Drew's Trouble with Cats and Roaches Pt. 10

"We are grateful for your forbearance and friendship in these troubled times. We accept the partnership of your Pride and the other species that will come with it. I understand that your queen Tiffany will be the head of the combined Pride-human-homogeny clan as we head back to establish the new colonies."

Drews rocketed up on his feet, he spun looking down the valley towards the refuge, and sent a mental message to Tiffany. All he got back was a soft 'we will talk later'.

From Drews reaction, the young lord chuckled "Females...all species, prides and clans seem to be the same. My queen had already hashed out all the details with your two queens before I even knew what was happening." The young lord paused and looked into Drews eyes.

"Lord, maybe they do know best. Sometimes our maleness can get in the way of the best ideas." The young lord finished.

"I may agree, but I am not sure I want them to find out I agree." They both laughed understanding the dichotomy of the situation.

"In human standards 'we have a deal'" and Drew stuck out his hand. The young lord, learning about human customs, stretched out his paw, claws retracted.

***

"So, when were you going to tell me you were leaving to the other side of the galaxy?" Stated Lord Drew, trying to sound like one in front of Tiffany.

"Don't be so dramatic, it makes the most sense. Ill only be gone for a while and it gives me time to explore."

Drew turned and walked out to the patio. He already knew it made the most sense. It had been his automatic option 1 during most of his private walks. He just had to get past more loss, the loss of his other queen and trusted friend.

He sat overlooking the glen and the youngest children just released form school. Their mothers and other pride females trying to keep them herded. Drew had built a human child play area with wooden fort and slide. It was peaceful to see children from the cats and human children playing together in harmony. He felt her presence and a glass of red wine was placed I front of him.

Her hand softly laid on his shoulder and then her muzzle was at his neck and she chuffed and made him smile.

"How the fuck, do you do that? Diffuse the situation like you do?" demanded Drew with no real effort in his voice.

"Practice. Knowledge of males and I am how do you say...sexy and hot? It helps to keep the balance with you My lord protector." Tiffany responded.

She would not drink and but pulled up a chair and wrapped herself around him. "Drink your wine. It's that California variety from your old home you love so much. Plus, the first two glasses make you more pliable in negotiation and the third makes you more amorous."

Drew sipped, returned a wave from some of the children and relaxed.

"So, my first and best options as I took my walks was you as commander of our forces. Those include any humans and Homogeny forces. You will need to keep our young lord as a figurehead incase, or I should say when you encounter other Cat Prides." Drew sipped.

"I will not allow earth military to send armed forces with you. Unless you really want them, and you can control them. With the xenophobia still rampant I would not recommend it." Drew paused and sipped more wine. God, he missed drinking and just getting naked with his mates...times past but not forgotten.

"I presume you will be taking Alexander, Thing One and Two and Eddie and his life mate?"

She twisted her body around and asked "Why Eddie and his mate? I assumed you would need him here for the computer security?"

"Well on my walks, I was thinking about the Others and their new scholar. He will need training. Plus, Eddie's mate is a pretty brilliant xeno-biologist. The trip could be quite the experience for her. I can always buy the computer security."

"Hum, you are good for something other than great sex and making strong children." She stated while smiling and chuffing in his ear.

"Alexander is a yes, Thing one and Two opted out. They want to stay close to you for security. They know that when this trip becomes public you will be even more in danger. And they know when you take the next step with the Pride, others on Earth and even the Homogeny will not take well to another political power in their midst."

"Oh, and Bob wants to come, so I have quietly reached out and there is a small flock of Finches that will represent the Homogony."

"Oh god, finches. They always come in at least three, group think." Drew said and he sipped and scrunched his face."

"Oh quit whining, ask your father how to deal with them. He still has quite the randy reputation within their community. They may be more problematic for him than for you." Tiffany chuffed into his neck.

How it so many of you know my mind?" drew questioned.

"Well my lord, those of us that are close to you have become..." Tiffany paused, trying to find the correct word, 'Imprinted with you. Like that first day, when you called me an unbelievably bad name, you tend to broadcast out your emotions when you are hurt or angry. Those of us that are imprinted, pick up much more detail."

Drew started to chuckle and then laugh out loud when he remembered THAT day, he had survived the treatments to find the old Tiffany bent over him wishing him to die. Then because of his lack of training, he broadcast out. He called her a 'fucking bitch' and then wrestled her to the ground, using his new size and strength. Things had changed, he learned to love her.

"You know I love you, in the human type way, don't you?" Drew commented.

She was back with her arms wrapped around him, nuzzling him. "I have loved you from the moment you looked in my eyes after my fall from grace. Me on the deck, shorn, dirty, beaten by my own kin. You did not hate, after all the scars and beatings I gave you, you did not hate. You gave me a chance to live."

Tiffany paused looking for deeper words. "In the romance language of Earth, 'My heart ripped open at that moment, and became yours.' That is why I went to die with you and would do so again." Tiffany started to choke up.

"I will return to you my love, let me go explore a bit and then come back to you."

***

Two of the three rehabilitated Cat Other cruisers were fitted with added bug armament and weapons. The third would be finished in several months and would remain in earth orbit for the Prides use. The smaller of Other's shuttles had been refitted more in line with the Corvette and it too would stay for the Pride.

When the formal diplomatic complaints came through channels 'requesting' the equal sharing of the Bug weapons stored in orbit, Drew just had to remind them who saved Earth and why those weapons were floating in space and not destroying earth. Grumbles from different political factions were heard and duly ignored.

The uproar from certain political factions regarding the new exploration was a different matter. It had been many years since earth had sent ships out to explore and colonize. Everyone wanted their piece of the proverbial pie. The UN had requested a meeting of the full assembly and Drew informed everyone he would NOT come unless representatives of the Homogony were present with voting power. After much debate, concessions were made.

It seemed that the 'pie' was too tempting.

Drew sat contemplating this issue in the rear passenger seats of the corvette. He was coming to realize this was his future, playing diplomat. Not a good fit, but he did not have much choice. The Cats were no longer refugees, begging for help. They were about to become the representatives of a species that controlled 1000 times the space of the Sol system.

And he was Lord Drew Scott, Protector of it all.

End of Chapter 10