Chapter 53

　　New Year`s Day had arrived on Caledon, and Kal intended it to be a celebration to be remembered. It was a statement of the renewed sense of peace and prosperity he sought for the planet and a way to calm the populace after the previous year`s turmoil.

　　Each city would have their own festivities, with parades and holidays from work and school, but the capital city of Caledonia would host the main attractions. Broadcast worldwide, it would feature overhead flights by rare Mechs, performing aerial acrobatics and complicated airshows.

　　Parades by his House Guard, floats by citizen organizations and community leaders, and foods from all corners of Caledon. Kal was even giving away red packets of money to all the children in his Barony, a little gift for good fortune and success in the New Year.

　　Kal stood on a raised platform in front of his estate, with Governor Sylla by his side, wearing their best clothing for the occasion. The Governor wore a beautiful black and red dress, matching Kal`s crisp and perfectly tailored House Guard Uniform.

　　Music played by a famous local band, amplified by speakers placed throughout the city, rang throughout the festival grounds in front of the Estate. A flight of Seraphs, Piloted by veterans from the amongst the Guard, flew in an arrowhead formation overhead, trailing different coloured smoke behind them to dye the sky a multitude of colours.

　　Leading the pack was the massive Assault Class Mech Rise.` Tamara was making her debut in the Mobile Suit, and the crowd went wild at seeing the rare machine in action. Breaking away from the others, she spun and twirled overhead, the four wings` turning and twisting as they seemed to dance across the sky.

　　Clearly, she had adapted well to the Neural Burden. Kal couldn`t spot any hesitation or sluggish actions in the Suit`s movements. It was a good sign of things to come. With the Rise` leading the assault, victory would be assured as long as there weren`t any surprises.

　　Kal felt uneasy in the pit of his stomach at the thought of the coming conflict. Usually, he would disregard the opposition a few brigands could bring, but Samuel`s warning continued to dog his thoughts, circling constantly.

　　His instincts screamed at him, urging him into flight or fight mode. Kal`s skin crawled, but he couldn`t logically come up with a reason for his concerns.

　　Every shred of information they had identified their opponents as a large and well-organized group of brigands, but one without Imperial Title or the background of a noble. At worse, they were backed by a corporation, but one that needed to keep their presence concealed.

　　How much assistance could such a group possibly have? The Imperial Guard would have stamped them out ages ago if they were a legitimate threat. Tan had voiced concerns that they had ulterior motives, seeking to lure him out and possibly eliminate Kal. Still, with the force he had gathered, that seemed unlikely.

　　The uncomfortable feeling persisted, robbing him of enjoying the festivities. It was all Kal could do to smile and wave at the crowds as the day continued.

　　Sylla had organized free concerts to be broadcast across all of Caledon, hiring one of the most popular bands from the Imperial Net to perform. With free food, drinks and family activities, he intended to ring the New Year in with a bang.

　　Before the concert began, with the sun setting behind him, Kal addressed the citizens of Caledon directly. His face appeared on holos and displays above the major cities, his words amplified and delivered to every person on the plant.This narrative has been purloined without the author`s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

　　"Caledonians, it is my greatest delight to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. When I returned to Caledon, I promised to bring security and stability to our home. In pursuit of that goal, I have increased the size of my House Guard, allowing every citizen of our Barony to travel safely in our domain.

　　"From Caledonia to Trier, New Antioch and Cosa, Imperial law has been renewed, with every man, woman and child protected under the Emperor`s watch." Kal began, his gaze drifting across the gathered crowd.

　　"Time has not been kind to our world. Every Noble intends to serve the people, enforce Imperial Law and carry out the Emperor`s Will, and my time in stasis has prevented me from fulfilling my purpose. I know that each of you has suffered in some way during my absence. For that, I sincerely apologize.

　　"With that in mind, I wish to announce my government`s New Year`s objectives. I have directed Governor Sylla to reopen the universities and centres of higher learning. From today, all educational institutions will be free on Caledon for every citizen of our Barony. We will recruit instructors from the best of our local population. Caledonia was known as a city of learning and education, and it will be again." Kal paused, letting the cheers of the crowd quiet before continuing.

　　"Minister of Finance Merrick Tan and Minister of Business, Innovation and Development Miranda Atkinson have been giving the funds necessary from my personal accounts to provide interest-free loans to any citizen who seeks to start a business or purchase a home. Over the New Year, we will invest in infrastructure and open new hospitals and clinics.

　　"Finally, I would like to announce that Luna City has officially completed its first phase of construction, bringing new opportunities and fortune to our workforce and servicing a new fleet of Starships. These ships will be used to defend our homeland and secure new trade routes for local businesses."

　　"I want to sincerely thank you all for the faith you have placed in me, and once again, have a very Happy New Year." Kal finished, giving a formal bow to the gathered crowd before turning and slowly walking off stage.

　　While Kal met with Miranda backstage, Sylla began to speak, giving more details on some of her government`s initiatives.

　　The businesswoman was wearing a long, black skirt with a matching jacket over a white shirt and was clutching her ever-present datapad. Her black hair was tied up into a neat bun, held in place by a decorative hair clip.

　　Over the past few months, she had proved herself invaluable to Kal`s administration. Her intelligence and dedication as Minister had nearly singlehandedly restructured business operations on Caledon.

　　"How was it?" Kal asked as the pair walked back to the Estate, exhausted by the day`s events.

　　"You did well. Tan was nearly hysterical over the loan announcement." Miranda replied, grinning at the former banker`s discomfort during the speech. He had practically fled back to his office, muttering about the loss of profits.

　　"Your suggestion was perfect. Those loans will stimulate the economy, bogging them down with interest rates will be counterproductive, even if they are more profitable." Kal praised her. Miranda practically glowed at the compliment, her head high as they walked.

　　"I`m going to rest, but have Tamara come see me once everything dies down," Kal said, leaving Miranda outside the palace as he walked back to his quarters. The hallways were empty. All the staff had been given the day off to enjoy the celebrations, leaving him blessedly alone.

　　Far away from the public`s prying eyes and his companions, Kal let the fa鏰de drop. His face creased in worry and doubt, the feelings overwhelming him since Samuel`s arrival. He felt isolated and alone, a familiar emotion that had been ever-present in Stasis.

　　Kal stared out the window, the light fading and the moon rising before a knock at his door interrupted him from his thoughts. Kal took a moment to compose himself. The self-assured and relaxed mask slipped back into place as he opened the door, revealing Tamara in her House Guard Pilot bodysuit.

　　"You asked for me?" Tamara inquired, entering the room and sitting in the sitting area. She didn`t comment on the darkness. Kal had forgotten to turn on the lights during his turmoil, and it was only when she entered did Kal realize how late it had gotten.

　　Flicking a switch and bathing the room in a warm glow, he sat across from her.

　　"How was the Rise?`" Kal asked, anxious to know how proficient she had become with the Assault Mech. A lot rode on its capabilities. It was one of his Trump cards in case things went south.

　　"Excellent. The burden is manageable." Tamara stated.

　　"Good, and our preparations, are we ready?"

　　"As soon as you give the word." She replied. Kal stifled the unease in his stomach, hardening himself against what was to come.

　　"Good. We leave in two days." Kal gave the order, setting events in motion.