That morning, the T-Fed Marines and Naval personnel were all in the gym, ready for the Kata. It was just Agatha there with them and she bowed to the attendees before going through some stretching exercises with everyone which led to doing some calisthenics. Agatha then gave a full rendition as everyone watched. She gave instruction on the first two moves to everyone there, correcting balance along with arm and foot placement as well as what that foundational move would eventually grow into so they had some perspective of its purpose.
After that, she had the group follow her through three renditions of the Kata, noting the two moves she had taught them were much improved over the rest of the Kata. With the meeting concluded there were bows and showers and breakfast. The quiche was well received.
After breakfast was out of the way Lieutenant Hill requested Sergeant Major Addams, Lieutenant Cynthia Nesbit, and Senior Chief Jason Ferguson to her office for a debrief.
Hill began, "We have some things we need to discuss for our first report and I want everyone on board with what we will or will not discuss with T-Fed Naval Intelligence."
Addams replied, "You mean about the First Secretary being a telepath? I saw no evidence of wetware when she had coffee and cakes ordered at our meeting with the Ambassador. Also, the Ambassador thought nothing of it. Which leads me to suspect she also has that ability. At the very least, she is aware and comfortable with it."
Ferguson added, "Which begs the question as to why she intentionally let us know of her ability. Is this a test of our fidelity to supporting their mission or are we being slowly groomed to exposure to other family secrets?"
"Most likely both," Cynthia responded.
"So the question becomes, do we report it or let it slide for now and see where this rabbit hole goes?"
Addams replied, "We let it ride. To our knowledge it does not affect their work. It might explain how they are so good at gathering intelligence. But we are here to support that effort, not out them. I am also privy to the fact that Command Sergeant Major Boggs is related to the Ambassador and that Captain Dame Max Anders is an ex black operations Ghost."
"Ghost? You mean that shit is for real?" Hill asked.
Cynthia nodded, "That explains that demonstration yesterday. Anders had super human reflexes against her security chief's cybernetics. No normal human has that level of quickness."
"Enhanced?"
"Definitely. But how is the question. If she is cybernetic it is the best damn work I have ever seen."
Hill asked, "If the First Secretary is able to read our thoughts, how do we proceed?"
Addams responded, "Let me feel her out. They obviously wanted us to know so some discrete questions would be expected. I will report back with my findings. CmSgtMjr Boggs also hinted that the family is suspected of wiping out a major crime ring of tens of thousands of pirates headquartered in a large mobile space station called Freeport that has been operating in and around the ME."
"Well, it would seem the Ambassador substantiated that when she said the First Secretary planned hostilities against 1,000 to 1 odds." Ferguson added, "And given there were no friendly casualties, it means there are other abilities the family has that we are not yet privy to."
"When you talk to them, Sar-Major, let them know we feel their staying on the Deirdra while at the Embassy is a security risk that should be avoided."
The Sar-Major sat at his desk and sent out a query to the First Secretary. It was just moments before her smiling face answered. "Yes, Sergeant Major. What can I do for you?"
"Madam Secretary, I would appreciate a meeting with you, the Ambassador, and Captain Anders as soon as it can be arranged?"
There was a brief pause. "Actually, this request was expected. Please come to the Ambassador's Office for a meeting at 1400 hours."
"I will be there, Madam Secretary, thank you."
With the meeting set, Addams wrote up his initial report to TFNI which he intended to give to the Ambassador for her perusal and approval.
Wubox was the receptionist on duty when Ambassador Crinx walked into the Embassy. Wubox was very professional, if a bit flustered with what was obviously an unannounced official visit. She bowed deeply and asked, "It is a pleasure to see you Ambassador, may I inquire as to the purpose of your unexpected visit?"
Ambassador Crinx was very apologetic, "Yes, I am sure it seems somewhat inappropriate, and I do apologize, but it is very necessary that I speak with The Exquisite Lady. Is she available?"
Wubox nodded and respectfully rejoined, "Ambassador, I will see if she can meet with you immediately. She has an appointment with staff at 2 so let me get things moving for you."
Wubox immediately found the Office manager, Nanzi, and apprised her of the unexpected visitor. Nanzi immediately contacted the Major-domo who in turn spoke to Joon. "Ssomething iss up, Jooniper. Ambasssador Crinx is in the foyer assking to meet with you. Sshe ssayss it iss important."
Joon raised an eyebrow and nodded she would receive the Slarmian Ambassador. "Teffa, I would like you in attendance as well."
*Paula, I need you in my office as quickly as you can come. Ambassador Crinx is here unannounced.*
*On my way! Two minutes!*
Teffa went to bring Ambassador Crinx to Joon's office and when she returned Joon had done some glamour swipes and Paula was standing next to her desk. "Ambasssador Ssmith, Ambasssador Crinx as requessted. I took the liberty to have ssome Moon Tea brought up from the kitchen."
"Oh thank you Teffa! Please stay for our meeting, I think your insights might prove useful. Ambassador Crinx! This is an unexpected pleasure! May I introduce my wife, Paula. She is my diplomacy expert."
Crinx was very unnerved and Joon sensed he really didn't want to be at the Embassy. "Let's have a seat and get to the heart of why you are here. Please, just be frank as you are among friends here."
They all sat around the coffee table and Crinx began, "Exquissite Lady, I am sso ssorry to have dissturbed your day with an unannounced vissit, but I have been compelled to come sspeak with you perssonally. Thank you from the bottom of my heartss for receiving me on this insstant notice."
After a deep breath she continued:
"The Dynasstic Court wanted to isssue you a ssummonss to offer tesstimony concerning the asssault upon your Embasssy. However, it was decided, given the delicate nature of the politicss involved, that I would come and politely assk if you would conssider sstopping by the Court tomorrow at 10:00 to give your tesstimony?"
Paula informed Joon, "Ambassador, you have diplomatic immunity and cannot be compelled to attend. However, the 'optics' of having the Embassy respond positively to such a request cannot be overstated from a diplomatic point of view. The opposing viewpoint is this might send an improper message about the perceived balance and scope of power between the Embassy and the Courts."
Teffa then spoke, "My Lady, it is understood that, if you wished to answer such a request, you could simply direct me as your Major-domo to testify on behalf of the Embassy. After all, it was I who transmitted the formal report on the assault, in a timely and correct manner, in accordance with Concordat procedure. And I was actually inside the Embassy when the attack occurred."
Joon thought for a moment and smiled, "I can see why you were sent and I now understand why you are so uncomfortable. While I do not want to appear weak or give away any rights or authority my office holds, I also want to be receptive to the needs and requests of our gracious Slarmian hosts. I hold the Grand Potentate, your Government, your Courts, and your people in the highest regard."
"However, I was not present during the attack on our soil so any information I gave would be second hand and incomplete. As such, it would be open to question by the defense. Would the powers that be accept my Major-domo in my stead since she can fully cooperate with the Courts and give first hand knowledge of the events that took place?"
"I believe this would strike a fine balance where the Consulate retains its authority while showing its willingness to meet the intended outcome of the Court. My only request would be that my head of security be allowed to be with Teffa as, given the nature of the proceedings, I would have concerns for her safety. Would that be acceptable?"
Crinx let out the breath she was holding. "You are ass wisse as you are beautiful, Exquissite Lady. The day you vissited uss was a bright day indeed. Major-domo Teffa coming to tesstify on your behalf sstrikess the perfect balance for all involved. Thank you ever sso much for your wisse decission."
At that very moment there was a polite knock on the door and Lakita entered when Joon responded bringing a tea service with Wunai Moon Tea. Ambassador Crinx was astonished at the grace with which Lakita served the tea, being such a large and powerful species.
"Would the Ambassador prefer some type of sweetener with her tea?" Lakita politely asked Crinx in near perfect Slarmit.
"A small amount of Terran sugar would be nice, thank you." Crinx responded in her native tongue.
"Thank you so much for your kind service, Lakita." Joon smiled.
"It is Lakita's great pleasure, My Lady Jooniper." Lakita responded as she made her way to the door.
Everyone took a deep breath and relaxed as they sipped their tea. "This tea is truly a rare and most delightful beverage My Exquisite Lady!"
"Please, just Joon, our official business is over. Teffa, please be sure Ambassador Crinx has a large pouch of tea when she leaves us today?"
"Jusst Crinx....ass you ssay, bussinesss iss over."
At 13:45 Sergeant Major Addams knocked on the Ambassador's office door and without much wait Max opened the door to invite him in. "Sar-Major, we are all here as requested" she intoned as she guided Addams to the comfortable chairs around the couch table where she, Joon, and Agatha were seated.
"So, what's on your mind? And please, speak plainly and freely."
"Well, the military here has some questions they would like answered. But before I get into that, I would like to give you a full and unredacted copy of our initial report. Basically it just documents the hierarchy we have discussed and that we are set up for operations. You will note nothing about the family is included, as agreed."
Joon took the memory fob, "Thank you for the courtesy, Sar-Major."
"Before I begin, I just want to be sure, it is okay to voice concerns and questions we have, yes?"
Joon nodded, "Whatever is said in this Embassy stays in this Embassy. You are all professionals and you are entrusted with the safety of this Embassy and my family. Also, all of you hold security clearances so you can be trusted to keep things confidential. So ask away. If we cannot answer fully we will let you know."
Addams took a deep breath and began. "First, it has been mentioned that you are all easy targets when sleeping out in the open in the Deirdra. For security reasons, we would like all of you to consider sleeping in the Embassy at night."
Max nodded, "We will take that under advisement, Sar-Major. You have a valid point. Our intelligence equipment is on that ship and we do our best work at night, so there will always be a small contingent on the Deirdra. But we can work to limit the risk."
Addams nodded approval, "Thank you. The second item is a bit more personal. Joon, you intentionally showed us that Agatha is either a cyborg or telepathic. We were wanting to know which and if telepathic, what are her limitations and under what rules does she read minds?"
Agatha smiled, "I am not augmented with electronics; which I would guess you surmised by noting there was no evidence of a medical procedure."
*What should I tell her?*
Joon looked at Addams, "How much can we trust you?"
"Well, your Uncle has already let me know of your relationship to him as well as the fact Max was spec-ops Ghost protocol. So he obviously trusts me implicitly. To answer your question, my first allegiance is to the Terran Federation and its people and my second is to this Embassy and staff. If what you are going to tell me does not endanger or compromise T-Fed, which I seriously doubt given your history, then you can trust me completely."
After the shock of what Uncle Goat had revealed, Joon asked Agatha,
*Is he being honest?*
*I detect only earnestness, he is not hiding anything that I can tell.*
Max then said, "Sar-Major, if you know about my black bag ops then you have above top secret clearance. What is about to be told to you in this room cannot be spoken of outside this room. It is for your eyes and ears only. You can assuage the fears of your comrades, but you cannot go into details. Is that understood?"
"Understood, Captain."
Agatha then began, "To answer your question fully, I am in constant telepathic contact with the immediate family. However I cannot read the minds of other individuals when they are awake. I can 'taste' emotions of anyone in my proximity and I scan individual emotions for security or operational reasons. I say I cannot read minds of awake individuals because I can walk one's dreams when they are asleep. Again, I do so for security or operational reasons only, except with family. I can also push emotions."
"Do you control the family?"
"I do not. I have no desire to control them. They are my family and I love them dearly. I do things to protect them from harm, though."
"What things?"
"I have made them more resilient and given them what you would call magical abilities."
"That explains the reaction times Max displayed during the demonstration."
Max smiled, "That was just scratching the surface." Max then pulled up her Haste ability and, in a blur, moved to the side of Addams before the Sar-Major could blink and released her Haste after she had placed her hand on Addams' shoulder.
To her credit, the Sergeant-Major only mildly jumped and then exclaimed, "Holy Shit!" Taking a moment to resettle while Max returned to her seat in real time, she asked, "Can all of you do that?"
Joon answered, "Each of us have unique abilities and we have trained them so we mesh as a unit."
Sergeant-Major Zoe Addams just shook her head, you really didn't need us to guard you or your family, did you." It was more of a statement than a question.
"Not really, but the optics are necessary." Joon stated.
"How much does Boggs know?"
"He is in the dark. My Uncle has his own agenda and while some of us do work for Naval Intelligence, the nature of that game means secrets abound."
"How many pirates did the family take out on Golamar?"
Joon smiled, "Good conjecture. I like your perception. Your answer is around 25,000 and we rescued about 1,000 individuals of varying species. All without loosing a single person or captive."
Addams chuckled, "Remind me not to piss your family off."
Joon laughed, "That would be wise. The family is not as powerful as the Lion and his Lionesses, but as a unit and individually, we are the most powerful force in this sector of the Galaxy. We are all special operators with TFNI but, as was stated, they do not know what we are fully capable of."
Addams nodded, "I get the impression I still have no clue."
The family all politely smiled and let that lay where it was.
Agatha watched with Emma and Nikki as Agatha's hand underwent mitosis. The twins had lots of questions and she gave them the answers they sought. Both were overcome with the beauty of the process.
Emma then asked, "Agatha, how does this help us get our separate bodies?"
"Well, Emma, you and Nikki will absorb one of my hands and I will go through a revised mitosis with the two of you. In the end, you will each have some of me mingled with some of you. However, you will be you and my hand will cease to have consciousness."
Emma was aghast and looked at her twin, "We cannot kill a hand so we can have separate bodies!"
*Be at ease.*
Agatha conveyed as she pushed calm into both sisters. "You will not be killing my hand.We are of one mind but many bodies. To put this into terms you can better understand let me say it is more like I am cutting off my hair and letting you have some for a personal hair extension."
"That is one hell of a wig!"
Agatha smirked, "Just don't wig out when we can start to communicate telepathically."
Emma joked, "That is a hairy thought!"
The three had a snicker before Agatha asked, "Speaking of wigs, what body shape would you two like?"
"Oh wow! You can fine tune things to that degree?"
"I really like Joon's breasts, can you give me a pair, maybe just a bit smaller?"
"Oh yes! Mine, too!"
"Oh, and with a nice, perky butt!" Emma added and Nikki agreed.
Agatha cheekily responded, "Tits and Ass are on the menu Ladies!" Much to the mirth of the twins.
"So, Sar-Major, how was the meeting?" Hill asked.
"There are some things I cannot tell you, but I can say Agatha is not a cyborg and is not fully telepathic. She can communicate with her family along with sensing and pushing emotions. She can also invade the dreams of anyone sleeping. She only does that when necessary, however."
"They agree to minimize the risk with being on the Deirdra at night, but some of that cannot be helped. Also, the entire family is very gifted and make one hell of an assault team. Never underestimate them."
"What do you mean 'gifted'?"
"Gifted as in superhuman abilities. That is all I can say. If you want me to keep the trust of the Ambassador and her family, you will have to let it stay there."
"Is this something we need to plan around?"
Addams laughed, "The family took out approximately 25,000 pirates on their own and rescued about 1,000 prisoners without anyone getting hurt or killed. The only planning we need to do is keep fit, keep watch, and get the hell out of their way if shit hits the fan, doing just exactly what they say when they say it. Trust me when I tell you we don't want them even mildly irritated with us. They really don't need us here and we are primarily for optics sake as this family is fully capable of handling pretty much anything on their own."
"Where do their loyalties lie?"
"Family, staff, T-Fed, operations and in that order. Everything else is secondary."
"So they can be trusted as long as the Family is not threatened."
"Lieutenant, I am not sure what would be able to threaten the Family after what I saw; and what I saw was just a drop in the bucket. I would not go up against them with a fully equipped Brigade of Special Operators."
The other three scoffed at that, but Addams kept a straight face.
"Wait, you are fucking serious?"
All Addams said in response was, "25,000 pirates in hand-to-hand combat and 1,000 rescues with no losses."
Dinner was served food bar style and was a smashing success. Paula and Agatha, after making sure it was all safe for Slarmians, gave the kitchen staff a break and put together a Greek affair. The first course was a
Choriatiki, or Greek salad, consisting of sliced tomatoes, onions, cucumber, and olives with a central square of fresh feta cheese served with a simple dressing of olive oil and oregano.
This was followed by some Kotosoupa, a nutritious soup renowned for its curative properties, made from slow boiled and deboned chicken with vegetables and bonnet rice with fresh lemon juice and egg white.
The third course was a serving of Keftedes which are Greek meatballs prepared by mixing lamb mince and finely grated onion with dampened stale bread, scented with fresh mint and bound with egg yolk which was floured and fried in olive oil.
The Keftedes were served with Gemista: oven baked, topped, and hollowed out assorted colored bell peppers stuffed with cooked rice, stewed tomato, herbs, and onion.
Desert was a square of Bougatsa consisting of baked filo pastry wrapped around a sweet semolina-based custard served with icing sugar and cinnamon powder mated with fresh roasted and freshly ground coffee seasoned with a hint of cinnamon.With Lakita's help, the trio made enough for a medium sized army and everyone had plenty with enough left over for the staff to take home for dinner for their families.
Office Manager Nanzi spoke to Joon, but she did so loud enough for all the staff to hear, "Ambasssador: you are going to sspoil the sstaff, ssending them home each evening with family dinnerss."
"Oh? Have there been complaints?" Joon asked, knowing very well what Nanzi was up to and determined to put the kabash on any misunderstandings before anything could get traction.
"No My Lady, but it iss not cusstomary and I would not want the sstaff to get ussed to it."
"Well, that is exactly my intention. Our staff puts forth long hours and I am not about to send them home where they then have to make their own dinners for themselves and their families. I expect them to have productive family time together and if this is one small thing this Embassy can do to help make that happen, then it shall become the status quo for this Embassy. Any objections?"
Teffa interpreted for the Slarmians who did not know trade speak or Terran. To a person they were most appreciative and thanked Nanzi for so diplomatically broaching the subject so expectations could be set and then thanked Joon for her kindness and thoughtfulness.
When Joon was able to speak with Nanzi alone she whispered, "Well done, Nanzi. I am impressed with your approach. Well done, indeed."
Nanzi bowed slightly, "It iss an honor to work for ssuch a perceptive Lady, Ambasssador. Perhapss one day we can have all the familiess over for dinner, gamess, and....perhapss....a ssong?"
"I think that would be a wonderful idea! We are going to take some family time and will be away for about a week. Let's plan to have that a few days after we return?"
"I will ssee to it, Ambasssador."
Nikke and Emma were so excited that Agatha had to help them sleep.
"Agatha, will this hurt?"
"No sweetheart, You will fall asleep and when you wake up, it will all be finished."
"What about magical abilities?"
"Those come with time, as you are able to master them and as they become needed."
"I'm so excited..I...can't....slee....." Nikke didn't finish her sentence as Agatha helped them relax into a deep slumber. Agatha undressed and lay beside the twins and slowly morphed into the twins body.
The morning Kata began early as it was going to be a busy day. Agatha led the staff in the Embassy while simultaneously doing a nude rendition with the family. The Agatha inside the Embassy painstakingly went through two more portions of the Kata and then had the staff do all four portions several times each before going through the entire sequence three times. Lakita was loving the experience and picking up the movements rather easily. Same for the Marines who had some training. The Navy personnel required the most attention, but She was patient and encouraging.
Neither the Navy nor the Marines were too keen on a Largath knowing advanced martial arts, figuring she was a melee beast all on her own...but after the demonstrations nobody was going to question a family member, or a Largath for that matter. One look at Lakita's rolling muscles as she went through the Kata and every member on the floor decided right then and there that if there was any hand-to-hand work to be done, Lakita was taking point...If Vika was not around.
"Time to wake up sleepyheads!" Joon softly whispered into the ears of the twins. They both stretched their corresponding halves of their bodies and then both awoke with a start.
"I feel different!" Was the stereo version of their outbursts. The twins tried to sit up but were having difficulty and they started to fret,
"Did the procedure not work?" Emma asked as she began to cry.
*Easy sisters. Be calm.*
Agatha pushed as she settled them down."Wow, that will never get old!"
Joon and Agatha helped the twins up so they were sitting on the side of the bed. "Actually, what has happened is you have a whole body to coordinate now where you only had half before. Both of you will need to relearn how to walk, eat, and generally move around because you have to move your whole body now....not just your half."
"Wicked!"
"I suspect it will take about a week before you have everything coordinated and can get involved with our family martial arts training. But, with some concentration and some assistance, you should be able to be mobile, if haltingly so."
Agatha added, "I have a mirror if you would like some help standing so you can see yourselves? After that, we can take a quick shower and meet the whole family who are in the Mess waiting for you both to join them for breakfast."
"Do we look the same?"
"You are exactly alike, yes. I did keep the directional hair styles, though. You can change that if you like."
"Cool! Then let's hit the showers. We can look at each other as we do that so we don't keep everyone waiting. Do we have clothes?"
Agatha smiled and handed each a pair of baggy sweatpants, panties, and a form fitting T-shirt. "We will take them to the CQ and take a shower with you for safety reasons."
Nikki and Emma were helped up and they both had to concentrate on walking, with a bit of help from Joon and Agatha.
"It will get better rather quickly, your brain already knows what to do, it just has to learn to do it for both sides. Once the muscle memory kicks in you will be fine."
"What you are saying is we have to practice."
Joon replied, "Yes, and you have time scheduled on Max's treadmill after Breakfast. We will take it nice and slow and speed up as you get the hang of it."
When Nikke went to get into the shower, Emma gave out an appreciative fox whistle. "Dayum sis! You have a very hot ass!"
Emma smiled, "And your tits are to die for! I love your puffy areolas! And such an hourglass figure! Agatha, you do good work! Thank you so much for getting us wigged up!"
Joon looked at Agatha with a raised eyebrow who snickered, "The twins didn't want to kill a hand so they could have separate bodies and I explained to them it was more like I was cutting my hair to give them each some hair extensions." Soon after the wig jokes started."
Agatha and Joon took one twin each and bathed and dressed them rather quickly as the others were waiting. When the pair reached the mess there was a weeping chorus of Happy Birthday as each family member gingerly hugged and kissed their sisters.
Breakfast was a flour tortilla wrapped around slices of bacon, scrambled eggs, and hash browns with a light picante sauce in deference to the twins as the family was told what to expect concerning their coordination issues beforehand.
Astrid fanned herself, "You two are hawt! Any chance you would be interested in some adult playtime this afternoon?"
Emma grinned even as she blushed and Samira laughed, "THAT was a big yes!"
"Actually, Nikke and I have decided our first sexual encounter will be the two of us in sixty-nine...with the family watching. If everyone is okay with that?" Emma asked with raised eyebrows.
The family smiled and Vika spoke up, "I get to play with a set of those tits first! I call dibs!"
Everyone laughed and Max mentioned, "Not sure they can be divvied up like a side of beef there, Vika."
Nikke laughed, "Oh yes we can!"
Breakfast immediately devolved into some way to humorous haggling about which sister was getting which twin's body part to play with. Soon a bidding war erupted and the twins were laughing their asses off. It was total chaos...and everyone loved having a good time with it.
After breakfast, Joon and Agatha took the twins to the cargo bay and started them on the treadmill at a very sedate walking pace. Initially pausing the machine when needed with the halting gait of each of them. Soon, however, they began to move more fluidly and were able to perfect their gaits. After 45 minutes each, they were walking normally, their enhanced brains able to adapt quickly to working both sides of their bodies.
Teffa was dressed in the Slarmian equivalent of a smart business suit. Zuki had bathed with her and tried her best to help Teffa with her nerves.
"Zuki, I am nervous. How shall I respond if I am asked how we knew to be prepared for an attack?"
Placing two of her hands on Teffa's shoulders, Zuki smiled, "Tell them you saw them coming just in time on the security cameras. And as for the traps, well, it is an old building and the staff was in the middle of renovating the electrics in those rooms. There may have been some short circuits on the metal door frames that shocked the assailants. Otherwise, answer any questions completely but with the least amount of information as is necessary. Easier to stay out of trouble that way. But, remember, you can refuse to answer any question you do not feel comfortable with. You are covered under the Ambassador's diplomatic immunity and you are there as a courtesy."
Vika helped Samira dress in her combat load out and her tabbard, cinched at the waist with a woven grass cord. When they were finished, Vika looked into her eyes and said, "Sam, do not let Teffa get more than a few feet away from you, even when she is testifying."
"Understood." Samira new better than to ask for specifics, but if Vika was worried there would be trouble, she took her advice to the bank.
Nanzi let Samira and Teffa know the Limousine was waiting for them out front and the two left the Embassy with lots of hugs and reassurances. Zuki wanted to go with Teffa but Vika intervened, "She will be fine. You can watch it all through Paula's mirror with the rest of the family if you like."
Joon booped both of them on the nose, giving them her bless magic as Teffa was talking to Zuki.
Zuki heard the unspoken in Vika's message but put on a brave face for Teffa. She looked into Teffa's eyes and smiled, "I will be right here when you get back."
Teffa squenched her snout in a playful acknowledgment as Nanzi opened the main doors aaaand, at the door was not just any Limousine...It was the Grand Potentate's personal conveyance. There were also half a dozen police escorts. Holding open the door to the Limousine was none other than Polkovnik Emuzi the Grand Slarmian Dynasty's Naval Infantry Officer in Command of the Palace Security Regiment.
"The Grand Potentate, Zalix the Eighth, sends his highest regards, Major-domo Teffa. If you have any needs, please do not hesitate to ask."
"Thank you for your kindness and personal escort. Please let The Grand Potentate know his gesture was very much appreciated."
Samira and Teffa sat in the opulent passenger compartment while Emuzi sat in the front with the driver. Teffa looked at Samira who returned the look with a smile and a wink, "You have certainly come up in the world, Major-domo Teffa. No longer are you the endearing limousine driver you were when we first met."
Teffa disagreed, "Yess I am Ssamira. Teffa hass not changed."
Samira agreed, "Teffa has not changed, no. But Teffa's political and social status has. Teffa is now the Major-domo to the Exquisite Lady Ambassador Jooniper Smith and is a close associate of the Hero Dame Max Anders. The Grand Potentate wanted to remind everyone that you are attending as a courtesy and discourtesy will not be tolerated. You are a very powerful person, Teffa."
Teffa sat a little straighter in her seat and nodded, "Thank you, Ssamira. That iss jusst what Teffa needed to hear." She held Samira's two right hands in her two left hands and they enjoyed a quiet ride to the Courthouse.
Upon arrival, Emuzi rushed to open the door and offer a hand to assist Samira and Teffa out of the Limousine. There were lots of reporters there shouting questions, mostly about why the Terran Embassy Major-domo arrived in the Grand Potentate's car and what relationship did the Major-domo have with the Grand Potentate Zalix the Eighth. The police escort formed a protective ring around Samira and Teffa and escorted them into the building.
Security personnel asked Teffa and Samira to pass through the scanners and Emuzi waived them away, going for the bypass that all law enforcement used, saying "Major-domo Teffa and her bodyguard are afforded police level access by order of the Grand Potentate."
Security raised eyebrows but said nothing, knowing full well that what was happening before them was way over their pay grade.
All the family and Sergeant-Major Addams were in the in the Deirdra's mess and Paula scryed with her mirror on Samira and Teffa as they exited the limousine at the courthouse. Paula made her mirror large enough to give a panoramic view and allowed everyone to watch and hear the proceedings.
Everyone was quiet and after the shock of actually seeing a magic mirror on the wall, Addams cheekily asked, "So, Joon, are you the fairest of them all?"
Joon winked, swiped a glamour over herself and snarkily replied, "I am hurt that you even had to ask!"
With a chorus of shushes, the group got quiet and listened to the exchange with security.
Samira was on constant threat assessment, after getting Vika's warning, and she stuck to Teffa like fly paper. They were escorted to seats directly behind the prosecutors and Teffa made eye contact with Durx who was sitting with the other captives from the Embassy assault team. She felt sorry for him; but that did not change the fact he had tried to kill her and the other Embassy staff. He was a stark reminder of how some decisions will effect your life in unseen ways.
Soon after sitting down, the Judge entered and the Court was brought to order. Teffa was the first one called to the stand and she began to make her way to the box where she was to stand. Samira began to follow her and Judge Shevast cleared her throat, "Jusst de Major-domo, preess."
"Your Honor, I am the Major-domo's security and I have strict orders from the Exquisite Lady Ambassador Jooniper Smith to stay by her side. With all due respect, if she is to testify, I am standing next to her."
Judge Shevast was taken aback, not being used to being confronted in her own courtroom. After a moment's consideration she nodded and the two approached the box. Samira was on high alert and turned to face the audience. There was an upper level of seating that was not apparent upon entering from the back and the whole place was standing room only.
Max asked, "Paula, can you give us a view of the balcony area? If there is to be an attack it will likely come from there as it is high ground."
Paula narrowed and widened the mirror and had it do a running scan back and forth across the balcony. Joon took one look and said, "I see three possible threats, their body language is not right." She pointed them out and the mirror isolated those three while continuing to scan.
*Samira I am sending you a mental image of three suspects Joon is uncomfortable with. One straight behind Teffa and one on each side. All on the upper level. Sending you a mental image now.*
Samira received the images and quickly identified the three. Each of the three were wearing police uniforms and attempting to make their way to the front of the balcony, getting a clear line of sight. Samira, very unobtrusively, made her four arm lasers ready to fire and cleared her tabbard from her thighs for immediate access to her Oricalcum pistols.
The State Prosecutor asked Teffa, "Major-domo Teffa, would you please recite the events as you remember them on the night in question?"
"Yes, revered Prosecutor. I was monitoring cameras the staff had placed on top of and around the Embassy when I noted an air craft was violating our airspace. Concurrently I noted two vehicles stop in front of our main door. I locked the blast doors to the front as I let the staff in attendance know we seemed to be under attack. I notified the correct authorities in accordance with Concordat procedures while the staff quickly armed themselves to repel the attack and we were successful in thwarting it with no casualties, even taking a few prisoners which we allowed the police to interrogate."
"Major-domo Teffa, do you recognize any of those whom you took prisoner here in this courtroom?"
Teffa nodded and was about to point to the defendants when Samira spotted the central figure pull out an SMG and move to aim it at Teffa. Samira immediately yelled, "Teffa! Get down!" Samira activated her hard light armor and jumped between the assailant and Teffa while aiming all four of her lasers on the assailant. Three targeted the SMG and one targeted the assailant's eyes, burning them out of his head. The barrel of the SMG quickly melted under the heat but not before several rounds had been fired, all of which bounced off of Samira's hard light shielding.
Samira concentrated on her shields and was able to envelop Teffa as well just as her peripheral vision caught sight of two grenades being hurled by the other two suspects. Samira knew she and Teffa were safe...but the rest in the courtroom would likely be dead if she didn't do something fast.
Deep down in her being Samira felt an itch. She flung herself wide to it and instantly 5 shafts of hard light shielding struck out from her body, their terminating ends enveloping the three assailants as well as the two grenades.
Within a blink of an eye the two grenades exploded with bright flashes of light and loud booms. The hard light shielding not affecting the sounds or lights of their explosions.
As soon as the explosions were contained Samira had her four pistols out and demanded everyone get on the ground. It was chaos in the courtroom. But, to their credit, Emuzi and his palace security officers jumped and subdued the three assailants as Samira's hard light projections lowered them to the ground floor.
"Emuzi! Clear a path! We are outa here! Teffa! Jump onto my back and hold on!"
Teffa jumped up and held on for dear life. Emuzi grabbed two officers and they literally bulldozed their way through the maddened crowd. And the group was inside the Limousine and exiting the area within 30 seconds.
"Back to the Embassy?" Emuzi asked in Slarmiti forgetting to use trade speak in the excitement.
"Ssamira, to the Embasssy?" Teffa translated.
"Yes. And stop for nothing!"
Teffa translated to the driver and Emuzi and the driver put the limousine through its paces, tearing through the streets with abandon.
Max began to give orders. "Addams! Secure the front of the building! They will be coming in hot and we want them under cover the instant they get here! Agatha! Get the Deirdra airborn! Battlestations everyone!"
Astrid ran to get into her battle bots and as soon as the cargo bay doors were opened she shot out and moved to intercept the limousine so she could provide air cover for their return. Max, Vika, and Agatha shot out of the main hatchway with Addams who was shouting orders over his comms, putting the Marines on high alert and moving a contingent to the roof with anti-air munitions and the front door to secure the perimeter.
On one straight-away the limousine driver saw an airship, not dissimilar to the one that attacked the party with the dignitaries, doing a strafing run at them from straight ahead. The driver was able to veer clear of the laser blasts but as soon as they passed the airship tuned to make another run.
*We are under attack by an airship!*
Astrid responded,
*On it! I have them in my sights. Neutralizing!*
Astrid's bots flew by and engaged the airship, destroying it with the initial salvo.
*Another airship is on an intercept course, moving to engage!*
It never got close.
The front doors to the Embassy burst outwards and a squad of Marine Spec Opps troops with Vika and Max standing at the apex formed a semicircle in front of the doors just as two large trucks came to a halt fifty meters away. Twenty-five fully kitted assailants piled out of the backs of each of the covered trucks and Max pulled her bow.
"I got this."
Max pulled up her haste and let loose with 60 arrows within 5 seconds and took out all fifty assailants with perfect head shots, disabled both of the trucks, and killed the drivers.
Vika laughed, "GOOD SHOOTIN TEX!"
The Marines were slack jawed until Sergeant-Major Addams barked, "Pay attention to your fire arcs Marines! The limousine is ETA three minutes!"
At that moment, three 12 foot tall, bull Largath bellowed a battle challenge from the other side of the road. They had just cleared the corner of the building in full battle armor and were running dead at the Marines.
Vika hollered, "Hold your fire! I got this!" With a poof of purple smoke Vika appeared before the charging Largath and before they could train their rifles on her she let loose with 24 wind blades, blinding the Bulls before she poofed and reappeared on the back of one Largath at a time, driving her dagger into the base of their brain before popping onto the next until they all lay dead in the street.
Vika popped back to the perimeter just as Steiner mumbled to the Marine next to him, "Remind me to thank Lakita for saving my ass at the demonstration."
"Roger that, Marine! Was all he managed to say."
*Samira, we just cleared the street of 50 Slarmian assailants and 3 bull Largath. Tell your driver to run on past them, the area is secure.*
Samira relayed the message to Teffa who translated on the spot to save time.
"Polkovnik Emuzi as you are the Grand Slarmian Dynasty's Naval Infantry Officer in Command of the Palace Security Regiment: I, Major-domo Teffa, hereby formally advise you that the Terran Embassy and it's staff are again under attack."
Emuzi was not amused though he did smile at the Major-domo's attempt at humor. "I have no doubt that heads will roll. I suspect The Grand Potentate will now meet no resistance declaring martial law until this is completely dealt with. This has now officially become an Executive matter as the office of Potentate has now been publicly embarrassed."
Just then the limousine breached the defensive perimeter of the Embassy and Max opened the limousine's doors, "Everyone inside! Move it!"
Everyone in the car, including the driver, immediately moved. The driver reading body language making verbal understanding unnecessary.
The Marines closed around everyone and backed into the Embassy, closing the blast doors with improved locks as they passed.
Sergeant-Major Addams called his Marines over and quietly stated, "You saw nothing. Understood? This is eyes only stuff and is above everyone's pay grade."
Steiner laughed, "Who would believe us? Who of us wants to end his or her career? You're damn straight Sar-Major, I didn't see shit!"
Max looked to Agatha,
*The Deirdra's sensors picking up any more hostile traffic?*
*The air traffic lanes are alive with military and Bazaar security ships, it is getting crowded up here. No more hostiles on sensors. Astrid is doing a wide sweep to be sure before docking and we will be returning to the Embassy.*
*Full debrief in 30 minutes in Joon's office.*
*Yes, my Captain-Wife.*
When the shit hit the fan, Nikke and Emma hit the cyber net to gather all the intel they could. While the hands of Agatha monitored the military and police traffic, they focused on electronic communications coming from and going to the Palace and the Embassy techs focused on the public sector. The data collected was a windfall for the intelligence side of the group.
After Astrid verified the area around the Embassy was now clear she pushed her thoughts to her drones, complimenting them on a job well done. While not fully AI, the drones did have personalities and were proud of their performances, expressing their appreciation for her praise. The drones mustered in the cargo hold and shut down to standby mode after a data dump into the Deirdra's main computer. Astrid was disgorged and she walked up to the Bridge where several hands of Agatha were manning fire control, communications, and piloting. The place was quiet as a mouse since everything was being coordinated via telepathy between the hands.
Agatha at fire control threw Astrid a mental hug,
*You saved them. You know that, right?*
Astrid smiled,
*My kids did a fantastic job, today. I made sure to tell them so already. But, thanks.*
Polkovnik Emuzi, Agatha, Samira, Astrid, Max, Joon, Vika, Sergeant-Major Addams, Lieutenant Cynthia Nesbit, Lieutenant Walter Hill, and Senior Chief Jason Ferguson, Zuki and Teffa (Zuki was not leaving Teffa' side) were all in Joon's office, sitting uncomfortably and waiting for Joon to begin. The Marines were still on high alert, watching the perimeter and the Navy personnel were still monitoring the digital traffic.
Emuzi asked, "May I be allowed to update thingss from the Dynassty'ss sside?"
Joon smiled and agreed.
I have just been in contact with the Grand Sslarmian Police Chief in a conference call with the office of the Grand Potentate and my ssecurity office sstaff. No move has been made againsst the Grand Potentate, however he iss being clossely guarded until this debacle can be ssorted out. The three captivess from the courthousse are being interrogated ass we sspeak by Insspector Yzix, who will also ssoon be coming by to deal with the deathss of the asssailantss in the sstreetss."
"I have been forwarded a video from an adjoining building that sshowss ssome very interessting thingss. I apologize, but the video recorder was placed there by my office, I hope you undersstand."
"Joon smiled, "Emuzi, I would be very surprised if that had not been done. It will always be in your people's best interests to know who is visiting the Embassies on Staverka. No offense is taken."
"Thank you for your undersstanding, Exquissite Lady." Emuzi bowed deeply. "I have questionss that need ansswering before otherss make it here, if I may?"
Joon nodded, "Please, continue."
"Firsst, the airsship that ssaved our livess in the limoussine? I do not believe I recognize it, though it did have liness ssimilar to a Dauchazi battle drone, if a very heavily modified one."
Astrid asked,
*What can I tell her?*
Joon looked at Emuzi, "I take it this is information that cannot be contained?"
"Several Naval vessselss who were ressponding to the attack do have documentation, and I ssusspect sseveral citizenss may have video ass well."
Joon nodded,
*Go ahead and be honest.*
Astrid looked at Emuzi, "I was inside that flying craft. It is actually a composite craft of several highly modified Dauzakai drones and is a very powerful defensive craft."
"I mean no dissresspect, Misss Komatzu, however, what I ssaw wass a very capable craft. Capable of both offenssive and defenssive operationss. I take it your air craft only came out becausse of the threat to the Conssulate sstaff?"
"That is absolutely correct, Emuzi. We are not an invasion force. We are diplomats who just happen to be able to defend ourselves."
"Thankfully sso, Misss Komatzu. I have no doubt our driver, mysself, and your Major-domo are sstill alive ssolely becausse of your timely intervention. When assked I will emphatically expresss the craft iss sspecifically for usse in defensse of the Embasssy and wass brought online in ressponsse to the earlier attack on your ssoil."
"Which would be exactly how we see it, Emuzi," Joon agreed.
"Ssecond thing, Ssamira. It would sseem you not only have lasser rifless in your armss but alsso can alter their power output. One asssailant was blinded with little damage to hiss face while the rifle he carried wass literally melted and even cut into piecess while sstill in hiss handss."
Samira nodded, "You are very observant, Emuzi."
"Misss Ssamira, I alsso note that you have some type of adaptive body sshielding? Itss exisstence iss remarkable but what really impresssess is you can manipulate it to envelope other people or objectss. Iss thiss technology widely ussed in Terran Federation Sspace?"
"I can tell you for certain, it is a one-of-a-kind type of shielding of my own invention."
"Would one be able to aquire thiss technology?"
"Sorry, Emuzi, it is not available."
Emuzi nodded, "I apologize, but I had to assk."
Just at that moment there was a chime from Sergeant-Major Addams's video phone on his wrist.
"Whatcha got?"
"Sar-Major, there is a shuttle carrying an Ambassador Crinx who is asking for permission to land on the pad. Do we have permission to allow the shuttle to land?"
Joon nodded.
"Let them land and escort the Ambassador directly to Ambassador Joon's office."
"Roger that, land and escort. Out."
"Thiss bringss me to the video outsside. Would you like to ssee it?"
"Yes, please!"
Emuzi tapped his comms device and a hologram appeared in the center of the room. It displayed the moments just before the Marines came bursting out of the Embassy up to the point the Limousine pulled up. It clearly showed Max pulling a bow out of thin air and with eye-blurring speed, loosing dozens of arrows. It also showed Vika disappearing and reappearing in puffs of purple smoke as she attacked the Bull Largath. The Skerawk wind blades and glass like knives appearing out of nowhere and then, after a few moments, disappearing into thin air.
The military people present, with the exception of the Sar-Major, went white as ghosts.
Emuzi looked at the video and quietly whispered, "I don't know where to begin. I mean, are thosse hard light consstructss?"
Max smiled, "Something along those lines, yes."
"I musst assk, Sstarchild: iss thiss your doing?"
Agatha smiled, "You seem very well informed, Emuzi."
"I am not the head of Palace Ssecurity becuasse of my rugged good lookss," Emuzi smiled.
"Yes, I am a Starchild. Yes I have imbued my family with fantasy class abilities. No, I have no desire to rule over anyone. And what I just told you is for your eyes and ears alone."
Emuzi nodded, "Sso I will be correct in sstating it is technology that is very limited and few posssesss it and it is not for ssale."
"You would be correct and honest as far as that goes, yes."
"Thank you all for trussting me. I will keep your ssecretss ssafe."
Sergeant-Major Addams looked at the Lieutenants and the Senior Chief, "Now you know. It seems this little fiasco has revealed a few things that are not for publication on any report, to any one. I have operational control of this unit and I am exerting my authority in this matter. It is none of our business."
The three just looked shocked, dumbfounded, and speechless.
There was a polite knock at the door.
Max walked over and opened the door to Ambassador Crinx. "Come in, Ambassador. We were just finishing our debrief of today's unfortunate incident. I am sure the Grand Slarmian Dynasty's Naval Infantry Officer in Command of the Palace Security Regiment can fill you in later. How might we be of service?"
"I have been sent by Grand Potentate Zalix the Eighth to express his complete embarrassment. He wishes to assure everyone he will stop at nothing to hunt down those responsible and has instituted martial law as well as issued a statement of summary justice against all involved."
Both Zuki and Teffa gasped and Emuzi blinked.
"Teffa, could you explain your reaction? I seem to be missing something," Joon inquired.
"It meanss all thosse who were involved, upon confirmation, are to be executed on ssight! The Judicial branch iss out of the loop! Thiss has now become a military action!"
Joon nodded, "Ambassador Crinx, Please tell the Potentate we appreciate his dealing swiftly with this situation, that we still hold the Slarmian people, His Majesty, and his rule in the highest regards."
"Please also inform him that I will be departing with my family for a vacation while things settle down here; but that is not to be taken as misgivings of any kind or as a change in policy. The family just needs to get away for a while and with us not here, it gives time, without us as a distraction, for his majesty to deal with today's events in any way he feels is necessary."
"Additionally, my report to the Terran Diplomatic Office shall include nothing but praise for the manner in which things have been handled and that the risks to the Embassy have now been permanently removed."
"On behalf of the Grand Potentate, we thank you, Exquissite Lady. Your patience and undersstanding in thesse matterss hass been mosst appreciated. Upon your return, the Palace would like to have a banquet in your honor to formally recognize your effortss and the actionss of your family and sstaff."
"That would be wonderful! We gladly accept the invitation. Please make arrangements with my Major-domo."
"Commander Emuzi, would you like to return to the Palace with me on my sshuttle? I am ssure you will wissh to return as quickly as posssible? There iss a military esscort for your driver and the limoussine."
"By your leave, Exquissite lady."
"Absolutely, Emuzi. Would you do me one favor?"
"You need but name it."
"Would you forward to my office a copy of your report when you submit it? It would be most helpful when I file mine and my office will reciprocate the courtesy."
"Conssider it done, Exquissite Lady."
Lieutenant Cynthia Nesbit, Lieutenant Walter Hill, Sergeant Major Zoe Addams and Senior Chief Jason Ferguson reconvened in Lieutenant Hill's office.
"What the fuck did we just witness!"
"Fantasy class abilities? What does that even mean?"
"What is a Starchild? Are they a threat to the Terran Federation?"
Addams just shook her head. "This is why you didn't need to know. Everyone just take a deep breath and chill for a moment. If you want to know about Fantasy class abilities I suggest you read up on it. There is a plethora of information on the holo-net. As for Agatha being a Starchild, it is a being known by some in the M.E. but, not by T-Fed. She is a new species for us. As far as her being a threat, everything she has done says differently. Until that changes, we don't report it. Boggs is aware."
"Who the hell are these people?"
"Better, what the hell are these people?"
"Even better, are they still people?"
Addams just shook her head again, mumbling to herself this was going to be a long ass evening.
Max looked at Joon and broadcast to the family,
*You have 10 minutes to pack, we are heading out to upload and then taking a vacation to Terran space. Agatha and Una will stay with the staff as before. Astrid, call your aunt, ask her if we can visit. Joon, let mom and dad know. Inform all three this is not for publication. This is supposed to be a holiday, not another mission.*
The family went into overdrive as they packed for the trip. A hand informed both Nikke and Emma who asked if they could visit Nanna, Naja Yolanie Xander. Agatha relayed the request and Max thought for a moment,
*If we can make that happen we will. I would like to meet her as well.*
*Agatha, how long until we can do a data dump to T-Fed, given you will edit out the obvious use of powers?*
*Working on correlating all the data sources as we speak. Give me 30 minutes and I will be ready to transmit. Between the twins and the Embassy spooks, and our earlier stuff, we have approximately two and a half hours of transmission time.*
Everyone was on board in 9 minutes and the Deirdra lifted off. "Coms, please let the Slarmian traffic control know we are heading out of system. Tactical, passively scan for intercepts or suspicious activity. Set a hyperwarp jump to Terra and after entering FTL lets go dark and hit our asteroid for the upload."
Three hands replied simultaneously, "Aye Captain."
The Deirdra nestled up to their asteroid and the skin changed color to blend in. There were no contacts on the sensors and Agatha began her upload. Max went into dark corners.
Ms_Muffit has entered dark corners.
BG_Gruff has entered dark corners.
"Been a bit, Anders. I see you have an upload working."
"Yes, and there have been a few developments"
Goat rolled his eyes, "I cannot say I have not grown accustomed to them. Spill."
"First, the twins have been medically separated and are almost fully recovered."
"Wait! What? I was informed that was not possible!"
"Seems you got bad information. Also, the twins want to visit with their Nanna. I want to see her, also. See if we can make that happen. We are on our way back into Terran space for a vacation."
Goat considered her request, "Naja Yolanie Xander has been released. She now works for me in black opps. I am sure we can make that happen. However, Anders, she is a very dangerous person. If we make this happen you need to take precautions."
"Understood."
"So, get down to the real reason for your coming here."
"The Major-domo of the Embassy was in court today, testifying on behalf of the Consulate on the matter of the attack. There was an attempt to kill everyone in the room. We were able to thwart it but there are 51 dead Slarmian attackers, 3 dead Bull Largath, and 3 prisoners. The report details it all, including direct reports to the Grand Potentate. No injuries, martial law has been declared and those responsible are to be dealt with with extreme prejudice by the Slarmian military."
"Everyone safe?"
"Affirmative. I have no worries and believe this is the last of those issues. There will be a spring cleaning the likes of which has not been seen in the Empire."
"Keep a low profile while in Terran space. Astrid's mother is making plans to be a real pain in the ass should she learn of your location."
"Roger that."
BG_Gruff has left dark corners.
Ms_Muffit has left dark corners.