Final Chapter

It's been months since your first interactions with the Xaryxian princess, Xedalli. A great coalition has been formed from refugees of the various planets that have been consumed by their quest to keep their star burning. The day has come for a final assault on Xaryxis itself. Just a few hours before you are set to arrive at the planet, Xedalli calls you into her chambers her flagship.

"It's been quite the journey," she begins, motioning for you to take a seat in some plush chairs, "I appreciate your assistance in this battle against my brother. For better or worse, this ends today. Are you prepared?"

This One is ready. Hell or high water, I will see this trough

"Ready as I'll ever be, I suppose," says Imti. She double-checks her star chart to replace missing data and reference points as part of her final preparations.

Quaxiver was glad that the various worlds had managed to rally, even though the alliance was shaky at times. The four of them had had to do some rather extensive outreach just to pacify the more aggressive ones, persuade the reluctant worlds that stopping Xaryxis was absolutely critical before more worlds suffered from the empire's predations. He suited up both himself and Jzu, and got ready to fly in action in their ship.

Ziggy's twinkling, mismatched eyes study his companions one by one. Such an unlikely company brought together, not by lofty ideal, nor base appetites, but by the desire to survive. To exist. To keep the stars shining in the heavens.

Ziggy once sang that they only needed to be heroes for one day. It's been long and trying months since.

"Are we prepared, Princess? I've no idea, in truth. But if today's to be the end of everything, I will die well dressed!"

With a musical flourish matched by a mischievous grin, the astral elf conjures up his most flamboyant outfit yet.

The princess nods, Excellent. I suspect your role in this battle will be pivotal," she says, before slipping her ring off her finger and holding it out to you. It's a simple silver ring, but when the light hits it, it shines with a yellow-red gleam. "This is the ring of my station as princess of the great Xaryxian Empire. I want you to hold onto it. If things go poorly, it will allow us to pursue a contest of champions for the right to the throne on my behalf. So long as you do this publicly enough, my brother will have no choice but to agree or else lose face."

This One looks to Imti and Zig, expecting one of them to take the ring.

"I mean, I don't mind holding onto it," says Imti, but she still does not reach for it. "Could you explain, though, whether the bearer of this ring is the champion? Or can we elect a champion to represent you?"

"I would name you as my champion to fight for my right to the throne. If I am captured, then the first thing they shall do is try to take the ring from me and dispose of it," she explains, "My claim to the throne is moot if the ring is lost. One who is foolish enough to lose their royal ring has no right or ability to perform the duties of emperor, you see. Having you hold onto it is insurance against their scheming."

That is very prudent of you This One nods in approval.

Imti considers the implications, and shrugs. "Fine by me," she says, reaching out to claim the ring.

Ziggy breathes a sigh of relief when Imti accepts the royal ring. Because it doesn't match his bangles. Ugh.

"So your brother has a similar ring?" Quaxiver's mind raced, "So to stop him, instead of waging a full scale war, we could consider trying to remove the ring from his possession?"

"This is why I love you, Quaxiver. A heist to prevent a war! What say you, Princess?"

"What do you think?" Zig says, looking at Imti and This One, and then the Princess. In that order.

Princess Xedalli purses her lips, "It could work in theory," she admits, "But I don't know how you'd get anywhere near to the planet without being spotted, let alone into the royal palace..."

"We'd probably have an easier time finding his ship, boarding it, and then stealing his ring," says Imti. "That's assuming he even meets us in the big battle."

She also considers the ring in her possession. "Of course, if we're the ones who are captured, then the Princess's ring is lost. So it's a gamble either way."

"Let's keep our minds open to that possibility. We don't know enough of where we're going to plan such a theft, not without some spying and infiltrating. But if we end up with an opportunity, I intend to seize it."

Its time to face your brother

Xedalli scoffs, "My brother holds all of the advantages in this war of succession. He won't risk himself in a real battle as I must. He'll be behind his soldiers in the palace on Xaryxis itself."

There's a knock on the door and it opens with a wave of Xedalli's hand.

Krux stands there in the uniform of the finest material, "The ships are assembled and ready to go, your highness," he says with as much of a bow as his large frame allows.

Xedalli nods, her expression becoming more imperious unlike the more relaxed way she had been before when you were alone with her, "Excellent. Thank you, Admiral Krux. We will be out in a few moments to begin the assault."

As Krux bows again and walks away, she looks to you once more, "Are you ready? There's a good chance that none of us walk away from this alive."

"Alive or dead," says Imti, almost dismissively, "it'll certainly be memorable."

She gathers her broom and readies her shield. "I'm ready."