Demo and the others are in the ship on their way to Ufumu. Demo is tossing his pebble up repeatedly as he sits in the cockpit, looking out the window as space passes by them. Ten is sitting in the chair next to him, but he is facing the others in the ship. His curiosity makes him ask a question.
“How come you’re joining? Not that I mind.”

MyTy has his head down, as if ashamed, as he answers.
“Ufumu is the planet where I lost to Sachem. I left in shame, but things are different now. I might still be able to help the rebellion—if it’s still there.”

Cleus has his eyes closed and is sitting in the lotus pose, still recovering his energy. But he answers nonetheless.
“I plan on regaining my throne. But I need allies, and Ufumu has always been a friend to my father and grandfather.”

Cyte has a worried look on her face, but she keeps her silence. Ten can tell Cyte is troubled about something, so he carefully asks another question, making sure not to push too far.
“Have you ever met them?”

Cleus shakes his head as he replies.
“No, but I am sure that once they see me, they will recognize the true heir to the throne.”

Ten has his doubts as well, but he trusts Cleus’ judgment. The ship races through space. Before long, it arrives at its destination—the planet Ufumu. Cleus stands up and instructs the ship’s A.I.,
“Go to the royal palace.”

The ship makes its way through the planet’s atmosphere. Once it’s through and in the clear, MyTy stands up and walks toward the ship’s door.
“I’m out.”

The rest of the group nods as the door opens, and MyTy jumps out. Ten and the others then look back through the window as the palace comes into view. The A.I. lights up as the palace’s defense mechanisms come into play. A video call connects, and Cleus makes sure he is the first to be seen.
“I’m Cleus, son of King Poietic. True heir to the throne.”

The person on the other side of the video call is shocked at the sudden appearance of someone claiming to be royalty, but he needs to check the validity of the claim.
“Please wait, sir. We will need to verify your position.”

The ship slows its descent to a crawl. Demo and the group wait patiently without saying a word. After a few minutes, the man reappears on the screen.
“Your Royal Highness, please make your way to the King’s Landing Place.”

Cleus nods and then turns off the screen. He looks back at Ten with an arrogant smile.
“See.”

Ten nods, but from the corner of his eye he still sees concern on Cyte’s face. He knows something is wrong but keeps his silence.

The ship lands, and they are met with several guards lined up and a red carpet rolled out on the ground. In front of the door are two official-looking people holding baskets of flowers and food. Cleus and Cyte are the first two to come down the stairs. The two officials both kneel on one knee and raise their baskets as they address Cleus and Cyte.
“We apologize for this paltry presentation. Had we been forewarned of your arrival, we would have made appropriate preparations.”

Cleus nods in respect.
“Please raise your heads. I was at fault for the sudden appearance, and I do apologize for my uninvited visit. But I would like to speak to your king.”

The two officials stand and look at each other, slightly bewildered at the sudden request. One of them looks back at Cleus and answers,
“We are very sorry, but our king is presently unavailable. Please allow us to escort you to a private room where you can stay while our king returns.”

At that point, Demo and Ten also make their way down the stairs. The two officials exchange looks again, and now the other official speaks up.
“We are very sorry and beg your forgiveness, but we are unable to host those who aren’t of royal descent or who do not serve the throne with absolute loyalty. Are those two your loyal servants?”

Before Cleus can answer, Cyte speaks up.
“No, they are our ship’s pilots. Please allow them to stay in the workers’ quarters.”

Cleus, still with his eyes closed, has a slightly confused look on his face. He opens one eye to glance at Cyte, then at Ten and Demo. When he turns back, he sees the expressions on the officials’ faces. They are twisted with disgust at the sight of Demo and Ten. One official points to an old-looking door.
“You two, go over there and wait!”

The other official quickly smooths his expression back into a smile befitting one meeting royalty, and bows as he gestures for Cyte and Cleus to follow him. Cyte looks back at Ten and Demo, and the two nod to her. Cleus and Cyte begin walking down the red carpet toward a gorgeous-looking gate. The guards who greeted them follow, walking behind Cleus, Cyte, and the two officials.

Demo and Ten remain standing by the ship. Demo has a quirky smile on his face.
“I bet you that guy is loving this.”

Ten has a slightly worried look.
“Cyte seems worried about something, though.”

Demo looks at Ten, then toward the door they were told to wait at.
“Well, I’m sure they can handle whatever it is. Let’s go meet up with MyTy and see if we can find some strong people.”

Ten nods, and they make their way to the old door. After a few moments, the door opens and Orja appears. He looks at both Ten and Demo with a smile.
“Hello. My name is Orja. I’ve been told to bring you two to the workers’ quarters. Please follow me.”

Chapter 83 fin