Desohta leaned forward and proceeded to confirm that his alpha had suffered no ill from the attack or the protocol. His need to ascertain her wellbeing was overpowering and Micha was able to scent it.
Something in Micha flared to life in reaction to the healer’s touch. Still resisting the urge to fight something her arm struck out and grabbed Desohta by the throat and squeezed. No one moved. Desohta held still, hands where they had been when she struck and struggled to breath. Micha struggled to regain control of her body. With effort, she managed to release the submissive wolf.
Never had she been so grateful for no resistance. She had not been certain she would have stopped if he had fought back. What worried her was where the urge to attack had come from in the first place?
Micha winced at the blossoming bruise around Desohta’s neck. “Des, I am so…”
Desohta shushed her. When she attempted to apologize a second time he sighed. “Alpha, I should have known better than to assume the right to touch you,” he shook his head. “I should have asked…”
Micha shook her head and cut him off. “It is your duty to tend to the wounded, sick and my wellbeing. Waiting for permission might be the difference between saving my life.”
Something in Micha shifted, like a set of scales balancing at her words. It was as though there was another entity calculating the meaning of her words.
She worked to lay still as Desohta proceeded to ensure that all vital function were at optimal levels.
Things quickly grew more chaotic as Ni’yell entered the room with the emperor close on his heels. Both were discussing the fate of a group of attackers. From the look on the Shawling’s face, it was not the first time they were having said discussion. Micha smirked she knew how stubborn her second was capable of being.
Ni’yell grunted and stated. “No decision should be made without alpha’s input.”
Ma’al agreed. “That is not in dispute. What I am trying to say is that we cannot allow the leaders to live and there are others that might deserve the same fate.”
“Without Alpha this conversation is pointless. I do not decide the fate of others not in the war pack as long as Alpha is capable of making those decisions.”
Ma’al rolled his eyes. “That’s a copout if I’ve ever heard one. My son was also involved; may I remind you.”
Ni’yell shot the emperor a baleful glare. Ma’al was unimpressed.
“Very imposing,” the emperor encouraged. “It’s bound to work on someone,” he smirked.
Mitah stepped in behind the two and interjected. “I insist that I keep the pilots,” the Renshaw hunched his shoulders at a look from the emperor, but held his ground.
Next to Desohta, Ipino interjected his two cents and stated. “Each should be assess based on their actions and reasons for being there. I have heard that some had been hired with little detail other than that they were to attack the compound,”
Ma’al snorted like he had something stuck in his nose. “That that does not absolve their actions in this matter.”
Rennick gave a whistle that pierced the noise. “Micha will have that last word and always ensures the punishment fits the crime. So what else is there to discuss?”
Everyone agreed with Rennick.
Confident that Micha was well, Desohta informed the others. “Well, everything seems to be doing what it is supposed to,” he grinned impishly. “Perhaps too well?”
Micha rolled her eyes as she attempted to sit up and nearly threw herself off the end of the table. Luckily the emperor was in the right place to catch the gangly goop covered alpha. Ma’al gave a chuckle as he looked down at her. With care her set her back on the table as she grumbled about “warning labels on caution when moving.”
In an attempt to distract the frustrated alpha, Ni’yell ordered Rennick to step forward and give a debrief of the attack on the compound, since it had been his operation.
Rennick moved to his alpha’s side and gave a detailed overview of the attack on the compound. He started by explaining everything that Max had done to undermine Purity For All and all the proof he had discovered that showed that the attack was interlinked with noble houses higher up the echelon. Ma’al was clearly displeased with the involvement of the nobles, but said nothing. He than laid out Purity For All’s attempt to overwhelm the warriors that were there to defend her.
Micha arched a brow at what she was hearing.
Closed to three thousand ill-equipped fighters managed to make it in to the compound; another almost twenty-five hundred were killed before they made it thanks to Mitah’s stellar flying. There were also the two civilian class deep space ships that were still equipped with ten shuttles and the crew to fly them; had Ni’yell not put a halt to their assistance. There had been two hundred crew abord both ships.
Rennick reported that of the thirty soldiers the prince brought four died, the prince was nearly fatally wounded and another fifteen had varying degrees of injury, the mercenaries had arrived with forty men and women as well as two leaders and lost ten, Mahoag suffered a dislocated shoulder and broken chest plate and also had twenty warriors with varying degrees of injury.
Micha was relieved to learn that none of her team took more than bruises and scrapes, but improved training regimes were recommended by her second in command.
All attackers were being held until Micha was able to address the assault that had attempted to end her life. The emperor, Rennick pointed out, was for executing the leaders and enslaving the rest. Ipino agreed with the executions, but thought that some might deserve some degree of leniency. Ni’yell was of the opinion that all should be slaves but that those the Alpha wanted might earn some privileges in the war pack, if not their freedom; Mitah wanted the pilots.
Micha tried to listen to the report with an open mind, but was shocked at the sudden rush of furry over the presumed attack. The surge nearly overwhelmed her and she had had to fight to push it down, so that she was clear minded and in control. She was unable to dismiss the sense of there being some ‘other’ inside her mind. It was disorienting; like seeing from both sides of a window at the same time.
Emotions seemed to roil and bubble as though she were in elementary school and had had her favorite toy taken away. It had been a long time since her emotions had been so close to the surface and had had such little control; instinct and years of rigid control was all that kept it in check.
Desohta eyes showed worry as he noted Micha struggle as she bit her lip. That alone was evidence of her lack of control. She patted his chest in an attempt to be reassuring. It did not work. Then she looked at everyone else and saw the concern. She had to sigh. Of course they were worried. She was acting silly. If there was one thing Earth’s dominant species was good for it was adaptation. She was going to master the changes to her body; not let them rule her. Worrying her family was inexcusable. Fortunately, humanity’s ability to adapt to wildly swinging emotions played to Micha’s advantage.
When Rennick finished his report, Micha was silent as she ingested what has been said.
The assault on a war pack, small as it was, was not something that could go unanswered. For the first time she inputted that Max was not only in the room, but on his feet. Something in her heart loosened and she breathed a little easier. She waved a come-hither motion with her hand at the were-fox.
Max approached and found himself wrapped in her arms his head on her shoulder; she held tight, like she was afraid he was going to disappear. On a sigh, she whispered in his ear.
“It is soo good to see you safe and whole. I am so proud of you,” pulling him far enough away so that she was able to see his eyes she murmured. “I would have done anything to get you mobile; even if we had not found that blessed pod. Family,” she continued. “Always comes first and always takes care of family,” she let him go. “Now, Max, I want you to uncover anyone involved in this attack and hand over a copy of the information to the emperor as well,”
Micha turned to Desohta. “How is Mikael?”
“Not good,” the look on Desohta’s face grim. “We are doing everything we can, but its not looking like he will pull through.”
Micha gave serious thought to how to deal with that. Her emotions were demanding she do…something…the prince was not allowed to die. She was not certain she wanted to look too closely at why she felt so deeply about the loss of the prince and chose to believe it was the loss of Renden that was screaming for salvation.
“What about the pod? Any chance it is here?”
Desohta shook his head. “The pod is secure on Kè Lavi. There is no guarantee we can get it here on time.”
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
“Um,” Mitah stepped forward. “That might be true, but I believe there is one on the Alpha One? The is a small medical bay and I am certain it’s the same…thing…” he trailed off at the intense looks on Ma’al’s face.
“Alpha One?” she wondered.
“It’s what your pack has taken to calling the alien ship since it’s the only one of its kind,” Ni’yell supplied.
“Relax, Ma’al. Mitah did not hide from you. It probably got lost in the chaos. Remember that sometimes it’s the questions we don’t ask that have the answers we need…forget who said that,” she smirked at the emperor than she turned to Desohta. “Let’s get the prince in that pod STAT.”
Desohta responded immediately.
As he left the room, Micha slowly slid her legs off the table; feeling the coiled power in every muscle. She was decidedly tired of the goop covering from head to toe. Carefully she attempted to stand. Immediately her feet showed their lack of traction by choosing to move in different direction. Ipino caught and lifted her into his arms.
“That does it,” she growled. “I am doing nothing,” she glared at everyone. “Until I am clean and wearing more than a see through tee and panties that barely cover one ass cheek.”
A Few Days Later
Micha sat at the head of the table of the conference room, Ni’yell to her right, as they went over all the relevant details she had missed in her absence. Ni’yell brought her up to date on Underdog Inc.
“You really cannot get a full grasp of how much has been accomplished through that report alone. Runningwind has hired retired training staff to train each of the races in the basics of their duties. Instead of payment they agreed to learn from Runningwind how he wanted the office positions run, the way the filing system was to be coded and catalogued, how each of the contracts were divided based on type of valuables to be shipped, timeline for delivery and level of security.
“As for the warehouse, he has taken to training those races himself. Neicha and the two cubs, which are dire bears, follow Runningwind like a mother duck. Neicha probably knows the ins and outs of the warehouse system as well as Runningwind. Both business locations are almost complete.
“The asteroid had been built as a compound for stationed security and as a warehouse. The plans for the on-planet companies are not the same. It was just not possible given the space we had to work with on one was much more than on the other. Again, Runningwing made use of every square inch efficiently. On completion of the framing of the one, business living quarters became an issue. I told Runningwind to do what needs must. He bought a massive derelict warehouse business that included four large warehouses and an office and converted the whole lot into housing for the on-planet workers. The office has been converted for the security personnel; who protect the workers.”
Ni’yell pointed to the second business. “This one should have been the easiest, but in some ways is the most complex. You can ask Runningwind if you want those details. We started with what would have been the same space as the first if asteroid and planet space were combined and somewhere along the way ended up with nearly triple the space. So now we can build up if our need takes that way. An underground compound has been built for the soldiers, housing for security has also been built alongside employee housing. There are ten warehouses, giving us three times the storage space.
“Runningwind procured a deal with the government that says we will provide assistance in a crisis at half cost and in other matters at our regular prices as needed and in exchange for our services we get access to food suppliers the government have access to. Because of this I have been able to provide Kè Lavi’s residents with regular high quality meals. Some of the farmers are trying to save some of the fruit seeds and see what will grow.
“I remember you mentioning special housing for special planting requirements and the farmers are intrigued, to say the least.”
“Greenhouse,” Micha smiled.
“Right,” Ni’yell agreed. “As it stands, we are moving the families of any of the slaves that wanted their families close if they are remaining on Kè Lavi. The rescued children are in the process of learning to read, write, and do numbers. The older children want to learn to fight. I told them that was up to you.”
“It will be good for them to know how to defend themselves whatever they chose to do as adults. I trust that their learning is part of their bond hours?”
Again, Ni’yell agreed. “It was the only way to get the older children into the class room.”
“Good,” Micha waved at the documents in front of her. “The amount of work you have accomplished is staggering. Don’t get me wrong I have absolute faith in all your skills. Its just…a lot in what seems like a short time. I could not be more impressed with the work everyone has done.
“What’s being done regarding the illegal slaves?” Micha searched for the relevant report as the conference room door opened.
Ma’al sauntered in as though he was the very air they breathed. Ni’yell started to stand but the emperor motioned for him to stay seated. “I’ve come for an update on my son.”
Micha leaned back in chair and crossed her legs as she considered the man that was essentially her boss. In power they were equal, but in experience Ma’al dwarfed her by nearly a millennia. “And, what may I ask did Mater Healer Desohta have to say?”
Ma’al shrugged. “I decided that, out of respect, I should go to the top authority”
Micha smirked. “Then you have come to the wrong authority. While I have some medical knowledge it is dwarfed by the amount that Desohta possesses.”
Ma’al sauntered around the table and took the seat next to the Shawling with ease; looking for all the world like he was on his throne. Once comfortable in the horrid seat he turned his focus on his new alpha.
With a sigh, she motioned to the clock as she spoke. “Do remember that there will be a meeting to go over all the finer details, including medical updates, if you would like to join us. It would also be a good time to deal with the fate of the prisoners.”
Ma’al nodded regally, but made no move to leave.
Ignoring the petulant leader, she continued where they had left off. “The illegal slaves?”
Ni’yell looked briefly at the emperor than rolled into what had been put into place at that time. “Illegal slaves have been given the choice of joining a war pack or leaving to wherever they chose to go within the empire. The emperor was kind enough to extend protection via official writ. We have made it clear that not everyone will be expected to fight as it is essential to fill a vast number of positions that are noncombative. At the moment that includes a need for smiths, alchemists, healers, field medics, office management, farmers, cooks and builders to name a few. Some have already been filled as Runningwind found and hired workers with experience and a willingness to train others. All for the right to bring their families and have control over crops grown.”
“From what I can see we have amassed a small armada of ships. We should be able to get those that want to leave home.”
“I agree,” Ni’yell supplied.
“Oh?” Ma’al wondered. “And how do you plan to run not one but three businesses, because a war pack is in essence a business, and ferry freed slaves across the empire?”
Micha pondered that question for a moment and decided. “That is not complicated. Room can be made during missions to drop people at central hubs with enough money to get where they are going or they can wait until we have a mission on their specific planet.”
Ma’al arched a brow. “And what will they do while they wait. They are not part of the businesses and will need shelter, clothes and food while they are there.”
Micha grinned impishly and flipped her hands in ‘que sera sera’ motion. “There is no such thing as a free meal in any dimension unless you wish to cement dependency. Now there are exceptions to that rule, but on the whole…Besides there is plenty that needs doing. I am sure learning skills or a trade can be beneficial when they get where they are going.”
Ma’al sniggered as though she was missing something.
With a groan she remembered there were still positions available in Underdogs Inc. She sighed. “We can also offer them employment with Underdogs Inc. It is a fair opportunity that comes with fair hours, a fair wage and housing for them and their families.”
Ma’al grinned like the cheshire cat; pleased at her accomplishments.
As the door opened, everyone involved in the meeting began to pile in; this of course include the CARVER leaders. To Micha’s left sat Rennick and Ipino. Desohta boldly sat next to Ma’al and the mercenaries, sergeant Bojrer-chhele
Mahoag and sergeant Mukhlab al-Nimr
Hazperson, took their seats at the end of the table.
Micha waited for everyone to get comfortable before she spoke. “First topic of discussion is payment to CARVER.”
Before Micha was able to begin a breakdown of unpaid work and division of land from the illegal slave shops, Mahoag interrupted.
“Before you get into that, my commander wanted me to negotiate a deal that might prove beneficial to both of us in the long run.”
Micha motioned for him to continue.
Mahoag bowed in thanks. Micha acknowledged his reply. “CARVER is interested in more than just financial payment. We would like to formalize a partnership. We are willing to prioritize your missions in exchange for a few benefits, such as access to your training manual? We are open to other benefits you might think fair and will negotiate the fees we are paid. You see,” he continued. “When I gave my report, my commander found out that you had only six of your pack on hand initially and that none took more than scraps he was truly impressed. He wants to put select members of CARVER through that same program.”
Micha’s brows touched the ceiling, but she said nothing as she considered. How was she supposed to explain how her team had gotten to where they were. The only way forward was with the truth. “Endless suicide missions is how we got to where we are. We,” she shook her head. “Had no choice, but to get that good. Our survival depended on it.”
Ni’yell cleared his throat. “CARVER has performed admirably on each mission and dealt fairly in their pricing; including a willingness to wait on the land division.”
Micha tapped the table thoughtfully. She had been planning to use some of her Earth knowledge to build a unique training program that was tailorable to the individual. Sharing the knowledge was not something to take lightly. As she mulled it over her gut said they were trustworthy, but that sense of other screamed distrust like a shield.
The new alpha chose to trust her gut and began to lay out her offer. “The Underdogs agree with what CARVER has offered. We do not expect to be the only client. CARVER agrees they will set up a compound on Kè Lavi for your warriors in training, there can be no undermining of the instructors or divulging of the secrets of the Underdogs.
“In exchange Underdogs will pays 10 % above average based on individual missions until a recognizable history is established, provide training equipment, meals and training fields, and will provide medical care.”
Before Mahoag was able to agree, she reminded him that he needed to discuss the terms with his commander.
Mahoag shook his head and stated. “We were told to use our best judgement to decide if the deal was worth it for CARVER.”
Micha shrugged. “Your commander will have to get in touch with me to set down a price list we can both live with. Shall we go over the unpaid dues?”
Mahaog nodded as he looked at Hazperson.
“Since we are forming a partnership, I suggest we sell the property and purchase one that benefits us both. We will share the cost of building a compound that we can both staff and make use of?”
When Mahaog and Hazperson agreed, she continue. “You already received the workers and allotted slaves from both raids. All equipment will be sold and the final price divided sixty fourty in our favor.”
Surprised, both leaders took a moment before they agreed.
She continued. “As for defending the compound we are not the ones paying you that comes from the prince, but I am certain the emperor will uphold the agreements should the worst come to pass. However, your company went above and beyond for someone you did not know, that needs to be commended.
“Involved in the attack was a small mercenary company that had been hired to assist with the attack. They were told they were preventing the completion of a nova class weapon. They had no idea it was imperial land. Their number was three hundred?” she looked at Ni’Yell, who assented. “As a reward they will be handed over as debt slaves; their debt has yet to be determined.”
Ma’al motions his agreement with a flick of his fingers.
“That…” Hazperson started.
“We accept,” Mahoag butt in. “It is our honour to serve with the Underdogs.”
Micha smirked. “See if you still think that after the training starts.”
Means Thunder’s son
Means tiger claw