DAR
Tommy's working on his Eltarian lessons as I deal with one of our more exacting customers. This is one of the few that Zedd can absolutely not deal with as his level of patience is never up to the task. Of course if this idiot doesn't fall in line soon, I might not be up to the task either at this point. I'm startled out of my thoughts when Tommy suddenly gasps.
"What's the matter, brat?"
"The other day, when you and Zedd were speaking in Eltarian, what were you talking about?" Uh oh.
Hoping that he's referring to some playful quip I made to Zedd about his mating habits rather than something business related, I steel myself for the worst. "Why?"
"Because I remember you and he using some of these words. I know you both used the word for 'toy' and Zedd used the word for 'pet' and he definitely didn't look happy when he did. What were you talking about?" Crap.
"Would you believe me if I said he wanted to get you a pet for a belated birthday gift?" Narrowing his eyes he shakes his head slowly but sternly. "Was worth a shot." Hopefully, he'll let me explain before he loses his mind. "Not that it's important mind you, but we were discussing a problem with a client. He seems to think that Zedd won't get the job done on time."
The human thinks about this for a minute. "Because of me." Damn insightful brat. He fixes me with a look. "I'm the toy - the pet."
"No, you're not. I mean, yes, the client thinks you are but Zedd doesn't nor do the rest of us."
He takes a deep breath, clearly controlling his temper. "Is this one of those situations that I don't need to be dealing with your client for my own safety? Or theirs?"
"Definitely."
"Why does he think I'm a pet?" Oh hell.
Uncertain exactly how to approach this without upsetting him and sending Zedd rushing down here to see what's wrong, I think the matter over for a good minute before finally responding. "There are several reasons he could think you a pet, Tommy. One being that you're originally human. Another being that you were a Ranger and Zedd worked for an opposing side at the time you were. It could also be because you were injured and Zedd 'kidnapped' you shortly after the fact. More than likely though it's just something as basic as he's one that wouldn't understand the bond that you and Zedd share because he doesn't believe in bonding and would want to take you for a pet of his own."
He frowns. "But isn't it actually more dangerous for him to think that I'm only a pet?"
"Not really. It's not likely that he'd ever come here but if he did, he'd underestimate you which would make it easier for you to defend yourself. Frankly, there are a few clients that would think you only a pet or a toy, but some will see your relationship for what it really is."
"I don't know if I like that. It makes me edgy to think that these people would view me as some plaything that they might come and challenge Zedd for."
"None would be so stupid as to challenge Zedd, even if they did view you as such a thing. Zedd has worked up quite the reputation, and despite him being more subdued these days, his name and past still make him fairly well feared. You don't have to worry, I know it's aggravating to know that some idiots think so little of you, but at the very least take comfort in the fact that none would be so stupid as to use that to their advantage."
Suddenly, the proximity alarm goes off.
Hearing the alarm as well, Tommy is quick to lay his head on the desk with sigh of aggravation. "Oh no, speaking of idiots, it's not Zedd's ex again is it? Because if it is I swear he will not be physically capable of walking away this time. I'll make sure of it."
A quick glance at my screen tells me that no it is not Annwyl and that I have apparently spoken too soon where our clients are concerned. "Oh, hells. No it's not Annwyl. Tommy, forgive me for this, but you need to go hide. Now. Quickly."
We both rise and I'm thankful that he doesn't question me as we both leave my office. Swiftly, I go to Zedd's office. I throw the door open. "Zedd, we have trouble. That impatient client is here."
He sighs. "I'd have thought that he'd have gone home and waited for his order. Now it's going to be a big mess." Looking past me with a frown, he shakes his head. "Where's Thomas? I don't want this - what's the human term - jackass saying anything to upset him."
"I sent him to hide."
"Hide?" Surprised by this, I think he is greatly underestimating this particular client.
"Yes hide, Zedd. We don't know who or what he's brought with him and despite the fact that I will deny I ever said it, I would be rather upset if your mate got injured because we were careless and underestimated a threat."
"I think you give this one more credit than he deserves as a threat, but since I don't want Thomas upset or unintentionally hurt either, I suppose it's for the best."
"Good, I'll get Pina and we'll meet you on the front lawn." I race for the infirmary, hoping that Tommy has found a good hiding place.
A few minutes later, the three of us are on the lawn waiting for the client to disembark from his ship. We're all armed but Pina and I have our swords sheathed for now. Bezeroa exits his ship, with - hells - twenty guards in tow. This was what I was concerned about, he came looking for a fight.
"Zedd, where's my order?" he says.
"I would have had it already if you hadn't interfered" Zedd answers calmly.
"You're late with delivery. Too distracted by your new toy?"
Watching Zedd bristle at the mention of his mate being referred to as a toy, I must admit I'm a bit surprised when he however manages to keep his calm for the most part. "Actually, I still have a week and the item has been acquired and is awaiting delivery. As for any distractions, the only distraction I have right now is your rather rude and uninvited visit."
He snorts. "You don't have it. I've already gotten it from another source."
"Considering I've just spoken to the one who has it - no, you haven't."
"It doesn't matter. You're still out of time. You don't have another week."
"Actually, I do. If you hadn't had it by today, I'd have lost the bonus only. Perhaps you should remove your head from your ass and take another look at the contracts you signed." Oh boy, this is going to get ugly.
"I have looked at them and am certain when I say you are wrong again. Now are you going to pay the default or do we have to take it by force?"
Zedd spins his staff lazily. "Well, you can try." Here we go, couldn't recommend I simply go retrieve a copy of the contracts could he.
Bezeroa gives a signal, saying something in a language I don't recognize and all the guards launch at us. Now I almost wish I hadn't told Tommy to hide. Since he's regained his power, it certainly would have evened the odds a bit.
Unfortunately, the fight goes badly for us. We're not seriously hurt, but sheer numbers overwhelm us and soon his men have our hands bound behind us and have taken our weapons. Bezeroa chuckles. "You should have just paid the default, Zeddic."
"You know I'm going to remove a limb from you once I get free, right?" Zedd states far too calmly for my liking.
"Yes, yes and all shall cower and tremble before you." Making a dismissive gesture Bezeroa snorts in disbelief. "Now, again about that default. You know I think I changed my mind on that. I already have enough credits and items of value. However, what I don't have is a nice, obedient pet." No. Seeing Zedd's own expression change at this, our captor is quick to use it to his advantage. "Now, let's go have a look at your new pet, shall we? And if I like him, maybe I'll let him live long enough to become mine."
Not surprisingly, Zedd growls at him, "Don't you touch him!"
"I'll do what I want now." With another gesture and a growled command, we're marched into the castle and up to the living quarters. The first room we come to is Zedd's. "This will do nicely, I think." For what?
We're herded into the room and, essentially, thrown in a heap on the floor. We sort ourselves out and Zedd says, "Last chance to avoid a huge mistake, Bezeroa."
Not surprisingly he ignores this. "Where's your pet, Zedd? I might want to give him a try - before you, anyway."
From the corner of my eye, I see Zedd pale slightly. "I don't know where he is right now, but chances are it's not here as I gave him use of the extra cruiser to see his little Ranger friends on Triforia."
"You really expect me to believe that." Not liking how close his weapon is to Zedd's neck, I can only hope Zedd can focus long enough to avoid a strike, though it's doubtful with his mind now on protecting his mate.
"Believe what you want, but as I'm sure you've been told before my 'pet' as you call him is a Ranger, and thus has friends and allies in other Rangers. He's been lonely here and I told him he could go visit his playmates."
Narrowing his eyes at this it looks like he might be falling for it when he turns to one of his men. "Check the hanger for the ships." Damn it.
"Even if he didn't leave yet, we have no clue where he is as it could be anywhere in or outside the castle. He's very knowledgeable on the woods around here and if he's in them you won't find him" I supply, praying the human has had the intelligence to hide himself well in the lower levels where there are more shadows and small spaces to get into.
Once again, he barks a command and his guards scatter, leaving only himself and two guards. "I can't believe that you're so careless as to let your pet roam free, Zedd."
A sudden movement under the bed catches my eye. Fuck. Now I know where Tommy's hiding and it's definitely not the dungeons. On the other hand, this may actually work to our advantage as I catch a glimpse of his staff as well. I can see his eyes peering at us and I give him a small nod. I can't help my smile as he explodes from his hiding place, hits Bezeroa square in the face before snatching our weapons from the surprised guards. Pulling one of the swords, he turns to us. Swiftly, I bend over so that he can cut my bonds.
He drops the weapons at my feet and snatches up his own staff once more. I grab the sword and free our other companions. Tommy keeps the three intruders at bay while we get ourselves situated. In another minute, he has the door clear and we all launch ourselves through it. We need to get outside where we'll have more room to maneuver.
"Nicely done, Thomas" Zedd praises his mate. "Where have the other guards gone?"
"I don't know," I answer. I'm surprised when Tommy responds.
"They've gone to search the rest of the castle."
"How do you know?" Pina asks even as we clear the front door.
"That's what I would do. Besides, I understood him when he gave the order."
Fifty yards from the door, we all turn to him. "You understood that language?" I demand.
He nods but before he can explain any further, the entire party spills out of the castle and joins us on the lawn. Ooh, Bezeroa's nose is swelling rather nicely. He barks out yet another command that I don't understand. One of the guards, the head one I'm guessing, replies in the same language. I glance at Tommy, who's listening carefully even as Bezeroa points at him.
After a few minutes, Tommy says quietly, "Zedd, do you trust me? To deal with this, I mean?" We all hesitate, exchanging looks. I know Zedd is reluctant to let his mate near the group, but as it stands now we really don't have many more options aside another attempt to battle it out.
Finally Zedd replies slowly, "Go ahead, Thomas. But he lays one hand on you and I will follow through with my threat of removing his limbs."
A cocky grin spreads over his face as he returns his attention to the bickering pair and clears his throat. He snarls out something in the unfamiliar language, causing them to snap around and stare at him in shock - and it's all I can do not to laugh or even smile. Tommy takes a few steps forward, almost swaggering and addresses them again.
Bezeroa snaps out of his daze and I watch his hand start to reach out to grab hold of the Ranger, my own going out to stop Zedd who is poised to attack should he make contact. Thankfully for all involved Tommy takes a step back holding a finger up to signal him to wait, stating something in their language and pointing back to Zedd as he does. It takes a minute but it's clear that whatever he says makes our client change his mind about touching the half breed as he grudgingly lowers his hand and snorts in aggravation.
"You have no idea what they're saying?" Zedd questions, eyes never leaving Tommy as he does.
"No, some of the words have a familiar sound to them, but I can't place what they are or where I've heard them before. Whatever they're saying though I'd wager Tommy warned him about what you'd do should he lay a hand on him."
"Good."
Tommy, for the most part, seems to be trying to be diplomatic about the matter if his calm stance and gesturing means anything, in spite of the harshness of the language. However after being rebuked a few times I can tell he's growing annoyed and eventually down right angry again. Watching as he and Tommy snarl and growl back and forth in the other language now I'm about to suggest we cut in when they stop abruptly and finally, Tommy switches to English. "Goldar, do you have a copy of the contract?"
"Yes."
"Go get it. Now." Watching my back, I hurry in, get the relevant documents and return quickly. Tommy says to me, "Read out the part that relates to the date of delivery."
Quickly I skim the document to find the necessary information. "If delivery is completed by the eighth, there will be a bonus of eighteen thousand credits. If delivery is not completed by the fifteenth-"
"Right! Today's the fifteenth!" Bezeroa cries out triumphantly.
"Um, no, it isn't. As Zedd said, today's only the eighth." I can see Pina and Zedd nodding on either side of me, as well as some of his guards.
"No, the fifteenth!" The head guard speaks quietly to Bezeroa, who turns red.
Arms crossed over his chest and looking as if he's now dealing with a disobedient child, Tommy shakes his head slowly before he addresses him again, once more reverting to the other language. Bezeroa opens his mouth to respond, but Tommy continues, his tone becoming even harsher. He uses Zedd's name a few times - the only thing we can understand in the entire exchange. Bezeroa says something back that makes Tommy stiffen and answer back sharply. After a few more minutes of back and forth with Tommy refusing to back down or appear intimidated, Bezeroa finally seems to cave and nods reluctantly before barking out a command. His people head for the ship.
Starting to walk away himself, he only stops as Tommy barks at him once more before pointing sternly to Zedd. Stopping and giving a growl of displeasure Bezeroa however seems to listen to whatever Tommy has demanded as he addresses Zedd grudgingly, "In spite of the lateness, you'll still get your bonus." He turns to head for his ship himself when Tommy snarls something else at him. Sulkily, he says, "And I'm sorry for invading your home and the misunderstanding."
He glances at Tommy who gives him a brief nod before he hastens to his ship. In short order, they're gone. That was so awesome, I almost want to kiss him - almost. But first - "How do you know that language? What is it?"
He shrugs. "My first roommate in college spoke it. Anyways, I got my point across without having to have Zedd go all evil monstrous Lord Zedd on him or carry out any retaliation by informing any higher ranking power holders like Prince Andros or Lord Trey that he was attempting to kidnap a fellow power holder to make into a bedroom pet. As had it come to that you probably wouldn't have still gotten your bonus as he'd need the credits to try and defend himself before a court of very powerful Rangers, many of which that would make certain he never did business of any kind on their worlds again."
"You told him you'd send Andros and Trey after him." Clever, while not complete rulers of their worlds they do still have enough power both physical and political to cause great damage to someone's standing and reputation should they have a desire to, and doing so would indeed kill any business transactions he might have needed to make in the future on and around their planets.
"I told him a lot of things, but that was one that seemed to worry him a bit more than the others."
Still looking stunned Zedd finally seems to find his voice. "Thomas that was amazing."
Shrugging again he seems less than fazed by the matter. "Yeah well, nice to know that I'm not completely inept and useless."
"Nobody said that you were, Thomas."
He pins his mate with a look. "It doesn't have to be said to be implied, Zedd. Look, I get that - to you all - I'm a child but I haven't been treated like one in many years and I'm really getting tired of it now."
I realize that his irritation at the scolding he got before lunch has returned. "Actually, Tommy, we didn't treat you any differently than we would have each other. If Zedd or I had been out with Pina and she wanted to deal with the bear as you did, we'd have scolded her too. And actually, we have."
Pina nods. "It's true, boetie. I treated you like the little brother you are and Zedd treated you like a mate that did something he felt was irresponsible."
I speak again. "As irritating as it is to you to feel like you're being treated like a child, it's equally irritating to us for you to always be assuming that we're looking down on you."
He has the grace to look embarrassed. "Sorry. But it was nice to be of real help for a change."
