by L M Lacee
‘Take that back.’
‘I stand by my words.’
Darby groused. ‘I didn’t see the knives. That is so not fair. I wanted to see them.’
Peyton grinned. ‘Well tough, so late to important meetings, female.’
‘It was a private meeting, remember?’ Darby sniped back, they bickered all the way from the room, leaving behind a stunned Bendrix and an annoyed Netta. Hawk sighed loudly as Karen gave his arm a pat and smiled brightly at the poor confused male.
Melody suddenly yelled, startling them all. ‘So that is it then! We will just do what we want, inefficient Star Daughter!’
Netta growled. ‘Stop doing that!’
Peyton ran back in. ‘I am so sorry, Darby’s fault, it was the door.’
‘The door?’ A bewildered Patty asked her.
‘Yeah, I will explain later. Bendrix I would like you and your people here by second-meal. Patty notify the med- unit and have downloads ready for them.’ She yelled. ‘Sarn!’
‘Yes, Madam.’ He said a pained look on his face as he opened the door and Penny said. ‘Really.’
Peyton ignored them both. ‘Bendrix, how many people do you actually have?’
‘Counting myself, forty-one.’
‘Really, I thought you only had twenty-five?’
‘Yes, we hid our females.’
‘I suppose that makes sense. So can we make this happen safely?’
‘Of course, but it will not go unnoticed.’
Peyton smiled. ‘I certainly hope not. Hawk take enough Warriors to ensure everyone’s safety and that notice is made. Sarn please alert the giant one and Iaan and Hue.’
‘Stop calling him that.’ Darby yelled from the kitchen.
Peyton smirked as Sarn looked blandly at her. Noticing the look, she smiled and said. ‘Oh yes, Sarn, could you and Kent please accompany Commander Netta?’
‘Yes Madam, of course.’
‘Penny have Miko pay their account for the Hutell in full. Also assure the Menturian’s we will pay for all their clothes, haircuts and anything else they need.’ She asked Bendrix. ‘You know where to purchase these things?’
He smiled at her quick change of topics, following her train of thought easily. He wondered fleetingly if it was the download or his own Nanites that allowed him to do so.
‘I do or I should say we do.’
‘Good, get with our Laroro Miko, she will make sure you all have credits to spend.’
‘Why would you do that?’
‘You are ours, you may call it an advance on your eventual employment if you like.’ She held her hand up as he went to speak again. ‘Regardless of what work you do. Netta will explain our policy on credits to you. Now we are not doing any shopping today. Tomorrow we are going to make sure the city knows we are all here, today we are settling in.’
‘I am not sure I understand.’
‘Yeah, I get that a lot. Netta please help Bendrix understand. Now I must go and find my children before Carrick does whatever he does. Oh Hawk, your brothers will be here soon.’
He lifted a black eyebrow at her announcement. ‘I assumed they would be. I am sure they know we are here.’
‘You know you are getting awfully smug the closer to them coming.’
‘Madam, I assure you I am not.’ He could not prevent the smirk gracing his handsome features.
‘Yeah, right! I will see you on your return Ben, bye for now.’ She left with what she hoped was a flounce.
Bendrix watched her go and said. ‘She called me Ben.’
Netta grinned. ‘I would get used to it. She likes you.’
‘Really, how can you tell?’
Melody told him. ‘You have been invited to live on Maikonia with us.’
‘Yes I was, we were.’
Netta asked Hawk. ‘Are we ready to go?’
‘We are.’
‘I am going as well.’ Stated Melody.
Netta asked suspiciously. ‘Why?’
Melody shrugged with a glimmer of a smile in her eyes. ‘Need to go with you.’
‘Again I ask why?’
‘Just do, Knife Girl.’
‘Whhyy?’
‘Did I just hear whining?’
FIFTEEN:
After her interview with Bendrix and a quick cup of coffee with Darby. Peyton went to see Keylan accompanied by Zenerra and Lucerra. They entered the medical unit just as Heather was walking to Rita’s room. She smiled when she came even with Peyton and was about to greet her, when she found herself enfolded in Peyton’s arms.
Heather raised her eyebrows at Zenerra who shrugged. She had no idea why she was hugging her. Heather held her tightly as she murmured. ‘Hon, what is the matter?’
‘No idea, feeling melancholy.’
‘You are running around too much. Stay here for a little while and talk to Rata and Rita.’
‘Kay, how is my baby girl?’
‘She is well. It was just the start of a lung infection, exasperated by the gas. All cleared up now, we got some samples to look at. She will be fine.’
‘Thank you, and Rita?’
‘She will explain, but she is good too.’
Peyton released her with one last hug and a soft. ‘Thanks.’
Heather knew she thanked her for the hug, not the information, she replied just as softly. ‘Always.’
‘Oh, by the way, we just met Netta’s mate, Bendrix of Menturian.’
Heather grinned. ‘I know Netta comm’d me already. She seems a little…’
‘Out of her depth.’
‘Yes.’
‘He’s really nice. You will like him.’
‘Will he be good for her?’
‘Oh yes, he is everything she needs, don’t worry, just like with you and Harm, it’s an excellent match.’
Heather smiled. ‘Wonderful, I am to meet him when they return.’
‘Okay.’
‘Let’s go see Rita.’ Heather guided her to Rita’s room, where they found Rata and Keylan in Rita’s arms drinking her bottle.
Peyton said with a nod to Keylan. ‘She likes you.’
Rita smiled and replied. ‘It would seem so, Heather told me she does not take to everyone.’
‘No, she has had a short but hard life, like her sister Hope and the boys. Their lessons with adults were not kind.’
She found a seat on the couch next to Rata as Zenerra and Lucerra made themselves comfortable in the room. She said to Heather. ‘Did Netta tell you that Bendrix’s people number forty-one, not twenty-five as we thought?’
‘No, she did not. Just that he accepted the Nanos.’
‘He did, Darby was pleased.’
‘I imagine she was. Well, I will leave you, if we are to have forty-one people descending on us with medical needs. I have to get my team ready. You, sister, are ordered to stay here until you have rested, do you understand me?’
‘Yes Heather, I will be alright. I am sorry I worried you.’
‘Peyton, I am constantly worried and usually by you.’
She raised her eyebrows as Peyton said. ‘Ha-ha.’
‘Yes, so funny, now to lessen my worries remain here for a bit.’
Peyton saw underneath the banter to Heather’s concern and promised. ‘I will.’
Rata could feel the concern from Heather as well and assured her. ‘She will stay here Heather, do not worry.’
Heather grinned, ‘Thank you ladies, at least I know someone has some common sense.’
‘Again I say ha-ha.’
Heather leaned down and kissed Peyton’s forehead. ‘Love you, now stay,’
‘Woof… woof.’
Heather laughed as she left, Peyton said to Zenerra and Lucerra. ‘She does not mean you have no common sense.’
Lucerra told her. ‘Oh, we know. We were hatched with loads of common sense.’
Zenerra asked Lucerra. ‘Do you think it is something that Terrans are not birthed with?’
‘I’ve thought about it and have come
to the conclusion, it is only some Terrans.’
‘Huh, that makes sense.’
Peyton growled. ‘You know I am Terran.’
‘We know.’
‘You know I can fire you both.’
Zenerra grinned as she disabused her of that notion. ‘No, you cannot.’
‘Do not say you have a contract too?’
‘Of course we do.’
‘Dayam Netta.’
Rata and Rita laughed at the three females. They could feel the genuine affection and worry the two Draygons held for Peyton.
Rita went to pass the baby to her mother, who shook her head. ‘Please continue, it is nice to view her from this perspective.’
She took Rata’s hand in hers, a natural act of comfort, and asked. ‘Were you poisoned?’
‘No, I am well, it seems the toxin had a very short lifespan.’
‘Good and you Rita?’
‘I am well, they flushed the poison and washed me thoroughly. Jax and Heather say in a matter of days, I will be back to my usual self.’
‘I am pleased.’
Rata returned to the topic of the girls. ‘It is heartening to see the three girls becoming friends after the life Hope has had.’
Peyton turned slightly to catch both females with her eyes. ‘Is that not what we strive for, I consider you two my friends, and hope you feel the same. We need to make friends as often as we can, just like today we started a friendship with the Menturian’s or at least their leader Bendrix. Rita, did you know he was King Bendrix?’
Rita looked surprised, then shook her head. ‘No, I did not. I must be slipping.’
‘I am guessing it was the poison. So yeah, he and his people will arrive by second-meal and we will get them healthy and see what happens next.’
‘Why are they here?’
‘Well, that is a twofold question. I will tell you now, even though he is to tell everyone tomorrow at the morn meeting. He wished to announce who and what they were to the Universe. He was overthrown and fled here with some of his family and friends. You know they commune with the pathways of the Elysium.’
‘Again, I say no.’
‘Well, they were directed here.’
Rata mused. ‘I am guessing the Star Child had a hand in that.’
‘They did, it is their way to guide and encourage.’
‘So I assume we need them.’
‘We do. Also, he is Netta’s mate.’
‘Oh my.’ The sisters grinned at the thought of Netta with a mate.
Rata said to Rita. ‘That will be a dance, will it not sister?’
‘Yes, an interesting one, I am sure.’
Rata asked Peyton. ‘You are happy about the mating?’
‘I am for two reasons, Netta needs someone and we need Ambassadors, and if the Menturians are willing, we will have them.’
‘And if they are not?’ Klune asked as he entered and took a seat on the single chair. The quietness of his entrance made both the Draygons open and close their wings in agitation. No one commented as they both looked sheepishly at each other.
Peyton shrugged, ignoring the female’s reactions. ‘I guess I will ask you and your delightful mate and her sister to train some for me.’
‘Ahh, that makes sense.’
‘Either way, we will have Ambassadors. So Rita, my friend, if you are agreeable Harm has made arrangements to have you taken to the Warbird. I will make it so you can go home if you would prefer.’ When she did not answer immediately, Peyton smiled and said. ‘Or you could remain here at the Embassy. So we can visit and Heather can monitor your return to health.’
Rita sighed, then smiled. ‘I wish to stay here, I find I am happier than I have been for a long time.’ Two tears fell from her eyes as she apologized. ‘I am sorry, I thought I was ready to resume my old life but I find I cannot.’
Peyton laughed gently. ‘I am pleased, I have a position for you but I am sorry to say it means you must remain on Prime with your sister and Klune. But only if you want it, so take your time to consider.’
‘What is it?’
‘I was hoping to persuade you and Rata to teach etiquette and politics to our new Embassy personnel. Also, it would be wonderful if you could teach our secretaries and personal assistants how to gather information. What do you think?’
The sisters looked at each other, then Rita nodded and Rata said. ‘We could do that.’
Rita asked. ‘I would remain at home?’
‘Yes, of course. We do have worlds of our own to explore.’ She stopped talking and frowned then hesitantly said. ‘There was one more thing I wanted to discuss with you both and Klune.’
‘What is it?’ Rita asked.
Rata thought she had a good idea what it was, but remained silent.
Peyton chose her words carefully. ‘You know of the Draygon people we rescued?’
‘Oh yes, Rata has briefed me and I have met Melody’s Coraan and the delightful Lucerra and Zenerra.’ She smiled at both females, who grinned and nodded back.
Peyton smiled. ‘Well, several couples like Brenda and Marlo, Larson and Helen have guardioan eggs that we rescued.’
‘I see and you want me to be an aunt or some type of nanny?’ Rita looked confused but was distracted from her thoughts when they heard a child’s cry of distress.
Carrick arrived with Rayvan in his arms. ‘I apologize for appearing unannounced, but he demands his Mama. As a rule I would not interrupt without alerting you first, but everything is new, and he is unsettled.’
He gave the child to Peyton and disappeared.
Rayvan sobbed into his mother’s chest as she rocked him. ‘Hush baby boy. Mama has you.’
‘I was scared.’
‘Who scared you?’
‘I was scared, Hope was lost.’
‘I see, where is Kosmo?’
‘He in class.’
‘Okay, why don’t you stay with me and we will cuddle for a little while?’
‘Kay.’
Rita asked with awe. ‘You have an Urnu?’
‘Yes, amazing isn’t it.’ She rocked Rayvan, who yawned and snuggled into his mother, watched and yearned after by the three adults. Peyton quietly told her. ‘As you know, Keylan is my youngest daughter and is a Draygon.’
Rita looked down into the sleeping face of the baby in her arms. ‘She has no wings.’
‘Not until she is twenty-five when she becomes an adult. Hope is ten yentas old. Darby’s Draykin is three and they are also Draygon.’
Rita asked. ‘And Rayvan?’
‘We believe he is five and is not Draygon.’ Her tone suggested they not pursue that line of questioning.
Rita smiled at the answer. ‘Why Madam are you telling us this?’
‘I was trying to say if you wish, you could have a baby. There are several eggs still available.’
Keylan grumbled and smiled in her sleep. Rita smiled and asked. ‘I could have one such as her?’
‘More or less there are boys and girls waiting for parents. Several of the couples decided on one of each.’
Rita, her eyes washed in unshed tears, looked at her sister and Klune. ‘Will you take up the offer?’
Klune stated. ‘Yes, we desire to be parents.’
With a nod from Klune, Rata looked at Peyton and softly asked. ‘We would like four, two of each, is that alright?’
Peyton grinned. ‘Of course, Jax record that please.’
Already done Madam. Congratulations Lady Rata, Lord Klune.
They smiled at each other as Klune said. ‘Thank you Jax.’
Rita sighed as she asked Peyton. ‘I have no treasure.’
‘Maybe.’ Peyton said, looking down into Rayvan’s face. ‘You may settle long enough to look around and find one.’
Rata laughed. ‘Oh my dearle sister, you will make a wonderful mother.’
Klune said as he took Rita’s thin hand in his. ‘Rita, my sister, nothing would make me happier than to have you live close. And you will inde
ed make a wonderful mother. Think seriously on this, we want you to be happy.’
She looked at Peyton and then down at Keylan and said, ‘I accept, Jax, please record that I would like two little girls like this one.’ She let the tears fall as Rata moved and held her while she cried.
Keylan made murmuring noises as Klune took her from Rita’s arms, instantly Carrick appeared
‘I have her, thank you Lord Klune.’ He took the baby and disappeared.
Klune smiled. ‘It is true what they say about an Urnu.’
Peyton asked. ‘What is it they say?’
‘That they are in tune with the ones they protect, they live and breathe their very existence. Should any stand between them and their charges, they will fall by their blade.’
‘Oh wow! See, I didn’t know that.’
He growled. ‘You should study more.’
‘Darby and I have searched everywhere for information about Urnu’s. Jax has researched the data stream and come up with virtually nothing.’
Abashed Klune said. ‘I apologize. The Solverea’s have information in our archives. I do not understand why the Star Child did not give you any information when they ordained Carrick.’
Peyton shrugged. ‘This is all new for them, no other Star Daughter has had children before. I think they offered Carrick the chance to be Urnu, but left it to us to find out what and who he is.’
‘I see.’
She asked. ‘How do you have information on Urnus?’
He scratched his chin. ‘I do not know, we have always had it.’
‘Interesting, don’t you think?’
‘Very!’ He tapped his link then said. ‘Jax.’
Yes Lord Klune.
‘Access file Solverea 555.044 and download for general reading, the information about Urnus please. Then send a copy to Carrick and Madam along with file 556.066. They may need them to understand what he is experiencing.’
Done.
Klune smiled and said to Peyton. ‘I apologize for not making this accessible to you before.’
‘No matter, I will remember to come to you if I can’t find something anywhere else.’
He kissed her forehead. ‘Yes, but I think we will let Jax have the information as well, just in case.’
She laughed. ‘You think you are funny.’
‘No, I am funny. Now Madam, let me thank you. We are eternally grateful for the chance to become parents, we all sacrificed our time while young for the family. Now we are to be parents and it is because you made it happen. Stars, you are delightful.’