A stunning Hapan reporter sat behind an opulent gold news desk. She smiled disarmingly and looked into the camera. “Hello, and welcome to the latest addition of Happening on Hapes. Unfortunately, tonight I bring sad news to The Consortium. Our beloved Ereneda has passed. Her body succumbing to years of dedicated service. We mourn her loss but in her final moments our eternal Queen Mother Lerta Al’Ghon chose her successor…a distant cousin from House Le’Anna who has been learning at her side for some time...now...We go live now to the palace.”
Charlotte stood on the Fountain Palace steps, surveying Ta’a Chume’Dan. She was dressed to befit her station. “My people.” She spread her hands before the assembled crowd. “We mourn the loss of Lerta Al’Ghon’Chume…but we must not let our sadness cloud our future. Lerta guided us through our darkest times. But the Consortium can remain in the shadows no longer! Too long we have concerned ourselves with only ourselves while the galaxy burns around us…no more. Our safety means galactic safety. We will not be silent.”
Cheer rang out from the crows. She smiled and held her hands up for silence. “Today marks a new day. I as your Ereneda will lead us into the galaxy again. I look forward to meeting with our partners in the Free Worlds Alliance and ambassadors from the Republic and ISC. Together, we will prosper. Together we will soar to new heights and change the galaxy for the better!” The cheer rose again, and Charlotte turned to return into the Fountain Palace. The feed cut back to the news desk.
“All hail the Queen.” The feed cut out.