Queen's Quest

Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve Family Reunion

It seemed to take forever, but the time finally came when I could call all of our "guests" minus one, together and announce,

"We'll be arriving over Isseth in a little less than an hour. By now, all of you should have a good idea of what happens next, don't get in a panic, nobody's going to be arrested, as of yet I don't know if we'll land at Star City, or all load up and go straight to Bal Sera, the Palace has it's own private landing field, but they're real touchy about who uses it so we'll see. Anyway, start getting all your gear together, and stay together." Ensign Fashar told me he sensed a great deal of fear and anxiety in the air, but looking at their faces, I pretty much guessed that on my own. As things turned out, we were directed to land directly at the private field at the palace, so I directed everyone to head for the Inkara.

"Well Mynce," I said as I sat down in my chair, "Looks like we're going to the palace landing field, stay sharp, everyone will be watching." The Hologram of Mynce appeared before me,

"Commander, welcome aboard, I tapped into the Nessa's main computer, so I've got a pretty good idea of what's been going on, want me to monitor them?" At first, I didn't think it would be necessary, but them I thought about it some more and changed my mind. "Just be discreet Mynce,"

"the AI chuckled, "Always."

Because we were landing at the palace and for the fact that all three heads of state were there, Lieutenant Geardot and myself had to jump through numerous security "hoops" finally we got final clearance to land. I had the view screen on so that everyone could see us dropping down over Isseth as well as Bal Sera. Lieutenant Tormish gave our guests a running commentary on what they were seeing. I heard Brie's friend squeal with excitement,

"Oh it is Oz, then briefly sang a few bars of some song about going to see a wizard. All of us on the bridge just looked at each other, shrugged and grinned. We were met by heavy security upon landing, prompting everybody to believe that they were being arrested.

"You lied to us," hissed "The Morrigan," Trick and Dayson were equally outraged, but Commander Jina and Lieutenant Geardot finally got them calmed,

"Nobody is being arrested, since Maguire, Kolee, and Trueblood are no doubt here, and this landing area generally being off-limits, they're just taking more precautions, that's all."

We were escorted off the ship by palace security a special detail took everyone's baggage while the rest of us were taken to a large reception room, one that I had been several times. Our guests were then taken to the rooms they would be assigned to while I and my crew were taken to a meeting with the King and Queen's.

We were ushered into Queen Maguire's private office, where Kolee and Trueblood, as well as Maguire's mother were sitting.

"Queen Maguire came over and shook my hand as well as the other's,

"Well done Commander, well done indeed, well we've been sitting here going over the initial report concerning these people, this r**e charge, sure is a game changer, but we wanted to hear from you all, and get your initial assessment." We were offered seats and refreshments as Queen Kolee started things off with a question to Commander Jina.

"This business with the Garuda, that troubles me, any thoughts on that?"

"There are two sides," began Jina, "The dark forces under "The Morrigan" were attempting to formulate a Garuda to assist in a war with the humans, with the idea of killing them or making slaves out of the survivors, Commander Siofra myself and others were able to defeat it, though not permanently. Be careful of this woman your highness, she's very clever and devious, the Fae on the light side are all frightened of her." Queen Kolee then turned to Ensign Fashar and appeared to be conversing with him, nodding her head and grinning. She then looked Jina and replied,

"I think this woman will have met her match with me Commander, as we speak the Guild council is arriving here as well, when she gets in their clutches, they'll eat her for a snack, I'm sure you know who I'm talking about Hah! Oh I also saw in the report one of these people is a succubus, I took the liberty of summoning Malcanthet, who's out in the Cantard on business at the moment, but she'll be here as well." King Trueblood then spoke up,

"What of this fellow who calls himself "Trick" something about him being a "Blood Sage?"

"That's what he claims your highness," I replied, some of the research people on the Nessa were familiar with the term but it seems to be a title that dates way back."

King Trueblood chuckled,

'It is, I put my people on it finding out that it refers to a sort of wizard dating back to the very earliest days of our people's history here on Isseth. It's an obsolete term now, has been for over two centuries, I've got a whole staff of people chomping at the bit to talk to this fellow, hopefully, he knows more than he's telling."

"So, Commander," said Queen Maguire, "What do you think?"

"I shrugged and began,

"Well your highness, these people are obviously in distress, they are the survivors of the Fae that stayed behind…For whatever reason. They are living a hunted life, under the noses of the humans, from our interviews and information; these aren't Pyrrians, or anything approaching them. I think that living as they have and as long as they have like this our earthly "cousins" have developed a certain "siege" mentality, they all have valid arguments, even "The Morrigan" with all her lies and deceit speaks the truth on certain matters, and I think they've reached a point where they feel there's no other option for survival but to start a war with the humans and go for broke."

All three leaders were silent, for a moment, then looking at each other they then turned to us where Queen Kolee said,

"A very astute assessment Commander, one in which we agree. When the hearing begins, no doubt we'll discover more, it's too early to make any sort of decision on what to do about all of this but even with this r**e and assault charge hanging over one of them I promise we'll go into this thing with open minds. In the meantime, you're all invited to be guests at a little function here at the palace tonight. It will be our first opportunity to meet with our "lost tribe" we'll show them what things are like here on Isseth."

"Please be careful your highness," I replied, ""I don't trust "The Morrigan" any farther than I could throw her, she's capable of anything." Queen Kolee smiled, Thank you for your concern Commander, "But so am I."

After we were dismissed, it was back to our rooms. The term "room" didn't do justice to the lavish accommodations we were experiencing. Everyone who was lucky enough to be a guest at the royal palace always talked about their room and all the amenities that went with it. Breakfast in bed, whirlpool baths, but for those used to sonic showers aboard ship it was the showers that were always at the right temperature, and were like standing under a small waterfall. The beds were also noteworthy, not only for their comfort but for other reasons.

Whenever someone informed their friends they would be staying at the palace, they were immediately besieged with lusty stories dealing with either making love in one of the guestroom beds or sharing a shower or bath if not with your mate, then a willing partner of either s*x who suddenly takes an interest in you. That wouldn't be the case this time, we were simply too busy, house staff suddenly appeared asking for your uniforms to be whisked away for cleaning or hairdressers showing up to recommend the latest hairstyle to make you noticed in court. I took a quick shower resisting the temptation to spend another half hour under that incredible water, then was fawned over by the palace beauticians who did my nails applied make-up as well as my hair.

Later, we gathered in a small room, as each of us was pronounced "ready" to meet royalty. Even though we had spent an incredible amount time together, each of us marveled at our shipmates as they were "finished" by those in charge of making the un-presentable presentable. Gretchen was simply gorgeous as was Jina, who by any standard was anyway. Gravin looked very debonair and even Ensign Fashar was looking sharp, his wings glittering in the room light. However, it was our "guests" that really stood out. I don't think they were used to being this "cleaned up" or wearing stylish clothing. Brie and her human friend Kendi were simply astounding they certainly wouldn't be lacking for male captainship or attention tonight. Even "The Morrigan" was looking incredible, although I certainly hoped she was smart enough to loose that scowl she was wearing. Dyson and Trick looked altogether different as well, both would command attention dressed and looking as they did.

As much as these people stood out, my vote went to Ciara the Fairy Queen as well as the devine Fae spirit "The Nain Rouge." Until now they looked rather the worse for wear but the palace experts really did them justice, they literally shined. I think the rest of the crew was rooting for these two as well. Up to now, they had remained in the background, not wishing to speak to us very much. Captain Demlin told me that in his talks with them, they expressed feelings of inadequacy as well as being left out of any decision making, then when we came along, they began to feel totally worthless. Now, looking at them, they looked like the queens they were meant to be they would certainly get noticed and taken seriously tonight.

Finally, after a lot of small talk as well as instructions on royal protocol a court functionary came and announced that they were ready for us.

"Well people," I said, "Let's go meet some royalty."

We proceeded out into the spacious hall with myself, Gretchen, Jina and Fashar, then Gravin leading the procession, followed by Ciara, "The Nain Rouge," "The Morrigan" Trick, then Dyson, Brie, Kendi Balin, Loki and Dulin. We entered the main hall that was packed on both sides with not only the usual court hangers-on but everybody on Isseth who could pull enough strings and wangle a pass into this little affair. The news media was here in force as well, word of a "lost tribe" had spread like wildfire across Isseth and the good citizens were clamoring for a look. Our little procession proceeded solemnly up the center of the room stopping short of the two queens and the king. As military officers, we saluted rather than bowing, then stepped behind the people from earth who then stepped forward and performed a simple bow. I watched them closely for any signs of cracking under all this scrutiny especially under the intense eyes of three rulers, but even though I caught Kendi smirking and bored expressions on "The Morrigan's minions everybody did their part.