Ammy sat at the head of the meeting room and watched her cabinet members as they came in. Along the rectangular, long mahogany table the department heads of Den City seated themselves.

Vella Gem-Cutter acting as Head of Den City Treasury; the Riivii Lupinossai appeared a bit nervous as she sat at this meeting. She was a lean and muscular as most Riivii were and her attire didn't speak of her position in Den City; simple woven and died fiber linens died a soft gray.

Next to her sat Darell Hampshire, Head of Public Administrations, one of the many humans now residing at Den City. He was a bit squat for an average human of Rhydin, barely cresting 4 feet and 8 inches. Like Vella, Darell was in sensible attire for dealing with anyone as well as visiting the various citizens in the city. Amazing what a man could do with a button down green shirt and dark black jeans.

Arriving in a relaxed manner was a very tall Erthrii Lupinossai of jet black fur and a long platinum pony tail and a tall lean human. They were the only ones in any kind official uniform in the room; one in a DFLEA uniform, the other in a DCRT uniform. Ammy dipped her head to Orion Wolf, Head of Public Safety and Commissioner of Den Fang Law Enforcement Agency and Jason Daniels, Head of Den Crisis Response Team.

A slight huffing and puffing was heard as soon, a rotund Dwarf appeared, his steel gray mustache and beard braided and beaded with silver weights. Farvon Groutsetter, Head of Public Works and Maintenance, soon sat near Vella on her left side, as Darell occupied her right. Farvon slid a hand to rest on top of Vella's furred hand in soothing comfort, an interesting interaction Ammy took note of. Farvon was in a simple robe of dark blue.

Another Lupinossai Erthrii appeared, near the height of Orion but dressed cleanly, and professionally with a doctors white coat on was Fen Stridar, Head of Public Health, Owner and Director of Whisper Paws Hospital, and at one point the assistant to her husband Fleet Wolf. How the times have gone by changing the Lupe she saw now.

Cavaaroos Shieldar, Governor of Laws and High Judge arrived at the same time Leguu Steele, Chief of Defense appeared, both Wuudrii were speaking animatedly about what defined legal war. They both took a seat but opposite each other, the judge wearing a simple dress shirt of red and black pants, the Chief of Defense wearing well oiled leather armor though the empty scabbard at his side indicated the no weapons policy was being enforced in the government offices.

The last two to arrive to the meeting were amusing to study. A very tall, slender Drow appeared, wearing the robes of a Magi in dark amber yellow with crimson flames. The attire vividly bright against his ebony skin and white hair. He gave a small bow to Ammy and spoke.

"Rinok Ebnera, Liaison and Foreign Ambassador of Fang Wood City. I am Governor Igneous Fi'igoo's official voice in all matters outside of our city. I am at your command Governor Ammy Spiritor." Rinok said then took a seat near the door and Orion Wolf.

The other of the late arrivals was a Lupinossai many knew and many either hated or loved. 5 foot 10 inches and dressed in pinstripe gray suit and white silk shirt arrived Frostad Shieldar, Vice-Governor of Den City and former Commissioner of DFLEA. He was very well known for finding, apprehending and sentencing the guilty when the laws were broken. The only Lupinossai in the room that had been in many royal courts in the old country of Lupinoss. He knew every in and out of royal policy and form. Ammy still didn't trust him but he had come close to beating her in the elections and decided not to have a viper outside her walls where he was unseen.

After Frost took his seat and fixed Ammy with his red eyes, Ammy stood up and looked over the Cabinet of Den city. 8 heads of the city, 1 ambassador and herself.

"Gentlemen and Ladies, let's discuss some issues with our city." Ammy said.

(Edited with clarity and corrections discussed with Governor Mirius. Side note: Making a city budget is one hare from insane as I am still correcting figures! Ammy-mun)

The council members all nodded in agreement, though Cavaaroos still appeared to have a wounded ego. Ammy ignored the high judge and looked to Vella Gem-Cutter.

"I want to hear from all of you on how much your usual overhead for operations in this city is per year. Lady Gem-Cutter, we will start with your report." Ammy asked. She took a seat now.

Vella looked to Ammy with a small smile. "Den City runs with a yearly cost of 2 million Silver Crowns; that is without considering costs for planning of any additional programs, upgrades, expansions or rezoning."

Farvon spoke up next. "Much of the city structures are still in final retrofit phase from Governor Mirius' renovation campaign. The whole sewer system though and our water ways and waters supplies are showing a lot of need to be upgraded as well or they will fail. Governor Mirius has those upgrades scheduled for this year. Only a few streets are left unpaved and most of the bridges are in good repair now. Our yearly maintenance cost is 1 million Silver Crowns."

"DFLEA is doing well with the massive upgrade and training Governor Mirius has mandated. However, half of our force is volunteer based. Concerns about no benefits and who pays the costs of anyone injured while voluntarily patrolling the city are starting to surface. Our yearly budget is 100,000 Silver Crowns. I would like to petition the council to increase our budget to 200,000 Silver Crowns to allow me to hire our volunteers who have done good work over the year." Orion spoke from where he leaned against the corner wall.

"DCRT is running smoothly, Governor Ammy. We have recently stopped a rash of black marketing armament sales. Our troop numbers are more than adequate and we do work together with DFLEA when they are short handed. I would petition you to listen to Commissioner Wolf about increasing their budget. DCRT yearly cost is 300,000 Silver Crowns." Jason spoke up, next to Orion.

"Whisper Paws Hospital is running smoothly with some additional private funding from several well to do companies and guilds invested in us. Our city health programs are seeing more and more needs across the city. 500,000 Silver Crowns is our yearly cost, with another 500,000 Silver Crowns promised to us this year by Governor Mirius to continue research and development of new treatments." Fen reported.

"Public Administrations has actually been quite stream lined with the implementation of the Magik Net and Aethar Wear. We are operating at a economical cost of only 100,000 Silver Crowns. Unless we expand the city more or double our population, no increase in funding is needed." Darrel said simply.

"We need more funding to hire two new domain judges. 600,000 Silver Crowns should cover it." Cavaaroos said.

Leguu stared at Cavaaroos in disbelief. "600,000 Silver Crowns for two new domain judges when your current domain judges are not even doing their duties properly?" He looked to Ammy. "Our city defense is in high morale and in excellent form, Governor. I have heard Commissioner Wolf's proposal for a budget increase and have submitted it to Vice-Governor Shieldar for approval from Governor Mirius. Outside of that, normal figures for our city defense is as stated by Jason and Orion. Though I will add that ground troops and vehicles are effective to only a certain degree. We really need an air force of some kind, Governor."

"Bah, we have no need for air ships Leguu. We are a peaceful city not seeing war in over two years now. We need more judges." Cavaaroos said.

Orion was quietly gauging the downsides of locking up the High Judge a night in a cell to cool off and Jason appeared to be ready to back up Orion. Frost just crossed his arms and looked at Ammy to do something. Rinok seemed to be taking in the events with a very amused look on his face.

Ammy wasn't paying the arguing any attention. She was jotting down the figures and nodded thoughtfully.

"Quiet or I'll have the Commissioner throw you into a night of lock up for disturbing the Governor's peace, High Judge Cavaaroos. So our expense is 5.4 million Silver Crowns this year. Tell me how much tax we have collected? I am concerned since Vice-Governor Shieldar has told me the taxation laws are severely out dated?" Ammy said with a hopeful look.

Vella spoke again. "We would have had a financial disaster if we left our taxes up the written taxation laws by Governor Vuusoolta Wolf which stated taxes in Knuukels, not in crowns. That would have left us with only 480 Silver Crowns for yearly funds. Governor Mirius revolutionized our taxes as part of her renovation campaign in your honor, Governor Spiritor.

A tax of 2 Silver Crown per 10 Silver Crowns of sales on food services, agriculture, crops and consumable products.

5 Silver Crowns per 10 Silver Crowns of sales on all alcohol, legalized drugs, pharmaceuticals, and electronic devices.

4 Silver Crowns per 10 Silver Crowns of sales on all vehicles in Den City jurisdiction as well as on all weapons and armor sales.

A property tax for all businesses based on number of people employed at a rate of 100 Silver Crowns per 4 employees.

An income tax for all working at 3 Silver Crowns per 20 Silver Crowns of income.

Import tax on all products brought into Den City, payed by the importers at a rate of 8 Silver Crowns per 20 Silver Crowns of base product value.

A cost of 20 Silver Crowns per family or single resident for water services, sewer services and power services. That means 60 Silver Crowns for utilities per month.

Businesses are charged a rate of 120 Silver Crowns for utilities as they increase the work load on those systems.

Any monetary fines charged by DFLEA or the Court System will yield to us half of those funds.

All professional services are taxed 5 Silver Crowns per 20 Silver Crowns of services rendered."

"How much has that brought in then?" Ammy asked.

"13,938,200 million Silver Crowns, Governor Spiritor, and we did have to pay off a loan Governor Mirius made with Governor Fi'igoo which was a total of 1.5 million Silver Crowns." Vella said.

"So we actually have reserve funds?" Ammy's jaw dropped open.

Vella gave Ammy a nod yes, suppressing a grin. "5,038,200 million Silver Crowns, Governor Spiritor."

"Ambassador Rinok, please let Governor Fi'igoo know we appreciate his aide to our city." She closed her muzzle and rubbed her chin. With reserve founds available she just might get a chance to see her changes implemented. A city in the sky... "The council is to break until next week. We will meet again and I would like to discuss some city improvements and purchases for consideration. Council is now dismissed." Ammy said.

They all left but Frost. "Did you notice anything odd during the meeting?"

Ammy sighed. "That there seems to be a growing storm between Cavaaroos and Leguu, that Vella seems to be affectionate towards Farvon and for some reason our High Judge wants more funding than even our Hospital requires per year to hire just two judges?."

"Very astute observation, Governor. Governor Mirius has had me investigating our esteemed High Judge and his bar of domain judges. I'll have a report for you and her soon. To simply put it, Ammy, your counsel has something fishy in it." Frost said.

"This report you are doing, let us both know at once when you have a finding. I'll speak with Governor Mirius myself about any oddities she may have noticed over the year. You're dismissed for now Frost."

Frost gave a bow. "As you wish, your majesty." He left Ammy alone to ponder some things.

Frost knocked on the office door of Governor Ammy. When she responded for him to come in, he stepped inside. He looked at the governor as she sat at her desk. She seemed to be doing better as she got back into the stride of being governor. Every week she became stronger yet more subtle with how she handled the city and the foreign politics required to keep the citizens living in safety and peace. Perhaps Ammy was useful and mold able for politics.

"Vice-Govenor Shieldar..." Ammy looked up from several utility reports about current city projects and gave Frost a long stare above her ruby lensed glasses.

"Governor Spiritor." Frost gave her a curt nod of his head. "Glad to see the coup attempt and assassination attempts failed to rattle you. I've seen many leaders lose integrity when attacked. I must say though that the last ruler of any Lupinossai to use staked heads outside the gates as a warning to enemies was the late family of Steele before the Spiritor Wars." He took several manilla folders from under his arm and held them in his lap as he took a seat in one of the two chairs facing the mahogany desk.

Ammy took off her glasses and gave a light laugh. "Yes, well when one is a retired warrior that has seen every form of violence possible; vivid messages are simple to conjure. I see we have more work and issues to address in your hands?"

Frost smirked and nodded. "Just a few things to go over that need either a review by you, your approval or to bring you up to speed on. First, what are we going to do with former High Judge Shieldar. He sits in jail and our judicial system has come to a crashing halt. No judge is willing sit in on his trial."

She pressed fingers to her brow and sighed. "Well I suppose dragging him into the center of Den Circle and executing him by firing squad is out of the question?"

He just shook his head in quiet disappointment. "As much as I would like to see a return of brute force to many problems, we are no longer a society that just does things so simple and grizzly. Modern society reacts poorly to such strong public reminders. Spiritor did such a wonderful job abusing that means of correction. What we need to do is hold a trial and sentence him, but the laws available are riddled with so many holes he could slip through easily. I would suggest a complete overhaul on the laws, remove all of the judges, start a new acquisition of judges and then start his trial."

Ammy just laughed. "Do you really want to see me accused of rigging the laws to be in my favor to see a man die for rebelling against me? That is what the public will say about a trial after the governor has changed all the laws."

Frost held up a finger to have a moment to explain with a cunning smirk. "They can only accuse you of that if you make the law changes in private. We should gather representatives from around the city and even some advisers from the Rhy'Din city province to draft a complete revision. Once drafted, the revisions are read to the public and the public will vote on each revision to approve or disapprove. They cannot blame you for rigging verdicts in the trial if they themselves voted on the laws that would either let him go or see him punished."

Ammy watched Frost for a long moment, her golden gaze appeared to be molten with intrigue and caution. "Has anyone ever told you that you have a very cunning, devious mind, Frost? Your advice has merit. Start gathering the representatives and once you have a draft made up, I will review it along with a select few advisers I trust before we send it out for public review and voting. Now then, are we guaranteed that the mercenary group that High Judge Shieldar employed will not be a future threat?"

Frost grinned. "You're majesty ordered a joint military strike upon them with the forces of Den City and Fang Wood. Not a sole mercenary in that employ lives, none had family relatives alive and any allies they had seem quite happy to forget they had any ties to them. We are assured no further issues from that area. Governor Fiigoo though is making compensation payments to you and your family as well as donations into the city coffers for his city being related to the coup attempts. He wishes to express no hostile intent is meant on this city and that our peace treaties still hold firm.

On to further topics while you've been away on medical leave. Our very first air field is completed as per your orders a mile east of the city. We have plenty of recruits signing up. DFLEA and DCRT are making officer selections as we speak. We have also received a shipment of 24, Z-29 Head Hunters from one of you contacts. They are ready for inspection and flight. We also have one Marilla Takitia wishing to speak to you about staffing and further aircraft procurement."

Ammy held up a hand to stop him a moment. "Those fighters were bought as a token of good faith. They are not ready for flight. I know Marilla Takitia and her air crew. Fine women all of them. Grant them all access to everything on the field and the fighters and give them full cooperation. Those Z-29's are to be fully dismantled, inspected thoroughly for over rides, bugs and tampering as well as to have the flight chips and cpu's all tossed and replaced with one provided by Marilla. The seller is someone to keep tabs on and trusted very, very cautiously."

Frost made a few quick notes in one of the folders. I will be sure to inform the necessary people, Governor. Speaking of military equipment, much of what we have is in good order, but training on ranges is not satisfactory as I am being told by DCRT. The leaders would like to see our defense force training against live targets. What would you suggest?"

Ammy leaned forward and looked rather interested in this topic. "Have you ever played with a paint ball gun?"

He gave her an odd look. "Excuse me, a what kind of gun?"

"Paint ball gun. Uses compressed air to launch round spheres of fragile plastic filled with paint or dye. Non-lethal unless you shoot someone in the face without protection and at most leaves a few welts on the hide and stings some. I mention this as some of the records I've read in various realms refer to practice exercises many cities or nations would do together to simulate a battle or war, but not with lethal force. They are called War Games. I suggest we speak with Rhy'Din City and Fang Wood to see if they would be up to participating in regular war games to keep all of our forces on their toes."

Frost gave that idea a long thought. "War games does sound like a good way for live target practice without inciting real wars. I will speak with DFLEA and DCRT as well as our ambassadors to these other cities and see what is required and how well it is received."

Several more notes were made. "What is the progress on Project Icarus?"

Ammy sighed and rubbed her eyes when he mentioned that project. "Research has been going well. I and Amar understand how the various crystals from the Moresh realm work. Now I am trying to research a way to simulate, reproduce or grow these crystals. We haven't done a public survey yet to see if the populace is in agreement with Project Icarus nor have we begun any work on the infrastructure and rearrangements needed or equipment to be used."

Frost jotted down more notes. "And Project Transit?"

"Still in planning and research phases. Many local's seem resistant and stubbornly independent in regards to accepting a form of public transit that spans this continent. Still I am hopeful it will provide a valuable public service to all cities." she said.

He nodded as he wrote some more. "Last two topics to address. Magic user restrictions and the Lupesh Update initiative. I need your thoughts on these as they are getting to be very touchy subjects with the citizens."

Ammy slid her glasses upon her muzzle and nodded. "Touchy indeed. The restrictions for magic users should be rolled into the Law revision and allow the public to vote on what they feel is fair. That will give everyone a say and an equal portion of control in how magic and magic users are handled in Den City. As to the Lupesh Update, the Lupinossai Learning Center has informed me that the initiative is gaining rapid support from most of our citizens. The hold outs are the very old and senile but that cannot be helped. So we are to continue on that initiative."

More notes made by Frost and he gave a long satisfied sigh. "Well that catches us up for about two weeks. Thank you for the time to address these items today Governor Spiritor."

He stood and moved for the door.

"Just call me Ammy, Frost. The title is overused everyday day around me. If we are all working together to keep this city running, there is no need for stiff formality behind closed doors. Take care Frost." She went back to reading her reports and several newspapers from all over Rhy'Din.

"As you wish, Ammy, but you will still be considered the Queen to all of us." He grinned and left her office.

Ammy just snorted and went back to work.

A lot of time had passed in the city and as is want with city's a lot of mundane procedures had happened. Laws were still be addressed, new judges being found. The air force that had been set in motion was well on it's way with training and practice at the new air field built for the Z-29 Head Hunters.

Amar and Ammy had progressed with more success in Crystal Technology from Amar's home world of Moresh. Plans for the floating city though were put on hold for now as more research was made. No one else ever dared try assassinating Ammy after her display of command over the joint strike power from Den City and Fang Wood City.

Yet all of this wasn't focused on much, as today, before the people, Ammy stood to address the public of Den City. She stood proud, confident and regal behind the erected podium in the center of the City Circle. She let her eyes fall upon the crowds of her precious people and she gave a heart felt smile of pride.

"Good afternoon my fellow citizens of Den City. It is a tremendous joy to see you all out today. It was only a few years back that this city was decimated by the attacks of the goddess Takhasis. Many were taken from us then. The path to where we stand now was fraught with peril, more losses and a test of patience and resolve as many nations sought to grind us into dust.

Now we stand unified, proud and showing that our city endures time, tests and tribulations. I have never been more proud of Den City, to see this child of civilization go from crying at night from every threat, whining for her sister cities to nourish her and bouts of sickness that have tempered it's immune system. You all should be proud of this city. Proud that we all strive to move forward and to keep dreaming of what more will come.

It is with this dream in mind that I have had to make a long, hard decision. My leadership has been adequate in most areas, strong in others and horribly lacking in a few. This city needs the leadership of someone who looks to the future and what all it will take for the city to thrive and see that future. The era of being lead by an Alpha that rules with might and an eye for active war has come to an end. It is an era demanding a new kind of Alpha. One who knows the value of alliances, trade, diplomatic negotiations and keeping a city safe through alternative means when war is no longer the best weapon.

I am sadly, an Alpha of the extinct type. War's are no longer needed for us to grow and keep what we have. You all no longer need to hide behind skirt and hold my tail like children. I have seen you all act, work and lead like proud adults beyond the need of hand holding. So I have decided to step back from all leadership permanently and retire. This day forward I will no longer advise, lead or allow my name to be cast in ballots for election or places of high leadership.

I am not leaving my post vacant. I have chosen my replacement carefully. Please welcome Vice Governor Frostad Shieldar as your new Governor and Alpha. He has advised many Great Alphas in Lupinoss, has steered our city into a better haven by reducing crime while in the office of Commissioner, commanding the Den Fang Law Enforcement agency with extreme effectiveness. As it stands, he works with many to ensure our flawed law system is reborn and restored to working condition. He has helped both I and Governor Mirius Spiritor as we lead you the year before.

Without further pause, I present your new governor, Frostad Shieldar."

Ammy stepped back from the podium and waved Frost to approach and speak. Frost took his position and spoke in a clear and powerful voice.

"It is with deep sympathy and regret to lose such a fine leader as Ammy Spiritor from our government body. Yet, I will not hold a longing for her to return. I say to her with pride that it is time to look after her family and enjoy the long rest she deserves. Ammy Spiritor, thank you for founding this city, for freeing our people from the slavery of Lord Brutin and for you and your family stepping in to lead when no leaders were to be found.

My people, citizens and visitors of Den City. I am your governor now. A position that rightfully scares and intimidates me. No sane person gladly accepts such heavy burden without a dose of fright and worry. No promises are being made today to you about things to be done or come. You have seen my work, seen my council and have witnessed what Ammy Spiritor and Mirius Spiritor have done with me by their sides. All I will say to you today, is I welcome this leadership and will simply try to be governor.

As governor, I do have the right to make full pardons upon any citizen that has been wronged unduly. It is in this vein that I make the following pardons. To Ammy Loraine Spiritor, all records of your misconducts, suspicions of betrayal and misunderstood acts that bordered on ill will for the city are hereby struck from your records, never to exist. To Mirius Spiritor, your siding and allegiance to Igneous Fi'igoo during the war is also dropped and removed. To Mogri'il Wolf, all charges for the crimes of murder and his exile status are gone. He is rightfully a restored citizen free of his crimes. To Vuusoolta Wolf, master mind behind a coop and the murders, his crimes too have fallen to nothing and will be views as faultless.

To all of my citizens, these named people no longer deserve your ire, your hatred or your suspicions. They have made themselves clear of the past and this is the best gift I can give as governor to them all. As a second gift though, Ammy Spiritor's family shall have their financial costs reduced tremendously by the city as a reminder of what we owe her for our existence.

That being said, once more, I welcome the duty of being governor for you all. May I serve well."

Frostad bowed to the public and a loud, roaring applause greeted him. Ammy was stunned hearing what he had said. Complete freedom and the erasure of her past crimes and for her family as well had come at last. The crowds parted after some time, many hugging the two governors, talking, shaking hands, but it was Ammy and Frost that left last.

She looked at Frost with complete respect and a few unshed tears in her eyes. Frost gave her a curious look and was unprepared when she hugged him tightly. He simply patted her back for a few moments. They parted and went their ways that day. One a new leader and the other a retired legend.