Hounds of Orion

The planetary capital was a place of opulent symmetry. Thick alabaster stone slabs formed the walkways, with a thick line of blue crystal running the length of the middle. The capital was man made, an artificial island in a perfect circle, roughly 100 miles in diameter. The buildings were built low, showing off the island's foliage, with large palm trees dotting the landscape in predetermined locations. In the distant center, the royal palace stood proudly, its blue crystal dome reflecting off the sunlight, flanked on either side by two large alabaster turrets. Drop offs and pickups from the rail line were spaced out at even intervals, connecting the rest of the world to the royal gate. Just because they were connected, did not mean there would be free passage. As the city and palace itself were intertwined, one would need to either already live there, or have good reason to come knocking.

Cameron stepped off the rail car, spreading his arms wide as a local peacekeeper checked him. Even royals had to abide by the law of the land, though Cameron doubted anyone would think about doing anything shady, as the Royal Guard would have them splattered on the pavement before such harm could come to fruition. The guards themselves were all pilots, their Squire units standing stalwart throughout the capital and its perimeter. Their metallic shells gleamed in the sun, a beacon of protection for the general populace and a permanent reminder of the brave men and women who had sat in those cockpits from years past. Their hulking masses of steel and hydraulics were draped in cloaks of thick weaved fabric, and painted in tandem with the rest of the place to reflect the royal coloration. Every guard could wield a sword and shield, as such, the suits themselves reflected this. Large slabs of metal, the width of a table hung limply at the sides of the units, sheathed in ornate wrapping. A similar large buckler was bolted onto the opposite arm. Such was the preferred fighting style of the Ketrisites, "The sword and board", as the soldiers called it. A dependable combination of both attack and defense.

“Apologies for the intrusion, Lord Pellyn,” The peacekeeper said. Cameron could see the man was nervous. He had no rank or insignia on his lapel, showing how new he was.

“No need for apologies.” Cameron said, straightening his tunic as he locked eyes with the man. “If you wouldn’t apologize to the peasant, then you shouldn’t to the prince.” The man looked slightly off balance, struggling to find his words. Cameron gave him a smile as he walked up the stairs heading deeper into the city.

***

The citizens of the capital were used to being star-struck. With such a small community, appearances of minor nobility all the way up to the royal scions were a near daily occurrence. Cameron himself had been such a regular customer of the various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, so much so, that the local population hardly paid him a second look. So when he heard a hush fall over the crowded masses, followed by a soft whispering, and complete gridlock, he knew it wasn’t because of him. Turning in the direction that everyone was looking towards, a smile crossed his face.

Before him, a beautiful young woman stood, looking around the populace with a soft caring gaze. Her hair was black as night and cut short, barely making it past the length of her baby face. Her eyes, a soft, sky blue sparkled in the light of the day. Her smile, a small yet unmistakable lift, was further enamored by a dimple on her right cheek. She was wearing a flowing dress of an iridescent violet that shimmered in the sunlight as she walked, contrasting nicely to her pale white skin. She spoke softly to the random citizens while flanked on her left, right, and back by three near identical men. Though they shared the same face, there were some variations, the one to her right scanned the crowed with a blank dutiful look. A chinstrap beard was cut neat, the same color as the woman’s hair. The man on the left was shaved bald, mirroring his counterpart in looking out, searching for threats. The man in the back had broken the uniform look, shifting his balance back and forth in impatience, constantly trying and failing to keep a mop of black hair out of his eyes, the bulk of it hidden beneath a watch cap. Cameron's siblings were making an appearance.

He quickly made his way through the crowd. Though not held in the same reverence as the rest of his family, people knew enough not to impede his path. Miranda’s smile grew wider as she saw him, walking to meet him in the middle and clasping him in a hug.

“What’s up Mirry Moo?” Cameron asked, picking up and squeezing his sister in a rather undignified bear hug. He sat her down and laughed as she gave him a look of consternation.

“Really, Cam?” She asked with a false irritation, the smile she struggled to keep hidden flashing on her face. “Can you at least try to be professional in front of everyone?”

“What are you talking about?” Cameron said, feigning mock offense, clutching at imaginary pearls. “I am the pinnacle of professionalism.”

She cocked an eyebrow and rolled her eyes. “Let’s look at father shall we? The great Augustus Pellyn, now crowning his successor, Lady Mirry Moo Pellyn. Doesn’t exactly have the same regal ring does it?”

Cameron’s smile sank a bit at the mention of his father. “I need to have a word with him. Twenty-two years of being the exact opposite of what a Seneschal embodies should have given the hint that this isn’t me.”

As he was complaining, his brothers approached, the crowds slowly dispersing as the scene of discussion was turning to topics that weren't their business.

“Is it rude to agree with you?” The one with the chinstrap asked. “I mean no offense brother, but… well maybe a little offense.”

“Ian,” Miranda admonished, slapping his shoulder.

“What?!” He exclaimed. “I’m agreeing with him.”

“I think agreeing with him, and being a dick about it aren’t the same thing baby brother.” Liam, the bald one said looking over at his twin. Ian rolled his eyes at the baby brother comment. “We’re three seconds apart.” He said, giving his brother a glare, who gave a smirk in return. “And don’t you forget it.”

Cameron smiled at the sight of his siblings dropping pretenses and behaving like the bickering kids they were. “No, Ian you’re absolutely right. I’d pass the duty off to one of you in a heartbeat if I could. Even Dean.” he said, nodding to the boy in the back.

Dean shook his head on hearing his name. “Don’t look at me man, that’s for these two up here. I’d rather follow in your footsteps than theirs. Seems a lot more fun.”

Miranda gave the youngest the same look of frustration she gave Ian. “You will most certainly not!” She said in exasperation. “Cam gets away with it cause he was always like this, I’ll send you off to the guard before I let you be a womanizing drunk.”

“Hey now,” Cameron said with a smile. “Brilliant, hilarious, and exceedingly suave womanizing drunk. Get it right. Besides, someone here needs to be the life of the party. A position I perform with distinction.”

She rolled her eyes and looked at him; her smile falling a bit. “You know what he’ll say Cam. It’s the same answer he’s always given.”

“Your duty outweighs your preference.” The five said in unison.

“If I could change things I would.” She continued, “But I’m just as powerless as you. My word holds no weight until I’m crowned. But I’d urge against it. The ambassadors are here and Father’s in an even fouler mood than usual.”

Cameron’s shoulders slumped a bit as he hung his head, standing in dejected silence. Miranda placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him.

“I’m sorry baby brother.” She said softly. “I hate seeing you so down. You are the spot of levity in a world of protocol and tradition. However,” She raised his head with her hand and smiled at him. “Though I can’t promise that I can save you from your task. I can promise that together, we can make this world the pinnacle of the Pirou system. What do you say?”

Cameron smiled softly and nodded. “Whatever you say sis.”

She smiled again and flicked his forehead with her finger before stepping back. “Now,” she began. “Father’s waiting for you. As well as the dignitaries. I think it best not to keep him waiting.”

Cameron’s smile dropped a little before she continued. “Don’t give me that look. I know you hate the political part of the job but it’s not all bad. I think you may even get along well with one of them.” She gave him a wink and his eyebrow cocked as the triplets chuckled.

“What do you mean?” He said, narrowing his eyes at his siblings.

She shrugged, giving a smirk. “Ask me no questions and I shall tell you no lies. Marcus, would you be so kind as to escort my dear brother home for his appointment?” She turned to Marcus, who had been silent through the whole exchange, standing rigid like a soldier with his arms behind his back. Upon hearing the order, he gave a low bow and spoke in reverence.

“It would be an honor Lady Miranda, my deepest apologies for our tardiness already.”

She smiled and held up her hand. “No need for apologies Marcus, I’m sure whatever delay was the result of my brother’s reluctance. That will be our father’s assumption as well, so make haste, but please do the introductions with quality.”

“Of course my lady. I live to serve.” He said giving another short bow, Cameron walking past and giving his aid a quick slap on the back.

"Come on, kiss ass. Let’s get this over with.”