Chapter Text
The Royal Palace of Eternia bore witness to a special promotion ceremony taking place in the Throne Room. King Randor and Queen Marlena seated on their thrones, dedicated bodyguard Clamp Champ standing to their side on the dais. Further back towards the door were Prince Adam, Captain Teela, her father, the Man-at-Arms and an invited guest, standing in a row. To the side of the red carpet leading from the entrance to the throne stood members of the Royal Guard Officer Corps in full uniform. The subject of the day’s ceremony kneeled before her sovereign. A woman with black bob-cut hair, a hairband keeping the bangs clear from her face, which had a scar running from the left side of her forehead and down her cheek. She wore a sleeveless green jumpsuit which showed her tanned, muscular arms. The result of years of hard living, as was another scar running down her bicep. A sword sheathed in the scabbard at one end of her crossbelt, a laser pistol holstered on the other.
All were silent as the King made his decree.
“For acts of outstanding heroism. For defending the outpost of Far Westland against multiple and unrelenting attacks from the marauding thieves known as the Space Pirates. For single-handedly protecting fallen comrades against many foes, despite your own wounds. It is my privilege to present you, Trooper Dian of the Eternian Guard, with the highest citation for bravery that can be bestowed upon a soldier of the Realm: the Eternian Star of Valour.
Randor continued. “Furthermore, I hereby grant you an officer’s commission and transfer to the Royal Palace of Eternos. Arise, Lieutenant Dian of the Royal Guard, Commanding Officer, I Company. Your courage is an inspiration to us all. From this day forward, let your name be recorded as one of Eternia's greatest defenders.”
The new officer rose to her feet and bowed respectfully. “Thank you for this honour, Sire.”
“The honour is mine, Lieutenant. Now go forth and continue to serve the Realm with the same dedication to duty that has brought you before us today.”
Dian saluted her King and once acknowledged, turned and marched towards her superiors. She bowed before Prince Adam. “Your Highness, my sword, my blaster and my life are yours.”
Affable and charming as ever, Adam reached out to shake her hand. “Well, uh, let’s hope only two out of three are needed. Anyway, welcome to the Palace, Dian.”
The Lieutenant was bewildered by the Crown Prince's lack of formality, but accepted the handshake regardless. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
She then proceeded down the line to salute and shake hands with Man-at-Arms, then with Teela. “I am honoured to serve under you, Captain.”
“And we’re honoured to have you, Lieutenant. Welcome to the Royal Guard.”
Dian then noticed the woman standing next to Teela and raised a suspicious eyebrow. A slender, athletic-looking girl with long, blonde hair, a red armour dress and a winged tiara. This stranger stiffened to attention and extended her hand. “It is an honour to-”
The new officer cut her off. “Who are you?”
The blonde was taken aback. “My name is Ileena, I’m-”
Again, Dian interrupted. “I’m not asking your name, I’m asking who you are. What is your rank?”
Ileena sheepishly admitted. “I’m not a member of the military.”
Dian sized up the girl, softening her approach only slightly as another possibility occurred to her. “Are you a member of His Majesty’s family?”
“Not by blood or marriage, no.”
Dian took a step forward, moving close to Ileena and intimidating the young aspirant with her muscular frame and prominent scars. “Then you must leave the throne room immediately. Promotion ceremonies are to be attended by the Royal Family and serving members of the Guard only.”
Ileena stammered. “What!? But I..I…”
Dian steamrolled over her explanations, oblivious to the shocked looks of the two senior officers and the Crown Prince. “What part of this is not clear? Leave of your own volition or I will physically remove you.”
Confusion turned to anger as Ileena’s posture went rigid and her fists clenched. “Hey now, wait a minute…”
Before the scene could turn ugly, Teela put a hand on the shoulder of her partner. Speaking in a surprisingly quiet and even voice. “Ileena, I think it best you wait outside. Go on, now.”
The blonde’s jaw dropped, shocked that her mentor would side with this newcomer. She tried to speak, but the words died in her throat. Instead, she spun on her heels and angrily marched out of the throne room as quickly as possible.
Man-at-Arms attempted to steer the ceremony back on track. “Lieutenant, if you would follow me, please. Let me introduce you to your fellow officers.”
“Aye, sir.” Dian followed behind Man-at-Arms as he introduced the Lieutenants of the other nine companies that formed the Royal Guard, shaking their hands in turn.
Standing next to his best friend, Adam spoke softly out of the corner of his mouth. “You were awfully calm back there, considering what she just did to your-”
Teela hissed through clenched teeth, trying not to attract attention. “Calm? I’m furious!”
“You hid it well. Surprised you didn’t give Dian a piece of your mind.”
“Oh, I will. Just not in front of your parents.” She fumed.
As usual in a tense situation, the Prince attempted to bring levity. “And who says you haven’t matured after all these years?”
It didn’t work. “Not in the mood, Adam. Not in the mood.”
What happened next occurred so fast, it was almost a blur. Orko magically blinked into view in front of Dian, who hurriedly pulled her blaster from its holster and brandished it towards him.
“Hi, I’m Ork-YIPE!”
In a panic, he zipped through the air to hide behind Prince Adam’s back. As soon as he saw a loaded weapon in the open, Clamp Champ immediately stepped in front of the King and Queen. His broad frame shielding them while he used the flat of his clamp weapon to shield himself. As Dian turned to follow Orko’s direction of travel, blaster raised, Man-at-Arms barked orders.
“Stand down, Lieutenant! Now!”
Instinctively, Dian lowered her sidearm, powered it down and returned it to her holster. Everyone in the throne room breathed a sigh of relief.
Dian turned to Man-at-Arms. “My apologies, sir. That…creature surprised me.”
Trying to keep an even tone, the anger was nonetheless apparent in Duncan's reproach. “His name is Orko. He is the court magician, not a target.”
Dian lowered her head in contrition. “Forgive me, I thought he was an intruder.”
Not wanting to see a Star of Valour winner be dressed down in front of his entire Officer Corps, King Randor interceded, trying to awkwardly shift focus. “Yes, well, perhaps we should proceed with the planned inspection of Item Company…Duncan?”
The old soldier bowed his head in acknowledgement. “As you wish, Sire.” He turned to Dian in a brusque manner, not moved by her apologies, “Lieutenant, your new command awaits you on the parade grounds. Follow me.”
Not wanting to ruffle any more feathers, Dian hurriedly snapped a salute and marched after Man-at-Arms
Orko peered out from behind Adam’s shoulder, looking to see if the coast was clear.
“You alright, little buddy?”
Shaking like a leaf, Orko sputtered out. “Uh, i-if anyone needs me, I’ll be c-cleaning my room.” He magically blinked out the same way he came in.
Scowling, Teela made another hushed aside to Adam. “Make that two pieces!”