Chapter 34

"The only Gordanian ship I know about is that one that came after Starfire," Robin said as they followed Galfore to the bridge.

"SELASS class, slaver," Mik'l muttered. "Make it three times bigger, and you have the DUVORT class."

"The Gordanians do not send less than two of them on a mission. Where Trogaar was able to threaten only Jump City with destruction, two DUVORT class ships could easily destroy your or any other world. Report Captain."

"Confirmed one DUVORT, two KLAVER class ships and the TAMAR, my Lord."

"Captain, I have confirmation, they have not launched fighters, not even the standard combat patrol."

Galfore stroked his beard in thought. "Cancel the alert and put our pilots on standby. Communications, open a channel to Jemidar Kor'mel."

The speed and efficiency of the VELANCE'R's bridge crew was evidenced by how quickly the main view screen at the front of the bridge wavered from showing the Earth from orbit to the head and shoulders of a humanoid male.

"Jemidar Kor'mel extends his regrets, but he is unable to reply in person at this time as he is on an inspection of one of our other ships. I am Gem'ar, his second in command. I have been instructed to relay his wish to meet with the individual who proposed the escort of our ships to your colonies."

Starfire glanced over at Galfore who nodded his head slightly, and she stepped forward. "I am Princess Koriand'r, and I would be honored to meet with the Dynast of the Salvainian Empire, and hope that we may find a way to bring peace between our peoples."

Starfire and the others wondered at the look of astonishment that washed over Gem'ar's face. "By the ancients," he gasped.

"You will understand if we have reservations of sending her over to your ship."

"Of course Emperor Galfore, as we are reluctant to send the Dynast to yours."

"If I may make a suggestion?" Raven said stepping forward, getting everyone's attention. "I am Raven, and I know a place where the meeting can take place that would be considered neutral territory. I am a member of a group called the Teen Titans, and we live on an island in the bay below where these ships orbit. I offer our facilities for the meeting."

"If you are so neutral, why are you aboard the flagship of the Tamaranean fleet?"

In reply, Starfire spoke up. "You are aware that I was taken from my home world several years ago?"

"Yes Highness, and that you had escaped your captivity by the Gordanians. Is this the planet you escaped to?"

"Yes, and have made my home here since. I am also a Titan."

Gem'ar half closed his eyes as he thought things over. "Agreed, send us the coordinates of this place you wish to meet, and I will forward the information to Jemidar Kor'mel," He paused for a moment, his face thoughtful, "And Princess, don't be surprised if his reaction at seeing you is stronger than my own."

"What was that about?" Robin asked as the screen went back to showing the Earth.

"I do not know, Robin, but his reaction was almost as though he had seen an apparition when he saw me."

An hour later, Robn stood before the large view screen in the common room to Titans Tower. "Jemidar Kor'mel has agreed to keep our parties small for this first meeting," Gem'ar said. "We will be a party of three, the Dynast, myself and Strike Commander Rag'nar."

"Very good, Gem'ar, there will be myself and Raven representing the Titans, and the Princess, and Commander Mik'l, and Lieutenant Shar'n representing Tamaran. The landing area I have designated is a short distance from where the meeting will take place."

"Excellent. Between the two of us, Robin, I hope this will go as smoothly as we have planned.

"I hope so too, Gem'ar."

A short time later, Robin and Raven were standing in the clearing in the middle of Starfire's garden, awaiting the arrival of the Salvainian delegation. Robin was wearing his usual uniform, not his armor, as he thought it would be best during this meeting if he distanced himself from the Tamaraneans. He let himself relax as he listened to the sounds of birdsong when his wrist radio beeped. "Just the three of them, Rob, just as they promised, coming up the path, should be in sight any moment.

Robin acknowledged the report and switched off his radio just as two to the Salvainians came into view. 'So much for complete trust from the start,' he thought to himself. "Greetings and welcome to Earth, Gem'ar, I am Robin and we are glad to be able to offer this opportunity."

"Are the Tamaraneans here yet?"

Robin looked over his shoulder, "Highness."

As Starfire, Mik'l and Shar'n came out from behind a trellis of roses, as Kor'mel and the others came into the clearing. Robin tensed as Kor'mel stopped abruptly, his mouth hanging open, staring at Starfire.

"By the ancients!" he gasped, "Gem'ar, I apologize for my doubting you. It's uncanny."

"Something troubles you, Jemidar?"

"No highness, it's just that your resemblance to Liand'r is remarkable. I thought Gem'ar telling me to bring this to show you was founded on sentimental reasons, but I was mistaken." he said, slipping a small device from his pocket. He touched a small button on the side, and a life sized holographic image sprang to life in the clearing. "If I may presume to ask you to remove your crown for a moment, Highness."

"Of. . .of course, Jemidar," Starfire replied, stunned as the others were at the likeness between the hologram, and her. If not for the fact that the hologram was fifteen years old, it could have been taken of Starfire, right down to the color of their eyes.

"I have never seen a picture of Liand'r, and I thank you for showing me this."

"My pleasure, Highness. If you like I can have a copy made for you."

"Again, I thank you for your kindness." Starfire took a moment to look Kor'mel over. He was about a head taller than her, his thick brown hair was long, but neatly trimmed. She noticed that he was powerfully built, but not overly muscular, and he carried himself with an ease that told her that he could handle himself in a fight. He also gave an aura of command. She noticed that his eyes were a light brown in color, and were very much like Robin's in that they gave away nothing of his thoughts.

"And again, my pleasure Highness. It is but a small token that I can give to the person responsible for the lessening of tensions between our peoples. I was surprised that the offer of Tamaranean escort for our ships didn't come sooner."

"It was believed that you would not trust any of our warriors to be trustworthy enough not to blow your ships from space."

Kor'mel chuckled softly. "It is a relief to hear that someone has a sense of humor to go with their grip on the situation. That assumption would have been correct until the Titans were introduced into the mix. No offense Robin, but outside of your own world you are not very well known, but I have learned of your dealings with the Gordanians here, and the events on Tamaran, and with Val Yor against the Locrix. In all of those you have proven yourselves trustworthy, and dependable in a fight."

"Thank you. We have only done what we thought was right"

"Jemidar Kor'mel, is there any hope of ending this war?"

"While there are two people who can talk about peace there is always the hope of it. Gem'ar, Rag'nar, leave us. With her permission I would like to speak with the princess alone."

"Highness?"

"Yes, Mik'l you and Shar'n will remain here with Robin and Raven, I will take Kor'mel on a tour of my garden while we talk."

"Highness, I must protest."

"As must I, Jemidar."

"Commander, your concern is noted, but this meeting is to lay the foundation of a peace between us. From what I have learned, Kor'mel is an honorable man, and the trust between us will set an example for our people."

"Well spoken, Highness. Gem'ar, I have nothing to fear from her."

"Do not underestimate her, my liege. She may be female, but she is Tamaranean."

"Gem'ar, your words and tone are almost insulting. You will apologize to her."

"That is not necessary, Jemidar. I understand that in his position he must be suspicious of everyone he does not know or trust. Gem'ar, I give you my word, as the Crown Princess of Tamaran that I will allow harm to come to him."

Gem'ar bowed deeply from the waist. "I offer my apologies any way, Princess Koriand'r. I am relieved that you understand my position, and I accept your word."

"Relax, Commander, if he gives her any trouble she can handle it." Robin said softly to Mik'l as they watched the two walk off. He was relieved to see him nod his head slowly as he relaxed.

"I see you are using Gordanian ships. Does that mean that you are allied with them now?"

"I'm not sure I like the implication of that question or the tone of your voice, Commander."

"This is not the time or place for this discussion," Raven said curtly as she stepped between the two. "This is supposed to be a peaceful meeting."

The two men glared at each other for a moment, then glanced at Raven as she cleared her throat to make sure she had their attention. Knowing what she was like when angered, Mik'l relented first.

"You are correct, Friend Raven, I apologize for my lack of manners."

"As do I."

"This planet has a wide variety of plants, and I see you share my mother's love for growing things."

Starfire blushed at the praise. She had been pointing out the different flowering plants as they walked along, and was pleased to see that he was listening intently. "I have learned many things while I have been here. One of them is sort of what you said before, that there is always hope."

"Highness, as one ruler to another, I have something I must ask you."

"I am only the Crown Princess, I do not rule Tamaran."

"I stand corrected, as one royal to another, is there unrest among your people as there is among mine?"

"I. . . .do not know if I can answer that, Jemidar."

"That is answer enough, Highness, and I understand your reluctance. Perhaps my telling you this will help with your decision. Shortly after our ships started vanishing, a growing unrest has begun among my people, particularly the military. A growing desire for this war, and it's escalation."

The two walked along for a few moments as Starfire thought this over. "Is there any person who seems to be the center of this unrest?"

Kor'mel sighed heavily, and he stooped to cup a rose in his hand and he inhaled the fragrant scent. He glanced over at Starfire as he stood back up. "A cousin of mine, Sal 'don. He has wanted my throne for years, but has not had the backing of either the people or the military. I fear he may be winning both now."

"The unrest among my people strikes closer to home," Starfire said sadly. "From what we have learned the person dong the stirring things up is my older sister, Komand'r."

"Ah, the one you deposed when she tried to marry you off the Exalted Sklerch of the swamp moons of Drenthax Four simply to keep you from taking the throne."

"You seem to know much about me."

"You are a part of my family history, Koriand'r."

"Huh?" she said as a movement above and behind Kor'mel caught her attention. Two Tamaraneans swooped down and grabbed Kor'mel's arms and started pulling him backwards. "Release him!" she commanded, as she warmed up her star bolts.

"Behind you!" Kor'mel shouted when he saw to of his people spring out from behind some bushes, one raising a club. He watched as she dodged, but not quite fast enough as the club caught her a glancing blow, stunning her momentarily.

Shaking her head to clear it, Starfire pressed the distress beacon on her communicator, then launched an underhand bolt at one of the warrior holding Kor'mel. "You will not harm him!" she shouted as the warrior fell.

The six people waited in awkward silence that was suddenly broken by Starfire's and Kor'mel's shouts of alarm. "This way!" Robin shouted and led the way to where the two Royals were.

"You're not going to have any say in that, troq," one of the Salvainians that had grabbed Starfire said, as he raised his club with his free hand. He was shocked as a birdarang came flying through the air, and knocked the club from his hand.

"No one calls her that!" Robin said as he and the others rounded the corner of the path. "Gem'ar, see to the Dynast, Mik'l, Shar'n see to the princess!"

There was a brief flurry of star bolts, and the two Tamaraneans flew off. "Where do you think you're going?" Raven asked as she grabbed one of the Salvainians with her power. She didn't see the other one pick up a baseball sized rock and throw it at her, striking her in the stomach, and she fell with a groan.

"That was my friend you just did that to!" Beast Boy shouted as he and Cyborg ran up, in response to Starfire's beacon. Seeing the smile on the warriors face, he morphed into his primal creature, and quickly smashed both of them into nearby trees where they lay unconscious. Morphing back to human form on the run he knelt beside Raven. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, thanks," she replied as he helped her to her feet. "So much for peace talks."

"I will not let the actions of a few acting on their own to ruin this beginning of a peace."

"Nor will I, Highness. I thank you for your efforts to protect me. Are you alright?"

"I am fine, Jemidar. Are you uninjured?"

"All they did was grab me and pull me backwards, you are the one that was struck with a club."

"My liege, how can you talk civilly to her! You were attacked by her people!"

"As she was attacked by Salvainians, Gem'ar! I do not judge her on the actions of others, only on hers, and those actions were to protect me in keeping with her word to you."

"Starfire!" Robin gasped as she swayed on her feet and nearly fell. He quickly moved to her side and she put her hand on his shoulder for support.

"I am fine, Robin, just a little of the dizzy from being hit on the head."

"No, you're not," Raven said, her eyes glowing slightly as she focused her empathic powers. "Where were you scratched?"

"Here, on her right arm, where one of the wechena grabbed her," Shar'n said, as she indicated the small scrape of Starfire's upper arm.

Gem'ar, and Rag'nar quickly went to the two Salvainians that were slummped against the trees. It was Gem'ar that muttered darkly under his breath as he stripped the gloves off the warrior he had gone to.

"What is it?" Kor'mel asked.

"An avanshi glove."

The are used by assassins," Kor'mel explained as he examined the glove. He slid it on his hand and flexed his fingers. "When the fingers are flexed to hold onto the victim, these small spines slip out and administer whatever drug he had chosen."

"So she was poisoned!" Robin gasped.

"No." Raven said, her hand on Starfire's shoulder. "It's more like a sedative, or. . ." she began but broke off, concentrating. "Starfire, summon a star bolt."

Robin watched anxiously as she took a step away from him and warmed up her star bolts. Though she was able to do it, they were not as bright as usual, and she appeared to have to concentrate to be able to do it.

"Veka serum, and very small dose." Mik'l said grimly. "The symptoms are right, mild dizziness, and a difficulty in using her powers. She should be fine in a couple of hours."

"Robin, I thank you for your allowing us to use this place for this meeting. Highness, you give me a glimmer of hope that this war may be ended before innocent lives are lost. I will be in contact with both you and Galfore tomorrow."

"It is my sincere hope that we will be able to find a solution to the differences between our peoples."

"This place will be available if you wish for any further meetings," Robin said, and watched as Kor'mel gave a small bow and they walked off.

"Let's get her to the med-lab and make sure," Robin said. Raven nodded and she quickly teleported them all to the Tower.

"Yeah, that's all it is," Cyborg announced a short time later. "I've scanned her completely and the amount of the serum that's in her system is so small I would have missed it if I hadn't known what to look for."

"Yes, the serum is most potent."

"You can say that again, Star," Cyborg said as he disconnected and put away the wires that had connected her to the medical diagnostic computer. "But you don't have to," he added quickly when he saw that she was going to do just that.

A few moments later and Starfire and Robin were alone in the room. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked as she stood up and would have fallen if he hadn't been there to steady her.

"Yes, Gentha'fa, Cyborg has pronounced me well." Robin watched intently as she moved away from him and stood on her own. "It is just the dizziness that troubles me. It makes it difficult to walk, and flying is out of the question."

"Then allow me to steady you," Robin suggested, slipping his arm around her waist, and he smiled as she slid her arm around his shoulders, and he felt her lean on him slightly.

She looked over at him, and he caught the playful look in her eye, "If I did not know any better I would almost say that you arranged for this so that you could be this close to me."

"Last I knew, I didn't need a reason to do this," he said pulling her into a hug.

"Truly, you do not." Star said as she returned the embrace.