The Throne Rom Part 2 - Chapter #93

Free Enterprise  -  Throne Room Part 2 -  Chapter #93


It had been a long day. A seemingly endless line of Starfleet dignitaries and Arch Dukes from every major Nietzschean Pride were ushered in to offer condolences and tribute.

The tribute was not a tax, but a gift of compensation for the loss of a loved one. The more highly placed the loved one, the more the tribute.

Though money and martial goods could never replace a family member, the tribute helped to pay off debts, buy needed supplies, make repairs, or whatever the needs of the surviving family members were.

The last group had been ushered out and Tyr was ready to go somewhere quiet, and crash until the time of The Speaking.

“Forgive me, Sire. But, there is another rather large contingent waiting to see you.” Atlas said.

Tyr sighed. It was his call, he could have them told to wait until after The Speaking, and after he'd gotten some decent rest. Or, he could see them now and be done with it.

“I will see them now, but first please bring me some water.” Tyr requested.

Another aid brought him a bottle of Promethean Spice Water. Tyr twisted the top off the gallon jug and turned it up to his head moonshine style. Victoria rolled her eyes and shook her head.

“He could've at least used a mug or glass! Men!” Victoria thought. After he had drained off half of the contents, he recapped it and handed it back to the aid. Of course he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, sending a fresh wave of rolls through his wives. Tamara recovered quickly and handed him a hanky.

“I am ready.” he said, after he had wiped his lips, properly.

The doors were opened and in walked Seamus and Monique Harper hand in hand. Tyr frowned and was about to ask why would they seek audience. After all, they were officially part of his family and could see him any time they wanted. However, Tyr noticed the smile on Monique's face. She was also being followed by a large group of Nietzscheans.

“Oh my! Oh my!” Tamara said, then muffled herself by placing both hands over her mouth.

“They are Tele-Nietzscheans.” she thought to Tyr.

“Rather, We are Pride Secreto.” Monique said proudly, as she and her husband stepped aside to allow a maroon robed and hooded person to walk up to the throne.

The person pushed back the hood and revealed it was a she. She was an older woman of East Indian extraction, and had to be at least one hundred years old. But, she was was fit and spry as a fiddle. She used an obviously hand crafted knotty pine walking staff, but, it was more of an ancient symbol of authority than to assist with walking.

“She kinda reminds me of Indra Gandhi . . . .” Tamara thought behind her mind shield.

“I betcha she can really beat the crap outta someone with that thing.” Amanda thought, as she admired the handiwork on woman's staff. The recently retired Starfleet Admiral had learned early in her career that people who carried walking staves and didn't need them to assist with mobility, were dangerous!

Amanda was a martial arts vid fan and harkend back to the opening shots of one of her favorite old Earth vids. “Bulletproof Monk.”. The one where two fighting monks battled it out on a rope bridge which had been constructed over a bottomless chasm.

“Greetings Matriarch Victoria Anasazi, Viceroy Tyr Anasazi. I am Matriarch Delta Wolf, out of Indra by Singh of Pride Secreto. My people and I have come to offer condolences for the loss of your consort Matriarch, and Father Viceroy. We have also come to our negotiate property rights.” Delta said.

While she spoke people were quietly filing into the throne room behind her. Hundreds of Nietzscheans were there along with Vulcans and Katay.

“Sire, there are hundreds of others waiting in the halls because they cannot fit.” Atlas whispered to Tyr.

“Matriarch, did you bring all of your people with you?” Tyr asked.

“No, Sire I did not. Only a few.” Delta responded. “I assure you that the home fires are being well tended and protected.” she continued. Putting to rest the question: “If all are here, then who is back at home?”

“It certainly looks like she brought the whole tribe, teepees, papooses, horses and buffalo to boot!” Desi thought.

“It may take some time in order to resolve this issue. Are you willing to accept our hospitality while you and your people wait?” Victoria asked.

“Of course.” Delta replied.

“Even if that means that some of your people will have to camp outside?” Tyr asked. The Citadel was huge but it wasn't that big.

“That is acceptable, Sire. My people are used to roughing it. Despite our talent, we are still, Nietzscehans.” Delta replied and smiled.

“Very well. Atlas will see to your comfort.” Tyr said, as he signaled his aid. He whispered instructions to him and he in turn called several assistants to his side. In less than ten minutes the throne room had completely cleared out.

After everyone left, Tyr looked askance at another one of his aids.

“There are no other audiences scheduled for today. The Speaking in one hour and fifteen minutes.” Darius said.

“Wonderful.” Tyr thought. “I was hoping for some quiet time and a little rest.”

“You can have all of the quiet time you need once The Speaking is over.” Tamara thought back.

“We shall see.” Tyr thought.

“Just wait until Osiris finds out that Pride Secreto is here to settle their property issues. He will be fit to be tied.” Amanda said.

“All the more reason for me to be well rested.” Tyr said. “Andreas, you know those two prides must be kept separate because old hatreds tend to run deep. Osiris may behave civil in my presence, but there is no telling what he will do behind my back.” Tyr continued.

“I'm on it, Sire.” Andreas replied. He was head of the palace guard, and would assist in keeping a lid on things.

“It's a shame our own people don't know how to behave towards one another.” Victoria clucked and shook her head.

“I believe that is true of all races, Matriarch.” Khan said. “With the Katay we learned we either had to live with each other or slaughter each other down to the last man. The latter was not an option if you want your race to continue to exist and thrive.” he continued.

“It looks like we are going to have a hard way to go.” Xena said.

“One step at a time.” Khan said.

“First, The Speaking. . . . .” HaxHis said.