Still reeling from the shock, the governments of Orion and Eridanus examined their options. Someone suggested tentatively that perhaps it was time to challenge two centuries of mutual suspicion and consider an alliance.

Varied opinions flew around the council room on Rigella.

"Sire! We can look after ourselves, we can't trust those man-haters."

"Only this week, they tried to assassinate Prince Loren!"

"These invaders are targeting both of us. We must unite with the Eridanis to defend ourselves."

Similar opinions were being expressed in the Senate on Achernar.

"Matriarch! Those damn chauvinists would stab us in the back as soon as look at us!"

"I'd trust them for as long as I could hold an eel-fish."

"It seems we have a common foe. We must put aside our differences and forge a treaty with the Orionists immediately!"

The Matriarch raised a hand for silence. "We have lost Mu, and I understand our fleet is struggling to defend Nan, the neighbouring star system," she said. "I believe it is in our best interests to consider an alliance with the Orion Sovereignty."

The Matriarch saw that the majority of the Senate was nodding, albeit reluctantly, and she requested an immediate holo-vid conference with the King on Rigella. Somewhat to her relief, her request was granted instantly and the two families found themselves virtually face to face.

"King Mykel, it appears that we are both under attack by alien forces. I propose that we consider an alliance between our two Constellations. Naturally there will be many details to negotiate before a formal treaty can be readied, but in the interim, I suggest we exchange hostages as a sign of good faith."

King Mykel nodded gravely. "I agree, Matriarch." He turned to look at Argos, but before he could speak, Loren stepped forward.

"I'll go, Sire," he volunteered eagerly. "You will need Argos with you, here at your side." He knew he would be little better than a prisoner on Achernar, but at least it would be a different prison from the palace on Rigella. A new planet, new people - it would be a wonderful opportunity. Maybe he could even practice his singing.

Behind the Matriarch, Xanthe's three sisters exchanged looks. None of them were particularly eager to go to Rigella, the arse-end of the galaxy as far as they were concerned, but one of them had to volunteer. The two middle daughters glanced meaningfully at their youngest sister.

"I'll go," Bethe volunteered hastily, and earned a nod of approval from her mother.

Xanthe kept her expression neutral, hoping she wasn't going to be pushed into marrying Prince Argos as part of the treaty.

"Our people have much to organise," the Matriarch spoke to the King again. "We will be in contact again, as soon as we have the first draft ready for consideration."

The King agreed, and after an exchange of farewells, he signed off, to escort his son and his bodyguard to the teleport chamber. The Queen followed, ready to give Loren a hug goodbye and welcome the Matriarch's daughter, Bethe. While the advisors and councillors on both sides worked frantically to develop the terms of the proposed treaty.

                                                            ~~~

Loren opened his eyes to find himself being greeted by the Matriarch in person. He knew it wasn't necessary to close your eyes during teleportation, but he couldn't help it.

He stepped off the low teleport platform onto the floor. The Matriarch was bigger than she had seemed on the vid-link - more imposing. Grey haired and dignified, she was accompanied by the most magnificent creature he had ever seen. Nearly two metres tall, the younger woman topped him by a good head. She had sky-red hair and golden eyes the same colour as the full body armour she was wearing. Dazzled for a moment, he had to tear his eyes away to make the proper bow and greetings to the Matriarch, with his right fist over his heart.

"My honour, Matriarch."

"Welcome, Prince Loren," the Matriarch smiled, politely. "My daughter, Xanthe, will see you and your bodyguard to your quarters. You may go where you wish in this building, but I request that you don't venture outside. This new state of alliance between our two Constellations is yet to be accepted by some of our people, as I am sure you can understand."

Prince Loren bowed. He had expected as much. In fact, he had been fully prepared to be restricted to his quarters, at least until the treaty was signed.

"I am yours to command, Matriarch," he promised.

With Tayne on his heels, Loren followed Xanthe out of the teleport chamber.

"I don't suppose you would know where I could get my hands on a lute?" asked Loren, struggling unaccountably for something to say to this wonderful being. "Or an oud? That would be even better. I couldn't bring mine with me and I'd like to keep up my practice, if possible."

"A lute, hmm? I'll see what I can do. Are you a good player?"

"I'll play for you, if you like. Then you can judge for yourself," offered Loren, greatly daring.

"All right! You're on," Xanthe smiled at him, a little more warmly than politeness dictated.

Tarne cleared his throat loudly. What was his foolish charge doing now? Making eel-fish eyes at the Matriarch's heir - didn't he know she was as good as promised to his brother? As if any woman would be interested in him, after she had seen Prince Argos! She had to be playing with him. If he didn't step in, Loren was going to make a fool of himself - again.

This Prince was much cuter than his brother, thought Xanthe, as she led the way to the guest quarters. Even better, she could swear that look in his eyes was one of admiration, not dismay - it made a nice change. In her experience, most men found her intimidating. They weren't used to a woman who was taller than they were, and, in most cases, a better fighter. And they didn't like it.

                                                           ~~~

General Shu'Tok was pleased with his campaign so far. The first two planets had been scarcely any trouble at all, and his forces were already making inroads into the defences of the next two. Like taking eggs from a nest.

He was still smiling, when the report from the second star system in Eridanus came in. And then he frowned.