Robertus feels the train jolt again as it quickly arrives near the stadium. It detaches from the car it was connected to and rolls carefully down to its own quieter station in the underground system. It’s still bustling with people ready to head up to see the game. A small group of vigiles are waiting on the station platform, ready to help Robertus and his guards into their suite of the stadium. Their bright purple uniforms make them shine in the glow of the light of the station. Their golden vests glimmer as they stand stoically ready to maintain order.

He looks out behind him through the window, beyond the platform, seeing people shocked at the sight of his train car. Excitement ripples through the crowd as they realize the Caesar of the empire could be there within it. Flashes of cameras start to flicker throughout the growing crowd. vigiles come from within the arena quickly move through the crowd. They speedily erect barriers to keep the crowd back and mark off a path to the stadium for Robertus to go down.

Robertus stands up, “I hope Kata wasn’t too much of a hassle with such a last minute thing.” He says as  brushes down his robes to make them hang smoothly down his body. “I am ready if you are.” 

Aaron nods, as he lets Robertus take the lead as he puts his arm on his shoulder as they both make their way down the stairs. The imperial guard below have placed their helmets on already as the door opens, the sounds of the crowd excited to catch a glimpse of Robertus ripping through the car. 

Robertus feels his heart pounding with excitement and nervousness. He still has trouble getting used to the power his presence has. He wonders how many of the crowd see him as a reincarnation of Deus Maxim, him as a divine messiah who will ascend and bring a new brilliant age of Pimogie dominance across the universe.

He just wants to be able to keep the glue of the empire strong, if he even gets to the point of running the empire. Aaron pushes himself in front of Robertus, stepping out as he puts on his headdress.

“Attention, your Caesar, Robertus Augustus Romulus Clericus, has arrived.” Aaron’s voice silences the crowd as he captures their attention. “We ask for your patience as we take your time for us to move to the imperial booth. In return, Robertus would like to offer you a short speech.”

The crowd murmurs with surprise and excitement at them being given honor to  witness their Caesar speak. Robertus bites his lip unprepared and nervous as he steps up in front of Aaron. He smiles as he scans the parted crowd. He sees a few mirlings holding on to their Moirai, they look up in awe at him. 

Robertus chuckles, “I can’t say I really planned on having a speech, but Aaron is right we are taking a moment of your time. Time is important, no one knows how much they get and no one gets more than what they are destined. It’s great to try and make the most of it while you are alive. I am happy to see everyone here ready to enter the arena to enjoy, hopefully a Parba victory,” there are some cheers in the crowd. “It’s important to take the time to cherish the people around you and to make the most of the time you get with them. I am happy to be here with my loyal imperial guards, my loyal friends. To be able to be with my amazing friends and family is what I love most about my work to help keep you all safe. It’s truly my honor to be here among all of you, to enjoy time with my greater family.” He smiles feeling warmed by his own words, “With my people. GO MOUND BATS” 

The crowd cheers as Robertus steps down from the platform. vigiles the vigiles help to lead Robertus through their created path down into the private lounge reserved for those with suites in the arena. He holds onto the golden armored vest of a vigile as they pull him along. Flashes pull Robertus’ eyes all around him, he loose his grip as his focus worsens. He looks around at all the people screaming at him calling his name. Their words are a white noise as everyone’s words melt together. They wave out their hands desperate to get a feeling of something living connected to the imperium. Robertus feels  Aaron’s firm grip on his shoulder  as Aaron and the other work to keep him on track from behind. 

The sounds of the people calling out to him echoes in his mind roaring as loud thunder. Robertus hears something about an emergency in the crowd but he can’t quite make it out in the chaotic sounds of the crowd. He tries to turn around to look but Aaron pushes him forward. He is gently pushed up to the vigiles, who clear the way into the lounge letting him and the imperial guards into the private common area of the VIP suites.

 It’s quiet in the lounge, it feels empty. He can hear some quiet whispering, from he is guessing some of the royal guards as they help to make sure no one who is able to get past the vigiles is able to cause any trouble. The bartender cleans a glass as looks towards the door to see what the commotion was. Robertus sees their face go pale as their eyes meet. He gives the bartender a nod, as they quickly turn their attention back to the bar.

Robertus hears someone coming forward seeing the dark blood red flowing out of a plume, it’s clear to Robertus it’s Jalila in her ceremonial armor. She quickly takes off her helmet, shakes her head letting her hair flow freely, before chucking it at Aaron, who carefully catches it.

“What was with that little show?” Jalila her voice pointed. “Aaron why did you do that, we should not let the Caesar be out in the open for so long in such an impromptu way.”  She scolds.

“It’s fine, Jali. It’s good for me to be seen and for the people to hear me.”

Her fury turns on Robertus, “Not if you are dead! Just imagine you are up there and someone guns you down in public, let’s ignore that you are with your imperial guards, that would be amazing for their invincible image.” She mutters under her breath, “Beyond all of us losing him. A Caesar murdered, in front of all these people, the horrible images in the press, not to mention the horrible stain it will leave on the empire.” She looks up at him her eyes watery as she stabs at his chest with her finger. “You are far bigger than yourself and you need to remember that.” 

Robertus’ head sank, they had been careless. “Alright, we will do things better next time.”

“I don’t care how small the odds are and how safe the city is,” she says as she turns back around to the lounge, “We always need to ensure the highest security.” 

“You are right, Jali, come on let’s sit for a bit Aaron steps forward placing his free hand on her back following her into the lounge. 

“My Caesar we can continue up or you can have moment to relax with a drink,” Eli says softly.

“Robi, come on I was wondering if you were going to be late,” Kata smiles, her eyes glow sofly behind her dark eyeshadow, complementing her sparkling skin. She stands in the stairwell that leads up to the wing where the Imperial suite is on.

“You look nice, Did you think they would be putting the cameras on you?” Robertus laughs. 

Kata punches Robertus in his arms, “They always said I was the most beautiful out of all of our cousins.”

Robertus chuckles, “I thought they called you the baby.”

She looks annoyed at Robertus as she finishes walking down the stairs. “That is just because I was the last of our generation.” She interlocks her arm in Robertus’, “Come let’s go.”

They start to climb up the stairs, “I am surprised you are here I thought you would be busy.”

“I wasn’t going to, but I saw you were going, you know with all that chatter. I had to move around a lot of vigiles to make sure you wouldn’t cause anyone to get hurt. There were a few people who fainted.” Kata giggles, “But they were fine, just a minor emergency. I heard Jali when I was coming down she is right. It is really not a good move to put yourself on the line. I heard about you attending some party with the federation, and you are doing exactly that.” 

“Come on Kata, its going to be fine no one is crazy enough to do anything.” Robertus sighs. “We can discuss this later I need to be locked in for the meeting.”

“Why is it so important anyways, we could just strongarm them to the table, why should we be the ones starting the dialogue, it’s a bit weak.” Kata pulls Robertus up into the open hallway they see some royal guards leaning against the wall down towards what would be the middle of the arena. They make their way over there, Kata quickly goes to go inside but Robertus hesitates, lets himself fall free from Kata’s grip, as she enters the suite.

Robertus turns around to look at his guards, “Feel free to come in to come and enjoy the game.”

“I will stay out here with Ezra, to keep your security strong,” Eli says.

Robertus looks at Adara and Ari, their excitement gives it away that they want to be able to watch the game. “I am sure we are in for something exciting.”