Consolation

'raadiin paled.
      *You… not again!*
      'fallon nodded, a little shame-facedly. This time it had been almost an accident: he hadn't thought he could conceive again so soon after giving birth - his first brood was only a hundred and thirty six days old… Although he admitted to himself that he knew, really, somewhere in his mind, that it was perfectly possible, he'd managed to ignore the fact.
      'raadiin had slumped on the bed, head in his hands.
      "Papa's going to kill me…"
      'fallon snuggled up to him.
      "But it was my fault."
      "Heh. You think that'll make any difference?"
      "'m sorry, aijin…"
      'raadiin laid his hand over the little zn'hre's abdomen, feeling the four sparks of ki, then twisted to gaze at his five sirelings snuggled together asleep on the bed. He groaned silently. At least 'fallon had proved to be a devoted host, taking care of the hostlings himself most of the time so Zha'haarak wasn't too burdened.
      But papa was going to be furious.
      He sighed. Well, there was nothing they could do about it. And at least he could now fuck to his heart's content until the hostlings were born…

Za'rayne stood at the balcony, gazing up into the sky, feeling relaxed and excited at the same time. 'vahn was nearly home. He'd missed his twin.
      And everyone was looking forward to meeting the new family member. Members, rather: Papa had contacted Zh'leet, told her that Ta'haarel would be taken straight to the medical centre since he'd be so close to giving birth…
      New siblings!
      Something tugged at his mane, and he looked down to see 'vaasaan standing beside him. He picked up the little hostling and cuddled him: 'vaasaan snuggled into his mane.
      *What's he goin' to be like, 'rayne?*
      The older hybrid chuckled.
      *'vahn *says* he's very pretty. But scared.*
      *'en we mus' make him unscared.*
      *Oh, I expect that'll happen anyway, once he's with us.*
      *'es, but I don' wan' him scared at all.*
      *Then we'll have to be very gentle and quiet with him.*
      'vaasaan nodded.
      *I s'pose.*
      'rayne nuzzled his mane and wrapped a loop of emerald green tail around his waist.
      *Well, not long to wait! They'll be here in three days time…*

Ta'haarel was terrified. It had finally sunk in that his life had changed forever, there was no going back to Zhane, and in a very little while he was going to give birth. He'd taken to wanting Ti'ani near him all the time - and the hybrid was very happy to oblige.
      Le'leen watched his twin and the zhaneer from his place behind 'zhasaan, the little seer cradled gently in his arms.
      *Will they be happy?*
      'zhasaan twisted to glance over his shoulder.
      **You are asking me to look into their future?**
      *Is that a bad thing to ask?*
      **No. But I will not answer**
      The hybrid blinked, then frowned.
      *You won't?*
      **No. I will not look into the futures of the family - not individually, anyway. That would be an abuse of the ability**
      *How?*
      'zhasaan's *voice* was sad.
      **Because you might try to change it - and that could change the future**
      *So what use is the ability, then?*
      There was a moment's silence, then,
      **I haven't worked that out yet…**
      Oh.
      Well, that didn't change how he felt for his bondmate. And no doubt 'zhasaan - and the Ssii'iin - would be able to decide how best to use the knowledge. He cuddled the zn'hre.
      *I'm sure you will, eventually…*

Radittsu wrapped his arms around his bondmate's shoulders, kissing his neck. Zha'haabron was, finally, relaxing as they watched Vejiitasei grow larger in the viewscreen.
      **Home**
      The contentment accompanying the thought filled the Saiyan with joy.
      *Home, zkai'da. Our home.*
      **It will be good to be back**
      *Of course, the first thing Vejiita will want is a full report.*
      **Naturally. But it would be as well to let him know as soon as possible that he can expect nothing of Zhane**
      *Will you tell him about the other colonies?*
      Zha'haabron hesitated for a moment.
      **I… think not… not until we have had the opportunity to explore the possibilities first. I would not want him trying to invade - however... benevolently - any world that might house other zhaneer hybrids**
      *Do the brats know not to say anything?*
      Another brief silence, then,
      **They do now…**

Less than a hundred days to high summer, and the weather over the capital was wonderfully hot... Though Ta'haarel had no time to appreciate it just then. Leaning on Ti'ani, he stepped carefully down from the shuttle - and dropped to his knees, doubled over in pain. The hybrid lifted him quickly, cradling him in strong arms and glancing at Vinas.
      "It's time."
      The Feeodoreean scanned the zhaneer swiftly and nodded.
      "Get him to the centre. I will follow as quickly as I… eep!"
      Zha'haabron chuckled quietly as Radittsu took off, the startled biotech held securely against him, following Ti'ani and Ta'haarel towards the palace. He turned to the rest of the party.
      "I should accompany them."
      Kiraz grinned.
      "Let's all fly, then!"
      "Zaheen…"
      But one of the va'ha'da gathered up the surprised Hyou-jin, following the rest of the group as they headed swiftly towards the palace.

*… hurts…*
      Radittsu was kneeling, supporting the zhaneer from behind on the broad examination couch as Ti'ani held his hand. Tears of pain and fear streamed down Ta'haarel's face; the hybrid kissed his forehead.
      *Not for long, aijin.*
      He glanced down at Zh'leet hovering behind Vinas, who was monitoring the birth closely, one hand laid lightly on the zhaneer's swollen belly. He glanced up as Zha'haabron entered the room.
      "All is proceeding normally, your majesty."
      The king took Ta'haarel's other hand, holding tightly as the zhaneer gripped it hard, panting heavily.
      *… I'm… frightened… hurts, Ssii'iin…*
      Zha'haabron stroked his hair, *soothing* him gently.
      **Try to relax, zk'vissin**
      Vinas had lain his monitor aside, one hand pressing down on the zhaneer's abdomen, the other carefully checking the entrance to his chitsu.
      "Good… good… just a little longer…"
      Ta'haarel gasped as the first of the hostlings slid from him into the Feeodoreean's waiting hands, to be immediately taken into Zh'leet's care, the old brood wrapping the infant lightly in a soft cloth and holding him, a big smile on her face. Moments later a second hostling joined the first, and Vinas half-smiled encouragingly.
      "One more…"
      The third child took a little longer, and Ta'haarel was exhausted by the time it had been born. He slumped back against Radittsu, panting harshly, eyes closing, trying to ignore Vinas checking him for any injuries. Zha'haabron kissed him tenderly.
      **Well done, zk'vissin**
      *… over?...*
      **Yes, it's over. The hostlings are healthy and well**
      He half-opened tired golden eyes.
      *Can… can I see them?*
      Vinas had finished his checkup and pulled a cover up to the zhaneer's waist, then stepped back and ushered Zh'leet forwards. The brood handed two of the hostlings to Ta'haarel and one to Zha'haabron: the zhaneer leaned back against Radittsu as he gazed down into big golden eyes.
      "… they're beautiful…"
      "They certainly are." The big Saiyan wrapped an arm across his bondmate's shoulders. Ta'haarel smiled up at the king.
      "What shall we call them?"
      "What would you like to call them?"
      Ta'haarel chewed his lip for a moment.
      "Zha'haarel? And Ta'haabron?"
      Zha'haabron nodded and stroked the fine green fuzz over the head of the baby in his arms.
      "Fine names. And this little one?"
      The zhaneer smiled shyly.
      "Would you name him?"
      The king glanced at Ti'ani, silently gazing at Ta'haarel and the newborns, and inclined his head.
      "Ta'haani."
      The hybrid's eyes widened.
      *Thank you, Ssii'iin…*
      The zhaneer eyed Ti'ani, his eyes misting.
      "I would like that…"
      Zha'haabron glanced at Vinas.
      "How soon can he come home?"
      "Right away. I want Zh'leet to watch his diet for a few days, and he needs to rest, but the births have caused no physical damage. And the sooner both he and the hostlings accustom themselves to the family the better."
      Ta'haarel smiled nervously and leaned his head against Ti'ani's shoulder.
      "I… I suppose…."
      Zha'haabron rose from the bed.
      "Then let us prepare." He glanced at Zh'leet. "Please will you go ahead, ensure the suite is ready?"
      The ko'ish'n beamed.
      "Certainly, Ssii'iin."
      Radittsu grinned after her portly form as she exited the room, then stroked Ta'haarel's hair.
      "Heh - she's happy."
      Zha'haabron carefully handed Ta'haani to a bright-eyed Ti'ani and rose to his feet.
      "Radittsu will carry you back. Ti'ani and I will tend to the hostlings."
      Ta'haarel nodded, his eyelids drooping.
      "I am sorry, my Ssii'iin. I am very tired."
      "You will be able to sleep once we are in the suite."

Le'leen and 'zhasaan were sitting talking to Zha'haarak and Ti'aasaan when everyone arrived back, and for half an hour there was much quiet hissing over the new additions to the family.
      Ta'haarel had cowered in Ti'ani's arms, eyes fearful. It was stupid, he knew, this was his new family, the last thing they would do was hurt him, but he was afraid…
      And then suddenly he wasn't afraid any more.
      Startled, he blinked, then gazed at the hybrid gazing sombrely up at him from golden eyes - a pretty little hostling with turquoise skin and strange, green-hazed black hair.
      "Thass better… din't want you to be scared…"
      Then Zha'haabron called a halt, and Ti'ani settled the puzzled but exhausted zhaneer down at the inner side of the sleeping platform, where he'd be less disturbed, with the new hostlings cuddled against him.
      It was at that point that Zha'haabron noticed 'fallon's swollen abdomen…

"Papa, it wasn't my fault! We both thought it would be all right…"
      'raadiin was quailing. Zha'haabron angry was a terrifying sight.
      "You are fully aware of our history! You know we do not have periods of infertility after giving birth! And now you've endangered 'fallon's health as well - he is too young to cope with such frequent hostings."
      "But papa, you did…"
      For a moment the young warrior thought his sire was going to hit him, but Zha'haabron clenched both fists, took a long, slow breath, and pointed out, tightly,
      "And I did not want any of you to have to endure the same thing!" He reached for the communit, slamming a hand down onto the connection and ordering Ry sent to the zn'hre's quarters, then turned back to his sireling.
      "Understand this - if you do this one more time I will separate you."
      'raadiin's face fell.
      "But…"
      Ry tapped on the door and entered smartly, saluting formally.
      "Reporting as requested, Ssii'iin…"
      The king regarded him for a long moment, then folded his arms, expression grim.
      "Since my sireling here seems incapable of controlling his inkei, I would like you to join the group, to keep 'raadiin and 'fallon satisfied. This would require you to move into the suite, but you will have your own room. Is this objectionable?"
      It wasn't - but to be honest Ry wasn't about to argue in any case. He'd never seen 'raadiin look so browbeaten and really didn't want to upset the king any further.
      "No, Sire. I would be very happy to do so."
      "Good. It will not be necessary until after 'fallon has given birth, but I would prefer it if you would join us before then, to habituate yourself to the family's life."
      "Certainly Sire." Ry fought to keep his face impassive. To live with the family? Have access to 'raadiin - and 'fallon! - whenever they felt the need to fuck or be fucked? Most of his colleagues would kill for the privilege!
      "Good. As soon as you wish, in that case." He glanced over his shoulder as Kyuri tapped on the door. "Yes?"
      "Your pardon for interrupting, Sire, but his Majesty has called a Council meeting and… requests your presence."
      "Very well. I will be there momentarily."
      With a final glare at his sireling he stalked out of the room. Ry breathed a huge sigh of relief, then grinned and slapped the thoroughly cowed 'raadiin on the back.
      "Heh, thanks!"
      "Don't mention it." growled the zn'hre. Then he perked up a little. "Heh, it'll be fun, I suppose."
      Ry quirked an eyebrow.
      "As long as I don't have to look after the brats…"

Zha'haabron flung himself down into his seat in the Council chamber in a foul mood, and Vejiita's immediately demanding to know everything that had happened on Zhane did nothing to improve his temper. But at least the Saiya-jin-no-Ou accepted what he had to say without arguing - or suggesting they go back to the planet with an invasion force.
      "A great pity." Limau said sympathetically when all the questions had been asked and answered. "I am sorry, Ssii'iin."
      "Nevertheless, it is better to know."
      The Councillor nodded sagely.
      "The immersion capsule sounds interesting. Will we have the opportunity to try it?"
      "If it proves safe for Saiya-jin, I see no reason why not. All the information will need to be copied to our own database, but it would be useful to retain the capsule for general use. Ta'haarel will be able to advise as to its functions, once he is recovered and has adapted to life here."
      "Ah, yes, our resident zhaneer… I look forward to meeting him."
      Buahan and Peyaru were sitting in the session, as usual, and Zha'haabron saw them glance at each other: no doubt they'd want to visit this evening to meet the new member of the family - and in Buahan's case, spend some time with Pirum.
      "I will advise the Council as soon as he is fit to receive company."
      "Good." Vejiita looked satisfied. "Now, let us turn to the matter of the Hassinan." He glanced warily at the zn'hre. "As we expected, the collapse has begun…"