Winter of Vyistros , Present
Live broadcast of Duke William, Standing before the old doors of House Vestan holding a scroll, announcing sudden tragedy.
"My cherished citizens, we Vestanians are known for our endurance, our pursuit of justice, and our embrace of honesty. Today, I ask you to show these virtues more than ever, for we stand on the threshold of dark times."
"Our beloved medical chef, Doctor Neavil Pavlidis, has made a grave discovery in my own vessel. My body is slowly declining due to an illness called Ykarys. As many of you know, this disease is caused by spice poisoned in a way that kills the nutrients of our holy Qystic spice."
"My time is limited. I will not abdicate until I am truly unable to govern. But I must inform you of the following: besides myself, over 300,000 Vestanians have been harmed by Ykarys in recent days and weeks. Fortunately, many have found care in hospitals across both our modern and traditional regions. Yet, 13,000 Vestanians have already died due to complications aggravated by this illness."
"Doctor Pavlidis, my superb General Callum Byllock, and I have concluded—through numerous medical reports and investigations into certain goods—that our precious spice Qystic has been poisoned with Ykarys."
"Production has been halted. We warn every one of you to reject any contact or engagement with Qystic. We also ask you to double-check all goods imported from other republics, houses, or empires."
"Recently, several other Houses have come under attack from anonymous enemies through numerous maneuvers. We have reason to believe our aggressors are the same. Information on this matter remains classified until the moment we deem it necessary to share, because my Friends, information is like fine wine: you store it carefully and only open it at the right moment."
"In case of my sudden early death, General Byllock will govern until my bloodline is ready to take over."
"Stay strong, my fellow Vestanians. Help those in need. Remember what makes us magnificent: Justice, Empathy, Humbleness, and Caring."
"And remember—a great Vestanian does not seek glory or greatness; he grows into it."
"Show our strength, and I will see you on the other side."
He raised his voice, shouting: "House Vestan endures!"
Hundreds of soldiers echoed the motto in unison.
The Duke returned into the castle with the rest of the family that had stood behind him following him. Oressa letting down a tear off her left eye. Maria putting up a stonecold face showing no emotion to show feminine strength, showing there is currently no time to grief. Vestanians show grief after honorable struggle not during. Teaxisson showing dissapointment, he felt that he had to prevent this problem by finding the agressor before his deed. Nobody can without clues but he still felt responsible. Phaistos absence did not raise any question amongst the Vestanians because he announced his trip to Alleas, a planet far away from here to negotiate with the Alleans to gain certain minerals and material to build more advanced vehicles.
After the doors closed a dramatic pause was seen and heared, General Callum Byllock took the stage and announce further details and temporarily rules that were made in case of certain emergencies.
For the first time in the history of House Vestan the whole family was silent while each walking to their room preparing for bed. Even head of housestaff Irv Marsden knew he did need to engage for this one moment...
Tomorrow is a busy day for House Vestan, Vyistros and may be the galaxy....