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#Post#: 344--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roundup at the Borderlands
DIR By: MichaelH23
Date: November 27, 2016, 1:08 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
<cont'd
H'ren - "Cardassian lead ship is sending reply in code....so is
the Tholian and Gorn flagships."
Nor - "For this occasion only, we will defer to your command,
Ritol. But know that this will be remembered, and we may not be
so accepting of a non-Breen as Fleet Commander."
Ritol - "My role as fleet commander will only continue until we
reach the Humans' Galaxy-1 station. Then, it will be Rhess who
is commodore."
Renk - "This is why we will just this once accept your
leadership. You will only exercise it for twenty-four Human
hours."
Ritol's image abruptly vanished, but not before she gave one
final glare at the two Breen. Kurn, for his part, remained
surprisingly calm.
Kurn - "I'll see you on the other side."
His image vanished as well, leaving the Uthot to stare at his
commander.
Nor - "Have our fleet prepare to enter the star-portal,
following the Romulans."
---------------------------------------------------------
En route to the Milky Way. UTM flagship Tengri One
Michael I found himself standing in an atrium decorated in
neo-Mongolian and smelling of incense. From his vantage point,
standing on an ornately decorated circular rug, he could see
four corridors at the four cardinal compass points. But he knew
which corridor he would need to go, as two Tatar guards, looking
imposing in their armor and brandishing pikes which ended in
sharp and lethal curved blades, stood staring at him. Without a
sound, they turned and began walking down the north corridor.
Michael I followed them, focusing on remembering every sight,
sound, and smell for when he saw his wife again. They continued
on for a short time, finally coming to a curtained circular
forum. There, all the various ship captains from the other UTM
ships sat crosslegged on cushions of silk. Towering above them,
appropriately, Great Khan Timur-Oleg was laughing at some random
joke told to him by a ship commander. He looked up as a herald
stepped forward slightly and announced, "Oh Great Khan of Khans,
Tengri's Vicar On All The Worlds. Allow me to present His
Eminence Michael I, former emperor of the Realm of Trekylon."
Michael I bowed at the waist, then kneeled, as UTM custom
dictated. Timur-Oleg laughed, "No need to kneel, Michael I,
though it does honor me. Only my enemies are required to kneel
before me, in supplication."
Michael I - "I only wished to show my genuine respect toward you
and the Sable Throne."
Timur-Oleg rose from his cushions, which Michael I noted were on
a raised dais so as to give the Great Khan the supreme respect
due him, and walked toward him. Offering his own hand, Michael I
took the Great Khan's arm in a brotherly handshake.
Timur-Oleg - "Come, join us. The Shogun and the First Lord are
being entertained separately before the four of us have our
official first meeting. I wanted to honor you with this banquet
and fete my staff have put together. I've brought dancers from
all across the UTM, as well as jugglers, swordsmen, and
musicians."
Timur-Oleg made a sweeping gesture with his hand and several of
the captains and ministers moved aside to allow him and Michael
I entry. A lithe Mongol girl rushed to bring cushions to a place
cleared directly to the right of the Great Khan's dais.
Timur-Oleg - "It seems you've impressed the young girls in my
entourage. They've never seen you before."
Michael I took his place next to the Great Khan and crossed his
legs, "They are quite cute. They actually remind me of my
daughters Lyta and Jade when they were that age."
Timur-Oleg motioned for a small group of children to come
closer. Cushions they had been seated on were moved to the left
of the Great Khan's, and a few more ministers were moved down to
make room.
Timur-Oleg - "I have three children. One son who is in the Royal
Imperial Army, and two daughters, both of them 10 years of age.
They're looked after by their nanny, who is twenty-two. Hogelun,
Maral, meet the former emperor of Trekylon."
Both girls came up to Michael I, giggling. He bowed his head
respectfully, but then was surprised when Maral offered her
hand.
Timur-Oleg - "She would like a kiss on the hand."
Michael I, smiling, took the little girl's hand and kissed it
gently. Maral sighed as though Tengri himself had kissed her
hand. Hogelun giggled at her twin sister. Michael I smiled at
both girls, who hurriedly returned to their cushions and nanny,
Bayarmaa. Timur-Oleg leaned in so only Michael I could hear him.
Timur-Oleg - "I also have two girls who were orphaned during
your former homeland's civil war. Cotota was only eight when she
lost both her parents. She has no surviving family left. I've
taken care of her the best I can, but as you know, I have a
large harem. As such, my various concubines would keep her from
getting the proper parentage in favor of their own interests."
Michael I - "With respect, perhaps this discussion should take
place after the festivities. I would not want something
distressing to interfere."
Timur-Oleg - "Agreed."
A loud gong sounded near the curtained entryway, signifying the
start of the festivities.
#Post#: 345--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roundup at the Borderlands
DIR By: MichaelH23
Date: November 29, 2016, 1:49 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Tengri One
The first thirty minutes of the festival was like nothing
Michael I had ever seen even in his years as emperor of
Trekylon, as he watched acrobats perform feats of agility
comparable to the best acrobats in his former home. What
continued to impress him the most was the fact that while some
of the men were as lithe as the women, they were still capable
of lifting objects that should otherwise be too heavy for them.
Next came the jugglers, and here again, Michael I could only awe
at the hand-eye coordination they displayed while juggling
flaming torches, razor-sharp swords and axes. He roared with
laughter along with the other attendees when the stand-up comics
took their turn, entertaining them with erotic and cartoonish
jokes and even performing slap-stick. What he did not expect was
the dance performances that took place afterwards. He marveled
at the strength the men displayed, was dazzled by the dexterity
the boys displayed as they wielded wooden replicas of their
traditional blade weapons, and was even spellbound by the
reenactment of the early life of Genghis Khan they performed
along with some young girls. One in particular looked especially
adorable dressed as Bortei, Temujin's first wife....
Timur-Oleg pointed to the girl, catching Michael I offguard,
"Remember the little girl I mentioned before..orphaned by the
rebels during Trekylon's civil war?"
Michael I - "You said there were two, yet you only mentioned
one."
Timur-Oleg - "That is Cotata. She is currently age nine. She is
playing Bortei."
Michael I looked back at the little girl as she finished her
performance, then walked to the far wall to wait for her cue
again. Focusing on her, he could tell that despite the Great
Khan's best efforts to look after her, she still exuded an aura
of sadness, her costume barely fit her thin frame likely as a
result of her refusal to eat much.
Michael I - "Who is the other girl?"
Timur-Oleg - "Toragana. Her family perished when the mining
colony on Balkash was raided by the rebels. Her father refused
to surrender the nickel and iridium the rebels demanded and put
up resistance, so they slaughtered everyone..sparing her just so
she could be forced to watch her family be executed."
Michael I's jaw clenched in anger at hearing of the family.
Clearly the rebels' evil wasn't just confined to Trekylon or
even the outlying systems. He continued to study Cotata as she
made her way back to the central stage to portray Bortei for the
final time. She was so diminutive, so innocent, and so
traumatized. Seeing her pretend to be happy as her character
demanded reminded him of his wife, still recovering from the
trauma of captivity and torture by mercs paid by the
rebels...with Xie gold, as it would later be revealed...
He suddenly realized that Cotata's eyes were on him and he
blinked. Looking more closely, he saw her eyes lock on to him
and for the first time something in them made Michael I smile
slightly. It was a look he remembered well during his rule in
Trekylon, when he would visit a colony world affected by a
natural disaster, bringing food and medical supplies to the
survivors...it was hope.
Michael I - "I'd like to meet Cotata, if that is possible."
Timur-Oleg - "I hoped you would."
cont'd>
#Post#: 347--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roundup at the Borderlands
DIR By: MichaelH23
Date: December 8, 2016, 12:32 am
---------------------------------------------------------
<cont'd
The sound of the gong drew Michael I's attention back to the
center of the stage, where an athletic and quite attractive
woman walked up brandishing a very sharp, wicked looking
scimitar. She smiled as she stalked the ring of eager male
warriors. Michael I leaned in close to Timur-Oleg again.
Michael I - "Who is that?"
Timur-Oleg - "Her name is Altani. She is the finest warrior that
I have, and the only warrior who is a woman. Her skills with the
bow and arrow, the pulse-rifle, and the scimitar are legendary."
Michael I - "What is she doing?"
Timur-Oleg - "She is looking for a suitable challenger. She is
unmarried, so if she wins the loser must marry her in order to
retain their honor. It would look bad to be beaten by a woman,
after all. If the challenger wins, he can have her in any
capacity he desires, even sexually."
Michael I - "In this way, he can claim her as a prize and show
others that he has conquered her."
Timur-Oleg - "You learn quickly, Excellency."
They watched as she locked eyes on a slim and much-too-eager
young man, who whipped out his scimitar a little too soon, for
before he could tighten his grip on the handle, she swatted the
scimitar out of his hand, then kicked him to the ground. Michael
I expected her to then claim him as her husband, but instead she
kicked him to the side and began stalking the arena again.
Timur-Oleg - "Seems she's choosy about whom she'll marry. I
wonder who she'll challenge next."
Michael I found himself fascinated by the combat. On the one
hand, her challenger had clearly lost and so should be either
claimed by her in order to save his honor, or forever be mocked
and ridiculed by the rest of the soldiery. On the other hand,
she clearly had no interest in saving the boy's honor, so as he
slinked away, already receiving jibes from his fellows, she was
already looking for a new challenger.....
Suddenly, her eyes locked on his.
Timur-Oleg - "Seems she deemed you a worthy challenger. It would
be a grave insult if you refuse combat with her."
Michael I - "I'm not that good with a scimitar, and I already
have a wife."
Before he could protest further, a soldier unsheathed his
scimitar and handed it handle-first to him. Michael I was
uncertain how he could possibly be worthy of someone who was as
athletic as he was, but he also had no wish to offend his Mongol
host. He accepted the scimitar, then walked out to the center of
the stage, where Altani looked him up and down approvingly.
Altani - "You must be the Great Michael. Your name is highly
spoken of among the Klingons."
Michael I - "I don't normally go into combat against a woman.
Its just not the gentleman thing to do."
Altani - "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you."
She stepped forward, then swung her blade from left to right,
already beginning her attack. Michael I had just enough time to
tighten the grip on his scimitar and parry the blow. He parried
several more strikes as Altani continued to put everything into
her attack. When he saw an opening, he made his move, striking
her scimitar with such force that she had to tighten her grip or
risk losing her blade. With both combatants exhausted by their
opening strikes, they began circling each other, each one sizing
the other up. Altani moved up and tripped the former emperor,
causing him to fall hard on his back. He raised his scimitar
just as she brought her blade down. The clang of blades
colliding could be heard above the chanting of the crowd as
Michael I blocked several more attempts by Altani. He flipped
onto his feet, squatting to absorb the impact, then charged at
the Mongol woman, swinging so wildly that she could barely keep
up with his strikes. She feinted a strike to the left, and as
Michael I moved to block what he thought was a strike, she
altered her scimitar's trajectory and managed to slice his
tunic. He looked down, shocked that she had gotten so close,
then bared his teeth and charged at her again, swinging as
though his life depended on it. On his fifth swing, he sliced
open her top, exposing cream white skin and a buxom chest.
cont'd>
#Post#: 348--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roundup at the Borderlands
DIR By: MichaelH23
Date: December 9, 2016, 8:04 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
<cont'd
The crowd rose from their seats as Altani looked down, seeing
her cleavage exposed. Before she could make her move, however,
Michael I swept her feet out from under her, dropping her to the
floor. She kept her grip on her scimitar, but Michael I brought
his left foot down on her wrist, keeping her from bringing it up
to block his own blade.
Michael I - "Seems I have you at a disadvantage."
Altani - "You should wound me, so you can then claim me as a
prize. It is Mongol custom."
Michael I - "I could no more hurt you than I could hurt my wife,
Altani. It may be Mongol custom, but in case it has eluded you,
I'm not Mongol."
Altani suddenly brought her legs up and planted her feet against
his ribs. Michael I, taken by surprise, was unable to escape as
she twisted her hips and planted him on his back. She grabbed
his scimitar from his hands, then used her free hand to pin his
shoulders down as she held the blade against his neck. He could
feel the blade press against his flesh even as she dropped down
and planted her knees on his hip, straddling him in an almost
sexual pose.
Altani smiled at him, "Now who has who at a disadvantage?"
Timur-Oleg rose from his cushion, holding his hand up, "That is
enough, Altani. You and him have proven yourselves to me and
each other."
Altani bowed her head and moved her blade away from Michael I's
neck. He breathed a sigh of relief as she stood up, then offered
her hand to him. Taking it, he pulled himself back to his feet
as well. Timur-Oleg walked to the two ex-combatants.
Timur-Oleg - "Excellency, as per our custom, you have lost the
match against Altani. Therefore, you have just become her mate."
Michael I's face froze in a look of shock. Altani licked her
lips and tasted her own sweat.
Michael I - "But I am already married!"
Timur-Oleg - "To refuse the hand of Altani would be to dishonor
her, and more than that, it would disrespect He Who Lives In The
Blue Sky. That would be seen badly by my people."
Michael I - "I have no wish or desire to offend you, your
people, or Altani. But I will need to have some time to consider
this."
Timur-Oleg - "I invite you to spend that time aboard my ship.
There are quest quarters already prepared for you. Besides, it
will be another 8 hours before we arrive in Milky Way."
Michael I - "I will accept your invitation, of course."
Two guards stepped forward as Timur-Oleg gestured for Michael I
to follow them to his quarters. He walked out, receiving cheers
and pats on the back from the various soldiers on his way out.
As soon as he left, Altani looked at Timur-Oleg with concern in
her eyes.
Altani - "I do not wish to jeopardize his marriage by claiming
him as a mate. He is our most honorable ally and it would
dishonor him."
Timur-Oleg - "I have no desire to see his marriage come to an
end to satisfy Mongol tradition. However, I also feel we could
use an alliance with his mate's empire to widen our horizons.
True, we could invade both empires and take what we want, and my
great ancestor Genghis Khan wouldn't hesitate to do so, but
these are different times and we are a different breed of
Mongol. We still fight when our lands are intruded upon, but we
should also be willing to assist nations whose goals are noble."
Altani - "What do you intend?"
Timur-Oleg - "I want to know how strong his bond to his mate is.
If you are to become her sword, you will need to test him.
You've seen how he fights, now you should test how he loves."
Altani - "He will be angry that I used him."
Timur-Oleg - "You will have to make him see that your test was
not meant to hurt him, only to test his feelings for his wife.
We do not know how strong that bond is, and we will need to know
if we are to convince her both of our sincerity in wanting
alliance, and in your wish to become her right arm."
Altani - "Very well."
#Post#: 350--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roundup at the Borderlands
DIR By: MichaelH23
Date: December 20, 2016, 9:17 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
This is a GNN special report on the continuing conflict
unfolding in the Milky Way galaxy. We go to our new facility
aboard the Galaxy-1 city-station and our new reporter Solara
Melendez:
"I'm here in our new news facility on the station which has been
in full operation for the last 2 1/2 days. Business is starting
to boom here as settlers and colonists make their way here from
Galaxy 23-A on their way to the former colony systems in the
sector. Many have expressed surprise that the planets they once
called home are even still orbiting their suns, let alone
unsettled by the conquerors. We've also just learned that a
Human colony on what has been dubbed by the locals as Magna Roma
has managed to survive under the Barlat radar and has developed
a strong military and economy, which has enabled them to expand
to six other star-systems while still unnoticed by either Barlat
or Laptev. It is hoped that diplomatic relations can be
established with Magna Roma at some point. We've also just been
told that tomorrow morning, His Imperial Majesty Drake I will be
announcing some changes to the Ministry of War as well as make a
personal appeal to the peoples of the Great Houses of Xie and
Jovepenia. The nature of the appeal has not yet been disclosed,
but some senators are already taking issue with the matter.
We'll follow these developments in the coming period."
---------------------------------------------------------
VIP chambers, Tengri One
Michael I had been escorted to the VIP chambers for a three hour
rest before he would meet with the Great Khan and the delegates
from Greater Showa and UPC. The festival and the ceremonial
fight with Altani had worn him out and he wanted to be fresh for
the meeting, plus there was still four hours before they arrived
in the Milky Way. He held the diplomatic padd he carried,
reading the latest reports from both the front-lines and the
diplomatic arena, making note that Drake I would soon make a
diplomatic appeal to the Great Houses before more bloodshed
ensued. Michael I would not have granted a similar consideration
to the Great Houses, but then that was the very reason they, the
Ishii, and the Kirans had insisted on his removal from the
throne of Trekylon and banishment of the Imperial family from
succession. Silently, he looked forward to showing the Xie, and
indirectly the Ishii and Kirans, that he was even more dangerous
without a country than as emperor. He heard a knock at his door,
which startled him slightly. Rising from the animal fur bed, he
walked to the door and pressed the activation button. The door
hissed open to show Altani, wrapped in animal skin which covered
all but her head and feet.
Altani - "I just wanted to check and see how you're feeling
after our combat earlier."
Michael I smiled wearily, "None the worse for wear. What about
you?"
Altani - "You did no permanent damage to me. You fight very
warrior-like, yet you also showed respect for your opponent.
Very noble trait."
Michael I realized he had not been a polite host, "I'm sorry,
would you like to come in. It is a bit warmer in here."
Altani bowed, then stepped inside, wrapping the animal fur
tighter around herself as she did. Michael I closed the door,
then watched as Altani walked straight to his bed and sat on the
edge, bundled in the animal fur as though wearing a cocoon.
Altani - "You do remember that because I beaten you, according
to Mongol custom, you must marry me."
Michael I - "And you do realize that I'm already married, to the
empress of Inuyashia. If I broke that bond of marriage, she
could never forgive me..nor I myself."
Altani - "Is she a strong woman?"
Michael I - "Her strength comes from her kindness, her
sensitivity to the needs of others, and her quiet determination
to do everything she has to for her people. That is her
strength."
Altani - "I have often wondered whether it was possible for a
woman to rule a country. There have been some women who acted as
regents when the Great Khans have either been too young or
temporarily incapacitated, but there has never been a female
Great Khan."
Michael I - "How would you rule the Khanate if you were the one
in charge?"
Altani - "I would show the same strength as your wife, but also
show my physical strength as a Mongol."
Michael I - "No doubt your people would benefit from your rule."
Altani - "Unfortunately, that will never come to pass, so I
strive to make myself as powerful behind the scenes as I can. My
sovereign's benefit is my benefit, his or her loss, my loss as
well."
Michael I - "It sounds like you're looking for a way to exercise
your wisdom outside the Khanate. Does Timur-Oleg not listen to
your counsel?"
Altani - "He does, but often its the Mongol and Kerait counsels
around him that move him to decision, not my guidance and
advice."
Michael I came around to the other side of the bed as Altani
slowly rose, her expression one of sadness. He could well
understand her feelings. During his rule, women were finally
given the full equality they deserved, well before he launched
the empire. But isolated incidents of sexism continued to exist
until only 20 years ago. Had Altani been born in the empire, she
would've enjoyed the privilege of rising through the political
ranks and even possibly achieve the special honor of serving in
the Imperial government.
Altani's next question caught him completely by surprise, "Do
you find me attractive?"
Michael I turned around to look at her, only to be caught more
by surprise when she released the animal skin that she wore like
a cover, exposing the fact she was dressed in a scanty lingerie
with gold accents.
Michael I - "I do find you very attractive, I will not deny
that. Someday you will make some handsome Mongol warrior fall
madly in love with you."
Altani began walking slowly toward him, "I find you very sexy,
Excellency. It is my intention that I claim you as my prize
according to Mongol custom."
She pushed Michael I onto the animal fur bed, then mounted him,
making sure he could feel her pressing on his groin and crotch.
Michael I gasped in surprise as his body began to betray him,
responding to her seductions easily. She locked her legs around
his to prevent him trying to use them to push her off, then
pinned his arms above his head.
Altani leaned down until her lips were mere inches from his, "I
want to see how devoted you are to your wife."
Before he could reply, she pressed her lips tightly against his,
and slipped her tongue into his mouth. Though he could
physically do little as his body betrayed him and succumbed to
her sexual urge, his one enduring thought as she made love to
him forcefully was how much he still loved his wife.....
Two hours later, Altani was standing over him, wrapping the
animal skin cloth around her sweat-covered nude body. He looked
down and realized that he was also sweat covered and nude, which
made him panic. Did he pass out from exertion, or did his mind
simply shut out the memory of being stripped by her as she made
love to him.
Altani - "I now know how devoted you are to your empress wife."
He said nothing, still in total shock at his condition.
Altani - "You love her very passionately. You never stopped
thinking of her even as your body yielded to me."
cont'd>
#Post#: 351--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roundup at the Borderlands
DIR By: MichaelH23
Date: December 22, 2016, 3:06 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
<cont'd
Michael I finally found the air and the means to speak, "You
raped me. This is all I can assume based on the fact I'm naked
here."
Altani's face took on a look of intense regret and sadness, "I
did not intend this to hurt you. In fact, this was a test,
similar to our earlier combat."
Michael I became angered, "A test? You seduced me, forced me
into a sexual encounter, and all for a test?"
Altani - "I wanted to know if there was anything that could
cause you to betray your woman. Even though your body yielded to
me sexually, mentally and emotionally you never betrayed your
wife. In Mongol custom, this is a sign of a loyal husband. Your
wife should be pleased to know that, and I intend to make sure
she knows how devoted and loyal you are to her."
Michael I - "You forget something, Altani. She might not respond
the way you hope, based on Mongol custom. She might divorce me
and have you arrested."
Altani - "No she won't. I'm certain that she has often wondered
how truly loyal to her you were in your heart. By revealing this
to her, it will put her mind at ease, knowing she can trust you
with any other woman and never feel concerned for your love for
her."
Michael I could feel the question burning within him, but as he
was recovering from the double-shock, he had no wish right now
to find out. Looking at the nearby chronometer, he gasped. He
needed to be ready for the meeting soon, "I wish we could
continue this conversation, but I need to prepare myself for the
meeting."
Altani - "I know. But we will speak of this again before you
return to your fleet....all of us."
Without elaborating what she meant by 'all of us', she turned
and walked out of the room, the door hissing shut uncaringly.
Michael I looked around and found his clothes, scattered all
around the bed. He also found her lingerie piece scattered among
his clothes, choosing to ignore them.
---------------------------------------------------------
Hour Later
Michael I sat across from Timur-Oleg at the oblong conference
table. Behind the Great Khan, a ceremonial fire burned from a
pit recessed into the bulkhead. To his left, Ben Garrison looked
rather formal in his crisp military uniform which evoked records
of American Continental officers. To his right, the impressive
and imposing shogun, Jirihito, looked ready for battle in his
armor suit. Tolui Temur stood behind and to the right of the
Great Khan.
Timur-Oleg - "Because Michael I is the only one of us who has a
lengthy history with the Xie, I will give him the floor."
Michael I - "Right now, Gateway Sector in the Milky Way is being
repopulated with Trekylonians who were displaced from there five
years ago. The enemy has taken two defeats thus far, but they
still have a formidable offensive capability, not to mention
allied countries only too eager to assist them in sweeping
through Trekylon and the nonaligned systems, obliterating all
before them."
Jirihito - "My people are more than prepared to meet their
challenge. In another time I would say let them come and we will
annihilate them ourselves, but because they have the one thing
we lack, allies, we are prepared to make alliances as well."
Garrison - "What of the Venzetti? I heard from sources very true
that you have discovered them to be a captive race under the
tyranny of the Xie."
Michael I - "That is correct. The Venzetti have been under Xie
rule for generations. Trekylon is trying to learn all they can
about Venzetti culture through a former Xie captive named
Raan'Ta."
Jirihito - "We do not enslave alien races. When we have
conquered them, we have given them the option to seek honorable
surrender and citizenship, or exile from their system. Most
choose to accept our offer of honorable surrender, some choose
exile, but a handful choose to commit mass seppuku, killing
themselves with their own weapons rather than accept us. To try
to stop them would be dishonorable. The Xie do not offer such
choices. They lack honor."
Garrison - "At least you respect their choices even if you do
not always agree with them."
Timur-Oleg - "So we know about the Venzetti plight. But the
problem remains how to inflict the most damage on the enemy
warmaking ability and enable final victory?"
Michael I - "I have enough Whitestars to split against
Jovepenia, Rhamos, and Great Xie. I fully intend to attack their
production, commercial and military-industrial facilities, and
at the same time weaken defenses around key systems the Imperial
fleet can then seize."
Jirihito - "If we join, we expect to seize a few systems of our
own."
Timur-Oleg - "As do we."
cont'd>
#Post#: 352--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roundup at the Borderlands
DIR By: MichaelH23
Date: December 22, 2016, 3:32 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
<cont'd
Michael I - "If you can successfully eliminate the opposition,
then the planets would be yours. That is my guarantee and I will
make sure Drake I also agrees."
Garrison - "Gentlemen, we should not appear bent on total
destruction of the enemy nations. If they are destroyed, a
vacuum could develop and allow for the rise of more ambitious
states which could later pose the same problem faced now."
Jirihito - "He is correct."
Michael I - "There is a way to cripple them and still keep them
alive. We recognize the independence of the Venzetti and any
other captive peoples within Xie territory, then take as few
star systems as alloted. The objective is to reduce their power,
not terminate it completely."
Garrison - "Then I will persuade the president to begin sending
funds to the Venzetti, enough for them to form an underground
movement. Perhaps we can even recognize this Raan'Ta as their
leader, give them someone to rally behind."
Michael I - "I will consult with Commodore Rhess upon our
arrival. If she wants our help, she will have to accept our
terms. Otherwise, I'm prepared to act in support of Trekylon,
but without their connivance."
Jirihito - "What of their Earth territories?"
Michael I - "To the best of my knowledge, the Great Houses have
no Earth territories, but Jovepenia and Rhamos do, as part of
the Concordiat themselves. They've wanted to keep Earth out of
the exclusive control of either the Laptev Axis or the Systems
Commonwealth. I believe the IGF has plans for those
territories."
Jirihito - "Very well, we will leave Earth in the hands of the
IGF."
Timur-Oleg - "Gentlemen, this will be a day long remembered. May
this be the beginning of a new era of cooperation, alliance, and
friendship among our nations."
Tolui Temur - "I have a suggestion I wish to make, in terms of
command."
Timur-Oleg - "Speak your proposal."
Tolui Temur - "I wish to nominate Michael I as overall
commander. "
Jirihito - "My people will listen to him readily."
Garrison - "I would defer command to him, as an expert on the
Xie."
Timur-Oleg - "Then its settled. Michael I will command our joint
forces under the banner of the Gaian Union."
Michael I was in shock again. He did not seek to lead the
multinational force, and was very surprised that the others
readily accepted Tolui Temur's suggestion. He had only sought a
unified effort from the nonaligned powers, not the command of
their joint forces. Nevertheless, a fait accompli had just been
dropped into his lap, and to refuse the command would be a grave
offense, at least to the UTM and Showa delegates.
Michael I - "Very well. I accept, but only under the banner of
the Gaian Union. Not my own personal command."
Timur-Oleg - "We will be arriving at Milky Way in the hour. I
adjourn this meeting so that we can return and inform our
respective commanders of the decisions reached here. Good luck
and may the spirit of Tengri watch and guide you."
The others rose from their seats, bowing formally at the waist
before exiting the room. Michael I rose, but did not take leave,
waiting for the rest to leave. When Tolui Temur made his exit,
Timur-Oleg summoned Altani to come in. Moments later, she
entered, in full combat attire and looking regretful. It was
obvious the last two hours were still fresh in her mind. Seeing
her made Michael I blush slightly, even as he grit his teeth.
Timur-Oleg - "Altani has expressed a desire to travel to
Inuyashia to meet with the empress, your wife."
Michael I - "I know. She said that right before she seduced me
and left me naked on the bed."
Timur-Oleg - "If you wish to express your understandable anger,
then it is I you should be angry with. Altani was just doing as
I asked."
Michael I paled with that revelation. He had thought she had
come to seek his help in gaining access to Rebecca I by testing
him sexually. Now to be told that the Great Khan himself had
sent her infuriated the ex-emperor. Had he been less than wise
in trusting the Great Khan.
Timur-Oleg - "We do seek allies. We have approached Trekylon and
been successful, but we also seek alliance with Inuyashia.
Altani has the desire and wish to become your wife's right hand,
but before I could consent to her traveling there, I needed to
be sure of your bond with the Inuyashian empress. Our history
has been fraught with many an act of betrayal."
Michael I - "I can understand your reasons, but it doesn't make
it any more acceptable."
cont'd>
#Post#: 353--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roundup at the Borderlands
DIR By: MichaelH23
Date: December 22, 2016, 3:54 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
<cont'd
Altani - "I also must tell you that in the process of my testing
you, you did leave your seed within me."
Michael I wanted to throw his chair across the room, denounce
the alliance altogether and return to his ship. One more crisis
had just been thrown at him and he was still dealing with the
revelation of the Great Khan's complicity in the situation.
Timur-Oleg - "I am fully prepared to accept responsibility for
this occurrence myself."
Michael I - "Forgive my bluntness, Great Khan, but how? You
cannot hide a pregnancy, and Altani will be showing signs of it
while on Gaia. Even if she reveals her role and my loyalty to my
wife, the very fact that she is pregnant by me will not be
accepted by Rebecca."
Timur-Oleg - "Altani will admit to testing you with seduction.
This is paramount if we're to show our trustworthiness to
Inuyashia. I will also admit my role in the affair. However, I
need to be clear that Altani is not in any danger of becoming
pregnant."
Michael I - "What?"
Altani - "I had been given an herb just before I came to your in
your chambers. The herb has been studied closely and has
properties that inhibit the union of your seed with my egg. It
is a natural form of birth control."
Michael I - "Are you telling me the truth?"
Timur-Oleg - "She is. You can have your medical scanners do a
scan to confirm this, if you so wish."
Michael I - "She will need to come aboard the Whitestar so our
EMH can conduct the scan."
Altani - "EMH?"
Michael I - "Its a holoprogram. Emergency Medical Hologram. He
isn't exactly a sociable hologram and his bedside manner leaves
much to be desired, but he is knowledgeable in every aspect of
medicine known. I can have you join me when I transport back to
my flagship."
Altani - "No need. I have a personal craft I can use to come
aboard your ship. I will need to make preparations before coming
over, if that is permitted."
Timur-Oleg - "Go."
Altani bowed her head, then with one more glance at Michael I,
left the conference chamber. Timur-Oleg turned back to face the
ex-emperor, "As far as my people are concerned, you two are
married. Fiction though it may be, it must be maintained. But
because I do not wish to jeopardize your relationship with your
wife, the truth will remain that she is unmarried, though no one
in the UTM will know this. It would be a stain on her honor."
Michael I - "In recognition of the importance of the alliance
and future relations between Inuyashia and the UTM, I will honor
your request."
Timur-Oleg - "Then may Tengri shine his light upon you, Khan
Michael I."
Michael I brought out his communicator, activated it, "Michael
to Alabama, one to beam up. Inform the shuttlebay to stand by
for craft arrival within the hour."
He looked at Timur-Oleg, and smiled.
---------------------------------------------------------
Michael I had time to ponder the situation he just left behind.
On the one hand, he was still frustrated by the way the Great
Khan and Altani had used him....tested him...to determine the
viability of an alliance with Inuyashia. The Khan especially
could only have asked Inuyashia directly, rather than use the
occasion of the raging war with Xie to test the viability of
alliance by fighting, then seducing Michael I in the person of
Altani. More than that, however, he still couldn't shake the
image of the twin orphan girls he met hours ago. They needed a
good home, for the Khan had done all he could for them, but had
his own children by the many wives to look after. He resolved
himself to talk directly to his wife as soon as they arrived in
the Milky Way.
#Post#: 354--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roundup at the Borderlands
DIR By: MichaelH23
Date: December 22, 2016, 7:48 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Approaching Milky Way terminus. Whitestar Alabama
Michael I had taken his place on the bridge only ten minutes
after beaming back from the UTM flagship. Tasmek Vol remained at
the CONN station, while Nasmeen Rhelor maintained her vigil from
Tactical.
Rhelor - "Main shuttlebay is awaiting the craft arrival. Who is
it that's coming aboard?"
Michael I maintained a deadpan expression and irritated tone,
"My wife and two daughters."
Rhelor looked surprised, but not as surprised as Vol, whose
normal reserved expression took on a look of pure horror.
"Excellency, you do realize that you have violated your marriage
oath to your wife by taking on another."
Michael I - "According to Mongol custom, I have no choice. Its
either offend my wife or offend a head-of-state with a
formidable fleet."
Rhelor - "Craft is on approach. Rendezvous in five minutes."
Michael I - "By the way, she is only my wife according to Mongol
custom and tradition. There has been no formal wedding and there
won't be. So technically, I'm still very much married to the
empress. But for future reference, should any UTM citizens raise
the issue, we're married. That is an order."
Rhelor - "Craft is docking now, sir. Shuttle crew reports three
people disembarking. A twenty-three year old and a pair of
ten-year-olds."
Michael I - "Make sure to have quarters arranged for all three.
As soon as we reach Galaxy-1, I'll have that fast transport take
the little ones back to Gaia."
Vol - "Milky Way terminus in five minutes."
Michael I - "Stand by for deceleration."
Vol - "Activating Galaxy Gate."
Michael I heard the doors hiss open as Altani stepped onto the
bridge. Everyone stopped what they did and watched as she
crossed the room as though she belonged there. She halted just
behind Michael I and found herself staring at the energy portal
outside the viewport.
Altani - "The Star Portal?"
Michael I - "We call it a Galaxy Gate, but yes."
Neither said anything more, only watching as the ship passed
through the ring of energy and emerged on the other side, where
the stunning vista of the Milky Way galaxy could be seen at
almost edge-on. They were just inside what was known as the
galactic barrier and now on their way toward the Galaxy-1
city-station.
Rhelor - "Station reports that our Venzetti guest has arrived
and is waiting aboard. Transport also reports they're ready to
take the two little guests back to Gaia."
Michael I - "Very well. As soon as we latch on to the station,
make sure our Venzetti friend is escorted here. I want to meet
with the little ones before we send them off."
Rhelor - "Sir, the new station commander has asked to meet with
you briefly."
Michael I - "Fine. I'll take the girls and meet him at Latchport
2."
Altani - "What about me?"
Michael I - "No one has shown you your quarters yet?"
Altani looked somewhat abashed. She did not think to ask where
she would take up residence, instead choosing to walk onto the
bridge of his ship as though she were his wife, "No."
Michael I - "Mr Vol, as soon as your duty permits, please escort
Altani to her quarters."
Vol - "Aye sir."
Michael I smiled at Altani, "I think my wife will like you very
much."
Altani - "I hope so, Excellency. It is my wish and desire to
serve at her side."
Michael I walked off the bridge, leaving a relieved Altani and a
bewildered crew behind.
#Post#: 355--------------------------------------------------
Re: Roundup at the Borderlands
DIR By: MichaelH23
Date: December 23, 2016, 8:10 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Z+4 days, Five Hours. Galaxy-1 corridor near Latchport 2
Michael I had little time to talk to Cotata and Toragana as he
led them from Latchport 1 into the main corridor of the
city-station. Waiting for them at the entrance to Latchport 2,
newly minted station commander, Commander Riley Winston, stood
at full attention. He was 45 with a salt-and-pepper beard, wavy
brown hair, and a lanky physique unusual for someone of his
position. Michael I didn't know much about him since he was no
longer the emperor and commander-in-chief, but he did know that
Winston took his new job seriously.
Winston - "Excellency, I had no idea you were bringing children
to the station, or else I would've met you on your ship."
Michael I - "These two girls are orphans from the Mongolistan
Khanata. They're gonna be traveling back to Gaia soon."
Winston - "Oh my. I had no idea."
Michael I - "I will need to use your comm-terminal to let my
wife know about them, so they aren't a surprise."
Winston - "I understand you wanted to meet with Commodore Rhess
about utilizing your fleet and your new allies out there."
Michael I - "I did. Something happen?"
Winston - "No, other than she's supervising the repairs on the
ships that took damage during the battle. She's asked to hold a
holoconference with you as soon as her schedule allows it."
Michael I - "I understand completely. Let her know as soon as
her schedule opens up, I'm available."
Both men began walking, with the girls staying very close to
Michael I. Winston couldn't believe that the two adorable little
girls could be victims of whatever had made them orphans. He
wanted to ask what had happened to make them such, but out of
respect for the girls, he refrained from doing so.
Winston - "That Venzetti you wanted to meet with, Raan'Ta, seems
a very nervous fellow."
Michael I - "Considering his treatment at the hands of the Xie,
that's understandable. I know the Trekylonians have treated him
with the utmost respect, though."
Winston - "Indeed. Commodore Rhess was the first person to talk
to him after he was liberated."
Michael I - "Well, make sure he's kept comfortable and do
whatever you have to to assure him that he's in good hands until
I can meet with him."
They stopped in front of a door which was labeled Comm Room 7.
Winston gestured toward the door, "This should be suitable for
you, Excellency. If I may be permitted, I would like to give the
girls something before they leave."
Michael I - "You'll have to forgive their shyness. This is the
first time they've left the Khanate, so they aren't too sure of
us right now. But I think they would like a gift."
Winston - "I have a couple of plush grey wolves. I'll go get
them and have them ready by the time you're done talking to your
wife."
Michael I glanced down at the twin girls, noting how their faces
lit up when Winston mentioned plushies. It was the first
expression of emotion he had seen in either of them since they
departed the ship.
Michael I - "The message will have to be transmitted because it
takes two hours for communications to reach the station from
Bode's galaxy."
Winston - "Thank the Great Bird that portal acts as a signal
booster, otherwise it would be a century and a half before your
wife got your message."
Michael I - "Is there anything else to report?"
Winston - "Not a thing. The enemy is still skedaddling toward
Verulon and they've begun pulling half their patrol fleets from
their territories to bolster their lines."
Michael I - "They know we're going there next. Thank you. I'll
meet you later so the girls get their gifts."
He ushered the girls into the room ahead of him as Winston bowed
his head, then turned on his heel and walked away. Michael I
entered the room behind Toragana, taking three stools and
setting them near a terminal. He activated the subspace channel
and the visual feed, then helped Cotata onto her stool. Toragana
took her seat to his opposite and looked around, dazzled by the
various comm terminals in the room.
*****************************************************
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