Showdown
Za'rayne slumped, head in his hands.
"Oh not again..."
Zyelenyi sighed.
"I'm afraid so."
"Can't someone else go this time?"
A'lestrel frowned at his host-sib.
"You know you and 'vaasaan work best in tandem."
'rayne grimaced.
"That doesn't make the job any more palatable…"
Zyelenyi was frowning.
"When you have quite finished…?"
'rayne shook his head.
"Sorry, taishi. It's just… the Qeft… I loathe them, arrogant self-righteous he'zk'aanaa…"
"None of us are very fond of them, your highness, but they are, unfortunately, a fact of life."
"They wouldn't be if we just blasted their bloody planets…"
Zyelenyi scowled.
"Please, do share your thoughts with us."
'rayne rubbed a hand over his eyes.
"Nothing, taishi."
"Then might I request you keep your mind on the matter at hand?"
Diplomatically, Kinu interrupted.
"What have they done this time?"
"The usual. Another border dispute."
"Real or imagined?"
"Imagined. Akarusa requested and was granted membership in the Empire four years ago. Now the Realm is saying it's in their territory and they want it back."
Kinu nodded.
"And the inhabitants want to stay in the Empire."
"Fuck of a lot healthier than letting the Qeft enslave them." A'lestrel was sombre. "How should we approach this?"
Zyelenyi grinned.
"We try diplomacy first. If that doesn't work, we use force. Threaten to use force, I mean."
Nice and simple. Except that nothing was ever quite that simple with the Qeft.
"Who's going?"
Zyelenyi inclined his shaggy head.
"Because it's the Qeft, I want a slightly more unusual team than normal."
Everyone stirred; this was the interesting part.
"As we know, the Qeft are strongly telekinetic. I therefore intend to second Korena to the team."
A'lestrel grinned.
"In that case you'll have to include Kuri - and Pasunippu."
The head of the corps shoved a hand through his mane.
"Yeah, I know. Well, Kuri's military skills won't go amiss, and it would be useful to have an archivist..."
Za'jau frowned.
"That's part of Kinu's job."
"Kinu isn't heading this mission."
The silver-maned Zasshu blinked.
"I'm not?"
"Not this time. Your skills would be wasted on the Qeft - and besides, I need you for a different assignment. You and 'jau are headed for Mukudori: I'll explain the details later."
Kinu's eyes gleamed.
"I will look forward to it. I don't know Mukudori."
"You'll find it very interesting." Zyelenyi turned back to the matter of the Qeft. "A'lestrel will be nominal head of this mission."
The prince grimaced.
"I promised Lutra she could come on my next assignment."
"Without my say-so?"
"She caught me at a disadvantage…"
A ripple of amused snickers rose from the assembly as Zyelenyi shook his head.
"You really should learn to control your tenshi."
A'lestrel half-smirked, wryly.
"If you know of any techniques, I'd be happy to try them! Seriously though, she would enjoy it. And from what I know of them, the Qeft aren't particularly dangerous."
"To the Zasshu, no… I'm not sure about this, highness."
"She will be with me; no harm can come to her."
Zyelenyi would have argued, but 'lestrel had that rebellious look about him again. The Saiyan sighed silently and nodded reluctantly.
"Very well. Nevertheless, she will be assigned a guard. Including one special squad warrior."
The prince nodded.
"Very well. And thank you."
Grunting, Zyelenyi turned to Za'rayne.
"You and Ti'vaasaan will go, Haabron and Zoraan, and Ichigo, Ry and Mikan as the family guard. I'll have four va'ha'da assigned to you as well - they're bigger than the biggest Qeft I've seen and should inspire a certain degree of circumspection."
A'lestrel nodded: it was a good team. Korena, Haabron and Zoraan were all telekinetic to a greater or lesser degree, and Zoraan had inherited his sire's 'cold ki' skills. Ti'vaasaan didn't particularly enjoy using his mind-manipulation abilities, but in this instance it might be necessary. And he and Za'rayne had always worked well together.
"And you'll be accompanied by some of the offworld military's warcraft. Just to reinforce the notion that we're serious."
The comment did not go down well - the unstated hostility between the Zasshu in the diplomatic corps and certain members of Nappa's forces was well known. Nevertheless, in a crisis it was good to know they had backup, A'lestrel thought to himself. Not that it would be needed, of course - but the Qeft might respect a show of strength.
Lutra couldn't keep still.
"I'm really going with you?"
A'lestrel chuckled.
"Yes, you really are."
"What should I wear?"
He blinked, considering. From what he knew of the Qeft they didn't seem to be too concerned with decorative clothing: the team would be wearing standard furred bodysuits to combat the coolness of the Qeft homeworld, with his own rank marked by the usual circlet and ornate earrings. He'd had several bodysuits made for Lutra, adapted to allow for her wings, in white, bright blue, and shades of gold, and she possessed some very fine and exquisitely wrought jewellery. A selection of these should be more than adequate, and he told her so. She hugged him tightly.
"I'm so excited!"
He kissed her nose.
"I'd never have guessed."
She giggled and dragged him from the family commlink, where he'd been doing a little last minute research into their temporary hosts-to-be, and over to the sleeping platform, pushing him onto his back, straddling his hips, and wriggling delightedly as he grew instantly rigid under her. He sighed and cupped her face in his hands.
"You really must remember that we will be on a mission. I won't be able to just drop everything for a fuck, no matter how… aroused you feel."
She nodded solemnly, easing the lower half of his bodysuit down and pumping his erection firmly a couple of times.
"I know. And if I don't behave I won't be allowed to go again. But we don't leave until this evening…"
He groaned as she wriggled out of her own trousers and impaled herself…
The corps cruiser was spacious and comfortable, with enough cabins for them all to have one each - which was probably just as well, as the bickering began almost as soon as they'd left Vejiitasei orbit.
Kuri started it. No surprise there. Korena had been surly about being called away from her standard duty - she was very proud of her post as Captain of Buahan Oujo's Guard - until she learned that Pasunippu would also be with them. Her pleasure at the news was obvious, much to her half-brother's disgust.
"He's a fucking hv'vrn…"
The female had kicked him, hard, in the groin. When he could finally see and breathe again, he was nose to nose with a ferocious scowl.
"He's stronger, 'n faster, 'n more intelligent than you'll ever be."
Kuri really wasn't prepared to argue, not right now, with his genitals still on fire. But he was completely confused a little later. 'nippu had spent the first part of the journey in his cabin, linked to the library database and studying everything he could find about the Qeft, but he joined the rest for a meal.
Korena disdainfully ignored him.
The Thinker spent the meal conversing politely, in a low voice, with Ti'vaasaan and 'rayne, discussing possible approaches to try to persuade the Qeft that leaving Akarusa and its inhabitants to their own devices, safe in the arms of the Empire, was an excellent idea. But his eyes rarely left Korena's face, and 'lestrel was a little concerned. The assignment was going to be difficult enough without internal squabbles.
He took 'nippu to one side after the meal and asked what was wrong. The Saiyan shrugged.
"Nothing's wrong, Ssii'irin. She's always like this - except when she feels like being nice."
"It bothers you?"
"Not really. I know she still feels… kind of second-rate, not being full Saiyan. She's trying to make up for it by out-Saiyan-ing everyone." The Thinker smiled. He had an attractive smile, 'lestrel thought absently. "I'm patient. I can wait. She's worth it."
A'lestrel nodded, scenting that Pasunippu was being completely honest, and resisting *scanning* the female Captain: it would be best to let them resolve the matter by themselves…
"The Qeft have convened a council of their homeworld Regents: we will be in discussion with them. Is everyone clear as to their duty?"
The corps cruiser, with the massive warship and smaller carrier with its freight of fully armed strikeships following in its wake, was in orbit over Qeft, and had been for ten local hours while the diplomatic team rested and readied themselves for the assignment. A'lestrel was trying to impress on the primarily-Saiyan members of the group that they must not respond to anything they might see or hear without his own permission.
"The Qeft run a slave economy…"
Kuri growled. The prince glowered at him.
"It is not our responsibility to instruct another species as to how to run their worlds. Annoying as it is. That being said, should we see any inhabitants of the Empire's member worlds being used as slaves, we will of course intervene - but you are to leave that to me, or to Za'rayne, not interfere directly. Is that understood?"
The nods were reluctant, but firm, and A'lestrel smiled.
"Good. We'd prefer to avoid any heavy-handedness here, if possible." He paused, thoughtfully, then beckoned to Pasunippu.
"Would you please give us an idea of what we may expect?"
Blinking his startlement, the Thinker grinned and stepped forwards, nodding thanks to the prince.
"The first thing you have to remember is to never bow to any of them. Only slaves bow…"
Lutra shuddered.
*I don't like the sound of them at all, hab'lan.*
A'lestrel nuzzled her neck.
*Not the most pleasant of peoples, no.* He hesitated. *Are you sure you still wish to come with me?*
She chewed her lip for a moment, then nodded.
*It'll be interesting to see a different sort of winged being. And from the pictures, their homeworld looks very beautiful.*
*Very well. But if you feel at all uncomfortable I'll have Mikan escort you back to the cruiser.*
She cuddled into him.
*Thank you. But I'm sure I'll be fine.*
Br'inaris paused the cruiser to hover in midair, high above the capitol - higher than the Qeft could fly - but low enough to be seen from the Regent's Assembly Court, and the diplomatic team flew down, descending steadily, keeping pace with Lutra's snowy beating wings. They landed several minutes later in the centre of the Court, facing an assembly of seven huge Qeft - all male, A'lestrel noted - who eyed them with both suspicion and disdain, then turned to Lutra to offer greetings.
A'lestrel *opened*, eyes widening, then swiftly *spoke* to the rest of his team, stepping close to his bondmate and circling her waist with his tail.
*Change of plan. They consider anyone without wings to be inferior - which means they consider Lutra a potential equal. She will speak for us, initially: it may be possible to resolve this matter without resorting to force.*
The tenshi froze, and would have spoken, but his tail tightened warningly.
*I will tell you what to say, zk'aida. Stay calm, look unimpressed, and move as little as possible.*
*A… all right…*
She swallowed, then, at A'lestrel's prompting, raised her head, half-closed her eyes, and - managing to keep her voice from shaking - said,
"Greetings in the name of the Saiya-jin Empire."
The biggest of the Qeft took half a step forwards.
"I give you the greetings of the Qeft. Come with us…"
It was interminable. There were documents to be scrutinised and argued over and signed, and arguments to and fro - after the first hour Lutra, A'lestrel still *instructing* her, had announced that her bondmate would now continue the debate: she was tiring, the unfamiliar *exercise* was giving her a headache, and she was sure she could feel some sort of strange, unfamiliar pressure being exerted on her. Mikan scented her discomfort and frowned, glancing at A'lestrel.
*There's something wrong with Lutra.*
He paused for a second, then touched his bondmate gently with his tail.
*What is it, zk'aida?*
*I don't know. I feel heavy…*
The prince paused for a moment to *listen*, then eyed Doypat-fel intently. Yes, the big Qeft was using his telekinetic abilities to make who they saw as the leader of the diplomatic team subtly uncomfortable.
*Zoraan, Haabron, *support* Lutra.*
The warrior Zasshu moved to stand at either side of the tenshi, their own telekinetic powers opposing the Qeft's and relieving the pressure immediately. Doypat-fel realised what had happened and - with considerable irritation, to A'lestrel's *satisfaction* - dropped the 'k-shield from around Lutra.
But they were getting nowhere. The Qeft agreed that yes, the old treaty confirmed that Akarusa had requested membership of the Empire, and that said membership had been ratified by both the Shucho of Akarusa and by the Saiya-jin-no-Ou. Nevertheless, they insisted that Akarusa was in their homespace - and they wanted it back. And no arguments to the contrary would sway them - even a clear demonstration that the Akarusa system was a good quarter of a light year outside Qeft space didn't work: they waved away the objection with the comment that there was a vague and fuzzy overlap of half a light year all along their borders. Which was, unfortunately, true, as 'nippu was able to verify from an incredibly ancient and now mostly disregarded edict made almost a thousand years ago.
"Why was this not produced at the time of the original application? The Empire was in discussion with the Qeft to ensure that nothing of this nature could arise."
Doypat-fel settled his huge wings and looked down on the Zasshu complacently.
"It was of no concern."
"It is of considerable concern to the inhabitants of Akarusa."
"They are not Qeft."
"But they are citizens of the Empire."
"That is of no concern to us…"
The second evening: talks had concluded for the day, and Kuri was ki-blasting tiles off the walls, growling continuously under his breath.
"Fucking he'zk'aan!! Who the fuck do they think they are?!"
Za'rayne whapped him over the back of the head with his tail.
"Destroying their property isn't going to help the situation."
The Saiyan subsided with a snarl.
"I want to go hunting. Is that allowed?"
"No."
A'lestrel shook his head absently, attention taken up with the images of other ancient documents 'nippu had been researching backwards in time to see if there was any kind of counter argument in the Qeft's own judiciary - so far with no success. Then again, as he'd wryly commented to the prince, even if there had been it was very unlikely the Qeft would allow them access.
Kuri hunkered down irritably, tail lashing. He hated inactivity at the best of times. His half-sister joined him, patting his shoulder sympathetically.
*Never mind. The way this is going, you'll get to fight before we go home…*
Pasunippu suddenly paused, blinking, and grinned, finger pointing at a tiny passage in an obscure document dating from over a thousand years ago. A'lestrel read it, eyes widening.
"Well done, Pasunippu-sama. I think this will serve us perfectly."
An urgent chiming at the commlink distracted them: an instant later A'lestrel was face to face with the Shucho of Akarusa. The planetary leader looked shocked and desperate, and spoke without ceremony.
"Your Highness - the Qeft have landed troops on our world."
The Zasshu frowned, knuckles white where his fingers gripped the desk.
"What are they doing?"
"At the moment, they seem to be moving into position close to our major urban centres."
"They have not attacked?"
"No, sire, but they are well organised and equipped. Each is commanded by a trio of greater Qeft, and they have lessers and slave-soldiers with them." The Shucho clasped his hands together. "Sire, we are a peaceful people! We look to the Empire for our protection…"
"And we will provide it. There will be warcraft with you within the hour. In the meantime, do not try to fight. Stay away from the Qeft forces - evacuate if you think it necessary."
The almost tearfully grateful Shucho nodded and closed the connection: A'lestrel contacted the warship and carrier, giving them both orders to proceed to Akarusa immediately. Ry frowned.
"Both of them, highness?"
The prince nodded.
"We are powerful enough to level the capitol and the surrounding countryside without effort, should it prove necessary. The Qeft have no ki - other than their telekinesis, which we can counter easily enough…" He frowned at Lutra, then inclined his head to Mikan. "I want you and Haabron to protect Lutra-sama at all times. If it comes to violence, get her back to the cruiser without delay."
"But…"
*No, zk'aida.* He took her hand. *I won't run the risk of you being hurt. You will please not argue.*
She sighed, wings drooping. This hadn't been the most fun experience of her life, but it had been fascinating seeing her bondmate - and the others - at work. They'd even managed a couple of hours flight, last evening, soaring up into the pale green sky as the sun set slowly behind rank upon rank of mountains…
*Of course, hab'lan. I don't want to cause any problems.*
He kissed her fingers in thanks, then turned back to the rest of the team.
"The warcraft should reach Akarusa in about half a local hour: Kuri, you may go with them. I suggest we wait that long, then roust our hosts from their perches. I think the time for diplomacy is past."
Doypat-fel smirked almost smugly.
"But of course we have landed troops on our property. Once this unfortunate misunderstanding has been settled we will need to bring the planet under our control as soon as possible."
A'lestrel folded his arms.
"You understand that by your invasion of a member world, you have effectively declared war against the Empire?"
"Indeed no. It is not an invasion - we are simply reclaiming what is ours."
"It is not your property. Akarusa belongs to the Empire. Voluntarily. And the Shucho has requested our assistance in removing your forces from his world."
The Qeft rose to his full height and half-spread huge iron-grey wings.
"It belongs to us."
Pasunippu stepped forwards.
"Any dispute over the rights to the world should have been addressed at the time - as your own laws dictate."
Doypat-fel scowled, grabbing the facsimile of the ancient document from 'nippu's hands and perusing it closely. He looked up, a touch of irritation below his haughty expression.
"This was discredited several hundred years ago."
Pasunippu smirked.
"Was that ever codified? I've found no record of it."
The Qeft was silent, his irritation mounting, unable to refute the assertion. A'lestrel inclined his head.
"Do you wish to declare war upon the Empire?"
Ry glanced at the prince, eyes wide.
*It wouldn't be a war - it would be a rout! There's no way these hv'vrn could possibly win even a skirmish, let along a war! Don't they realise that? They have no allies - they've made themselves so fucking unpopular with every other nearby race they've no one to call on.*
A'lestrel sighed silently and shook his head.
*I have never come across a race quite as self-deluded. There's no reasoning with them. I think we will just have to threaten force.*
*You think they'll listen?*
*No. But they will watch.* The prince glanced at Korena, who stepped forwards, tail switching languidly behind her, arms folded over her breasts, lazy smirk on her face. Lutra swallowed and struggled to keep her face impassive, delivering the words 'lestrel *fed* her in a voice that barely trembled.
"We have made our position quite clear. We will accept no interference from the Qeft: you will leave the Empire's member worlds alone. We would prefer not to resort to conflict, but you leave us no choice. Understand that we are, by far, more powerful than yourselves."
The glowering Qeft suddenly stiffened as Korena focussed on him, pulling his arms and wings tightly into his side and *holding* him rigidly upright - then *lifting* him to float his own height from the ground. A'lestrel rose until they were face to face - then *entered* his mind.
*You will obey us. Unless you wish your own people to become our slaves, as you have enslaved others. Tell me, are you still using the ordino?*
The Qeft blanched.
"Yes."
*Shall I fit you with one, to ensure your obedience?*
"They are for slaves! Only for slaves!"
*And what, exactly, are you at this precise moment?*
Doypat-fel snarled.
"Being forced against my will."
*And what is the definition of slavery?*
The Qeft was petulantly silent. The Zasshu nodded.
"Recall your troops now. Before our forces inflict needless loss of life upon them."
Doypat-fel snarled an order at one of his colleagues, who turned and made his way to a commlink, fury in every line of his back and trembling wings. A'lestrel nodded.
"We will leave a warcraft on station on the outskirts of your system. Any attempt to leave, other than for trade - which ships will be closely inspected - will be dealt with severely."
Doypat-fel spluttered furiously.
"You cannot do this! We are the Qeft!"
A'lestrel raised an eyebrow.
"You have proven yourself duplicitous and unfit to be permitted free access to any other space but your own. However, we are not tyrants. We will reassess you on a regular basis, and should you decide to be reasonable we will lift the restrictions."
"You can't do this!"
The prince smiled frostily.
"I have just done so…"
Ry sprawled back against one of the formfitting seats in the small communal space on the cruiser. They were on their way back to Vejiitasei, mission accomplished, Qeft now quarantined to their own worlds for the foreseeable future.
"I don't think we made any friends, aijin…"
A'lestrel chuckled dryly.
"But would you want a Qeft as a friend?"
Lutra shuddered.
"They were horrible! I can't believe how arrogant they are!"
Pasunippu, Korena sitting amicably at his side, glanced up from his everpresent portable console and grinned.
"And they say the Saiya-jin are arrogant!"
Lutra shook her head.
"Oh no. There's no comparison. Do they really think themselves the highest form of life?"
'lestrel sighed.
"Apparently so. They've relied on their telekinetic abilities for so long they simply couldn't conceive of any more powerful form of ability." He rubbed a hand over his eyes. "Though I have to confess we have allowed them to believe it until now - not that I think anything will disturb their self-confidence for long. It's intriguing that they believe their wings make them superior. Not the power of flight, but the instruments themselves." He stroked Lutra's feathers. "Thank you for your help, zk'aida."
She pushed a wing into his touch.
"But I didn't do anything."
"You shortened the length of time we needed to speak with them. It would have taken days longer, of the most tedious to-ing and fro-ing of veiled insults and vague threats, to get to the meat of the matter had you not been with us. And while the outcome was rather less… diplomatic than I could have wished, it is not unexpected."
Lutra moved to sit in his lap.
"It was very interesting, hab'lan. I wish we'd had longer to fly though. It's a pretty planet, all those fabulous mountains."
"Well, maybe one day we'll be able to return and you can explore further… In the meantime, the wet season is approaching - and flying in storms is exhilarating. Have you ever done so?"
She shook her head, eyes brightening, and he smirked.
"Then we must take the time to enjoy the experience…"
© 2003 October 12th Joules
