Girl from Ganymede

By Moe Safy Elmahdi

Xelena Xutu's family are moon people who fled Ganymede when she was young. From a young age, her dream was to design spaceships. As she grows up in the palace of Galactic X, the planetary superpower Ganymede orbits, her traditionalist mother tries to teach her Ganymedeni cultural values. While the king of Galactic X is fond of Xelena and her family, the other royals see moon people as lesser beings that threaten the planet's security. When Xelena is thirteen years old, she is kidnapped by Ganymede's ruler and subjected to a ritual that fuses her soul with the spirit of an ancient Ganymedeni overlord known only to her as the Voice.

After this tragic incident and increased hatred from Galactic X's royals, Xelena's father smuggles the family to Divercity, a rival planetary superpower known for its advanced technology and acceptance of different races, so that she may live out her dreams.

Eight years later, Xelena has abandoned her dream of shipbuilding in order to provide for her aging, sickly mother while living up to her cultural expectations in Divercity's fast-paced climate. She attracts the lustful eye of Romeo Caesarean, a powerful member of Divercity's elites whose advances drag her into Divercity's political sphere. As Xelena navigates Divercity's social classes in search of medical treatment for her mother, she discovers that Divercity isn't as welcoming as it seems. A moon girl from Ganymede struggles to succeed in Divercity. Making matters worse, the Voice has manifested as a split personality disorder within Xelena, causing a mental tug-of-war on who she is. Now Xelena must decide how far she is willing to push the limits of her own identity, culture, and dreams to save her mother's life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798885053396

Book preview

Girl

from

Ganymede

Moe Safy Elmahdi

Copyright © 2022 Moe Safy Elmahdi

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2022

ISBN 979-8-88505-338-9 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88505-339-6 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Index: Galactic X Orbit

Part 1: The Moon-Girl

Part 2: Last Moon of Galactic X

Index: Divercity Orbit

Part 3: Divercity

Part 4: Medicine

Index

Galactic X Orbit

Notable Characters:

The Xutu Family

Xelena Xutu—The main character, a young moon-girl from Ganymede

Master Xindu Xutu/ Yakobi—Xelena’s father

Mama—Xelena’s mother

The Royals

King Xarius III—Ruler of Galactic X

Princess Xaria—Princess of Galactic X and Xelena’s good friend

Prince Xavier—Brother of King Xarius III

Prince Xarbon/Captain Xarbon—King Xarius’ only son, who relinquishes his claim to the throne to become a Captain in Galactic X’s military.

General Xerxes—Leader of Galactic X’s military and advisor to the King

Zeus & Leo—The Lynxes (Royal beasts of the king)

Moon People

Madam Pyra/ Dragon Priestess—The dictator ruling Ganymede who uses the practice of Photia to strengthen her command.

S’zec—Marshal to Madam Pyra

The Fire Priests—The monks of Photia who wield fire and aid Madam Pyra

The Marker—A notable fire priest who assists in the Soul Bond and Sacrifice ritual

Ganymedeni Terms:

Ganymede—Galactic X’s rebellious moon where Xelena comes from

Photia—The controversial ritual practice of dragon worship to wield a green flame known as dragon energy.

Soul Bond and Sacrifice—A Photian ritual used to summon dragon overlords through the sacrifice of a human host.

Tomb of Dragons—The ancient resting place of all the dragon overlords

Haga Noodles—A Ganymedeni dish that Xelena enjoys

Meditation—A Ganymedni custom that must be observed prior to any meal.

Part 1

The Moon-Girl

You are of Ganymede.

As the dark skies of the planet Galactic X cover its atmosphere, all fifty-four of its moons shine brighter than light itself. A comet races across the sky, leaving behind its trail of fiery gas. Each moon shines brighter than its neighbor, with ample distance between them.

Across the horizon stands the royal palace of Galactic X. The golden palace trumps any other structure on the planet. Its architecture mirrors that of medieval England. The size of a small town, the palace itself is its own community. Home to King Xarius III and his family, the palace also holds the families of council members, advisors, and royal servants.

From one of the palace’s plethora of over three hundred balconies, a young girl looks at the sky with fascination as she appreciates the beauty of its moons. The girl is no older than six years. She has a precious childish look that is emphasized by her features. Her nose is small. Her eyes are also small, deep-black color with no white. Her eyebrows are unusually thick for a child, sitting on the crest of her round brown face. Her hair is dark, a deep-midnight obsidian. With her chubby fingers and small hands, she grabs the slender hand of her father, Master Xindu Xutu, ambassador of culture and diplomacy on Galactic X. Master Xindu is a thin man, with strong cheekbones and sharp facial features. His eyebrows are also thick black. He is wearing a strange oval headdress, with his braided ponytail falling from the back. His eyes are small like his daughter’s, but his nose is long and razor-sharp.

Wow, it is beautiful, says the girl with a smile on her round, light-brown-skinned face. Really beautiful. Her accent is thick. She rolls her r’s and extends her u’s to make an ooo sound.

It sure is, Xelena, Master Xindu says as he smiles at his beloved daughter. He speaks with an even thicker accent. This whole world is beautiful. But nothing is as beautiful as you, my precious daughter.

Can we go see them all, Baba? Xelena asks her father with ambition and curiosity.

Maybe someday, Xelena, Master Xindu says as he laughs at her ambitious request. As the ambassador of culture and diplomacy, your father is at liberty to travel to some places. The kingdom would finance it, of course. Maybe I can take you along next time I must go.

Xelena smiles. Yay! She hugs his leg with her eyes closed. Xelena always dreamed of seeing new places. Her eyes suddenly open wide when a thought comes to mind. She runs into the apartment.

Where are you going! Master Xindu yells.

His daughter’s energy could brighten the gloomiest days. Xelena returns with a tattered notebook. She jumps on her father’s lap as she flips through the ripped pages.

What is this, Xelena? Xindu asks, fascinated by his daughter.

Xelena lands on one page, full of scribbles. Her chubby finger points to a doodle of a spaceship. The drawing is very elementary, using circles and lines. She looks up to her father. Look, Baba, I drew a spaceship, she says, smiling.

Master Xindu kisses her cheek. She is a precious girl.

I want to make a spaceship, Baba.

Master Xindu sees the passion in this young child’s face.

I want to make one so I can fly to all the moons.

Master Xindu smiles at her dream before looking to the sky. Someday, my child, Master Xindu says, with a subtle pause. His voice lacks confidence. Someday.

Xelena’s eyes are small and black. She senses doubt in her father’s words but is too young to know why. She looks back at the drawing before turning her attention to the sky. One moon stands out. What is that one right there? Xelena asks as her pudgy little finger points to the only red moon in the sky.

The red moon glows brighter than the others. While fifty-three moons are white, the red moon is a deep, fiery rose-colored red. The powerfully unique color leaves a strong impression on Xelena. She continues to gaze at the moon in awe.

Her father’s countenance grows uneasy as he looks at the moon. That is a special moon, Xelena.

I want to make a spaceship to take us to the special moon, Baba, Xelena says with a wide smile. Can we go? Please!

That moon is off-limits, beloved.

Why, Baba? Xelena asks with disappointment in her tenor. Is the moon too special for us? Is it because we are not royalty?

Master Xindu seems hurt by this question. He looks into his daughter’s deep, dark eyes, cringing at the question. Nothing is too special for you, Xelena. You are special enough for anything.

Then why can we not go there? Xelena pouts with her short arms crossed and her lips puckered out. I want my spaceship to take us anywhere.

Because that moon is not safe. That moon is too dangerous. You are too young to understand this now, but when you are older, you will know.

Why is it dangerous, Baba? Xelena asks. Xaria says nothing is dangerous and nothing is off-limits.

Xelena’s envy of the Galactic X princess makes Master Xindu disturbed. Xaria is too young to understand as well, he says.

Before their conversation commences, a loud, obnoxious knock thumps the door. Master Xindu jumps with shock, pulling Xelena tight as he rushes through the compact apartment. Before Xindu reaches the door, another knock is heard, louder and more obnoxious. I am coming! Master Xindu yells with Xelena tight in his grasp.

Opening the door, Xindu sees two men, dressed in golden armor. They have long white capes and pointed golden helmets. With white skin, the men are much fairer toned than Master Xindu and his daughter, and they have bright-blue eyes. Tall and muscular, they dwarf the slender body of Master Xindu. Recognizing these men as guards, Xindu acknowledges them.

Master Xindu, a guard says, His Majesty requests your presence at the royal briefing room.

Xindu suddenly becomes aware of the time. I almost forgot! The meeting—thank you, Guards!

The guards quickly disappear as Xindu gets ready to leave. He puts Xelena down and holds her shoulders tight. Xelena, I have to go now. King Xarius is having a briefing to discuss an urgent matter. Mama should be home soon. I need you to stay put until she returns. Understood?

Yes, Baba, Xelena says before the rattling of keys can be heard at the door.

A small woman pushes in. Dressed like a housekeeper, she has similar skin tone to Xindu and Xelena, with the same thick eyebrows and black eyes. Like Master Xindu, her wrinkles are prominent. She appears weak and timid.

Mama! Xelena jumps into Mama’s arms.

My sweet Xelena, Mama says, how are you, sweetie? I missed you.

Good you are home, Master Xindu says. I have to get to the briefing room. His Majesty has called a royal briefing. I need you to stay here with Xelena. She has not eaten anything. Can you cook?

I have had a long day, Xindu, Mama says with a strong accent. I have been cleaning the entire palace, not to mention tending to that brat of a princess.

Xaria! Xelena joyously yells.

Do not say that in front of Xelena, Xindu snaps. If Xelena repeats that—I understand you are tired. Why not use your access to get some food from the dining hall?

I cannot access the dining hall without consent, Mama says with annoyance. I would surely raise suspicion.

Very well, Master Xindu says. I will access the dining hall after the meeting.

The meeting could take forever. Xelena cannot wait that long. The last meeting lasted hours—the infamous sleepy-king situation—where your king fell asleep during the meeting!

Our king! What do you want from me? You refuse to cook anything! Xindu raises the conversation’s temperature, worrying Xelena.

I will cook, Mama says reluctantly. But this is the last time. You know to have dinner ready when I work long hours. Mama’s body language projects irritation. Can you please give me my injection before you leave, at least? Her tone apologetically settles.

Xindu observes his wife. She is a poor sight to look at—the wrinkles underneath her eyes, the tiredness in her shivering hands. I am so sorry, Master Xindu says as he kisses her head. I understand you had a long day. Sit down. I will prepare your injections.

Xelena jumps up to observe. She has never understood her mother’s injections. Master Xindu retrieves a small case from the freezer. As he opens it, four small tubes are displayed.

What is it called again, Baba? Xelena asks, tilting her head curiously.

My Insoolant, baby, Mama answers, stretching her arm out. Xindu wraps the arm so that her blood vessels are visible. Your father gives me these injections twice a day because of my autoimmune disorder.

What is this ‘otto moon disorder,’ Mama? she asks tenaciously. This is all so complex to her.

Mama laughs. Her smile fades once Xindu injects her with the yellow Insoolant liquid. The injection takes a moment before Xindu cleans the blood at the wound and places a bandage on the shot area. Mama holds her daughter’s face. You do not need to concern yourself with it, baby. She stares into the child’s deep-black eyes. All you need to know is that Mama can get very sick without the injection. Thank the stars, you did not inherit the same illness your mother has.

I have to get going, Xindu says in a rush, placing the Insoolant back in the freezer. I am really running late now. You two take care. He plants a kiss on his wife and daughter before exiting the apartment. Mama lays on the couch in their crowded apartment, heavy with exhaustion. Xelena jumps on her.

Mama, what are we going to eat? Xelena asks as she jumps up and down on her mother’s old, tired body.

Xelena, please—Mama holds Xelena from jumping—my body cannot take this, child.

Sorry, Mama. Sadness touches Xelena’s face.

It is okay, sweetie. Mama touches the side of Xelena’s soft cheek. What do you want to eat?

Haga noodles! Xelena yells joyfully as she bounces on the couch.

Mama smiles, admiring how precious her daughter is. Haga noodles it is. She rushes to her feet, walking in the small kitchen.

Xelena notices the balcony door is still open. Excited to look at the sky again, she rushes out to the balcony, with her notebook in hand. Wow! Xelena says in awe as she gazes at the moons. Her fascination is stimulated further when she notes the flying comets, dragging their paintbrush across the dark sky canvas. So pretty! I will make a spaceship to see them all up close.

Her attention is recaptured by the bright-red moon; it seems brighter than it was earlier. Xelena wonders why. Is it because the sky got darker? Maybe the moon is lonely and wants more attention. Xelena has seen the moon a few times, but never as bright as it is at that moment. She wants to give the bright-red moon all the attention in the world. She wonders why her father said such a beautiful moon is dangerous. Could it have zombies? No, that could not be it. Zombies are slow, and Xelena can outrun them. Could it have goblins? Or vampires? That’s it! Xelena thought. The moon has vampires. Vampires! Xelena yells out loud.

Suddenly, the smell of noodles and seasoning seduces Xelena’s nose.

Vampires? Mama asks as she joins Xelena on the balcony. Her hands are full with a bowl of hot Haga noodles in each hand.

Haga noodles are a delicious and quickly prepared meal, Xelena’s favorite.

Haga noodles, yummy! Xelena frantically reaches for the noodles without any thought. Gimmie, gimmie!

Not so fast, Mama says as she holds the noodles away from Xelena. Aren’t you forgetting something, sweetie? As Mama speaks, she sets the noodles down on a small glass table. The table is round, made of green glass, trimmed with red markings, different from the balcony and the rest of the apartment.

Mama, do we have to? Xelena asks in an impatient tone as she shrugs her shoulders forward. She watches as Mama grabs a large carpet. The carpet is red and marked with green, like the glass table. Xelena thinks the carpet is pretty, but her craving for Haga noodles relinquishes any patience. Why do we do this, Mama? Xaria’s mommy and daddy never make her do it.

Yes, we do have to, young lady, Mama says in a strong tone as she lectures her daughter. Xaria’s family customs are different from ours, sweetie. I thought you would know that by now. She grabs the notebook from Xelena’s hand. Xelena sighs and reaches for it before her mother returns a stern look.

Why are they different, Mama? Xelena asks as she and Mama sit on the carpet with their legs crossed.

It is the way things are, precious girl. We have many customs that differ from most people in the palace. There is nothing wrong with that, sweetie. This is just the way our family chooses to do things. We believe in honor. Honor drives us. We consider our customs honorable.

Baba says we are not different. Xelena crosses her stubby legs, playing with her chubby baby feet. Baba says we are just like everybody else. Even at such a young age, she is feisty.

Sometimes your father tries too hard to be like everybody else. Mama rolls her black eyes. Always be proud of who you are, Xelena. As much as your father tries to blend in with the people in the palace, he would still want you to embrace your culture.

As Xelena watches Mama prepare the carpet, she grows fascinated with the customs. Mama pours some strange-smelling perfume from a turquoise-colored flask in her small hands. She rubs the perfume before scattering its droplets across the carpet. Grabbing Xelena’s pudgy little hands, Mama pours a bit of perfume into them. She rubs Xelena’s hands together.

Close your eyes, sweetie, Mama says. Xelena shuts her eyes immediately. She can hear a humming noise.

She knows meditation is a custom her mother stressed, but she has no idea how to perform it or what the point of it is. She barely closes one eye, hoping to learn something. With her right eye open, Xelena peeks at Mama. Mama’s eyes shut, as she sits still as a statue, intriguing Xelena.

The humming stops.

Are we done now? Xelena asks. I am hungry.

Not yet, Xelena, Mama says with her eyes still shut. Now close your eyes, young lady.

Xelena jumps into a straight crisscrossed position, surprised Mama knows her eye is open. How does she know Xelena is peeking? Her eyes are shut.

With her eyes still closed, Mama reaches for a small black vase underneath the glass table. The vase contains some reddish burnt coal. She puts the vase on the carpet between her and Xelena. Using her sense of touch, she gently feels across the vase. When she locates a braille written symbol, she strokes it gently. This action triggers a flare that causes the coal to ignite. The coal’s ignition emits a cloud of thick smoke that grows exponentially. Before long, the smoke fogs the whole carpet area, producing a smell Xelena finds soothing.

Now we are done, Mama says. She grabs the noodles and brings them to the center of the carpet so that Xelena can finally enjoy her tasty noodles.

Yay! Xelena yells before scooping the noodles up in her mouth. Her taste buds are quickly tortured by the hot and spicy mix. Unready for the punishing heat, Xelena drops her noodles and fans her gaping mouth. Hot, hot, hot!

Well, you have to wait for it to cool down, sweetie. Mama laughs. What did you expect? They just came off the stove.

I could not wait, Mama, Xelena says while fanning her mouth. I love your Haga noodles.

Aw, thank you, sweetie, Mama says.

Xelena impatiently picks up the noodles again, expecting a different outcome. Her mother stops her before she takes another bite.

Did you already forget how hot they are? Mama asks as she laughs.

I do not care, Mama. I want to eat! Xelena says with the Haga noodles’ orange sauce on her precious face. I bet the vampires would love your Haga noodles, Mama.

How about you wait just for a second? Mama laughs. And while you are waiting to eat your Haga noodles, you can tell me about those vampires.

Vampires are not scary, Xelena says. They are ugly.

What is this interest in vampires? Mama asks Xelena.

Xelena points her short, pudgy finger in the direction of the red moon. Vampires! she says.

Mama seems surprised to see Xelena point out the red moon. Her countenance tightens as if Xelena did something wrong.

There are vampires on the red moon, Xelena says. It is so pretty, Mama. Why else would Baba say it is dangerous? If it is that pretty, but it is too dangerous to visit, it must be—vampires!

It is pretty, isn’t it? Mama says. Your father is right. It is too dangerous to visit that moon but not because of vampires.

Then what is it, Mama? Xelena asks as she jumps into her mother’s lap, polluting her clothes with the orange sauce.

Mama laughs at Xelena’s innocent dismissal of the mess she is causing. Well, Xelena, you are too young for me to tell you. You will understand when you’re older.

Why does everybody keep saying that? Xelena asks angrily. I’m six and a half. She signals her age with her messy, pudgy fingers.

You are getting older, aren’t you, sweetie? Mama says. But you are still not old enough to know about Ganymede.

Gana who? Xelena laughs at the humorous name.

Ganymede, Mama says, that’s the name of that bright-red moon.

Ganymede sounds fun! Xelena jumps in excitement with the strange name. Ganymede, Ganymede, Ganymede!

Stop that, Xelena, Mama says as she seems bothered with Xelena’s repetition of that name. I do not want your father to hear you say that name. Besides, we believe in honor. Saying Ganymede like that is very disrespectful to our people. Suddenly, Mama realizes she said something wrong.

Why not? Xelena asks.

Reasons you are too young to know, Mama says as she investigates the deep-black sky.

Vampires, Xelena says as she looks down to the bowl of Haga noodles before digging in.

Okay, Xelena, Mama says as she wipes Xelena’s mouth and fingers clean. For now, it’s vampires.

Yay, I knew it! She continues eating the Haga noodles, making more of a mess than she did before. Xelena looks back up in the sky when another comet flies fast. If Ganymede has vampires, maybe one of the meteors hits it and blows it up! That would be cool!

Do not say that, Xelena! Mama angrily yells as she snatches Xelena back toward her. She continues cleaning Xelena of the orange sauce.

Why, Mama? I thought Ganymede was bad?

It is not bad, Xelena, Mama exclaims. Just dangerous, especially for us. Mama clearly has a lot on her mind. Never say anything like that again.

But why, Mama?

Mama realizes that she already said a lot. But something is weighing heavily on her mind. She is very proud and does not want to hide this any longer. Your father will have a fit if he finds out I told you this. Mama’s words drag out. But you should know this much. Xelena, we are from Ganymede.

What? Xelena asks in awe.

Yes, Xelena, Mama says. You are of Ganymede. It is our home. We came here from there. Your father serves as the ambassador of culture and diplomacy, partially due to our Ganymede origin.

If it is our home, Mama, why can’t we go there? Xelena asks with more curiosity than before.

You will understand when you are older, Mama says as she hands Xelena her notebook. But for now, use all the imagination you want. For now, vampires.

Xelena laughs as she hugs her mother tight. Jumping into Mama’s lap, Xelena begins kicking her short legs back and forth as she kisses Mama on the cheek.

Ganymede, Xelena whispers under her breath. She flips through her notebook to see the spaceship she drew and holds the booklet up. Seeing the ship, alongside the moon, the words roll out of her mouth. I will make a ship to go there, Mama.

The looming war with Divercity

Master Xindu Xutu walks into the briefing room as his heart paces. Sweating profusely, he is clearly exhausted from running across the palace. His apartment is on the south end of the palace while the briefing room is on the north wing. A sigh of relief joins him when he realizes the meeting has not yet begun.

As Master Xindu walks through the lavishly decorative golden room, paintings of all the kings and queens of Galactic X stare at him from the walls. Historic events and deals are documented in plaques that are displayed on the tables. The long table of the briefing room is gold-plated, just like the room itself. Discussions flare around the table as Master Xindu walks to his seat.

Twelve royal advisors sit at the table, each fair skinned, with blond hair and blue eyes, noticeably different from Master Xindu Xutu. They all wear white robes, embellished with gold adornments. Jewels, rings, necklaces, and watches are all gold. The wealth of these men radiates through the room. Master Xindu is much more modestly dressed. He wears a brown robe with a black vest. As he walks to his seat, he removes his oval-shaped hat, exposing his curly black hair and braided ponytail. The royal advisors continue their conversations as Xindu takes his seat aside the long table.

The present advisors include Master Xeller, of coin; Master Xixer, of education; Master Xemaniah, of development; and Master Xenphidella, of agriculture. It is tradition for citizens of Galactic X to be named with an X. Any royal or advisor to the king must be named with an X. This mandatory rule has no exceptions. Names other than the X-names are seen as lower class and an insult to King Xarius and his predecessors, who started the tradition.

Master Xindu notes King Xarius III’s tardiness. He wrinkles his nose, signaling a common occurrence. As he waits for the king’s arrival, Master Xindu gathers his notes and prepares his report.

Honestly, Xindu, says Master Xeller, of coin, as master of coin, I will personally finance your wardrobe if you agree to our dress code. I am sick of seeing our court plagued by the guise of peasant clothing. It is rather insulting, don’t you think?

Oh, come now, Master Xeller, Master Xemaniah, of development, laughs. You cannot possibly blame Xindu for his repulsive clothing choice. You know King Xarius must personally grant each royal advisor his garment. Try flaunting your money at the king.

Be that as it may, Master Xemaniah, Master Xeller, of coin, responds, playing with his jewel-covered thumbs. The sight is still demeaning to our court. A royal advisor dressed as a peasant reflects poorly on the rest of us. Someone should voice our concerns to the king at once!

Well, why don’t you do it, Master Xeller, if it troubles you so? Master Xenphidella, of agriculture, laughs as he joins in the amusement of the conversation. I am sure King Xarius has his reasons. But it is rather strange. The rest of us received our garments upon initiation. I, myself, wear mine as a badge of honor.

King Xarius cannot be reasoned with, Master Xenphidella, Master Xeller, of coin, responds. He has his way of doing things. We all know that. One might even question why he has advisors.

We all know bloody well he cannot be reasoned with, Master Xemaniah, of development, laughs. "You’re the one who suggested to voice our concerns!"

The group bursts into laughter. The obnoxious chuckles echo through the briefing room as they bounce from walls to ceiling. As the blond-haired, blue-eyed advisors flaunt their jewelry in amusement, Master Xindu keeps to himself. Aloof from the rest, he finds no humor in this discussion. He would much rather focus on his report. With his notes alphabetized and ready, he prepares for the briefing.

Suddenly, the roaring laughter of the royal advisors is silenced by the opening of the briefing room doors. Swung open, the doors slam on the surrounding walls. Master Xindu looks up to see several people enter the briefing room. Upon the entrance of this group, all present advisors stand up from their seats. The group is led by guards, dressed exactly like the ones who visited him earlier. They wear pointed hats and long white capes with golden armor. After the guards enters General Xerxes. He controls the guards and all military operations on Galactic X. He is a large, strong man. Unlike the other advisors, General Xerxes wears golden armor above his white robe. His facial bone structure is deep and sharp. His cheekbones and chin are strong. His eyebrows are deep-gold, blond. A white cape covers the left side of his body. The largest man in the room, General Xerxes commands the upmost respect.

Entering after General Xerxes is His Majesty, King Xarius III. A rather large man, King Xarius is also fair-skinned with blond hair but is much older than the other men. He has a long blond beard and wears a diamond-crested crown. He holds a golden staff in his hand. His body is covered with three layers of robes, the outer one being completely gold. He radiates with enough wealth to buy a planet.

Perhaps more commanding than the king’s wealth and appearance are the creatures he has at his side—two giant white tigers, the size of polar bears, each with golden stripes. These beasts are known as lynxes, enormous felines, serving as loyal beasts to the royals. As ferocious as the animals look, they seem tamed. Their golden collars are programmed to King Xarius’s staff.

The last man to enter comes behind the king—a man, similar in looks to King Xarius but is shorter with a long and thin blond mustache. He has very long blond mane, with a strand of black in the front, signaling his lesser rank in the room. He is dressed similarly to the advisors, with a white robe and a few golden accessories.

Prince Xavier, Master Xindu whispered to himself, as if surprised to see the long-haired man.

King Xarius makes his way to the head seat at the table. He takes his seat, with the lynxes next to him. After the king sits down, the others follow.

My royal advisors, King Xarius says with his deep voice, how glad I am to see you. It has been so long, far too long. Now, let us begin with the customary introduction, starting with General Xerxes.

General Xerxes, head of militia and servant to the royal King Xarius III, the most powerful and gracious king in the whole universe. At your service, Your Majesty, General Xerxes says proudly.

Master Xeller, of coin, and servant to the royal King Xarius III, the most powerful and gracious king in the whole universe. At your service, Your Majesty, Master Xeller echoes in the same manner.

The advisors continue to make the same statement, stating their responsibility and loyalty to the king. Continuing with Master Xixer of education to Master Xemaniah of development and Master Xenphidella of agriculture, all the way down to the last advisor; they all repeat. Master Xindu is the last to speak.

Master Xindu, ambassador of culture and diplomacy and servant to the royal King Xarius III, the most powerful and gracious king in the whole universe. At your service, Your Majesty, Master Xindu says with some uneasiness in his voice. His nervousness is noted by some of the other advisors, especially Xerxes. Prince Xavier seems irritated by Xindu’s presence.

I never get tired of hearing that. King Xarius smiles through his thick golden mane of a beard. Now, General Xerxes, what do you have?

Your Highness, General Xerxes says, military operations are going as planned. I have several fleets in each of our fifty-three moons working swiftly with the people there to assure we have their support. Dr. Dakor, of our largest moon, has just assured me that our plan is going perfectly. His work with our military is accelerating, and I should have an update for you soon.

Excellent, King Xarius says. Now, does anyone else have anything?

Master Xindu looks down at his notes. He has something he wanted to say but struggles to fight the nerves. It is better to wait and see what else is said during the briefing.

The royal funds are finally starting to get back on track, Your Majesty, Master Xeller says. Through my work with Master Xenphidella, we were able to secure brand-new sources of income. I am also allocating several costs to General Xerxes’s military operations.

Master Xenphidella? King Xarius asks the master of agriculture to confirm.

Confirmed, Your Highness, Master Xenphidella, of agriculture, confirms.

Excellent, King Xarius exclaims. Now, Xenphidella, I have a personal favor to ask—a royal favor if you will?

Anything, Your Highness, Xenphidella assures the king.

King Xarius looks toward the giant tigers at his side. He gently pets one of the beasts as it purrs. You see, my royal advisor, lynxes are very energetic beasts. They prefer a hunt and diversity in their meals. Leo and Zeus have been bored of their food lately. I couldn’t imagine how depressing it would be if I had to eat the same hunk of meat every day.

Prince Xavier rolls his eyes.

I would like you to produce sixty of your finest bulls at once. I want them alive so that Zeus and Leo can have some sport. Understood?

Yes, Your Highness, Master Xenphidella, of agriculture, says.

If I may, Your Majesty, Prince Xavier interjects. Wouldn’t our livestock be more suitable for other purposes than to feed a spoiled beast? Given our economic situation and the looming war, we need—

Ah yes, the looming war, King Xarius says, interrupting his brother. Completely ignoring Xavier’s input, King Xarius lifts his hand from the lynx Zeus’s head and places it on the top of his staff. That is our most important discussion. I have nearly forgot. General Xerxes?

No new updates, Your Highness, General Xerxes says. We may have some new intelligence soon.

And what do we already know? King Xarius asks.

Confusion paints General Xerxes’s face. We know that Divercity is stronger than ever. Their booming economy and technology are threatening. They have control and support of all thirty-two of their moons. This war will not be easily won.

If there is a war, King Xarius says, "all I have heard for the last several years is the looming war. Why are we expecting a war anyway? Just because they are a rival superpower? So must we challenge any prospering planet, apart from ours? I have a hunch—this looming war will never happen."

Silence. General Xerxes seems uneasy with this assertion. Master Xindu looks again at his notes. He knows he needs to speak out but is again met with nervousness.

Oh, this is ridiculous, Your Majesty. Prince Xavier breaks the silence. Can you not see what General Xerxes is warning you about? There will be a war. It is inevitable. Galactic X is no longer the only planetary superpower. Divercity has been growing rapidly. They have us hilariously outmatched in several categories.

Xavier, I do not recall asking you to speak, King Xarius says. You may be my brother, but you are not an advisor. So please, sir, keep quiet.

I am sorry, Your Majesty, Prince Xavier says. I spoke out of mere love for you and Galactic X.

It is okay, my dear brother. You are naive and inexperienced. I will not hold it against you.

Me naive? The fool! The thought rings in Prince Xavier’s mind.

Now, General Xerxes, do you agree with my brother? King Xarius asks.

I am afraid so, my king, General Xerxes says. Divercity is not only a growing superpower but also a united planet. Backed by the resources and unity of its thirty-two moons, they have the technology and power to wipe us out.

But we have fifty-four moons, General Xerxes, King Xarius says as he pets Zeus’s head again. We have twice as many moons as they do.

Xavier again rolls his eyes as the advisors attempt to hold back laughter at the king’s poor mathematics.

How can they be a match for us?

General Xerxes keeps quiet. The advisors do not dare challenge the king. Even as he sat there clueless and incapable, no one wanted to speak out of term. They gaze in fear as Zeus glares across the room, bearing his sharp canine teeth.

If I may, Your Highness— Prince Xavier speaks.

Ah, you learned to ask your king’s permission before voicing your opinion. King Xarius laughs, demeaning his brother. Speak.

While we do have fifty-four moons, our moons are operating independently, Prince Xavier continues. We have made substantial leaps in our relationships with our moons, thanks to General Xerxes’s military leadership, but we are still a long way from where Divercity is. They control all thirty-two of their moons under one government. We merely have an alliance with our moons. Need I also remind you that one of our fifty-four moons is in open rebellion!

The mention of the rebellious moon strikes a nerve with Master Xindu. He sits back in his seat. Uneasy with this topic, Xindu stashes his notes away silently.

Ah, Ganymede, King Xarius says, the wild race of savages. Ganymede is of no threat to us. They are killing their own.

But, Your Majesty, Prince Xavier says, we need Ganymede. They are allied with half of our fifty-four moons and have incredible influence among them. While we have made tremendous alliances with the other moons, the threat of rebellion will always be there as long as Ganymede is an enemy.

So what do you suggest? King Xarius facetiously asks, growing tired of Xavier’s input.

An alliance with Ganymede, Prince Xavier says, as swiftly as possible.

Aha! King Xarius laughs. "Ally with Ganymede? Their ancient ways of doing things cannot be tamed, not to mention the emergence of their radical religious practice. They are under the rule of that dictator witch Pyra! How can we ever work with them? Under Pyra’s rule, the zews on that moon openly practice self-sacrifice and primitive rituals. Their dedication to their ancient ways has opened the door to extremism!"

The word zews irritates Xindu. It holds tremendous pain. The mere mention of this word tears him apart. Xelena must never hear that word, Xindu thinks.

I understand, my king, Prince Xavier says. But without Ganymede, we are no match for Divercity. Countless citizens of Galactic X and our moons will die!

We cannot ally with Ganymede as long as they are ruled by the radical terrorist Pyra, King Xarius says. We need to wait until her regime has ended. Besides, we have my trusted advisor, Master Xindu.

Master Xindu looks up swiftly as he draws looks throughout the room.

Master Xindu is from Ganymede. Overtime, his ambassador work can help us ease Ganymede out of its radical government. In the meantime, he can work with General Xerxes to keep a strong alliance with the other fifty-three moons.

Why are you so reluctant to an alliance with Ganymede? Prince Xavier asks, shooting from his seat. We cannot wait for a slow ease of government. The war with Divercity is looming! We must act now.

You raise your voice, brother?’ King Xarius asks. I caution you to take your seat."

You fool, your naivety blinds you! Prince Xavier screams.

The present advisors are in shock to see the king spoken to this way. Zeus growls as he stands on all four limbs. The king uses his staff to keep his pet in check.

Can’t you see that we need Ganymede to secure our alliances with all fifty-four moons! How can you be so against an alliance with them when you openly allow a filthy zew, like Xindu, to sit in your advisory committee?

Master Xindu keeps quiet as his fist closes. The word zew is clearly a racially motivated insult toward his people.

Silence! King Xarius says as he rises. He points his staff toward his brother. The massive lynxes circle toward Xavier, teeth bared. Xavier withdraws in fear. Zeus’s grin is inches away from his face. You are lucky to be my brother. If it were not for our dead mother’s love for you, I would feed you to Zeus and Leo immediately. How dare you speak to me in such a manner!

Leo circles around the back of Xavier, gently growling at the back of his ear.

My king, I apologize, Prince Xavier says as he begs to be spared of the ferocious lynxes.

You speak of Master Xindu as a filthy zew, King Xarius says, but his family serves well. His daughter is like a sister to my princess Xaria. His wife caters to our family. He is a royal advisor. You are nothing. You are merely linked to me by blood, nothing more. All you have is being the king’s brother. I only allowed you to sit in on this meeting to patronize your pathetic soul.

King Xarius uses his golden staff to command Zeus and Leo to withdraw. "You are spared from my beasts’ wrath today. But tread lightly, brother. You are walking on thin ice. I am afraid. Now, leave us grown men to our meeting. You