about it. I'll give you some time to rest. Now let's get out of here before the big boys arrive."

Sinclair returned to his tower with Foixon and his children. They were greeted by Rebecca, his wife and tower security. The children headed towards their mother and Foixon headed to the infirmary as he felt an ache in his back. Sinclair would however stay a bit longer in the shuttle to thank the pilot.

"Pilot, expect a bonus this month."

"Oh thank you, Sir. But seeing you punch those ultranationalists was a bonus on its own."

Sinclair then left the shuttle and saw his staff looking at him. Slowly some Stoinians began to applaud him, the Ryccians followed the gesture and many praised the Legate. For he had proven himself he would protect them no matter the cost. He then embraced his wife and gave her a passionate kiss. The children looked away, but some of the Stoinians even cheered it. Sinclair was happy to see his staff's loyalty and smiled as he spoke to them.

"All right! You all, get back to work!"

"Yes, Sir!" "Right away, Sir!"
 

---

Later that evening Sinclair held a press conference concerning the recent annexation of the Kontauri. As he entered the room many the Ryccian journalists were shouting their questions for they were in a very curious mood. However Sinclair couldn't make anything out of the shouting of the masses. However as soon as he started his statement the crowd calmed down to hear what he had to say.

"Greetings. The Stoinian Star Kingdom has the following statement to say concerning the recent annexation of Kontaurius: The Stoinian Government is happy to announce the peaceful incorporation of the Empire of Kontaurus into the larger Star Kingdom. Following the first contact initiated by the Kontauri Emperor Lando Molari, he requested the presence of our King. The Kontauri believe that we are the care takers from the Prophecy of Kavu. This prophecy will be released later tonight. After a brief exchange between monarchs the Kontauri Emperor challenged King Andrei to a Kontauri duel to the death for their titles. Reports state that both monarchs fought valiantly, but our King eventually won. Emperor Molari died a true Kontauri and is a shining example of the new species we welcome with open arms as equals. Our King has refused to reveal any details concerning his private chat with the Kontauri Emperor, stating that he won't indulge in private matters. The Kontauri Senate has voted unanimously to integrate into the large Star Kingdom and have begun integration efforts. All Kontauri males have been given full citizenship, female Kontauri are in the process of gaining it as well, but at the request of the Kontauri government this will happen gradually so that the voters may be well informed with their new rights. In short, the Stoinian Star Kingdom is happy to welcome a valuable new species into the Star Kingdom. I'll now take your questions."

"Cecil Avontaine from the National Review, a patriotic paper. Why has your government accepted to indulge in such vile acts as annexations? Did you learn that rom your Treecuu friends? Surely you are too barbaric to comprehend that."

Sinclair's fury became visible. He stared at the nationalistic for a good amount of heartbeats.

"Mr. Avontaine, perhaps your paper should think before sending its reporters into my private time with my children. You call me barbaric, but it was your mob of journalists that assaulted my staff. I don't think you're really in a position to call me to stupid to comprehend your values. If you listened to my statement, you'll know that the Kontauri joined us willingly. Since you aren't here to ask reasonable questions I won't further indulge in giving you answers."

"Marcus Valbury from the Imperial News Network. How long does the process of full integration take? Do you have any figures when all Kontauri will become full citizens?"

"We aim to achieve that within a T-year or two. It all depends on how the Kontauri cooperate, but Major Legate Aetius is optimistic and a capable Officer. I'm sure he'll oversee it to the best of his capabilities and accelarte things where possible."

"Yuen Sterlikt from the Imperial Post. Are you aware that assaulting a member of the press is a felony?"

"If the press assaults my staff, I think they forfeited their press rights and should be considered for felony themselves. I'm sure my statement at the school made my stance very clear."

"Finei Tei from the Financial Times. Do you think your recent stunt will affect economic ties between our nations in any capacity?"

"I don't think that has to do with anything concerning this press conference."

"Falunxe Furtelin from the Imperial News Network. Some rumours suggest you might be recalled for your recent stunt. Do you have any information from your government?"

"I think I am well within my status of diplomatic immunity in this case. Considering I used it to protect one of my staff, I don't think my government will recall me. However this press conference was meant for the Kontauri and not my personal life. This conference is adjourned."