by Erin Tate
She would work to not just give the warriors a better life, but one greater than they had ever imagined. The position was temporary, there was no telling how many warriors she’d piss off by the time she was kicked out of office, but she’d do her best while she had the chance.
She caught Councilman Riskz’s glare and she knew he’d cause her problems. All of the men from the council would.
Let them. Let them come after her and then they would see the power these warriors held. They would no longer be hindered by biased councilmen and an archaic hierarchy.
The only thing that would hold them back was themselves and she was pretty sure they’d learn how to get out of their own way pretty quickly.
Especially if she managed to bring her ideas to life.
She clutched the comm pad to her chest, no longer willing to release the representation of her new position.
“Ailone, if I may make a request of the Planetary Coalition.” She figured she should be respectful and shit, now that she decided to keep the job. Of course, she should probably keep her thoughts respectful since he could read those thoughts. But she’d already thought it and it was too late to make a good impression now.
The still kneeling, still huffing, alien finally replied. “The Planetary Coalition would hear the High Warrior Tria-se’s request.”
“I realize the Terrans are on shaky ground with Dosha and the PC.” —Really, PC was easier and quicker to get out than Planetary Coalition—”But the warriors would have use for them. If it is amenable, we would like to be included in some of your discussions with their leaders.”
Gah, if Ailone and the PC said yes, she would totally be talking to the president. So. Bizarre.
She sensed Ailone’s mirth, but at least he stopped laughing.
“She is not part of this council! She has not been recognized as anything more than a Doshan half-breed!” Councilman Riskz’s words rang through the silence, but a low grunt told her that her warriors had handled the problem.
Her warriors. So strong, fierce, dedicated…
“And what use would the Doshan High Warrior Tria-se have for the Terrans?”
Joyce let her gaze continue moving over the crowd, spotting Yare, Resane, and Hassee. Then further to Suthta and Moar and even… Sampson despite his black gaze that spoke of a darkened soul. Even evil could be saved with enough light, right? Except, he might need a nun to get him on the straight and narrow.
“Females, Representative Ailone.” She held the pad close to her chest and gestured with her free hand toward the councilmen. “They may accept my changes, though I’m sure they’ll fight each one. They’ll accept, but that doesn’t mean the Doshan females will. And these men,” she shook her head. “They are so very, very worthy of love. I would like them to have that chance.” Ailone opened his mouth to speak, but she kept going. She’d already been super bitchy to the male and he hadn’t ripped her heart out. This was only slightly disrespectful.
“I’m not asking to abduct women,” she narrowed her eyes at Kede and he didn’t even have the grace to look away. “But we would like the opportunity to present our case. To show the Terran females what could be had if they joined with a Doshan male. What changes their body would undergo and how their lives would be different if they joined our race.”
“And you believe the Terran females would be willing?”
Joyce remembered back to how happily she’d snuggled into Kede’s arms and nodded. “I believe they would. There would be those interested in travel, those looking for love just as these males are. Others who are interested in studying the galaxy. Not many, maybe not enough to see each male joined, but even one is better than none.”
“That is a truth I cannot argue High Warrior Tria-se.” Ailone rose to his full height and towered over her. Over her and every other male on the ship.
Damn he was big.
“The Planetary Coalition will include High Warrior Tria-se’s request in our future discussions with the Terrans.” Ailone’s voice held the same disgust as she felt when referring to her ex-planet. But if it meant her warriors were able to feel even a part of the happiness she embraced with Kede… it was worth it.
“You will have to negotiate citizenship with the council.”
Joyce almost released a whine. Almost, but did not. Didn’t mean Ailone didn’t “hear” it.
“I will reveal, High Warrior Tria-se, that the Planetary Coalition adopted a new directive during our travels.” Joyce raised her eyebrows and waited for Ailone to continue. “Any being containing even a fraction of another race’s genetic material may renounce their birth race and embrace their biological race. They are not, however, permitted to reclaim their birth citizenship. Once it is relinquished, it is gone.” Ailone’s tone brooked no argument.
She knew if a woman went so far as to leave Terra to join with a Doshan, shaking free of their Terran citizenship wouldn’t be difficult. Her heart lifted, the possibilities stretching out before her. Her friends could find happiness with a female.
“You can’t overrule a planet’s justice and government! Even the Planetary Coalition cannot do that.” Councilman Haspava cut through the ensuing silence and drew Ailone’s attention.
“You are correct, Doshan Haspava.”
Joyce’s gut clenched. Was their chance at joy already snatched from them?
“You are correct, and yet you are not.” Ailone padded to the center of their wide circle, his focused gaze traveling over the gathered males. “We cannot force your people to accept other beings without cause.” She didn’t miss Councilman Haspava’s smug smile.
Dickhead.
“We can, however, point out that as part of the treaty with the Planetary Coalition you agreed to provide sanctuary to other coalition races. We are simply ensuring that these refugees are treated as citizens as they truly are.”
“Then we will outlaw conversion,” Riskz snapped back and Ailone flashed his alien smile. “We won’t allow anyone to skirt the law.”
It was really kinda creepy.
“Which is your right.”
Joyce almost collapsed, seeing her brief victory fading fast.
“Yet I would like to bring your attention to one point of interest. Doshan Resane?” Everyone’s gaze swung to the medico and she noted his unnatural stillness. She didn’t think she’d ever seen a warrior unnerved.
Then again, after watching Ailone stick his hand in Wardsen’s head, she could see how he was a little scary.
“Yes, Ailone?” Resane eased into the circle. “How does the Planetary Coalition have need of me?”
“When High Warrior Tria-se boarded the Vehly, what actions were taken?”
Resane frowned and Joyce wrinkled her nose in embarrassment, remembered the day clearly. She replayed the hurt toe and Kede and leaking and no probing but yes to the panic. And… genetic testing?
Ailone turned to her. “Yes, that is the aspect I wish to discuss.” He looked at Resane. “You performed genetic testing on High Warrior Tria-se.”
“Yes, Ailone.”
“And you discovered…”
Resane’s frown slowly cleared, a grin gradually splitting his lips. “That she was a very close match to our genetic code. It is what led me to believe she would be able to carry Doshan young. Terrans have code that matches ours. It is not in excess, but it was enough to allow full conversion without difficulty.”
Joyce narrowed her eyes at Ailone. “You are a sneaky bastard.” Once again the room held its breath and she huffed. “You guys need to really stop thinking he’s gonna pop my head off.”
“I am considered very dangerous and deadly. I command the most skilled army in the known galaxies. We can penetrate any race’s defenses.” Ailone huffed back at her.
She snorted. “Coat your hand in chocolate and we’ll talk. The point is I don’t have to get permission from anyone to send out a Terran wide invitation, do I? And they can outlaw conversion all they want because we’re all Doshan at heart anyway. It’s
not a conversion so much as accelerating evolution.”
She glanced at the councilmen and she wondered if Resane should whip out one of his little scanny things. Riskz looked like he was gonna have a heart attack.
Ailone smiled. “No, you do not need their permission, but it would be best.”
When had she ever done anything easy?
Never. The answer was never.
Chapter Twenty-six
Kede held Joyce close, unwilling to lose the feel of her skin on his. Her warmth sank into him, soothing his growing rage. He gripped her shoulder, fighting to keep his touch gentle while he squeezed his blade in his free hand. He would not be surprised to hear the metal bend and break beneath the strain.
All males surrounding his harae were in the same state, anger and rage pulsing through their bodies as the council released their “truths.”
Kede would tear their truths from their throats. Those were his truths.
His Joyce though… She did not, as she said “give a flying fuck” about their words.
“Petition denied.” Riskz slammed his hand on the surface before him, the collision of hand on metal echoing through the cargo hold.
Once Joyce was deemed the warriors’ High Warrior, the remainder of the council traveled to the Vehly for a conclave.
They demanded she come to them, pulling the Vehly from orbit and traveling to Dosha.
His harae denied their petition. She “had to wash her hair.”
He did not understand the term and it seemed to only amuse her, but the Comm Commander conveyed the message as dictated.
The council came to her or they did not. She had no fucks to give.
He reminded the Comm Commander it was not an invitation.
Now the ruling males from the fifteen great Houses formed a semi-circle before his harae. No warriors guarded the Houses. All warriors who voyaged with the council immediately pledged their support to Joyce.
The Vehly was overrun with warriors desperate to serve her and Kede would happily rip them to shreds.
Kede noted his harae’s slow smile, the one that caused even him to tremble.
She slowly, carefully placed her palms on the table before her and gradually rose to her feet. She was short compared to her warriors, but what she lacked in height, she made up with pure stubbornness. At least, that is what she often repeated.
“Petition. Denied. Those are your words?”
Riskz bared his teeth in a bastardized smile and every warrior tightened their grip on their weapons. None usually came armed to the conclave save those males assigned to protect their House.
These males protected their House. House Enner.
Kede never imagined being joined with a female who commanded millions. A female who often loved chocolate more than him.
He was not too ‘butthurt’—offended—about it.
Joyce was teaching him many Terran phrases.
“Yes,” Riskz snapped. “We will not have our ships—”
“Zip it!” She snapped her fingers and the male immediately froze. In that moment, when the councilman who wielded his power like a mighty warship ceased speaking, Kede knew they’d made the right choice.
She was a female like none Dosha had ever known. She exhibited the strengths of a warrior while understanding females. Her every word and deed was to further their cause. They would be treated as others, they would be seen as more than killing machines, and they would be able to join with a willing female.
They would be able to live.
Smiles would no longer be anomalies.
“To be clear.” Joyce’s tone told him she was prepared to launch herself across the table in order to beat the councilman. “To be perfectly clear and no confusion when Dosha is blown to bits—”
“Are you threatening—”
“Will somebody please shut Councilman Moar the fuck up, already? So help me, I will one hundred percent stab him with my pen.”
“You do not have a pen, High Warrior Tria-se. Should I procure one?” Moar probably believed he was assisting Joyce, he may in fact even applaud her for her actions, but his offer would only annoy his harae.
Kede knew from experience. Many, many experiences.
Rather than snarl at the male, she grinned. Somewhat. “Thank you, but no.”
She took a deep breath and released it slowly before returning her attention to the council. “I am here in good faith and with a singular purpose in mind. For my warriors—”
Councilman Ferea snorted.
His harae tilted her head side to side, cracking her neck and it was Kede’s turn to sigh. “My harae, I do not believe…”
“Oh, get to believing, baby.” The joy was unmistakable in her tone.
Damn the darkness. She’d assured him this was a last resort, but also promised a show of force would be necessary. No male, no matter his strength or age, wished to have his world disrupted by a female. She also assured him, it would not be a show of force so much as a show of intent and strength.
“Yare,” she waved to the male and Kede glared at Yare as he approached. The male merely grinned and presented his burden. “Thank you so much.”
Kede could imagine his harae’s smile.
Joyce flipped the box open and extracted its contents. A vell-vet tray displayed fifteen pens. Each device was engraved with the councilman’s crest and name in Doshan.
With care, she rounded her table and paced toward the councilmen. Warriors flanked her, offering protection as she neared the Doshan males. Each councilman stared at her with narrowed eyes. Some stares promised death while others speculation.
“I think perhaps we rushed things. On Terra, it is tradition that important meetings such as these begin with an exchange of… gifts. I realize this is not practiced on Dosha, but I felt this discussion warranted commemoration.” Her tone oozed with the fake sweetness he knew. Knew and hated when she turned it on him. It often came before one of her growls.
Within ten minutes of that sound came make up sex.
She promised not to offer any other males sex so he allowed her to use that tone today.
At each councilman, she carefully extracted her “gift” and handed it to them. She promised the device would not harm her, but he was still skeptical.
Once the last councilman held his pen, she returned to her table and rather than reclaim her seat, she hopped onto the smooth surface. Her feet dangled and swung. She clutched the edge of the platform and he wondered if she was concerned with falling. She was still with young even if no others knew she carried.
He slowly moved until he stood even with her and it was then he noted her smile. Her true smile.
Yes, knowing what was about to happen, her reaction further proved she was meant to be their High Warrior.
Each councilman stared at the devices with furrowed brows.
“Go ahead and click them. They’re pens. You push on the top and the writing device appears at the bottom.” She waved her hand. “It’s easy.”
The low snick of each pen being depressed was immediately followed by fifteen grunts. Not at the same time, but they came nonetheless.
Joyce’s smile grew. “Now, what just happened here is that I,” she pointed at herself. “Non-warrior that I am…”
The males surrounding her growled, but his harae ignored them. She was a brave, if reckless female.
“I just killed you all. Not with a blade, not in a Kerosa, not with my fists. I handed you the method of your own destruction. And because you’re a bunch of cocky bastards, you’re gonna sit there and die while we all watch.”
Shock coated each male’s face, the expression warring with their worry.
Councilman Tesk was the first to speak. “What have you done?”
“I, High Warrior Tria-se, proved I am a warrior. Maybe not what you’re used to, but I am. I am more than capable to lead these males and help give them a better life. And I will keep doing this until I get to a council that will actually listen instead of simply
demanding things remain the same.”
“But what have you done?” Tesk’s voice was growing hoarse and worry inched forward. He knew his harae’s desires, but he hated taking life even if that was his purpose.
“We’ve proven that cilotha is deadly to non-Doshans, full Doshans. Another thing we’ve discovered is that lactose is just as deadly to Doshans while it is merely a delicious drink to Terrans.” She gestured at the now discarded pens. “When you depressed the top of the pen, a small needle punctured your thumb. That needle was coated in milk, lactose. It will eat at you slowly, carefully, until you turn into a pile of mush.”
“This is blackmail.”
Joyce shrugged. Even knowing her true intentions, his stomach clenched as the play unfolded. “And what you’ve done to these males for years is akin to abuse. I’m not feeling guilty about any of this. I don’t know why you’re trying to reason with me. I asked for very simple things. I am not changing laws, I am not demanding anything more than what the rest of your planet receives. I merely asked for cooperation. You were given a choice when faced with the Planetary Coalition. The Ailone stood before you, both in person and on vid, and told you exactly what would happen.
“My warriors don’t want to abandon Dosha even though you’re all assholes. So, the Doshan get three chances. This is number one. Once you all are done with dying, I can hope that rounds two and three listen a little better than y’all.”
Joyce glanced at him, closing a single eye in a wink. “Now, I’m hungry. Anyone else wanna grab a bite?”
“But-but-but…” Tesk held his hands out to her, his thumb now swollen and purple. “You cannot mean to…”
“Oh, I totally do.”
Riskz snarled at her, his finger now blackening. “This victory will be empty if this is how it is attained.”
His cold, heartless Joyce raised a single shoulder in a half shrug. “And yet it will be victory. It will be a victory that shows every single Doshan that I am the High Warrior. That I lead the males they depend on for their safety and it’s time their sacrifices are acknowledged. It’s time they have a reason to smile that doesn’t revolve around how much they can make their opponent bleed.”