Complications

Zahn walked back to the throne hall on a slow pace, his mind fully occupied by only one thing; the conversation he had just a minute ago with the other version of his son which lasted for about half a standard hour. The situation on his side of the mirror was complex but what Rajah wanted him to do was simple. He wanted him to act as a regent, approved by Rajah himself and take temporary control of his Empire until he was ready. The procedure was simple; it simply required his and Rajah's signatures under an official document. This document then had to be approved by both the military and the Imperial Council, the second highest political organ under the Emperor himself. Rajah assured him that this wouldn't be a problem since the military and Imperial Council were still loyal to the throne currently held by the Tiraya family. It all sounded so simple. Thanks to his children though, he had a reason not to trust the whole thing right away. If there was something Rajah didn't want him to know, he sure was good at hiding it. When he entered the room he was quite sure he could get some more information out of him but the only thing he did got to know was his hatred toward other cultures. Of course there was the chance that the mirror universe version of his son was slightly insane. It was a different reality though, even more hostile than his, but even his Empire's cooperation with others seemed to disgust him. At a given point he even tried to talk him out of it but stopped trying when Zahn let him know firmly that he didn't want him meddling in his Empire's affairs.

"I think that's more than enough." Those were his exact words after which he fell silent. The look in his eyes said more than a thousand words after that though. He still didn't agree with it but that was his choice. This is my Empire and I make the decisions regarding these matters.

If he agreed to the terms to act as regent there was one thing he still had to do. He had to go to the other side, if only for one time. This was something he had to think about, especially with the warnings of his children still in the back of his mind. If they were right and Rajah was up to something, that trip could prove to be dangerous and perhaps even his last. He had to be on guard, at all times.

"Did everything go according to plan, my Lord?"

Xarkan spoke quietly, as instructed by him to reduce the risk of someone eavesdropping and listening to their conversation at a minimum. All communication was heavily encrypted, so no one would be able to decipher any of it in a reasonable amount of time, if they even could. Rajah knew this but he had to keep his voice low in case anyone was trying to listen with an ear against the door of the guestroom. The conversation with the other version of his father didn't fully go according to plan but he still accomplished something. Zahn promised him to think about it. Perhaps he suspected there was more behind it than he was hinting on. In fact, he expected him to. Zahn wasn't stupid. He didn't even need the Emperor to fully trust him. He needed him to trust him enough to go through with his carefully laid out plans. He grunted softly.

"I'm not sure he bought everything but maybe I already convinced him enough."

"Do you expect any complications?"

Expect? He never expected it to be plain sailing so it was taken into account. If anyone became too much trouble, they simply had to remove him or her from the equation, the hard way if necessary. That however could cause more trouble than playing along with the game. His target was Zahn, not any of the others. He simply needed them to keep quiet.

"I told you, the only possible problem for now it that Stith girl. But I'll keep an eye on her. She's unimportant anyway. What I can't stand however is the weak attitude of these people. Why do they insist on allying themselves with lesser species?"

He didn't expect his race to be this way. They didn't need it. They had the potential to be the most powerful force in the quadrant. Zahn didn't even want him to talk about it the way he did. Stupid. They could've allied with their brothers, joined forces against the hostile forces tormenting his universe and this one. But now, before that could happen, things had to change first. First he needed them to get rid of that alliance that bonded his race to cooperating with the weak. He already had something in mind but it required some thought and careful planning.

"Perhaps we should teach them how it's done on our side," Xarkan said, adding a growling laugh.

"Perhaps they need a little more persuasion," Rajah said, a smile creeping along the edges of his beak. In the back of his mind a plan was starting to fold. It wouldn't be easy but if they managed to create enough confusion around it, no one would be able to tell exactly what was going on. "I'll inform you more thoroughly later when we're in private. I need a moment alone and I think I'll stay down here. Going back now might raise suspicion."

"Very well, my Lord. One more thing before we break."

"Go on."

"The Alahenena just attacked one of the major worlds in the sector she's been patrolling for a while now. They were met with fierce resistance. The Queen is not happy and she wished to speak to you."

"Did you tell her to keep her forces away from here?" he snarled. "We don't want the Imperial Guard to sent out their fleet or think we're allies."

"I did, of course."

"Tell her I'll contact her within six standard hours. Tell her… I wanna talk to her as well."

Informing the Queen about his plan so that neither experienced interference from the other was a good idea.

"It will be done, Your Highness."

"Good. Keep me informed. Rajah out."

Exhaling deeply through his nose he stared in front of him for a moment. So the Drej are having trouble with the locals? He didn't know what world was attacked but if it was indeed a major one, it had to be part of that Republic they were all worshipping. It seemed Kero was right about one thing. They were cooperating indeed and if they were strong enough to stop a direct Drej attack, they were quite the force to be reckoned with. But that was something for later. For now his attention was focused on the situation of his own kind. He stood up from the bed, stretching his back under a soft groan. Time to enjoy the peace and quiet for as long as it lasts. Clearing the guestroom, leaving the door ajar on his way out he headed for the gardens.

"Wow, you've really outdone yourself this time," Stith praised her mate.

Leaning on his large muscular shoulder she imagined the space they were standing in filled with children. The large space that had been divided in a pair of classrooms for the youngest learners was actually transformed from one of the larger storage bays on deck seven. It was barely used for what it was designed for anyway so now he didn't have to think about what to do with it anymore. The only real problem was that they would have to miss their friends if they decided to come with their parents. However they could always stay at home with their grandparents and follow classes in their regular school if necessary. Kero frowned and flattened an ear.

"Hmm, it needs more color though. At least you can't see most of the bulkheads but it still looks a little dull. Fortunately we've got a lot of parents with younglings aboard so maybe they can do something together to cheer the place up."

They had already found a pair of teachers willing to join the ship's crew during the 'safe' missions, like escort or patrol. This first mission would be a good opportunity for a pilot run. The young kids could easily pick up normal lessons and activities while aboard and resume them just as easily when back in school. They could even talk to their friends back on Sogowa via a subspace comlink.

"So this is it?"

They turned around to find the Mantrinesse who volunteered to teach one of the classes while aboard. She was a young woman of part Sogowan, part Orketh descend. Her underbelly and beak were lighter than the average brown Sogowan but part of the characteristic dark stripes of the smaller Orketh race was visible around her ankles. Her eyes had a bluish-green color and twinkled in a friendly way. Smiling, she made a slight respectful bow for them when she entered and looked around the room, carefully touching things as she moved along.

"Do you like it?"

She laughed.

"Sure I like it. I'll ask the children to make something to decorate the walls with. We're gonna turn this into a real classroom. I'm Zayli by the way, but I think I already said that."

"Welcome aboard," Stith said.

"Thank you, Princess."

"No, no, that's all right. Call me Stith."

She smiled shyly but didn't look down, which was what people used to do. Instead she was really eager to begin and told them she couldn't wait.

"I've worked with young children for quite a while, playing and teaching them things."

"You'll do fine, I'm sure," Kero eased her mind. "The kids will love you."

"Thank you."

She blushed, her ears and cheeks developing a touch of red. She was the perfect teacher for the youngest. It would work out.

"This is it? It looks great, sir."

Not just Kiké and Naea had come to take a look but a few other crewmembers as well. Kero flattened an ear and Stith did the same for a second. Their little project was attracting a lot of attention.

"If I may ask, aren't you all supposed to be on duty?"

"No sir. Shift just ended. We just wanted to see what you're doing here in secret."

"All right, fair enough. Rilas, even you're here?"

His First Officer chuckled.

"Sorry sir. Don't worry the bridge is in good hands. You've been a little secretive about this and you even got me curious about what you were doing down here. Looks great though."

Kero laughed and shook his head and even Stith laughed at all the crewmembers that had come to take a look, including some they knew personally, like Azkun and Nunchaku. After all, they had a kid too. Shooting a quick glance at his chrono, he remembered his parents were expecting him and Stith back down soon. As his crew took a look at the classrooms he designed together with the teachers, he decided to go back. Maybe it was better to catch Jalla and Nalu before they ran into the other version of his brother and attempt to explain the situation to them and maybe even tell them to stay away from their second uncle when possible.

"Shall we get back? The school should be out by now. I don't trust my brother's copy."

Stith grunted and took the lead instead.

"You don't think he would do anything to them?"

"Not sure. I don't trust him."

They returned to the palace grounds at the main entrance just at the right moment. The looks on Jalla- and Nalu's faces when their parents suddenly appeared right in front of them were priceless. Fortunately the other universe version of his brother was nowhere to be seen.

"Mommy! Daddy!"

Kero laughed when he lifted both of them with each of his strong arms and held them against his chest.

"Hey how was school today?"

He handed Nalu over to Stith, touching his beak to their faces. Stith licked behind his ear in a lovely way.

"Mommy!"

She merely smiled however. It was funny how children never liked it when their parents showed them love in front of others. Thanking the two members of the palace guard for walking them home and taking such good care of them he dismissed them both. He had to tell his children about the situation, even if they wouldn't fully understand it. They would be sharing the dinner table with the other version of their uncle and with Xarkan so they would get in touch anyway.

"Listen Jalla, Nalu."

"Let's go play!"

"I wanna go too! Please mommy?"

Stith shook her head though.

"Guys, please listen to your father. We've got something to tell your first. Then you can play."

"Did… you and daddy have a fight?"

For a moment both the look on both her face and her mate's changed into surprise. Why would her son say something like that? They never really 'fought', in terms of using violence when angry. The strangest thing was that it actually made her think about the number of times she actually 'hit' her mate. The answer to the other way around was simple; zero. Kero would never hurt her in any way, or anyone else for that matter. But those times she slapped him wasn't out of anger. It was always so hard to stay mad at him for whatever reason.

"Nalu, why would you say that?"

Her son's ears sagged a little.

"Well, eh…"

It was his sister who finished his sentence.

"One of my friends, Poya, said that her parents got into a fight yesterday."

"She said they were shouting and that she was afraid her dad would hit her mom."

"She said she was scared and that they only stopped because she began to cry but after that they started shouting again."

Stith and Kero looked at each other. This was kind of an odd situation. How were they going to explain something like this to their children?

"I don't think parents should argue in front of their children," Kero said firmly.

"But, did you fight?" Jalla asked sadly. "Poya thinks her mom and dad don't love each other anymore."

Again they were both surprised. Marriage in their culture was a very strong bond and the rituals associated with it intense in many cases. You would truly have to love your mate beyond anything else to go through with it; they experienced it themselves. Therefore divorces were extremely rare and practically nonexistent. Sure the parents of that girl would find a way to work out their differences and make things right again.

"No, of course not," Kero replied, gently caressing her ear and cheek. "Your mom and I love each other so much. Even when we disagree, we don't fight. Besides, we don't wanna hurt you guys by fighting."

"I'm sure Poya's parents will work it out," Stith tried to ease her children's minds. "Sometimes your father and I are not always in agreement but we don't fight over it."

"Oh okay. Can we play now?"

Their faces brightened up entirely. Jalla hugged her dad and Nalu hugged his mom and they hugged their children back. Stith sighed. Even during those dark moments in her life, and there had been a lot of those in the past, this was perhaps what she always wanted and missed in her life even though she didn't realize it back then. They were one happy family.

"Well, we still have something to tell you, but we better not do it here. Let's go to our room where no one's listening."

In their parents' bedroom they sat down on the edge of the bed each with one ear flattened, wondering what this was all about. Did their parents have a surprise for them? Probably not as it was obvious the general mood wasn't as joyous as during those moments when their parents had something fun for them in store. Kero still thought about how to bring it to them. He figured he should start simple.

"Well, what's wrong?"

He inhaled deeply through his nose and tried to come up with a way to translate his thoughts into words.

"Jalla, Nalu, you know what's happening up there in space, do you?"

"You mean, with all those holes and the messy stuff?" Nalu asked.

His father nodded.

"And you know what's behind those holes?"

"Other universes," Jalla answered. "Like ours but different."

"Correct. Something happened however. Another one of those holes opened up, leading to a universe that looks very much like ours."

It was almost an exact copy. Even the people were the same. While he told them in a simple way what happened today he wondered how they would react to the Mantrin with the same face as their uncle. Maybe it was best if they stayed as far away from him as possible. Jalla's ear flattened.

"How much like ours?"

"Almost exactly the same."

"You mean, there's another you out there?" Nalu asked, flattening an ear just like his sister. Their tails were softly tapping on the sheet as they thought about it. "So now I have two mommy's and two daddy's?"

Jalla snorted.

"Don't be so silly. Of course they're not our parents. Maybe they have kids too."

"Kids that look like us?"

"Maybe."

But before the conversation could turn into a discussion between them and them only, their father intervened. As more or less expected, Jalla and Nalu began to think of the situation as funny and while that wasn't entirely meant to happen, it was perhaps better than to frighten them with the truth. The truth that those people might be up to something and that they could get caught up in it.

"Jalla, Nalu, listen, those people from the other universe are already here. One of them looks very much like your uncle Rajah but he is not the same. You must promise me to stay away from him and to tell me and your mom if he tries to hurt you or something."

"Children, this might be confusing to you," Stith supported her mate, "but please listen to you father and do as he says. We're worried that he'll hurt you."

They were a little confused indeed. For a moment that actually lasted a couple of seconds they looked at them both, frowning with one ear flattened. They couldn't seem to decide whether their parents were serious or not but it did seem like it to both of them. Jalla was the first to respond.

"Uncle Rajah?"

"So those people look like the ones we know but they're mean?"

Both their parents nodded.

"Okay, I promise."

"I promise too."

"Good." For a moment they stared at them with the sweetest look in their eyes. When he realized what it meant Kero chuckled. "All right, now you can play." Cheeringly they jumped up and left the room at amazing speed. "Keep an eye on your chrono's! Don't be late for dinner!"

"Yes daddy!"

For a brief moment Stith and Kero looked at the doors through which their children had just disappeared. There was something fishy about the other Rajah but maybe they were more worried than they should. There was no harm in advising Jalla and Nalu to stay away from him until they were sure though. Stith laughed.

"I think we're more worried than they are."

"A little concern won't hurt," Kero said, shrugging. "What do you think, shall we watch them play?"

"Neah, they can take care of themselves."

Rajah smirked when he discovered Xarkan standing on the palace grounds together with Zeshwé and a squad of four guards. The guards bowed before him but straightened their backs quickly after he gestured them to stand. He didn't need any of that now. All those warriors would let their dear hosts think they were starting an invasion.

"You're all dismissed. We'll handle this ourselves."

"As you wish, my Lord."

The guards headed back to their shuttle and as he watched them go he reminded himself to inquire about that teleportation technology he had seen being used by the other universe. He hadn't seen anything quite like it and he began to wonder if that technology was invented by his race or shared via that Republic of theirs. It was incredible though and he wouldn't hesitate to grab any chance that would allow his kind access to such technology. It was something he had to keep in store for the right moment. He smiled when his eyes met Zeshwé's. She smiled back. She was visibly pleased that he began to open up toward her a little more and he figured before that he should. They touched beaks for a moment. He softly licked her cheek and she licked back.

"Hey, I'm pleased that you're here."

"Thank you." She looked around a little when they broke and snorted. "Doesn't look any different."

Rajah smirked.

"It isn't. It's almost perfectly the same." They were here now. He instructed Xarkan and Zeshwé to behave perfectly cool around the dinner table in a few moments. Things were more or less going according to plan. He just needed Zahn to accept his offer. Perhaps with a few subtle hints, carefully hidden in a casual conversation during dinner would do the trick. "He's expecting us. Let's go."

"One more thing, my Lord. The Queen expects you to contact her this evening. She's..."

"I'll contact her when I see fit!" Rajah snarled. "I do not concern myself with her affairs and I wanna keep it that way. I've got my own plans as well. Four hours, then she'll hear from me."

"Very well, my Lord. She knows."

"Good, I..."

His ears perked up. He heard laughter coming from the direction of the gardens. Children's laughter.

"You're it!"

"All right, but only till after dinner. We gotta go back now. Daddy wants us to be on time."

As he stared into the direction of the sound, two young children ran out of the gardens in their direction, laughing, obviously still in the middle of a game they were playing. But it was over as soon as they noticed the three strangers, or actually two strangers and one more or less familiar face. They immediately stopped laughing and carefully approached them until they were close enough to reach the bottom steps of the stairs. Looking over their shoulders several times they climbed the stairs, without even speaking to each other, or so it seemed. Rajah with his enhanced hearing could still pick up their quiet conversation.

"Don't look. It's those other people. Daddy told us to stay away from them."

Rajah smirked and let them walk the stairs without following directly. When they reached the top they shot a quick glance over their shoulders one more time before heading inside. Then he signaled Xarkan and Zeshwé with a nod.

"Cute kids," Zeshwé remarked with a chuckle.

"It seems that my dear brother failed to mention that."

To him that was already a sign that he didn't fully trust him yet.

"And with good reason," he thought as he took the lead in climbing the stairs, a malicious grin creeping over his face. They were kids though. They wouldn't understand the situation anyway so they weren't a reason for concern.

Stith and Kero were secretly surprised by the general mood around the dinner table. The arrangement was a little odd though with both their version of Rajah and Jalla and Nalu sitting as far away from their guests as possible. It was due to distrust and the two Rajah's, who didn't seem to make much eye contact, that they expected a rather tense atmosphere. On the contrary though, Xarkan, Rajah and his mate-to-be Zeshwé were quite talkative and the subjects weren't unpleasant either; actually rather casual. It was as if sharing a meal together turned them into different people, yet they both kept in mind that it could only be a cover up to gain their trust. By the time the main course was served Zahn and The'lah laughed at one of Xarkan's jokes and they couldn't resist the urge to laugh too, not just because they didn't want to look unusual as the only ones not laughing but because it was funny. During the main course and even until after desert, more of such moments followed. However, those who listened carefully would've noticed that Rajah subtly and skillfully hid a few hints in his casual talk. No one around the table was excluded from the conversation, not even their Rajah but they listened with a closer ear to pick up these hints. No matter what it might look like, he was still focused on getting Zahn to accept his offer, yet the conversation itself served as an excellent distraction to hide his real intentions so Zahn didn't realize it. Kero grinded his teeth. But I know what you're trying to do. With the evening falling, Zahn was the first to stand. He wished his guests a pleasant evening and offered Xarkan a room to spend the night in as well. Zeshwé would spend the night with Rajah in his guestroom.

"She'll sleep with me. My presence is required for a short moment aboard the Kirliya's Vengeance though. It won't be long."

He nuzzled in Zeshwé's neck and she purred softly.

"All right. Your business. Stith, Kero, before you leave on your mission tomorrow, I wanna see you guys for one more time."

"Don't worry dad, we won't leave without saying goodbye," Stith said with wink.

Zahn smiled and winked back.

"Good night."

Their trio of guests left the dining room first with Rajah contacting his ship and a servant leading Xarkan and Zeshwé to their rooms. Remaining at a slight distance, the Imperial family minus Zahn and The'lah watched them leave.

"Talk about awkward," Rajah grunted. "I've been listening to myself the whole time. D'you know how annoying that is? That guy's wearing my face, using my voice and my body."

"We like you better uncle Rajah," Nalu said.

His sister nodded.

"Those guys are creepy."

"That girl seemed nice."

Jalla twisted her face a bit.

"She's not so bad. But she's still with them. I don't like her."

Stith shook her head.

"C'mon guys, it's not like we don't want to like them. It's just that we should be careful. We don't know what they want. But I think it's time for bed."

Her comment was met by two disappointed moans.

"C'mon," she said in an amused way.

They kept nagging but it was late already. Rajah yawned loudly.

"I'm going to bed too. Gotta get up early tomorrow; back to duty."

"See ya brother. Take of yourself and be careful."

"I will. You watch yourselves too."

When they arrived at their bedrooms they didn't take their children to bed though but led them into their room again, this time without the general tone of seriousness of earlier this day. Instead they smiled but it was met by questioning looks from their children.

"W-Why are you two smiling like that?"

"We've got a very special surprise for you two. Your father's been working very hard today and thanks to his work… you can come with us tomorrow."

"Really?"

"Did, you built a school for us aboard the ship, daddy?"

Kero nodded proudly.

"You should see it and tomorrow you will. It'll be great."

They cheered happily for a moment, jumping up and down on the bed, rolling over, laughing as they landed on their backs.

"But what about our friends? Can we still see them?"

"It'll only be for a short while but I've even thought of that. You'll even be able to see each other."

Again they cheered. They had never seen them so happy before.

"O thank you mommy and daddy, you really are the best!"

Stith laughed.

"Am I still the best when I tell you it's time for bed? You gotta get up early if you wanna come with us tomorrow."

"Aaaaaahhh. All right."

She gave them a gentle nudge in the direction of the bathroom.

"Now go and brush your teeth. And I think you two could use a bath too."

Her orders were met by some annoyed grunts but they did go anyway. Stith watched it with a satisfied smile.

"But I don't wanna," Jalla mumbled.

"Jalla, you don't want your friends to think that you smell bad, right?" her father asked.

"No," she pouted. "All right, I'll go."

Pulling her brother with her on his arm they disappeared into the bathroom. The sound of running water was heard soon thereafter so it seemed as if they were actually doing what they just said.

After brushing and bathing and getting scrubbed behind the ears by their mom they dressed in their pajama's and returned to their parent's bedroom for one last time. Stith frowned.

"What're you still doing here?"

"Well, ehm..."

"Those people are sleeping here in the palace."

"I'm a little scared of 'em."

Stith sighed. Her first thought was that they were trying to come up with more excuses to keep themselves out of bed. However she couldn't blame them for being truly scared. In fact, just the thought that they might still try to harm her children frightened her a little too.

"All right, go back to your rooms. I'll ask one of the guards to keep an eye out."

The moment she came up with that idea it didn't even sound so bad in her ears. At least she and Kero would be able to sleep without worries too. Grunting softly she scratched behind her ear and headed after her kids. Entering the hallway she turned right, then left, then right again. Still not a single guard but she did notice someone standing in the hallway to her left which was open on one side, a cool breeze of nightly air blowing lightly into her face. Standing there in a pool of light provided by Sogowa's twin moons stood that girl, Zeshwé, staring over the city into the distance. First she decided not to disturb her but she had noticed Stith.

"Am I allowed to be here at this time?" she asked.

"Fine with me."

Figuring it was just Zeshwé and not some hostile intruder she approached her, trying to determine if they were indeed alone. A moment later she stood next to the Goureg girl. Though her race was generally larger than hers, Zeshwé was almost perfectly equal in size to her. But what was she doing out of bed? Couldn't she sleep? Zeshwé exhaled deeply through her nose, her hands resting on the stone railing flanking the open hallway. She flicked an ear.

"I couldn't sleep yet. It's so similar to home yet something's different."

"Isn't Rajah with you, or is he still up?"

"Still on the ship," she replied rather curtly.

"You're in love with him, right?"

"What's it to you?" she responded rather hostile, her eyes flashing in the moonlight for a second.

"Hey, just asking. If you don't wanna talk about it, fine. I'll just keep my mouth shut then!"

A rather awkward silence followed, then she apologized.

"I'm sorry."

"No, I shouldn't meddle with other people's private affairs. I'm sorry."

"It's fine." She snorted. "I'll just wait for him in our room. Good night."

"Good night."

She watched her disappear around the corner and almost forgot what she had to do. After she found and filled in a duo of guards -who promised they would change their patrol so that it would take them past their bedrooms- she returned to her own bedroom. However just before she reached the last corner of the hallway a shadow appeared from behind. With her hearts suddenly beating in her throat she got ready to defend herself should this individual prove to be hostile. Instinctively she reached for the gun she wasn't carrying at the moment. Darn it. The hard way it is then. Extending her claws she did a step backward, allowing her opponent to step into a enough light. She was surprised but in a positive way. Trying to keep her voice down a little she embraced him short but firmly for a moment.

"Dad!"

Ganyu smiled, his white teeth clearly visible in the semi-darkness.

"Hey sweetheart. The door of your room was closed and I heard snoring so I figured you were asleep."

She chuckled.

"That's Kero. Hey I didn't expect you so late. I've got so much to tell."

"Me too. I've been away for a while. But I think I know what you wanna tell me. I've seen those ships and news spreads fast. You wanna talk now?"

His daughter let out an annoyed grunt.

"Gotta get up early tomorrow. We're on a new mission."

"Then go. It can wait."

"Actually, it can't," Stith said in a teasing way. "Good night, dad."

"Sleep well," he said with a last rub between her ears as goodbye.

But before she could finally get to bed her children ran around the corner. Apparently they had been listening.

"What are you two doing here? C'mon, off to bed!"

"Grandpaaaaa!"

She couldn't even catch one of them. They ran past her into her dad's arms who lifted them each on one of his massive legs. Feeling defeated, she let out a long yawn.

"This is gonna be a long night," she said to herself.