MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

"Woogie, woogie, woogie!" Shade giggled lightly at baby Eclipse. She was only three months old, Eclipse was, and progressing nicely. Chilla and Psychro sat nearby in their respective chairs. The trio, quartet if you counted Eclipse, were sitting in the rec. room of the Excelsior: temporary flagship of the Lunatak empire.

"What, exactly, is a 'woogie?'" Psychro asked.

"Oh hush you. It's one of those noises you make to children," Shade sighed.

"I think my children would kill me if I said that to them," Psychro remarked.

"Your children are already trying to kill you. I think saying 'woogie' to them would make them die of laughter," Chilla hissed.

The door opened and Luna, on Amok, entered. "You wanted to see me, Shade?" Luna asked.

"Yes. Here, hold this," Shade said, passing Eclipse over to Chilla.

The two women and one guardian walked over to a secluded corner. "I want you to release my father, for the wedding at least. There are certain rituals that we've decided to use that require him there. Besides, every daughter should have her father at her wedding," Shade explained.

"Yes, but not every daughter has a traitor for a father. He accepted the assignment of trying to kill me. He sided with my arch enemy, Aristarchus, a man who would have ruled my people with an iron fist," Luna snarled.

"If you ever got married, wouldn't you want your father there?" Shade asked.

"My father is dead, and good riddance," Luna replied.

"I've served under Tycho for years, and have never made demands. Please? Just this once?" Shade asked, batting her eyelashes.

"That tone of voice might work on Knave but it's not going to work on me," Luna sneered.

"I can make your life miserable, asking you every minute of every day," Shade began.

"And I can get Amok to thrash you, but I won't. I'm in a good mood right now so I will grant your request. This time," Luna said, turning to leave. "But there will be conditions, which I will set later."

* * *

Knave glared at Mystan's back as the Psi poked through a rack of ties. "Here. A nice blue one. Matches your fur and is somewhat less traditional than a formal wedding outfit," Mystan said, putting the tie around Knave's neck. He then proceeded to tie it for him, muttering something about Knave not being properly raised. The hybrid turned and looked in a mirror. "Makes me look like a bloody penguin," Knave snapped.

"It'll do. The thought of taking you to another store does not appeal to me," Mystan said, waiting while Knave went to a change room to change into his regular clothes.

"While you ring those up, I'm going across the street to that shop for a drink. I deserve a Pepsi after what you just put me through," Knave said, walking away.

* * *

The Dark Moon was famous for having very little in the way of lighting. Some stores put out candles and the like for those not equipped for seeing in the dark. Knave didn't care though. Being part cat granted him limited night vision. Of course, night vision didn't help him much when a small sphere rolled at his feet. It burst open and created an intense light, enough to blind everyone nearby for a minute or two. When their vision had cleared, they found Knave flat on his face and a lead pipe nearby.

* * *

Luna stepped onto the bridge and was immediately bombarded with organ music being played rather loudly. The queen of the Lunataks had Amok stomp over to the source of the music and the person who had selected it. "What do you think you're doing Chillaura?" Luna snapped.

"Like, sorry, but I was told to find some wedding music for Knave and Shade. I know that this music is so uncool, but it's what they want," the Psi-Ice cross said.

"Well turn it off. You should be doing your job. Look at your panel. It even says that there's an incoming message," Luna said.

Chillaura rolled her eyes and snapped her gum. "Yello? What? Sure thing, hold on. It's for Shade," she said.

* * *

Shade found Mystan standing outside when she arrived at the house where Knave was being kept. "How is he?" Shade asked.

"Surly and sarcastic. I'd say he's fine. The doctor wants him off his feet for a few days though, just in case. And you might as well not tell me that you and Knave are both often off your feet, Knave's used it already," Mystan said.

"Figures. He steals the best jokes," Shade sighed and moved past Mystan. She moved faster, as did Mystan, when she heard Knave cry out in pain.

* * *

Knave lay on the floor, clutching his abdomen, with the doctor kneeling over him. "What happened?" Shade asked, helping her soon to be husband back onto the bed.

"I can talk. I'll explain as best I can. I was just sitting in bed when the lights went out, and I mean every last scrap of light. Except for these two small glowing red rings. They hovered near me and seemed to say 'She's mine.' Then I felt something club me across my gut," Knave said through gritted teeth.

"Did you say 'glowing rings' darling?" Shade asked.

"Yeah, why?" Knave asked in turn.

"Then I think I know what happened. It was years ago now. Shortly before I joined up with Tycho. His name was Raven, a Dark Lunatak who had caught my fancy. We dated for half a year and then split. But, what makes me think it was him is that his pupils were black. When he used his infravision his eyes glowed red. Since the pupil is black, you don't see that part, unless you're very close to him. He also can create darkness, much like Eclipse, if he so desires it," Shade explained.

"Don't care who he is, he's dead, just as soon as I get out of here," Knave spat.

* * *

Luna reclined on her bed. In the room with her were Tycho, Boron and Amok. "I'm sick and tired of this wedding already. I just became queen of the Lunar empire and all people can talk about is Knave and Shade. What about me?" Luna grumbled.

"Tell me about it. I went down to the kitchens for something to eat and found Tug Mug sampling food, trying to decide what to serve at the wedding. I didn't want to chance anything that his grubby finger had just been in," Tycho replied.

"There's a solution to this. A way to get the attention back where it rightfully belongs," Boron suggested.

"Oh? And what's that?" Luna asked.

"You could get married," Boron replied.

"What? Are you out of your mind?" Luna asked.

Tycho held up a hand to cease Luna's outburst. "He's right, you know. The empire's been through a lot lately. There've been civil wars galore. What the people need right now is some stability. If you were to get married, maybe unite one of the factions to your cause, it would go a long way to easing things. If you were to produce an heir, it would be even better," he said, as calmly and rationally as he could.

"A child?" Luna asked. "There's no way in hell that you're sticking me with some kid. This body of mine wouldn't even be able to carry it."

"First of all, Luna, the child would doubtless be raised by a nurse until such time as his or her training was ready to begin. Second, you wouldn't have to bear the child. They're doing amazing things with medicine these days. A genetic sample from both parents could be taken and the child borne by another," Tycho explained.

"An heir is necessary too," Boron chimed in, "if anything were to happen to you, husband or no, then we would be left without a ruler. There were three capable people able to run the empire. One's dead, Tycho has no power and there's you."

"I don't believe it. You're both out to marry me off! All right then, who do you see me marrying?" Luna sighed.

"Well. The logical choice would be a member from one of the two major factions. The empire was split in two before you showed up. Linking with one might keep the other in line," Tycho suggested. "I believe that the highest ranking member of Aristarchus' group, who isn't already taken, is his son. Kaprenius."

"And from the other faction, you have Tycho," Boron added.

"What? Me?" Tycho gasped.

"Yes. You lead the second faction. You are currently available. You would be the logical selection," Boron said.

"Maybe that isn't necessarily the best way to go. Maybe marrying one of the rulers of the Moons would be wiser. Show less partiality to one side or the other," Tycho said, typing rapidly on a keyboard nearby. He cried out.

"What is it?" Luna and Boron asked.

"There's only one Moon ruler available, but you aren't going to like it. Seems that the Gravitons never got around to replacing Tug Mug," Tycho said. Luna fainted.

* * *

Knave stretched his muscles. He didn't really care what the doctor said. He hated hospitals and wanted to get out of there as soon as he could. What did it matter if he was still a little sore? The lights went out again, but Knave was ready. A stream of ice spread from his lips, missing its target. "Are you sure that's wise?" Raven asked. "If you kill me, you might never find out what happened to your daughter." There was a dry chuckle, and then the lights flicked back on. A lamp had been caught by the ice and a picture had fallen off the bureau. It was one that Shade had left. A family portrait.

* * *

Tycho rifled through Luna's desk drawers trying to find something that resembled a medical kit. It made sense that she'd keep something like that near her bed, just in case. He tossed a perfume-laden letter aside and produced the small box. Strangely, the perfume woke Luna up. She snatched the letter and slid it back into the drawer. "What was that?" Tycho asked.

"It's nothing. Why are you leafing through my stuff?" She demanded in turn.

"I was trying to revive you. It smelled like a love letter," Tycho snickered.

"Fine. If you must know, it is. It's from some Lilaeus guy who thinks he's in love with me. He's a few sandwiches short of a picnic if you ask me," Luna retorted. Tycho reached back into the drawer and retrieved the letter. He began reading out loud.

"Dear Luna,

It has been a day since I last gazed upon thine beauteous visage. Your hair, the colour of the finest plums, does sparkle in the morning breeze. The sweet melodic sound of your voice makes mine heart swoon with pleasure. How I yearn to hold thee in my arms and know the truest happiness that two people can share.

Yours eternally,

Lilaeus"

Boron attempted to hide a gagging gesture in the corner while Tycho's eyes widened. He tapped the letter gently against the palm of his hand. "You know. This could just be what you need. A commoner, more or less. Someone who isn't knee deep in politics. It would show that you care about the people," Tycho suggested.

"But I don't," Luna snapped.

"You should. They're the ones who dictate how long you stay in control. Regardless. I think you should get married, and it seems you've got a choice to make here," Tycho said, leading Boron out of the room.

* * *

Kaprenius stretched one long leg out and plopped it on his desk. This was the life. A crew of just under a hundred made his Ice Wing run perfectly. The ship was a warship, without a doubt, and the most powerful man in the empire owned it. "So. Luna wants to speak with me. Not a surprise really. Amazed that it took her this long to realize that turning the empire over to me is a good idea," he mused aloud to his second in command, a snivelling Ice Lunatak named Freezor.

"True enough sir. We should be there within the hour," Freezor replied.

"What does it matter? Whether I become Lunar King in one hour or two. I will still be Lunar King!" he said sipping from a thin glass of wine. "But. You may inform Luna that we will be arriving shortly, if it so pleases you." Freezor bowed and left.

* * *

Tug Mug glanced up sharply from tasting the blue cheese fondue, with chives, as Psychro entered. "Yo. Tug Mug. Her royal annoyingness wants to see you in an hour. Be prompt," the hybrid said.

"Tell Loona I'll be there een a meenute. Thees fondue ees too salty. Remove some salt!" Tug Mug barked, as Psychro quietly left the room.

* * *

Boron was set to the task of rearranging the chairs in the small lounge. Using his telekinesis he turned four couches so that they faced a makeshift podium. Tycho already sat on one of these, the one furthest from the door. When he had finished, Boron placed himself in a defensive position behind Tycho's chair. Just in time, too, as the door opened to admit a slight Royal Lunatak. "Is this where she asked me to come?" the man asked, a faint melodic lilt to his voice.

"Luna? Yeah. Take a seat," Tycho said.

The man sat and produced a small pen and notebook. He began scribbling and mumbling out loud. "Your love is sweeter than cheese. No, no, no. Cheese isn't sweet. Hmm, how about chocolate. Ah ha! Ice cream. That works perfectly. The woman of my dreams is sweeter than ice cream!"

"I presume that's Lilaeus?" Tycho whispered, leaning over to Boron.

* * *

Kaprenius, flanked by Freezor, strode proudly into the lounge. He was, admittedly, stunned to find that others were present as well, but he assumed them to merely be witnesses to his coronation. He settled himself in the couch closest to the door and picked a piece of lint off of his collar.

The four eligible bachelors didn't have long to wait before Luna, on Amok, entered the room. "Oh good. You're all here. I was hoping to be able to eliminate one of you early. It has been suggested to me that I get married. One of you four simpletons are going to be Mr. Luna Lunar," she sneered.

Astonishment spread through the room like wildfire. Kaprenius sat gape jawed, his fists clenched that his road to power lay through this ugly woman. Lilaeus could scarcely believe his good fortune. Soon, he might wed and sleep with this 'sweeter than ice cream' woman! Tug Mug's eyes bulged as he began thinking of all the royal perks that he could get. Free food, loose women and respect. Granted, he'd be married to Luna. Tycho was the only one who didn't visibly react. He'd slouched down on the couch, and remained that way afterwards.

"I will allow you each to court me as you see fit for the next seventy two hours. Then I will make my decision," Luna said, dismissing the lot and exiting through the doors.

Kaprenius stood and walked over to Tycho. "This was your doing, and I know it. You're not going to win. The throne and the empire will be mine. There's nothing you can do to stop me," he said, spitting in Tycho's face. Then he too left, Freezor hot on his heels.

* * *

Knave ducked as a potted plant crashed into the wall behind him. "That arrogant, little son of a bastard is going to die for this," Shade snarled, flipping over a table.

"You bet he will," Knave replied, "and he'll die slowly and painfully. Even if it lasts all year."

"Come on. We're checking his old apartment," Shade said.

* * *

Luna was scarcely surprised to see a bouquet of flowers sitting outside the door. "Let the competition begin," she murmured, wondering which bachelor had made the first move in securing the hand of the most eligible woman in the system. Amok handed her the bundle and she began reading the note. "To the fairest of the fair. Kaprenius," she read and tossed the flowers onto the table. "Nonsense. He's clearly lying," she added as Amok helped her flop down on her bed. Music began playing, from just outside the door. "Amok. Go see who it's from," she ordered.

"Poet boy," Amok grumbled, admitting Lilaeus. The young man came to Luna's bedside and planted a kiss on the back of her hand. "Luna, I love you more than I can say. I am but a poor humble man, whose very life is given meaning by your being on the same ship. I know not how to win this contest. The others all possess more power, wealth and influence than I. Still, I would be most honoured and grateful if you would dine with me this evening," he cooed.

"Well, you have one thing that the others don't have. Sincerity. And the whole point of this venture is that I will be going out on 'dates' with all four of you. Dinner sounds fine. Now give me two hours to rest," Luna sighed. Lilaeus jumped to his feet and danced out of the room. Amok turned to Luna and stuck his thumb in the direction Lilaeus had just gone and said, "Loony."

* * *

Boron tapped his foot impatiently. Tycho was busy looking through a new magazine. "What's your problem?" Tycho asked, at length.

"Why aren't you out there doing anything for Luna? You could lose you know," Boron sighed.

"Had it occurred to you that I don't want to win? I'm happy as I am and would sooner eat my entrails than marry Luna," Tycho replied. Boron sighed and curled up on his cot by the door, muttering something about how things were back in his day.

* * *

"So, Psychro," Tug Mug began as he worked on a breakfast menu for his hot date. "Ees eet true that you were part of thee chess team?"

"Oh for crying out loud. Psikaris told you didn't she?" the hybrid sighed mixing the pancake batter.

"Actuallee eet was Cameo," Tug Mug replied.

"Look. I told her. It wasn't what I expected. There were no hot babes there. Hells, there weren't any babes. I quit pretty quickly," Psychro said.

"Ooh, sleep some chocolate een there. I hear eet makes weemen go crazee for men," Tug Mug said, handing Psychro a large block of chocolate.

"All of it?" Psychro asked, realizing there were equal parts chocolate and pancake batter.

"Yes. All of eet. I have to get Loona to go crazee for me," Tug Mug said, handing Psychro some more chocolate.

"Well, you got that half right. She would have to be crazy to go for you," Psychro murmured, doing as he was told.

* * *

Shade sighed. It didn't seem like they were getting any closer to finding out where Raven was, or where he had hidden Eclipse. Raven had moved out of his old apartment to a place up the street. Then he had stayed briefly in a hotel before settling down in a house near a park. Or so they'd thought. It turned out that a different Raven lived in that house and that the Raven they wanted was nowhere near there. The two were not deterred too much though. They spent every waking hour that night combing the streets, hoping for the best.

* * *

Luna sat in an elegant chair in Lilaeus' quarters. It was nice propped with pillows and the like. Her 'date' sat in a chair whose legs had been cut off in an effort that the two be at the same level without having to demean the queen. Being your typical romantic, Lilaeus had arranged for some quiet violin music to be playing, candles set on the table, a large roast of some animal she cared not to try and identify, some potatoes and carrots and a large glass of wine. "Grown in the hills of the Ice Moon," or so Lilaeus had claimed.

His quarters frightened the little queen, to be honest. There was a full length poster of her on the wall, and several smaller ones scattered around the room. There was a riding crop in a glass case which she had apparently dropped several days ago. He seemed quite proud that he had gained it, though he had offered to return it if she wanted it.

The conversation was mildly pleasant, if repetitive. He fawned over her all evening, telling her how much of a dream come true this was. How he had never expected anything quite like this to happen anywhere but in his dreams. When pressed about these dreams he seemed to hesitate, blushed furiously and managed to admit that some of them were quite 'stimulating.' Luna had snickered to herself at his embarrassment but couldn't help wonder about these. He seemed to genuinely love her, which was unusual. Tycho was in it for the safety of the empire, Kaprenius was in it for the power, Tug Mug was in it for the food, but Lilaeus was in it for the love. A sudden thought occurred to her, what if he wanted to live out his fantasies, tonight. She had sent Amok away and agreed to call him when she was ready. But no. Lilaeus seemed like a proper gentleman. He wouldn't do anything. Not like that.

As it turned out, the worst she had to face was a deep good-bye kiss which left her stunned as Amok carried her away. She was fairly certain that he was running around his room, pumping his fists in the air as they left.

* * *

Kaprenius looked at the team of five individuals in his office back onboard his ship. "We're winning this battle, people, even if it means pulling every underhanded trick in the book. I want gifts of all sorts arriving on her door step every hour. I want the movements and actions of those other three morons observed, and I want the best poetry and love songs you can get. I hate singing but if that's what it takes to win the empire, so be it. The sooner I marry the little goblin, the sooner I can move her out of the picture and be sole ruler of the empire. Who cares what the people say? I will be their king," he snapped.

"Aye sir. Getting on it right away," each member said, scurrying away, leaving Kaprenius alone with Freezor.

"I never thought I'd need to marry Luna to take over the empire. I always assumed that my father would win it and I would just need to sit back and ride his coattails. Of course, with the throne come certain drawbacks. That fiend happens to be one of them. She won't be around long though. I predict that within a week, Luna will be dead or dying," Kaprenius snickered. "First she'll fall prey to my charms, and then she'll fall prey to my poison."

* * *

Tug Mug took one final look at himself in the mirror. His hair looked fine. Sure, he hadn't used any deodorant for a decade, but who cared? His chocolate pancakes were sure to win Luna's heart. As revolting a thought as it was, if he could get her in his bed she would have no choice but to choose him. Of course, once she did, he'd never see her naked again. Nubile young virgins from all the moons would be flocking to his private bedchambers, and the room would be filled with delectable desserts to feast on. That would be the life. The door bell rang and Luna, on Amok tromped in. Amok sat on the floor while Luna was placed on several phone books in a highchair. "Eet was thee best I could do on such short notice," he explained, as there weren't normally any chairs in the room.

Luna scowled. Points were being taken off like there was no tomorrow. Her eyes narrowed when she saw the chocolatey goo that was placed in a large round bowl and was 'called' pancakes. "Eat eet. Eet weell put some weight on those arms of yours," Tug Mug smiled.

She stabbed it with her knife, having not been provided with a spoon or fork, and began eating. This particular date was less than stellar. She had steadfastly refused Tug Mug's suggestions of joining him in his 'love nest' or his subsequent offers to take her to 'Tug Mug Land.' Instead she considered the date finished and left.

* * *

Mystan was travelling planet side when he caught sight of a very tired looking Knave. A very brief conversation revealed the nature of the problem, to which Mystan came up with the obvious solution.

* * *

Scarcely an hour later, Lura had joined the bleary-eyed Knave, his equally fatigued wife, Shade, and Mystan. The engineer placed one hand on the couple's shoulders and closed her eyes. She was telepathic, able to read the minds of others. This also included finding the minds of those she wanted to find. It made it easier if she knew the person intimately or was touching someone related. It allowed the power to focus on a general genetic structure. Eclipse' DNA would be similar to her parents, for obvious reasons, thus she should be easy to find.

Lura's eyes snapped open. "I know where she is. Raven is with her, so you'll want to be careful," she said, leading the way.

* * *

Tycho sat cross-legged on his couch, Luna sitting in an armchair nearby. Each held a sandwich in their tiny hands. He hadn't really had anything planned for the evening. He had merely been told by Boron that Luna would be arriving for lunch and that he should have something ready. His formal wear, which Boron had also left out for him, lay in a crumpled heap at the foot of his bed. He stared quietly at the fire burning brightly in the fireplace.

"Luna. Let's speak candidly for a moment, forget about politics. I don't love you at all. I'm not even overly fond of you. But I will say that I am one hundred percent loyal to my people. I would do anything for the betterment of the empire. I want everything to be in one piece when I finally go to the grave. I don't know what I have to do to that, to be quite frank, but I do know that I cannot allow you to marry Kaprenius. He's the leading candidate, and I know it. If he doesn't win, many people will die. He can be held in check. He won't risk a battle he can't win. Unfortunately, for me, the easiest way to hold him in check is if I marry you. That's the only reason I'm in this. Good of the empire," Tycho said at long last.

"Took you long enough to get to the point, a point I already knew about. Tycho, you've been more or less loyal to me from day one. I've always known exactly where you stand. I couldn't ask for anything better. You speak of marriage as the only alternative. That's where you're wrong. There are many routes you could take to help secure the empire. And I have the power to help you with that," Luna said. "I don't really know who will win, but if you are not the man for me then I want you by my side anyway. Defender of the realm or some such title. Your people respect you and will listen to you. Kaprenius' hold is tenuous. Many of his allies preferred his father over him, if I'm reading the reports correctly. With you as the realm's protector, I feel that the people will survive."

Tycho smirked. That was easier than he'd expected. In one fell swoop Luna had gotten him out of the marriage picture, secured the empire, and given him a promotion. It would be a lot of work, but it would be worth it. He eyed Amok and, out of gratitude, gave Luna a quick kiss on the back of her hand. "Thank you, my queen," he murmured.

* * *

Lura pointed at a tall building. "He's on the fourteenth floor, room 21A," she said, after a moment's concentration.

Knave, exhausted as he'd never been before, felt a renewed rush of adrenaline wash over him. Raven was going to pay for this one. Slowly. He thanked his mother for bestowing her Cheetah speed upon him as he raced up the stairs. Mystan, Shade and Lura took the elevator, sped up thanks to Mystan's telekinesis.

* * *

One firm kick was all it took for Knave to shatter the door. One firm kick to reveal Raven relaxing on his couch, Eclipse dangling in a sack over the fireplace. Raven lunged from his reclined position at the half breed, spreading his vile darkness throughout the room.

Knave had expected this kind of attack, had hoped for it really. He ducked low, rolled deftly to the side and slashed blindly with his icepick where he sensed Raven would be. He was rewarded with a shriek of pain.

* * *

Eclipse looked around, or tried to. It was dark. Too dark, and her daddy was out there somewhere. She just wished that all the icky darkness would go away. Even though she was only an infant, scarcely a month old, Eclipse did possess powers just like her ancestors. She couldn't rightly control them, but they could manifest. And so they did.

* * *

Both Raven and Knave were startled to find the darkness in the room disappear. Knave could see clearly that he had scored a hit along Raven's side, from the arm pit to the hip. A door opened and Shade, Mystan and Lura entered. Shade went and picked up Eclipse and handed her to Lura. "Hold her for a minute. We're going to have some fun," she snickered.

* * *

The rooftop of the apartment building was their destination. Raven was bound to a pole with his captors standing on either side. "Hold his head very still," Knave instructed. Shade complied, knowing full well what Knave had planned. "This is going to sting more than a little bit. I would advise that you don't blink. The shards might cause some damage." Carefully controlling the temperature of his breath, Knave created a blob of saliva that possessed the same characteristics as liquid nitrogen. It was tricky work, since he could freeze his own tongue if he wasn't careful. He spat twice, once on each eye of Raven's, causing each one to shatter as soon as they were touched.

"We're going to take a short nap," Shade whispered, "but we'll return. My husband is going to do to your ears what he did to your eyes. You'll have no idea when we're here, when your fate will be sealed. You will die tonight. We will make sure of that. The question you have to ask yourself is 'how long will that nap be?' because that's all the time you have left."

Knave grabbed Raven's head and turned it to provide him easy access to the inner workings of his ear. "Any last words?" he snickered, spitting again and again. Knave and Shade walked away, hand in hand.

* * *

Lilaeus walked into the small chamber that served as a place of worship for those so inclined. He often found that he wrote his best poetry under the peaceful gaze of Selene, goddess of the Royal Moon. The room was mostly empty, only two other men present. A third man, a psi, entered and approached him. "Are you Lilaeus?" he asked.

"Why yes. How can I help you?" Lilaeus replied.

"You're competition. We don't want that," the psi replied, decking the poet.

The other two men stood from their benches, brandishing sharp daggers. Lilaeus was trapped. He was about to die for the woman he loved. He supposed this was a good thing, in a way. Might as well go down fighting though. Cause some damage. He lunged at the psi, catching the man across the throat with a stiff left forearm. A punch to the mid-section and an elbow to the temple caused his opponent to crumple to the floor unconscious. Briefly he wondered why the other two men hadn't joined in the fight. Had they hoped that their friend could take him on alone? Were they now sneaking up behind him, intent on plunging a knife deep into his back?

He needn't have worried, as it turned out. Boron and Tycho had been on their way to pray themselves when they had heard the commotion. Even now the other two assailants were being held telekinetically in the air.

"My thanks, Tycho. You saved my life," Lilaeus said.

"No thanks is necessary. You're one of Luna's candidates. I can trust you more than I can trust the others. I won't complain if it's you on the throne," Tycho said.

"Speaking of which, we'd better go check on the queen. If Kaprenius is willing to pull this, you can bet he's got something in store for her," Boron said.

"And the worst part is, their dinner date is on his ship," Tycho cursed.

* * *

Luna sighed. This evening wasn't going overly well either. Kaprenius seemed to be going out of his way to flatter her. Bribery would be the better word. Her plate was made of solid gold with jewels encrusted on it. The finest silverware had been used. The chair on which she sat was made of expensive imported ivory. Actually, she suspected these things were his but that he was trying to pull all the stops.

"Luna. I have dreamed of this day when you and I might sit together and eat a pleasant meal, as you fill the space with your wondrous beauty," Kaprenius murmured, though Luna was certain that he had cue cards in his lap. Finally she had had enough.

"Kaprenius. You don't like me, you might as well be honest about it. If I marry you it will be for political reasons only," she said.

A look of relief passed over Kaprenius' face, as though a huge load had been taken off his shoulders. "You will be marrying me, Luna. You have no choice in the matter. My people are already moving into position, to strike at your precious empire if things don't go my way. Thousands will die if the name you announce isn't my own," he said, gazing out the window.

"You can't intimidate me. I won't allow it," Luna said, "I will be making my own decision and this incident will weigh heavily against you."

"You don't seem to understand just how precarious your position is. Perhaps a demonstration is in order. Guards!" Kaprenius barked.

Amok growled and lunged forward, but found himself unable to do so. His body was suddenly covered in needles that caused muscles to spasm and lock. A band of ten guards proceeded to drag him out the door and down the hall.

Kaprenius marched up to Luna and picked her up. Deftly he tossed her onto his spacious bed. "I have everything to gain and I will have the empire as my own. Though it revolts me to say it, I need an heir with you. That way, to avoid public scandal, you'll have to marry me. I hope this only takes one try," he growled, stripping off her clothes.

* * *

Lilaeus sprinted down the halls like a man possessed. Boron and Tycho had veered off to rescue Amok. The capture of Luna's bodyguard only served to confirm the worst in the poet's young mind. Luna was in trouble and needed his help. The door slid aside for him and he caught sight of Kaprenius taking off his shirt. He hurled himself onto Kaprenius' back, pounding his fists against his rival's head.

Kaprenius had been startled. He knew of many magic spells that could kill Lilaeus, but most of them required either concentration or time. Something he had little of. The fact that he could distantly hear Amok charging down the halls didn't help. "Another time then, my queen," he spat, casting a simple teleportation spell. Instantly Lilaeus, Luna, Amok, Boron and Tycho were back on the Excelsior, and the Ice Wing was long gone.

* * *

Mystan looked up from the bed he'd been using. It was the same bed that Knave and Shade had been using hours earlier. Both had woken up after a five-hour nap, left, and been gone for about two more hours. Lura was kneeling on the floor changing Eclipse' diaper.

The door opened. Knave, his fur matted with blood, and Shade equally blood spattered, entered. "It's done," Knave said simply, as he flopped down onto the bed.

"I wouldn't get too comfortable. There's an urgent summons from Luna. She wants to see the two of you before she makes an announcement," Mystan sighed.

"Great. I assume there's a shuttle waiting for us?" Shade asked.

"Of course. This is important to her, and to you, she says," Lura said.

* * *

The shuttle ride was uneventful. The four Lunataks and the baby, were escorted down several halls until they reached a waiting room. Here, Mystan, Lura and Eclipse were asked to wait while Knave and Shade went in.

* * *

The room was empty of people, save for Luna and Amok. It was your typical throne room. A large dais with a throne on top. Pillars and portraits of rulers filled most of the space. A large red carpet led from the doorway to the throne. Knave and Shade knelt at the foot of the dais and stared at the ground.

"I see you two have been up to something," Luna snickered, noting that neither had had time to wash up or change.

"Just getting to know an old friend," Shade replied.

"From the inside out," Knave added.

"Never mind. I don't want to know more. What I don't know won't hurt me, this once. Especially since I have new positions for you," Luna said.

Knave and Shade turned to look at each other and began to snicker softly.

"Get your minds out of the gutter you two. Now then, you have asked for Red Eye's release and I said I would state terms. There's only one of them. I need someone to bear my child for me and you, Shade, would be perfect for the task," Luna said.

"What?" Knave snapped.

"My father's freedom for bearing your child?" Shade growled, "That's blackmail!"

"I am queen. I could order you, but I won't. I need someone I can trust to carry this brat for me. You fit the bill. With your overprotective husband and your recent experience bearing children you are the perfect candidates," Luna said.

Knave glared daggers at Luna. "Allow me to sweeten things a little. Knave, you will be given the responsibility of keeping your wife and my child safe from harm. You will basically be paid to watch your wife, something you already do," Luna said.

"We accept," Shade hissed, "but we don't have to like it."

* * *

The announcements were made an hour later, in front of a throng of news people. Predictably it was Lilaeus who was introduced as Mr. Luna Lunar. Shade and Knave were introduced, with their respective roles being declared. The safety of the empire was placed firmly in Tycho's willing hands and Kaprenius declared a traitor to the empire, with a rather large ransom placed on his head. His threatened attack didn't come, not right away. His generals, Luna supposed, had some serious thinking to do about where they stood in all this. An attack would come, and she was sure of it, but not yet. For now, she could wait.

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