by Judy Mays
Char rejoined the group. “Take the first craft, Wendjas. I’ve instructed the driver to take you to the embassy.”
Denieen gave Brianna a quick hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Watch Marljas for me. Gattan women keep their men out of trouble.”
“How in the world do you manage that?”
Denieen grinned. “I’ll begin your instruction tomorrow.”
“Brianna meets with the Federation ambassadors tomorrow afternoon, Deni. I’m afraid you’ll have to put off your visit until the following day,” Char said with humor.
Denieen smiled at Char. “I’ll be accompanying Brianna, Char. She is my bloodsister through my husband’s brother.”
“A rather tenuous relationship, don’t you think?” Jenneta asked curiously.
Denieen was very serious when she answered. “On Drakan, perhaps, but not on Gattan. Just as Marljas is Alalakan by virtue of his dragon, Brianna is Gattan by virtue of blood rite.”
“Enough,” Wendjas interjected, “this discussion is better settled in another place. Hendjas, Charjas, come.”
With a son on each shoulder, he strode towards the first car.
“The first lesson in controlling men, Brianna,” Denieen explained as she moved to follow her husband, “is to let them think they’re in charge sometimes.”
Brianna’s clear laughter followed Denieen. That was a lesson she’d learned a long time ago. Her father had been wrapped around her little finger for years.
Char turned to Ban. “Cousin, I’m leaving you in charge. Make sure everything gets sorted out. I’m taking Brianna home.”
Ban grinned in answer. As usual, Char had swept Brianna up into his arms and disappeared into one of the waiting hovercraft.
* * * * *
Brianna waddled from one side of the room to the other.
Denieen’s gaze followed her. “Exercise is good for you, Brianna, but don’t you think you should sit down and rest a little? You’ve been pacing for fifteen minutes.”
“Relax, Bri,” Meri added with a chuckle. “Sit down. You don’t have anything to worry about. Uncle Kavlalardrac is, what do you say, a pushover.”
Brianna blew a curl off of her face. “Uncle?”
Meri draped her arm along the back of her chair. “Father wouldn’t trust just anyone to be the Medirian ambassador to Drakan, Brianna. Kavlalardrac is his younger brother.”
Brianna stared at Meri. “Just how many brothers and sisters does your father have? I thought I’d met all of them on Mediria.”
“Except for Uncle Kav, Aunt Lindralindra, and Aunt Evileenila, Father’s youngest and oldest sisters, you did. Aunt Evi is the Medirian ambassador on Gattan. Aunt Lini is Ban’s mother.”
Brianna flopped back into a comfortable chair. “Why didn’t you tell me there were more uncles and aunts I hadn’t met?”
At that moment, the door opened and Char, Marljas and a young Drakian aide walked in. “Follow me, please. The Federation Ambassadorial Council awaits.”
Char squeezed Brianna’s hand encouragingly. “I love you,” he whispered into her ear. Lacing his fingers through hers, he escorted her into the council chamber.
Smaller than the regular Federation Assembly chamber, the room where the ambassadors had chosen to meet Brianna and hear her petition contained a semicircular table and a number of chairs set along the walls. One chair sat in the middle of the room, and it was to this chair that Char led Brianna. Before they took more than two steps into the room, however, the Medirian ambassador rose from his seat and met them in the center of the room. Meri flung herself into his arms, making no attempt to hide her joy.
Kavlalardrac’s booming laughter filled the room. He looked much the same as his brother Findal, but his girth was much broader.
“How is my favorite niece?” he asked returning Meri’s hug with one of his own.
“Just fine, Uncle Kav. You really must come to dinner. Celene has grown so much since you saw her. You don’t mind do you, Brianna?”
“What’s another mouth to feed? Of course he’s welcome,” Brianna answered watching Kavlalardrac closely. “After all, he’s my uncle, too.”
Kavlalardrac’s laughter boomed again as he turned to Brianna. “Findal said I’d like you. Are the dols and orcs really on your planet?”
Brianna smiled and answered that particular question for what had to be the thousandth time. “Yes, they’re there.”
“Ha! Findal finally did something right in his old age when he adopted you,” he said as he draped an arm over her shoulder. “So, when will I be made an uncle again?”
“If you don’t stop prattling and let us get on with this meeting,” said the elegant Varcian woman sitting behind the table, “your next niece or nephew will put in an appearance here.”
Chuckling, Kavlalardrac shooed Brianna’s companions to a group of chairs close to the ambassadors’ table and led her to the chair in the center of the room. Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, he waited until she sat and then resumed his place behind the table.
The Varcian woman continued to gaze at Brianna and said, “I know what it is like to carry an active child, my dear. If that chair becomes too uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to mention it.”
Brianna inclined her head in thanks. “I’ll let you know if he decides not to cooperate,” she said patting her stomach.
“Well then,” Kavlalardrac continued, “I’ll take it upon myself to introduce the other members of this council. The woman with whom you’ve been speaking is Chechana Lubineau of Varce. In the center seat and our current chairman is Roth of Deslossia. Next to him is Frenken don al’ Markart of Drakan, and finally Mendas Teekeson of Gattan.”
Indicating Brianna, Kavlalardrac said, “My fellow ambassadors, I would like to present Alalakan dem al’ Brianna, Princess Hardan, carrier of the Alalakan heir, from the newly discovered planet Earth. She is before us to request admission for her planet to the Federation of Planets and appointment for herself to ambassadorial status.”
Silence reigned when Kavlalardrac finished speaking, each of the ambassadors watching Brianna and weighing her reactions to them.
Mendas Teekeson spoke first. “How is it, wife of a Drakian, that you arrived in Benishan in a Gattan warbird?” he asked, a belligerent look in his eye. His face was mottled with spots, for he favored the leopard and jaguar species of Earth.
Holding up her right hand so the three parallel scars were visible, Brianna answered, “My brother through bloodbond, Marljas Drefeson, offered to transport me and other members of my family, Ambassador Teekeson.”
At that point, Deni and Marljas joined Brianna in the center of the room.
Opening his vest, Marljas revealed the three parallel scares above his right pectoral that matched Brianna’s. “She is my sister by bloodbond, Mendas Teekeson.”
Marljas was careful to hold his vest so as not to reveal his new tattoo. A display of the Alalakan dragon on a Gattan shoulder was best still kept secret.
Denieen continued. “The bonding was rightly done, Mendas, in the cancellation of a blood feud. I witnessed and approved.”
The Gattan ambassador frowned. Denieen’s outspoken support was unexpected. The fact that Gattan society was matriarchal was kept as quiet as possible. He should have taken the time yesterday to sit and talk with Wendjas and Denieen when they arrived. Unfortunately, he’d had prior appointments. By the time he’d arrived back at the embassy, his wife informed him that their guests had retired for the night. “So be it,” he acknowledged with a scowl, “I recognize the bloodbond.”
Marljas escorted Denieen back to her chair. Their part in this little drama was now over.
“A Gattan bloodbond, while certainly an honor in its own right,” Frenken don al’ Markart interjected, “is not reason to grant membership or ambassadorial status to the Federation.”
Char tensed. Frenken don al’ Markart was relatively new to the role of Federation ambassador. Drakan’s previous ambassador had died unexpectedly, and the Rul
ing council had appointed Markart to take his place. The Alalakans were unsure where he stood—did he support Bakom or not?
Brianna pushed the foot kicking her rib cage down. “Considering I’m the only inhabitant of Earth here, there’s not much of a choice.”
“You’re qualified for this position?”
Brianna took a deep breath. “The position of Earth’s ambassador is not one I would have sought, nor, honestly, even have been considered for under different circumstances,” she began. Then she decided a frontal attack was always best. “I’m sure you’re all aware of the fact that the Alalakan clan appears before the Drakan Ruling Council tomorrow. My husband, Alalakan don al’ Chardadon, has been charged with treason because he took a scientific specimen from Rodak don al’ Bakom, Science Academy First President. I’m that specimen. Bakom demands that he be permitted to perform his Tests of Humanity on me. You cannot fault me for wishing to forego participating.”
Char relaxed. Brianna’s mentioning Bakom and his Tests for Humanity would cause the four ambassadors from the other planets to support her request. The Alalakans would have liked the support of the Drakan ambassador also, but a majority would be enough.
“Alalakan don al’ Chardadon,” Markart asked, “does Bakom know your wife is pregnant?”
Char rose and strode to Brianna’s side. “Brianna’s pregnancy isn’t a closely guarded secret although I don’t know if Bakom is aware of it.”
Markart’s eyes narrowed. “Tell us, Chardadon, does Bakom know that you’ve married his ‘specimen’?”
“Markart, I wish to go on record that referring to a Hardan princess as a ‘specimen’ is completely unacceptable,” Kavlalardrac stated flatly.
“Ah yes, she is also now a Hardan princess,” Markart continued. “Is Bakom aware of this woman’s adoption into the Hardan royal family?”
Prince Kavlalardrac could be just as haughty and royal as his brother. “Brianna was adopted into the royal family, with a great deal of pomp and ceremony, I might add, because she brought us news of the dols and the orcs, not because we wished to foil the plans of Rodak don al’ Bakom. We could have simply kept her on Mediria to accomplish that. Furthermore, news of Brianna’s adoption and the reason for it was broadcast planetwide on Mediria. Did we send a personal message to Bakom? Hardly! Even if the man were not a kidnapper of children, and a criminal on Mediria, we do not inform individual citizens from the other planets of specific actions on ours.”
Pushing herself slowly to her feet, Brianna said, “Do you not consider me human, Frenken don al’ Markart? Am I wasting my time here?”
Markart was taken aback by Brianna’s question.
Char grinned. “My wife is nothing if not direct, Markart.”
“Alalakan dem al’ Brianna, one need only look at you to know that you are human. You are carrying a Drakian child,” Markart finally answered dryly.
Brianna sniffed. “At least you aren’t questioning my child’s paternity.”
Markart smiled wryly, but before he could comment, Chechana Lubineau of Varce spoke. “A full medical report was forwarded to us by Dr. Sendenton dem al’ Lorilana, Brianna of Earth. We don’t question the paternity of your child. We question your application for membership of your planet in the Federation and the request of ambassadorial status for yourself. You must admit, your application has been submitted under highly unusual circumstances.”
“It’s my understanding that the chief mandate of this Federation is to seek out other human planets and admit them to the council for the betterment of all humanity in the galaxy,” countered Brianna.
Chechana smiled. Unlike the Varcian ambassador on Mediria, Chechana did not have a Mohawk-like bony ridge in the center of her skull. Her ridges, dyed a light green, curled over both ears, looking very much like ram’s horns. Like her Medirian counterpart, though, except for eyebrows and eyelashes, she had no hair on her head.
“You’re to be commended on your knowledge, Brianna of Earth. Now tell us why your planet should be admitted to the Federation.”
“Am I human, Chechana Lubineau?”
Everyone with Brianna held his or her breath. Acknowledgment of Brianna’s humanity, after all, was the reason behind her petition.
Chechana’s merry laugh filled the chamber. “Though I cannot speak for the others present here, as far as I am concerned, yes, Brianna of Earth, you’re human.”
“If I’m human, so is everyone else on my planet. The Federation searches for planets inhabited by humans. Well, you’ve found another one,” Brianna countered locking eyes with each individual council member.
Roth of Deslossia finally broke the silence. With a smile he said, “Forgive us, Alalakan dem al’ Brianna, but we had to be sure of your motives. Based on your qualifications, we’ve decided against your petition for the ambassadorship, but,” he continued holding up his hand when not only Brianna but also all four of her companions would have protested, “the Council of Federation Ambassadors unanimously acknowledges the humanity of Alalakan dem al’ Brianna and all other peoples found on her planet. We accept the planet Earth into the Federation of Planets and look forward to welcoming its ambassador once one can be appointed by the proper authorities.”
Char smiled broadly. They’d gotten exactly what they wanted. Brianna really didn’t want to be Earth’s ambassador any more than Char wanted her to assume that position. Their child would keep her busy enough.
Roth rose from his place behind the table. Like Qjin on Mediria, he was tall, blue-eyed and albino white. “If you would like to accompany us, we have had a small luncheon prepared to welcome you.”
Brianna stared at the ambassadors suspiciously. “You knew exactly what you were going to do before we even arrived!”
Chechana Lubineau smiled. “Never before in the history of Mediria has the royal family adopted a being from another planet. That, in and of itself, was enough to impress upon us the necessity of granting your planet membership in the Federation. We did wish, however, to learn what the woman who had married into the Alalakan clan and become the adopted daughter of the Hardan royal family was like. You always have been an ambassador of your planet, Brianna, and it should be very proud of you.”
“Oh, come on, Bri,” Meri said tugging her hand. “Don’t start an argument now. I’m starving. I was so nervous this morning, I couldn’t eat a thing!”
Brianna looked from Char to Meri. “Well, I guess I could eat a little.”
Marljas bark of laughter filled the room. “A little, Bloodsister! I’ve seen you eat as much as one of the Gattan royal guards.”
Brianna scowled at the grinning Marljas. “Ever since you and Ban settled your quarrel, you’ve been acting more and more like him. I think I liked you better when you wanted to rip out his heart.”
“Ban? Bandalardrac Hardan?” Mendas Teekeson roared as he rose from his seat and stalked around the table. “He’s here in Benishan?”
“Now, Mendas,” began Kavlalardrac.
“Alalakan don al’ Bandalardrac, accompanied by other members of the Alalakan clan, arrived in Benishan with us yesterday, Mendas Teekeson,” Brianna answered coolly. “The blood feud has been satisfied. Do you question the word of a Gattan bloodsister?”
Mendas’ eyes bulged.
“But…”
Denieen slipped her hand under his arm. “Come, Mendas, much has been revealed in the last few weeks. I had a long conversation with your wife this morning.”
“Do you think there will be any problems with him?” Char murmured in Marljas’ ear.
“Not if Denieen talked with his wife this morning,” Marljas answered, slipping Brianna’s hand under his arm. “Come, Bloodsister, if your husband will not feed you, I will.”
Brianna, Char, and Marljas had just returned from their meeting with the Federation Council when Jami and her sister burst into the room. “Have you seen Sheala?” she asked in a vexed tone. “It’s not very funny of her to leave us waiting for her downtown.”
&nbs
p; “A package from one of the infant’s shops was delivered about an hour ago, but we haven’t seen her,” Xdana answered. “It’s not like Sheala to just leave you. I know she’s got a playful streak, but she never purposefully causes undo worry. When did you last see her?”
“It has been over three hours, Alalakan dem al’ Xdana,” Feni answered from where she stood by the door.
Worried looks appeared on everyone’s faces. Marljas’ nostrils flared.
Xdana glanced at her husband. “Where do you think she could be?”
Brianna cleared her throat and all eyes leaped to her. “Are people kidnapped on your planet?”
Char said only one word. “Bakom.”
A vicious snarl erupted from Marljas’ throat as he ripped the arm from his chair.
* * * * *
Eliana grimaced as Bakom fondled her buttocks. “Are you finished with the entries my dear?” Squeezing her breast, he clamped his mouth on hers.
Eliana pretended an interest she didn’t feel, grateful when he pulled away.
“Come, we have much to do tonight.”
Fifteen minutes later, Bakom landed the unmarked shuttle on the roof of a building in downtown Benishan.
Eliana didn’t have to look at the navigation control to know it was the same place she had left him two days ago. He led the way to the elevator that, interestingly enough, was waiting for them, the doors open.
“Now pay attention, my dear. Any time you come here, press the gray panel underneath the basement button. This is an Academy building, but most of the floors contain residential apartments. The bottom two floors contain shops, and all of the rents are used to help fund various Academy projects. However, the three levels below the basement are where you will want to go.”
As the elevator began its descent, he continued, “Very few people know of the existence of these laboratories. You’ll tell no one else.”
“Of course, Doctor, you can rely on my discretion,” Eliana murmured as he caressed her breasts.
“You’ve proved your loyalty on more than one occasion, Eliana, and you’ll be rewarded for that loyalty. I’ve decided you shall be one of the women who will bear my children.”