FSE

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Hello all, yet another chapter as promised. I'm trying to be more regular (*snickers*) with my writing. Expect several chapters a month now instead of one ever three months. Eventually I'll get a decent schedule developed and posted. As always thanks to Dasher Cheetah for helping with this chapter. I have lots planned for the future guys, hold on it will be a wild ride. In addition, Beep is not my character. He belongs to Beep. You'll see more of this character in the future.

(This is the Re-Edited version)

Through the Horizon: Power Taken, Councils Formed and Trouble Brewing

Bane awoke the next morning with his fox firmly in his arms. Seamus had fallen asleep with his head nuzzled tightly into the wolf's chest fur. Looking at the clock, he saw that it was six in the morning. He smiled as he felt Seamus groan, mumble and roll over. Bane pulled his fox back to him, bringing Seamus's rump to rest against Bane's groin. This was not sexual but rather an emotional reason for the contact. The two were naked and touching, affirming to both that the other was there. It filled a deep need both had but neither spoke of. To be touched and loved. Like most beings, thinking or not, touch was a primary means of bonding, communication and a biological need. It also affirmed their chosen positions in their relationship and comforted both of them. The pair lay cuddling each other as Seamus spoke up and called softly, "Bane, don't you have something important to do today?" Bane chuckled and teased, "Does fucking you count?" The fox laughed and playfully slapped Bane's hip as he replied, "No it doesn't. Come on, lets get a shower baby before we make each other late."

Bane watched as the fox got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. Seamus stopped at the door, swished his tail and looked over his shoulder with a grin as he said, "Bane stop looking at my ass and get in here." Bane laughed, the fox he knew and loved was back. Seamus had made it through this difficult trial. More, he had matured in ways unexpected. Having both Scott and Seamus in one sexy body was more than Bane could had conceived of. Bane loved them both and together, they were more than seperate. Like how having his foxy completed Bane and made him stronger. Seamus and Scott together were more than either alone. Bane sighed happily and knew the future looked better than ever now. Sitting up, Bane rose and followed the bushy tail of his mate.

Bane walked into the bathroom and stepped into the running shower with Seamus. The warm water flowed over their bodies. Bane murred as the water washed dirt from his fur. Seamus chuckled as he began to lather up his own pelt. The fox prided himself on being neat and that wouldn't change.

The former human reflected that skin was easier to wash than fur and he now had new things to wash, like a tail and sheath that he didn't have when he was a human. The transformation of his body had been done to him and he had not had a choice in the matter. He would have remained human if he had the choice but this body was not really a bad one. His fur was nice to touch and he never felt naked, as he had when he had only had skin. Also he had to admit that having a tail was fun. With it and his ears, he could express his feelings in a non-verbal way that he couldn't as a human. Looking at his reflection in the shower's glass door, he blushed as he felt himself get a little excited. He was sexy in a way he had not felt before as a human. It was amusing to think that he would take himself to bed, if he could.

Also, there was his mental power that the change had granted him. Not even the Wolf scientists had had a clue where that had come from. Some sort of genetic mutation, like his green fur and that had not been planned either. Why they had happened was a mystery but Seamus wasn't going to complain about it. In fact, as he thought about it, Seamus was grateful that he could feel his mate Bane, even when the two were apart. He was never alone now and he could feel when Bane was having trouble or concerns. With their connection on a much deeper level, he could always let his mate and love know that he was not alone either. Seamus murred happily and decided that this was better. It helped him to feel more at home in this form than he would have otherwise.

Both washed themselves in silence, for nothing needed to be said. As they did, Seamus looked over Bane's wet furry form and enjoyed the view. His mate was a handsome wolf and sexy too. He had loved Bane when he was human and when he was a fox. Nothing had changed there but now, he felt he was a match more suited to his wolf mate. The touches of gray in Bane's fur made him look more more mature and dignified. He was the very picture of an alpha male and Seamus was proud that he was his mate.

Seamus felt his cock react and begin to swell within its sheath slightly. As Bane rinsed the shampoo from his fur, he looked at the shorter, wet vulpine form beside him. The wet fur made every curve of his form visible and Bane took it all in. Seamus felt how his lover's attention was turning from personal care to focus on his body. The wolf was happy to have him back and was thinking of how he loved the human Scott. Bane also was thinking of how damned sexy Seamus looked to him and began reacting to the primal urge.

Finally, Bane reached out and pulled Seamus into a passionate kiss. He couldn't hold his passion for his foxy lover back anymore. Seamus wrapped his arms around Bane's neck and Bane pushed Seamus into the wall. Tho they were often tender, like last night sleeping together, the were other times when Bane felt the urge to be a bit dominant with his mate too. The wolf heritage would not be denied and Bane was THE most alpha wolf in the known universe.

Seamus had known Bane's dominance in his human form and as a fox, he felt the call to respond to his mate, even stronger than he had as a human. He wanted to submit to his mate and show his love of the wolf male. The fox wrapped his legs around Bane's waist, presenting access to what the wolf desired. He knew what Bane was thinking and it made him want to give himself to his mate without reservation.

The already hard wolf placed the tip of his meat at the fox's love hole and pushed in. Seamus groaned as Bane's wolfhood spread his pucker and slid into his depths. Not a groan of pain but of passion as the pair were joined intimately. The scent of the fox's answering arousal filled the moist air of the shower and the now growing bulge of his knot teased the fox's tail hole as it pressed against it. Bane moaned at the warmth of the fox's insides and the velvety texture of his hole.

Inch by inch, the wolf sank his wolfhood fully into his lover. Seamus moaned and kissed Bane passionately, his paws clinging to the wolf he loved. They wanted and needed each other. Bane moaned as he pulled his cock almost all the way out and began working it back in again. He set up a gentle pace as Seamus's paws explored his wolf's body. Bane moaned as his desire rose and he began to pound Seamus. Bane's efforts made a slapping sound as his balls smacked Seamus's wet rump. Passion filled the air and flowed between them.

Seamus thought with part of his mind, comparing how this felt and how it had been when he was human. He was slightly smaller now and it felt right. The power of Bane's body could be felt better now and made him feel both loved and protected in ways he hadn't before. Seamus was smaller but stronger as a fox. Stronger but still almost a pup, compared to Bane. He knew he would never fear that power. It would only protect and cherish him. Seamus felt so happy, he would have cried, if he wasn't so overcome with the pleasure of his lover's actions.

Seamus took hold of his own meat and began to pump it. The fox was already close from the bashing Bane was giving his prostate. With a few quick jerks, his cock began to throb and erupted a steady stream of cum onto his wolfy lover. Seamus cried out his pleasure as his tail hole clamped down hard around Bane's cock. The scent of Seamus' semen hit Bane's nose and brought his excitement to the boiling point. Bane moaned and buried his cock deep into Seamus's rump. He gasped as his knot slid into the fox, locking them together. Cum flowed from his throbbing wolf meat into his foxy mate and Bane fed his essence into his mate. Seamus kissed Bane passionately as both of their orgasms subsided. Human or fox, the feel of being tied and filled with the wolf's semen was something he loved and would never grow tired of.

Bane smiled and held his foxy as they waited for his knot to go down. This was the part both treasured. Being full and locked together like this, there was no quick seperation. They cuddled and nuzzled each other, speaking soft words of love and deepening their bonds. Bane gently tugged his knot from his fox, as soon as it had gone down enough to not hurt him. With a wet pop, it slid out, letting some of his cum flow from the fox's now gaping tail hole. Their love reaffirmed, they felt a peace settle upon them. Their roles were what they had chosen before the change and were still what each wanted, even if Seamus was no longer a human. The outward form mattered only a little to the lovers who were connected soul and now mind.

Setting Seamus down on his feet again, Bane looked into the fox's eyes and felt happiness he had not felt since before Scott had been lost. He was complete once more and it gave him a strength he has not felt in weeks. As Seamus looked up at Bane, his eyes glowed softly and sparks whirled within them for a moment. Bane felt himself being drawn into them and suddenly, he felt the connection form. He could feel in his head, the way his lover felt about him in the deepest levels! As his mouth dropped open in surprise, Seamus smiled and said, "We are joined now, my love. I wasn't sure if I could do this but I wanted you to feel what I do from you. We share a link now and we will never be alone again. I love you Bane and I never want to be apart from you. Distance does not matter. We will always know our love is with us and when the other needs us. This is my mating gift to you."

Bane was struck dumb with surprise and wonder. This was beyond anything he had ever thought he could have and it was wonderful! It was like they had only been friends with benefits before, compared to this! Seamus looked up and smiled, letting his love be felt in return by his lover and said, "You see? Words are not enough and now you don't need to say them. I know how you feel and now you know how I feel too. I love you Bane Accendo and we are now part of each other in an even more intimate way. Our souls are joined, as our hearts were. Now let's get finished and go have breakfast. I can feel that you are hungry, my wolf."

The pair of lovers quickly washed each other off and dressed themselves. They talked of what had happened, for even tho joined, it was so new that Bane had to express his wonder and questions verbally, as he was used to. Seamus was amused and very happy at what he was feeling from Bane. They would have time to explore their love further but the Empire would not wait and both knew it. The time was now seven thirty, and they were due for breakfast with Dasher.

The pair walked, paw in paw, to the mess hall. They walked over to a table that the cheetah was sitting at. Dasher looked up, smiling as he saw his friends and teased, "You two got laid didn't you?" Bane blushed and Seamus smiled as he answered happily, "Yep!" Dasher laughed and said, "Well I'm glad. You two needed it." The three friends sat and ate together. Dasher looked at them, sensing a difference. He wasn't sure what had happened but there was a difference in them now. He studied them and observed their actions. Both wolf and fox seemed more at ease, more complete than they had before but in what way, he wasn't sure until he saw it. Bane and Seamus looked at each other and smiled, then they looked at him and grinned in exactly the same way. Dasher felt a chill and thought that it was like they were twins!

"So," began Dasher, "what's on your list of things to do today Bane?" The wolf chuckled and said, "First I am going to meet with the Draconic Emperor and I would like you to be there. Then I'm going to give the order to drop him off at a place of his choosing. After that we will return to Capital Planet and I am going to dissolve the representative councils."

Dasher looked shocked by this last item and he studied the wolf a moment. There was something different about him. Bane was happy but there was more. He was even more confident and sure of himself than he had been the previous day. As they ate, he watched how the pair were looking at each other and laughing. There was a change that just making love would not account for in them. Something had happened but just what Dasher couldn't tell. He would have to watch them further and try to figure it out if they chose not to tell him in their own time. What ever it was, it was obvious that it was good for them both because they were both stronger, more complete than he had ever seen them before this morning. The cheetah little knew how true that was but he would find out, in time. Dasher put it aside and asked, "Why Bane? Won't that cause more trouble for you?"

Bane shook his head and answered surely, "No Dasher. We do not have time for the nonsense the representatives demand. I am running a war and as such I will simply declare a state of emergency. The Representative councils will be dissolved and I will put in a call to double our ground forces. I'm sick and tired of meeting after meeting where they demand more and more, while accomplishing nothing. After the Scavengers are dealt with, then we will revisit the idea of democracy. Right now we cannot afford it."

Dasher chuckled and told Bane, "That took longer than I thought it would. I was fed up with the council in the first couple of days after you appointed me as a minister. That you lasted this long was a surprise." Bane nodded and said, "I do not want to be remembered as a dictator but its better than not being remembered at all. If I let the council run things or interfere too much, I run the risk of losing this war and there being no Empire or citizens to remember me at all." Seamus nodded and spoke up, "Agreed. What of the humans request for an alliance?"

Bane laughed and told them, "That's only an attempt to get us to defend them while they prepare to stab us in the back. I've studied their history with alliances. Its all good until the other side has something they want. They are greedy and imperialistic and its not something I'm willing to deal with or permit them to get away with any longer." Dasher nodded and asked, "But what if they need assistance? Are we going to let them fall and be wiped out by the Scavengers? I don't think it wise to let them be exterminated. It wouldn't help you or your purposes to let that happen. Sure, some would live on in the Empire but they would be a thorn to you in the future."

Bane answered calmly, "When that point comes, I'll step in and make a decision as to what to do. Until then, we will keep them off balance and worried about what will happen. If we step in now, they will just use the time to plot on how to turn things to their advantage. This way, we have the upper hand."

Dasher thought about this and nodded as he said, "So basically, you are waiting to see what threats arise against them and see their response. Do you think the threat will make them change?" Bane nodded and said, "Indeed it might but I won't pin my hopes or plans on it. In the mean time we simply stall through various power plays and other diplomatic techniques. Keep them strung along with the promise of an alliance until we see which way things are going to go."

Dasher nodded once more but looked uneasy. Bane told the cheetah, "Dasher, its not what I want. I wanted a grand union of all species. But that will never happen. They are too damn suspicious of each other and the truth is it's well earned. They have never had a reason to trust each other or work together before. Now, there is a very good reason. Total extermination! The Wolves, Foxes and even the Dragons see that and are willing to change to deal with it. The damned Humans are still determined to play their games and see how they can betray the others so they come out on top. The only way to deal with the humans is to take a hard line. The same is true with the wolves and dragons. The wolves and dragons respect strength as the humans never have. As far as the fox empire, I'm not yet decided on what to do with them."

Dasher and Seamus nodded, then Seamus spoke up to say what both he and Dasher were thinking, "Bane, we are not going to judge your decisions, only support them. You have brought us this far and we trust your decisions."

The wolf nodded and kissed his foxy. His support and trust, along with Dasher's would get him thru the tough decisions and times ahead and he was grateful to them both. Bane said, "In the mean time I want a tour of the progress of our new base. I'm naming it Titan."

Dasher nodded and looked at his data pad before saying, "From what I hear, its been established and the dome is completed. The water has been drained and several buildings are already finished. Hugo's work bots are amazing at how quickly they can work. The first to be completed was Accendo Academy." Bane chuckled at how his name was coming to be used so widely but that was a part of his position. He said, "Good. We can get our military trained in the proper manner. We need to get the combined forces up and running as quickly as we can." Dasher nodded and inquired, "I wanted to ask you, do we retrain all or just train the new members?" Bane thought for a moment before saying, "To retrain all forces seems a little dramatic, especially seeing as they have field experience. We only train new and I want background checks and every scan possible run on them. I also want an officers training course set up to teach the combined species in the new way of doing things. We have to get them to trust each other and thinking in new ways. No longer are we separate Empires and species. We must learn to live together and think of each other as brothers."

Dasher nodded and added, "I want area's where civilians are not allowed. This is a military base, let's treat it as one. There are secrets to be protected now and unless we control access to certain areas, we chance losing them." Both nodded and thought that was a good suggestion. The three set aside work and finished their meal in a more companionable manner.

Dasher stood up and excused himself from Bane and Seamus as soon as he finished eating, They needed time together and he respected this. He walked out of the mess hall and down one of the ships many hallways. He knew Bane would contact him when he was ready. In the meantime, he had work to do. With Bane now taking more control over the empire, this would put him in the position of following through with his orders. Dasher didn't disagree with Bane's decisions, but rather was apprehensive about them. It would either go very good, or very badly. As he walked down the hallway, he neared the Draconic Emperor's quarters. There were dragon guards stationed and Dasher knew it was reasonable for Talon to be yet wary of placing total trust in his new allies. While there was no danger from Bane or the Empire, the possibility of other dangers could not be discounted. There would always be those opposed to the alliance and plotting to take control by force.

As he did he spotted a large black figure stepping out of the doorway. It was an eight foot tall solid black dragon. As Dasher approached, he could see the Emperor talking with him at the doorway. Talon looked up and said, "Dasher, come here for a moment please." The cheetah was startled by being acknowledged but padded over to the emperor. He had to always be ready to deal with visiting dignitaries on behalf of the Empire, as it was his job to do so.

"Your Highness, what may I do for you today?", Dasher said as he bowed, showing respect for the emperor. "Dasher I have decided to leave my personal assistant with you, as my contact with your empire. His name is Shadow and I expect you may feel the name is fitting." Dasher nodded and Talon continued with an amused smile, "He will be my contact with you and will represent the interests of my government. He has my total trust and you may tell him anything you would tell me. He also knows what he can handle and when to contact me with matters. You can trust that if he says he can agree with anything, it will be as if I had said it and binding on my Empire."

Dasher nodded and bowed politely as he said, "Yes your majesty." With that the emperor retreated into his quarters and sealed the door. Shadow turned to face Dasher. Like the emperor the day before, Shadow wore only pants. His body was clean and young, fit and strong. Tho scaled instead of furred, there was a beauty in the dragon's form that the cheetah could appreciate. Dasher drank in his appearance and felt the same being done to him. Since they were in public, Dasher put aside his interest. If Shadow had similar thoughts, the cheetah could wait for him to begin the dance in more private settings. Shadow began, "Talon has spoken to me of you Dasher. You are indeed a unique individual."

Dasher chuckled a bit and gave a nod of acknowledgment as he said, "Indeed, or so I've been told. May I suggest we skip the formalities that come with our offices from this point forward? I respect the niceties of protocol but if we are going to be working together, I think we should dispense with them except in formal situations. I am aware you are due the full formalities and will always respect that when it is called for. Communication and trust are more important and with the pace of things, we can ill afford the delays it would cause. Besides, I think we will become friends. "

Shadow nodded and smiled as his posture became less stiff. He said in a warmer tone, "Indeed, that would be nice. I will be alone here, when the Emperor returns to his home and having a friend here would be much prefurred to being a distant figure head. May I make the observation that I feel you are not born of nobility, but instead have risen to this status?" Dasher nodded and Shadow went on, "As such, the formalities annoy you?" Dasher nodded once more and Shadow chuckled softly before saying, "Do not worry yourself. I was born of nobility and they get on my nerves too. I am also an Accendo so I am allowed to call Talon, who is my uncle, by name. Others do not have this privilege." The two walked slowly as they talked, getting a feel for each other. Dasher nodded and ventured to guess, "I expect the emperor is not satisfied with the terms of our alliance, is he?"

Shadow shook his head and answered honestly, "No not really. We feel that you have more to offer us and in turn, more we can offer you. In truth, were the balance of power reversed, it would be us in charge but we are practical when it comes to facing facts. You have the means of defeating the Scavengers and we do not, so it is your right to lead. However I see this as a first step in a journey of trust between us. One cannot be expected to turn over the keys to the armory, to a race with such a reputation as ours. Perhaps in time you will see our renewed commitment to peace and we can build more trust between us?"

Dasher nodded and told the dragon, "My government would like that. Bane is very good at what he does. He's just not the type to trust without proof it is warrented." Shadow nodded and the two walked together a bit closer. Shadow leaned his head closer as he admitted, "Really, his alliance with the wolves was a sticking point for me when I was told I would have this position. I dislike them for their actions, both with their own people as well as how they have treated other races. That Bane would have allied with them before us, is slightly offensive but the Emperor will not make an issue of this. To do so would cause us both to have to posture to save face and we don't have the luxury of time for that."

Dasher nodded and his respect for Shadow went up. He asked to gauge the feelings of the dragon, "But surely you do not judge an entire race based on the actions of a few?" Shadow paused for a moment and thought before answering. His doing so let Dasher know Shadow was a good choice by Talon as his representative. The cheetah was glad of this proof, as well of how good it reflected upon Talon's wisdom. Shadow's appointment was not an act of nepotism. The black Dragon knew government was the face of its people but not always representative of them. His own race had many examples of that in its own past. He said after a minute, "Indeed you are right Dasher but this does not change how I feel overall. Right, wrong, or indifferent, the wolves have made enemies of a lot of people. They have much damage to undo in order to really gain any position of power or respect within the new power structure of the sector. If they can rise to the situation, then we will deal with that but they will have to prove themselves first. Until then, who would have thought a small faction such as yours would have risen to the top so quickly? Really, you have amazed us with your adept leadership in difficult times."

Dasher chuckled and admitted, "We have done so under the guidance of Bane and his leadership. He has had to do things he hates but he has realized that it's the burden of his office."

Shadow nodded and said, "Those of us in power often have to put our own morality on hold for the sake of those we serve. I have seen my uncle do things he would rather not but did because it was the right thing to do for the people." The two continued to walk and talk. As Bane's right hand man, a good relationship with the cheetah was essential. This was something Talon had explained in detail to the dragon as the cheetah approached them. In truth, Talon had been grooming his nephew for this role for weeks now.

Bane stood up and hugged his foxy after they had finished breakfast. They both had places to be and jobs to perform. At the top of the list was the recording of a new address to his people. Bane felt he needed to explain his idea's and plans to the people he served. Their approval was not required, but it would make things easier in the long run. His news would be better received if he delivered it himself. He walked the hallway of the ship and smiled to himself.

Alex had performed wonderfully in action, just as he had expected. He planned to make the Seamus Accendo his flagship. No longer would he sit behind a desk, no longer would he read reports of the empire. He would get out and see it for himself. He would make his presence known and make his authority known. He was a leader and as such, his place was at the front. He walked onto the bridge, and after the usual announcement of his presence, he took a seat beside Alex, who greeted him with a smile and said, "Good morning Emperor. How are you today. Better I hope?" Bane nodded, "I just needed rest and a little quiet time. I am fine." Alex nodded and said,"Very good, sir. Repairs are almost complete. The drones have helped a lot but are no substitute for a living engineer. I have ordered the repairs checked by our people before they go online. If Ron were here, I am sure he would be overseeing it himself. As is, I will have him check anything I don't feel 100% about, when we return home."

Bane nodded and told him, "Alex, I want you to make yourself comfortable with this ship. I am making this ship my own personal transport and I want you as my second in command here."

Alex nodded as he fought showing how thrilled he was with the responsibility. He swallowed a lump and said, "Yes sir! Thank you, sir!"

Bane chuckled as he nodded and said, "First rule, my name is Bane. Call me such. I plan on relying on you to handle things here for me. If I place such responcebility on you, I think you deserve to call me by name and not just my title." Alex nodded and gulped a little. Being offered such an honor was something he had not expected and it was a little daunting but he listened as Bane went on, "We are working together for the betterment of the empire. As such being on first name basis cuts the formalities and causes me less headaches. Remember, I am just a wolf, no matter how many titles I hold." Alex nodded and said, "I understand S-...I mean Bane." Bane nodded and gave his second in command of the ship a slight grin. He knew how the yung wolf was feeling and was amused. Bane then said, "Good! Now I have a meeting to get to. Carry on." Alex added, "Yes sir! Oh and the Dragon Emperor is waiting in your office along with his representative Shadow and Dasher." Bane nodded and said, "Thank you Alex."

With that Bane walked into his office. The office was much larger than a normal captain's offices. The ship had been built with its purpose in mind. Bane stepped into the room, which contained a small meeting table. Around the table were Shadow, Talon, and Dasher. A fourth vacant chair was available at the head of the table for Bane himself. He walked over and took his seat, looking to Dasher to begin the meeting. Dasher cleared his throat and said, "Bane, it is my honor to introduce Emperor Talon Accendo, and Shadow. Shadow is our new liaison between the Dragon Empire and our empire. He shall be their representative to us."

Bane smiled and nodded to the black dragon before saying, "As the first member of the Council of Empires, it is a pleasure to meet you Shadow. I hope we get to work together for the mutual benefit of both our peoples." Shadow smiled and nodded respectfully, then said, "Emperor. I must say that Dasher is quite a skilled negotiator." Bane smiled, as if at a private joke. Negotiations were not all Dasher was skilled at, as Bane knew well. He nodded as he said, "I have complete faith in him. Although I do regret not attending in person."

Talon nodded and said calmly, "It is perfectly understandable. We cannot hope to do every bit of business within our perspective empires ourselves. That is why we have staff." Bane agreed and smiled at Talon's understanding of the demands of their positions. Talon continued, "I must admit I was really taken aback by what he said. I was not prepared for somebody so blunt, although I do respect honesty. The fact is, you are right for not handing over the keys to the armory to a race with our history. In your place I would take the same precautions. In time I do hope our people can become more trusting of each other."

Bane nodded and answered, "Yes I believe that would be best for both of our peoples. However it will not happen overnight. I was informed Dasher told you of our new military facility?" Talon nodded and Bane went on, "I am glad he did. It is a state of the art facility in which all of the latest techniques and technology will be taught. We will also screen candidates for anything suspicious." Talon hesitated and then asked, "Why would I try to betray you with a spy?" Bane chuckled and said, "I do not mean that you would. We have had issues within my government of suspicious characters attempting to get into sensitive positions to gain access to sensitive documents. Since then we have developed scanners to detect key genetic markers of individuals belonging to this group. We detect them, detain them, and question them. Along with the new facility, is a prison. I hope to not be forced to use or need it often but better to have and not need than the reverse." Talon nodded and considered as he replied, "Indeed this is true." The four sat talking, the topic drifted from subject to subject, all parties drinking in everything about the others and making judgments of their new allies personally. Talon looked at a clock on the wall and finally said, "Emperor, as much as I've enjoyed this event its time for us to be going. I'll provide coordinates for us to meet with one of my ships. If it is possible, I would like to be taken there as soon as we can. I too have to get back and see to my empire." Bane nodded and stood as the dragons left the room. Once they had left, Bane turned to Dasher and asked, "Your thoughts?"

Dasher chuckled and got up. He walked to the replicator and fetched himself a cup of coffee with extra cream. He took his cup to a sofa positioned under the large viewing window on the left side of the office and sat down. He told Bane, "I think they have honest intentions. Talon really believes what he says about the good of everybody he serves. However I do not know how long that rhetoric will last. Part of me says that it is a front for power, the other part says it is genuine. Either way I am hesitant to fully trust him or Shadow. I think that if they have the chance to gain power, they will take it but for now are content to wait and see what you will do. They are as unsure of us as we are of them. Trust is a two way street and we will have to show we can be trusted too. As long as we are on our toes and keep an eye on things, I think things will work out between us. As for the Council of Empires, what exactly is its function going to be?"

Bane chuckled and admitted only now to his friend, "Show only, it's a way of throwing them a bone and getting cooperation. They will work together and come to agreements regarding actions to be taken. That lets them feel they are a part of it and not just subjects to me. However I will not wait on them if they become bogged down. They are an advice group only, their power is limited."

Dasher nodded in understanding but warned, "I would not expect this to go over any better than the Council of Planets." Bane shook his head and said, "I do not either. Speaking of which I have an announcement to record and I want you to appear in it with me." Dasher nodded and took a seat behind and to the right of Bane's. There was a desk set up at the side of the room that was only there as a set for recording announcements and it was where Bane had motioned him to go to. The Emperor was the center piece of this and he was only a prop to that but if Bane wanted him to be here, he was willing. Bane pressed a button on a control pad at his seat and a camera lowered from the ceiling, then pointed itself at the pair. With a push of a button, it began recording. The resulting video would be edited professionally by Kyo, before it went out but this was serious business none the less. Dasher put a calm expression on his face and watched as Bane began speaking.

"Greetings citizens, I am Emperor Accendo and this is Minister Cheetah. We come to you today to discuss the latest developments within the Empire. First, I will be dissolving the Council of Planets. Frankly, this body has become more trouble than it is worth and I do not suffer useless institutions. I place each planet's government in charge of dealing with the concerns of its citizens. If a planet is unable to do so, they are to submit a request for assistance with our government through the Ministry of State. If a government is deemed inept, or corrupt, it will be replaced at my pleasure. I do not intend to become a ruler who dictates every minute of your lives. You will live pretty much as you always have, with a few exceptions. Crime will be dealt with and oppression of my people will not be allowed. All who attempt to abuse others for their own gain or pleasure, will be shown the error of their ways. Second, I am proud to announce that the infrastructure project is far ahead of schedule. I am told we are over half way to our goal. Soon everybody in the empire will have access to clean water, abundant food, housing and secure transport. The next phase of our development is a doubling of our military force. As many of you know, we are at war with the Scavengers. This requires a military to fight them with; we are looking for men and women capable and determined to fight for the safety of the empire. You may find more information on incentives, requirements, and programs with our state department. Finally, a word from our Minister of State, whom I consider my right hand man."

Dasher braced himself, aware of how many people would be seeing him speak. He was nervous but he wanted to show he was united with Bane and his efforts. Dasher paused a moment and then began in a serious but non intimidating way, "Greetings all. I have been very honored to serve in this position beside my friend and emperor. I am determined to see our empire be a place for families to safely raise children, a place of prosperity, a place of peace. However in order to accomplish this we must first destroy those who would threaten our way of life. Right now, for the sake of our future, we have got to fight. Fight for our future, fight for our children, fight for our way of life! I encourage you to stand behind Emperor Accendo, as I have done. Stand behind your government, and lend us your support! You are not just fighting to maintain the rule of an Empire. As such, all who enlist will be accorded the respect and honor such sacrifice deserves. With your help, we will have a future that we can all look forward to. I wish to note that with our alliances with the Wolf and the Dragon Empires, we will have citizens from their worlds visiting us. They will become our friends and should be treated as such. Together, under Bane's leadership, we are going to step into a future that we are going to be prod to leave to our children." With that the recording ended, Bane chuckled as he said, "Nice job Demon Cat." Dasher blushed and thanked Bane before he walked out of the office. Bane took a seat at his desk and contacted Kyo to tell him, "Kyo, I have a recording I want you to get out." The white wolf secretary answered with a smile, "Yes sir! It will be taken care of right away." With that he was gone. Bane smiled, he was very proud of his secretary. He had worked out wonderfully and it made his job much easier in many ways. Bane sat back in his chair and decided, not bad for a day's work. As he began to relax, Alex ran into his office. "Emperor, we just got a distress call from Earth. It's the Scavengers!"

All of the blood drained away from Bane's face. He sat stunned. A full out assault on Earth, so many lives at risk. But what was more pressing was that Earth was the gateway to the rest of the empire. They had passed Earth's empire on their way into the sector, but now it seemed as though they wanted an open path for a larger invasion. Leaving the humans on their flank would be a serious error in strategy and the Scavengers had not shown they were stupid. Bane ran onto the bridge and ordered, "Helm set course for earth, maximum speed. Give her everything we have. Communication's officer, contact Black and get every ship he has. Also contact our fleet. I want everybody we have, and I mean everybody." As Bane was shouting orders Talon ran onto the bridge. He looked over the activity and said, "Bane, I just heard Earth's under attack?" Bane turned to him and nodded that it was so. He said, "Talon we need soldiers, we need ground forces to combat them on the planet as we fight from space." Talon nodded agreement with the assessment and said, "I'll get you everybody I can muster." Bane then ordered,"Communication officer, also contact the fox empire. Tell them the situation. If they refuse to help, tell Lucian to contact Beep. He will know what you mean." The comm officer nodded and set to work on his task. Talon stood looking at the view screen as the thrum of the hyperdrive kicked in. It was the ships first time at maximum speed. The star's distorted as the ship screamed across space towards the largest battle the sector had ever seen.

They would throw everything they had at the enemy but this would be the test. Talon could see the fear in his counter parts' face. This worried him too. For the great Emperor Accendo to be worried was troubling. Seamus ran onto the bridge and said, "Bane, I just heard. What can I do?" Bane turned to his foxy, "Get to engineering and do what you can. We need every bit of help we can get and to be prepared in every way we can." Seamus nodded and said, "I'm on my way. I need to get in contact with Ron. We have several more ships almost ready to launch. I will see if we can get them in route to help in this." Bane nodded and said seriously, "Seamus, tell him everything!" The fox nodded, fully understanding what he was being told. They would need their bond more than ever right now. Seamus ran towards engineering. He would give Bane his best; no he would give the empire his best. He owed it to them both.