Sirius Zero: Building A Corporate Kingdom After Being Expelled

Mikaela surveyed herself nervously in the mirror.

The navy blue ball gown she had on, complimented the blue color of her eyes, and brought out the paleness of her skin.

Its fitted bodice accentuated her narrow waist.

The layered lace and satin skirt came down to her ankles, and was decorated with sparkling crystal butterflies.

On her feet were sleek black leather pumps with silver stiletto heels, paired with matte black pantyhose.

Navy blue satin elbow-length gloves adorned her arms.

Her sleek black silky hair was tied up into a simple bun, and held together by a sparkling crystal tiara.

"I should have gotten my ears pierced," she grumbled, feeling that the dress and tiara made her unadorned ears look somewhat out of place.

"Although, this necklace sure is pretty," she said, admiring the navy blue satin choker that was around her neck, with a large sparkling star-shaped crystal pendant dangling from it.

She took a deep breath, opened her bedroom door, and started to carefully climb down the stairs, unused to the sweeping ball gown skirt.

---

"Princess! You’re looking so beautiful!" gasped Ivan as he saw Mikaela slowly come down the stairs.

"Thanks, Daddy," said Mikaela blushing.

"Know what? We’re matching," chuckled Ivan as he held out his arm to her.

"Yes, we are," giggled Mikaela, surveying Ivan’s navy blue suit.

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"Is it just me, or are you looking younger?" she asked him.

"Well, I did color my hair for the occasion," chuckled Ivan, a little sheepishly.

Mikaela frowned, but decided to let it go. She linked her arm in his, and Ivan escorted them to the center of the living room.

"Would you like to dance? Just the two of us, before everyone else arrives?" asked Ivan, as soft classical music filled the room, courtesy of Edward’s home theater system.

"I’ve never danced before," said Mikaela, blushing furiously.

"No time like the present to learn," chuckled Ivan, guiding her through the basic waltz steps.

"This is nice," said Mikaela, melting into Ivan’s chest as they danced.

"Yes, it is. And we’ll do this more often from now on," said Ivan, quiet determination in his voice.

Ruth approached, and gently cleared her throat to get their attention.

"Cleaned up nicely, Ms. Hirschfield," remarked Mikaela, looking Ruth up and down.

Ruth was dressed in a flowing and shimmering emerald green evening gown, which brought out the warm brown color of her eyes and hair.

"Well, thanks. Here, happy birthday, Mikaela," said Ruth, handing Mikaela a small gift wrapped box.

"Thanks, Ms. Hirschfield," said Mikaela, taking the box, and keeping it carefully on the coffee table that had been designated as the gift area.

The front door opened, and Edward stepped in, wearing his black Navy dress uniform.

"Ms. Albrecht, Mr. Thompson, and Dr. Alexandria," he announced, and let in Adelaide, her boyfriend William, and Alexandria.

"Happy birthday Mikaela. I was worried that I might upstage you, but now I’m kind of relieved that I haven’t. You look beautiful," said Adelaide giving Mikaela a warm hug.

"Thanks Adelaide, that black leather look does suit you, though I had thought you were more of the evening gown type of girl," said Mikaela, looking appreciatively over Adelaide’s sleek black leather cocktail dress and knee boots.

"This is something William here introduced me to," chuckled Adelaide, as William - also attired in a sleek black leather three-piece suit stepped up and bowed.

"Pleased to meet you. Many happy returns, Ms. Zakhrov," he said, shaking her hand.

"Pleased to meet you too, William," said Mikaela.

"Happy eleventh birthday, Mikaela. Here, your present from the three of us," said Alexandria, who was wearing an ivory evening gown with matching gloves and pumps. She handed Mikaela a long and thin gift wrapped package.

"Thanks, Dr. Alexandria," said Mikaela, accepting the gift.

"Lemon juice, soda, or just water, Dr. Alexandria?" asked Ruth, coming with a tray of tall glasses.

"I don’t suppose there’s any chance of alcohol?" asked Alexandria.

"You are free to sample the magnum wine available in the house across the street, but Captain Hawkins has orders to bar you from the party the second you do," said Mikaela.

"I understand, Your Highness," said Alexandria, giving Mikaela a polite curtsy, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I’m serious about that, Dr. Alexandria. Daddy, explain what happened the last time the booze was around," said Mikaela, her eyes narrowing.

"Relax, sweetie. I heard what happened already. I was just kidding. Besides, you looked so regal that I couldn’t help but get into the whole princess theme," said Alexandria.

"I see," said Mikaela, visibly relaxing.

"Ms. Yue Yamamoto, and Mr. Hajime Yamamoto," announced Edward, ushering in Yue and Hajime.

"Wow Mikaela. You look beautiful! Happy birthday," said Yue, giving Mikaela a hug.

"Thanks, Yue. You look beautiful too. Just how I thought you would," said Mikaela, complimenting Yue’s pink silk kimono.

"Thank you. I was worried that it wouldn’t make the dress code. But Captain Hawkins just let us in," said Yue.

"I told him to use his discretion. Besides, I’m not sure how seriously the adults are taking my rules, but I’m happy they are humoring me at least for today," said Mikaela.

"Well, don’t worry. We kids at least are taking this seriously. On that note, Mikaela, may I present my father, Hajime Yamamoto," said Yue, bowing and gesturing to Hajime, who was dressed in a black Western style suit, with a Rising Sun pendant in his lapel.

"It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Yamamoto," said Mikaela, imitating the curtsy Alexandria had performed earlier.

"The honor is mine. It is gratifying that Yue has befriended such a well-mannered and well-spoken young lady," said Hajime, bowing.

"My apologies, but given that this is my eleventh birthday party, with minors, alcoholic beverages have not been provided. I hope you understand, Mr. Yamamoto," said Mikaela.

"Oh, of course. I wasn’t expecting any in the first place," chuckled Hajime, resisting the urge to pat Mikaela on the head.

Instead, he turned towards Ruth.

"I’ll take a lemon juice, miss," said Hajime, and accepted a glass from Ruth.

"Here you are, Mikaela, happy birthday," said Yue, handing Mikaela a very long and thin package.

"Is this what I think it is?" asked Mikaela, buzzing with excitement as she accepted the package.

"You’ll find out when you open it later," chuckled Yue.

"Happy birthday, Mikaela. You look so cool in that dress," said Yasmin, as she, Sadiq and his parents were ushered in by Edward.

"Thanks, Yasmin. Wow! That is a nice dress," said Mikaela, complimenting Yasmin’s shimmering black ball gown.

"I thought of going traditional, but then decided against it. I like ball gowns," chuckled Yasmin.

Sadiq, who was dressed in a black Western style suit came forward and shook Mikaela’s hand.

"Happy birthday Mikaela. I’m Yasmin’s boyfriend, Sadiq. Thank you for inviting me and my parents," he said in his deep, soothing voice.

"Welcome, Sadiq," said Mikaela.

"Happy birthday, Mikaela. Like Sadiq said, thank you for inviting us," said Nadira, handing Mikaela a wrapped present.

"My pleasure. Are you in the military?" asked Mikaela, eyeing Nadira and Mustafa’s sleek black leather military dress uniforms.

"Yes, we are both in the Libyan Army. Right now we are stationed as embassy security for Yasmin," said Nadira.

"I see. Please pass my regards to Premier Saladin," said Mikaela.

"Of course. He also sends his regrets for not being able to attend," said Nadira.

"I understand," said Mikaela, and with a chuckle, Nadira rejoined Yasmin, Mustafa and Sadiq.

"Ms. Washington, and Dr. Kitagawa," announced Edward, leading the two women in.

Maria was wearing a long black evening gown, and Natsumi had put on a deep red cocktail dress with black pantyhose for the occasion.

"Happy birthday, Mikaela," said Maria, giving Mikaela a warm handshake and her gift-wrapped present.

"I’m so glad you could make it. Ms. Washington," said Mikaela.

"Yes, unfortunately, Stefan and Anna couldn’t make it. Stefan, sends his regrets and wishes," said Maria.

"Well, thank you," said Mikaela.

"Happy birthday, Mikaela. I’m actually quite happy you invited me," said Natsumi.

"It was my pleasure Dr. Kitagawa," said Mikaela.

"Here, your present," said Natsumi, giving Mikaela a gift-wrapped package that was clearly a book.

"Thank you, Doctor," said Mikaela.

"Hey Mikaela. Can we play something other than classical music?" asked Adelaide.

"Sure, ask Ms. Hirschfield to change set it up," said Mikaela.

"Thanks," said Adelaide, and she whispered in Ruth’s ear.

"OK," chuckled Ruth, and with a few taps on the remote control tablet, changed the music from soft classical, to hard rock.

The windows of Edward’s house vibrated, as Bon Jovi’s "Livin’ on a Prayer" blasted through Edward’s home theater system setup.

"Let’s rock!" shouted Adelaide, as she and William led the others in a fast-paced dance.

---

"Seriously Annette?" asked Edward, as Annette marched up his driveway, wearing her usual blue hoodie and faded jeans.

"I’m her mother. She can tolerate five minutes of my presence, can she not?" asked Annette, glaring at Edward, daring him to stop her.

"I have standing orders to let in only those who comply with the party dress-code, regardless if they were invited or not. Now, either wear a dress and behave, or get lost," said Edward, his eyes boring into Annette’s.

"I have a right to see my daughter! Unhand me you military brute!" snarled Annette, trying to push past him, only for her hands to be seized in a punishing grip.

"It may be Mikaela’s birthday party, but this is my house, and you are not welcome unless you adhere to the protocol set by both of us," said Edward, marching her back down his driveway.

"I said unhand me!" screamed Annette.

"What the hell is going on out here?" asked Ivan, coming out of Edward’s house.

"I am Mikaela’s mother! Don’t you dare turn me away!" screamed Annette, struggling to free herself from Edward’s iron grip.

"You asked for this, Annette. I warned you to make peace with the theme park version of the so-called patriarchy, now you get the real deal," said Ivan, and he seized Annette by her short cropped hair.

Annette tried to claw at Ivan’s hand, but Ivan grabbed her wrist and twisted it, causing her to howl in agony.

"Let’s get you changed for the party," he growled and dragged her back across the street.

"Edward! C-Captain! Help me!" cried Annette.

Edward looked guilty and tried to take a step forward, but Ivan’s glare stopped him.

"Stay out of this Captain. This is between me and her," warned Ivan, and he pulled the now sobbing Annette across the street and back to her house.

---

Ivan kicked the door to Annette’s house open, and dragged her up the stairs to the master bedroom.

"Strip, or I beat you and tear those clothes off," he said, throwing her onto the bed.

Annette sat on the bed, and slowly pulled off her hoodie, trembling, as Ivan felt around the wall paneling next to her closet.

"Found it," he said, and pressed on a small concealed section under the wood.

The panel split open to reveal a hidden closet.

Inside, hanging in a climate controlled cavity, was a shimmering black cocktail dress.

"You remember this dress, don’t you? I’m pretty sure it still fits," said Ivan.

Annette started to rock backwards and forwards, memories of the last time she had been forced into that dress came crashing into her mind:

Aaron being fawned over by Mei Ling and Kate at the Boston Opera House.

Mei Ling slathering hair removal cream on her arms and legs.

Kate forcing her into pantyhose.

The loud and confusing electric guitar score of the symphonic power metal adaptation of the Phantom of the Opera that was playing at the venue.

Aaron getting fed bites of food from Mei Ling and Kate as if he was a prince at the Eminence Restaurant.

"All these years and you still haven’t changed. You spoiled Aaron’s 13th birthday with your petty antics. I refuse to let you do the same for Mikaela. Now, be a good girl and shave that unseemly body hair off, or I rip them from you," said Ivan, his fists clenched.

"I-I’ll stay away," said Annette, her voice hoarse, and she curled into a ball, quivering and trembling.

"You had better, Annette. Because if you crash this party, there is no force that can stop my wrath," said Ivan, and he left, slamming the bedroom door behind him.

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