Renten was pleased that the enemy had been defeated, at least for the moment. Soon the battle would be on his turf and then the mutts would see that a Gatoan was not to be messed with. All around the ship his people were celebrating their victory, one that would not have been possible without the humans. They had been the deciding factor.
Happy with his thoughts, he stood and left the bridge. He took the el-lift several floors down to the battle room. He smiled as the warriors roaming the halls stopped to cheer and bow before him. He acknowledged each and every one of them. The battle room was mostly empty when he arrived. Renten spotted Leftclaw in the corner, tapping furiously away on a console.
"Hello, old friend. What are our ships' statuses?"
"My King, the other ships report minor damage. We shall be ready to leave in one Earth day."
"You don't sound pleased, Leftclaw." Renten sat and stared intently at his long-time adviser and friend. "Tell me, what is wrong?"
Leftclaw scowled and he tensed at the Posaima's expression. Leftclaw only got that look when he had to impart distasteful news.
"Your Majesty, while you were negotiating with the humans, I went to check on the Queen as you commanded."
Renten's eyes narrowed. "Go on."
"I found the Queen with one of your guardsmen. She was very much enjoying his...attentiveness."
Renten stared blankly, the words not registering at first. The explanation sunk in and he surged to his feet with a roar of denial and rage.
"Your Majesty! Please, calm down!" Leftclaw ordered. "Both traitors have been imprisoned and await your judgment. The Queen must be removed from her position. She has violated mate-law and shamed the monarchy with her actions."
Renten shook with fury. Rialla had betrayed him! He had suspected her of infidelity, but had ignored his instincts, blaming his insecurity on having a younger mate. Now he knew the truth and it left a bitterness in his heart.
"I've failed as a mate. I should have done more," he whispered.
"No, your Majesty. You did not fail. She is to blame. She schemed from the start to get what she desired. The only thing you are guilty of is wanting a mate to share your life and rule with."
Leftclaw came around the console to stand by his side. "What do you want to do, Ren?"
Renten threw his friend a startled glance. "You haven't called me that since we were cubs. I will decide punishment once we are home on Felinia. No need to damage the crew's morale. How many know?"
"Only five besides myself. They have been sworn to secrecy. The rest is speculation."
Renten nodded and, with a heavy heart, stood to leave.
Leftclaw placed a paw on his shoulder. "Ren, remember, even kings can make mistakes."
"Thanks for your kind words, old friend, but I was warned about Rialla's ways. I thought that having my wisdom and experience to balance out her willfulness and youth would help her settle down." He sighed and flexed his claws. "I need to return planetside to get my son and his mate. I'm ready to take my leave of Earth."
"As am I, my King. We will weather this as we have other such events."
"Thank you, Leftclaw, for all your support."
"That is what friends do. Now, go, celebrate your son's success on his mate hunt."
"Yes, joy must come before sorrow, and my son has waited long enough for this moment." He smiled at Leftclaw's chuckle and teleported to the base to find Dex.
* * *
Manroe stood outside the double doors that led to the inner chambers of the Psi-Ops Council. Consisting of seven of the most powerful and talented psionics on the planet, the Council set policy for all psionics. He had been offered a seat a few years ago, but declined. He knew his talents were needed elsewhere.
Now he stood there, ready to bring them the report from the Fort Blackwater base. This meeting would be unpleasant because once the Council heard that Jewels and Dex were bonded, chaos would erupt.
"Well, I did warn them this might happen," he muttered before entering the dimly lit room.
It was hard to make out the raised dais with the seven seated figures cloaked in shadows. The current Council had four women and three men on it.
"Colonel Manroe, welcome. You have news for us?"
"Yes, I do. We, along with the Gatoan ships, repelled the Lupine intruders."
"And the girl? How did Lt. Enbran fare with the new interface?"
"It took her a few minutes, but after she settled down, her performance was flawless. She kept our skies safe and clear of the enemy. She deserves our thanks."
"The possibility you saw came true. Congratulations, Colonel, on another successful play. We want Lt. Enbran prepped and ready for her next assignment with the Glascoe Corporation."
"Council members, if I may interrupt for a moment."
"Go ahead, Colonel. Speak your mind."
"I must inform you that Lt. Jewels Enbran is not available for reassignment."
"What?"
"Ladies and gentlemen of the Council, our Lieutenant found her true-bond during this mission."
"Oh, is that all? That is good news. We shall send her true-mate with her."
Manroe cleared his throat. "That will be difficult."
"Difficult, Colonel?"
"Yes, difficult, near impossible, I might add. Her true-mate and new anchor is the Crown Prince Dex LoudRoar of Felinia."
The Council erupted in shouts and protests at his words. Questions were tossed at him so fast he didn't have time to answer them. After a moment, an angry hush fell.
"Colonel, it is your job to watch for possible bondings that might occur. How could you allow this pairing? The Lieutenant is the strongest psionic to be made in the last fifty years. We cannot allow this to stand."
Manroe stiffened. "Let me get this straight. You want their bond broken?"
"Yes, Colonel, that is what we command."
"I see. Well, I have to say, that I respectfully decline this assignment."
"Colonel, this is not a game. You will obey the Council's wishes on this matter."
Manroe laughed and even to his own ears it sounded sinister. "Do you honestly think you can bend me to your will? Me, the one who can see all possibilities? This Council has lost sight of what is important for our survival and that of humans. Lt. Enbran and her mate are crucial for our longevity as a group. We need the Gatoans and I will not allow you to destroy Jewels' happiness."
"How dare you!"
"I dare because I know what will happen if I obey your ridiculous order." He reached up and removed his shades. Manroe knew his eyes were glowing. "I'm warning you now that the time of the Psi-Ops Council is nearing its end. You will either adapt or be swept away in the cleansing."
"Colonel Manroe, stand down!"
Manroe glanced at the far left Council seat. The head of the Council sat there. He knew every member's name, their fears, deceits, and desires, even their hopes and dreams. The leader, though, was special.
"Cassandra, remember what happened the last time the Council meddled with a bond. The outcome led to death for humans and psionics. Do not make the same mistake twice."
He felt the surprise of the remaining six members as they looked to their leader.
Cassandra started clapping, her tone was mocking. "Well played, Colonel. We will allow the bond to stand. Lt. Enbran, however, is not allowed to leave Earth. We need all our assets here. Her true-mate can stay here with her."
"Still a 'no?' See, I knew you would do this too. That's why I have someone you need to meet." Manroe turned and Dex appeared next to him. "Council, let me present Crown Prince Dex LoudRoar of Felinia. I do believe that as Lt. Enbran's husband, he has a say in her future plans."
"Colonel, you are out of line!" Cassandra thundered.
"I don't believe so. Prince LoudRoar, the floor is yours." Manroe stepped back and smirked. This was going to be fun.