A New Day Read Online Free PDF Page B

her," Mother informed him. "There has been a development."
    "Please grant them entry, Mother," Ben replied. "Brothers and Sisters, it looks like you are going to get your wish sooner than expected. Mother has just informed me that Vice Council Bedouin and Commander Halst have requested entry. It seems there has been a new development."
    The lift doors opened letting Jorga and Jance into the chamber. Half way to the podium, Jorga stopped and bowed to Ben. "Please forgive the interruption, Councilors. We bring urgent news we felt you would need to know of immediately."
    Ben returned her bow. "Approach, Vice Councilor, and share your information. Brothers and Sisters, it is my honor to introduce to you, Ranger Commander Jance Halst of the Hyclarion Ranger Outpost."
    Seeing all the active monitors surrounding the podium, Jance bowed to Ben. "It is my honor to make your acquaintance."
    Ben smiled at her, "The Council had asked me to relay a request for you to come here anyway. They would like to learn more about the path we've chosen."
    Jance nodded. "I would be happy to share what knowledge I can, Prime Council. However, I have just received word from my ship. Moments ago, almost a hundred Ranger vessels arrived in orbit of this planet. It would seem the Rangers have arrived. I have also been told that we are to have a very special guest."
    "Considering the nature of the situation here, and who this being is, I granted them clearance to land in the main hanger of the base," Jorga replied.
    "I'm sure that will be fine, Jorga, but if I may ask, who is this guest? Considering what is likely to happen here very soon, this might not be the safest place in the galaxy," Ben asked.
    Jance sighed. "In that, all of my commanders agree with you, Prime. Unfortunately, the person in question believes that this will be as safe a place as any, and he would like to speak with you about your claim to this planet. No one could talk him out of it, and it isn't very healthy for one's career to argue with the Emperor."
    "Wha…" Ben cleared his throat, "I'm sorry, did you just say the Emperor is coming here? As in the Hyclarion supreme leader?"
    Jance nodded. "I did. In fact, he'll be here in about fifteen minutes."
    "Fuck!" Ben said, forgetting where he was at the moment. He blushed when the rest of the Council laughed at his outburst. "I apologize for that vulgar outburst. If you would all excuse me, I should probably go change clothes. I don't think meeting the Emperor in my daily work clothes would make a very good first impression."
    "Prime Council, I make a motion to recess immediately so you may prepare to meet the Emperor," Councilor Yinshi spoke very rapidly. "All in favor?" all the lights immediately snapped to green.
    "Motion carries!" Ben said as he took off running for the lift. Jorga, Janet and Jance followed him.
    "Item logged," Mother said drolly. "On behalf of the Prime Council, we bid you a good morning, Councilors."
    "And to you, Mother. Watch over him for us, please," Councilor Rustov replied grinning.
    "I will, Councilor," Mother replied and deactivated the channels in the Chamber.
    "Mother, please search the DataNet for acceptable modern formal wear suitable for this occasion for us. Also see if you can find any images of formal dress uniforms for the Rangers and get them replicated for them. If she hasn't already done it, ask Gail to assemble an honor guard and get herself and them dressed and assembled in the main hanger in ten minutes," Ben said.
    "General Greenwold has already made the arrangements, Prime. Commander, although they will not be made of the same materiel, suitable uniforms will be ready for you and your team in their quarters as soon as they arrive. I took the liberty of replicating your uniform here so you will have time to change. Councilors, your clothes are also being prepared as we speak, but the replicator pad needs to be cleared of the first delivery," Mother said.
    When the lift opened, Ben rushed to the