First Meeting
The IGFS Valkyrie was making its way across space, Supreme Admiral Elise Le Blanc had been charged with the duty of transporting the High Priestess to the last of the new planets. The other 4 had be divided evenly between the Foreign Minister and the Imperial Chancellor. She wasn't happy about this mission having heard of what happened on the Saiyan planet so she made a vow to herself that she wouldn’t let that happen on her ship.
Elise * stomped her sword down on the ground * - “Report.”
Major Sousuke stepped forward first.
Sousuke - “We're on schedule and I've gone over the guard. I've even selected a girl to be a duplicate if we go that route. Our last scan showed no ships in the vicinity. We've been scanning every 5 minutes.”
Elise - “Make it 1 minute. I wont having anything sneaking up on us.”
Sousuke nodded as Commander Sofia stood.
Sofia - “I did a preliminary scan of the planet we're heading to. We're still to far away to get life readings but I was able to identify that it's a Class-Q variety. Sustainable for human and plant life. Once I'm able to to get life readings I'll make a more detailed report.”
Elise nodded as Ensign Utena stepped forward.
Utena - “The high priestess is in her room meditating with 2 guards at her door at all times. I have personally made sure that no one has entered her room in the last several hours. I was also present earlier when Sousuke looked over her guards for when we arrive.”
Elise - “Good. Keep at it. If anything changes, let me know immediately. I will not allow this mission to be fucked up. We cant afford any more screw-ups. Got it?”
Her crew stood at attention.
Crew - “Yes, Ma'am.”
Elise - “Continue your duties.”
The crew went back to their work as Ensign Utena left the bridge. Elise sat on the edge of her chair. The High Priestess, of all people, why was she the one chosen to go to a new planet. She wasn't one to question her orders but this was dangerous, ludicrous even. If anything went wrong, there would be hell to pay not just from the Empress but from the entire empire. She had to be extra vigilant and extra tough on her crew who understood that this mission could mean the end of their crew or their best accomplishment ever. High Priestess Basha opened her eyes in her room. She had felt a prescience come into her mind. She hadn't been able to converse with it but she knew where it had come from. What kind of people were these Zishins? She had gotten that from the prescience.
Several hours later, IGFS Valkyrie was slowing down as they entered the planet's orbit. The crew along with Basha congregated on the bridge. The planet was unusually purple.
Basha - “So this is Zishi.”
The crew turned to her. Her small face looked at them in surprise.
Elise - “How do you know the planet's name when we haven’t made contact yet.”
Basha blushed and looked down.
Basha - “Because earlier I felt a prescience in my mind and it only told me the name of their world. I couldn't get anything else.”
The crew looked astonished while Elise looked angry.
Elise - “Why didn’t you inform us of this? We need to know what to expect. If they've read your mind already then a decoy is impossible. But I don’t feel comfortable sending you down to the planet even with guards. I can not allow anything to happen to you.”
Basha - “I understand your fear because I felt the same fear when I first felt the prescience but when I lost contact I felt something they had left behind. A warmth and understanding. I want to see for myself what kind of people they are.”
Elise turned to Sousuke.
Elise - “Double the guard and I want you and Ensign Utena on the surface with her. Ensign you are not to let her out of your sight for a second. If she acquires so much as a scratch I will hold you personally responsible. Is that understood?”
Sousuke and Utena stood at attention and replied in the affirmative as they left to ready themselves and the guard.
Elise - “High Priestess. I must ask you to return to your quarters till they are ready to beam down. I want them to be on the surface when we beam you down. They'll secure the area for your arrival.”
Basha nodded and left the bridge as Elise turned to Sofia.
Elise - “You are in charge of the bridge. I will remain here but I want you to make sure everything continues on schedule and according to our plan.”
Sofia nodded and went to one of the control panels placing a communicator in her ear.
Sofia - “Commander Sofia Argos. All stations report!”
Helmsman - “Transporter room ready, and on stand-by. We have the location locked in.”
Sousuke - “Guards are chosen and in the final preparations. Ensign Utena has gone to the High Priestess to be the go between there.”
Utena - “With the High Priestess, ready to move on the command.”
Helmswoman - “Latest scan shows no nearby ships for 1,000 clicks. Planetary scan shows no movement in the collection of people.”
Sofia turned to Elise who nodded.
Sofia - “Major Ikita, proceed to the transporter room. Ensign Inoue, stand-by for further orders.”
Major Sousuke Ikita nodded to the room of 10 men and women armed with swords and phasers.
Sousuke - “Lets Move!”
The group made their way to the transporter room where they were beamed down in groups. As they arrived they began scanning the area for anyone suspicious. With the coast clear, they nodded to Major Sousuke.
Sousuke - “Location is secure. We are ready for the package.”
Sofia - “Ensign, you are clear for take-off.”
Utena - “Yes, Ma'am.”
She lead the High Priestess to the transporter room where they beamed down into the middle of the group which had formed a circle around with their backs to the High Priestess.
Sousuke - “Package received. Further orders?'
Sofia looked at Elise who nodded.
Sofia - “Proceed as planned. Enter the city and locate the person in charge. Remember safety of the High Priestess is top priority. Retreat and we'll beam her up if things start turning south.”
Sousuke - “Yes, Ma'am. Let's move out.”
The group made their way to the city never letting the High Priestess out of their circle. Inside the city, they caught glimpses of beings with light blonde hair, long pointed ears and varying colored clothing that appeared to be a mixture of Chinese and ancient Greek. In the square, they were stopped as 2 of these beings came forward in purple and red clothing. They were beaming at group. The woman stepped closer.
Woman - “There is nothing to fear, Brave warriors of Inuyashia. You are among friends.”
Sousuke pointed his phaser at the woman.
Sousuke - “How do you know where we come from? Who are you? What are you?”
The man reached for his sword but the woman placed a hand on shoulder.
Woman - “I am Zhi Liatos. I'm the guardian of Zishi. This my husband Shen Liatos. He is also my bodyguard and head of military. Not that we have need of one.”
The man tilted his head to the group.
Zhi - “We are Zishis and we have the ability to see and hear things that most aren’t able to.”
She closed her eyes.
Zhi - “You're scared. You don’t have to be. I also sense the mind I attempted to communicate with earlier. Would it be the young girl in the middle of your group?”
Basha stepped forward some.
Basha - “I'm High Priestess and Sage Basha Omori. So it was you. I thought so the moment I saw you.”
Zhi - “You're more beautiful than your mind showed me. You should have more self-confidence.”
Shen - “Madam Zhi, maybe we better continue this in the temple. I sense others opening their minds and some haven't fully gained control of their powers yet.”
Zhi nodded.
Zhi - “Yes, please. You don’t have to worry. We don’t fight unless we absolutely need to.”
The group followed tentatively. Once inside the temple they were seated in a sunken ring around a fire pit. Zhi offered the place next to her to Basha who took it and Ensign Utena sat next to her.
Shen - “I understand your trepidation. Your history has proved that strangers cant be trusted. Forgive me but I took a quick look through your histories so that we might be able to make you feel more welcomed.”
He looked at Basha
Shen - “I see you have gone thru the hardest of trials. Both before you became the High Priestess and afterwards. Protecting the royal artifacts is an honorable duty but it caused you much suffering and isolation.”
Basha looked down and nodded.
Zhi - “Shen, that's enough. We want to make them feel welcomed not drag up unpleasant memories.”
Shen - “My apologizes. I should have known better. May I share what I found out with you?”
Zhi nodded and they placed their right hands together palm to palm. After several minutes, they relaxed back into their seats. They both looked weaker.
Basha - “Are you alright?”
Zhi - “Yes, we're both fine. Sharing information between each other means opening up not only your mind but your heart and soul. Only the really strong are able to perform this ritual which is a major part as to why their powers are stronger than the rest. My husband and myself are among the strongest. We are able to read multiple minds at once without it sounding like bees buzzing in our ears. Though our specific abilities differ. I am able to read current thoughts and feelings only while my husband can only read a person's past. * She chuckled* Though read isn’t an accurate description. Its more like feeling and seeing thru the others eyes. Very few have ever been able to control the mind they see. Currently we have no one who is showing signs of it. At the weakest most people are able to get strong feelings and see emotions. Some are able to read the history of items. Then there are the ones who are able to only communicate telepathically. They train hard to be able to use their abilities outside of others like them and most have been able to do so. We don’t shun people for being different nor do we grade or give out levels depending on strength of our gift. We mainly encourage each other to do our best as Zishen would have it.”
She clasped her hands and bowed her head as her husband did so as well. Basha looked at her quizzically.
Basha - “Zishen?”
Shen - “You could say, she's our guardian spirit. A protector of the land and the people. We believe that when she feels we are ready for the next step in our evolution, she will appear before us once again. She is the reason we have the abilities we have now. We owe her much and as such built her this temple where there are no doors or locks and people are free to come and go as they please. We have no right to tell them when they can seek guidance and when they cant.”
Sousuke leaned forward at this.
Sousuke - “What about theft? Murder? Rape? What sort of protection does this city have?”
Shen turned to face Sousuke siting up.
Shen - “We are a peaceful people. There are times when one of us goes rogue but 9 times out of 10 its because they haven’t been able to control their powers and the power began to control them. When that happens, my wife, myself and a few other villagers gather around the person and use our abilities to bring him back to his senses. Once they have regained control, we help them gain a better control. My wife is often called in to be the calmer. One who steps in during training to keep the person in a mind-set of peace and harmony. Her ability goes beyond her mind. When she places a hand on the participant, they soon start breathing more calmly and appear to be in their safe place.”
Sousuke sat back thinking deeply.
Basha - “I would love to hear more. I know the empress would love you meet you both as well. She's...”
Shen - “We know. The strain she's undergone lately is beyond even your abilities to alleviate. Leaving your homeland for a foreign one is hard enough but to have to make a new life in an unknown universe for one person or a small group is hard but the amount she has. I would be happy to meet her and her family. They seem a tight-knit family.”
Basha nodded.
Basha - “I've never seen a family with so much love in their hearts.”
Zhi - “The question now is how we go about creating an alliance. I am willing to go to your capital if need be to sign anything. Helping friends in need is what we are meant to do. I'm sure Shen will agree.”
Shen nodded. Sousuke stood up.
Sousuke - “I'll let my superiors know. Supreme Admiral will know the next step. I'm sorry if we're taking away your duty, High Priestess. We only wished to keep you as safe as possible.”
Basha nodded as Sousuke stepped to a far corner of the room. Zhi poured tea for Basha and Utena as the rest were served as well. Shen smiled as his wife laughed with the girls. It had been awhile since he had seen his wife this happy. Another female ruler would ease her burden some. She would have someone to talk to as an equal. They prided themselves on treating everyone equally but recently they had started revering her as a prophet of Zishen.
Zhi - “A treaty alliance is perfect and we are willing to come to Gaia to sign it.”
Everyone looked at Zhi and then at Sousuke who was gawking at her in bewilderment.
Elise - “Major Sousuke, report! What happened over there?”
Sousuke started moving again still looking shocked.
Sousuke - “Uhhhh, Yes. They agree to a treaty alliance and are willing to come to Gaia to sign it.”
Elise was silent for several minutes.
Sousuke - “Supreme Admiral!”
Elise - “I haven’t even given that order yet. These beings are scarily amazing. Alright. Let me inform home base and then I'm going to join you. I want to see for myself how powerful they are.”
Zhi - “We are welcome to accept you. Shen, shall we prepare some dinner for our new friends?”
Shen - “An inspired idea, my love. If you'll excuse us for a bit. We'll send someone to greet Supreme Admiral Elise.”
They stood up and bowed to their guests. Basha stood up.
Basha - “Please, let me help. It would mean so much to me.”
Sousuke - “High Priestess!”
Utena and the rest of the guards looked shocked as well as Basha blushed and looked down. Zhi came over smiling.
Zhi - “Your want is enough. We are honored to treat you. Please make yourself at home. We're friends now.”
Basha looked up and smiled.
Basha - “Ok. I cant wait. A meal made with love always tastes better especially with friends.”
Zhi smiled again as well as Shen and the guards. Zhi and Shen left the room after Zhi placed her hand against one of the girls who stood next to the doors leading further back. The girl left quickly out of the temple. Basha smiled and sipped her tea, glad she had made a friend who treated her normally instead of just a revered priestess. Utena smiled at Basha as did Sousuke as he came back to the seating area with everyone else. A few minutes later Elise was escorted in by the girl who had left earlier. The guards stood at attention.
Elise - “At ease.”
She came and sat by the High Priestess as everyone else retook their seats.
Elise - “So where have the leaders gone?”
Basha - “They went to fix us some dinner to share with them. I offered to help but they said I didn’t need to.”
Elise - “Hmph, I should think not. The High Priestess cooking........and with an unknown race as well. I would be reprimanded for even suggesting such a thing.”
Basha looked at Elise shocked.
Basha - “But I wanted to do it. They've been so nice, I wanted to repay them somehow.”
Basha blushed.
Basha - “They remind me of the empress when I first met her. I can only hope that they can relight the fire she had in her heart again. She's lost some of it recently and it pains me to see her like this. I want her to go back to being that happy loving woman she use to be.”
Elise sighed and smiled some.
Elise - “I understand. She has gotten more unsure and scared recently. The fact that we lost a minister and now the new one is stronger and at times meaner than the previous one.”
Everyone looked down. It had become a taboo subject to talk about the previous war minister. Zhi came out smiling.
Zhi - “It wont be much longer. Hello, Elise. I'm Zhi. I'd really like to make friends with your empress and I don’t think she's weakened any. Her heart is just unsure. If she knows she has friends and people on who she can count on and are there when she needs them, then I'm sure she will return to the person you all know and love soon.”
Zhi smiled and Basha smiled back. Elise smiled softly and looked calmer. Maybe these people would be helpful. It had been a long time since she had felt this calm. The rest of the group relaxed as well. Shen came out as well, smiling.
Shen - “Miss Elise. It is a pleasure to have you here. Welcome to Zishi. I'm Shen, protector of Zhi, my wife.”
Elise's eyes grew wide some.
Elise - “No, the pleasure's all mine. We were just having a chat with your wife. Wait if you're her protector. * Turns to Zhi * Then what does that make you that you would need protecting from.”
Zhi and Shen looked at each other and laughed a little nervously.
Shen - “Its not protecting her from anyone. I'm just to stay by her side which I'm happy to do. Its actually how we fell in love. Her powers are strong and if she strains herself too much they can take control. I just make sure that doesn’t happen. Its not really all that glamorous.”
Zhi - “Yeah, It helps that we're one, so it doesn’t cause much ruckus for us to share a bed.”
Zhi blushed as Shen smiled sheepishly. Elise and the group looked at them a little shocked.
Zhi - “Oh, Shen. I take it dinner's ready?”
Shen jumped a little.
Shen - “Oh, yes. Forgive me. We'd be honored for you to join us. All of you.”
He offered his hand to Elise as Zhi offered hers to Basha who took it right away and stood. Elise took it following Basha's example. The couple lead the group to the nearby dining room which was actually many large pillows surrounding a large wooden table.
Zhi - “We usually lounge while we eat so there's no need to worry about station or anything. Just relax and eat what you want.”
She took her spot and her husband sat next to her as Basha took the other side. Elise sat next to Basha and Utena sat next to her. Sousuke sat next to Shen and the rest choose different places as well. Other ladies brought in pitchers of wine and pots of tea.
Zhi - “I didn't know which you would prefer. So I had both our special herbal tea and our special Zimei wine. You may find the taste close to a strawberry wine. With our herbal tea you may find the taste close to your green tea. Drink which ever one you want.”
Basha took a cup of the tea as did Zhi and Utena. Some of the other guards chose tea but the rest chose the wine. Basha took a sip of the tea.
Basha - “mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm This is really good. I feel warmth all over.”
Zhi smiled.
Zhi - “Yes, its been known to have that effect. We find it useful when the winter comes or when someone gets sick. The warmth gives them the strength to get better and it keeps the cold away for a good while afterwards. * she looked at Elise * How do you like the wine?”
Elise - “Its good. Its sweet but well-rounded. You don’t find many wines this well made. This must be your best batch.”
Zhi laughed.
Zhi - “Actually this was made a few years ago. Its actually still maturing some. The flavor grows as the wine ages. We were worried that an older batch might be too much for you to handle so we selected a younger one to be sure you would enjoy it.”
Elise looked at Zhi then at her glass.
Elise - “If that is true, we really do have much to learn from this world.”
The girls brought several large platters with different dishes to the table. Bowls of rice were set before each of them except it was lilac in color. Basha picked up her chopsticks and tried some out of curiosity.
Basha - “Its almost like Jasmine rice. There's a sweetness that I cant really describe. Its wonderful.”
Zhi smiled and handed her a few items.
Zhi - “I'm glad. Try these. They are some of my favorite dishes.”
Basha nodded and tried what looked like a dumpling first. She smiled as she ate it. The flavor was different from ones she had before and yet she felt like she'd had it before. The next thing she tried looked liked grilled tuna but the color was darker. The taste was similar but richer. The last thing that Zhi had placed on her plate was what looked like boiled onion slices but they were bright red. They tasted sweeter than their vidalia onions. Basha smiled as she looked around the room. Everyone else was smiling and trying the various dishes.
Basha - “It seems your cuisine is mixture of our chinese and ancient greek cuisine. Its...............”
She found herself unable to say what she really wanted to say. Zhi smiled.
Zhi - “Thank you. Its very nice of you to say.”
Basha looked at her and smiled again as they laughed and enjoyed the rest of their meal laughing and talking with the group like they were old friends. Dessert was brought out there were strawberries, some looked to be chocolate covered and what looked like darker watermelon cubes. The strawberries were sweeter and the chocolate was richer than Basha had ever experienced. The watermelon was sweeter as well and when Basha smiled again Zhi was smiling back. Elise was more relaxed at this point and saw how Basha was getting along with them which confirmed her thoughts that these people weren’t as bad as she first thought they were. Zhi put down her glass.
Zhi - “So, Elise. I sense you talked to your home base and I get the sense that the response was positive.”
Elise - “Yes, They requested that my ship bring you to Gaia. Apparently the empress wishes you meet you.”
Zhi - “Ok, You're all welcome to stay here tonight so that tomorrow we can begin the journey refreshed and well-rested.”
Elise stood.
Elise - “I appreciate your kind gesture but I must return to my ship. I'll let the High Priestess decide what she wants to do and my officers are at her disposal as well.”
Zhi nodded as did Basha and the guards.
Elise - “Then I will see everyone tomorrow on the ship.”
She bowed and pressed a button on her gauntlet and disappeared. Basha's child-like face was smiling even while showing that she was getting sleepy. Zhi smiled at her.
Zhi - “I'll show you to the guest quarters. There are at least 2 beds to the rooms so you wont be alone.”
Ensign Utena nodded as she help Basha to the room that Zhi led them too. The beds were large stone ones with cuts in them in intricate designs. They had larger cut outs for the entrance to the bed itself. The bed looked soft behind the curtains that further covered it. Utena helped Basha remove her outer clothing and into the bed as Zhi left saying they would see them in the morning to head to their new home world. Basha was soon asleep and Utena laid down in the nearby bed and rested as well. The next morning they met with the others in the main room where they had talked previously. Sousuke and the rest of the guards filed in as Basha talked with Zhi some more. Zhi and Shen each had a small sack next to them.
Shen - “Yes, Major Sousuke we will both be coming to your home world. While Zhi will be the only one signing, I am honor bound to never leave her side. I'm sure you understand.”
Sousuke nodded and pressed the comm device on his uniform.
Sousuke - “15 to beam up.”
The guard was beamed up first followed but both officers, the high priestess, and the 2 delegates. Elise met them in the transporter room. Elise bowed.
Elise - “May I show you to your room?”
Zhi nodded as Elise stepped out of the room. Elise led them to a room close to Basha's and opened the door for them. The room was Japanese simplistic with futuristic touches and amenities. Zhi smiled and nodded as she and her husband entered the room.
Zhi - “Its beautiful. Thank you.”
Elise nodded.
Elise - “The high priestess's room is close so it'll be easier to protect you both. I'll come once we are close to Gaia.”
Zhi - “I understand we wont roam around without notifying some one.”
Elise left them and went to the bridge as Sousuke was returning to his post.
Elise - “Alright people, lets get us home safely. Set course for Gaia at warp 4.”
Crew - “Yes, ma'am.”
They set to work and the ship started warping thru space. Hours later they slowed down over Gaia. A beautiful planet of green and blue. Zhi and Basha had been invited to the bridge as they achieved orbit over it. Shen stood behind the ladies smiling slightly as Zhi smiled broadly at the beauty of the planet.
Elise - “Have we achieved contact with control?”
Souske - “Yes, They are transferring us to the control around the palace.”
Elise nodded as a smooth British voice came on over their communication system.
Voice - “I'm Sebastian, head of Empress's communications among other things. What do you need?”
Elise - “We need access to the palace for transportation of the High Priestess and the Zishi representatives.”
Sebastian - “Zishi representatives? I will talk to the empress.”
After several minutes, he returned.
Sebastian - “You have permission. I'm sending the coordinates to you of her exact location. She's waiting to meet them with some tea.”
The coordinates arrived in the transporter room. Basha, Zhi, and Shen were directed to the room along with Ensign Utena. They were transported and arrived in a garden close to a white table where the empress sat having some English tea. She looked up as Basha came forward.
Rebecca - “Hello Basha, how are you doing? I'm glad you're safe.”
Basha came the empress smiling and hugged her.
Basha - “Yes, I'm good. These are my new friends, Zhi and Shen, they are from Zishi.”
Rebecca - “The purple planet? That's interesting.”
Zhi - “Its a pleasure to meet you Empress Rebecca I. You are a kind woman with much love in your heart. I'm glad your family is well and you are no longer sad.”
Rebecca looked at them in surprise.
Shen - “Our race has developed telepathic abilities. Its differs in each of us. My wife sees recent events and thoughts. I on the other hand can see people's past. Your strength is something to be admired. Not your military might but the strength of your heart to love and protect when adversity rears its head.”
Rebecca looked down blushing a little with a small smile on her face and her eyes half-way closed.
Rebecca - “Yes, though I wasn’t able to protect everyone..................not even the one most important to me.”
Zhi and Shen sat down as Basha sat next to the empress.
Zhi - “But you seem to have been reunited. So you cant dwell on the past.”
Rebecca nodded.
Rebecca - “You're right. Thank you.”
Sebastian came over in his black outfit and poured 3 more cups of tea. Ensign Utena raised her hand slightly and shook her head as she stood away from the table. Sebastian nodded in understanding.
Basha - “So this is the new head of your communications. He's very handsome.”
Sebastian smiled deviously.
Rebecca - “Well, he is that among other things. He's my personal, I guess you could call him a butler but he's so much more than that.”
Sebastian - “You are too kind. I'm merely one hell of a butler. Even if I'm not entirely human.”
Basha started.
Basha - “Not human? How is that possible?”
Zhi - “I see, a new combination of cyborg and computer. That's very interesting.”
Sebastian smiled again.
Sebastian - “You are quick but I doubt its from mere observation. Telepathic abilities, huh?”
Zhi - “You're good. Very good.”
Sebastian smiled more broadly as he backed from the table.
Sebastian - “I'll leave you both to talk while I have rooms prepared for them. I guess the representatives would like to share a room.”
Shen nodded
Shen - “If its not too much trouble.”
Sebastian - “None at all. If you'll excuse me.”
Sebastian left.
Zhi - “He's a very interesting character. You rarely see someone like that.”
Rebecca - “I'd be happy to share our technology with you as part of our treaty.”
Shen - “Treaty?”
Zhi - “Apparently when nations become allies they sign a treaty agreement. They agree to exchange certain things and protect one another in times of need. Is that about right, Empress?”
Rebecca - “Absolutely. By the way, is it possible to not read peoples minds or do they just flow thru you like a stream?”
Zhi and Shen looked at each other.
Zhi - “We've never had need to try and shut out each other. We felt it made us more open and receptive if we knew more and more about each other. Being able to read each other gave us a sense of understanding. But I can see why you've asked that question. I apologize we should have realized that its not common for others and not said as much as we did.”
Zhi looked down, saddened. Empress shook her head.
Rebecca - “You just wanted to be friendly and helpful. Truth be told, I wish I was as gifted as you. Then maybe I wouldn't have lost so much or suffer as much as I did.”
Zhi - “Its alright. You're alive and your family is well. You still have so much. Maybe we can help you as well. I'd need to talk to my people about it. It might be a tad difficult to reach them from here but not impossible. If I'd be allowed some time to do it.”
Rebecca - “Its perfectly acceptable. I understand it would be a lot to ask of your people. I for myself, shall pray for a favorable outcome and inform my ministers here of the hope of a treaty between us. Take as much time as you need. Maybe once we have an agreement, I might be able to show you around the capital and my family. I would like them to know of our new allies and friends because I consider you both my friends now.”
Zhi and Shen smiled.
Zhi - “We'd love to. Your city is beautiful and apparently well guarded. Oops, I did it again.”
Rebecca - “Its ok. All the citizens know. Its common knowledge now. I'm glad you now know as well.”
Zhi looked at her husband.
Zhi - “We'll exchange later.”
Shen nodded.
Rebecca - “Exchange?”
Basha chimed in
Basha - “They are able to exchange the info they receive by placing their hands together.”
Rebecca - “Most interesting.”
Just then a tall blonde man in a white military uniform with a white cape came up to them. He was frowning at the empress.
Rebecca - “Oh no, He found me.”
Basha looked at her slightly confused. Zhi and Shen looked a little scared as the man approached.
Man - “Empress, why are you out here? You need to return to the throne room immediately, there are several matters that require your attention. This is no time for a tea party.”
He started to grab her when Sebastian came between them grabbing the man by the front of his shirt.
Sebastian - “Minister of War, Camus you fail to realize we are hosting representatives of Zishi. A new planet that we can now consider valuable allies. You would do well to not make Empress Rebecca I scared as you have.”
Camus - “I wont be taking orders from a butler or a robot. While I see that there are new faces, I can tell they aren’t militaristic so I fail to see their usefulness. Empress, I request you come with me, now.”
Sebastian scowled at him as his fist balled up and hit Camus square in the face. Rebecca stood up and grabbed Sebastian.
Rebecca - “Sebastian, calm down. Doesn’t look like I have much of a choice. If you'll excuse me, I hope you'll all join me for dinner. I enjoy our time together.”
Zhi nodded - “We would be delighted. I hope you don’t really think us weird, Mr. Camus. We aren't all that weird and we want to be of help to our friends.”
Camus looked at Zhi surprised before he scowled.
Camus - “A mind-reader. Maybe we could use that............................It would be helpful in interrogations and enemy tracking. I wonder if they are able to plant ideas into people's minds or control them. That would be most useful.”
Zhi gapped as did Basha.
Rebecca - “Camus, you're being rude. Its not right to ask them to do something like that. We must respect their laws and religious beliefs with what we ask of them. If we don’t we'll be no better than the bullies who forced us from our home world. I will never become like them, no matter what you think.”
Shen - “Empress, you are entirely correct. To request that of us.................................We cant condone such actions among our people.................Controlling people and planting ideas or memories..............That's nothing short of diabolical. I apologize to you empress if I have over stepped my bounds but its how I feel and how I know my wife feels.”
He placed his hands on his wife's shoulders as he stood behind her. Empress shook her head.
Rebecca - “I had a feeling your people were like that. You have spoken your mind and I respect that. To speak up against others not part of your country.............is..................difficult at best. I admire that. I want you both to know. Whatever we agree upon it will be something that will not infringe on your beliefs or laws. I'm not one to bully people..................though because of that...I have lost more than I ever thought I would. I hope you can understand me.”
They both nodded. Shen having seen her memories knew of the trials she had gone thru. Zhi saw her feelings and thoughts and saw how much she had cared for her people and her sadness of loss. Empress bowed her head and left after Camus who looked pissed and rubbed his cheek some. Sebastian had calmed down.
Sebastian - “I'll show you to your rooms. If you'll follow me.”
Basha - “You don’t accompany her when she is in the throne room.”
Sebastian - “She has request that I not be there. I am................too protective of her.”
Basha nodded as she stood along with Zhi and Shen. They followed Sebastian as he led them to their rooms. Ensign Utena saw them walk into the palace with Sebastian and pressed her comm device and was soon beamed back onto her ship as they weren't likely to be endanger with the empress so close. Basha's was a cute pink room which made her smile. Zhi and Shen's was a lilac one with silver tones.
Zhi - “Its beautiful. You're really good at reading people on your own.”
Sebastian - “I merely did my job. I'll come inform you when dinner is ready. Please use the room as you please.”
He left after bowing, closing the door behind him. Zhi saw that they had a balcony so she went and took in the view of the city. It seemed to sparkle in the sun. Shen came up behind her.
Shen - “The empress really is amazing. I can only imagine that her children have given her the strength to continue living. If I had lost you, I wouldn't be able to go on.”
Zhi leaned into her husband.
Zhi - “I sensed she had lost much but I had no idea how far it went. Her sadness is great but her friends and family have held her up. That much I got from her.”
Shen - “Let's exchange what we have and I'll help you prepare for the ritual. I'll be your anchor.”
Zhi - “You always are. You're right we have much to do.”
She looked over at the bed.
Zhi - “That's probably the best place to do the exchange. Afterwards I'll perform the cleansing part.”
Shen nodded.
Shen - “I'll have the circle prepared. It hasn’t been long since you've done this and your reaching further than last time.”
Zhi nodded as she led her husband to the bed. She removed her shoes as he did and they both sat down and faced each other on the bed. They placed their hands together and Zhi was flooded with memories some good and happy, others sad and still others were more painful than she had ever seen anyone deal with before. The faces she saw and the happy feelings she got from them were enough to show how she had stayed alive and able to smile. They finally broke the connection and fell back on the bed. Zhi was crying.
Zhi - “Your earlier statement doesn’t begin to cover her strength or will. That she is still able to smile and be happy, that’s more that I'd ever be able to do. She needs friends more than anything now.”
Shen - “You're right. I didn’t do it justice. But I can see her children are her main strength. I cant wait to meet them.”
Zhi - “We may tonight. I got a sense that they would be at the dinner. She also doesn’t seem like one who would deprive her family of time together because of guests or business. I also want to meet them.”
She sat up and collected herself before heading to the bathroom. Shen sat up as well and began his work. He found tall candles as well as enough pillows to make it comfortable. He arranged a circle in the middle of the room and lit the candles before closing the curtains. Zhi came in in a red wrap toga, her hair down and loose. Shen removed his cape and sash as he took his wife's hand which shook slightly.
Shen - “We can wait if your scared.”
Zhi - “With you with me, I can do it.”
Shen nodded as they stepped into the circle and sat down. With their free hand they made hand signs together as they chanted the spell to began the ritual.
Shen and Zhi - “By our mother's will. By our father's strength. Connect me to my brothers and sisters. Let me hear their thoughts as they hear mine. Oh mother be my connection. Let me be as one with them. Let them hear me.”
Zhi's body went limp as her head fell back. Shen guided her easily back onto the pillows without breaking the circle or letting go of her. His forehead glowed as a Chinese character appeared there.
Shen - “Its up to you now. I wont leave you and I'll be here when you return.
Shen chanted silently over his wife as her soul traveled back to their home world and conversed with the people. There were times when she couldn't quite hear them or they unable to hear her but she got thru to enough people to gain a general consensus. She began to go back. It took a lot to return to her body but she finally took a deep breath which broke her husband's chanting. He leaned over her still holding her hand as her eyes fluttered. She opened her eyes and smiled.
Zhi - “Thanks. You helped me make it back.”
Shen - “I told you I would. Just relax and take your time. There's no need to rush.
She laid there and took deep breaths.
Zhi - “I told those who I could about our friends. They wanna help. I wasn’t strong enough to talk to all of them but I was able to talk to enough of them. I didn’t expect the return to be as difficult as it was. If I had been alone, I don’t know if I would have been able to......”
Shen felt his wife's face gently brushing some hair from her face.
Shen - “You'll never be alone again. Remember our vows. We are one now and forever. Where you go I go even to the end of the world. To the depths of Hades or into Tian we are forever bound together by our holy mother's eternal grace. You know I live for you and you alone.”
He leaned in and kissed her.
Zhi - “You always know how to quell all my fears. You are my rock and my voice of reason. Thank you for standing up for me and our people when I had lost my voice.”
She slowing rose up into a sitting position holding her head a little.
Shen - “Want a chair or the bed?”
Zhi - “Better the bed for right now. I'm still a little dizzy.”
Shen nodded as he kissed her forehead and picked her up gently. He laid her on the bed placing a large pillow beneath her head.
Shen - “Just rest. I'll clean this up. We want to be fresh for the dinner. Its ok to sleep. Its natural after this.”
Zhi nodded as she closed her eyes. Shen cleaned up the room and open the curtains enough to read close by his wife. He watched the sun set a few hours later. When a knock came at the door, he went and opened it. Sebastian was there.
Sebastian - “Dinner will be served soon. I can lead you to the dining room.”
Shen - “Thank you. May I ask a few minutes get ready? My wife needed to rest soon after we came in.”
Sebastian nodded.
Sebastian - “Of course. I'll be down the hall then. I am to inform the priestess as well.”
He headed to her room as Shen closed the door. He went to his wife and kissed her forehead.
Shen - “Its time to wake, honey.”
Zhi opened her eyes.
Shen - “Feeling better?”
Zhi nodded.
Zhi - “Much, thank you.”
She sat up and faced her husband.
Shen - “Lets get you dressed. Its time for dinner.”
Shen assisted her in getting dressed in her formal outfit as he placed his shoes, sash, and cape back on. Zhi walked to the curtains and opened them blinking in the light.
Zhi - “The city looks even more beautiful in the setting sun.”
Shen held out his hand.
Shen - “We cant keep them waiting.”
Zhi nodded and took his hand as they left the room and joined Sebastian and Basha in the hallway. Basha smiled broadly at them as Sebastian smirked.
Sebastian - “If you'll follow me please.”
Basha took Zhi's other hand as they made their way to the dining room where the empress was laughing with her family. 7 kids at various ages. Rebecca smiled as they entered the room.
Rebecca - “Its good to see you again. I'm glad you could join us. Shall I introduce you to my children?”
Zhi smiled.
Zhi - “Yes, please. I'd love to hear from you about them. They are more adorable than I've seen.”
The kids looked a little puzzled.
Rebecca - “You'll find out soon.”
She went to her eldest ones.
Rebecca - “These are Anakin and Jade. I thank Michael for bringing them in our lives. They have been my rock when I doubted everything.”
Anakin - “We only did what father would have done.”
Jade - “We couldn't let him down after what he did for us.”
Rebecca - “Still, it helped so much.”
She kissed their foreheads before moving to the next oldest ones.
Rebecca - “These are Aoki and Lyta. They can be a handful at times but I am proud of their achievements.”
Aoki - “Mom, I wasn’t able to do what I was suppose to. I really wanted to prove myself but they never gave me a chance.”
Lyta - “Aoki, we should be happy we are alive and mom still rules. We have much to be happy about.
Aoki - “You're right, Lyta. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, mom.”
Rebecca - “Its ok. We all have times when we wish people had given us chances. As long as we're alive there's always hope. Never forget that.”
Aoki nodded as she kissed his forehead and then Lyta's. Rebecca moved to the 3 youngest ones.
Rebecca - “These are the Triplets. Ramus, Remus, and Mitsuki. I had to convince Michael to name the girl Mitsuki. The boys were easier to name. I've never looked back as they have helped me remember to smile.”
Ramus - “We just never liked seeing you sad, momma.”
Remus - “We only wanted to see you smile again like you use to.”
Mitsuki - “I love mommy's smile most of all. More than candy, more than strawberries.”
Rebecca hugged the triplets and rubbed Mitsuki's head.
Rebeca - “Thank you.”
She kissed the boys' foreheads and Mitsuki's cheek making her giggle.
Shen and Zhi looked at her lovingly.
Zhi - “I see where the love in your heart comes from. Having such lovely, loving children. I feel warmth all over this room.”
Rebecca smiled.
Rebecca - “I thank you. Shall I present you to my children or.....”
Zhi - “We can state who we are. I am Zhi the guardian of Zishi and this is my husband.”
Shen - “Shen. I am also her protector and head of the military which for us is minimal.”
Anakin - “Zishi..................One of the new planets?”
Rebecca nodded.
Jade - “Then they are our new allies.”
Rebecca nodded.
Rebecca - “They also have a special power. A gift, I admire.”
Zhi - “We know. If I may.”
Rebecca nodded.
Zhi - “Anakin plays the flute and is thinking about the college tests coming up. Jade is admiring our outfits. Thank you for the complement.”
Anakin looked a little mad while Jade blushed.
Shen - “Aoki had an art show in middle school. A lovely sculpture. Lyta use to follow after her mother every where even hiding behind a pillar in the throne room so that she could see her smile.”
Aoki gapped his cheeks a little red. Lyta blushed as Rebecca smiled at her.
Rebecca - “I had a feeling you were there.”
Zhi - “Ramus and Remus are planning some devious pranks. Good complicated ones. You can apply those talents to more constructive things. And little Mitsuki is thinking we look like elves from her picture books. A lover of fairy tales. That's a wonderful thing.”
Ramus and Remus adopted angelic faces as Mitsuki smiled broadly at Zhi.
Anakin - “Mother, what's the meaning of this? Did you tell them about us?”
Rebecca smiled again.
Rebecca - “We didnt have enough time earlier. Its their ability.”
Zhi - “I think Jade just realized the answer.”
Rebecca looked at Jade as did everyone else.
Jade - “I had read about people who developed telepathic abilities. I thought it was pure science-fiction.”
Aoki - “Telepathic abilites?”
Anakin - “The ability to read and converse with people's minds. That is an incredible ability. I take it Zhi can see the things in our minds now while your partner sees our past.”
Shen - “You are correct. I am able to see all your histories. Almost like a film playing in my head.”
Zhi - “Mine comes in like waves. The crashes bring feelings while the waves bring the thoughts if that makes sense.”
The children nodded.
Mitsuki went to them
Mitsuki - “Will you be friends with us now? Friends with mommy and protect her.”
Zhi picked her up gently and held her as her husband rubbed her head.
Shen - “Yes, little one. We want nothing more than to be good friends with your mom.”
Zhi - “We want to give her strength so that she will never have to be sad again.”
Mitsuki smiled broadly again and hugged them as the rest of the children looked happy. To have some one feel the same way they did, it helped them feel better that their mom could return to being the person she had been long ago. They set Mitsuki back down on the floor and she went to her mom's open arms.
Rebecca - “You are so good to me. All of you.”
Basha wiped a tear from her eye. Seeing her empress and friend happy again made her so happy. She had known her a long time and the wars had weighed on her. Maybe now that weight could be lifted. She said a silent prayer for that as a figure entered the room. Mitsuki ran to him happily.
Mitsuki - “Daddy.”
The man picked her up smiling joining the children and kissing Rebecca.
Rebecca - “This is my husband, Michael. By a miracle, I am happy everyday that has he returned to us.
Michael - “And I'll never leave you again, my sweet. These are our new allies?”
Rebecca nodded as Zhi and Shen bowed.
Zhi - “Its an honor to meet you, Great Michael I.”
Shen - “I am glad you are able to be with your family again. I am Shen, protector of Zhi my wife and guardian of Zishi. You can understand how I feel being able to protect the one most important to me.”
Michael - “Very much. I believe I heard that your people are telepathic. I am sure you'll help us just as I'm sure my wife will do her best to help you.”
Zhi and Shen nodded as Sebastian entered the room again.
Sebastian - “The chefs are ready to serve dinner.”
Rebecca nodded and motioned to the large round table with Michael on one side of her. They all moved to chairs. Basha sat next to empress and Zhi sat next to her. Shen was next to his wife and Mitsuki quickly sat next to him. The rest of the kids filed in with Anakin sitting next to his father. He had made a silent vow with himself to stay next to her and protect her like his father had. True, he wasn't biologically related to them but he had known more love in this family than he had ever thought possible. This was his family now and forever. Now that he had returned, Anakin wasn’t gonna stop protecting her. He felt more strength having his father with him than he had before.
Elise * stomped her sword down on the ground * - “Report.”
Major Sousuke stepped forward first.
Sousuke - “We're on schedule and I've gone over the guard. I've even selected a girl to be a duplicate if we go that route. Our last scan showed no ships in the vicinity. We've been scanning every 5 minutes.”
Elise - “Make it 1 minute. I wont having anything sneaking up on us.”
Sousuke nodded as Commander Sofia stood.
Sofia - “I did a preliminary scan of the planet we're heading to. We're still to far away to get life readings but I was able to identify that it's a Class-Q variety. Sustainable for human and plant life. Once I'm able to to get life readings I'll make a more detailed report.”
Elise nodded as Ensign Utena stepped forward.
Utena - “The high priestess is in her room meditating with 2 guards at her door at all times. I have personally made sure that no one has entered her room in the last several hours. I was also present earlier when Sousuke looked over her guards for when we arrive.”
Elise - “Good. Keep at it. If anything changes, let me know immediately. I will not allow this mission to be fucked up. We cant afford any more screw-ups. Got it?”
Her crew stood at attention.
Crew - “Yes, Ma'am.”
Elise - “Continue your duties.”
The crew went back to their work as Ensign Utena left the bridge. Elise sat on the edge of her chair. The High Priestess, of all people, why was she the one chosen to go to a new planet. She wasn't one to question her orders but this was dangerous, ludicrous even. If anything went wrong, there would be hell to pay not just from the Empress but from the entire empire. She had to be extra vigilant and extra tough on her crew who understood that this mission could mean the end of their crew or their best accomplishment ever. High Priestess Basha opened her eyes in her room. She had felt a prescience come into her mind. She hadn't been able to converse with it but she knew where it had come from. What kind of people were these Zishins? She had gotten that from the prescience.
Several hours later, IGFS Valkyrie was slowing down as they entered the planet's orbit. The crew along with Basha congregated on the bridge. The planet was unusually purple.
Basha - “So this is Zishi.”
The crew turned to her. Her small face looked at them in surprise.
Elise - “How do you know the planet's name when we haven’t made contact yet.”
Basha blushed and looked down.
Basha - “Because earlier I felt a prescience in my mind and it only told me the name of their world. I couldn't get anything else.”
The crew looked astonished while Elise looked angry.
Elise - “Why didn’t you inform us of this? We need to know what to expect. If they've read your mind already then a decoy is impossible. But I don’t feel comfortable sending you down to the planet even with guards. I can not allow anything to happen to you.”
Basha - “I understand your fear because I felt the same fear when I first felt the prescience but when I lost contact I felt something they had left behind. A warmth and understanding. I want to see for myself what kind of people they are.”
Elise turned to Sousuke.
Elise - “Double the guard and I want you and Ensign Utena on the surface with her. Ensign you are not to let her out of your sight for a second. If she acquires so much as a scratch I will hold you personally responsible. Is that understood?”
Sousuke and Utena stood at attention and replied in the affirmative as they left to ready themselves and the guard.
Elise - “High Priestess. I must ask you to return to your quarters till they are ready to beam down. I want them to be on the surface when we beam you down. They'll secure the area for your arrival.”
Basha nodded and left the bridge as Elise turned to Sofia.
Elise - “You are in charge of the bridge. I will remain here but I want you to make sure everything continues on schedule and according to our plan.”
Sofia nodded and went to one of the control panels placing a communicator in her ear.
Sofia - “Commander Sofia Argos. All stations report!”
Helmsman - “Transporter room ready, and on stand-by. We have the location locked in.”
Sousuke - “Guards are chosen and in the final preparations. Ensign Utena has gone to the High Priestess to be the go between there.”
Utena - “With the High Priestess, ready to move on the command.”
Helmswoman - “Latest scan shows no nearby ships for 1,000 clicks. Planetary scan shows no movement in the collection of people.”
Sofia turned to Elise who nodded.
Sofia - “Major Ikita, proceed to the transporter room. Ensign Inoue, stand-by for further orders.”
Major Sousuke Ikita nodded to the room of 10 men and women armed with swords and phasers.
Sousuke - “Lets Move!”
The group made their way to the transporter room where they were beamed down in groups. As they arrived they began scanning the area for anyone suspicious. With the coast clear, they nodded to Major Sousuke.
Sousuke - “Location is secure. We are ready for the package.”
Sofia - “Ensign, you are clear for take-off.”
Utena - “Yes, Ma'am.”
She lead the High Priestess to the transporter room where they beamed down into the middle of the group which had formed a circle around with their backs to the High Priestess.
Sousuke - “Package received. Further orders?'
Sofia looked at Elise who nodded.
Sofia - “Proceed as planned. Enter the city and locate the person in charge. Remember safety of the High Priestess is top priority. Retreat and we'll beam her up if things start turning south.”
Sousuke - “Yes, Ma'am. Let's move out.”
The group made their way to the city never letting the High Priestess out of their circle. Inside the city, they caught glimpses of beings with light blonde hair, long pointed ears and varying colored clothing that appeared to be a mixture of Chinese and ancient Greek. In the square, they were stopped as 2 of these beings came forward in purple and red clothing. They were beaming at group. The woman stepped closer.
Woman - “There is nothing to fear, Brave warriors of Inuyashia. You are among friends.”
Sousuke pointed his phaser at the woman.
Sousuke - “How do you know where we come from? Who are you? What are you?”
The man reached for his sword but the woman placed a hand on shoulder.
Woman - “I am Zhi Liatos. I'm the guardian of Zishi. This my husband Shen Liatos. He is also my bodyguard and head of military. Not that we have need of one.”
The man tilted his head to the group.
Zhi - “We are Zishis and we have the ability to see and hear things that most aren’t able to.”
She closed her eyes.
Zhi - “You're scared. You don’t have to be. I also sense the mind I attempted to communicate with earlier. Would it be the young girl in the middle of your group?”
Basha stepped forward some.
Basha - “I'm High Priestess and Sage Basha Omori. So it was you. I thought so the moment I saw you.”
Zhi - “You're more beautiful than your mind showed me. You should have more self-confidence.”
Shen - “Madam Zhi, maybe we better continue this in the temple. I sense others opening their minds and some haven't fully gained control of their powers yet.”
Zhi nodded.
Zhi - “Yes, please. You don’t have to worry. We don’t fight unless we absolutely need to.”
The group followed tentatively. Once inside the temple they were seated in a sunken ring around a fire pit. Zhi offered the place next to her to Basha who took it and Ensign Utena sat next to her.
Shen - “I understand your trepidation. Your history has proved that strangers cant be trusted. Forgive me but I took a quick look through your histories so that we might be able to make you feel more welcomed.”
He looked at Basha
Shen - “I see you have gone thru the hardest of trials. Both before you became the High Priestess and afterwards. Protecting the royal artifacts is an honorable duty but it caused you much suffering and isolation.”
Basha looked down and nodded.
Zhi - “Shen, that's enough. We want to make them feel welcomed not drag up unpleasant memories.”
Shen - “My apologizes. I should have known better. May I share what I found out with you?”
Zhi nodded and they placed their right hands together palm to palm. After several minutes, they relaxed back into their seats. They both looked weaker.
Basha - “Are you alright?”
Zhi - “Yes, we're both fine. Sharing information between each other means opening up not only your mind but your heart and soul. Only the really strong are able to perform this ritual which is a major part as to why their powers are stronger than the rest. My husband and myself are among the strongest. We are able to read multiple minds at once without it sounding like bees buzzing in our ears. Though our specific abilities differ. I am able to read current thoughts and feelings only while my husband can only read a person's past. * She chuckled* Though read isn’t an accurate description. Its more like feeling and seeing thru the others eyes. Very few have ever been able to control the mind they see. Currently we have no one who is showing signs of it. At the weakest most people are able to get strong feelings and see emotions. Some are able to read the history of items. Then there are the ones who are able to only communicate telepathically. They train hard to be able to use their abilities outside of others like them and most have been able to do so. We don’t shun people for being different nor do we grade or give out levels depending on strength of our gift. We mainly encourage each other to do our best as Zishen would have it.”
She clasped her hands and bowed her head as her husband did so as well. Basha looked at her quizzically.
Basha - “Zishen?”
Shen - “You could say, she's our guardian spirit. A protector of the land and the people. We believe that when she feels we are ready for the next step in our evolution, she will appear before us once again. She is the reason we have the abilities we have now. We owe her much and as such built her this temple where there are no doors or locks and people are free to come and go as they please. We have no right to tell them when they can seek guidance and when they cant.”
Sousuke leaned forward at this.
Sousuke - “What about theft? Murder? Rape? What sort of protection does this city have?”
Shen turned to face Sousuke siting up.
Shen - “We are a peaceful people. There are times when one of us goes rogue but 9 times out of 10 its because they haven’t been able to control their powers and the power began to control them. When that happens, my wife, myself and a few other villagers gather around the person and use our abilities to bring him back to his senses. Once they have regained control, we help them gain a better control. My wife is often called in to be the calmer. One who steps in during training to keep the person in a mind-set of peace and harmony. Her ability goes beyond her mind. When she places a hand on the participant, they soon start breathing more calmly and appear to be in their safe place.”
Sousuke sat back thinking deeply.
Basha - “I would love to hear more. I know the empress would love you meet you both as well. She's...”
Shen - “We know. The strain she's undergone lately is beyond even your abilities to alleviate. Leaving your homeland for a foreign one is hard enough but to have to make a new life in an unknown universe for one person or a small group is hard but the amount she has. I would be happy to meet her and her family. They seem a tight-knit family.”
Basha nodded.
Basha - “I've never seen a family with so much love in their hearts.”
Zhi - “The question now is how we go about creating an alliance. I am willing to go to your capital if need be to sign anything. Helping friends in need is what we are meant to do. I'm sure Shen will agree.”
Shen nodded. Sousuke stood up.
Sousuke - “I'll let my superiors know. Supreme Admiral will know the next step. I'm sorry if we're taking away your duty, High Priestess. We only wished to keep you as safe as possible.”
Basha nodded as Sousuke stepped to a far corner of the room. Zhi poured tea for Basha and Utena as the rest were served as well. Shen smiled as his wife laughed with the girls. It had been awhile since he had seen his wife this happy. Another female ruler would ease her burden some. She would have someone to talk to as an equal. They prided themselves on treating everyone equally but recently they had started revering her as a prophet of Zishen.
Zhi - “A treaty alliance is perfect and we are willing to come to Gaia to sign it.”
Everyone looked at Zhi and then at Sousuke who was gawking at her in bewilderment.
Elise - “Major Sousuke, report! What happened over there?”
Sousuke started moving again still looking shocked.
Sousuke - “Uhhhh, Yes. They agree to a treaty alliance and are willing to come to Gaia to sign it.”
Elise was silent for several minutes.
Sousuke - “Supreme Admiral!”
Elise - “I haven’t even given that order yet. These beings are scarily amazing. Alright. Let me inform home base and then I'm going to join you. I want to see for myself how powerful they are.”
Zhi - “We are welcome to accept you. Shen, shall we prepare some dinner for our new friends?”
Shen - “An inspired idea, my love. If you'll excuse us for a bit. We'll send someone to greet Supreme Admiral Elise.”
They stood up and bowed to their guests. Basha stood up.
Basha - “Please, let me help. It would mean so much to me.”
Sousuke - “High Priestess!”
Utena and the rest of the guards looked shocked as well as Basha blushed and looked down. Zhi came over smiling.
Zhi - “Your want is enough. We are honored to treat you. Please make yourself at home. We're friends now.”
Basha looked up and smiled.
Basha - “Ok. I cant wait. A meal made with love always tastes better especially with friends.”
Zhi smiled again as well as Shen and the guards. Zhi and Shen left the room after Zhi placed her hand against one of the girls who stood next to the doors leading further back. The girl left quickly out of the temple. Basha smiled and sipped her tea, glad she had made a friend who treated her normally instead of just a revered priestess. Utena smiled at Basha as did Sousuke as he came back to the seating area with everyone else. A few minutes later Elise was escorted in by the girl who had left earlier. The guards stood at attention.
Elise - “At ease.”
She came and sat by the High Priestess as everyone else retook their seats.
Elise - “So where have the leaders gone?”
Basha - “They went to fix us some dinner to share with them. I offered to help but they said I didn’t need to.”
Elise - “Hmph, I should think not. The High Priestess cooking........and with an unknown race as well. I would be reprimanded for even suggesting such a thing.”
Basha looked at Elise shocked.
Basha - “But I wanted to do it. They've been so nice, I wanted to repay them somehow.”
Basha blushed.
Basha - “They remind me of the empress when I first met her. I can only hope that they can relight the fire she had in her heart again. She's lost some of it recently and it pains me to see her like this. I want her to go back to being that happy loving woman she use to be.”
Elise sighed and smiled some.
Elise - “I understand. She has gotten more unsure and scared recently. The fact that we lost a minister and now the new one is stronger and at times meaner than the previous one.”
Everyone looked down. It had become a taboo subject to talk about the previous war minister. Zhi came out smiling.
Zhi - “It wont be much longer. Hello, Elise. I'm Zhi. I'd really like to make friends with your empress and I don’t think she's weakened any. Her heart is just unsure. If she knows she has friends and people on who she can count on and are there when she needs them, then I'm sure she will return to the person you all know and love soon.”
Zhi smiled and Basha smiled back. Elise smiled softly and looked calmer. Maybe these people would be helpful. It had been a long time since she had felt this calm. The rest of the group relaxed as well. Shen came out as well, smiling.
Shen - “Miss Elise. It is a pleasure to have you here. Welcome to Zishi. I'm Shen, protector of Zhi, my wife.”
Elise's eyes grew wide some.
Elise - “No, the pleasure's all mine. We were just having a chat with your wife. Wait if you're her protector. * Turns to Zhi * Then what does that make you that you would need protecting from.”
Zhi and Shen looked at each other and laughed a little nervously.
Shen - “Its not protecting her from anyone. I'm just to stay by her side which I'm happy to do. Its actually how we fell in love. Her powers are strong and if she strains herself too much they can take control. I just make sure that doesn’t happen. Its not really all that glamorous.”
Zhi - “Yeah, It helps that we're one, so it doesn’t cause much ruckus for us to share a bed.”
Zhi blushed as Shen smiled sheepishly. Elise and the group looked at them a little shocked.
Zhi - “Oh, Shen. I take it dinner's ready?”
Shen jumped a little.
Shen - “Oh, yes. Forgive me. We'd be honored for you to join us. All of you.”
He offered his hand to Elise as Zhi offered hers to Basha who took it right away and stood. Elise took it following Basha's example. The couple lead the group to the nearby dining room which was actually many large pillows surrounding a large wooden table.
Zhi - “We usually lounge while we eat so there's no need to worry about station or anything. Just relax and eat what you want.”
She took her spot and her husband sat next to her as Basha took the other side. Elise sat next to Basha and Utena sat next to her. Sousuke sat next to Shen and the rest choose different places as well. Other ladies brought in pitchers of wine and pots of tea.
Zhi - “I didn't know which you would prefer. So I had both our special herbal tea and our special Zimei wine. You may find the taste close to a strawberry wine. With our herbal tea you may find the taste close to your green tea. Drink which ever one you want.”
Basha took a cup of the tea as did Zhi and Utena. Some of the other guards chose tea but the rest chose the wine. Basha took a sip of the tea.
Basha - “mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm This is really good. I feel warmth all over.”
Zhi smiled.
Zhi - “Yes, its been known to have that effect. We find it useful when the winter comes or when someone gets sick. The warmth gives them the strength to get better and it keeps the cold away for a good while afterwards. * she looked at Elise * How do you like the wine?”
Elise - “Its good. Its sweet but well-rounded. You don’t find many wines this well made. This must be your best batch.”
Zhi laughed.
Zhi - “Actually this was made a few years ago. Its actually still maturing some. The flavor grows as the wine ages. We were worried that an older batch might be too much for you to handle so we selected a younger one to be sure you would enjoy it.”
Elise looked at Zhi then at her glass.
Elise - “If that is true, we really do have much to learn from this world.”
The girls brought several large platters with different dishes to the table. Bowls of rice were set before each of them except it was lilac in color. Basha picked up her chopsticks and tried some out of curiosity.
Basha - “Its almost like Jasmine rice. There's a sweetness that I cant really describe. Its wonderful.”
Zhi smiled and handed her a few items.
Zhi - “I'm glad. Try these. They are some of my favorite dishes.”
Basha nodded and tried what looked like a dumpling first. She smiled as she ate it. The flavor was different from ones she had before and yet she felt like she'd had it before. The next thing she tried looked liked grilled tuna but the color was darker. The taste was similar but richer. The last thing that Zhi had placed on her plate was what looked like boiled onion slices but they were bright red. They tasted sweeter than their vidalia onions. Basha smiled as she looked around the room. Everyone else was smiling and trying the various dishes.
Basha - “It seems your cuisine is mixture of our chinese and ancient greek cuisine. Its...............”
She found herself unable to say what she really wanted to say. Zhi smiled.
Zhi - “Thank you. Its very nice of you to say.”
Basha looked at her and smiled again as they laughed and enjoyed the rest of their meal laughing and talking with the group like they were old friends. Dessert was brought out there were strawberries, some looked to be chocolate covered and what looked like darker watermelon cubes. The strawberries were sweeter and the chocolate was richer than Basha had ever experienced. The watermelon was sweeter as well and when Basha smiled again Zhi was smiling back. Elise was more relaxed at this point and saw how Basha was getting along with them which confirmed her thoughts that these people weren’t as bad as she first thought they were. Zhi put down her glass.
Zhi - “So, Elise. I sense you talked to your home base and I get the sense that the response was positive.”
Elise - “Yes, They requested that my ship bring you to Gaia. Apparently the empress wishes you meet you.”
Zhi - “Ok, You're all welcome to stay here tonight so that tomorrow we can begin the journey refreshed and well-rested.”
Elise stood.
Elise - “I appreciate your kind gesture but I must return to my ship. I'll let the High Priestess decide what she wants to do and my officers are at her disposal as well.”
Zhi nodded as did Basha and the guards.
Elise - “Then I will see everyone tomorrow on the ship.”
She bowed and pressed a button on her gauntlet and disappeared. Basha's child-like face was smiling even while showing that she was getting sleepy. Zhi smiled at her.
Zhi - “I'll show you to the guest quarters. There are at least 2 beds to the rooms so you wont be alone.”
Ensign Utena nodded as she help Basha to the room that Zhi led them too. The beds were large stone ones with cuts in them in intricate designs. They had larger cut outs for the entrance to the bed itself. The bed looked soft behind the curtains that further covered it. Utena helped Basha remove her outer clothing and into the bed as Zhi left saying they would see them in the morning to head to their new home world. Basha was soon asleep and Utena laid down in the nearby bed and rested as well. The next morning they met with the others in the main room where they had talked previously. Sousuke and the rest of the guards filed in as Basha talked with Zhi some more. Zhi and Shen each had a small sack next to them.
Shen - “Yes, Major Sousuke we will both be coming to your home world. While Zhi will be the only one signing, I am honor bound to never leave her side. I'm sure you understand.”
Sousuke nodded and pressed the comm device on his uniform.
Sousuke - “15 to beam up.”
The guard was beamed up first followed but both officers, the high priestess, and the 2 delegates. Elise met them in the transporter room. Elise bowed.
Elise - “May I show you to your room?”
Zhi nodded as Elise stepped out of the room. Elise led them to a room close to Basha's and opened the door for them. The room was Japanese simplistic with futuristic touches and amenities. Zhi smiled and nodded as she and her husband entered the room.
Zhi - “Its beautiful. Thank you.”
Elise nodded.
Elise - “The high priestess's room is close so it'll be easier to protect you both. I'll come once we are close to Gaia.”
Zhi - “I understand we wont roam around without notifying some one.”
Elise left them and went to the bridge as Sousuke was returning to his post.
Elise - “Alright people, lets get us home safely. Set course for Gaia at warp 4.”
Crew - “Yes, ma'am.”
They set to work and the ship started warping thru space. Hours later they slowed down over Gaia. A beautiful planet of green and blue. Zhi and Basha had been invited to the bridge as they achieved orbit over it. Shen stood behind the ladies smiling slightly as Zhi smiled broadly at the beauty of the planet.
Elise - “Have we achieved contact with control?”
Souske - “Yes, They are transferring us to the control around the palace.”
Elise nodded as a smooth British voice came on over their communication system.
Voice - “I'm Sebastian, head of Empress's communications among other things. What do you need?”
Elise - “We need access to the palace for transportation of the High Priestess and the Zishi representatives.”
Sebastian - “Zishi representatives? I will talk to the empress.”
After several minutes, he returned.
Sebastian - “You have permission. I'm sending the coordinates to you of her exact location. She's waiting to meet them with some tea.”
The coordinates arrived in the transporter room. Basha, Zhi, and Shen were directed to the room along with Ensign Utena. They were transported and arrived in a garden close to a white table where the empress sat having some English tea. She looked up as Basha came forward.
Rebecca - “Hello Basha, how are you doing? I'm glad you're safe.”
Basha came the empress smiling and hugged her.
Basha - “Yes, I'm good. These are my new friends, Zhi and Shen, they are from Zishi.”
Rebecca - “The purple planet? That's interesting.”
Zhi - “Its a pleasure to meet you Empress Rebecca I. You are a kind woman with much love in your heart. I'm glad your family is well and you are no longer sad.”
Rebecca looked at them in surprise.
Shen - “Our race has developed telepathic abilities. Its differs in each of us. My wife sees recent events and thoughts. I on the other hand can see people's past. Your strength is something to be admired. Not your military might but the strength of your heart to love and protect when adversity rears its head.”
Rebecca looked down blushing a little with a small smile on her face and her eyes half-way closed.
Rebecca - “Yes, though I wasn’t able to protect everyone..................not even the one most important to me.”
Zhi and Shen sat down as Basha sat next to the empress.
Zhi - “But you seem to have been reunited. So you cant dwell on the past.”
Rebecca nodded.
Rebecca - “You're right. Thank you.”
Sebastian came over in his black outfit and poured 3 more cups of tea. Ensign Utena raised her hand slightly and shook her head as she stood away from the table. Sebastian nodded in understanding.
Basha - “So this is the new head of your communications. He's very handsome.”
Sebastian smiled deviously.
Rebecca - “Well, he is that among other things. He's my personal, I guess you could call him a butler but he's so much more than that.”
Sebastian - “You are too kind. I'm merely one hell of a butler. Even if I'm not entirely human.”
Basha started.
Basha - “Not human? How is that possible?”
Zhi - “I see, a new combination of cyborg and computer. That's very interesting.”
Sebastian smiled again.
Sebastian - “You are quick but I doubt its from mere observation. Telepathic abilities, huh?”
Zhi - “You're good. Very good.”
Sebastian smiled more broadly as he backed from the table.
Sebastian - “I'll leave you both to talk while I have rooms prepared for them. I guess the representatives would like to share a room.”
Shen nodded
Shen - “If its not too much trouble.”
Sebastian - “None at all. If you'll excuse me.”
Sebastian left.
Zhi - “He's a very interesting character. You rarely see someone like that.”
Rebecca - “I'd be happy to share our technology with you as part of our treaty.”
Shen - “Treaty?”
Zhi - “Apparently when nations become allies they sign a treaty agreement. They agree to exchange certain things and protect one another in times of need. Is that about right, Empress?”
Rebecca - “Absolutely. By the way, is it possible to not read peoples minds or do they just flow thru you like a stream?”
Zhi and Shen looked at each other.
Zhi - “We've never had need to try and shut out each other. We felt it made us more open and receptive if we knew more and more about each other. Being able to read each other gave us a sense of understanding. But I can see why you've asked that question. I apologize we should have realized that its not common for others and not said as much as we did.”
Zhi looked down, saddened. Empress shook her head.
Rebecca - “You just wanted to be friendly and helpful. Truth be told, I wish I was as gifted as you. Then maybe I wouldn't have lost so much or suffer as much as I did.”
Zhi - “Its alright. You're alive and your family is well. You still have so much. Maybe we can help you as well. I'd need to talk to my people about it. It might be a tad difficult to reach them from here but not impossible. If I'd be allowed some time to do it.”
Rebecca - “Its perfectly acceptable. I understand it would be a lot to ask of your people. I for myself, shall pray for a favorable outcome and inform my ministers here of the hope of a treaty between us. Take as much time as you need. Maybe once we have an agreement, I might be able to show you around the capital and my family. I would like them to know of our new allies and friends because I consider you both my friends now.”
Zhi and Shen smiled.
Zhi - “We'd love to. Your city is beautiful and apparently well guarded. Oops, I did it again.”
Rebecca - “Its ok. All the citizens know. Its common knowledge now. I'm glad you now know as well.”
Zhi looked at her husband.
Zhi - “We'll exchange later.”
Shen nodded.
Rebecca - “Exchange?”
Basha chimed in
Basha - “They are able to exchange the info they receive by placing their hands together.”
Rebecca - “Most interesting.”
Just then a tall blonde man in a white military uniform with a white cape came up to them. He was frowning at the empress.
Rebecca - “Oh no, He found me.”
Basha looked at her slightly confused. Zhi and Shen looked a little scared as the man approached.
Man - “Empress, why are you out here? You need to return to the throne room immediately, there are several matters that require your attention. This is no time for a tea party.”
He started to grab her when Sebastian came between them grabbing the man by the front of his shirt.
Sebastian - “Minister of War, Camus you fail to realize we are hosting representatives of Zishi. A new planet that we can now consider valuable allies. You would do well to not make Empress Rebecca I scared as you have.”
Camus - “I wont be taking orders from a butler or a robot. While I see that there are new faces, I can tell they aren’t militaristic so I fail to see their usefulness. Empress, I request you come with me, now.”
Sebastian scowled at him as his fist balled up and hit Camus square in the face. Rebecca stood up and grabbed Sebastian.
Rebecca - “Sebastian, calm down. Doesn’t look like I have much of a choice. If you'll excuse me, I hope you'll all join me for dinner. I enjoy our time together.”
Zhi nodded - “We would be delighted. I hope you don’t really think us weird, Mr. Camus. We aren't all that weird and we want to be of help to our friends.”
Camus looked at Zhi surprised before he scowled.
Camus - “A mind-reader. Maybe we could use that............................It would be helpful in interrogations and enemy tracking. I wonder if they are able to plant ideas into people's minds or control them. That would be most useful.”
Zhi gapped as did Basha.
Rebecca - “Camus, you're being rude. Its not right to ask them to do something like that. We must respect their laws and religious beliefs with what we ask of them. If we don’t we'll be no better than the bullies who forced us from our home world. I will never become like them, no matter what you think.”
Shen - “Empress, you are entirely correct. To request that of us.................................We cant condone such actions among our people.................Controlling people and planting ideas or memories..............That's nothing short of diabolical. I apologize to you empress if I have over stepped my bounds but its how I feel and how I know my wife feels.”
He placed his hands on his wife's shoulders as he stood behind her. Empress shook her head.
Rebecca - “I had a feeling your people were like that. You have spoken your mind and I respect that. To speak up against others not part of your country.............is..................difficult at best. I admire that. I want you both to know. Whatever we agree upon it will be something that will not infringe on your beliefs or laws. I'm not one to bully people..................though because of that...I have lost more than I ever thought I would. I hope you can understand me.”
They both nodded. Shen having seen her memories knew of the trials she had gone thru. Zhi saw her feelings and thoughts and saw how much she had cared for her people and her sadness of loss. Empress bowed her head and left after Camus who looked pissed and rubbed his cheek some. Sebastian had calmed down.
Sebastian - “I'll show you to your rooms. If you'll follow me.”
Basha - “You don’t accompany her when she is in the throne room.”
Sebastian - “She has request that I not be there. I am................too protective of her.”
Basha nodded as she stood along with Zhi and Shen. They followed Sebastian as he led them to their rooms. Ensign Utena saw them walk into the palace with Sebastian and pressed her comm device and was soon beamed back onto her ship as they weren't likely to be endanger with the empress so close. Basha's was a cute pink room which made her smile. Zhi and Shen's was a lilac one with silver tones.
Zhi - “Its beautiful. You're really good at reading people on your own.”
Sebastian - “I merely did my job. I'll come inform you when dinner is ready. Please use the room as you please.”
He left after bowing, closing the door behind him. Zhi saw that they had a balcony so she went and took in the view of the city. It seemed to sparkle in the sun. Shen came up behind her.
Shen - “The empress really is amazing. I can only imagine that her children have given her the strength to continue living. If I had lost you, I wouldn't be able to go on.”
Zhi leaned into her husband.
Zhi - “I sensed she had lost much but I had no idea how far it went. Her sadness is great but her friends and family have held her up. That much I got from her.”
Shen - “Let's exchange what we have and I'll help you prepare for the ritual. I'll be your anchor.”
Zhi - “You always are. You're right we have much to do.”
She looked over at the bed.
Zhi - “That's probably the best place to do the exchange. Afterwards I'll perform the cleansing part.”
Shen nodded.
Shen - “I'll have the circle prepared. It hasn’t been long since you've done this and your reaching further than last time.”
Zhi nodded as she led her husband to the bed. She removed her shoes as he did and they both sat down and faced each other on the bed. They placed their hands together and Zhi was flooded with memories some good and happy, others sad and still others were more painful than she had ever seen anyone deal with before. The faces she saw and the happy feelings she got from them were enough to show how she had stayed alive and able to smile. They finally broke the connection and fell back on the bed. Zhi was crying.
Zhi - “Your earlier statement doesn’t begin to cover her strength or will. That she is still able to smile and be happy, that’s more that I'd ever be able to do. She needs friends more than anything now.”
Shen - “You're right. I didn’t do it justice. But I can see her children are her main strength. I cant wait to meet them.”
Zhi - “We may tonight. I got a sense that they would be at the dinner. She also doesn’t seem like one who would deprive her family of time together because of guests or business. I also want to meet them.”
She sat up and collected herself before heading to the bathroom. Shen sat up as well and began his work. He found tall candles as well as enough pillows to make it comfortable. He arranged a circle in the middle of the room and lit the candles before closing the curtains. Zhi came in in a red wrap toga, her hair down and loose. Shen removed his cape and sash as he took his wife's hand which shook slightly.
Shen - “We can wait if your scared.”
Zhi - “With you with me, I can do it.”
Shen nodded as they stepped into the circle and sat down. With their free hand they made hand signs together as they chanted the spell to began the ritual.
Shen and Zhi - “By our mother's will. By our father's strength. Connect me to my brothers and sisters. Let me hear their thoughts as they hear mine. Oh mother be my connection. Let me be as one with them. Let them hear me.”
Zhi's body went limp as her head fell back. Shen guided her easily back onto the pillows without breaking the circle or letting go of her. His forehead glowed as a Chinese character appeared there.
Shen - “Its up to you now. I wont leave you and I'll be here when you return.
Shen chanted silently over his wife as her soul traveled back to their home world and conversed with the people. There were times when she couldn't quite hear them or they unable to hear her but she got thru to enough people to gain a general consensus. She began to go back. It took a lot to return to her body but she finally took a deep breath which broke her husband's chanting. He leaned over her still holding her hand as her eyes fluttered. She opened her eyes and smiled.
Zhi - “Thanks. You helped me make it back.”
Shen - “I told you I would. Just relax and take your time. There's no need to rush.
She laid there and took deep breaths.
Zhi - “I told those who I could about our friends. They wanna help. I wasn’t strong enough to talk to all of them but I was able to talk to enough of them. I didn’t expect the return to be as difficult as it was. If I had been alone, I don’t know if I would have been able to......”
Shen felt his wife's face gently brushing some hair from her face.
Shen - “You'll never be alone again. Remember our vows. We are one now and forever. Where you go I go even to the end of the world. To the depths of Hades or into Tian we are forever bound together by our holy mother's eternal grace. You know I live for you and you alone.”
He leaned in and kissed her.
Zhi - “You always know how to quell all my fears. You are my rock and my voice of reason. Thank you for standing up for me and our people when I had lost my voice.”
She slowing rose up into a sitting position holding her head a little.
Shen - “Want a chair or the bed?”
Zhi - “Better the bed for right now. I'm still a little dizzy.”
Shen nodded as he kissed her forehead and picked her up gently. He laid her on the bed placing a large pillow beneath her head.
Shen - “Just rest. I'll clean this up. We want to be fresh for the dinner. Its ok to sleep. Its natural after this.”
Zhi nodded as she closed her eyes. Shen cleaned up the room and open the curtains enough to read close by his wife. He watched the sun set a few hours later. When a knock came at the door, he went and opened it. Sebastian was there.
Sebastian - “Dinner will be served soon. I can lead you to the dining room.”
Shen - “Thank you. May I ask a few minutes get ready? My wife needed to rest soon after we came in.”
Sebastian nodded.
Sebastian - “Of course. I'll be down the hall then. I am to inform the priestess as well.”
He headed to her room as Shen closed the door. He went to his wife and kissed her forehead.
Shen - “Its time to wake, honey.”
Zhi opened her eyes.
Shen - “Feeling better?”
Zhi nodded.
Zhi - “Much, thank you.”
She sat up and faced her husband.
Shen - “Lets get you dressed. Its time for dinner.”
Shen assisted her in getting dressed in her formal outfit as he placed his shoes, sash, and cape back on. Zhi walked to the curtains and opened them blinking in the light.
Zhi - “The city looks even more beautiful in the setting sun.”
Shen held out his hand.
Shen - “We cant keep them waiting.”
Zhi nodded and took his hand as they left the room and joined Sebastian and Basha in the hallway. Basha smiled broadly at them as Sebastian smirked.
Sebastian - “If you'll follow me please.”
Basha took Zhi's other hand as they made their way to the dining room where the empress was laughing with her family. 7 kids at various ages. Rebecca smiled as they entered the room.
Rebecca - “Its good to see you again. I'm glad you could join us. Shall I introduce you to my children?”
Zhi smiled.
Zhi - “Yes, please. I'd love to hear from you about them. They are more adorable than I've seen.”
The kids looked a little puzzled.
Rebecca - “You'll find out soon.”
She went to her eldest ones.
Rebecca - “These are Anakin and Jade. I thank Michael for bringing them in our lives. They have been my rock when I doubted everything.”
Anakin - “We only did what father would have done.”
Jade - “We couldn't let him down after what he did for us.”
Rebecca - “Still, it helped so much.”
She kissed their foreheads before moving to the next oldest ones.
Rebecca - “These are Aoki and Lyta. They can be a handful at times but I am proud of their achievements.”
Aoki - “Mom, I wasn’t able to do what I was suppose to. I really wanted to prove myself but they never gave me a chance.”
Lyta - “Aoki, we should be happy we are alive and mom still rules. We have much to be happy about.
Aoki - “You're right, Lyta. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, mom.”
Rebecca - “Its ok. We all have times when we wish people had given us chances. As long as we're alive there's always hope. Never forget that.”
Aoki nodded as she kissed his forehead and then Lyta's. Rebecca moved to the 3 youngest ones.
Rebecca - “These are the Triplets. Ramus, Remus, and Mitsuki. I had to convince Michael to name the girl Mitsuki. The boys were easier to name. I've never looked back as they have helped me remember to smile.”
Ramus - “We just never liked seeing you sad, momma.”
Remus - “We only wanted to see you smile again like you use to.”
Mitsuki - “I love mommy's smile most of all. More than candy, more than strawberries.”
Rebecca hugged the triplets and rubbed Mitsuki's head.
Rebeca - “Thank you.”
She kissed the boys' foreheads and Mitsuki's cheek making her giggle.
Shen and Zhi looked at her lovingly.
Zhi - “I see where the love in your heart comes from. Having such lovely, loving children. I feel warmth all over this room.”
Rebecca smiled.
Rebecca - “I thank you. Shall I present you to my children or.....”
Zhi - “We can state who we are. I am Zhi the guardian of Zishi and this is my husband.”
Shen - “Shen. I am also her protector and head of the military which for us is minimal.”
Anakin - “Zishi..................One of the new planets?”
Rebecca nodded.
Jade - “Then they are our new allies.”
Rebecca nodded.
Rebecca - “They also have a special power. A gift, I admire.”
Zhi - “We know. If I may.”
Rebecca nodded.
Zhi - “Anakin plays the flute and is thinking about the college tests coming up. Jade is admiring our outfits. Thank you for the complement.”
Anakin looked a little mad while Jade blushed.
Shen - “Aoki had an art show in middle school. A lovely sculpture. Lyta use to follow after her mother every where even hiding behind a pillar in the throne room so that she could see her smile.”
Aoki gapped his cheeks a little red. Lyta blushed as Rebecca smiled at her.
Rebecca - “I had a feeling you were there.”
Zhi - “Ramus and Remus are planning some devious pranks. Good complicated ones. You can apply those talents to more constructive things. And little Mitsuki is thinking we look like elves from her picture books. A lover of fairy tales. That's a wonderful thing.”
Ramus and Remus adopted angelic faces as Mitsuki smiled broadly at Zhi.
Anakin - “Mother, what's the meaning of this? Did you tell them about us?”
Rebecca smiled again.
Rebecca - “We didnt have enough time earlier. Its their ability.”
Zhi - “I think Jade just realized the answer.”
Rebecca looked at Jade as did everyone else.
Jade - “I had read about people who developed telepathic abilities. I thought it was pure science-fiction.”
Aoki - “Telepathic abilites?”
Anakin - “The ability to read and converse with people's minds. That is an incredible ability. I take it Zhi can see the things in our minds now while your partner sees our past.”
Shen - “You are correct. I am able to see all your histories. Almost like a film playing in my head.”
Zhi - “Mine comes in like waves. The crashes bring feelings while the waves bring the thoughts if that makes sense.”
The children nodded.
Mitsuki went to them
Mitsuki - “Will you be friends with us now? Friends with mommy and protect her.”
Zhi picked her up gently and held her as her husband rubbed her head.
Shen - “Yes, little one. We want nothing more than to be good friends with your mom.”
Zhi - “We want to give her strength so that she will never have to be sad again.”
Mitsuki smiled broadly again and hugged them as the rest of the children looked happy. To have some one feel the same way they did, it helped them feel better that their mom could return to being the person she had been long ago. They set Mitsuki back down on the floor and she went to her mom's open arms.
Rebecca - “You are so good to me. All of you.”
Basha wiped a tear from her eye. Seeing her empress and friend happy again made her so happy. She had known her a long time and the wars had weighed on her. Maybe now that weight could be lifted. She said a silent prayer for that as a figure entered the room. Mitsuki ran to him happily.
Mitsuki - “Daddy.”
The man picked her up smiling joining the children and kissing Rebecca.
Rebecca - “This is my husband, Michael. By a miracle, I am happy everyday that has he returned to us.
Michael - “And I'll never leave you again, my sweet. These are our new allies?”
Rebecca nodded as Zhi and Shen bowed.
Zhi - “Its an honor to meet you, Great Michael I.”
Shen - “I am glad you are able to be with your family again. I am Shen, protector of Zhi my wife and guardian of Zishi. You can understand how I feel being able to protect the one most important to me.”
Michael - “Very much. I believe I heard that your people are telepathic. I am sure you'll help us just as I'm sure my wife will do her best to help you.”
Zhi and Shen nodded as Sebastian entered the room again.
Sebastian - “The chefs are ready to serve dinner.”
Rebecca nodded and motioned to the large round table with Michael on one side of her. They all moved to chairs. Basha sat next to empress and Zhi sat next to her. Shen was next to his wife and Mitsuki quickly sat next to him. The rest of the kids filed in with Anakin sitting next to his father. He had made a silent vow with himself to stay next to her and protect her like his father had. True, he wasn't biologically related to them but he had known more love in this family than he had ever thought possible. This was his family now and forever. Now that he had returned, Anakin wasn’t gonna stop protecting her. He felt more strength having his father with him than he had before.