Haven
"Sabaku is a desert world, very similar to R'ren'nkh'ia. I want to use primarily shr'en'an warriors in the first wave of the invasion."
Zha'haabron nodded. "How many?"
Vejiita glanced at Nappa's report. "A minimum of thirty thousand. More if possible."
The High King frowned. "There are ten thousand already here, training with your own military. A further twenty thousand will leave my onworld forces somewhat depleted."
"I'm aware of that. But Sabaku is a twin-mooned world: the second wave need only consist of a few hundred Saiyan warriors. And even they might not be required if the shr'en'an succeed. I can spare fifteen thousand Saiyan warriors for your defence."
"First class?"
"First and second. Will that suffice?"
Zha'haabron scanned the latest planetary status report from Gh'heegonan. Things were still quiet in the homespace: news of the rapidly growing Saiyan Empire - and that R'ren'nkh'ia was under Saiya-jin protection - had forestalled any attempts at conquest by the races in neighbouring systems. Onworld, there had been a sudden increase in the number of shr'en'an being hatched, although (somewhat worryingly) the numbers of gn'ap'pa and gn'ick'lehe had fallen - which would mean conscripting some of the other types into mining if the situation didn't improve, which would not be a popular move. On the other hand, enclave after enclave had voluntarily confirmed their allegiance to the zn'hre High King, and for the first time, possibly ever, there was peace across R'ren'nkh'ia. The planet was prospering. The zn'hre's numbers were increasing, as well - perhaps a little too fast: Zha'haabron would need to return sometime soon to discuss population strategy with his people. Gh'heegonan was proving himself to be an excellent Regent, and the council more than capable of keeping the realm running smoothly. All in all, things were going well.
"It will suffice, certainly in the short term. I trust more will be provided if necessary?"
Vejiita nodded. "Of course. Now, as to the campaign itself..."
The comm unit beeped loudly, and he swivelled to scowl into it.
"I said we were not to be disturbed."
Leteetza's pale face grinned back at them from the screen.
"I know, my lord. But I thought Zha'haabron would want to know that Ti'aasaan and Zha'haarak have gone into labour."
The High King stared for a couple of seconds, his eyes wide, then rose and inclined his head to Vejiita.
"This meeting is adjourned."
Scowling, the Saiya-jin-no-Ou would have protested, but Zha'haabron had already left the room...
A cold wind, an early precursor of the cold season, was shrieking outside. Inside the room was hot, the lighting subdued. Radittsu was supporting both the zn'hre against his powerful body, murmuring encouragingly to them as Zh'leet and Gh'veen got themselves ready nearby. I'd gathered the little princes to me, trying to keep them out of the way. It was difficult - they were intensely curious.
"Hurts them?" Zha'tiisaan looked worried, staring at the pained expressions on the adults' faces. I hugged him.
"Only a little bit, precious. And only for a little while."
Then Zha'haabron arrived, breathless and anxious, relaxing with a smile when he saw he was in time. Stripping off his heavy bodysuit he took his place behind Ti'aasaan, supporting the little zn'hre and stroking his hair, while Radittsu held Zha'haarak against his broad chest. And with five little princes watching wide-eyed from the corner of the sleeping platform, seven more made their way into the world.
And once again Radittsu lay curled around them, the little blue bodies snuggled into his mane, his tail curved protectively over them as Zha'haabron lifted both exhausted zn'hre into his arms and carried them through to the pool. Little Zha'haabron wriggled out of my arms and crawled to his dadda, tentatively reaching a hand to one tiny, green-downed head as he gazed, fascinated, at the little hostling, then beamed up at the Saiyan.
"Did I used to look like that?"
Radittsu ruffled his hair. "Uhuh. You were just as small. And you cuddled against me just like they are."
Little Zha'haabron moved closer, nestling against Radittsu's chest and pulling a hank of ebony hair over himself, careful not to disturb the sleeping babies. I grinned and caught the big male's eye.
"Can you manage? If not, I can take a couple of them..."
He chuckled. "No, it's fine. I'm quite used to this."
"And you wouldn't admit you love it, not for the world, would you?"
He smirked and cuddled little Zha'haabron closer. "Of course not!"
I laughed. "Big softie!"
He glared, mock-angrily. "That'll cost you, next training session."
I stared ruefully down at my belly - I'd never imagined it was possible to get so big, or to be quite so uncomfortable: Tamata hadn't been joking when she'd talked about them kicking - and sighed. "That's not going to be for quite a while..."
Although that might not be strictly true. Vinas had said, at my last check up three days ago, that the babies were now just about fully developed, and would survive without any difficulty if they were born. Zh'leet suggested I seriously consider having them removed soon, to avoid any risk of complications if I should suddenly start labour. And I'd just decided it was the best idea. Give everyone half an hour or so for the excitement of the new princes' births to die down a little and I'd let her know my decision.
It gave me a very strange feeling, knowing that within days - possibly even hours - I'd finally know what these little aliens inside me looked like...
Zha'haabron returned from the bathing chamber, a drowsy Ti'aasaan cradled in his arms, and smiled tenderly at his bondmate as he settled the little zn'hre gently close to the Saiyan's big, warm body. Ti'aasaan yawned, stroked little Zha'haabron's hair, and promptly fell asleep, his arm around his hostlings. Moments later he was joined by Zha'haarak as Zha'haabron lowered his sibling to the platform. The gentle zn'hre shifted until his head rested against Radittsu's thigh, his body curled around his hostlings, and smiled tiredly, beckoning to the little princes - who squirmed out of my embrace and joined their kin. Within minutes all except Radittsu - and Zha'haabron - were asleep.
I grinned at the captain. "You get to stay awake all night again."
"Nothing new there. I can sleep tomorrow. Or the next day."
I chuckled and hauled myself heavily upright, grateful for the king's hand under my arm. I smiled up at him.
"They're beautiful. And naming them all is going to be fun!"
His eyes were shining with happiness. "Indeed. Will you be here?"
"Wouldn't miss it. But unless you delay it a couple of days I might have to." I glanced at Zh'leet. "I've decided - I think it would be best to have them removed as soon as is convenient."
She nodded. "A wise decision. I'll speak with Vinas." Her eyes flickered to the sleeping platform. "Ti'aasaan should also be there. Assuming you have no objection, that is."
I shook my head - I could hardly say no! "Will he be up to it?"
"Yes. This all went very smoothly: give them both a sound night's sleep and a relaxed day tomorrow and they'll be absolutely fine."
"Good." I winced as my babies started their usual night-time antics. They seemed to know when I was tired and wanted to sleep, and did their best to make sure I couldn't. I only hoped they'd be a little more considerate once they were born. Though I wasn't expecting it... Zha'haabron stroked my cheek.
"I'll conduct you back to your suite. Unless you would like me to carry you?"
I grinned. "That's fine - I'll walk." I waved to Radittsu, who smirked back at me. "See you tomorrow!"
Vejiita was awake and irritable, glowering at Zha'haabron.
"Everything all right?" The High King nodded. "Good. Can we resume the discussion?"
Zha'haabron stared at him, blinking disbelievingly. I scowled, interrupting whatever he might have been going to say.
"For gods' sake, Vejiita! Give him some time with his new hostlings, will you?"
Vejiita glared at me, then frowned at Zha'haabron.
"Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow evening."
"Very well." The king glanced at me. "Are you here for the night or do you need to see Vinas?"
"I'm fine. Just tired." I turned to Zha'haabron. "Thanks for the escort, your Majesty. I'll see you tomorrow?"
He inclined his head. "Indeed. Sleep well..."
It had been an interesting half year. Once Vinas and the R'ren'nkh'ians had stabilised my 'condition', I'd been able to resume my duties to some extent. Kayusu started bringing the heirs to the suite again, and sometimes Pasunippu joined us: Tamata wanted to get back into training as soon as she could, so Radittsu's delightful little nephew joined in the 'lessons' I'd started giving to the other infants. Nothing difficult - I was aiming to have them speaking Common fluently and correctly by the beginning of next year, and I'd had a stab at explaining the differences between their two species, something that had caused a lot of amusement. Of the nine of them, Buahan, Zha'tiisaan and Zha'leesaan were the most studious-minded: Zha'raadiin wanted to spend most of his time fighting with Pasunippu and Kiraz, while Zha'zhasaan seemed to be in a dreamworld of his own all the time. But little Zha'haabron and Kobis had struck up what looked set to be a firm friendship: both of them were surprisingly sensible and self-aware for their age, even given that both our species matured quickly.
Then again, that could just be wishful thinking on my part. No doubt time would tell.
Kayusu sometimes joined us for these sessions; Sheftali, never. In fact, I hadn't really seen anything of Sheftali since the heirs were Named - not that that bothered me. And I had enough to do without chasing after her: even with the two zn'hre helping the children were a real handful, and of course, as all three of us grew larger, we also tired more quickly, and it became more difficult to cope. So we were all relieved and delighted when Zha'haabron delayed his return to R'ren'nkh'ia, and he and Radittsu spent as much time as they could with the family.
I'd spent a little while talking to the High King, trying to get some idea of what sort of things I should be introducing to his offspring. He'd been quite forthright.
"Loyalty. Consideration and tolerance for others. An appreciation of difference, between species, between worlds, between each other."
I blinked, not really expecting anything quite so sophisticated. Vejiita had insisted that the heirs be instructed in the absolute authority of the Saiya-jin-no-Ou and the superiority of the Saiya-jin as a species - things which I had quietly forgotten about as being inappropriate, under the circumstances. Zha'haabron had smiled.
"I do not wish them to be bigoted. If we are to co-exist with other species, a firm sense of our own identity, tempered by an unprejudiced, open-minded approach to our neighbours, is essential. Within reason, of course, but the existence of hostility and intolerance can be explained later. The fact that R'ren'nkh'ia-jin and Saiya-jin are learning together, here, sets a fine example - I would like it to stay that way."
"I'll certainly do my best, your Majesty!" I gazed at him for a moment, my eyes narrowing. "Sire, how quickly do zn'hre mature? At some point I'd like to start teaching them all a little of the history of each others' species - not that I know all that much, I'm planning to have a link to the Library set up, here if possible, so I can call on the database for details - and it would be useful to know how soon they'd be able to understand it. If you know of course..." I added, doubtfully, as his eyes half-closed, suddenly haunted. I bit my lip. "I'm sorry, Sire. I didn't mean to stir up old pain."
He inclined his head. "It is a valid question. Zn'hre are fully developed, physically, at about eight of our years - which would be almost six of yours. At that point it is both possible and safe for us to host. Mentally... I believe we may be fully self-conscious rather earlier. It is difficult to be certain because of the way most of us were treated: very little attention was paid to our intellectual development. However, Bri'seiyis and Ish'nadris may have a better understanding: they were both treated exceptionally well by their sires. I will contact them and ask."
"Thank you, Sire. How are things going back home - I mean, on R'ren'nkh'ia?"
He smiled. "Very well. I had not expected to feel so relaxed about leaving control in others' hands this early in my reign."
"I'm glad..."
He nodded, then turned his head as Radittsu arrived, only to be swamped by the five sturdy little blue bodies that flung themselves upon him. Laughing, he fell back onto the sleeping platform and hugged them all.
"Who wants to come flying?"
Of course, they all did. Zha'haabron went with them: I knew he and his bondmate were trying to assess the children's ki levels with a view to possible physical training, and one of the easiest - and most fun - ways to do so was to take them out, to the forest or the sea, and watch them play. Much to their dismay the heirs couldn't accompany them on these trips: I didn't dare let them out of the palace grounds without a guard, and that would have spoiled the fun.
Until it occurred to me to ask Hijau if he would join us.
I'd checked with Radittsu first, of course, and he'd had no objections, so his second in command found himself seconded to us once every ten days or so. And it was clear to me he loved it!
At first I thought it was because it meant he could be close to Radittsu for a little while, and there was something of an element of that, but there was also something more. He spent a lot of time watching the zn'hre interact, observing them, and talking to Ti'aasaan and Zha'haarak on our return to the suite (I got the impression he was a little overawed by Zha'haabron). Zha'haarak was still dreadfully shy, and tended to keep his eyes averted when speaking to anyone he didn't consider family - and I'd swear that Hijau used the fact to stare at the gentle zn'hre, studying him closely.
It worried me a little. And when Radittsu noticed what was happening, it worried me a lot...
It was strange to think of Radittsu being jealous, but I couldn't work out what else to call it. I never did find out exactly what happened when the captain visited his second in command, one evening after he'd been especially attentive to Zha'haarak, but he'd arrived back the next morning, bruised, exasperated, and grumpy. I'd had a check-up scheduled with Vinas: I'd left early and dropped in to see Hijau, who was badly bruised, with deep bitemarks across his shoulders, and gazing into space with a dopey smile on his face. He'd thanked me for my concern, then refused to say anything more, much to my annoyance. But after that he behaved rather more circumspectly in Zha'haarak's presence.
Well, at least it seemed to have sorted out the problem: Hijau spent as much time with us as ever, and was treated in exactly the same way. Which pleased me: the little princes had grown very fond of him very quickly.
And so things had continued, with Zha'haabron and Vejiita spending time, both together and with the council, planning the next moves in the Empire's expansion, and even making a little time to spar. I gathered, from a few comments the High King let drop, that Vejiita's ki had increased substantially since the birth of the heirs, although it was still nowhere near his own. Radittsu trained with the Guard and brought himself up to date with developments in the military - they'd 'liberated' some impressive new weaponry from several of the worlds they'd annexed, and the captain needed time to familiarise himself with it. Not that he'd ever use it, of course - ki was always the Saiya-jin preferred weapon - but it's always useful to know how such things operate, just in case...
And I suddenly realised that the cold season was fast approaching, and had to hurry to have warm bodysuits made for the zn'hre - for all of the onworld R'ren'nkh'ia-jin, in fact, which was going to be a major undertaking. As if I didn't have enough to do. I ended up delegating the task to Chilek and Armut, who seemed perfectly happy to handle the matter.
And I got bigger and bigger and slower and slower and couldn't wait for the little hybrids to be born...
Zh'leet was waiting with Vinas when I arrived at the facility the next morning: he performed the usual checks with his usual efficiency then actually smiled at me!
"Tomorrow."
I grinned. "Tomorrow? When?"
"Morning. Will that be convenient?"
Would it hell! I laughed aloud. "Oh yes." I glanced at Zh'leet. "And Ti'aasaan will be here?"
"Try keeping him away!"
I slid off the examination couch and dragged my bodysuit back on. Zh'leet inclined her head.
"I'm heading back to the suite - do you want to come with me?"
Radittsu was dozing when we arrived, the newborn princes sprawled on the sleeping platform in a cosy huddle, watched over by their older siblings. Zha'haarak was keeping a careful eye on them all as he stroked the captain's mane rhythmically: Ti'aasaan was in the pool with Zha'haabron. The gentle zn'hre smiled up at me as we entered.
"Greetings."
I grinned. "How's things?"
He sighed happily. "Blissful. To be able to hold our own hostlings, to have them all together with us - it still feels like a dream to me."
I nodded, happy for him. He'd told me a little of what his life had been like, before...
Zh'leet handed me a huge beaker of the fruity glop she was still insisting I drink, and while I was forcing it down Zha'haabron and the little zn'hre returned to the sleeping chamber. Ti'aasaan beamed and hugged me enthusiastically.
"So?"
"So what?"
He tugged my hair gently.
"You know what I mean!"
I stroked his face. "Tomorrow morning."
He stepped back a pace, eyes shining with anticipation, and hugged himself. "It's so exciting!"
I chuckled, then winced as one of the babies kicked something painful. "I'll be relieved." I gestured towards the tiny princes, trying to distract myself. "Have you decided on names yet?"
His eyes enormous as he watched my belly moving as the babies squirmed inside, Ti'aasaan answered slightly absently. "We've decided to wait until yours - ours - can be included."
I was touched, and smiled at him. "Thank you!"
He grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Well, you are part of the family. It's only fair."
Ti'aasaan was at the royal suite early the following morning. Vejiita scowled as his aide ushered the little zn'hre into the main chamber.
"This had better go well."
Ti'aasaan bowed respectfully. "I am absolutely sure it will, your Majesty. Everyone has taken every precaution possible." He hesitated for a second. "Do you plan on being there also?"
Vejiita snarled, his hands fisting. "Of course not."
Ti'aasaan nodded, then held a hand towards me. "Shall we go, my Lady?"
I started: he'd never called me that before. But from the corner of my eye I saw that the honorific mollified Vejiita a little. I took the outstretched hand, then turned to the king.
"I'll see you later."
He nodded and turned away. And later I found out he'd insisted on a video link to the facility and a constant update on the operation...
Lying on the examination couch, stripped and prepared to be cut open, I gripped Ti'aasaan's hand tightly, suddenly afraid. Not so much of actually having the babies, but of the operation itself - which was stupid, given how badly I'd been hurt in the past simply through the normal Saiyan love of fighting! And I knew they'd use anaesthetics, and the incision would heal in a matter of hours if my metabolism was at peak capacity (which it wasn't of course, but that meant a delay of perhaps a day, at most two, which is nothing really). But the little zn'hre understood, and kissed my forehead.
"There'll be no pain. And you'll heal so quickly you'll forget it ever happened. I promise."
I nodded hesitantly, drawing a fast breath as Gh'veen raised a laser scalpel to the light. He turned to gaze at me.
"Please do not worry."
I smiled weakly. "I'm not. Not really..."
He nodded, his eyes kind, then lowered the scalpel to my body.
"Are you ready?"
I nodded, screwing my eyes shut and holding my breath. I felt pressure, but nothing else. Ti'aasaan stayed beside me, holding my hand - for the first minute at any rate. Then Zh'leet brushed a hand across my forehead, smiling as I opened my eyes warily.
"Will you let Ti'aasaan hold them?"
I glanced at the little zn'hre, whose eyes were huge and pleading, and nodded, letting go of his hand. Hesitantly he moved to stand at the bottom of the couch...
His dawning smile one of absolute wonder.
"Ohhhhh......"
There were tears on his face as he held out his arms, accepting the little bundle Gh'veen handed him. A little bundle I couldn't see properly from my position. Seconds later Gh'veen handed him a second, and he cradled them close, moving back up the couch while the medical team did whatever unpleasant and bloody things they needed to do to put me back together again.
But I didn't care, my attention riveted on the creatures in Ti'aasaan's arms. Our children.
Skin a beautiful pale amethyst in colour, delicate and cool. Thick manes of silky black hair. Strong little black tails wrapped around their father's wrists. And their eyes - their eyes were a deep, dark, black-rimmed gold.
They were exquisite.
I realised I was gaping and closed my mouth, staring up at Ti'aasaan with wondering eyes. He moved closer, bringing them within my reach, and I stroked the soft thick hair, not quite believing they were real. Zh'leet moved to stand beside me, smiling her satisfaction.
"All done. You'll be a little tender for a few days: if it's too uncomfortable we can give you pain-killers." She beamed at the babies, her eyes soft. "Gods, they're beautiful. Let's sit you up so you can hold them."
Moments later Ti'aasaan was sitting on the edge of the bed, and I had a baby in each arm. They gazed up at me from big trusting eyes and hissed quietly, contentedly. Zh'leet brushed my hair back from my face.
"I'm not going to suggest you try feeding them yourself - they have R'ren'nkh'ian teeth, and while they might enjoy shredded nipple as their first meal, I don't think you would appreciate the experience. You've produced milk though, so we're going to assume they probably need it. Do you know how to express it?"
I stared at her as thought she was speaking an alien language - which she might have been for all I understood her! She sighed.
"Very well. I understand it's not too difficult. I'm sure Ti'aasaan will help..."
And in fact Ti'aasaan ended up doing it all, which suited both of us just fine - he'd always been fascinated by my breasts and the opportunity to fondle them whilst doing something for the babies was very appealing to him. I just let him get on with it.
I was feeling very strange. Not at all motherly - awed, perhaps. To think these wonderful little things had come from me...
I smiled. *Hello little ones.*
Their eyes became even bigger. *'Lo maazi...*
I nearly dropped them. *... what...?*
*Maazi...*
I gazed helplessly at Zh'leet, who inclined her head enquiringly.
"Umm... They're mindspeaking..."
She smiled brightly. "Ah, good." I watched her make some sort of notation on a chart, then she turned back to me. "Can you tell which one *spoke*?"
I frowned, concentrating. "Both of them, I think..."
"Excellent." She wrote something else down. "Are they *speaking* all the time?"
"No. Fortunately."
"Good. Could you..." She glanced up and stopped whatever she'd been about to say, smiling gently.
"It's a little overwhelming, isn't it? We'll stop there. Let's get you into a proper bed, then you can all rest."
And Ti'aasaan swept me up into his arms, babies and all, and carried me to a comfortable side room equipped with a large bed. Minutes later, settled and cosy, I suddenly realised I was hungry. Very hungry indeed. On cue, my stomach rumbled.
Zh'leet grinned. "I will find you something immediately. Rest until I return."
And an hour later, warm, fed, relaxed and still in awe, I felt my eyelids drooping. Struggling to keep them open, I felt rather than saw Ti'aasaan slide onto the bed and cocoon the precious little hybrids between our bodies, touching my face gently.
"Sleep, Leteetza. I'm here. I'll feed them if they get hungry, and make sure they're safe. You've done quite enough for today."
It was as much as I could do to smile gratefully at him before sinking into a wonderful, refreshing sleep, the first decent sleep I'd had in almost half a year.
But it had been worth it.
© 2001 December 9th Joules Taylor
