It was a week after the freighter had dropped Penny, Oola, and Groovi back to Bok. The helium-3 expedition had been a smashing success, securing enough fusion fuel for their planned space station for perhaps a lifetime. Penny was mildly thrilled for the progress, but her losing Sakura hurt badly.
She knew that Sakura was making a mature and responsible decision. Her mother would now receive good care and be able to live in comfort, and Sakura could go back to Earth and start her life up again, this time with a large advantage.
Penny was summoned to the Synod of Wisdom. The three members were waiting at their usual table. Penny approached, giving her deepest bow. "Thank you for seeing me," Penny declared.
"Your greatness," one of the male members began. "We have received the report on the recent return to Earth."
Penny's stomach did a curdle. "This voyage was sanctioned by all ministries that oversee these things."
"We are not disputing your ability to travel, your greatness," said the other male member, with a chortle. "It will soon be upon you to commence such great journeys in the future. Our issue is with leaving behind the one you call Sakura O'Malley."
Penny took a deep breath. "She needed to return to Earth. She did not belong here, and she had a sick mother who needed support."
"Why did you return?" asked the female synod member. "You left her behind."
Penny licked her lips. Suddenly she felt like she had to rehash all of the old feelings of having to leave her behind. "I want to be queen of this planet. Maybe I'm saying this wrong, but...I like feeling important. I like the spectacle. I like that people make me feel like I matter. Most of all, I thought maybe I could use a few of my ideas and improve the life here on Bok. I love the people here."
The three members of the synod leaned in and whispered. The first male member focused back on Penny. "We wish to commend you on your decision, your greatness. I understand this must have been quite a daunting decision."
"Thank you," Penny said quietly.
"It is our decision that, due to your love for our world, and your ability to forego your own pleasure for our sake, that we have decided that the Feat of Sacrifice has been fulfilled. Congratulations, your greatness. You are now officially the queen-designate."
Penny let out a sigh of relief. "I was so worried I was in trouble!"
The synod all had an uncharacteristic show of glee. They all stood up and applauded. Penny was so happy that she ran up and hugged each of the members.
"Congratulations, your greatness," the female member said. "I assume there will be a celebratory ball."
"Oh! I don't know!" Penny put her hand to her forehead. "I want you all there, of course. I'll see with Eltar." She backed out of the room. "Thank you all so, so much!"
This news gave Penny some solace, but she could not help missing Sakura all that much more. They had saved each others' lives out in the desert, and Penny was sure that they had a great future together.
Oola had noticed the funk that Penny was in, and encouraged her to continue her training. One afternoon, out in the grounds, Oola had finished giving Penny a flip, when Penny just sat there.
"Greatness!" Oola dropped to her knees next to Penny. "Have I injured you?"
Penny sighed and looked off in the distance. "I can't focus. I'm sorry."
"Oh dear," Oola groaned. "It is that Sakura again. Greatness, you did what you had to. Our planet will be better for it."
"I just...I don't know." Penny kicked at the grass and groaned. "I don't want to be alone again. This hurts too much."
"Mmm. You know what I would do? Go back to Grandfort, and make the beast with all of the sluts!"
Penny sputtered and then laughed out loud. "I think being on Earth has changed you for the worst, girl." She sighed and rested her chin on her fist. "I mean, I can't just use the girls there!"
"Greatness, may I make a confession?" Oola sat down on the ground. "There was a woman there who wished to seduce me. She came to me in the shower and we were both nude. I said no because I love Groovi, but I almost made a terrible mistake."
"Wow, girl," Penny exclaimed. "I won't ever tell her, but please don't do anything to hurt poor Groovi, okay?"
"The point is, they have made a vow to please you, and they do not wish to make a commitment to you," Oola reasoned. "They wish to worship you, and it pleases them to do that worship. It is what we call two armies conquering the same land."
Penny smiled. "Yeah, like win-win?" She sat and thought, then started to smile. "You know what? Why can't I enjoy this queen stuff? I just passed my fourth Feat. Those women are beautiful, and it's not like I would ever force them into something!"
"Penny," Oola started, "please be sure...with Girtan..."
Penny looked back and nodded. "She's off-limits. Focus on Groovi. You got it?"
"I vow never to hurt Groovi," Oola said flatly.
Penny told Eltar that she was heading off to Grandfort again, who did not seem to mind. The next day, Penny had Oola drive her to the forbidden palace and drop her off. She had convinced Oola that she did not need a bodyguard while at Grandfort, as she was surrounded by over forty well-trained soldiers. Oola accepted, then went back to the the main palace alone.
Penny was greeted by two guards at the front gates. "Welcome home, your greatness," one of the guards said. They both got on their knees, then bowed deep and placed their foreheads on the steps. Penny waited as they arose.
"I bid greetings," Penny said, trying to sound royal.
"Your greatness, we were delighted to hear that you had achieved the Feat of Sacrifice," said the other guard. "Will you need assistance with your bags?"
"Oh, I have it," Penny replied. "Thank you, though."
"We will show you to your quarters," the first guard said. The three of them went into the gates. "Wait for me," she requested of the other guard. She nodded, then went back to her position.
Penny followed the guard up to the room. "It is a shame that you had not come ten days sooner," the guard went on. "We had two new recruits join us right after their day of Ascension."
"What's the Day of Ascension?" asked Penny.
The guard smiled as they walked. "I see you still have much to learn about this world."
Penny got to her room, which was enormous compared to the last time she was in Grandfort. "Wow! I wasn't expecting this!"
"We have decided that this would be more suitable for her greatness," the guard said. The room was spacious, with a gigantic bed suitable for twelve, plus giant cathedral-style windows. "This is typically the room for Queen Revulo. She had insisted that you use it while you are here. You will be queen soon. I suggest that you become accustomed to the royal lifestyle."