The Assembly Dome in Motoyoshi-cho was buzzing with activity, the rumble of voices as the galleries were filling with citizens, merchants and investors. Small groups of Fifth Expeditionary Fleet soldiers, mostly cadets and the children of key officials were permitted leave from the fleet for the session. Downtown traffic had be rerouted, as motorcade's brought assembly representatives and other VIPs to the Dome.
The Crowned Prince, Motoyoshi Tio arrived early, his stood at the front chatting with Motoyoshi Mayumi, the Director of Motoyoshi Fleet Yards.
"I am honored you could come today, Mayumi." Tio said, resting his hand lightly on her shoulder.
Mayumi smiled slightly, "I am here for my daughter's brother...This day has been a long time coming. It is just a shame that your mother will not be here to celebrate it."
Tio said nodding, "Mother has made her choice; absolute power corupts, absolutely. We all just have to live our lives. As you know, this is not the first time she has selected power over her family. Kiyoko and I are proof of that."
Mayumi said quietly, "Your adopted parents would be proud of you Tio, remember that. I am proud of you too, you are the closet thing to a son I have. My door is always open, perhaps after today we will be able to give Kiyoko the burial of a hero as she deserves."
Tio smiled, kissing Mayumi on the cheek. "I will see you later..."
Tio walked to the throne that was at one end of the Assembly table, his seat faced the smaller decorative throne at the other end, the chair of Prime Minister Ayana who had yet to arrive.
Members of the assembly began to drift in, taking their seats at the table. Additional seating had been provided for Taisho Motoyoshi Saito and the limited number of Fifth Expeditionary Fleet admiralty that were permitted to leave the fleet to attend.
The assembly dome, was littered with Blackcoats, some visible, some not. Additional security was being provided by former elements of the Tange Pledge family, still holding most of the control within the cluster, but becoming those that the people look towards for their voices to be heard.
A large black box was carried in, it had gold strapping with the seal of the UOC upon it, it was set down infront of Tio, who opened it a crack, looking inside and then closed it after being satisfied that its contents were intact.
The Crowned Prince, Motoyoshi Tio arrived early, his stood at the front chatting with Motoyoshi Mayumi, the Director of Motoyoshi Fleet Yards.
"I am honored you could come today, Mayumi." Tio said, resting his hand lightly on her shoulder.
Mayumi smiled slightly, "I am here for my daughter's brother...This day has been a long time coming. It is just a shame that your mother will not be here to celebrate it."
Tio said nodding, "Mother has made her choice; absolute power corupts, absolutely. We all just have to live our lives. As you know, this is not the first time she has selected power over her family. Kiyoko and I are proof of that."
Mayumi said quietly, "Your adopted parents would be proud of you Tio, remember that. I am proud of you too, you are the closet thing to a son I have. My door is always open, perhaps after today we will be able to give Kiyoko the burial of a hero as she deserves."
Tio smiled, kissing Mayumi on the cheek. "I will see you later..."
Tio walked to the throne that was at one end of the Assembly table, his seat faced the smaller decorative throne at the other end, the chair of Prime Minister Ayana who had yet to arrive.
Members of the assembly began to drift in, taking their seats at the table. Additional seating had been provided for Taisho Motoyoshi Saito and the limited number of Fifth Expeditionary Fleet admiralty that were permitted to leave the fleet to attend.
The assembly dome, was littered with Blackcoats, some visible, some not. Additional security was being provided by former elements of the Tange Pledge family, still holding most of the control within the cluster, but becoming those that the people look towards for their voices to be heard.
A large black box was carried in, it had gold strapping with the seal of the UOC upon it, it was set down infront of Tio, who opened it a crack, looking inside and then closed it after being satisfied that its contents were intact.