by L M Lacee
One female snorted loudly. He raised an eyebrow and asked. ‘You have a problem with that?’
‘Yeah, I do. She is human, like us, not some god to be idolized.’
He nodded. ‘Agreed, and she will be the first to tell you she is no god nor wishes to be idolized. What I will tell you, so please listen well. Madam Peyton is not as you are, she is no longer just human. She is the Star Daughter bequeathed of gifts, some good, some unfortunately so terrible we cannot comprehend them. Every gift she carries comes with a heavy burden of responsibility.’ He looked around at the somber faces and quietly stated. ‘She is the arm of Justice for the Star Child, a being that until Madam Peyton, was renowned for having little to no compassion. Not one Star Daughter or Son since the beginning of time has ever had children or a family and never has a Star Daughter or Son had a mate. Yet we just saw her mate escort her from this room and you have all met her family.’
He said as his eyes touched every person there. ‘Think what kind of being she is, that can change an unbroken tradition and has changed the way an Entity thinks and reacts. An Entity so ancient no histories from any world can remember where they originated from. An Entity that has only ever thought of their arm of justice as an extension of themselves. And within a matter of luneras, she has made them reassess their own beliefs. Then try to fit that into being just a human, I have tried as have other members of her family and we still cannot do so. Like us, you will have to take a leap of faith and realize she is far greater than just an anything! She is what keeps us from the ones wanting to corrupt our Universe, thereby forcing the Star Child’s hand. Regardless of all that, you will treat her with respect.’ His tone brooked no argument on that point. The female lowered her eyes.
Jarrod stared at her and told Marlo and Hawk. She is compromised.
They nodded to let him know they understood. Hawk told his audience. ‘As Madam said, we are military and we are always looking for new recruits. So if you want to join our Armee, we would welcome you. Although we are a military world, we live normal lives with our mates and children. I should warn you everything we do as citizens is aimed at making life easier for the Warriors to succeed in the missions they are tasked with. Which for now are firstly to find our missing Warriors; secondly; to protect anyone, male or female that needs our help, thirdly; to make this Universe a safer and more ethical one. Make your decision on the Armee and notify Commander Marlo.’ His voice changed, becoming softer, friendlier, a trick Melody had taught him. ‘What I want you to do, what we all want you to do, is not hurry. Rest and regain your health, shop if you wish, visit all the amenities here. Talk to our Mystics, they are here to help you. When you are ready, decide what you want for the rest of your lives and where you want to live. We will make that happen for you if we can. You have our word on this. Thank you.’
He stepped down and moved to Karen who stood against the wall watching several of the females sitting near her. One whispered to the other. ‘Wonder if he is mated?’
The other answered. ‘Hope not, he is delicious.’
Karen knew Hawk heard them when his step hitched and his eyes met hers. She grinned at the startled look on his face. Melody also overheard, and as she watched several of the females look speculatively at Coraan and Reeve, she gave an annoyed mumble. ‘Furin hayda!’
Stepping onto the temporary stage, she said in the voice she had used many times as a general. Causing Mark Solar and his unit to grin and every female there to straighten in their seats.
‘Okay, listen up. I am Tivna Melody, I know you all know what Tivna means. I used to be a General on Earth.’ She put her arms up and showed her blue and purple markings around each wrist. ‘I know you all know what these are but let me run over the meaning again, just in case it got lost in translation. These markings mean the male or female who wears them is mated. They are a blessing if you like from the Star Child on consummation of your mating. There is no such thing as divorce on Maikonia, mating’s are for life. We do not play around on our mates. So ladies, fair warning, do not flirt with the males you meet who are marked. They will not understand but their mates will and many of us have been military trained in one form or another. So you have been warned if you make a play for a mated male, do not be surprised if you are knocked on your ass. Our females, you included, if you stay will not tolerate their mates being placed in a position that they will not understand or could dishonor them. These wonderful males have not always been treated kindly, so remember that. Females are not the only ones that have been victimized. Now if you decide, you are staying and want a mate. I along with my Tochos will help find you a match and believe me it will be worth it.’ Melody winked as Coraan took her hand. ‘Very worth it.’
There was not a female who did not laugh at the wink she gave them. Netta took her place and when they all quietened down again she said. ‘As you know I am Commander Netta, this is Madam’s personal assistant, Lady Penny Nalton.’ She waited while Penny stepped forward and waved. ‘She is mated to the dashing Commander Kerol.’
She pointed to Kerol standing behind Penny. He smiled and bowed his head.
Netta said. ‘And yes he is off limits.’ They all laughed again as she looked at Penny saying. ‘I was serious.’
Melody groaned. ‘Oh my stars, you sound just like her.’
Netta huffed. ‘No need to be rude… Madam Peyton wishes to see the following people. So please see Lady Penny for a time to speak to her. Captain Waseo, Lady Sonia and Lady Abby and Lady Chris. Captain Lewen. Commander Solar and Lady Charlotte. Shodian Lujunn and Lady Laalinn and Lady Jealinn. Lady Echo and Lady Relic. Thank you. Please have a good day.’
With that she and the others of command left the restaurant, leaving Penny with Kerol by her side to stay to talk to the people Netta had singled out. Once Penny had set a time for them to meet Peyton, they went back to their tables where food was being served.
Helen, Esther and Brenda along with Kenera, Rata and Rita circulated throughout the room calming fears and answering questions when needed. Jarrod and Malchol sat either side of the female who had been compromised. When Jarrod touched her forehead, she fell asleep.
Malchol picked her up and left with her cradled in his arms, Patty met him at the door. Noticing how the room had gone quiet, Jarrod said as he stood. ‘This Lady...’
Sonia said. ‘Her name is Win Pound.’
He nodded. ‘Lady Win’s mind was altered.’
‘For what purpose?’ Asked a tall mocha female with short dark hair and hard brown eyes.
‘Your name please?’
‘I am Gracen Lorde.’
‘Lady Gracen, the purpose was to kill the Star Daughter. Do any of you know where Lady Win came from?’
Each female was as shocked as Gracen at the quietly stated announcement. Gracen finally swallowed and answered. ‘She was the last female from Earth to come on the ship before we left. We had just arrived on that planet when Relic and Echo rescued us. She never talked really, we know very little about her. She kept to herself even after we got here.’
Jarrod said. ‘I thank you.’
Sonia asked. ‘May I ask, does this happen often?’
Jarrod gave a swift look to Rata, who gave a small nod to say it was alright to disclose the threat to Peyton. ‘We have only had two people before Lady Win who were compromised. Please do not fear, we have scanned everyone and Lady Win was the only one who was tampered with in this way.’ He assured them with a smile, causing several of the females to sigh. ‘We will correct and nullify the damage done, and you will find she will be her normal self again, whatever that is.’
Echo Wallace rasped. ‘Does Madam Peyton have many threats against her?’
Jarrod nodded. ‘Sadly, yes.’
Kenera could see a few more questions on several of the female’s lips and intervened on his behalf. ‘Thank you son, I assume you are needed somewhere else.’
He looked around at the smiling speculative expressions on the female’s faces and h
urriedly said. ‘Yes... yes I am.’
He hastily retreated from the restaurant with Waseo’s laughter ringing in his ears.
FOUR:
For some reason Gracen felt she should talk to the elegant female with her tall, imposing figure and beautifully styled hair. So she screwed up her courage and as Kenera made to pass her, hesitantly reached out and just shy of touching her, said. ‘Excuse me, Lady Kenera.’
Shiny brown eyes turned toward her and Gracen was greeted with a kind smile. Still something within her told her she should be wary of the female. Carefully, she asked. ‘Your son, is he mated?’
Kenera tipped her head to the side and asked. ‘Why do you not tell me?’
Gracen narrowed her eyes and felt for the answer, as she had done on many occasions in the past. Which is why she had not fought her abduction and died as several of the other females on the voyage to the pleasure planet had. She had known that someone would be there, ready to free her when she arrived. Now she said. ‘Yes he is, and to a Terran female.’
Kenera smiled as she sat at the table. ‘You are right, he is mated to Trina you met her today. She is with child, twins, is that not amazing?’
Gracen smiled at the astounded look on the older female’s face. Melody slid into a seat opposite Kenera. Gracen acknowledged her with a nod and returned to their conversation. ‘I am guessing it is, on Earth not so much or it was not at one time.’
Melody agreed. ‘That is true, so you have a gift?’
The smile left Gracen. She wanted to scoff and deny the notion as she always did. Kenera placed a well-manicured hand over hers as it lay on the table. Melody told her matter of factually.
‘We do not hide our talents here. We are encouraged to explore them, as is our right, and to find out what they are, and what they can do. We invite you to do the same.’
Almost as though the question was being pulled from her, she asked. ‘How do I do that?’
Melody answered with a nod toward Kenera. ‘With Lady Kenera’s help, she is wonderful at discovering what gift or gifts you have. Then we will find someone to train you. You will be safe with Kenera, she is our Sybilla.’
Kenera gasped in surprise. ‘Oh Melody, I did not know if anyone knew who I was.’
‘Peyton did, she told me when we rescued her kits.’
Kenera looked a little bewildered at the admission. ‘Why did she not say anything?’ Melody smiled as she gently replied. ‘You know why, it is always your choice to accept or announce your gift, as it is with Gracen.’
They looked at her as Melody said. ‘It is, you know, your choice. Choose to stay and we will train you. If you wish to leave, we will give you tools to help you…’
Gracen cut her off. ‘No, I want to stay and train, there is nothing to go back for.’ She sighed and wiped her eyes with the heels of her hands. ‘I am tired of feeling afraid and being alone, of hiding and living in fear that someone, some alien. No offense.’ She said to Kenera.
‘None taken dearle one, you are scared they will find you and exploit your gifts.’
‘Terrified.’ Gracen admitted for the first time and smiled. ‘Yes, I am terrified. Wow! That feels so good to say out loud.’
Melody smiled. ‘Yeah it does, so Lady Kenera, will you look after our budding whatever she is?’
‘Of course I will.’
Melody grinned at her as Gracen said. ‘Thank you, I need to stay, I feel that my future home is with you.’ She looked at Kenera. ‘Does that make sense?’
She smiled in return. ‘Oh my dearle, it does.’
Melody rose and said. ‘So stay with Kenera. She will help you find out what your gift is capable of. Do not neglect yourself, eat, rest, and enjoy the safety of being here and shop where and when you want.’
Startled, Gracen asked. ‘With what?’
Melody scratched her cheek with her finger as she asked Kenera. ‘Did she not say?’
Before she answered, Melody asked Brenda the same question as she walked near their table.
Brenda smiled as she said. ‘I think she did. No matter, we will… oh look, here comes Miko now.’
Kenera said. ‘We will take care of that but for now come dearle. Let us find out, as Melody so elegantly put it, whatever this gift is.’
FIVE:
Peyton left the restaurant with Kardan and they walked to the conference room. Darby and Marlo followed slowly behind the couple, as Marlo tried to persuade her to help him explain to Brenda why he was paying for the male’s night out. Needless to say, she declined.
Bendrix was seated in a chair next to Lady Quewtton, and on the table was an old-fashioned tea set, Peyton had seen Helen use occasionally. It appeared as though they had been having tea while they waited for her.
Lucerra and Zenerra stood inside on either side of the doorway. Peyton stopped as she entered and with a frown asked both guards. ‘Why were you not at the meeting?’
Zenerra said. ‘I rose late.’
Lucerra answered. ‘I was warm.’
Peyton blinked at the replies, which had Kardan and Marlo turning away, not wanting her to see their smiles. Both of them knew the guards had been training until Netta had ordered them here.
Peyton finally said. ‘I am unimpressed with your tardiness.’
Lucerra and Zenerra tried to look contrite as Lucerra said. ‘We will try to do better.’
Peyton flapped her hand dismissively. ‘Yeah… Yeah, I’ve heard it all before.’
She moved to the other side of the table where Kardan held a chair for her. Darby removed the tea set to the door where a bot took it from her. Jarrod, Hawk and Netta slipped into the room and took their seats around the table.
Peyton studied the female. She was as tall as her son, just under six foot. They shared the same dark brown hair and soft amber eyes, although hers were fringed with very thin lashes. Her narrow face looked drawn, which could have resulted from the severe top knot she wore or because Peyton had entered the room. She was dressed in a somber dark green dress with a short cream jacket and high-heeled shoes.
Peyton admired her dress sense. She was exactly what a female in her position should look like. It was a shame it was all a sham.
Everyone but Kardan jerked in surprise when Peyton said harshly. ‘Chanderoh, how long have you been wearing Lady Quewtton?’
‘I do not understand, who is this Chanderoh you speak of?’ She asked with just the right amount of outrage in her voice. She made to stand when Kardan lifted a finger and warned her. ‘Do not stand Chanderoh.’
The female found she could not move. ‘How dare you restrain me? I am the mother of Juet Quewtton, who is the son of the late Governor Quewtton. Where is my son?’
Kardan nodded to Hawk, and he released his hold on her. Indignant, she sat down and folded her hands on her lap. ‘I demand you bring my son here and release me.’
Peyton glared at her as her eyes turned black and flames appeared. ‘You demand!’
Fearfully, she said. ‘You have made a mistake.’
‘I have made no mistake and you do not demand in my house Chanderoh, we already have one of yours. The body was placed in stasis for many yentas and is now quite insane. You may have a way to bring the body back; I have no motivation to try. You understand what I am saying?’ The Chanderoh nodded slowly, her eyes glued to Peyton’s flaming ones. ‘Explain why you are here, and I warn you now if I find you have played with or hurt that young male. I will kill you where you sit.’
The Chanderoh wearing the body of Lady Quewtton swallowed and tears entered her eyes. ‘I do not…’
Peyton growled. ‘Do not try my patience, I have been tested enough lately. I will make it so you never have a voice again, nor will your world if you persist in lying. Now answer me!’
The Chanderoh broke down and sobbed. ‘I was contracted to take on the form of the mother.’
Kardan asked. ‘Why?’
‘The mother had been killed. I was told because she would not comply with the demand
s of her late hunband’s cousin. They needed to make sure the son was controlled.’
He asked again. ‘Why?’
‘You will take my life.’
Peyton said as her eyes once more turned green. ‘No, not for this, one cannot fault your nature.’
Kardan demanded. ‘Just answer the question, why is he so important?’
‘His family is the chosen of the Star Son, they were given the world to govern and title has been passed from son to son. When no more sons, they passed to brother, and he passed to son and again from son to son for many more yentas. Then Juet’s father gained title, he met with a fateful accident and his cousin became Governor. This male likes power and to rule, he does not like Juet, but has no heir. The Star Son only blessed rightful rulers with males. So when Juet comes of age in five yentas, the Governor will to take control of Juet.’
Peyton asked. ‘By controlling him through you?’
‘Yes.’
‘Were you cruel to him?’
‘No, mother loved him, he is good boy. Good son. Even though he is sure I am not his mother, he treats me with care.’ She shook her head. ‘He is not hard enough to run this world, he is too soft.’
Peyton sighed. ‘You are right, he is not capable they will eat him alive.’ Hurriedly she explained what she meant. ‘An expression, it means they will reduce him to a puppet and then use him for their own means.’
They all agreed with her summation, she mused. ‘In time with our help he may wish to take his place here but not now. So what do we do with you, Chanderoh?’
‘I will tell you who commissioned other Chanderoh.’
‘I already know. It was Governor Interkinn and the Emperor of Jenersar, they were hoping to bring the Roeah Elites to heel by controlling an Elite called Wolf. Unfortunately for them, they made a mistake, they did not kill him. It is going to become something they will regret.’ She looked at the now calm Chanderoh. ‘Again, what am I to do with you, what were your new orders?’