Chapter 35
Robin almost hummed to himself as he finished putting on his armor that morning. Despite the attack from the dissenting factions of both Tamaran and the Salvainians, Kor'mel had been most willing to continue peace talks, and using the holographic capabilities on both ships they were conducted as though they were done face to face. He had been relieved to see that Kor'mel was having the same troubles that Galfore was, which told him that this war wasn't supported by either ruler. Checking the mirror to make sure everything was right, he stepped out into the corridor.
"You going somewhere special?" Raven asked as she walked up, seeing Robin was wearing a highly polished set of dress armor. As they walked down the corridor they talked.
"Starfire is showing me around the arboretum this morning."
"And your in your dress armor because. . . "
"Rae she's really worked hard over the last two days trying to hammer out this peace agreement, and I'm wearing this to honor her. I asked her last night what she wanted to do this morning to relax and she wasn't sure what to do, so I suggested the arboretum seeing as she loves plants, and there will be many Tamaranean species there that she can't grow in her garden on Earth."
"I'm not sure I'm looking forward to the negotiations being completed. I'm almost getting used to her blocking our bond."
Robin chuckled as he slid the crystal out from under his armor. He nodded when he saw the green glow. "I know what you mean. I can feel her presence in the back of my mind, but that's it. I'm used to feeling more of her emotions than she's allowing now. That's why I actually check the crystal now and then to make sure she's alright"
"Well, I'm heading for the observation lounge to watch the sunrise."
"See you later then, Star said that there's an observation port that we can watch it from in the arboretum." Turning down another corridor, Robin took a lift down several decks to the very belly of the ship. Stepping out of the lift he saw Starfire standing there waiting for him. He walked over to her, and saluted. "Shavota, Vidi'an Koriand'r. Pe remasha shu zena he tremana zena serana. Greetings, Princess Koriand'r. I honor you for your work for peace."
Robin saw the admiring glow in Starfire's eyes, and the usual warmth he did whenever she gave him that look like she was now.
"I thank you, my love. I am honored and pleased to see you looking so handsome," she replied, and Robin took her arm and they entered the arboretum.
Robin was amazed at the profusion and variety of plants that were in the over large room, but didn't get much time to look around as Starfire led him over to the observation port. After they watched the sunrise they slowly walked around, arm in arm, and Robin paid attention as she described the various plants to him, pointing out her favorites. It was then that he thought he felt something odd, that being this close to her and even touching her that he should feel more of her emotions, but dismissed it as Starfire getting used to blocking their bond.
Almost two hours had passed, and they were making their way back to the exit. They had their arms around each other's waist, and as they neared the exit, Starfire lay her head on his shoulder. "I thank you, Shalocfa, for a most enjoyable walk." She almost stumbled as Robin quickly moved from her side.
"What did you say?"
"I said thank you for an enjoyable walk."
"Summon a star bolt for me."
"What? Robin, I do not understand."
"Humor me a moment and summon a star bolt."
Just then, Raven appeared. "Robin what's wrong? I felt how upset you are, and thought something happened to Starfire."
"Something may have," Robin said anxiously, glaring at the redhead before him. "Where is she. . . . .Shel'b?"
"Robin, I. . . ." Starfire/Shel'b began, but trailed off. Pulling on a small chain she pulled a small device from under her neck piece. "This is a voder. It changes the sound of the voice of the person wearing it to a preprogrammed one," she told him then saw the steady glare he was giving her, and she hung her head. "I can not tell you where she is," Shel'b said, as she removed the contact lenses that changed her eye color from blue to green. "How did you know?"
"The one thing she has never called me is Shalocfa. If it hadn't been for that you would have succeeded in fooling me completely. Now where is she? Tell me, and that's an order, Lieutenant."
"I can not for two reasons. First, as my princess, she has sworn me to secrecy and second, I do not know where she has gone."
"And as a member of my Guard, that doesn't bother you? Not knowing where she is, and away from protection!"
"I can find out what she knows." Raven said, and Robin saw that her eyes were practically glowing with her restrained anger.
"You will not touch my mind, witch!" Shel'b shouted, turning toward Raven her hands glowing blue. "I will not allow. . . Ungh." she began but cut off as Robin's fingers found the correct places on the back of her neck and pressed. In his anger Robin almost let her limp body fall to the deck, but he caught her and held her up.
Raven reached out, placed her hand on Shel'b's head and closed her eyes for a moment. "She was telling the truth, she doesn't know where Starfire went, but she believes she went to Kor'mel's flagship to offer herself in marriage. I was afraid she might do something like this."
"What do you mean?"
"I had a discussion with Starfire, after you were attacked at the Tower about how I doubted you being able to let her go if Galfore ordered her marriage to Kor'mel."
"But the peace negotiations are all but complete, she doesn't have to do this."
"I know. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos."
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Sitting in Shel'b's ship, Starfire knew that Robin had uncovered her and Shel'b's deception. She also know that Raven had been right, because of his love for her he could not let her go. The emotions she was feeling through the crystal were proof of that. Needing something to distract her, and take her mind off Robin she switched on the auxiliary radio, knowing that Shel'b had taken a liking to Earth music. Her jaw dropped in astonishment as she recognized the words to the chorus to "Listen to your Heart" by DHT.
listen to your heart
when he's calling for you
listen to your heart
there's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going
and I don't know why
but listen to your heart
before you tell him goodbye
Switching the radio off, the image of Galfore's face ran through her mind. It was right before Blackfire came to her room on Tamaran. He gently raised her chin so they were looking eye to eye. 'You must do what is right. . . .in your heart,' he said softly.
"I am sorry, Gentha'fa, Galfore, I do not have the luxury of following my heart this time," she said sadly as she broke formation.
"Lieutenant Shel'b, where do you think you are going? Rejoin formation, that is an order."
"One I am not obligated to obey, Commander."
"Highness! What are you doing?"
"What I must to end this war. The pilot I replaced will be joining you shortly."
"You know I must report back to the flagship, correct?"
"And if I order you not to?"
"I am sorry, Highness, but flight operations are Commander Kim'r's responsibility, and even the Grand Ruler's command would not stop me from reporting this."
"I am sorry you feel that way, Commander," Star said softly as she swung her ship behind the flight commander's.
"Highness, what are you doing?"
Starfire could hear the warning tone of a weapons lock over the channel blending with the tone from her own weapons system informing her of the lock. Checking the power level of her lasers, she pressed the firing stud. A quick check of her scanners confirmed that the flight leaders ship was dead in space, but not badly damaged. Turning her ship, she pressed her thruster pedals to the floor.
Kim'r backed up a step when she saw a black dome phase up through the deck, and when it melted away, she saw Raven and Robin supporting who she thought was Koriand'r who was unconscious.
"Kim'r have you seen Shel'b?"
"She just left on a CAP flight a short time ago, Robin. "What's wrong?" she asked seeing how angry and concerned he was.
Robin didn't reply, but pulled out his Titan communicator, "Cyborg, is the T-ship ready to go?"
"Yeah, I just finished checking it a little while ago."
"Robin, calm down. Stev'n, Shar'n and the others from your Guard have been taking patrol runs to keep their flight hours up. What is wrong with the Princess?"
"This isn't Starfire, this is Shel'b, which means Starfire's gone off in Shel'b's ship."
"Robin, why would she. . . . ? Kim'r began, but was cut off by the blaring of an alarm and the bay lights turning red. "Bridge, this is Commander Kim'r, what is the alert for?"
"A ship has fired on the CAP flight leader and is moving off at high speed. We are launching the alert fighters and the rest of the CAP is perusing the rouge craft."
Robin leaned closer to Kim'r's communicator, "This is Commander Robin, where is that ship heading?"
There was silence on the channel for a moment, as the information was checked. "Straight for the TAMAR, Commander."
"Call off those fighters, and strand down the launch."
"Commander Kim'r?" the bridge officer asked, uncertain if he should follow the order.
"One moment bridge," Kim'r said in to her communicator then lowered it. "Robin, you do not have the authority to give that order. Explain to me why."
"There is only one reason I can think of as to why Starfire would sneak off to the TAMAR. She's going to offer herself to Kor'mel to form a peace treaty. If he's not expecting her, Kor'mel will launch fighters defensively to intercept her ship as she draws closer to his fleet. With that many fighters in close quarters like that, shooting might break out unintentionally."
Robin saw that Kim'r was quickly thinking over what he said, "Your tactical assessment is sound, Robin. Bridge, on my authority, stand down the alert fighters, and recall the CAP flight to their patrol route."
"Commander, the TAMAR has just launched a squadron of fighters!"
"My orders stand."
"Understood, Commander."
"Kim'r, inform Galfore and take care of Shel'b. She should come around in a few minutes."
"Where are you going?"
"I'm still her Shalocfa. I'm going to bring her back. Seeing as she had to sneak away like this, it means she doesn't have Galfore's approval."
"I hope you don't think you're going alone." Raven said as she fell in beside him as he headed for the T-ship.
"Actually that was my plan, but I doubt you'll go for that."
"Not a chance."
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"Tamaranean fighter, this is the TAMAR. Identify yourself, and state your intentions."
Starfire look out her view port and saw that there were five slip fighters in formation around her, her cockpit filled with the sound of a weapons lock warning. "TAMAR control this is Princess Koriand'r, I am certain that your scanners show that my weapons and targeting systems have been shut down. I come in peace, and I have something I wish to discuss in person with the Dynast."
"What makes you think you're going to get that close to our flagship, troq?"
"Lieutenant Res'mar, you will break formation and return to the flagship immediately, and await discipline! Highness, this is Strike Commander Rag'nar, I apologize for his remarks."
"As do I Princess," Kor'mel's voice said over the channel. "When you are through with him, Strike Commander, you will send him to me, if he is able."
"Understood, Jemidar Kor'mel."
A short time later, Starfire landed her ship in the TAMAR's landing bay. She exited the ship, and made a point of unbuckling her sword belt and leaning her sword against the forward landing gear of her ship.
"It is a pleasure to see you in person again, Highness," Kor'mel said as he bowed slightly from the waist.
"A pleasure I share, Jemidar."
"Incoming vessel, Jemidar," a voice said over the PA system. "Scanners show it to be the T-ship, belonging to the Teen Titan's with only two occupants. They have requested permission to come aboard."
"No, I do not want them here."
Kor'mel looked at Starfire with curiosity written all over his face. "They are your friends, why wouldn't you want them here?"
"They would interfere with my plans."
"Now, that intrigues me, Highness. Recent events have shown me that it is a very good idea to have all sides of a story before reaching a decision. Control, allow them to land in this bay."
"As you command, Jemidar."
A few moments later and the T-ship landed, and Robin leapt from his cockpit as soon as his canopy opened, and Kor'mel watched the meeting with interest. "Starfire what do you think you're doing?"
"I am not required to inform you of all my decisions, especially when they deal with the security of my home world."
"May I ask why you are in the armor of a Tamaranean warrior, Robin?"
Robin suddenly found himself facing six warriors with their swords drawn. "Because I have been accepted as one, and because I am Princess Starfire's Shalocfa."
"Shalocfa!" Kor'mel gasped. "You and she. . .?"
"Yes, we have a strong romantic bond., and I would even say that we love each other."
"You will return to the VELANCE'R, Robin, I have things to discuss with Kor'mel."
"I don't think so, Star. You will be returning with me. What you have planned has not been approved of by Galfore."
For the first time during their conversation, Starfire turned and faced Robin, who gasped in surprise. "As you can see, Robin, I have no need of his approval as I have taken the Throne. You will leave. . ..now."
"Not without you, Kori."
"Do not call me that, you are no longer my shalocfa. You have betrayed me with Lieutenant Shel'b."
"Who I thought was you. If she hadn't called me shalocfa, I'd still be thinking she was you. Besides, this proves you wrong," he added, taking out his crystal.
"A Shinrah Crystal?" Kor'mel said in astonishment when he saw the green glowing crystal Robin held. "What is this about a Lieutenant Shel'b?"
"Last night, Koriand'r and I made arrangements to meet and walk through the arboretum on the VELANCE'R this morning. I kept my agreement and met with who I thought was the Princess, but turned out to be a member of my Guard who, in all but eye color and voice is identical to Koriand'r. If not for an accident of word choice, I wouldn't have seen through the ruse for some time."
Starfire stormed over to Robin, her eyes softly glowing in her anger. "I have ordered you back to the flagship, warrior, your disobedience is an act of treason!"
"I am not leaving with out you Kori. I won't let you throw away all we've worked for when it's not necessary."
Several of the gathered warriors gasped when Starfire reached out and snatched Robin's sword from it's scabbard. "Then I challenge you! I win and you leave, you win and I will return with you, and you will be responsible for this war continuing."
"You underestimate your effectiveness as a negotiator, Kori. Kor'mel and Galfore signed a peace agreement last night on the basis of your negotiations, but seeing as you're not interested in listening to that, I accept your challenge. You will not fly, use your super strength, or star bolt energy."
"Agreed! Defend yourself, ruthasha!"
Kor'mel, blinked wondering where Robin had gotten the staff from. It would only be later when he reviewed the security images that he would see Robin's hand move to the small of his back and bring out the weapon and extend it in one fluid motion. What he was able to see first hand, was the way Robin blocked the first few cuts Starfire threw. The landing bay was instantly filled with the clash of sword against staff as the two fought.
'Or rather one fought,' Kor'mel thought to himself as he watched Robin let three opportunities to take the offensive slip past him. "He's too good on defense not to be able to take those openings."
"Yes he is," Raven said from beside him. "He won't attack her, not this time."
"X'Hal, Robin, stop toying with me and fight!"
"I will not fight you, Kori, but you know what it will take to defeat me to the point where you will be able to take the crystal from me."
"I have told you to stop calling me that! I am Grand Ruler, and as a warrior you will obey my commands, that was your oath."
"And as your Shalocfa, I have sworn to protect you even if that means from yourself."
The two resumed their duel, and although he doubted it, they both seemed oblivious to that fact that another fighter landed in the bay that Kim'r, Shel'b, and Galfore exited.
Kor'mel was impressed as they both executed moves that knocked both their weapons from their hands, and he saw Robin make his only mistake so far as he reached behind his back to pull another staff. It was then that he saw Koriand'r make her only mistake as well, one that cost her the challenge as she launched a star bolt that struck Robin full in the chest, throwing hem backward several feet so that he landed at his and the other's feet.
Starfire kept her face impassive as she floated over to where Robin lay unconscious on the deck. She knelt beside him and pulled the chain holding the crystal and was just about to pull the chain to break it when Robin's hand caught her wrist.
"No," his voice rasped with the strain to remain conscious and speak. "I will not. . . . .let you take it. I will not let you turn your back. . . . . .on the love we have."
"Robin, I. . ." she began, her head bowed and her tears splattering on his chest plate and hissing slightly from the heat her bolt had caused. "I do not wish this, but I must ensure the peace for my people."
Robin's other hand had come up and his fingers gently touched her cheek, "Then let me keep the crystal. . . . .so I can at least have that part of you."
When Robin's hands both went limp and fell to the deck, Starfire quickly checked her own crystal and sighed when she saw that it still glowed. "Yes, my love, I will leave that part of me with you." she said softly then stood to face Kor'mel. "To ensure the pace between our people I offer myself to you to be your wife."
"A gracious offer to be certain, Empress, but one I must refuse."
"Then you wish the war to continue?"
"Not at all, but as Robin told you, a treaty has already been signed. The only stipulation that remains is the capture of your sister, Blackfire. But that isn't the reason I must refuse your offer. You are most attractive, albeit a few years younger than I would wish in a wife, and I am sure I could come to care for you in the manner he does," he went on, nodding toward Robin. "Many years ago, while my father was visiting one of our colonies, I found my mother crying as she looked at a picture that I had never seen before. It was a picture of a Tamaranean warrior, the look on his face much the same as Robin has for you when he thinks no one else is looking. She told me his name was Verand'r, and he was her shalocfa, and had been for some years before the marriage between my father and her had been arranged. She told me that my father didn't know of him or what all a shalocfa meant to the Royal they protect and serve. I swore an oath to her then that I would never put the women I called wife through the heart ache of losing that relationship I would like to think that if my father had known he would have found another way to seal the treaty all those years ago."
"But.. . . "
Kor'mel silenced Starfire by placing his first two fingers on her lips. "You have your freedom Koriand'r, and peace between my Empire and your world."
"But one that will not last if my sister begins attacking your ships again."
"That would be true no matter if we were married, cousin."
"Cousin?"
"You're forgetting your own family history Starfire," Raven said. "Liand'r, Kor'mel's mother, was your aunt, your father's sister. That makes you cousins."
"There is another reason why you can not make the offer you have to him, Empress. I know Robin well enough that he would not enter into a challenge with you without restricting your use of powers," Kim'r said, and nodded to herself when she saw the look on Starfire's face. "You forfeited the challenge when you used your star bolts."
Starfire hung her head as she realized that Kim'r was right. There was silence for a moment, then Robin moaned as he regained consciousness. "Starfire?" he called weakly as his eyes opened.
"I am here, Robin"
With a groan Robin got to his feet, and put his hand on Starfire's shoulder to steady himself for a moment, then he looked over at Kor'mel. "The peace treaty?"
"It is done Robin, but. . ." he began but was cut off as Robin drew his katana from behind his back.
"As recognized by both Tamaranean and Salvainian law, I challenge you to combat for Koriand'r's freedom and for the peace between your worlds."
"And I refuse the challenge. A good warrior knows when the fight will be worth the prize, Robin. If I were to win then I would be required to break an oath I gave a long time ago, and to be truthful, after seeing the display you and Empress Koriand'r put on, I'm not at all certain I would win. I surrender this to you, as victor by default."
Robin took the sheathed dagger Kor'mel held out, uncertain as to what was going on. "You're not going to marry. . . ?"
"No Robin, and the treaty is agreed to, and seeing as she has taken the throne, she will have the honor of announcing it to her people."
A/N CAP, Combat Air Patrol, a group of six to ten aircraft in flight to be able to respond to an attack against a fleet of ships.
Listen to Your Heart was also performed by Roxette, but more years ago than I think they would be listening to in these fics.