Gate: Thus the Brotherhood of Steel Lyon's Pride Fought in Their Land

Chapter Thirteen - Princess Piña Co Lada

The princess had left after the arrival of those that Paladin Jefferson commanded. She stood out beside the large metal beasts that carried them, and it appeared that time seemed to pass far too slowly. She felt the old enemy of anxiety building up inside of her. It sat just behind her heart, grasping it, and attempting to strangle it. Its icy grip made her feel as if her very heart would stop, and she hated the feeling.

She watched as the others began to make their way to where she was standing. Beside her Bozes stood ready, and neither of them were dressed in full plate armor. Instead their clothes were that of the diplomatic clothes for the Order of Roses. They appeared to be skirts that came down just above the knee, their tops were green with gold inlay, and they wore cloaks that were opened on one side. Both wore brettes on their heads that bore the emblem of the empire.

Their boots were finely polished, showing the impeccable prestige and pedigree that both came from. For all rights and purposes both looked as if they were preparing to meet with dignitaries of a foreign power. Of course it fit because that was exactly what they were preparing to do. Paladin Jefferson moved toward them, pulled a latch on the back of the APC and a large door opened.

Both of them looked inside to see the ample room, the benches that were made on the sides of it, and the storage space that was provided under the benches and above them. Cautiously they stepped inside. Princess Piña took a seat and felt the cushion as she did. It molded to her, allowing her to sit in perfect comfort. Bozes took another seat beside her, and soon the APC was filled with Paladin Jefferson, Rory, Lelei, and Tuka.

She watched as he pressed a button, the back closed, and she sat amazed, "To think that there is a device that closes the door for you!"

"Princess, this is from another world."

"I know that," she replied to Bozes, "Still, it's amazing."

They both felt the movement of the APC, and soon one of the armored plates that covered a window opened. From where they were sitting they watched the buildings of the city of Italica seemingly blur as the APC moved out of the city itself, "It's amazing, to think that there is something that can move at these speeds! It's even faster than horseback!"

"Princess, it is from another world."

"I know that," she replied, "But look how amazing it is!"

What would have taken days, perhaps a week at least on horseback was taking a few hours by the APC. To her surprise Princess Piña could see an entire community ahead of her. It was the makings of a city that easily would be on par with Italica. She could see the houses that were made in a fashion that looked as if they would last for ages. Streets that weren't as bumpy and uneven as the cobblestone streets that they had in the royal capital and in Italica.

In truth, what she saw before her as they moved toward where the APC was heading seemed to be nothing short of amazing. Alnus Hill had been left alone, the resources of it untouched, and yet in such a short time the Brotherhood of Steel had managed to create a small city that would rival some of the more grand cities. It stood before them as a jewel in an untouchable chest.

The APC stopped, and Paladin Jefferson pressed the button which opened the back of it. She stepped out, followed by Bozes, and soon everyone else stepped out as well. She gave a slight bow to him, "Paladin Jefferson," she said, her voice respectful, "We wish to meet with your superior."

"You don't need to look far," came a female voice, "Because she's right here."

They looked to see a woman wearing the strange armor they had. Her helmet was off, and Princess Piña could see the resemblance between her and Bozes. In truth it was almost as if the two of them could have been separated from birth. The difference between them appeared to be their hair. The one coming toward them had her hair pulled back, and it was put into a manageable ponytail. Bozes' own hair was done in ringlets, and while it could be unruly it was a signature look that she wore proudly.

"I am Princess Piña Co Lada," she said as she gave a slight bow, "I have come to make a formal apology."

"Hmmm, very well, follow me."

She fell in behind the woman, and she noticed that she seemed to be very straight forward and business-like. She walked with an air of authority that was refreshing to see. She led them into a building that had a table made from the same stone that formed the lower parts of the houses. She motioned toward the seats, and both took one. Another in a suit of armor came in, and she noticed that this one's suit was different. It looked to be off somehow.

She watched as he took a seat beside the one that was the superior, "Jefferson said that I might want to be in here," he said, "Just to make sure that there's no hard feelings."

She saw the women look at him, "Exactly why is he worried that there might be hard feelings?"

"Perhaps it is because of the reason I have come to apologize," the princess said, thankful that they were speaking her language, "My order of knights were on their way to Italica. They were coming to help defend the city after defeating a horrible wild beast that had been rampaging the countryside. I had sent for them, and I had sent word after receiving your help that there was no rush."

She swallowed as she looked at the blond haired woman, "I regret to inform you that the message did not reach them in time. They came upon Paladin Jefferson and the others. In doing so they learned they were from Alnus Hill," she said, her mouth feeling dry, "They were under the assumption that the invaders on Alnus Hill were the enemy, and they did what they believed was correct and captured Paladin Jefferson."

The expression that crossed the face of Sentinel Lyons was one that Princess Piña Co Lada had seen on the face of Bozes before. It was a look of righteous fury, and yet it seemed to disappear almost as quickly. She watched as the one that commanded the Brotherhood of Steel kept her composure, and instead studied the two of them.

"I see," she replied, her voice icy, "And what were the suggested considerations that Paladin Jefferson offered in compensation."

Princess Piña looked at her for a moment, "He suggested that we treat this as a mistake. That we simply continue as we were."

She watched as the Sentinel closed her eyes, "Sentinel Reeder, you're not going to leave and summon Paladin Jefferson, are you?"

A raspy laugh came from inside of the armor, "No," he replied, "If I do there's a very good chance that neither of them will be in any condition to seek the medical attention I'm sure that they would need."

Prince Piña watched as the helmet faced her, "Personally, I can see why he suggested it," he said as his helmet nodded toward Bozes, "Looking at you he likely was reminded of Sentinel Lyons and didn't use his best judgment. Still, what he suggested isn't the worst option."

She watched as he stood, "Sentinel Lyons, as you know I am here to help facilitate what you do. I am here to act as your proxy when needed," he stated, "So, take my suggestions with a grain of salt. Don't make any demands that will put either of them in too tight of a position. I'm sure they will work toward whatever it is. They've seen what we can do if provoked, and I doubt that they want that. But be lenient on them."

There was a moment of hesitation from Sentinel Lyons, and Princess Piña wondered if she was going to lose her composure, "Very well," she stated, "We want to build an embassy at Italica. It will allow us to set a small piece of the city as neutral grounds. Within the confines of that embassy we are able to meet as complete equals."

She breathed out, "And in addition, I want to ensure that no further action like what happened is allowed," she stated, "If I find out that one, any one, of my brothers and sisters in armor have been harmed there will be a retaliation, do I make myself clear?"

The both of the nodded. Princess Piña noticed that she stopped staring at her, and instead she was staring at Bozes, "You don't have to tell me," she said as she looked at her, "I can tell. It was you that did what you were ordered to, right?"

Bozes stood there, uncertain of how to answer, and finally she nodded, "I did, but I did what I felt was in the best interest of my country, and were the current orders I was given."

She watched as the armor opened that Sentinel Lyons was wearing, and out from it stepped a woman that truly looked as if she was almost a twin of Bozes. She wore a strange body suit, but it seemed to fit like a glove. She moved toward her, "You are a knight, correct?"

Bozes nodded, "I am."

Sentinel Lyons studied her, "And as a knight you've sparred, correct?"

Bozes nodded, "I have, and still do as training."

Sentinel Lyons smiled, and Princess Piña noticed that it was absolutely predatory, "Good, while you are our guest how would you like to spar in hand to hand combat? We have techniques that you might find interesting. I would be willing to give you a personal lesson."

Princess Piña shook her head, but it was Bozes that nodded, "Very well," she said as she stood, "If it will clear the air, I agree, but I do not plan to simply submit. If I spar it is to spar, to train, and I will give no quarter. I will spar until one of us either surrenders or until we are unable to continue."

Sentinel Lyons' grin turned into a full smile, "Wonderful, follow me."

The two of the stepped out and she started to follow before the one that was standing there held up his arm, "I get that she's your subordinate, and I get that you need to ensure that she will be fine," he said, his voice still raspy even from inside of the helmet, "But I can promise that Sentinel Lyons won't kill her. She will be certainly ring her bell a few times, but she won't flat out destroy her."

She shook her head, "I should be there, it should be me that is doing this."

He studied her, "While it is doubtful I do wonder if Owen somehow managed to sire another child over here," he said, "Well, you can't get into this. Our rules state that a sparring match between two members is only between two members."

He began to lead her out, "Getting into the middle of it causes a huge headache that no one wants. Best to let them get it out of their system."

They walked toward a large area where there was hard ground, made of the same crushed stone that they rode in on, and it was covered with thin mattresses. She watched as Sentinel Lyons stood only in what looked like under garments, and Bozes looked to be following suit. The two of them rushed toward one another, and she watched as Bozes was flipped onto her back. Her breath went out of her, and Sentinel Lyons then moved toward her legs.

"This is something that I picked up from the Chinese Army: Special Ops Training Manual," she said as Bozes let out a scream, "It puts pressure on joints leading up to the hips, and can tear the muscle loose. If it's held for too long it can take a couple of weeks to recover. I suggest that you submit, now."

Princess Piña watched as Bozes refused to give in. Instead she tried to move, in any direction, that would allow her to break the hold. What she found was that movement was completely hampered. If she turned too far in either direction the pain became unbearable. The only thing she could do, with less pain, was lean forward, and that was when Princess Piña saw her notice a possible way out.

For a knight, and a noble, what she knew Bozes saw was almost as bad as admitting defeat. It would be a cheat. It would be having to stoop in order to break a hold, and doing so was admitting that she couldn't simply power out of it. She had to admit that even in normal combat she was at the very least on equal standing with the one she was fighting with. Again, it seemed that they were equal because of how much they resembled one another.

Bozes leaned forward, grunting in pain, and Princess Piña watched as she struck as hard as she could into the place right between Sentinel Lyons' stomach and breasts. That place was special, and she knew it. It was a place that if struck hard enough it caused one to lose their composure. It caused all air to exit their lungs quickly, and it caused disorientation. Striking it in combat was frowned upon because it was an act of desperation. Desperation was exactly the reason for the strike on this day.

Sentinel Lyons did indeed loosen the hold, and Bozes managed to get up. She stumbled, her legs not quick reacting as she likely believed they would, but still, the two of them faced one another. Bozes attacked with a common strike. It was well taught. Swing with the entire body, putting the power and strength into the punch. It wasn't how they sword fought, but it was what they were taught when it came to hand to hand combat.

End the fight quickly, ensure the opposition is overpowered, and leave them with no quarter. Sentinel Lyons caught her strike, turned away from her, and threw her over her shoulder. Bozes once again landed hard on her bottom. She let out a deep gasp as the air left her lungs and then Sentinel Lyons got behind her. She put an arm around her neck, placed her other arm behind her neck, and pushed forward.

Bozes fought, struggling, and Princess Piña watched as the movement became frantic. She watched as she finally began to slow down, and after a moment she went slack. Sentinel Lyons released her and stood. She breathed out, "Now, that settles that," she said, her voice sounding surprisingly regal like Bozes' own voice, "What I suggested earlier needs to happen, and what I warned about still holds true."

She walked toward Princess Piña Co Lada, "I understand about wanting to keep your subordinate safe, but she will recover. She should awaken in less than a minute, but she will have a massive headache."

She breathed out, "Take her to our medical building, and they will ensure that she receives something for it."

She began to walk away when Princess Piña stopped her, "Please," she said after a moment, "I truly do apologize. I do not want our treaty to end because of this."

Sentinel Lyons studied her, "It won't," she said after a moment, "I can promise that this will not end our treaty. You came, apologized, and took responsibility for what happened. That is honorable, and we respect when others are honorable."

She nodded to her, "Now, I am going to go and speak to Paladin Jefferson."

She moved from her, and Princess Piña watched as she walked. She could see the signs, but she didn't speak of them. Sentinel Lyons cared deeply for Paladin Jefferson. The two of them likely were lovers, and hearing about what had happened likely could have caused things to happen far differently if it weren't for Sentinel Reeder being there. She looked toward the still armored one.

"Thank you for attending the meeting with us."

He shrugged, "I did what was asked," he replied, his voice raspy, "Nothing more."

She studied him, "But, you could have refused."

He stopped, "What would have happened if I did?" he asked as he turned around, "Sentinel Lyons is intelligent, driven, and honestly one of the most trusted members of us. Her only fault is that occasionally her heart speaks louder than her head. My being there allowed her head to speak louder this time."

She watched as he began to walk away, "Besides," he said as he began to move past the training pad, "This mission is too important to let a squabble between two different people ruin it."

She watched what had to be one of the wisest people she'd met so far walked away. She considered running after him, asking him to please remove his helmet so that she could thank him in person, but believed that if he was wearing it then there had to be a reason. There were some knights that wore their helms almost all of the time. Those knights had been disfigured, and they wore their helms as a way of keeping others from being offended by their presence.

It was possible that it was the same thing, and if that was the case then she didn't want to cause him any discomfort. She turned back toward Bozes who was slowly starting to come around. The blond headed noble woman slowly began to stand. The wrapping that had been around her breasts had come loose, and now laid on the ground. She was uncovered, allowing a generous viewing of her fairly flawless breasts.

She moved toward her, grabbing Bozes' clothes, and walked straight toward her, "Are you okay?"

Bozes nodded, "My head hurts," she said, her voice soft, "It feels like someone has taken a dagger and shoved it into the side of my head and twisted it."

Princess Piña Co Lada nodded, "She said that your head would hurt," she replied as she began leading her toward the building that was indicated, "But she said that they would be able to relieve that pain."

The two of them walked, although Bozes seemed to stumble as much as walk, toward the medical building. Once there they stepped inside to see one of the Brotherhood of Steel wearing what almost appeared to be robes. Books were collected on various shelves, and there were six beds that she could see in view. The member looked up at them, "Some one ill?"

The words were spoken slow, almost as if they were alien to the mouth they came from. Princess Piña nodded, "Bozes' head hurts."

He studied them, walked over, and brought what looked like a small light, "Please look here."

The light shined and Bozes blinked a couple of times. Still, she managed to keep looking at the light and following it as he moved the light around, "Good, no bad."

She watched as he walked toward a small container and then brought out a few bottles. He seemed to search through them, and finally he found one that he studied a little longer. After a moment he brought it back to them, "Here, take two," he said passing two small disks, "Swallow with water, eat food after, will taste bitter. In four hours come back, get another two if need."

Bozes took the two pills, and Princess Piña watched as she lifted them and put them into her mouth. The man that was helping them handed her a bottle, and she opened it. A moment later she took a drink and swallowed hard, "That is so bitter," she complained after a moment, "It tastes like I've been forced to chew on black root."

Princess Piña looked at the bottle. Black Root was common for taking care of small pains. It was a medical root that villages used to help with those that were running fevers. It relieved the fever, stopped pains, but the complaint was the same. Black root is bitter. She had heard that some sages had learned to make it into a tea for those unable to chew, and that the tea had the same ability, but the complaint was still the same.

It was a bitter root, "Is this made of black root?"

He studied her, "Black root?"

She nodded, "It is a root that grows through the empire. It heals minor pains, relieves fevers, and can stop some swelling of the joints."

He studied her, "No, this is medicine from our world, but I would like to see black root."

She nodded, "I am sure that some of your recent residents will know of it, perhaps even the young sage Lelei could point it out."

He nodded, "Thank you," he said as he stood, "Feel free to dress, come to mess hall, eat, then we will help you back to where you need to go."

She studied him, "We, we would like to speak to Paladin Jefferson."

He paused for a moment, "I see what I can do."

Bozes stood there for a moment, "Why?" she asked when the man that helped them left, "Why do we need to speak to Paladin Jefferson?"

She suddenly realized how she addressed the Princess, "I'm sorry, Princess Piña," she said after a moment, "I didn't think."

Princess Piña Co Lada shook her head, "No," she replied after a moment, "Don't do that. You've paid for your mistake. Still, I wish to meet with me and ensure that there is no ill will."

Bozes gave a short nod, and she began to dress. The wrapping around her breasts were replaced, tightened, and then she pulled on her dress uniform. The clothes were that of a dignitary. She desperately wanted to bathe, but she knew that bathtubs were practically a luxury that was only in large cities. Once she was dressed both her and Princess Piña Co Lada began to walk outside. To their surprise they saw Paladin Jefferson.

He was walking toward them. Beside him was someone dressed strangely. They wore a long leather coat, despite the fact that it was summer. A strange hat sat on her head, and her brown hair was pulled in a tight ponytail. A smattering of freckles was dotted across the bridge of her nose, but her green eyes were hard like steel. She seemed to take the two of them in.

It was Paladin Jefferson however that spoke, "Princess, I hope that your meeting went well."

Princess Piña Co Lada nodded after a moment, "It did, Sentinel Lyons had a sparring match with Bozes, and I believe things are settled," she replied, "But, I also wanted to ensure that you held no ill will toward what happened."

She watched as he studied them both, "I could say that I have none, and in truth I really don't hold what happened against either of you," he replied, "However, I don't want another situation like this to happen. If it does I'm certain that you understand that it will be met with far worse force."

She nodded, "I was informed," she replied, "We do not want a war with the Brotherhood of Steel. We have seen what you can do."

He nodded, but she noticed that his eyes seemed to look at Bozes for a moment, "I'm sorry, I really am, but it's just so surprising how much you resemble Sar… I mean Sentinel Lyons."

He rubbed the back of his head, "I'm actually escorting Sonora Cruz around, and we're about the head to the mess hall, would you both like some food?"

Bozes nodded, "I am supposed to eat after taking that bitter medicine."

He nodded and began to lead them toward the mess hall. After a moment she heard the one he was leading, Sonora Cruz speak, "So, as I understand it there was a miscommunication, right?"

Princess Piña Co Lada nodded, "I had sent word to my order, but they did not receive it in time."

"Sonora, you can speak their language?"

She laughed, "Did you really think that your Vault was the only place that had Grognak Comic books?"

Princess Piña stopped, "Grognak?" she asked, her eyes widening, "The great barbarian? You have heard of his tales?"

She noticed that Paladin Jefferson stopped and looked at her, "Rory had less than flattering things to say about him."

She nodded, "He was a brute, but legends state that he roamed the land and fought dark powers. He even helped to establish the empire itself. My father claims to be of his line, and that is part of why he is considered fit to rule."

There was silence. It appeared that Paladin Jefferson was about to say something when someone came toward him, "Paladin Jefferson, you've been requested back through the Gate. Elder Lyons said that there is a situation that needs your attention, and he also wants you to address those at Rivet City that are considering assisting us."

He nodded, "Okay, I can do that. Let me lead Sonora to the mess, and then I'll prepare to move through."

There was a slight hesitation, "We wish to accompany you," Princess Piña Co Lada said, "We want to speak to your leader, and hopefully propose our treaty as a long lasting relationship between our kingdoms."

He studied her, "I'll ask Sentinel Lyons and Reeder their thoughts on it. I'd also suggest that you speak to them as well. The sooner the better."