CH 6
Every sentient being has the desire for self-preservation, even computers.
The computers most vital tasks were to keep the Earth safe from Draconians and running New Chicago, so that was the task the city council of computers agreed upon. The difference now was Dr. Huer was the one in charge and responsible to Lord Aono. A new building project was initiated in Old Chicago to improve that city. The computers did not know how Lord Aono's people were able to make the barbarians begin real work and cooperate. They were doing it, however, and seemed to idolize the flying women that were leading them and brought food from the city to nourish them.
The Draconian visitors arrived on one of their transports. This was the first time a Draconian ship was allowed to come down to the surface.
Inside the hanger, Tsukune, Moka, Dr. Huer and Buck Rogers waited for the silver and red raft to be parked. Once in place, rolling stair were brought up to the hatch and locked in place. The first out were four guards who came down and posted on either side of the stairs. A man emerged, dressed in a military uniform with gold on his shoulders.
"That's General Cain," Buck whispered to Tsukune. "He's their Emperors' main general in this area. Very serious man, low sense of humor. The Draconians all know English so they can converse with or spy on us."
A woman followed him, all smiles and dressed in a red gown cut low enough to show her gold bra. Her dark hair was done up in a complex weave. The gown was also split to show lots of leg when she walked.
"Princes Ardolla," Buck explained. "Temperamental, but don't let that fool you. She's a smart one when she wants to be."
Tsukune nodded. "You have had interactions with her before."
"Oh yeah," Buck said with a sigh.
The pair came up to them, General Cain announced, "The Princess and I appreciate this chance to discus how we can be of benefit to each other."
Tsukune bowed to him. "Welcome, General," he then bowed to the Princess. "Welcome Princess. It is a joy to see you. I am Aono Tsukune, Beside me here is my Blood Mate, Aono Moka. I do believe you already now Captain Rogers and Dr. Huer?"
Princess Ardolla smiled at Buck. "Oh yes, I am very familiar with Captain Rogers. How are you, Captain?"
"Getting along, no complaints," Buck replied with a smile.
"Ahh yes, you know each other well then?" Tsukune asked. He turned to Buck and said, "Captain, perhaps it would be beneficial for you to show her Highness around. Such beauty and grace deserves personal attention."
Princess Ardolla beamed a wide smile at Tsukune. "Oh, aren't you a sweet talker," she purred. Moving over to slip an arm up under Buck's she asked, "Shall we?"
Tsukune then motioned to the side. "General, shall we discuss matters?"
.
General Cain quickly got the idea that Lord Aono had taken over. Even in just a planetary scale, he had done it very quickly. Despite his pleasant manner, he knew Aono was very dangerous. His silver haired wife said nothing, but had eyed them like she was sizing them up. He was sure Mrs. Aono was equally as dangerous. The nervousness he felt while near them was significant. It was like a sixth sense was warning him to be careful.
.
"Lord Aono, I understand you have been organizing Earthmen to bring them up to a higher state of existence?" Cain asked.
Tsukune sported a brief smile. "If you mean raising the poor and undernourished to have a better life, yes, we have been. I found it quite shocking that these computers were put in charge, they were very inadequate." He waved a hand and added, "They are no longer in charge. We are building and improving everyone's conditions. Not in many places yet, but we will be."
"You are a man who get things done," Cain agreed. "Is there anything we can do to assist you?"
"There is, as well as something you can do for yourselves," Tsukune replied. "I have heard strange stories about Draconians wanting to take over the Earth. I'm not saying it's true, but that is what I have heard. That would be a bad mistake on your part, if it was true. I would be forced to go teach your Emperor a lesson he wouldn't soon forget. To be beneficial to each other would be a much better outcome, don't you think?"
"We get our orders through our princess," Cain explained. "I merely carry them out."
"Quite so, in the normal procedure. Though I am sure you are closer to your Emperor than she is," Tsukune told him.
Cain grinned. "That's why you had Captain Rogers keep our Princess distracted."
"Exactly. I do not wish to speak with the figurehead, but with the man who makes things happen. So tell me, what is your mission in this area of the galaxy, General?" With his question, Tsukune added some hypnotism.
"Same as the other ships, spread Draconian influence around to strengthen our Empire," Cain said. He then clapped his mouth shut, fearing he said too much. How did that happen?
Tsukune cast him a smile and said in a hypnotic tone, "I see. That is the goal of most rulers, is it not? So how do you gain this influence? Through trade and friendship, or conquest?"
"Some trade with stronger entities, mostly through conquest." Again Cain was horrified he had admitted to that. He stared at Aono.
Tsukune raised a finger and said, "Never be afraid to speak the truth. I do dislike those who revel in falsehoods. As far as your methods, I have found that cooperation and gaining trust goes much farther and makes longer lasting ties than conquest does. Remember this, General. Those who you subjugate may work for you until someone else comes along. Those who love you, will die for you and they will be much harder to bend away from you."
"That is what you do?" Cain asked.
"Of course. That is the only correct way to rule. Treat the people well, respect them and give them importance and they will work harder of their own will. A forced Empire only lasts as long as the leader hold a tight grip. If that grip is loosened somehow, then the entire Empire unravels," Tsukune explained.
"I can see your point," Cain agreed, not knowing what else to do. "I doubt that our Emperor will see your wisdom."
"Yes, an example needs to be made," Tsukune said in a huff. "You will discover it when you return to your ship. Nothing damaging, this time. Just a reminder that peace and good will with us is always best."
"You did something to our ship ... while we came here?" Cain asked.
In a soothing tone, Tsukune said, "As I said, nothing harmful. Just a reminder that even though your ship is in the outer system, it is not untouchable. If fact, we can get to it, or your Emperor, pretty much anytime if we wish."
.
Buck took Ardolla down to the lounge for some drinks. Going to a small table, he sat her down before taking his own seat. The blue hired waitress came right away as Ardolla was enjoying her 'Buck' time. Buck ordered two drinks then smiled at the Princess.
"So, does it feel good to be away for a while?' he asked.
"It does," Ardolla said returning her smile. "No servants or lists of things to take care of. No Cain to prod me on about things. It's nice to have quiet for a change," she said gazing into his eyes.
The waitress hurried back and set their drinks down. "Hello, Princess. I must say you look lovely!" the girl beamed.
"Thank you. You dyed your hair an interesting color," Ardolla replied.
The girl beamed her a smile, "Oh no, this is my natural hair color."
"She's from Japan," Buck said. He raised his glass and asked, "To our reunion?"
"To our reunion," Ardolla replied and clinked glasses with him.
They drank. Ardolla looked lovingly at Buck until she passed out, her head thumping down on the table. The waitress ran behind Adrolla and sat her upright. A spaded tail slid out and slapped against her forehead. The waitress concentrates for a moment then said, "She's waking up. " She took her tail down and held Ardolla up until she came around. Ardolla woke up with a frown.
"Princess? You OK?" Buck asked
She blinked and frowned at him. "I ... must be more tired than I thought," she offered.
"Hey, no biggie. How about if we grab a bite to eat, the I'll take you to my ... I'm sorry, your rooms to relax."
Ardolla gripped his hand as she cast him a lusty grin. "Are you saying you're interested in me?" she asked.
"I have to admit, you are someone who is hard to ignore, Princess," Buck said with a smile.
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Tsukune showed Cain Old Chicago from a glass walled viewing floor. "As you can see, there are new buildings going up. We just began this work a couple days ago. There are also new fields and a few industrious individuals are collecting scrap so new things can be made. In Japan, we have three new cities done for the masses, and more planned."
"These computers that were running things, do you know how that came to be?" Cain asked.
"Yes. The ones here had little honor, and gave the computers the power to rule," Tsukune said, his face looking like he was tasting something bad. "They were refusing to take responsibility. A true man must not shirk from his responsibilities."
"Agreed," Cain stated. "From what I've seen of you, Lord Aono, you are a responsible man. One I am hoping we can work with. I am also sure that you will be the one we can trade with. One item that is proving troublesome for us is supplies. Food, spare parts, things of that nature."
"I shall contact my people and see what we can do. For us at the moment, good construction machines and power generators would help boost our growth," Tsukune told him. "We want to be a good galactic neighbor."
Cain wanted that also, for whatever Aono did to him to make him admit things, he had no idea. From spy reports and now meeting Aono, he did know this man could be very dangerous. "I wish to visit the Princes and inform her of the good news."
"Agreed," Tsukune said.
.
A knock on the Princess's quarters produced a yelp and a shuffle from within. A moment later, Buck came to the door. he called in, "Princess, Lord Aono, Mrs. Aono and General Cain are here to see you. "
"Send them in!"
Moka went in first to see Ardolla lying on the couch with a silly grin on her face. She waved an arm. "Hello, Mrs Aono! welcome Mr. Aono, Cain."
Tsukune could see Cain was not very happy at The Princess becoming so comfortable here. He bowed to Ardolla and said, "Princess, your General Cain is a good man. Straight to the point and and willing to negotiate trade. You should be proud of him."
"Yes, Cain is a good man, Father sent me with one of the best," She agree happily.
"I take it Captain Rogers tended to you well?" Tsukune asked.
"Captain Rogers is wonderful," Ardolla replied. "Can he stay the night?"
"I'm sorry, Princess, but he has other matters I need him to attend to," Tsukune told her. "Perhaps he can return later."
"That would be best," Cain added. "Princess, we must discuss the trade deals Lord Aono and I have talked over."
Ardolla sat up. "You have discussed trade deals?"
"We have, Princess. Of course, final approval is yours," Cain said diplomatically.
"Lord Aono," a guard said from behind them. Tsukune turned to see one of their guards with a Draconian guard. "The Draconians have sent an urgent message, this guard is to relay it."
Tsukune stepped aside and said, "By all means let him in."
Cain had his guard halt inside and said, "Lord Aono, if you will excuse us."
"Certainly." He and Moka left, taking Buck Rogers and his guard with them. Once they were out, Cain turned to his guardsman.
"What is this message."
The guard snapped to attention. "General Sir! We got an emergency transmission for you and the Princess. All non essential power on the dreadnaught is out. Life support, some lighting and navigational power remains, but everything else is out. The main engines do not fire either, the ship only has thrusts."
"How did that happen!" Ardolla cried.
Cain gritted his teeth. "Lord Aono told me to expect something like this. I do not know how, but he hinted that he was going to do something." Turning to Ardolla, he explained, "It was Lord Aono who did this to warn us away from taking any hostile action against Earth."
"But... how? What did he do?" she cried.
"How is not as important as seeing he can do it," Cain stated. "He offered us a trade deal, parts and equipment for supplies. He is a slick one, and until we find out how he can reach out and disable our ship millions of miles away, we need to work out this deal. Lord Aono is a man who makes things happen. We need him on our side, Princess."
"We cannot find a way to counter him?" Ardolla asked.
Cain frowned at her. "Our ship has the best sensors and weapons. Whatever he did, he got through all of it to make our ship a useless, floating hulk open to attack! I highly suggest that for now, we go along with him. There is a great possibility he has spies and operatives on OUR ship! This is just a demonstration to show us he means business. Unless you want to turn tail and run, and explain it to your father, we need to work with Lord Aono. Remember, your older sister who failed? You should, her head is still on the pike it was put on."
Ardolla gulped. "Yes, you are correct Cain. We will deal with Earth, as long as Lord Aono rules here."
.
Buck sat down for a relaxing evening spending some time with Colonel Deering. Although she was able to sit now, she preferred a reclined position.
"Standing up or lying down, I'm fine," Wilma assured Buck. She then winced and added, "I am not looking forward to the training flights this month."
Buck couldn't help but chuckle. "How about this? I'll do the training flights, you can monitor us from the ground."
Wilma let out a sigh. "Thank you, Buck. I really appreciate it."
"You may be sore for a while, so you tell me what to do, and I'll make sure it's done. OK?"
The ding of the doorbell rang. Buck got up to see who it was. He opened the door. Tweekie was on the other side.
"Beeb beeb beeb, what's up, Buck? I found your Princess looking for you." Tweekie announced then stepped aside.
Princess Ardolla rushed in looking worried and grabbed Buck by the arms. "Buck, what is Lord Aono? How can he do ... the things he does?"
"Whoa Princess," Buck replied and guided her in. "What are you talking about?"
"He shut down our dreadnaught! It's not near Earth but he shut it down! How can he do that?"
Buck guided Ardolla over to a seat and sat her down. She clasped his hands. "Princess, You remember Colonel Deering?"
The Princess cast a glance at Wilma. "Yes, hi," she then turned back to Buck, seeking an explanation.
Buck saw the Princess was at a loss. Calmly, he said, "I believe Lord Aono can do anything he wants. Him and his clan are not human. They are vampires."
Ardolla tipped her head slightly. "What do you mean? What's a vampire?"
"Creatures that look like us, more or less, but have many abilities we do not have," Buck told her. "See, we are human, or offshoots of human. Me, you, both our races. Lord Aono is different. They can take 500 year long naps. and do incredible things. I watched Lord Aono wave his hand at a destroyed fighter, and it came back together, whole. He shoots lightning from his hands, they are very fast and very strong. Last week, he spanked Wilma here and she still can't sit comfortably. They can also be very manipulative. Kathy Chang, or rather, Kokoa Shuzen, pretended to be a few things and by manipulation, got here to have me go on a trip to Japan with her. In the end, she was trying to find her sister, which she did, and scared the crap out of a few people. I still don't know why she insisted I go with her, but I do know she had a reason for doing so. Princess, these are very powerful people. Play nice with them, and they are reasonable. Don't play nice and you suffer the consequences."
"But, how can he shut down our ship? That should be impossible," Ardolla asked in a plea.
Buck shrugged. "Mystic power? Magic? I don't know. All I can tell you is what I do know. These are not people you want to mess with."
"Where did they come from?"
"There have been stories of things like vampires and demons for pretty much the entire history of Earth," Buck told her. "For a long time, they were thought to be nothing more than superstition, not real. Kokoa was creeping around during the whole modern age here with no one knowing, until she decided to make herself known."
"You can't do anything about them?" she asked.
"Like what?" Buck asked with a snort. "Princess, Lord Aono may be very powerful, he is also reasonable. Talk with him and I think you will find he does not want trouble. He's doing his best to remove problems we are all facing here. He's building cities and making people's lives better. The trade deal he wants is to benefit us and you. I doubt he will allow Earth to become part of the Draconian Empire, but we can be allies. That will appease your Emperor, won't it?"
"Yes, Father wants no more enemies, but friends. He wants the galaxy to live in peace and prosperity," Ardolla agreed.
"Under his rule," Buck said with a false smile. "Not that we would let that happen, but I'm sure Lord Aono would take great offense to any attempt at conquering Earth. I don't think you want that."
Princess Ardolla cast Buck a long look then said, "You are right, Buck. Cooperation and trade agreements with Earth will be acceptable. I just need to inform my Father. To do that, our dreadnaught has to be functional."
.
While Cain was talking to one of his men, Tsukune whispered, "Ruby, release that ship."
Cain returned to Tsukune and said, "In the spirit of cooperation, I need you to restore our ship's functions, Lord Aono."
Tsukune waved a hand "Done. I only did that to instill upon you that while we seek peace and prosperity, we are far from helpless, even without Earth's space vessels. I do believe you respect strength, is that not true?"
"It is," Cain said tightly.
"Then I showed you strength so we can get off to a good start. By merely having a large Empire, you have shown me your strength. I never intended any harm to any of your people," Tsukune explained.
"I believe you," Cain replied. "We are more than capable of supplying any parts and equipment you need, Lord Aono. You indicated you will supply us food? Harvested food or seeds and young animals?"
"Let me talk with some of my people to see what we can offer. I imagine you will need harvested plant life and meat. We should begin by giving samples, and you can choose what it is you desire. Some you may like, some you may not. If you have a food that your prefer and we do not have it, perhaps we can grow it for you."
"That is agreeable," Cain said with a nod. "I will speak with the Princess about it, I'm sure she will agree. You do understand everything must be approved by the Emperor. In this case it should be just a mere formality."
"Yes, of course, ensure you have proper permission before we continue. I look forward to doing business with you, General," Tsukune told him and offered him his hand.
Cain shook it. "As do I, Sir."
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Shiziku flew to the landing field of New Chicago and flew into the hanger to see Tsukune and Moka talking to a man in a uniform and a woman who was dressed up like she was going to a party. "Tsukune!" she called as she flapped to a stop by them. "Momo is sure she found her Destined One!'
Tsukune cast her a quick smile and nodded. "Very good. Please wait for a moment, and I will tend to you."
Shiziku moved behind to the side him and quietly waited.
Tsukune motioned to her and said, "Princess, General, this is Shiziku, She is young and exuberant. Please forgive her rudeness."
"Of course," Cain said quickly.
Watching Shiziku, Princess Ardolla asked, "Where did her wings go? They looked too large to fold up so tight."
"Shiziku, like all her kind, can fold her wings into her body," Tsukune explained. "She has been working very hard to help everyone. It is a joy to know her."
"It's amazing that she can fly, you have some very interesting, and pretty subjects, Lord Aono," Ardolla told him.
"Thank you Princess," Tsukune replied. "It has been an honor meeting with you, Princess, General," he said with a bow. "Have a safe journey back to your ship."
"The honor has been mine," Cain replied and returned his bow.
"Yes, this had been a pleasant and fruitful meeting," Adolla agreed and offered her own bow.
Cain and Ardolla boarded their transport and took off. Once they were gone, Tsukune asked, "What's your news, Shiziku?"
Beaming him a smile, she said, "Everything is going well, and like I said, Momo is sure she found her Destined One, AND one of the women we found has witch powers. She feels strong, but has only learned how to do basic things. We were wondering if Ruby can begin teaching her."
"I'm sure Ruby will be delighted to," Tsukune told her. If Ruby could get this witch trained, they would have four. Nine more would be needed for a full Coven. They they could make real changed to the Earth.
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Coming back to their ship, Cain noted it looked functional, the pilot was receiving landing instructions with no problems. They came on board and everything was working. The instant he stepped off the transport, he demanded a full report on what happened. He then turned his attention to Ardolla.
"Princess, I will have a full report for you about our meeting with Lord Aono and what happened to the ship, to send to our Emperor to look over as soon as possible. I will highly advise we cooperate with Lord Aono," he said firmly.
"Yes, do not rush your report. We need to find out all we can about how Lord Aono managed to disable a full sized dreadnought."