I discovered that some of the Nocturnals are illiterate. I opened a private school so my family can learn to read and write. The first batch was the oldest of both sides. They started from kindergarten level. No judgement they were too busy fighting so studying took a back seat. Now they are learning at a leisurely pace. First read and write then computer science. After a peacekeeper explained his predicament I requested to open a comedy center so we can start laughter therapy. They opened the gaming center a week later. The top floor was arranged so comedians can show their skill. Then I spent an entire week asking everyone what their wish was. The one day I will do this or that wish. Some of them rode motorcycles. A few rode horses. Some went climbing, snorkeling, and diving. Some just moved to the suburbs or farm. I wish them peace and love. The others were happy as is. I did attend a comedy session. Rocco and Steele were on the stage and they were pretty funny. I sent Roland on stage to educate these guys. He rolled up his sleeve as everyone started saying their prayers. What happened next was comedy gold.
We came back and everyone was more relaxed. We sat down to discuss how we were going to upgrade the spiral. Søren asked if we could do systematically. The others agreed to build the upgrade in space. Then disassemble the old one as we resembled the new one. It is a huge undertaking. It will take a year or more to complete but it is worth it. The work began and as always we employeed our own. Lately the immigration office was flooded with people wanting to be citizens. But the law was absolute. Their request was denied. They wanted to know why we were getting genetically modified ones when there are those who are in need of a home. The officer the genetically modified ones are relatives we have lost. We are repopulating the world with family. We divert all refugees to worlds like Tentative, Helon prime and Dextro. The people who wanted to apply for residency came to see us. We made it clear only Nocturnals are given resident status. They tried to convince people to marry them but they weren't interested.
I got the notification for military service and I put on my uniform. Miranda asked me to be careful. I gave her a hug as I stepped out. I wore a medical mask and I joined the drafted ones to guard the spiral. The soldiers were stern but fair. I was assigned to repair the gunships. I was permitted to speak with the many members of Parliament. I gave them an accurate detail of what was needed. They debated the matter and voted to assist. I drank blood or spend the hours that I am not using a wrench to learn languages. One instant saved everyone when I took a detour. I overheard a tourist talk about how he was going to blow something up. I mentally passed it to everyone and they took action. Once repairs became second nature they switched me to drive their toughest beast. Skallekløyver or Skull splitter was its name. I was trained to use it until I could operate it even in my sleep. Then I was trained to use the latest sniper rifle. First at a hundred yards then three hundred. They kept moving the target till it was a half a mile.
After my one year service I came home and they raised the flag. We still had people who came for citizenship. But the answer remains the same. Someone decided to take us to court. The judge asked what was the criteria to allow citizenship. Cade explained, "To be a citizen the person must survive our bite. Our saliva carries a chemical which changes people. Once they transform they must agree to military service and mentally linked with the masses. There are those who are incompatible. They die from the bite. So we chose to say no" The judge asked if anyone can be a resident without the bite. Cade replied, "Our planet is named Nocny. Which means Nocturnal. If you won't accept the bite or can't follow the military conscription notice then the citizenship is denied. There are no exceptions to the rule. Even our Empress just completed her one year of military service." The judge didn't expect this. The ones wanting citizenship asked if they could be excused from the being soldiers.
The judge asked how often the citizens have to go for military service. Cade answered once ever two years. The ones wanting residency didn't agree. Cade made it clear if they can't abide by our laws then they can't be citizens. Military service was part of our absolute laws. If they prefer a more neutral planet. Their place is Tentative, Helon prime and Dextro. The judge asked them why they wanted to live there. They explained, "It is peaceful and safe. There is no crime." Cade retorted, "She is stalling" the judge asked her to be frank. Cade started poking her and she finally admitted, "I want to be rich. They are a wealthy planet. Why not?" The judge ruled in our favor. The ones wanting citizenship was sent to the other planets. When he came home I was amongst those who greeted him. He blushed, "You didn't have to come Sis. This is unnecessary." I waved him off, "Nonsense. I am glad to see you home. Brother. I thought I was going to get another round of the October guards." He told me to lighten up.
As we were going back to the palace. A vampire named Oslo asked nicely, "Who is the October guards? Why are you comcerned" Oleg tried to explain but I just showed them the memories. I was in the park. Roland went to get ice cream. A woman was pushing a stroller. All of a sudden a car blows up and the woman pulls out a machine gun to shoot the place. The incident in Excalibur fortress. The hostage situation in the hospital. The attempts to blow up the wall. Stabbing a kid. I felt Oslo had enough. Those who had never them were now on the alert. The dark knights implemented random inspection to ensure everyone's safety. King Griffin send me a ring asking my hand in marriage. Oleg nearly flew the royal yacht to Malachi to eat him. Alina handled it. She decided to sue him. That was enough to convince him to leave us alone. The school was kept open so the newcomers can learn our language. The Synthetics asked exactly how many more batches are they going to send our way. Felix replied, "Twenty more batches and we are good."
I had to get ready for a party at Enzo's house at the edge of the city. Cruz was in charge of driving me there. Luca, Rex and Kent were on eagle eye duty. Their job was to make sure I got back to the palace alive and unharmed. Roland was second skin as he is supposed to stay as close as possible without arousing Oleg's anger. Knox was in plain clothes. Caspia was going to be the diversion if trouble chose to pay us a visit. Draven called to call off the party since a suspicious person was discovered in the area. Until he is certain the trip was suspended. I waited for him to confirm there was no issue. He used drones, hidden cameras and cleverly placed listening device to find out what was going on. He found out that the people who took us to court weren't happy their request was denied so they are planning to blow up the city center. Then they heard we were going to be outside so they are looking for address. They believe if we are dead they can have a better chance convincing our successors.
I remebered the science department made robot that look human. They were made just for this purpose. I told them to use the decoy robots. An hour later they were under arrest. Everyone accepted that it is best if we don't allow outsider to live with us. Søren got the notification to spend time in the spiral. I wished him luck as he was airlifted. Enzo got the all clear and I got ready for the party. This was more like a meeting with family so they can explain what help they need. They also mention what help they can offer. Enzo was hosting for vampires from Akumi. They are businessmen who live in a no tourist zone. They build and sold non-lethal devices to the military and the dark knights. The other residents were from the werewolf town Kaguya. It is also a no tourist zone. The next were from Drakon. The residents are vampires with werewolf spouses. The last were from Tsar. They are here to pledge their allegiance. I wore a peacock blue silk robes and a copper mask.
We go there and Enzo escorted me to the study where they pledge their loyalty. I accepted it and they explained their wants. The ones from Drakon wanted Genetically modified ones to be children so they can raise them. I placed the order immediately. Akumi was hoping I could convince customs authority to speed up the process so the supply can meet demand. I sent a message to the head of customs. He explained how understaffed he was at the moment. So the next arrival was trained to help him work faster. The residents of Kaguya wanted permission to increase security as some tourists are boldly enter the forbidden zone. The next batch was split in two. Half was for customs and the other went with Kaguya to ensure their safety. They asked me what they can do to make my life easier. I explained, "The king of Malachi has been proposing even after I explained that I am married. He has sent men to kidnap. He has mocked my embassador. I am at a loss of words." They told me to persevere. A few more decades and he will be dead.
After the party Caspia drove me home as the other tried to figure out why didn't come to the palace. The answer was simple. They were amongst those who trained to be special operators. Coming to the palace would put them on the radar. Since the instigators are looking for inspiration. I came home and met the Parliament members. They promised to consider their plights when they are in session. Then I changed into pyjamas and laid down to sleep. Miranda woke me up with tea. She was curious why I came up so late. Layla explained and she thanked her for the clarity. I wore cream colored satin robes and bronze mask. A beautiful rose motif hairpins and the official crown. I was seated when a tourist took a wrong turn and entered the throne room. He asked me to step down and let a democracy flourish. The Nocturnals present laughed as I cast a vote. They all agreed they like things the way they are. This was broadcasted through the news outlets and he was shocked. He asked why we were soldiers. We explained about raiders and enslavers. So he asked me why I won't abdicate from the throne. He was told I am the one they have elected as empress and they are not looking for a replacement. In the end he walked away angrily.