I got inspired after marathon reading the BOH web series. You shouldn't need to have read the series for this story to make sense but that's where the context and many of the characters come from. Also the fic is written in script style of the web series.
Minor spoilers, skip this paragraph if you're concerned: Toying with the idea of Jenny and Sarradel as a couple and how that might happen. In the web series Jenny's a princess (of course she is). Sarradel's a nasty Aldebaran villain (commits rape, murder, opera . . .). Nota bene, this is just me mucking around, Sarradel never showed any interest in Jenny. There are a fair few time jumps so prepare yourself for a bumpy ride.
This is my first fic and R&R is welcome (assumes brace position).
Edit: Fixed a typo and also changed the rating to T, may warrant a change to M for later chapters.
Warning: Sexual content; questionable consent; abusive; violence; swearing. Nothing too explicit but please don't read if such content is likely to offend/disturb you.
All (hopefully recognizable) characters and random quotes are copyright to their respective owners.
Edit June 23: Chapter 2 was a bit of a tome so I have split it into several more manageable chunks as separate chapters (2–4). Sorry if this is confusing. New material is in Chapter 5.
Prequel
Apartment, Genus – Past
The small apartment is basic but neat with minimal decoration. Morning light spills into the kitchen and adjoined living area. It's a non-work day; Bucky and Jenny are sipping hot drinks over the remains of a late breakfast as they read respective publications from data pads. They're both dressed simply and casually. Jenny is leaning over the table facing Bucky, her chin propped up on a hand and her thick hair falling forward. Bucky gives her a surreptitious look.
Bucky: Jen . . .
Jenny flicks her gaze up to him. There's a knock at the door. Jenny is closer; she glances around and slides wordless off her stool then heads to the door. Bucky looks back to his data pad, frowning slightly.
Jenny opens the door to a courier standing with a data pad and a large box on a hover cart behind him. The courier looks up from his data pad as the door is opened. He does a double take at Jenny then smiles widely. Jenny stands in the doorway with a bland look of mild resignation.
Courier: (brightly) Good morning! I have a delivery here for . . .
He pauses to glance at his data pad. He frowns then looks back at Jenny.
Courier: Ah, a delivery for, um, Her Royal Highness Princess Jennifer of the planet Aldebaran?
Jenny: (flat) Yes.
Courier: (looking at her questioningly) Are you really a princess?
Jenny: Yes.
Courier: Of a whole planet?
Jenny: Yes.
He gives her a quick once over then glances over her shoulder at the Spartan apartment. He notices Bucky for the first time; Bucky looks up with a slightly unfriendly expression, still holding his mug. The courier starts back.
Courier: Ah, so is he a prince?
Jenny has to fight to keep the smirk off her face.
Jenny: (voice level) He's a captain.
The courier looks back at Bucky a little nervously. Bucky gives him a brief nod with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. He takes a sip off his drink. The courier pulls his head back out of Bucky's line of sight and looks at Jenny again.
Courier: (business like) I need a paw print here.
He offers her the data pad and Jenny reaches over.
Courier: (making small talk) So Aldebaran's not a very rich planet then?
Jenny: Aldebaran is one of the richest and most powerful planets in this quadrant.
Courier: Oh.
Jenny gives him a smile and pushes the data pad back.
Jenny: It's the one where all the uptight witches come from.
Courier: *Oh* . . .
The courier doesn't seem inclined to do anything other than stare at her. Jenny finally raises an eyebrow.
Jenny: May I please have the delivery now?
Courier: (jumping) Yes! Of course! (turning the cart) Just let me, um, get this. Please, allow me miss, um, your Highness.
Jenny steps back into the apartment as he awkwardly maneuvers the cart. As the courier continues to struggle she tries to assist but isn't able to do much as he politely blocks her from helping.
Jenny: (a little exasperated) Buck?
The courier looks up.
Courier: Wha . . . ?
Bucky puts down his mug and data pad and hops away from the table. He walks briskly over and authoritatively grabs the package, lifting it easily off the cart and setting it on a table. The courier is staring at him. Bucky glances at him with an attempt at a more friendly smile.
Bucky: Thanks.
Courier: Wow, you're Bucky O'Hare, right?
Jenny sighs.
Bucky: Yep.
Courier: Really?
Bucky: No.
Bucky grabs the controls of the cart and steers it to the door.
Bucky: Well, thanks again. Enjoy the rest of your deliveries.
He practically pushes the courier out of the door with his cart.
Bucky: Bye.
He closes the door on the still gaping courier. Bucky turns to Jenny, who's examining the package.
Jenny: It's from the Queen . . . my mother; I think. It has the royal seal. (frowning) I wasn't notified of anything.
Bucky: A mysterious packaged from Aldebaran? Check for poisoned darts.
Jenny gives him an unimpressed look. She turns back to the package and opens the top, lifting out a large gem. Bucky watches as she stares at the gem with an unfocused look. She frowns.
Jenny: (uncertain) It *is* from the Queen and, um, apparently . . . it's my birthday.
Bucky: It's not your birthday. I know when your birthday is, first of the first, easy.
Jenny: (still looking at the gem) That's just when the Sisterhood assigns birthdays to orphans. I have, I *had*, no idea when my actual birthday was.
Bucky: Um, happy birthday?
Jenny: (amused; smiling gently) Thank you.
Bucky strolls over. Jenny has set aside the gem and begun to peer curiously into the package proper.
Bucky: So, what did she get you? (under his breath; muttering) Please not tea . . .
Jenny's upper body has disappeared into the package as she rummages around. Bucky smiles amusedly at her.
Bucky: You'd better stop bending over like that soon or I'm going to get ideas.
Jenny snorts from inside the package.
Jenny: (muffled) It's not *your* birthday.
She reappears a moment later with her arms full of heavy brocaded cloth. She drags the material away from the package and out onto the table. It spills over the table's edges as Jenny tries to arrange it in a coherent way.
Bucky: (frowning) There sure is a lot of it. What is it?
Jenny has given up trying to get the cloth properly straight and steps beside Bucky to contemplate it. Some structure can be seen; there are long trailing sleeves and the many folds of an expansive skirt.
Jenny: They're Aldebaran ceremonial robes; *royal* Aldebaran ceremonial robes. Just when does she expect me to wear this?
Bucky: (grinning) How about now? Could be fun getting you out of that.
Jenny rolls her eyes at him. She turns back to the dress and runs a hand over the material.
Jenny: I've never owned anything like this. These robes probably cost more than this entire apartment complex.
She pauses, frowning.
Jenny: Do you have any idea how long it took me to save up enough for my battle armor?
Bucky: Actually I thought you got given that when you passed an exam or something.
Jenny: I earned the right to wear it but I still had to buy it. It costs a lot. All armor has to be specially made for that individual.
Bucky: I noticed it fit you pretty well.
Jenny: Can you please be serious?
Bucky: Oh I am serious. (he gets another look from Jenny) Fine, sorry. But what's the problem, Jen?
Jenny is looking at the dress again.
Jenny: It's just . . . the Queen, she's asked me to spend more time on Aldebaran. Think this gift is part of that. She wants me to be the princess. I'm not a princess, Buck. Nobody cared what upstart moggy Jenny did, but for Princess Jennifer there are all these expectations.
Bucky steps closer and puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Bucky: Hey, I'm pretty sure you can handle any of their expectations.
Jenny turns to look at his hand; she reaches around and places her own over it then looks away with a troubled expression.
Jenny: (sighing) I think Thomas was right when he said I wasn't ready to hear that I'm the princess.
She abruptly looks up.
Jenny: Oh my stars, this means it's his birthday as well.
Chapter 1
Formal gardens, Aldebaran palace – Present
A steady rain pelts the tiles of a large, open courtyard and knocks petals from the blossoms of a gnarled cherry tree. There's a sudden rush of movement as a body crashes through the lower bows of the tree and lands heavily on the tiles amongst a flurry of small sticks and broken blossoms. Tommy rolls as he lands, ending up splayed on his back and gasping as the rain continues. The young Aldebaran king is full spell gem-bedecked armor and robes, but his robes are torn and several gems are cracked. His white fur is dirty from the fall and his thick grey hair is disheveled but he's still obviously handsome.
Tommy coughs hard then struggles to push himself upright. He's hunched on his knees with his head dropping when a figure in dark armor and a helm that conceals his face appears through the haze of rain. Sarradel stops to regard the struggling Tommy.
Sarradel: Don't get up little king and maybe I won't kill you.
Tommy forces his grimace of pain into a cocky smile and opens his green eyes. He leans heavily on one knee and rises unsteadily, breathing hard and grinning through gritted teeth at Sarradel. His purple gems flash, the broken ones sparking.
Tommy: You think it's going to be that easy?
Tommy suddenly launches himself forward, swinging his glowing claws towards Sarradel. Sarradel slips into an easy fighting stance. The inky black gems set in his armor flare with darkness and he blocks the strike almost casually, throwing Tommy back again. Tommy lands more heavily than before, ending up in an awkward pile. Sarradel stalks slowly over to him. He looks down impassively as Tommy groans on the ground then swings back his heavy boot and lands a hard kick to Tommy's stomach. Tommy gasps and curls up around the hit.
Sarradel: I've wasted enough time here. Know when you're beaten.
Sarradel turns and starts to walk away. There's the sound of scraping behind him then a blast of purple light glances of his helm. Sarradel spins around. Tommy has dragged himself up onto an elbow and his other arm is extended from the strike. He grins again.
Tommy: (strained) Mum always said I was a slow learner. Sis was the smart one.
Sarradel's pale blue eyes can be seen to narrow through his dented helm. Tommy pulls back his arm for another strike but Sarradel is quicker, he gestures and Tommy is yanked into the air. Tommy gasps and his body convulses as dark tendrils snake along his limbs and torso. After a moment he hangs limply in mid-air with numerous black wires twisting through his flesh.
Sarradel pulls off his helm, he appears uninjured. His features are unusually sharp and angular for an Aldebaran, with thick wrinkles around his large ears and an extremely fine covering of platinum blond fur. He wipes irritatedly at his blocky muzzle and large, slanted eyes as the rain hits him.
Sarradel: (harsh) And you can join your witch mother soon.
Tommy is twitching, he looks in severe pain. Sarradel turns his damaged helm over in his hands then violently throws it away, sending it crashing through the fallen blossoms and rain puddles. Sarradel turns to leave again and Tommy makes a croaking gasp.
Tommy: H-hey!
Sarradel glares back over his shoulder incredulously. Tommy is struggling to look at him.
Tommy: (slurred) Did-did anyone everrr t-t-tell you you're 'han ugly bar-bastard?
Sarradel is still staring at Tommy when a couple of running figures appear. Sarradel's head snaps around as two armored Aldebaran's skid to a panting halt in front of him. One addresses him subserviently.
Aldebaran: (panting) My-my Lord, the prince and the queen are gone. We believe they have taken a warp-capable ship. We couldn't find you . . .
She trails off under Sarradel's hard stare. Behind Sarradel, Tommy makes a noise somewhere between a laugh and gasp.
Tommy: *Haaa*-ha, got ya'. (muttering) Mum always said I was the sneaky one.
Tommy suddenly slumps, looking completely exhausted. Sarradel slowly turns to Tommy again as the rain continues around them.
Apartment complex, Genus
The up-market complex is set in the large central city of Genus. It's pleasant despite the city location. Dapped morning light shines through the tall surrounding trees into a large, high-ceiling, sparsely furnished upper-level apartment. In the simple bedroom a topless Bucky yawns and stretches awake, sitting up in bed and blinking his pink eyes. There's a tightly curled form amongst the blankets beside him. Bucky rubs lazily at the rumpled green fur of his lean torso and smiles drowsily down at the still sleeping Jenny, who's coiled gracefully in a nest of bedding. After a moment he reaches over and runs his fingers through her thick tumble of pink hair. Jenny opens her green eyes to slits to look at him as he strokes her.
Bucky: Hey. Did I ever tell you you're beautiful?
Jenny huffs quietly and closes her eyes. Bucky moves to stroke the blankets off her shoulder. Jenny rolls away from him onto her back and Bucky drops down to nuzzle into her neck. Jenny huffs again.
Jenny: (with closed eyes) Oh Buck, you know this is the only sleep-in I get all week.
Bucky shoves the rest of the blankets away and shifts over her.
Bucky: (muffled) You don't need to get up.
Jenny's thickly-lashed eyes are still closed. She smiles indulgently and drapes her arms over Bucky's hunched shoulders then wraps a long white leg around his hip.
Jenny: Aye-aye sir.
Bucky: (coming up for air) You're the best damn first mate ever.
Jenny starts to thrum.
Jenny steps out into the main apartment wearing a light robe. The apartment has elements of a ryokan, with almost Spartan furniture and simple decorations. Jenny stretches languidly then pads over to the large window and peers out to where a light drizzle is beginning to fall. She wrinkles her nose in distaste.
Jenny moves to a bench and begins to gather together implements for making tea. She pauses when reaching for a second cup and glances to the open door of the bedroom. Bucky can be seen sprawled on his front amongst rumpled blankets. Jenny gives a quiet hum of amusement and puts back his cup.
Jenny: (to herself) Oh *now* he's sleepy.
She rubs absently at a small circular scar on her wrist, smiling.
Jenny moves to sit cross-legged on a couch; holding a steaming cup and looking out at the now thick rain. She frowns and drops her gaze from the window, glancing at a stick of cherry blossom in a modest vase on the low table in front of her. The blossoms have all fallen and lie strewn on the table, leaving a starkly bare branch in the vase. Jenny frowns harder then winces and puts her free hand on her stomach.
United Animals Coalition Chairman's audience room, Genus
Fritz sits at the head of the large conference table which dominates the audience room that connects to his Chairman's office. It's a pleasant space, with windows making up three walls and offering expansive views over the busy city from the tall UAC building, but the gathered group looks stern and serious. Outside it rains heavily. Fritz is meeting with a select group consisting of half a dozen high ranking Aldebaran's with Bucky in-tow. They seem to be part of the way through a meeting; a neatly uniformed Bucky is speaking.
Bucky: Honestly, we were lucky last time. He's ridiculously powerful and he's not stupid. I don't see us getting that close again without a good plan.
Fritz is immaculately dressed, with an expensive suit over his tall frame and simple kippah pinned between his long ears. The middle-aged grey rabbit looks around enquiringly.
Fritz: Okay, we need a plan. So, he's a right bastard and he appears to have near enough complete control of Aldebaran. What else do we know about him? What does he want apart from world domination? What can we use against him?
There's silence amongst the Aldebaran's for a few moments. A slightly rumpled but stoic Queen Artemisia finally speaks. She's dressed in simple armor with her thick red dreadlocks pulled back in a loose ponytail away from her angular, tan-furred face.
Artemisia: He has professed to aspire to rule over Aldebaran. His goal is to make the Aldebaran people "proper". He believes the only way to peaceful and moral society is with an absolute ruler who keeps the populace in fear-based obedience.
Fritz: *Right* . . . and of course this absolute ruler has to be him.
Artemisia: Possibly not. He wanted Harrison as an heir, someone to achieve his vison.
Jenny is wearing full armor. She has been sitting next to Bucky with a vacant expression and speaks without looking at anyone in particular.
Jenny: (quietly) He wanted mother on his side as well, and he used Felicia to legitimize himself.
Fritz: (listing) Prince Harrison, Queen Katrina, Princess Felicia, and now King Thomas. So, he likes royalty?
Artemisia looks over quickly.
Jenny: (under her breath) Queen Zoda . . .
Jenny looks at Fritz and speaks more strongly.
Jenny: He likes power. He wanted mother and Harrison because of their power; he wanted Felicia because he could set her up as a puppet ruler. He would have happily killed us all when we threatened him. We *can't* leave mother and Tommy with him.
Jenny's face is grim. There's a moment's silence after she finishes speaking.
Fritz: Getting them back may not currently be an option. As far as I can see he's got everything he wants, except possibly Harrison.
Artemisia speaks quickly.
Artemisia: (flat) My son is not a bargaining tool.
Fritz: (serious) I wouldn't even suggest something like that. I just want to understand this guy. Right now we don't seem to have much to work with.
Jenny looks around at the closed faces, becoming uncharacteristically passionate.
Jenny: We can't do nothing! This isn't only about my mother and brother; it's our entire world he's taken. All he knows is how to destroy.
She starts slightly and looks down. Bucky has placed his hand over hers. He strokes her gently with his thumb. Jenny looks over at his concerned face. Bucky keeps her gaze for a moment then turns to address the group.
Bucky: (authoritative) He's theatrical and a risk taker; that's something we can use. And he's still just one guy. Superpowers or not, he's got a whole planet to keep inline. He's brutal but he didn't throw away the existing power structures last time he tried to take over, he subverted them. From what we can gather he's showing off Katrina and Tommy as captives to demoralize the populous. (glances briefly at Jenny) I think he'll keep them alive because they're more useful as a demonstration of his power that way. Like Jenny said, he used Felicia to legitimize himself before. What we need to do is figure out how to play on his aspirations, they're a weakness. (looks at Fritz) I can pull together a strike force that will get us onto Aldebaran. If we're on-planet at least we have a chance.
Bucky stops, looking around the room. Jenny's jaw has dropped open slightly and she's staring at him. Fritz looks hard at Bucky.
Fritz: Start readying whatever you think appropriate for a stealth mission but I want this clear, I'm not authorizing any course of action that will endanger more people until we have a plan that has a chance of working.
Fritz looks over to Jenny.
Fritz: Jenny, I'm putting you on leave. You're too personally involved in this.
Jenny appears as if she's about to protest but then frowns and drops her head.
Jenny: I understand and accept this decision.
Fritz: Thank you Jenny.
Apartment complex, Genus
Jenny walks into the empty apartment alone. The heavy rain has darkened the day and the apartment is shadowy; Jenny looks around then presses on a light. She wanders over to the window and gazes absently forward. Jenny's reflection in the window blinks back at her. She hugs herself.
Royal apartments, Aldebaran palace – Past
It's early evening at the Aldebaran palace. Jenny, Tommy, and Harrison are in a relaxed state. Tommy plays with Harrison in a traditionally female role while Jenny works at the large desk looking like a classic father. Harrison is running around with the boundless energy of an approximately seven year old. The kitten bears a strong resemblance to Tommy except for his cream and seal-point coloration and blue and gold eyes. Tommy grabs Harrison around the waist and lifts him into the air as he tries to rush past.
Tommy: (to Harrison) Alright, quieten down. You'll need to go to bed soon.
Harrison isn't fazed. He thrashes out of the hold, forcing Tommy to place him gently down or risk dropping him. Harrison grabs his father's waist in a rough embrace.
Harrison: (breathless) Tell me a story!
Tommy: (feigning reluctance) Don't you ever get enough stories?
Harrison disengages and sits down heavily on the floor in front of Tommy. The kitten shakes his head, grinning. Tommy sighs theatrically and rolls his eyes then sits down cross-legged on the floor across from Harrison.
Tommy: *Oh alright*, just a little bit of a story. I'll tell you about the forgotten princess.
Harrison looks eager. Jenny keeps working.
Tommy: (continuing) She was forgotten because her family had to leave her when she was very little. So she didn't know she was a princess or why she had no family.
Harrison: (interrupting) Was she sad?
Tommy flicks a glance at Jenny.
Tommy: Let's go with she was sad about not having a family but she wasn't sad all the time because she had lots of friends.
Jenny gives a quiet, lady-like snort.
Tommy: (continuing) Or possibly she was fulfilled in her professional life.
Harrison: Why did her family leave her?
Tommy: It's . . . complicated. I'll tell you that bit another time. But this princess worked very hard and grew up to be a fine warrior; brave and strong, but kind as well.
Harrison: Was she beautiful?
Tommy: *Of course* she was beautiful. Have you ever heard of a princess who wasn't beautiful?
Harrison considers this with some gravity then shakes his head seriously.
Tommy: (knowingly) They have to throw them back if they're not beautiful enough. *Anyway*, the forgotten princess didn't want to stay on Aldebaran, so she learned how to fly and then took off into space to have lots of adventures.
Tommy gives Jenny another glance. She is focused on her work, not looking at them.
Tommy: Adventures which you'll hear about on another occasion. It's bed time. Go and get ready.
Harrison rolls over playfully.
Harrison: Nooooo!
Tommy: If you're good now, next time I'll tell you a story about a one-eyed pirate.
Harrison sits back up.
Harrison: Cool!
Tommy: (getting into it) And his best friend is a ninja, or possibly a socially inept giant cyborg wolf with anger management issues.
Harrison's eyes go wide and his mouth makes an "o". Jenny's face twitches.
Harrison: (breathless) That's so cool . . .
Tommy: Maybe . . . but princes are the coolest.
Harrison: That's me! Right?
Tommy: (nodding) Indubitably.
Harrison: (frowning) What does in-indubitably mean?
Tommy: It means "yes, certainly".
Harrison continues to frown and silently mouths the new word.
Tommy: And now, to bed your Highness, by order of the king.
Harrison quickly rises, standing stiffly to attention, holding his hands tightly by his sides and looking forward with a serious stare at the far wall.
Harrison: At once, your Majesty.
Tommy gives a curt nod and Harrison relaxes, grinning again. Harrison gives Tommy another quick hug then runs over to Jenny.
Harrison: Aunty Jenny!
Jenny pushes away from the desk. She smiles and drops down in a graceful crouch to hug Harrison, ruffling his thick hair gently.
Jenny: Good night Harrison. Sleep well.
Harrison pulls out of her hold and finally rushes from the room. Jenny stands and smiles after him then looks at Tommy and starts to walk over. Jenny reaches Tommy, who grins at her in a manner similar to Harrison's from his position on the floor.
Tommy: What's up sis?
Jenny gives him a light, playful cuff across the ear.
Jenny: What was that about?
Tommy: (still grinning; rubbing his ear) A beautiful princess. Weren't you listening?
Jenny: (countering) Wasn't that the point?
Tommy: It was *a* point. That, and getting his Highness to go to bed.
Jenny: (smiling) Just how long do you think this "your Highness/your Majesty" carry-on is going to work?
Tommy: (raising his brows) Just as long as it's working now, that's all I ask . . . Speaking of asking, I've been meaning to ask, your Highness, can you use your powers of persuasion and get Bucky to spend some time with Harrison? Aldebaran's great, but I want the kit to be exposed to a few more untraditional male role models.
Jenny: I'm sure Bucky would love to but you'll have to wait. He's on extended training and there are a lot more official functions for an admiral. What about Deadeye?
Tommy: (firm) No, I'm not leaving him with Deadeye, every second word out of that duck's mouth is fowl. Harrison is like a sponge for languages at the moment. You heard some of what he's picked up from Willy: "Cool"?
Jenny: (protesting) Deadeye's harmless.
Tommy: That pirate is one hundred percent *not* harmless. Next you'll be telling me to get the big bad cyborg to baby sit.
Jenny: If it's langue that concerns you, Dallion has a wide vocabulary and can be quite poetic, if formal.
Tommy: Poetic, formal, and literally bloodthirsty. How's the neck?
Jenny: (sharply) My neck is fine.
Tommy raises his hands in placation.
Tommy: Sorry, didn't realize that was still a sensitive area.
Jenny glares at him.
Jenny: A lot of males could be a good influence. You're being unreasonable.
Tommy: I'm not, I'm being over-protective. It's a dad thing. (grinning) I can't wait to see what you're like with a little monster of your own.
Jenny tries not to smile and fails, calming down. She looks wistfully the way Harrison left.
Jenny: Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if we'd been raised together in a family?
Tommy: Yep; conclusion: carnage.
Jenny: Can you be serious?
Tommy: I *can*, I just chose not to be.
Jenny: Why do I put up with you?
Tommy: Because I'm the best king Aldebaran's had in three thousand years?
Jenny: You're the only king Aldebaran's had in three thousand years. Well, I suppose unless you count Sarradel.
Tommy: (suddenly serious) I don't.
Tommy gets up from the floor and dusts himself off.
Jenny: He can't hurt anyone now.
Tommy: (darkly) You'd be surprised. That guy casts a long shadow. The second coming?
Tommy continues to explain when Jenny looks nonplussed.
Tommy: Harrison, he's Sarradel's second coming.
Jenny: (flat) That's ridiculous.
Tommy: Of course it is. That doesn't stop people saying it. Sarradel chose him, and he's got all this dormant power, and he loves those operas, you know who wrote most of them . . .
Jenny's mouth is hanging open in disbelief.
Jenny: How long has this been going on?
Tommy: Long enough. You need to spend more time on Aldebaran, princess.
Jenny: This is why I don't like to spend time on Aldebaran. It's so, so . . .
Tommy: Catty?
Jenny: (confused) What do you mean?
Tommy: Just another one of Willy's phrases. Guess he watches his language around you a bit more.
Tommy frowns at the floor.
Tommy: You think the Sisterhood's got better? In some ways it's gotten worse. There are all these bloody factions. There are even some idiots that want you-know-who back. I'm just about keeping a lid on most of it but it's *hard*. I try and please everyone and I end up pleasing no one.
Tommy suddenly slumps, looking defeated. Jenny frowns then moves forward slightly, reaching out a hand. She stops, arm half outstretched. Tommy sighs heavily.
Tommy: I'm still the Abomination.
Jenny: (quietly) No one thinks that now, Tommy.
Tommy: Yeah right.
Jenny finally reaches out fully and pulls him into a hug. Tommy lifts his hands and hugs Jenny gently back for a moment then collapses into her, pressing his face into her shoulder and gripping her almost convulsively. Jenny stares down at him, looking agitated but holding him tightly. Tommy drops into her arms further, forcing Jenny to take much of his weight. Her brows knit and she rests a cheek on his head then presses a kiss into his hair. Tommy sniffs.
Tommy: So that's what it takes to get a hug out of you.
Jenny stiffens.
Tommy: Damn, sorry. You know I think inappropriate humor may be my coping mechanism? But then I suppose you've figured that out by now.
Jenny: (relaxing; smiling weakly) Yes, I got that.
Tommy: Good. I'd hate you to think I was being inappropriate for no reason.
They're silent for a few moments.
Jenny: You're heavy.
Tommy: You think *I'm* heavy? Want to try this crown?
Tommy pushes himself upright but remains standing close with his arms loosely around Jenny. He looks away, gazing absently out of the tall window.
Tommy: It's fine Jay, only the usual politics getting me down. I try to keep Harrison from the worst of it. I just want him to be able to deal with what's coming once he's a bit older. He's going to have a hard road with the Sisterhood. Me they're just about tolerating because I work pretty hard at seeming non-threatingly goofy, but a male heir?, and one with that much potential power?, no way. That's kind of why I want Harrison around your no-nonsense hubby.
Tommy turns back to Jenny. Her expression is full of emotion. Tommy grins.
Tommy: Damn you're a sook sis.
Apartment complex, Genus – Present
Jenny is still holding herself and staring out of the window but her expression is now strained. She swallows hard then turns away.
It's late evening when Bucky enters the apartment looking tired. He sees Jenny; she's kneeling on a mat facing the window wearing her black cat suit. Her position is meditative and her eyes are closed, but there are tears tracking down her cheeks. Bucky approaches slowly.
Bucky: Jen, we'll get them back . . . somehow. We just need to find something that'll work on Sarradel.
Jenny stays still as he speaks then opens her shining eyes and looks up at him.
Jenny: I know.
It's full night and Jenny is lying on her side staring forward vacantly, her face is preoccupied and strained. She shifts her muzzle downwards and presses a brief kiss into green fur then lifts her head sluggishly from the pillow of Bucky's chest. Her hair falls in a heavy curtain across his torso.
Jenny: Buck, are you awake?
There's no response. She pushes herself up and looks down at the sleeping Bucky for several moments. Finally she slips carefully from the bed and pads silently out of the room. Bucky doesn't stir.
Righteous Indignation, in dock, Genus
Everything is dark and still until a shadowy figure enters the craft. Jenny, dressed in full armor, seats herself at the communications panel without turning on the main lights. Her face is lit by the glow of the instruments as she dials in a frequency. After a moment there's a scornful voice.
Sarradel: (contemptuous; taunting) The throwaway princess. And what do you hope to achieve by contacting me?
Jenny: (speaking quickly and fervently) My family . . .
Sarradel: (cutting her off) Don't waste my time with begging.
Jenny: I'm not begging. I want to bargain.
Sarradel: Ha! You have nothing to offer me.
Jenny: I do. They will never join you. What are they worth to you?
Sarradel: Then they are worthless and they will be an example when I kill them, eventually.
Jenny's eyes widen.
Jenny: (voice faltering) You don't need to . . .
Sarradel: Don't tell me what I need, princess. Aldebaran will be ruled by someone with the power to deserve allegiance.
Jenny: Then you need power. You wanted Harrison as apprentice because of his power. I can . . .
Sarradel: (interrupting) I have beaten every artificer on Aldebaran. I have all the power I need. You can keep your little brat of a nephew. It was a mistake to attempt to convince that child of the truth. He has been too heavily tainted by the lies of Aldebaran.
Jenny appears to get a second wind. Her expression becomes fierce and her voice hard.
Jenny: Yes, it was a mistake to try and use Harrison. You need a true heir. How will my mother and brother be a demonstration of your power if they're dead? I can give you something that will last longer than corpses. I want to make a bargain for my family. I offer a trade; life for life; their lives for a new heir. I'll join with you. With me, you can breed into the royal line. I can give you an heir of your own. You know how strong the royal family is. We've been selectively bred for generations. Harrison is my nephew, Thomas is my brother, Katrina is my mother. I can give you access to the royal legacy. Release them unharmed . . .
Sarradel: (interrupting) You will come to Aldebaran.
Jenny: (firm) Let my family go.
Sarradel: You will come to Aldebaran or I will take your mother in your stead and kill your brother.
Jenny swallows.
Jenny: You don't need them. Let them go.
Sarradel terminates the connection. Jenny is left shaking. After a moment she pushes herself up with what looks like a great effort.
Apartment complex, Genus
It's early morning. Bucky walks out of the bedroom, half dressed in a jumpsuit with the top undone around his waist and his large feet bare. He looks around the room.
Bucky: Jen? Are you here? (frowning) Jen? Come on Jen, you're worrying me a bit.
His frown deepens.
Bucky: (to himself) Don't go pulling this disappearing thing now. You're acting too damn strange.
Bucky notices a data pad on the table, it's flashing gently. He picks it up and glances at a message. His eyes go wide. He suddenly sprints towards the door. He still clutches the data pad and yanks a communicator from a coat pocket as he runs out of the apartment.