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The Three Realms The Three Realms (Book 6: The Eternal Age of Unity)

3 Realms 6-30

Arsha and Foresna woke up and got themselves dressed. It was time to disembark from the Endeavor. Arsha hoisted her bag over her shoulder, then she and Foresna first headed to the bridge. Arsha started the Ceremony and placed three fingers on the Captain’s Chair. “I am Arsha Royana,” she said. “I have served Realmfleet and have learned much. Thus now, I have proven that I can command. I wish Bashoon Barmek luck as my successor.” Once she finished speaking, she and Foresna made the long trek to the landing ramp. Once they went down the ramp, they walked towards the venue where the Ceremony would be completed. It was a nice little park in the center of the city. Once they reached the park’s entrance, they saw an aisle with the old and new Endeavor bridge crew lining it. Foresna headed off to the side of the aisle and Arsha went down it to approach her parents. She set her stuff aside and knelt in front of Elgrad and Hanako. “Arsha Royana,” began Elgrad, “you have been away from home for five years now and have fought in the Final War.” Arsha silently wished that he didn’t say that, wishing for a normal Tour’s End Ceremony like Lardeth and Malnar had. “You have served Realmfleet and expanded your knowledge. What have you learned?”

“…I have seen the darkest aspects of the Realms,” she said. “I’ve learned that not even my own crew was safe from prejudice…but I still saw good triumph over evil! I saw heroes supporting those that couldn’t defend themselves, whether they never knew a fighter’s life or were robbed of the ability to fight! I saw heroes that sprang from the enemy’s side and proved to me that no one is beyond redemption, even if their entire life is filled with nothing but blind hate! Moreover, I saw those heroes continue to build people up, even after the fighting had long ended! My journey has proven that a hero can pop up at any moment and will even fight against smaller evils. Good will always triumph and I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for those heroes.” Elgrad and Hanako grinned.

“Your tour has been instrumental in your growth,” said Hanako. “We have no doubts that you will lead us well when you ascend to the throne. Rise, Arsha Royana, Crown Princess of the entire Mid-realm!” Arsha rose and addressed the crowd.

“I meant what I said,” she called. “I’ve been hailed as a hero, as have my lovers, but we wouldn’t have gotten anywhere without the actions of all the heroes across the Realms, both those that are still alive to those that gave their lives for their homes and loved ones. So, please, for the love of the now mortal Divine Ones, while you praise those that gained fame, remember those nearest to you. Sing songs, thank them for their service, raise monuments, do something to acknowledge their sacrifices. That’s all I ask of you.” Once she finished, Bashoon walked up to her. She was wearing a duty uniform with purple command trim.

“Well, Ca-Your Highness, this is it,” she said.

“So much has changed since we picked you and your family up in Vorkath,” replied Arsha. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to change a bit of it.”

“Nor do I,” agreed Bashoon. “I’ve enjoyed my career under your command. Now I’m ready to begin the next step towards my ultimate goal.”

“Just don’t forget the goals of your crew. Theirs can align with yours.”

“Understood, My Lady.” Bashoon and Arsha shook hands, then Arsha surprised everyone by pulling Bashoon into a hug. Bashoon was startled, then smiled and reciprocated.

“You’re gonna be a great Captain in these times of peace,” said Arsha. “I just know it.”

“I’ll command the Endeavor and her crew with the respect and dignity that is due to them,” promised Bashoon. They broke off the embrace and Bashoon walked down the aisle with her new bridge crew following her.


They all entered the bridge and took their stations. “All right, everyone,” called Bashoon. “Assume your posts.” Bashoon sat in the Captain’s seat and Endea sat in the seat next to her while Anya moved her water chair to the other side of Bashoon. Laverda, Malak, and Marshii took up their old positions as Melandra and Orthena respectively assumed Thangred and Elmar’s old posts. Nazay’s replacement was a Revenant Kitsune man named Nambura, Shalvey’s successor was Temnasia, a robot that rebelled against Dr. Borg during the final battles of the War, the new Security Officer was a female Golem called Gurnak, the Engineer directly under Melandra was a male Insect-type robot called Geturak, and a Revenant human man calling himself Lurkath was the Science Officer directly under Orthena. “Ms. Temnasia,” called Bashoon once everyone assumed their posts, “any missions?”

“The Haldebor Drider Caves,” reported Temnasia, “are requesting medical supplies as a mine has collapsed. Everyone has made it out, but there are a lot of injuries.”

“All right then, let’s get underway. Mr. Nambura, set a course for the Mid-to-Under Realmgate, then plot a course from there to the Haldebor Drider Caves.”

“Course laid in,” reported Nambura.

“Let’s fly,” commanded Bashoon.


The Endeavor rose from its landing spot and went higher into the air before it flew forward towards the Realmgate. The crowd below waved goodbye as it flew off. They waved until it vanished from view. “Goodbye, Captain Barmek,” said Arsha, “and good luck.”


Once the ceremony was over, Arsha and her parents sat in Arsha’s room in the castle. “You know,” mused Arsha, “I just want to ask this; are you sure you want to step down?”

“You have the Eternal Age of Unity as the background for your rule,” replied Elgrad.

“We’ve ruled during war and peace,” supplied Hanako, “now it’s time for our daughter to rule during only peace.”

“Then I guess the next question is will the end of the month work for you guys?”

“Sounds perfect to me,” said Elgrad.

“And me,” agreed Hanako. “Plenty of time for Lardeth and Malnar to settle any affairs of state.”

“In that case,” declared Arsha, “I’m gonna send them the invites!”

“Very well, we’ll make the announcement for the Town Crier to call out tomorrow,” replied Elgrad. He then kissed Arsha on the head. Hanako kissed her as well before she spoke.

“You’re a good woman, Arsha,” she said. “I know we haven’t always done the right thing for you, but I can say, with no exaggeration, your father and I are proud of the woman and commander you have become. May your rule be blessed with happiness.” Arsha and her parents then hugged and remained together for a bit. Elgrad and Hanako then broke the embrace and left Arsha’s room while Arsha began typing out the invitations to Lardeth and Malnar. Once she finished and edited them, she sent them out. She looked out the window and sighed.

“The instant the Coronation’s over,” she said, “that’s when I do it.”

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