Empire of Kontaurius,
Kontaurius,
1 day later, 8 days after the Emperor Molari left the Kontaurus system
 

The KIS Kontauri's Pride was somewhat archaic, but the King had grown fond of it. All the lavish decorations of the Kontauri had made quite and impression on the King. He was being served by many of the Kontauri, though he hadn't quite accustomed it. It was still a vary foreign concept to him and felt like a decadent Ryccian aristocrat. God was this the way the WANTED to treat themselves? The Manticore had escorted the Kontauri ship back to their homeworld. From space large constellations of cities could be seen, though like the Stoinians, much of the nature was kept to its own. As the Stoinian King came down to the planet through a Kontauri shuttle. This shuttle would bring the Stoinian King and his heirs directly to the Kontauri Imperial Palace. The architecture was similar to that of the Stoinians' own classical style, but with a Kontauri fling to it. Pillars and arches were commonly used, though the Kontauri domes were a category of their own. It certainly was more exquisite to the Stoinian palaces. Princess Elena quickly began to like the place and the inhabitants weren't as disgusting as insectoid. Aurelian and Carol didn't quite know what to make of it, but the King accepted his new duties. As of yet, he was the only one who knew the whole picture completely.
 

The Stoinians were brought in the Imperial Throne room and were awaited by a large group of Kontauri officials. The Kontauri guards escorting the Stoinians sounded their trumpets and announced that the Emperor of Kontaurius had arrived. The Kontauri Officials kneeled down without having the chance to look at the Stoinians. The King spoke with his baritone voice, a voice unknown to the Kontauri. 

"So you must be the Kontauri Imperial Cabinet."

Prime Minister Malakai rose up. Where was Emperor Molari? When he saw the Stoinians he gasped and the rest of the Kontauri stood up in disbelief.

"Are you the care takers? Where is Emperor Molari?"

"Yes, we are. Emperor Molari has challenged me to Muroga. By Kontauri law, I am now Emperor of Kontaurius. He died a true Kontauri."

The Emperor spoke with a strong and confident voice. He wanted to make sure none would challenge his rule. 

"I see. The late Emperor has given us into your care then. Well then, we must prepare you for your speech then. The Kontauri people will be eager to hear this news."

"I am not quite sure. I see some of you aren't really fond of the idea..."

The Kontauri Officials looked away or at the ground. Malakai noticed it and improvised.

"Your Majesty, perhaps it is best we discuss this in private?"

"Very well."

The Prime Minister dismissed the room and the King dismissed all but his heirs.

"Your Majesty, this should be a private conversation..."

"These are my heirs, Prime Minister. They will need to be prepared to understand your culture as well."

"Ah, I see... "

Malakai walked towards the window.

"You see that your Majesty, this is Krinto. The capital of Kontaurius. It may look beautiful, but it's build through deception and backdoor politics. Emperor Molari understood it well. You must understand your Majesty only recently have we been united in our history. We have fought against the Ko'ghyal and now the stability is beginning the crumble. When they hear that another race is now in charge there will be an uproar..."

"I am well aware of your situations. I have been briefed by the documents of Emperor Molari. Amongst them his testament. It seems he had this planned all along, the Prophecy of Kavu calls for blood in which only the strongest will survive."

"Yes your Majesty, but the people are xenophobic for other species. We wiped out the Ko'ghyal and they cert... "

"Prime Minister Malakai, we Stoinians have faced monstrosities you cannot be imagine. From what I understand the Ko'ghyal haven't bothered to eat your kind. Take it from me, the King that grew up while trillions of his people were slaughtered without mercy. Turned through cybernetics to fire upon their own people, while you were put in isolation for your safety. Space is full of dangers and if your people wish to travel these alone, be my guest. But remember you are surrounded by the Stoinian Star Kingdom which faced the Mardakii, Qoxex, Marcavani and the Velutarians. Your people should be very careful when disobeying the new Emperor of Kontaurius."

Prime Minister Malakai was astounded by the Stoinian King. Clearly he had underestimated him.

"I see now. I assume Emperor Molari has left details on which houses will rebel and the most likely to attack your position in public?"

"Oh I intend to eliminate them in one swift swoop. I will name House Kotto as my Viceroy and this surely will result in an outrage. Once they make a claim against me, I will have Kontauri and Stoinian Guards apprehend them. During my speech my flagship will enter the atmosphere as a sign of our might. This should put everyone in line."

Prime Minister Malakai was impressed. This Stoinian was as cunning and forethinking as a Kontauri. Truly the care takers from the Prophecy of Kavu.

"I see Emperor Molari had an insightful idea to solve the problem of his heirs. Perhaps we should go over it, to make sure that the public will revere you and be less susceptible to rebel."

"Good. Before we continue we must address a problem."

"And what is that your Majesty?"

"Address me with my name, Andrei."

He then turned towards his children.

"Carol, Aurelian and Elena. We Stoinians aren't to keen with all the royalty formalities."

Malakai smiled.

"I understand now. One of the few things that will change over time I assume."

"Indeed, Mr. Malakai."

Prime Minister Malakai then proceeded to arrange the Emperor's plans and organize the liquidation of political enemies. The sooner the Kontauri could integrate in the larger Star Kingdom, the better.
 

---

The Kontauri populace had assembled on a large plaza in front of the balcony from where the Kontauri Emperor would speak toward their people. Above the balcony was a large construct made from glass in the form of the Kontauri crest and certain elements of the Kontauri Sungod were also present. The whole structure was to signify the Emperor's divine rule. The Stoinians had this aspect as well, but Andrei never really enjoyed it and the Kontauri took it a lot more seriously. Thousands of Kontauri were eagerly awaiting to see Emperor Molari and inform of his return. Cameras were spread everywhere as this historic moment was televised all over the planet. The Imperial Guardsmen sounded the trumpets and King Andrei walked unto the balcony, to the shock of the whole planet. Who was this imposter? Where is Emperor Molari?  Prime Minister Malakai soon followed him and calmed the Kontauri.

"My fellow Kontauri! You are gazing upon our new Emperor. Emperor Andrei of House Stoian. I know you all ask yourself where Emperor Molari is? The late Emperor wanted to ensure that the care takers from the Prophecy of Kavu would oversee the Kontauri. As a true Kontauri he challenged the King of the care takers to Muroga. As a result, the Imperial title now has fallen to our Terran Overlord. I now let Him speak."

The Kontauri still were concerned. Emperor Molari was beloved by many and his death was still a shock, but King Andrei knew this and addressed it immediately.

"My dear Kontauri. Emperor Molari was a true Kontauri hero, not fearing even death. In our duel he was able to wound me and fought with a ferocity like which I have never seen. He died a true Kontauri and proved to us Stoinians that the Kontauri are a species worthy to enter our Star Kingdom. You have proven yourself time and time again against the Ko'ghyal and eradicated their villainy from existence. We couldn't be more pleased with your achievements and it is therefore that we invite you with open arms to join our strong and proud nation into the stars. Henceforth the galaxy will know that the Kontauri will not bow to barbarians and fight for a new order. An order in which only the strong survive. The Stoinian Lion and Kontauri Thalu will roar together and strike fear into the hearts of our enemies. With our combined strength no one will be able to defeat us."

The Kontauri populace loved the King's approach and cheered. Andrei let it hang in the air for a while, he had to play the part of being a divine figure. He knew it was getting into his head and was utterly uncomfortable with the idea, but the Kontauri, HIS people, needed it. 

"With my new reign there will be changes, but together we can form new and stronger bridges. You will have your place into the stars and I will colonize over 10 planets for the Kontauri people alone in the next year! To supervise this tremendous operation, I have chosen that Prime Minister Malakai will continue his mandate together with Zir of House Kotto who will act as my Viceroy when I am away. Elections will be held for you to chose representatives who will serve in our larger Congress. The transition won't be easy, but together we can make it work. Our peoples were destined to work together and who are we to defy the Gods? This is the beginning of a new divine era for both Stoinians and Kontauri. Let the galaxy hear our roar!"

The Kontauri were ecstatic. Their fears were tempered and were looking forward to spread throughout the stars. Truly a new era was to come for both species. The Kontauri opposition was beginning to make their moves to make claims to the throne, but with the help of Prime Minister Malakai, they were liquidated by the Kontauri Imperial Guard. No one would defy the divine rule of Emperor Andrei.