by L M Lacee
No, it is chosen, you have the right to choose your Pride Leaders. I am asking for myself and Fanharr to be your Leaders. Softly, almost like rote, he stated. There is no bonding anymore.
She ignored his last statement. ‘So Chosen, that goes without saying. There is no one else to consider, I like you and Fanharr. We seem to think more or less the same, and we will all work for the betterment of our worlds. Rave does not mind?’
He does not, he is happy as second and trainer of the kits, he can be a little... rash.
‘I see, I have one of those.’
Sternly, he told her. It is our responsibility to temper this attitude.
She mumbled. ‘Oh yeah… I suppose that is better than what I thought of doing.’
He grinned at her as he lipped another two pieces of bacon off the plate. She asked. ‘Does this mean if I accept you and Fanharr as my Chosen, I have accepted all your Pride?’
Yes, this is correct, we would all be chosen now and in the future.
‘So all the Pride would consider making their home on Maikonia permanently.’
I thought that was clear, but to make it official. Yes. We would like to live side by side with the people of Maikonia.
Peyton grinned. ‘Then I accept you and your mate and every one of your Pride and those to come in the future as my Chosen. We are going to do great things Pride Leader Rage.’
He nodded his huge wide head. It does bode well for our future.
‘I wonder if you could explain why Citri and Bacon called me Beloved. Is this a title or some expression I need to know about?’
It is who you are, our Star Daughter, our Beloved.
‘Oh, that is lovely, although that conversation will be interesting when the others hear the name.’
Rage grinned, knowing who she was referring to and if they were anything like Commander Melody. Their Beloved was in for some interesting talks ahead of her. Regardless, he had what he came for and more to think about.
As he turned his long body around, she said to him. ‘So you need to get with First Commander Hawk and figure out what you would like to do.’ She hurried to assure him. ‘Not that you have to do anything, but maybe you would like to become Warriors of a sort.’
It sounds Madam, like you have an idea.
She shrugged and sent him a grin. ‘I do... I really do but get our Pride healthy and in shape first. Then we will look at it again.’
He stopped by her, his head above hers, and looked down a little into her upturned eyes. Why does my heart tremble at your words?
She snickered. ‘Hawk always says that too. I do not understand it.’
He looked at her with disbelief and moved on. Peyton grinned, he was so much like Hawk it made her smile, as he reached the doorway she called to him. ‘So does that make me a Leader?’
There was a second of silence as though he was unsure he had heard right, and then she heard him sigh as he answered. No.
She barely held her laughter in when she asked as he made to exit the lounge. ‘The Supreme Leader.’
No.
‘The Porquien.’
Definitely not.
‘Well that seems unfair, what am I then?’
Basically annoying. He thoughtlessly replied and waited for her to berate him for being disrespectful. But all she did was laugh as he walked into the passageway, passing Trina with a nod.
‘Harsh.’ Peyton called after him. He did not reply but she knew he was amused. ‘I need a title.’
I can think of several Madam, but I have a feeling none you would like.
‘Eww burned!’ Trina remarked as she came in yawning.
RUDE! Peyton mind yelled to him and received a grunt in return, she told him. I will proudly wear the title of Beloved, if you will think about wearing the title Prowler, instead of Turquall. She sent him the idea of Prowlers or her version of what they could be for the Pride and Maikonia. She felt him hesitate in his gait and was pleased he seemed to be receptive to the idea.
She had the feeling he was eager to do something other than worry about how to feed and keep his Pride alive. Like all leaders, he wanted more than full bellies for his people, he wanted them to have hope for the future. She hoped by actually giving him the idea of Prowlers it would be a tantalizing taste of what could be a future for all Turquall. She knew he would discuss it with Fanharr and Rave, then decide. The worry she had was how long it would take for him to accept his destiny and the destiny of the Prowlers of Maikonia. She turned her attention to Trina. ‘So why are you awake Trina, should you not be dreaming about your mate to be?’
‘One would think that, but I am uneasy. It is like something is going to happen and I am all primed ready for it, so no sleep. Thought I smelled bacon and followed my nose.’ She went to the dispenser and programmed tea. ‘You want coffee?’
‘Yes please.’ Peyton wiggled into a more comfortable position as Trina asked. ‘So, no sleep for you either.’
‘Nope, one more day until Heather leaves.’
Trina could hear the sorrow under her words. ‘Yeah she does, you okay with that?’
Peyton smiled. ‘Getting there, let’s talk of other things, like my interesting night or morn that I have had.’
‘That sounds intriguing, tell me more.’ She returned with their cups and spied the empty plate on the table. ‘Any bacon left?’
‘Of course.’ Peyton pulled out another container from under a cushion filled with strips of bacon and passed her the container as she took her coffee.
They spent the rest of what passed for the early morning on the Warbird. Talking and discussing the Turquall becoming Prowlers, Heather’s departure and what the Solverea Assaens would be like as well as Trina’s so far hidden mate.
FIFTY-TWO:
Peyton was dressed in what she considered respectful: Heather is leaving clothes. Trina did not comment after she gave her a brief look as she escorted her to the war room where Hawk waited. So she was none the wiser as to whether or not she was dressed appropriately, she decided not to ask as she had no desire to change again.
She stood now with Hawk and Trina watching the Solverea family’s fleet of ship’s approach on the screens, or at least the three in range. Hawk and the ships Commanders were sure there were other ships beyond their sensors.
Hawk told Peyton it was rumored that the Solverea family had an unknown number of ships in their fleet. She could tell it annoyed him that he did not know how many they owned.
Trina asked Hawk. ‘Is it possible they could be cloaked?’
Peyton said excitedly. ‘That would be spectacular.’
At Hawk’s confused look, Trina explained. ‘The other ships, could they be hidden behind shields that make them invisible?’
He grunted as his eyes narrowed when he returned his gaze to the ships on the screen. Peyton sighed. ‘How annoying would that be, we need tech like that.’
Trina mumbled. ‘Cyborg stuff.’
Peyton smiled when Hawk sighed, like she knew he would. Especially when she bounced on her toes and agreed.
‘Yep, like cyborg technology.’
‘No, not like cyborg technology.’ He rumbled out, his eyes never leaving the screens as he watched the ships that were coming alongside them now.
Peyton knew if they lifted the shields from the windows they could actually see the ships which were disguised as old battle cruisers. But she refrained from doing so in consideration for Hawk’s feelings of displeasure.
Peyton softly said to Trina. ‘Told you there are cyborgs.’
They grinned together when Hawk sighed again, ignoring their conversation he informed them. ‘They are battle cruisers, ten to twenty levels each. Crewed by two hundred personnel and are fast and dangerous, they will be armed.’
Peyton said doubtfully. ‘They don’t look like they could do more than roll over and play dead, they look old.’
Trina said wisely. ‘Camouflaged, very clever.’
‘Yes, the Assaens are.’ Hawk agreed.
‘I asked Darby to do more research about the family. What little she found led me to believe they are quite adept at misleading their opponents, for them it is an art form.’
This was all said with a bite to his tone. By mutual consent Peyton and Trina said no more about the ships. They had no idea how many people were in the family and how many family members were on board the ships. Peyton had forbidden anyone to question the twins which further annoyed Hawk, but as she explained, they were little girls.
His answer of Assaen little girls did not dissuade her from her decision. Truthfully, she did not want the girls telling Heather or Hawk about all the pumping of information she had done already.
Unfortunately, that left Hawk just as annoyed as Darby, who had barely discovered anything on the data stream about the family. Even with all the talking to the twins Peyton had done, she did not know much more than what she already knew before leaving home.
Trina asked. ‘Is anyone else worried about our Heather going on board ships with Assaens, other than me?’
Peyton smiled at her question, even Hawk shook his head as he answered her. ‘No, we are not worried. He will kill for her and die just as easily and once she is joined to the family, they all will.’
‘They are after all Assaen’s and he is the head of the family. She will have no greater protection, also once they are mated it means we are family as well.’ Peyton told them both. She looked at Hawk’s scowling face. ‘So my First Commander let us go put on welcoming smiles and see what they have to say.’
They said goodbye to Trina who had elected to remain out of the initial contact phase, which she called. The Heather leaves home saga.
The Turqualls had remained with Kate, on their level, deciding this meeting should be done without their presence. Melody, Darby and the others were to wait in the Star Lounge where they would take the Solverea family after the initial greeting.
Peyton and Hawk airlifted to the shuttle bay where Heather and the twins waited. Peyton hugged the excited girls and looked at Heather asking. ‘Are you ready?’
‘No, not really.’
Hawk growled. ‘I will make your excuses if you wish it. You do not have to meet him, just because you think you should. We can wait for a more opportune time.’
‘Oh, Hawk how wonderful of you to offer. No, I want to meet him. I am just nervous that is all. I am worried he may think I am not worthy.’
‘Then he will die.’ He warned. ‘You are more than worthy, and he will be lucky to have you as his mate. Would you like me to remind him of this fact?’
Heather hid her laughter as she quickly assured him. ‘No, my friend, I am sure your mere presence will ensure him of that fact.’
Hawk was not happy but nodded. ‘Alright.’ He then reached over and dragged her into his arms, another first for the normally reticent Commander as he said softly. ‘I will tell you now, that I will miss you.’
Then he quickly released her as the twins both asked. ‘Will you miss us too, Uncle Hawk?’
His right eyebrow shot up as he looked down at the two precious faces. ‘Yes, I find you enjoyable.’
They both squealed with delight and hugged him around his legs, then released him as Heather gently drew them away, when she could see him becoming uncomfortable. He nodded, then turned and strode to stand in front of the viewing window that looked out on to the shuttle bay. As the outside doors opened to admit the Solverea shuttle. Peyton and Heather shared a looked and a grin as they too went to where he stood. To watch the shuttle sedately enter the bay and settle in the docking area.
Heather felt herself becoming tense, so to distract herself she asked Peyton. ‘The family, did they decide to wait in the Star Lounge after all?’
‘Yes, the ladies have set up a buffet style morn tea. They wanted to give you some time to, you know, greet your intended mate.’ She looked at Heather’s markings and mumbled. ‘Sorry mate.’
‘Oh, okay.’
‘Heather, they want the best for you and your mate and his family. Their first impressions of us are important. I try to explain that to everyone all the time, no one wants to understand…’
‘Yes Peyton, thank you, I appreciate it.’ She said hoping to stop the next few minutes lecture on first impressions, which Peyton had decided they all needed to know.
‘Fine, I was just saying.’
‘We know.’ Hawk grunted as the ship’s doors shut, and a sleek gun metal gray shuttle powered down in the docking area. With the outer doors closed, the pressure equalized and became breathable air again. Hawk grunted again when he saw two passengers descending on a lift, rather than steps as most shuttles had.
Harmara and his brother Sedeen were first to arrive, and when they got off, another lift descended immediately with their Uncle Klune and Aunt Rata.
Peyton heard Hawk mutter. ‘Pretentious olesho’s,’
She hid her smile, knowing it was more envy for the updated shuttles than he did not like the Solverea’s. Also, he was more worried about Heather leaving than he was showing. They watched the three males and one well-dressed female move toward the connecting door to the receiving room. A Warrior stood waiting and with a signal from Hawk opened the door and stepped back, allowing the four people to walk through.
Hawk took his three steps forward and halted as the Warrior closed the door. Without preamble, he made the introductions. ‘Greetings, I am First Commander Hawk Roeah, allow me to introduce the Star Daughter.’ He turned and indicated Peyton, who was wearing gray pants and a tunic top with a silver floor length sleeveless vest and new western boots. She liked the height they gave her, plus they were very comfortable. Her Star Crystal had twisted and twirled her hair into a knot of some kind. Which went from the top of her head and rested on the back of her neck. Other than the small gold band, she wore no jewelry. She looked exactly what she was, the Star Daughter.
Harmara bowed as did the other members of his family. He straightened and made his own introductions.
‘Greetings Star Daughter, please allow me to introduce my father’s brother Klune Solverea and his mate Rata and my brother Sedeen, we are pleased to meet you.’
Peyton stepped forward with a small smile. ‘Greetings, and I can honestly say, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. You did remember to return my people.’
Harmara smiled. ‘I did, they will join us on the next shuttle. The Masters were annoyed when they were revived from their induced sleep. I decided it would be better if they came by themselves.’
‘Probably a good idea. They are touchy about stuff like that or so I have heard.’ She turned slightly to the older couple who stood together and were carefully cataloging everything they could see. Probably more from habit than for other reasons, she thought.
‘So you are the Spy Master and Spy Mistress?’
‘We have heard that term once or twice before Star Daughter.’ The male answered, he appeared to be in his early sixties and was an older version of his nephews, except his hair was white and cut short. He was as tall as Harmara and Sedeen and just as handsome. Although he looked like he had settled into his face with a few lines around his chocolate brown eyes. His mate was a beautiful female and Peyton guessed she was somewhere around the same age as her mate. She had golden tresses that had light white streaks, she wore it wrapped up in a high top knot adding to her overall appearance of nobility. Her face was thinner than the males, with shaped eyebrows above sharp cheekbones. Her eyes were a soft amber color that held a wariness in their depths, her lips were full and had a shiny gold tinge to them. Peyton wondered if that was coverup or if all the females of the Solverea family looked like that.
Peyton grinned at the male as she replied. ‘I would imagine you have.’ Then she looked at Lady Rata’s hair and asked. ‘How do you do that with your hair?’
A little bewildered, Rata automatically answered. ‘It takes practice and more than a few mins to accomplish.’
Wishfully Peyton sighed. ‘I bet it does, it looks truly wonderfu
l.’
She looked Peyton’s hair over and declared. ‘I do not think you could do the same Madam, you are a little shorter than I am to carry it off. Avana also says you have a lot more hair than I do.’
Peyton sighed. ‘That is true, it is very long, but yours looks nice. I am shorter than you too, but I do wish I could wear something like that.’
Her crystal tingled and she mind-sent, I know you do your best and are very good at what you do, just like this hairstyle, it is amazing. She was sure it was sulking when the hum stopped, she mind-sent again. Okay, you can try to copy Lady Rata’s hair style later. That seemed to perk it right on up and the hum sounded happy. Peyton sighed. Dayam what have I got myself into, I really have to stop being so rash.
‘I thank you for the compliment, Madam.’ Rata said with a smile.
Peyton returned the smile, then asked Harmara. ‘Harmara, what does your charming brother do?’
‘Apart from annoying me?’
Peyton laughed. ‘Yes.’
Bluntly Harmara told her. ‘He works as an infiltrator, he is very good, Klune uses him often.’
‘I see and you are twins?’
Harmara smiled. ‘Yes Madam, although I am older by three mins.’
‘I see and this of course makes all the difference?’
They both ignored the long-suffering sigh from Sedeen as Harmara with a twinkle nodded. ‘It really does.’
She turned with a laugh toward the male who was slightly thinner than his brother but just as tall and just as handsome. She asked him directly. ‘So Sedeen, have you taken care of your family matters?’
‘They are under way as we speak, Madam.’
They all knew he was talking about the aunt and uncle who had sold the girls. Peyton nodded. ‘Well, here are your sisters and Heather.’
The girls waiting for those words rushed over to give their family hugs and again tell them tearful accounts of their adventures. They were held close by their brothers and then passed to the couple who embraced them in loving arms. Peyton could see they were a close family. From the corner of her eye, she watched Heather stare at the male that was going to take her from her family, and her heart cracked a little more.
