by L M Lacee
Mama Star, I chose my name, it is good, yes? She was a soft cream color with a sweet earnest face and worried green eyes.
Peyton took her face between her hands. ‘Oh, beautiful girl. It is the perfect name for you. I was just so surprised at its pretty sound.’
She wiggled in pleasure. My Nene likes it.
Well, of course she does. Peyton said with gleeful eyes.
Nina said sternly, squashing any hope of fun for Peyton. ‘You may not.’
‘Well, that seems unfair.’
‘Too bad.’
‘So mean.’
‘Live with it.’
A young male Prowler around five said shyly. Star Mama, I chosd me name to.
Unlike Petal, he was a slightly darker cream, almost beige color and had amber eyes. Peyton rubbed his ears and said. ‘I was told it is Gum, is that true?’
Yes, Mama Star.
He wiggled in pleasure as she praised him. ‘It is a good name, you should be proud of it.’
She looked at the people waiting for her and asked. ‘So what can I do for you all?’
She collected her coffee and walked into the lounge of her office as she waved her hand. ‘Help yourselves to tea or whatever.’
Ward and Janet made tea for the others as Fern and Nina had retaken their seats. They each had a kit draped over their laps and were tickling their stomachs. Peyton looked at the blissful looks of her bondmates. ‘Seriously.’
Gum laid his head on Peyton’s knee. She scratched him between his ears as Telfor held Petal across his knees, rubbing her tummy. The twins smiled at her and made the purring sound they knew the females liked. In seconds, Petal and Gum were making the same noise.
Peyton looked at the kits and rolled her eyes. ‘So guys lay it on me.’
Nina said. ‘I resigned, I want to stay here with Telfor.’
Peyton asked Telfor. ‘You would not move to Terra?’
He leaned back. ‘You know the answer to that.’
Peyton smiled and tried to look innocent. ‘Yeah, okay. So Nina, what are you going to do, gardens and stuff or something else?’
Nina raised her eyebrows and said earnestly. ‘As if you don’t already know. I want to start gardens here but ones for experimentation, not survival. They are done, set up and growing. I want to do different things, see what there is we can create. My passion is in experimenting. It is what I excel in.’
Peyton nodded her head, smiling. ‘Okay, it sounds wonderful. Find a place, take your time, ask Darby for a lay out of the planet. Jax can give you details of soil and stuff, he is a fount of information.’
‘Okay, that sounds great.’ Nina vibrated with anticipation and smiled at Telfor.
Janet leaned over and asked Fern when she saw she had her tablet out and was tapping on it. ‘Was that an actual word?’
Fern nodded that it was, and they both ignored Peyton’s righteous sniff. She said. ‘Nina, my friend, there is no hurry. Enjoy your new mate and bondmate, find your feet. It is an expression.’ She told Telfor and Ward, who were looking at Nina’s feet. ‘It means work out what you really want to do, then make it happen. Nina, I really am happy you are staying on Prime, we will have so much fun.’
Nina smiled in relief and held Telfor’s hand as Peyton asked. ‘Fern, what about you, staying, going or what?’
Fern laughed. ‘Going home, I and Renta with Fenthic, Ward and Janet want to take over the running of Terra.’
‘I have no problem with that.’ She asked slyly. ‘You know about coffee plants then?’
Fern debated whether to tease her in reply but from the corner of her eye she saw Nina’s small warning shake of her head. Instead she nodded.
‘Yes, and Nina is only a comm away and a shuttle ride. We do have farmers and agricultural experts at home, you know?’
Peyton nodded at the reminder and said playfully. ‘I know that.’ She then said seriously. ‘Look, we are going on a mission shortly. We will be meeting about it this morn. I am going to need Janet and Ward to remain on Prime until we return. Which could be three or four wekens or longer.’
Ward said. ‘We will of course stay. It is no hardship, we are still assembling our people.’
‘Okay, Fern, can you manage without them?’
‘Of course, and if not, we can comm. Will Nina be going?’
‘All missions are volunteer only. I would hope she and Telfor will come, but it is up to them ultimately.’
‘Oh, I see.’
Peyton stood. ‘So Nina, I assume you will be staying at the Hananva Hex for a while.
Telfor smiled as he said. ‘We are looking over a small Hex this morn on the border of town. However, we will consult Jax and Darby first.’
‘Okay, the meeting is at 10:00, so you have time.’
Taking that as a dismissal they all said their goodbyes and left. Peyton stood looking out her window.
Jax stated. Peyton you look pensive.
‘Yes, something is going to happen and I am not sure I am ready for it.’
Indecision.
‘Trepidation may be a better word.’
FIFTY-SEVEN:
Penny had everyone gather in conference room two. So when Peyton finally entered, the room was filled, even Nina and Telfor were there. She walked to the only vacant chair at the head of the long conference style table as the kits moved quietly over to the other Prowlers.
‘Greetings, I have asked you here because we are going to the Capital. It is time we flexed our wings, so to speak.’ She gave a nod to the winged among them. ‘Our away team has accomplished as much as they can without us. They have secured the Ambassadors but have run into some stops. This is the conversation I had with Fox. Jax play it, please.’
She watched their faces as the conversation was played. When it ended Zenerra asked. ‘Was it in code?’
‘Yes, basically he said that the talks with the Ambassadors had stalled and they had Jarrod’s uncle who was in stasis. Why he is, we do not know. What we know is the away team thinks it will be safer if we arrive boldly with lots of Warriors and Prowlers. It also seems the Emperor and Empress of Jenersar are to attend what the Coalition is calling a grand meeting of all the planets, which we will attend.’
Hawk asked. ‘Uninvited?’
Peyton raised her eyebrows. ‘If they knew of us. I am sure they would have invited us to attend the meeting.’
There were a few snickers of laughter around the table at her dry tone. ‘So Rose, Fox has stated there will be no accommodation. I task you with obtaining as a dwelling, whatever that may be. Large enough to accommodate whoever is going and at least a hundred of our Warriors, more if possible. Think big, we are going to arrive with as large a group of Maikonians as we can safely take. I want the Capital to know we are there.’
Rose asked as she looked up from her tablet and Peyton thought this was something she had been working on before today. ‘Do you have an objection to owning a Hutell?’
Peyton thought about it for a min. ‘No, I don’t, have any objections, anyone else?’
No one did. Rose nodded. ‘Alright, I will have one purchased by this eve.’
‘Thank you Rose. Look people, I want to flood the Capital with our Warriors. I have no idea how many that will be, but I am sure you Commanders will.’
Marlo said. ‘Madam, we will take care of it.’
Hawk told her. ‘Normally Warriors would stay on board of Prowler I and rotate land side, to offset the amount of Warriors at any given time. In this instance I believe we should have them all on land, therefore accomplishing what you wish for, a Warrior invasion.’
Peyton grinned. ‘Yes exactly, that sounds good. Netta, Jorge, a full unit of guards as well. Carrick, we are taking the children, so you will need to bring your best people. If you do not have enough…’
Heather interrupted. ‘Does that include my girls?’
Peyton said. ‘As their guardio, it is up to you.’
Carrick assured her. ‘Healer, it is what I
as Urnu and my unit do. The children are ours, all of them to care and protect.’
Carrick had grown since taking on the role as Urnu. He was more authoritative and a lot more confident. There was not one person there who did not trust him with their children. ‘So Sister Heather, if your children come, we will protect them.’
She nodded. ‘Thank you, I just wanted to make sure.’
‘Never doubt, I will ensure they are cared for. Madam, I will secure enough guards for all the children and Lady Esther.’
Hawk said. ‘Do not worry Commander Carrick, Lady Esther has her own guards.’
‘I do?’
He nodded and told the room. ‘Yes, as every non-combatant will. I tell you this now, and please do not mistake it for anything other than an order. No one will leave the ship or dwelling without a unit of Warriors and Prowlers, their own or assigned.’
Peyton said. ‘Do not misunderstand Commander Hawk, if you disobey this order we will send you home. There will be no excuses, you will be gone. Also, anyone you bring with you must be made aware of this order. Rage we will need Prowlers.’
Of course Beloved, I will be selecting Prowlers who wish to go on mission.
‘Coraan, I want several units of your Draygons, please make sure you include night fliers.’
He grinned. ‘Oh, I will.’
‘Jarrod, Avana, we will need Mystics as many as feel comfortable coming off world. Understand I know what I am asking of them, but we will do our best to keep you and them safe.’
‘Yes Madam.’
‘Trina, this is your call as it is with all the ladies who are with the next generation and ladies with eggs. As with the Mystics, we will try to keep you all safe.’
Trina nodded along with several other ladies who were frowning and looking down at their clasped hands in thought.
‘Heather, select only your trusted healers, get with Hawk. Perhaps you can decide on the number once you know how many of our people we are taking. Kate the same applies to you.’ She smiled at Penny and said. ‘We will need secretaries, only your trusted, those who will not mind being surrounded day and night.’
‘Yes Madam.’
‘Please people understand, we cannot afford for anyone to be compromised.’
Hawk told them. ‘You will be under constant scrutiny, physically and mentally, so if you or your people are uncomfortable with that, do not come. I and everyone else will not think badly of you or them. We are asking a lot, we know that. It will be invasive, but Madam and I truly cannot think of how else to keep you safe.’
Peyton said. ‘To accomplish this Darby, Jean and Jax have developed an implant which, if you come, you will all receive before we leave home. It is a tracker which will remain for the duration of the mission. There will be no exceptions. No tracker, no mission. Do I make myself clear?’
They all said. ‘Yes.’
Rage said. No newly bonded may go. They will need to remain at home.
Nina asked. ‘What… That does not seem fair.’ Peyton winced, thinking that telling her children would not be easy, but all she said was. ‘Rage is Pride Leader.’
Rage growled, displeasure in his voice as he said. I can make exceptions before we leave.
Peyton almost sagged in relief, she would ask on behalf of her children. From the corner of her eye she saw Darby smile in relief too.
Clearing her throat, she said. ‘Alright people make no mistake, we are going into the heart of the beast. We are not wanted and will be a target from the moment we enter their air space if not before. We will not hide our presence or sneak in under a disguise, we are Maikonian and they will feel our presence. I want all the remaining sleepers to come home, so I intend to know their whereabouts or repercussions will be felt. We need them home so we can continue on with our lives and our ultimate missions. Commander Harm, when are you leaving?’
‘We will be gone within the hour.’
‘Do you have your targets?’
‘We do.’
‘Your other team, how are they doing?’
‘So far so good. They have not infiltrated, as we decided that they have no need to. They have set up an observation post instead. We should know more by the end of the weken.’
‘I see, well if they have to leave, have them meet us at the Capital. People we leave in seven days. Can we make that happen, Commander Hawk?’
‘We will be ready.’
‘Okay, so big question. I need to know who is coming.’
Esther said as she looked at her sisters. ‘Brenda, Helen?’
Brenda said. ‘I do not know what we would add, Marlo and Larson should go. You will need them but Helen and I.’ she shrugged as did Helen.
Peyton said. ‘I didn’t want to bring this up, because I did not want it to look like an enticement, but seeing as you have. Ladies, can you leave your eggs for perhaps a weken or two?’
‘Oh yes, they are far from ready to hatch, why?’
‘Well, I was thinking as we are going to the Capital, that personal shopping for our people should be attended to. And I think you and Helen should head up a few select females like Trina who is going to bust a baby. What Trina?’
‘I want in on that.’
Everyone laughed at the determined female. Peyton grinned. ‘Okay, so is that something you all could do or want to do?’
Brenda said. ‘Oh, let me see, shopping, unlimited budget and for others. You bet we can do that.’
Helen grinned. ‘Most definitely.’
Karen and Amelia said. ‘Us too.’
Peyton said. ‘Rose, this is no reflection on you or your trader’s hon.’
She held her hand up. ‘Please, none taken. I so want in on that.’
Miko raised her hand. ‘Me too, please.’
They all stared at her with varying degrees of surprise on their faces, some mouths even dropped open in shock.
She shrugged. ‘Please, it would be nice to get off world.’ As no one still made a move or spoke, she growled. ‘It will be boring without you all.’
Peyton grinned. ‘See, that I understand.’
Miko smiled back. ‘I thought Madam might.’
Frand said. ‘Well count me in, I love shopping.’
All the males laughed or grinned. He raised an eyebrow. ‘I happen to know females love a male who can shop.’
They all looked at the surrounding females, who nodded their heads in agreement. Peyton grinned with him. ‘Frand, I love the shopping you do for me always.’
He smirked at the males around him and inclined his head as Riim snorted beside him, Frand asked. ‘You want to say something bondmate?’
Riim looked at him. Apart from suck up. No bondmate, nothing.
Everyone laughed at the conversation between the two. Frand had become a lot more at ease since bonding. He told Peyton, Riim stopped the crushing loneliness he had felt since Rose had stopped traveling with him. As for Riim, with a little help from Telfor, he was content to place his hard life behind him. And now with the security of a home and a bondmate, his wonderful, fun loving personality exploded. They made an impressive pair, and Peyton knew it would take a very special female to capture the hearts of the two of them.
The kits moved to stand next to her, Peyton looked down at them and asked. ‘Do you know what we have been discussing?’
Briark assured her. Yes, we have many defenses even now, but we understand your concern for us. If jabbing sticks in our skins makes you feel better, then we will endure the ouchies.
‘Oh, I did not know you would be coming.’
Leiark sniffed, as he had seen Sister Darby do when talking to Mama Star. Really, it seemed very obvious to us, but we are only kits.
‘Was that sarcasm?’
It was what it was.
‘See, that was snarky, stop that right now.’
Both kits laughed as Rage with an exasperated look at the twins stated. Beloved, it seems we have got off topic.
‘Huh, okay. Kits, I am very happy you
are willing to be stuck to make me feel better.’
They both sighed gustily, in what Peyton considered was a put upon attitude. She looked at a smirking Melody and grumbled. ‘This is your fault.’
‘Oh, I know absolutely.’
‘Why…?’
Netta asked. ‘Was that whining?’
Peyton scowled at them both. ‘Absolufrecking yes.’
Darby slapped the table. ‘No, that is not a word, you cannot make it a word. So stop that right now, I thought we had broken you of that habit.’
Briark cut in before Peyton retaliated. We go to eat now. Most of the Prowlers, adults as well as kits, followed the twins from the room.
Melody sighed. ‘They are so dayam cute, jabbing sticks and ouchies.’
Peyton smiled. ‘I know right. They amuse me every day.’
FIFTY-EIGHT:
Peyton looked around and said. ‘I think we are finished, decide if you are going and then let Penny know. Darby, please broadcast a notice for a list of products to be purchased, which of you ladies wishes to organize that?’
Miko put her hand up. ‘Send it to me, I will organize it into shopping lists.’
‘Thank you, Miko.’
Brenda told her. ‘Miko, we will get with you after second-meal and work out shoppers.’
Peyton asked. ‘Jean, are you coming?’
‘Yes, I need to shop for specific equipment that we have been wanting.’
‘Can you please ask Commander Kolin for his list?’
‘Done.’
‘Willian, thank you for the flowers, they are delightful. I like flowers.’
He smiled. ‘I had heard, and you are most welcome, my sister.’
Peneria snorted along with several others, some people even made gagging noises. Peyton thought that was Netta. Ignoring them all, she asked Peneria. ‘I would like you and Willian to come, but I reiterate it is still your choice.’
Willian asked. ‘Is there a reason you wish us to go?’
‘Well yes, I know Peneria has been there before.’
Peneria grinned. ‘We will be going and I have been there many times.’