by L M Lacee
Melody asked Jean, who had followed them from the restaurant. ‘Are you coming?’
‘Of course, I am family.’
Peyton said. ‘Jean hon…’
‘I am family!’ She stated with a firm tone, leaving no room for anyone to argue, least of all Peyton, whose eyes widened at the fierce tone.
‘Sheesh grumpy female, I was just going to ask if you wanted an escort that was all.’
Jean snarled at her. ‘Sure you were female who can’t see straight out of blue eyes, now hush!’
Nina clapped her hands and congratulated her. ‘I think that is the longest yet.’
Melody said. ‘Well done!’
Jean polished her nails on her shirt as she smirked. ‘It was rather good.’
Wolf laughed with Reeve as Netta walked to Heather and hugged her, then Melody did the same. Heather moved to where Darby and Peyton stood, and they wrapped their arms around each other. Netta and Melody nodded to them as Netta called out. ‘We are rolling people.’
SEVENTY-ONE:
The night before the meeting, Klune advised Kardan and Hawk that Waidon Haffee had sent him a message, notifying him of the Governors change of plans. Waidon’s spies had discovered a secret meeting took place between Uthar Jenerika, Governor Rupart Interkinn, and several of the Coalition Governors. A transcript of that meeting was sent to Waidon.
It appeared Rupart and his fellow councilors decided to hold the Grand Meeting an hour earlier than advertised. In the hopes it would be completed before Peyton and her people arrived. Messages were being sent throughout the night to the world representatives of the change of time.
Kardan and Hawk chose Reeve and Rage to lead the combined force to secure the building, where the meeting was to be held. After some discussion with Klune and Waidon Haffee, Reeve decided they would be in place three hours before the meeting. He was sure this would thwart any attempt the Coalition had made to prevent Peyton from attending.
The meeting was to be held on the ground floor of one of the smallest buildings at the Capital. A thirty story high-rise, devoted to the governing of the Capital and the Coalition.
After Jax downloaded the plans to the high-rise
Reeve set up five security checkpoints in the grandiose foyer of the building.
Every stairwell had been locked down and the only admittance was through two Graviton lifts overseen by Warriors and Prowlers. All others had been locked and were guarded.
Coraan and his flyers were to deny all access around the building unless people were going to the meeting. No vehicles would be allowed to remain in the underground parking level. Prowlers patrolled the building and parking levels and the underground tunnel system. Warriors and Mystics would carefully scan everyone that came to the building.
Admittance was only granted after they surrendered their weapons, and the Warriors had thoroughly searched the attendees. This would give Jax time to cross match the Ambassadors and Representatives with the worlds they stated they came from.
Reeve and his teams had been at the building for only an hour when the Ambassadors and Representatives started to arrive. The Coalition Governors were outraged, all their carefully constructed plans to prevent the Star Daughter from attending had failed. Dismayed, they realized they had been usurped in their own building. And worse, they found they had to stand in line and submit to a search just like every other Governor and Ambassador. They were as furious as the Representatives, who had never encountered security like this before when attending a Coalition meeting.
Governor Interkinn and his wifen Lydiia, stood with his guards and fumed as he watched Waidon Haffee and his family being escorted through a door into the auditorium. Then a few minutes later he was astounded to see the Raparthen Pack Leaders taken through the same door.
He smirked when a tall Warrior beckoned the new Ambassador Kassapi of Kallistro and his guards to him. For a minute, Rupart thought they were going to deny Kassapi entrance. Only to curse forcibly, when they too were escorted through the door.
Rupart was furious this was beyond his comprehension, he could not bear anymore of this foolishness. He was the Governor of the Capital and they expected him to stand in a line like a common Ambassador. He snorted contemptuously, as he thought, not like an Ambassador. They apparently were allowed in without going through the humiliation of standing in line.
Lydiia whispered. ‘Perhaps we should move into a line, dearle.’
Rupart gave her a condescending smile and snarled. ‘And be like everyone else. I think not. We rule this world, not these…’ Words failed him.
Lydiia murmured. ‘It should not take long, they look very efficient.’
Rupart did not reply because the Warriors were impressive, as were those flying Warriors they had seen overhead. His attention was taken by the formidable male standing in the shadows. As he swiftly looked around, he saw he was not alone in his observation. Several other Governors watched the enormous male who stood with his arms folded as he observed everything and everyone. A Turquall, no Rupart remembered, they were called Prowlers, a name that meant nothing to him or his fellow councilors. Apparently it was a term from Earth, it meant stalking cat, whatever that was. The Prowler who stood by the large male was the biggest one he had ever seen.
The Warrior’s eyes, Rupart noticed, were like blue orbs of death. Every now and again someone would come to him and speak. Then he would zero in on whoever had complained or stepped out of line. And the recipient of that glare would quickly acquiescence.
SEVENTY-TWO:
Rupart Interkinn was unamused, and finally his anger overcame his good sense. Clamping a vice like hand around Lydiia’s skinny elbow. He dragged her as his guards reluctantly followed to the nearest line.
Pushing pass several Ambassadors and their spouses, causing grumbles of annoyance which he ignored. He plowed through them as Lydiia smiled apologetically, but this did little to relieve their annoyance.
‘You there, Warrior. I am Rupart Interkinn, the Governor of the Capital. I demand you allow myself and my wifen admittance immediately!’
Hue nodded as he waved the wand over the Ambassador he was scanning, all the while Iaan stood guard. Hue said in what could only be described as a bored voice. ‘I know who you both are. And you like everyone else have to wait your turn. Join the line or you will be forced to wait until we have processed everyone, before we admit you.’
There were five lines of people wanting access to the meeting. Melody and Kerol were in the furthest lines from Hue. Kent and Sarn with their own guards were on either side of Hue. They both halted as Governor Interkinn demanded. ‘I say again, you ignorant olesho, you will stand aside and let me and my people through, now!’
Hue looked behind the male and smirked. ‘You and your wifen may enter, your guards will not. And only when it is your turn.’
Outraged, Rupart’s face darkened as he raised his voice to a near scream. ‘What do you mean, no? They are my guards!’
Hue looked at Iaan and said. ‘I am sure I spoke Coalition.’
Iaan nodded. ‘I heard it.’
Kent drawled. ‘As did I. You Sarn?’
‘Seemed that way to me.’
Hue stated to the Governor who was even darker with rage now. ‘Your guards are not permitted as decreed by Amahka Elite Roeah on behalf of the Star Daughter. I, the ignorant olesho have been commanded to uphold his order. Now I demand you return to your place in line and await your turn or you risk losing your place altogether.’
Rupart roared. ‘Move aside, before I put you down like the scum you are.’
Hue’s eyes hardened, as did his expression. He leaned in closer to the Governor, watching as Iaan was for signs of movement from the Governors guards, and stated. ‘Not happening!’
Rupart took in a breath and demanded through clenched teeth. ‘I demand to see your superior immediately. Get him now!’
Hue moved back and inclined his head. ‘As you wish.’
A Prowler detached it
self from the shadows and went to Netta, as Hue asked the other people in line to go to Sarn and Kent for processing. Which they did with scowling looks at Rupart, who ignored them as he moved to stand in front of Hue and Iaan.
He wore a self-satisfied expression as he stared around himself. He would not have been so smug, if he had turned and saw the concerned expressions on the faces of his ten guards, or his wifen. Lydiia knew who and what they were dealing with, and tried once more to placate him.
‘Dearle, maybe we should just leave the guards.’
He looked at her and hissed. ‘No, now be silent.’
She narrowed her eyes and nodded. ‘Yes, dearle.’
SEVENTY-THREE:
Netta arrived as Reeve and Rage continued to look on. They had both witnessed the temperamental Governor’s outburst but would leave dealing with him to Netta. Although they monitored what was happening carefully.
‘Is there a problem, Captain Hue?’ Netta asked as she arrived on the scene.
Hue reported. ‘This is Governor Interkinn and his wifen Lady Interkinn, he has a wish to see you Commander?’
‘Greetings Lady Interkinn.’
Lydiia Interkinn simpered as she inclined her head to Netta. Rupart Interkinn’s top lip curled in disgust. It was unclear if it was with Netta or his mate. Netta instantly disliked the male. Her tone was a soft drawl when she spoke. Indicating to all who knew her, she was not pleased.
‘Greetings Governor, what can I do for you?’
Rupart was astounded. ‘You are in charge?’
‘Yes.’
He glared at her and waved his hand toward Reeve. ‘What of him?’
‘He is not.’
He looked her up and down. ‘You are a human female?’
‘And yet I am in charge.’
He looked around and saw that the other lines had become quiet as everyone waited to see the outcome of this confrontation. Rupart knew the giant Warrior and large Prowler still watched. He smirked as he thought. Well, if this scallut thought she was good enough to be in charge. He would see how she handled a real male.
‘I demand entry to my building.’
‘You may have it sir.’
His smirked grew as the thought moved across his mind. She like all females knew a real male when confronted by one.
Netta looked the male up and down and said. ‘Only after you have been searched, and you have dismissed your guards, they are not welcomed inside.’
His mouth opened and closed several times before he spluttered. ‘How… How dare you? They are for my protection.’
‘Today you are protected by the Star Daughter’s Armee.’
‘Female stand aside.’ He snarled menacingly. ‘I do not wish to waste my time speaking to one such as you. Someone who does not understand protocols. These are my guards, I am not trusting my safety to these… these males that you call Warriors.’
His guards became restless, they knew they were grossly outnumbered. Especially when they saw Warriors and Prowlers move from the shadows. A noise made everyone look up to see several winged giants flying in formation across the sky. Reeve and Rage still did not move from their position, although they were both signaling Warriors and Prowlers surrounding Netta and the Governor.
Netta said loudly in a steely voice. ‘Would these protocols be the same ones your Governors used to enter our Star Daughter’s Embassy uninvited and unannounced?’
Rupart’s face darkened again as he heard several snickers of laughter behind him.
‘Once more you are showing your ignorance. No protocols were broken when Governors visited the Star Daughter’s Embassy. However, the treatment of their guards showed how savage, your so called Warriors are.’
Netta smiled at how smoothly he tried to turn the conversation back on her. ‘We shall have to disagree on that. Regardless Governor, you only have two choices before you. Dismiss your guards and submit to a search or leave.’
Rupart Interkinn looked shocked at her words before he could say anything else. She said as she looked at all the people watching her.
‘Listen, all of you who think you are at a normal meeting for the Coalition. It should be obvious by now, you are not. My Warriors are following the orders of the Amahka Elite on behalf of the Star Daughter. All weapons and guards are not permitted pass any of these security check points.’
‘What if we dislike that?’ Asked a well- dressed male in Sarn’s line. He had burnt orange skin and long dark yellow hair with pink lined eyes that seemed overly large for his face, which stared at her without blinking. He wore arrogance like a second skin, it was stamped on his face and in his eyes.
Several females with him twittered as they looked Netta up and down with disdain. Foolish they may appear, but Netta knew they were dangerous. Sedeen had already warned everyone about the female Assaens.
Netta grinned like a shark at him dismissing the females as she asked. ‘You are?’
‘I am King Joraddon from Uthrio. These are my spouses.’
‘Well, King Joraddon and spouses. I will have my Warriors strip and body search each one of you, right here in front of everyone, before you are allowed entry. Then I will have every one of your Assaens be they spouses or not, killed. Starting with this one.’ She pointed to the tallest female standing next to him who had laughed.
‘You dare!’ He raged as his spouses all gasped with what they hoped Netta would assume was fear. What she heard was outrage and annoyance they had been ousted.
‘I do dare and I will also do as I threatened. You mean next to nothing to me. Your world holds no sway over the Star Daughter. What you should all be more concerned with, other than your weapons and guards, is what will happen when the Star Daughter arrives. Because as soon as she is inside, the doors will be bolted against any who are still not processed.’
She looked at the orange male and his spouses and asked politely. ‘Do you wish to try me?’
King Joraddon was sure he saw a gold ring appear in her unusual blue eyes when she spoke. He looked around and realized Warriors and Prowlers surrounded him. He too was aware of the large Prowler and giant Warrior in the shadows. However, he was more concerned with the female in front of him. Females of any species he had learned over a long lifetime were always more dangerous than a male, regardless of training.
He took a step back as he realized he and his spouses were out-numbered and alone in their protest. Even Interkinn, the coward, had retreated and was refusing to look at him. He lowered his eyes and shook his head, stepping further back in line. Like many others, he quickly emptied his body of armaments and signaled his spouses to do the same.
After Joraddon’s short disastrous confrontation with the female Commander. Rupart watched with dismay as his guards about-faced and almost ran from the line. Netta returned her attention to him. ‘Your decision seems to have been made for you Governor, any weapons?’
Hue answered after passing the wand over the Governor and his wifen. ‘They have none, Commander.’
Netta said gracefully. ‘You may enter Governor.’
Rupart stormed pass her dragging Lydiia behind him and hurried into the auditorium.
Netta asked loudly as she looked over the waiting representatives. ‘Anymore questions?’
When none came, she nodded to her Captains and walked to where Melody was taking a break.
‘Pleased with yourself?’
Netta grinned as she rocked on her heels. ‘You know I am, I enjoyed that.’
Melody grinned. ‘I could tell, so who was that with the Assaens.’
‘King Joraddon from Uthrio, he called them his spouses.’
‘Huh, no accounting for taste. I’ll let Peyton know.’
‘She will be pleased.’
‘You know she will.’ With that Melody comm’d Peyton to let her know the King had arrived.
After Netta’s announcement that the doors would be locked when Peyton arrived, the lines quickly emptied of guards and weapons. An hour and a half later,
everyone had been scanned and admitted to the meeting room.
Netta stood looking out over the now quiet city. No more cars were dropping people off or speeding away. She drank deeply of her tube as Hue said from beside her. ‘That went well.’
Sarn and Kent also drank of their tubes as Netta answered. ‘Yep, better than I thought.’
Iaan asked. ‘What was the final count?’
Kerol answered. ‘Fifteen thousand.’
‘Wowza!’ Melody said as she high-fived him.
‘Are you coming in?’
Kerol shook his head. ‘No, I will go back to the Embassy. Penny did not wish to come, so I will be with her.’
‘You can watch from there.’
‘Perhaps, I will see.’
Reeve arrived back from doing a perimeter sweep with Rage. He grinned at Netta. ‘You all handled that very well, with the Governor and that olesho King Jojo or whatever.’
Netta laughed as she saluted him. ‘We thank you.’
Reeve shrugged. ‘Rage and I had a wager that you would pull your knives.’
Netta scowled at the two of them. ‘I have grown, dayam it.’
Coraan arrived and grabbed Melody in a hug, saying as she laughed up at him. ‘They are five out.’
Reeve looked around and said. ‘We are ready.’
Wolf arrived back with Sedeen and Cobalt from doing a sweep of the underground. ‘We are to meet at the lift.’
SEVENTY-FOUR:
The Coalition council chamber was filled to capacity. With Emperors, Empresses, Kings, Queens, Rulers, Leaders, Governors and Ambassadors and their mates, from all over the Universe.
Those that could not attend would be able to view the meeting on the data stream. For now only the people at the Capital could watch what was happening on screen in actual time.
The auditorium hushed as Rage and Rave walked next to Wolf and Zenerra into the auditorium. Following them were Peyton, and Kardan on either side of them were Briark and Leiark.
