Free Enterprise  -  The Throne Room -   Chapter #92


Once all of Tyr's Guards and staff were ready and in place, the doors were opened and in strode Osiris the Arch Duke of the Drago-Katzov Pride.

He was clearly an Uber Alpha Nietzschean like Tyr, only where The Last Son of Barbarossa was chocolate complected, Osiris was Caucasian. He was a few inches shorter than Tyr, but what Osiris lacked in height he made up for in muscle. He also sported a healthy tan, clear and alert blue eyes. His blond hair was cut in a buzz cut and he was dressed to kill in his Nietzschean best.

Osiris was older than Tyr by about thirty years, but looked far younger. This was attributed to the fact that Osiris had cut his hair so close to the scalp, the gray no longer showed. He also made sure he was clean shaven, so there was no gray speckled beard, mustache or Vandyke to give his secret away.

Tyr watched as Osiris swept in with his entourage, including his wives, guards, associates and servants. He came to a stop a few feet from the throne and went to one knee. The rest of his peeps followed suit.

“I Osiris pledge fealty to thee, My Lord.” he declared in a loud voice. The rest followed in a choreographed chant.

“I accept your fealty, Osiris. And that of your people.” Tyr said. The man and his people rose.

Osiris was then able to get an even better look at the new Viceroy and his wives. Word had come to him that Barbarossa's youngest son, only had four wives and two paltry children, when most men his age had perhaps ten offspring or more.

“Mayhaps he is one who believes in having a small family.” Osiris thought to himself. It was a trend that was becoming the rage among the Nietzscheans. Less wives, less children. Those of the Drago-Katzov Pride adhered strictly to the old way. Perhaps that was why Barbarossa censored them so much

Speaking of censors. . . . .

“Sire, I wish to dispute the matter of the The Tele-Nietzschean edict.” Osiris stated.

The vast room which now contained hundreds of people grew silent as everyone collectively held their breath and waited for the explosion. It was so quiet one could hear a mouse crawling on it's belly.

“Oh no, he didn't just go there.” Tamara thought.

“Might I remind you that Barbarossa's edicts are still in place and will remain in place against the Drago-Katzov Pride.” Tyr intoned. “Especially the subsection forbidding the slaughter of the Tele-Nietzscheans. It will be strictly enforced to the fullest extent of the law, even if it must be by mine own hand!” Tyr stated. His voice sounding like a whip crack in the throne room.

“Might I also remind you that Barbarossa placed the Tele-Nietzscheans under the protection of Pride Kodiak in perpetuity.” Victoria said.

“Please forgive me, Matriarch, Sire. I was not clear. I am not seeking to rescind the edict, only to amend a part of it.” Osiris replied, as he recovered. He had expected some blow back on the issue, but not like this. . . . . .

“Amend which part?” Tyr demanded, as he narrowed his eyes at Osiris.

“The right to property. . . .” Osiris started.

According to Nietzschean law one's right to property stayed within one's clan and/or pride until the last heir died, or at such time the member either deeded or sold it to another pride.

In the case of the Tele-Nietzscheans, who were forced into a mass exodus in order to avoid persecution and death. Many had abandoned lands and property, which still lay unclaimed, and by the Drago-Katzov code of ethics, was free for the taking.

This meant The Drago-Katzov Pride had been patiently laying in wait, for years. After all The Tele-Nietzscheans were not going to jeopardize their lives and safety to step forward and claim it.

Tyr immediately saw red. It took all of his superior Nietzschean strength not leap off the throne, grab Osiris by the neck and snap it like a chicken's. Or order his Guards to do it.

“Osiris. What are you planning to do with more property? Drago-Katzov Pride already inhabits five planets and you are in the process of terra-forming a sixth.” Tyr said. “So why art thou so concerned about a few paltry acres?” he continued. Clearly it was nothing but pure unmitigated greed which drove Osiris to even broach such a subject in a public audience like this. And at a time of mourning. It was utterly tactless.

“How goes the terra-forming project on Ausis 7, by the way? You were supposed to send us monthly reports since eighty percent of the work is being done at the Nietzschean taxpayer expense. I think the citizenry would love to know how their hard-earned money is being spent.” Victoria said. Osiris was stunned into complete silence. There was a dozen or so discrete coughs in the background.

“OUCH!” Amanda thought and frowned. Victoria was certainly no pushover!

“Zing!” thought Desi. as she winced.

"Wow!" Xena thought.

Tamara just shook her head.

“When were you planing to depart?” Tyr snapped.

“Right after this audience, Sire.” Osiris bumbled, stumbled and replied.

“Plan to extend your stay. I want that report as soon as possible. DOn't even think of leaving without giving it to me.” Tyr ordered.

“Sire, that will be impossible. . . .” Osiris sputtered. Now the man was starting to sweat. . . . . . . .

This trip was only supposed to be a short hop for him and his people. They were supposed to get in, find out what the new Viceroy was like, pay honor, tribute, get the heck out. And of course run back home to spread the news. Now The Viceroy, had them all pinned under glass.



* * * * * * * *


However, while the men disputed, Osiris' wives checked Tyr's wives out. Like female rivals the universe over, Team Osiris openly sized up Team Tyr.

They all seemed to smile knowingly when they saw Tamara. She was obviously not Nietz therefore a weak link in the chain. It was alright for Nietzschean males to take non-Nietz as consorts. Some even raised and loved their half-caste brats. But, to take a Non-Nietz to be one's Matriarch. . . . . . . To Team Osiris, she looked like a pixie or fairy, so they considered her soft. An utterly wrong assessment.

They saw Xena and gave her credit for being Nietz, but not knowing she was the Insurrections Security Chief they discounted her too. Bad decision. They also checked out Desdemona. Nietzschean to the bone, mixed with Lakota-Sioux roots. They took in her dusky complexion, dark brown eyes, straight black hair and discounted her. They didn't know the woman was a skilled huntress and was watching them will hyper alertness.

But with Amanda, red flags went up all over the place. She was not Nietz but she was imposing nonetheless. Her expression brooked no nonsense. She observed everyone with the gimlet eye of an old and seasoned warrior. Causing Team Osiris to seriously wonder about her origins. All hopes for them to possibly infiltrate Tyr's camp was smashed by Amanda's presence. For now.


* * * * * * * * * *


“Make it possible!” Tyr ordered, as he signaled an aide to his side. He whispered some orders and the aide nodded.

“Atlas will show you to appropriate accommodations which will have data and communications stations. Feel free to contact him with any requests for additional needs” Tyr stated.

“Understood, Sire.” Osiris replied and bowed. “I have also brought tribute.” he said, and signaled. Servants appeared bearing chests which were laid at a few feet away from Tyr's throne.

“You are dismissed.” Tyr said. Osiris and his entourage gladly bowed and scraped their way out of his presence.

“Damn! Are they all like that?” Amanda asked.

“Some are even worse.” Victoria replied and sighed.

“Those women were all witches, and they were sizing us all up.” Tamara said. “I would not be surprised if they are planning some dastardly thing.” she continued.

“Oh they definitely are. They would not be proper Drago-Katzov women if they didn't.” Desdemona said. The Drago-Katzov Pride was well known for it's women keeping all kinds of vicious political intrigue and Mama Drama going on in their clan compounds. Their clans are always having some feud over some slight or another." she continued.

“Sounds like just another day in the neighborhood.” Amanda said. "Beleive me, I've dealt with it all in during my Starfleet career."

“And we are about to encounter even more of same.” Tyr said, as he stood and frowned back at the throne's seat.

“What's the matter, Tyr?” Tamara asked. She kinda knew but didn't want to say it out loud.

“Hard.” Tyr simply said.

“It is a throne, Tyr. A seat of judgment and thus is not supposed to be comfortable.” she said.

“After all, what leader would be taken seriously if he was seen asleep on his throne?” Khan asked. Tyr glowered at them all and abruptly sat, sprawling on the throne.

Tyr was in mourning, tired, hungry, disgusted, and the last thing he wanted to deal with was more idiots like Osiris. . . . .

“Speaking of Osiris, did anyone hear him mention anything about offering condolences for Barbarossa's death? All he was looking for was a land grab.” Amanda stated. “How RUDE was that?” she continued.

In response a sound similar to a growling Doberman came from the throne, and Alexander wailed out of fright. Xena picked him up, cuddled, shushed and bounced him, then scowled at Tyr.

“Tyr, what have I told you about doing that? Frightening your own son, for shame!” Khan lectured. Funny, Lysander wasn't bothered in the least. . . . . .

Tyr sighed, straightened up, sat up, and signaled the guards to send in the next petitioners.