Chapter 16

~ Hel ~

Standing face to face with the Maruvian queen, Hel was flanked by Raec and Vraden. Penny and Armon stood off to the left and Alexis and Drale off to the right. Arac had been too frightened of the possibility of calling up another queen to even put in an appearance.

Queen Carolyn’s king, Igor was at her side with an armload of young. It seemed the couple spawned almost continuously. The queen looked like a Maruvian dream come true. Her long slinky gown fluttered around her ankles as she walked. A jeweled headband sat upon her head, making her look more regal than the queens of ancient Earth. Her hair was braided in a complicated arrangement around her head and studded with little jewels. She was definitely the queen her males were looking for.

“We welcome our Maruvian brothers and their queens. Let us join together in creating a safe sanctuary where our kind can thrive and live in peace with their queens.”

Standing in front of her throne, she held her arms open wide at her sides.

“You and your drones have done our people proud in rescuing the Dratex trading vessel and rescuing the human queens from the clutches of evil space faring pirates. The Galactic Council of Worlds is offering us a seat at the high council table in recognition of how quickly we have adapted to their rules. It is a great honor, for it means Maruvians will now take their place beside other member nations in determining the future of trade in our region.”

Hel suppressed the urge to smile at the woman, wondering if she always used such over the top terms like (evil space faring pirates) and such.

“Let our skies be filled with the thunderous flapping of the wings of our joined forces, and let those warriors destined to walk grace the ground of the first sovereign Maruvian world with their glorious footsteps. Let your ship join in the protection of our world. Let two queens join as one, to rule and protect what matter most to our people.”

Shaking her head, Hel stepped forward. Waving her hand at the opulent surroundings, she explained. “You seem very good at ruling. Looks like it’s in your blood and you’ve taken to it like a fish to water. I’m not so much queen material myself. Being a former Earth Gov soldier, I can probably be useful in leading your drones in battle. I’m surprised to find I have an aptitude for that.”

Stepping back, Queen Carolyn tilted her head slightly. “You do not wish to co-rule?”

“Not really. I’m worn out and tired from our exploits. I’d rather take a time out until my young are born and contribute in other ways.”

“But you have a queen maker at your side. I am told that will solidify you into the position of leadership.”

“How about we try this little thing I’ve been experimenting with? It’s called ‘Tell them what to do instead of letting them tell us.’ I know bloodlines are important to the Maruvians but, the way I see it, your young will need mates and queen makers are the only ones who make actual queens. It makes more sense for me and everyone mated to one of Vraden’s sons to leave the ruling to you and concentrate on making queens for your sons to mate.”

Preening a bit Queen Carolyn rocked back and forth on her heels. “I must admit that I did not consider that.”

“The bottom line is not everyone can be queen and we are well satisfied helping in other ways.”

Wrapping her arm around Hel’s, the queen began guiding her through the throngs of Maruvians and their newly acquired queens. “And help you will, my new friend. We have assembled all our closest allies to celebrate our good fortune.”

“That was not necessary. We are but your humble servants.”

“You’re getting good at speaking like a Maruvian.”

“As are you, my majestic and regal queen.”

Laughing, the woman responded, “It’s easier if you happen to enjoy the role you’re playing.”

Grinning, Hel quipped, “I’ve always imagined myself as a great general, wearing a grand uniform, and matching wits with alien enemies. I could grow into a role like that.”

Giving her a knowing wink, the queen acknowledged, “I’ve been meaning to sort out new uniforms for our troops. It would also be nice to have someone to coordinate our different scouting and military divisions.”

“Beware, my queen. You are in danger of creating a monster.”

“As long as you have no interest in taking my throne, I’m sure that won’t be a problem.”

“Heck no. Being queen is my little sister’s dream.”

“She is very cute. In fact, here she comes to take my throne right now.”

Turning to look, Hel saw something very concerning.

Penny was moving towards them with a group of Golugua at her back. “Shit, stay behind me.”

Stepping forward to meet her sister, Hel asked cautiously. “Penny, what are you doing?”

“Zadon wishes to offer the service of his line to the Maruvian Queen.” Laughing, she teased. “What did you think I was doing, coming to take the place over?”

“Maybe.”

“Screw that. I’ve had enough action and adventure to last a lifetime. Besides, I’ve got my eye on the queen’s little actionator. Where did that man go, anyways?”

Queen Carolyn stepped forward. “I believe he is intent on having a redhead.”

“Well, he’s about to get a brunette and he’s gonna love it. Anyways, I’m supposed to introduce you to the ancient line of Zadon the Fierce and Loyal.” Leaning forward, she whispered, “That’s their real name by the way. They told me it ages ago.”

Stepping back from the startled queen, Penny spoke with a formal air. “The line of Zadon have a long and illustrious history of standing sentinel for the Maruvian queens. Since this is their first opportunity to choose their own queen, they wish to serve the undefeated queen herself. What say you, Queen Carolyn? Do you accept their offer to become the guardians of your line?”

The king leaned in and they whispered together for a long moment before she pulled back. “We do accept the Zadon line. May you be now and forever linked to the royal line. My home will become your home. We will spill blood for each other in the never-ending quest to preserve our lines.”

Turning on her heel dramatically, the folds of her gown swirled around her slight form as she stalked towards the great hall. Two large Zadonian males leapt from the small pack, landing on each side of her, stuck their noses in the air and followed at her heels.

Squinting, Helena could barely make out Penny chasing after a small purple wingless drone.

Rubbing her temple, Hel mumbled under her breath, “Could this day get any more ridiculous?”

A feminine voice sounded off over her shoulder. “You have no idea. That sister of yours is about to get herself squashed by me if she doesn’t stop chasing after my drone.”

Looking the adolescent up and down, Hel thought that even with her classic red hair she didn’t look quite old enough to chase drones. “It’s nice to meet you, my name is–”

Propping what could only be described a gigantic beetle of some sort on her hip, the teen interrupted. “I know who the heck you are. My name’s Emily Jordan and I’m a real princess, so tell that sister of yours to lay off my drone.”

“Emily Jordan, zip your lips this instant.”

“But–”

“That means you are to stop talking, daughter of my heart.”

A male and female stepped forward. The male was clearly Candorian. He had a fin running from front to back on the top of his hairless head. His large dark eyes had two sets of eyelids that blinked in opposite directions. For all the aquatic qualities the man was a real hottie. The beautiful human redhead was slightly older and had a full rounded belly. Running her hand over it soothingly, she spoke. “Please forgive my daughter. Once she gets her mind set on something, she can be quite tenacious. My name is Elain and this is Prince Koal from the Sylon home world.”

Bowing her head slightly, which was considered polite in Candorian culture, Hel spoke. “Thank you for agreeing to allow a human colony on your home world. I still can’t believe that humans now have hope of survival.”

Koal answered sincerely. “That was actually my Elaine’s idea. Her daughter had a hand in it as well.”

“How are the colonists doing?”

“We built the beginnings of a modern city already. So far, there are about eight major sky scrapers and about fifty other buildings.”

“Wow! That was fast.”

Emily interrupted, “May I go now?”

“No more chasing Talon.”

Hel chimed in, “It’s for the best. My sister has her own Goluguian sentinel.”

“Big hairy deal. I’ve got a dragon.”

“Armon can cut someone’s head off with a flick of his claw.”

Suddenly, the girl was all kinds of interested. “I think I saw some of them earlier. They look like gargoyles, don’t they?”

Nodding, she cautioned, “Do not mess with them. They aren’t used to dealing with humans.” She ended up shouting the last part since the girl skipped off in the direction of a cluster of them.

Koal’s tired voice sounded off. “Christopher.”

Hel jumped back, bumping into Raec, when a drone moved and she realized he had been standing there the whole time but somehow blended into his surroundings to the point of not being seen.

“If you would, please keep her out of trouble just one more time? I would be forever in your debt.”

“As always, it is my honor to be of service.”

Elaine shook her head. “He’s never going to have time to mate if we always have him chasing after Emily. He’s been a good big brother. We need to let the man live.”

Intrigued by the strange insectoid, Hel offered, “If you like, I would be happy to introduce him to some of our family units and the females we brought with us.”

Elain smiled at her. “Honestly, it couldn’t hurt.”

Koal spoke softly, “We must be seated. The food is about to be served.”

Making their way to the table, they took the seats Queen Carolyn motioned to beside her.

“General Helena, I would like to introduce you to Prince Shar Jalon. He is our closest ally and responsible for helping us increase our biological diversity through cloning. His lovely mate is Keiko. She sits upon the council of rulers for the Shardon home world.”

“It is my great pleasure to meet you, General Helena. Your military exploits have been noticed by the alliance and the Galactic Council. The manner in which you disposed of the Maruvian queen will probably go down in history as a military maneuver to remember.”

“Necessity is the mother of all invention, I’m afraid. We do what we must to survive.”

Queen Carolyn continued smoothly, “I would also like to introduce you to Prince Korban. His exploits are almost as discussed as your own.”

Hel smiled broadly. “I can tell you them all by heart. He is the one who discovered human women were biologically compatible with aliens after abducting his bride from Earth and convincing her to be his one true love. Then he decided to share his planet with three other species, including humans. I dying to know if I’m even close. I heard that story over and over before leaving Earth and it was almost too fantastic to credit as being true.”

The red-headed seated beside Korban leaned forward leaned forward. “It’s all true and more. I honestly thought I was losing my mind when I decided to stay with him, but you know better than most that heart wants what it wants sometimes.”

Catching Raec’s eye, Hel smiled. “Speaking of the Maruvian queen, do you think she has any chance of getting off that planet I marooned her on?”

Korban spoke, “I would say none.”

Shar Jalon chimed in. “I can’t see how it would be possible, unless someone ignored the biological hazard beacon. No one would be that foolish.”

Carolyn asked curiously, “I am told her former queen maker decided not to attend our dinner tonight. Is he well? The Shardon have excellent healers and I am certain they would be willing to take a look at him.”

Raec’s voice sounded deep and hard, when he answered. “My brother suffered much at the hands of our former queen. He hates and fears queens, for he cannot see that not all are like Kabelda. He prefers to be secluded with only his young to focus his attention on. He even avoided the beautiful queens we rescued. I think we just need to give him time to recover from all he has been through.”

Carolyn looked ashamed of bringing it up. “Of course he will need time. Anyone would. Please know whatever he needs, it would be our honor to provide.”

Raec lowered his head slightly. “Our father will be pleased to know of your generosity.”

Carolyn teased, “He must be something special. You named your vessel after him and the females flock to him.”

Glancing down the table, they saw Vraden surrounded by females young and old. He chatted amiably, making them laugh.

Hel glanced at Raec. “Vraden is born of a long line of queen makers. He has eleven sons aboard our ship and dotes over his grandchildren like they are little gods in their own right. With any luck, Raec’s eighteen will only add to his obsession with them.”

“I have heard that queen makers carry a larger number of young in addition to carrying females. Do you yet know if any of this spawning will be queens?”

“I am told one is female.”

Lifting her glass in an old fashioned toast, Queen Carolyn sang out cheerfully, “Let us drink to our mighty queen maker. This Maruvian queen will be our first. The hatching party for you first batch of young will be like nothing our world has seen.”

It was difficult not to get caught up in the moment with their new queen. She was strong, sure of herself, always said the right thing and made them feel welcome.