Outcome

Ti'kaanan sighed and flopped forwards to glower at the floor.
      "I'm tired of this. There must be something we can do…"
      'tiisaan kicked moodily at a floor cushion.
      "I asked papa to do something - but he said they have to sort it out themselves…"

It was ridiculous! They'd only just got their papa back, and wanted to get to know him - but he wouldn't have anything to do with dadda. Nor did dadda want anything to do with him. And maazi was unhappy all the time, though he tried hard not to show it.
      Their host was spending three days with dadda Suguri in their rooms at Guard HQ - then the next three with papa, either at the palace or in one of the guest rooms at the Academy. And while it was nice to see maazi and papa together, have them close, they couldn't enjoy it properly because by the time they'd all got used to it, maazi was back off to dadda again.
      Tia-chan, and 'jiisa, and the Ssii'iin had all tried to talk sense into them both, to no avail. And now the hostlings had had enough.
      'vadin frowned.
      "Why don't we just not have anything to do with any of them until they start behaving themselves? We could tell them they're stopping us working properly."
      'nienan nodded.
      "Well, that's true! I can't concentrate while they're being so fucking stupid!"
      'kanaan glared at his sibling.
      "Where'd you learn such language?!"
      The singer stuck out a long, lightly barbed tongue.
      "'raadiin."
      'kanaan shook his head despairingly, ignoring 'tiisaan doubled over with silent laughter.
      "I still think my idea's the best."
      'kanaan nodded slowly at 'vadin.
      "I'm pretty sure it would work. It'll upset maazi though…"
      "In the short term. But he'll be happier in the end."
      'nienan bit his lip.
      "But what if it doesn't work?"
      'kanaan shrugged.
      "Then we drop the whole thing."
      "Wouldn't that just make things worse?"
      "You think they could be worse?"
      There was a thoughtful silence as they considered the matter. And yes, they could all think of ways in which things could be worse - but that didn't change the fact that at the moment, everyone was suffering. 'nienan sighed.
      "Fine. When do we start?"
      'kanaan shrugged.
      "Right away. Papa and maazi are due here tomorrow for the three days. I'll tell them we don't want to see any of them until they've sorted everything out."
      'tiisaan raised a hand.
      "If you like, I'll tell them that. It might be more forceful coming from me."
      'kanaan frowned pensively, then nodded.
      "Yes, that might be better. Thanks!"
      'tiisaan grinned. He wanted the situation resolved as much as anyone; the tension was affecting them all.

Ti'aasaan sat in his bondmate's lap, deeply impaled on the big warm inkei, leaning back contentedly against Zorun's broad chest. The Saiyan was thrusting gently, both hands cupping the zn'hre's swollen belly, nuzzling his cool neck every time the hostling moved.
      *Not long now, zk'vissin.*
      Ti'aasaan sighed happily, then tensed as he came again, chitsu clenching around Zorun's shaft and sparking the Saiyan's own climax. He nipped gently at his zn'hre's neck as he came, happy in the thought his semen was helping to nourish his sireling.
      And it really wouldn't be long now, either. Going by other hybrid births, Vinas had estimated another twenty days. Ti'aasaan was hoping to be able to give birth naturally, and Vinas had tentatively agreed: the hostling wasn't huge, perhaps a little larger than 'jau had been, but not much, certainly nowhere near as large as the Ssii'iin's had been. And Ti'aasaan's pelvis was a little wider than Zha'haabron's, as well. All in all, the Feeodoreean thought that surgery would only be necessary as a last resort.
      Ti'aasaan had already made Zorun promise he'd be there at the birth - heh, as if anything could keep him away! - and he knew his bondmate was already planning the hostling's training. Which seemed somewhat premature to the little zn'hre, since they wouldn't know what his particular skills were until he was a hundred or so days old. Although, since all the hybrids so far had proved to be more powerful than their parents, he could understand Zorun's thinking…
      Zha'haarak smiled at him from his position on the sleeping platform: Tane and Dari were working on his hip prior to his dance lesson.
      "It will be good to have the Ssii'iin back again."
      Ti'aasaan - and Zorun - agreed. Busy as he was with trying to track down the individuals involved in the second Anzu Conspiracy, Radittsu had still been… grouchy without his bondmate. And the little princes were eager to have Zha'haabron try the jewels.
      "Only two more hours…"

Kyuri eyed the big male pensively. He'd had no rest for nearly a full day and night, and needed to take a break, whether he agreed or not. And his bondmate was on the way back to Vejiitasei - the perfect excuse…
      "Half an hour, sir. I can take over while you… uh… meet him at the spaceport. And for a few hours afterwards."
      Radittsu rubbed a hand over his eyes, warmth pooling in his groin at the thought of seeing his zkai'da again. It had been nearly a hundred days, and much as he liked Hijau and Zorun… He smirked at Hijau's second in command.
      "Very well. You know where I am if I'm needed."

He was pacing, willing the shuttle to get a bloody move on… As it dropped from the sky to land without fuss in its allotted space, he took a deep breath, forcing himself to assume a calm demeanour, then loped onto the field as the portal slid open… Zha'haabron leapt down, not waiting for the ramp, and seconds later found himself wrapped in strong warm arms.
      *… missed you…*
      The king closed his eyes with a silent sigh, relaxing for the first time since his bondmate had returned to Vejiitasei.
      **Can you be spared for an hour?**
      *Longer - Kyuri's taking over.*
      Zha'haabron slid a hand under the heavy mane to stroke the base of Radittsu's tail: the Saiyan groaned and trembled minutely.
      **Then shall we return to the palace?**
      Teasing them both, Radittsu stepped back and bowed slightly, gravely.
      "Allow me to escort you, sire…"

Eyes closed, panting, he rested his forehead against his bondmate's, limp and shaking and content for the first time since he'd left R'ren'nkh'ia. He could never have enough of his zn'hre. This was home, no matter where they might be.
      **Zkai'da…**
      He bit very gently at his claim mark, then rolled over, pulling Zha'haabron on top of him, one hand stroking the smooth face as he grew hard again, still buried in the strong cool body. Zha'haabron kissed his throat.
      **You are very tired**
      Radittsu nodded.
      *It's been - fraught…*
      And so far not overly successful. Learning from the failure of the previous conspiracy, the perpetrators of the latest one were being very, very careful indeed to keep their activities hidden. So far Radittsu's team had only managed to hunt down a couple of lesser individuals, both of whom had committed suicide - almost unheard of! - before they could be interrogated. Realising that they were dealing with a much more serious threat, and that the old methods were obviously going to be less effective, Radittsu had had a team of Feeodoreean biotechs coordinate with a group of tz'een chemists on producing a range of drugs that would be effective against Saiyan-jin. They'd already devised several nasty-sounding neuro-toxins and hallucinogens, and were just waiting for a few subjects on which to try them. Kyuri was currently engaged on a major hunt through the computer networks (two of Nashi's leads had proved to be dead-ends, but several others looked promising), and was gradually coming to believe that several other species' were implicated: the whole conspiracy seemed much larger than previously. Then again, as Radittsu had pointed out, the Empire was bigger now, a substantial ninety-eight planets…
      **Should we move the family to R'ren'nkh'kia?**
      Moving slowly and gently inside his zkai'da, Radittsu nuzzled his hair.
      *I think they'd be safer here. We know Ti'ani and Le'leen can see the Warui-jin: it might be that the other hybrids can too. In any case, I'd rather have everyone together - makes them easier to defend.*
      Zha'haabron nodded, then gasped as a penis-bead tugged deliciously on a blunted barb.
      **Can… can we guarantee their safety…?**
      The Saiyan nibbled gently at the soft cool skin below his zn'hre's ear, making him squirm.
      *More so than if they were offplanet. The palace will have first priority, then the Academy. I've already organised extra security - and the Feeds are working to develop a sort of artificial defensive shield.* He chuckled, brushing a kiss over the king's parted lips. *The zhaneer ship is giving up its secrets! Its systems are completely different to any used by any other race, I'm told.*
      Zha'haabron was beginning to have trouble concentrating, and gripped his bondmate's hips hard to stop him moving for a moment while he took a deep breath, gazing sombrely into intense black eyes.
      **Defensive shield - this is the first I have heard of it**
      *It's still in the experimental stage, and you know how cautious the Feeds can be about their research. They won't announce anything until they're sure it works. Don't worry, I'm not relying on it. I have special squad members on duty at all times, and Ti'ani and Le'leen have volunteered their services as Warui-jin-spotters. 'vahn and 'rayne, and 'jau, are all eager to see if they can help, too, little brats.* He wrapped a lock of silky emerald hair around one finger and tugged lightly. *I've told them all they won't be fighting except as a last resort. Although to be honest I can't see that stopping them. Warriors at heart, the lot of them.*
      Zha'haabron nodded pensively.
      **True - and very powerful**
      Radittsu slid his hands down to cup tight cool buttocks, kneading gently.
      **When are you visiting the research team?*
      The zn'hre blinked at the change of subject.
      **Later today. It would be cruel to keep the hostlings waiting**
      The Saiyan grinned.
      *I'm coming with you.*
      **Won't you be needed at HQ?**
      *Kyuri and Hijau can manage without me perfectly adequately for a while. I need a break - and I've missed you.*
      Zha'haabron closed his eyes, hissing his arousal as his bondmate started thrusting…

**Would you not rather rest?**
      Zha'haabron and Radittsu were under the shower-spray, washing each other prior to the visit to the library. The Saiyan chuckled, pulling his bondmate tightly to him.
      *Rather not waste the time sleeping!*
      The zn'hre sighed, mildly exasperated.
      **But you are fatigued…**
      *I'll sleep later. I want to see what happens when you power up the jewels.*
      Zha'haabron was silent, expression suddenly doubtful. The Saiyan turned off the spray and ushered his bondmate over to the bathing pool, sliding into the warm water and twisting to face him.
      *What is it?*
      Zha'haabron frowned and lowered his eyes.
      **I'm… unsure of the wisdom of the attempt**
      Radittsu blinked, then growled.
      *What the fuck do you mean? Don't you want to see if we can find out where your people came from?*
      Big golden eyes regarded him silently, then the zn'hre sighed.
      **I don't know**
      The Saiyan cupped his face in one hand, biting back his irritation, suddenly remembering Zha'haabron's reaction when they'd first discovered the zn'hre were alien to R'ren'nkh'ia.
      *Why not, zkai'da?*
      Zha'haabron's eyes were haunted, his *voice* a murmur.
      **Zkai'da, what if they want nothing to do with us?**
      *I thought we'd settled this.*
      The king shook his head.
      **Leteetza put forward her own thoughts most forcefully, and the Hyou-jin have given us the impression that we are at least superficially identical to the zhaneer. But we have no notion whether our antecedents will be acceptable to the original race. We may travel to Zhane, only to find that we are pariah in their eyes**
      Radittsu pulled him close, stroking his back comfortingly.
      *And they may welcome you. You won't know unless you try.*
      The king's head sank forwards to rest on a warm broad shoulder.
      **It is a huge risk. What will we do if they spurn us?**
      The Saiyan snorted, growling,
      *Then they don't deserve to know you! 'bron, beloved, the zn'hre have struggled to survive for millennia, you've endured, and become powerful. If the zhaneer don't respect that, then that's their loss, not yours.*
      **But… Zhane is home…**
      Radittsu kissed him.
      *No. Home is wherever you are. Zhane is just where you came from.*
      Eyes bright, the king embraced his bondmate tightly.
      **Thank you…**

"I watched as they pulled him out into the sunshine, beating his body with sticks, with their tails.
He made no sound.
I watched as they pushed his face into the dust, and mounted him, one by one, to show their dominance over him.
He made no sound.
I watched as he fell into the dust, shaking and bleeding, when they had finished. And still he made no sound…
I went to him when they had done, carrying water. He slowly opened eyes the colour of sunrise, full of tears, and looked up at me.
Still silent.
And I offered him water, making a funnel of my hands so he could drink.
And he looked up at me, and he spoke, though I didn’t understand the words.
'szv'ah'hi'ssa sh'amaas, mazsk'is zh'neer Ss'Aa'za…' "

'zhasaan laid his hand against the screen, feeling tears threaten as always. Of the whole of the Book of the Blue God, that passage always affected him most.
      Szv'ah'hi'ssa sh'amaas, mazsk'is zh'neer Ss'Aa'za.
      It was a blessing, and an expression of thanks, and a promise not to forget that nameless shr'en'an who had offered him water...
      That had been three thousand years ago. Three, not the ten that everyone had believed. Although they'd said nothing, the Feeodoreean team had been concerned about the physical anomalies they'd found, the lack of differences between the original zhaneer crew and their descendents: they were smugly satisfied to have their own surmise - that the crash must have happened much later than stated - proved correct.
      There was little left of the zhaneer scoutship by now. The team on R'ren'nkh'ia had stripped it down to the quasi-ceramic hull, cataloguing, experimenting and studying every last tiny scrap and circuit. They knew how it worked, how its systems operated. They'd reconstructed the drive, and the navigation console: there'd been fully detailed specs and blueprints - almost a 'repair it yourself' manual for the ship's essential systems! - in what they'd dubbed the 'engineering' section, and they'd been written in simple language with numerous diagrams. Very simple language and very detailed diagrams. The zhaneer obviously intended their ships to be easily repairable even by the least technically minded of their crew.
      In fact, the various research teams now knew just about everything the ship had to teach them, almost enough to build one of their own, except that they lacked any way to manufacture the material from which it was built, and some of the substances used for propulsion were unknown and thoroughly exotic. The only thing they hadn't discovered was the actual location of Zhane.
      And now that was, hopefully, about to change.

A whole rank of comm screens had been set up in the library, linked to Feeodoreean scientists across the Empire, and in the cluttered room itself Zaheen, the princes, Zh'nast and her R'ren'nkh'ian academics, a double handful of Saiyan Thinkers and the local Feeds had packed themselves in, recording devices at the ready. Zha'haabron and the yawning Radittsu walked into an atmosphere so tense they could taste it.
      The Saiyan wrapped his tail around his zn'hre's waist.
      *All right?*
      Zha'haabron gazed around the room, at the bright expectant eyes, the encouraging smiles, and sighed.
      **Let's get it done. Then you can rest…**
      He sat in the chair left ready for him as 'zhasaan reached forwards to place the circlet over his hair and the earrings in both ears, then stood back.
      "Papa - focus ki into the stones. Think, home. Think of Zhane. Think of blueness."
      The king half-closed his eyes, focussing as the hostling had said…

Something compelled him to raise his hand, palm upwards. And as the stones began to glow, calmly, smoothly, in unison, an image appeared floating above Zha'haabron's palm, an image of the galaxy. As they watched, unblinking, unbreathing, a tiny globe smoothly rose above the galactic plane and enlarged - Vejiitasei, blue and green and gold, with its sister moon hiding in its shadow. A minute distance from it another image enlarged, R'ren'nkh'ia's dusty orb, moonless and arid.
      And almost halfway around the galactic disc, a little further towards the periphery in an area with slightly fewer stars than their own, another flicker brightened, growing in prominence - a richly blue world, serene, almost cloudless, three small moons girdling its equator.
      Zhane.
      Only faintly aware of Radittsu standing protectively behind him, of the breathless awe in the room, he watched, entranced, as faint calculations formed in the air above the image. Brahdi, the Feeodoreean team leader, was frantically recording everything, muttering under his breath to his colleagues, who were feverishly working small handheld consoles. After a few moments they stopped, nodding to their team leader, who bowed before Zha'haabron, keeping his voice very low.
      "We have the information we need, now, your majesty. You can release the image whenever you are ready."
      He nodded absently, not prepared to stop just yet. He glanced at Zaheen, focusing on what he knew of Zaisan… The Hyou-jin gasped, tail twitching agitatedly as the image of her richly forested homeworld rose from the galaxy hovering above the zn'hre's hand. Zha'haabron nodded. Apparently the jewellery was the scoutship's navigational system.
      'zhasaan was standing beside him, face a little worried.
      "Papa? You can let go now, if you're tired…"
      He wasn't tired - if anything, using the device had left him feeling refreshed and revivified - but they had a lot to discuss. He slowly allowed his awareness to fade, the gemstones fading with it, the image of the galaxy wisping away to nothing, then settled back with a sigh as 'zhasaan reverently removed the jewellery.
      Radittsu wrapped warm arms around his bondmate's neck.
      *You all right?*
      The zn'hre nodded. The Saiyan nuzzled his neck.
      *What did it feel like?*
      The king considered the question for a moment, then smiled.
      **It felt right**
      Brahdi bowed very low, face positively animated with muted excitement.
      "Sire, we know where Zhane is…"
      He glanced over his shoulder, and his aide activated the main screen, calling up a schematic of the galactic disc. Unclipping a tiny laser-pointer, Brahdi indicated a point on the diagram and had it enlarged.
      "Here, sire. It's one hundred and twenty five thousand light years away, directly. However, to get there avoiding the Karilun Empire makes the journey closer to two hundred thousand."
      Zha'haabron blinked, dismayed. The Empire had nothing that could travel that far in anything under a year…
      There was silence for a moment, then Radittsu grinned at Zaheen.
      "Zaisan's - what? two thousand light years away?"
      Zaheen nodded.
      "And it took you about three days to get here? Cruising leisurely?"
      She nodded again, grinning as she realised what he was about to ask. He chuckled.
      "So - can we borrow one of your starships?"