The enormous, oval shaped ship glided effortlessly through space, as it journeyed from the Gatoan Empire's homeworld to the Milky Way Galaxy. Aboard, the travelers bustled about, excited as they neared their destination, the planet Earth.
King Renten LoudRoar sat in the captain's chair and watched his subjects move about the bridge. He tapped his claws against the strong armrest that bore scratch marks from previous occupants. His mane was well maintained and glowed with health. His tawny fur shone from his morning grooming.
A palpable tension filled the air and it was a pleasant one to his senses. It meant alert warriors and sharp minds. He needed everything to go well. The dissidents back home advocated isolation, saying that it was safer behind their own borders. Renten begged to differ. Their mortal enemy, the Lupinous Empire, was slowly eroding away at their territory. His people had to face facts. They needed help, preferably from a species that knew nothing about them or their feud with the Lupines.
The el-lift doors whooshed open to his left and Crown Prince Dex LoudRoar strode in. His black fur rippled along his muscular form. The only sign of Dex's mixed blood was the patch of tawny fur in the shape of a star across his chest. The young male's eyes glittered with barely suppressed emotion as he came to a stop at the King's side.
"My King." Dex bowed low and then straightened. "Father, we have received the welcome message from the humans with the landing coordinates. Eight of our finest warriors will act as our royal escort when we meet them tomorrow."
"This is good news indeed, my son. And the scientists? Have they converted the schematics and data into a form our human friends can understand?"
"Yes, Father. Everything is completed and ready. They are eager for this exchange of knowledge."
Renten stroked his chin and studied his heir. "And what of you, Dex? How do you feel?"
"Sire…Father, I am ambivalent. I understand why we are doing this, but do you think it is fair to the humans to involve them with our problems?"
Renten chuckled. "You sound like your mother. She was always worried about others. Which is not," he held up his hand to forestall his son's protest, "a bad quality for a future ruler to have. Nonetheless, the Lupines would have learned of the humans eventually. We needed to get the tactical advantage first."
"Of course, Father. Will there be anything else?"
"No, my son. Go, rest, and prepare yourself for tomorrow's troubles."
"As you will it, my King." Dex bowed once more and quietly left the way he came.
Renten sat and considered his choice of ally. From the communication with these "humans," he and his council had learned much. They had technology, not as advanced as his people, yet still sufficient enough that an exchange could benefit both species. They also favored the Gatoans in form, except they were furless, having hair on certain parts of their bodies. They lacked claws but compensated by using blades and other weapons for protection. Their hands were a source of fascination for him. He had never seen anything like them before.
Yes, this alliance would prove fruitful for both species. Satisfied with his choice, he purred contentedly as they made their way to Earth.
* * *
Deep inside the center of the ship lay the well-guarded female sanctum. Females from the different royal bloodlines lounged about enjoying the humidity. Large wisdom trees grew throughout the area and their giant heart-shaped leaves provided shade in the artificial lighting. The gentle roar of the waterfall filled the air as its water spilled into the pool below.
In the middle floated a dais where a lithe, tawny-colored Onugrass lounged on a bed of pillows, attended by three smaller Onugrass females with slightly darker fur. Large diamonds adorned her neck and a circlet of sapphire gems sat upon her head.
Queen Rialla LoudRoar yawned, proudly displaying her sharp teeth. Idly she fanned herself. "Where is my drink? I am thirsty."
"It is coming, my Queen. And it has been prepared as per your instructions."
The Queen patted the speaker's head. "Good servant. We don't want me to be angry, do we?"
"No, no, your Majesty," the younger Onugrass stammered.
"My Queen! There is a visitor here to see you," announced a Loprofirass guard from her position by the entrance.
"Who is it?" Rialla demanded crossly.
"It is the Crown Prince."
She huffed, shooed away her helpers and slipped into the water. She swam to the north edge of the pool and climbed out, shook the water from her fur making her high and perky breasts bounce.
"Send him in." Rialla walked to her chair and lounged indolently, waiting on her stepson, Dex. He was one of a few whom she intensely disliked for opposing her marriage to the King. But Rialla always got what she wanted and becoming Queen was no exception. It had amused her when she succeeded. However, her interest was piqued. Dex would rather face a Lupine than come near her. So why was he here?
She pretended not to notice him once the Loprofirass guard escorted him inside. She heard soft murmurs of appreciation from the other females and was irritated. Mixed bloods were not uncommon, but among the Royals they were rare. She had heard all the stories of the grand love of King Renten and his Farsemiss Queen Byene. Every time the previous queen was mentioned, Rialla had to resist the urge to claw the speaker's tongue out. She was queen now, not some dead female.
Rialla waited a moment more and then deigned to acknowledge her stepson. "What do you want?"
His jaw clenched. Clearly, whatever he had to ask her was distasteful. This intrigued her.
"My lady, as the Crown Prince and second-in-command of the King's personal guard, I must make sure you understand the plan for our meeting with the humans."
Irked that he did not address her properly, Rialla slid from her chair and stalked toward him. She stopped in front of him and stared pointedly. Two could play this game of disrespect.
Dex's nose flared and his eyes narrowed. "Do…you…understand?"
Several females that had conveniently moved closer to hear the conversation, tittered at Dex's treatment of Rialla.
Angry that he spoke to her like one would to a cub, Rialla loosed her claws, slapped him hard and made sure to scratch his cheek in the process. She ignored the gasps and the rise in tension as silence descended in the sanctum.
"I am Queen here! You will address me properly, Cub, or I shall report your insolence."
They glared at each other before Dex lowered his head a fraction in submission.
"Yes, my Queen. Master Chief Leftclaw wants your oath that you will not disgrace the King and attempt to leave the ship. No one, other than the King and his personal guards, are allowed planetside. Anyone violating that order shall visit Master Bravemore."
Rialla smirked. "See, my stepson, that wasn't so hard, was it?" She cooed and stroked his arm...slowly. She watched his face. There, his customary flash of contempt. He was becoming so predictable. Good for her, bad for him.
"You can tell the General that I understand perfectly. Now, run along. I'm sure a big strong male like you can find amusement somewhere." Rialla stifled a laugh. She loved taking jabs at Dex's loner status.
Stiffly, he bowed. "Yes, my Queen." He turned and stalked from the room without a backward glance.
Something had rattled the Crown Prince, for Dex's near-perfect control over himself and his emotions was legend among the people. She shouldn't have been able to get a response from him at all. Interesting. She flexed her paws and made a decision.
"Nala! Come here."
"Yes, your majesty?" The timid, smaller Onugrass ran to Rialla's side and dropped to her knees in submission.
"I have a job for you." Rialla whispered her instructions, and content with her plan, sent the younger female on her way. She purred and went back to the pool to enjoy the rest of the day.