As the setting sun shone it's rays upon the marblesque capital of the Serpentum Imperium the citizens celebrate with vivid delight.The city has been under construction since the Varanus first exited their fallen ark,now after 5 decades their work nears completion while the Emperor sets his sights on the stars.As the twin moons rose on the horizon,the Emperor summoned two of his most trusted followers to discuss the future of the newborn empire.
Ships both military and civilian drift endlessly between the city ports painting the night sky in a plethora of colours from their engines and lights.Thousands of worker drones swarm to finish the last tasks of a project almost as old as when the Varanidae first exited their crashed ark.The citizens watch in awe as the drones and their Varanidae craftsmen finish building the last foundations and structures of the mighty capital.Among the crowd is a dark blue Varanus,his horns extended well over 45cm's which meant he was one of the elder Varanidae over 340 years old.With a furrowed gaze he watched the engineering corps carry out their work,he wondered what stories these buildings will hold in the future.The elderly Varanus made his way to the large fortified walls of the Citadel.He felt safe knowing the large turrets found scattered across the walls kept them safe from direct invasion.He carried 3 scrolls with him in his left arm,the scrolls themselves were yellowed with age and torn around it's edges.His robed uniform was light and allowed comfort in his aged state.He would greet the passing legionarres who saluted him in return,everyone in the city knew who he was for he alone designed the city from top to bottom.
"Good evening Grand Builder" he heard someone say as he passed the gates into the Citadel gardens.He turned and was pleased to see the voice belonged to a large yellow scaled Varanus wearing powered legionary armour alongside robes that extended to the greaves of his armour,his helmet was removed and carried in his one arm,an large scar ran under his left eye all the way to his upper lip.The builder recognized him as Lord General Silvaar,an friend several decades younger then him."Good evening Lord General" he said with a small smile.Both of them continued to the large doors of the citadel.
"The construction is going well,have you run into any problems with the final projects?" the Silvaar asked.The builder turned to face him smiling."None which the engineer corps couldn't resolve Lord General." his reply made him straighten his back slightly with pride only to return to his hump-backed state.It became harder to move these days he thought feeling angry over his age.As they approached the Citadel guards with their golden armour and embroidered capes alongside their long energized spears made them stand out from the legionarres that patrolled the courtyard,these guards pushed open the doors as the two elder Varanidae neared them their heads bowed in respect.
Inside they stood idle for a few minutes taking in the sights of the elegant and sophisticated metallic walls and the flooring that shone with a faint energy that lit the vast hallways.
"Reminds you of the day we left Old Serpentum doesn't it?" the Lord General remarked with a nostalgic tone.The two stood staring at the banner adorned roof for a few minutes before continuing along the vast maze of hallways,they greeted many other Varanidae on their way to the throne room.an rather uptight female Varanus checked to make sure everything is in order for their meeting with the Imperial Emperor.She angrily adjusted some of their clothing to be more presentable to the court."I swear you treat yourselves as savages" she remarked.
"Lunara you should relax more,a chamberlain should ease visitors to the court." lectured the old builder. "Hrph,you should retire father" she laughed.The builder gave a warm smile to his daughter before she motioned to the guards to open the doors.
The doors opened to a room that almost seemed silver,the marble-like walls and flooring carried the reflections of all the lords and ladies whom stood in the throne room,talking about their exploits and ideas for improving the Imperium.The chamberlain spoke with a voice that shattered all other conversations and echoed in the vast room.
"Your imperial majesty,Grand Builder Dee'loz Scalebark of the engineering corps and Lord General Silvaar Whitefenr of the Legion." Both of them bowed to acknowledge the court,the nobles returned the bow as they passed their groups on their way to the throne at the end of the room.Upon the dais-raised marble throne sat the aged golden-scaled Emperor.
His imperial highness "Emperor Sagess Skyrunner" sat motionless on the throne with his sceptre held tightly in his right hand.Being one of the oldest Varanidae and part of the "last generation" who originated from Old Serpentum gave him much respect and allowed him to lead the Imperium without question since their arrival in the Milky Way.The emperor smiled at his subjects before reverting back to the unpleasantries of rule.
"So the city,grand builder?" he paused before continuing his question. "Is it everything you hoped for?". The builder humbly replied. "It is a fraction of what Old Serpentum was but it is a worthy home nonetheless,I feel the engineering corps have honoured our ancestors by carving such a haven in a new world."
The Emperor laughed with delight only to stop with a small cough. "Good...Good..And what of the observation drones Lord General?" He asked as he gazed down to the scarred general. "What do they reveal of the Zodarrin races?"
"Our long range observation drones have been sent to several systems to observe the locals." He removed a small metallic sphere from his armour and pressed a claw on it's metallic frame,it flickered to life and floated above his head while projecting a large holographic video of the drone's discoveries.One drone observed a UNSC Fleet passing through a nearby system while another showed the inhabitants of a distant world.All these findings were new to the Varanus as implied by the whispered conversations and hushed gasps of the nobles.The emperor himself did not know how to respond to these sights.Their race was at a disadvantage,they knew little of this galaxy and it's inhabitants.Despite their large military force and advanced technology they doubted their ability to survive another "great war".The Emperor stood from his throne and walked down from the dias,he slowly grabbed the sphere and deactivated it before handing it back to the general.
"The Imperium will temper caution with expansion,gather information on the Zodarrin,discover the major factions and prepare for diplomatic dealings with them.Send agents to infiltrate developed worlds and report on the inhabitants found there." he spoke as he walked back to sit on his throne."As you wish my liege." the general bowed and saluted before leaving the throne room.
"As for you grand builder,I have commissioned a statue to be built in your honour for all the efforts you and the engineering corps have put into the city." The builder shed a small tear of joy as he bowed to thank his lord."Your generosity humbles me my lord." The Emperor dismissed the builder and looked back at the scepter he held."One day I will pass from this world and I can only hope my heirs will rule with wisdom and strength."
The Emperor closed his eyes and listened to the conversations between the nobles.
Subject: Advent of the Imperium