Dex stood proudly before the human psionics and allowed his displeasure to fill the silence.
"I stand before you as a courtesy only. I will be taking my mate, Jewels Enbran, with me when I return to Felinia. I understand how precious she is to you, but her value to me is priceless. I may only be twenty-five of your Earth years, but among my kind that is past the age when we take mates. I was desperate to find my mate. To find her here is a gift, and one I'm thankful for. She completes me and to separate us is to kill us. I will not allow that."
"Do not try to intimidate us, Gatoan, for we deal harshly with threats," the woman at the far right snarled.
Dex studied the female. That one had to be the leader. She radiated fury and.... He sniffed the air. Fear, he smelled fear. He grinned and bared all his teeth. He felt the shift of emotions from certainty to panic on the part of the Council.
"For the good of your world, don't cross me. I will fight to keep Jewels and you will lose in the end."
He stared down each member, saving the female leader for last. "Isn't it better for you that my mate leave with me? You won't have to do anymore Choosings and lose good telepaths because of her disability."
::Well played, Prince Dex, well played.::
Dex almost laughed at Manroe's smug telepathic message. ::I thought so too.::
"What say you, Council?" Manroe demanded.
"Fine! Take her. That girl is nothing but trouble," the leader snapped.
Dex's tail swished back and forth. He really disliked the Council leader. "Thank you for your...understanding in this matter. May our two species continue on this path of friendship and peace." He turned to Manroe. "Coming?"
"You know what, I believe I will."
Dex only grunted before he teleported from the room.
Manroe bowed to the Council. "Always a pleasure."
"One day you will push us too far, Colonel, and there be no rescue for you."
"Perhaps, but that is something I can live with. Good day." He blew Council leader Cassandra a kiss and laughed at her indignant expression as he rippled and vanished from view.
* * *
Jewels stared at the clock, anxiety filling her heart with each minute that passed. Why wasn't Dex back yet? If Manroe so much as harmed one tuft of fur on Dex, she would rearrange the Colonel's face.
"Hey, Kid, you're going to burn a hole in the clock with your glare," Jeremy chided.
"Sorry! I just have this feeling...." She stiffened, whirled and fell into a defensive crouch. "Jeremy!" she hissed.
He spun and drew his weapon. "What?" His gaze traveled the room.
She froze and stared in shock behind him. "No!" She stumbled backward. "You're dead!"
Adam grinned at her. "You are the fool. I will come for you and your Gatoan Prince. Never pull the wolf's tail unless you can stand the bite." He leered and faded away, leaving Jewels shaken and confused. He should be dead!
"Jewels! Hey, Kid, snap out of it!"
She blinked and Jeremy's face came into focus. "What? Did you see him?"
Jeremy and Elenora exchanged worried glances and Jewels' anger rose. "Don't do that! I hate it when people do that!"
"Do what?"
"You know what I mean, Jeremy! The look that dismisses what I say."
"Jewels, please calm down. We didn't see anyone."
"This isn't happening. I won't let it," she mumbled, disregarding Elenora's plea for calm.
"Won't let what happen, my little human?"
"Dex!" Jewels flung herself into his arms. "Please, tell me we can get out of here?"
"Yes, my mate. Remind me to tread carefully in the future when dealing with your Colonel Manroe."
"He's not my Colonel Manroe, but being wary around him is a great idea," she said as another figure rippled into view.
"Lieutenant, I'm hurt. After all I went through to secure your release from Psi-Ops, you could show a little more gratitude."
Jewels studied Manroe's expression. She wasn't completely sure he was joking. A nudge from Dex reassured her.
"Thank you, Colonel, for your help. And I do mean that."
"I also wish to add my thanks," Renten stated from the doorway.
Jewels jumped and then smiled sheepishly. Not being able to hear others would take some getting used to. "My King." She dropped into a curtsy.
Renten strolled over and she admired his graceful glide. King Renten knew how to make an entrance. He tapped her on the shoulder.
"Rise, mate to my son. You do not bow or pay homage to me. You are family. I have come to take you both back to the ship. Our people wish to celebrate your joining."
She blushed and stared at her feet.
"I'd never thought I'd see the day that you would be tongue-tied!" Jeremy crowed.
"Shut up, Jeremy! You know I hate ceremonies," Jewels complained.
"Get used to it, Kid. You're royalty now."
She sighed. Jeremy was right. Life would be a lot more interesting in the days to come.
"Come, my little Onugrass. Time to say good-bye. My father and our crew are anxious to leave. We have time to get your belongings and settle into our quarters on the ship before we travel to Felinia."
Jewels stroked Dex's silky fur. Yes, time to go. She straightened and went to Jeremy and Elenora. She hesitated and Jeremy pulled her into his arms. He hugged her hard.
"I'm gonna miss you, Kid. Take care of the big guy, okay?"
She started to cry, but managed a choked, "Yes, Sir."
Jeremy stepped back and Elenora added her own hug. "Don't forget to come back and visit, Jewels. We'll be here."
"Thank you. Both of you." Jewels wiped away her tears. "I'll miss you two the most. I will try to visit when I can. I promise."
"We will make sure she does," Dex agreed.
Jewels moved to stand between Dex and his father. She felt dwarfed, protected.
Colonel Manroe came forward and shook Dex's paw. His parting words were for Jewels. "Safe journey. Until time turns and we see each other again, remember we are only a thought away."
She nodded. "I won't forget." She slid a hand into each Gatoan's paw. "Let's go."
"Good-bye, friends," Dex rumbled.
"Bye!" Jewels' eyes glistened with tears as her last view of Earth was the smiling faces of Jeremy, Elenora and Colonel Manroe.