Homeward Bound Part 2

Posted on Thu Sep 10th, 2015 @ 10:59am by Samanthia Akiashiro & Colonel S'er'in'e

Mission: By Dawn's Early Light
Location: Cait

Having given Samanthia a list of travel times that most suited her work and study needs he made all the arrangements. It was hardly any effort to secure passage on a civilian liner that would take four days to reach Cait.

Cait

The shuttle was on final approach to the spaceport in the region of his youth and the start of where his training began. Over the communications system he heard the pilot tell them it would be at least 10 minutes before they landed.

"If you would excuse me. I need to change." It had been a very long time since he wore this particular set of clothing but he did ensure that alterations were made regularly to ensure a good fit. When he rmerged he wore his best Caitian military dress uniform. Gold and green in colour with gold lanyards on both shoulders, rank insignia pads held them neatly in place. Medals, pins and ribbons lined the left side of his chest with another medal on a ribbon around his neck coming into view from under his tunic collar. Old and fond memories thus uniform held and he was proud of each of them. Unseen before was the addition of a golden brow piece, like his ear sheaths this new piece sat on top his nose passing between his eyes and ending at the brow. He left hand clutched the scabbard of his blade, something all males of his Caste wore when they graduated.

"I apologize if this seems overbearing but its tradition for one such as myself." Indicating his ear shealths. "To arrive in uniform to greet those to meet us."

During the trip, Samanthia had read up on Caitian Traditions that S'er'in'e allowed her to read. Even appearances had an effect on the honor of both parties concerned. While S'er'ine went to change, she took advantage to change herself into a respectful feminine knee length pleated skirt with a nice blouse with a sleek business jacket that was both elegant and showed she was a successful business woman. She did her hair up in a tight bun at the nape of her neck, letting some of her hair to hang free in the front. A light floral perfume that would be pleasant to those that have a more sensitive scent of smelling. Colors were of soft yellows.

She was waiting for him and looked up at him from where she sat. "Mmmmmm..." Giving him a nod of approval. He looked impressive. "It's impressive. Sometime in the future, you going have to explain all them medals and ribbons are for." Ignoring his apology as she let her eyes sweep over his towering frame. She stood up, a bit taller due to the high heels she wore. Yet he still towered over her.

"As you wish." A saying he'd often used, nobody was really sure where it came from but maybe it came from his upbringing and the females as the dominant gendre and he the obediant servant. "However I fail to compare to your appearence in all your grace." A parge compliment indeed from a Caitian.

"When we land you must exit first and I will follow." Through the viewport on the side of the shuttle he could see officials in uniform gathered to meet him. He wondered what a fighter craft was doing there, unusual for that to be there

"Remember that females offer the touch, unless you ask me or indicate for it I am not permitted to touch you. Same goes for any male you are about to meet. I will introduce you so expect alot of bowing like I do when we meet." He was a little nervous but when the landing struts touched the ground and the doors opened the scents of the Homeworld chased all those away.

The crew indicated they were cleared to leave and they stepped out. A party of five were there to meet him including two neat lines of trainees. "Minister M'lreor, Planetary Relations in golden fur and aid. Overseer Mar'ess, Training proctor of my Caste in uniform with her personal guard and Consul Mar'e'e, Advisor General to the Special Caitian Defence Force in black fur. The rest are recruits like I was."

She had followed S'er'in'e instructions. She gave a polite, yet proper curtsy to Minister M'lreor, then Overseer Mar'ess, then to Consul Mar'e'e, a proper Star Fleet salute while ignoring the Aides and Trainees. After the ritual physical greetings, Samanthia spoke, "It is an honor to be privileged to visit your beautiful home-world of Cait." Giving each a soft a smile. "Captain S'er'in'e was gracious enough to bestow such an honor upon me. I'm Samanthia Akiashiro, formally of the Iiawah Family, Sol-3." Using the official designator of Earth, home to the Federation and Star Fleet Head Quarters.

Each female greeted Samanthia, they were pleasant, welcoming and warm. They were only lightly surprised that S'er'in'e brought with him a guest but aside from that she was welcomed just the same. They each introduced themselves and S'er'in'e remained silent and still just as he was trained to do all those many years ago. Consul Mar'e'e pulled S'er'in'e aside to let the others talk.

"I am surprised that you have not returned before now." She spoke more over her shoulder as S'er'in'e respectfully followed.

"My duties in Starfleet occupied much of my time Honoured One." S'er'in'e replied. "I came as soon as time presented itself to return."

"Your departure from the Homeworld caused quiet a stir, few leave to seek off-worldly adventures after accomplishing themselves as you have." Mar'e'e replied as she had been directing them to the waiting fighter. "This, is yours." He came to a stop in front of the fighter. "You are aware that all that reach your status are granted a hand built fighter from out main facility in the capital. You left before we could offer it to you, so I do so now." She indicated that he could have a closer look.

Back with the main group however it seemed that Samanthia's arrival with S'er'in'e perked the interest in other ways. Minister M'lreor was the first to speak. "I have heard of the Akiashiro Consortium, do they seek to open trade with us through our warrior?"

"Should not be so rude to our guest M'lreor." Mar'ess spoke. "I apologize for my colleague. We are glad to have our warrior return to us, to bring you with him, such an honour for you." Despite her appearance there was a keen and visible smile. "I see how you look at him, are you mated to him?"

"Now who is being rude." M'lreor. It seemed the three of them had worked closely for some time to develop such a friendship between them. Turning her head she peeked to see where S'er'in'e was, dismissing the trainees and aids she turned to Samanatha again. "He looks different, Starfleet has clearly taken care of him."

Samanthia waited till the three finished, smiling at their comments and allowing her to speak, "I don't know at this time. The Consortium is more interested in expanding into the Galactic South as they are based on SB-332." She looked thoughtful for a brief second and spoke. "I have fond feeling for him. He is the second Caitian living on the Starbase." Then turning to the third one. "Star Fleet provides the best to those that serve in protecting those that need protecting." She looked over at S'er'in'e looking over the sleek Caitian Fighter with Mar'e'e. She smiled at his interest in the fighter. She murmured softly, "Once a warrior, always a warrior ... and their interest in their toys."

Samanthia returned her attention to the three again, "Since I'm a guest of S'er'in'e, will I be staying with him?" Tilting her head to show she was curious.

"That is your choice, you may if you should choose to do so or you can stay alone. We have single and double room homes available for guests and lodgings for him if you wish to stay alone. Which would you like?" As the female of the party Samanthia had more sway then perhaps she realised, she may come to in time but that would be later, they for the time being were here in the now.

Samanthia floundered a bit, looking a bit helpless over at S'er'in'e engrossed with the sleek fighter. "I'd figured I'd stay with him. What ever he choses." Looking back at the three Matronly Felines. "If I have transgressed upon some cultural taboo for being a single female traveling with a male Caitian. I would chose the hostel with two rooms right in middle of your society. Or stay at his Parent's house, so there would be some chaperone to prevent him losing Honor amongst his people." She fidgeted a bit as she stood there under their gaze, while maintaining somewhat of an eye contact with the three of them.

"We have lodgings for the two of you, I know of one place next to the river that runs through the city it's really quiet nice." Mar'e'e spoke.

S'er'in'e returned having inspected the fighter to see the females talking, he was pleased they were engaging her in conversation but somewhat worried about what. He stood just off to the side in view but out of direct way. "Honoured Ones." Referring to all Four of them.

"I trust you find your fighter acceptable?"

"The Master Artisans reputation is clearly demonstrated in the craft Honoured One." S'er'in'e answered with a bow of the head.

"You should take Samanthia to the Markets in the city, a transport craft awaits just past the gates. Show her our province and our ways."

"As you wish." S'er'in'e common response appearing again.

"Once you are settled in we will invite you to the Hall for a meal." Minister M'lreor said. "Again, welcome to our world." The three then turned seeing aids with information and documentation that needed attention.

S'er'in'e turned to Samanthia. "I hope they were not overbearing to you?"

Samanthia gave the three Caitain Matrons a quick curtsy "Thank you, Elders. We look forward to it." She turned her attention to S'er'in'e. "I found them quite interesting. They let us have a place in the city. I'm sure you know of the place." Motioning him to lead the way, as she picked up her transporter buffer carry-all where the ship's crew had placed it.

It took only 14 minutes from the port to reach the lodgings given to them, Samanthia was right he did know them because he stayed there before between training. There were many that stopped and stared but mostly at S'er'in'e, while it was common enough to see military types like him around, military types with an offworlder is another matter. The transport came to a stop and S'er'in'e leapt out first opening and holding the door for her.

The keeper of the house came out, smiled and then with the home ready to receive them. Immatulately clean, spacious and well decorated with plenty of fresh food, flowers and pillows. "If you wish once you have settled in I will take you to the Market, perhaps some traditional clothes or fabrics, a bite to eat should you wish?"

Samanthia smiled at the hospitality being offered. "Would like a bite to eat, then I'd like to try on some of the traditional outfits. Unless you have errands to run in the Market and don't mind me tagging along with you." Admiring the tapestries and décor of the tasteful knick knacks placed about the room. She ran a finger over the fabric of several pillows. "I could use a few these back home." referring to the pillows. She set the transporter buffer carry-all in her assigned room as she talked with the housekeeper.

The Housekeeper turned to see S'er'in'e walk into the Kitchen still dressed in his uniform. "You are indeed blessed, one such as him as a Mate. Is something to be honoured and proud of." It was obvious the Housekeeper didnt know. They talked some more then saw S'er'in'e walk to the table three times and eac time with two plates of food.

"Something to eat Honoured One?" He offered to Samanthia.

"So polite too." The Housekeeper spoke. "I will leave you to your meal, your Mate can take you to the Market."

Samanthia blushed as she giggles lightly at the misconception of the housekeeper. "No.. No.. I'm.. We're still single.. not mates." She remembered the intense moments of passion they shared in the privacy of her apartment on SB-332. She squirmed abit. "You could say we're very good friends. Thank you for opening up your home to us." Thinking that this was the Caretakers home. "We'll be respectful of the place." She took the Caretaker's hand paw gently in her hands and giving a heartfelt squeeze.

With a smile the housekeeper walked away leaving Samanthia to S'er'in'e. S'er'in'e waited patiently for her. "Is everything alright?" He asked her. "I apologize if you are asked about us repeatedly. In my Caste males are highly desirable because of the training we undertake, competition to prove ourselves is fierce and trainees are known to be harmed or worse during the course of training. As you have indicated to the other Honoured Ones of our situation I would if you wish, ask something?"

He took a breath, one of those worrying yet serious moments."Now they know I am available I would ask your help in.....disswaying the advances of others." It was just as he mentioed before, females would want a male from thus caste over others. Males sought a female out of the Caste.

Samanthia came to a complete stop, looking at him. Eyes widen, "You should've told me sooner of your intentions to hide the fact that you're single! Besides I carry no marks that would give away the misconception us being mated." Regaining her composure and moves to sit at the table across from him. "Besides I already told the three Matrons that we're very good friends." She adjusted her chair at the table before he could move to assist her. "We'll deal with it when it arrives. Besides you can say you've been hired by Akiashiro Consortium in the Galactic South, and that you're my bodyguard while I'm on vacation. And that part of your contract is that you can't be mated, due to the high risks involved in your job."

Not the reaction he was expecting to say the least. "As you wish." He returned to serve the food in complete silence. Samanthia didn't know because he didn't tell her, more so because he couldn't. He knew Samanthia had feelings for him and he for her, but on his Homeworld as she had already mentioned, no marks means fair game and he had little doubt that someone was planning a move. He had to think of something before they went to see the Elder, she ruled the Caste, her word was law.

Samanthia ate in silence, savoring the food as she thought. She looked out the window into the garden. Letting the silence build between them. Unsure what to say and definitely she would like to see him return to Star Base 332 with her. With the strict guidance of his culture, he was like a child, unsure of what to expect in the chaos of dealing with other cultures that she was familiar with.

She turned and watched him silently as she laid her eating utensils within the empty bowl. She placed her elbow on the table next to the bowl and placed her chin on the heel of her palm with her fingers disappearing up into her hair which had come loose from the bun she had it in. "So you're afraid to be chosen and stuck here on Cait with a female that may want you for status, not love.. and what you can bring them?"

"I am." S'er'in'e answered. "Our ways are not always viewed as morally correct but what we do, we do for the Caste." He paused, stopped eating. "You are aware that I harbour feelings for you, I want...to return to 332 with you, I want to show you my Homeworld but I did not expect it would be like this. My being a focus of attention that might hurt you." It was the last thing he wanted....to see her hurt.

"I just......didn't think it would be like this. I apologize."

"So I could lay claim to you by placing my mark upon you. Or some clothing that would designate you're my Chosen." Samanthia stared at him and would make a cat proud as she stared at him unblinking. "But that would have to be done publicly with an Elder to witness it." She was speaking thoughtful. "As I was speaking with the House Caretaker, She? Him? slipped me a message that invited us to see the Cait Elder?..." She reached down below the table with her free hand and laid the Royal Summons for the both them to see the Matron of Caitians onto the table between them. She motioned him to go ahead and take a look at it.

Fast paced indeed. Already less than an hour and three important figures and a summons from the Elder. He read it, all very official with titles and all being used. Her look however filled him with warmth, pride and a degree of resolve.

She watched him as she picked up her drink and took a long sip. She looked very calm as she sat there with the sunlight streaming upon her through the open window. She was moving deliberate slowness that gave her an ethereal grace.

"Do you have a hair ribbon?" An idea came to him and so too did the end of his tail to one side of him. Technically he'd not told her, hint at yes but said nothing more at what could be done.

"We'll accept, send the reply at once that we'll see her when the sun sets upon her palace. we'll use your new craft and hopefully it is a two-seater." She stood up, leaving the glass next to the bowl. She could make split decision quickly when the time came. "Leave word to the Caretaker we'll be back." She left the room to got her room, letting him stew to what she had planned.

"As you wish." He quickly made the arrangements though he did ponder on what she said before leaving. It was not long before they heard his craft land at a nearby pad. "Would you like some new attire before meeting the Elder?" He called, not knowing what room Samanthia had dissapeared into.

Samanthia yell came back muffled, "I got it!" Then after a few minutes she came out wearing the Caitain Dress that let everyone see her status as single by the smooth unmarked tanned skin that the dress design exposed. She had several ribbons that was attached at the waist where the portion of the outfit wrapped around her waist. It was in her favorite color of a bright fuchsia pink, yet went perfect with the all feminine dark forest green of the outfit. "Ready to go?" She moved to stand next to him. "When we land, you'll escort me the way a gentleman would, Earth Style." She looked up at him, standing a respectful distance from him.

S'er'in'e was surprised when she walked out dressed as she was, she looked beautiful, a double take her reward followed by a smile. It hugged her form well, from the neck to bust then exposing the lower torso to wrap around the waist. It made him feel honoured and happy seeing her dressed such, it suited her very well. S'er'in'e simply nodded and lead her out the door, invite tucked into tunic and towards the fighter.

Elder's Residence.

The flight was remarkibly smooth considering the size of the craft, handed very well to controls when directed. The flight path he was given was very precise but it offered a good view especially when the party came into view.

"The Elder in black." She stood out easily as her fur was white but she was surrounded by 8 females, all clad in blue. "Her personal guard in blue. Do not approach her unless instructed, keep your movements slow and voice soft." He saw others around her, others he didnt want to meet. Behind the party were four females all in gold with faces masked with vails. He knew what they were......very fast indeed.

Landing his craft he stepped out and waited, he didnt offer to help her not because he didnt want to, but because touch had to be offered by Samanthia and not by him, also because the Elder was waiting, watching him.

She stepped out off the fighter and took S'er'in'e's arm, by placing her hand at the crook of his arm way lady would. Then she moved forward with S'er'in'e at her side. She approached White Female Caitian Elder Matron with all the grace she could muster from her years of surfing, dance lessons and in a stately manner. When she came to stop before the Matron Elder in Black, the sun was hitting the horizon, silluetting them both as it shone upon the rest of the group, hopefully rendering them blind, except for those in their shadow; The Matron Elder in Black and the one directly in front of S'er'in'e. She kept her hand on S'er'in'e's arm to prevent him from falling back as his custom would force him to. She curtsied deeply as a peasant would to a Ruling Queen. Except once curtsy was performed, she straighten back up, while maintaining eye to eye contact. Samanthia stood there with good posture letting Matron Elder speak first.

S'er'in'e surrendered his blade to an aid, only the guard may be armed. He bowed deply when Samanthia made her gesture of greeting he righted himself but didnt make eye contact with the Elder.

"Honoured Elder, may I present Samanthia Akiashiro." Short and to the point, Elder was not interested in titles of others, in this realm her rule was absolute.

"Honoured One. May I introduce my Caste Elder." She was just 'Elder' upon assuming the post she surrendered all other names and titles.

The Elder looked at Samanthia, who was this Human to hold our warrior so? "Welcome to our world." The aged Elder spoke the looked at S'er'in'e "It has been long overdue your return to us."

"Starfleet has occupied much of my time with duties and honours Elder." S'er'in'e answred.

It came as no surprise that the Elder was somewhat cold with the pair of them. S'er'in'e had left the Homeworld and now returned with this....Human. her gaze fell to the hold Samanthia had on S'er'in'e. "Why are you here?" The Elder asked Samanthia. "I see no mark yet you dress like us, you hold him like property."

"I hold him to show my claim on S'er'in'e. My hide is more delicate than the feline species and can't take the marks of intimacies. As humans show their claim by the willingness shown through physical contact. And items given to show that claim." Samanthia spoke softly, yet with quiet authority. "If he didn't want me to hold him, he would never invited me to Cait with him. I came to share what is important to him and learn more about him"

She released S'er'in'e, and leaving one of the ribbons tied to where she had placed her hand as she stepped forward a step into the personal space of the Matron Elder. "As this visit was unexpected and spur of the moment. I came without gifts to honor such a momentous encounter. If and when you or your successor comes to Star Base 332, present this ribbon to the Akiashiro Consortium for a place of luxury and security." As she spoke took the remaining fuchsia pink ribbon from her waist and held it out to the Matron Elder. Letting her guards, The other Elders and aids to see the simple silk fuchsia ribbon hanging from her open hand.

One of the guards took the ribbon, the others kept a close eye on Samanthia. The Elder looked Samanthia over from head to toe very closely. "Tell me, what makes you worthy to claim him over these four females, what worth and value do you bring by claiming him?"

It proved what Samanthia had said before about a Mate not for love but for the Castes needs. It was not the ideal situation, but it was how the Caste had run for centuries and it worked producing some of the strongest and fiercest warriors on the planet, even the females were the Pri'arch's personal guards.

The Elder posed a question, this time to S'er'in'e. "Have you held her in the way taught?"

S'er'in'e shook his head. "No Elder." It was something he couldn't do given what it involved. and Caste

"Knowledge to allow him to be a better Intelligent Sentient Being and to expand his horizon than being on Cait that will stifle and confine him like a prisoner on a pedestal to be brought forth when needed. Like the rest of the Caitian Males stuck planet bound." Samanthia was relying on the wisdom gleaned from the information provided by S'er'in'e, showing she had more than just looks and being a human female.

She purposely turned her bare back to the Elder and the four females, to look at S'er'in'e to show she had no fear of them, and trust that she was safe in their protection as an equal. She looked at S'er'in'e standing there alone before them. Seeing him, not what he wanted the others to see. The softness in his gaze when he looked at her standing tall and proud and the occasional tail sweep to the side that where she had stood beside him, treating him as an equal.

Samanthia had to show no fear, physically or by scent to these predators, even the Elder could tear her to pieces if she so desired. She gave a shy smile to the big tom that was S'er'in'e that he could only see. "As for Cait and Caste, I bring nothing." She then spun and faced the Elder again. "What you see is what you get for the time I spend on Cait to enjoy and learn your culture and traditions without interference of others trying to claim S'er'in'e." She held her arms out to her side with her hands open while spoke. Then let them drop to her side when finished speaking.

S'er'in'e remained silent, this was not how he hoped, wanted or expecting events to turn out. Had he known he would have stayed on 332. She was brave he would admit but this was not how he wanted to show off his Homeworld, having her face down the Elder of his Caste. He was being fought over like a piece of breeding material, while Samanthia wanted him for him, the Elder wanted him for the Caste. If anything the fur would do one thing, it would hide the hurt, the pain and agony he was feeling at the situation. He feared this would put Samanthia off of him, he worried this would ruin everything he wanted just because the Elder commanded something else.

The Elder un-amused by Samanthias words merely glared before turning her back on the pair, she muttered something to the guards and then walked away. The four pre-selected females also followed though S'er'in'e knew they too were upset at the position like his, they found themselves in. "The Elder dismisses you."

S'er'in'e bowed, handed back his blade which he began to fix to his belt.

Samanthia stood there, watching them leave. Unsure whether she had won or lost. She spun on the balls of her feet and moved to S'er'in'e. "Then we'll return to where we are welcome. The house we're allowed to have. If not, we'll think of something." She gave him a warm smile and patted his arm as she made her way to his craft.

S'er'in'e nodded and followed, he knew the Elder could be cold, she had to be because of the Caste but he brought an offworld guest and she shunned Samanthia. He looked at the ribbon she had put on his arm, temporary relief at best but some none the less. He made his way back to his fighter where Samanthia he saw was already getting in, he did the same in silence, his mood grey and gloomy. They could return to the house, it was provided for them to stay and the Elder didn't want to lose the interest from S'er'in'e for seeing the Homeworld again, in the hopes he stays.

Samantia could see he was troubled and kept quiet, letting him have his space. As she relaxed back in her seat for the return trip. She enjoyed the view of what she could see and the land below them darkened with clusters of lights that signified a home, village or town. She spoke softly. "What are you afraid of, S'er'in'e? Losing your freedom?" She looked at him "Being emasculated by the females?"

"You forget that males serve, we are emasculated by traditional and cultural standard. Regardless of my training or status once the customary greetings are done it all reverts to normal. I confess your appearance in your current attire turned quiet a few heads, including my own." Not feeling the need to go home straight away he thought perhaps she would like a high up view of the province, maybe see things she wanted to see up close during the fly by that they would walk or ride to another time.

Samanthia nodded slowly. then looked out the viewport to see what was offered. She had done it to show she was willing to try new things and show at least some respect to the Caitian Culture and Traditions. Even humans had a hard time accepting something new and dating outside their species. She knew to well from her history and social studies. She couldn't help but smile remembering her Great Debate with her roomie back on Archa IV. Everyone wanted to keep their societies pure from unwanted intrusion of others cultures and beliefs as it would clash with their own.

She turned and watched S'er'in'e silently as he flew the craft. Would he impose his culture upon her when mated or would he accepts hers? She liked him a lot and great in bed. She knew she had competition for S'er'in'e while they was on Cait. "You're not too shabby yourself when it comes to head turning." She spoke softly as she reached out and gave him a behind the ear scratch. She knew he loved it by the way his ears would flatten out to the side to give better access. "Lets get home. I'm a bit chilled."

"As you wish." S'er'in'e replied turning the craft towards home. The ride was short and the home was waiting for them with lights on, fire burning and smoke pleasantly wafting from the chimney. Landing his fighter the canopy opened, he got out and stood by it waiting for Samanthia. "I am not used to 'turning heads' in the same light you perhaps do." He spoke. "However, you certainly turned mine."

Samanthia smiled as followed S'er'in'e from the fighter. She spun on the balls of her feet, causing the lower sections of the Caitian dress to flare out gracefully to expose her legs up to the belt and dress matching colored panties. "What you see is what everyone gets. I'm just me." She smiled at him. "Me." She scampered up ahead of him to the house they'd be sharing. "Lets get inside before I steal your fur coat."