The throne room of the Kentari capital smelled strongly of ozone and vaporized bug meat.
Lucifer stood near the shattered blue crystal throne, watching Princess Lyriana. The newly crowned Empress was currently bent over the massive, glowing control console previously occupied by her dead brother, rapidly inputting bypass codes.
"The automated orbital defenses are standing down, Emperor," Lyriana reported, her fingers flying across the holographic interface. "I'm opening a designated low-orbit holding pattern for Zephyria. The Aegis Wall will remain down in Sector Delta-Nine to allow your approach."
"Good," Lucifer stated smoothly.
He tapped his comms rune. "Vexia. Bring the city in. Anchor us in low orbit directly above the capital. Keep the Void-shield active."
"Moving into position now, Warlord," the Sanguine Princess's voice crackled back through the link. "The view from up here is fantastic. It looks like a giant, metal hula hoop."
