Chapter 2
Helping Out
It had been fun cooking with his future mate. The food had turned out tastier that ever. Now he wanted her at his work helping him. Admittedly, she had a harder time finding help than he did. He’d have to find the help for her so she could be queen for a day to see how his job was and what he did.
“Jary?”
“Yes, my king?”
“I need some help of an unusual nature.”
“Of course I’ll help if I can.” Jary looked interested.
“You know where I was earlier?”
“In the kitchen, Sire.”
“Yes, I was in the kitchen cooking with my future queen. Now I have a problem.”
“I can’t imagine what problem you might have.” Jary said cautiously.
“I spend half a day or so working with her, but now I want her with me for half a day.”
“How is that a problem?” Jary looked confused.
“She can’t seem to find enough help in her kitchen. The only ones that apply are nondragon folks. Some are good, but she doesn’t have enough helpers to leave for half a day.”
“So you wish me to find her some kitchen help?”
“Yes. I need her to get some help so she can have some spare time. Two people at least because my lady is a hard worker and a good cook.”
“She is indeed a good cook. I often eat lunch there. I will look around and see what I can find.” Jary committed.
“Thank you. I’m aware it is above and beyond, but I know no one else to ask.”
Jary was the best. He would find her some helpers and make his female’s life easier. If the help was permanent, she would have free time to spend with him. This was something he should have done way back when. Now their relationship could move forward as it should have long ago. Tomi was so beautiful, he couldn’t wait for them to mate.
His assistant left to do what he could. There was a knock on the door.
“My king.”
“Garulto. Come in and shut the door.”
“There is more word of concerning activity.” His general said once the door was closed.
“Where?” He asked.
“In the areas we barely patrol. I suggest we start using the females that wish to go on patrol. They are a large resource we can no longer ignore.” Garulto admitted.
“What if they are hurt?”
“It’s possible, but we’ve had few guards injured and we can send them to the safer places leaving male guards available for the more dangerous ones.”
“What if they complain that they’re being babied?”
“They will be trainees. Of course they’ll have easier routes than experienced guards.” He pointed out.
“You’ve thought this through well.”
“I have. My concern is high since we’ve had some indication of traitorous activities. We need to get on it right away.” Garulto insisted.
He sighed heavily. Making these tough decisions was what a king did. Even though they still didn’t have an equal number of males and females, there was hope someday they might get there. Not only did Earth have plenty of females, but it looked like there might be females that converted to dragon and female babies from those matings.
None of this was something he or most of his kind understood, they just accepted that it was so. They also accepted that their females needed to be safeguarded. That was why this decision was such a hard one. Females on patrol were at risk no matter where they went. Some areas had less risk and while it was where they would go, they still might be harmed.
The castle was the safest place to patrol, but also the one that needed the best security. None of the females had experience so they couldn’t patrol here. It was a headache and one of the unpopular decisions he would have to make.
“Begin training some females and we’ll see how they do.”
“Yes, Sire.” Garulto replied before he bowed and left.
Part of the problem was their territory, not just on this world but others exceeded what they had personnel to cover. Dori’s prison program had helped them provide for needed services that weren’t being covered appropriately, but now they needed soldiers. Maybe Garulto should discuss it with his mate. Aw, hell. Maybe he had and that was where the suggestion to use more females had come from.
He didn’t mind females working, really he didn’t. At least not if they wanted to. But he didn’t want them in dangerous jobs where they could be hurt. Patrolling was dangerous especially in the distant areas. In those places he hated having anyone, male or female patrol. It wasn’t just the rebels, there were also wild animals some of which ran in packs. Even dragons could be taken down under certain circumstances.
It was getting late, but how could he rest with so much on his mind? He hoped Tomi was safe at home getting some rest. Most of his guards were home except for the few that guarded the castle at night. It was quiet now with an occasional footstep echoing in the hall. Too tired to make any big decisions, he needed to get to his rooms where he could rest.
Maybe someday in the near future he’d be excited about coming to his rooms to see his mate. His mind was on Tomi as he wandered down the hall going in the right direction through habit. Slipping into his room, he unbuttoned his shirt letting it slide off his shoulders. Bending over, his boots had to be untied and loosened so they could be jerked off. He stretched his toes in relief.
His pants and underwear slid off easily and he left them laying in a pile as he made his way to his bathroom. A quick shower and he was ready to settle down for the night. Tomorrow was a new day with better solutions headed his way, he hoped.
Getting up early, he hurried to bathroom to throw some water on his face to wake him up so he’d be ready for his day. It seemed he and his staff were always busy regardless of his plans. At least the food was good for breakfast. It was always good now that he used the cafeteria because it served all three meals, for him at least. How his female managed, he wasn’t really sure. She was his female, even if she argued it.
Tomi was everything to him even if she didn’t realize it yet. He dreamed of her every night and thought of her all day long. No other would ever do, even though several others tried to get his interest. Because of good manners, he couldn’t ignore them, but he was coolly polite. How they thought that reflected his interest, he couldn’t say. If his mate would just give in, the others would go away.
Now that breakfast was done, he sat on his throne. He’d never been a formal guy, his dad had hated the formality of the throne too, but he’d loved the battle too much. That’s where he’d died and his mother had followed not long after. Dragons could live long lives, but they could die of wounds at any age. The kingdom had mourned them, but none so much as he, their son. Forced to take the throne far too soon and an orphan although he was fully grown. Thinking of them always brought a tear to his eyes.
“Your highness?”
“Jary, come in. Tell me you have good news?”
Jary grinned. “I do have good news. I found an older widow looking for a job and a teenager. They are related and will work well together. Both are splendid cooks and can do many dishes we’ve not been getting.”
“How will you handle this?”
“I simply sent them to your lady. She’s been looking for cooks and having the worst luck. I believe it will all work out.” Jary observed.
He practically rubbed his hands as he hoped his plan would come together. A taste of the job a queen did might give her some insight into what he did every day. Not that he wanted to scare her off, somehow he felt she’d be good at it. It was clear from the job she did in the kitchen that she was a leader.
The time he’d spent there with her had been enjoyable. He’d found it relaxing and he wouldn’t mind doing it again. She’d seemed to enjoy working with him and appreciated the job he’d done. Now he’d find out if she’d meant it when she’d said she’d help him for a day. Once she had her new workers organized, he’d ask again.
“Garulto, come in.” He’d looked up to see his general standing there. “How goes it?”
“We opened sign up for females in the guard and were overwhelmed. It seems my mate was right about the interest.”
“Any of your males object?”
“There were some looks, both interested in working with females and unhappy about it, but none expressed themselves. That will come with time.”
“Do the recruits look qualified?”
“There are some that look tougher than most of my males. You’re aware we have a few females that work mostly support positions? Now they want to advance and I have to admit, some of them are good.”
“Pick two and give them a try.” He directed.
“That was my suggestion. I’ve already decided on who. Once they start, I’ll keep you apprised of their progress.”
“Where do you plan to put them?”
“These females are well trained and capable. They could go anywhere, but I’m still reluctant to have them near the desert or in the mountains. We could put one in the castle partnered with a male on one of the doors.”
“That’s acceptable. What about the other one?”
“I thought the wall around the castle. She’ll be one of several so she’ll have support.”
“That’s also one of the most dangerous spots.”
“I can’t deny that, but they are born dragons not humans. As such, they are nearly as tough as any of the males and as tough as some of them.” Garulto said.
“What will we do when Earth females want to do service that have no dragons?”
“They can work support or surveillance in the camera room. Those jobs are still worthwhile, but less dangerous. It’s also a good place for anyone wounded or expecting.”
“Very well. I’ll let you go to put your plan into action.”
His general hurried away. There was plenty for him to do and the quicker the better. He hoped this would solve some of the personnel shortage for guards and soldiers. It would cause some anger among certain males that didn’t want females in the military either because they thought they weren’t good enough or they needed to be protected rather than do the protecting.
Even though recently they’d brought down a large group of rebels, there were more groups that still needed taken down. While they weren’t just in his kingdom, his kingdom seemed to be the center of their attention. It might be because of that female, he couldn’t remember her name because he’d not heard from her for so long.
She’d thought he might be interested in her. No way, not even had he not met Tomi. Soon he’d convince Tomi to be his. He’d get her help finding a manager for the cafeteria because being Queen was a full time job. If she got her kitchen in order, she’d come to his domain and she’d see that was true. It was hard for him not to imagine her rounded with his child.
Already gorgeous, she’d be irresistible once she was expecting. He didn’t care if it was a male or female child first. Right now he just wanted her and their child. They could have a whole castle full. His smile was big as he considered it. Once she turned dragon, everything would be easier on her.
It was a surprise when he finally dragged himself off the throne and to his desk in the corner to check into his paperwork, he had company. “Jarel. Come in.” Jarel had been his Sergeant at Arms for several years, but with this latest reorganization of the military, many males and even a few females in support services like Jarel’s mate from Earth, had been promoted.
“My king. I was told to come see you?” Jarel said.
“Were you not given any more information than that? Several things are going on right now, but most would require you getting your instructions from your superior officer. Never mind that now. Since you are here, tell me what goes on in the field and with you personally.”
“The little one is amazing and we’ve found a young mother to sit with him. Davy is back at work on an adjusted schedule. She knows a lot more about the security as far as the cameras and such so she’d in charge of monitoring the equipment and training personnel in use and repair of it.”
“The recent shift in the military has been good for many soldiers.” He admitted.
“It has. I hope the addition of females in front line positions will work as well.” Jarel observed.
“You feel it won’t?”
“I’m uncertain. One of the females seems only interested in meeting males. She even flirts with the mated ones.”
“I hope your mate doesn’t find out.”
“Me too.” Jarel grinned. Davy was well known to be possessive.
“Anything else of concern?”
“The rebel activity seems to be increasing steadily. We thought there weren’t so many of them. Where they are all coming from is beyond me. It’s almost like they are bringing them in from off world.”
“Is that possible?”
“I hate to say so, but it is. There are what Davy calls blackout areas like in the desert and the colder areas that we have no real surveillance. She suggested what she calls towers for the worst places. They can contact each other and the satellites so we see what is happening there.”
“Why haven’t we done that?”
“Her boss told her that you laughed at her suggestion and she’s lucky she still has a job.”
“I never heard her suggestion, but now that I have, I like it. Can we have it done without her boss being told? I want some surveillance on him. The male is either a spy, stupid to the point of being incompetent, or arrogant beyond all belief.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Jarel agreed.
“When did this happen?”
“A little over a week ago. My mate was stunned. She couldn’t believe you wouldn’t want to hear more before you made up your mind. Davy put together a file with all the information you’d need including checking out the material and the prices. They aren’t as high as I expected. The tower itself is just a stand with the technical stuff on top.”
“I want you to get it started, but I’d like to see the file too. Her work has always fascinated me.”
“That’s why she was stunned. She said you were hobby security. I think it’s a compliment.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to tell with those from Earth. Tomi says some of the oddest things.”
“I’d best go and get on with the mission. I’ll drop the file off later.”
He just nodded. Now he had even more to think about. Had some spies made it into the castle? Goddess that was all he needed. Looking over more of the paperwork, he saw the schedule was messed up. There were blanks were no one was working. It wouldn’t cause an empty spot, guards couldn’t leave until someone took their place. There was a reason for that rule and it ensured no spot was empty.
Garulto was due in later and he’d mention it to him. Meanwhile it was lunch time and he’d rather see Tomi than have his meal delivered. When he stepped up to the door, the guard jerked to attention. “My liege?” He stuttered.
“I wish to go to the cafeteria.”
“Yes, Sir.” One guard stayed behind to guard the door. Maybe they should find a way to seal it so personnel wasn’t wasted on an empty room? Davy would be the best one to discuss that with.
Jarel was a distant relative so he called him and Davy cousins. It was just a bit of fun and he only did it in private. The thought of being so close to royalty seemed to fluster Jarel and Davy always got pink on her cheeks. A king didn’t get much opportunity for fun. He wondered when Tomi’s family would have the next picnic. They were always great and he was partnered with Tomi. The food was amazing and such variety.
The guard was someone he didn’t know well since there had been many recent promotions. The male followed him as he hurried to the cafeteria. He was under close supervision until it was clear the job was a good fit.
“We’ll slip in the kitchen and see if we can sit there since it looks crowded.” He informed his guard.
The male nodded. No surprise since he was the king and ruled this place. As they entered through the side door, he caught sight of his future mate. She looked up and smiled sweetly before she had time to think and approached them.
“What would you like?” She asked.
“What’s the special?”
“The meatloaf plate.”
“Sounds good. Give us each one. Hope you don’t mind.” He nodded to his guard.
“It sounds good.”
“I think it is, but it’s not like any of our usual food.” He admitted.
Tomi rushed around fixing one plate and setting it on the table then going back to do the other. They had extra-large servings since they were dragons. His guard sat looking at his food. “If I can’t let you eat lunch who can?”
The male nodded and began to eat. Now he started eating as well. It was as good as usual. He saw the guard was eating fast and with enjoyment. They were pretty safe here since no one should even know where they were and entrance to the castle was limited. Still, he bet Davy could improve the way things were done. His way was to take the best other planets had to offer and integrate them. Learning from others was the way to stay on top of things. It would work if his enemies gave him the time he needed to make use of the best alien tech available.
If only Tomi would give in and be his queen. She would be such a big help and just her being with him would take some of the stress off his shoulders. Instead, her resisting added to it. Watching her work made him want her at his side even more. The food was so good, the guard and he had both emptied their plates and they looked as if they’d licked them clean. They hadn’t, they’d used their bread to soak up every drop.
“You two ready for dessert?” Tomi asked. She had a piece of coconut cream pie for each of them. The pieces were sizable for a dragon’s appetite. Once they ate those, they were finally full, for now anyway.
“Thank you. That was delicious.” He praised. The guard chimed in as well.
“You are welcome.” Tomi replied her cheeks pink from pleasure.
“We’d best go.” He added reluctantly. “I hope to see you again soon.”
His guard followed him as they went back to the office. He was surprised and delighted to find Davy and Jarel there waiting for him. “What a lovely surprise. Jarel doesn’t let you go visiting much.”
“That’s true.” Davy handed him a note and put her finger to her lips.
“Why don’t we all sit down and catch up a bit?” He continued more in the manner of a friend.
Davy pulled out a wand and began to sweep over things in his office. “The baby is so active. You should come visit.”
She held up an item he didn’t recognize. It did however piss him off as he figured out what it was. Her finger went back to her lips and she looked at him pleadingly. She found at least five of them and placed them in a jar she’d brought with her.
“That’s all of them. That’s how they’ve been one step ahead all the time.”
“Who?” He asked.
“I don’t know. On Earth we keep a lot of information on people. It makes it easier to trace them. Here you’ll have to follow them I suppose.” Davy explained.
“How did you know?” He asked.
“Jarel mentioned some problems that just kept happening. It sounded like they had an inside track. Now we know they did. We can use this to our advantage. Put the bugs back out and discuss a made up mission. When they show up make sure you’re ready for them.” Davy suggested.
“Bugs, a good nickname for an offensive device. We need to bring Garulto into this. Maybe have a family celebration to cover the meeting?” He asked.
“My family loves any excuse to party.” Davy admitted.
“I’ll admit I’ve noticed that. I hope Tomi will get away from her work here.”
“She’s found some new help, the kind that knows how to cook. Tomi is so excited and didn’t work as late last night.” Davy admitted. “She said they just showed up.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him.
“The word must have gotten out. She’s been looking for help for a while.” He observed.
“When do you want to plan the party?” Davy asked.
“Soon.” Jarel threw in.
“This weekend?” He suggested.
“I’ll get with my aunt.” Davy offered.
“Don’t forget to let me know.” He said.
Davy smiled. “If I do, Tomi will tell you.”
He only wished that was true. After Davy handed him the container of bugs, she and Jarel hurried away. No doubt they were headed home to spend a quiet evening with their baby and each other. It made him feel a bit envious, but Tomi could change all that. If she would just let him in, life could be so good.
There was a lot going on. He stared at the container Davy had given him. How long had those things been in his throne/office room? More importantly, who had placed them in here? Davy was probably already working on the list of suspects. It was sad that he couldn’t trust the people he worked with the closest.
Maybe the biggest shame of all was that those rebels he knew of only wanted power. They had no concern about the people in general. The things he was doing right now would give his people more power and a part in ruling. While the Earth governments had a long way to go, he liked somethings about them.
It was his desire to give females rights and a chance to do what they desired. He was just worried that the military might not be the best place for them. Many males trained with their fathers from a young age and that gave them an advantage. Females should only get in the military if they were good enough. Not just because they were female. That wouldn’t be fair either.
These were all things that had been discussed for centuries but never acted on. Why was he the lucky king that got to enact it? If he had his queen, she might have helped him see things in a clearer fashion. But no, he was alone and he had to do the best he could.
Jarel and Davy must have been with him a long time because it was supper time. A young girl knocked and brought him a tray when he called for her to enter. Was she the traitor? Or was it the young guard he’d had lunch with? Maybe it was even one of his people that had been with him a long time.
The meal was a simple one, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn on the cob, a hot roll and carrot cake for dessert. It was an Earth meal using the ingredients found on his planet. That it was also one of his favorites that Tomi sent him once a week made him wonder if she cared just a little.
Somehow, he hoped to soften her heart towards him. He’d never really understood what he’d done that had turned her from him. That she disliked his position was also something he’d never understood. Most females wanted to be a queen, didn’t they?
Once he was finished eating, he was ready to turn in for the night. If only he could have Tomi at his side. His life was too lonely. Once he was in his room, he showered and threw on a pair of sleep shorts. Maybe tomorrow things would be better. Settling into bed, he was asleep quickly.
When he woke, he was confused for a bit. He’d forgot to set his alarm and now it was later than usual. Rushing around, he got ready quickly and hurried to the throne room. His guards followed him as did his secretary who caught him up as they hurried along. Lord Hutt was waiting for him when he arrived.
“I’m a bit behind, Lord Hutt. I hope you don’t mind if I eat breakfast while you talk to me? Would you like anything for yourself?” He asked. Lord Hutt was an alright guy. He was in charge of several programs and he was here to discuss the needs of one.
“I wouldn’t mind a plate. I’ve heard the food here is excellent and I was going to try it before I left.” Hutt said.
He nodded to Jary his PA who immediately got on his com to order the food. “So what can I help you with?”
“It’s about the program to find jobs for the unemployed?” Hutt declared.
“You’re having trouble?”
“Not at all. They are all going to Dori so I don’t see why she isn’t the one in charge. The female is amazing.” Hutt admitted.
“I have to agree with that. We’ll have to set it up so she’s your assistant. You know how some of the other lords are.”
“Indeed I do. Swareson is a pig.” Hutt admitted.
He chuckled. The comment was so unexpected. “I’m sure he means well.”
Hutt gave him a look. Okay, the guy was a pig, but he couldn’t say so. That was political suicide even for a king. He’d already done all he could. That Lord had the least programs under him and was checked up on the most. His people were constantly mistreated and if given an opportunity, they left. The sad thing was someone had to farm his lands. Dori refused to do business with him. Something that lord didn’t like but couldn’t do a thing about.
“I suppose there is only so much you can do.” Hutt commented.
“Is there any other programs to discuss?”
“I’ve heard females are being allowed in active military positions.” Hutt said.
“Yes, with all the rebel activity, we don’t have enough guards.”
“You’ll have some resistance to it.”
“I already do, but they’ve not been too loud.”
“I understand. What else can you do?” Hutt observed. He’d finished his food. “That was a wonderful meal. Tell the cook I said so.”
“I will. Be careful, especially in your dealings with Swareson.”
“I’ll try. Good day to you my king.” Hutt said as he left.
That had been interesting. Was Hutt trying to warn him? Maybe Hutt needed to be watched. It might also be that he was making too much out of things. Maybe he simply felt Dori could handle the unemployed best. He had to agree. She had a way with that. Working hard on his paperwork until lunch, he wasn’t surprised Garulto showed up.
“I’m glad to see you. Any updates?”
“Yes and they aren’t all good. Two of the females and two males were dismissed for carrying on during patrol.” The general admitted.
“How did you catch them?”
“A fellow guard turned them in. He said he didn’t want to die because they weren’t doing their job. They were warned he would do it if they didn’t get back to work. We should feel glad to get rid of them, but instead I feel bad that they didn’t care about their jobs. Will we have more of this?”
“I don’t know. I researched a little about what happens on Earth with their mixed troops. It does happen, but it’s not common. Maybe once they get used to it? That it’s disappointing, can’t be denied. Perhaps they were bad guards all along and we’re better off?” He suggested.
“They weren’t the best, I’ll admit that.”
“Have a seat. Share lunch with me. Jary will have a tray brought to you.” He nodded at Jary. “We need to move past this. Recruitment is down. As wonderful as Dori is, she’s getting more workers than we are. Being a soldier isn’t the career that pulls in the young males anymore.”
“I spoke to Davy a bit. I’d heard she came to see you and I wondered why. Her boss is a disappointment. I’m not sure what you thought of her surveillance suggestions, but it could give us a place to go with some of the females and cut the number of males in dangerous patrols.” Garulto admitted.
“I liked her suggestions. Did she not say I told her to start on the towers?”
“She mentioned that, but there are also something called drones that can fly around and film any areas of concern. We’ve been losing at least two guards in the desert every year on average. It doesn’t sound like much, but it also discourages sign ups.
“That hadn’t occurred to me.” He admitted. “What else?”
“There are some weapons from Earth that guards in dangerous areas could use that might safeguard them. Dori also said some of her guys that were former military want a chance to go back. She believes they’ve learned their lesson.”
“That’s a big decision to make. Are you prepared to make it?”
“Me?” Garulto asked.
“I bet you know the ones she’s talking about. Decide and do it.”
Garulto saluted then hurried away. He now had more work to do, but he could handle it.