by L M Lacee
Kardan nodded as he said. ‘I know my heart. Captain, I am promoting you to the rank of Commander. You will train with the Earth soldiers in our methods. Then you can decide which branch of our military will suit you. Commander Marlo will help with that.’
‘I thank you for the opportunity, there is nothing for me here.’
Peyton asked. ‘May I ask what species you are, Commander?’
Dantara felt his muscles tense as he asked without inflection. ‘Is it necessary to my appointment?’
Peyton blinked. ‘Oh no, I was just curious, that is all. I am sorry if I offended you.’
Dantara took in a breath and slowly released it as he scanned the other people in the room. Thankfully, no one seemed offended by his reply. ‘No, no Madam, I am sorry. My parentage has been a source of amusement and condemnation since I joined the ranks of the Capital guards.’
Peyton frowned as she said. ‘Well, that seems harsh. Who your parents are is not your fault, it’s just genetics. My inquiry was only curiosity, nothing else.’
Regretfully Dantara said. ‘I understand that now and truthfully I am too old to find the subject distressing.’
Peyton shrugged and smiled, dismissing the topic that seemed to haunt the officer. ‘Never mind, so while you are here, can you get all Reeve’s weapons for him?’
Relived the topic of his parentage seemed to be closed, he quickly assured her he could.
‘I can.’
‘Please give the details to Reeve.’
He looked at Reeve. ‘I am sorry, I should have done that already.’
Reeve smiled at Peyton. ‘Thank you sister. I had forgotten.’
Peyton crowed. ‘Huh, not just me!’
Reeve ignored her as everyone else did, causing her to frown and mutter. ‘Just rude.’
Smiling, Reeve told Dantara. ‘Do not worry my friend, we would have remembered before we left.’
They stopped talking and watched as Rita entered the room. Peyton asked. ‘Rita, what can we do for you?’
She smiled. ‘Madam, Amahka Elite. I thought to persuade my treasure to come home with me.’ She looked at Peyton and said. ‘I looked around as you advised and he was here all along.’
Peyton was surprised by her confession. She had not realized Rita had taken any notice of what she’d said. ‘I see, where the hayda is Melody, there are matches all over the place. Why did we bring her?’
‘I heard that female.’ Melody snarled as she walked back in behind Rita.
‘Well, answer the question?’
‘Why do you think she is here?’
‘No idea, anyone?’
Netta and Darby answered her. ‘No idea at all.’
Melody scowled at them as she said. ‘That is right, you have none. Rita meet your mate, Dantara Lewen. Dantara, this is Rita Solverea. The match is true, but as always it is your choice.’
Together they turned to Peyton and said. ‘We choose each other.’
Peyton inclined her head. ‘Welcome Commander Dantara Lewen, you are now a citizen of Maikonia. Rita congratulations, maybe you should tell him about his daughters.’
‘We have young?’ He asked as Rita laughed light-heartedly.
‘Oh my treasure we do.’ She said as she placed a delicate hand on his arm. ‘We should talk somewhere quiet.’
‘I think that is a good idea.’ He murmured as his arm snuck around her trim waist.
Peyton said. ‘Remember, there are little boys too.’
Rita nodded. ‘Yes, we will notify Jax, thank you dearle.’
Peyton grinned as Dantara quickly tapped on his link. ‘Reeve, I have sent you the location and code.’
‘Thank you, my friend.’
He looked at Rita. ‘No, my friend, thank you.’
‘Aww!’ Peyton sighed as they left.
Kardan asked a happy looking Reeve. ‘Brother, he is a good friend?’
‘He is, I am pleased he is coming with us, he is an exceptional male.’
Peyton quietly asked. ‘Darby, will you find that information out for me please?’
Netta asked before Darby could reply. ‘Peyton isn’t that an invasion of his privacy?’
Peyton sipped her cooling coffee then as she placed her cup on the table said. ‘It may well be, but the male is unwilling to tell me. So I must find another way to discover what I need to know. But Darby, if doing so will upset you. I can ask Jax to do it.’
Melody’s face lost its confused expression as Hawk quietly explained why Peyton was asking Darby to find out about Dantara.
Netta said. ‘Dantara is a nice male Peyton.’
Kardan agreed. ‘He is, but he is also a security risk unless we understand everything about him.’
Melody asked. ‘Can we honestly say we know everything about everyone who joins our worlds?’
Hawk nodded as he said. ‘Yes.’
Melody’s eyes widened, as did Netta’s and Penny’s. It seemed they were the only ones who were surprised by his answer.
Peyton said. ‘He is mating one of my friends. I would do the same if it was any of you.’
Darby nodded reluctantly. ‘I will do it.’
‘Thank you Darby, I appreciate it.’
Darby knew she did and could see she disliked asking her to find out about the male. She looked toward Reeve, who shrugged and said.
‘My heart, sometimes we must do things we dislike, for the safety of our home and family. Truthfully, Dantara should have provided the information. It would not have been the first time the question would have been asked.’
‘I know you are right, it is just…’ She shrugged and everyone remained quiet. This was one of those times, they were doing something no one wanted to admit had to happen. Because it did not sit right with any of them, it was just a price they paid to keep their people safe.
NINE:
After a few minutes, Peyton quietly asked Penny. ‘Who is next?’
‘Shodian Lujunn and his daughters.’
Darby shook off her feelings and stretched as she walked toward the windows, thinking this was a good time to explain about the Shodian. Maybe it would dispel the sense of disquiet that had fallen over the room. Looking out at the passing vehicles, she said to Peyton. ‘You know I meant to tell you about Shodian Lujunn.’
Melody and Netta’s attention became riveted on Peyton and Darby. Causing the males to stare at the two sisters, to see why they were so interested in the conversation.
‘What about him?’ Peyton asked absently as she sipped her coffee.
Darby swallowed back her giggles as she raised her eyebrows and stated. ‘You know he impregnates himself, then gestates his own child.’
Peyton’s hand trembled, spilling her coffee in her agitation. She stared at Darby as her mouth fell open and her eyes widened. Slowly she shook her head from side to side. Not really wanting to know the answer, but the concept of what Darby had imparted blazed in her mind in neon lights as she hesitantly asked. ‘He… he… he does what now?’
‘You heard me.’
‘Please, I beg of you, say it is not so!’
Darby walked back to her seat, laughter filling her eyes as she gave Peyton’s shoulder a pat before sitting. ‘Sorry hon, I cannot, it is a fact. His species produces their children this way, always have, always will.’
‘Oh, my stars. I just... I just don’t know what to say to that.’ Her mind raced from scenario to scenario as she wiped the spilled coffee. Then she shifted her gaze between Darby and Netta and finally turned her eyes on Melody as she pleaded with them to say it was not true. ‘Seriously, say it’s not true.’
Netta snarled. ‘It is, Melody had great delight in telling me.’
Melody snapped a pic of Peyton’s face as she let loose a laugh and spluttered. ‘Your face… Peyton, oh my stars.’
Kardan, Reeve and Hawk said nothing as they tried to hide their laughter, which became harder to do as she declared. ‘That’s just bullshit right there! It is so not right. Eww! I canno
t think with that. In fact, I am never, ever thinking with that.’
Hawk said in aside to Melody. ‘Can you message a copy of that pic for me to show Karen? There are not enough words for me to describe her expression.’
Melody agreed. ‘I know, Heather is going to love this.’
He thought about it and said. ‘Maybe a few copies.’
Melody threw her head back and laughed, causing Peyton’s eyes to snap her way, reducing Melody’s laughter to giggles as she said. ‘What… it was funny.’
‘So not speaking to you.’
Melody let a giggle escape when she glanced at Netta, just in time to see her kick up her top lip in disgust. While Darby demurely looked down at her tablet. Penny could not help it, she giggled all the way from the room, and as she passed Zenerra and Lucerra. Both guards hurried out with her and they heard Zenerra say. ‘We will accompany you.’
As the doors closed behind the three females, everyone in the room heard their loud laughter. With a growl of annoyance, Peyton tried to turn her attention from worlds where males impregnated themselves. Sadly, that was not to be. The more she tried to think of something else, the more difficulty she was having with the idea.
Zenerra and Lucerra finally returned with Penny, who escorted the Shodian and his daughters into the room. As they stood before the table, all three from the family Dorjinu bowed to Peyton and she hurriedly bowed back. Then they bowed to the others in the room.
Netta rose from her bow and gently said. ‘Welcome to our house, Shodian Lujunn, Laalinn and Jealinn. Please allow me to introduce the Star Daughter, Madam Peyton and her mate Amahka Elite Kardan.’
Lujunn hesitantly replied. ‘Thank you.’
Netta smiled as she introduced the others. ‘I would like to present Commander Hawk and Commander Reeve. You of course know Lady Penny, Tivna Melody, Specialist Darby and myself.’
Peyton regained control of her tongue and said. ‘I apologize for not meeting you and your delightful daughters earlier. I hope everything is satisfactory and you are taking advantage of the vacation you are experiencing.’
She knew he and his daughters had shopped not only at the Embassy but in the Capital. They had also been seen using the swimming pools.
Lujunn replied with a smile. ‘We understand Madam Peyton, as a leader, your time is never your own.’ His eyes twinkled as he said. ‘I and my daughters wish to congratulate you and Amahka Elite on your mating.’
Peyton smiled as Kardan said. ‘Thank you Shodian.’
Lujunn nodded then said. ‘Everything is wonderful, we are enjoying ourselves very much. Trader Rose has seen to all our requirements, and we have purchased enough for many restaurants. We are very pleased.’
‘Well, I am pleased you wish to settle on our worlds. Now did you purchase everything for your own needs.’
‘We did, thank you Madam.’
‘Good, so I want you to know you will never have to leave Maikonia unless you wish to. We will provide free premises for your businesses and homes for each of you. Also, what you earn you keep. I know you have explained to Commander Marlo your situation. We will look into that and see what can be done to protect you and your daughters.’
Shock and amazement battled for supremacy in his eyes as he asked. ‘Madam, you will make us citizens and will make the death warrant for myself and my daughters go away?’
Peyton nodded. ‘Yes, Shodian. I am giving citizenship to you and your daughters.’
Kardan said. ‘I will communicate with your home world. When I have resolved this unfortunate situation, if you wish to return to your birth-world. We will help in any way we can.’
Lujunn stood still for a full minute, it was as though he was having trouble processing their words. Peyton was sure she saw a tear slide down his cheek when he realized exactly what Kardan was offering. Then Laalinn said in her calm way. ‘We thank you Madam and you Amahka Elite for our safety, what may we do to repay you?’
Peyton replied. ‘Just do what you enjoy doing. Whatever makes you and your family happy? I would ask when you are able, could you train more chefs in your style of cuisine? We have other worlds who would enjoy your food.’
Jealinn asked hesitantly. ‘We are very happy to do so, training will begin as soon as we are established. We would like to work with the people of our new home world, will they work with us?’
‘They will embrace you, as we have.’
Laalinn told them. ‘My parent is overcome with joy, as we are.’
Lujunn nodded, but no words would come. Helen walked in and said to him and his daughters. ‘Come, let us take the Shodian to his suite. So he can rest and come to terms with his new situation. Ladies, have you shopped for clothes in our boutique?’ They left with Helen’s gentle chatter guiding them into their new life.
Peyton smiled at Netta and said. ‘Thank you for having Helen come. She was the perfect person to help him.’
She shrugged. ‘I like them and he relates well to her. It is probably because they both cook.’
‘Maybe, Penny, are there any more?’
‘No, Madam.’
‘Good, thank you for your help today, all of you.’
‘It is what we are here for.’ Penny replied for them all.
Peyton stood and stretched as she asked Darby. ‘So what did you want to talk to me about?’
Darby grimaced then blurted out. ‘We need to go to an old fashioned morn tea.’
Peyton brought her arms down as she asked. ‘I thought you said we have to go to a morn tea?’ Her tone was suspiciously sour, as was her expression.
Darby stood and picked up her tablet and cup, saying. ‘I did.’
Melody asked from where she sat. ‘Do you mean a morn tea, like the one that was on that ridiculous vid, Helen made us watch the other night?’
Darby swiftly nodded, not taking her eyes from Peyton, whose frown became darker as her eyes snapped at Darby. ‘No!’
Darby calmly said. ‘Do not take that attitude, we have to go. Governor Interkinn’s wifen issued the invitation. Klune sent it to me. All the Governors and Ambassadors wives will be there. As will several high ranking society females and Empresses.’
Peyton asked sharply. ‘The Jenersar Empress?’
‘Of course.’
‘Okay, we will go.’ No one missed the glee that entered her eyes at the prospect of meeting the Empress from Jenersar. ‘When is it?’
‘Three days from now at 10:00 hours.’
‘Who should go?’
Kardan said. ‘Tactically it would be wise to take as many females as want to go.’
Peyton asked. ‘Oh, like outnumber them.’
Netta agreed. ‘Yes, and the more we have, the less likely anyone can be isolated from the rest.’
Melody said with a look in her eye that did not bode well for her soon to be prey. She was still angry about the treatment the rescued females had received.
‘Yes, females are very good at trying to separate and interrogate who they perceive to be weaker.’
Peyton looked at Darby and casually stated. ‘Darby, you do not have to go.’
‘Are you implying something?’
‘No, why would I?’
‘Did you call me chicken?’
Innocently, she said. ‘I don’t think I did.’
‘Sounded that way to me.’ Netta asked Melody. ‘What do you think?’
‘Yep, me too.’
‘I will be attending.’ Darby gave Peyton her version of the evil eye and said. ‘I need to meet the wifen of the Governor who does not like the status quo. Also, there will be females I can find information from.’
‘Well, okay then, you have a plan. Netta, if you would, could you represent Bendrix and ask Peneria and Ipeara, they will be good…’
‘As will I.’ Interrupted Trina, as she walked in with Jarrod. ‘I will represent the Mystics whether or not they like it.’
‘What are you doing here and how do you know what we are talking about?’
&
nbsp; Darby said. ‘I told her.’
‘Oh! But Jarrod what if the Masters have influenced females at this morn tea?’
Trina smiled and answered for him. ‘My Jarrod will take care of that, also we have our secret weapon.’
Peyton asked eagerly. ‘What secret weapon? Why do I not know about this secret weapon? Why are you all staring at me?’
Trina let go a gusty sigh and Peyton was not sure but she thought she said, seriously this is our leader. ‘Really, Peyton, I was talking about you. You are our secret weapon.’
‘Oh yeah, I forgot.’
Netta murmured to Kardan. ‘She really did.’
He looked at her skeptically as Hawk said. ‘My brother, she really did.’
‘Dearle Stars.’ He muttered under his breath.
‘Yep, all yours, you lucky male you.’ Netta congratulated him as she wandered to where Peyton was talking to Jarrod and Trina.
He looked at Hawk, ‘I should place her over my knee.’
Reeve said. ‘I would not brother, she will just smack you back and she hurts.’
They both looked up at the enormous male as he rubbed his shoulder in remembered pain. Then looked to where Netta stood talking to Trina.
Kardan smiled as he said. ‘I am not sure if our Universe is really ready for the Terrans.’
Hawk agreed. ‘I have come to that same conclusion.’
TEN:
Marlo entered Kardan’s office and smiled, thinking how different this room was to Peytons. Where hers was decorated in blues and greens and boasted of rugs and couches. Kardan’s was all silver and black, and his only furniture was an enormous desk and a large chair.
Kardan stood in front of the wall of glass, watching the vehicles skim by. Marlo strolled to stand next to him. ‘You wished to see me.’
‘I did, what did you learn from Shodian Lujunn?’
‘The name of his home world and who the players in their court are.’ He handed him a data drive. ‘It’s all there.’
Kardan flipped the drive over in his fingers as he thanked him. When Marlo turned to leave, Kardan said. ‘I was there that night.’
Marlo closed his eyes and heaved a silent sigh, knowing the only night he could be talking about was the night of the fire. Slowly, he turned to confront the Elite. ‘Is that so?’