by A. C. Katt
Tarin’s eyes lit up. “Do you mean westerns like the ones in which the great Earthen actor John Wayne appears? I have been much alone in recent cycles and when the Earthen fems came, I looked into some of Earth’s entertainment. I love westerns, The Sons of Katie Elder, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, True Grit, Red River; these must be classics on your world. It was watching these shows that helped me accept the new paradigm on Sarran and to see that the Earthen are worthy allies.”
“You could argue that these movies are classics, but tastes have changed so that now police procedural, spy, and hospital dramas populate the airwaves on Earth. I can’t think of a single western that is now on our mainstream television. I can tell you though that next season, Sarran and the Galactic Federation will feature prominently in Earthen dramas. You have to watch Star Trek, Earthen science fiction, to see how much the Earth’s writers and directors got right,” Sam told Tarin. “I would like to watch science fiction with a Sarran to see what they think.”
“Yes, they guessed right about transporting and fabricating, only they needed a machine to transport; but they didn’t have a clue about the powers of the mind,” Juraens observed.
“You’re wrong there. On Star Trek, The Next Generation, Councilor Deanna Troi began to explore the realm of psy. But they didn’t take it far enough before the series was cancelled,” Mark said.
“Tarin has been called to council next rising,” Bron announced, effectively changing the subject.
“Yes, I have no idea why.” Tarin blushed.
“It’s a good thing, Tarin, I assure you.” Zaron passed the bread.
“Sam, you and Michael become Sarran in body as well as choice next rising at council. Juraens says that his Triad in consultation with you made the decision for Michael. Do you think Michael or you will be sorry later?” Bron asked while he cut a square of lasagna and passed it along to serve.
“To answer your question, TeBron…” Sam started to say.
“No, here at my table there are no Te and Ta unless it is an official council function. Please continue…”
“Michael’s sperm donor is on Earth,” Sam said dryly, “hopefully residing in the darkest hole they could find, but we decided if Bradley should ever see the light of day, he can never have the opportunity to spout evil into Michael’s head or heart. Michael will become and remain a Sarran, just like his grandsire and his Zinna. According to Naffie, he and Michael are bondmates and my offspring tell me Naffie is never wrong about such things. He’s already told my Sara she is having a femspring.”
Syn sent to Anya, ::Two stubborn Warriors, it’s obvious they’re bonded but are trying to either ignore or tiptoe around the bond.::
::They won’t be able to ignore it for very long according to my pair.:: Anya peered at Tarin from under her eyelashes.
::From what I’ve heard from mine, it can’t be ignored. Both Daddy and Commander Tarin are providing an exhibition of sheer will power. Why is beyond my comprehension.:: Sara shook her head.
Just then a knock came on the dining chamber’s door. It was Naffie and Michael. “Can Shadow and I have a sleepover with Naffie and Bandit? Aloysius, Duchess, and Chou promised to keep an eye on us and Shadow if Garlance and Emot are too busy.”
Naffer looked around the table and his eyes opened wide. “Michael, your grandsire’s aura has changed. It matches that of the Honorable Commander Tarin. Your grandsire has bonded.”
“Have you bonded too, Grandpa? This is such a nice way of making friends.”
Syn looked Naffie in the eye. “Sometimes, my beloved offspring, you see more than is good for you. If Sara says it’s fine and if the cats agree to babysit, it’s okay with me.”
“You can stay, Michael, but remember, if you get frightened all you have to do is call out,” Sara agreed.
“I know how, Mommie. This rising Naffie taught me how not to shout. Besides, I won’t get frightened, Naffie will be with me.”
“Princess Sara, I will always take care of Michael,” Naffie said solemnly. Then he grabbed Michael by the hand and they left the room.
“Syn, I’ll assume that Tigger will also be staying until rising to protect his interests, so to speak. Now that he has competition,” Tonas said, his eyes dancing in merriment as he gazed at Tigger who was nonchalantly washing his paw.
::Tonas, you don’t have to worry about my interests or my competition. There are hundreds of felines to choose from. I may just play the field if Duchess’ head is turned by a pedigree.:: He gave his paw a particularly hard swipe with his tongue.
::Duchess isn’t like that. Go find them and make friends,:: Syn suggested.
::If that Siamese is chasing my Duchess, I’d sooner make friends with a snake.:: Tigger put his tail up and left the room to find the other felines.
Tonas smiled evilly. “He needed some competition. Tigger was getting complacent; something a good Sarran knows is never a great idea around his fem.”
Naffie’s awkward announcement was smoothed over by Anya and Tonas’ exchange with Tigger. While no one was looking, Sam and Tarin eyed each other hungrily.
The party proceeded with a few stories from Sam about life in the Earthen armed forces and the Senate. Tarin contributed tales of his favorite engineering mishaps and the evening ended on a lively note. As the party broke up, Syn overheard Tarin ask Sam, “There is a new coffee shop near the council building. In the midtines it is filled with very young fems and unbonded Warriors, but in the dawntines, it’s quiet. Would you like to have coffee with me after the council meeting?”
Sam answered, “Yes, I believe I would.” He grabbed Tarin’s hand and kissed his wrist. Tarin responded by bringing Sam’s hand to his mouth and kissing his fingers.
Syn thought Tarin’s smile was enigmatic.
* * * *
Chapter 3
Unfortunately, some of our greatest tribulations are the result of our own foolishness and weakness and occur because of our own carelessness or transgression.
―James E. Faust
The council meeting began at eight tines. The first order of business was appointing Mark and Juraens to council. TeBron, TeZaron, TeAxit, TeZuron, TeAwer, TeZen, TeAllen, and TeWell welcomed the new Te WarriorPair and asked them to take a seat on the dais.
Sam and Michael were called up next. “Samuel James Johnson and Michael Samuel Hayden, do you wish to become Sarran in body as well as mind?” TeBron asked.
Michael interrupted TeBron and said loudly, “My name isn’t Hayden anymore. I’m Michael Samuel, I won’t be his offspring anymore. My Zadda, Poppie, Mommie, and Naffie are here.” Michael stamped his foot.
Sam knelt down and whispered a reprimand to Michael.
“I’m sorry I was disrespectful but he hurt me and Mommie. He even hurt Chou,” Michael said.
Sam stood and took a deep breath, “Yes, TeBron, as you’ve heard, Michael and I no longer have any emotional or physical ties to Earth. Everything that means something to us is here. I can answer yes for me, but I think Michael already spoke for himself. On Earth, the Codex spoke to me. I believe I belong here and that my femspring’s Michael has a place here as well.”
TeBron chuckled, “Yes, our offspring has made quite clear to us where Michael belongs. He claims a bond.”
The council erupted in laughter. “Naffer is well known for the accuracy of his predictions,” TeWell added.
“Do you have a sponsor?” TeWell looked to Mark and Juraens.
“My femspring’s bonded, TeJuraens, agreed to sponsor both me and Michael,” Sam answered firmly.
“Who acts as witness?” TeAxit asked.
“TeBron and I have agreed to witness.” Zaron smiled. “Samuel Johnson was a highly placed and respected official of the country of the United States and about to be nominated for his nation’s highest office. TeJuraens and TeMark have already given him the rank of Commander. His advice and counsel will be invaluable to this body in our dealings with Earth. Michael will help Sarran fill the gap left by the lost g
eneration of unborn when our fems passed.”
“Who administers the vial?” TeWell asked formally.
“Under the laws set forth by the Codex, a physician must administer the vial,” TeAxit said. “I gather that task falls to you, TeMark, as you are also a physician, the first to serve on council in over five thousand cycles,” he added.
“Samuel James Johnson, you have already been awarded the rank of Commander of the Fleet. Along with your diplomatic expertise, you served your nation state as a major general. We gain a Warrior as well as a diplomat,” TeAwer noted.
“Let the procedure begin,” TeWell commanded.
“Concierge, record this proceeding and make it a part of the histories,” TeZaron said.
Michael recognized a medicine vial. ::Ugh, needles.:: Michael flinched.
::Don’t worry, Michael, you will drink the vial in Tierest juice. There will be no needles used here this rising.:: TeAxit chuckled.
::Thank you,:: Michael said feverently.
Mark dumped the contents of the first vial in a glass of juice and handed it to Michael. “Drink up, offspring. This will enable a true bond for you and Naffer when you reach the age of culpability.”
::Okay, Poppie, I trust you.:: Michael downed his drink in one swallow. Michael grinned, ::Now I can truly be Naffie’s Bonded.::
“Sam, your vial is in my hand. Do you want it with juice?”
“No, Mark. I always take my medicine as well as my liquor straight up.” The council put their hands over their mouths to cover their laughter at Sam’s sally.
Mark handed Sam the vial and he drank it down. He turned around and spotted Tarin in the chamber and gazed at him. “I am now Sarran and fully capable of bonding.” Sam and Michael stood next to Syn, Anya, and Sara.
“We award you the title of Duke of ClanEarth and Special Advisor to the Council on Earthen Affairs. You may choose your estate when you bond. So says the council. You may be seated.”
“The next order of business is the elevation of Tarin to a dukedom.”
“Tarin, from this day forward you are the newly constituted Duke of ClanWater.” Sam watched Tarin’s face. It exhibited surprise and delight.
Tarin stood. “What did I do to deserve this great honor?”
TeZaron answered. “The duty of all Sarran Warriors is to serve our fems and defend our galaxy from the Zyptz. Your war record with the fleet was both stellar and honorable despite the great loss of your bonded, Nezier.
“Your work with Bron on a top secret project and your recent invention of a device that enables a fem to keep track of her bebe when they are too young to mind speak for themselves exemplify service to Sarran and our fems. Your bebe monitor relieves the Zinnas of worry, and therefore, fulfills the spirit of the Goddess’ command to ease the lives of our fems. Your war record and your service to both Sarran and our fems brought you to the attention of the council who voted unanimously to award you this honor. Every Warrior in Triad on the planet has fabricated one of your devices to ensure the safety of their bebes and peace of mind for their Triad. Your work with Bron contributes to the continued safety of Sarran itself. Approach the dais.”
Tarin moved forward. “Here is the deed to the estate of the Duchy of ClanWater and this scroll is certification of your title recorded in the histories, outlining the services for which you earned the estate. You may be seated. Is there any other business pending for this special session?” TeBron asked.
“I have the report of the last mission to Earth and have placed it in the histories. The most significant occurrance was the appearance of the former Lieutenant Septis in an altered form. The Zyptz have rearranged his DNA. We have him in custody at a clean site. Our personnel are making an inspection of his modifications while wearing impenetrable hazard suits.” Mark passed out crystals including the history of the voyage.
“We have five thousand new fems and quite a number of them have offspring and femspring. Out of the 5,690 fems, 2,982 bonded with the WarriorPairs in the fleet. That leaves 2,708 fems available to our bonded pairs here on Sarran. There may also be some matches still to be made by Warriors of the Fleet who were too busy performing their duties to mingle with the Earthen fems,” Juraens reported. “This leaves us with approximately twenty-five hundred fems left to recruit to make sure every Warrior has a chance to bond in Triad.”
TeWell continued. “Before the arrival of the Brightstar we had a council session. This is what was decided. We will have a meeting of all of the unbonded WarriorPairs, unbonded Warriors, and the Earthen fems in the hangar and see what happens. Let’s allow the fems to settle in and we will hold the mixing in a tide. That should be well before the bonded fems give birth. The council will provide food and music, both Earthen and Sarran, in addition to a place to dance. This course of action was suggested by TaSyn, TaAnya, TaEllen, and TaAdele who should be commended for their initiative.” TeWell rang the gong. “This special council meeting is concluded.”
The newly made Duke of ClanWater came over to the newly made Duke of ClanEarth and said, ::I believe I owe you some coffee.::
::I believe you do.:: Sam turned to Sara and said, “I’ll be late.” Then he walked over and took Tarin’s hand.
* * * *
Coffee House on the Grounds of the Council Chambers: 11:00 tines
They walked across the field to the shop where the barista had set up her business. “I’m not, as yet, that familiar with coffee. The sign outside says they received a shipment of fresh coffee beans from Earth. Would you like to order for me?” Tarin placed his hand on Sam’s jaw and ran his thumb over Sam’s cheek while staring at his lips. Sam smiled and kissed Tarin’s palm.
“It looks like one of the fem was a barista on Earth because that is a pretty sophisticated coffee machine she must have had fabricated. Do you like sweets?”
“I love sweets for dessert but not in my beverages,” Tarin answered with a smile.
“I think you’ll take your coffee like I take mine. A dollop of cream with no sugar. Wait here.”
Sam went up to the counter and ordered, “Two extra large, please, cream, no sugar, Kona beans if you have them.”
“That’s one-half-credit each for the Kona.”
Sam started to turn red. “I don’t think I have…”
“Oh, you’re Senator Johnson. You have credits in your account. I put some in myself, last rising. I bought some of the coffee beans, chocolate, and cocoa you brought from Earth. I’ll charge the coffee against that.”
Sam breathed a sigh of relief. It was a good thing his sons had invested a large portion of the funds he hadn’t donated to the Humane Society in the coffee and chocolate they brought back and that he decided to invest in the cocoa. It wouldn’t do to ask my new bonded for credits. The barista, Angela, brought out two plain coffees with cream and Sam carried them to the small, secluded, corner table where Tarin waited for him.
Sam sat down. “I was almost very embarrassed. I don’t even know what my financial status is on this planet and for a moment, I didn’t know if I could afford to pay for the coffee. I thought I was penniless.” Sam’s face was still flushed with embarrassment.
“Let me show you. Do you have your comm unit?” Tarin asked.
“Yes, Mark told me to always have it near me. I have it in my pocket.”
“Take it out and press this combination.”
Sam copied Tarin’s motions.
“It says here that I have almost one-hundred thousand credits. How can that be? I haven’t been to a bank.”
“From what I understand, your offspring brought coffee and chocolate back from Earth as trade items. You, entirely on your own, brought cocoa for a drink called ‘hot chocolate’ which seems to be widely popular. Although anyone can fabricate it, fresh is always best. Mark and Juraens invested some of your Earthen credits in the coffee and chocolate.”
“Yes, and I bought huge quantities of cocoa for Sara to use for baking. They also suggested I keep funds in a large banking institu
tion so they can be invested on the next voyage.”
“These things are trade items and the government pays the traders credit for their investment. The price of imported goods is high. Sarran is very self-sufficient and prefers to remain that way, but humanoids are humanoids and we like our small luxuries, like this coffee. So you’ve earned credits for the trade.”
“I better be careful, if coffee is a half-credit. I drink it every dawntine and I make lousy coffee.”
“Coffee and chocolate will be expensive because they are import items. For goods made on Sarran, you have plenty. You could refurbish the Duchy of ClanWater with all handmade and hand hewn appointments, thrice. You are not, as you say, penniless,” Tarin said, laughing.
Sam decided to attack the issue head on. “Where will we live? I have no ties but Sara, Michael, and my new offspring. Now they are only a thought away.”
“The council said you could pick an estate when you bonded. Sara goes to the Castle of ClanWater in the Eastern Quadrant of Sarran. I have been awarded the title of Duke of ClanWater, also in the Eastern Quadrant. This is the first time the title has been used in over five thousand cycles. Along with the title comes the ducal residence, Falling Waters, a very rundown estate,” Tarin said dryly.
“Of course, they knew! There were two Elder Triads there at the moontine meal plus Sara’s Warriors who were told they’d be called to serve on council. They watched as we discovered the bond last moontine. Hell, Naffer told them. That’s why they gave you the Duchy of ClanWater. Zaron, Bron, Jonal, and Tonas all knew I’d want to be near Sara as did Mark and Juraens.”
“We spoke about your credits; we didn’t speak about mine. As you heard at council, I invented a bebe psy monitor that lets a mother know of a bebe’s distress anywhere on the planet. Every single household on Sarran with a pregnant fem fabricated one and I got twenty credits for each from the government because it is an item that helps our fems. In this instance it’s the government that gives out the credits, because this is a necessity. To the fem, it’s free. This and another defense project is why I received the Duchy and the title. I have more than you do. We don’t deal in large sums of credits on Sarran.”