Drew's Trouble with Cats and Roaches Pt. 25

***

Drew walked into the large meeting hall. It was part of nexus palace but had now been set aside for the assemblage of the Cat provinces, not royal use. The front table was a huge half circle with three tables set inside the partial circumference.

There had been serious discussions the night before...well before some decent whiskey was passed around. The seating arrangement was discussed. Drew hated all this pompous bullshit. He did not want to take the 'Chair's' center seat at the circle. He wanted to sit at the center table and talk to all the ruling clans equally.

He had to remind them that is why the table is circular. It provides equal distance for all the clan leaders from those that are talking or being questioned.

Lord Drew walked in the main entrance like any of the participants and walked to the center table. He had pulled back his chair when he heard and saw a bit of commotion behind him. As he turned, his face lit up into a huge smile. Thing One and Thing Two strode in as the accomplished warriors they were. They walked right up to stand before him and bowed. This was as formal as they would ever get with him, and it touched him deeply.

They grabbed a chair, on either side of him and waited for him to sit. Drew then noticed that no one was sitting. While he hated the trappings of royalty, he was again deeply touched that they waited on him to sit first.

These same warriors that were getting drunk with him last night and trying to argue specifics on their adventures, were now showing the formal side of honoring him. He took his seat and the whole room followed.

"Good morning to you all," verbally stated Lord Drew to the assembly of Warriors. The response was all mental with the stamping of feet and chuffs of enjoyment. Male and female warriors all providing a positive response to their Lord's attendance to their meeting.

He stated verbally again something he had been telling each of them as they personally met. I have no excuse for not being here and spending more time with you. I have been chastising myself for focusing so much time on the colonies and not on The Pride."

There was a chorus of disagreement and of humor regarding his trials and tribulation with the different species, especially humans.

"That is partially why I am here today. The home world has again been attacked by the Northern Alliance of Earth." stated Lord Drew and the room exploded. After a few minutes, he waived down the noise and mental offerings.

"They deny it of course. This time it was done with stealth and subterfuge. The spacecraft has been dealt with and so has the crew. But it will not end there. The home world has something they want. Desire in humans is hard to eradicate so there will be other actions." Drew paused.

"I wish to meet with your security council and any of you that want to deal with interspace trade issues after this meeting." Drew paused and stood.

The whole assembly stood as one.

"I want to thank you for letting me intrude upon your schedule. I will endeavor to make myself more available to the Clans." Drew paused and looked at each of the clan leaders and then turned to the throng of warriors.

"I am so honored by calling you all family" and Lord Drew bowed to them and walked out with the two sister warriors on his heels.

*

At the security meeting, the naked prey game was introduced. It was already well known. Drew warned them that this time, if they chose to give this man weapons, they would lose warriors.

The Clan leaders chuffed until Lord Drew shared what was in the human's mind. The chuffing stopped.

"The original 'naked prey game' from Earth was done to provide the prey with a chance, slight though it may be, to survive. It allowed warriors to hunt and learn to kill with some version of honor." Drew paused.

"I have no interest in this human surviving. But he is one of the most dangerous humans I have ever crossed paths with. If he is to die, and he is to die, I was hoping that some of the warriors could learn just how dangerous a human could be." Drew looked in the eyes of the male and female warriors and could see curiosity.

"I'll say it again, if you give him weapons, you will lose warriors. But it will save more lives in the future. He is dangerous my warriors, dangerous beyond description. Some of the younger warriors may change their ways if some vanity and bravado is cut away."

"I leave him to you and your decisions. He injured one of my household and nearly took a warrior's life that carries three of my young. His life is forfeit. Feed the water creatures with what is left."

Lord Drew stood and hugged those around him as a fellow warrior. He walked out hoping they listened to his worries.

***

Drew sat in the copilot's seat and covered tactical while Thing One piloted the shuttle. The Royal Cat, formally known as the 'Mouse that Roared' peacefully flew back to the Capital. Thing Two piloted the shuttle he had come in and was at their close six the whole trip back.

"So where did you two come from to make such and entrance? Not that I am complaining mind you, it was just a surprise."

"Well Lord, someone has to guide the males of our species. There are currents below the grand gestures that must be ironed out. As I am sure you noticed, Alexander and the Prince were not in attendance."

"Yes, and that bothers me beyond what I can talk about. Why was he not there?" Drew asked honestly.

"It was his choice. He has a small holding up in the mountain range by Ur. he just never wants to come out anymore. It has a balanced economy, thanks to you and the international trade. Its artistry is well known and well desired, again thanks to you and your connections." Thing One paused...

"There is a human term, 'Fat, Dumb and Happy'. I think that is how he feels. Not that our boy is fat or dumb, but he sure is happy. He does his best and goes to the breeding pits to make sure the line of his father is past forward. His kittens are prized for their strength and intelligence."

Thing One smiled and looked at Drew as the AI flew the 'mouse.' "If I could breed him out like a prize bull, I would be rich for life. He has no ambition to hold a province. His hold is large for a holding and his economy is the best managed of all the provinces. His people are happy and the most diverse in all the clan lands." she paused again checking some instruments, but he knew she was looking for time to explain.

"But he will never be challenged...because of you. That does cause grumblings among some of the older and Rogue clans. No one would ever dare challenge one that you have taken for a son and presumed heir." and she shrugged.

There was a pause and quiet for several moments as the mouse slid through the upper atmosphere.

"So?" she asked in a question like way. Drew was caught off guard. She stated it verbally without a hint to the meaning of the short question.

"Have you finally cast off the she-snake that was trying to sit on your thrown?" she asked in a way that was not her own.

Drew's head snapped to the side looking at her smirk. She knew the way she asked was very unconventional ever for her.

"What don't I know?" he asked completely bewildered by her comment and the shrug of the shoulders that told him she did not care if he did not like the way she asked.

"It's time for you to take time and go to Omega, seek out your mate Target and ask her the same question." she got up as the shuttle landed softly. She kissed the top of his head and mentally showed her love for him.

Both shuttles had landed with precision at the palace landing pad. The twins took the military shuttle and left him standing on the pad befuddled. They had done the briefest goodbyes and he was alone.

He was not a happy Lord.

***

Drew entered the large conference room to greet the Governors and the Lt. governors. "Thank you for this last-minute meeting, but I do not bring good tidings. the Northern Alliance has attacked again, this time in the Cold lands."

Everyone was confused, the cold lands were barren and devoid of species habitation.

"Over time, there will be further discussion on why they attacked the northern outpost on our Home world." Drew paused to gather his thoughts, "But the larger question is how to respond."

He let that question sink in because it was going to be an object lesson on governing a whole nation, not just their colonies.

He ushered them into a conference room, and it was full, to bursting. There was much arranging of seating and then rearranging due to protocol.

He pulled out his pad and reviewed the notes he had made on the shuttle trip while Thing One had admonished him on his life choices.

"I am going to ask you to listen and hold your questions to the end. I am sure that is when the real discussions will begin." Lord Drew paused and looked at the tabletop for effect.

"As current Lord and Sovern my first reaction is to shut off all trade with the Northern Alliance and shut off all access to our space for any Northern Alliance registered shipping." Drew heard gasps when several governors immediately understood what the impact to their economies would be.

He raised his eyes to all in the room and continued.

"Yes, some of you would be drastically hurt while others would only feel the effect over the long term. And therefore, I am bringing this to you as an object lesson. This is the perfect example of what you will face as a combined nation. The government you are creating will have to weigh the pros and cons of these actions and the damage you will cause each other by the action of the whole." Drew paused again and had to hold up his hand as the others thought he was done.

"As the current Sovern I have already ordered that each Northern Alliance ship will be searched as it comes through the portal. This will include private shipping and 'gypsy' transports." Drew paused and looked into their eyes.

"All of these security duties will cause delays and will be carried out by the Cat Clans." And Drew paused and the gasps and mumblings rolled on for a moment.

"I have contacted the Dragons to take over these duties in the long run. While there will be delays and a long string or protests, I am hoping this will not cause the damage to many of the colony economies." Drew paused again for effect.

"But it is only the first step, and I am letting you provide your recommendations to me on what step two shall be."

Drew turned and flicked on a screen showing an apparent merchant ship.

"The ship they smuggled in was a modified destroyer made to look like a private cargo transport. We have already found two others. They have been...dealt with. The Cats did not take well to someone trying to kill me and one of my household." Additional gasps could be heard in the conference room. Most had yet to get a full story about the battle at the caldera.

"So, there will be a lot of political posturing by their politicians. A lot of denial, some real...most will be bullshit." Drew paused again and then started to smile. If you knew him well, you would know this was not his normal happy smile.

"In a weeks' time, the Northern Alliance will be having its bi-annual meeting of government. All three branches will be in attendance." Lord Drew's smile went darker.

"I am going to politely ask them to have it here, in our chambers, so we can discuss our relationship and a way forward."

***

The large room in the castle had been unofficially named the "the ballroom" by Drew. But since he was Lord Drew, he guessed it was official. It was just a huge room, with an inlay floor, high ceilings full length windows on one side and mirrors on the other. Humanity had copied other civilizations or there had been parallel architectural paths through several species.

Right now, it was lined with armed Cats, both female and male warriors that held no sense of humor. Lord Drew looked to his left and right and nodded to his daughter Aya and his cousin DB.

Aya stepped forward and showed a more dramatic side by spreading her arms. She held them low and then raising them. DB was more stoic. He just bowed his head and closed his eyes.

Within seconds the room filled with humans flopping on the ground (Drew assumed the ones that were seated), screams and confusion. There was not a single other species in the confused group.

Some tried to bolt and were met by the Cat warriors. The Cats brandished weapons and growled, quieting some and making others continue to scream. Admittedly, Drew was enjoying the bedlam but finally had enough. He yelled and broadcast one simple word in several languages.

'QUIET!'

The panicked assemblage, many of whom grabbed their ears, not understanding they were hearing it in their minds, started to quiet down and look around.

They finally understood they were not 'in Kansas' anymore. Finally, Lord Drew strode forward and came to knot of humans that were the core of the government. They must have been grouped this way before transport.

"Premier McGregor, how nice of you to take us up on our offer to host your assembly here on the Home world." Lord Drew stated with as much sarcasm as could put out verbally.

"How dare you kidnap our government! This is an act of War sir!" Mc Gregor stated shaken but still ramrod straight and pronouncing the word 'War in a long draw out pattern.

"Well, that is why you are here...sir. When one sends an armed raiding party, and three-armed destroyer class ships disguised as cargo transport vessels into my space and my world. It seems, that you have already declared war on us." Lord Drew stated quietly.

"To expand on that issue, one of those ships fired on me, and the raiding party took a hostage and then tried to kill a member of my house." When Drew finished there was a growing growl that had begun from the warriors, and it continued to grow in amplitude.

Drew sent out requests for patience to the Cats and they dialed back the anger...a little bit.

"This is ridiculous, we did no such thing." McGregor stated squaring his shoulders a bit more.

"Well, that is what we are to discuss." And he turned to all the milling people and broadcast a mental message.

"Please take a seat and we will begin our conversation."

***

"This is all just accusation. There is no proof, so return us or there will be War!" shouted McGregor from the "center seat of the circular tables.

Drew had arranged temporary tables in a semi-circle in a reverse of the Cat meeting room. Northern Alliance sat on circle and Drew and company filled the tables in the Center.

As the case was presented by others, Drew just walked the inner circle and picked and poked into the brains of the legislators. It became abundantly clear who the instigators were.

Eighty percent of the legislators had no idea of why they were on the Cat home world.

Drew passed other names to DB and Aya and they went into their trances. Yelling from the adjacent room was heard, but soon new NA personnel joined the throng. Albeit shackled and gagged

The defense minister and three admirals stood staring at Drew with fire in their eyes.

"Ahhh, our new guests." Drew paused as the new participants were shoved hard into additional seats brought out just for them. They were kept shackled. Drew provided mental direction and a new Cat warrior was behind each.

"So, now that we have all of the major players in the room. Can those that were involved please admit to the incursion into our space and on the Cat home world itself?" Lord Drew paused for effect. He did not expect anyone to jump up and volunteer, but he had hoped that his little show would impress upon the participants the inability to hide secrets.

The silence continued. Then Lord Drew just shrugged.

"OK, Let's do this the hard way," and Drew shrugged again.

He just turned his eyes on the assembly and six legislators, and the Premier shot out of their chairs grabbing their buttocks.

"It was crude and childish, but I remember a children's quote from my youth in the NA," Drew paused smiling thinking on moments of his youth.

"The quote or phrase is 'Lier, Lier, pants on fire," smiled Drew but he sent direction to have these humans pulled from their chairs and set with the other four.

"So now we have Eleven! Eleven spies within spies." Drew commented.

"This is rubbish. You have no proof you alien half breed..." Mc Gregor shouted. But before he could continue, his head was pulled back by the young warrior by a set of claws now embedded in this scalp.

The premier screamed in pain.

The warrior leaned over him with fangs bared and growled directly into his face.

Drew received a mental message from the warrior, 'May I Lord? This one stinks of no honor.'

'Everything has its place and time' Drew sent back, and the warrior retracted his claws and shoved the bleeding head forward. Mc Gregor watched as drips of blood streaked down his face.

"Shall I introduce this young warrior to you? His name is Kinn and his mother was badly wounded getting him out of your prison in the woods. He was just a cub then but has grown into a fine warrior." Drew paused on whether he should continue but Mc Gregor's actions ticked him off.

He grabbed one of napkins off a side table and walked behind McGregor. Warrior Kinn bowed to Lord Drew and side-stepped, allowing space behind the prisoner but keeping the correct claw distance in case he needed to protect his Lord.

Drew unceremoniously cleaned the Premiers head and then parts of his face where the drips had striped his cheeks.

As Drew placed his hands on the shoulders of McGregor, the Premier flinched. Drew just dug his large hands in to the muscles to keep him in place.

"Now for another children's game, 'Show and Tell.' What you will be experiencing is directly from the mind of the Premier. You will feel his emotions, his feelings, and his hidden opinions. I have not done this in a while. The last time I looked this deeply was with the animal you sent to steal and kill. This will be worse for me, because I will share it all with those in the room."

And with that Drew dove into the layered mind or McGregor. He knew where to go and what to look for from his cursory review. He found what he was looking for.

The discovery of the potential of the special citrine brought back by a geology tourist. The death by NA agents of the tourist and his family to keep the secret. The planning of the raider ships. Earlier scouting trips, which were not discovered, to find the best excavations sites.

Drew passed through and broadcast the feelings of McGregor for many legislators still seated in the circle. He found the planning and authorization of the last spy trip including the family hostages of the two female scientists.

He corroborated the meetings with the eleven that sat in front of the remaining legislators. He showed them the ones that were dirty and some that were culpable but remained seated in the circle.

Drew pulled his mind out of the swill that was McGregor's mind. Drew almost went down to one knee but was grabbed by Kinn and Lady Target. Drew did a double check because he thought he had momentarily lost his mind.

Target smiled up at him and then touched his face as she leveraged her smaller hips to keep him upright. She wrapped her arm tighter around his waist and stood to his left as Kinn held him from the right.

Kinn was as shocked as Lord Drew at the arrival of additional royalty. He started to back off when he felt her hand grab him.

Target looked around the confused Lord to Kinn and stated, "He always forgets how much this takes out of him. Make him drink this and stay with him warrior. He is not done with this ugly bit of work." Target stated as she handed the warrior a flask.

Target then looked up into Drew's eyes and reached up to brush his chin, "I'll meet you in our suite later. Take care of business here and make sure they understand." And she was off, making a wave of bodies and whispers in her path.